Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Andy Corless on 19 March, 2015, 05:50:43 pm
-
Just a heads up! I have 51 entries so far. I'll allow up to 60 so I might have to close entries next week if I reach this limit soon. So if you plan to enter and haven't done so yet I'd advise you to enter this next week.
The date for this event is: Saturday 25 April 2015, and counts as a 400 km qualifier for PBP.
It's an anti-clockwise circuit round northern England with controls at: Ripon; Goathland; Richmond and Carnforth. The truckhaven at Carnforth closes at 11pm so anybody arriving after this time will have to use the petrol station. I don't want to doubt anybody's physical ability but just bear in mind it's 104 km to the first control.
Route-sheets will be going out in early April. Hopefully it won't snow :D, but then again ...... :-[
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
Hi Andy
I recall that I was the only lad that finished this event in time the first and last time you ran it ( only just !).I would have packed myself if the trains had been running on Sunday morning. The weather can't be as bad this time (heavy rain and strong head wind all the way to Goathland then freezing cold on the return night leg). It's good to see so many more have entered than last time( think there were only 5/6 of us set off last time from Preston Station which had reduced to 3 by Goathland ). Incidentally it didn't have any AAA points either the first time around !
-
Mark,
You were the only official finisher however, some of the others completed the route but ran out of time near Goathland. I can't remember exactly but I think Paul Summers and Andrew Marshall both rode back to Preston.
I've almost reached the limit on entries. Entries will close before the weekend. Info' and route-sheets will be going out the 2nd week of April.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
Just to let those that have entered know. Route-sheet and event info' is going to be sent out about a week or so later than planned (2nd week of April instead of next week). There's no problem with the route, controls or start/finish but I was about to save all the data when my computer crashed, losing all the files. I've got it all on paperwork but needs to be re-typed.
Entries will close probably Monday.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
I'm in now !!
I always love Andy's rides 8) 8) 8)
-
Here's hoping for less snow than the Delightful Dales!!
Looks like a nice route too.
-
Times getting short.
Anyone got a GPS file, please?
-
I'm just staring to research opportunities to buy food on route. Can anyone with local knowledge suggest shops etc on route that might be open please.
Thanks.
-
You'll have noticed there's some long legs between controls. The following might be of help:
Pateley Bridge 90 km: The Old Granary cafe opens at 09:30 am (on route)
Coxwold 135 km: Coxwold Tearoom opens 10:30 am - 5:00 pm (on route) www.coxwoldtearooms.co.uk/
Wass 139 km: Byland Abbey Tearoom opens 10:30 am - 4:30 pm (on route) - www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/byland-abbey/inn/
Helmsley 149 km: Beck Tearoom on Castlegate (just off route) www.becktearoom.co.uk/
Rosedale Abbey 170 km: Abbey Tearoom & Store open 10:30 am - 5:30 pm (just off route) www.abbeytearoom.co.uk/
Stokesley 233 km: Jet petrol station closes at 9:00 pm (on route). Several shops (Spar) also on route.
Leyburn 293 km: Fryer Tuck Fish & Chips/takeaway closes at 8:00 pm (on route). Co-op closes at 10:00 pm (also on route)
Hawes 319 km: Spar closes at 7:30 pm. Chippy opposite Pennygarth Cafe closes at 9:00 pm (both on route).
Ingleton 347 km: Texaco petrol station closes at 10:00 pm.
Hope this is of help. There'll be plenty of other cafe/shops en-route throughout.
Entries still open!
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
Thanks for additional food options, if I find details of any others I'll add them to the list.
I'm looking at cycling route options into Preston from the South. What's the surface like on route 55 to Bramber Bridge (and does it have akward barriers)? Which roads are ok and which are best avoided?
Thanks.
-
Brains are a little scrambled right now so forgive me asking a stupid question but how does 4,000 metres of climbing get 4 AAA points when the Brevet Cymru's 5,000 metres of climbing bags 2-and-a-bit AAAs? Is the Heartbeat pancake flat for half the route or something?
-
The climbing figure for the Heartbeat 400 is calculated using the latest points system as printed on the Audax AAA page (see www.audaxaltitudeaward.org.uk) of 1 point awarded for every 1000 metres of climbing.
The Heartbeat 400 has an estimated 4000 metres of climbing, so gains 4 altitude points.
I don't organise the Brevet Cymru 400 so I can't comment on that. You'll need to speak to the organiser and/or regional events secretary or the AAA big man.
Andy Corless
-
Thanks Andy.
For obvious reasons I steer clear of AAA points, they're bad for me. So I hadn't realised the AAA points system had recently changed.
-
Brains are a little scrambled right now so forgive me asking a stupid question but how does 4,000 metres of climbing get 4 AAA points when the Brevet Cymru's 5,000 metres of climbing bags 2-and-a-bit AAAs? Is the Heartbeat pancake flat for half the route or something?
Not sure if this is the reason, but the climbing on the BC400 is concentrated in the loop Llanwrda/Tregaron/New Quay/Llanwrda (130km, 2200m ascent).
-
I think that if an event climbs so many metres per km the whole way round, the total metres of ascent supersedes any 'partial' section.
As an aside, don't underestimate the terrain on the Heartbeat 400. Apart from the exit/entry out of Preston and a 15-mile stretch after Ripon there's hardly a flat road in the first 320 km. The last 80 km or so are pretty much flattish. Those that complete the event will have deservedly earn't their 4 AAA points.
Entrants dropping like flies this last week. Entries still open due to many spare cards.
Andy Corless
-
Food: full value riders might want to consider stocking up with provisions in Stokesley (233km) where the Spar is open until 11pm (according to their website) ;)
-
More food options (distances assume I've plotted the route correctly)...
