Hmmm - very tempting, as it sounds like a good first 600k... But perhaps I'm mad to even contemplate a first 300k, 400k and 600k in my second year of audaxing - will have to ponder on this one :-\
Make it a BRM 1000k and I'm there!
Seriously, it's a riding weekend, so we'll probably ride. Unless we're burnt out by then, in which case I'll run a control for you, if you like.
................................ flat[ish]. .............Hmmm, yummy!
Tom are you organising a 400 ride this year?
Tom are you organising a 400 ride this year?
Does that control have my name on it... ;)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6115671909_1a830872dc.jpg)
Or for a 1000 in the Netherlands, Zoetermeer - Paris - Zoetermeer has just shown up in my FB feed.Is there a link for that one. I quite like The Netherlands
Rich
I like it because its FLAT ;DNo because they drink a lot of beer!
I like it because its FLAT ;DNo because they drink a lot of beer!
Or for a 1000 in the Netherlands, Zoetermeer - Paris - Zoetermeer has just shown up in my FB feed.Is there a link for that one. I quite like The Netherlands
Rich
BB
..................................... There is a definite lack of longer rides after July (although there are stray 300s and 400s) despite it being perfectly feasible to ride well into September - after all, the Equinox isn't until late September.Andy Utley organised a September 600 in 2002 - "The Reading 600", a great time of the year to have a longer-than-usual bike ride.
Do we come through Lincoln on the way South ?
I can line myself up with a bed for Saturday night.
I'm thinking of giving this a go. I've not done an audax before, hoping to do a 200 and 300 during the summer but I've never done anything like 600 km before. Last year I did four rides over 200 km including a longest of 150 miles, that took me 10 hours moving plus 90 mins of stops. I'm worried about lack of sleep mainly as well as the distance. I commute a 50 mile round trip twice a week, hopefully three times in the spring. I could do with some encouragement that it's not a crazy idea....
Before people get carried away on the notion of muchos flat, remember that flat generally means horrendous headwinds with nowhere to hide, and your posterior gets double the damage as there's no climbing relief.
or Rhianna
If Rhianna is necessary, that is a ride to avoid. The voices in my head provide enough of a soundtrack, though I sometimes accompany them.
Do we come through Lincoln on the way South ?
I can line myself up with a bed for Saturday night.
Yes :thumbsup:
Route sheet also lists various three-star and four-star "hotels" en route in the Branston and Digby areas; no booking required, apparently, just drop in.
............ there will probably be a 'Helper's Ride' one side or the other. The weekend before would be preferred from my point of view ..............
Where would be favourable for a sleep stop on this ride?
Just a little reminder that there will be a pyjama party the night before at the hall, with breakfast from 05:00
Also there's likely to be a 'helper's ride' the following weekend - let me know if you are interested in this.....
I just need to get some fitness back to ride it, the last few weeks have been very taken up with the LEL control and now I'm using most of my spare time doing some painting and decorating for my Mum.
I'll be riding over from Milton Keynes so won't arrive till very late, is that OK or shall I find a quiet corner of the countryside and crawl into my sleeping bag?
Also there's likely to be a 'helper's ride' the following weekend - let me know if you are interested in this.....
One for the panel. Obviously, it's flat, flat, flat, so not fixed-unfriendly, but...
Would it be W E A P O N S - G R A D E - S T U P I D to attempt this on fixed as only my second fixed brevet ever, at twice the distance of the first one?
Wanna borrow my Dawes? 85" :demon:
Wanna borrow my Dawes? 85" :demon:
What's that, 48x15?
I've got a 16T sprocket, but I would be unlikely to go above 73" on a 600k (47x17).
I've got a tentative entry in and will see how things are in the next couple of weeks.
My first 600 and audax and on fixed! What could possibly go wrong? ::-)
Del, you are welcome to join the Mid-Essex Peloton [that's me and Huggy at the moment- the Essex Police Team will probably be too quick for us]. We're aiming for >36 hours and a bus shelter sleep-stop, probably somewhere south of Lincoln. Also as many Wetherspoons breakfasts as we can manage. I shall be on 72" fixed....I'd like that, riding with a few veterans, but I insist that you drop me if I start to slow you down!
A quick scan of the routesheet, current and February version, and they seem to be the same, ie no route change just distance amended, is that right or should I redo my GPS files?
Bonus kms now fully accounted for - 635km = 2h20 extra on the brevet card at 15kph - hey, full value riders can continue into Monday [just]!! The only viable bit of distance shaving might be to take the A15 south of Lincoln in the middle of the night. Definitely stay off the A16 to Boston...
Aukweb is updated and riders have been emailed.
Del, you are welcome to join the Mid-Essex Peloton [that's me and Huggy at the moment- the Essex Police Team will probably be too quick for us]. We're aiming for >36 hours and a bus shelter sleep-stop, probably somewhere south of Lincoln. Also as many Wetherspoons breakfasts as we can manage. I shall be on 72" fixed....
I was considering this event and note it states 'Mudguards required'.
As there aren't many events that stipulate mudguards, is there a specific reason?
LEL was the same with mud and pelotons but they didn't stipulate mudguards.....The decision by the LEL organisers did not stop the peletons getting muddy faces. (You all looked a lot cleaner southbound than north :) )
Del, you are welcome to join the Mid-Essex Peloton [that's me and Huggy at the moment- the Essex Police Team will probably be too quick for us]. We're aiming for >36 hours and a bus shelter sleep-stop, probably somewhere south of Lincoln. Also as many Wetherspoons breakfasts as we can manage. I shall be on 72" fixed....
Ah... but how big are Grampa's flaps? Wheelsuckers need to know... :D
Hey Matt
I'm a past master at making flaps from old mouse mats and in true 'Blue Peter' style, from washing up liquid bottles...
I do however think getting a 400 & a 600 in before the end of September is quite a big ask for a not-that-fast relative newcomer. There aren't that many weekends left, and you will need a decent recovery period (at least a fortnight) between rides. There's less daylight, so a greater proportion of your riding will be at night and almost everyone slows down after dark, meaning that if getting round in time was going to be a struggle it will be an even bigger struggle.It does indeed depend on psychology.
It depends on your psychology- for me, trying and failing would be sufficiently off putting and demoralising that I'd probably wait till next year till my chances were better, having spent the winter plugging away at 200s, and generally training for speed and hills. If you're the kind of person who is happy that they gave their all, even if they don't succeed, then give it a shot. No calendar 400s left though, so that's a lonely 400 you'll have.
Mudguards only work as regards following riders if they have a proper long flap.... which most don't - they just protect the rider, so not much good...
Going back to this because I've decided to take a lighter, currently mudguardless, bike rather than the Galaxy. I'll have to switch my back 25 for a 23 and then I hope I'll then manage to slot in the Mark Two Crud Roadracers I've just bought, with the rear guard "extended ...to give full coverage for the chainset area and for following riders" according to the blurb on the carton.
:)
Mudguards only work as regards following riders if they have a proper long flap.... which most don't - they just protect the rider, so not much good...
