Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: iddu on 25 December, 2016, 12:14:41 am

Title: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 25 December, 2016, 12:14:41 am
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/17-604/

M'wah ha ha ha - first victim entrant... ;D

A big boy made me do it, and ran away.
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Peter on 25 December, 2016, 01:12:38 am
A good theme tune would be "Take ME To The River" by Al Green!
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Steve Orchard on 26 December, 2016, 08:25:29 am
Cheque in in the post
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: mattc on 26 December, 2016, 08:40:44 am
Cheque in in the post
Christmas morning well spent Steve. Had you been on the babychams already?

 :thumbsup:

[EDIT: bu99er - I misread that as having been written Dec25th.  :facepalm:    Brain still on christmas holiday ...   ]
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Steve Orchard on 26 December, 2016, 09:05:50 am
I did wonder if it was postal entry to avoid the late night babycham PayPal entries that are regretted the morning after.
I did however post it before consulting the boss.

Sent from my SM-A300FU using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 26 December, 2016, 05:09:35 pm
I did wonder if it was postal entry to avoid the late night babycham PayPal entries that are regretted the morning after.
I did however post it before consulting the boss.

Ah, yerzz...sorted.
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: JossW on 26 December, 2016, 06:07:52 pm
Technically this would be my 40th birthday weekend. Tempted to shove that the weekend before and do this as the 'real' celebration / commiseration...Especially as BCM is now full up and fancy a bit of Wales.
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: drgannet on 07 January, 2017, 09:23:43 pm
Thank you for putting this on Iddu, looks like a cracking ride. Am I right in inferring from your route sheet that there would be the possibility of sleep at the Ludlow control?
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: MattTup on 07 January, 2017, 11:16:49 pm
Entry is in the post, this will be my first 600k I can't wait.

Also my first post 😄
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: hellymedic on 07 January, 2017, 11:26:26 pm
Welcome to The House of Fun!
Enjoy!
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 10 January, 2017, 11:13:08 am
Thank you for putting this on Iddu, looks like a cracking ride. Am I right in inferring from your route sheet that there would be the possibility of sleep at the Ludlow control?

That's certainly the plan...
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Bobby on 10 January, 2017, 11:53:58 am
Chance to sleep @350km could work for me... how much TLC is there on this ride? 
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 10 January, 2017, 03:44:58 pm
None at all - Gunny Chambers will most likely roust you at some ungodly hour, screaming "BACK ON THE BIKE, SLACKERS!"

HTH ;D
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Manotea on 10 January, 2017, 07:02:08 pm
Been watching Heartbreak Ridge again, eh? Hooah!
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Bobby on 10 January, 2017, 08:29:48 pm
None at all - Gunny Chambers will most likely roust you at some ungodly hour, screaming "BACK ON THE BIKE, SLACKERS!")

HTH ;D

Sounds positively luxurious!

Pending potential holiday plans I'll enter :)
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Bianchi Boy on 15 January, 2017, 06:18:10 pm
I have been looking at this ride and there are a number of sections that are not on google street view. I normally use this a rule "If it is not on street view I cannot ride my road bike down it". Is this ride all capable to be done on a road bike with 25mm tyres?

BB  :-\
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: mattc on 15 January, 2017, 06:30:58 pm
I have been looking at this ride and there are a number of sections that are not on google street view. I normally use this a rule "If it is not on street view I cannot ride my road bike down it". Is this ride all capable to be done on a road bike with 25mm tyres?

BB  :-\
In the welsh bit? I rode all of it. There were gates to open, and a cycle-path section.  This wasted a little time, but the surface was fine on 25mm rubber, and they were the most scenic bits of the ride.

Can't comment on post-Ludlow  :-[
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: jamesld8 on 15 January, 2017, 06:37:12 pm
Very tempted by this just because it covers some exceptional countryside--but won`t be able confirm an entry until mid May I expect, and may well become a VFM rider too  ;D
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Clemo on 15 January, 2017, 07:58:57 pm
Well I took the plunge  :thumbsup:


No Beer, wine or any other mind changing substances were required, I'm just a sucker for punishment. ;D
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Pete Mas on 23 January, 2017, 11:49:41 am
I also entered...Whatever happened to my plans for an easy 'post-ultra' year? Someone once said to me that once you start doing audaxes, it's hard to quit doing them...Could be correct! ;)
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 19 April, 2017, 11:56:43 am
Very tempted by this just because it covers some exceptional countryside--but won`t be able confirm an entry until mid May I expect, and may well become a VFM rider too  ;D

Still spaces, so don't worry  :P

Planning on check ride 2nd May BH, so there's room room for a +1 if somebody wants to DIY.
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: southseadamo on 30 May, 2017, 05:32:55 pm
In - first 600 so should be fun! How many have entered on this foolish endeavour?
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: postie on 30 May, 2017, 05:49:57 pm
You maybe flying the audax club Portsmouth. On your own  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: SheniJ on 30 May, 2017, 11:23:09 pm
Well after seeing everyone have such a great time on the BCM whilst I was feeding them at Kings I have decided to give this one a whirl. I must say I am looking forward to Wales again. Anyone sorted a place to stay on the Friday night?
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 31 May, 2017, 12:45:24 am
In - first 600 so should be fun! How many have entered on this foolish endeavour?