149km Helmsley (Co-op) closes 22:00
156km Kirkbymoorside (Co-op) closes 22:00 (slightly off route near roundabout)
213km Castleton (Co-op) closes 22:00
233km Stokesley (Spar) closes 23:00
233km Stokesley (Co-op) closes 22:00
[that's the section where we don't want to be carrying a lot of food!]
... more research required for late/early/24hr opening further along route!
-
After fading dreadfully in the last 40km of the everyone rides to skeggy yesterday, I am wondering if I have bitten off a bit too much by entering this.
Does anyone have a GPX that they could share so I can scare myself silly with the route profile?
-
After fading dreadfully in the last 40km of the everyone rides to skeggy yesterday, I am wondering if I have bitten off a bit too much by entering this.
Does anyone have a GPX that they could share so I can scare myself silly with the route profile?
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4nBthrJvaYQ/VTOg858TR3I/AAAAAAAAPhQ/9TKYvmA9V4I/s800/Heartbeat400km%2520Elevation.png)
-
After fading dreadfully in the last 40km of the everyone rides to skeggy yesterday, I am wondering if I have bitten off a bit too much by entering this.
Does anyone have a GPX that they could share so I can scare myself silly with the route profile?
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4nBthrJvaYQ/VTOg858TR3I/AAAAAAAAPhQ/9TKYvmA9V4I/s800/Heartbeat400km%2520Elevation.png)
OH SHEET !!!
-
After fading dreadfully in the last 40km of the everyone rides to skeggy yesterday, I am wondering if I have bitten off a bit too much by entering this.
Does anyone have a GPX that they could share so I can scare myself silly with the route profile?
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4nBthrJvaYQ/VTOg858TR3I/AAAAAAAAPhQ/9TKYvmA9V4I/s800/Heartbeat400km%2520Elevation.png)
OH SHEET !!!
This profile makes it look easier...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9DZW8xEQCUE/VTOmwDadDPI/AAAAAAAAPhg/Y6ckgzCEA2E/s800/Heartbeat400km%2520Elevation2.png)
;D
-
The climbing figure for the Heartbeat 400 is calculated using the latest points system as printed on the Audax AAA page (see www.audaxaltitudeaward.org.uk) of 1 point awarded for every 1000 metres of climbing.
The Heartbeat 400 has an estimated 4000 metres of climbing, so gains 4 altitude points.
I don't organise the Brevet Cymru 400 so I can't comment on that. You'll need to speak to the organiser and/or regional events secretary or the AAA big man.
Andy Corless
but... 400km needs 5100m of climbing unless it the climbing section is done, say, as 4,000m in 300km hence the confusion. Full table here
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/audaxaltitudeaward/aaaevents.html (http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/audaxaltitudeaward/aaaevents.html)
-
I wrote a TCX following in detail every route sheet instruction, and Bike Hike has it at 4,988 metres....
Sure these programs never agree with each other, but the difference here does seem unusually large..
Not sure how the 4,000 metres official climbing was measured though?
-
More food options (distances assume I've plotted the route correctly)...
149km Helmsley (Co-op) closes 22:00
156km Kirkbymoorside (Co-op) closes 22:00 (slightly off route near roundabout)
213km Castleton (Co-op) closes 22:00
233km Stokesley (Spar) closes 23:00
233km Stokesley (Co-op) closes 22:00
[that's the section where we don't want to be carrying a lot of food!]
... more research required for late/early/24hr opening further along route!
There are a couple of pubs in Castleton - I imagine the Eskdale Inn is on the route. I don't know what time it stops serving food, but you could grab bar snacks if desperate. There's a tea room in Castleton, too, but I think it shuts about five.
What's the route from Stokesley to Leyburn? If via Catterick, there's a takeaway which opens till after midnight.
-
"but... 400km needs 5100m of climbing unless it the climbing section is done, say, as 4,000m in 300km hence the confusion".
The original climbing figure was calculated from contour counting from OS 50:000 maps. Literally all of the climbing is in the first 300 km, which requires only 4000 m of ascent. Suggest we leave it as it is and see what the altimeter readings are from the event.
I've kept the route to the A6108 after Richmond, avoiding Catterick Garrison. This is of benefit to later riders as it avoids the prospect of climbing over Downholme Moor in the dark.
I've ordered 60 brevet cards. I've 60 entries but 10 people have already dropped out so entries will remain open all week.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
Just started planning for Saturday having cleaned and sorted after Plains this weekend.
Anyone got a GPX or TCX file I can beg steal or borrow in order to save a bit of planning time?
Cheers
Dave Pratt
-
Thanks for additional food options, if I find details of any others I'll add them to the list.
I'm looking at cycling route options into Preston from the South. What's the surface like on route 55 to Bramber Bridge (and does it have akward barriers)? Which roads are ok and which are best avoided?
Thanks.
Are you using the A6 or A49 to come up from Cheshire? If A6, don't start following 55 on the south side of Chorley, stay on the A6 all the way to M6 J29. At the junction, follow the roundabout to the M6 North on slip, just before going down the slip turn Left onto cycle path (sharp turn); about 300m to the Hob Inn. From here follow 55 into Avenham Park Preston about 5 km, OK for tandems, though watch out for the low head room tunnel (dismount)
If using A49, follow to the Hob Inn and turn Left onto 55, then as above.
-
with 321's help I made a gpsies track nd it seems to have done something weird and made it 512 miles http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=rszbefmmzixajuym AARRGGHH
-
My new mac really isn't the tool for trying to make a route for this, coupled with the route sheet from hell I'm on the verge of giving up before I've started ::-)
Not happy.
-
with 321's help I made a gpsies track nd it seems to have done something weird and made it 512 miles http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=rszbefmmzixajuym AARRGGHH
If you scroll across the altitude data you'll see that you've set the route up to go around twice. Just don't set off on the second lap and you'll be fine.
-
that's what I eventually figured out haha, god knows how I'd managed that. thanks for confirming what I thought.
