Valley of the Rocks 200 3rd May

[Ian H]

Mr Toothgrimpeur says he's riding, though he hasn't officially let the organiser know yet (hint:this is traditionally done by crossing his palm with five quid's worth of silver).

Anyone else joining him - for the event if not the ride down?

[Hummers]

It's the day before the Isle of Wight Randonnee so sadly, not a ride for me.

I have passed the info onto Kinky Keith though, it's up his street and local too.

H

[Ian H]

It'll be a car-park send-off, but food and shelter at the finish.
Route details on my www.

[scampi]

It's the day before the Isle of Wight Randonnee so sadly, not a ride for me.

Ditto for me.

I had hoped to do this one, but I know that if I did do it, I'd be in no fit state for the IoW the day after...

It's a bit of a trek for me too.

However - I've had a look at the routesheet, and it looks superb. I'd quite like to do the perm version/ride the route later in the year (anyone else fancy this?)

Having seen the routesheet - are you sure that AAA rating is correct, Ian? ;-)

I do hope your riders are not going to be in for a shock.

[ParrettPedaller]

Yep,

Ian you already have my entry form.

All I now need to do is build up the audax bike (still in bits after coming to grief on the 07 Dartmoor Devil  ) , lose several kgs and get fitter for a 200.

Alternatively pack lights and take it nice and slow for 12+ hours

[Ian H]

12 hrs will see you through the scenic bits in daylight.

Several people seem to want to do the perm version. It's as nice as the real thing, though the roads might be busier in school holiday time.

[tonyh]

I may be asking for a Perm card too.
Sadly, can't do the Calendar date.

[teethgrinder]

You should have my last minute entry now Ian.
I will have to whizz down to Honiton after work on Friday, then put a low gear on when I arrive, which will hopefully be low enough to get me over most, but definitely not all, of the hills on this ride.
Then for Sunday and Monday, a leisurely two day ride back home. Anyone care to join me on the ride home?
I'll be riding slowly. I won't have any choice.

[Ian H]

Controls all primed. Weather's not looking too bad.

I wonder what time Teethgrinder will get here - it's about 180 miles from MK.

[ParrettPedaller]

An excellent event.  Superb route north to Lynton via Dulverton, then through the Valley of the Rocks and onto Coombe Martin, South Molton and Crediton

Great cafe stops.

The weather held up and was warm enough without making the hills a sweat shop.   I'm pretty sure the SE wind freshened considerably during the day, making the last leg from Crediton back to Honiton harder than almost any other part of the route.  Crawled the last 10 miles along the old A30, to creep in with about 20 mins to spare.

Thanks Ian, an excellent 200K. One to savour.

[Ian H]

Two DNSs; two DNFs; two Hors Delais. Which leaves 20 brave cyclists who completed the inaugural VoR. I apologise for the headwind over the final 'easy' bit. It won't happen again; promise!