Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Oscar's dad on 25 February, 2016, 06:54:44 am

Title: The Shark 200
Post by: Oscar's dad on 25 February, 2016, 06:54:44 am
There didn't appear to be a thread so I thought I'd start one.

I entered, then it looked like I wouldn't be able to make it, but I'm okay now. Why's it called The Shark by the way?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 25 February, 2016, 10:41:29 am
I'm guessing it's the profile of the ride - a lot of 'fins'???
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Oscar's dad on 25 February, 2016, 10:57:52 am
After posting my question here I found an email from Ivan the organiser so asked him. He said the reasoning behind the name would become apparent on the day - gulp  :-\   
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 25 February, 2016, 11:02:42 am
Well, if you really want to know beforehand:
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 February, 2016, 11:05:12 am
Sharktooth route profile, obviously.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: marcusjb on 25 February, 2016, 11:33:42 am
Well, if you really want to know beforehand:
(click to show/hide)

(click to show/hide)

At a wedding that day sadly.  Looks a great ride.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 25 February, 2016, 11:49:25 am
I'm looking forward to hauling my fat arse over them hills  :sick:

I'll like be the literal Fat Lad At The Back.....but I'll be loving every minute of it.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 25 February, 2016, 12:03:40 pm
(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/7914167/elevation_profile)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Carlosfandango on 27 March, 2016, 10:05:02 am
I've just entered and I'm really looking forward to this ride. A river, the sea, spectacular countryside and a hilly challenge, fantastic.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 27 March, 2016, 10:48:40 am
I did exactly this much climbing last weekend... spread over two hilly rides on two days and that was painful enough :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Carlosfandango on 27 March, 2016, 11:27:40 am
Crikey, I might be doing hill repeats most of next week in preparation.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: psyclist on 27 March, 2016, 11:45:34 am
I did the Around Weald Expedition permanent ride on Good Friday. That was a 215km ride following much of the same terrain and a similar amount of climbing to the Shark. I was slower than I would normally take for this distance, but the stunning scenery and fabulously quiet roads for much of the day made it a real joy. I'm looking forward to riding in the same area again.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Jonah on 27 March, 2016, 02:58:50 pm
Well, if you really want to know beforehand:
(click to show/hide)

The reasoning behind the name will become apparent on the day7
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Oscar's dad on 28 March, 2016, 09:32:48 am
Has a gpx of the route been published yet?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 28 March, 2016, 10:25:54 am
Still recovering from the route check ride yesterday, but should finalise the gpx & routesheet today.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Oscar's dad on 28 March, 2016, 10:31:45 am
Still recovering from the route check ride yesterday, but should finalise the gpx & routesheet today.

Thank you Ivan.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 28 March, 2016, 12:49:05 pm
Ok, these are now available to download from the aukweb entry page.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: jiberjaber on 28 March, 2016, 02:26:42 pm
Thanks Ivan,  I am sort of looking forward to this now, some of the hills on the second part I have been down.... they'll be interesting in the other direction!  :o  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 28 March, 2016, 06:12:34 pm
Still recovering from the route check ride yesterday, but should finalise the gpx & routesheet today.

Christ, if Ivan needs recovery time the rest of us are in for some pain :-)

I shall keep an eye out for you JJ - just one eye, so the other eye isn't blinded by the extreme levels of hi-vis  ;D
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: jiberjaber on 28 March, 2016, 06:23:23 pm
If the weather is nice I shall be in summer plumage which is less fluro  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Oscar's dad on 28 March, 2016, 06:56:08 pm
If the weather is nice I shall be in summer plumage which is less fluro  :thumbsup:

"And now ladies and gentlemen we see Jason modelling Gore's summer collection ..."
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 28 March, 2016, 09:35:38 pm
Route sheet and gpx downloaded thanks!

looks like a lot of my fave GdS 200 Meridian Hills vs some of AWE with some nice stuff near the coast; looking forward to it (apart from Hogtrough Hill)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 28 March, 2016, 09:55:33 pm
I've given up on Hogtrough Hill now and just walk it from the off, after getting a PB on Strava doing this - over a minute faster than riding up!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: TigaSefi on 29 March, 2016, 10:21:36 am
Hogtrough is a delight. Along with Brasted and Sundridge hills as well.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: jiberjaber on 29 March, 2016, 04:42:16 pm
Hogtrough looks a bit like Titsey Hill from its profile?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 29 March, 2016, 06:55:19 pm
How does it compare to Barhatch?

Most of my hill problems seem to be mental not physical. (I can ride up them no problem unclipped.)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 29 March, 2016, 09:38:50 pm
Nothing compares to Barhatch
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: TigaSefi on 30 March, 2016, 11:41:51 am
Hogtrough looks a bit like Titsey Hill from its profile?

Nope..... it's harder and steeper but not as long. Titsey is a meek little stump in comparison.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: LMT on 30 March, 2016, 06:41:10 pm
How do these compare to Whitedown hill?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 31 March, 2016, 04:05:44 pm
How do these compare to Whitedown hill?

straighter but probably as steep;

can we do Toys Hill and Ide Hill in reverse order pretty please? It's the way Meridian (and also my D2DR) do it, much more like it  :)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 31 March, 2016, 04:27:38 pm
can we do Toys Hill and Ide Hill in reverse order pretty please? It's the way Meridian (and also my D2DR) do it, much more like it  :)

That's the way we do it in GMC as well, but trying for a bit of variety here, and the routing seemed to work out slightly better this way round. The view from the Ide Hill descent is almost worth it IMHO. I will consider it for next year though based on rider feedback.

Of course, nothing to stop you riding the route in reverse (as three people did on GMC), just don't expect me to validate your brevet :-)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Diesel on 02 April, 2016, 06:49:10 pm
I've signed up. Looking forward to it - sort of....
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Gadget on 03 April, 2016, 10:43:06 am
I'll be doing the shark too, and I know why it's called the shark. All I'll say is it's terrifying
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Jonah on 03 April, 2016, 10:46:36 am
I'd say it wasn't as terrifying as it was pathetic
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: toontra on 03 April, 2016, 05:46:22 pm
Just tried the southbound section (train home) to see if I'm up for the whole enchilada next week.  Couple of observations -I can vouch for the fact it is hilly - fairly relentlessly so, and some of the road surface (especially the lanes) is pretty bad, so wide tyres and lower pressures may be a good idea.  A few ride-ending potholes so beware.

Otherwise, very scenic and took me to parts I haven't ridden before.  Am seriously thinking of entering, weather co-operating!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Cold Snail on 03 April, 2016, 07:00:01 pm
I'm in :thumbsup:

This will be a real test for me to complete in time, but what the hell...
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 03 April, 2016, 07:45:37 pm
The forecast is for light rain (or at least damp roads) so I think I will refit my mudguards this week.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: citoyen on 03 April, 2016, 11:03:30 pm
I've signed up. Looking forward to it.  :thumbsup:

can we do Toys Hill and Ide Hill in reverse order pretty please? It's the way Meridian (and also my D2DR) do it, much more like it  :)

That's the way we do it in GMC as well, but trying for a bit of variety here, and the routing seemed to work out slightly better this way round. The view from the Ide Hill descent is almost worth it IMHO. I will consider it for next year though based on rider feedback.

Now I think about it, I don't think I've ever gone down Ide Hill, only up it. I imagine it's a much less terrifying descent than Yorks.

I'm not familiar with Hogtrough Hill. Looks interesting.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 04 April, 2016, 11:02:26 am
I've signed up. Looking forward to it.  :thumbsup:

can we do Toys Hill and Ide Hill in reverse order pretty please? It's the way Meridian (and also my D2DR) do it, much more like it  :)

That's the way we do it in GMC as well, but trying for a bit of variety here, and the routing seemed to work out slightly better this way round. The view from the Ide Hill descent is almost worth it IMHO. I will consider it for next year though based on rider feedback.

Now I think about it, I don't think I've ever gone down Ide Hill, only up it. I imagine it's a much less terrifying descent than Yorks.

I'm not familiar with Hogtrough Hill. Looks interesting.

I always go down Ide Hill on the Invicta Grimpeur as Yorks is horrid skoggy and usually a fairy fest at the bottom;

Hogtrough is much like all the hills up that side of the Downs (apart from Star Hill)

bring gears!! lots of them
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: citoyen on 04 April, 2016, 12:05:22 pm
I always go down Ide Hill on the Invicta Grimpeur as Yorks is horrid skoggy and usually a fairy fest at the bottom;

Oh yes, now you mention it, I remember you've told me that before. Sensible.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: TigaSefi on 04 April, 2016, 12:12:32 pm
Pffft Descending Yorks is the only time when you feel alive!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 04 April, 2016, 12:21:31 pm
A draft of The Shark route had the info on Yorks hill, but felt that was a bit too gratuitous.

