Post by: Tomsk on 21 August, 2020, 08:03:16 pm
SR in a week:
19/20 weekend: Flatliner 600
Mid-week: 300 DIY based on the Green and Yellow Fields, plus a 200 permanent
26/27 weekend: 400km DIY based on the Asparagus and Strawberries
My thinking is: get the 600 done first, treat the 300 & 200 as 'recovery rides' (full value) and tackle the 400 at the end. I may fit in a couple of work days, depending how I feel, with the option of scratching the mid-week rides and concentrating on the long ones.
DIY controls:
300km: Dunmow, Mildenhall, Deepdale, Snetterton A11 Services, Woolpit, Dunmow. 06:00 start, should see me at Mildenhall by 09:00-ish, then taking a laney route west of the main A1065, (normally ridden at night on the calendar event midnight start), for about 5 bonus kms. I've done this before on Herman's perm version. Some new roads to explore back to Snetterton, then the Horsepower (reversed) home.
400km: Essentially the A&S route, but missing out Saffron Walden and coming straight back to Dunmow from Barton Mills McDonalds. An 05:00 start should see me at Manningtree for a second breakfast between 08:00 - 09:00 then be on the usual calendar event schedule. As far as I know, the Reedham Ferry is working normally!
BTW, Team Cambridge have booked out the 6 available Flatliner brevets for 26th September.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 21 August, 2020, 08:24:40 pm
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/article/20200820-cyclo-sportive-Sportives-and-non-competitive-events-to-resume-in-September-under-new-guidance-0
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 21 August, 2020, 08:48:45 pm
I'm very interested. Please count me in.
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Post by: rob on 21 August, 2020, 08:50:26 pm
Might be able to join for the 400 but don’t let me take anyone else’s spot.
Post by: Tomsk on 22 August, 2020, 09:09:34 am
Post by: Ajax Bay on 22 August, 2020, 12:39:57 pm
Of course British Cycling will be allowing sportives with up to 600 riders that weekend but hey, that is AUK.This month we are still on 'max 6 riders on a permanent route in any one day' restriction: "The limits on participant numbers will remain in place."
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/article/20200820-cyclo-sportive-Sportives-and-non-competitive-events-to-resume-in-September-under-new-guidance-0
But surely on 1 Sep, in line with any calendar events "we are also able to resume calendar events up to a nominal distance of 300k from the 1st of September", the limitation on numbers riding a permanent route on any one day will be lifted.
https://audax.uk/news/covid-19-update-13-august-2020/
Of course riders will be required on both permanents and calendars to keep groups to 6 or less (or other limit imposed locally or home nationally) and follow Audax UK https://audax.uk/static-data/covid-19-resumption-of-events-guidance-and-behaviour-codes/
Perhaps this will allow @Tomsk to open his Flatliners 600 to more than 6 (on 26 Sep, or 19 Sep).
Post by: Tomsk on 22 August, 2020, 05:15:28 pm
Post by: Deano4 on 23 August, 2020, 09:42:20 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 24 August, 2020, 07:49:40 pm
Post by: psyclist on 24 August, 2020, 07:59:26 pm
... though the takeaway curry in Melton Constable last year was much better than holding out for fish and chips in Wells, despite the wait.
I'm riding up in the north this weekend. Depending on my finish time on the second day, I have a takeaway curry as an option for my evening meal. I've marked my route some 10km before that point, so I can order my food and then collect when I get there!
Post by: Deano4 on 24 August, 2020, 09:05:11 pm
^ Excellent Deano! I have had a few other enquiries, so get your DIY entries done soon folks! If we have different starts then meet up around 09:00 as suggested upthread at Mildenhall (300) and Manningtree Station Cafe (400). I wasn't planning on a long stop at Mildenhall, just a snack, but the lure of a second breakfast at Manningtree is too much! Deepdale cafe would be a good half-way feed on the 300 and the usual stops on the 400, though the takeaway curry in Melton Constable last year was much better than holding out for fish and chips in Wells, despite the wait.
Thanks Tom! Entry has been submitted for the DIY. Starting and finishing at Great Dunmow.
See you on 26th. :)
-Dean
Post by: rob on 24 August, 2020, 09:10:57 pm
The Reedham Ferry was running then and it was still a quid.
I might reverse the route as a DIY but I’ll see how the 600 goes this weekend.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 26 August, 2020, 01:57:33 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 26 August, 2020, 06:11:47 pm
19th/20th is weekend of my Four Minute Mile 200 and rescheduled Stevenage Start of Summertime 200. I’ll assume you will be doing your Flatliner and not expect you on the start lists of either of my calendar events.
