Author Topic: Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600 - 29 MAY | Big Gert Brevet 1600 - 22 MAY 2022  (Read 9003 times)

05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020

Throwing this out there for people to chew on as I see all these lovely looking longer distance rides popping up. This is all dependant on my upgrade to the next level.

Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600. It came to me whilst riding back from Brest 4yrs ago chatting with Paul Rainbow. It was my first year of Audax; never heard of it a few years before that. Was in awe of fellow CTC members doing these distances and then was convinced to join the fun and Audax Club Bristol. Any way the chat got round to LEL so I had an idea for a 'West Country' one. It didn't go away. Cycling back home from Paris it was churning over in my head; that and the 'Stopical' but that's another story.... I was putting mental markers on my inner map. Back home I set about plotting. It didn't take long, tweaked over time. Ridden as a DIY in 2017, then Vilas Silverton rode it a month later. A few more tweaks ensued. Stuck it on the planner end of this Spring and applied for my upgrade.

It will be a pure X rated event, just collect PoP as you go. Why no sleep facilities? Because it's hard, bloody hard, but you do get a good amount of time to do it in. Looking at mine and Vilas' rides we set off at similar times albeit a month apart but slept at completely different distances. Telbert James also gave it a crack on fixed  :o , made it half way, and he too chose different places to stop. Therefore it has lead me to the conclusion we are all wildly different and forcing a set distance to a sleep control wouldn't be beneficial! There are plenty of B&Bs etc en route that people can make use of, or, being around the solstice, bivy!

A quick overview: Taking in some amazing hills up and down the country; some remote forest tracks, high cobbled moorland roads & an old railway; a few urban areas including Glasgow Central Station probably on the shortest night; hills & more hills  :demon:  I love 'em I does!

1644km in 137hrs | 23,960m / 24 AAA = about 14.6m/km average

Watch this space!

PS I'll have an arduous SR series to get you in the mood in the lead up!



Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #1 on: 16 July, 2019, 10:20:07 pm »
Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600.
. . . just collect PoP as you go.  overview: Taking in some amazing hills up and down the country; some remote forest tracks, high cobbled moorland roads & an old railway;
1644km in 137hrs | 23,960m / 24 AAA = about 14.6m/km average
Sorry - did I miss where you want us to collect PoPs from, Will?

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #2 on: 16 July, 2019, 10:37:51 pm »
Ah, that's really tempting, but I think I'll be busy that weekend :(

FifeingEejit

  • Not Small
Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #3 on: 16 July, 2019, 10:42:14 pm »
Links to see the 3 attempts so far would be cool too.

bludger

  • Randonneur and bargain hunter
Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #4 on: 16 July, 2019, 11:35:54 pm »
Interested in this as a route as I have family in the Real Capital ™ who can put me up at the halfway.

The prospect of going through Shropshire and whatnot is really appealing. Interested to see how it shapes up 🙌
YACF touring/audax bargain basement:
https://bit.ly/2Xg8pRD



Ban cars.

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #5 on: 17 July, 2019, 10:09:36 am »
Ah, that's really tempting, but I think I'll be busy that weekend :(
Summer Arrow?

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #6 on: 17 July, 2019, 10:55:14 am »
For some reason it's not letting me quote...

Ajax Bay - Here's a few; Wales, England, Scotland...  ;)

Deano - Hair appointment?

FifeingEejit - Mine. The others have their's as private at the mo, all part of the mystery.



Bludger - Shropshire doesn't get a look in, Herefordshire does briefly. Glasgow is an excellent aim for the 3rd night.

If all goes well I shall be departing with the rag tag bunch of velobonds that take the plunge!

vorsprung

  • Opposites Attract
    • Audaxing
Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #7 on: 17 July, 2019, 11:06:56 am »
Vilas Silverton writeup

Quote
After the first day, however, I realized that I was slightly out of touch with reality when it came to covering that distance with so many hills.

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #8 on: 17 July, 2019, 11:10:16 am »
Vilas Silverton writeup

Quote
After the first day, however, I realized that I was slightly out of touch with reality when it came to covering that distance with so many hills.

 :thumbsup: He finished, and has expressed to me he want's to do it again  ;D

FifeingEejit

  • Not Small
Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #9 on: 17 July, 2019, 01:22:02 pm »
Vilas Silverton writeup

Quote
After the first day, however, I realized that I was slightly out of touch with reality when it came to covering that distance with so many hills.

Ah I've read that before...

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #10 on: 17 July, 2019, 05:28:10 pm »
The special whisky at the end will be included: Bladnoch Samsara (Rebirth)

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #11 on: 18 July, 2019, 01:48:30 pm »
Wow - what an epic, I briefly considered ECE the Blackpool-Glasgow-Blackpool from Bristol last year, but a step too far for me. I'm looking forward to following online the brave souls who take this on.

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 | 05:00 18th - 22:00 23rd June 2020
« Reply #12 on: 18 July, 2019, 03:38:45 pm »
Wow - what an epic, I briefly considered ECE the Blackpool-Glasgow-Blackpool from Bristol last year, but a step too far for me. I'm looking forward to following online the brave souls who take this on.