Also, I've been riding the route on fixed, so my comments on walking above were related to that, if you have more than one gear you should be fine :-)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 04 April, 2016, 02:25:22 pm
Also, I've been riding the route on fixed, so my comments on walking above were related to that, if you have more than one gear you should be fine :-)

Aaargh!  There was me breaking out the gears for this one, and now you mention fixed!  :facepalm:

Decisions, decisions  ::-)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Redlight on 04 April, 2016, 03:43:42 pm
Ivan, family commitments later in the day precluded me from entering but, as I live only just up the hill, I'd be very happy to come over on Saturday morning and help out if you need any extra hands to give out brevet cards, etc. 
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 04 April, 2016, 05:23:26 pm
Hi Redlight, thanks for the offer, but think we will be ok as got a few ACHers helping, plus more on the ride who I can co-opt in the worst case. Feel free to come to the Old Brewery at the arrivée if you fancy a beer though.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Jonah on 04 April, 2016, 07:39:33 pm
Looking forward to this event, even though I won't be riding - you can be sure that the route is a cracker but do keep a watch out for sharks
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 04 April, 2016, 09:47:07 pm
Looking forward to this event, even though I won't be riding - you can be sure that the route is a cracker but do keep a watch out for sharks

That's the second time Jonah has dropped a heavy hint.... I suspect it's not only the profile that gives this ride its name....
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 05 April, 2016, 04:37:16 pm
weather bagel forecast (http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/893cf621-1456-43f8-b5cb-7625aa1ef753) looking ok for this, I can feel myself being drawn in...
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: marcusjb on 05 April, 2016, 04:50:41 pm
Feel free to come to the Old Brewery at the arrivée if you fancy a beer though.

I'm in town at a wedding in the afternoon (we're service and tea party only guests, not the full reception level), so depending on how things pan out, I might pop over and see everyone early evening.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Jonah on 05 April, 2016, 08:17:09 pm
Would be fintastic too see you MJB
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 05 April, 2016, 10:09:21 pm
weather bagel forecast (http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/893cf621-1456-43f8-b5cb-7625aa1ef753) looking ok for this, I can feel myself being drawn in...

Apart from the 20+ mph headwinds :-o
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: chrisonabike on 06 April, 2016, 12:29:28 pm
weather bagel forecast (http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/893cf621-1456-43f8-b5cb-7625aa1ef753) looking ok for this, I can feel myself being drawn in...

If you do let me know and I might be up for riding up with you (or i might just jump on the train)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 06 April, 2016, 06:28:38 pm
weather bagel forecast (http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/893cf621-1456-43f8-b5cb-7625aa1ef753) looking ok for this, I can feel myself being drawn in...

Apart from the 20+ mph headwinds :-o

yebbut we'll be sheltered from the wind in all those hills  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 06 April, 2016, 06:32:21 pm
If you do let me know and I might be up for riding up with you (or i might just jump on the train)

I've entered and will be leaving Raynes Park at 05:30 so I can enjoy the light refreshments before the start. Am especially looking forward to arrivee at the Old Brewery Pub. Also the wind/hills/rain in between these highlights. Meet at RP station?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: chrisonabike on 06 April, 2016, 06:45:34 pm
If you do let me know and I might be up for riding up with you (or i might just jump on the train)

I've entered and will be leaving Raynes Park at 05:30 so I can enjoy the light refreshments before the start. Am especially looking forward to arrivee at the Old Brewery Pub. Also the wind/hills/rain in between these highlights. Meet at RP station?

Ill confirm - just found out that another RP resident (another Richard funnily enough) is thinking about it too. Agree re the arrivee
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: toontra on 06 April, 2016, 09:25:46 pm
The forecast is getting better each time I look.  Getting quite excited now!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 06 April, 2016, 10:17:43 pm
"Heads Up"

there are no direct South Eastern trains to Greenwich on Sat but they go from Victoria to Lewisham / Charlton* (*no idea why that's relevant but the replacement bus goes from there) or Overground Clapham Jcn (and indeed Norf o' the river) to Surrey Quays which are both a couple of miles from the start

Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Jonah on 06 April, 2016, 10:19:56 pm
^
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Pete Mas on 07 April, 2016, 01:33:01 pm
I would have liked to ride this but too much on already for this weekend. I see it has sold out now anyhow! Well done. Will have to be another year for me.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 07 April, 2016, 02:55:25 pm
Yes, only have 120 brevets, think we will need a bigger boat :-)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Jonah on 07 April, 2016, 05:51:44 pm
^
                                              ^
^

                                  ^                        ^                ^

                                                                                                                                                ^

You know the thing about a shark, he's got... lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll's eye. When he comes at ya, doesn't seem to be livin'. Until he bites ya and those black eyes roll over white. And then, ah... then you hear that terrible high pitch screamin' and the Weald turns red and spite of all the poundin' and the hollerin' they all come in and rip you to pieces.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: lemon muncher on 07 April, 2016, 07:45:13 pm
So, just going over the pdf / route sheet for this race and I noticed a small discrepancy. The "free control" in Mayfield appears to be a little more specific on the route sheet as to where the control needs to be but not specific enough as to be unambiguous. Ivan, can you clarify where this control needs to be please?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: fussballclub on 07 April, 2016, 08:03:09 pm
So, just going over the pdf / route sheet for this race and I noticed a small discrepancy. The "free control" in Mayfield appears to be a little more specific on the route sheet as to where the control needs to be but not specific enough as to be unambiguous. Ivan, can you clarify where this control needs to be please?

You can choose between a cafe and a mini market.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: lemon muncher on 07 April, 2016, 09:48:18 pm
You can choose between a cafe and a mini market.

But that's not strictly true is it. It sounds like you're stating that Peckish (the cafe) and Mace (the mini market) are the only options. The pdf instructions say, "so just get a receipt from the shops/pubs" might suggest a post office too or indeed a pub in Mayfield, regardless of whether it's on the left or right side of the high street, but the route sheet states, "CONTROL on R 137.9" so to be absolutely certain it must be (say, hypothetically, if a new shop pops up between now and the race) a retailer on the right hand side of the high street, as you're heading East, between West Street and Tunbridge Wells Road? I could if I wanted to go into the butchers and buy some raw sausages according to the instructions.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: LMT on 07 April, 2016, 10:05:02 pm
Whatever's on the Brevet Card innit?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: mmmmartin on 07 April, 2016, 10:39:37 pm
the route sheet states, "CONTROL on R 137.9" so to be absolutely certain it must be (say, hypothetically, if a new shop pops up between now and the race) a retailer on the right hand side of the high street, as you're heading East, between West Street and Tunbridge Wells Road? I could if I wanted to go into the butchers and buy some raw sausages according to the instructions.
In Mayfield there is Peckish cafe on the south side of the street, and the pub, then the mini-market. There are other places to get a receipt but the bank has closed and there is no ATM. You are talking about 50 yards between them all. Unless you go another 20 yards to the garage and buy a used car. There is a posh deli that charges two quid for a loaf. All human life is there.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: jsabine on 07 April, 2016, 10:55:14 pm
You can choose between a cafe and a mini market.

But that's not strictly true is it. It sounds like you're stating that Peckish (the cafe) and Mace (the mini market) are the only options. The pdf instructions say, "so just get a receipt from the shops/pubs" might suggest a post office too or indeed a pub in Mayfield, regardless of whether it's on the left or right side of the high street, but the route sheet states, "CONTROL on R 137.9" so to be absolutely certain it must be (say, hypothetically, if a new shop pops up between now and the race) a retailer on the right hand side of the high street, as you're heading East, between West Street and Tunbridge Wells Road? I could if I wanted to go into the butchers and buy some raw sausages according to the instructions.

You're over-analysing this.

The instructions say explicitly it's a free control and to get a receipt from the shops and pubs in Mayfield. The fact that it says Control on R is almost certainly simply because there's a suitable establishment on the right.

If you get a receipt that says Mayfield on it (or is clearly from an establishment, be it shop, pub, chippie, cafe, petrol station or launderette, in Mayfield), you will get validated as long as it's within control opening times.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 07 April, 2016, 11:06:13 pm
Sorry, been out shopping. Basically what jsabine says, it's a free control so any receipt that has location / date / time is acceptable as per the rules. The route sheet (which is only a recommendation after all) guides you to the recommended one, the Mace, but if you fancy getting your hair cut, buying some flowers or just getting pissed, I'll take that. If Mayfield has been completely decimated by hungry cyclists, just carry on and get a receipt in the next village, Rotherfield.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 07 April, 2016, 11:26:36 pm
There's also the Middle House pub in Mayfield; doesn't have a location on the receipts but I've used it a few times on Meridian Hills; a welcome warm stop on a cold winter's night

last time I asked at the Mace for a simple PO stamp they refused; first time ever ???
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: lemon muncher on 07 April, 2016, 11:32:03 pm
Ok so we can avoid the unnecessary right hand turn at T and instead turn left at Mayfield thus avoiding the need to double back on ourselves. Great!  :D Thanks for the response everyone. See you at the race on Saturday
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: jsabine on 07 April, 2016, 11:45:44 pm
Ok so we can avoid the unnecessary right hand turn at T and instead turn left at Mayfield thus avoiding the need to double back on ourselves. Great!  :D

How clever! You'll be able to save a whole couple of hundred metres. Hurrah!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: zigzag on 07 April, 2016, 11:58:43 pm
How clever! You'll be able to save a whole couple of hundred metres. Hurrah!

that's half a lemon worth of calories - every little helps!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 08 April, 2016, 02:21:44 pm

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Coming to get you!

Sorry, couldn't resist.... Looking forward to this!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: fussballclub on 08 April, 2016, 02:59:59 pm
Well thank you a ride in your car to the start is very much appreciated.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: chrisonabike on 08 April, 2016, 03:02:40 pm
https://flic.kr/p/G3rNco (https://flic.kr/p/G3rNco)

unusually well organised for this  - laminated routesheet - a first for me!

(https://www.flickr.com/photos/87284318@N00/26281936916/)

Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 08 April, 2016, 03:24:53 pm
From Sam's manifesto on freewheeling (https://medium.com/@jollygoodthen_75205/a-freewheeling-manifesto-7843fb0271b3) (in the SS thread (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=39410.0)):

When you’re riding fixed there is no element of free will: you pedal or die, much like sharks.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 08 April, 2016, 03:31:31 pm
When you’re riding fixed there is no element of free will: you pedal or die, much like sharks.

