A ROAD CYCLING SPORTIVE FROM HELL!

EPISODE #34
I'm taking on yet another Road Cycling Sportive, first one of the year for me... and its a spicy one! It's a 100km / 62 mile route over in Kent, which is famous for it punchy and sometimes spiteful climbs. This sportive certainly doesn't disappoint in that regard, there's 13 climbs throughout this route, many of which are categorised climbs... also taking you through some not so smooth sections of road, making this quite a challenging ride to say the least..!
Here's a link to the Strava data:
/ strava
And here's a link to the "Cafe Ride" episode that Sam & Miles both feature in:
• CAN WE CYCLE 120 MILES...
I'd like to hear what you think, if you have any suggestions or if there's something particular you'd like to see... maybe you could even set me a challenge to complete? Hit me up in the comments...
Anyways... Thanks for watching, lots more to come!
Thomas “The Cycling Tattooist.”
-------------------- L - I - N - K - S --------------------
[CYCLING]
Channel - / @thecyclingtattooist
Instagram - / thecyclingtattooist
Strava - / strava
Zwift - www.zwift.com/uk/athlete/5aba...
[TATTOOS]
Instagram - / martineztattooer
Website - www.thomasmartinez.ink
---------------- C - R - E - D - I - T - S ----------------
Film & Editing by Thomas Martinez.
Intro Music: Oddisee - Silver Lining
Featured Music:
Iso Indies - Watch Closely
Dusty Decks - Move Your Hands

[@waynekerry6559]

This is fast becoming my favourite cycling you tube channel, live it tom 😀 👍

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🥰🙏

[@vital2557]

Another great video Thomas. I just wanted to praise your editing it is absolutely remarkable. BEST cycling channel on KZbin

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! 😁🙏🙏🙏

[@Check-it-out]

What’s so awesome about starting from the back is the mopping up of many, many other riders…. 😂

[@getsetdrone6921]

Absolute fan of this channel. I was here from the beginning and seeing the subscribers rise by thousands over a couple months is amazing. Keep it up Tom!😉👍

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks so much! 😁🙏

[@liamdovey18]

Great video again mate. Been subscribed for a few weeks now. Love going back over the older videos. Great content. After following Francis Cade for a while, you popped up in my recommended videos. Fantastic stuff, keep it up Mr Martinez!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

That’s great! Thank you... 😁🙏

[@daverostron]

Awesome pal - loved you picking off the riders one by one getting up to your mate. Glad to see the channel doing well - very much deserved.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! 😁🙏

[@richardseverin8707]

Great Vlog !!!!!! I would normally be out on a ride but suffering with a cold . You Vlog has given me a shot of pleasure to pick me up a bit . Keep up the good work and those banging tunes 👍🏽

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! 😁🙏

[@barrydaniel3308]

Top video man, visuals and content is excellent. Really enjoying your videos. Nice one Thomas 👍

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@jmc8810]

That intercut at 5:55 was pretty neat. Great job with the content! I'm loving it

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@FanaticQuattro]

Great video, really enjoyed the production on this, the cuts to the beat! Very cool!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! Means a lot when people notice the effort I put in... 😁🙏🙏🙏

[@adamcoppard1936]

Wicked edit on this one. The splicing/cuts in time with the beat were 👌

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks for noticing! 😁🙏

[@benjones1525]

Another class video mate! Making it look eaaaaasy!! 🚴‍♂️💨

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🙏🤪🤘

[@carlruston5332]

After spending the last lock down years off my bike your posts have certainly inspired me to wake the legs and lungs and enjoy. Thanks

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

That’s brilliant... glad I could help! Get at it! 😁🙌

[@mistac7216]

Inspiring me to start hammering the bike again Tom.best channel iv found keep up the good work Awsome mate👏👍

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Ahh that’s great! Get at it! 😁🙌

[@paulangeloff400]

Another cracking video Thomas.

[@jonhaslam3699]

Well done for completing! You smashed it! Done this around 7 years ago. Brastead Hill is an absolute bastard. They used to do hill climb competitions here back in the day. There’s a vintage video on here from about 1932 of it. Brilliant video really enjoyed 👌👍

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yeah it’s a tough one... I’d definitely go back and do it again though! 😁👍

[@dkmodel06]

Love this channel. I live in SE London so I’ll be getting on that route soon enough Thomas. Thanks for the recommendation and keep the video’s coming 👍🏼

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🙏🙏🙏 Ahh awesome... go for it! Make sure it’s on a “good leg day” 🤪👍

[@renaissancestrings9264]

Thanks for the great vibes mate. Keep on inspiring!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@joshuaphelps4634]

Another cracking vid! I am loving the content, great tunes too

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@GazKennedy]

Editing on this is unreal, well done Tom (appreciated)

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@PC-fo8ld]

Banging ep mate - fav cycling channel on KZbin

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! 😁🙏

[@solaceinsuffering]

Worth watching for the edit alone - great vid, thanks

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@Harmonyww]

Nice editing on this one, getting even better!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@javanandre3390]

Super underrated cycling channel. Expecting to see the numbers fly.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks! 😁🙏

[@philwatts2785]

Hey Tom, another great video. Forgot shoes.....classic. My first Sportive is the Ranndonee around the IOW May Bank Holiday weekend. We'll done keep up the good work 👏

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! Good luck with your first sportive... 😁🙌

[@Stuey001]

IoW randonee is a lovely ride. Did the route with some mates, though not on a sportive, was a top day out.

[@philwatts2785]

@@TheCyclingTattooist sorry for the confusion it's my first sportive of the year not ever. Cheers

[@richardward7637]

We want more , we want more !, it’s 21.25 on a Sunday night and I’ve been and done 100km on bike today and all I want to do it go get changed and ride again , fuckin love your videos favourite channel by a mile , nice bloke doin decent stuff on a bike . Beats watching eastenders with missus for dam sure . Keep it up ,

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you so much! 😁🙏

[@Musketman84th]

That's was quite the spicey ride...I bonked just watching it lol 🤙

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🤣🤣🤣🤘

[@Bluesman2509]

Great ride mate, can't wait for your pedal power meter review (I use a Stages and 4iiii)!!!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏 they are good... plus loving the speedplay system, my first time trying that!

[@darrylthomas658]

Your videos are ace mate, fair play , top drawer :)

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks! 😁🙏🙏🙏

[@cyclnvancouver8060]

Well done. That looked like a fun route. Painful too.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks! I certainly had a lot of fun... 😁🙌

[@danmiller583]

Quality vid Thomas, if you ever go back to Sevenoaks for a ride there is a nice little cafe at the top of a hill called Idle hill, it’s right in the middle of Toys & York’s hill. Heaver Castle is not too far from the cafe too. 👍🏻

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Awesome... thanks for the tip! 😁🙏

[@benmarchant3518]

I was stood at the pub at the top of the Hever climb watching the cyclists come past. If you look carefully I made the edit 🤣 I saw you but realised just as you came past and wasn’t sure fan girling was the thing to do!! If you come back to Kent would be awesome to have a ride with you. Keep up the great work with this channel ✌🏻

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Haha how crazy... should have waved! 🤪👍

[@awisegirl1479]

Even I was cheering Sam on 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😃😃😃

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙌

[@jblanchard46]

Great cyclist chanel this , editing is on point! 👌

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@stilerone]

Those transitions from the bike to the editing screen 👌

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you... love it when people notice the effort I put in! 😁🙏🙏🙏

[@neilhammond8216]

Nice one , took me 6 hours , nearly killed me !! keep up the good work ...

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏 it was a tough route!

[@edychandra5965]

i love your travel ride bro.....

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

Nice video looked good fun and perfect weather too

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yeah was a gooden! 😁🙌

[@ezekieljavier8120]

keep it up mate you smashed it - from Philippines 👏

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@m1les7]

Man you’ve got some speed and power!! How do you do it!!?🙏💪🏁🏁🏁

[@talicmirsad8517]

From Austria 🙋‍♂️🤙🚴🏻I love your Video,keep duoinig 🤗

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏

[@davemellor4697]

The way your ripping past other cyclists show how strong you are Tom...i saw the ride on strava,impressive!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! 😁🙏

[@Eddie_Tyler]

Loving your channel fellah, and that riding style… looks like you could smash the pedals all day. Fred Whitton next?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks! 😁🙏 yeah definitely would like to take on the Fred! 👍

[@barrymcnamara]

Jollied up my Sunday lunch today 6/March. Thomas. I have chronic Piriformis injury so haven’t “rolled” for weeks! Thanks for your FUN ways! 😊 p.s. where’s my 👠 👠

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🙏🙏🙏 Hope your injury gets better! 👍

[@leslie7922]

Lmao the car Edit killed me

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🤣🙏 was umming and ahhing about putting that in or not... so I’m glad you liked it! 😁👍

[@LeoZachman]

Been loving your videos, you put out some quality content I must say! What mudguards do you use on your bike? I'm looking at getting some for my bike and I like the ones that you have. Keep it up!😊

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks! 😁🙏 they’re the sks race blades... 🙌

[@gedpitts8879]

Great vid. Lost count of how many people you passed. I couldn't do your speed on an e-bike!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Haha! 😅🙏

[@AdyWalter]

Another brilliant vlog, really enjoy watching. Heading sort of your way in May for the London 100. Just out of curiosity, which Apidura frame bag is that? Looks just a nice size..

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks! 😁🙏 It’s the 1L backcountry top tube bag... and yeah it’s a pretty good size to keep the essentials! 👍

[@Stuey001]

Editing is absolutely top drawer. Subscriber numbers will keep shooting up i reckon. Curious what were the old power meter pedals that broke? I use favero assioma’s and so far have nothing but praise for them - excellent bits of kit.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! 😁🙏 I had the Garmin vector 3’s previously... they were good to be fair, just all of a sudden started playing up!

[@tariq84]

nice vid. i did HOTA this year. Brasted hill... nearly killed me

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yeah that was a killer at the end... although I did kinda cheat and stop half way to cheer Sam on... 🤪👍

[@mcjimuelvillanueva4480]

This man deserve a 1MILLION subs!!!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

🥰🥰🥰

[@randyknighty]

Very good mate. Newish to cycling and got my first sportive in 3 wks time called the Cheshire Cat. And I’m scared. 🙈

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Ahh awesome, smash it! Just remember to ride your own ride and don’t worry about what others are doing... 😁👍

[@randyknighty]

Cheers mate. Will do my best. Haribos on standby.

[@gezginruh01]

Hey bro! Nice video... greetings from Turkey... Ride More be Safe :)

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏

[@AndyCrowther]

Fun video, thanks 😎 Fair play to the geeza with a little extra weight, taking on that many climbs! Technical question, as I like to film rides, what cam is on your chest and how does it last that long? You just take spare batteries?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yeah he smashed it aye! 😁👍 It’s a go pro hero 8 black and yeah just take spares...

[@gerardwirawan4311]

luv your vids

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@Geoff333]

Alreet mate great vids finally caught up 🧐🚴💨💨💨....just wondering what platform do you use for planning your routes 🧐

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

I always use Strava to plan my routes... I know others like Komoot etc work well too, but I’ve just found that I like the way Strava works and very rarely end up down wrong turns! 🤣👍

[@manwithnoname6580]

I like your upside down tube bag, what brand is that? It actually looks really aero. Great vid too. My first sportive was a 100-miler in Cornwall, I’m sure 99 miles of it was uphill!! Put me right off 😂

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

It’s the Apidura Backcountry 1L top bag... and yeah riding in Cornwall is always tough, plenty of punchy hills round there...

[@manwithnoname6580]

@@TheCyclingTattooist many thanks mate. Great channel , watch out for that max heart rate though 😳 . Cheers

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

@@manwithnoname6580 🤣 we’re all built different... my heart just goes high! 👍

[@awisegirl1479]

I’m very new to road cycling- like 3 months in and I’m loving your videos. Can you list your equipments in the description please? Good stuff 👌🏽

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Awesome... keep at it! 😁🙌 Is there anything in particular equipment wise you want to know? As I’ve probably covered it in a previous video that I’ll link you to... 👍

[@awisegirl1479]

@@TheCyclingTattooist yes please- heart rate monitor, your cam as well.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

@@awisegirl1479 oh, that’s not the kind of equipment I was expecting you to ask about... the heart rate monitor is the dual Garmin one that comes with the Garmin head unit. My camera is a go pro hero 8 black. 👍

[@awisegirl1479]

What were you expecting? 😀 I’m only a newbie so I’ll come back for more recommendations as I progress. I do need a heart rate monitor as I rode at the weekend and thought I was about to have a heart attack when I did a sprint 😅

[@DTB1976]

Man, great content. Thx for the vid! Short question: how happy is sam with his trek madone? I'm thinking about buying one, but, well ... it's kind of special. Thx and greetings from germany.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! 😁🙏 This was his first response. “I’m too scared of breaking it as I’m too heavy and it feels fragile and it’s expensive...” 🤣🤣🤣 shortly followed by, “The madone is a brilliant bike.” I’m sure you’d be happy with it if you were to get one... if an aero bike is what your after, it definitely ticks the boxes!