If you consider that again DIY there and back. It's about 325km. Gives you the extra time and if you need to sack one part off you can without forsaking the other. That's what I did for MP1k last yr

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 [not 2020 but now 2021]
« Reply #13 on: 19 March, 2021, 11:12:01 am »
Finally I get to bring this to the calendar  :demon:  A bit of escapism for the soul  O:-)

Restrictions dependant of course!

It'll be a totally x-rated event for this instance. I'm working on ride type format at the moment; a combination of BP and BR or RM, maybe a relay. Event will take place late August with plans to finish on the BH Monday. Max event length probably 10 days. Actual distance about 1630-1640km, climb about 24,000m, some gravel involved. As soon as I'm allowed I'll be off with my sleeping bag and tarp to make sure the everything is still there, and admire the views  :smug:

For an overview and current details: www.gwraudax.co.uk/bgb1600

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 [not 2020 but now 2021]
« Reply #14 on: 19 March, 2021, 04:41:46 pm »
Finally I get to bring this to the calendar  :demon:  A bit of escapism for the soul  O:-)

Restrictions dependant of course!

It'll be a totally x-rated event for this instance. I'm working on ride type format at the moment; a combination of BP and BR or RM, maybe a relay. Event will take place late August with plans to finish on the BH Monday. Max event length probably 10 days. Actual distance about 1630-1640km, climb about 24,000m, some gravel involved. As soon as I'm allowed I'll be off with my sleeping bag and tarp to make sure the everything is still there, and admire the views  :smug:

For an overview and current details: www.gwraudax.co.uk/bgb1600

Looks like a nice summer ride. I could well be interested. What am I saying... here, take my money! :D

mattc

  • n.b. have grown beard since photo taken
    • Didcot Audaxes
Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 [not 2020 but now 2021]
« Reply #15 on: 20 March, 2021, 08:35:21 am »
Finally I get to bring this to the calendar  :demon:  A bit of escapism for the soul  O:-)

Restrictions dependant of course!

It'll be a totally x-rated event for this instance. I'm working on ride type format at the moment; a combination of BP and BR or RM, maybe a relay. Event will take place late August with plans to finish on the BH Monday. Max event length probably 10 days. Actual distance about 1630-1640km, climb about 24,000m, some gravel involved. As soon as I'm allowed I'll be off with my sleeping bag and tarp to make sure the everything is still there, and admire the views  :smug:

For an overview and current details: www.gwraudax.co.uk/bgb1600
I've had a dig round the ride-reports and maps; looks a brilliant ride. :thumbsup: Given our (likely) foreign trip restrictions, I'm very keen;
but there's no way I'd try it at BR(M) pace, so if you don't run a BP I'd fancy doing it as nx200km rides (which will be hard enough, based on my experience on the Eiger ride).

(Is the time limit right on your page? I think 184h is way too long for 1600km - 8.9kph Might be right for a 200km/day schedule?
EDIT: Finally found this:
1300 to 1800 km – 12 kph
1900 to 2400 km - 10 kph
2500 km and over – 8⅓ kph )
Has never ridden RAAM
---------
No.11  Because of the great host of those who dislike the least appearance of "swank " when they travel the roads and lanes. - From Kuklos' 39 Articles

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 [not 2020 but now 2021]
« Reply #16 on: 20 March, 2021, 02:54:55 pm »
Looks like a nice summer ride. I could well be interested. What am I saying... here, take my money! :D

I can't wait to do it again Lee. It cleared my mind last time. Judging by the interest I'll have to get quite a bit of the Bladnoch Samsara in for the finish; aptly meaning rebirth!

Is the time limit right on your page?

Just working out the final details Matt of what event type to use. There will be a 10day BP for sure. Weighing up pros and cons of BR, BR relay and RM (additional time allowed as climbing over 11m/km).

Jack_P

  • It's just dicking about on bikes
    • Cycling hobo
Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 [not 2020 but now 2021]
« Reply #17 on: 20 March, 2021, 05:13:12 pm »
Quote

Looks like a nice summer ride. I could well be interested. What am I saying... here, take my money! :D

Nice warm up, quick change then off to Belgium  :P

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 [not 2020 but now 2021]
« Reply #18 on: 23 March, 2021, 07:44:17 pm »
Will

 Are you talking to LRM about extra time due to the amount of climbing?

 Their regs say:
1.3.5 For events where the rate of climbing is greater than 11 meters per kilometre the President will give consideration to requests for extra time. This will normally be based on a 5% allowance for every full m/km of extra climbing (examples are given in Appendix 3). Specificauthority to adopt these allowances must be sought from the LRM President.



Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 [not 2020 but now 2021]
« Reply #19 on: 26 March, 2021, 10:05:59 pm »
Are you talking to LRM about extra time due to the amount of climbing?

Indirectly I hope to be.