I picked up my first ever fixed gear bike today and put this into practice by setting off directly into London traffic to ride it back to my office :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Frank9755 on 09 April, 2016, 01:48:05 pm
I scratched at Seaford as my knee was hurting but it was a very pleasant ride down, especially when it stopped raining. Lots of new lanes and the sun came out when I was on the train to Brighton. 
Won't get back to London much quicker than if I'd ridden as the trains are disrupted today. 
Shame to miss the best part of the day, and a tailwind for the climb out of Seaford! 
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: LMT on 09 April, 2016, 07:07:24 pm
A good day out, thanks to the ACH for the ride and the food and drink at the control.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: SuperSam on 09 April, 2016, 07:38:09 pm
A good day out, thanks to the ACH for the ride and the food and drink at the control.

Ditto from me. Super control at Chiddingly which came at a handy point once the rain had cleared. I went BIG and it fuelled me for most of the rest of the ride! Was nice to pass other riders in/out of Seaford. The 'best' hills were saved to the last, Hogstrough was a real nasty one after 175k in the legs. Will certainly be back for more ACH hospitality.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Redlight on 09 April, 2016, 08:02:22 pm
Spotted quite a few weary looking souls dragging themselves through Blackheath between 6pm and 7.30pm.  Worryingly, one lady in a light blue top forked right instead of left at the exit to the village and headed off back round the one way system. I didn't see her go by again so if she was on the ride I hope she realised in time to cut back across the heath.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: marcusjb on 09 April, 2016, 08:42:48 pm
Great to see lots of friendly faces and ACH seemed to have served up another great ride.

Well done all riders and the ACH team!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 09 April, 2016, 10:46:27 pm
A hard but rewarding day out; some of the climbs were a bit more vicious than I prefer but it's still the only ride I've ever done from the Thames to the coast and back in a day. Fantastic bluebells on Hogtrough Hill with plenty of time to admire them!

The nasty rain at the start certainly had an effect but it was all over for me by Ide Hill; I was pretty broken after Cudham with very little to offer but my lowest gear for the rest of the hills.

thanks Ivan and all the other ACH for a top notch control ;-) it saw me round the whole ride
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 April, 2016, 12:55:51 am
A bit harder than I'm used to — and that's an understatement!  The climbing was relentless, the descending mostly of the straight-down variety, a brief respite across the Weald.  It was difficult to get a rhythm together and so it felt even harder still — staring up Toys Hill knowing it would take about 15-20 minutes of constant, unrelenting effort to get up, and then getting overtaken by someone much fitter  :facepalm:  The rain added a certain frisson of hard-done-by, but blew through before the Chiddingly control.  The "Ivan-e-strone" soup was delicious and well timed in the ride.

The there-and-back section to Seaford was fun, waving at all the oncoming riders, knowing that they have to climb over the South Downs twice yet  ;D

I spent a significant chunk of the day on my own, trying to maintain some sort of pace that wasn't embarrassingly slow, but also rode with Ian, inappropriate_bike, and someone else whose name has been lost.  The final run through south London, Ian and I were mobbed by the Crest and Kingston Wheelers riders and we had a blast riding back through all the traffic with them  :)

Thanks Ivan, with Justin, Adam and all the other ACH helpers  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 10 April, 2016, 07:42:37 am
It was nice to ride for a bit with wilkyboy yesterday - not least because that was when the rain stopped  :thumbsup:

I was sorry I couldn't hang around a bit longer at the pub but parts of me were starting to freeze - an excellent day, thanks ACH.

(http://i.imgur.com/TNKdJF5.gif)

The checkout girl at the shop in Mayfield was very confused why so many cyclists were passing through.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 10 April, 2016, 10:39:13 am
Thanks ACH for a great day out and a particularly fine control at Chiddingly. That soup was excellent, will there be an ACH recipe book out soon?

You have set the bar high for London audax rides. Kingston Wheelers Audax Chapter will be rising to the challenge on September 11th, hope you can join us!

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-368/
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: chrisonabike on 10 April, 2016, 11:05:22 am
Excellent route and controls. A spring classic of a ride- cobblestones would have been entirely appropriate.kudos ACH
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: bobb on 10 April, 2016, 11:25:34 am
An excellent day out indeed. The feast at Chiddingly was superb. A hearty broth was just what I needed at that point!

Thanks ACH!  :)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: citoyen on 10 April, 2016, 11:49:05 am
Yeah, just to echo what everyone else has said, that was a great day out on the bike. A really well designed route and the control at Chiddingly was perfect - both in where it came on the route and in the catering provided.

I'm pretty pleased with how it went. It was the end of a tough week at work, and I didn't get to bed until 1am the night before, then was up at 4am to get the first train up to Bromley. Plus I'm in no condition for a hilly ride at the moment - unfit and overweight.

Stayed with the big bunch for the first stretch down to Ide Hill, then just pootled along at my own pace, occasionally falling in with other riders but mostly riding on my own. I had decided even before the start to approach the hills with the mindset of just getting up them, rather than attacking them in any way, and that proved to be very much the correct decision. I got passed by a few people on Toy's Hill but at least I managed to get to the top without stopping.

Hogtrough is pretty nasty. You can see the road ahead rising almost vertically from soon after you pass under the M25, and when I saw it, the main thought going through my head was "You have got to be fucking joking!" but at least it doesn't go on too long.

High & Over was tougher than I was expecting too - the top bit is really rather steep. Lots of fun coming back down it the other way though.

The rain in the first couple of hours added to the general toughness but I'd mostly dried out by the time I reached Seaford, although I think I have a touch of trench foot. Unfortunately, I tore one of my Velotoze overshoes while fiddling about with them on the train and then binned them in a fit of petulance. That was a mistake.

Total riding time of just over 9hrs is about what I was expecting and hoping for, so I'm pleased with that, but stoppages added another 90mins to that, which is a bit disappointing. I was intending to avoid lingering at controls and other unnecessary stops, so often my downfall on audaxes, but I ended up spending over 40mins in Mayfield alone. Having spent 15mins hanging around outside the supermarket scoffing a steak slice, I set off but then spied loads of bikes outside a café I'd missed on the way in, so decided to stop for much-needed warmth and caffeine, and to use the loo - a blessed relief as I'd been wanting to do that since very early on (had failed to find anywhere in Crowborough, and didn't fancy the facilities in Seaford).

Would have happily spent longer at the finish, enjoying the fine beer and even finer company, but having checked the train times, I realised that I had to dash off or risk not getting home until very late. Plus it was a bit too chilly for sitting outside a pub, even if Jonah was doing his best to pretend otherwise.

Well done, Ivan & co, for putting on a splendid event. I'll definitely be back if you run it again - hopefully a stone lighter by then so I can really enjoy it properly.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: citoyen on 10 April, 2016, 11:55:19 am
It was nice to ride for a bit with wilkyboy yesterday - not least because that was when the rain stopped  :thumbsup:

According to Strava, I spent a good bit of time riding with Wilkyboy too without realising it...

Wilkyboy - I'm guessing that was you dressed in red who I briefly chatted to outside the supermarket in Mayfield. And then you rolled into the finish a few minutes after me.

Strava makes for interesting reading. There's quite a variation in the amount of climbing recorded by different riders - some as little as 2,700m, which doesn't sound nearly enough, and some with over 3,500m, which is possibly a slight exaggeration but sounds closer to the truth - and certainly closer to what it felt like.

Quote
The checkout girl at the shop in Mayfield was very confused why so many cyclists were passing through.

I thought she was sweet. She seemed quite excited to hear about what were doing - not the usual "You lot are nuts", but almost "I'd love to do something like that".
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 10 April, 2016, 01:29:39 pm
Thanks for all the feedback. Just worked my way through the finish list: had 106 starters, 89 made it to the first control and 83 brevets received at the Arrivée. Very happy with the way it went as my first event as an organiser, though it was a bit overwhelming at times how popular it was - as I couldn't accept any more entries, there then appeared to be 5-10 people 'just riding round', which isn't ideal. Think it'll be back next year with few changes, just increase the brevets to say 150 and try and keep the list open until Friday night - really don't fancy doing EOLs, but have to consider this as well.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Jonah on 10 April, 2016, 03:14:54 pm
I had a top time!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 April, 2016, 05:51:56 pm
According to Strava, I spent a good bit of time riding with Wilkyboy too without realising it...

Wilkyboy - I'm guessing that was you dressed in red who I briefly chatted to outside the supermarket in Mayfield. And then you rolled into the finish a few minutes after me.

Yes, that was me — looking and sounding like I was having a tough time of it, which I was  :facepalm:  It was good to chat, albeit briefly, and apologies once again that I got the last banana milkshake from the shop  ;)

Looking back at the Strava fly-bys, it's interesting to see how many riders rode just a corner or two away from each other — always there or thereabouts but always just out of sight!  I'm a flatlander, so riders would gain on me up the hills, but as soon as it got to a reasonable gradient (i.e. nearly flat) I found my legs again and put a couple of corners back between us  ;D  Those last two hills, though — Toys and Hogtrough, I was duly caught and passed by many  :facepalm:

Strava makes for interesting reading. There's quite a variation in the amount of climbing recorded by different riders - some as little as 2,700m, which doesn't sound nearly enough, and some with over 3,500m, which is possibly a slight exaggeration but sounds closer to the truth - and certainly closer to what it felt like.

It depends almost entirely on which GPS you use.  For a long-term test I'm running an older Garmin 800 and a new Garmin 1000 side-by-side to compare and contrast their data (I happen to still have my old 800 after I treated myself to the 1000 last year for PBP).  For the ride yesterday, the 800 reported 204.3km (by GPS) and 2260m ascent, whereas the 1000 reported 208.1km and 3,401m of ascent (which Strava smooths down to about 3200m).

A problem I've noticed with the 800 is that the altimeter port (hole) on the bottom surface tends to be badly affected by any moisture collecting around it, due to its position near the front of the device, whereas the one on the 1000 has been moved behind the mount and so is less affected, if at all. The 800's altitude graph is significantly damped (no pun intended) and lacking any detail until Seaford and then after the turn it picks up again showing all the peaks and troughs; the 1000's altitude trace is detailed from end to end.  I've had this before and mitigated its effect by regularly wiping a finger over the port to clear it — but I had enough on my plate yesterday to even think about it, gurning my way up those climbs!

The difference in recorded distances I think was the 800 was under-recording due to starting in a built-up area and continuing through them hills, leading to an under-distance of about 1% — GPS error.  On the 1000, I bought the new-style no-magnets wheel and cadence sensors just a few days ago, so I don't know whether the 1000 auto-calibrated the wheel sensor correctly, hence an apparent over-distance of about 1% — I tried to get the old, reliable, magnet-based speed/cadence sensor, but Garmin haven't made them for a year or two and there doesn't appear to be any old stock anywhere.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: toontra on 10 April, 2016, 06:15:53 pm
Thanks for all the feedback. Just worked my way through the finish list: had 106 starters, 89 made it to the first control and 83 brevets received at the Arrivée. Very happy with the way it went as my first event as an organiser, though it was a bit overwhelming at times how popular it was - as I couldn't accept any more entries, there then appeared to be 5-10 people 'just riding round', which isn't ideal. Think it'll be back next year with few changes, just increase the brevets to say 150 and try and keep the list open until Friday night - really don't fancy doing EOLs, but have to consider this as well.

Shame there were 14 DNS's.  I planned to enter on Thursday afternoon (being a lightweight and wanting to be sure there wouldn't be any biblical weather) but it had just closed!  I had thought about riding along without a brevet (not using the controls of course) but decided that would be "bad form", so I got up early and did the ride today instead. Very good route!

I'll definitely be in for next year, especially if you are able to keep the list open a bit longer! 
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: LMT on 10 April, 2016, 06:24:31 pm
Thanks for all the feedback. Just worked my way through the finish list: had 106 starters, 89 made it to the first control and 83 brevets received at the Arrivée. Very happy with the way it went as my first event as an organiser, though it was a bit overwhelming at times how popular it was - as I couldn't accept any more entries, there then appeared to be 5-10 people 'just riding round', which isn't ideal. Think it'll be back next year with few changes, just increase the brevets to say 150 and try and keep the list open until Friday night - really don't fancy doing EOLs, but have to consider this as well.

Shame there were 14 DNS's.  I planned to enter on Thursday afternoon (being a lightweight and wanting to be sure there wouldn't be any biblical weather) but it had just closed!  I had thought about riding along without a brevet (not using the controls of course) but decided that would be "bad form", so I got up early and did the ride today instead. Very good route!

I'll definitely be in for next year, especially if you are able to keep the list open a bit longer!

Certainly had the weather for it compared to yesterday.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Anthony on 10 April, 2016, 06:43:09 pm
Sorry I missed it - will the route be registered as a permanent? I might fancy this next weekend. Otherwise I will submit a diy
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 10 April, 2016, 07:23:20 pm
Sorry I missed it - will the route be registered as a permanent? I might fancy this next weekend. Otherwise I will submit a diy

In theory it could be made into a perm but I think personally it worked best as a calendar event;

check out Hillbilly's 2 excellent perms Around Weald and Meridian as alternatives to a DIY

http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/WW09/

http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/WW11/
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Oscar's dad on 10 April, 2016, 07:32:36 pm
Blimey, that was a day out on me bike! 

I found that sticking the bike in the lowest gear and just grinding up the hills worked well and saved my legs.  It was only towards the end that I had 2 or 3 walks.  I found the ride physiologically challenging more than physically - the relentless climbing and descending plus lack of progress.  Needlessness to say I was pleased to get back to Greenwich!  However, today I'm basking in a warm glow of achievement  :thumbsup:

A big thank you to Ivan and his ACH team and to Tomsk, bobb and carlosfandango for the company and the lift home.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 10 April, 2016, 07:40:46 pm
I agree with Martin - the limitation of no infos on BR perms means I can't really see how the ride could be adapted without some work and divergence from the calendar routes, in which case you might as well ride some of the other excellent perms in the area. As a DIY it works quite well, I tend to stop in Crowborough on the way out instead before hitting the tearooms of Alfriston.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: citoyen on 10 April, 2016, 07:49:57 pm
Yes, that was me — looking and sounding like I was having a tough time of it, which I was  :facepalm: 

I thought you were looking and sounding remarkably chipper!

Quote
It was good to chat, albeit briefly, and apologies once again that I got the last banana milkshake from the shop  ;)

Banana milkshake? You're welcome to it! :sick:

(You might be confusing me with someone else. ;) )

 
Quote
For the ride yesterday, the 800 reported 204.3km (by GPS) and 2260m ascent, whereas the 1000 reported 208.1km and 3,401m of ascent (which Strava smooths down to about 3200m).

Interesting. My 510 gave me 2,857m. I've never taken its elevation data seriously though.

Another thing that might cause under-recording for me is the fact that a couple of times on the climbs I was going slow enough for the autopause to kick in.  :-[
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: zigzag on 10 April, 2016, 07:53:52 pm
a big thank you to ac hackney and especially Ivan who found a spare brevet card, despite me turning up late.. the ride was as hilly as i'd expected it to be, and i chose to ride it on my hybrid with low gears, discs, mudguards - all the sensible kit for the day. i enjoyed the route and also being able to see most of the field near the turning point.
as usual great to catch up with friends at arrivee!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: fussballclub on 10 April, 2016, 07:56:55 pm
Yes AWE is very nice. As we found out yesterday there will now have to be time found for Victoria Sponge in Mayfield.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 10 April, 2016, 07:58:14 pm
Interesting. My 510 gave me 2,857m. I've never taken its elevation data seriously though.


My 520 also gave a low number which suggests it isn't a new-vs-old thing.

Another thing that might cause under-recording for me is the fact that a couple of times on the climbs I was going slow enough for the autopause to kick in.

I've turned my auto-pause down to 2km/h instead of 5km/h - but it still sometimes trips on those climbs because the tree cover messes with the GPS reception. I may need to invest in an ANT+ sensor rather than just relying on the GPS.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 April, 2016, 10:02:56 pm
Banana milkshake? You're welcome to it! :sick:

(You might be confusing me with someone else. ;) )

Haha — I did chat with several riders at the shop, I just assumed we'd discussed Yazoo, of which I had the last in the shop.  But I was in red — in that case were you in orange/black DHB bloq?  It's all a guessing game, sometimes this nicknames malarkey can be counter-productive — my name's Nick, BTW  ;)

If I appeared chipper to you then I was coming across better than I was feeling, although once the sandwich (and milkshake) worked through then I felt much better.  That said, I was still smiling (wryly) at the first control, and even then lots of the riders appeared to me to have the thousand-yard stare on and looked to be contemplating the wisdom of packing versus carrying on  ;D
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 April, 2016, 10:09:59 pm
Interesting. My 510 gave me 2,857m. I've never taken its elevation data seriously though.


My 520 also gave a low number which suggests it isn't a new-vs-old thing.

Another thing that might cause under-recording for me is the fact that a couple of times on the climbs I was going slow enough for the autopause to kick in.

I've turned my auto-pause down to 2km/h instead of 5km/h - but it still sometimes trips on those climbs because the tree cover messes with the GPS reception. I may need to invest in an ANT+ sensor rather than just relying on the GPS.

I don't bother with the auto on/off feature — all that info can be extracted from a full track in Strava or RideWithGPS as moving time vs elapsed time, so I think there's little point in limiting the data set (caveat you have to be able to charge it on the go).

I think a crucial design feature for barometric measurement is the location of the port and whether it could get blocked up at all — a single water drop is enough!  The 1000 has the port towards the rear, behind the mount and well protected from weather; the 800 has the port near the front, in front of the mount and any precipitation has a habit of migrating down over it.  Looking at photos of the 520, it suffers the same problem as the 800. 

There are also secondary air-flow effects, such that cycling into a stiff wind will give different results from cycling with the wind, although on a there-and-back and with constant wind, the effects should be near enough self-cancelling (to the sort of precision we're interested in).

I think a little over 3000m is about right for The Shark.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: jsabine on 10 April, 2016, 10:13:26 pm
(You might be confusing me with someone else. ;) )
were you in orange/black DHB bloq?

Citoyen has a small Castelli problem IIRC, though I can't remember if he'd resisted yesterday. He also has a beard, and looks as much like his avatar as MattC does.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: citoyen on 10 April, 2016, 10:26:27 pm
(You might be confusing me with someone else. ;) )
were you in orange/black DHB bloq?

I was clad all in black except for a dayglo green plastic hat and no-longer-white shoes.

Citoyen has a small Castelli problem IIRC, though I can't remember if he'd resisted yesterday.

