Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Ivo on 12 October, 2018, 10:15:48 pm

Title: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 12 October, 2018, 10:15:48 pm
Just like last year a list of Dutch brevets to make your planning life more complicated ;) Or less complicated if you need an early PBP qualifier. All Dutch brevets are BRM rated and the events from november until end of june can be used for your PBP Qualification. Further info about the brevets, GPS track and signing up is via our website, www.randonneurs.nl.
The calender is:

BRM 200 Zwolle     za    03-11-18    9:00         Zwolle-Boekelo-Zwolle
BRM 200 Bergen op Zoom     za    17-11-18    9:00         Luctor et Emergo
BRM 200 Boekelo     vr    28-12-18    9:00         Tecklenburg
BRM 200 Bunnik     za    26-01-19    9:00         Onder NAP
BRM 200 Zwolle     za    09-02-19    9:00         Boss'n bult'n & 'n Diek
BRM 200 Maastricht     za    23-02-19    9:00         Festina Lente
BRM 300 Boekelo     za    09-03-19    9:00         Oostvaardersplassen
BRM 300 Heerlen     za    23-03-19    9:00         Verrassing !!!
BRM 300 Merselo     za    06-04-19    6:00         Über den Oschenkopf
BRM 400 Amsterdam     za    20-04-19    21:00         De Zuiderzeeballade
BRM 400 Boekelo     vr    03-05-19    21:00         Meppen, Hohemark
BRM 600 Groningen     za    11-05-19    8:00         Van Stad naar de Peel (en weerom)
BRM 600 Merselo     za    11-05-19    8:00         Vlucht naar Groningen
BRM 400 Bunnik     vr    24-05-19    21:00         Rondje Texel
BRM 600 Haarlem    za    08-06-19    8:00         Mooi Nederland
BRM 600 Boekelo     za    22-06-19    9:00         Sauerland
BRM 200 Heerlen     za    06-07-19    9:00         Maria Wald
BRM 300 Maasland     za    20-07-19    9:00         De zaanse Schans
BRM 200 Overveen     za    03-08-19    9:00         Kopje en Dijken
BRM 300 Groningen     za    17-08-19    6:30         Het andere Friesland
BRM 200 Merselo    za    07-09-19    9:00         Frank Simons Memorial
BRM 200 Groningen     za    21-09-19    9:00         Rondom Bourtangermoor
BRM 200 Eindhoven     za    05-10-19    9:00         Rondje Brabant
BRM 200 Maasland     za    19-10-19    9:00         De Bruggen en Tunnels
BRM 200 Zwolle     za    02-11-19    09:00         Zwolle-Boekelo-Zwolle
BRM 200 Bergen op Zoom     za    16-11-19    09:00         Luctor et Emergo
BRM 200 Boekelo     vr    27-12-19    9:00         Tecklenburg

For those living conveniently near ferries, The Maasland events start at 13k from Hoek van Holland, the Overveen events about a similar distance from IJmuiden.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Smeth on 12 October, 2018, 10:20:56 pm
Thanks. Any 1000k+ NL events running in 2019?

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 12 October, 2018, 11:08:17 pm
Thanks. Any 1000k+ NL events running in 2019?

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk

None scheduled for 2019.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: JPhasma on 13 October, 2018, 12:01:13 pm
Good to know thanks - hopefully will make it over for one or two in 2019

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 13 October, 2018, 01:57:26 pm


Interesting list. Looks like I'm gonna have to do a 400 in May if I want to make my RRtY!

I notice this one in the list:

BRM 400 Bunnik     vr    24-05-19    21:00         Rondje Texel

Any ideas what the route of this is? Is it actually going up onto Texel the island?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 13 October, 2018, 02:35:26 pm


Interesting list. Looks like I'm gonna have to do a 400 in May if I want to make my RRtY!

I notice this one in the list:

BRM 400 Bunnik     vr    24-05-19    21:00         Rondje Texel

Any ideas what the route of this is? Is it actually going up onto Texel the island?

J

I believe that that's exactly the idea: cycle up to Den Helder, take the ferry, go round Texel, take the ferry again and cycle back to Bunnik (possibly with some detours along the way).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 13 October, 2018, 03:59:58 pm

I believe that that's exactly the idea: cycle up to Den Helder, take the ferry, go round Texel, take the ferry again and cycle back to Bunnik (possibly with some detours along the way).

That's going to add an interesting time limit to the middle controls.

Shall pencil that in to the diary.

So many choices!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 13 October, 2018, 08:38:23 pm
Interesting list. Looks like I'm gonna have to do a 400 in May if I want to make my RRtY!
RatN finishes on May 8, leaves you 3 days to recover for the 600 from Groningen or Merselo  :P

"rondje Texel" does seem interesting, I'm really curious what the route will be. Around Texel (to the light house) is about 50km, Bunnik - Den Helder is at least 130km and the first ferry to Texel is at 6:30 Fast riders (which I am not) probably will be twiddling their thumbs waiting for said ferry to sail across.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 13 October, 2018, 08:54:49 pm
Interesting list. Looks like I'm gonna have to do a 400 in May if I want to make my RRtY!
RatN finishes on May 8, leaves you 3 days to recover for the 600 from Groningen or Merselo  :P

If I'm in the state I was in after last years attempt, it took me several days to regain the use of my neck...

Quote

"rondje Texel" does seem interesting, I'm really curious what the route will be. Around Texel (to the light house) is about 50km, Bunnik - Den Helder is at least 130km and the first ferry to Texel is at 6:30 Fast riders (which I am not) probably will be twiddling their thumbs waiting for said ferry to sail across.

Sounds wonderful. Shall have to book the Friday off work to bank Sleep.

My target for 2019 season is a SR series, Ideally hitting an ISR series in the process, and completing my RRtY. May and June 2019 is going to make it hard.

Wonder when the German calendar will come out so I can complete my plans.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 14 October, 2018, 12:00:26 pm
Thanks for sharing, Ivo.  I hope to make another Dutch brevet this year.  Am intrigued by the Bunnik - Texel ride.  Will need to know CET Junior(s) A level and GCSE exam timetables before making any commitments though...
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Pip on 14 October, 2018, 12:49:10 pm
Thanks for posting Ivo
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: rob on 14 October, 2018, 01:46:29 pm
Interesting list. Looks like I'm gonna have to do a 400 in May if I want to make my RRtY!
RatN finishes on May 8, leaves you 3 days to recover for the 600 from Groningen or Merselo  :P


I spotted that yesterday....

I have a UK 600 on the 18th/19th instead which should be enough recovery time.   That is provided that my current injuries don’t turn out to be more serious.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Wobbly on 15 October, 2018, 06:28:27 pm
RatN finishes on May 8, leaves you 3 days to recover for the 600 from Groningen or Merselo  :P

If I'm in the state I was in after last years attempt, it took me several days to regain the use of my neck...

Any hints or tips for RatN?

I appear to have, rather foolishly, entered it....  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 15 October, 2018, 06:40:36 pm
Clip-on aero bars, the wind can be brutal esp. on the Afsluitdijk.

A decent (and loud) bell.

And a debit card; credit cards are rarely used, but paying with debit card, contact less or with PIN, is almost more prevalent than using cash these days (and faster).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 October, 2018, 07:02:42 pm
Clip-on aero bars, the wind can be brutal esp. on the Afsluitdijk.

And make sure they are in the right position, aero bars in the wrong position can really fsck your back.

Quote

A decent (and loud) bell.

And a debit card; credit cards are rarely used, but paying with debit card, contact less or with PIN, is almost more prevalent than using cash these days (and faster).

A UK debit card doesn't always work in .nl. Unless it says Vpay or Maestro, chances are it's not going to work in many places. Make sure you have some cash just incase your card doesn't work.

Oh, and don't expect to find many hotels you can check into after about 2100...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: rob on 15 October, 2018, 07:05:19 pm
RatN finishes on May 8, leaves you 3 days to recover for the 600 from Groningen or Merselo  :P

If I'm in the state I was in after last years attempt, it took me several days to regain the use of my neck...

Any hints or tips for RatN?

I appear to have, rather foolishly, entered it....  :facepalm:

Thought I saw your name.   Tri bars on the Pashley ?
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Wobbly on 15 October, 2018, 09:23:31 pm
RatN finishes on May 8, leaves you 3 days to recover for the 600 from Groningen or Merselo  :P

If I'm in the state I was in after last years attempt, it took me several days to regain the use of my neck...

Any hints or tips for RatN?

I appear to have, rather foolishly, entered it....  :facepalm:

Thought I saw your name.   Tri bars on the Pashley ?

According to Zed I'll need them, apparently...
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 15 October, 2018, 09:30:43 pm
Well, Tri-Bars on your Pashley will only let you blend in with the locals in the windy parts of the Netherlands.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 October, 2018, 09:33:04 pm
Well, Tri-Bars on your Pashley will only let you blend in with the locals in the windy parts of the Netherlands.

Ivo, I think someone in your position shouldn't mislead like this. Your sentence implies there's bits of the Netherlands that aren't windy :p

The Netherlands, where you can have a headwind no matter what direction you're riding in...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 15 October, 2018, 10:20:06 pm
Well, Tri-Bars on your Pashley will only let you blend in with the locals in the windy parts of the Netherlands.

Ivo, I think someone in your position shouldn't mislead like this. Your sentence implies there's bits of the Netherlands that aren't windy :p

The Netherlands, where you can have a headwind no matter what direction you're riding in...

J

Well, some parts are less windy as others ;)
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 16 October, 2018, 09:35:56 am
After doing most of my riding in the Netherlands in the first four months of this year, with the biggest climb being the last dune before the water tower approaching The Hague, I approached the hills of the Porkers with some trepidation.  However, all that training riding in a flat treeless landscape into force 5 - 6 winds was perfect for developing the leg strength to grind up the Wessex Hills, and I was climbing better than my peers.

Though joining Lola Cycles on their Wednesday night club runs might also have had something to do with that  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 October, 2018, 11:23:23 am
A UK debit card doesn't always work in .nl. Unless it says Vpay or Maestro, chances are it's not going to work in many places. Make sure you have some cash just incase your card doesn't work.


Had that problem in Deen but not Albert Heijn (or was it the other way round, hm) with my pre-paid card; extra problem was I was in the Chip and Pin only queue too.


Need to see if I can fit any of these in.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 16 October, 2018, 04:08:09 pm
After doing most of my riding in the Netherlands in the first four months of this year, with the biggest climb being the last dune before the water tower approaching The Hague, I approached the hills of the Porkers with some trepidation.  However, all that training riding in a flat treeless landscape into force 5 - 6 winds was perfect for developing the leg strength to grind up the Wessex Hills, and I was climbing better than my peers.

The first Dutchmen to win a stage in the Tour, Theo Middelkamp, had never seen a mountain or even a hill before entering the Tour de France of 1936. Yet, he still managed to win a big mountain stage in that race.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: nigeld on 17 October, 2018, 07:07:20 pm
I'm also tempted by the Rondje Texel 400. (I live in Cambridge but rode several AUK-validated DIYs in The Netherlands this year, including a 400. They were all great fun). This would be my first proper Dutch brevet.

I'm looking at the online entry form. It asks for your "club", and offers a long list of clubs from around the world, though the list looks broken and incomplete (only A-C) What do other UK-based riders do here?

Nigel
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 17 October, 2018, 08:38:45 pm
Above that list of clubs there should be a text "search"; click on it, type "uk" and select Audax UK (160000). Or maybe they even have your local club listed, try searching!
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: nigeld on 18 October, 2018, 09:36:32 am
Above that list of clubs there should be a text "search"; click on it, type "uk" and select Audax UK (160000). Or maybe they even have your local club listed, try searching!

Thanks, that worked. In addition to "Audax UK" it has both my CTC and club afilliations.

