Just seen this on one of the websites posted in my topic below.
Anyone done/doing it? Is it a good event? Don't really know what to expect, is it a big event or will it be a solitary 100miles with no sign of others or support/feed stations?
It's not long off but it's near and I'm free that weekend.
I've signed up but I've not done it before. I know the route a little, as I used to motorbike up to Hartside cafe, but other than that it'll be a new experience.
Good well run event, I've done it in 06 and 07. Lot of steep wee climbs, but with good descents, not these tight rough turns where you're constantly on the brakes. It rained both years I was there, and last year as well, so here's hoping you get it dry this year! Last 7 or 8 miles are pretty good cos they're fairly flat and on good smooth roads, and you can get a fair pace going. There's usually always someone to ride with, there was 600 riders doing it the years I was there and was only on my own for short spells. Try and start middle of the field and you should be pretty well covered. Food stations are ok, the one at the end of the first loop when you come back into Brampton is a good chance to stock up, but make sure and take some food or gels with you.
I did it in 06 and 07 and I'm doing it this year. Really well organised. Agree about the weather those years - it was harsh! FC Ranger is right - the last 8 miles are a dream; first 97 are pretty tough though...
I did it in 2007 (completed it- 8.5 hours) and 2008 (retired at end of first loop). Very enjoyable but you need to be reasonably fit. Breakfast is the climb up to 'Hartside Cafe' which is, steep, long and hard. There are all types taking part so if you start early you'll always have someone to ride with. It is a VERY long day and the afternoon loop in Scotland is made up of endless killer undulations. My best bits of advice to you are: PACE YOURSELF-do the first loop at a slow (below training ride) tempo. EAT ALL DAY-at least an energy bar an hour, avoid stuffing yourself at the feeds. DRINK-or die! TAKE WET WEATHER GEAR-I retired last year because it was too wet, too cold and I hadn't trained enough. Its a bit of a standing joke but it always rains on the Sausage Challenge! Agree with everyone else-great event-well run.