Yes that weekend is the start of my window of opportunity to go a bit mad! I think I should do a back-to-back weekend of 2x200s first, probably 5/6th September. The ACME Bivvy Extravaganza on the intervening one will be training of some sort, re-hydration mostly I fear. :facepalm: ;D
Post by: wilkyboy on 27 August, 2020, 09:23:28 am
I should add (because Wilkyboy prompted me), that the usual 4 events (permanent or calendar) or 3 events plus a DIY, for the Essex SR is waived for the duration. Mine'll be 2 x perms + 2 x DIYs.
One calendar event (Richard Ellis Memorial, Horsepower, ECE'ed winter series events), one perm (Flatliner), and two DIYs for me :thumbsup:
Post by: Tomsk on 06 September, 2020, 07:54:38 pm
Poppy behaved too - I've managed to cure the odd noises that developed over the past few rides (mudguard rattles, pedal creaks, handlebar clicks and bidons squeaking in the cages). I guess my fitness must be up to scratch, so just the weather in a couple of weeks time to worry about now ...
Post by: the straggler on 06 September, 2020, 08:50:45 pm
, and Dick Turpin today, also reversed - met the Straggler twice on the road, riding the right way round. Much the same average speed and riding time
I think you are being too generous. My legs began to feel heavy after 35km and after a bowl of porridge at A&H in Gt Dunmow, it took a good 2.5 hours to feel good again in Clare. Had my legs not recovered at Lavenham, then I would have quit with a half hour ride home in shame. Having spotted a good bench to eat my mid-ride lunch at Thorpe Morieux, I was beaten to it by a husband and wife on an leisure afternoon ride by 10m and was gutted to loose out on that. All went well apart from the last 45km into the slight headwind again. Pleased to get round in time in 12.33 hours in only my 2nd 200km this year- so room for improvement.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 06 September, 2020, 08:54:32 pm
Post by: rob on 06 September, 2020, 09:49:22 pm
I have a window for another crack at the Flatliner this week before my new job starts on the 14th. I’ll then do a DIY400 probably the last weekend of the month.
Post by: Tomsk on 07 September, 2020, 10:46:34 am
, and Dick Turpin today, also reversed - met the Straggler twice on the road, riding the right way round. Much the same average speed and riding time
I think you are being too generous. My legs began to feel heavy after 35km and after a bowl of porridge at A&H in Gt Dunmow, it took a good 2.5 hours to feel good again in Clare. Had my legs not recovered at Lavenham, then I would have quit with a half hour ride home in shame. Having spotted a good bench to eat my mid-ride lunch at Thorpe Morieux, I was beaten to it by a husband and wife on an leisure afternoon ride by 10m and was gutted to loose out on that. All went well apart from the last 45km into the slight headwind again. Pleased to get round in time in 12.33 hours in only my 2nd 200km this year- so room for improvement.
I think I was about 10 miles into the ride when I first met you, then at about 80 miles when I was coming in towards Lavenham. About where I thought we might pass. Ok, I was a couple of hours quicker in the end, maybe you needed more porridge in Dunmow - was it the Paradise cafe you visted?
Post by: Bernster on 07 September, 2020, 01:36:27 pm
I look forward to reading about everyone's exploits on here - I've been very impressed with how much people have been riding! Hopefully get to see some or all of you on the road again at some point soon - as much as it's good to be back out riding longer distances again, long solo DIYs make me miss the social side of calendar rides/group perms even more :thumbsup:
Post by: the straggler on 07 September, 2020, 01:37:23 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 07 September, 2020, 05:20:48 pm
I have several Essex 200s and a DIY300 from Friday taking me through Suffolk to the edge of Norwich.
I have a window for another crack at the Flatliner this week before my new job starts on the 14th. I’ll then do a DIY400 probably the last weekend of the month.
It was crap weather ended your first attempt wasn’t it or was the step up in distance also a bother ?
Post by: Tomsk on 07 September, 2020, 05:24:34 pm
Post by: rob on 07 September, 2020, 05:54:31 pm
I have several Essex 200s and a DIY300 from Friday taking me through Suffolk to the edge of Norwich.
I have a window for another crack at the Flatliner this week before my new job starts on the 14th. I’ll then do a DIY400 probably the last weekend of the month.
