MORE than 80 riders took on the climbs of the Kenny Hill Memorial Sportive on Sunday, September 25.
The 75-mile route, which took in tough climbs over Anglezarke, Hunter’s Hill, Bank Top and Crow Lane before returning to the start at Litherland Sports Park, seems to be going from strength-to-strength.
This year, a total of 85 riders signed on at the HQ before rolling out towards Rivington – including riders from other clubs across Merseyside.
Event organiser, John Palin, did a fantastic job of putting together this year’s sportive in memory of one of the Merc’s greatest members, Kenny Hill. The route was well marked out and there was even a feed station, manned dutifully by John’s wife, Mary, at the top of Anglezarke following the steep 17 per cent climb. Ouch.
After re-fuelling, the riders headed back on the much flatter roads via Chorley before tackling the dreaded Hunter’s Hill. After a leg-zapping climb, participants were then treated to a nice descent into Appley Bridge before taking on another monster climb, Bank Top.
Then it was the winding Crows Lane before dropping down the other side round the back of Skelmersdale and heading home through the back lanes of West Lancs to Litherland.
There was only one reported incident on the day, with someone taking a tumble on the descent down Scotland Lane on the approach to Rivington. Luckily, he wasn’t too badly bruised and managed to make it to the feed station before sensibly opting for a lift back to LSP due to a damaged tyre.
Chairman Tony McQuade said: “I’m sure all 85 participants in yesterday’s Ken Hill Memorial ride will join with me in thanking John Palin for all his efforts in organising a very enjoyable, successful and excellently supported event – despite the sports park opening late.
“A big thank you also to John’s wife, Mary, for organising the refreshments on Anglezarke and back at LSP.”