-
The weather is looking fairly favourable. Possibly a bit of rain here an there but otherwise some decent temperature and not too cold at night. Tailwind out and possibly tailwind down the A6 to finish.
-
Thanks to all those for entering the Heartbeat 400. Everyone who's entered should have by now familiarised themselves with the route-sheet and event information that was forwarded by either post/e-mail last week.
The start: The community centre will be open from about 05:00 am onwards for breakfast (typically cereal/toast) if anyone wants it. The event will start at 06:00 am prompt as per instructions. All the controls are a mixture of cafes and petrol stations.
For those that have read the route-sheet in advance you'll have noticed it's 109 km to the first control at Ripon. The BP/Spar north of the city centre as per route-sheet is normally used (on the Pendle 600 anyway). Just before the petrol station you'll pass through the market square where there's plenty of cafe's and IIRC a Greggs, all of which should provide you with a till receipt on request.
At Goathland, there's a selection of souvenir shops on the right-hand side opposite the village green. The Moors Coffee Shop and Tearoom are aware of the event and are expecting you. The Cafe normally closes at about 5:30 pm. Anybody arriving after this time (control officially closes at 6:44 pm) should obtain a till receipt from the pub (Goathland Hotel) a bit further up on the right. The pub closes at 11:00 pm, but only serves food 7:00 - 8:00 pm. I suspect most (if not all) will have passed through before the cafes close! For those that have been to Goathland before and got the T-shirt there's a small Tearoom on the left beside the mini-O just before you enter the village which I suppose you could use as a control if you wish. Obviously, with Goathland being a popular tourist attraction it's not the cheapest place in the world (a fact not a criticism). A coffee and cake can set you back nearly a fiver.
Richmond is a free control. The petrol station (a Harvest Energy - which I have to confess I'd never heard of before I saw the one in Richmond) closes at 10:00 pm. Anybody arriving after this time might have to get an ATM receipt. Again, I suppose at 279 km most will be through by 10:00 pm anyway.
Lancaster is a petrol station on the route. It's only about 36 km to the finish and is a case of just grabbing a receipt. They've already been informed that the cyclists will be passing through at all hours throughout the night.
Just a note from my post earlier that the cafe in Coxwold is just off the route.
As ever, there'll be some refreshments available at the finish (typically sandwiches & cakes). Just bear in mind we need to vacate the community centre at 09:00 am prompt Sunday morning.
Look forward to seeing you all this Saturday.
Still not too late to enter.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
Somebody earlier asked for a gps file? I've created one that goes as far as Garstang: https://connect.garmin.com/course/9300602
-
Passed a number of riders heading down towards Egton as we were climbing up the other way. The weather was grim out in the NY Moors this afternoon with rain and a pretty low temperature. It's stopped raining now though and the wind has started to drop so it should make for a pleasant return leg.
-
Passed a number of riders heading down towards Egton as we were climbing up the other way. The weather was grim out in the NY Moors this afternoon with rain and a pretty low temperature. It's stopped raining now though and the wind has started to drop so it should make for a pleasant return leg.
Hugo - you and JvdP making the moors look easy still?
Good luck to all the Heartbeat 400 riders today / tonight.
-
Hugo - you and JvdP making the moors look easy still?
Not today! The second half of the ride was very hard. Wet and freezing cold. Was almost glad when the road went up as at least it generated a bit of warmth!
-
Well that was a tester, on several counts.
Good start with stiff tailwind out. I stopped for a Full English in Pateley Br and to recover from Greenhow. Watched rest of field drift by as I munched, then set off to catch up in Ripon. Stopped again in Bylands Abbey cafe for a mega raspberry flapjack which I regretted as I tackled the climb out of Wass. Then super descent into Helmsley - quite probably where I got my 71 kph max speed (the other descents were too tight, steep, hairy, etc, to let the brakes off and fly).
I'd never ridden east out of Coxwold before, so from there around to Stokesley was all new to me, and a bit of a shocker. My "leggings off and mid-layer off" state didn't last long, Wass to Rosedale, where drizzle/rain/low cloud had set in and conditions were grim to Egton. Glad I'm on disk brakes for those descents and the damp - I could let both brakes drag down them. Saw a few riders walking down The Chimney and I don't blame them either.
I struggled after Goathland - digestive upsets (High 5 not working well for me today) and repetitive short, sharp, shockers getting to my head. I was glad to get to Stokesley and familiar roads (well, Wiggy 300 in reverse) and flatlands again. And a chance to dry out in the setting evening sun ready for a cool night.
Treated myself to a restaurant curry in Richmond - The Amontola, by the 1st roundabout. Chicken tikka starter with naan and Bombay Potatoes - and a beer. £12 well spent, albeit relaxed (slow) service using up an hour of precious time. (Other restaurants are available along Queen Street). At least the westerly wind had swung round to the north, with the cold front passing over, and wind speed had dropped a bit too, so a steady plod to Hawes ensued. But it was cold and I succumbed to a coffee and a beer in the warmth of a pub (and yet another loo stop!), much to the interest to Hawes' clientel as I drifted in at 11.30pm.
I then chased Bob Bialek and another chap over Ribblehead and we grouped together into Lancaster. Succumbed to the warmth of a MacDonald's coffee (and loo stop, yet again) and the strange 3am nightlife of Lancaster's youth.
Nice cruise back to HQ down the A6, wind assisted, with a group of 5, to finish at 5:30, just ahead of my projected target, but it was damn cold - frost on cars and lawns. Andy C suggested it had been -4 degC at times.
So, I struggled with the High 5 again. My eating strategy was fine, getting the right balance of protein and carbs, and "wind assistance problems" aside, the legs kept good. But, I'll need to get my head around the N Yorks Moors quickly - Pendle 600 suddenly does seem so appealing! Ah, I've already entered - doh! :facepalm:
-
Well that was a tester, on several counts.