It was crap weather ended your first attempt wasn’t it or was the step up in distance also a bother ?
I’ve done the ride several times and usually sleep at my Mum’s which is very convenient at 400k. Last year, when I was quite fit, I was there by 10pm and left again at 6am. Conditions were pretty benign, though.
On the last attempt we had a rough headwind and it was wet. On the edge of Lincoln I estimated I’d get back at around 2am. TBH that would have been OK as Sunday would have been easier and shorter. About half a mile before I threw in the towel I rode past the nursing home where Dad died 3 weeks earlier. Basically I stood at the side of the road being blown sideways and pissed on and just thought bollocks to it. I’m not normally like this but this year has not been normal.
On the distance side I had done an invalidated 400k ride a few weeks earlier so wasn’t massively worried.
It looks like I’ll go again Thu/Fri this week. The weather looks quite benign. I’ll probably break earlier at Gainsborough as there’s Travelodge rooms going at 35 quid.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 07 September, 2020, 06:03:32 pm
Not sure when yet, possibly end of month, then a 400 mid October and 300 towards end Oct.
Post by: Bernster on 08 September, 2020, 10:11:59 am
Chapeau Bernster, well Audacious! 600km with a sleep stop after about 22 hours worked for me before on a DIY - make use of your full 42 hours @ 14.3kph and you'll be flying on the second stage.Cheers Tom, good advice - I was looking at a 6am departure to do about 380-390k for day 1, minimising stops, but looking to ride steadily to conserve energy and keep me in OK shape for day 2. I'm hoping a decent sleep in my bed, a shower and dinner will set me up for the next day (which is likely to be one of my go to 200k DIY routes, so there are no surprise lumpy bits). Definitely the extra couple of hours that 14.3kph gives takes the pressure off and allows for a later start on day 2.
Post by: Deano4 on 08 September, 2020, 10:34:53 am
I DNF a DIY 600km on Saturday after only 30 miles, so maybe doing it the long way round wasn't the best idea. The long 129km stage to the first control probably didn't help either.
Going to try a 300km this weekend to try and get this monkey off my back and get the ball rolling.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 08 September, 2020, 04:08:53 pm
I’ll be running it right to the wire of the season.
Post by: josser on 08 September, 2020, 08:38:48 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 10 September, 2020, 12:52:47 pm
Post by: psyclist on 10 September, 2020, 01:32:57 pm
I'm thinking about trying to fit in appropriate rides for an SR. I've got a first draft of a leisurely 600km around East Anglia. Will see if I can fit it all in.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 10 September, 2020, 03:51:18 pm
Any more for a Flatliner on the 19th? We have potentially a spare place or 2, maybe ... If anyone is watching the weather, I can adjust the start date forwards or backwards by a day, without throwing anything out too much. (Work is taking a back seat that week, but I'm aiming to get a couple of days in.)
Running my calendar events that weekend. I suspect my 600 won’t be till end of October for that late season dash for an SR completion. Going to try a 300 on 25th Sept and if goes well, moves towards the 400 mid October and 600 end of October.
Subject to lockdown rules overtaking us again.
Post by: rob on 11 September, 2020, 08:14:46 pm
I was consequently sluggish today with more stops than normal. The wind had also switched to a SWly and strengthened which was a pain in the Fens. It warmed up around Cambridge and the last 2hrs were enjoyable in the sun.
A few observations on doing this ride on a weekday(s) :-
- Day one is OK as you’re in the lanes pretty quickly. It’s a little busy around Spalding and Boston but nothing terrible. There are loads of places to feed.
- Leaving Gainsborough at 6:30 means you hit the roads into Lincoln at rush hour and it’s a bit busy into Lincoln and between there and Sleaford.
- Similarly you hit Cambridge at evening rush hour, although the pedestrianised bit is far quieter than on a Sunday.
It would be possible to rollout later on day 2 and take longer stops. I did need to be back pre-dinner although I did get back to an empty house.....
Just a 400 left now, but I’ll be avoiding the Fens after the last couple of weeks.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 12 September, 2020, 05:27:12 pm
Post by: Bernster on 13 September, 2020, 01:09:36 pm
Chapeau to Rob, and good luck to everyone else lining up a late season SR :thumbsup:
Post by: Tomsk on 13 September, 2020, 04:41:13 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 15 September, 2020, 09:01:35 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 15 September, 2020, 09:10:22 pm
All this is hypothetical if you're on a mandatory route by gps, but I'll be collecting traditional p-o-p.
