“If you challenge the weather, the weather will stand down” Steve Raine
The day of the Sportive went ahead as it had to go ahead, time as you discover with age waits for no man and then races ahead of you. The weather up until about a month before was giving us a serious concern. We had had to cancel our red route recce for early March due to heavy snow falls. That is more heavy snow falls after the falls of December, January and February had finally melted away. Some 650 cyclists or ‘odd people’ (in the view of many motorists) had booked, trained and planned for this day. Their training had been through a winter of sheer and unrelenting cycling misery. The winter had been like the Monty Python sketch when someone goes into a cafe and asks
“what’s on the menu?”
“Spam” comes the reply.
“What can I have with it?” is the retort,
“Spam, Spam or Spam” is the reply.
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| Winter riding conditions in Kinross |
In the case of the weather it was snow, snow or snow with patches of ice. But, finally about two weeks before the day of the event winter in Kinross came to an abrupt end. There were near tropical conditions (relative to Scotland) of upto 15c, sunshine, no rain and very little wind causing shoppers in the local supermarkets to venture out in their Bermuda shorts. One felt one could relax a little, and I would quote to people the fated the day I went mountain biking in the Cairngorms some years ago for a long weekend when we awoke to a very wet morning having enjoyed a superb first afternoon of late summer sunshine shortly after we arrived. As we ventured out into the rain on the morning of the first day, my good friend Steve Raine said (Raine is his real name, he is an excellent architect if you ever need one) ‘if you challenge the weather, the weather will stand down’. Needless to say we got very, very wet but had a brilliant day regardless. Steve’s sentiment was right, the weather is the weather it won’t stop you from enjoying yourself. This moment appears to have been prophetic of what would happen on the day of Sportive Kinross. The preceding couple of weeks saw the last minute preparations falling into place. A van was booked, Marshalls were confirmed, St. Andrews First Aid confirmed, additional Gazebos identified, meetings at the Kirklands for the organising committee and Marshalls, food was collected from the Kinross Ladies Inner Wheel, The Kinross Rotary Club confirmed they would look after Marshalling the carparks for us, the council confirmed they would sweep the roads the sun shined, and shined and shined. Volunteers fell into place for spots where we needed them and there was the odd drop of rain just enough to stop a huge build up and you began to believe the weather would truly hold up! Sainsburys confirmed they would (at the list price) supply the bananas, the water, the extra bits of ‘home baking’ to supplement our own efforts and those of the glorious 18 bakers of the Kinross ladies Inner wheel. Who had I discovered from David (one of the riders on the day who works in Sainsburys grocery section) had frequently stopped and asked him about protein mixes for home made energy bars I had inadvertently suggested in one of the menus provided.
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| Some of the signs |
It appeared nothing could go wrong. Ewan our Chief Sign erector went out on the Thursday with his wife to put the first batch up and the team descended at his house Friday morning for bacon rolls, coffee and the final push to put up signs. The weather was glorious, even the evening was like a summers night as we set up the registrations, collected and took delivery of the food and generally completed advanced preparations. The forecast however was ominous, dry on the Friday, wet on the Saturday, dry on the Sunday. Our event was of course the Saturday. I awoke around 6am to gaze upon a heavy mist and the rather disappointing prospect of a long wet day. Arriving at the Loch Leven Community Campus just before 7am with the team, all having their tasks identified to complete preparations for the day ahead.
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| Before the start courtesy of http://www.cyclesportphotos.com |
By around 7.20am riders started to arrive and some little snags in our planning were apparent (not enough directional signage at the Campus) and a hint of rain appeared. The delightful and quite marvellous Sgt Sandra Williams our Police liaison arrived and pointed out to me as she always had done (when she felt something was amiss in our planning) what she thought was missing “...more signs are needed here Paul” I nodded sagely and pointed out we had spent over £500 on lots signs! She gave me a forgiving smile and said “it’s something to note for next year”. Next thing the start time is approaching and I am directing the Red Bull Wings Team to park their mini in a prominent spot on the pavement. I see Sandra approaching and think, “oh %$£* I’m in trouble for arranging this parking manoeuvre”. As Sandra arrives she appears oblivious to what I would I guess is conventionally an unacceptable parking spot and advises in a tone that said she will be obeyed that we should delay the start. Explaining there had been a serious accident, in Scotlandwell. My first thought was but our riders are not away yet! Then I realised it involved a motor vehicle. As details emerged and the queue of cyclists waiting patiently to set off grew very quickly to the entire field of some 600 on the day. It transpired someone had managed to park their car on its roof and spread debris across the road. We advised the amassed riders of the delay, the rain gathered a little pace and the temperature slowly but steadily dropped whilst and to quote another Monty Python sketch ‘a minute passed, and then suddenly another minute passed’ eventually after a moderate delay of around 45 minutes and an increasingly cold but remarkably patient group of riders braced themselves for the off. I was advised to set the field off in blocks of six. “6!?” I said, and after some negotiation this was increased to around 12 or so and finally the field was allowed away.
