Congratulations to Eford, winner of a complete outfit of Gore Bike Wear winter clothing worth £310, courtesy of RCUK and Evans Cycles.
Our competition to win a Gore Power-Tex Active Jacket, Power 2.0 Thermo Bib-Tights, and Power Soft Shell Winter Gloves inspired scores of entrants to share absorbing tales of the worst conditions in which they had ever ridden.
There were some classic examples of triumph in the face of adversity in stories shared by readers who entered the competition. Stories of weather-induced suffering ranged from J Maccelari’s account of 45-degree temperatures on the 2008 ABSA Cape Epic to leversam05’s ride in thick frost, temperatures of minus two-degrees, and a trip to hospital for five stitches after crashing on ice.
The Bald Man’s ascent of the Col du Lauteret was one begun in 30-degree heat in Bourg D’Oisan and ended in sub-zero temperatures at the Lauteret’s summit. Jim Doughty shared his six-hour ride over Snake Pass and Winnatas Pass in weather that changed from rain, to sleet, to snow.
But Eford’s winning tale had everything: the unforgiving surroundings of the Outer Hebrides, horizontal, stinging rain, and the intended final destination of a lighthouse that remained stubbornly on the horizon. This tale of a honeymoon ride almost ruined by appalling conditions is one with a happy ending, however.
You can read all our entries by following this link to the competition thread in the RCUK Foru=m.
Congratulations, Eford. Evans Cycles will be sending you Gore Bike Wear Element Gore-Tex Ladies Jacket and Gore Bike Wear Contest Thermo Lady Bibtights+, as well as a pair of Power Soft Shell Winter Gloves.
Many thanks to all who entered the competition and who shared their experiences.