Going back to this because I've decided to take a lighter, currently mudguardless, bike rather than the Galaxy. I'll have to switch my back 25 for a 23 and then I hope I'll then manage to slot in the Mark Two Crud Roadracers I've just bought, with the rear guard "extended ...to give full coverage for the chainset area and for following riders" according to the blurb on the carton.
:)
London Liverpool Street – Chingford, Enfield, Hertford, Cambridge, Kings Lynn
Free of charge.
Reservations are not required.
Time restrictions apply on weekdays south of Broxbourne (see above).
207K in 9.5 hrs at a slow pace
To get to the start, I've bought an open ticket on Greater Anglia (Liverpool St to Stansted, not Stansted Express) and plan to get on any train before peak period that has space for a bike (or after peak period if no joy earlier). I should be at Liverpool Street for 1530, giving me an hour before the non-bike period.
Anyone with local knowledge got any comment or tips on that?
Final prep this week. I'll be out doing a 200k on Friday and Sunday then five days of rest with my typical daily 20 mile commute. If I can do the 2 x 200k and feel good and recover quickly which I'm pretty sure I will then next weekend it's a go.
I've been working on gpx files, one per stage, but they are coming out slightly over distance to the distance printed on the route sheet. (not sure if I've gone wrong (probably) or it's bikehike/google measurements.
First four stages, to Kirton in Lindsey, use at your peril!!! BwahahahaHA :demon:
flat001 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat001.gpx)
flat002 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat002.gpx)
flat003 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat003.gpx)
flat004 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat004.gpx)
ETA:
Here are the remaining stages 5 to 10-arrivee.
flat005 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat005.gpx)
flat006 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat006.gpx)
flat007 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat007.gpx)
flat008 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat008.gpx)
flat009 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat009.gpx)
flat010 arrivee (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat010.gpx)
and relax. ;)
I've been working on gpx files, one per stage, but they are coming out slightly over distance to the distance printed on the route sheet. (not sure if I've gone wrong (probably) or it's bikehike/google measurements.
First four stages, to Kirton in Lindsey, use at your peril!!! BwahahahaHA :demon:
flat001 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat001.gpx)
flat002 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat002.gpx)
flat003 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat003.gpx)
flat004 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat004.gpx)
ETA:
Here are the remaining stages 5 to 10-arrivee.
flat005 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat005.gpx)
flat006 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat006.gpx)
flat007 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat007.gpx)
flat008 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat008.gpx)
flat009 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat009.gpx)
flat010 arrivee (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://www.sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat010.gpx)
and relax. ;)
Thanks to delthebike on page 3
Is the helpers ride still going ahead on the 14th? Unfortunately I'm not going to make it this weekend due to Mrs C.'s work commitments. :-\Oaky and possibly A.N.Other [notp] will be riding on 14th. I can get cards to Oaky tomorrow.
If there is no rain in the forecast(fingers crossed) I may just stealth camp it. I can not see prebooking a place. This is my first 600K and I do not know where I'll be when I decide to sleep. Do people usually carry a Therm-a-rest and light weight sleeping bag on these things? Honestly if it is not raining I think I'll be so tired I could sleep anywhere.
Is the helpers ride still going ahead on the 14th? Unfortunately I'm not going to make it this weekend due to Mrs C.'s work commitments. :-\Oaky and possibly A.N.Other [notp] will be riding on 14th. I can get cards to Oaky tomorrow.
I'm not great at sleeping on audaxes, so a bus shelter won't do me much good. It's possible a hotel room won't help me get more than a couple of hours.Hotel Desperation at 400km. ;D
Any alternatives along the route?
still dithering on whether to actually ride this, but I have booked a fully refundable premier inn room at Goole. Unfortunately I just realised that (with the over distance of this ride) goole is only a few kilometres past halfway. At my speed, that is still probably a midnight checkin, but further along would be better.
.... nice southerly forecast for Saturday.And a not so nice southerly for Sunday!
.... nice southerly forecast for Saturday.And a not so nice southerly for Sunday!
.... nice southerly forecast for Saturday.And a not so nice southerly for Sunday!
Selfish co-worker wants to have the barbecue at his home, so probably won't move it for me. I've actually told him I'm not coming, but as he's been planning it for months, we've become good friends and he's resigned, I'm feeling bad about it. Completely forgot about it when signing up for the ride.
.... nice southerly forecast for Saturday.And a not so nice southerly for Sunday!
.... nice southerly forecast for Saturday.And a not so nice southerly for Sunday!
So....spend Saturday chosing your mobile windbreak for Sunday :) - Lars, are you prepared to tow Team Essex Maidens?
Really should stop this post-LEL insanity... :o :o
Really should stop this post-LEL insanity... :o :o
That's what Audax is all about I guess - you think you're going out for a nice little bike ride, then....you just keep going....and going :thumbsup:
I am starting to look doubtful now, back and side still sore from Sunday's encounter with the idiot on the mountain bike.
Will make a decision tomorrow.
Could I do it next week on the helpers ride if I am feeling better?
I am starting to look doubtful now, back and side still sore from Sunday's encounter with the idiot on the mountain bike.
Will make a decision tomorrow.
Could I do it next week on the helpers ride if I am feeling better?
That should be ok - Oaky & Christophe will be leaving from Witham at first light, starting later from Dunmow - better check with them.
I may be out. I have not recovered at all well from Sunday's effort. I'll give it another 24hrs.
Rob
I may be out. I have not recovered at all well from Sunday's effort. I'll give it another 24hrs.
Rob
Damn Rob, I was hoping to crash your handy sleep stop at 400k, lol
Best wishes for your recover;)
Been googling around for facilities in/near Sleaford, - for the benefit of faster riders, mainly [we'll probably be heading to the 'Packhorse' for breakfast...] Not much information around that I can find, but it seems the services on the A15/A17 roundabout are open 24 hours. Means going into town, then round the 1-way, back out on Northgate [heading Lincoln-wards] - unless you fancy your chances on the A17!
I am now out, the tendonitis which has wiped out half of my season has returned with a vengeance, sods law says it clears up by Sunday.
I had a message from Huggy at 1803 saying he had 44k to go and predicted finishing by 2000.
We saw Tomsk, Huggy Del and a couple of others (AlbertoC?) coming into Whittlesey at about 12, and 3 others before we turned towards Wisbech. They looked to be in fine spirits. :thumbsup:
We saw Tomsk, Huggy Del and a couple of others (AlbertoC?) coming into Whittlesey at about 12, and 3 others before we turned towards Wisbech. They looked to be in fine spirits. :thumbsup:Unless it was the real Contador, it wasn't me as I was mtbing in the North Downs :)
The couple on the orange tandem looked very tired.That's probably because we were!
Are Huggy and Tomsk still out there?
Looking forward to the write ups.
Are Huggy and Tomsk still out there?Our little peloton of 5 (Tomsk, delthebike, Ivan [forum name to be inserted] & Grampa) finished just after 8pm. 28 hours of riding and 10 hours off the bike. Further write up will have to wait until my left hand is no longer doing a good impression of a claw and it can type with more than one finger again!
Looking forward to the write ups.
The early reports are quite funny. I'm surprised people are surprised at Tomsk's routes. Doesn't the whole world know that you can expect bonus kilometres and hills in the final stages, just when you don't want them? ;DRoute change suggestion for next year would be to add a few km on a wider tour of East Anglia and finish at Potton, then lay on a bus to get back to Great Dunmow. The bonus Tomsk kilometers and sting in the tail climbing in flat Essex could avoided :P
Route change suggestion for next year would be to add a few km on a wider tour of East Anglia and finish at Potton, then lay on a bus to get back to Great Dunmow. The bonus Tomsk kilometers and sting in the tail climbing in flat Essex could avoided :P
Huggy and I had <one hour kip in a 3* Audax Hotel (if it had a bench it'd be 4* and if it was more enclosed a 5* :P)Could have been 3*+ if it had a sign saying "Audaxers sleeping, please wake in one hour" - the Police officers with their bright search light were a bit too early :facepalm:
I had a cracking ride and can give directions to every toilet between Dunmow and Goole.I can vouch for such creatures I saw on the Asparagus and Strawberries ride in May, but none came out to say hello to me on this one :)
Riding home last night I started hallucinating! Unless there really are giant green rabbits that wave you on I suspect lack of sleep.
Blimey, introducing yourself to audaxing with a 600 is good going Del. Did you get any good pics?I got pics! :thumbsup:
We saw Tomsk, Huggy Del and a couple of others (AlbertoC?) coming into Whittlesey at about 12, and 3 others before we turned towards Wisbech. They looked to be in fine spirits. :thumbsup:
So...you like the flat stuff really, eh? [But you did have a nice tailwind - felt like riding uphill all day to us]I have a love-hate relationship with the flatlands, I can cope with 100k/300 of tailwind-tastic evens to get me from Oundle to Swaffham.
I think Sunday on your ride would have killed me- headwind, endless horizons, the slow slow countdown to 630km?
I think Sunday on your ride would have killed me- headwind, endless horizons, the slow slow countdown to 630km?
This exactly what it was like.
[Our Contador was Ivan Cornell, [Audax Club Hackney, LEL 2013 Veteran, Bus Shelter Hardman etc]
We saw Tomsk, Huggy Del and a couple of others (AlbertoC?) coming into Whittlesey at about 12, and 3 others before we turned towards Wisbech. They looked to be in fine spirits. :thumbsup:
I saw Tomsk leading them towards Royston just before I stopped at Maccy Ds for some sleep, coffee and some milkshakes for my bottles. They all looked like they were going to finish OK. The couple on the orange tandem looked very tired.
I had to do a bear impression before I got home.
Riding south towards Lincoln, we knew there were some hills to climb. But first a long straight road in the dark: it was only when Veloman mentioned that those red lights must be RAF Scampton that I recognised it: we rode along here on To Holl and Back 600 and the Red Arrows took off above me just a bit further along: amazing sight.
Its all a bit insane, but that sounds like the extreme end Tomsk.
Post ride chats at work amuse me:
How far? About 380 miles.
Did you do it for charity? No.
Was it a race? No.
Who were you going to see? No one.
Did you enjoy it? Er......
Have you got any photos? Yes.
There's nothing in them? That's a fen.
What's wrong with your legs? Ouch, nothing.
Anyone else coming to pizza hut?
Coincidentally, the Red Arrows were just about visible to the east of the last stage yesterday at the finale of the Duxford Air Show - I noticed the vapour trails, Huggy realised what they were, along with the Lancaster that flew over on the leg into Potton.
Three or four Mickey D milkshakes to fill up the bottles? Wait a while for it to thaw, and then sip every 10 mins or so
while it lasts? Will try that as it seems a nice change from awful expensive gas station energy drinks or yucky SIS electrolyte
enhanced tap water...
Just cracked up my SiL by telling her I spent some time in a bus shelter with two men I met on the internet and my sore arse. ::-)
Rod where the #%%€ was that McDonalds?
Veloman and you had the right idea one I had thought of early and never tried. Wait at the Travel Lodge/Premeire Inn for a room.
Did I find it tough? Yes, because of the surface and time spent in the saddle (and I ride Fizik Arione with 23mm ProRace 3 inflated to 120psi which just made matters worse and my own fault so no complaints).
...And coming along nicely: Flatlands 'lite' - my slimmed down version for 2014 has been approved, with 606km and fewer lumps on the last section! It'll be a BRM too, so cut off time 22:00 Sunday, not the early hours of Monday ;D
I'll get it registered as a permanent too.
...And coming along nicely: Flatlands 'lite' - my slimmed down version for 2014 has been approved, with 606km and fewer lumps on the last section! It'll be a BRM too, so cut off time 22:00 Sunday, not the early hours of Monday ;D
I'll get it registered as a permanent too.
Rod where the #%%€ was that McDonalds? Thanks for the blanket but in the end that vent didn't keep us warm and we pressed on as well. I finished at 5 with a 30 minute nap. As a newcomer to Audaxing all of you are my heros.The McDonalds was at Glinton near Peterborough - I told you I went off course! I thought there was a better chance of something open if I went that way and it didn't add many kms - may even have taken some off.
Reading some of the above posts shows riders demonstrating truly audacious resourcefulness - no pampering by the W.I. in cosy village halls etc......
Flatlands 2014: provisional date 13th September, then temporarily moving to June as a PBP qualifier the following year. [Depends when other 600km qualifiers are and the ACP cut-off dates - may well make it a 'last chance' qualifier, as being x-rated it's less hassle with last-minute entries/cancellations etc]
Flatlands 2014: provisional date 13th September, then temporarily moving to June as a PBP qualifier the following year. [Depends when other 600km qualifiers are and the ACP cut-off dates - may well make it a 'last chance' qualifier, as being x-rated it's less hassle with last-minute entries/cancellations etc]
Well Veloman does have a way with words "Do you like fish?"
Yes, THREE speed Brompton. Amazing isn't it? So if ever you start to feel weak, just think of what he has achieved on it this year.
All that said, Tomsk rode fixed – which I think was borderline masochism – and he slept in a bus shelter!! :thumbsup:
Glad you and Wilkyboy made it round alright - those road surfaces must really have hurt on the Brompton's small wheels.
All that said, Tomsk rode fixed ........ and he slept in a bus shelter!!
This weekend Christophe and Oaky are doing the 'Helpers' Ride' starting at 07:00 Saturday. They may not need their spinnakers like we did last weekend......but have been fully briefed on the bus shelters of Lincolnshire :thumbsup:Look Huggy the bus shelter we shared on our first night together. :'(
One gear each :D....
