Ellis 50 miler - May 5th

Richard H rode the Ellis 50 miler - Hertford's very own sportive.

The route set off from the Golding's estate on the road to Watton and headed through Ware, Stansted Abbotts, Hunsdon and Much Hadham. I started at 7:30 on a fresh but sunny morning on empty roads, thankful that I chose to wear arm warmers. I dropped my juice bottle in Much Hadham but otherwise the ride was pretty uneventful.

The route continued to Clavering then Great Hormead, Wyddial and Buntingford. Between Buntingford and Cottered was the only bit of the course on a main road - and into a slight headwind. After that it was back to familiar roads through Walkern to Watton. My chain came off just past the turning to Aston so I free-wheeled down the hill before fixing it. Karl passed in the opposite direction doing the fast 50 on his own.

Just before the end was the sting in the tail... a timed hill climb up Bramfield Lane. I tried as there were a crowd with cowbells cheering everyone on, but I was a wreck afterwards (note to self - more Strava intervals required). Then there was a smooth last mile back to the Golding's estate finishing just over 50 miles in 3:09.

The event was superbly organised; clear signs with marshals on nearly every junction. Well done to the organisers who were rewarded with a sell out event of 400 participants and excellent weather (that Graham will need to arrange for the Audax in June).