Photo © Jon Brooke
The final round of the five-date Gore Bike Wear sportive series drew to an end last weekend. The Gore Bike Wear Road Sportive headed to Penrith and saw almost 200 road enthusiasts turn up to enjoy the fantastic roads, which offered probably the most challenging ride of the season.
The route took the riders through the Lyvennet Valley before crossing the wild open moorlands that surround Shap and then headed across the Eden Valley. One of the biggest challenges for the day was the steep ascent of Strawberry Hill before heading back to a well deserved cup of tea at the event village in the Lowther Deer Park. Luckily enough this time round the weather was on our side with ideal riding temperatures and the odd spot of sunshine.
The first rider over the line managed to finish the 40 mile course in 3hours and 18 minutes with the last one finishing the long course in 8 hours and 48 minutes.
