The day started cold with ice on the car park at Hemel Hempstead Cycle Club HQ that had a few riders concerned about slippery conditions on the Harp Hilly 100 route. After careful consideration the organisers changed the route start to avoid Rucklers Lane.
Spirits among the club were high and a group of 50+ BCC members mostly riding the 100 km route meant that, barring a serious incident, the club should retain the HH100 shield for 2017.

Riders were issued with cards to record their start and finish times; the HH100 times are taken from when riders clock-out at the start to when they clock-in at the finish. The full list of times can be found here http://www.harphillyhundred.org.uk/

The weather stayed mainly overcast and the occasional shower meant that the roads remained wet and muddy. Most of the club had retained their winter mudguards but there were one or two that got caught behind riders sans-mudguards.

The route has 10 main climbs over the Chilterns interspersed with many other short sharp rises. Chapeau to all the riders that completed this (almost) leg breaking achievement. Special mention must go to the Gray family who finished the ride with dad and daughter on a tandem.

A very welcome hot tea, sandwiches and cakes awaited the riders at the finish in Hemel Hempstead Cycle Club HQ. A final tally-up of BCC riders had 54 completing the 100 km route… Berkhamsted Cycle Club has retained the Harp Hilly Hundred Shield for 2017.

Photos of the day can be viewed by clicking on the image below (they can be downloaded for free in full size).

The club whole-heartedly thanks the HH100 organisers. See you again next year!