Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: vorsprung on 08 April, 2009, 12:31:08 pm
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Pengwern SR. Traverse Snowdonia twice on your way from Shrewsbury to Holyhead and back. Basic sleeping facilities and hot food available at Glyndyfrdwy (345km). 'Bryan Chapman meets the Elenith' Martin Malins 2008.
Start with an early morning visit to Shrewsbury then a fast run into Wales for breakfast at Lake Vyrnwy. Seriously hilly middle section over the Bwlch y Groes, mountain road to Trawsfynydd then past Snowdon to Llanberis where you can recover over a pint of tea in Pete's Eats. Cross the Menai Bridge onto the flatter terrain of Anglesey and the turn at Holyhead. Easy to navigate return along Telford's Irish Mail coach road.
Pengwern Super Randonneur 2009 (http://www.cycleshropshire.org.uk/pengwern_super_randonneur_2009.htm#irishmail)
I've wanted to do this since reading about it in Arrivee. I'm a sucker like that.
There is the option to sleep in the village hall the night before for us distant travellers, which is nice
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Is this the one with the route instruction that goes something like "L onto A5 and continue for XXX km" where XXX is rather a lot?
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Is this the one with the route instruction that goes something like "L onto A5 and continue for XXX km" where XXX is rather a lot?
Sort of - but I think it now has instructions like "SO on at TL (A5)" just to break it up a little.
Highly recommended.
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Is this the one with the route instruction that goes something like "L onto A5 and continue for XXX km" where XXX is rather a lot?
I expect you are being a bit facetious but some people are "put off" by rides with lots of A road.
I just looked at the route sheet and there is no such instruction, although the A5 is used a lot
I would guess that the old coach road follows a route from holyhead to Shrewsbury that may have been the basis for the A5. But usually A roads take a more direct route than old roads by adding bits of dual carriage way etc
Personally speaking I think there is nothing finer than one of the A roads of Wales at 2am, empty, smooth, dark with no sound but the swish of your bike and the breath of the effort.
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I've just checked - there is 79.8 km of A5 interrupted only by a village hall control.
But don't be put off - it's a super piece of road - nothing steep with some long gentle climbs and descents, a good surface, little traffic, and you won't get lost.
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Have entered this, having missed out on riding it last year - I'm really looking forward to it. Should count as part of my SR Cymru too.
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Apologies if my comment came across as facetious. It wasn't intended that way.
I'd given serious consideration to entering this - but isn't it very lumpy on the way out?
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Bwlch-y-Groes after Lake Vyrynwy and 'Mountain Rd' to Trawsfynnyd = v. lumpy. I was on the inaugral version of this and the mountain road turned out to be very hilly and punctuated by 5 or 6 gates. And it was climbed in wind, driving rain and poor visibility. Getting off to walk through the gates provided a little respite. I was in a group of 6 or 7 and at one point slipped back after my chain came off. The fear of being left on my own in those conditions proved something of an incentive to rejoin the struggling, steaming comfort and company of the damp little group. I gather that last year the weather was a lot more benign.
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I shall be prepared to gear up for the return leg. :thumbsup:
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Don't let them put you off, Chris.
The climb up to Bwlch y Groes is the 'easy' way from the east, not the 10-chevron (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/idmap.srf?x=291500&y=322500&z=120&sv=291500,322500&st=4&ar=N&mapp=idmap.srf&searchp=ids.srf&ax=289664&ay=322724&lm=0) climb, but you get the same view at the top.
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I'm not going to! I've only been up the Bwlch once - that was from Lake Vyrnwy. I descended the 10 (or is it 11?) chevron side in the rain with full camping gear. Character building, I think they call it.
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I'm no mountain goat, but I
got through OK didn't die. The problem I had last year was the heat. It was a gloriously sunny day, but that got me overheating on the climbs - I remember turning the dogleg on the climb up towards Llanberis, and relishing the sudden head wind as it cooled me down and actually made me faster!
The ride is well worth the effort and hills really aren't that bad.
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The problem I had last year was the heat. It was a gloriously sunny day
This is a problem I will also hopefully have
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I am thinking of entering for the second time, and starting for the first.
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I was on the inaugral version of this and the mountain road turned out to be very hilly and punctuated by 5 or 6 gates. And it was climbed in wind, driving rain and poor visibility. Getting off to walk through the gates provided a little respite. I was in a group of 6 or 7 and at one point slipped back after my chain came off. The fear of being left on my own in those conditions proved something of an incentive to rejoin the struggling, steaming comfort and company of the damp little group. I gather that last year the weather was a lot more benign.
Was 2007 the inaugural version? I got a rim blow out just when the climbing started after Lake Varney. Luckily, I manged to limp back to Upton Magna on a soft tyre without the rim completely coming off the rest of the wheel. I picked up the A5 at Druid, and although busy at that time of day, wasn't too bad at all.
In the end it turned out to be an enjoyable 200, and the weather on that return journey was lovely, very different to what everybody else was to experience up in the mountains.
I saw enough to want to go back again.
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I would guess that the old coach road follows a route from holyhead to Shrewsbury that may have been the basis for the A5. But usually A roads take a more direct route than old roads by adding bits of dual carriage way etc
Not the case here though. In 1801 the Act of Union with Ireland meant that Irish MPs needed a quick way of getting from their constituencies to Westminster. Telford got the job of building a road.
As far as Shrewsbury the coach road simply followed the old Roman Watling Street, but after that everything was built from new. At the time the cost/mile was equivalent to building a motorway today. But the quality of engineering meant that when it came to upgrading and the modern road classification system the A5 just followed the coach road. The only real changes since have been bypasses around Chirk and Oswestry. The rest is pretty much exactly as it was in 1839 when it was originally finished.
It's a great night leg though - easy to navigate, excellent surface and because it was built for horse drawn coaches, the gradient never exceeds 1:20 - perfect when you've got 300k in the legs.
The first year in 2007 we didn't have the control at Glyndyfrwdwy so there was a nearly 90k section along the A5 between Bangor and the next control at Chirk.
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I'm not going to! I've only been up the Bwlch once - that was from Lake Vyrnwy. I descended the 10 (or is it 11?) chevron side in the rain with full camping gear. Character building, I think they call it.
I've been down it on the tandem, without a drag brake. That really was character building. Think I'd rather go up.
At least the gate at the bottom (round a blind bend so you couldn't see if it was open or not)has been replaced by a cattle grid (after a car went through it).
Photos from last year here http://www.cycleshropshire.org.uk/irish_mail_audax_2008.htm (http://www.cycleshropshire.org.uk/irish_mail_audax_2008.htm)
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The problem I had last year was the heat. It was a gloriously sunny day
This is a problem I will also hopefully have
That's the question. What will the weather be like this year? Wall to wall sunshine last year, wall to wall water the year before.
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The first year in 2007 we didn't have the control at Glyndyfrwdwy so there was a nearly 90k section along the A5 between Bangor and the next control at Chirk.
Glyndyfrwdwy was much appreciated last year. Bacon sarnies in the middle of the night in an otherwise shut North Wales can't be beaten.
It was riding this last summer that persuaded me that it was feasible to ride from Basingstoke to Bangor and back at the end of January. As the snow closed in on the way home (the night that snow brought the UK to a standstill) I looked longingly at that village hall, remembering a beautiful summer night and a warm welcome.
I'm trying to figure out if I can fit it in this year; the one last year is one of my all-time favourite rides.
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The problem I had last year was the heat. It was a gloriously sunny day
This is a problem I will also hopefully have
That's the question. What will the weather be like this year? Wall to wall sunshine last year, wall to wall water the year before.
well I usually have knack of cursing rides (my first FNRTTC was the first wet one) so if I promise not to enter you might stand a chance
ps the A5 section is one of the best bits; hope there's a full moon this time.
that Arrivee article in case you recycled it (check out the photos too; superb)
http://www.cycleshropshire.org.uk/irishmail.pdf
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I still have trouble with AAA points.
Dorset Coast 200 was 3 points, and was officially hard work.
Irish Mail 400 is 5.25 points. This sounds very much like it's close to twice the work. Someone will be along shortly to say "It's nowhere near as hard as the DC200" and that's where I get lost. Is it a failing in the points system, or am I just being dense?