Good start with stiff tailwind out. I stopped for a Full English in Pateley Br and to recover from Greenhow. Watched rest of field drift by as I munched, then set off to catch up in Ripon. Stopped again in Bylands Abbey cafe for a mega raspberry flapjack which I regretted as I tackled the climb out of Wass. Then super descent into Helmsley - quite probably where I got my 71 kph max speed (the other descents were too tight, steep, hairy, etc, to let the brakes off and fly).
I'd never ridden east out of Coxwold before, so from there around to Stokesley was all new to me, and a bit of a shocker. My "leggings off and mid-layer off" state didn't last long, Wass to Rosedale, where drizzle/rain/low cloud had set in and conditions were grim to Egton. Glad I'm on disk brakes for those descents and the damp - I could let both brakes drag down them. Saw a few riders walking down The Chimney and I don't blame them either.
I struggled after Goathland - digestive upsets (High 5 not working well for me today) and repetitive short, sharp, shockers getting to my head. I was glad to get to Stokesley and familiar roads (well, Wiggy 300 in reverse) and flatlands again. And a chance to dry out in the setting evening sun ready for a cool night.
Treated myself to a restaurant curry in Richmond - The Amontola, by the 1st roundabout. Chicken tikka starter with naan and Bombay Potatoes - and a beer. £12 well spent, albeit relaxed (slow) service using up an hour of precious time. (Other restaurants are available along Queen Street). At least the westerly wind had swung round to the north, with the cold front passing over, and wind speed had dropped a bit too, so a steady plod to Hawes ensued. But it was cold and I succumbed to a coffee and a beer in the warmth of a pub (and yet another loo stop!), much to the interest to Hawes' clientel as I drifted in at 11.30pm.
I then chased Bob Bialek and another chap over Ribblehead and we grouped together into Lancaster. Succumbed to the warmth of a MacDonald's coffee (and loo stop, yet again) and the strange 3am nightlife of Lancaster's youth.
Nice cruise back to HQ down the A6, wind assisted, with a group of 5, to finish at 5:30, just ahead of my projected target, but it was damn cold - frost on cars and lawns. Andy C suggested it had been -4 degC at times.
So, I struggled with the High 5 again. My eating strategy was fine, getting the right balance of protein and carbs, and "wind assistance problems" aside, the legs kept good. But, I'll need to get my head around the N Yorks Moors quickly - Pendle 600 suddenly does seem so appealing! Ah, I've already entered - doh! :facepalm:
Congratulations! Would love to see someone's write up of the Heartbeat in Arrivee. Curry in Richmond - genius!
-
Yes, well done Graeme!
-
A massive well done to everyone who finished. I bailed just before 12.00 in Leyburn as I was freezing cold even with all my kit on and didn't fancy the prospect of a sub-zero climb over Ribblehead at 3 in the morning.
I was lucky enough to take the last spare room in the Golden Lion Hotel and caused a bit of a stir with the regulars when I burst through the pub door in my cycling kit after closing time looking a bit bedraggled! The landlady was lovely and very welcoming - I can highly recommend this place if anyone ever happens to be passing through Leyburn in need of a B&B.
Anyway they all thought I was completely bonkers and, if nothing else, at least I've given them something to talk about in the pub for the next week or so.
-
I had a trip out on the motorbike as a technical exercise in film-making. The aim being to get a balance of interviews, action and background for a sequence of about 5 minutes. I suffered from sciatica after a similar effort in bad weather on the Pendle 600 in 2013, so I only went as far as Ripon.
https://youtu.be/zB1HoQRgK28
-
I suspect I was the first DNF of the day. I started well but between Grassington and Pateley Bridge I couldn't seem to get any power going up hills. I hoped a bit of a rest and a feed at Ripon would sort that but I pretty much bounced off Wass Bank. The descent into Helmsley was the last good bit of the ride. As I pulled out of town the temperature just seemed to fall off a cliff. By Kirkbymoorside I feeling pretty cold and my hands were suffering so I decided to press on for Pickering and buy some gloves. I stopped in a great little bike shop there and bought a nice comfy pair and some hydration tablets. However, I was already feeling pretty bad and my cold was rearing it's head again. I chucked on some extra layers and started up the road for Goathland but only lasted fifteen minutes. I couldn't seem to get any energy going into the headwind and knew I probably didn't have enough clothing to tackle a close to zero overnight section. I wasn't in the mood for a miserable, slow freezing so turned around and headed south to Malton.
It's a bit of a shame because up to that point I had been really enjoying the route. However, it seemed a bit of a better option to limit my damage and come back for another ride later.
-
That was a fantastic route, we particularly enjoyed beautiful scenic lanes. The main roads on the night section had very little traffic. Our brakes were fine on the three 1:3 descents which we did cautiously at low speed on the steepest sections. It was very cold at night, we were prepared for temperatures close to zero but even wearing everything we were barely warm enough (someone said the temperature was -4 degrees). The roads had apparently been gritted and ice was not a problem thankfully. Our etrex30 gave a climbing figure of 5617m. Many thanks to Andy, we are looking forward to the next one.
Thanks to Damon for the video. It's a pity that we didn't take many photos.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GYk-SUB19pk/VT3xhDqy_cI/AAAAAAAAPiY/r-z-VgWm6M0/s800/DSC_3677small.JPG)
...it's a pity they changed the sign at Rosedale Chimney Bank. This is what it looked like in the sunshine ~1993...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M5W3Bmb72M0/UGcV-4OnI4I/AAAAAAAAMPw/qMks7qUCPR8/s640/1993%2520scanned%2520photos22.jpg)
-
Remember seeing 321up flying down the hill towards Egton Bridge as we were climbing up, which prompted a discussion about brakes on tandems vs. wet roads and steep hills. Glad they held up OK! Chapeau to everyone who rode.
-
Another epic weekend's cycling through the Pennines with many more stories to tell.