[@DTB1976]

@@TheCyclingTattooist Hey, thx a lot for your answer (and sam as well!)! Well ya, it's a rediculous expensive bike ... All the best for your channel and your projects. Came from Francis Cade to your channel - and I'm pretty sure the number of subsribers will correspond to the quality of the content soon! Looking forward to the coming videos.

[@tomhalliday2522]

Awesome video dude! Your fiancé is a very patient lady 🤣. My wife would have told me to get stuffed 😂

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Haha she has to be very patient to put up with me... 🤣🙈

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

Yeah my wife would not be happy she would not of brought them to me 😂

[@italian_cars4498]

very nice video and very nice performance bro

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@cdwilson12]

Brilliant video. You have some serious video editing skills!! Would love to see you give the Fred Whitton Challenge a go but its in the Lake District so a bit of a trek for you

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thank you! And yeah that one is definitely on the list... 🤪🤘

[@bobbysilver272]

Well done and a very decent pace. However, I don't do sportives as I object to paying to ride on open roads , but each to there own.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks... I think it’s fine considering they supply food and drink, marshalling and paramedics etc...

[@BurtDS]

You should come over and ride in Flanders.

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

That would be cool! 😁

[@thakoharris]

Could you share your setup for filming? One chest mounted GoPro, but then is it another GoPro or a phone for when you’re talking into cam?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yeah just two go pros mate… 😁👍

[@EscolaparaCiclistas]

Your videos are excellent! We lick it! Thanks From Brazil!

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏

[@bjorngustafsson3436]

Some hills there😂😅😅

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

There sure was! 🥵

[@press1]

Smashing it Tom 💪🏼

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks dude! 🙏

[@leeparry7519]

Living the American "road" trip. Is Benjamin not able to drive? Seems to be Thomas the chauffeur at the minute!!!! Any cycling tattooist merch????

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Tell me about it… 🤣

[@leeparry7519]

@@TheCyclingTattooist cheers for the reply bud. Love your vlogs. Can't wait for the next one to drop.......think I'm an addict!!!! Tshirt merch a must bud 👍

[@stevedean1602]

You’ve got a good missus mate.. I know what mine would of said 🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Haha! Yeah she’s a keeper alright... 😁

[@stevedean1602]

@@TheCyclingTattooist great video watching you pick them off one by one up the hills 💪🏻

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

@@stevedean1602 🤪🤘

[@jamesking3162]

Weres the best place to get cycling clothing do you know anywhere that’s does discount?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Not a clue... I just use sigma!

[@tianjincruising2156]

Good evening. What model is your car? Llke Benz e? Eighth？ I don't know if I'm right，haha:-)

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yes it’s a Mercedes E-class 2008... getting a bit dated now, but it’s reliable and I like it! 😁👍

[@tianjincruising2156]

@@TheCyclingTattooist HAHAHA，i see. It has four big eyes. I have follow you at "strava".

[@pragression7514]

Lol. I've kinda rode on that route. What was your time, btw?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

There’s a link to all the strava data/ route in the description... 😁👍

[@jamiebriggs7469]

I was there! First sportive I've done, was nowhere near as quick haha. Was really just pleased to finish at all

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Ahhh awesome, well done! 😁🙌

[@saladface8515]

What gloves are they my dude?

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

They’re the Velotoze ones... 😁👍

[@markanderson7412]

Nice one mate, but also it’s the way for us non pro mortals to have a crack this, Train yourself in the into structured form then just ride outside racing and kom’s etc on feel. You can’t change on the day feel don’t be slave to the numbers if someone is going up the road unless you have a sky train at your disposal 🚵‍♀️🍻

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Yeah I really do swear by sportives being a great part of cycling... 😁👍

[@carlbryan2227]

You been riding long ? Your very super fast ..

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Started cycling about 1.5 years ago... 😁👍

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

...and thank you! 🙏

[@alainpryt9641]

👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🚴🏻‍♂️🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

😁🙏🙏🙏

[@davon4333]

💥 promosm

[@ZombieGregS]

Another great vlog fella, looked like a nice ride. I cycled from London to Brussels a few years back and I remember those hills in Kent almost making me want to cry 😆

[@TheCyclingTattooist]

Thanks, yeah it’s certainly tough, especially when a route like this goes out of it way to f*** you over... 🤣🙈