Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Gadget on 23 April, 2012, 08:15:13 pm
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Anyone crazy enough to be doing this ride on the 28th April?
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I'm in. Thats 2 of us :)
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Gadget
JRe
Jonah
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Me;
somebody tell me why?
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So that's
Zoom
Jonah
JRe
Gadget
Hell of a group!
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Plus:
Me
Plodder
Priddy
Blazer
....from Pompey.
We are down on the Friday night and sampling the delights of the Wise Man if you are interested in some pre-ride liquid carbo loading. :smug:
H
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Zoom
Jonah
JRe
Gadget
Hummers
Plodder
Priddy
Blazer
Swarm_catcher
CharlieB
AndyP
Hi Plodder!!
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That's about a 3rd of the
first round in the pub field accounted for so far.
H
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Previously discussed at
http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=58712.0
Also riding
pete mas
chrisonabike
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Previously discussed at
http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=58712.0
Also riding
pete mas
chrisonabike
Pete, is LaidBackRich on this one?
H
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We are down on the Friday night and sampling the delights of the Wise Man if you are interested in some pre-ride liquid carbo loading. :smug:
H
Yep, I'll be there!! Hoping to get an early train and partake in the delectible deights of liquid carbo loading! ;D
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And just to share, I've plotted the route for each stage (note the infos won't export as waypoints). PM me for a complete gpx file, ready formatted for uploading to etrex. Pretty happy with it, but would be grateful fo any comments/amendments/corrections.
:P
Stage 1:
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1507935#lat=50.714441601747&lng=-2.4269866699219&zoom=14&maptype=opencyclemap (http://www.bikemap.net/route/1507935#lat=50.714441601747&lng=-2.4269866699219&zoom=14&maptype=opencyclemap)
Stage 2:
.bikemap.net/route/1507955#lat=50.819862406779&lng=-3.325815&zoom=11&maptype=opencyclemap (http://.bikemap.net/route/1507955#lat=50.819862406779&lng=-3.325815&zoom=11&maptype=opencyclemap)
Stage 3:
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1507980#lat=50.682514329842&lng=-3.5573749999999&zoom=11&maptype=opencyclemap (http://www.bikemap.net/route/1507980#lat=50.682514329842&lng=-3.5573749999999&zoom=11&maptype=opencyclemap)
Stage 4:
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1507995#lat=50.648927831255&lng=-3.286935&zoom=11&maptype=opencyclemap
(http://www.bikemap.net/route/1507995#lat=50.648927831255&lng=-3.286935&zoom=11&maptype=opencyclemap)Stage 5:
http://www.bikemap.net/route/1508033#lat=50.73920177089&lng=-2.7284349999999&zoom=11&maptype=opencyclemap
(http://www.bikemap.net/route/1508033#lat=50.73920177089&lng=-2.7284349999999&zoom=11&maptype=opencyclemap)
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It seems Wessex fever is spreading this year; all 30 places are accounted for I'm told.
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Pete, is LaidBackRich on this one?
H
[/quote]
No Wessex rides THIS year planned, he says. but he will do them before too long....
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being a (virtual) Wessex virgin may I ask what the "rather hilly leg" is? :-[
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Many thanks for the GPX veloboy. They look great, apart from stage 2 link, which I can't get to work.
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being a (virtual) Wessex virgin may I ask what the "rather hilly leg" is? :-[
The route to Crediton is no worse than the Dorset Coast.
Then it gets hilly. ;D
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being a (virtual) Wessex virgin may I ask what the "rather hilly leg" is? :-[
I wouldn't worry too much Martin.
I'd say it's comaprable to some of the 100k rides you have put on/ridden in West Sussex, just 3 times as long.
H
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I see it goes through Topsham. The Bridge Hotel was once one of my favourite pubs of all time. Might have to stop and check if it is still as good.
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I see it goes through Topsham. The Bridge Hotel was once one of my favourite pubs of all time. Might have to stop and check if it is still as good.
This is a very fine pub and I don't think the route ventures too far from it.
Do you remember the landlord, Norman? He has sadly passed away but his duaghter runs it instead.
H
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I see it goes through Topsham. The Bridge Hotel was once one of my favourite pubs of all time. Might have to stop and check if it is still as good.
This is a very fine pub and I don't think the route ventures too far from it.
Do you remember the landlord, Norman? He has sadly passed away but his duaghter runs it instead.
H
It may yet turn out to be a good port in a storm.