Castelli-free zone yesterday, for a change, but I did wish a few times that I'd worn my lovely warm Espresso jacket.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 10 April, 2016, 11:12:28 pm
My DIY rides of the route all came in around the 3000m mark (though without a barometric GPS), but it felt harder than that compared to other AAA rides, so I contour counted it in the traditional fashion and arrived at the 3200m figure (strictly 3210m @ 1:50,000, 3230m @ 1:25,000).
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 11 April, 2016, 12:41:30 am
Citoyen has a small Castelli problem IIRC, though I can't remember if he'd resisted yesterday. He also has a beard, and looks as much like his avatar as MattC does.

I s'pose I'm just as guilty of that  ;D  (the not-looking-like-my-avatar bit, not the Castelli bit)

I was clad all in black except for a dayglo green plastic hat and no-longer-white shoes.

Castelli-free zone yesterday, for a change, but I did wish a few times that I'd worn my lovely warm Espresso jacket.

Ah, yes., there was a lot of squit about yesterday — a lot of 'guard-free riders, too, I found myself choosing wheels to follow carefully.  I found I was too hot most of the day, but didn't have any mid-weight layers to use, it was either all or nothing, but some of the descents were chilly, I thought — an Espresso would've been nice, but I would never get permission to buy one ... I do like the very red colour, though  ;)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 11 April, 2016, 12:43:29 am
My DIY rides of the route all came in around the 3000m mark (though without a barometric GPS), but it felt harder than that compared to other AAA rides, so I contour counted it in the traditional fashion and arrived at the 3200m figure (strictly 3210m @ 1:50,000, 3230m @ 1:25,000).

Thanks for the info Ivan — in that case my Garmin 1000 had it bang on.  I wonder how consistent it was for other Garmin 1000 users ...
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: citoyen on 11 April, 2016, 12:50:06 am
Ah, yes., there was a lot of squit about yesterday — a lot of 'guard-free riders, too, I found myself choosing wheels to follow carefully.

I had the choice of guards on one bike or disc brakes on the other. I was glad to have disc brakes - it made the descents fun rather than terrifying. Sensible people had both.

Quote
an Espresso would've been nice, but I would never get permission to buy one

I could only justify it to myself because I got it heavily discounted.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 11 April, 2016, 08:02:03 am
My DIY rides of the route all came in around the 3000m mark (though without a barometric GPS), but it felt harder than that compared to other AAA rides, so I contour counted it in the traditional fashion and arrived at the 3200m figure (strictly 3210m @ 1:50,000, 3230m @ 1:25,000).

Thanks for the info Ivan — in that case my Garmin 1000 had it bang on.  I wonder how consistent it was for other Garmin 1000 users ...

I got 3291m on my etrex 30 using the official AUK software (although the AAA Man now uses something else)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Tomsk on 11 April, 2016, 08:47:53 am
Just surfaced after a day of family stuff...

Big thanks to Ivan and ACH, great village hall first control and cracking route. Surprisingly ok yesterday morning, despite feeling drained at the finish and swapping the final 60km of my ECE for a train or two! [Thanks fussballclub for the inside information] Brake mechanicals overcome by i] bodging - ok for about 50km, with some cautious descending... and ii] buying new brake pads in Heathfield. SO glad I wasn't on fixed!

I succumbed to the temptation of beer and crisps at the Fox and Hounds info control [my excuse being I needed to refill my bidon] - ten minutes of normal life was nice!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Cold Snail on 11 April, 2016, 10:01:30 am
Many thanks to Ivan and the ACH crew for such a great event that I will look back on with a great sense of achievement.
For those who don't know who I am, I was the 140kg rider on the touring bike that you may have spotted heading south between Muddles Green and Seaford.
It was a day of firsts for me, the first time I had ridden a pushbike in London, the first 200k AAA ride and the first time that I went down a hill so steep (Brastead), I then found out that disc brakes can start to fade half way down.

I do try and get some photos on my rides, but this time I just had to keep peddling, so was limited to one at the start and one at the control.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/coldsnail/A7QVjxdInkzcY58HYPC4a7_I5DCdUIWpESIhCb2NrkE.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/coldsnail/pS31IvkY03CKo0st5MhBaAOKRQxUhNUs5M2ppjjMM9I.jpg)

For reference, my Garmin Touring clocked up 2791m, it sure felt like more.
 
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 11 April, 2016, 10:21:31 am
I'm also a bit disappointed that I didn't really have time to take any photos, but there are some good ones here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/themanfromicon/sets/72157664676544244 and another rider's video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg1TddCvfxI
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Oscar's dad on 11 April, 2016, 10:36:00 am
Many thanks to Ivan and the ACH crew for such a great event that I will look back on with a great sense of achievement.
For those who don't know who I am, I was the 140kg rider on the touring bike that you may have spotted heading south between Muddles Green and Seaford.
It was a day of firsts for me, the first time I had ridden a pushbike in London, the first 200k AAA ride and the first time that I went down a hill so steep (Brastead), I then found out that disc brakes can start to fade half way down.

I do try and get some photos on my rides, but this time I just had to keep peddling, so was limited to one at the start and one at the control.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/coldsnail/A7QVjxdInkzcY58HYPC4a7_I5DCdUIWpESIhCb2NrkE.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/coldsnail/pS31IvkY03CKo0st5MhBaAOKRQxUhNUs5M2ppjjMM9I.jpg)

For reference, my Garmin Touring clocked up 2791m, it sure felt like more.

I'm grateful you helped me find the pub and official finish.  I'd reached the end of my tether by that point and just wanted it all to stop!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Tomsk on 11 April, 2016, 11:41:32 am
So that ^ shark wasn't a hallucination then...       ^                               ^             ^                                                                           

  :D

And chapeau to those that just kept swimming pedalling, like sharks, and got to the arrivee!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 11 April, 2016, 09:01:10 pm
A good hard ride, thanks team ACH!

Did the Audax/Club rider dance all the way round with a group of Sidcup riders and some Rapha boys. They were dirty and fast, I was slow and clean. I had a quiet giggle at the contrast between the clubbies, who looked like they had just finished Paris-Roubaix at Chiddlington and then Tomsk walked in looking clean and relaxed. On the other hand I really would like some of the bikes they had - lush!

The Sidcup group managed not to have a puncture in the last twenty miles and beat me in by 20 or so minutes, but I beat in some of the Rapha boys - no doubt their on the road speed was way higher... but then I was on my Range Rover with big tyres and discs. Not fast but just keeps going. I reckon a group of eight is good fun but not the way to cover any miles without stopping every ten minutes.

Just goes to show there are very many ways of  having type 3 fun.

Was I the only one who stopped at Wessons and dared to click-clack through the big hairy bikers for a nice lunch? Recommended for next year.



Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Diesel on 11 April, 2016, 09:21:11 pm
Agree with all, big thanks to Ivan and the team for a fun day out. My first AAA ride and I certainly felt it. Good practice for some bigger rides to come....

Enjoyed the company throughout cycling with different folk at different stages. Don't know all names but enjoyed riding with Felix for a good chunk of the ride and I think it was Tomsk I rode the last 30ish k from the top of Brastead.

alotronic - you were not the only on to enjoy Wessons, there were a few of us, probably later than you enjoying a late lunch and good coffee. Agree, I'd recommend it.

My best memories will be of the underground car park start, the argument with the royal mail van leaving London, the control with a great Audax menu (loved the Battenburg), the challenge of the last few hills and the glorious sunset over London.

... and a pub finish is always welcome

Cheers.
Title: The Shark 200 - Sunday 2nd April 2017
Post by: Simon_A on 15 March, 2017, 09:17:00 am
2017 Edition.  Who's in?  I am and looking forward to it :)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 15 March, 2017, 10:12:30 am
I'm in...not sure about the looking forward to it yet though  ;D
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: citoyen on 15 March, 2017, 10:16:33 am
Haven't entered yet but tempted. Found it very tough but enjoyed it last year - despite grim conditions. Lovely route, first rate organisation, pub finish - couldn't really ask for much more than that.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: toontra on 15 March, 2017, 10:26:34 am
I'm in - barring biblical weather.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: jiberjaber on 15 March, 2017, 11:43:53 am
I'm in :)  :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Redlight on 15 March, 2017, 11:53:44 am
I'm hoping to be there at the start to help out - but I'm riding 3 Down the day before so may be a little jaded  :)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Jack on 15 March, 2017, 12:16:00 pm
I'm in  :D  but can't deny a touch nervous as I'm a little out of practice.

I managed a full-value Greenwich Mean Climb season before last. There was a descent on that (Downe Road/Cudham Hill) where I thought "Phew, I'm glad we didn't have to climb that". Seems we do for The Shark...
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: veloboy on 15 March, 2017, 01:00:09 pm
I'm in and also looking forward to it! A nice warm-up for the Hard Boiled / Dorset Coast the following weekend!!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Rumps on 15 March, 2017, 06:07:19 pm
SWRC will be in attendance .
See you there.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 20 March, 2017, 08:56:29 am
Lovely day a-wheel on the route check yesterday with akin and fussbullclub. Wildlife spotted: 3 dead badgers, an alpaca, Shetland ponies, heron flying over Ide Hill and a stag (or a hind?) in the middle of a field at Toys Hill. The views along the way lift my spirits every time.

Having to run it on a Sunday to get the hall booking is interesting as there was much less traffic, though fewer opportunities to buy cake in Mayfield - I'll be interested in feedback after the ride on what to do next year.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: iZaP on 29 March, 2017, 06:56:57 am
Looking forward to the ride this Sunday!!!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 March, 2017, 08:41:55 am
I'm in...not sure about the looking forward to it yet though  ;D

Fixed?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 30 March, 2017, 09:09:16 am
I'm in...not sure about the looking forward to it yet though  ;D

Fixed?

Laughing my head off here!