For my 300km I'm doing the opposite, for the sake of riding some new areas in Norfolk, adding only about 6km, I think and staying off the roads we'd normally be riding in the dead of night.
Post by: rob on 15 September, 2020, 09:45:01 pm
Post by: Deano4 on 16 September, 2020, 09:30:35 am
Just been doing a bit of planning for next week. I'm tempted to trim the distance on my DIY (A&S-ish) 400km by taking the old A120 (B1256) to Colchester. Some bits on the proper 120, but not too busy at early o'clock (06:00 start from Dunmow) - I've done this a few times to Manningtree and it's much shorter (by about 12km in my reckoning), flatter and less laney/fiddly than the pretty route through Bures to the Vale of Dedham. Some lorries about, but the traffic doesn't get too bad until the A12 crossing, then it's cyclepaths (ok, a bit stop/start) alongside the Avenue of Remembrance and Cowdray Avenue, then out of town onto the old Harwich Road to Ardleigh and Manningtree.
All this is hypothetical if you're on a mandatory route by gps, but I'll be collecting traditional p-o-p.
For my 300km I'm doing the opposite, for the sake of riding some new areas in Norfolk, adding only about 6km, I think and staying off the roads we'd normally be riding in the dead of night.
For the 400 I have entered advisory route, so can tag along with whatever route anyone is comfortable with, I'm not fussed either way.
I just need to control at: Great Dunmow, Manningtree, Ixworth, Haleworth, Acle, Wells Next to the Se, Barton Mills, IP28 6AE and finish at Great Dunmow :o).
Post by: Lightning Phil on 16 September, 2020, 10:11:54 am
I’m thinking of a round Norfolk 400 on the 25th, but I did the A&S route quite recently. I might go round the opposite way so might see you heading the opposite way.
You could always flesh out Green and Yellow up to 400 with a start from home.
Post by: Tomsk on 16 September, 2020, 04:40:20 pm
For the 400 I have entered advisory route ...
:thumbsup: If you get fed up with traffic or boring roads on stage one, then any left turn takes you up to the longer scenic route on the NW of Colchester. I once rode up the main road way to the Santa Special in December - dark, misty and cold, but preferable to the wiggly, lonely lanes in those conditions. Anti-social rear light turned up to 11 though.
Post by: rob on 16 September, 2020, 09:50:42 pm
I’m thinking of a round Norfolk 400 on the 25th, but I did the A&S route quite recently. I might go round the opposite way so might see you heading the opposite way.
You could always flesh out Green and Yellow up to 400 with a start from home.
Yeah, I’m thinking of going out via Swaffham and up to Hunstanton before following the North Norfolk coast road round to Mundesley. I’ll play with a route over the weekend.
Post by: Tomsk on 23 September, 2020, 09:15:02 am
Solo 300km yesterday: Green and Yellow Fields-ish route, with lots of new lanes to explore and about 20 bonus kms. Stayed west of the A1065, but hit the American Airbases at just the wrong time, around 07:30, so about 30 minutes of heavy traffic on rat-run lanes. Avoided Dereham by controlling at Snetterton services and Woolpit. Managed to find a stretch of Norfolk desert with no pubs or village shops, just as fluids ran low around lunchtime. Still air out and strenghtening headwind on the way back. Character building. Only about 3 hours of night riding, so not too bad time-wise.
Lower temperatures forecast for the weekend - how many pairs of socks can I wear with my sandals?
Post by: bairn again on 23 September, 2020, 01:13:55 pm
Flatliner 600km at the weekend, with Mick Gray and Grey Sheep. Novelty factor: Tailwind back after struggling north!Excellent going Tomsk.
Solo 300km yesterday: Green and Yellow Fields-ish route, with lots of new lanes to explore and about 20 bonus kms. Stayed west of the A1065, but hit the American Airbases at just the wrong time, around 07:30, so about 30 minutes of heavy traffic on rat-run lanes. Avoided Dereham by controlling at Snetterton services and Woolpit. Managed to find a stretch of Norfolk desert with no pubs or village shops, just as fluids ran low around lunchtime. Still air out and strenghtening headwind on the way back. Character building. Only about 3 hours of night riding, so not too bad time-wise.
Lower temperatures forecast for the weekend - how many pairs of socks can I wear with my sandals?
Post by: Deano4 on 23 September, 2020, 01:19:37 pm
Just to confirm, what's the plan on Saturday? Meet at yours at 6am? Or somewhere on the high street to grab a receipt and go?
Post by: Tomsk on 23 September, 2020, 04:21:30 pm
Nice one Tomsk.
Just to confirm, what's the plan on Saturday? Meet at yours at 6am? Or somewhere on the high street to grab a receipt and go?
Yup, the former's just about it! I was just about to email you. We can roll out via the High Street for a receipt, so leave mine just before 6.
If we get back around 07:00 Sunday, that'll be just right for breakfast at the 'Paradise'. I'm thinking we could also visit the 'Melton Spice' Indian takeaway in Melton Constable on the stage up to Wells and have a twilight feast in the village bus shelter as per 2019: bring your spork. (There's also a pizza & kebab place, Chinese and a Co-op ... )
Post by: Deano4 on 24 September, 2020, 05:49:36 am
Nice one Tomsk.
Just to confirm, what's the plan on Saturday? Meet at yours at 6am? Or somewhere on the high street to grab a receipt and go?
Yup, the former's just about it! I was just about to email you. We can roll out via the High Street for a receipt, so leave mine just before 6.
If we get back around 07:00 Sunday, that'll be just right for breakfast at the 'Paradise'. I'm thinking we could also visit the 'Melton Spice' Indian takeaway in Melton Constable on the stage up to Wells and have a twilight feast in the village bus shelter as per 2019: bring your spork. (There's also a pizza & kebab place, Chinese and a Co-op ... )
Perfect, sounds like a plan to me! See you on Saturday. :)
Post by: Tomsk on 25 September, 2020, 07:11:56 am
Post by: Deano4 on 25 September, 2020, 08:24:00 am
Post by: rob on 25 September, 2020, 08:52:40 am
Post by: psyclist on 25 September, 2020, 01:45:31 pm
When I checked my route in Komoot I discovered it used a ferry, which turned out to be the Reedham ferry. As I'll be there sometime in the evening, I looked for an alternative and found there's not many options, especially if one wants to avoid A roads. I ended up with a route skirting Norwich.
Post by: rob on 25 September, 2020, 02:08:00 pm
I am becoming old and sensible.
Post by: stefan on 25 September, 2020, 04:15:46 pm
If anyone wants to join us, pm me :demon:
Post by: Tomsk on 25 September, 2020, 04:18:39 pm
The CamAudax Flatliner ride is still on for tomorrow... made the mistake of looking at mywindsock.com - looking a bit breezy on the way North
If anyone wants to join us, pm me :demon:
Bon Courage et Bonne Route!
Post by: Lightning Phil on 25 September, 2020, 04:21:36 pm
Post by: psyclist on 25 September, 2020, 07:18:58 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 25 September, 2020, 07:26:40 pm
Got my iPod and a mini speaker so I’ll at least have tunes overnight if I can hear them over the wind.
Post by: RichForrest on 26 September, 2020, 12:11:21 am
Was a bit drafty but not as bad as this weekend. Managed to get round it in just over 16hrs.
After tomorrow nights shift I'm off for 19 days so hope to get in a 600 somewhere.
Just have to fit it around getting married next Friday ;D
Post by: Von Broad on 26 September, 2020, 11:38:34 am
I got in a 400 last weekend, DIY via Bardney, Boston and Chatteris.
Hey Rich, It's been a while hasn't it? ....unless you've been doing a distance or two on the quiet.
What y'riding? The old Bacchetta?
Congratulations too :)
Post by: RichForrest on 26 September, 2020, 11:52:17 am
I got in a 400 last weekend, DIY via Bardney, Boston and Chatteris.
Hey Rich, It's been a while hasn't it? ....unless you've been doing a distance or two on the quiet.
What y'riding? The old Bacchetta?
Congratulations too :)
Thanks :)
Yes a little while, Upper Thames 2011 was likely the last time I saw you on the road, last 600 was back in 2010 :o
Started on the 200s again last year as wanted to see how the new (to me) bike went.
Still have the old Bacchetta but picked up a CHR from Kevin a couple of years ago, hence the fast times ;D
Post by: Lightning Phil on 26 September, 2020, 09:22:36 pm
Good luck to those out there, the weather is certainly a challenging cold winter standard .