The two Maasland 200s also look well-timed. I can typically get off the ferry from Harwich by about 0815 (if you wheel your bike to the front of the ferry they let you off first) so 13km to a 0900 start looks achieveable.  Where is the actual start? With the return ferry departing at 2200 (checkin deadline 2115) there may be just about enough time for a day trip.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 October, 2018, 02:55:11 pm
I'm also tempted by the Rondje Texel 400. (I live in Cambridge but rode several AUK-validated DIYs in The Netherlands this year, including a 400. They were all great fun). This would be my first proper Dutch brevet.

I'm looking at the online entry form. It asks for your "club", and offers a long list of clubs from around the world, though the list looks broken and incomplete (only A-C) What do other UK-based riders do here?

Nigel

Can we sign up for this one already? Can't normally sign up until about 4 weeks before an event.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: markcc on 18 October, 2018, 05:25:23 pm
The two Maasland 200s also look well-timed. I can typically get off the ferry from Harwich by about 0815 (if you wheel your bike to the front of the ferry they let you off first) so 13km to a 0900 start looks achieveable.  Where is the actual start? With the return ferry departing at 2200 (checkin deadline 2115) there may be just about enough time for a day trip.

Here, I think.  At least the 200 did last year..

https://www.twapenvanmaeslant.nl/
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: nigeld on 18 October, 2018, 11:32:13 pm
I'm also tempted by the Rondje Texel 400. (I live in Cambridge but rode several AUK-validated DIYs in The Netherlands this year, including a 400. They were all great fun). This would be my first proper Dutch brevet.

I'm looking at the online entry form. It asks for your "club", and offers a long list of clubs from around the world, though the list looks broken and incomplete (only A-C) What do other UK-based riders do here?

Nigel

Can we sign up for this one already? Can't normally sign up until about 4 weeks before an event.

J
Sorry, I hadn't meant to imply that. I was trying out the entry form for another event. I also wanted to find out how payment worked, and discovered I could use PayPal or "credit card" in addition to various Dutch systems.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 October, 2018, 11:45:06 pm
I'm also tempted by the Rondje Texel 400. (I live in Cambridge but rode several AUK-validated DIYs in The Netherlands this year, including a 400. They were all great fun). This would be my first proper Dutch brevet.

I'm looking at the online entry form. It asks for your "club", and offers a long list of clubs from around the world, though the list looks broken and incomplete (only A-C) What do other UK-based riders do here?

Nigel

Can we sign up for this one already? Can't normally sign up until about 4 weeks before an event.

J
Sorry, I hadn't meant to imply that. I was trying out the entry form for another event. I also wanted to find out how payment worked, and discovered I could use PayPal or "credit card" in addition to various Dutch systems.

Ah. Had my hopes up. You can also pay in cash at the start when you pick up your Brevet card, tho it's non Obvious how to choose it as an option.

Also discovered I had screwed up my ACP club number thing on some of my Entries, so I am down as NL individual, rather than Randonneurs NL on some of the rides I did. I only realised I'd screwed up when the AUK recorder said something along the lines of "you can use <auk number> instead of NL individual if you want when signing up". Now I make a point to double check the ACP number is right before submitting.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 19 October, 2018, 08:39:59 am
I'm also tempted by the Rondje Texel 400. (I live in Cambridge but rode several AUK-validated DIYs in The Netherlands this year, including a 400. They were all great fun). This would be my first proper Dutch brevet.

I'm looking at the online entry form. It asks for your "club", and offers a long list of clubs from around the world, though the list looks broken and incomplete (only A-C) What do other UK-based riders do here?

Nigel

Can we sign up for this one already? Can't normally sign up until about 4 weeks before an event.

J
Sorry, I hadn't meant to imply that. I was trying out the entry form for another event. I also wanted to find out how payment worked, and discovered I could use PayPal or "credit card" in addition to various Dutch systems.

The system is set up to accept international payments. So the usual Dutch, German and Belgian systems + PayPal/Creditcard for those living outside these 3 countries.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 31 October, 2018, 09:15:32 pm

My plans for Saturday have been cancelled, so I can make the Zwolle 200. Weather forecast looks promising. Will be trying to do it in a day from Ams, assuming NS are working.

I've had the flu last week, so it's going to be a gentle one for me, just hoping to get round in one piece. Anyone else planning on riding?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 31 October, 2018, 09:35:46 pm
Yes I'll be there as well.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 31 October, 2018, 10:14:04 pm
Same for me.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 01 November, 2018, 07:12:15 am
Everybody is going to be there. First brevet that counts for PBP ;)

I'll be there as well. It's a pity I didn't find time this week to finish building my new audax bike. So, it will be one more winter ride without proper mudguards and a dynamo-powered headlight.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: rob on 01 November, 2018, 07:34:19 am
On holiday in the Netherlands at the moment.   Annoyingly we head home at lunchtime.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 November, 2018, 10:20:21 pm

Made it round in 13:08. Hit the 200k mark at 12:33. Was a hard slog for the last 30km. beautiful scenery tho. Feet are slowly defrosting. It reached -2°C at its coldest.

Thanks to all who organised.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 04 November, 2018, 07:15:39 pm
It wasn't that cold. I didn't even bother to use my winterboots or my neoprene overshoes. That said, I'm not the most standard person when it comes to cold tolerance.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 05 November, 2018, 03:09:56 pm
I'm not the most standard person when it comes to cold tolerance either, so I was glad I picked my winter boots  ;D

The weather was lovely, the mechanicals only minor (loose crank arm and later a loose cleat) but the legs were lousy... Still enjoyed the ride.

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 07 November, 2018, 09:16:07 am
I love it when there is a bit of winter in the air. It was my fastest brevet in the last two years and the first time this year that I rode in a group from the start to finish (excluding the Easter Arrow). Overall, nice social ride through some nice country side (although last year's route was a bit nicer).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: FifeingEejit on 08 November, 2018, 11:52:33 am
The South Sea Ballad is tempting me, but it's a Saturday evening start, and I was talking to my mate in Bergen, NH about going to the Amstel Gold that weekend.
and ferries are already expensive with it being easter...

Also how long does a Schengen Visa application take, just in case it's needed...
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 08 November, 2018, 05:06:27 pm
The South Sea Ballad is tempting me, but it's a Saturday evening start, and I was talking to my mate in Bergen, NH about going to the Amstel Gold that weekend.
and ferries are already expensive with it being easter...

Also how long does a Schengen Visa application take, just in case it's needed...

As long as the Irish-Irish border stays open, you can always cross into Schengen via that route. I don't see the Dutch police actively kicking out Brits without visas ::-)
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: FifeingEejit on 08 November, 2018, 05:27:53 pm
The South Sea Ballad is tempting me, but it's a Saturday evening start, and I was talking to my mate in Bergen, NH about going to the Amstel Gold that weekend.
and ferries are already expensive with it being easter...

Also how long does a Schengen Visa application take, just in case it's needed...

As long as the Irish-Irish border stays open, you can always cross into Schengen via that route. I don't see the Dutch police actively kicking out Brits without visas ::-)

The problem isn't so much being kicked out as getting in as I'd be traveling after the 29th of March.
And Ireland isn't in Schengen (yet...), so would need to pass through Schengen border controls at Cork or Dublin Port since I don't fly...

Got a rough idea as to how I can travel as sailings from Harwich to Hoek are still cheaper after adding in getting cheap train tickets than Newcastle->Ijmuiden
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 08 November, 2018, 06:09:34 pm
Sorry my fault. I always think that Ireland is part of the EU proper...

From both Hook of Holland and IJmuiden you need to cycle a bit to get to a train/metro station (unless they manage to finish the construction works on the new metro line from Hook to Schiedam before next spring). I would cycle from Hook of Holland to Den Haag Centraal (a gentle 20km spin through the dunes) and then it's 40 minutes to Amsterdam Zuid by train (no need to reserve, trains every 15 mins), 7km from the start of the brevet. From IJmuiden, I would just cycle to Amsterdam. It's 30 km from the ferry to the start of the brevet. Or cycle to station Driehuis (5km from the boat) and then it's 30 mins to Amsterdam Centraal (4 km from the start).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: FifeingEejit on 08 November, 2018, 06:56:19 pm
Sorry my fault. I always think that Ireland is part of the EU proper...

From both Hook of Holland and IJmuiden you need to cycle a bit to get to a train/metro station (unless they manage to finish the construction works on the new metro line from Hook to Schiedam before next spring). I would cycle from Hook of Holland to Den Haag Centraal (a gentle 20km spin through the dunes) and then it's 40 minutes to Amsterdam Zuid by train (no need to reserve, trains every 15 mins), 7km from the start of the brevet. From IJmuiden, I would just cycle to Amsterdam. It's 30 km from the ferry to the start of the brevet. Or cycle to station Driehuis (5km from the boat) and then it's 30 mins to Amsterdam Centraal (4 km from the start).

Well it is, but not part of Schengen, one of the few that aren't... The others being at the other side of the continental land mass.
Anyway...

Thanks, if things work out I'd be staying at my friends in Bergen so nearest station is Alkmaar which makes it easy to get to Amsterdam Centraal, but with it being Easter there's the possibility they'll be away, so I've had to ask his wife because she's the clued up organized one!

Ferries to the Hook are now looking considerably cheaper and if I can find a nice route I'd probably ride it in order to get used to being on Napoleon's side of the road  :P

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 09 November, 2018, 07:57:13 am
Hook of Holland to Alkmaar is dead easy and beautiful: just follow the LF1-route along the coast.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14 November, 2018, 03:09:30 pm


Well I've booked a room at the stay ok hostel for Friday night (Have a spare bed in a 2 bed room if anyone needs it).

And signed up for the ride on Saturday. Weather forecast suggests force 3 headwind for about 100km, Should make things interesting...

Probably should put the Gp Four Seasons on in time for Saturday.

Anyone else riding?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 14 November, 2018, 06:16:14 pm


Well I've booked a room at the stay ok hostel for Friday night (Have a spare bed in a 2 bed room if anyone needs it).

And signed up for the ride on Saturday. Weather forecast suggests force 3 headwind for about 100km, Should make things interesting...

Probably should put the Gp Four Seasons on in time for Saturday.

Anyone else riding?

J

My weekend just started, I have to work on saturaday and sunday. So I won't be there.
A lot of people will be thouch, we're already over 70 entries. A lot of Belgians this time.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 14 November, 2018, 07:41:09 pm


Well I've booked a room at the stay ok hostel for Friday night (Have a spare bed in a 2 bed room if anyone needs it).

And signed up for the ride on Saturday. Weather forecast suggests force 3 headwind for about 100km, Should make things interesting...

Probably should put the Gp Four Seasons on in time for Saturday.

Anyone else riding?

J

I'll be there and I'm staying at the hostel as well. I'll probably be in the bar with a beer around 8pm (in case you're bored and want some company).

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 15 November, 2018, 11:18:56 am
We might hit the 100 riders on saturday. So everyone who's not staying at the hostel, please be on time so there won't be a long line 10 minutes before the ride starts.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 November, 2018, 09:30:53 pm
We might hit the 100 riders on saturday. So everyone who's not staying at the hostel, please be on time so there won't be a long line 10 minutes before the ride starts.

Excellent. 99 people to be in front of me :p

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 16 November, 2018, 06:29:20 pm

I'll be there and I'm staying at the hostel as well. I'll probably be in the bar with a beer around 8pm (in case you're bored and want some company).

I'm here. Am in the bar, feel free to come say hi.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 17 November, 2018, 09:32:37 pm

I'll be there and I'm staying at the hostel as well. I'll probably be in the bar with a beer around 8pm (in case you're bored and want some company).

I'm here. Am in the bar, feel free to come say hi.

J

I was there, just a couple of minutes late.

Anyway, a nice day in the wind today. Very fast first half with a huge tailwind, then across the storm surge barrier in the Oosterschelde (always an impressive sight) and a quite slow second half into a huge headwind. Somehow ended up doing the headwind half solo... But made it back before dark. Now on the boring 4+ hours train journey home,
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 November, 2018, 10:21:55 pm


I was there, just a couple of minutes too late.

