Saturday 18th July saw the event take place from Hartwell Jaguar Bristol with a "Peleton" of approximatley 30 riders. Arriving nice and early the Hartwell's dealership looked great with the growing range of Jaguar's on display and a sparkling clean XF Sportbrake nicely presented in the Team Sky livery.
There was plenty of drinks and energy nutrients on offer to help us all be in peak condition for the ride which was expected to last 3 hours with a break for coffee and cake in the beautiful setting of Cheddar Gorge.
The route had been posted prior to the event to give riders time to get familiar with what to expect and where they were going as well as the added bonus of joining the "Club" on Strava, a great place to post questions and follow your training rides ready for the event.
At 10:00 we all lined up and were taken out on the route for the day. The first part of the route took us from the Jaguar dealership and into Bristol, just avoiding the town centre before heading out into the countryside. A generally flat first section allowed the group to stay close together ably marshalled by the Team Sky support car. The support car XF Sportbrake certainly made people stop and stare and gave you the feeling you were indeed "Riding Like a Pro". After a few short sharp climbs to test the legs followed by a much welcome long downhill section we all arrived in Cheddar for a stop and coffee break. This was also a great opportunity for people to get a closer look at the car and take a few more pictures.
Refuelled and watered we headed off to tackle Cheddar Gorge, listed Number 1 in the book "100 Greatest Cycling Climbs", unfortunately at this point the Sportbrake was called into action in its role of support vehicle as one unlucky rider had a problem with his bike that terminated his participation in the day on his bike, and suddenly became an extra support crew as the spacious boot swallowed up what was left of his bike. Excelling in its role of support vehicle the XF Sportbrake followed the group on its final legs back to the Hartwell's Jaguar dealership in Bristol, moping up lost riders, marshalling us on narrow twisty roads, but always looking good and making everyone who took part feel like a pro.
Landing back at the dealership there were recovery drinks refreshments and of course the excellent goodie bag for all participants. A great day out and experience I would strongly recommend to anyone who enjoys cycling and of course Jaguars. I am already looking forward to 2016!
Images courtesy of Jack Gorman, Hartwell's.