Post by: rob on 26 September, 2020, 10:18:49 pm
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 26 September, 2020, 10:37:32 pm
Well that weather was about the worst I’ve experienced on a 300. Windchill to 2C and it started raining from 3am and didn’t let up till the final leg from March back to Girton. Overnight I dare not stop for long for fear my hands would lose all sensation or I’d get chilled to my core despite the winter clothing layers. Also lots of tree debris slowing things down in the lanes overnight. At least the big pieces had the decency to keep foliage so easy to see in headlights.I was thinking of doing a 300 diy looping through Whittlesey (when ‘spoons is closed) from 10pm last night. I stood outside for a bit, decided I wasn’t ready for autumnal nights just yet, and did a cold time trial this morning instead. I’ll have to dig out the winter clothing though, as I’ve only done a 200 for this year’s SR.
Good luck to those out there, the weather is certainly a challenging cold winter standard .
Post by: Lightning Phil on 27 September, 2020, 08:13:12 am
Hopefully those on the 400 and the Flatliner are Ok. The child had given me his cold, but I did a couple of hours in the cold this morning. I’ll take tomorrow off with a view to making sure I’m ready for my 400 next weekend.
Hopefully the Flatliners booked hotels and have been able to get a hot shower and a decent sleep. Too cold and wet for stopping in bus shelters. Hopefully a tailwind today as well.
On the 400 there will be some shelter in the lanes, but like my 300, there will be debris about to contend with.
Now about to enjoy a large breakfast.
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 27 September, 2020, 11:33:25 am
Debris everywhere, power lines had closed a road (but we could get under them on the verge.
Villages flooded, rivers flooded, even the Reedham Ferry was very high.
Four trees has fallen down together on the road to Wells.
Then there was the headwind for most of the way up, very cold 6 to 10C all day and rain for about 60% of the time.
No 24 hour Mcdonalds was expected, but all the garage forecourts were closed as well. That was bad news, and personally, I got very cold and tired as a result.
Back at Tomsk Towers for 6:30 so they were just over 24 hours and I was the same by the time I got home.
As I said before, this is what we do for fun, so if we did it, it must have been fun. I think I will sleep on that one...
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 27 September, 2020, 12:06:50 pm
Post by: Despuech on 27 September, 2020, 02:48:32 pm
Chapeau to all you that got out there for long rides this weekend! :o
Agreed, Fantastic!
Post by: Tomsk on 27 September, 2020, 04:58:35 pm
The wind was never dangerous, just slow going for about 150km, noisy and with leaves blowing about, though no tell-tale crack of twigs parting company, but 24 hours earlier it must have been pretty dicey in North Norfolk, to judge by all the damage. UK Power Networks people out at work here and there, and the lines down in one place as Grey Sheep mentioned - I guess they weren't live as there were no sparks, just blocking the road! The Reedham Ferryman was concerned the water was very close (by inches) to the top of the banks, with an hour to go to high tide! The marina car park in Wroxham was flooded, water just creeping onto the road.
At several controls I asked "shop or cafe" and Dean always was always quick to reply "CAFE" very emphatically! Yes a slow ride, but under the circumstances and with 1100km in my legs already this week, I was well pleased. With the new curfew restrictions though, night riding has just got a bit more 'type two'.
I hope the Flatliners survived - I thought of you every time we got some shelter from a hedge. This is easy, we're not in the Fens, we're not in the Fens.
Post by: rob on 27 September, 2020, 05:46:29 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 27 September, 2020, 06:34:51 pm
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 27 September, 2020, 07:18:25 pm
Post by: stefan on 27 September, 2020, 11:47:23 pm
I hope the Flatliners survived - I thought of you every time we got some shelter from a hedge. This is easy, we're not in the Fens, we're not in the Fens.
Huge congrats on your compressed SR Tomsk
We did get round, just, with Wilkyboy doing an awful lot of the work at the front. Hard first day, the fens at their most unforgiving. But after a good night's sleep and a big breakfast it was a nice ride back with the wind still strong and now behind us. The hotel in Goole was welcome respite for most of us, although Ian was keen to get back home for lunch and didn't bother with such unnecessary luxuries.
Post by: jiberjaber on 28 September, 2020, 12:25:52 am
Well done all... definitely audacious! :thumbsup:
Post by: Deano4 on 28 September, 2020, 06:59:07 am
Post by: Bernster on 28 September, 2020, 08:55:12 am
Post by: Tomsk on 28 September, 2020, 07:31:50 pm
Post by: rob on 28 September, 2020, 07:43:58 pm
I haven't heard from anyone on Team Cambridge's trip to the lovely Yorkshire town of Goole last weekend. Anyone got any news? Bikeabilityman was out in the Fens today on a DIY 300 - he might have spotted anyone blown off-course or maybe a bike lobbed in the Forty Foot Drain, in despair. ;D
Think they all got back Ok. Wilkyboy got round and Tomj posted his ride on Strava. I think it might have been quite hard.