38 to date.  Route check this w/e, so stuff out to y'all next week...
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Clemo on 31 May, 2017, 12:49:28 pm
Pat, the cycle path from Cross Foxes to Corris, is that paved ? google street view doesnt go up there so wasn't able to see.
 :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Chris N on 31 May, 2017, 12:57:31 pm
Tarmac, with a generous helping of sheep shit. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Clemo on 31 May, 2017, 01:08:55 pm
Tarmac, with a generous helping of sheep shit. :thumbsup:
Thanks Chris I had heard a rumour it was a dirt track  ;D
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: mattc on 01 June, 2017, 02:22:43 pm
We go where google fears to tread. Randonneurs ho!
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 05 June, 2017, 11:24:35 am
Ow - I ache. 

Bar the againsterly for 80% and it hooning down in Newtown for 20 mins it were grand - anything better and you'll have an excellent w/e.  You can call me (insert expletive of choice) when you finish ;D 

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170603%20-%207CandY/IMG_20170603_173506_zpsnirxdrtz.jpg)
Dylife Gorge

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170603%20-%207CandY/IMG_20170603_175827_zpse6tmltgo.jpg)
Looking over towards Pumlumon Fawr, & sources of Severn & Wye...

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170603%20-%207CandY/IMG_20170603_180307_zpsluvb1bqr.jpg)
Wheeee!

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170603%20-%207CandY/IMG_20170603_202049_zpsw4bfihut.jpg)
Happy Valley

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170603%20-%207CandY/IMG_20170603_215907_zpscwqghb3i.jpg)
"Is that the lights of Barmouth?...Yes"

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170603%20-%207CandY/IMG_20170604_085128_zpsxarxpkuz.jpg)
You utter GIT - 8Km of constant rise :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: drgannet on 05 June, 2017, 12:15:48 pm
You utter GIT - 8Km of constant rise :thumbsup:

What, no fixed? Things must be bad... :o
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 17 June, 2017, 07:40:00 am
38 starters - let's see how many survive  ;)

I'd rather be on a bike..
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: MattTup on 19 June, 2017, 01:21:40 pm
Thank you again to Pat for putting on this amazing ride. Sorry I had shot off at the finish, I would have liked to have stayed to recount tales of searing heat and opening every gate in Wales  :o

https://www.strava.com/activities/1042482391/shareable_images/photo_based/11271454/1/4AEEC800-FAB6-4321-8B4D-4CE4513D8ECE?hl=en-US&v=1497791008
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 19 June, 2017, 04:07:55 pm
De nada.

Same time next year? :demon:
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: swiss hat on 19 June, 2017, 06:06:57 pm
Well I survived but there were times when I wasn't quite sure.....

Stupendous lanes on the 75 km stage to Llanidloes required the 24" gear far more than expected. Wonderful lumpy countryside tho'.

That "road" below Cader Idris. I didn't mind the gates as it was a chance to admire the views. More of the same on the NCR to Corris.

Fish n Chips at Borth - mmmmm. The super climb in early evening sunlight to Nant-y-Moch. Blessed easier A roads on the 100 km to Newtown and the Ludlow hall.

Cool air on the morning run to Gt Malvern and a good breakfast at the hall courtesy of Mr Blacksheep & Roy "Would you like some pasta?". Yes please! Leaving the control and riding for a while with Richard on his classic Raleigh fixed.

Walking up those monster Cotswold climbs was hard work in the heat.

Enjoying a cold shandy with just 30 km to go.

Yes a memorable weekend Mr Iddu. Could you turn down the heat a little on the next edition please.


Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: SheniJ on 19 June, 2017, 06:12:30 pm
Well that lived up to the "Cambrian on steroids" billing. Clearly Pat does the parts of Wales that others can't reach and weren't they incredible? I feel like I now know ever inch of the road and the delightful NCR8 around Cader Idris. I was in good company riding with Carl and Heather but our collective lack of sleep put pay to any prospects of tackling day 2 in the heat so we talked ourselves into bailing out at Ludlow. Even Matt's motivational greeting when we arrived after closing time wasn't enough to get us going again, but we were very grateful for the late breakfast. A couple of hours sleep under a tree in Ludlow, a nice bit of lunch in the town and I then rode back to Leominster to find Pat relaxing in a hammock, awaiting the arrival of the survivors. Despite bailing out I feel quite happy to have ridden the first 350k, a proper adventure which is what it's all about for me. Thanks Pat and Matt  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 19 June, 2017, 11:50:37 pm
Well, that was a baptism of fire, both figuratively (due to the heat) and literally, in that it's the first overnighter I've run - a bit stressy, because

a) I didn't have a clue where riders where in the first 350Km; needs a couple of spotters for next time.
b) I had nightmares of people only wanting light salads, and having to eat baked potatoes for the next month and a half ;)

Once they started turning up I could chill.

