As a veteran of many HONCs I think I’ve finally struck the right balance, CX with discs and Clement LAS pumped up to 50ish psi. It ride fast on the road, and bounces about a bit on the rougher offroad bits (but it’s no 3 peaks is it really is it?). Should have taken a lot more to eat as I popped somewhere before Cleeve and didn’t get my second wind till the last bit of road.
I thought the road/offroad was a good balance, missed last year, but the year before had a couple of seconds which were really sticky and I guess got trashed, whihc is never popualr after the event.
I’m so glad it was a tailwind at the end, best finish I’ve had in a few years as well pipping 3 hrs for the 50.
Next time I might even ride more before the event rather than the odd hour here and there.
Bring on Colne Valley Challenge is May!