Post by: Tomsk on 28 September, 2020, 08:16:11 pm
Chapeau! (Blown away in a southerly direction, probably!)
Post by: stefan on 28 September, 2020, 08:27:30 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 28 September, 2020, 09:06:03 pm
It was indeed “quite hard” :demon: - Tomsk, you missed my short post late last night up thread but you didn’t miss much by way of content because I was quite tired!
Back down to earth for all this week.
I felt ok at work today, but am looking forward to an easier day tomorrow after another night of catching up on sleep. Just booked next weekend away with the long-suffering Mrs Tomsk - thank you to all the family for indulging me last week. I was a bit pre-occupied when at home ... and absent the rest of the time!
Post by: Lightning Phil on 29 September, 2020, 09:33:12 pm
You can be entertained when us slow to get going SR completers are out there.
Post by: Tomsk on 30 September, 2020, 06:49:13 am
Don’t worry Tom, some of us still have 400 and 600 fun to come in the extended season , next month. Both weather and pandemic willing.
You can be entertained when us slow to get going SR completers are out there.
Despite the lack of Audax Kilometres this year, there'll be plenty more night riding than in a usual season.
I've got a little order in for 2020 year bars, for the Essex SR medals, but it'll be a select few this time ...
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 30 September, 2020, 09:49:10 am
Currently out on my 300km today, just at the first spoons of the day.
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Post by: wilkyboy on 01 October, 2020, 09:55:35 am
I've got a little order in for 2020 year bars, for the Essex SR medals, but it'll be a select few this time ...
Pending validation of our windy-6 last weekend, I'm hoping my submissions will get a nod from Tomsk for one of those 8)
Post by: rob on 01 October, 2020, 10:06:52 am
Post by: rob on 03 October, 2020, 08:09:53 am
Saturday’s forecast is terrible again. Being less free during the week is really not helpful.
Pushed back another week. I don’t really want to leave it any later as you lose daylight pretty quickly. I have a couple of spare days of leave that could be used.
Post by: Deano4 on 19 October, 2020, 07:03:00 pm
Was wondering whether anyone would like to come along on the Flatliner or something for a last ditch SR or bust attempt?
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 19 October, 2020, 08:54:18 pm
We have two weekends left in October and I have yet to complete my 600!I'd love to join you. Are you thinking of a hotel sleep or a proper audax on the Lincolnshire ridge.
Was wondering whether anyone would like to come along on the Flatliner or something for a last ditch SR or bust attempt?
The forecast for this weekend is a wet headwind back across the fens
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Post by: stefan on 20 October, 2020, 01:14:05 am
We have two weekends left in October and I have yet to complete my 600!I'd love to join you. Are you thinking of a hotel sleep or a proper audax on the Lincolnshire ridge.
Was wondering whether anyone would like to come along on the Flatliner or something for a last ditch SR or bust attempt?
The forecast for this weekend is a wet headwind back across the fens
Sounds like perfect weather for it ;D
Post by: Deano4 on 20 October, 2020, 05:56:30 am
We have two weekends left in October and I have yet to complete my 600!I'd love to join you. Are you thinking of a hotel sleep or a proper audax on the Lincolnshire ridge.
Was wondering whether anyone would like to come along on the Flatliner or something for a last ditch SR or bust attempt?
The forecast for this weekend is a wet headwind back across the fens
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After the weather on the 400 I've decided not to look at the forecast anymore and just take it as it comes!
My plan was just to ride straight through but happy to consider other sleep options. :)
Post by: Tomsk on 20 October, 2020, 07:28:27 pm
Post by: rob on 25 October, 2020, 06:35:33 pm
Post by: Deano4 on 25 October, 2020, 11:55:42 pm
It was a tough old weekend. We had strong gusting winds on Saturday, mostly in our favour but then non stop rain for ages. Was very pleased that we had the TravelLodge at Gainsborough to look forward to. Mostly stopped at CO-Ops and the like on the way up but enjoyed a proper sit down meal to the 'Spoons at Boston. We were also pleased that we were able to go inside the petrol station at Goole at Audax O'Clock, a warm drink inside was definitely needed on that cold and wet night. Whose great idea was it do a 600 in October ;D?
