I rode the 2013 version of the AWE 200km grimpeur (3.5AAA), which I hope some of you will ride in the summer. It is a fine route, which to my tastes is superior to the event I offered in 2012. A little shorter but a little hillier (it may have been the wind/weather, cumulative miles over the festive period, or poor feeding pattern - croissant and a rocky road were all I had - but I was feeling it at the end of the ride). Some of the changes made reflect feedback from those who rode last year's event, others for distance/AAA purposes.
- Gone is the out and back to Keston, replaced with a trip to Farleigh (which then allows for a better descent off the North Downs)
- Gone is the meander round the lanes by Eridge/Rotherfield, replaced with a stern climb up Kidds Hill to the Ashdown Ridge followed by a long descent to begin a meander round lanes by High Hurstwood/Five Ashes (familiar from my AAA Milne)
- Gone is Newick Lane, replaced with a nicer climb via Scotshall Lane
- Gone is the B road bash to Battle and back, replaced with a much nicer trip to the observatory at Hurstmonceux palace (hoping I can blag the use of the cafe, but it was closed yesterday)
- Gone is the rolling B road from Wadhurst to Frant, replaced with a trip up to Bells Yew Green
- A different descent off of Toys Hill is used (but not mandated)
Most of the route offers fine views, which is my key aim for this ride (and is the reason for the shunt to the observatories). That there are hills is almost coincidental
7 July is the date to put in your diary. This would be a way to keep the legs prepped for LEL, especially (imo) if ECE'd up to a 300km ride, without building up sleep deprivation.
Those wanting to relive the magic of the 2012 route by entering my permanent, which is largely faithful to that version (albeit out of "24hr control" necessity stretches beyond Eynsford to control in Swanley).