Author Topic: Severn Across 400 - May 11 (Read 13060 times)

LiamFitz · « **on:** 31 March, 2013, 04:30:17 pm »

Perhaps its time to start a SA tread? A classic 400 out and back from Chalfont St Peter to Chepstow....

I've taken over from Chris in the running of the event this year so hoping to maintain the tradition....

Laid Back Rich · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 March, 2013, 07:13:07 pm »

I'm planning to ride this again and hoping that you will be maintaining the tradition of starting the event at 9pm on the Friday evening in the White Hart, and providing accommodation thereafter in the Community Hall

Tynan · « **Reply #2 on:** 31 March, 2013, 08:26:07 pm »

me and and LEL training partner are entered, for both of us our first 400, fucking Wales and back ffs

two 300s as build up as

we've just about done 200s of late in the bitching cold so warmer weather and improving fitness, how hard can it be

LiamFitz · « **Reply #3 on:** 01 April, 2013, 10:47:24 am »

Quote from: Laid Back Rich on 31 March, 2013, 07:13:07 pm

I'm planning to ride this again and hoping that you will be maintaining the tradition of starting the event at 9pm on the Friday evening in the White Hart, and providing accommodation thereafter in the Community Hall

Looking forward to seeing you in May. Sadly no pre-ride accommodation planned at this stage - I'll be at the Community Centre all night on Saturday and there will be a crashing space at the end. I think it's Mr T that likes to snuggle down pre-ride on his events from Chalfont...

Liam

LiamFitz · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 April, 2013, 10:31:43 pm »

Blimey - looking at the numbers of entries coming in people seem determined to come out of hibernation in May!

Pip · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 April, 2013, 10:34:45 pm »

Not sure I can make it, but it's a good ride. The lanes after Membury are wonderful.....really!

mmmmartin · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 April, 2013, 09:02:28 pm »

When I did it, from Membury it is downhill all the way to Newbury and then flat, and lit, along the A4. Take a left turn and up into Chalfont St Peter. Traffic was minimal at that time of night/early morning, and there is an all night garage for nibbles if needed. I didn't like the idea of those complicated lanes, in the dark, etc etc. YMMV.

Phil W · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 April, 2013, 08:05:28 pm »

I'm doing this as my 400km for my SR build up to LEL

marcusjb · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 April, 2013, 08:28:25 pm »

Knowing much of the route, it should make for a superb first 400.

I've offered my services to Liam if he needs any assistance at arrivee, so may see you all there!

Ben Bike Writer · « **Reply #9 on:** 20 April, 2013, 12:01:48 pm »

Discovered the YHA Jordans is full the night before - any pre-ride accommodation ideas?? Thanks

Phil W · « **Reply #10 on:** 21 April, 2013, 07:44:26 pm »

Liam, I see the route sheet on Audax uk is from 2007. Is the route likely to change, or can I take this route sheet and start plotting myself a gpx track for my gps?

LiamFitz · « **Reply #11 on:** 21 April, 2013, 08:03:58 pm »

I don't think it has changed much for some time.

Liam

Phil W · « **Reply #12 on:** 21 April, 2013, 08:05:50 pm »

Quote from: LiamFitz on 21 April, 2013, 08:03:58 pm

I don't think it has changed much for some time.

Liam

Great I'll get to work mapping out the route, over the next week.

Bikeabilityman · « **Reply #13 on:** 21 April, 2013, 08:23:04 pm »

Just done 500 so, assuming there's gonna be no snow or floods, it should be enjoyable. I remember long, steady climbs near Membury on the Dean (not looked at this route yet).

Donny Dalat · « **Reply #14 on:** 25 April, 2013, 05:48:00 pm »

Quote from: Ben Bike Writer on 20 April, 2013, 12:01:48 pm

Discovered the YHA Jordans is full the night before - any pre-ride accommodation ideas?? Thanks

If you don't mind camping there's Highclere Park. It's down the road from the start. I emailed them the other day and they have plenty of room. I haven't decided whether to ride there (90min) or take the tent. At the moment I'm leaning towards the extra milage!

alotronic · « **Reply #15 on:** 26 April, 2013, 11:38:49 am »

Looking forward to this one.