After a couple of hours sleep and some confusion on my part with the clocks going back, we set out from Gainsborough into the headwind for a long hard day.
Typically or because of, when we left the fens the wind tied down and it made the final stage from Chatteris to Great Dunmow a lot easier, even with dodging all of the cyclists and pedestrians in Cambridge.
We finished at 19:12, so I guess we could have had another hour in bed in the travel lodge!
Good but tough weekend out on the bike and that should be the Essex SR for 2020 complete. Many thanks to Grey Sheep for coming with me.
Post by: psyclist on 26 October, 2020, 05:41:30 am
Good but tough weekend out on the bike
You both showed great fortitude getting through that weather later on Saturday. I was thinking on Sunday that at least you’d dry out riding into the headwind! Well done for completing the challenge, and for your Essex SR Deano4.
Post by: Tomsk on 26 October, 2020, 07:32:44 am
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 26 October, 2020, 09:55:17 am
My writeup below for those that don't use Strava.
Dean's Flatlands
Dean was looking for someone to ride a 600 with him to complete the ACME SR and this was the last weekend it could be done. I volunteered to ride with him for (type 2) fun. There were a few occasions over the two days when I felt that decision may have been hasty.
The forecast showed high winds on Saturday (45mph) with torrential rain over a 3 hour period, and a strong to moderate southerly all the rest of the weekend. The forecast was right!
A 6:15 start (because I took a wrong turning on the way to the start and went up the A120 to Takeley wasn't a good start.
It was fine at the start with little wind, but as the sun came up, so did the wind. As a tailwind or crosswind it was fine, and the rain showers were intermittent enough to dry out in-between.
After Kirton-in-Lindsey it started to rain and for about an hour it got heavier and heavier. Rain legs on, but overshoes left at home (bugger). The roads were flooded and full of debris. I nearly lost it in a pothole that I didn't see.
But, as we turned to run alongside the Trent, it eased off and we had a pleasant run up to Goole.
I was so pleased to see that Clewe's Garage was open, and they let us use the seats and tables, so refuelled we setoff to Gainsborough for an overnight (3 hours) sleep.
We arrived at 01:55 and 10 minutes later it was 01:05! that was confusing, so we made plans to sleep for three hours and meet at 04:30. I have never know a bed as comfortable as the one in the Travelodge.
It was the receptionist's second night, and hats off to him for being so helpful.
The journey home was just as expected.
The 15-20mph headwind was just as forecast. Not massive (as we have seen on several trips across the Fens, but constant and sapping. Aiming to keep about 20kph was the target. Doable, but a bit of a strain, and made up of 22kph on the cross winds and 18 kph on the headwinds.
A full 'spoons breakfast for both of us in Sleaford provided enough energy for the next few hours for the section to Spalding, which I think is the worst of the three Fenland legs.
It was a real pleasant surprise to bump into @Rob Bullyment in Spalding on his way back from a week in Yorkshire. He is fit to start with, and having had a full nights rest, he provided us witha most welcome tow to Cowbit.
The rest of the journey back was just 10 hours of headwind cycling. Hard, but doable.
I had loaded the original route into the Garmin 130 (The 1030 is being replaced) and I now remember why we don't use that route now. Tom's route in September is far better, but trying to navigate it in the dark, on a 1" monochrome was a bit too much. I have put that route on the ACME Ride with GPS Library for anyone to use.
We made it back by 19:06, a 38 hour ride with a 4 hour hotel break. Given the conditions, I settle for that.
Hats off to Dean for riding this one. For those that Don't know him, Dean rides a very heavy Dawes bike with butterfly bars (so very upright) and big Schwalbe tyres. No clipless pedals (just flats) and a set of panniers that are full. To make it more of a challenge, the Front derailleur cable snapped, and he did over half of the ride in the smallest (of three) rings! When behind me, he is never close enough to benefit from drafting. Heaven help us if Dean ever gets a "proper" bike, because I reckon even Froome would struggle to keep up with him.
A big thanks to Dean for letting me ride with him. Another Flatlands experience etched into my mind😲.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 26 October, 2020, 09:59:14 am
Post by: rob on 26 October, 2020, 10:10:16 am
I got a proper soaking on Saturday afternoon near Brigg. By the time I got to Lincoln it was completely dry.
Post by: Bernster on 26 October, 2020, 10:35:47 am
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 26 October, 2020, 12:19:39 pm
Post by: Deano4 on 26 October, 2020, 04:09:07 pm