BNCC 2011 - "The Wrap"

By Doug Stewart, Event Organiser

Sunday the 1st of May dawned clear and bright on 61 Bike North members as they rose to make final preparations for "the challenge". The sunshine was unexpected, given the weather of the previous week, but very welcome, given that almost everyone was about to take on their most difficult ride of the year. 

still smiling near Pie in the Sky

Appropriately as this was the 10th running of the BNCC, ten riders were about to take on the first "Mike Bate Imperial Century", the hardest challenge since the event started. The new course included the four gorges that are regularly ridden by Bike North, but in both directions to give 8 distinct climbs within the imperial 100miles (160km). Along with the new course, the 160km challenge was given a new name in memory of Mike Bate, a Bike North member who was tragically involved in a fatal accident while riding his bicycle at the start of 2010. Mike enjoyed long and difficult rides and would certainly have taken on this new route with gusto. 

All ten "Imperial Century" riders finished in good time, well before the sunset cutoff time, and in good condition (physically and in good humour). This was a testament to the fitness and preparation put in by all riders, whose next challenge is to maintain or improve their performance for next year. Congratulations to you all.

This event was not only about those taking on 160km, as the other two distances were worthy challenges as well. Indeed it would be hard to find more difficult 60km or 100km rides. Any rider taking on any of the challenges should be proud of their achievements. Those who chose this event to ride 60km or 100km for the first time certainly have my admiration and this is the essence of the challenge.

Eleven teams consisting of 34 riders took on the five hills of the 100km challenge returning between 5 hours and 8 hours after setting out.