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Also, it's a week after the Cambrian 600. I may as well stay in Shrewsbury for the week.
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I still have trouble with AAA points.
Dorset Coast 200 was 3 points, and was officially hard work.
Irish Mail 400 is 5.25 points. This sounds very much like it's close to twice the work. Someone will be along shortly to say "It's nowhere near as hard as the DC200" and that's where I get lost. Is it a failing in the points system, or am I just being dense?
hard work? pfft! I got 3AAA out of 177 on Sunday and that never went more than 20 km from the start! (actually the DC is officially a b'stard IMO too)
The IM gets its AAA (it was only 2 before the rule changes) from a very hilly (but doable) 100 or is it 150? within a longer ride and as such gets a real bonus from the new system; the hilly section would only be worth about 1.5 or 2 in isolation; there are virtually no hills of note before the climb up to Lake Vrynwy and after Pen y Pass; trust me; you really will not notice those on Angelsey or on the A5 :)
but 5250 m is 5250 m so bring some gears unless you are one of those with steel fixie legs
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Entered! :thumbsup:
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I'm thinking about this one. Possibly even riding out to the start mini tour stylee. tbd.
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Possibly even riding out to the start mini tour stylee. tbd.
I will be riding over, but it's not as far as you'd have to.
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I'm thinking about this one. Possibly even riding out to the start mini tour stylee. tbd.
I will be riding over, but it's not as far as you'd have to.
Ooh - an Arrow!
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Nah, shortest (nicest) route is 95km I have to be at work on Monday - so I'll nip over Friday afternoon with the tent and then back Sunday afternoon.
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Must give this one some thought.
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Unfinished business.
Must get down to it.
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Possibly even riding out to the start mini tour stylee. tbd.
I will be riding over, but it's not as far as you'd have to.
Shrewsbury is a remarkably long way from London. Maybe better to let the train take the strain, or maybe ride out and train home.
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Possibly even riding out to the start mini tour stylee. tbd.
I will be riding over, but it's not as far as you'd have to.
Shrewsbury is a remarkably long way from London. Maybe better to let the train take the strain, or maybe ride out and train home.
don't do it' you'll spoil a perfect event, the IM is a 400 nuff said
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I just put in my entry. A bit late, but I used the online paypal thing
Anyone else signed up for it?
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I just put in my entry. A bit late, but I used the online paypal thing
Anyone else signed up for it?
Any time before 06:00 on Sat 13th June is fine by me.
A good turnout so far. About 25% up on last year to date.
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I'm in. Planning on staying at the hall the night before (although I haven't let the organiser know yet :-[)
U.N.Dulates - is this OK?
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I'm in. Planning on staying at the hall the night before (although I haven't let the organiser know yet :-[)
U.N.Dulates - is this OK?
That's fine. Plenty of room. I just like to have an idea of how many to expect.
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I'm in. Planning on staying at the hall the night before (although I haven't let the organiser know yet :-[)
U.N.Dulates - is this OK?
That's fine. Plenty of room. I just like to have an idea of how many to expect.
Oh ok :) I hope to stay in the hall over night as well
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I'm going to try riding a DIY 200 tomorrow. If I get on OK, I'll maybe send an entry next week, if the organiser is Ok with that.
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Train tickets bought through the good offices of Swiss Hat as I'm away right now. Another two for the hall on Friday night then!
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Is this the one with the route instruction that goes something like "L onto A5 and continue for XXX km" where XXX is rather a lot?
I expect you are being a bit facetious but some people are "put off" by rides with lots of A road.
I just looked at the route sheet and there is no such instruction, although the A5 is used a lot
I would guess that the old coach road follows a route from holyhead to Shrewsbury that may have been the basis for the A5. But usually A roads take a more direct route than old roads by adding bits of dual carriage way etc
Personally speaking I think there is nothing finer than one of the A roads of Wales at 2am, empty, smooth, dark with no sound but the swish of your bike and the breath of the effort.
isn't a welsh A road the equivalent of an english B road, and a welsh B-road is the equivalent of, well a very minor road indeed? ;)
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I think I was passed by about 6 cars and 1 ambulance on the whole A5 night section last year; I even rode along without a front light for a bit to get a better view of the mountains (there being no moon, hopefully that will be improved this year). Take it from me the A5 section has no dual carriageway.
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I'd like to reserve a spot on the hall floor too please. Looking forward to riding this - will be the last ride I need for my SR cymru.
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(there being no moon, hopefully that will be improved this year).
Full moon this year. Which will no doubt guarantee overcast skies and a good soaking overnight.
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Well my DIY 200k yesterday went better than expected, so I'm in.
Am going to try getting another 200k in next weekend so I'll have decent mileage in my legs come the day.
I would like to stay in the hall the night before also, pls.
(auk no. 6174)
Well I got to get my annual dose of Llanberis Pass somehow. ::-)
Minor thing to sort out: Audax bike hasn't been used except for turbo work since November and could do with with an overhaul...
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I wanted to get the train for this but it just isn't worth it. Apart from the cost (which I could have minimised by booking earler) it takes well over 4 hours from where I live with 3 (or 4, depending on train) changes. Even if I ride to Guildford - where I can get a journey which only requires 2 changes - it's still over 4 hours...
So, I'll be taking the car then....
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I've just entered. My current intention is to ride up on Friday and sleep in the hall.
Last year this was one of my favourite rides; I'm hoping for slightly cooler weather this time!
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I've just entered. My current intention is to ride up on Friday and sleep in the hall.
Last year this was one of my favourite rides; I'm hoping for slightly cooler weather this time!
Received Matt. YACF roll call is currently...
Joolz
ChrisN
audave
scottlington
drone
JayP
vorsprung
manotea
sproven
MattH
+Bez
+Climberruss
plus a couple of others I'm not sure of matching real names to forum ones.
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plus a couple of others I'm not sure of matching real names to forum ones.
I'm also in for this (auk 8467)
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I'm in for this too. (5683)
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Team photo at the start then?
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Hello,
I would like to sleep at the hall on Friday, perhaps we could all pop over to the pub for a couple of drinks :)
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I wanted to get the train for this but it just isn't worth it. Apart from the cost (which I could have minimised by booking earler) it takes well over 4 hours from where I live with 3 (or 4, depending on train) changes. Even if I ride to Guildford - where I can get a journey which only requires 2 changes - it's still over 4 hours...
So, I'll be taking the car then....
Scott,
I'm slightly closer along the rail network than you, but still decided getting to the start is too much trouble, despite this ride sounding lovely.
(Chepstow is sooooo much more convenient daahling.)
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I just like to have an idea of how many to expect.
Count me in (or out as I'd rather camp on the grass outside than join the snoring team indoors if that's OK)
Tony
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Count me in (or out as I'd rather camp on the grass outside than join the snoring team indoors if that's OK)
I'm sure the church clock striking the hour through the night will be an acceptable alternative ;D Kept us all awake last year, although was conspicuous by it's absence a few weeks later on the 600.
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DAK if the route's changed at all from last year (and/or location of controls/infos).
Sure I did a GPX last year which would be nice to get a chance to use this year.
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DAK if the route's changed at all from last year (and/or location of controls/infos).
Sure I did a GPX last year which would be nice to get a chance to use this year.
One small change in that the Info Control on the west coast of Anglesey is no longer required. So the minor road through the dunes just before Llangadwaladr is missed in favour of staying on the A4080 all the way from Malltraeth to Llanfaelog.
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Forecast is looking better and better. I hope my knee holds up - been feeling a bit slow this week, but the ride over tomorrow evening should loosen things up.
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Add me to the riders list, but on the camping option - I like my peace and quiet ! ;D
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Add me to the riders list, but on the camping option - I like my peace and quiet ! ;D
What with this and all the other 'snoring' allusions, is there something I need to know? Just who is this mysterious sleep apnea sufferer??! Is he/she really that bad? ???
Methinks an investment in a pair of ear plugs tomorrow may be a good idea.
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Add me to the riders list, but on the camping option - I like my peace and quiet ! ;D
What with this and all the other 'snoring' allusions, is there something I need to know? Just who is this mysterious sleep apnea sufferer??! Is he/she really that bad? ???
Methinks an investment in a pair of ear plugs tomorrow may be a good idea.