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Zoom
Jonah
JRe
Gadget
Hummers
Plodder
Priddy
Blazer
Swarm_catcher
CharlieB
AndyP
Hi Plodder!!
Hi S_C,
Almost missed that one!
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Who is down tomorrow night then?
Come on, declare your intentions. :demon:
H
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Who is down tomorrow night then?
Come on, declare your intentions. :demon:
H
me
arriving at Moreton station 23.04 if you want to get me one for Ron
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I will see what I can do/remember sweetie.
That is if the pub is closed by then......
H
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I see it goes through Topsham. The Bridge Hotel was once one of my favourite pubs of all time. Might have to stop and check if it is still as good.
I also have fond memeories of that pub for more noteworthy cause...............travelling from exeter to exmouth on my motorbike one winters evening and loosing the front wheel on a patch of ice and smashing into the far right hand wall of the bridge.............. that will teach me for not using the bicycle !!!! So shivers run up my spine as I pass through there.
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Bizarrely the weather looks like it might behave for you tomorrow
I am almost jealous ;D
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bon route you lot ....not wet enough tomorrow so I'm waiting for the biblical rain to hit the New Forest on Sunday :thumbsup:
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Unfortunately I am otherwise engaged tomorrow, but Mr Loakes has 30 starters. I nipped down for a pint at the wise man, to find H buying beer from Cornwall.
Looks like a good field, I wish I was riding. Bonne route all.
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I see it goes through Topsham. The Bridge Hotel was once one of my favourite pubs of all time. Might have to stop and check if it is still as good.
This is a very fine pub and I don't think the route ventures too far from it.
Do you remember the landlord, Norman? He has sadly passed away but his duaghter runs it instead.
H
Nigel Cheffers-Herd runs it as far as I know. </pubpedant>
It's still one of the best pubs in the country and I'd happily ride a 300 round their car-park.
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Watching this morning's rainfall radar animation - I'm wondering if those who said it "wouldn't be wet enough" today might like to reassess their opinion :demon:.
I've packed a canoe for tomorrow's ride in Essex/Suffolk.
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Watching this morning's rainfall radar animation - I'm wondering if those who said it "wouldn't be wet enough" today might like to reassess their opinion :demon:.
I've packed a canoe for tomorrow's ride in Essex/Suffolk.
oops :-[
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It was a very nice day, apart from the rain and the vicious mischievous wind. Finished at 9:27 - liked the view from Hardy Monument ...... Loved the climbs
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It was a very nice day, apart from the rain and the vicious mischievous wind. Finished at 9:27 - liked the view from Hardy Monument ...... Loved the climbs
We had a great view too - when we could stand up! :o
Priddy seemed to be on fine form but conrgatulations are in order for Blazer and Swarm_Catcher for their first Wessex 300 :thumbsup:
Many thanks too for the organiser - Pete Loakes and his merry band of helpers at the finish.
H
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What a day is all I can say ....Hats off to Hackney Innit Josh for his endeavours on fixed trully awesome effort ........................ but your beard could do with a trim as it will help the aerodynamics! I have also today realised just how tough our man Huumers is...............virtually all day in short sleeve jersey, shorts and no socks ..............
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It was a very nice day, apart from the rain and the vicious mischievous wind. Finished at 9:27 - liked the view from Hardy Monument ...... Loved the climbs
We had a great view too - when we could stand up! :o
Priddy seemed to be on fine form but conrgatulations are in order for Blazer and Swarm_Catcher for their first Wessex 300 :thumbsup:
Many thanks too for the organiser - Pete Loakes and his merry band of helpers at the finish.
H
Cheers H, Priddy, Plodder, Els and Pete for accompanying me along the way. A fine way to 'break my duck' ;D
Three questions though i) are they all like that, ii) what is the view from Hardy's momument in the daylight and iii) what is all this talk of the Porkers ride?
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well done blazer :thumbsup:
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It was a nice day out, and so much harder than last year with all the wind,rain and rough lanes.
Stayed at AndyP's Friday night, so only a short ride to the start and we rode most of the route together apart from after Dawlish where I lost him until we meet up again in Seaton.
Rode up Salcombe Hill with Bikey-Mikey and we had a coffee in Seaton while I waited for Andy.
A big :thumbsup: to the staff at Axminster station cafe for their swift service and to Peter and his team for a great event.
Hope to back next year.