Shortly after the start reports came in of our first (and only) serious accident, a rider phoned them in (the emergency number system was working I thought, this is good, what has happened though is bad) reporting an ambulance had been called. We despatched our first aid team too they arrived just after the ambulance and our two unfortunate victims where away for treatment to what I understood to be a broken a collarbone and a broken arm for the second casualty. A Policemen then asked me what was the percentage of accidents likely for this type of event. I tried saying I don’t know, the look on his face said this would not cut any ice. So I hurriedly invented a statistic, less than 1% of riders would require hospital treatment, and mercifully this turned out to be true as only 2 riders made the fated journey to an A&E department. (This is something I have had firsthand experience of and would recommend saying ‘yes please’ if they offer you morphine, its rather good :-)
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| and finally away! Photo Courtesy DC Thomson Courier Newspaper |
Shortly after the start reports came in of our first (and only) serious accident, a rider phoned them in (the emergency number system was working I thought, this is good, what has happened though is bad) reporting an ambulance had been called. We despatched our first aid team too they arrived just after the ambulance and our two unfortunate victims where away for treatment to what I understood to be a broken a collarbone and a broken arm for the second casualty. A Policemen then asked me what was the percentage of accidents likely for this type of event. I tried saying I don’t know, the look on his face said this would not cut any ice. So I hurriedly invented a statistic, less than 1% of riders would require hospital treatment, and mercifully this turned out to be true as only 2 riders made the fated journey to an A&E department. (This is something I have had firsthand experience of and would recommend saying ‘yes please’ if they offer you morphine, its rather good :-)
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| Alone in the rain courtesy http://www.cyclesportphotos.com |
The day continued, the rain fell, the phone rang and text messages arrived with reports of small tumbles, mechanical failures and our rescue teams were despatched to all including the most northerly part of the route assist riders. The riders began to return, wet and cold and tired but always and almost without exception with a satisfied grin on their face and further delight to discover not only a mug, a coaster and easter egg awaited them but some hot food and a hot shower if they so wished! My day finished back at the Kirklands, we had cancelled the planned ceilidh, where I sat down with some of the guys and enjoyed what I felt was a well earned pint of Ossian.
There is an extensive list of people to thank for helping make this event happen and work so well. So I will keep it simple I would like to thank everyone and anyone who participated in the event be that as a helper or Marshall, participant, first aider or third party worker. The event has realised all its objectives and more in addition to giving a lot of people a lot of pleasure 'we' that's anyone involved has helped raise over £7,000 for the partner charity Childrens Hospice Association Scotland who asked I pass on their thanks.
Finally I will close with a random selection of the post event comments we have received from the riders and confirm blogs on Sportive Kinross 2012 will follow:
From Andy Kerr,
Subject is:
Great event!
Message reads:
Just wanted to say, folks, that this was my first proper Sportive, and I was thoroughly impressed by every aspect of the organisation. Only Blue route for me today, but I'll definitely be back next year for Red or Black. Many many thanks to everyone involved in organising it - great effort by everyone.
Subject is:
Great event!
Message reads:
Just wanted to say, folks, that this was my first proper Sportive, and I was thoroughly impressed by every aspect of the organisation. Only Blue route for me today, but I'll definitely be back next year for Red or Black. Many many thanks to everyone involved in organising it - great effort by everyone.
From Seonaid Hudson,
Subject is:
Sportive 2011-THANK YOU
Message reads:
The Sportive 2011 was my first venture into riding in public-as opposed to hiding on back lanes by myself. I entered the blue route because I lacked experience but wish I'd done a longer ride. It was a simply wonderful experience. Please say a very big thank you to all of the volunteers who made it a super day. Can't wait for next year-black route here I come!!
Subject is:
Sportive 2011-THANK YOU
Message reads:
The Sportive 2011 was my first venture into riding in public-as opposed to hiding on back lanes by myself. I entered the blue route because I lacked experience but wish I'd done a longer ride. It was a simply wonderful experience. Please say a very big thank you to all of the volunteers who made it a super day. Can't wait for next year-black route here I come!!
Debbie Prentice
Subject is:
Congratulations on a great event.