Yep. Certainly a good idea (I am not the snorer though, but someone will be you can count on it).
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Yep. Certainly a good idea (I am not the snorer though, but someone will be you can count on it).
Heh heh heh! that's what ALL snorers say! ;D
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Does anyone have a reliable GPX for this year? I found this (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Audax-Irish-Mail) track on Bikely but I don't know if it's accurate (I'll might not have time to check it this evening).
Dave
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I'm hoping for the opposite 8), its been a chilly June so far up north. Did the snow roads 300 last weekend and was nearly back to wearing my winter clobber. Just about to wend my way down to sunny England after having a coffee.
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Does anyone have a reliable GPX for this year? I found this (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Audax-Irish-Mail) track on Bikely but I don't know if it's accurate (I'll might not have time to check it this evening).
Dave
I don't know about the complete accuracy of that .GPX but a couple of quick observations:
a) it implies that you go through Beddgelert - the routesheet has you turn-off before Beddgelert
b) the .GPX has the Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre west of the A470 - it should be east.
Of course it could be me that has no idea about where I'm going (that has happened several times before).
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Does anyone have a reliable GPX for this year? I found this (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Audax-Irish-Mail) track on Bikely but I don't know if it's accurate (I'll might not have time to check it this evening).
Dave
I don't know about the complete accuracy of that .GPX but a couple of quick observations:
a) it implies that you go through Beddgelert - the routesheet has you turn-off before Beddgelert
b) the .GPX has the Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre west of the A470 - it should be east.
Of course it could be me that has no idea about where I'm going (that has happened several times before).
There's a couple of places where it's not quite right.
a) as above, you don't go through Beddgelert
b) Coed y Brenin used to be on that side of the A470 until a couple of years ago. Many maps still have it there as they haven't been updated yet. Can't miss it though - there's a huge brown sign pointing the way.
c) After Llanfaelog you turn of the A4070 before you get to the old A5 through to Caergeiliog.
d) After West Felton on the last leg you keep to the lanes rather than going as far as the A5.
I've got a GPX file at home. I'll bring my laptop down to the hall tonight and anyone who wants it can transfer it to their GPS.
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Does anyone have a reliable GPX for this year? I found this (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Audax-Irish-Mail) track on Bikely but I don't know if it's accurate (I'll might not have time to check it this evening).
Dave
I have one I made for last year, and I've updated it with the change U.N. Dulates already mentioned. I've not used it before so caveat emptor. :)
Probably tricky for me to get it onto the web right now as I'm at work and will be travelling. UN Dulates' file will come with some kind of seal of authority which mine cannot. :)
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I'm looking forward to this now. I'll be riding up from Basingstoke with a colleague just after lunch. See you all there!
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Bike fettled. It has new cables all round, Edelux fitted, new front wheel, new bar tape, new chain, removed bar bag mount (bar bag will be for sale), removed space grip.
Chain doesn't seem to run very smoothly on the middle ring. I think the middle ring will need to be replaced, but it'll survive.
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PS I'll be on the 19.43 from London Euston arriving Shrewsbury 22.19, then cycling to Upton Magna.
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Just packing my stuff - will be setting off for Upton in an hour or so. Should be there around 9pm. I'll be updating on twitter on the way round: @cnarborough, to see if it's workable for LEL.
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On the train with Swiss Hat who is on gears, sensible fellow.
Im on 71/67 wishing it was 71/63.
Too late now!
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66" for the way out, 70" for back down the A5. :thumbsup:
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66" for the way out, 70" for back down the A5. :thumbsup:
Does that mean you can't claim this ride for the FWC given you're gearing ratio is not fixed :P
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66" for the way out, 70" for back down the A5. :thumbsup:
Does that mean you can't claim this ride for the FWC given you're gearing ratio is not fixed :P
It's not called the FGC - though perhaps it should be esp. when people start turning up with SA S3X hubs...
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Finished installing new BB (in a vain attempt to stop a dreadful tick/creak, tick/creak coming from 'somewhere down there'). Apologies to anyone who I may ride with in advance if the noise remains.
Pretty much packed and ready to go. Quick shower and I'm off! Probably be there about 22.00.
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Tailwinds and Empty roads to everyone.
Forecast is looking almost kind. Veterans of the BCM or Cambrian will be stamping their feet and shouting "It's just not fair!".
Have fun!
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IT'S JUST NOT FAIR!! :(
Good luck to all, I'm still suffering the disintegration of my body after last week, so I'm having an 'easy' weekend. :thumbsup:
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Keep up to date with Chris N. (https://twitter.com/cnarborough)
Didn't sleep too well last night
Did he forget his earplugs?
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Thanks for the link, John.
(It will add detail to my weekend of wondering which is better, the regret at not being on such a superb event, or the regrets of riding.)
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At llanberis now. Been very hilly so far. But the hard bit should be over now.
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Finished 45 minutes ago.
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Finished at 2.35am. Cracking ride. Great weather although very windy on
Angelsey. The climbing was hard but the views of a clear Snowdonia were amazing. Best ride I've done in ages and makes up for packing on the Cambrian!.
Next stop - the Borderline, Oh if we could have the same weather again please!!
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excellent - glad the weather was as nice for you as it was in northumberland!
I slightly regret not doing this but the northern rock cyclone was so much fun i regret it slightly less :) definitely entering this next year though assuming John's still running it.
anybody aiming to be one of the first to get the full pengwern SR this year? ;)
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Great ride, although sections 2 and 3 were pretty much the hardest I have done, eclipsing the Elenith I think. The little detour to miss out Beddgelert was a particularly nasty suprise! Rest of the ride was pretty quick and the blat down the A5 not as bad as I had feared. Finished at 5.55am. Scenery was also the best I have seen in Wales so far. Oh, and the weather was pretty much perfect.
First p*nct*re of the year for me too. >:(
Thanks to organisers and also MattH for company for pretty much all the ride (apart from the last stage where I had Iron Maiden instead and the climb over the mountain road after my punture where I was on my own apart from a brief chat with Manotea). Condolences to Matt's mate Andy for whom this was his first ever ride over 300k. He packed at Bangor after having really struggled across Anglesea. Considering he rode over 200k to get to the start, he did bloody well!
Brilliant ride! Just a 200 to go for my Welsh SR - any recommendations?
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I conspired to miss the depart and left in glorious sunshine with Edwin Hargreaves (NOTP) who is a Triking God who dropped me after about 25km but I arrived at Lake Vynwy in time to pick up the tail of the field. Left with Scottlington and Matth but was soon dropped again on the foothills of the Bwlch Y Groes when it became woefully apparent that I had seriously underestimated how hilly the next two sections were. Not so much the Irish Mail as Postmans Walk. Ran into Scottlington again when he punctured but I pushed on sure he would catch me up and he did. Picked up Scottlington and Matth again at Coed Y Brenin and surprisingly also Klem who told tales of taking a wrong turn (perhaps not so surprising) and descending down a mountain and having to winch his way up again. Smiled smugly at the MTBers riding around the centre spinning granny gears. Left with MattH and Scottlington but reprised the previous stage and started to feel the ride slip away but pushed on to Llanberis to at least prove riding the pass on the Brian Chapman wasn't a fluke. Arrived at Pete's Eat's at 5pm (yep, 11 hours for 165km) just in time to see Scottlington and Matth leaving. Planned a quick stop with a view to catching them at Holyhead now the the hilly stuff was done and ordered a mug of tea and some apple crumble and custard (the 'Special' off the blackboard). Alas time passed chatting with Revrob who I hadn't met before and by 5:30 I had not been 'crumbled'. Stern words with the staff generated a plate of chips (followed shortly by the crumble...) but I'd just lost a hour and it seemed exceedingly unlikely I'd catch the dynamic duo. I now faced spending circa 14 hours mostly on my own which I didn't particularly fancy as I find 400km hard work anyway and started considering Cunning Plans. The headwind on the way to Menaii sealed the deal and I cut across to pick up the A5 and pootle for home. I reached the village hall control at Glyndyfrdwy around 11pm and had a bite to eat chatting with George Hanna, Ray Robinson and other fast types before dozing off in my chair waking to discover myself all alone (it's getting to be a habit). Busied myself to leave but still felt very cold so as 'for me the ride was over' I grabbed a mattress and sleeping bag for 4 hours quality sleep (I hope I didn't deprive somebody more deserving of the same opportunity) before pushing on to Upton Magna riding through a glorious dawn. So no brevet but 300km of uber glorious Welsh scenery and sunshine is more than good enough for me. A special Well Done to ChrisN who was the only other fixer and who showed how it should be done. I'll be back next year but will probably bring gears...