Look Huggy the bus shelter we shared on our first night together. :'(
Audax Hotel 3* (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=53.260239,-0.558352&hl=en&sll=53.260105,-0.558286&sspn=0.00387,0.007746&mra=mift&mrsp=0&sz=17&t=m&z=17)
I've got a tentative entry in and will see how things are in the next couple of weeks.My tentative entry turned into a proper entry and I did ride the Flatlands on fixed. In that previous couple of weeks I rode quite normally, which means that I didn't do any training for the ride and the longest I did ride was 140km. But I did ride every day, which is normal for me, although some days where quite short, 16-20km. Average distance was around 40km per day.
My first 600 and audax and on fixed! What could possibly go wrong? ::-)
I've yet to sleep in a bus shelter but really want to ::-)They leave a lot to be desired! But after 22 hours of riding it doesn't matter and won't kill you.
I've yet to sleep in a bus shelter but really want to ::-)
I'm very interested in bivvy experiences as I'm considering something similar. Which bivvy did you get?I have an Alpkit Hunka XL. I think Huggy had an emergency, orange, bivvy.
I'm very interested in bivvy experiences as I'm considering something similar. Which bivvy did you get?I have an Alpkit Hunka XL. I think Huggy had an emergency, orange, bivvy.
I'm very interested in bivvy experiences as I'm considering something similar. Which bivvy did you get?I have an Alpkit Hunka XL. I think Huggy had an emergency, orange, bivvy.
I've yet to sleep in a bus shelter but really want to ::-)
I've yet to sleep in a bus shelter but really want to ::-)
It was one of the most cold and miserable experiences I have ever had. Made me realise how bad being homeless can be, should really give some money to Shelter this xmas.
I've yet to sleep in a bus shelter but really want to ::-)
It was one of the most cold and miserable experiences I have ever had. Made me realise how bad being homeless can be, should really give some money to Shelter this xmas.
A fair point. Doing it for "fun" is one thing. Doing cos you've no choice is quite another.
I've yet to sleep in a bus shelter but really want to ::-)
It was one of the most cold and miserable experiences I have ever had. Made me realise how bad being homeless can be, should really give some money to Shelter this xmas.
A fair point. Doing it for "fun" is one thing. Doing cos you've no choice is quite another.
UK Weather: PLS to be swapping the wind speed and direction between Saturday and Sunday! kthxbaiExcuse me if this is a stupid suggestion or so wimpish that I get banned from audax in my first season but, if the total route is approved, could you maybe start the 635 from Goole as a DIY?
(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/lincoln_sat_sun.JPG)
>:(
Try it in mid winter and you'll really know!
I've shared your sentiments very many times. The homeless often die young and I can easily understand why.
UK Weather: PLS to be swapping the wind speed and direction between Saturday and Sunday! kthxbai
(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/lincoln_sat_sun.JPG)
>:(
UK Weather: PLS to be swapping the wind speed and direction between Saturday and Sunday! kthxbaiExcuse me if this is a stupid suggestion or so wimpish that I get banned from audax in my first season but, if the total route is approved, could you maybe start the 635 from Goole as a DIY?
(http://www.oakden.org/mark/bike/yacf/pics/lincoln_sat_sun.JPG)
>:(
Lol, I wouldn't bother with the lottery this weekend if I was you.
Lol, I wouldn't bother with the lottery this weekend if I was you.
I hope you're not laughing at our potntial misfortune Master Bloomers. >:(
Lol, I wouldn't bother with the lottery this weekend if I was you.
I hope you're not laughing at our potntial misfortune Master Bloomers. >:(
I am if he's not ;D Seriously though, have a fun and safe ride. It's gonna be tough but I'm sure the two of you will triumph :thumbsup:
Try it in mid winter and you'll really know!
I've shared your sentiments very many times. The homeless often die young and I can easily understand why.
I can also understand why you might want to carry a bottle of JD around with you, then would've taken the edge off it.
PLS to be swapping the wind speed and direction between Saturday and Sunday!Please disregard adverse implications of my suggestion of reversing directions. Suggestion came from a hero who was delighted to get round by hiding at tha back of a group aalmost the whole way!
>:(
I have visions of myself and Christophe trackstanding at our Saturday morning meeting point like a couple of track sprinters, neither of us wanting to be the one who goes off into the wind first ;) ;DAt least it's flat. :thumbsup:
Did the intrepid duo set off?The Damp Duo, ITYM. ::-)
Oaky was at Chatteris just before 18:00, even at 15kph he should make it. Christophe packed at Sleaford.
Have to say it was living hell yesterday.Ahhh. The true spirit of audax.
Feel a bit sheepish about our favourable conditions last week which I was moaning about - a lot.
BTW did Oaky make it back too?I suspect cannibalism! :o
BTW did Oaky make it back too?I suspect cannibalism! :o
Well done Christophe that's 'kin 'ard! :thumbsup:
:thumbsup: Results are not provisional anymore!
I are a audaxer! 8)
Average age of the riders was 119! Just how old is bikey mikey? ::-)
Therefore I was wondering about a bivvy bag and lightweight sleeping bag so I could bed down at quiet spots close to the route. The Flatlands could be a good opportunity to try this arrangement.
Any thoughts folks?
The Flatlands this year will be my second 600, the first being in 2012, when we rode to Hull and back with 6 hours in a Premier Inn. Effectively the ride was two 300s and it worked very well.
So, I find myself wondering what to do about night-time accommodation for this ride. Of course I could go for a Premier Inn stylee option. But I have never done the bus shelter thing and fancy giving it a try. This option has particular appeal as I am also wondering what to do about sleeping during next year's PBP. I'm not sure about the large communal dormitories as I am a light sleeper and I have also heard you sometimes need to queue for a bed. Therefore I was wondering about a bivvy bag and lightweight sleeping bag so I could bed down at quiet spots close to the route. The Flatlands could be a good opportunity to try this arrangement.
Any thoughts folks?
Therefore I was wondering about a bivvy bag and lightweight sleeping bag so I could bed down at quiet spots close to the route. The Flatlands could be a good opportunity to try this arrangement.
Any thoughts folks?
This is what I did last year but without the sleeping bag. I thought it might weigh me down a bit so left it at Tomsk's - a decision I regretted as I spent an hour shivering in a church yard trying to get some sleep somewhere south of Goole.
Am doing a DIY 400 this weekend and am going to take the bag for a couple of hours kip somewhere in North Norfolk so I'll let you know how I get on. Also have a blow up pillow from the 99p shop.
You can borrow my bivvy for the Flatlands if you want as I won't be riding the calander event. Will be flying the perm solo on a carefully selected fair weather weekend during the summer. (I still have nightmares about the dreaded combination of fens and extreme weather after last year!)
I'm with you on the alfresco sleeping for PBP, from talking to Tomsk it sounds like a fair bit of time can be lost in the controls, the flatlands could be an excellent opportunity to try it out. I guess in both events it'll depend on the weather as to its success.
I think Tomsk was talked into 'An audience with Tomsk" talking about PBP stuff'.
[Look forward to hearing how you get on with the bivvy. At the very least I would like a shufty at our bivvy bag, its an Alpkit Hunka isn't it?