Anyway, a nice day in the wind today. Very fast first half with a huge tailwind, then across the storm surge barrier in the Oosterschelde (always an impressive sight) and a quite slow second half into a huge headwind. Somehow ended up doing the headwind half solo... But made it back before dark. Now on an the boring 4+ hours train journey home,
[/quote]

I made it with my signature 25 minutes to spare. That wind was brutal. I did the whole 204km solo. Now on a train back to Amsterdam. That's my 11th 200km Brevet this year.

Am bloody cold tho. Hopefully will warm up a bit now I'm on a train. One day I'll do a ride outside of the summer months where I can feel my feet. Today is not that day.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 November, 2018, 12:50:58 am

Ivo,

Is the list in the first post of this thread correct? It's listing the January ride as an Arnhem ride? the website suggests it's in Bunnik?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 20 November, 2018, 09:38:27 am

Ivo,

Is the list in the first post of this thread correct? It's listing the January ride as an Arnhem ride? the website suggests it's in Bunnik?

J

There has been a change. The Frank Simons Memorial is rescheduled to september, the january ride now starts from Bunnik.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 November, 2018, 02:19:39 pm

There has been a change. The Frank Simons Memorial is rescheduled to september, the january ride now starts from Bunnik.

Thought so. Worth editing the original post?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 20 November, 2018, 11:07:02 pm

There has been a change. The Frank Simons Memorial is rescheduled to september, the january ride now starts from Bunnik.

Thought so. Worth editing the original post?

J

Done, I was a bit too busy with entering all the rides in the NTFU system, in this way at least everyone will be insured ;)
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 January, 2019, 12:27:03 am

Ivo,

Any idea what this ride is:

BRM 300 Heerlen     za    23-03-19    9:00         Verrassing !!!

My limited Dutch tells me the name translates as "Surprise!"... which makes me nervous...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 09 January, 2019, 09:32:22 am

Ivo,

Any idea what this ride is:

BRM 300 Heerlen     za    23-03-19    9:00         Verrassing !!!

My limited Dutch tells me the name translates as "Surprise!"... which makes me nervous...

J

As I've seen the route already, it's quite harmless. You'll do fine.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: rob on 09 January, 2019, 10:17:21 am
Does anyone know if the Dutch Capitals will be back on in 2020 ?

I really enjoyed it in 2012 and it might fit quite neatly next year.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 09 January, 2019, 11:09:22 am
Does anyone know if the Dutch Capitals will be back on in 2020 ?

I really enjoyed it in 2012 and it might fit quite neatly next year.

It's not scheduled but we're working on an alternative
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: rob on 09 January, 2019, 11:38:38 am
Does anyone know if the Dutch Capitals will be back on in 2020 ?

I really enjoyed it in 2012 and it might fit quite neatly next year.

It's not scheduled but we're working on an alternative

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 09 January, 2019, 12:31:08 pm

Ivo,

Any idea what this ride is:

BRM 300 Heerlen     za    23-03-19    9:00         Verrassing !!!

My limited Dutch tells me the name translates as "Surprise!"... which makes me nervous...

J

As I've seen the route already, it's quite harmless. You'll do fine.

That's a shame: I was hoping for quite some vertical meters in the Eiffel or the Ardennes. We haven't had a tough 300 in the Netherlands since the last time the Ardennes Triangle was run  ;D
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 09 January, 2019, 07:32:28 pm
Maybe that's the surprise, a flat South Limburg brevet  ;)
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 09 January, 2019, 10:23:19 pm
Maybe that's the surprise, a flat South Limburg brevet  ;)

Well, it's benign for Limburg standards. I know of a randonneur from the the Hague region who would object to calling it benign ;).

The Heerlen 200 will be completely different, heading into the Eiffel mountain range.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: mattc on 10 January, 2019, 10:12:31 am
After doing most of my riding in the Netherlands in the first four months of this year, with the biggest climb being the last dune before the water tower approaching The Hague, I approached the hills of the Porkers with some trepidation.  However, all that training riding in a flat treeless landscape into force 5 - 6 winds was perfect for developing the leg strength to grind up the Wessex Hills, and I was climbing better than my peers.

The first Dutchmen to win a stage in the Tour, Theo Middelkamp, had never seen a mountain or even a hill before entering the Tour de France of 1936. Yet, he still managed to win a big mountain stage in that race.
(just browsing thru and saw this)

What a great character! He truly was from a different age:
http://capovelo.com/theo-middelkamp/

Quote
At an early age, he wanted to be a professional soccer player, but he soon realized that there was much more money to be earned in cycling, as soccer was not yet a professional sport in the Netherlands at the time.

you don't hear that very often now!
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Dave_C on 14 January, 2019, 10:58:44 pm
Hi Ivo, After a great PBP in 2015 and a super Borders of Belgium, I have a taste for mainland Europe Audax now. I visited Losheimergraben in Sept, and would love to try out the Heerlen 200. That stretch on the BoB from Lille to the Triborder was beautiful, tough but superb climbs.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 15 January, 2019, 09:42:16 am
Hi Ivo, After a great PBP in 2015 and a super Borders of Belgium, I have a taste for mainland Europe Audax now. I visited Losheimergraben in Sept, and would love to try out the Heerlen 200. That stretch on the BoB from Lille to the Triborder was beautiful, tough but superb climbs.

The Heerlen 200 will be quite hilly, heading into the Eiffel.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 January, 2019, 05:47:32 pm

Who's doing the Bunnik 200 next weekend?

Have just signed up.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 20 January, 2019, 09:05:43 pm

Who's doing the Bunnik 200 next weekend?

Have just signed up.

J

Signed up, reserved 2 nights at the hostel.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 21 January, 2019, 07:41:38 am

Who's doing the Bunnik 200 next weekend?

Have just signed up.

J

Still in doubt, since I'm coming back from a holiday on Friday. Maybe if the weather forecast is good and I can get out of bed early enough to take the 5:38 train...

But given the turnout at the last couple of rides, I wouldn't be surprised if well over a 100 people show up.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 21 January, 2019, 01:15:56 pm
It would be the #12 for RRtY, so it's likely I'll be there. Forecasts are barely above freezing and rain in the afternoon, full rain gear seems advisable. And the wind will be West turning to East, meaning head wind all around, yay!
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 21 January, 2019, 07:57:02 pm

Today's attempt at a DIY 200 to keep my RRTY going had to be Aborted due to the amount of ice I was finding. Turns out my route planning took too many back roads that don't see the gritters...

On the plus side, I now know the Dutch for "this road isn't gritted", or at least to associate a certain yellow sign with a road that is likely covered in ice.

This somewhat ups the pressure to complete Saturday's ride. I have 6 months of my RRTy complete. And only 9 days left to do a 200...

See you all Saturday!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: paulk on 22 January, 2019, 09:15:32 am
I will be doing this 200. It is just half an hour driving and almost passes my house.
Don't need this ride for my randonneur round the year, already did a 200 in Belgium. Only 6 more months to go for the rrty.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 22 January, 2019, 10:37:05 pm
It would be the #12 for RRtY, so it's likely I'll be there. Forecasts are barely above freezing and rain in the afternoon, full rain gear seems advisable. And the wind will be West turning to East, meaning head wind all around, yay!

Weather forecast seems to be very changeable, and not much agreement between Buienradar and yr.no. Buienradar now says light drissel to start, westerly winds, comparative warmth, and even some sunshine. Yr.no, says warm, strong westerly winds, and it's probably worth packing a kayak...

Given that it's been subzero for much of the week, and rain is forecast between now and the weekend, what are the chances of ice on the route? Is the route all on gritted paths? Am trying to decide if I put the top contact winter's on, or keep the GP4 seasons...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 23 January, 2019, 12:12:36 pm
Rain will be more of a concern as ice. Given the lethal conduct of studded tyres on steel gutters and other items, I'd certainly start with normal tyres.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 January, 2019, 03:02:40 pm
Rain will be more of a concern as ice. Given the lethal conduct of studded tyres on steel gutters and other items, I'd certainly start with normal tyres.

I'm not going to use studded tyres, they are just too slow. The conti top contact winter's are supposed to be ok on some ice (as long as  you're not trying to corner stupidly), whilst not being too draggy, they don't have studs.

Who do we think is going to be more accurate, the Dutch or the Norwegians when it comes to weather forecast?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 23 January, 2019, 04:21:26 pm

I'm not going to use studded tyres, they are just too slow. The conti top contact winter's are supposed to be ok on some ice (as long as  you're not trying to corner stupidly), whilst not being too draggy, they don't have studs.

Who do we think is going to be more accurate, the Dutch or the Norwegians when it comes to weather forecast?

J

yr.no is usually quite pessimistic in the amount of rain that they forecast. I usually put my faith in the "verbal" forecast of the Royal Dutch Metereological Institute, which says "Friday or Saturday large (70%) chance of transition to milder weather with rainy periods in the weekend. There is a 30% chance that it will remain (fairly) cold. Uncertain after the weekend, with a big chance of a fairly cold, changeable weather with sometimes winter precipitation."

Anyway, I'm not joining you. After a week of cycling in the sun, I can't bear 8 hours of cycling in the rain ;-)
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 January, 2019, 06:16:05 pm


yr.no is usually quite pessimistic in the amount of rain that they forecast. I usually put my faith in the "verbal" forecast of the Royal Dutch Metereological Institute, which says "Friday or Saturday large (70%) chance of transition to milder weather with rainy periods in the weekend. There is a 30% chance that it will remain (fairly) cold. Uncertain after the weekend, with a big chance of a fairly cold, changeable weather with sometimes winter precipitation."

Anyway, I'm not joining you. After a week of cycling in the sun, I can't bear 8 hours of cycling in the rain ;-)

Don't short change yourself, you don't have to limit yourself to 8 hours cycling in the cold, you could have upto a full 13.5 hours of tit freezing type 2 fun...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 23 January, 2019, 07:40:47 pm

Don't short change yourself, you don't have to limit yourself to 8 hours cycling in the cold, you could have upto a full 13.5 hours of tit freezing type 2 fun...

J

Somehow that doesn't improve things, but I'll be present in Zwolle no matter how awful the weather is.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 27 January, 2019, 09:40:20 am
This turned out to be a remarkably nice ride. It had been raining a lot in the night before, removing all snow and ice from the roads. Temperature around 7 degrees, I didn't even need my winter gloves. Best of all: no rain to speak of, at least until 19:00

The turning head wind was annoying (I rode solo save for the last 20 miles), but not absurdly so.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 27 January, 2019, 10:57:14 am
This turned out to be a remarkably nice ride. It had been raining a lot in the night before, removing all snow and ice from the roads. Temperature around 7 degrees, I didn't even need my winter gloves. Best of all: no rain to speak of, at least until 19:00

I got a sprinkling of fine rain in the first 30km or so, I stopped, put my hood up, and got about 3km before taking the hood down as it had stopped... I had a similar amount of rain as I went through Boskoop, I didn't bother with the hood this time. When I left CP2 the rain had started in earnest, and I was soaked for the rest of the ride.

The wind was an utter bitch. I was slower to CP1 than last year, 1 minute slower to CP2, yet managed to make it to the arrivé for an overall time 6 minutes faster than last year.

Somewhere in the first 40km or so I pulled a hip flexor muscle, putting my saddle up by 5mm seemed to alleviate it, but the damage was done. The main thing that this made difficult was mounting the bike.

I rode the whole thing solo apart from 1-2 km near the start. Last year I had Martin to draft behind on the leg to CP1. I was nowhere near as broken after finishing than I was last year. Which is an improvement. My distance this year is 1km longer (I did go off route for a tile...), but my moving time is actually a minute or so longer than last year - 10:44:26 vs 10:46:57, so I've improved my faff to forward ratio...

Now at 7/12 months of my RRtY.

Quote

The turning head wind was annoying (I rode solo save for the last 20 miles), but not absurdly so.