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Fantastic ride
I love Wales and this went through some stunning scenery. It crossed a section I'd not been before and I'm glad it did. Enjoyed the descent down Bwlch y Groes
I forgot my shorts ::-) and had to do the ride in my night time long tights
The ride did visit a bike shop but it was for MTBers and only had John Mills in "Ice Cold in Alex" shorts
Hoped to get to Holyhead to leave by 6:30pm but didn't leave until 7:30pm
Rode quite a bit with ChrisN who was on fixed :P
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I presume ChrisN was the guy who I followed up Bwlch Y Groes and then down the other side. Chapeau! to anyone who can ride up that hill on fixed. As for coming down the other side - I have never seen anyones legs move so quickly!
For me though the best decent was of Llanberis Pass 46mph and so fast that I overtook at least half a dozen cars although needed both sides of the road to get around some of the corners. A true "White Knuckle Extravaganza!
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I fear Chris N has become one of the Chosen Ones who can ride silly-hilliness on fixed gear. I enjoy riding fixed myself, but not up mountains. I'm not, and probably will never be, one of the chosen ones.
Young master Greenbank is well on his way there too ::-).
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Well, the 2nd and 3rd sections were hard work. Worth it for the views though. Especially turning right near the top of the first mountain road climb. Rode with a guy called bron for most of that section until he punctured for the second time. He was on his first 400 but it didn't show.
Was surprised how hard the 3rd section was due to the differences to the bcm route. Took 12 hours for 200km so not very fast. Slow service at a couple of controls meant time stopped was more than desired. Bron caught me as I crossed Anglesey and we stuck together all thecway back to Bangor where we were joined by vorsprung. I had to stop to eat so got dropped but caught vorsprung up on the descent, and we stayed together to the sleep stop. I managed to fall asleep on the wooden floor which was a first. Unfortunately when I woke most of the food had gone so just had a banana and set off. Kept fighting the Bonk all the wayvback to the finish.
A stunning route. Great weather. Hardest 400 I've done. But despite my lack of miles not my slowest 400 ever.
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Got home about an hour ago, just shy of 900k since Friday lunchtime, so I'm sitting here with a well earned beer and food.
Will post a ride report tomorrow, but thanks to everyone involved. It was a fantastic weekend and definitely still my favourite ride.
Not heard anything from Andy, I hope he managed to get home OK.
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(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3626777778_2904a391a2.jpg?v=0)
We're off
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/3626779274_dc1d0093cc.jpg?v=0)
Bez and Scottlington on the front, near Shrewsbury
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3626780552_bcdd58236b.jpg?v=0)
Climbing out of Llanuwchllyn
(R-L: Richie, Mel Kirkland - I think, Vorsprung, Climberruss)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3625967355_091da00948.jpg?v=0)
Bwlch y Groes
Mel went left. Should've gone right. ;D
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3625968529_02003a35c7.jpg?v=0)
Somewhere above Coed y Brenin
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3625970213_eb1d64ce19.jpg?v=0)
Bus shelter at Maentwrog - first time in daylight
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3626785608_fabbcddff3.jpg?v=0)
Nant Gwynant
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3625972923_5098088919.jpg?v=0)
Chip butty and a pint of tea, Pete's Eats
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3626788652_601c94550d.jpg?v=0)
Menai Bridge
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3625975989_dc850f12a4.jpg?v=0)
Sunrise over Shropshire
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/3626791038_34f2a9cdb2.jpg?v=0)
Breakfast, Upton Magna. £5! :thumbsup:
A special Well Done to ChrisN who was the only other fixer and who showed how it should be done.
Thanks, though I don't feel I was able to do this ride justice. I underestimated just how hilly the section from Lake Vyrnwy to Llanberis was and suffered terribly in the heat - walked up six or seven climbs and had to stop several times to stretch cramp out of my legs. Too hot, too fast, too hilly. 63/70" and a slower first 200 next year, I think.
I presume ChrisN was the guy who I followed up Bwlch Y Groes and then down the other side. Chapeau! to anyone who can ride up that hill on fixed. As for coming down the other side - I have never seen anyones legs move so quickly!
Ah, so that's who you are! Not really sure how fast I was going down there, though my GPS reckons that my Vmax was 66km/h, or about 202 rpm. That doesn't sound right, but I might have managed to go that quick coming back over Cannock Chase today.
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Thanks to all for the Reports!
Especially ChrisN for the superb combination of Twitter updates, report, pictures and fine riding.
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Looks a fantastic ride Chris.
Thanks for the pictures.
H
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Got home about an hour ago, just shy of 900k since Friday lunchtime, so I'm sitting here with a well earned beer and food.
You, Sir, are insane Sir!!
Well done! :thumbsup:
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(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3626084080_b65a0a01af_b.jpg)
Near Bwlch y Groes
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/3626084094_ce4033d431_b.jpg)
The short cut to Beddgelert
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/3626084102_c9aa07d7fd.jpg)
The secret fuel of the fixed gear rider
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Mmm... beer for breakfast. I must try this audaxing lark... :)
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A pint of Stonehouse Station Bitter. Very, very nice.
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Definitely gets my vote as the best ride of the year (so far). Snowdonia looked stunning and it was great to ride the part of the BCM night sections in daylight, the A470 through Trawsfynydd is a changed road for me now. Somehow I managed to miss the shortcut of Beddgelert and it sounds like a proper mountain road, must try it sometime.
I teamed up with Stephen Rogers (blue Ribble) on leaving Llanberis and we completed rest of ride together. Thanks for the company S if you're reading this :thumbsup:
Anyone for the Offa's Dyke/Clawdd Offa?
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An excellent ride. Probably the only 400 to date where i haven't experienced a major downer at some point* (see caveat below)
After a night of rough sleep in the village hall (I'm a light sleeper so will sleep in the car or tent next time) set off at a fair lick in a group containing Joolz and Garry King amongst others.
A shortish break at Lake Vyrnwy saw myself, Vorsprung and chrisN and others tackle the Bwlch. This wasn't as bad as i had feared - with the added comedy element of one rider (Mel Kirkland, according to ChrisN's post above) descending the wrong side of the Bwlch despite several riders screaming at him as he disappeared at a rate of knots. I bumped into him as i was leaving the last control where he mentioned he had taken an hour to descend then re-ascend!
Nearing the top of Pen-y-pass there was a sponsored cycle event of some kind going which didn't seem to know if it was on or off-road. Riders were cycling (or pushing) up a dirt track near the top of Nant Gwynant then joining the road, the bikes being a mixture from cheapo supermarket specials to a few decent road-race specials? Joined up with Joolz for the descent to Llanberis, the first time i've cycled this in the dry for about 3 years!
Didn't particularly enjoy the incessant headwinds on Anglesey or the rolling nature of the terrain, and was quite pleased to get back onto the mainland where i was now quite definately on my own. I also managed to get lost on Anglesey for 10 minutes leaving Holyhead. (note to self - if you've got a GPS on your handlebars, fecking well look at it.....)
The next leg to Glyndyfrwdy was probably one of my favourites - fairly gentle inclines, low traffic, and the stunning scenery of Tryfan and Ogwen etc . Managed to get well away from Snowdonia before it got dark, whereupon the MP3 player was put to good use listening to an eclectic selection of stuff ranging from Green Day's latest, to Simon and Garfunkel.
After a decent break at Glyndyfrwdy (which i struggle to spell, never mind pronounce) it was back on with the MP3 player and another solitary run back to Upton Magna for a well-earned cuppa.
A superb event - thanks to John for running it so well.
* Managed to tweak my left achilles slightly about 200k in, so did the obvious thing and ignored it and carried on..... It's not so bad today, but definately not right, which is a bit worrying with the Dave Lewis 600 in a couple of weeks then LEL. I'm going to give it a few days then get some proffessional advice if no improvement.....
