Well Organised

Great route. Rolling countryside. Quiet roads. Really well organised. Well-stocked feed stations. Brilliant start/finish location with super atmosphere and lovely food. What more do you want?!

Early in the calendar

After only a couple of years, the Trident Grange Spa Sportive has become a firm favourite of mine on the calendar. Coming relatively early in the season, it’s a great way of testing how the legs feel after what, for me, is the first serious training block. And with multiple distances to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

The personal touch 

The 2023 event occurred mid-May, and I decided on the “Long” 90-ish mile route (approx. 1,100m climbing). Being relatively small in size means you certainly get the personal touch at the start and feel a long way from just being a “number” as you can at some bigger events.

It was a pretty cold and foggy spring morning at the Grange Spa in Pointon, so after completing the “pre-flight checks,” I zipped up my gilet and rolled through the start gate. 

Having decided to ride solo, I settled into a nice rhythm to build some body heat and enjoy the quiet lanes and countryside. Then realised error number 1, left my gloves in the car 🤦🏻‍♂️. No matter, don’t fall off, you’ll be fine!

The wind was pretty light, my legs were feeling good, and the early morning mist had started to lift by the time I got to the first feed station after about 25 miles. The feed station is well placed in the centre of the figure 8 of the 90-mile route, so I knew I would be back for a second pass later in the day. I enjoyed a few minutes to chill out and take in calories, then back out for the second part of the ride around Leicestershire and Belvoir.

Remember to load the route into your GPS! 

Error number 2. Lack of concentration and pushing with my head down meant I missed an arrow on a left turn and continued on in the wrong direction. That will teach me to avoid loading the course into my GPS. I ended up adding 5 miles in total to the distance, but I wanted to ride closer to 100 miles anyway… right?!

 Sociable

When I got back on the right course, I passed and started chatting with an American from the US Air Force who was training for his first Ironman. He was great company, and we ended up riding together for the remainder of the sportive, enjoying some of the nicest countryside this part of the UK has to offer.

 Feed stations

Before too long, we were back at the feed station. Re-stocked, re-fed and ready to take on the last 25 miles or so. It was my longest ride of the season so far, and riding solo or on the front for the majority of the ride meant that with about 10 miles to go, my legs were starting to fatigue on some of the ramps. So, I was grateful to my American friend for coming through and giving me a tow for a few miles to recover. I Smashed an emergency gel, and we were back in business for the last stretch. 

 Welcome home and family fun

Before I knew it, I was back at the finish with my fiancé waiting with a big smile. I tucked into some lovely hot food from the caterers (included with the entry fee) and a few “recovery” beers with friends. There was a real family-friendly atmosphere, with kids running about on the grass and music on. Happy days!

 A grand day out!

All in all, what a great day. This is what riding your bike is all about.

Trident and the Grange Spa, “chapeau”! Great event!!! See you for the next one!