ACME Arrow 2022

[Tomsk]

ACME Dynamite:

Tomsk (Capt, fixed)
Bernster (singlespeed?)

Any more? Doesn't have to be a fixed/singlespeed team. The route will be flat though, probably a bit of zigzagging across East Anglia, then more-or-less straight over the Cabbage Patch to the Humber Bridge.

Do we need a pubinar to thrash this out?

[Carlosfandango]

I don’t see how you can say that, when you’ve been stalking an Arrow thread, reminiscing, and just waiting for the opportunity to join your favourite team!

Disregarding a severe fitness deficit and my nyctophobia, the main problem is that every ACME team is my favourite team!

[Despuech]

ACME Dynamite:

Tomsk (Capt, fixed)
Bernster (singlespeed?)
Despuech (? several gears preferred?)

Any more? Doesn't have to be a fixed/singlespeed team. The route will be flat though, probably a bit of zigzagging across East Anglia, then more-or-less straight over the Cabbage Patch to the Humber Bridge.

Do we need a pubinar to thrash this out?

[Lightning Phil]

I had the worlds flattest arrow route in 2018, something like 400m of ascent.  It’s a shame it also had the worlds greatest collection of level crossings, once of which took me out, in the early hours in the rain just above zero, one smashed elbow, blood all over the bench in 24hr McDs control and train ride home in the morning.

[psyclist]

ACME Dynamite:

Tomsk (Capt, fixed)
Bernster (singlespeed?)

Any more? Doesn't have to be a fixed/singlespeed team. The route will be flat though, probably a bit of zigzagging across East Anglia, then more-or-less straight over the Cabbage Patch to the Humber Bridge.

Do we need a pubinar to thrash this out?

Me, assuming Carlos doesn't realise the error of his ways. I'd be fixed.

[tedshred]

The BFC was also keen on a fast and fixed team.

The Anvils will be riding the "classic" 399km route with a couple of potential tweaks.

They will probably be a mix of fixed and geared machines.  There will be 'Spoons en route.

[the straggler]

Add another extra 2 more 'spoons stops and I am sure Huggy will find it difficult to resist in joining the Anvils.  I have decided to accept the Anvil group invitation btw.

[tedshred]

Add another extra 2 more 'spoons stops and I am sure Huggy will find it difficult to resist in joining the Anvils.  I have decided to accept the Anvil group invitation btw.

Good man 

[Carlosfandango]

Add another extra 2 more 'spoons stops and I am sure Huggy will find it difficult to resist in joining the Anvils.  I have decided to accept the Anvil group invitation btw.

Good man 

OMG, it'll be 5 bean curry all the way!

[tippers_kiwi]

ACME Dynamite:

Tomsk (Capt, fixed)
Bernster (singlespeed?)
Despuech (? several gears preferred?)

Any more? Doesn't have to be a fixed/singlespeed team. The route will be flat though, probably a bit of zigzagging across East Anglia, then more-or-less straight over the Cabbage Patch to the Humber Bridge.

Do we need a pubinar to thrash this out?

Tomsk (Capt, fixed)
Bernster (singlespeed?)
Despuech (? several gears preferred?)
Tippers Kiwi (Fixed)

[Tomsk]

+ Psyclist, Rob, Josser and BFC?

Probably enough for three teams then? Four is the best number on the road I feel, but people can drop out before starting for all sorts of reasons. I'd always try and aim for a full complement of five riders entering say three weeks in advance.

[tedshred]

+ Psyclist, Rob, Josser and BFC?

That looks like a ready-made team.  They are all far too fast for the Anvils.

We could do with one more wishing to move at a civilised pace and willing to eat at 'Spoons (x several).

[felstedrider]

+ Psyclist, Rob, Josser and BFC?

That looks like a ready-made team.  They are all far too fast for the Anvils.

We could do with one more wishing to move at a civilised pace and willing to eat at 'Spoons (x several).

It’s ages since I rode one of these.  Not sure why.   I captained several teams 10+ yrs ago.

We all live reasonably close to each other so choosing a start should be easy.   I did call Mum earlier and she was a bit luke warm about feeding a team so we’ll need to fend for ourselves.

400k or 360k ?
Rolling or flat ?

[psyclist]

400k or 360k ?
Rolling or flat ?

I’d be happy with 360km, but also happy to go with the majority.

Prefer to avoid the Humber bridge.

[felstedrider]

400k or 360k ?
Rolling or flat ?

I’d be happy with 360km, but also happy to go with the majority.

Prefer to avoid the Humber bridge.

I quite like the Humber Bridge as I remember them building it when I grew up nearby.  My PE reached at sixth form used to let me go out riding on Wednesday afternoons and I would ride to the cafe on the right there side.

Starting around here, though, we can wind around a bit.   I used to use the old LEL route which went further west and was more interesting.

[jiberjaber]

+ Psyclist, Rob, Josser and BFC?

That looks like a ready-made team.  They are all far too fast for the Anvils.

We could do with one more wishing to move at a civilised pace and willing to eat at 'Spoons (x several).

Hmmmmm

[tedshred]

Would a stop at Shangri-la clinch it for you?

[jiberjaber]

Well I think we'd have to go through Brigg it'd be rude not to and I'm really interested to know where this fabled place is!

[josser]

My biggest issue is getting back to work on Easter Saturday which is traditionally very busy for us with the Steam Up. There used to be an option of leaving early, but am I right in thinking that that has stopped now?

[psyclist]

My biggest issue is getting back to work on Easter Saturday which is traditionally very busy for us with the Steam Up. There used to be an option of leaving early, but am I right in thinking that that has stopped now?

Yes. For an official arrow you can’t start earlier than the Friday morning. For a period there was the option of a Thursday evening start, but then the organiser changed.

[jiberjaber]

My biggest issue is getting back to work on Easter Saturday which is traditionally very busy for us with the Steam Up. There used to be an option of leaving early, but am I right in thinking that that has stopped now?

Yes. For an official arrow you can’t start earlier than the Friday morning. For a period there was the option of a Thursday evening start, but then the organiser changed.

Yeah I much prefer the Thursday night start, worked well for tea time arrival into York

[Lightning Phil]

Your best bet for an early start is the Easter Trail.  Can be 200-360km and you can start at midnight Easter Friday.

[Nick]

Quite fancy this but I am sloooooooooowwwwwww

[BFC]

Quite fancy this but I am sloooooooooowwwwwww

A lot of the "skill" is group riding in the dark whilst tired/knackered, sitting on someones wheel saves a massive amount of energy but it must be safe for the whole group and there are tactics of road positioning in the dark to light up the road for the whole group. Everyone goes through a grumpy phase on a long ride, don't take it personally!

MEMWNS rides can give a bit of practise at the night riding skills, sit back and watch the experts, everyone has their own preferences/style, see what suits you. Try to avoid sitting with your front light blinding a rider in front that has a mirror to keep a friendly eye on you to avoid splitting the group.

[jiberjaber]

Yeah and keep mindful of the shadow effect of your lights casting a shadow causing a problem for front riders. If you're not careful it can end up with a lights arms race! Lol