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Nearing the top of Pen-y-pass there was a sponsored cycle event of some kind going which didn't seem to know if it was on or off-road. Riders were cycling (or pushing) up a dirt track near the top of Nant Gwynant then joining the road, the bikes being a mixture from cheapo supermarket specials to a few decent road-race specials? Joined up with Joolz for the descent to Llanberis, the first time i've cycled this in the dry for about 3 years!
They were doing a 40km cycle+a canoe trip+a run.
I overtook one group I talked to twice, once going up the A4085 and again at the bottom of the Llanberis pass descent- I stopped to get water at the top of the pass
Didn't particularly enjoy the incessant headwinds on Anglesey
I did enjoy their cooling qualities. Although I do admit I did get on ChrisNs wheel after sufficient cooling had occurred. Then back into the wind to talk about cookery
The next leg to Glyndyfrwdy was probably one of my favourites - fairly gentle inclines, low traffic, and the stunning scenery of Tryfan and Ogwen etc .
Yes I agree that bit was super. Those shallow gradient climbs are excellent.
* Managed to tweak my left achilles slightly about 200k in, so did the obvious thing and ignored it and carried on..... It's not so bad today, but definately not right, which is a bit worrying with the Dave Lewis 600 in a couple of weeks then LEL. I'm going to give it a few days then get some proffessional advice if no improvement.....
Oops. Ice it and take it easy and hopefully you'll be ok. "The Bridge too Far" 600 is an easy ride
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Anyone for the Offa's Dyke
I'm *starting* it, how far i'll get god knows ;) ;)
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Reading all of these bought back the memories from riding this event last year, also with superb weather.
Sorry not to have ridden this year (riding the Wye Bother 200 instead).
Is MattH trying to take over from Teethgrinder with all the extra miles?
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Reading all of these bought back the memories from riding this event last year, also with superb weather.
The weather was better this year, IMHO. It was still hot (and I've got the deeply silly tan lines to prove it), but not as over-the-top as last time.
Is MattH trying to take over from Teethgrinder with all the extra miles?
No, I'm not that bad :)
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Reading all of these bought back the memories from riding this event last year, also with superb weather.
The weather was better this year, IMHO. It was still hot (and I've got the deeply silly tan lines to prove it), but not as over-the-top as last time.
Is MattH trying to take over from Teethgrinder with all the extra miles?
No, I'm not that bad :)
First comes denial...
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I did wonder if youd have as good weather as last year: it certainly wasnt as nice in Sweden.
UN dulates: usual commission fee? ;)
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Is MattH trying to take over from Teethgrinder with all the extra miles?
Is ChrisN trying to take over from Teethgrinder with all the extra food?
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Let me see:
Muesli, tea and toast at the start
Granola bar
Beans on toast and coffee at Vyrnwy
Peanut M&Ms
Coffee and fruit cake at Coed y Brenin
Cheese and pickle roll
Ice cream and a can of coke somewhere
Chip butty and tea at Llanberis
Cheese and ham baguette, orange juice and malt loaf at Holyhead
Granola bar
Coffee and a danish at Bangor
Peanut M&Ms
Muesli and a bacon sandwich at Glyndyfrdwy
Peanut butter and jam roll and a banana near Chirk
Lentil soup, tea and cake at the finsh
Full english and a pint in Upton Magna
Ginsters steak slice, peanut butter chunky twix, can of coke and a Magnum in Wheaton Aston on the way home
:o
In the words of Kent Petersen: not a nutritional role model.
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In the words of Kent Petersen: not a nutritional role model.
I'd like to see anyone try that kind of calorie burn on salad and tofu :).
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In the words of Kent Petersen: not a nutritional role model.
I'd like to see anyone try that kind of calorie burn on salad and tofu :).
A lot of calories in the first 200km - around 5000. That means it was hard. :)
Not sure on the return leg, certainly less but I keep forgetting I need to reduce the sampling frequency for longer rides so it didn't record the entire second half.
Just in case anyone is wondering, I reckon the first 300km was easier than the MSG 300. Despite far fewer miles this year I did 300km by midnight. Not so on the MSG. :thumbsup:
I could've done with more food overnight, will have to carry slightly more bonk rations next time.
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Well done all :) and lovely pics again ChrisN.
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Another note to self is that I assumed the ride was 15-30kph. This meant I booked the 0955 from Shrewsbury to Scotland and then when I got to the start and looked at the Brevet card realised I'd basically forced myself to target 15kph despite the relaxed pace. Not that I really needed it, for a 9am finish control time I'd still have had >2h in hand. However with my train time, 9am would have not really given me time to eat, have a wash, and pack up ready to go catch the train. So I will pay attention to the minimum speed in future when choosing trains.
Also it meant I had no chance to join in with vorsprung's excellent idea of a pub breakfast. However, as it was my dad's birthday I was going to, I wouldn't have wanted to hang around too long. Next year maybe. Plz to not run the ride on the 13th or 14th Mr Hamilton. :-*
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(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3625967355_091da00948.jpg?v=0)
Bwlch y Groes
Mel went left. Should've gone right. ;D
Mel really knows how to pick his places to go off-route. That's 10 chevrons worth of climb down there :o
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2107/3626791038_34f2a9cdb2.jpg?v=0)
Breakfast, Upton Magna. £5! :thumbsup:
Reckon I shouldn't bother with the catering at the finish next year and just send you all down the pub.
I underestimated just how hilly the section from Lake Vyrnwy to Llanberis was
Everyone does that. Think I should put "DON'T PANIC" :) on the route sheet at Llanberis as everyone gets there much later than they expect.
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I did wonder if youd have as good weather as last year: it certainly wasnt as nice in Sweden.
UN dulates: usual commission fee? ;)
Certainly. One free entry to the Clawdd Offa ;D
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Let me see:
Muesli, tea and toast at the start
....
Full english and a pint in Upton Magna
Ginsters steak slice, peanut butter chunky twix, can of coke and a Magnum in Wheaton Aston on the way home
Audax, the long distance eating club. A wonder you had time for any cycling.
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Thanks all for the reports. Makes all the work in putting these rides on worthwhile.
I managed to get enough helpers this year that I could come out and ride with you, and what a fantastic day. If we had weather like that all the time who'd ever go anywhere else.
The final stats - 50 entries, 4 DNS & 3 DNF. And just to give everyone else a feeling of inadequacy, Ray Robinson and 2 others were first back at 22:42, just in time for a swift one down the pub. This ride clearly isn't hilly enough for some.
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Audax, the long distance eating club. A wonder you had time for any cycling.
I commented to Andy on the way up that it is probably cheaper to put petrol in the car in terms of pence per mile than feed myself to the do the same distance on an Audax.
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35g bags of crisps, 184kcal per bag so that's 7.36km per bag.
Buy them in bulk - 48 bag box - for 22.82. So that's 353.82km on £22.82 or 6.4p/km.
My car will do about 45mpg. Petrol's about £1 per litre right now. 45mpg is 10 miles per litre, or 16km per litre. So it's actually about the same.
So certainly the bike can compete. And you can do better, a Ma Baker Giant bar, 90g, can be found online for as little as 39p per bar. That's for 404kcals, so propelling you for 16km for 39p, 2.4p per kilometre.
They are what I use for my bonk rations. :thumbsup:
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35g bags of crisps, 184kcal per bag so that's 7.36km per bag.
Buy them in bulk - 48 bag box - for 22.82. So that's 353.82km on £22.82 or 6.4p/km.
My car will do about 45mpg. Petrol's about £1 per litre right now. 45mpg is 10 miles per litre, or 16km per litre. So it's actually about the same.
So certainly the bike can compete. And you can do better, a Ma Baker Giant bar, 90g, can be found online for as little as 39p per bar. That's for 404kcals, so propelling you for 16km for 39p, 2.4p per kilometre.
Some people have far too much time on their hands....
;)
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Many, many thanks to U.N.Dulates and the wonderful helpers at Upton Magna and Glyndyfwry. I had a fantastic day out and the welcome at the two village halls made all the difference. My ride report has turned out a bit longer than expected.
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I set off a little nervously from Upton Magna - it was after all my first 400 - but soon settled into a relaxed group and whizzed along the gentle lanes of Shropshire to Lake Vyrnwy. Fortified with a bacon butty and toasted teacake from the Barn Cafe, I lightened my load a little by leaving my mobile phone in the cafe and set off for the Bwlch y Groes.