Better start with the stats:
62 entered
40 started
31 finished
The ride started with some pleasant early morning riding through the Ribble Valley and the southernmost part of the Yorkshire Dales where the weather was pretty favourable. After Helmsley, the riders climbed up into the North Yorks' Moors; with thick fog and heavy rain to contend with persisting all the way through the national park.
Although the riders were well prepared to battle the expected rain and fog, no-body was quite prepared for the night-time's freezing temperatures plummeting well below freezing, possibly as low as -5. Riders were wearing up to 5-layers of clothing and still weren't warm enough! The windscreens of the riders' cars parked at the event HQ totally froze overnight.
I was given a climbing figure of 5600+ metres from somebody's GPS. I took some photo's of the riders on the route and copies will be forwarded to the Audax magazine editors for possible publication in a future edition of Arrivee.
Riders travelled from as far as Leicestershire; Buckinghamshire; London and Bristol in order to participate and I do hope their long journey's were worthwhile.
Thanks to all those who entered and took part, and commiserations to the few who didn't make it.
Thanks also to Damon Peacock for helping at the event HQ (both in the morning and finish) and for making the excellent video.
The provisional date for next year's event has been set for the weekend of 14-15 May 2016. This date isn't yet confirmed.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
Thanks for a great ride Andy.
I had to keep the faith a bit on the second stage - luckily, it flattened out considerably for the second half of the ride!
After the rain, it was a lovely night ride crossing Ribblehead, with a half-moon and all the stars out. Very cold though - I was a bit gutted to arrive at the Shell garage in Lancaster and told the shop was closed. Trying to eat a pasty whilst dancing on the spot on the forecourt must have looked a bit odd to the local taxi drivers!
-
Another epic weekend's cycling through the Pennines with many more stories to tell.
Better start with the stats:
62 entered
40 started
31 finished
The ride started with some pleasant early morning riding through the Ribble Valley and the southernmost part of the Yorkshire Dales where the weather was pretty favourable. After Helmsley, the riders climbed up into the North Yorks' Moors; with thick fog and heavy rain to contend with persisting all the way through the national park.
Although the riders were well prepared to battle the expected rain and fog, no-body was quite prepared for the night-time's freezing temperatures plummeting well below freezing, possibly as low as -5. Riders were wearing up to 5-layers of clothing and still weren't warm enough! The windscreens of the riders' cars parked at the event HQ totally froze overnight.
I was given a climbing figure of 5600+ metres from somebody's GPS. I took some photo's of the riders on the route and copies will be forwarded to the Audax magazine editors for possible publication in a future edition of Arrivee.
Riders travelled from as far as Leicestershire; Buckinghamshire; London and Bristol in order to participate and I do hope their long journey's were worthwhile.
Thanks to all those who entered and took part, and commiserations to the few who didn't make it.
Thanks also to Damon Peacock for helping at the event HQ (both in the morning and finish) and for making the excellent video.
The provisional date for next year's event has been set for the weekend of 14-15 May 2016. This date isn't yet confirmed.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
The entered, started, completed stats make me even happier I persisted and got through, it was probably the toughest but also at the same time the best audax I have ever ridden. I completely enjoyed it, nice lot of people, good places to stop, it actually made sense not to sit down for too long. Only downside for me was my loss of a battery pack at the garage in Richmond, I learnt a lot about battery life and, what little light is needed. Cheers to Andy for organising and, appearing at Goathland and lifting my spirits when I needed it most, once it dried out the return to richmond before darkness fell was pretty amazing, well - slightly more amazing than the rest of it anyway. After Richmond I decided to stop at a pub not far after the waterfalls which you could hear but not see, 2 superb pots of tea and a warm infront of an open fire did the trick and helped me over what was actually a very tough return leg to Lancaster, Lancaster to Preston was a memorable 4 up chain gang effort along the A6 into the dawn arriving back at 05:45, 2 hours later than expected, but it didn't matter, I was completely out of my comfort Zone for most of the ride, but i think I shall return, thanks again - Bill, (the bloke that doesn't do hills on the video)
-
Thanks for a great ride Andy.
I had to keep the faith a bit on the second stage - luckily, it flattened out considerably for the second half of the ride!
After the rain, it was a lovely night ride crossing Ribblehead, with a half-moon and all the stars out. Very cold though - I was a bit gutted to arrive at the Shell garage in Lancaster and told the shop was closed. Trying to eat a pasty whilst dancing on the spot on the forecourt must have looked a bit odd to the local taxi drivers!
the £2.10 lancaster hot chocolate was excellent..........
kept me going down the A6!!
-
Thanks again to all those that participated. I've just had some of the photo's back, I'll try and upload some of them later in the week.
Friday's Tour de Yorkshire duplicates some of the roads in the North Yorks' Moors used in the Heartbeat 400. ITV4 are describing it as an 'ostensibly flat stage'.
I think there must be something wrong with my dictionary......
Andy Corless
-
There was some discussion about how the Heartbeat 400 compares to other hilly Audax's. Here is a comparision of my gps data between the 'Heartbeat' 400km and the 'Old 240' 400km...
Heartbeat 400km (2015)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGrYY82YkkE/VUOFnwblTEI/AAAAAAAAPiw/M0AwXr4hrIA/s800/20150425%2520-%2520Heartbeat%2520400km%2520Audax%2520gps%2520data%2520analysis.png)
The Old 240 400km (2014)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DwQbnQVt8SQ/VUOFrdpTnFI/AAAAAAAAPi4/OO1WHWU3ueM/s800/20140823%2520-%2520The%2520Old%2520240%2520400km%2520Audax%2520gps%2520data%2520analysis.png)
-
The Old 240 is a great ride - the differences are not in the total climbing so much, but rather in the severity of the gradients, which the Old 240 wins, hands down, as I recall....
Both are truly excellent rides!!
