Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: the straggler on 30 September, 2017, 07:43:10 pm

Title: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: the straggler on 30 September, 2017, 07:43:10 pm
Whilst on the Suffolk Byways event today, I learned from organiser Tomsk that entries are now open.

I've just dived in. Any other folk have this ride planned for 2018?

Just thinking about 'enter the dragon' and 'bread of heaven'
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: ChillyPanda on 30 September, 2017, 07:55:23 pm
I'd really like to, although Tomsk's description on the AUK website says '... An X-rated event for experienced randonneurs.'

What does 'experienced' mean? I haven't ridden LEL, PBP, or BCM. Although have ridden Flatlands twice.  Perhaps its just a state of mind.

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 30 September, 2017, 08:34:31 pm
I'd really like to, although Tomsk's description on the AUK website says '... An X-rated event for experienced randonneurs.'

What does 'experienced' mean? I haven't ridden LEL, PBP, or BCM. Although have ridden Flatlands twice.  Perhaps its just a state of mind.

Experienced in suffering? 2 x Flatlands, you`re doubly qualified :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: the straggler on 30 September, 2017, 08:52:31 pm
I'd really like to, although Tomsk's description on the AUK website says '... An X-rated event for experienced randonneurs.'

What does 'experienced' mean? I haven't ridden LEL, PBP, or BCM. Although have ridden Flatlands twice.  Perhaps its just a state of mind.

Experienced in suffering? 2 x Flatlands, you`re doubly qualified :thumbsup:
Carlos is right. It's just an x-rated 400k extension of Flatlands. I doubt Tomsk will make due diligence checks on applicants.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivo on 30 September, 2017, 08:53:26 pm
It's on my shortlist for 2018. But first I have to check a few other options and discuss at work.
The startplace and time looks nearly ideal for the night ferry from Hoek.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 30 September, 2017, 08:56:17 pm
In.
Thinking was thus:
What's not to like in this?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 30 September, 2017, 09:36:22 pm
I'll put a summary of controls and possible sleep stops, schedule etc on AUKweb in a week or two - after a hectic September I need a break from organising duties via a keyboard for a bit. Piloting the teapot and over-feeding riders next week on the REM 100 & 200, then I'll crack on with organising.

The climbing on the 'Grand' will be less than on the BCM 600, but then I've consistently been slower on the Flatlands and with less sleep than on the BCM.

X-rated = defined as commercial controls, no AUK controllers. Actually just like on tour, you're on yer own matey...

Pleased there has been a positive reaction to the event and entries are coming in already!

Just thinking about 'enter the dragon' and 'bread of heaven'

 I did consider 'Land of my Fathers' as a title, but it was used by the late Dave Lewis for one of his events, and anyway, my Welsh ancestors were from mid-Wales - Radnorshire, not the Valleys.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 30 September, 2017, 11:00:04 pm
I'd really like to, although Tomsk's description on the AUK website says '... An X-rated event for experienced randonneurs.'

What does 'experienced' mean? I haven't ridden LEL, PBP, or BCM. Although have ridden Flatlands twice.  Perhaps its just a state of mind.

Experienced in suffering? 2 x Flatlands, you`re doubly qualified :thumbsup:
Carlos is right. It's just an x-rated 400k extension of Flatlands. I doubt Tomsk will make due diligence checks on applicants.
Did I imagine the line about sending your cv with the application?
Either way if you've done a x rated 600 and come back for more you should be fine.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 01 October, 2017, 10:08:16 am
I haven't read the description of the ride, but have entered any way - it's a Tomsk ride, what's the worse that can happen...  :facepalm:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Whitedown Man on 01 October, 2017, 10:23:55 am
What's the rationale for this event being "mudguards mandatory"?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 01 October, 2017, 10:50:15 am
What's the rationale for this event being "mudguards mandatory"?
It goes to Wales so rain is guaranteed.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 01 October, 2017, 11:24:30 am
What's the rationale for this event being "mudguards mandatory"?

Only took 10 posts, well done for bring it to the attention of the the thread.  ::-)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 01 October, 2017, 01:33:34 pm
This kind of fits next years plans as well.   This or the Scottish one ?, both ?  ???
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: citoyen on 01 October, 2017, 01:50:25 pm
This kind of fits next years plans as well.   This or the Scottish one ?, both ?  ???

Both!

I’m thinking about it.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Lee Velo on 01 October, 2017, 03:49:40 pm
I see no reason that this couldn't be made available as a Perm?

Then again I may be able to get the time off....
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: whosatthewheel on 01 October, 2017, 04:02:06 pm
What's the rationale for this event being "mudguards mandatory"?

Only took 10 posts, well done for bring it to the attention of the the thread.  ::-)

AFAIK all of Tomsk audax ask for compulsory mudguards, regardless of the season... it's a bit old skool, but at the end of the day, his ride = his rules. Don't see it as a big problem in a 1K where I would assume folks use more randonneur oriented bikes... more of a hassle on short 200 km BR, where folks on carbon would just shy away
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: redfalo on 01 October, 2017, 04:04:14 pm
I'm in! Already looking forward to this. Will try to bring some mates from the continent.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Veloman on 01 October, 2017, 04:21:37 pm
AFAIK all of Tomsk audax ask for compulsory mudguards, regardless of the season... it's a bit old skool, but at the end of the day, his ride = his rules. Don't see it as a big problem in a 1K where I would assume folks use more randonneur oriented bikes... more of a hassle on short 200 km BR, where folks on carbon would just shy away

Agree that Tom's event and Tom's rules apply and I enjoy riding his events.  I believe the reason is to ensure, in the event of poor weather, folk don't go into controls with soaking wet and dirty kit as the owners tend not to like folk sitting on their furniture in that condition.

I disagree with your comment regarding 1K events as from my experience carbon bikes without mudguards are far more prevalent than bikes with mudguards (be they carbon, aluminium, titanium or steel). Good example was LEL where no mudguards far outnumbered those with mudguards. I compromised by having the long Zefal Swan Road attached to the seatpost that kept my backside clean: I was still soaked due to the intensity of the rain but my kit was not covered in muck from the road.

http://www.zefal.com/en/mudguards-road/77-swan-road.html (http://www.zefal.com/en/mudguards-road/77-swan-road.html)

Whether this is classed as a mudguard is a mute point and I use something like Raceguards on Tom's events.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: whosatthewheel on 01 October, 2017, 05:00:25 pm

 Good example was LEL where no mudguards far outnumbered those with mudguards.

I suspect a 4 quid event and a 300?? quid event attract slightly different crowds... the level of self-sufficiency needed is completely different... I can't see many doing this on a full-on race bike
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Aunt Maud on 01 October, 2017, 05:24:57 pm


VM has a very good point about being considerate to cafe/control owners and your fellow wheelers. A little more of the "think about those you come across" other than the usual "me, me, me". wouldn't go amiss on a longer ride.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Lee Velo on 01 October, 2017, 08:20:21 pm
I certainly couldn't imagine riding far in the wet and mud without some kind of mudguards fitted. Whilst its strange that it's compulsory on an X rated event, meaning no controls specifically for the event..or even a finish point on this one...it makes little difference to me as they would be on anyway.

Although that topic has probably been done to death....

As I said though...hopefully there will be a perm route?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tally51 on 01 October, 2017, 09:50:25 pm
I've got my entry in - I couldn't make any of the other UK 1000k's so very pleased to see this one would fit in to the diary.  It should be just about 1000K of new roads for me which is always a bonus.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 02 October, 2017, 10:27:57 am
This kind of fits next years plans as well.   This or the Scottish one ?, both ?  ???

Both!

I’m thinking about it.

More sensible hat on today as I'm back at work and adding up my annual leave.   I think, realistically, this will be the one rather than a trip to Scotland.   The start is a lot more practical for me and it slots neatly between 2 A races next year whilst still allowing for some recovery time.