There was a short stretch of flat alongside the lake (for novelty value alone, I suspect) and then the climbing started. The bacon did its stuff and I was soon - to my great surprise - flying along and enjoying the breathtaking views from around the top of the pass. After descending to Bala it didn't take long for the climbing to start again in earnest but we were rewarded with yet more wonderful scenery. I was passed by two riders who complained bitterly that I was making the ascent look easy; apparently wearing a sun hat makes all the difference, though I suspect it had rather more to do with my 26x32 gear.
After Coed-y-Brenin we were allowed a "rest" on the undulating A470 before taking a very hilly shortcut past Beddgelert - it surely took longer than the long route - and heading past Llyn Gwynant towards Pen y Pass. I stopped to admire the views and have two ice creams, only to discover that I wasn't the first to have that idea: The jolly ice cream van man told me of an intrepid audaxer who when asked "you must be fit" over an ice cream replied "I must be fit and I must be mad".
Arriving at Pete's Eats, I was welcomed by the gentleman photographed above with a chip butty and his friend, who enthusiastically recommended both the chip butty and the puddings. Indoors there was a yet warmer welcome from the organiser himself and a jolly gentleman with a stamp.
The leg to Holyhead was supposed to be "easier" but I found it difficult to get going. I was swiftly dropped by the rider who left the cafe with me and really struggled to get going into the wind. The feeling that Anglesey and I weren't going to get on with each other was confirmed by the wasp that flew into my mouth and quite deliberately stung me on the lip.
I grabbed a bite to eat and a receipt at Tesco in Holyhead and set off for Bangor at the same time as simonp and someone, determined to get both Holy Island and Anglesey out of the way. Of course, the road we took from Holyhead to Menai Bridge was a hilly and scenic, but the company and the setting sun lifted my spirits and I was soon making good, steady progress.
A quick stop at Bangor Services provided a bite to eat and some extra snacks for the long leg to Glyndyfwry. Although I left Bangor just as dusk was turning into night, the mountains, between which Telford threaded the A5, were still visible against the night sky and still able to spur a tiring rider up a steady one in twenty incline to see Llyn Ogwen glowing gently in the last of the evening's light.
Although it seemed that the climb out of Betws y Coed would never end and Glyndyfwry village hall would never arrive, it was wonderful to walk into the hall in the middle of the night and smell frying bacon! Smiling volunteers whisked my brevet card away for stamping and timing and offered me a hot drink as I entered the hall. Before five minutes had pased I was sat down sipping a mug of coffee and enjoying one of the last bacon sandwiches.
Sadly, it was all too soon time to leave - I resisted the temptation to catch even 4 winks, fearing that I'd never leave - and I pressed on with only the glorious moon for company. It was difficult to get going again after almost 350km and an hour's rest but eventually I realised that I needed to eat something. I stopped in front of yet another marvellous view - it was sunrise and trees were poking out of the golden mists - and ate the last of my chocolate and some flapjack. With some food inside me and more in my pocket to munch, the last 30km positively flew past.
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I was pretty badly prepared for this. I'd booked Friday afternoon off work and planned my route, but didn't even program the GPS until mid-week. Andy emailed to ask if I was still doing it, and if I minded him coming along, so we arranged to leave work together on Friday lunchtime.
I was in Sweden up until Thursday evening (where the weather was starting to turn grim - I did think of the Vatternrundan riders and hoped it would be OK for them). Landing at Heathrow after 7pm, and having some family stuff to do first I didn't even start looking at my bike gear until 9pm. On Friday morning I rode in to work at Basingstoke (a nice easy 10 miles) and spent the morning in meetings. I met up with Andy at lunchtime, and we set off - going via a bike shop as he needed to sort out his rear light mounting.
Up to Oxford was very fast. I do like that bit of road - it isn't particularly pretty, but it is nice enough and always good for chewing up the miles. A quick feed at Peartree (lasagna), then on to Stratford (sandwich and fruit salad), Kidderminster (banana and meusli bar), Bridgnorth (sandwich), and marvel at the local youth cruising in their Land Rovers, and finally arriving at Upton Magna at 12:40am. Andy had brought SiS rather than his usual Hi5, and was having trouble with it being too sweet - who on earth thought it was a good idea to shove artifical sweetners into a powder that is almost pure sugar?
A quick sleep in the hall, then some muesli, coffee and off we went. It was a good run up to the lake, riding with a variety of YACFers (Scottlington, ChrisN, Vorsprung, Manotea, and I'm sure more). Stew and mash filled a hole nicely, and got us ready for the first climb. Having dropped Manotea, it was Scottlington, Andy and myself making a dynamic trio that would last for most of the ride. This section may be tough, but it is quite literally awesome. We saw Mel coming back up from his little detour - he was going surprisingly well after that climb.
Passing the holiday village on the way to the control, Andy pointed out the chalet he'd been staying in the night we rode past on BCM; he'd been MTBing with some other lads from work. He was still having trouble with food, which didn't bode well. I managed a baked potato with beans and a slice of fruit cake.
Climbing up Pen-y-Pas was much nicer than last year (which was too hot) or the BCM (when it was dark and wet). I'd pulled over at the top until Scottlington and Andy passed, but a car managed to slot between us. Scottlington and Andy were slowed by a motorbike on the way down, until he moved over slightly and waved them past. I took that as my cue to pull out and overtake both the car and the biker who also waved me past. There is nothing quite like a serious downhill blast, is there?
Pete's Eats was as welcome as ever. I fancied a ham and cheese baguette, but they'd run out of baguettes. As an alternative they gave me two rolls, each on it's own plate with a side salad :) We left just as Manotea arrived.
Up past Bangor, and the pretty easy run to Holyhead. Andy was suffering from lack of food, and ultimately decided to pack. We ate at Tesco (some pasta and a fruit salad) and made some calls to get my wife arranging accommodation. Half way back to Bangor that was confirmed, and we dropped Andy off at a B&B. He'd done well over 500K at that point, so a good run by anyone's standards.
Scottlington and myself carried on up to the services, where yet more food awaited (pasty and a sandwich, IIRC). Some warm clothes fitted and we started the climb up into the hills - the run to Betwys-y-Coed which is always surprisingly fast, and the longer slog to Glyndyfrdwy in the rapidly cooling night. Here was the only disappointment - the food had run out. Scottlington got the last bacon sandwich (which I was happy to let him have as he was continuing without sleep), but that meant bonk rations for breakfast.
I slept for a couple of hours - I still had a very long day ahead, otherwise I'd have carried on too. The run back to the arrivee was reasonably fast, and it is always a pleasure riding in the early morning on quiet roads.
A bit of a rest and some food, then back on the road. For about 10 yards, before I turned around with a flat. Luckily Scottlington was still there was his car, so having changed the tyre and tube I borrowed his track pump to put a decent pressure in.
The road to Bridgnorth was closed, meaning I had to take a longer, scenic detour. Towards the end of this I was overtaken by a roadie, so I jumped onto his wheel and got pulled into Bridgnorth - where the Tesco garage provided more food. Following the same route home I stopped at a layby on the Bromsgrove Highway for a quick bite to eat and to close my eyes for five minutes.
The next stop was Stratford again, which was baking hot. Plenty of water, more food (a pasty and some fruit salad) then off again to Oxford. Peartree services provided fish and chips, which other than the jelly beans I munched on was to be my last food before reaching home.
A total of 891km in 57 hours.
Many thanks to U N Dulates and his team of helpers, plus Scottlington for putting up with me on the way round.
The other lesson learnt is that it is probably not a good idea to ride Pen-y-Pas with me. 2 out of 3 of the last riders to do that have ended up packing and sleeping in Bangor...
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A really enjoyable ride on a great route with great weather.
Just before the start for some reason I suddenly thought that I really should be carrying a spare folding tyre but there was no time to worry about that ....so off we went.
First section quite fast and rode part of it with Scotllington whom along with MattH I saw at various controls throughout the day. Got to the Old Barn Café just as Joolz and Garry King were leaving so I knew I was going reasonably quickly.
Second stage obviously tougher but still made good time. Good view at the turn right over Bwlch y Groes – looking down to the left I was grateful that we didn’t have to climb up that part. The idea that someone would voluntarily cycle down it and then back up didn’t occur to me.