-
Those graphs look rather interesting. The "Old 240", which I've ridden a couple of times and plan to do so again this year, certainly climbs to a higher point than the "Heartbeat 400". The highest point on the "Old 240" is Yad Moss at 594 metres asl. I think the highest elevation on the "Heartbeat 400" is about 450 metres, reached between Grassington and Pateley Bridge.
For those with a head for figures that have looked at the "stats", you'll have probably worked out that there's a surplus from the event. Rather than refund the entrants about a couple of pounds per piece I think we should make a donation to the Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Organisation who assisted some of the riders on Tailbridge Hill when it snowed on the Delightful Dales 200 in March. See: www.ksmrt.org.uk/About-the-team/Incidents.aspx for further information relating to the incident (01 March). Here is an extract from their website,"
"Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue team is the search and rescue organisation for a large area of east Cumbria. The area includes the Howgills and part of the Pennines, and includes sections of the Pennine Way and Wainwrights Coast to Coast walks. The team is composed entirely of volunteers, willing to go out any time of day, 365 days a year.
Mountain Rescue teams are funded entirely by donations and bequests from members of the public. Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Team needs to raise around £30,000 a year just to cover running costs (things such as medicine, vehicle maintenance, training, electricity and heating). Replacing a Land Rover is even more expensive. We really do value your support".
If anyone has any objections please let me know.
The event will run again.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
The Old 240 is a great ride - the differences are not in the total climbing so much, but rather in the severity of the gradients, which the Old 240 wins, hands down, as I recall....
'wins'? depends on your criteria ;) More steep climbing on the Heartbeat I think (look at stats for distance @ climb gradients). We like a challange.
I think we should make a donation to the Kirkby Stephen Mountain Rescue Organisation who assisted some of the riders on Tailbridge Hill when it snowed on the Delightful Dales 200
:thumbsup:
-
I meant that I thought that there were more extremely steep uphill gradients on the Old 240 - I did not find any really steep gradients on the Heartbeat, though my new 33/32 gear might be misleading me here !! The word 'wins' was artistic license I guess - shorthand for 'had more of' - the route I took for the Heartbeat had maybe just as much total climbing, but achieved that by not having as much flat... I think....
;D
Mountain rescue? Yep Andy - got my vote :thumbsup:
-
As an entrant, albeit a DNF, I'm very happy for any surplus that I have generated to go to a local Mountain Rescue team.
-
what a fabulous idea Andy, I have no objections whatsoever :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
-
+1 - for I was one of those granted shelter at Dent Station, given warmth, tea/coffee and biscuits (and several tales about local rescues) by thier local volunteer.
-
The date for next year's event has now been set for Saturday 07 May 2016. The event now appears in the AUK calendar and you can enter at anytime.
Andy Corless
-
The date for next year's event has now been set for Saturday 07 May 2016. The event now appears in the AUK calendar and you can enter at anytime.
Andy Corless
OOH err this time I'll ride it with Dynamo and, some spare warm clothes.
-
That'll obviously depend on the weather. Nobody's quite forgotten how cold it got during the night (as low as -5 IIRC). The event's a couple of weeks later next year so hopefully it'll be a bit warmer. The route's more or less the same with just a couple of control changes. There's already been some entries.
Andy Corless
-
Anyone travelling up from the South want to share a lift on the Friday?
-
This and 3 Steps to Severn are my only big rides before Mille Pennines. I'm really looking forward to it, but the memory of just how cold I got on Pendle is playing on my mind. Is packing a synthetic down gillet absurdly risk averse?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
-
No more absurd than me considering entering this :facepalm:
-
No more absurd than me considering entering this :facepalm:
The Wiggy 300's a good ride, and driving to York to ride nearly-back-to-home may be slightly less absurd than driving to Preston to do the same thing :)
-
What did you decide fboab? If you do do the Wiggy, say hi to my mate Tom (usually in a Rutland CC top on a carbon Ribble) at the start. Likely it'll be the last time all but one or two people see him. He is relentlessly quick.
-
O, the Wiggy. I'm not quite mental enough for 400km of hilly suffering. Yet.
-
I've committed to the Heartbeat - TL booked. Type 2 fun ahead.
-
Weather is looking really quite wonderful. Comfy bike with mudguards or light bike without mudguards?
-
I took this track - https://ridewithgps.com/trips/4486883 < Thanks to Phil Gradwell
- Filtered it to <10000 points for an etrex 30 in mapsource (came out 3200ish)
Added these POIs - Added the start, controls and end as waypoints with the naming convention 0X0CTL where X is the order in which the controls appear
- Added the following POI as waypoints with the naming convention 0XY where X is the previous control and Y is the order in which they appear (plus a couple of navigation hints where the track crosses)
Pateley Bridge 90 km: The Old Granary cafe opens at 09:30 am (on route)
Coxwold 135 km: Coxwold Tearoom opens 10:30 am - 5:00 pm (on route) www.coxwoldtearooms.co.uk/
Wass 139 km: Byland Abbey Tearoom opens 10:30 am - 4:30 pm (on route) - www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/byland-abbey/inn/
Helmsley 149 km: Beck Tearoom on Castlegate (just off route) www.becktearoom.co.uk/
Rosedale Abbey 170 km: Abbey Tearoom & Store open 10:30 am - 5:30 pm (just off route) www.abbeytearoom.co.uk/
Stokesley 233 km: Jet petrol station closes at 9:00 pm (on route). Several shops (Spar) also on route.
Leyburn 293 km: Fryer Tuck Fish & Chips/takeaway closes at 8:00 pm (on route). Co-op closes at 10:00 pm (also on route)
Hawes 319 km: Spar closes at 7:30 pm. Chippy opposite Pennygarth Cafe closes at 9:00 pm (both on route).
Ingleton 347 km: Texaco petrol station closes at 10:00 pm.