I used a Hunka XL and fleece sleeping bag liner. What I really needed though was a mat of some kind as the ground was cold.
I think Tomsk was talked into 'An audience with Tomsk talking about PBP stuff'.
I got my 3/4 thermarest style from decathlon, very reasonable, and works well.I used a Hunka XL and fleece sleeping bag liner. What I really needed though was a mat of some kind as the ground was cold.
I was wondering about one of those three quarter length Thermarests, or just an old style foam mat.
................... with any other PBP Ancien[nne]s that might come forward to share wisdom/how not to do it, cautionary tales etc.I can certainly contribute a few tips on how NOT to do it!
I got my 3/4 thermarest style from decathlon, very reasonable, and works well.I used a Hunka XL and fleece sleeping bag liner. What I really needed though was a mat of some kind as the ground was cold.
I was wondering about one of those three quarter length Thermarests, or just an old style foam mat.
HK and I are riding.
I'm trying for my second SR this year. Just got the 200 and 600 to go so booked on The Flatlands. The 300 and 400 confirmed to me the value of the slow but steady approach and I shall be adopting the same for the Flatlands. I also like keeping stops short and sweet.
It means you must resist the temptation to keep up with groups or jump on the back of fast moving chains. So consequently you can spend large sections on your own as you ride your own ride which doesn't bother me.
I'm trying for my second SR this year. Just got the 200 and 600 to go so booked on The Flatlands. The 300 and 400 confirmed to me the value of the slow but steady approach and I shall be adopting the same for the Flatlands. I also like keeping stops short and sweet.
It means you must resist the temptation to keep up with groups or jump on the back of fast moving chains. So consequently you can spend large sections on your own as you ride your own ride which doesn't bother me.
Thats because you are billý no mates :thumbsup:
I'm trying for my second SR this year. Just got the 200 and 600 to go so booked on The Flatlands. The 300 and 400 confirmed to me the value of the slow but steady approach and I shall be adopting the same for the Flatlands. I also like keeping stops short and sweet.
It means you must resist the temptation to keep up with groups or jump on the back of fast moving chains. So consequently you can spend large sections on your own as you ride your own ride which doesn't bother me.
Thats because you are billý no mates :thumbsup:
Oi ;D Some of my mates disappear for months on end and I never hear from them. Are you well old bean?
I'm ticketty boo thank you. Yes, still on for the PBP in 2015 :thumbsup: You?
We are more inclined towards Travelodges than bus shelters, given the option.
Anybody know of suitable accommodation around 350km?
Premier Inn at Goole is after 330 or so km.
Premier Inn at Goole is after 330 or so km.
I have booked there too. 330 does seem a little early but I'd rather have it booked now. Over 400 would be risky I think.
Note for others that I got a family room - I suspect this means they are running out of rooms as I tried to book a single.
My first 600 too redfalo, see you out there!
A
We can't do the calendar event this year, but in an attempt to get our shiny Essex SR badges we've entered the perm version. So in a couple of weeks we should be able to report back on the new flatter and shorter route...
Regarding accommodation, last year we booked the Premier Inn at Canwick and arrived there around 00.30 after the rather entertaining run through the revellers of Lincoln (with waiting police cars and ambulances!). This year we've booked the (I think new) Central Lincoln one which appears to be pretty much on route.
Does anybody have a current gpx for this they can share?
Does anybody have a current gpx for this they can share?
Does anybody have a current gpx for this they can share?
Last year's updated for this year's noted changes:
Northbound: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3137955
Southbound: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5444496
I use a Garmin Edge, so not limited to 500 points or whatever it is, hence 2x300s; if you're using an eTrex then you will have to slice'n'dice yourself, sorry. You can export your preferred format from the Export tab at the upper-right (for those not familiar with RWGPS).
I'd make the A&H my finish control, though, to at least have a pint and meet a few other riders as they come in.
I'd make the A&H my finish control, though, to at least have a pint and meet a few other riders as they come in.
Note that is does stop serving food quite early on Sunday - I couldn't get a meal there last year and had to resort to a chippie on the high street, I guess this was around 9pm.
Can I just ask, if you book at a Premier Inn/Travel Lodge etc do they let you take your bike into the room or do they have other places to lock them up that are safe.
Can I just ask, if you book at a Premier Inn/Travel Lodge etc do they let you take your bike into the room or do they have other places to lock them up that are safe.
Never been refused (even with tandems) at a Travel Lodge
The one question that I have though - is the Premier Inn at Lincoln just a little too far for a sleep stop?It worked OK for us last year, we got there about 00.30 and left again around 06.00 I think. But as we had never done a 600 before we didn't really have any feel for what would be the right distance to stop at.
I have been informed by someone that its on again in late May next year
The one question that I have though - is the Premier Inn at Lincoln just a little too far for a sleep stop?
I have been informed by someone that its on again in late May next year
The Flatlands 600km PBP qualifier is planned for 23rd May 2015. Probably revert to September in 2016
Any chance of a tip off as to when the others are ? I'm planning way ahead for 2015.
The only weird thing is that the calendar so far does not list ***any*** 400k rides for 2015 ???
Any chance of a tip off as to when the others are ? I'm planning way ahead for 2015.
here you go:
http://www.aukweb.net/events/?From=12%2F08%2F2014&To=12&Days=&Category=&Dist_min=600&Dist_max=&Aaa=&Region=
The only weird thing is that the calendar so far does not list ***any*** 400k rides for 2015 ???
Cheers
Olaf
Any chance of a tip off as to when the others are ? I'm planning way ahead for 2015.
Any chance of a tip off as to when the others are ? I'm planning way ahead for 2015.
3 of my 4 qualifiers have been registered now, risk assessed etc, so they should appear in the AUK online calendar soon:
G&Y 300 11/04
A&S 400 09/05
Flatlands 600 23/05
Other organisers have picked their slots for qualifiers, but anything could change before the ACP deadline at the end of September. In particular there may be some negotiation to avoid clashes, though the AUK online planner makes it easy to check the time/geographic distribution of events.
Going back to the far more important subject of food!
I take it Lincoln is not a control & Gainsborough & Sleaford are ???
If so I could route via North Scarle to get some kip at my Sisters house & it shouldn't add on too much extra distance.
Edit: I'm pretty sure I'm right so I've re-routed & it only adds an extra 5miles :)
Having only the Trek Domane in Carbon restricts the volume of luggage I can carry but this combination should work with the Super C Audax bag either inside or out and will let me be a little more flexible about what point I sleep at. I managed the A&S with no real sleep and although I am aware each ride will be different I do think the excitement of it being my first ride will give me an extra few hours before needing to stop.
Anyway, look forward to seeing you all out there, it sounds like it will be quite a crowd on the road!
Having only the Trek Domane in Carbon
Bivvy Bag (Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy) should be on the way and I think I will just get a Sleeping Bag liner to go inside it then find somewhere to sleep in, on or under.