Miles? This was a Dutch Brevett :p

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 27 January, 2019, 11:09:38 am
I cater to the public (but draw the line at rods and stones)

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 27 January, 2019, 11:16:28 am
I cater to the public (but draw the line at rods and stones)

I thought Cycling went fully metric years ago?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 28 January, 2019, 07:40:43 pm
I cater to the public (but draw the line at rods and stones)

I thought Cycling went fully metric years ago?

J

Isn't "going imperial" the main reason why the UK is leaving the EU? I expect that by 2020 a SR will consist of a 200 mile-, 300 mile-, a 400 mile- and a 600 mile audax :P

But well done to both of you  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 January, 2019, 07:44:59 pm
Isn't "going imperial" the main reason why the UK is leaving the EU? I expect that by 2020 a SR will consist of a 200 mile-, 300 mile-, a 400 mile- and a 600 mile audax :P

Troll :p

Quote
But well done to both of you  :thumbsup:

Thanks. Seems I have a cold injury to one of my toes. I wonder if I can survive the winter with the majority of my toes intact (currently at 80%...)...

Who's going to Zwolle on the 9th?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 28 January, 2019, 08:05:10 pm
I'll be there in Zwolle. When the wind is coming from south or south-west, it is the easiest 200 in the Netherlands. Plenty of shelter in the forest in the first 120 km and then it's cruising back to Zwolle in the last 80km.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 January, 2019, 08:08:56 pm
I'll be there in Zwolle. When the wind is coming from south or south-west, it is the easiest 200 in the Netherlands. Plenty of shelter in the forest in the first 120 km and then it's cruising back to Zwolle in the last 80km.

Conversely, if it's an Northerly or North Easterly, that's gonna be harder... But not impossible.

Just hoping for no ice.

J

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 28 January, 2019, 10:04:27 pm
My shiftplan doesn't allow for Zwolle. I'll probably be back for the Maastricht 200.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: paulk on 29 January, 2019, 10:46:50 am
If there is no ice/snow I will be coming to Zwolle. That will be my 7th month for the RRTY.

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 01 February, 2019, 04:32:27 pm

Ivo,

Any idea what this ride is:

BRM 300 Heerlen     za    23-03-19    9:00         Verrassing !!!

My limited Dutch tells me the name translates as "Surprise!"... which makes me nervous...

J

No longer a surprise; an outline of the route is now available on randonneurs.nl, basically from Heerlen to Namur/Namen and back. The route seems surprisingly flat, even the first bit through the hills of Zuid-Limburg and the Voerstreek.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 01 February, 2019, 04:42:39 pm
No longer a surprise; an outline of the route is now available on randonneurs.nl, basically from Heerlen to Namur/Namen and back. The route seems surprisingly flat, even the first bit through the hills of Zuid-Limburg and the Voerstreek.

That looks relatively sane. Tho the elevation graph on the site seems slightly broken.

I really like the look of it.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 01 February, 2019, 09:42:10 pm

Ivo,

Any idea what this ride is:

BRM 300 Heerlen     za    23-03-19    9:00         Verrassing !!!

My limited Dutch tells me the name translates as "Surprise!"... which makes me nervous...

J

No longer a surprise; an outline of the route is now available on randonneurs.nl, basically from Heerlen to Namur/Namen and back. The route seems surprisingly flat, even the first bit through the hills of Zuid-Limburg and the Voerstreek.

On the NTFU website it was already visible since october.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 02 February, 2019, 04:47:31 pm
On the NTFU website it was already visible since october.

A website which I rarely check since the non-audax rides on the calendar are rarely interesting...
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 04 February, 2019, 12:05:18 am
I'll be there in Zwolle. When the wind is coming from south or south-west, it is the easiest 200 in the Netherlands. Plenty of shelter in the forest in the first 120 km and then it's cruising back to Zwolle in the last 80km.

Current forecast has southerly force 2 winds, with light rain for most of the day, 5°-7°C. So quite warm for the time of year, and favourable winds. How much this forecast changes in the coming week is anyones guess. Not that I'll be hitting refresh on the weather site every hour or so until Saturday morning or anything... honest...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 06 February, 2019, 07:48:36 am

Current forecast has southerly force 2 winds, with light rain for most of the day, 5°-7°C. So quite warm for the time of year, and favourable winds. How much this forecast changes in the coming week is anyones guess. Not that I'll be hitting refresh on the weather site every hour or so until Saturday morning or anything... honest...


Updated forecast: more wind (force 5/6), higher temperatures (double digits perhaps), the amount of rain depends on the forecaster (ranging from dry to deluge).

The route is also seriously underdistance: according to my GPS-unit, it's only 193km (with quite some shortcuts possible if you wanted to cheat).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 February, 2019, 12:32:46 pm

Updated forecast: more wind (force 5/6), higher temperatures (double digits perhaps), the amount of rain depends on the forecaster (ranging from dry to deluge).

Yeah, weather is looking... interesting... I'm hoping that the woods in the first 120k will provide some protection, slogging into a force 5/6 with hills is going to make time a fun one.

Quote

The route is also seriously underdistance: according to my GPS-unit, it's only 193km (with quite some shortcuts possible if you wanted to cheat).

My understanding is that all of the Zwolle start BRM's have had their starts moved from across town, this means that on Zwolle-Boekello-Zwolle you pay with an extra 11km (well over the over distance allowed), but you get it back on this one. I know that Dutch BRM's are mandatory route, but I'm hoping noone minds if I go a bit off route on the final 5km to add a few km, to a) bag some tiles, and b) make up the distance (For Eddington number purposes).

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 06 February, 2019, 03:45:29 pm
[...]
My understanding is that all of the Zwolle start BRM's have had their starts moved from across town, this means that on Zwolle-Boekello-Zwolle you pay with an extra 11km (well over the over distance allowed), but you get it back on this one. I know that Dutch BRM's are mandatory route, but I'm hoping noone minds if I go a bit off route on the final 5km to add a few km, to a) bag some tiles, and b) make up the distance (For Eddington number purposes).


I know: 5th time I'm doing this audax and the start used to be on the east side of the town. There used to be a secret control along the route (maybe they'll bring it back this year), but since it is highly unlikely to be in the final 5km it seems safe to go off route in the last bit.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 February, 2019, 03:59:54 pm
I know: 5th time I'm doing this audax and the start used to be on the east side of the town. There used to be a secret control along the route (maybe they'll bring it back this year), but since it is highly unlikely to be in the final 5km it seems safe to go off route in the last bit.

Aye, that was more for the benefit of those who haven't done this one before, and in the hope someone will come along and tell me if it's a bad idea to go off piste in the last 5km.

On the Maasland 300 last summer there was a secret control in the first 5km (to catch out those who hadn't updated their gpx to take into account a recent route change). Putting a secret control in after the bridge over the Ijssel river seems... foolish. My plan is to turn right just after the bridge, head down to the next big junction, left, upto the station, then back to the hotel at the start. Should be about 2km extra, coupled with the 5km round trip start/station, it should put me over the 200km for the day...

If there was a secret control, my money would be it's in the first 100km.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 February, 2019, 02:29:36 pm
Updated forecast: more wind (force 5/6), higher temperatures (double digits perhaps), the amount of rain depends on the forecaster (ranging from dry to deluge).

The route is also seriously underdistance: according to my GPS-unit, it's only 193km (with quite some shortcuts possible if you wanted to cheat).

Looks like forecast is ZW3, with a bit of W3 during the early afternoon. Still high single digit temps, with only a small sprinkling of rain.

Currently in Amsterdam the wind is battering the flat I'm in such that the building is wobbling, and the sound of it through the balcony railing it's like I have a screaming banshee outside. I had planned on going for a ride today, but this is just crazy wind. Gonna do some indoor body weight exercises instead.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 09 February, 2019, 06:59:25 pm


Looks like forecast is ZW3 [...]

That was a bit optimistic: the Dutch mountains were high today, with Beaufort 7 during the afternoon... From the last control to the finish (with strong cross winds), there were bits where it took a lot of effort to not be blown off the road.

(And I bagged 2 tiles, because the route was slightly different than last year :-)
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 10 February, 2019, 12:35:14 am


Looks like forecast is ZW3 [...]

That was a bit optimistic: the Dutch mountains were high today, with Beaufort 7 during the afternoon... From the last control to the finish (with strong cross winds), there were bits where it took a lot of effort to not be blown off the road.

(And I bagged 2 tiles, because the route was slightly different than last year :-)

Well we have a new contender for "Understatement of the year"...

That wind was brutal. I had an interesting array of people on my wheel. For the first 70km or so, I had a pair of Polish (had originally thought them to be Germans) They had a combination of Nav fail, and someone going at about the right speed in front of them. I have no problem with someone just sitting on my wheel, I'd like them to ask first if it's going to be for that long, but I've sat on enough strangers wheels that I can't really complain. Somewhere on the climb out of Apeldorn they left me behind and went on ahead. I last saw them coming into the carpark at the end, as I left for the station. I left at 2232... Me thinks they may not get validated...

At CP2 I saw a young couple who looked absolutely shattered, they arrived after me (which surprised me). I had a chat with them. Turns out they were on their first ever Audax, one of them having only bought their bike two weeks ago! Recognising in them a lot of where I was about a year ago, I decided to pay forward the kindness I was shown last year, and escorted them all the way back to the finish, letting them sit on my wheel on the headwind bits, answering some of their audax questions, and generally keeping them company, I think I may have sold them on aerobars... My over taking one of them on the aerobars whilst not pedalling, as they pedalled uphill surprised them... It was nice to have some company on a ride like this, not had that for a while. They had some questions I couldn't answer, so I have pointed them at Ivo. With a few hundred meters to go, I urged them to empty the tank and get there before me, so they could finish their first Audax, not last.

I really enjoyed the ride, even if there was an evil combination of headwinds *AND* hills. 1333m of climbing, in the Netherlands!

Oh and the trains were broken on the way back so I had to cycle home from Schiphol... ah well helps the eddington number, even if my arse could have done without it...

Time for bed. Heerlen in March is the next BRM I'm doing.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 10 February, 2019, 10:27:39 am
My experience didn't quite match the picture MyWindsock paints of this brevet (51% tailwind? really?)
(https://mywindsock.com/activity/2135237463/share/) (https://mywindsock.com/activity/2135237463/?utm_source=shareable&utm_medium=embed&jy93b)

As slugbait said, esp. on the last bit riding on the dike, all exposed, there were parts you really needed to lean into the wind and have a firm grip on the hoods to stay in control.

My garmin only credits me with 782m of climbing, guess you encountered a few more Dutch Mountains than I did  ;D

Again quite a number of riders: 85. Last month it was 70+ (predicted weather was shite), and 115 on December 28. A notable increase compared to the previous year I think. What about brevets in the UK, is there an uptake in the number of riders as well?
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 10 February, 2019, 10:50:45 am

Yeah, I get a 50.6%. I think mywindsock may not take cross winds into account so well, especially when they are as strong as we had yesterday.

(https://mywindsock.com/activity/2135266726/share/)

J


Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 04 March, 2019, 07:43:14 pm
Due to major roadworks closing the Afsluitdijk the route of the Amsterdam 400 is completely changed.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 04 March, 2019, 08:27:54 pm
I asked Joost if he was aware of the closure just this morning ;D But it's reassuring to know there will be a BRM400 at that date regardless (PBP qualifying etc).

Race around the Netherlands which starts on May 1st will also be overjoyed hearing about the closure...

Closure is for bicycles only and will last until 1 april 2022. There will be busses that take bicycles, but I doubt they'll run at O-dark-hour when us randonneurs would need them.

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 04 March, 2019, 10:32:36 pm
It is bizarre to close it for 3 years. Although for most (non-race/audax) cyclist the bus will be a reasonable alternative.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 04 March, 2019, 10:34:00 pm
Due to major roadworks closing the Afsluitdijk the route of the Amsterdam 400 is completely changed.

Oh. I just emailed you about this. Looks like you knew already. Apologies.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 March, 2019, 11:19:33 am
I asked Joost if he was aware of the closure just this morning ;D But it's reassuring to know there will be a BRM400 at that date regardless (PBP qualifying etc).