Amazing that there's 4 1000k rides in the calendar for next year, though.   Also 2 of them are more manageable than the Grimpeur-fests we have seen the last few years.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Zed43 on 02 October, 2017, 11:12:11 am
I'm curious, is this really the route as intended: Chepstow, Pontypridd, Barry, Tonypandy, Llandovery, Neath, Barry, Chepstow. Going from Pontypridd to Barry to Tonypandy seems rather odd.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: megajoulesexpenditure on 02 October, 2017, 12:08:07 pm
Entered. Something to get me out of the door on those winter training rides and dream of on the dark and gloomy evenings.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Oaky on 02 October, 2017, 12:19:18 pm
Damn.  I seem to have accidentally entered this.

Nine months to get 1000km fit?  What's the worst that can happen?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 02 October, 2017, 12:48:17 pm
1000km cycling event starting from Witham, Essex. Controls at Buntingford, St Neots, Towcester, Banbury, Tewkesbury, Chepstow, Pontypridd, Barry, Tonypandy, Llandovery, Neath, Barry, Chepstow, Pershore, Wellesbourne, Towcester, St Neots and Buntingford.

[Essex] to South Wales, taking in the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean and Welsh Valleys. From a base at Barry, loops 200km up the Rhondda and over to Llandovery, back via the Black Mountain. Route returns via Cardiff and Newport, the Forest of Dean and the Vale of Evesham to rejoin the outbound route at Towcester.

Zed: "is this really the route as intended: Chepstow, Pontypridd, Barry, Tonypandy, Llandovery, Neath, Barry, Chepstow. Going from Pontypridd to Barry to Tonypandy seems rather odd."
Rhondda/Black Mountain loop from Barry - see above
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 02 October, 2017, 03:03:48 pm
Damn.  I seem to have accidentally entered this.

Nine months to get 1000km fit?  What's the worst that can happen?
WELL....you might find a pub after about 100 km and turn it into a 500km pub crawl.... ;D
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Redlight on 02 October, 2017, 04:02:31 pm
Am I right in reading 18 controls?  That's a lot of stopping  :)

I'll not be entering - I'm toying with some touring in southern California at the end of that month instead  ;D - but would be happy to come out and help, if any is needed.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Veloman on 02 October, 2017, 04:08:45 pm
Some info controls would require no stopping or no more stopping than traffic lights would incur.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 02 October, 2017, 04:09:51 pm
Am I right in reading 18 controls?  That's a lot of stopping  :)

I'll not be entering - I'm toying with some touring in southern California at the end of that month instead  ;D - but would be happy to come out and help, if any is needed.

17 or so on LEL :)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Veloman on 02 October, 2017, 05:45:45 pm
19 stamps on my LEL card excluding start and finish. But 400k longer.

Anyway, organiser decides route and we decide if it tickles our fancy or not. Some will say Yay! and some will say Nay!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 02 October, 2017, 07:18:56 pm
About one every 56km. That's above average on a 1000km+ ride, but below average for a 100/200km.

Doesn't seem like a big deal - you might be reeeeeally grateful for one of those controls at some point!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 02 October, 2017, 07:39:43 pm
Zed: "is this really the route as intended: Chepstow, Pontypridd, Barry, Tonypandy, Llandovery, Neath, Barry, Chepstow. Going from Pontypridd to Barry to Tonypandy seems rather odd."
Rhondda/Black Mountain loop from Barry - see above

Or I could give you a clover-leaf shaped event from a base...or anything, really.  ;D

I like Barry, and his Island, it's a good base for a night [or two if you're quick enough], a good choice of eateries, a Premier Inn and B&Bs. Overall it's good, varied route, but then I would say that.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 02 October, 2017, 07:48:10 pm
Quite excited about Barry Island :P

But won't the leg from there to Chepstow be quite urban?  :-\

It's quite an interesting route from my perspective - lots of places I've been to before, but approached from different angles!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 02 October, 2017, 08:24:51 pm
I haven't seen the route, only the controls list but I estimated barry at about 400km and slightly more than 600km. Even the lightning quick wouldn't be there on the first night anyone sleeping there on the third night would be hard pushed to finish.