Anybody having trouble with the .gpx tracks linked to here? Some Flatlanders are, apparently, and you'll know this isn't my area of expertise.....I've only put them into bikehike and no trouble there. I'll copy them into my garmin and see if they load up for navigation.
Bugloss, thanks for the tip...it is a good thing to remember and something I probably loose sight of at times.
Hi
As I'm doing this ride on the 13th has anybody managed to get the gps files to work??? Each one I click I get a failed to load link http://sig.ukfsn.org/flatauk/flat001.gpx. I've been searching for weeks for a working GPX and have only found last years on a garmin website. I understand this years route has changed. Can you help or please point me to some where I can retrieve this route?
Kind regards
Looks like you'll have slightly better conditions than the last epic! Enjoy.
I'm going on the Flatliners perm tomorrow and based my route on WilkyBoy's tracks so I guess I'll be guinea pig. :-\
Tom, quick question: is Glew's Garage in Goole now a compulsory control, versus controlling a few km earlier in Goole itself?
Scunny travelodge is about 3km from the point where it crosses the trent in Althorpe, ok, its before you get to the northern point of Goole, but its next door to a pub, a 24hr mcdonalds and the tesco over the road is open until saturday midnight - closes until sunday 10am
Yes, Glew's is THE control - use Goole town and the minimum distance is about 599km.....
Judging by the email over 100 have entered... More than I thought would be taking part.
Perhaps it shows those people who would like to ride a 600 that doesn't include xxxxx metres of climbing, long live the flat earth society!
Hats off Chris!
Never Ming bloomers, I'm disappointed you didn't have another train platform incident. That has to be one of the funniest stories ever!
As far as Wilkyboy's track goes its spot on. The only problem I had was that when loaded on to an Etrex and shown on the map it disappears at about Kirton so added a couple of extra track to make up the difference.
Noted about the eTrex issue -- I'm not sure why that should be, there's no magic on my part, sounds like a pure eTrex 250-point limit issue
I still have nightmares about last year's ride.
On the subject of Cambridge, just be aware that the route takes a turn in Longstanton which is sign posted as a dead end but is in fact perfectly passable. I was a bit fuddled by that point and started searching for an alternative route which was not needed.
TBH, I think a better/nicer/MUCH-smoother route is to use the guided busway from before Longstanton to just outside Histon then to Girton
A bit too early for most folk, I'd have thought, but useful to know anyhow. The 24 hour McD's next to Glew's got the thumbs-up from the 'Orange Tandem' on the 'Flatliner' the other week. They were there in daylight....
I was looking at the map and wondering whether to use the busway. I had wanted to give the busway a try while on LEL but decided that going off-piste at that late stage of the event might prove to be a mistake, and of course the Cambridge busway had one major drawback in that it went to Cambridge (understandably enough).
Not as interesting as the official route, true, but definitely flatter and quicker and therefore very welcome after 1300km.And so smooth - for a few blissful minutes you can imagine that you are in the Netherlands, or Germany, or Denmark (or pretty much any other Northern European country) until the potholes and patched surface jolt you back to UK reality.
It seems the busway is the puppy. Will you put it on the route sheet?
until the potholes and patched surface jolt you back to UK reality.
until the potholes and patched surface jolt you back to UK reality.
Don't, you're putting me off
Thanks for the route Nik. Does this mean you got permission to ride?!
I am deeply committed to a stop in a comfy hotel half way, this being my first 600 and expect to be heading towards the time limit, despite the flatness. A finish is a win in my book :-)
I do believe that it is inevitable that every ride on the Essex SR series will be a strong tailwind followed by a brisk headwind... I expect nothing less. The memory of the last half of the Green and Yellow solo still makes me wince. So like that, only double... yikes!
Here's hoping for a northerly on the Sunday with a southerly on the Saturday, so we can get the hard work out the way while we're all fresh on Saturday and get a nice push all the way home on Sunday. I'm hoping,but you know it ain't gonna be soand will continue to hope with increasing positive thoughts to generate the good zen!
Don't get too comfortable in your hotel if the wind is up, as you'll need all the time available to winch yourself back over the fens into a blow!
Hi All,
Rather than search 19 pages. Has anyone sorted a gpx file for this ride, if so could they post it again so I could use it.
Cheers
Paul
Over 100 entered sounds busy then.
If you want a curry at Kirton I'd book a table now if I was you.
Rather than search 19 pages. Has anyone sorted a gpx file for this ride, if so could they post it again so I could use it.Do you want someone to ride the event for you as well? You don't seem to want to put much effort in, like going back a page or so :P
Over 100 entered sounds busy then.
If you want a curry at Kirton I'd book a table now if I was you.
i used to live next to the pizza shop at the bottom of the hill (on an industrial estate?) in Kirton, proper filthy, but such a good margarita :)
Hi All,
Rather than search 19 pages. Has anyone sorted a gpx file for this ride, if so could they post it again so I could use it.
Cheers
Paul
Do you want someone to ride the event for you as well? You don't seem to want to put much effort in, like going back a page or so :P
i used to live next to the pizza shop at the bottom of the hill (on an industrial estate?) in Kirton, proper filthy, but such a good margarita :)
This one? Proper filthy indeed: we (probably mostly me) couldn't face the drag back up the hill for fish'n'chips last year and had a greasy pizza there instead. Their receipts were dodgy and we had to submit additional photos as PoP.
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/9758376933_1ef26b91d0_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wilky/9758376933/)
Looking at the photo: it may have been windy, but we had amazing weather.
I'm really gutted but due to unforeseen family affairs, I can't do the ride.
I have two bookings in the Travellodge in Great Dunmow for the Friday and Sunday night as well as one in the Premier Inn in Goole for Saturday night.
Both are already pre-payed and non-refundable. If anyone is still looking for a room, I'm happy to pass the bookings on, for let's say half the night's price. The Tavellodge would be 16 quid per night (original price: 32 pounds) , the Premier Inn 25.50 pounds (instead of 51 pounds).
Drop me an email to o dot storbeck at gmail to com
I hope everyone will have a good ride!
Cheers
Olaf
Having been up in and around Cambridge today getting new info questions for 'Hereward' 2015 at Ickleton and Willingham, I thought I'd try out Wilkyboy's busway cyclepath alternative. I concur that it is indeed a lovely stretch of tarmac and I commend it to the house. :thumbsup:
140 entries !!How many church halls in GD?
140 entries !!Thanks for the very concise extra info, that's convinced me to ride over and stop in the "new" church hall Friday.
Good grief !!
And that's with a few drop-outs already, sadly. On past form, maybe 3/4 of the entries turn up on the day, unless the forecast is dire. If we get over 108 validations, that'll be more than this year's BCM 600!
I'm reserving my bus shelter NOW and getting shares in Wetherspoons ;D
Email with extra info and the revised routesheet nearly ready to go......
Route ridden and updated/corrected [thanks Bikey Mikey] and paperwork going in the post today.....Emailed out to the rest tonight or tomorrow.....
I'm really gutted but due to unforeseen family affairs, I can't do the ride.