Message reads:
We have to say a big thank you and congratulations for organising such a great event. We cycled the red route and as we did it became apparent just how much thought must have gone into the organisation. The amenities at the Campus made it a great place to start and finish. We stopped at the first food station where it was wonderful to have proper toilet facilities. We also have to mention whoever made the tablet, it was lovely!(I hope we left enough for everyone else?). Thanks to the marshalls en-route it couldn't have been much fun standing about in all that rain. We were absolutely frozen when we arrived at the finish but you'd saved the best till last - Hot Food to heat us up, you had indeed thought of everything!! Thank you from Debbie,Jenny & Cathy.
Subject is:
Congratulations on a great event.
Message reads:
We have to say a big thank you and congratulations for organising such a great event. We cycled the red route and as we did it became apparent just how much thought must have gone into the organisation. The amenities at the Campus made it a great place to start and finish. We stopped at the first food station where it was wonderful to have proper toilet facilities. We also have to mention whoever made the tablet, it was lovely!(I hope we left enough for everyone else?). Thanks to the marshalls en-route it couldn't have been much fun standing about in all that rain. We were absolutely frozen when we arrived at the finish but you'd saved the best till last - Hot Food to heat us up, you had indeed thought of everything!! Thank you from Debbie,Jenny & Cathy.
Jim Tilbey
Subject is:
Thanks
Message reads:
Despite the rain I had a great day. Plesase pass on my thanks to all the volunteers and the Police who made this event possible, it couldn't have been fun for them standing in the rain!
Subject is:
Thanks
Message reads:
Despite the rain I had a great day. Plesase pass on my thanks to all the volunteers and the Police who made this event possible, it couldn't have been fun for them standing in the rain!
Tracy Patterson
Subject is:
Kinross Sportive
Message reads:
Just to say thank you very much to everyone who made the Kinross Sportive an excellent event. In spite of the weather, it was a great day not least due to the brilliant work of all of the volunteers without whom a day like this couldn't happen. I look forward to coming back next year and thanks again to all. Best wishes Tracy Paterson
Subject is:
Kinross Sportive
Message reads:
Just to say thank you very much to everyone who made the Kinross Sportive an excellent event. In spite of the weather, it was a great day not least due to the brilliant work of all of the volunteers without whom a day like this couldn't happen. I look forward to coming back next year and thanks again to all. Best wishes Tracy Paterson
From Kenny Lannon,
Subject is:
Message reads:
Just to say thanks for well organised event today, really enjoyed it. Faultless organisation and really friendly. Hope that you will be running it again, as i would definitely enter .
Subject is:
Message reads:
Just to say thanks for well organised event today, really enjoyed it. Faultless organisation and really friendly. Hope that you will be running it again, as i would definitely enter .
From Paul Buttercase,
Subject is:
Sportive Kinross
Message reads:
I'd like to congratulate you on a very friendly and well run event. Good signage, friendly food station staff, great selection of cakes etc and very welcome bowl of pasta at the end. Creme egg with the mug and coaster was a nice Easter touch as well.
Subject is:
Sportive Kinross
Message reads:
I'd like to congratulate you on a very friendly and well run event. Good signage, friendly food station staff, great selection of cakes etc and very welcome bowl of pasta at the end. Creme egg with the mug and coaster was a nice Easter touch as well.
From jim aitken,
Subject is:
Well done to all who took part , organised , marshalled etc
Subject is:
Well done to all who took part , organised , marshalled etc
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Andy Girvan
Subject is:
Todays Event
Message reads:
Just a quick thank you for todays event. The organisation was first class. In particular the route was well signed posted and marshalled. I thouroughly enjoyed myself although at this point I am not sure my legs would agree. A new PB for me covering 79 miles in one session ;-) Please pass my thanks on to your team - they were excellent. Next year? Yes please. Andy PS - The most thoughtful bit was getting a youngster to remove the timing chip. I am not sure I could have gotten down that low to remove it.
Subject is:
Todays Event
Message reads:
Just a quick thank you for todays event. The organisation was first class. In particular the route was well signed posted and marshalled. I thouroughly enjoyed myself although at this point I am not sure my legs would agree. A new PB for me covering 79 miles in one session ;-) Please pass my thanks on to your team - they were excellent. Next year? Yes please. Andy PS - The most thoughtful bit was getting a youngster to remove the timing chip. I am not sure I could have gotten down that low to remove it.
From Alistair Abbott,
Subject is:
Thanks
Message reads:
I had a great time at the Sportive Kinross today. Please pass on my thanks to all the organising committee and marshalls who made it such a success. Looking forward to doing it next year.
