“If you’re looking for the hardest sportive challenge surely there’s very few in the UK that can rival Struggle Moors,” says Jimmy.
Discover how Jimmy gets fit for the sportive season and paces the epic routes perfectly...
From Zero to All Go!
I bought my first road bike on the Cycle2Work scheme nine years ago and began my cycling life as a commuter. Soon enough I was riding sportives in Yorkshire and joined a local cycling club.
The next challenge I set myself was to have a crack at local bike racing. I managed to move up the ranks, finally gaining my 3rd Cat licence six years ago and my 2nd Cat three years ago.
My Sportive Training
I still commute - 20 miles each day - hitting a few intervals or extending my route a few times a week. I make sure I get in one tough training ride each week such as the local chain gang or a solid 60km group ride. Every Sunday I do a few steady hours with friends.
Bonus Miles
I have two young children and a very tolerant and patient wife! I make sure I’m home for bedtime most evenings and we usually keep Saturday free as a family day.
A really good way to sneak in some extra miles in the lead up to a hard sportive like Struggle Moors is to throw the bike on the car and ride back from a day out with the family.
Gears Envy
I love hills and I love a challenge. I rarely ride in the Yorkshire Moors, which are truly stunning but very challenging. Ampleforth Abbey provides a beautiful backdrop for the start.
There was the usual mix of excitement and trepidation among my friends on the start line. I was concerned to see some of the stronger riders had armed their bikes with a 32 cassettes just for the occasion.
Horror Approaching
The earlier part of the route was a great team effort as we stuck together. We enjoyed fabulous lanes, suffered up steep ramps and ensured we remained focused on the technical descents.
Each major climb claimed a few more riders in the group, so approaching Glasidale there were only five of us remaining. Glaisdale Horror really was a horror! On a couple of occasions I pressed for another gear that wasn’t there.
Ultimate Climb
In the back of my mind was the thought: “Will I make it up Rosedale Chimney?” which comes after 90 miles of the sportive. Dropping into Rosedale there were only two of us left.
The steepest middle section had me craving a 32 cassette. Then came a fantastic feeling of elation on clearing the final big climb of the day. I was now on the final stretch to the finish line.
Top Sportive Tips
In preparation for Struggle Moors sportive I’d advise on several long rides with tough efforts or climbs toward the end. Ride Struggle Dales in May which is perfectly timed just over a month before Struggle Moors.
Take the first half of Struggle Moors steady rather than full on. If your legs are feeling good you’ll always have the final climbs to prove your strength. Go to hard too early and you’re sure to suffer.
Look up!
Despite riding hard I lost count of the times I looked up and drank in the fabulous views. It really is a stunning route.
It’s relentless; the really steep stuff tires the legs quickly and the fantastic but technical descents don’t allow you to relax for long.
If you’re looking for a sportive challenge surely there’s very few in the UK that can rival Struggle Moors.