Unsure what software they use to calculate climb, whether AUKs AAA calculator or OpenRunner like I had to use for the SR600, I've played it on the safe side and found a few extra hills to push it just over 15m/km in OpenRunner. Hopefully it'll all be given a  :thumbsup: and will get an extra 20% time allowance. So Randonneur pace at 6d19h12m & Populaire pace at 9d10h40m.

Re: Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 [not 2020 but now 2021]
« Reply #20 on: 01 July, 2021, 04:36:58 pm »
Route check done! Any questions fire away.

Entries are now open.

Big Gert Brevet - Populaire - 10days - from 10:00 Sat 21 Aug - www.gwraudax.co.uk/bgb1600bp
Bristol Glasgow Bristol - Randonneur - 7days - from 05:00 Sun 22nd Aug - www.gwraudax.co.uk/bgb1600

As the randonneur pace event is being validated by LRM it benefits from extra time based on the additional rate of climb above 11m/km; 5% for every metre. It comes in at ~15.4m/km so benefits from 20% extra time; or a minimum speed of 10kph. This equates to 240km per 24hr period.
The populaire is an average of 163km/day; get the AAA points AND the distance if doing the fixed wheel challenge.



A bit about the route check:

No doubt about it, it was hard, exactly as intended.

I did it on a SWB steel racer with 25mm Conti Gatorskins; I've done some cracking events on this bike but having ridden 37mm slicks for the past 3yrs it wouldn't be my choice for longer events nowadays, let alone those with a bit of off road. So why did I use it? As the organiser I wanted to demonstrate that it is possible on any road bike. It isn't what you ride but how you ride it!

I set out with the advantage of knowing (mainly) what to expect so paced my self accordingly, my physical fitness wasn't at its best but my mental fitness (some may call it stubbornness) was at its peak; having got to Scotland I knew I'd finish in time excluding any major mechanical or medical. The lockdown layers and lack of distance cycling to date had tested me the first few days so I took the decision to go full value doing about 200km on each of the final 3 days.

The off road sections will take you to some remote locations, as well as some of the road sections; and offer some of the most amazing views. Some walking was required whilst off road; fatter tyres at a lower pressure would have been a vast benefit.

Overall I completed it with 3hrs to spare but as I've said I rode to the time.

Post check a few minor changes have been made resulting in the final gratuitous byway climb that was actually a stream bed being removed, hence it is slightly easier on the last day through the Cotswolds.

Wycombewheeler

  • PBP-2019 LEL-2022
Re: Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600 - 21&22 August 2021
« Reply #21 on: 01 July, 2021, 05:10:46 pm »
Isn't this like doing two super randonees back to back?
Even though randonesia has set in, and riding a super randonee is appealing, I am pretty sure at the finish of the one I did,  I was not thinking I could knock out another one straight away.

And I STILL find myself being tempted,  must need my head checked.

Eddington  127miles, 170km

Re: Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600 - 21&22 August 2021
« Reply #22 on: 02 July, 2021, 07:56:26 am »
After meeting you that dusky Friday evening at the Vrynwy Dam, Will, during your recce, I was annoyed I didn't take a picture: if an image isn't shared it 'sort of' didn't happen. Hope some climbing types enter: the ascent will make this no ordinary tour, as @vilas discovered. Doing an SR600 (600km with 10,000+m of climb) first would be a sensible warm up to check 'condition'.

Re: Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600 - 21&22 August 2021
« Reply #23 on: 02 July, 2021, 09:58:10 am »
Isn't this like doing two super randonees back to back?
Even though randonesia has set in, and riding a super randonee is appealing, I am pretty sure at the finish of the one I did,  I was not thinking I could knock out another one straight away.

And I STILL find myself being tempted,  must need my head checked.

7 days, or 10, of hills and remote places is an excellent time to shuffle through the inner workings of your head and re-align thoughts. And once you've finished you will realise that any thing is possible if you put your mind to it.

Re: Bristol Glasgow Bristol 1600 - 21&22 August 2021
« Reply #24 on: 02 July, 2021, 10:05:05 am »
After meeting you that dusky Friday evening at the Vrynwy Dam, Will, during your recce, I was annoyed I didn't take a picture: if an image isn't shared it 'sort of' didn't happen. Hope some climbing types enter: the ascent will make this no ordinary tour, as @vilas discovered. Doing an SR600 (600km with 10,000+m of climb) first would be a sensible warm up to check 'condition'.

Was good to see you John. Hope your recce went well. I think the state of my legs after those lakeside midges prove it happened!

Yes an SR600 would be a good start. Vilas did have it harder as it was a DIY BR event it didn't benefit from the 15% extra time had it been an LRM. I added a couple more hills and it's now 20% more which took the edge of considerably. 1st time I was aiming at 300km a day to stay on top and give a buffer, this time 250km a day. Flip side of that is if you break it up like that you get your eyes tested at Barnard Castle on the 2nd night. Stanhope over to Hexham in the morning is likely to put that day's average pace below what you are aiming for and fill you with bad head thoughts; but from Hexham on you slowly claw back that day's pace to end in the green again.