Subject is:
Thanks
Message reads:
I had a great time at the Sportive Kinross today. Please pass on my thanks to all the organising committee and marshalls who made it such a success. Looking forward to doing it next year.
Euan Green
Subject is:
Well done!
Message reads:
I did the red route today and just want to pass on my thanks to the organisers and all the volunteers who helped along the way. It can't have been much fun standing around at turn points and feeding stations in the conditions we saw today and from personal experience it's the volunteers who play such a massive role in getting these events underway. Well done. It was a great day, despite the weather, but when can you ever rely on the weather to do what it's meant to! The route was excellent and especially enjoyed the last 18 miles after the last climb just after Gleneagles. It was a welcome relief to be able to relax the weary legs and enjoy the descent and rolling flats to the finish line. Looking forward to taking part in it next year if it's held. Regards, Euan
Subject is:
Well done!
Message reads:
I did the red route today and just want to pass on my thanks to the organisers and all the volunteers who helped along the way. It can't have been much fun standing around at turn points and feeding stations in the conditions we saw today and from personal experience it's the volunteers who play such a massive role in getting these events underway. Well done. It was a great day, despite the weather, but when can you ever rely on the weather to do what it's meant to! The route was excellent and especially enjoyed the last 18 miles after the last climb just after Gleneagles. It was a welcome relief to be able to relax the weary legs and enjoy the descent and rolling flats to the finish line. Looking forward to taking part in it next year if it's held. Regards, Euan
From David Hetherington,
Subject is:
Well done!
Message reads:
Just wanted to say "well done" and a big "thank you" to everyone involved in the organising and running of the first Kinross Sportive. Enjoyed the well thought out route, despite the dreich conditions. Will be looking out for next year's event. One suggestion. A course marshal at the Vicars Bridge turn-off would be handy, as it's one that'd be easy to miss.
Subject is:
Well done!
Message reads:
Just wanted to say "well done" and a big "thank you" to everyone involved in the organising and running of the first Kinross Sportive. Enjoyed the well thought out route, despite the dreich conditions. Will be looking out for next year's event. One suggestion. A course marshal at the Vicars Bridge turn-off would be handy, as it's one that'd be easy to miss.
From Alan Affleck,
Subject is:
Thanks very much
Message reads:
Just a quick note to say well done Kinross CC for putting on such a great event. An incredible effort to make this happen you should all be very proud. My only problem was I missed the turn off to Knockhill and ended up in Saline. As I was originally going to drop to the red, I hadnt looked at the approach to Knockhill so had thought it was the usual route through Powmill and then up so was surprised to be heading to Dollar - the Marshall had shouted something at me at Yetts and I thought he was saying there was a diversion. Anyway, I caught up and compared distances with another cyclist over Cleish. I had 1Km more but obviously missed the knockhill climb. Wont make that mistake next year...when do 2012 entries open?? Itching to have another crack. Well done to you all
Subject is:
Thanks very much
Message reads:
Just a quick note to say well done Kinross CC for putting on such a great event. An incredible effort to make this happen you should all be very proud. My only problem was I missed the turn off to Knockhill and ended up in Saline. As I was originally going to drop to the red, I hadnt looked at the approach to Knockhill so had thought it was the usual route through Powmill and then up so was surprised to be heading to Dollar - the Marshall had shouted something at me at Yetts and I thought he was saying there was a diversion. Anyway, I caught up and compared distances with another cyclist over Cleish. I had 1Km more but obviously missed the knockhill climb. Wont make that mistake next year...when do 2012 entries open?? Itching to have another crack. Well done to you all
From Boyd Johnston,
Subject is:
A big thank-you
Message reads:
Well done to everybody involved today. Brilliant organisation. Enthusiastic, friendly helpers and marshals. Fantastic food stops. Great facilities at the start and finish. Special thanks to everybody who had to stand out there in the cold and wet - that sort of support is what makes it such a good day for the riders, in spite of the weather.
Subject is:
A big thank-you
Message reads:
Well done to everybody involved today. Brilliant organisation. Enthusiastic, friendly helpers and marshals. Fantastic food stops. Great facilities at the start and finish. Special thanks to everybody who had to stand out there in the cold and wet - that sort of support is what makes it such a good day for the riders, in spite of the weather.
From Stuart Campbell,
Subject is:
Thanks!
Message reads:
Thanks for a superb event. Brilliant organisation and a cracking circuit on the black route. Even the sub-optimal weather conditions couldn't put a dampener on things. Well done! Stuart Campbell (rider 529)
Subject is:
Thanks!