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just back after a horrid ride to Moreton station in far worse conditions than yesterday;
the weather was not that bad; think I only put the waterproof on just before Axminster and again near Feniton. The wind was the bastard; even the flat section to Exeter was very hard and coming off the last climb avoided the need for my non-existent brake blocks. The first section was lovely; proper Downs just like down here; saw the Cerne Giant's todger. Some technical (ie avoid large rocks washed into the road) after Axminster but fairly benign to Crediton.
then I assume we got the hilly section. It was relentless; right up to Dawlish, but superb views. The next bit was OK apart from the two mothers of Sidmouth (a lady carrying her shopping beat me up the hill after the closed ford but no foot faults)
the last climb up to the Hardy Monument was pure comedy; compounded by the L crank deciding it no longer wanted to be part of the bike.
Pete's control was superb, San Miguel and pasta, many thanks to you and your helpers :thumbsup:
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the last climb up to the Hardy Monument was pure comedy; compounded by the L crank deciding it no longer wanted to be part of the bike.
Ah, was it your crank I saw on the floor in Pete's spare room?
H
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Sounds like most people had an enjoyable ride. despite the extremely windy conditions later in the day. A fine event.
I also had a good ride. albeit slowed by two punctures from bits of sharp flints - the wet lanes certainly were mucky! At least the punctures were in daylight. Will fit new tyres before Porkers...Thanks to whoever loaned me a spare tube in Dawlish, sorry didnt get your name (from the Cotwolds but doesnt like climbing, usually!)pm me to replace if you read this. Great to enjoy a beer and food at Pete's when I got back, and chat with riders still around. Would love to ride this in fine weather another year. I dont think that climb from Sidmouth would be any easier, though, whatever the weather. It turned my legs to jelly...
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Well, I did mention before the start that I don't climb well (I get up them, but oh, so slowly) and proved that by arriving so late after finish time that it was almost dawn. I don't think I have climbed as much on a single ride, ever (with possible exception of PBP). That said it would have been an excellent ride (despite the wind) if I hadn't missed the Hardy's monument turn in the midnight murk. Ended up at bottom of a 17% hill and just couldn't face climbing back up so took the scenic route back around the valleys. The sofa was a definite plus instead of the back of the car, so thanks for that Pete.
So, all you climbers, what do I need to do to get up those hills?
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Congrats to all involved.
Impressive list of finishers already on the website, too. (Via individual rides lists.)
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can't have been that bad I heard even PaulD finished :P
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So, all you climbers, what do I need to do to get up those hills?
Only in my opinion, but I reckon all of these rides that are based on travelling through superb countryside are adventures; grand views, grunty bits and moments where you feel that you have seen/found somewhere for the first time.
I don't think you need any more motivation than that.
H
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can't have been that bad I heard even PaulD finished :P
Naughty! ;D
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There is lots of pasta left at Petes house if you care to cycle down.
It's a good job he has chickens.
Maybe Pete can send you some with your Brevet Card.
I was one of Pete's merry band of helpers at the finish.
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There is lots of pasta left at Petes house if you care to cycle down.
It's a good job he has chickens.
Maybe Pete can send you some with your Brevet Card.
I was one of Pete's merry band of helpers at the finish.
Cheers m'dear :thumbsup:
H
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thats what gets me round - a bit quicker is all I'm after
So, all you climbers, what do I need to do to get up those hills?
Only in my opinion, but I reckon all of these rides that are based on travelling through superb countryside are adventures; grand views, grunty bits and moments where you feel that you have seen/found somewhere for the first time.
I don't think you need any more motivation than that.
H
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Thanks to Peter for organising a great ride: a start at first light from a cottage in deepest Dorset, and return many hours later, after a wonderful route with some remarkably big hills to a warm welcome, warm kitchen, and tea / pasta makes it a unique (and highly recommended) experience.
Thanks also to everyone for the great atmosphere and chat on the road which made the miles pass, and to stephen and pauld for waiting, and keeping me going those last 50k.
Andrew
...Ended up at bottom of a 17% hill and just couldn't face climbing back up so took the scenic route back around the valleys.
I did say to Paul as we tried to pick the left up to hardy's monument out of the gloom, 'imagine flying past and ending up at the bottom of Portesham hill...' a thought followed swiftly by a shudder, and moment of silence as we contemplated the horror: chapeau for not just curling up in a ball/looking for a phone box at the bottom! There is no valley route back from there: you're at sea level, and there's the ridgeway between you and west stafford - so you definitely did more hills than the rest of us!
So, all you climbers, what do I need to do to get up those hills?
er. more hills? :)
my top tips would be go harder at hills on training rides than you ever do on an audax, and (if you don't have one) get a turbo, find your threshold, and practice riding near it for an hour at a time, several times a week.