Having said that young Andrew (do you remember him from prize giving at compasses?) did ride this fixed. But his geared bike is a Pashley, so... He did walk up the last climb or two though (fair enough!).

Anyway, I am booked and Jonathan is coming down from Swaffam for it, a bit of BCM practice.

I really recommend a late lunch at the bikers cafe in Wesson (Wessop?) though you will have to endure the disparaging looks of big hairy bikers. The ones on motorbikes I mean.

And remember to keep 5% in the tank for the last 2 hills....

A

Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 March, 2017, 09:16:24 am
I'm in...not sure about the looking forward to it yet though  ;D

Fixed?

Laughing my head off here!

Having said that young Andrew (do you remember him from prize giving at compasses?) did ride this fixed. But his geared bike is a Pashley, so... He did walk up the last climb or two though (fair enough!).

Anyway, I am booked and Jonathan is coming down from Swaffam for it, a bit of BCM practice.

I really recommend a late lunch at the bikers cafe in Wesson (Wessop?) though you will have to endure the disparaging looks of big hairy bikers. The ones on motorbikes I mean.

And remember to keep 5% in the tank for the last 2 hills....

A

I nearly didn't mention it, because someone might say the same to me ... the shortest gear I can fit without lengthening the chain is 64-inches and I'm not sure my knees could take it!  I rode up those last two with Ian last year, another Cambridge rider, who was on a singlespeed — he walked, I rode, we got to the tops together  :facepalm: 

I'll be on gears  ::-)  See you there  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 30 March, 2017, 09:54:27 am
Fixed? Was thinking more about Carbon! Just kidding. LEL bike shake downs begin, I have a rather high mileage April planned although it might not work out like that if Jan, Feb and march are anything to go by :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 30 March, 2017, 10:02:57 am
Fixed? Was thinking more about Carbon! Just kidding. LEL bike shake downs begin, I have a rather high mileage April planned although it might not work out like that if Jan, Feb and march are anything to go by :facepalm:

Indeed! We need to be right on it from now in... Which means getting those plush bikes sorted :-)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 March, 2017, 10:03:55 am
Fixed? Was thinking more about Carbon! Just kidding. LEL bike shake downs begin, I have a rather high mileage April planned although it might not work out like that if Jan, Feb and march are anything to go by :facepalm:

Indeed! We need to be right on it from now in... Which means getting those plush bikes sorted :-)

The ones with only one gear, right?  :P ;D
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 30 March, 2017, 10:52:58 am
Come on Nick, not even Tomsk is doing LEL fixed.... Someone will, of course, someone totally mad, who likes a challenge wrapped inside a challenge... now who would that be?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 30 March, 2017, 11:50:12 am
I heard some bloke from Cambridge rode LEL on fixed* a Brompton last time....there is always a nutter about!

I rode the Croix last night and very much enjoyed using gears. It made for a very gentle ride yet a reasonable pace (for after work with panier and all that). 34/32 will have to be good enough for this weekend and I am pretty sure it will be, alternatively I'll drop in a few steps on foot and enjoy the whole experience regardless. I can't consider fixed for The Shark, more so because I would be done in by the down hills. I have the Arrow on Fixed to look forward to and then the fixed will be off Audax duty for a couple of months I expect.

*edit :-[
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Oscar's dad on 30 March, 2017, 11:54:32 am
And then there is the lunatic who used to go everywhere on a Brompton.  Until some kind hearted soul did him a favour and nicked it.  I think it was of those random acts of kindness we're all told we should perform every now and then. 
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 30 March, 2017, 01:36:19 pm
I heard some bloke from Cambridge rode LEL on fixed last time....there is always a nutter about!

I rode the Croix last night and very much enjoyed using gears. It made for a very gentle ride yet a reasonable pace (for after work with panier and all that). 34/32 will have to be good enough for this weekend and I am pretty sure it will be, alternatively I'll drop in a few steps on foot and enjoy the whole experience regardless. I can't consider fixed for The Shark, more so because I would be done in by the down hills. I have the Arrow on Fixed to look forward to and then the fixed will be off Audax duty for a couple of months I expect.

Fixed = London & East Anglia :-) 34x32 will be fine (well it better be as it will be what I am using!). Last year I had a 28x27 bottom which is about the same - I certainly used it but didn't feel like I needed anything lower.

See you there.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 March, 2017, 01:42:28 pm
34x25 got me up everything last year.  I'm about to fit a new chain + cassette, which happens to be x27, so should be a bit better on the big climbs.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 30 March, 2017, 01:48:46 pm
Fixed = London & East Anglia :-) 34x32 will be fine (well it better be as it will be what I am using!). Last year I had a 28x27 bottom which is about the same - I certainly used it but didn't feel like I needed anything lower.

Are you riding your Tripster?

Turns out my brake shudder was caused by a knackered headset so I'll be riding an old hybrid frame re-fitted with drops. I have managed to squeeze in a 32 tooth casette at the back though, and overall my bike+rider weight is the same as last year, so have no excuses for walking up hills ;D
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: rob on 30 March, 2017, 02:20:54 pm
Just about goes past the end of my street both ways.   I, however, will be in Lincolnshire.

Hope you all have a good day out.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 30 March, 2017, 03:27:20 pm
44x16 got me round everything bar Hogtrough on the routecheck so not too sure what you lot are worrying about  ;D
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Phil W on 30 March, 2017, 03:32:03 pm
And then there is the lunatic who used to go everywhere on a Brompton.  Until some kind hearted soul did him a favour and nicked it.  I think it was of those random acts of kindness we're all told we should perform every now and then.

How is the new Brompton ?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 March, 2017, 03:33:21 pm
And then there is the lunatic who used to go everywhere on a Brompton.  Until some kind hearted soul did him a favour and nicked it.  I think it was of those random acts of kindness we're all told we should perform every now and then.

How is the new Brompton ?

What new Brompton?  Can't justify replacing it at the moment, as I don't commute any longer  :(
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Phil W on 30 March, 2017, 03:38:36 pm
And then there is the lunatic who used to go everywhere on a Brompton.  Until some kind hearted soul did him a favour and nicked it.  I think it was of those random acts of kindness we're all told we should perform every now and then.

How is the new Brompton ?

What new Brompton?  Can't justify replacing it at the moment, as I don't commute any longer  :(

I was hinting (in a far too subtle joke) that Oscar's Dad had a new Brompton that might just be your old one.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 March, 2017, 03:43:10 pm
How is the new Brompton ?

What new Brompton?  Can't justify replacing it at the moment, as I don't commute any longer  :(

I was hinting (in a far too subtle joke) that Oscar's Dad had a new Brompton that might just be your old one.

Ah, soz, didn't twig   :-[ ::-)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 30 March, 2017, 04:09:21 pm
44x16 got me round everything bar Hogtrough on the routecheck so not too sure what you lot are worrying about  ;D
It's more the 18 stone on top of the bike I worry about  ;D Although admittedly I do approach every ride these day wondering what the worst is that could happen if I took the fixed, I think this time it will be wise to stick to the geared plan!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 March, 2017, 04:14:09 pm
44x16 got me round everything bar Hogtrough on the routecheck so not too sure what you lot are worrying about  ;D
It's more the 18 stone on top of the bike I worry about  ;D Although admittedly I do approach every ride these day wondering what the worst is that could happen if I took the fixed, I think this time it will be wise to stick to the geared plan!

I saw that and thought about it ... for about 30 seconds  :facepalm:

I've ridden hilly on fixed — once even sticking to 72-inches to prove a point — but: a) it's hard on the knees, and b) it takes longer, possibly significantly longer, and c) it's a Sunday, so have to be home.

And I'm feeling wimpy at the moment — not enough winter miles  :(
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: alotronic on 30 March, 2017, 06:52:56 pm
34x25 got me up everything last year.  I'm about to fit a new chain + cassette, which happens to be x27, so should be a bit better on the big climbs.

Discovered years ago (on a MTB) that us, ahem, sturdier folk need to sit and spin. 34x27 sounds about right for you, 34x32 sounds about right for me :-)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Carlosfandango on 30 March, 2017, 08:11:06 pm
34x25 got me up everything last year.  I'm about to fit a new chain + cassette, which happens to be x27, so should be a bit better on the big climbs.

Discovered years ago (on a MTB) that us, ahem, sturdier folk need to sit and spin. 34x27 sounds about right for you, 34x32 sounds about right for me :-)

Another year older, another gear easier. ;D
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Cold Snail on 02 April, 2017, 12:09:45 pm
I'm sorry to have missed this ride this year, but I did get a little bit of time today and grab a few photos close to home (sorry to have missed the earlier riders, it was a bit of a spur of the moment thing.)
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/coldsnail/library/Shark%202017?sort=3&page=1 (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/coldsnail/library/Shark%202017?sort=3&page=1)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Redlight on 02 April, 2017, 01:36:40 pm
I think there were well over 100 starters and they certainly looked determined/apprehensive as they set off.  Chapeau to the chap in the fared recumbent - I suspect he will be going very slowly up one or two of those climbs. 

I'll be back down in Blackheath village around 4pm so will watch out for the weary returners  :)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 02 April, 2017, 02:34:36 pm
I think there were well over 100 starters and they certainly looked determined/apprehensive as they set off.  Chapeau to the chap in the fared recumbent - I suspect he will be going very slowly up one or two of those climbs. 

I'll be back down in Blackheath village around 4pm so will watch out for the weary returners  :)
Did someone tell him it's called the shark because it's entirely at sea level? :demon:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: toontra on 02 April, 2017, 06:58:59 pm
Fantastic ride in great company.  The weather couldn't haver been better.  Only slight problem was finding the finish control but that was entirely my fault!

