Mark Webber in pedalling action

Stunning Chilterns views

Pics by www.georgeburgessphotography.com

Glorious sunshine greeted nearly 300 cyclists on Sunday 14th June for the second edition of the Ride to the Horns sportive in Mentmore, Bucks, which is the brainchild of F1 driver Mark Webber. Mark is a keen cyclist and uses these roads as part of his punishing fitness regime. On Sunday, though, it was a more relaxed affair and Mark was happy to chat and pose for photos with everybody both on the ride and after at the festivities on the village green.

There were three routes available with distances to suit all abilities from road racers to young families. This meant there were lots of riders with different abilities at the finish but all had the same feeling of success after completing a day’s ride in the beautiful countryside in brilliant weather.

The full-length 97 mile course included most of the well-known Chiltern climbs, with all of the climbing coming around the middle to end of the course. Many were caught out by the flat start as they pushed hard, thinking this was a flat ride, only to pay dearly mid way through the course when the climbs came thick and fast with the distance starting to take its toll. A succession of short sharp climbs, including ones used in the Archer GP and the Chas Messenger races, tested everybody with finishing times ranging from 4h 39′ to over 8 hours.

The Stag ride comprised two loops of a 25 mile circuit which included the climb of Ivinghoe Beacon. Again, many were caught out by the flat start, which was the same as used for the long ride and the fast start saw many suffering by the time they got to the climb.
The Il Maschio family ride was around a pleasant nine mile circuit on very quiet roads with no climbs and it was really good to see so many families with young kids out riding this course.

All rides started and finished on the village green and the local community had really got behind the event, with many activities taking place on the green to keep families entertained. Many riders commented on how they will bring their families next year as that way they can go riding while their families enjoy the day on the green. It was also a great opportunity to meet Mark away from the F1 circus and grab a bite to eat at the BBQ outside his pub, The Stag, in Mentmore.

For full details of the ride and how to enter next year’s event please go to www.wheelsinwheelscc.com