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Thanks Peter and helpers, and all the company I enjoyed during the ride - such as the group in the photo (waiting for Hummers to catch up after a puncture).
Will come back with a blog post, I can't put the day into words just yet, for now only one word comes to mind.
Hummers, was it Nomad who's track was on at the 4 Cs?
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fFJ8BAD7ItA/T54i5Clfs2I/AAAAAAAAOp0/3OxkaQjYnKs/s400/IMG_5499.JPG)
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Hummers, was it Nomad who's track was on at the 4 Cs?
Indeed.
It was. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x45BtoJpoks).
H
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What a day is all I can say ....Hats off to Hackney Innit Josh for his endeavours on fixed trully awesome effort ........................ but your beard could do with a trim as it will help the aerodynamics! I have also today realised just how tough our man Huumers is...............virtually all day in short sleeve jersey, shorts and no socks ..............
Great to ride with you Jon! The facial hair is staying, but your tip is most welcome. Perhaps I could invest in one of those Sikh style beard hammocks?
Many thanks to Pete and helpers for your warm hospitality and a truly '3D' expedition.
best,
Justin
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I heard on the news this morning that a car went through a bridge in West Stafford into the river due to floods!!! We were lucky.....
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What a rather fantastic ride. The wind at the end can only really be described as Epic. I will easily say this was one of the most difficult rides I have done to date. I am quite sure I am setting myself up for a fall by saying that.
Some very memorable moments on the ride, Having a picnic on the beach in Dwalish, almost being blown off the bike at the top of a couple of hills and fighting against the wind for so much of the journey home.
The hills were spectacular, the long drags leading up to some fantastic views and the short sharp climbs to warm you up.
Thanks Pete for organising such a great ride and for your company along so much of it :-)
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I will easily say this was one of the most difficult rides I have done to date. I am quite sure I am setting myself up for a fall by saying that.
Whilst my legs (today) would agree with this statement, I suggest you hold fire on setting this one aside within your Wessex catalogue until you have done the lot; especially the Porkers in two weeks time.
:demon:
H
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I will easily say this was one of the most difficult rides I have done to date. I am quite sure I am setting myself up for a fall by saying that.
Whilst my legs (today) would agree with this statement, I suggest you hold fire on setting this one aside within your Wessex catalogue until you have done the lot; especially the Porkers in two weeks time.
:demon:
H
We can but hope that the weather will be kinder to us on Porkers in two weeks time...
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What helps me with climbing is commuting on a heavier bike, with fixed gear or single speed, so I have to use strength to climb up the hills.When I get on my audax bike it feels light and nimble in comparison. When starting up a long hill using a geared bike I often sight some object half way up, eg a signpost , or tree, and decide not to change down gears until I have reached it. Frequently I find that I can ride even further than the object before changing down. Of course there are lots of tips on the net about climbing, and there is a thread on my club's website at the moment, see:
http://www.kingstonwheelers.co.uk/kwccforum/viewtopic.php?t=7456
Also try using your arms to pull on the bars whilst turning the pedals in a slightly higher gear than normal, and try circling your ankles as you pedal,so it feels like you are trying to scrape something unwelcome off your shoe, instead of holding the ankles rigid as many people do. Alternate standing on the pedals, and pulling hard on the bars in a higher gear with sitting back and pedalling gently in a lower gear when you need a breather.
Finally ensure you are eating enough carbs. On really hilly rides its sometimes necessary to eat between controls, eg a quick banana or energy bar.
thats what gets me round - a bit quicker is all I'm after
So, all you climbers, what do I need to do to get up those hills?
Only in my opinion, but I reckon all of these rides that are based on travelling through superb countryside are adventures; grand views, grunty bits and moments where you feel that you have seen/found somewhere for the first time.
I don't think you need any more motivation than that.
