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.
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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.