Great descent down Bwlch y Groes then just before the gated section I was overtaken by some roadies out on a loop from Betws Y Coed – they were keen to know what the event was so maybe John will get some extra entries next year.
On to the gated road section I was wondering who would be mad enough to ride fixed when I came across Chris N eating a large quantity of M&Ms.
Saw vorsprung at the Coed y Brenin centre and heard about his shorts dilemma – swelter in longs or look like a Desert Rat.
On to the stage to Llanberis – I agree with swiss hat’s comments that it was good to see bits of the BCM route in daylight and particularly the Trawsfynydd bit – going down the hill made me appreciate why coming up it a few weeks ago was such a grind.
Going up the Llyn Mair climb I saw Chris Wilby and Adrian (Lagan?). Chris was navigating via a basic Garmin with basic Garmin maps and I think he said only 50 trackpoints. At one point his GPS indicated that we should be going in totally the opposite direction to the planned route.
The Beddgelert ‘diversion’ was quite hard but very scenic with some impressive rhododendron bushes. Then a good climb up Nant Gwynant and a well deserved (in my view) double ice cream before the climb up Pen y Pass and a fast descent (one motor bike overtaken) to Llanberis.
On to Pete’s Eats and met revrob and others. A pint of tea and a massive chip butty – I was eating chips for 15 mins before the bread could be pressed together to actually hold as a butty.
So a quick first stage and a fairly good pace on the two subsequent hilly bits – things were going well. Too well…
The turn off the A4086 to Bangor was the start of nearly 1 hour of mech problems.
Two p*******s, a damaged tyre, a partly broken skewer, a mislaid skewer nut (changing the wheel on a grass verge that had recently been mown not a good idea) but eventually it was found.
I thought that I might just be destined for a DNF but a nice chap called Alastair provided me with his spare tyre and some help. Rode the rest of the stage and the stage thereafter with him as we were going at a similar pace.
Just about to go across the Menai Bridge when we saw Joolz and others coming the other way – they must have been making very good time.
As commented elsewhere Anglesey was quite windy and Holyhead to Bangor hardish work and lumpy. Coming back into Bangor we passed Chris Wilby and Adrian L who had got slightly lost.
Rode to Glyndyfrdwy with Edwin Hargreaves and Jackie Popland - Edwin setting a good pace on the trike. The A5 bit was enjoyable with some nice steady climbs and good descents particularly down to Betws Y Coed. A warm welcome, hot drinks, cornflakes and bacon roll at Glyndyfrdwy, a longish stop but no need for sleep. Surprised to see Garry King still there but he’d not been well and had stopped for a few hours sleep.
Did the last stage with Edwin (who knew the area) and Garry at a good steady pace as the sun came up. The last stage took less than 3 hours and we finished at 05:30 approx.
Soon afterwards Chris Wilby and Adrian L arrived. They had left Glyndyfrdwy sometime before us but had got lost … again.
Thanks to U.N.Dulates and helpers for a really great event.
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The whole weekend started with a little mild panic – I switched on my Ixon IQ just before packing it (as I always do) and….nothing. Ok… maybe the rechargeables are duff. Put in a new set of standard batteries. This time turning the unit on was accompanied by the briefest of flickers from the LED, then nothing. Repeat, repeat again..nothing. Check batteries are in the right way round, swap batteries for yet another set, check connections….still nothing. Hmmm, I hadn’t used it since BCM and remember stopping to change batteries at the foot of the last climb to Chepstow whilst it was raining. Looks terminal. Start to stress as no light = no ride…. Luckily for me, Mr Greenbank has a set of the same light and was happy to lend one to me. So, a massive thank you to him!
I set off about 19.00 and had to drive to Putney first to pick up the light then negotiate my way out of London. All this meant I didn’t arrive at the hall until nearly 23.00. By that time, most people were there and already asleep. Met SimonP and ChrisN at the hall, then got my head down. Almost immediately someone started snoring which was to continue through the night. Didn’t get much in the way of quality sleep therefore.
Up at 05.00, had some breakfast, chatted with a few people and then set off. Great run down to the first control in a group containing, amongst others, MattH, Andy, Vorsprung and ChrisN. Really nice control and good service. Spent a little too much time here (maybe an hour I think) and then set off with MattH, Andy and a few others. Lovely first few miles and then we turned left and started the first real climb of the day. I felt reasonably good on this climb and once at the top we stopped for a few minutes to admire the truly awesome view. The descent down the other side was a blast but was tempered by picking up a slow puncture. I stopped at the bottom to change the tube but Andy suggested just pumping it up and seeing how it held. It did hold until the foot of the next climb and I then stopped to change it. MattH and Andy carried on and we agreed to meet up at the next control. Manotea stopped briefly as he rode past – he mentioned he was having a bad time of it in the hills. The beginning of the next climb was pretty steep and I walked up to the first hairpin. This was the start of my bad patch – the gated road seemed very hard to me. It seemed, once I was on my own, I wasn’t riding as well. I slowed and chatted with Manotea at one point and then carried on. I caught a couple of tantalising glimpses of MattH and Andy in the distance but didn’t catch them. Met up with them at the next control and purchased a cheap pair of riding glasses (on account of me leaving my others at the start – did anyone find them at all? DHB – all black with smoky lenses).
Andy left a couple of minutes before MattH and myself. Manotea had also arrived by this time and set off with us. We all three split on the A road drag out of the control. Andy seemed to have a second wind and MattH couldn’t catch him and I couldn’t stay with MattH and Manotea couldn’t stay with me, so we all ended up strung out along the road. Eventually though, MattH, Andy and me all met up again. We grimped up the very hilly ‘shortcut’ to avoid Beddelgert and then tackled the climb up to Pen-y-Pass. Was nice to do that in the day and with no rain (ala BCM) and we saw numerous other cyclists on the way up. The ride down the other side was huge fun and we passed a motorcycle and a car on the way down. Pete’s Eats was good – had a famous chip butty, lovely chips, too many! We left just as Manotea arrived.
The next stage was a lot easier but Andy was really suffering by now. He’d been having trouble eating and that really does not bode well. We took the decision to carry on along the A5 on Anglesey to make it slightly easier, but we still had to stop for 15 mins about halfway along. We made it to Tescos. MattH and me had some pasta but again Andy couldn’t eat. He decided to pack here I think and MattH made a few calls to arrange accommodation in Bangor.
We hung around at Tesco for a while and then set off back towards Bangor at a slowish pace. We dropped Andy off at the B&B and carried on towards the next stop at Bangor services. Although Andy packed, this was his first 400 and he probably chose one of the hardest in the Calendar. Plus, he’d ridden over 200k to the start, so all things considered, he had done bloody well! I’m sure we’ll see him again at some point soon.
At Bangor services, we saw quite a few others including SimonP and Vorsprung. We donned night gear and had something to eat. By the time we were ready, most others had left so MattH and me set off on our own. We made steady progress up the first climb and the lake at the top was lovely, shining in the moonlight. The whole run along the A5 was pleasant, but I was getting increasingly cold on the long descents. It was also clear that MattH was riding considerably within himself to stay with me – so thank you for that Matt!
We arrived at the penultimate control about 02.30 I think and MattH said he was going to get a couple of hours sleep. Although I was a little tired I felt well able to carry on so sat down for a while to have something to eat. Luckily for me I managed to get the very last bacon roll (and very nice it was too!) and sat down talking to Vorsprung and ChrisN for a while. I set off on my own, donned MP3 player and rode off about 03.20 just as the first signs of dawn were becoming apparent.
Strangely, I felt really quite strong on this stage and made good progress along the stage. It was a really nice stretch of road and the time around dawn is my favourite time to ride – all was well with the world! I passed a couple of riders, one of whom I had been bumping into at various places throughout the ride. I passed him strongly and then promptly went the wrong way at a roundabout. I had to sheepishly pass him again a couple of k later… he mentioned he had shouted to me but I wouldn’t have heard him with the MP3 player in.
I arrived at Upton Magna at 05.55 having been consumed with the goal of getting there before 06.00 for the last 30k. Had a bowl of pear crumble at the end and then got my head down for an hour or so. I got up to see SimonP had arrived and was packing and MattH getting ready to set off again on his ride home. He suffered a puncture just as he was going so I lent him my pump to make sure he got some decent pressure in the tyre.