The extraordinary heat made it a challenging two days, both for the experienced and first-timers at 600Km - I can't say it's a ride I'd have picked for my first 600, but chapeau to those that did and finished in time...you have nothing to fear from any other event.

51 entrants, 38 starters, 23 (nominal) finshers, 15 DNF's - returns in tomorrow, so your name in lights when TPTB shuffle  the paperwork into the right place.

Thanks to those that came to play, and my ever helpful assistants Mark, Matt & Roy
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Clemo on 20 June, 2017, 09:04:45 am
Pat that was brilliant, I was one of the DNF's  :( a few minor mechanical issues and the heat and I had talked myself out of day 2  :-[

Thanks to everyone who helped Pat, you are awesome.

I'll put up some photo's later.


The midgies at Nantymoch were horrible clouds of the buggers I am covered in itchy bumps  :-\ I had only stopped to write down the info control details and get some food out of my bag.


Anyway see you next year Pat  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: Steve Orchard on 20 June, 2017, 09:09:48 am
Thank you to Pat and your helpers.
The route was often challenging and picturesque. Lots of memories to take from this many already mentioned above.
Still not recovered from the heat. 4 out of 5 contact points are still sore as a result.

Sent from my SM-A320FL using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: JonBuoy on 21 June, 2017, 10:37:37 am
A big thankyou to Matt, Mark, Roy and especially Pat for putting on this event.

Loads of new roads for me with plenty of 'wow' views in the glorious sunshine.  I have some problems remembering the order in which it all occurred - not helped by the zig-zag nature of the route on Saturday.  The high temperatures meant I was very conscious of monitoring the water situation but also gave me an excuse to massively increase my ice cream and crisp consumption.

I felt pretty frazzled when I got to Ludlow and didn't really get any sleep.  On the basis that if I can't sleep I might as well pedal I set off at 0330 on Sunday morning.  My GPS obviously fancied a lie in and started behaving very strangely.  My lack of sleep, a few comfort issues, the prospect of another very hot day and now a dodgy GPS made it very tempting to pedal 5 miles back to my car for a DNF.  Fortunately switching the unit off and on seemed to sort it so I would have to find another excuse.

The run across to Malvern was refreshingly cool and the welcome from Mark and Roy put me back into audaxing mood.  Clubmate Steve arrived not long after me and, as with Saturday, we loosely rode the rest of the route together.  There was far less climbing than on Saturday but the Leckhampton Road and the climb away from the girl guide camp still needed taking seriously.  A relaxing milkshake in Cirencester was an interesting contrast to the madness that was Swindon's Orbital shopping park on the hottest day of the year.

It was good to turn for home but the day was really cooking up now.  With hindsight I wasn't really drinking water because I was thirsty but because I was too hot.  I might have been better pouring it over myself than through myself?

Coming past Ledbury my legs sniffed the finish and I really enjoyed the good surface and gently rolling road.  The terrible surface on the A417 soon stopped the enthusiasm as Sunday's farm track skills were put to good use in dodging potholes.  Finished at 1830 and after a delicious pint of squash and a brief (and fuzzy-minded) chat with Pat I headed the 7 miles back to the car reflecting on what had happened in the 38 hours since I cycled the other way along this stretch of road.
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: mattc on 24 June, 2017, 06:48:25 pm
First time posting picies from GoogleDrive:

Both from the Ludlow control (350km):

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B48Coy5_cszLM0FUcUc2aG9jeTA
riders happy that they've decided 350k is enough

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B48Coy5_cszLcms0dmdYcTVtbFk
Ruffa??

(it's probably better to use proper photo hosting, innit? Maybe later ... )
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: SheniJ on 25 June, 2017, 08:05:59 pm
Thanks for the pic! I think we were just happy to have survived sleeping in Newtown Macdonalds on a Saturday night.......and to see you and Pat's lovely smiley faces as we breezed into Ludlow after closing time  :-[
Title: Re: Take EWE to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 21 February, 2018, 11:02:59 pm
Mmm, gonna skip this this year; there's a lot of other Welsh events covering similar ground....don't worry, I'll give you a 2nd chance next year.

Am planning (600) something for your delight and delectation ;D around the South-East thobut, so happy days soon.
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: GPS on 22 February, 2018, 10:30:24 am
Any chance of an 'official' perm ... ?
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: iddu on 22 February, 2018, 11:22:13 pm
Glutton for suffering, eh?

I'll have a think on it.
Title: Re: Take Ewe to the Severn, Seas & Wye
Post by: GPS on 24 February, 2018, 06:04:19 pm
 :thumbsup: