Author Topic: North Coast 600 (Read 4313 times)

Feanor · « **on:** 05 June, 2019, 10:43:45 pm »

So who else is riding this?

I'm taking a half day at work on Friday and heading to Inverness on Friday PM.
I'm in the Premiere Inn ( Inverness Centre Millburn Rd ) on Fri night and Sunday night.

I'm planning to use the bag drop to have sleep kit and fresh dry kit at the 340k point, on the basis that it will be a slow 340k based on the terrain and likely weather.
The stage after that is 100k, which is good, as it gives some time to make up any time deficit.

See you all on Saturday!

Deano · « **Reply #1 on:** 05 June, 2019, 11:02:45 pm »

Me! Me! Hoping my legs have recovered from last weekend's 600, and at the A96 Travelodge.

Looking forward to a steady ride, and maybe some views. Though if the weather is shite, the roads may be quieter...

iroiromono · « **Reply #2 on:** 06 June, 2019, 08:57:03 am »

I'll be there too.

Similar to Deano, not sure how the legs will manage after a wet 600 last weekend.

The weather isn't looking to enticing sadly.

bairn again · « **Reply #3 on:** 06 June, 2019, 10:40:49 am »

I had entered but (a) this was my plan B PBP qualifier and (b) we've visitors this weekend so have DNSd.

Three out the last 5 weeks I've been away doing a 300 - 600 - 400, and have been away with work a fair bit lately so hoping to secure some domestic brownie points.

Now doing shorter sharper rides for a bit along with some other vaguely related fitness stuff (like getting back into swimming) - only 1 more calendar audax event planned for 2019!

Good luck.

FifeingEejit · « **Reply #4 on:** 06 June, 2019, 11:26:33 am »

DNS'ed as the cold that was brewing during last weekend's 600 hit me on Tuesday, starting to clear now but I'm taking the hint from that, the creaky heel and the suspected bursitis on my elbow that I need a rest weekend.

But since I've got train and accommodation booked I've offered to assist at controls, so I'll see you up there in some way or other.

Current forecast suggests that a decent pace will keep you out of the heavier rain on Saturday and Sunday will be dry!.
100% cloud cover though so you'll need your lights to see with after all.

Walter G · « **Reply #5 on:** 06 June, 2019, 12:23:39 pm »

Could anyone mention anything about the route? Is it comparible to the new 'official' North Coast 500?

I know the new one is in miles by the way!

marylogic · « **Reply #6 on:** 06 June, 2019, 12:53:50 pm »

The North Coast 500 is a route designed for motorised vehicles. It makes full use of the A9 which makes it less suitable for bicycles.

The 600 looks like an excellent route.

I won't be riding due to feebleness but aspire to doing it someday

Karla · « **Reply #7 on:** 06 June, 2019, 12:57:58 pm »

Ooh this looks good! I'd try for a last-minute entry but I'm otherwise engaged right at the other end of the country this weekend. Will it run next year?

Feanor · « **Reply #8 on:** 06 June, 2019, 02:05:50 pm »

Quote from: Walter G on 06 June, 2019, 12:23:39 pm

Could anyone mention anything about the route? Is it comparible to the new 'official' North Coast 500?

I know the new one is in miles by the way!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28246944

Walter G · « **Reply #9 on:** 07 June, 2019, 08:30:30 am »

@Feanor Thanks! I see the nasty part to Applecross isn't in this route. Looks like a challenging ride though.

Feanor · « **Reply #10 on:** 07 June, 2019, 06:39:01 pm »

Installed in the Black Isle Bar waiting for a wood fired pizza

They have 21 craft beers on tap and fresh wood fired pizza. Whats not to like!

FifeingEejit · « **Reply #11 on:** 07 June, 2019, 11:04:56 pm »

Quote from: Feanor on 07 June, 2019, 06:39:01 pm

Installed in the Black Isle Bar waiting for a wood fired pizza

They have 21 craft beers on tap and fresh wood fired pizza. Whats not to like!

Stuck on a train at Carrbridge, think you've got the better deal!

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Pingu · « **Reply #12 on:** 07 June, 2019, 11:47:21 pm »

Quote from: Feanor on 07 June, 2019, 06:39:01 pm

Installed in the Black Isle Bar waiting for a wood fired pizza

They have 21 craft beers on tap and fresh wood fired pizza. Whats not to like!

Flights (or is it flites?).

Feanor · « **Reply #13 on:** 09 June, 2019, 08:02:43 pm »

We had to endure hours of sunshine on Sat, with only a brief chilly spell through the clag on the evening shift.
Sunday was a little cooler, but it remained dry till our group was less than 40k from the end.

A cracking and scenic route, in both senses. Relentlessly undulating.

I got into groups of similar pace, and that worked well.

A bag drop at JoG allowed for sleep mat, sleeping bag, hot water bottle and teddy bear.
I managed 4 hours sleep, and could have done more.
The manned controls all had excellent food exactly when it was needed.

Thanks to Andy and his helpers for all the work.

Some pics from the North Coast 600. by Ron Lowe, on Flickr

fimm · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 June, 2019, 03:43:28 pm »

I passed (as a passenger in a car) a group of 4 cyclists on the (cyclepath next to the) A835 heading for Inverness about 6pm on Sunday. "Ah! Audaxers!" I thought. I think, looking at the route map, I could have been right?

Deano · « **Reply #15 on:** 10 June, 2019, 04:15:37 pm »

That sounds like us - we were there about that time, all in rain jackets after a good ducking coming round the firth from Evanton.

That was the only rain on the ride

FifeingEejit · « **Reply #16 on:** 10 June, 2019, 04:34:07 pm »

Quote from: fimm on 10 June, 2019, 03:43:28 pm

I passed (as a passenger in a car) a group of 4 cyclists on the (cyclepath next to the) A835 heading for Inverness about 6pm on Sunday. "Ah! Audaxers!" I thought. I think, looking at the route map, I could have been right?

Very possibly though there was a few tourists around too.

I got a very different view of an Audax from normal.
The difference in condition between the fastest riders who arrived at JoG around 11pm and the slowest who were only just in time was a bit of an eye opener, and that translated to the finish as well as I think only 2 riders set off from jog before 4am.

just wish the cough had cleared up a bit more than it had...

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Feanor · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 June, 2019, 07:10:31 pm »

Thanks for the TLC at JoG, FE.

The hot food was just what we needed after the chilly evening shift through the cold damp clag over the higher ground at Moine House and the subsequent cold descent to Tongue. It was a struggle to warm up after that.

FifeingEejit · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 June, 2019, 07:36:58 pm »

The JoG village hall was a bit interesting, the heating didn't do much in the hall itself and there was a rifle target system at one end, and at the other a set of 4 stances in a cupboard with low doors (handily chair sized).

Andy was talking about doing a bit of rejigging for next year/time. So hopefully I'll have a chance to ride it in the near future.

Genosse Brymbo · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 June, 2019, 07:43:24 pm »

Quote from: Feanor on 06 June, 2019, 02:05:50 pm

Quote from: Walter G on 06 June, 2019, 12:23:39 pm
Could anyone mention anything about the route? Is it comparible to the new 'official' North Coast 500?

I know the new one is in miles by the way!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28246944

If Walter G's looking for a GPX of something closer to the official NC500, but bike-friendly, then I suggest he contacts Bianchi Boy OTP. We rode it as 4 approx. 200km sections last year (Inverness-Torridon-Drumbeg-Castletown-Inverness). It was an absolutely cracking ride, and it does go over the Bealach na Bà.

Dakkar · « **Reply #20 on:** 10 June, 2019, 07:55:26 pm »

Thanks for the early post ride postings.
This looks like an epic ride and one I will be looking out for in the future.
I'm looking forward to any ride reports.

Well done to all those who attempted and completed.

Walter G · « **Reply #21 on:** 11 June, 2019, 09:06:58 am »

Quote from: Baron Brymbo von Pickelhaube on 10 June, 2019, 07:43:24 pm

Quote from: Walter G on 06 June, 2019, 12:23:39 pm
Could anyone mention anything about the route? Is it comparible to the new 'official' North Coast 500?

I know the new one is in miles by the way!
If Walter G's looking for a GPX of something closer to the official NC500, but bike-friendly, then I suggest he contacts Bianchi Boy OTP. We rode it as 4 approx. 200km sections last year (Inverness-Torridon-Drumbeg-Castletown-Inverness). It was an absolutely cracking ride, and it does go over the Bealach na Bà.

I'll do that, thanks!

fimm · « **Reply #22 on:** 11 June, 2019, 02:19:28 pm »

Quote from: Deano on 10 June, 2019, 04:15:37 pm

That sounds like us - we were there about that time, all in rain jackets after a good ducking coming round the firth from Evanton.

That was the only rain on the ride

<Waves>
Yes, rain jackets sounds right.

Feanor · « **Reply #23 on:** 13 June, 2019, 08:58:55 am »

ACP numbers are up already!

Deano · « **Reply #24 on:** 13 June, 2019, 11:13:10 pm »

I have a lot of words - but lots of foties too: https://audaxdarleaux.wordpress.com/2019/06/13/a-tale-of-two-600s-or-andy-b-vs-andy-u/

Author Topic: North Coast 600 (Read 4313 times)

bairn again