Event Review

REVIEW: The Wiggle Rut 2014  

Date: Saturday 25 October 
Distances: 40 miles, 75 miles and 100 miles 
Entry fee: £28.00, £32.00, £35.00 
Start: Uppingham School Sport Centre, parking available in an adjacent field and on surrounding streets. Small event village with trade stands, food and drink with facilities inside the centre 
Feedstops: 1 on the short route, 2 on the medium route, 3 on the long route 
Catering: Hot/cold drinks and food available before and after the ride 
Timed: Helmet timing chip - sent out in advance with rider number, map and ride manual   
Signs: A clearly way-marked route with highly visible signage (black arrows on fluro pink)  
Roads: Good routes on quiet lanes for the most part, a few short sections on main roads with a mostly rolling profile. Outriders, medical and broom wagon on route to provide assistance if needed, and professional photographers from SportivePhoto 
Goody bag: High5 bidon and taster pack, KILOTOGO buff, can of WD40, product samples and finisher's medal 

I was quite looking forward to this one; it had been a year or more since I had last ridden in the lovely small county of Rutland, and as the day arrived with blue skies, sunshine and mild temperatures, it was set to be a good one. 

Ready for the off 

Parking was provided in a field next door to the sports centre (the proper car park was only small and would leave the regular centre users stuck) and this proved to be the day's first challenge as it had evidently been unused for some years and wasn't exactly flat, but no-one got stuck so all was well. Being late in the season I expected it to be pretty quiet, but the number of cars arriving suggested that there was certainly an appetite to ride and the HQ was fairly busy when I got there, not long before the scheduled start time. 

As my form had taken a dive recently due to a virus and a heavy workload, I opted for the medium, 60 mile route. As KilotoGo send everything out in advance it is as simple as turning up at the start line, and I managed to get out in the first group. 

Unscheduled stop 

Heading out of Uppingham toward the south, we passed under the magnificent Harringworth viaduct, before starting to climb up with the viaduct making for a striking background if you took a look over your shoulder. Continuing on to skirt around Rutland Water, the roads flowed nicely through autumn colours as we reached the first feed (of two on this route) in the pretty village of Ryhall. The usual fare was on offer, along with High5 energy bars, gels and energy drink. A nice addition was a seed tray bake, just what you need, and the means to make hot drinks should you wish. 

I didn't get too far after leaving the feed, as a mile or so down the road we rounded a corner to meet a large bunch (and one car) waiting at a level crossing. Being one of the smaller rural crossings, it was five or more minutes before the two trains passed and we could get underway again. An unusual rest stop, but no-one was in any major rush it seemed. 

Easy-going feed stop 

We continued north from here through the lanes, and crossed under the A1, taking in the sights of small market towns and picturesque countryside. The second feed was at Cottesmore, and this time there was the addition of sandwiches too. From here all that was left was a run back to Uppingham, but to my undoing, it proved the lumpiest part of the route, particularly as we left Oakham. Nothing terrifically steep, long or difficult, but enough to unravel my waning form and leave me struggling back to the finish, where a much needed coffee awaited. 

KILOTOGO operate to a tried and tested formula, and this one was no different - they are run to a high standard and there is nothing that stands out as being out of place or missing. More savoury options at the feeds would be welcome, but as mentioned the sandwiches at feed two, and hot drinks at all three, were a thoughtful addition. A couple more signs would have been helpful in places, but I didn't need to refer to my Garmin at all. Lovely county to ride around! 

Climbing away from Oakham 

Route info: http://app.strava.com/activities/211455352.