The new route is up on the website. Looks like a lap of the Hollands. Interestingly, it shares much the same route as RatN from Den Helder to the Hoek. Looks like I get to ride that bit twice in 3 weeks...

If we have SW winds, it's gonna be an interesting experience...

Also looks like on the leg from Hoek back to Amsterdam, it covers a number of tiles I was missing... Not that I'm addicted, honest...

Is it me, or has the time changed by 1 hour to 2000 rather than 2100 ?

Quote
Race around the Netherlands which starts on May 1st will also be overjoyed hearing about the closure...

Race is gonna get longer, but the time limit will increase too...

Quote

Closure is for bicycles only and will last until 1 april 2022. There will be busses that take bicycles, but I doubt they'll run at O-dark-hour when us randonneurs would need them.

Yeah, I did wonder if they would be 24 hr or not. I also wonder how they will react to velomobiles...

A friend did ask "why didn't they just re-purpose one lane of car traffic". Which to me would be a more sensible option... But hey, car is king or something...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Wobbly on 05 March, 2019, 11:37:37 am

Quote
Race around the Netherlands which starts on May 1st will also be overjoyed hearing about the closure...

Race is gonna get longer, but the time limit will increase too...


I've not heard anything from the RatN organisers about a change of route or increase in time limit. Where are you getting your info from?
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 05 March, 2019, 11:38:32 am
Is it me, or has the time changed by 1 hour to 2000 rather than 2100 ?
Seems to, yes.

Glad to see this route also has a manually operated ferry (ie you turn a crank that moves the ferry over a fixed chain).

Quote
Quote
Race around the Netherlands which starts on May 1st will also be overjoyed hearing about the closure...
Race is gonna get longer, but the time limit will increase too...
I read on the fiets.nl forum that the Houtribdijk (aka N307) is closed as well, so that makes is quite a bit longer.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 March, 2019, 11:43:19 am
I've not heard anything from the RatN organisers about a change of route or increase in time limit. Where are you getting your info from?

I emailed race control last night. They are aware, and looking at other route options, and will update us as soon as they have a solution.

Is it me, or has the time changed by 1 hour to 2000 rather than 2100 ?
Seems to, yes.

Glad to see this route also has a manually operated ferry (ie you turn a crank that moves the ferry over a fixed chain).

Oh that's going to be fun. Where about's is that ferry?

Quote
I read on the fiets.nl forum that the Houtribdijk (aka N307) is closed as well, so that makes is quite a bit longer.

Oh crap, that's going to make things even more of a pain. Eek

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 05 March, 2019, 11:50:45 am
Oh that's going to be fun. Where about's is that ferry?
It's the voetveer Vlaardingse vaart (https://goo.gl/maps/uBY6hUTLnDr). Bring a pole stick and you can practice your fierljepping (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fierljeppen) skills  ;D
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Wobbly on 05 March, 2019, 11:52:52 am
I've not heard anything from the RatN organisers about a change of route or increase in time limit. Where are you getting your info from?

I emailed race control last night. They are aware, and looking at other route options, and will update us as soon as they have a solution.

Given that the Afsluitdijk is about 700km into RatN riders will be pretty spread out so I would have thought the shuttle bus would have sufficed. I realise this might be a significant problem for tandem and/or velomobile riders if their bikes won't fit on the bus of course!
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 March, 2019, 09:55:07 pm

For those not watching the RATN thread in the racing section.

The revised route is out. We get an extra 24 hours, and an extra 200km! 1890km total. Check the website for more.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: rob on 05 March, 2019, 10:05:09 pm
I do think that’s a real pity.   One of my greatest memories of the long rides I’ve done was riding along there in the baking heat on the Dutch Capitals 1400k in 2012.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 18 March, 2019, 06:48:09 pm
I'm examining the route for next Saturday, but the first 45km are surprisingly lumpy. Although the worst climb in that bit seems to be the "King of Spain" (see http://heuvelsfietsen.nl/Gulpen-Voerendaal/Koning_van_Spanje.php) which is still very gentle compared to the Gulpenerberg that climbs to the same plateaux. Luckily, we have the cobbled climb up to the citadel of Namur to compensate :-D
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 March, 2019, 07:49:23 pm
I'm examining the route for next Saturday, but the first 45km are surprisingly lumpy. Although the worst climb in that bit seems to be the "King of Spain" (see http://heuvelsfietsen.nl/Gulpen-Voerendaal/Koning_van_Spanje.php) which is still very gentle compared to the Gulpenerberg that climbs to the same plateaux. Luckily, we have the cobbled climb up to the citadel of Namur to compensate :-D

That first 40k looks very lumpy...

Have imported the route into komoot, which makes it 314km, and has a weird loop in Heerlen at the end... What's going on there?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 18 March, 2019, 08:44:42 pm
That first 40k looks very lumpy...

Have imported the route into komoot, which makes it 314km, and has a weird loop in Heerlen at the end... What's going on there?

J

When I look at the track via https://opoto.github.io/wtracks/ or the Wahoo-app (in both cases the full gpx-track at max res), I don't see a weird loop in Heerlen and it's only 307km long?

The climbing is not too bad, most of it is very gentle gradients. From an average speed perspective, the only bad thing is that the descents are pretty abrupt. For instance, from Romsee to the Meuse river, that is a bloody steep descent, if I recall correctly. At least it runs parallel to the "Haute Folie"-climb; the steepest climb I've seen outside of Yorkshire...
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 18 March, 2019, 09:29:03 pm
That first 40k looks very lumpy...

Have imported the route into komoot, which makes it 314km, and has a weird loop in Heerlen at the end... What's going on there?

J

When I look at the track via https://opoto.github.io/wtracks/ or the Wahoo-app (in both cases the full gpx-track at max res), I don't see a weird loop in Heerlen and it's only 307km long?

The climbing is not too bad, most of it is very gentle gradients. From an average speed perspective, the only bad thing is that the descents are pretty abrupt. For instance, from Romsee to the Meuse river, that is a bloody steep descent, if I recall correctly. At least it runs parallel to the "Haute Folie"-climb; the steepest climb I've seen outside of Yorkshire...

The descent from Fléron to the river is indeed quite steep but not that technical. Most of it is simply a straight line. But do brake early at the end, you'll enter a roundabout which you don't want to do with 70km/h. A few years back I spent part of the descent in the gearbox of a quad before it moved aside to let me pass. Descending the Citadel is actually more work.
For the northeners, beware that in the Maas valley between Liège and Namur the wind turns with the valley.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 March, 2019, 01:57:49 pm

Why is the opening time of the finish control listed as 1903, and not 1900? Not that I'm going to be anywhere near the pointy end, I was just slightly bemused to see that opening time...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 21 March, 2019, 03:17:42 pm

Why is the opening time of the finish control listed as 1903, and not 1900? Not that I'm going to be anywhere near the pointy end, I was just slightly bemused to see that opening time...

J

Maybe they just want to mess with us? Audax Club Parisien has a nice spreadsheet for calculating opening times, but that gives a number different from both 19:00 and 19:03 (it's 18:00 in case your wondering).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 22 March, 2019, 05:15:08 pm

Why is the opening time of the finish control listed as 1903, and not 1900? Not that I'm going to be anywhere near the pointy end, I was just slightly bemused to see that opening time...

J

Maybe they just want to mess with us? Audax Club Parisien has a nice spreadsheet for calculating opening times, but that gives a number different from both 19:00 and 19:03 (it's 18:00 in case your wondering). I'm


Is that your bike I spy at the same hostel as me?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 22 March, 2019, 05:40:05 pm
Quote from: quixoticgeek link=topic=109859.msg2380273#msg2380273


Is that your bike I spy at the same hostel as me?

J

If it's a black/blue Specialized Roubaix, then the likelihood is pretty high. But I'm currently in the city centre for dinner at a very mediocre Indian restaurant.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 22 March, 2019, 05:40:55 pm
Quote from: quixoticgeek link=topic=109859.msg2380273#msg2380273


Is that your bike I spy at the same hostel as me?

J

If it's a black/blue Specialized Roubaix, then the likelihood is pretty high. But I'm currently in the city centre for dinner at a very mediocre Indian restaurant.

I'm in the centre hunting for pizza...


J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 11 April, 2019, 10:05:20 am
Just a quick note for those riding the Amsterdam 400, the startlocation has changed:

Madmen Bicycle Café (ism Vrijburcht)
IJburglaan 444
1086 ZJ Amsterdam
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 11 April, 2019, 09:16:21 pm
Just a quick note for those riding the Amsterdam 400, the startlocation has changed:

Madmen Bicycle Café (ism Vrijburcht)
IJburglaan 444
1086 ZJ Amsterdam

Not riding it, but for those that are, Madmen do excellent apple pie...

Good luck!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: grams on 16 April, 2019, 10:37:39 pm
Just signed up for the Amsterdam 400, since I was there this weekend anyway. I'll be on a Brompton, so a full full value time is on the cards.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 17 April, 2019, 07:12:53 am
Just signed up for the Amsterdam 400, since I was there this weekend anyway. I'll be on a Brompton, so a full full value time is on the cards.

There'll be a few newbies among the 100+ participants so they won't believe their eyes ;)

I don't know what's happening this year. 100 participants in a brevet we had for the first time this winter on a 200. And now also on a 400. The turnout is absolutely astonishing.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 April, 2019, 11:36:13 am

I won't be riding it's too close to RatN. Good luck everyone!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 19 April, 2019, 10:12:07 am

Have volunteered to help with the start. See you all at Madmen!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: grams on 23 April, 2019, 11:27:05 am
Just signed up for the Amsterdam 400, since I was there this weekend anyway. I'll be on a Brompton, so a full full value time is on the cards.

I finished with a whole hour to spare. No sleep though - that bike just does not want to go above about 20 km/h. I did get it going a bit faster with the elbows-on-handlebars invisible-aerobars position, but it's not comfortable for very long. Maybe I'll see about fitting aerobars...

Have volunteered to help with the start. See you all at Madmen!

It was good to see you! Sorry it was so brief... I was planning to chat more but was full of pre-ride nerves.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 April, 2019, 11:44:13 am
I finished with a whole hour to spare. No sleep though - that bike just does not want to go above about 20 km/h. I did get it going a bit faster with the elbows-on-handlebars invisible-aerobars position, but it's not comfortable for very long. Maybe I'll see about fitting aerobars...


Glad to hear you finished. I left the finish just after 9pm, so you can't have been far out.

Were you Lantern Rouge?

The problem I find with the Brompton is that the suspension block eats up so much of your energy, I've done 100Km rides on it, but I usually start to think I've lost all sanity at about 30km. Well done for doing a 400k on a Brompton, I'm impressed!

Have volunteered to help with the start. See you all at Madmen!

It was good to see you! Sorry it was so brief... I was planning to chat more but was full of pre-ride nerves.
[/quote]

Know the feeling.

Welldone on a good ride!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 23 April, 2019, 12:18:01 pm
Just signed up for the Amsterdam 400, since I was there this weekend anyway. I'll be on a Brompton, so a full full value time is on the cards.

I finished with a whole hour to spare. No sleep though - that bike just does not want to go above about 20 km/h. I did get it going a bit faster with the elbows-on-handlebars invisible-aerobars position, but it's not comfortable for very long. Maybe I'll see about fitting aerobars...

Have volunteered to help with the start. See you all at Madmen!

It was good to see you! Sorry it was so brief... I was planning to chat more but was full of pre-ride nerves.

News of your progress filtered through as one of the faster riders who had slept startged overtaking smaller groups. I wouldn't consider my Brompton for a brevet though ;).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 April, 2019, 01:49:39 pm

Video of the start:

https://youtu.be/ZU-Vp4NHNGU

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 02 May, 2019, 08:17:21 pm
First 600 of the season is coming up on May 11. For the Brits who want a flat PBP qualifier, this is as about as flat a 600km gets (until the Overveen 600 on June 8). Choice between two starts, Merselo in the south of the Netherlands and Groningen in the north of the Netherlands. Both starts are approximately 2 hours by car from the nearest ferry (Zeebrugge/Hook of Holland for Merselo, IJmuiden for Groningen).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 July, 2019, 10:53:28 pm


Well that was rather epic. The lumpiest 200 on the Dutch calendar, 2500m of climb. How do you get that much climbing in the Netherlands? By going to Germany, and a tiny corner of Belgium...

I finished with about 4 minutes in hand. I was starting to think I wouldn't make it in time, but the last 20km offered some good descending.

If it's on the calendar again next year, I really recommend it to everyone. Fantastic route. (Headwind for whole ride not Guaranteed on future rides)

Now to go wash the salt out my jersey...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 07 July, 2019, 10:28:37 am


Well that was rather epic. The lumpiest 200 on the Dutch calendar, 2500m of climb. How do you get that much climbing in the Netherlands? By going to Germany, and a tiny corner of Belgium...

I finished with about 4 minutes in hand. I was starting to think I wouldn't make it in time, but the last 20km offered some good descending.

If it's on the calendar again next year, I really recommend it to everyone. Fantastic route. (Headwind for whole ride not Guaranteed on future rides)

Now to go wash the salt out my jersey...

J

My jersey was salted as well. It was hot. Luckily on saturday a lot of shops are open so restocking fluids wasn't an issue.

My photoset: https://www.zonerama.com/ivomiesen/Album/5429311
the route on relive: https://www.relive.cc/view/2510157814
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 10 July, 2019, 12:07:06 pm


Well that was rather epic. The lumpiest 200 on the Dutch calendar, 2500m of climb. How do you get that much climbing in the Netherlands? By going to Germany, and a tiny corner of Belgium...

I finished with about 4 minutes in hand. I was starting to think I wouldn't make it in time, but the last 20km offered some good descending.

If it's on the calendar again next year, I really recommend it to everyone. Fantastic route. (Headwind for whole ride not Guaranteed on future rides)

Now to go wash the salt out my jersey...

J

My jersey was salted as well. It was hot. Luckily on saturday a lot of shops are open so restocking fluids wasn't an issue.

My photoset: https://www.zonerama.com/ivomiesen/Album/5429311
the route on relive: https://www.relive.cc/view/2510157814

Homologation is out (with details sent to Recorder), and I got the good news that the route also gets a nice 1.75AAA points!

Win!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 10 July, 2019, 01:58:56 pm
It looks like everyone was really taking their time (or Dutch randonneurs are not used to a bit of climbing). Anyway from Ivo's pictures it looks like a great ride, hope it makes the calendar next year so I can join.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 10 July, 2019, 02:26:57 pm
It looks like everyone was really taking their time (or Dutch randonneurs are not used to a bit of climbing). Anyway from Ivo's pictures it looks like a great ride, hope it makes the calendar next year so I can join.

Given I've done Dutch Brevets with under 200m of climbing, in 200km, ~2500m in 200km is definitely a shock to the system. It was also crazy hot. We went from 100+ riders on events earlier in the year, to just 36 on this one (Plus DNFs).

At least one person finished overtime. Lots of rider were complaining about cramp.

It was a beautiful route, and I too hope it's on the calendar again next year.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 10 July, 2019, 10:02:40 pm


Well that was rather epic. The lumpiest 200 on the Dutch calendar, 2500m of climb. How do you get that much climbing in the Netherlands? By going to Germany, and a tiny corner of Belgium...

I finished with about 4 minutes in hand. I was starting to think I wouldn't make it in time, but the last 20km offered some good descending.

If it's on the calendar again next year, I really recommend it to everyone. Fantastic route. (Headwind for whole ride not Guaranteed on future rides)

Now to go wash the salt out my jersey...

J

My jersey was salted as well. It was hot. Luckily on saturday a lot of shops are open so restocking fluids wasn't an issue.

My photoset: https://www.zonerama.com/ivomiesen/Album/5429311
the route on relive: https://www.relive.cc/view/2510157814

Homologation is out (with details sent to Recorder), and I got the good news that the route also gets a nice 1.75AAA points!

Win!

J

OK, that should give me also 1.75AAA points, thank's for doing the paperwork.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 08 August, 2019, 02:35:01 pm

Anyone else doing the 300k BRM from Groningen next weekend? aka the non PBP riding Dutch ride?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 08 August, 2019, 03:14:31 pm
Well, I'm the organizer so I'll definitely be there at start and finish. And probably will ride along to the first CP.

But don't expect a huge turnout with most of the Dutch and German audaxers being in Paris for some reason.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 08 August, 2019, 03:18:10 pm
Well, I'm the organizer so I'll definitely be there at start and finish. And probably will ride along to the first CP.

But don't expect a huge turnout with most of the Dutch and German audaxers being in Paris for some reason.

Weird, I wonder what's going on in Paris...

I had expected to be too messed up from the TCR, but as that ended prematurely, I can make this ride, which hopefully means I can keep my Dutch RrtY going...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 08 August, 2019, 03:20:22 pm
Well, I'm the organizer so I'll definitely be there at start and finish. And probably will ride along to the first CP.

But don't expect a huge turnout with most of the Dutch and German audaxers being in Paris for some reason.

Weird, I wonder what's going on in Paris...

I had expected to be too messed up from the TCR, but as that ended prematurely, I can make this ride, which hopefully means I can keep my Dutch RrtY going...

J

You reply fast, I meant to add this to the original message:

I don't know how good your Dutch is, but on the randonneurs.nl-website I'm warning against staying in the city centre the night before. It's the final night of freshman introduction week which means lots of drunk students on the street.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 08 August, 2019, 03:23:33 pm

You reply fast, I meant to add this to the original message:

I don't know how good your Dutch is, but on the randonneurs.nl-website I'm warning against staying in the city centre the night before. It's the final night of freshman introduction week which means lots of drunk students on the street.

I saw, unfortunately my budget doesn't stretch to any of the places outside the city, so I have a hostel booked that may or may not be noisy. I'll bring ear plugs just in case.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 08 August, 2019, 04:07:54 pm
With a bit of luck they won't return to the dormitory until 6am.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14 August, 2019, 08:49:06 pm

Just looking at the GPX files, there appears to be 2 routes from Bagband until Logabirum.

What is the difference between the two routes?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 14 August, 2019, 09:35:55 pm

Just looking at the GPX files, there appears to be 2 routes from Bagband until Logabirum.

What is the difference between the two routes?

J

The main route takes a bicycle path and a bit of gravel through woodlands before taking country lanes to Logabirum. The alternative is for people who don't like gravel (or if you're short on time) and takes the main road to Logabirum (but with a good quality bicycle path alongside).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14 August, 2019, 09:39:37 pm
The main route takes a bicycle path and a bit of gravel through woodlands before taking country lanes to Logabirum. The alternative is for people who don't like gravel (or if you're short on time) and takes the main road to Logabirum (but with a good quality bicycle path alongside).

Gotcha.

Have made up a custom GPX using the detour, and going all the way to the late close location. Given the wind, I'm likely to be very full value on this ride. Looks like wind isn't going to be cooperating and it's also likely to be damp :( But I have a RrtY to keep going...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 14 August, 2019, 10:08:05 pm
The first 170k is the most exposed part, where the wind will be mostly in your back. My advice would be to push yourself a bit to catch (at least) the 10am ferry. That will give you some time in hand for the ride back.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 14 August, 2019, 10:28:10 pm
The first 170k is the most exposed part, where the wind will be mostly in your back. My advice would be to push yourself a bit to catch (at least) the 10am ferry. That will give you some time in hand for the ride back.

Yeah, If I can sustain ≥20kph to the ferry, I should be ok. Is there much shelter on the later half of the ride?

Epic ride weather suggests it's gonna be windy, ad then get wet...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EB9aZVMX4AEzSuV?format=jpg&name=large)

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 15 August, 2019, 06:45:18 am
[...]

Is there much shelter on the later half of the ride?

[...]

Compared to the first half (cf. http://tiny.cc/na37az (http://tiny.cc/na37az))? Further from the sea, more houses, more trees, and more villages and towns. But still a fairly open landscape.

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 August, 2019, 11:37:15 am

So that'll be me spending 20 hours on the aero bars...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 August, 2019, 10:34:27 am


Well that was an experience!

Ended up helping 3 newbies round, 2 had never done an Audax. Before, and one was doing his first 300. Between the 4 of us we had 2 working navigation devices. One on my handlebars, and one in my saddle bag. We worked well in the winds, forming a very effective pace line to get the 4 of us through the headwind at a surprisingly nippy 23kph.

Slugbait lived up to his name, and delivered a plague of slugs upon the route. Which feels kinda unnecessary. It's like the plague of frogs we got on the 300 last October...

Now on a train home

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 18 August, 2019, 07:34:15 pm


Well that was an experience!

Ended up helping 3 newbies round, 2 had never done an Audax. Before, and one was doing his first 300. Between the 4 of us we had 2 working navigation devices. One on my handlebars, and one in my saddle bag. We worked well in the winds, forming a very effective pace line to get the 4 of us through the headwind at a surprisingly nippy 23kph.

Slugbait lived up to his name, and delivered a plague of slugs upon the route. Which feels kinda unnecessary. It's like the plague of frogs we got on the 300 last October...

Now on a train home

J

Thanks for showing the newbies the ropes. First time as an organizer that everybody who started also finished.

I was surprised to hear that the roads were perceived as busy (which definitely was not the case during the recon rides). The next time this ride is on the calendar I'll have to investigate quieter alternatives (and maybe skip the touristic hot spot Greetsiel).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 September, 2019, 09:54:51 pm

Who's going on Saturday?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 05 September, 2019, 09:58:23 pm

Who's going on Saturday?

J

I'll be going, at least to the start.
I'll be riding my tourer since my shoulder hasn't completely recovered from PBP yet.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 September, 2019, 09:59:44 pm

I'll be going, at least to the start.
I'll be riding my tourer since my shoulder hasn't completely recovered from PBP yet.

Public transport isn't great, so I'm driving down. Kinda means I have to return to the finish, the scratch options aren't exactly numerous on this one.

See you at the start!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 05 September, 2019, 10:37:23 pm

I'll be going, at least to the start.
I'll be riding my tourer since my shoulder hasn't completely recovered from PBP yet.

Public transport isn't great, so I'm driving down. Kinda means I have to return to the finish, the scratch options aren't exactly numerous on this one.

See you at the start!

J

The start is only a few km from Venray station. If you can reach that in time from Amsterdam, that's another question.
There are a number of scratch options, some might involve riding from a German railwaystation across the border to Venray/Merselo.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 September, 2019, 11:00:21 pm

The start is only a few km from Venray station. If you can reach that in time from Amsterdam, that's another question.
There are a number of scratch options, some might involve riding from a German railwaystation across the border to Venray/Merselo.

It's the getting there in time to start that is the problem. First train just doesn't quite work. And then there's getting back...

My hope is that I don't need to scratch. Fingers crossed!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 September, 2019, 11:15:22 pm

I got curious and had a play with the homologation data.

Out of a total of 1374 completed rides, 68 are by women (4.9%).

34 individual women completed a Dutch BRM so far this Audax year.

8 of those are Randonneurs NL members.

1 is apparently a member of the YACF club (ACP 160590).

1 is both a Randonneurs NL member, and also a member of Randonneurs Argentina (ACP 985000). Or had an issue with the sign up form...

3 completed an SR series (and only an SR series)

The rider who's done the most individual events is me with 6 (5x200, 1x300).

5 events had only 1 woman homologate.

If we applied AUK points, 3 riders are on 15 points (the 3 that completed an SR series). 4th place is me with 13 points (really 15 if you count the Belgian ride I did too).

Of the 3 that completed an SR series. 2 completed PBP. (putting them on 27 points).

What does all this mean?

I have no idea... Probably that I have too much time on my hands...

Working out the same stats for the men is left as an exercise for someone else, there's way too much data for my work flow (I mostly did it by hand, as it's a small data set).

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 September, 2019, 11:26:34 pm

Oh, last year the percentage of homologated rides done by women as 6.4%.

I'll process the rest of the data later.

Oh, big caveat, this assumes everyone signing up spotted the gender symbol can be changed. There may be more women, but they have the wrong gender listed...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 06 September, 2019, 07:04:37 am


Oh, big caveat, this assumes everyone signing up spotted the gender symbol can be changed. There may be more women, but they have the wrong gender listed...



Sorting the list by first name and checking whether the female-looking names are listed as women reveals only two (Anne and Marijke) who got it wrong. I know that "Anne" is potentially a male name in the (Northern) Netherlands, but I've seen her in person.

But maybe next year we should set the default to "female" and see what happens ;)
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Jedrik on 06 September, 2019, 09:20:51 am

1 is apparently a member of the YACF club (ACP 160590).
That would be me.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 September, 2019, 11:50:03 pm

That was a GOOD ride! My fastest ever BRM! I don't know how, but I seem to have found some speed today.

Completed in 10:26.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 08 September, 2019, 09:50:47 am
You were really riding good today.
Your towgroup arrived in Lochem after I arrived
I had to pack in Doetinchem due to my shoulder, kind of expected this to happen.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 08 September, 2019, 10:10:12 am
You were really riding good today.
Your towgroup arrived in Lochem after I arrived
I had to pack in Doetinchem due to my shoulder, kind of expected this to happen.

The Pelaton of speed (Barbara, Alex, Peter), were brilliant. They dropped me on anything approaching an incline (i.e. bridges), but I usually over took everyone descending the other side.

It was so refreshing to ride with other people, I'm so used to doing these events essentially solo.

'Tis a lovely route too!

My AUK RrtY is now on it's 4th month, and my RNL is on it's 3rd. I'd been debating not trying to do a 2nd this year, but I kinda seem to be doing so. Wish RNL would run 2 events in December tho...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 08 September, 2019, 10:59:22 am
You were really riding good today.
Your towgroup arrived in Lochem after I arrived
I had to pack in Doetinchem due to my shoulder, kind of expected this to happen.

The Pelaton of speed (Barbara, Alex, Peter), were brilliant. They dropped me on anything approaching an incline (i.e. bridges), but I usually over took everyone descending the other side.

It was so refreshing to ride with other people, I'm so used to doing these events essentially solo.

'Tis a lovely route too!

My AUK RrtY is now on it's 4th month, and my RNL is on it's 3rd. I'd been debating not trying to do a 2nd this year, but I kinda seem to be doing so. Wish RNL would run 2 events in December tho...

J

I believe we coordinate the rides in December and January with Randonneurs Belgium. Early december there should be an audax somewhere in Flanders. Although I woulnd't mind a second event in the winter months either. Flanders is an awfully long train ride from where I live (and more expensive than taking a train to a Dutch city).

About the Frank Simons Memorial: Nice route, perfect weather. Riders who finished around the 8hr mark were only hit by one short downpour: otherwise no rain, almost no wind, pleasant temperatures. Also a fast ride for me, but it's unlikely that I will ever beat my personal best on this distance (currently standing at 7h13 with a 31.2km/h moving average). The control at Lochem almost felt like an Audax UK-control with homemade sandwiches and friendly volunteers. I hope that Mrs. Simons also enjoyed the afternoon.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 08 September, 2019, 11:09:11 am
I believe we coordinate the rides in December and January with Randonneurs Belgium. Early december there should be an audax somewhere in Flanders. Although I woulnd't mind a second event in the winter months either. Flanders is an awfully long train ride from where I live (and more expensive than taking a train to a Dutch city).

Even from Amsterdam it's not quick, and it's far from cheap. Would be good to have something around the Veluwe that is in the woods out of the wind as much as possible.

Quote

About the Frank Simons Memorial: Nice route, perfect weather. Riders who finished around the 8hr mark were only hit by one short downpour: otherwise no rain, almost no wind, pleasant temperatures. Also a fast ride for me, but it's unlikely that I will ever beat my personal best on this distance (currently standing at 7h13 with a 31.2km/h moving average). The control at Lochem almost felt like an Audax UK-control with homemade sandwiches and friendly volunteers. I hope that Mrs. Simons also enjoyed the afternoon.

Sitting eating a sandwich at CP2 I did think "Is this what an AUK control feels like?"

I had a total moving time of 8:43. And a total time of 10:26. My fastest for a 200, was when I did Groningen to Amsterdam as a DIY, with a force 4 tailwind. That I did in 10:03, with just 8:33 moving.

We were just slow enough to get some wind issues on the way back, there were bits where the route turns west just for a km or two, then turns south again, and that put us enough into a cross wind to split the group a bit. We bunched up again when we turned south.

About 10km before CP2 the rain started. I stopped and put on a jacket, then continued. I passed a group about 3km before the control sheltering under the front of a shop. I waved at them as I went past. We discussed them at CP2, and they got nick named the pelaton of sugar (IIRC there's a Dutch phrase about riding in the rain and being made of sugar...).

I expected to get soaked again on between CP2 and CP3, but didn't. Lovely sunshine infact.

Please can you order the same weather for 2 weeks time. Light winds and sunshine!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 08 September, 2019, 07:34:50 pm

About 10km before CP2 the rain started. I stopped and put on a jacket, then continued. I passed a group about 3km before the control sheltering under the front of a shop. I waved at them as I went past. We discussed them at CP2, and they got nick named the pelaton of sugar (IIRC there's a Dutch phrase about riding in the rain and being made of sugar...).


When I was a kid and didn't want to play outside because of the rain, my mom had a habit of threwing me out of the house saying "you're not made of sugar, are you?" (actually she said "ie benn'n toch nie van suker" and she wasn't being cruel, it's just that sometimes you don't want a kid running around the house when you're cleaning the floors or something). So, yeah: definitely the peloton of sugar.


Please can you order the same weather for 2 weeks time. Light winds and sunshine!


No guarantees, but I'll try to order less slugs ;)
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 08 September, 2019, 07:46:55 pm
Well I must be made of sugar then  :)

After getting to CP1 in the fast group I decided to spend an hour in Lochem waiting for the worst rain to stop otherwise I would have been close to a 9 hour finish.
It was a good route except for the B67 bit, also pleasantly surprised how nice it is around Lochem, Nice roads and great cycle paths.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Ivo on 08 September, 2019, 07:52:16 pm
Alexander Neumann made a short film ab out the Frank Simons Memorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpzTtxAEHVc&fbclid=IwAR3BVLspXSYUa8F9tgF0wFvRLyw_qRBa4jAsqryd27nrNgeAkckdcbSPCTg
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 08 September, 2019, 08:10:48 pm
Well I must be made of sugar then  :)

[...]

I was going to say "probably some Germans", but as an Englishman you should be ashamed of yourself :D
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 08 September, 2019, 08:29:44 pm
I come from Manchester... We know all about rain  ;D

But actually it's  the Dutch and their weather apps who have turned me into a fair weather cyclist. :facepalm:. I have mud guards... Never needed them!
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 19 September, 2019, 05:04:04 pm
Anyone else riding Saturday?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 19 September, 2019, 05:27:37 pm
Obviously I am ;)  (for those not in the know: start/finish is in my home town and slugbait is organising) Weather forecast is is favourable: dry, mild temperatures,  head winds on the way out but only force 3 and stable so tailwind back.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 19 September, 2019, 05:38:07 pm
Obviously I am ;)  (for those not in the know: start/finish is in my home town and slugbait is organising) Weather forecast is is favourable: dry, mild temperatures,  head winds on the way out but only force 3 and stable so tailwind back.

The weather couldn't be more favorable (SE is the perfect wind direction), # of entrants is looking good.

When we did the route check a couple of weeks ago, it was during the final heatwave of the summer. The last 50k were horrible: 31 degrees, no shade at all, strong headwind. I could almost see my sweat evaporating from my skin. We had a couple of extra stops just to fill our bidons in a futile attempt to stay hydrated.

@QG: Since my talk at the start is going to be in Dutch. There are roadworks 20 meters from the start: I will ask everyone to walk along the sidewalk and to watch out when they rejoin the street. There are also two other obstructions in the final 1k, but you can easily get around this. The city of Groningen is in the middle of a big sewer maintenance project, so every week another street is temporarily less accessible.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 21 September, 2019, 09:30:37 pm

*THAT*

was awesome!

Thank you.

My fastest 200 to date, finished in 9:35:01. I don't understand it.

Thank you for such a nice route, and the weather makes up for what you ordered for the 300 a month ago :p

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 22 September, 2019, 08:20:51 am


Thank you for such a nice route, and the weather makes up for what you ordered for the 300 a month ago :p



Good to hear that you appreciated the route and the weather was indeed perfect. Unfortunately, I only had time to cycle to the first control and back (would love to have cycled longer in yesterday's conditions). My guess was that under these circumstances most riders would be fast, but didn't think the first rider would be back in just 6:46.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 02 October, 2019, 11:35:01 pm

Anyone else planing to do the Eindhoven ride on Saturday?

Am looking forward to exploring more of Brabant. I should be able to tick off 12 new Gemente for the long term challenge, which suggests a lot of it is gonna be new to me!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 03 October, 2019, 07:13:33 am

Anyone else planing to do the Eindhoven ride on Saturday?

Am looking forward to exploring more of Brabant. I should be able to tick off 12 new Gemente for the long term challenge, which suggests a lot of it is gonna be new to me!

I'm there, but only 7 new municipalities (or "gemeente", note spelling) for me. Hopefully this will dispel my belief that Brabant is the worst Dutch province for cycling.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 03 October, 2019, 10:22:06 am

Anyone else planing to do the Eindhoven ride on Saturday?


I'm there, but only 7 new municipalities (or "gemeente", note spelling) for me. Hopefully this will dispel my belief that Brabant is the worst Dutch province for cycling.

I am not going, but as I live there I can assure you that it's not the worst province for cycling. How anyone gets any pleasure out of cycling anywhere near the Randstad beats me. That said places like Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland are miles better.

The route for Saturday has a few nice parts but the last 60km could be better, in fact it's partly North Limburg, you also first have to get out of Eindhoven with it's many traffic lights. Good luck, weather might just work out too!
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 03 October, 2019, 03:56:55 pm
Not riding this weekend, but if you take the train from Utrecht that arrives at 8:28 in Eindhoven you can admire my N+1  ;)
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 03 October, 2019, 06:28:33 pm

I am not going, but as I live there I can assure you that it's not the worst province for cycling. How anyone gets any pleasure out of cycling anywhere near the Randstad beats me. That said places like Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland are miles better.


I'm sure that I've never seen the best of Brabant. Hopefully that will happen on Saturday. There is a lot of good stuff near the Randstad (the dunes, the hilly area east of Utrecht, I actually like the old polders from time to time), but yeah Drenthe, Overijssel and Gelderland are miles better.

Not riding this weekend, but if you take the train from Utrecht that arrives at 8:28 in Eindhoven you can admire my N+1  ;)

That's a bit cryptic. You're going to Eindhoven, but not riding? Anyway, "N+1" is a new bike or is your PBP-bike still the most recent acquisition?
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: Zed43 on 03 October, 2019, 06:41:30 pm
Going to Eindhoven, but not riding this brevet, correct. And the N+1 is not the PBP bike. Further teasing: it's a classic, it's steel and it travels for free on our trains. And if I were mad enough to PBP on it I would DNF for sure  ;D
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 October, 2019, 06:55:37 pm
Going to Eindhoven, but not riding this brevet, correct. And the N+1 is not the PBP bike. Further teasing: it's a classic, it's steel and it travels for free on our trains. And if I were mad enough to PBP on it I would DNF for sure  ;D

You bought a Brompton? Or a Moulton?

I'll be on that train. Which bike space will you be using?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 03 October, 2019, 06:58:39 pm
Going to Eindhoven, but not riding this brevet, correct. And the N+1 is not the PBP bike. Further teasing: it's a classic, it's steel and it travels for free on our trains. And if I were mad enough to PBP on it I would DNF for sure  ;D

Oh yeah, you mentioned it a couple of weeks ago. Didn't realize you were serious 'bout it ;) Alas, I'm not on the 8:28, staying at a hotel in Best.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 October, 2019, 07:10:14 pm

Have I just been spoilt by the previous set of brevets going up on the homologation page really fast, or is the homologation data for the last two events being really slow?

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 03 October, 2019, 07:13:42 pm

Have I just been spoilt by the previous set of brevets going up on the homologation page really fast, or is the homologation data for the last two events being really slow?


Our ACP representative is on holiday, hence the delay.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 October, 2019, 07:16:21 pm
Our ACP representative is on holiday, hence the delay.

Ahah!

I'll stop hitting refresh on the page then.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: paulk on 04 October, 2019, 08:15:41 am

Anyone else planing to do the Eindhoven ride on Saturday?

Am looking forward to exploring more of Brabant. I should be able to tick off 12 new Gemente for the long term challenge, which suggests a lot of it is gonna be new to me!

I will be doing this one. According to Buienradar, the weather will be ok, no rain and not a lot wind.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 04 October, 2019, 05:24:34 pm
I will be doing this one. According to Buienradar, the weather will be ok, no rain and not a lot wind.

Come say hi, I'll be the fat one with the weird bike with even weirder handlebars, and a strange accent...

I've just uploaded my route to my wahoo. I've edited it to add a tiny 2km dog leg to to pick up another gemeente.

It's about half way between America and the finish.

Unless I some how magically find a wheel to hang on to (unlikely), I'm expecting to be lantern rouge again. My toe isn't fully healed, so I'm basically just hoping to survive.

See you all in Einhoven.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 October, 2019, 06:03:19 am
Not riding this weekend, but if you take the train from Utrecht that arrives at 8:28 in Eindhoven you can admire my N+1  ;)

I'm on This train. At the front most bike space (it's a 4 car VIRM).

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 05 October, 2019, 03:01:22 pm
Just been out for a few hours, there are serious headwinds out there today. I guess cp2 to cp3 will be testing for those out on their own
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: markcc on 05 October, 2019, 07:30:21 pm
Just been out for a few hours, there are serious headwinds out there today. I guess cp2 to cp3 will be testing for those out on their own

You're not wrong. I rode that entire section on my own and was not the happiest cyclist when I got to cp3.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 06 October, 2019, 12:09:43 pm
Just been out for a few hours, there are serious headwinds out there today. I guess cp2 to cp3 will be testing for those out on their own

Which wind? I thought the wind was quite benign, but I had a big guy I could hide behind from time to time.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 06 October, 2019, 01:38:14 pm
By Groningen standards probably not much, two friends from my local club took part and they also found cp2 to cp3 challenging, we don't get much wind down here  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 06 October, 2019, 05:57:30 pm
By Groningen standards probably not much, two friends from my local club took part and they also found cp2 to cp3 challenging, we don't get much wind down here  :thumbsup:

It was 83km between those checkpoints, which is quite long for a 200. I can imagine that many riders ran out of energy on this stretch. At least, I was starving when we arrived in Venray and ordered a huge plate of fries with satay sauce.

Anyway, this was my last ride for the current season. We should continue in the 2020 thread :P
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 October, 2019, 11:56:05 pm

Had a slight issue with crashing somewhere around the 75km mark, meaning I did the remaining distance largely just trying to get round without doing any permanent damage, and within the time limit. Still ended up escorting 2 newbies round, one of which at the end said he wouldn't have finished without me, which was nice to hear. I think I may have enjoyed things more had I not been awake since midday Friday. Being awake for over 36 hours, and doing a 200 is suboptimal.

The first 80km or so of the route was beautiful, unfortunately it set the bar so high the last half was quite disappointing. Not to mention the headwind slot sucked. I think adding a control part way between the 2 would have been a good idea. Tho many may have an aversion to 3 commercial controls and 2 photo controls.

That said, I've now cycled to America...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGIbbj4XkAESSD4?format=jpg&name=large)

And of course I managed to add to my Gemeente tally. I thought I would get 12, but turns out I got that wrong. I got 15. Bringing me to 335 total, and 300 for 2019.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: paulk on 07 October, 2019, 08:27:48 am
I will be doing this one. According to Buienradar, the weather will be ok, no rain and not a lot wind.

Come say hi, I'll be the fat one with the weird bike with even weirder handlebars, and a strange accent...


See you all in Einhoven.

J

We met before, I'm the guy without helmet on the old green Gazelle.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: paulk on 10 October, 2019, 10:46:05 am
Anyone going to the 200 in Maassland? It is a nice route.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 10 October, 2019, 05:29:22 pm
Anyone going to the 200 in Maassland? It is a nice route.

It's currently in my diary, assuming my bruises have all healed.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 10 October, 2019, 06:33:44 pm
Anyone going to the 200 in Maassland? It is a nice route.

I have convinced myself that I need to go (in contrast to what I claimed earlier in this thread). Even found a decently priced hotel in Vlaardingen on Friday night. Let's hope that the worst of the autumn rain is over by then.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 10 October, 2019, 06:56:28 pm
@QG: homologation numbers for Merselo 200, Groningen 200 and Eindhoven 200 are now available. Our ACP-representative is back from his holiday.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 17 October, 2019, 07:55:25 pm
I've also convinced myself to go on Saturday, but being made of 'sugar' might mean I decide at the last minute to stay at home as I see that the weather prospects are poor.
That said I don't fancy watching the shenanigans at Westminster either so I'd better go anyway!
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 October, 2019, 09:04:07 pm
I've also convinced myself to go on Saturday, but being made of 'sugar' might mean I decide at the last minute to stay at home as I see that the weather prospects are poor.
That said I don't fancy watching the shenanigans at Westminster either so I'd better go anyway!

Yeah, I'm kinda dreading turning the phone on at the end of the ride... Wind is showing all sorts of variations on southerly, in various strengths.

As long as it doesn't turn into a Northerly I'll be happy.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 18 October, 2019, 01:45:36 pm
The forecast is not looking good, but still practically dry compared to last weekend's deluge.

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 October, 2019, 01:49:38 pm
Are we looking at the same forecasts?

I'm seeing 1.8mm of rain in one hour late in the evening, winds of force 3 from the south or southwest.

Sure the first 100km are going to be a bit hard, but the tail wind home is welcome...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 18 October, 2019, 02:36:54 pm
Are we looking at the same forecasts?

I'm seeing 1.8mm of rain in one hour late in the evening, winds of force 3 from the south or southwest.

Sure the first 100km are going to be a bit hard, but the tail wind home is welcome...

J

I'm looking here: https://www.weerplaza.nl/nederland/rotterdam/16707/: Not much rain, but certainly not dry.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 October, 2019, 02:51:22 pm
Are we looking at the same forecasts?

I'm seeing 1.8mm of rain in one hour late in the evening, winds of force 3 from the south or southwest.

Sure the first 100km are going to be a bit hard, but the tail wind home is welcome...

J

I'm looking here: https://www.weerplaza.nl/nederland/rotterdam/16707/: Not much rain, but certainly not dry.

I'm looking here: https://www.buienradar.nl/weer/rotterdam/nl/2747891/5daagse

The numbers from weerplaza look more like lumpy mist rather than rain.

Perhaps I just have a higher threshold for "crap weather". But it's all looking pretty benign. I may even have feeling in my toes for some of the ride!

J

Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 18 October, 2019, 03:03:09 pm


I'm looking here: https://www.buienradar.nl/weer/rotterdam/nl/2747891/5daagse

The numbers from weerplaza look more like lumpy mist rather than rain.

Perhaps I just have a higher threshold for "crap weather". But it's all looking pretty benign. I may even have feeling in my toes for some of the ride!


I don't trust Buienradar when it comes to predicting rain (ironically).
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 October, 2019, 03:06:48 pm
I don't trust Buienradar when it comes to predicting rain (ironically).

The Norwegians don't agree either:

https://www.yr.no/place/Netherlands/South_Holland/Rotterdam/hour_by_hour_detailed.html

Pack waterproofs, pack sunblock, see what happens...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 18 October, 2019, 03:35:40 pm

I think the Norwegian one looks similar to what the KNMI and KMI.be (Belgian) are saying. Most of it will be before 12.00 and it might
brighten up later on, I also dont trust Buienradar that much. The forecast has got a little better the last 24hrs so there is no excuse for me
not to turn up.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 18 October, 2019, 03:37:46 pm

The Norwegians don't agree either:

https://www.yr.no/place/Netherlands/South_Holland/Rotterdam/hour_by_hour_detailed.html

Pack waterproofs, pack sunblock, see what happens...

Reminds me of Bill Bryson's quote on weather forecast in Britain:"Warm and dry, with cooler and rainy spells"
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 October, 2019, 08:09:16 pm

Gusts of upto 40kph... That does not look pretty.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHLtp0oWoAc2ik_?format=jpg&name=large)

I wonder if I can find a group to hang on to...

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: L CC on 19 October, 2019, 08:01:00 am
I'm entered for today (being a bit of a fan of both Bridges and Tunnels) but yesterday was less than fun and involved hiding in cafes and bailing on to a train. My (recently broken) fingers are aching so we're off tilting at windmills instead. On a waterbus. Have fun, audaxers.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 19 October, 2019, 07:00:26 pm
Very strange: apart from cycling to the start, it was a dry ride. It didn't go very smoothly as I had a bit of a cold. Mostly solo for the first 100k, then I picked up a guy who was struggling and who hung in my back wheel for the remainder of the ride. Nonetheless, the company was nice and he bought me a beer at the arrivee.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 19 October, 2019, 07:04:07 pm
I'm entered for today (being a bit of a fan of both Bridges and Tunnels)

The tunnels were spectacular, surprisingly deep and steep. The bridges were not that special, but from the Brienenoord bridge there was a good view of the Rotterdam skyline.
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 19 October, 2019, 10:16:29 pm


Every

Fucking

Traffic light

In Rotterdam

Was Red.

Aaaaaargh.

I completed. In time. I'll give a more polite report later.

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 20 October, 2019, 09:47:41 am
I fell when I crossed a cattle grid after 20km, I wasn't the only one this happened to.
After CP3 my right leg started to stiffen up so I ended up getting in after dark.
The last 30km loop around Rotterdam was interesting and surprisingly  little to no rain, what are those weather forecasters doing?
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 October, 2019, 10:50:57 am
I fell when I crossed a cattle grid after 20km, I wasn't the only one this happened to.
After CP3 my right leg started to stiffen up so I ended up getting in after dark.
The last 30km loop around Rotterdam was interesting and surprisingly  little to no rain, what are those weather forecasters doing?

I saw someone come down on that cattle grid too. Cross them at 90 degrees and make sure there is no lean to your bike!!

J
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: farfetched on 20 October, 2019, 01:21:37 pm
The reason was a little more simple than my own lack of technique....
 I was too busy with my Garmin and didn't even see it until I was going down  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: paulk on 21 October, 2019, 10:05:46 am
I had to quit after the Moerdijkbrug, had 4 punctured and a damaged rear tyre, called my wife to pick me up with the car.
Should check my tyres more often.
Who is going to the 200 in Zwolle?
Title: Re: Dutch brevets in 2019
Post by: slugbait on 22 October, 2019, 08:30:34 am
I had to quit after the Moerdijkbrug, had 4 punctured and a damaged rear tyre, called my wife to pick me up with the car.
Should check my tyres more often.
Who is going to the 200 in Zwolle?

Those things happen. There was no shop nearby that sold rear tyres? That's how I saved my ride in a similar situation (Boekelo-Zwolle-Boekelo in 2017, excellent bike shop in Hellendoorn that had Conti GP 4000s2's in stock).

The 200 in Zwolle should be discussed in the 2020-thread. The 2019 season is now definitely over.