H
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Here's my blog post: MyBlog (http://bikesandbees.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/3d-300.html)
Eddy Merckx has a few top tips on climbing from his book 'Fiets Passie':
- if you slide back on your seat whilst climbing you need to look at your setup
- 'ankling' as previously mentioned. Also called 'Souplesse', and mastered by Lance Armstrong. The pulling up part is something I'll think about in my next ride
- minimise moving side to side
- getting out of the saddle is good for a change of position, but takes an extra 10-12% energy
- very technical, but there is meant to be an optimum heart bpm for climbing
- psychological, half way up the climb, look back to what you've already done, this gives you 'wings'
- body weight, on a climb like Mont Ventoux, 1kg less weight can save you 3 minutes
A top tip I've picked up on the way is from 'Life of Brian': just push harder gears in 'training'. And from an ex-pro: interval training (speed up recovery time, after every hill you'll be in a better position to tackle the next)
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Here's my blog post: MyBlog (http://bikesandbees.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/3d-300.html)
Eddy Merckx has a few top tips on climbing from his book 'Fiets Passie':
- if you slide back on your seat whilst climbing you need to look at your setup
- 'ankling' as previously mentioned. Also called 'Souplesse', and mastered by Lance Armstrong. The pulling up part is something I'll think about in my next ride
- minimise moving side to side
- getting out of the saddle is good for a change of position, but takes an extra 10-12% energy
- very technical, but there is meant to be an optimum heart bpm for climbing
- psychological, half way up the climb, look back to what you've already done, this gives you 'wings'
- body weight, on a climb like Mont Ventoux, 1kg less weight can save you 3 minutes
A top tip I've picked up on the way is from 'Life of Brian': just push harder gears in 'training'. And from an ex-pro: interval training (speed up recovery time, after every hill you'll be in a better position to tackle the next)
Hold on.
It says nothing there about not going for the 3 'delicious' sausages at the Grotto Cafe, Seaton.
H
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Hold on.
It says nothing there about not going for the 3 'delicious' sausages at the Grotto Cafe, Seaton.
H
Good point !!! :-)
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Hold on.
It says nothing there about not going for the 3 'delicious' sausages at the Grotto Cafe, Seaton.
H
Let me re-consult the book when I get home. It may at least say something about mayonnaise (at 85 pence a pot).
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Hold on.
It says nothing there about not going for the 3 'delicious' sausages at the Grotto Cafe, Seaton.
H
Let me re-consult the book when I get home. It may at least say something about mayonnaise (at 85 pence a pot).
...but that was not ordinary mayonnaise. That was "The Four C's" very own secret recipe.
Much like the C***ish pasty and chips. :sick:
H
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4 c usually of very good merchantable quality was it below par then gents?
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Thanks for all the tips.
So, I have to work harder and loose weight! My wife keeps telling me I should go out more often (I think, in a good way).
I've heard before about the fixed wheel training approach. Might give that some real consideration this year. Is it my imagination, or do fixies typically have larger frames or can I just convert an existing bike?
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I've heard before about the fixed wheel training approach. Might give that some real consideration this year. Is it my imagination, or do fixies typically have larger frames or can I just convert an existing bike?
Fixed wheel bikes only seem larger 'cos they tend to be be based traditional diamond frames. A fair chunk of the bikes on the road are older steel frames with forward facing horizontal-ish dropouts, which you just don't get on generic modern frames. You do see some modern semi-compact fixers though. I think the Langster counts as one.
And yes, you really need horizontal dropouts (forward facing or track ends (rear facing) for fixed wheel so you can adjust the chain tension. There are alternatives but they are time and money pits. IMO.
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Thanks for all the tips.
So, I have to work harder and loose weight! My wife keeps telling me I should go out more often (I think, in a good way).
I've heard before about the fixed wheel training approach. Might give that some real consideration this year. Is it my imagination, or do fixies typically have larger frames or can I just convert an existing bike?
Just keep riding these events - don't worry about your weight or bike too much.
I am about 2-3 stone lighter than I have been over the last 6 years and it hasn't made any discernible difference to my speed other than descents are slower.
H
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Are there many people doing this 3D 300 this weekend?
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Last I heard there were only about half a dozen entries - a clash with the Pendle means the ACH crew aren't coming down, but I would have expected more, it's a classic - and great - ride, and it doesn't run very often... but clearly a very well hidden gem.
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Thanks Andy, I'll prepare for a long lonely day then :-)
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hi,
there's 10 apparently: almost a peloton :thumbsup: we'll almost certainly ride together to Axminster Station Café, as stage one is fairly benign, I'm not expecting to clear 20kph moving average for the day, what are you thinking?
andrew.
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Yeah there or there abouts, last 300 was the Dean and 18 hours and don't want to do that again.
Finished by dark is my main goal but just want to have a nice day out 🙂
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Ah, day on your own off the front :facepalm: ...have you seen the profile? Finish in daylight is quite a feat! See you at the start :thumbsup:
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Well maybe not then, I'll take it as it comes.
I definitely had no intention of being on my own at the front, not st my age with these knees and this wine 😁
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Actually, my age is pretty young in the audax would 🙂