I have two bookings in the Travellodge in Great Dunmow for the Friday and Sunday night as well as one in the Premier Inn in Goole for Saturday night.
Both are already pre-payed and non-refundable. If anyone is still looking for a room, I'm happy to pass the bookings on, for let's say half the night's price. The Tavellodge would be 16 quid per night (original price: 32 pounds) , the Premier Inn 25.50 pounds (instead of 51 pounds).
^ 15 + very much !!
Routesheets etc emailed last night, postal ones sent Friday. If anyone's has gone astray in the mountain of organiser's stuff I've been dealing with, I apologise....and give me a prod if you need anything.
Good you will allow a "selfie PoP" at Red Lodge - I suspect that control might be complete mayhem at the peak.
The information also lists a rubber stamp available at Red Lodge, that can't take long?
The information also lists a rubber stamp available at Red Lodge, that can't take long?
.pity its not a 500km+ control, the pics might be more amusing. :D
.pity its not a 500km+ control, the pics might be more amusing. :D
Well, you could always split the field into two groups and get one to do the ride in reverse....
Just looking at the Busway option in Cambridge, is there any reason that you could not take that all the way through to Trumpington should your rear end be enjoying all theflatnesssmoothness? It looks to join up to the route on the route on the A1301
Just looking at the Busway option in Cambridge, is there any reason that you could not take that all the way through to Trumpington should your rear end be enjoying all theThe busway dumps you on either the Histon road (B1049) or the Milton (A1309) road from the north. It is possible to stay on it to south of the A14 then go through housing estates. Whichever way you go, the busway does not join up with the southern section which starts at the station and takes you to Trumpington. What you imagine to be the extension to the south west of the A1309 from an aerial shot used to be a track to a dead end but is now a building site as they put an access road in for the new station. This was the old St Ives railway line which used to link up to Chesterton sidings and hence to the main line to London.flatnesssmoothness? It looks to join up to the route on the route on the A1301
All these alternatives! I am hoping for some form of Autopilot south of Cambridge as I'll find things a little more familiar. As good as the hill dodging sounds I'm going to man up and take them on, or that is the intention anyway!
I have created a route using the Route Sheet and named most of the turns as way points. I have put them in a shared folder, feel free to extract and use as you like.
I have not done the finer details through Lincoln as of yet and for some reason I seem to come out at 617km which I am still trying to find.
GPX files (Routes in Base Camp) for each of 9 legs named with the control at the end of the leg and also a Full Distance Route and Track (Full Files are each about 1MB) and I have also added a file with the Waypoints I have used.
Files are located at the following https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B3tS-Ctc-Zi9SW5vMHdJUGl5NjQ&usp=drive_web (https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B3tS-Ctc-Zi9SW5vMHdJUGl5NjQ&usp=drive_web)
For anyone that is interested I have also creatd a Garmin Adventure page http://adventures.garmin.com/en-US/by/nikbrunner/flatlands-600k/#overview (http://adventures.garmin.com/en-US/by/nikbrunner/flatlands-600k/#overview)
Not sure if any of that will be usable, I have not shared my GPX files before but thought I'd offer them out.
Just checking out our accommodation for 2 at Scunthorpe and find I have booked for October Doh........... !
Just checking out our accommodation for 2 at Scunthorpe and find I have booked for October Doh...........
Please come and introduce yourself and say "hello!".
Just checking out our accommodation for 2 at Scunthorpe and find I have booked for October Doh...........
I believe Tom also offers this route as a perm.... :)
Please come and introduce yourself and say "hello!".I'll be lurking at the back too, I expect. Orange bike with black Carradice bag. Probably in the Audax England top, as I feel semi-obliged to wear it myself. No hat.
Hey tippers_kiwi thanks so much for the above files which I've downloaded and put onto my etrex30. I notice however that the total mileage for the 9 stages is 338 miles, whereas the route notes indicate 375 miles (606km) Any ideas why the difference?
BTW I will be easy to spot - just look for the tall guy 8' high on a Black ElliptiGO :-) We are coming in force this time - 3 other ElliptiGO riders - Idai, Alan and Carl. Strength in numbers to battle the winds on the Fens! See you tonight if you are sleeping in the Church hall. ::-)But will you all finish this one?
BTW I will be easy to spot - just look for the tall guy 8' high on a Black ElliptiGO :-) We are coming in force this time - 3 other ElliptiGO riders - Idai, Alan and Carl. Strength in numbers to battle the winds on the Fens! See you tonight if you are sleeping in the Church hall. ::-)But will you all finish this one?
Tom - You did say there would be people around with Brevet cards until about 6:30am at the hall, right? It's just I refuse to get up earlier than 3am and while it shouldn't take a lot more than 2 hours to do the 40 miles to the start and I should be able to get out the door by 3:45am, a visit from the puncture fairy or a mechanical can never be ruled out :-)
If you want to say hi, I'll be the one on the Lynskey with the obligatory Carradice and lots of lights.
I saw an ElliptiGo group near Homebase in MK this evening. You do know how to move!BTW I will be easy to spot - just look for the tall guy 8' high on a Black ElliptiGO :-) We are coming in force this time - 3 other ElliptiGO riders - Idai, Alan and Carl. Strength in numbers to battle the winds on the Fens! See you tonight if you are sleeping in the Church hall. ::-)But will you all finish this one?
cheeky! But YES!!! ::-)
Good luck everyone, the injury jinx has struck again and wiped out my right hand this time.Nooo BS. I've got my Team MK top out ready for when I wake up at 3. My wrist is giving me cause for concern now, but I couldn't get to see a doctor, only the nurse, who prescribed Ibuprofen without even looking at it, even after I said I had broken the other one in the past. At least you've gone over the 50 mark this year (again). I have to finish this one!
Always next season for Essex SR and PBP.
Have a great ride :thumbsup:..shame I couldn't make it this year!
[whispers into the breeze:] Anybody home yet? :P
Yup
[whispers into the breeze:] Anybody home yet? :P
Yup
According to my Twitter feed...
... he's been back 8 hours. GIT!
... Oranj finished a while back.
...I took my own route out to Coningsby after that (hoping to see the 2 Lancs at BBMF) ...
Although perhaps a little less impressive, a DC3 in this livery:
(http://img.planespotters.net/photo/324000/thumbnail/N473DC-Private-Douglas-DC-3_PlanespottersNet_324763.jpg)
did a low circuit of RAF Coningsby when I was on that section of the route yesterday.
Nick, our new controller, held us all for a few minutes until the control opened at 08:02 and then we were off again.
If Dick Turpin's Day Out 200 perm, Green and Yellow Fields 300 perm and Asparagus and Strawberries 400 perm count
for the Essex SR The Flatlands would wrap up my Essex SR no 2. Chatted with Richard Ellis during the ride, and he thought
the rule might be only one perm would be allowed.
Congratulations to all who took part.We all got back from 2020ish. - 2120ish :smug:
Any news on Team Alp D'Huez? Or are they still climbing those mountains?
