The Hell of the Ashdown sounds like something Paddy might suffer from but it is in fact one of the first Sportives of the year in and around Ashdown forest in Kent.  The ride covers 110km and takes in some of the finer hills found in the Kent countryside.  Apparently some of these climbs have featured in the National Road Race Championship and have ominous sounding names such as ‘The Wall’ and ‘Biggin Hill‘ (that is right, although I’m sure once I’m slogging up it ‘Bloody Biggun’ Hill’ would be more appropriate!).

All of which sounds a far cry from the Ashdown forest of Pooh bear fame.  Nevertheless it should be a good incentive to keep riding over the winter and arrive in as good a shape as possible.  Whether I’ll have the discipline to refrain from gorging on Christmas cake however remains to be seen.  Few bites here and there won’t do any harm I’m sure 🙂