Message reads:
Thanks for a superb event. Brilliant organisation and a cracking circuit on the black route. Even the sub-optimal weather conditions couldn't put a dampener on things. Well done! Stuart Campbell (rider 529)
From Simon Smith,
Subject is:
Post Sportive
Message reads:
Just wanted to say a massive thankyou to all who helped organise a great event, I can only see this becoming a bigger and bigger as the years go on. Great route(red), great feed stations ,Nice people. Maybe next year we'll get sun. thanks Si
Subject is:
Post Sportive
Message reads:
Just wanted to say a massive thankyou to all who helped organise a great event, I can only see this becoming a bigger and bigger as the years go on. Great route(red), great feed stations ,Nice people. Maybe next year we'll get sun. thanks Si
From Andy & Moira Walls,
Subject is:
Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!
Message reads:
To everyone involved in the arranging and implementation of the inaugural Kinross Sportive, First and foremost a massive thank you to everyone, you produced an event which you can all be proud of. Everything from the contact emails, registration on the day etc etc was done to an exceedingly high standard. No matter how much you plan for an event there are always aspects which are totally out of your control and everyone must realise that. I know it was frustrating regarding the accident and start delay but these things happen and safety must come first. As far as the weather, well it's Scotland after all! I would also like to highlight a few points, they should in no way be seen as a criticism of your planning just aspects that may help with the planning of future events 1. For safety reasons the feed station in Newburgh would have been better located at the car park on the left as you enter Newburgh, this way there would have been no cyclists trying to cross traffic flows, particularly on what is a bit of a blind summit. Also regarding Newburgh it was highlighted that there were too few toilets. 2. We did the black route and had cycled it in training so we knew our way about, while every junction was signed I felt the signs were small and at some locations were poorly placed and as such were not as visible as they could have been, as such I know of several cyclists who missed junctions. The junctions I am aware of as having been a problem are the left turn from the A91, some people continued to Dollar, also after you cross the A977 there is a left turn on the minor road at a set of stables, again a couple of guys missed the turn and went straight on. Guess if they had looked harder they might not have missed these junctions! All in all it was a fantastic event and one which you can all be proud of! Thank you once again from both of us and we are proud to have participated in an event which we feel will just get bigger and bigger! Well done. Andy & Moira
Subject is:
Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!
Message reads:
To everyone involved in the arranging and implementation of the inaugural Kinross Sportive, First and foremost a massive thank you to everyone, you produced an event which you can all be proud of. Everything from the contact emails, registration on the day etc etc was done to an exceedingly high standard. No matter how much you plan for an event there are always aspects which are totally out of your control and everyone must realise that. I know it was frustrating regarding the accident and start delay but these things happen and safety must come first. As far as the weather, well it's Scotland after all! I would also like to highlight a few points, they should in no way be seen as a criticism of your planning just aspects that may help with the planning of future events 1. For safety reasons the feed station in Newburgh would have been better located at the car park on the left as you enter Newburgh, this way there would have been no cyclists trying to cross traffic flows, particularly on what is a bit of a blind summit. Also regarding Newburgh it was highlighted that there were too few toilets. 2. We did the black route and had cycled it in training so we knew our way about, while every junction was signed I felt the signs were small and at some locations were poorly placed and as such were not as visible as they could have been, as such I know of several cyclists who missed junctions. The junctions I am aware of as having been a problem are the left turn from the A91, some people continued to Dollar, also after you cross the A977 there is a left turn on the minor road at a set of stables, again a couple of guys missed the turn and went straight on. Guess if they had looked harder they might not have missed these junctions! All in all it was a fantastic event and one which you can all be proud of! Thank you once again from both of us and we are proud to have participated in an event which we feel will just get bigger and bigger! Well done. Andy & Moira
From Perth Tri Club,
Subject is:
Congratulations on Kinross Sportive
Message reads:
A hearty congratulations from all at Perth Tri on producing such a fantastic event. We all felt for you as organisers when the wet weather forecast loomed, particularly after a week of amazing weather (and as I type, it's sunny again!) That said, it added another dimension to the day and an added challenge for everyone. >From one young club to another we send our respect and appreciation for making it such a great day and hope you can find a day or two to relax and recover. Warm Regards Cathy MacDonald www.perthtriclub.co.uk
Subject is:
Congratulations on Kinross Sportive
Message reads:
A hearty congratulations from all at Perth Tri on producing such a fantastic event. We all felt for you as organisers when the wet weather forecast loomed, particularly after a week of amazing weather (and as I type, it's sunny again!) That said, it added another dimension to the day and an added challenge for everyone. >From one young club to another we send our respect and appreciation for making it such a great day and hope you can find a day or two to relax and recover. Warm Regards Cathy MacDonald www.perthtriclub.co.uk