All works in mapsource and on GPX Editor. YMMV, all at your own risk. Hope it helps, etc. Not tried on my unit yet, but if anyone wishes to see if it works on their unit and let others know, that would be :thumbsup:
http://bit.ly/heartbeat400 < right click to "save as" the GPX here
-
Seems to work on my Dakota 10 - thanks very much :)
-
What a lovely ride. Arrived to Damon pass comment on my appearance. I can never be sure if he's flirting. He feigned not to be impressed with the "I'm not anti-social, I'm pro- solitude" socks. I think they are lovely.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160508/9ade63f835e5019c35bb091311e7ad8a.jpg)
Started very quickly, with a gang of four led by Simon on a tricked out C'Dale Synapse running Red22 and deep Zipps. I managed to hold on until the second of the big Greenhow hills when Simon and the chap on a Boardman sprinted to get a tow off a lad coming up from Parceval Hall. I was on my "heavy" Domane with guards. Everyone else was on their quick bike up front, and I just didn't have a sprint in me.
Overriding experience of the day for me was enjoying the hills and hating the cold. I stopped at all of Andy's suggested food stops just trying to stay warm. Felt like I spent the day in a sea fret. High point for me was the Rosedale chimney decent on the Domane. It feels low and slack, and the hydraulic discs are immense. It lets you take massive liberties, then haul it all back in with one finger braking.
I loved it still, despite the Nick Berry stuff passing me by. It wasn't until 199km I realised the name referred to the police show, and not elevated heart rate from climbing. It's a very fair route - spent the day climbing, then a flattish night ride back to base. Was done by about 2.30. Andy popped the kettle on and I drank umpteen coffees before deciding I felt really alert and ready to drive home. I drove for about ten minutes before deciding I want alert enough, and pulled over, got in to my sleeping bag and had a lovely couple of hours before waking up to a glorious sun rise.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160508/51beef8a83dad5dc41e562c62f7242b3.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160508/b9788c21abf4963cb53e3c224bdff557.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160508/fd7e0476fb459504f7041c29a45bf8c8.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160508/a05e30e528aef0296642d566ca1c6386.jpg)
Got home to find the postie had delivered some class A sockdoping gear.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160508/4fae5cbf6e10c9a914ab702085523a79.jpg)
-
Thanks to all those that entered!
Better start with the stats:
39 entered
28 started
24 finished
For once the riders had some decent weather; but a strong headwind on the outward leg to Goathland resulted in many riders taking longer than they had expected. Most riders seemed happy with the route and 1 or 2 riders enjoyed the climbs of Wass Bank and Rosedale Abbey. A few riders completed the route on fixed, whilst Andrew Nuttall and Stuart Blofeld both attempted the route on Elliptigo's but unfortunately ran out of time near Ingleton.
There were no reportable accidents.
Thanks again to all those for riding and commiserations to the few who didn't finish.
The date of next year's edition has been provisionally set for Saturday 06 May 2017.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
Andy you know know lot of hilly traffic free lanes - great ride and Wess bank😳 weather great and it was great to cycle with Alistair, who I had not ridden with since John Hamilton's Offas Dyke in 2009.
Roll on the next Corless adventure :)
-
a great ride, I totally enjoyed it, as you acknowledge the headwind made things tougher than expected I was proper grumpy by the turn where I was 2 hours behind where I would have like to be, this also included an off road excursion in the dalby forest -oops. anyhow the return and, once out of the fog I settled into a nice rhythm. My dynamo lights really made a big difference and I could move much quicker than I had done last year under battery power, along the route a met and shared chats with a few people including one guy on a fixed who a stayed with for quite a while before lancaster, a quick hot choc at the garage and then a lovely sunrise along the old A6 back to base arriving only 15 minutes later than last year. Really quite pleased with myself given the lack of preparation and, poor winter I have had. As per my facebook post, big thanks to andy :thumbsup:
-
Anyone else signed up this year?
-
Not this year, but I have to say what a gem this is, even if like me you entirely miss the Nick Berry reference until you spy the coachloads of tourists at the turn. For me, it's up there with the Old 240 as an exceptionally fun 400.
By golly was last year cold tho'.
-
"By golly was last year cold tho'."
Not as cold as it was during the night in 2015.
Only 17 entered so far this year, but entries are still open!
Andy Corless
-
Is the route sheet available yet?
Sent from my SM-A320FL using Tapatalk
-
"Is the route sheet available yet?"
Route sheets and event information just e-mailed.
Entries still open for this year's edition. The date is Saturday 06 May 2017. It's an anti-clockwise circuit round northern England with controls at: Ripon (109 km); Goathland (191 km); Richmond (279 km) and Lancaster (373 km).
Full details on the event website at: http://burnleyccevents.com/contact/
Entry through Paypal available as normal through the AUK website at: http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/17-315/
Entry fee: £7.50 (£8.00 if entering through Paypal on the AUK website)! Postal entry also available but don't leave that too late!
Andy Corless
Organiser
Heartbeat 400
-
I'm in 😎
-
Some thoughts on the Heartbeat 400 Sat 6 may 2017
Thanks to Andy for organising a demanding route through some great countryside.
The day started with a fairly quiet breakfast in the hall as fellow riders contemplated the day ahead. I was nervous and eager to get going but wary of the hills ahead.
We set off in some welcome sunshine and had great views as we climbed up through and beyond Longridge. This did not last as the clouds gathered overhead and the temperature dropped as a headwind picked up. I thought I was trying to hold back but found myself towards the front of the field so chatted a while with (sorry don’t remember your name) the chap in an orange helmet. Andy Corless popped up taking photos at about 50km and soon after I had to let the younger and fitter orange helmet disappear into the distance as I had no chance of matching his pace to the first control. I had a quick snack stop at Grassington in anticipation of the hills before and after Pateley Bridge. The headwind made the long drags drag especially as some of the roads seemed to be roman in construction so you could see the miles of undulations ahead. The decent into Pateley Bridge was fun as I caught up with some cars that had passed me near the top.