Thanks Ivan & fellow Hackney audaxers!

PS  It was quite hilly.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: iZaP on 02 April, 2017, 08:10:03 pm
Definitely hilly! 175 miles for the day...legs are aching!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 02 April, 2017, 08:17:29 pm
How does the shark compare to the hillier sections of LEL?
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Redlight on 02 April, 2017, 09:47:00 pm
How does the shark compare to the hillier sections of LEL?

I think the hills on the shark are shorter but sharper.  I haven't ridden this year's LEL route but my recollection is that, apart from a little stretch in Yorkshire, the hills tend to be long and steady.  Kent and Sussex hills tend to be steep in places but don't go on for too long (although it doesn't feel that way at the time).
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: veloboy on 02 April, 2017, 09:54:18 pm
A great day a'wheel out on the best early Spring day! Barely a trace of even 'wet run-off' and that thing they call 'The Sun' even made an appearance for most of the day!!!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Great finish venue at one of the best pubs in East Greenwich!! Well done ACH yet again for a fantastic ride!!! [ no bias there, despite that I could walk home...!]   ;D
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: toontra on 02 April, 2017, 10:12:26 pm
How does the shark compare to the hillier sections of LEL?

I'd say there's more elevation in the Shark than any 200k section of LEL - including the sections over the Pennines and Scottish borders - probably significantly more.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 02 April, 2017, 10:37:07 pm
So close to Essex so much harder....loved it though.

Yes, I walked Hogtrough,  I am informed it was only 11% when I jumped as well. I figured there was not much point in wrecking myself before walking.

In hindsight, I do wish I 'had tried harder'

Ah well. Work to do on Lung Capacity, legs were actually ok.

Thanks again to all. Good to see familiar faces today!
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: the straggler on 03 April, 2017, 12:34:18 am
Nearly late for the start today with the unexpected closure of Blackwall Tunnel South.  By pure luck I was rescued by Altronic and Jonathan at Isle of Dogs who happened to cycling across my path on their way to the start. I was about to drive back home in a cheesed off mood.

Spent a great day in the company of ACME members, psyclist, jibers, tippers and Jack.  That was definitely the hilliest 200km I have done, but found the 2nd half of the ride harder, probably due to steeper climbs and the  previous 100k taking its toll.  Overall I found it to be  a challenging ride, but thankfully not as daunting as the 3200km total amount of climbing suggests.

Couldn't ask for better weather and many thanks to Ivan and ACH members for putting on a great event.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: psyclist on 03 April, 2017, 08:02:10 am
Quite a contrast to last year's event, with significantly better weather. I also enjoyed the quieter roads on the Sunday, especially in the run in through London. Thank you ACH for putting on such a good event.

Great company with the ACME team, and various other riders met through the day.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Simon_A on 03 April, 2017, 08:59:06 am
A great day out, thanks to Ivan / ACH and everybody on the road.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Rumps on 03 April, 2017, 10:33:39 am
Indeed, a super route . And what a day. The only problem with the control at Chiddingly is that I could have stayed there a long , long time. Thanks to Ivan, Adam and all the other helpers for giving us all such a good day out. And of course to all of the other riders who I spent time with especially Laid Back Rich who led us astray into the pub at the top of Brasted hill...........( known I am told as Barsted hill locally).
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 03 April, 2017, 11:00:19 am
I'm sorry to have missed this ride this year, but I did get a little bit of time today and grab a few photos close to home (sorry to have missed the earlier riders, it was a bit of a spur of the moment thing.)
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/coldsnail/library/Shark%202017?sort=3&page=1 (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/coldsnail/library/Shark%202017?sort=3&page=1)

Thanks for that, much appreciated & great to see some of the riders on the road. Thanks also for all the feedback and praise to the ACH volunteers. I had a total of 155 starters and got 138 brevets back at the end of the day to validate, so pretty chuffed with that, including quite a few first timers which is always pleasing.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Liamo on 03 April, 2017, 11:28:34 am
Can I add my thanks to Ivan and the ACH crew. A superb ride from the Thames to the sea through the best of Kent and Sussex. I also appreciated Ivan's request that we kept Mike Hall in our minds as we enjoyed the day.
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 03 April, 2017, 08:21:10 pm
I was passed by about 4 riders (including treborb occasionally OTP) near Ladies Mile while struggling round my AAA Milne perm; must say I prefer the alternative route from there via Withyham rather than Hartfield to Edenbridge but 6 of one;

last year the top of Hogtrough was a sea of bluebells, none this year yet
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 03 April, 2017, 09:48:38 pm
must say I prefer the alternative route from there via Withyham rather than Hartfield to Edenbridge but 6 of one;

Yes, I rode both when planning the ride originally, it was pretty much an even choice, decided based on the crossing of the A267 being easier I think, but that might just reflect the days I'd been there - if that chipsealed road section from Hartfield to Edenbridge continues to deteriorate I might re-route next year...
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Martin on 03 April, 2017, 10:32:28 pm
must say I prefer the alternative route from there via Withyham rather than Hartfield to Edenbridge but 6 of one;

Yes, I rode both when planning the ride originally, it was pretty much an even choice, decided based on the crossing of the A267 being easier I think, but that might just reflect the days I'd been there - if that chipsealed road section from Hartfield to Edenbridge continues to deteriorate I might re-route next year...

It's a road I've only ever used on one AUK calendar event (my first, Battle and Back 160) but I always use it on the Meridian Hills perm. Mainly for variation as I do Hartfield a lot on AAA Milne
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 04 April, 2017, 12:01:27 am
Great day out awheel,  thanks to Ivan and the team for giving us all such a good day out...and of course to all of the other riders who I spent time with especially Rumps and Parky of SWRC who led me astray into the pub at the top of Brasted hill...

Brilliant work by ACH, setting the bar ever higher for London audax rides, can KWAC rise to the challenge? Come and see for yourself on 1st July!
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/17-269/

Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: wilkyboy on 04 April, 2017, 01:11:20 am
That was another great experience — The Shark in sunshine!  8) :thumbsup:  I have to say it beats it in the rain we had last year.

If anyone needs a kick up the backside to get out on their bike and realise they need to train harder then this is it — an early-season leg-breaker, lung-burster of a ride across the grain of the home counties, from central London to the south coast.  And back.  By the end you'll wonder where all your winter miles went and you'll be back out and training hard by the time you've recovered.  Which will be a week on Thursday ;)

I rode this last year and set out to beat last year's efforts by riding slower at the beginning hoping to keep more in the tank for the grand climbs of Toys and Hogtrough ... the reality was that I matched last year to within 10 minutes, and the final two climbs were as brutal on my flatlander's body as they ever were  :facepalm:

I rode with a long list of people, all of whose company I greatly enjoyed, but none for very long — I seem to climb slower than most, but descend quicker, inadvertently yo-yoing around several groups.  I think it's a gravity-effect  ::-)

The delicious Ivan-e-strone stew made for a special breakfast (I tend to ride fasted for the first 100km, but this extra-hilly ride saw me break that much sooner), and the hall was buzzing when I got there — the sun made for a very different experience to last year.

The flat sections were surprisingly quick, for me, proving that I have too much potential of the anti-gravitational capacity and should always aim low.  The depressing regularity and apparent ease with which too many riders passed me up the hills on the return leg suggests that there should be a minimum-height requirement of 5-foot-10, and minimum-BMI of 22 for anyone entering this event, just to keep things on an evenly fair basis.  Weighted rucksacs should be assigned to those who fall outside these requirements, IMHO  :P

Unfortunately, the Sunday traffic was in a few places markedly heavier than last year, I thought, and the lovely weather seemed to bring out some really poor driving — it was only a few places, but the close passes and general risk-taking were abysmal and one was very nearly life-changing!  As a counterpoint, the vast majority of the route beyond the confines of the M25, and a good part within too, were on quiet lanes and B roads and were lovely to ride.

I have never really minded riding in the city, I quite like it, and most drivers were happy to leave room — the run back to Greenwich three of us picked the pace up and it was a nice, swift retour that reminded me that even if I'm rubbish up the hills, I'm still okay on the flat and LEL's mostly flat, right?

Thanks to Ivan and all the ACH helpers for putting on another great event  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Jack on 04 April, 2017, 11:52:24 am
The delicious Ivan-e-strone stew

I wholeheartedly second that emotion. Ivanstrone is just about my perfect audax food.

Many thanks to Ivan and ACH volunteers for a great day out.

It occurred to me afterwards that I never actually saw the shark, but we've met before so I'm not too concerned  :)
Title: Re: The Shark 200 - Saturday 9th April
Post by: Ivan on 04 April, 2017, 04:48:49 pm
It occurred to me afterwards that I never actually saw the shark, but we've met before so I'm not too concerned  :)

Jonah didn't turn up at the start to help him out of the car, he's been a bit shy since all his teeth have been pulled out...
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: j_a_m_e_s_ on 03 April, 2018, 04:32:16 pm
I'm a little surprised that this years edition hasn't been mentioned, unless I've missed the thread?

The 2017 edition was my first calendar 200 last year, so as soon as entries opened, I booked my place.

Last year was near perfect cycling weather, with wall to wall sunshine all day long, but with the last few weeks being they way they have been, typically the forecast wasn't great, but at least it was going to be warm. And with the proper grown up mudguards I've fitted in place of the " to let" sign and duck tape specials, I was looking forward to it. As it turned out, it did only rain for little over half of the ten and a bit hours I was riding, most of which was with the favourable tailwind, so no real biggy. Absolutely lashed it down on the ascent into Crowborough and beyond, but cleared for the ascent of Toys, intothe low lying cloud.

