High Sports

Killer Loop Double Up

The 2010 High Sports KILLER LOOP on Sunday 18th July - a 50mile/5,000ft of ascent bike challenge doubled in rider numbers this year, and hosted its first tandem entry. With over 50 riders this year the final proceeds from the event allowed us to make a double charity donation; half to the Youngsters in the Mountains fund and the other half to the Shropshire Hospice. Well done to all involved !

Riders set out at minute intervals with only a map and details of how to get to the first checkpoint where they collect details for the next stage and so on passing through 3 more checkpoints taking them back to the start and finish, at Minsterley Village Hall. Every year the course is different creating a sense of mystery to the event. Apart from free food at the finish a free KL t-shirt for those completing the distance in under 4.5 hours adds to the motivation to finish.  Most who endured the course agreed it was a classic route this year taking in some of the toughest, steepest, highest and most scenic parts of the Shropshire hills; inc the Wenlock Edge, Long Mynd, Corndon and the Stiperstones with only one recorded minor crash, caused by an out of control horse box down a country lane.

The emphasis of the event has always been that it’s a challenge and not a race, but most riders seem to want the pain and suffering to be over as quickly as possible, this year was no exception, with some blistering overall times. See the results here. 17 year old Joe Donnelly cruised home in 3hours 36mins (a cycle racing club somewhere ought to home in on this very talented young rider). The tandem team of Simon Dawes & Jackie Sayer completed in 4.42 hrs and rode every hill including the Burway up onto the Long Mynd. Impressive! But every rider should be proud of their achievement, whatever the time taken. “It’s not about winning or the time, it’s about getting your arse out of the house onto a saddle and being out in the fresh air somewhere new, using your muscles until the cramp and enjoying the crack with other folk”.

Thanks to all who contributed in a big way, the marshals (Charlie Leventon, Chris Roberts, John Thorpe, Ian & Sandra Cathcart, Alastair Cathcart & Richard). Catering girl Alison Cathcart for all the free sandwiches, homemade cakes and endless tea & cold drinks at the finish and Pauline Richards for her annual contribution of wicked homemade chocolate and assorted cakes for the knackered riders. But of course thanks to the riders for supporting this ever more popular July event. Hope to see you in 2011 for an even tougher KILLER LOOP.

Stuart C.

Click on this link to see more photographs courtesy of Charlie Leventon.