My last sighting was a horizontally prone rider in an audax hotel at Sturton by Stow near Lincoln.
Reply #288(under this (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29175088) story)
We were invaded by cyclists here in the middle of the Fens on Saturday - but they all stopped off in the town for lunch, which I've never seen done before. It wasn't a race as such, more of a touring assembly. When we have a race it's a real pain because they shut the town centre off and make it very difficult to get about - and they sometimes don't tell you which roads they are shutting.
Congratulations to all who took part.We all got back from 2020ish. - 2120ish :smug:
Any news on Team Alp D'Huez? Or are they still climbing those mountains?
What a fantastically cracking good ride it was too! ;D
Saw this on the BBC website, assume it was to do with this ride:QuoteReply #288(under this (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29175088) story)
We were invaded by cyclists here in the middle of the Fens on Saturday - but they all stopped off in the town for lunch, which I've never seen done before. It wasn't a race as such, more of a touring assembly. When we have a race it's a real pain because they shut the town centre off and make it very difficult to get about - and they sometimes don't tell you which roads they are shutting.
Saw this on the BBC website, assume it was to do with this ride:Presumably a resident of Whittlesey or Boston. Some of the comments under that story are depressing, though.QuoteReply #288(under this (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29175088) story)
We were invaded by cyclists here in the middle of the Fens on Saturday - but they all stopped off in the town for lunch, which I've never seen done before. It wasn't a race as such, more of a touring assembly. When we have a race it's a real pain because they shut the town centre off and make it very difficult to get about - and they sometimes don't tell you which roads they are shutting.
There were several pinch points where groups of riders would encounter locals. At the Moon in Boston the interested locals were astonished as the group on one table said they were heading for Goole (that far!?). Holt's Spar in Kirton must have thought Christmas had arrived early given the number of riders and bikes in their courtyard (I overdid it on the fig rolls here, carrying both packs all the way back to the finish and only eating 3 biscuits). At Wetherspoons in Whittlesey I ordered Sunday morning breakfast and was given a receipt, unrequested, with "Here's your receipt"; I fancy they'd got used to being asked.So a group of people lunching in a small town is unusual and newsworthy to a resident?!Saw this on the BBC website, assume it was to do with this ride:Presumably a resident of Whittlesey or Boston. Some of the comments under that story are depressing, though.QuoteReply #288(under this (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-29175088) story)
We were invaded by cyclists here in the middle of the Fens on Saturday - but they all stopped off in the town for lunch, which I've never seen done before. It wasn't a race as such, more of a touring assembly. When we have a race it's a real pain because they shut the town centre off and make it very difficult to get about - and they sometimes don't tell you which roads they are shutting.
The Small Town must be very quiet!
Buying a Mars bar from a sweet shop will be news next...
Huggy, Tomsk, Ada, and Ali ready for the off. 0630 after clearing the hall of 100+ randonneurs had eaten breakfast, dropped off bags, and stolen pens.Nice write up Del, I should have you cycle round all rides with me as official chronographer ;D
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MdCVeP9QP_g/VBazh5hsp5I/AAAAAAAAI84/AP8c0Vize_s/s800/p9130925.jpg)
I can only reiterate what has been posted up-thread:
Great X-rated event with lots of opportunities for eating/drinking/sleeping.
Great route in terms of picking your way through a landscape that may not be pleasing to everyone.
Return via Cambridge for last leg was super and great fun to be 'in the mix'.
Route sheet excellent.
Wilkyboy's GPS excellent, as was having the controller at the first control.
The wind is always a topic of debate and was much worse this year than last.
The wind and flat terrain makes this event harder than it looks on paper.
In summary, a great event and many thanks to Tom for his hard work in providing a 600 event so late in the year.
What!!!!
Aren't you going to tell about the bags of charcoal........
Bugloss could have claimed his brulee at the finish, if he'd have stuck around a little longer.
Bugloss could have claimed his brulee at the finish, if he'd have stuck around a little longer.
Bugloss could have claimed his brulee at the finish, if he'd have stuck around a little longer.
Indeed he could have:
http://www.angelandharp.co.uk/downloads/sunday-menu.pdf (http://www.angelandharp.co.uk/downloads/sunday-menu.pdf)
Only £5.95, a bargain!
I was blessed with the company of Mike Wigley, Judith Swallow and Dave Minter for some serious Fenland and night bashing.I too rode with them for a while after Red Lodge, until I noticed on the routesheet there was a Wetherspoons at the next control, and I fancied a veggie breakfast before they stopped serving at 12 (only had a coffee at Red Lodge). Was this the reason TG bumped Red Lodge, because he fancied a Wetherspoons brekky?
What happens when a 24 spoke, lightweight, racing wheel meets an 18stone Kiwi on rough roads?(click to show/hide)
PS: does anyone know if the tandem made it safely?
PS: does anyone know if the tandem made it safely?
I saw them in the harp and Angel and well within time.
Also rode with them for a while just outside Spalding and they were doing OK.
Forgot to mention one nice incident.
I was rolling into Lincoln alone and a bloke on a push bike wearing a hoodie sails up alongside me. The conversation went along the lines of:
Hoodie: You on some sort of tour?
Me: No I'm riding a 375ish mile endurance event.
H: Fuck me that's fantastic! Do you have a support vehicle?
M: No, you have to be self reliant on these events, all my kit is on the back of my bike [point at rack]. Last night I had a quick sleep in a wood.
H: Amazing. I really respect you long distance guys. What's your name?
M: Steve
H: I'm Kevin. You know, I don't really believe in this religious or spiritual shit, but every hour on the hour I'm going send you positive vibes, help keep you going.
M: Thanks very much Kevin, that'll be great!
At which point he sped up and disappeared.
;D
You've done we'll to recover from a discal prolapse and ride a 600, especially one that involves so much time slogging away in the saddle.
Did you have a lot of pain whilst riding ?
Whilst waiting to hear back from Tom's, has anyone seen the ride appear on their results?
Oh; I didn't know that. Mine went straight in the box by his door. It's my only audax this month, so I need it for rrty and randonneur 5000.Whilst waiting to hear back from Tom's, has anyone seen the ride appear on their results?
Given the deadline for brevets to be returned was today, I wasn't expecting to see anything for a few days yet.
Given the deadline for brevets to be returned was today,
I haven't even sent the card off, plus I lost a reciept. Not that I'm worried about it anyway.I thought you only did it because of all the Wetherspoons on the route!
I only did it because I wanted to do the ride and I'm glad that I did.
I haven't even sent the card off, plus I lost a reciept. Not that I'm worried about it anyway.I thought you only did it because of all the Wetherspoons on the route!
I only did it because I wanted to do the ride and I'm glad that I did.
89 completed cards in the end - 90 finishers if I count Teethgrinder and there may be others.....
Plus one more Flatliner :thumbsup: (brevet's in the post)
89 completed cards in the end - 90 finishers if I count Teethgrinder and there may be others.....
Plus one more Flatliner :thumbsup: (brevet's in the post)