The ride started really well. I got off quickly and within 1.8km I was by the side of the road changing the front tube after it decided to explode. The noise was akin to gunfire, and the poor pedestrian next to me at the time ducked for cover. I felt genuinely bad for him as we shared a short laugh together. I can only summise that the new tyre wasn't seated correctly and after topping up on air in the car park 20minutes prior, I had inadvertantly cocked the hammer on the loaded pistol that was my 28mm Durano.

Spirits dampened, my clothes soon followed with the slow and steady precipitation, I set off into the breeze feeling as if I was on a perm. I've done a lot of practise around some of these hills over winter though, so fancied I'd see some company soon enough.

It felt like a constant climb all the way to Cudham and by the time I'd scaled the 25%, using every inch of the road, I'd seen a few people. Quick breather and a small chat with one of the Dean spartans, I set off again. Had a lovely chat with Tim(?) about swimming strokes untill after the descent down Brasted, then set about the climb up to Ide.

Legs were feeling good at this point, but I throttled back a bit knowing what was coming from last year. From here the weather settled, and I caught a tow from a couple of Dulwich Paragon chaps I recognised from GMC, then had a game of leap frog with a chap untill the descent down from Crowborough. ( A chap I wouldn't see again untill just before Toys)

Up and down, up and down. Rode for a short while with a couple of lads from Greenhithe (very close to where I grew up) untill the first control, where I had a very welcome bowl of Ivan's legendary stew and a cup of black coffee.

From here it started going wrong. For reasons unknown, I had a strange knocking noise from my BB every single pedal stroke. A few grinds here and there, I thiugh it was shot and morale plummeted. I hammered along as quick as I could, taking full advantage of this section, knowing it aas pan flat, thinking that if it goes it goes, and I just quick time to the nearest station and chalk up my third month of DNFRTY. The constant worry actually took my mind of of the deluge that had begun, and I plugged away looking forward to the ascent of High and Over. The masochist in me loves this hill and I succesfully crested it with the gaps in traffic perfectly enabling me to tack where necessary. Info at Seaford - no ice lollies this year - and back to Mayfield.

This was a horrible part for me. BB was really getting me down. Rain was really coming down. But I plugged along. Bumped into another GMC rider who I was with most of the way untill just before Cow Lane. (I dind't see him again, so hope he finished.)

Just before Mayfield, my chain came off, and I thiught that was it.

Had a quick drink, had a couple of fruit jellies and remounted my chain and pedalled off. Hallelujah! The noise had gone. The sugar kicked in. My morale could have blasted man into to space. I was a man possessed. Pedalled in to Mayfield, and my favourite Mace shop control. Vege samosa, bottle of red coke and a quick call to my wife, and i was off again.

Bumped into GMC man2 again and we leap frogged untill cow lane. I was feeling really good on the ascents, but was my typical poor self descending. Romain Bardet I am not.

Nothing really to report from here onwards other than a big cheers to the two guys up Toys whose wheels I caught. Without them, I probably would have broken out the 24. (which was used for the first and only time all day up HogTrough - I love my spd sandals for walking in).

A massive thankyou to Ivan and co for a splendid day awheel, despite the weather. Rest assured I'll be back next year if its run.

Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Ivan on 03 April, 2018, 11:15:35 pm
Thanks James for a great write up.

57 of the 129 entrants braved the cold, damp conditions to take the start, and with no reported incidents apart from a few mechanicals, 43 made it all the way round to the arrivée and had their cards validated. Big shout out to Penge CC who tied with ACH for the largest club with 7 finishers and more starters, many on their first Audax.

Running it on Easter Monday was always going to be a bit of an experiment, but very happy with the way it turned out. It is a bit disruptive though as an organiser what with all the shops being closed on Easter Sunday - I think I might a wait a bit and see where other PBP qualifiers sit before placing it in the calendar for next year.
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Ivan on 25 September, 2018, 01:06:04 pm
Now in the calendar for 2019, on Sunday 7th April: http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/19-291/. Have made it mandatory route to remove some of the infos and make it more PBP-like with the chance of a secret control. No other changes planned.
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: j_a_m_e_s_ on 25 September, 2018, 04:13:02 pm
Oh, go on then.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: wilkyboy on 28 September, 2018, 07:24:42 pm
Now in the calendar for 2019, on Sunday 7th April: http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/19-291/.

Tempted*  :)


* it would be my third — it's a very enjoyable route  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: bludger on 13 March, 2019, 11:08:08 am
I've rounded up a couple of Audax newcomers for the ride, really looking forward to it (and the pub finish!).
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: TigaSefi on 13 March, 2019, 12:02:28 pm
Signed up for this: A tad shorter and easier than Greenwich Mean Climb Audax! ;)
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Laid Back Rich on 13 March, 2019, 12:05:18 pm
Now in the calendar for 2019, on Sunday 7th April

hmmm, tempting, but it's the day after our Amesbury Amble 300 helpers ride, so 500 in a w/e...ambitious so early in the year, would resemble a similar tough combo in Wessex...
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 13 March, 2019, 07:30:49 pm
Trains into London on Sunday don't start early enough. Ok for London dwellers I guess.
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: bludger on 16 March, 2019, 11:38:56 pm
Plenty of cheap hostels around London that accommodate a bike!
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: toontra on 16 March, 2019, 11:58:58 pm
Trains into London on Sunday don't start early enough. Ok for London dwellers I guess.
Makes a welcome change! One of the few that (the many) London audaxers have, although for many like me is still a 12 mile ride to the start.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Jonah on 18 March, 2019, 10:01:42 pm
Everybody ours a the wawder
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Jonah on 18 March, 2019, 10:07:14 pm
Typo
Everybody ouddah the wawdder
<______^______  _______^     ;    )))))  ●   >

Did you see what I did there?
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: toontra on 07 April, 2019, 06:59:03 pm
How did folks get on?  I missed this year cause of family stuff sadly.
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Frank9755 on 07 April, 2019, 08:16:40 pm
It was a good day out.  Weather was pleasant enough, a bit of mist in the morning and a shower on the way back. 
A bit stiff now, so an early night, I think!
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Jonah on 07 April, 2019, 08:35:10 pm
A massive thank you to the Boss Ivan and the helpers and riders on this magnificent event.  I had a great day out with the club and thoroughly enjoyed serving each and every rider with a steaming cup of ACH tea.
Long live the Shark and the spirit of all that made this year's edition another raging success.


Jonah x
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Ivan on 08 April, 2019, 12:21:13 pm
Think a good day was had by all, even those that managed to miss the village hall, or only rode the V of the Y-shaped lower section, thereby skipping the trip to the seaside completely. All of which means I only have around 100 brevets to validate out of 138 starters, though more made it back to the arrivée.

Extra kudos to the first time audaxers (even the ones that didn't manage to find all the controls, see above) - special mention to the rider on a touring bike with panniers, I think she struggled to walk it up Hogtrough Hill but still made it round with an hour to spare. Also good to see the likes of TigaSefi helping someone complete their first one.
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: toontra on 03 April, 2021, 03:04:47 pm
Entered.  This will be my 4th Shark but first audax (or anything over 50 miles!) for 18 months so absolutley no idea how/if the legs will hold up - but looking forward to it anyway  :)
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: toontra on 12 April, 2021, 11:36:10 am
Great day out (at last)!  Slower than previous rides but I put that down to the temperature (sleeting when re-entering London), riding on my own throughout (spaced out start times) and the lack of distance in the legs - all those hours on the turbo trainer don't seem to count for much at the end of a long & hard day on the road   ;)

Thanks to Ivan & helpers!
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Redlight on 12 April, 2021, 03:00:03 pm
  Slower than previous rides but I put that down to the temperature (sleeting when re-entering London),

If you were re-entering London when the sleet hit us, you can't have been that slow!
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: psyclist on 12 April, 2021, 05:01:12 pm
  Slower than previous rides but I put that down to the temperature (sleeting when re-entering London),

If you were re-entering London when the sleet hit us, you can't have been that slow!

I was heading up Hogtrough when that arrived. The roads looked pretty wet for a period afterwards, so looks like being slow meant that I missed most of the 'weather'.

I realise Hogtrough isn't far from 're-entering London', but my stops had been very short all day to avoid getting too cold when not on the move. My moving average was 19km/h, which I put down to my lower levels of fitness currently, and to a lesser extent the cold northerly wind.

Grand day out, all in all.
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Ivan on 12 April, 2021, 05:47:33 pm
Note that the deviations around the A27 junction closure have added around 60m of climbing, bumping it from 3 to 3.25AAA so you can always blame any slowdown on that :-) I quite like the return via Gun Hill despite the short A road stretches, tempted to leave that in for future editions.

In the end, after sorting 76 entrants into 13 groups, had 52 start and a handful of DNFs, exact finishers TBC once the brevet cards come out of quarantine.
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: toontra on 12 April, 2021, 06:26:49 pm
Note that the deviations around the A27 junction closure have added around 60m of climbing, bumping it from 3 to 3.25AAA so you can always blame any slowdown on that :-)

Ah - that explains it  ;D

I was comparing with previous years' tracklogs and noticed an increase in elevation stats.
Title: Re: The Shark 200
Post by: Frank9755 on 13 April, 2021, 08:16:32 am
It was good to get out and do my first calendar event for almost 2 years, but I felt slow!  The headwind coming back didn't help, but I don't think it was only that. 

I had the snow shower as I got back into London too - it started just after I went down Downe Road (the really steep zig zag bit)