The first control at Ripon provided my first Costa of the day on a garage forecourt. A couple of riders rolled in as I finished my sandwich. On the way out of Ripon I passed Robert who I was to see more of later. The roads were fairly flat until Wass and the first hard climb of the day followed by a long descent.
The Yorkshire Moors National Park signs by the side of the road hinted that the next batch of hills were close. The next 60 km were hard. The drag up to the top of Rosedale Chimney in the headwind meant that I had to have 2 cakes at the Abbey Tea Room before continuing to the second control at Goathland. The hills in between Rosedale and Goathland are a mixture of 33% down and 25% up so with the thought that I was not even half way round I walked two of the steepest sections to save my legs some pain.
I arrived at Goathland at 4pm to find Julian in Goathland Tea Rooms ready to set off again. 4 others arrived as I tucked into my soup all with tales of how hard the hills had been. The Tea rooms were very welcoming and even stayed open a bit longer than usual for us.
At about 220km the roads stopped going up for a while and the sun came out again. I was on my own and enjoying the quiet lanes. Another stop on a petrol station forecourt in Stokesly to put on extra layers as it was starting to cool down.
Richmond had been a worry for me when planning this ride as I really wanted to get there before the garage closed as I was unsure about using town centre takeaways on a Saturday night while my bike would be propped up outside. Luckily arrived with plenty of time to spare. Just as well as I was not feeling too good. Two Costas and a pasty were consumed while sitting on a pile of crates on another forecourt and I was ready to leave with Robert.
It was properly dark now so the hills although less frequent and less demanding seemed endless at times. It felt like we were making good time and I was frequently peddling hard at the bottom of a decent to catch up with Robert who seemed to go for it down the hills. We stopped again in Hawes to have a snack before the last long climb. We were entertained by the locals leaving the pubs some showing an interest in the strangely dressed pair hanging around outside the public toilets.
We set off slowly not wanting to overheat on the way up. A few cars passed but otherwise we were on our own with only the sheep for company. The moonlight was just enough to make out some of the surrounding hills and the arches of Ribble Head Viaduct were just visible. The decent to Ingleton seemed to go on forever. We kept on peddling to keep warm as the wind chill on the way down was considerable. I remembered that I still had a cotton cap in my saddle bag so a quick stop in Ingleton and I was now fully dressed.
The next 25km to Lancaster were not hilly enough. I just could not get warm again. Every slight uphill I was out of the saddle moving as much of my body as possible. Eventually we saw the bright lights of Lancaster and welcomed another petrol station forecourt Costa. Unfortunately I just could not warm up so left Robert to carry on to Preston on his own as I went back up the road to McDonalds. A South African rider had also just arrived who I had last seen in Richmond. Tea was brought to our table and money refused as the manager was suitably impressed with our efforts. It was most welcome as was the second cup. After 40 min and a burger we had stopped shivering and felt ready to finish the ride. We were joined by another rider (sorry I don’t remember your name) for the return to Preston. We took turns on the front and made good progress on deserted main roads. The sun came up at some point and began to burn off the mist that hung over the fields and a wind turbine sat motionless reminding me of the previous days wind that was now nothing more than a memory.
Just like 24 hours earlier the hall was fairly quiet as we contemplated the ride and whether we would attempt it again. Now in the comfort of my living room my legs are recovering I have decided I will be back I’m just not sure how soon.
Thanks to Robert who helped keep me going and to the others I chatted with along the way making it such an enjoyable day out.
-
Thanks to all those that entered and took part in the Heartbeat 400 last weekend.
Some photo's from the event:
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18222567_1531989696833379_6117495195953756565_n.jpg?oh=ab016626bc53699d031a0b58ac96ec25&oe=59B7DD5D)
Riders awaiting the start near Preston, Lancashire
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18222403_1532242783474737_7430955952158987839_n.jpg?oh=bbddbe47ba060aca7006b8e655d40102&oe=59B7D857)
Rider in the Ribble Valley
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18300968_1532243803474635_7490580822636622754_n.jpg?oh=93ef87d5effa9fe28414ab0904137ad0&oe=59A97A97)
Sean o' Shah, near Grindleton
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18301822_1532244393474576_2676560421745287736_n.jpg?oh=4f47af84d547c321a65d07ec0c5caf81&oe=597A5F20)
Julian Humphrey, Ribble Valley
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18221891_1532244720141210_9045196291689359558_n.jpg?oh=b009960a91f268215c02c2e8ce02cd3f&oe=5979FA8A)
Daniel Ryder & Stephen Orchard, Ribble Valley
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18342544_1532244923474523_3146631921207746404_n.jpg?oh=d6b6367487d4d5e5ed272eef9aecf2b8&oe=59A6D639)
L - R: John Rowe, Robert Bialek, Ian Smith, Gill Smith
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18274905_1532245260141156_1165601864129274193_n.jpg?oh=f1254b4ed60bf96c47aef7958be2ab27&oe=5979636A)
Riders climbing in the Ribble Valley
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18222584_1532245616807787_8741296150972540876_n.jpg?oh=576bf9e82e0a80e03898ad2fbb93ce2a&oe=59B46D4B)
Sean o' Shah, Ribble Valley
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18341814_1532246356807713_6940531328737968670_n.jpg?oh=9aa667ae377cd744020214f9af4673dd&oe=59B82F58)
Mike Lane, Ribble Valley
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18221999_1532247683474247_5061315503403372777_n.jpg?oh=629dfe1acf1168b631a453716da7d2df&oe=59AC427E)
Theo Flack & Hattie Simpole-Clarke (behind), Ribble Valley
All photo's by the organiser.
The event will return in 2019!
Andy Corless
-
Thanks Andy for the pics and taking the time to organise a tough demanding ride for us hardcore Randoneurs. It was great preparation for the Bryan Chapman 600 this weekend.
See you on the road somewhere soon!