Been a long time between 400s, last one was National 400 last year. I think I might be ready by then, despite the late spring start... Hoping not to repeat my 'inner talk' of the National - why the frack am I doing this? What a waste of a perfectly good weekend etc!

I'll be driving to this one early from E17 via north circular if anyone needs a lift...

Tynan · « **Reply #16 on:** 26 April, 2013, 05:21:33 pm »

Quote from: alotronic on 26 April, 2013, 11:38:49 am

Looking forward to this one.

Been a long time between 400s, last one was National 400 last year. I think I might be ready by then, despite the late spring start... Hoping not to repeat my 'inner talk' of the National - why the frack am I doing this? What a waste of a perfectly good weekend etc!

I'll be driving to this one early from E17 via north circular if anyone needs a lift...

E17! oooo!

PM

Martin · « **Reply #17 on:** 26 April, 2013, 09:26:30 pm »

Quote from: Bikeabilityman on 21 April, 2013, 08:23:04 pm

Just done 500 so, assuming there's gonna be no snow or floods, it should be enjoyable. I remember long, steady climbs near Membury on the Dean (not looked at this route yet).

the climb on SA is easier

in fact the whole ride is! a cracking ride with hard bits easy bits and superb views

taking a year off from this ride in favour of the Flatlands as I've never done a 400 in those parts

SA is a really special ride as it's quite possible to finish in the early hours without the usual overnight 400 experience; and you will ride into the sunrise if you happen to be slow enough!

the finish sleeping room is a real bonus; lovely to crash out in the warm for a few hours before tea and toast then home

Bikeabilityman · « **Reply #18 on:** 27 April, 2013, 02:47:58 pm »

Quote from: Martin on 26 April, 2013, 09:26:30 pm

Quote from: Bikeabilityman on 21 April, 2013, 08:23:04 pm
Just done 500 so, assuming there's gonna be no snow or floods, it should be enjoyable. I remember long, steady climbs near Membury on the Dean (not looked at this route yet).

the climb on SA is easier in fact the whole ride is! a cracking ride with hard bits easy bits and superb views

taking a year off from this ride in favour of the Flatlands as I've never done a 400 in those parts

SA is a really special ride as it's quite possible to finish in the early hours without the usual overnight 400 experience; and you will ride into the sunrise if you happen to be slow enough!

the finish sleeping room is a real bonus; lovely to crash out in the warm for a few hours before tea and toast then home

If there's a chance of a few hours kip at the end, I may aswell cycle there to get 600 in.

marcusjb · « **Reply #19 on:** 27 April, 2013, 02:51:19 pm »

That's the spirit!

zigzag · « **Reply #20 on:** 28 April, 2013, 08:33:30 pm »

looks like i'm in; any gpx files floating about (couldn't find on the web so far)?

LiamFitz · « **Reply #21 on:** 28 April, 2013, 08:52:08 pm »

Just despatched the routesheet by email - if you think you should have got one and haven't let me know. I can probably take two or three more riders if anyone is feeling brave.

Phil W · « **Reply #22 on:** 28 April, 2013, 10:45:00 pm »

Looking toward to it, looks good on the map, and some good tips on where to get food at strange hours.

LiamFitz · « **Reply #23 on:** 29 April, 2013, 07:23:53 am »

Quote from: Phil W on 28 April, 2013, 10:45:00 pm

Looking toward to it, looks good on the map, and some good tips on where to get food at strange hours.

There are some long stretches in the night where you'll be grateful for bonk rations.

I can't claim much credit for the advice - most of it was built up by Chris Beynon over several years when he was running the event.

cygnet · « **Reply #24 on:** 29 April, 2013, 09:08:07 pm »

Quote from: zigzag on 28 April, 2013, 08:33:30 pm

looks like i'm in; any gpx files floating about (couldn't find on the web so far)?

zigzag: If the route hasn't changed as LiamFitz indicates above, then try the thread from last year: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=58755.25. There are links to a couple of GPS tracks.