As I sit here and write this RR, I look back on the ride and think – this was my favourite ride I have done so far. The scenery was stunning, the hills challenging, but the final two stages were very well graded and on really good roads, so made for a thoroughly enjoyable end to the ride. My normal state of mind on the last stage of a long ride is ‘I just want to be back and finished, don’t want to be on my bike anymore…’and I generally find it a real slog. This time though I would have been happy to carry on. My outlook on it may well be influenced by the great weather, but I would certainly recommend this ride to everyone and will do my utmost to ride again next year.
Once again, many thanks to Greenbank for the loan of the light. Thanks to MattH and Andy for the company and to all others I briefly rode with and spoke to. Great to meet some other YACFers. Also, thanks to the organisers and helpers for making a great route!
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I passed a couple of riders, one of whom I had been bumping into at various places throughout the ride. I passed him strongly and then promptly went the wrong way at a roundabout. I had to sheepishly pass him again a couple of k later… he mentioned he had shouted to me but I wouldn’t have heard him with the MP3 player in.
That was me. Except for the first leg, I always seemed to be riding at a slightly different pace to whoever was around, so I kept seeing the same people for a minute or two.
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(It will add detail to my weekend of wondering which is better, the regret at not being on such a superb event, or the regrets of riding.)
Judging by all these great reports and photos, are you thinking, like me, that the regret of not riding far outweighs the hypothetical other regret?
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You could always ride next year. But maybe it'll be 2007 all over again. :D
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You could always ride next year. But maybe it'll be 2007 all over again. :D
It might be a very lonely ride. I thought U.N.dulates wasn't running the SR events next year, instead concentrating on the Mille Cymru?
If the IM4xC is run, I hope to do it. As I have for the past couple of years.
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I enjoyed it in 2007 despite the wetness and no sleep stop. Sun, 'views' and a snooze in a hall would have made it even better.
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(on account of me leaving my others at the start – did anyone find them at all? DHB – all black with smoky lenses).
I've got them scottlington. I'll arrange to have them re-united with you.
Also left unclaimed at the finish one pair blue/black long fingered gloves, size Small.
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You could always ride next year. But maybe it'll be 2007 all over again. :D
It might be a very lonely ride. I thought U.N.dulates wasn't running the SR events next year, instead concentrating on the Mille Cymru?
If the IM4xC is run, I hope to do it. As I have for the past couple of years.
Well I do have a history of changing my mind on these things (just ask Linda).
The priority for 2010 is the Mille Cymru, and I'm not underestimating just how much work that's going to be so it is definitely certain that the full Pengwern SR won't be held. Given the rumoured 400k pre-qualification for PBP then the 400 would make sense to be the one to put on.
I do however have a plan for a 400 based on the late Graham Mills Lleyn & Lakes 300 which was my all time favorite 300. Similar ground to the IM but heading down the Lleyn instead of up to Anglesey. Just as scenic (if not more so) and rather less brutal as the climbing would be more sensibly distributed instead of all being in that 100k from Vyrnwy to Llanberis.
Got to get the Offa's Dyke out the way first though...
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(on account of me leaving my others at the start – did anyone find them at all? DHB – all black with smoky lenses).
I've got them scottlington. I'll arrange to have them re-united with you.
Many thanks U.N.Dulates. No rush. Are you riding LEL or the MSG at all?
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(on account of me leaving my others at the start – did anyone find them at all? DHB – all black with smoky lenses).
I've got them scottlington. I'll arrange to have them re-united with you.
Many thanks U.N.Dulates. No rush. Are you riding LEL or the MSG at all?
Unfortunately not. I'll be slogging my way round the Offa's Dyke instead of the MSG. Helping out at the Thorne control on LEL though (on the return anyway). Whether either of us will remember that I have your sunglasses by then is another matter.
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(It will add detail to my weekend of wondering which is better, the regret at not being on such a superb event, or the regrets of riding.)
Judging by all these great reports and photos, are you thinking, like me, that the regret of not riding far outweighs the hypothetical other regret?
Very much so!
Delighted to hear that Mr Dulates may put on a 400 next year. Good stimulus to get me out on a ride this week!
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Why the formality? I'm sure he answers to his forename. I'll try it.
Hey U!
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The jolly ice cream van man told me of an intrepid audaxer who when asked "you must be fit" over an ice cream replied "I must be fit and I must be mad".
I believe that was me - well it was a stupid amount of effort just to get an ice cream :)
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Great rides ! I really don't know how John finds all those amazing views. Main point:
!) Great route sheet,
2) Great controls, any route that goes to Petes Eats - must be good,
3) Great hills,
Will done John and Linda you put a lot of effort into organising your rides and the catering before and after is great.
Working out what I ate on the ride and afterwards it must have been hard. Also, the 60 km comute was not on the cards on Monday morning, it was ok by Tuesday.
Food consumed on ride, museli, yogurt, toast, choc biscuits, tuna/may sand, flatjack, tuna/may sand, flatjack, prunes/fig, beans on toast, apple crumble and custard, tuna/may sans, egg sand, crisps, choc bar, veggie chilli and baked pot, danish pastry, choc bar, veggie burger, ban, kit kat, museli, soup and bread, museli, yogurt and milk. Lots of coffee, tea and water and more flatjack and prunes.
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Working out what I ate on the ride and afterwards it must have been hard.
Food consumed on ride, museli, yogurt, toast, choc biscuits, tuna/may sand, flatjack, tuna/may sand, flatjack, prunes/fig, beans on toast, apple crumble and custard, tuna/may sans, egg sand, crisps, choc bar, veggie chilli and baked pot, danish pastry, choc bar, veggie burger, ban, kit kat, museli, soup and bread, museli, yogurt and milk. Lots of coffee, tea and water and more flatjack and prunes.
There seems to be a theme here. We got through so much food. Normally I buy too much and carry some over to the next event but nearly everything got eaten this time. To quote Ken Knight, controlling at Glyndyfrdwy "I've never seen the like. This lot ate like horses"
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A fine day out
2nd time I've entered an Audax from Upton Magna great location. Again the weather was near perfect 8)no so hot as the Offa's Dyke last year. Coming down from the east of Scotland I really enjoy the warmth, just a few degrees makes a load of difference. The sections up by Lake Vernwy, over Bwlch y Groes and to Trwasfynydd were superb. Felt a bit fatigued during the hilly first section and a bit lack lustre on the climb towards LLanberis. However a big mug o tea at Pete's helped a bit and was feeling better by Angelsey. Most of the A5 was in the dark but still pleasant cycling under the stars. The highlight was the descent just after daybreak to LLangollen with the mist still hanging in the valley.
Cheers to Bret from York for his company throught the event.
Thanks to John and helpers for one of the finest 400's on the calander. :thumbsup:
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Cheers to Bret from York for his company throught the event.
Brett Hill ? Fine chap
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I've now had confirmation from the AAA man that the climbing on this route is slightly higher than advertised. The ride is now 5,591m of ascent and worth 5.5 AAA points.
Anyone riding the Offa's Dyke will have had their card back in person at the weekend. The rest will be in the post this week.
The Irish Mail will be taking a break in 2010. I'll be putting on a 400 next year but it'll most likely be based on part of the 1000k route. For anyone having withdrawal symptoms it is now available as a Permanent though. Details on the AUK website.
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Interesting Wildlife Moment on the narrow lane before Ruyton XI...
Exciting enough narrow lane (at 1am) with "just" 60 lumems of IQ Cyo for way-seeing - particularly the downhill section with the grassy centre strip - dodging the moths, etc.
Then, large-ish creature appeared on the road - a badger. Brakes screaming to a near-halt (without coming to grief on the gravel, etc) was just enough to get a grunt from the brock. Stand-off time? Said badger glared at my light, then dived into the undergrowth, just in time for me to pass unscathed.
Assos Mille's still untarnished. Any tiredness had gone now - enough adrenaline to see me through to Upton. Phew!
(Nearly repeated at 400k into the Borderline 600...)
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M Pumpe eat your heart out:
Certified that this 404km event was successfully completed in 06 hours 48 minutes.
Beat that. ;D