Dave Lloyd MEGA Challenge 2008

The results for the inaugural Dave Lloyd MEGA challenge, held on 29th July 2008, starting in Ruthin, North Wales and taking some of Dave's favourite training roads are now available.

Over 450 participants turned out to take on this incredible challenge. Only two miles into the ride, the riders hit the mighty climb and 30% hairpin climb of Penbarras, which was a shock to many a rider's system!

They then moved onto the the beautiful, quiet and demanding climbs of "The Shelf", "Horseshoe Pass" and the aptly named "Worlds End".

The weather throughout the day changed. Around lunchtime an intense interval of rain failed to dampen the spirits of the riders. By the second feedstation, the look on the rider's faces reflected the reality, that in 60 miles they had packed in approximately 2,000 metres of climbing!?

The riders were still smiling as they tucked into new favourites including pasta and cheese sandwiches. Riders then had the hard decision (in the pouring rain) as to carry straight on, towards the "Road to Hell" or decide to turn for Ruthin.

Those who pushed forward have agreed that was one of the toughest roads they have endured. Most were glad to get to the third feed just before lake Bala.

Then they took on the 35 to40 minute climb of the infamous "Bwlch Y Groes". A steady stream of riders steadily worked their way up the climb to be congratulated for their efforts at the top. This continued on until SAG Wagon topped out at around 4:30pm, just behind a small group of riders, making sure everyone was looked after.

The riders still had the climb of "Hirnant Pass" and those "Stingers" to endure, but luckily the sun was out and the wind was in their favour.

Eventually, the rider's were met with the pink "5km's to go - it's all downhill now!" which was well received!

This wasn't the end for some, as they have "seconds to spare" trying to meet their personal objective of Gold, Silver or Bronze and there were some close shave's!!

Simply - well done to everyone for completing either of the courses. Mr Dave Lloyd certainly has redefined the word "MEGA" in everyone's mind. After receiving several actual GPS downloads, the actual amount of climbing on the 140 mile route is around 4,500m. Whatever the correct figure is, anyone who rode will agree that this is the toughest one day event in the "British sportive scene" to be expereienced.

After discussions, we are all in agreement that all participants taking part in this year's challenge will get a "priority invitation" into next year's event.

 

The full results can be found here.

 

The feedback on the Cyclosport.org forum has been overwhelmingly positive with some constructive feedback and the event has achieved one of the highest of ratings on the event ranking's at 93%.

 

Official photos from Derek Boocock are now available:

Horseshoe Pass: http://www.derekbphotography.co.uk/portfolio34670.html

Rhosesmor: http://www.derekbphotography.co.uk/portfolio34671.html

Melin-y-Wig: http://www.derekbphotography.co.uk/portfolio34672.html

 

More content will be available very soon. We'll update you as it's made available.

 

Thank you for participating and we look forward to seeing you again next year!!!

Dave Lloyd MEGA Challenge Organisation Team