But with a minimal stop night one it would be possible to check in at Barry early drop a bag complete the hilly Wales loop and then sleep.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 02 October, 2017, 09:58:40 pm
But won't the leg from there to Chepstow be quite urban?  :-\

Urban, yes: I rode the Cardiff Docks bit the other weekend - lots of re-development and good-ish cycle lanes. A very interesting mix of Victoriana smartened up or decaying, and glitzy new blocks. After a busy bit [bus/cycle lanes] on Newport Road, you could follow the A48, if early/quiet, but I've a nice rural route to Bassaleg which drops you in on the cycle paths from the Transporter Bridge in Newport. The route to Chepstow is parallel with the motorway on quiet-ish A roads.

Loads of places for breakfast if that fits your schedule. I'll get a 'Tomsk Touring' version done and on AUKweb soon...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tomj on 02 October, 2017, 10:33:02 pm
Entered. Looking forward to sharing the suffering experience (steel bike with mudguards).
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 14 November, 2017, 05:17:58 pm
List of controls and distances on AUKweb, plus 'Tomsk's Sensible Touring Schedule'. If you're fast, ignore the latter...

Here you go:

The ACME Grand 1000km
Controls – minimum distances, recommended route will be more:


1] Witham                                                         0km

2] Buntingford                                                  57

3] St Neots                                                     100

4] Towcester                                                  165

5] Banbury                                                    194

6] Tewkesbury                                               259

7] Chepstow                                                  324

8] Pontypridd                                                 379

9] Barry                                                        405  =   2,895m ascent

10] Tonypandy                                              436

11] Llandovery                                              507

12] Neath                                                     558

13] Barry                                                      613  =  2,246m

14] Chepstow                                                671

15] Pershore                                                 710

16] Wellesbourne                                          793

17] Towcester                                               843

18] St Neots                                                  907

19] Buntingford                                             950

20] Witham                                                 1007  =  2,410m
                                                                       Total 7,551m ascent
   

Tomsk’s Sensible Touring Schedule:

[Full value: BRM, 75 hours maximum - 13.3kph minimum speed]


11:00 start: allow 24 hours for an overnighter from Witham to Barry. There’s approximately 2,895m of climbing on this section – as much as the Dorset Coast 200, but over twice the distance. Keep it brief at the first two controls, with an evening meal in Towcester, [takeaway or McDonalds?] From Banbury into the Cotswolds at dusk and with a clear sky the full moon later to light the way. Rations may need to be carried – not a lot of opportunities for feeding here…There are a few substantial climbs in the Forest of Dean…The short night may well be over by the time the Welsh border comes at Chepstow, then via a few lumps from Caerphilly to breakfast at Pontypridd ‘spoons [‘The Tumble Inn’, just off the route - opens 08:00]. Down to Barry, where if up on schedule, into town for a feed, or just visit the Co-op and garage on the outskirts. The short out-and-back after crossing the A48 will give a chance to see who’s just ahead, or behind.

Assuming an 11:00 start on the loop into the hills [208km and 2,246m climbing], then I’d allow 13 hours. A few short sharp climbs, but most are steady and long, up the Rhondda, with a cracking hair-pinned descent to the Cynon valley, then a wilder road up Sarn Helen, picking up the A40, not a bad road here, to Llandovery. Turning here and going up the ‘headline’ climb of the Black Mountain, with another fast, smooth descent to Brynamman, then descending to the Tawe at Pontardawe. Another climb up Fforest Goch and over to Neath, with maybe a pub meal or takeaway here. After this the route avoids the min.dist. A48 and the busy industrial coast roads and returns to the outward section through Pontclun to Barry. A few ‘bonus’ kilometres and climbs here, but a much pleasanter route. Lots of late night takeaway options in Barry, which may be quite lively! Aim to get 5-6 hours decent sleep at the Barry Premier Inn, setting off at 06:00 Saturday morning. Lots of alternative hotel, guest house and b&b options in and around Barry Island and Penarth.

A 300km day, schedule: 18 hours. Cardiff and Newport should be fairly quiet first thing, with breakfast options right on the route at McDonalds in both places, or Fanny’s Rest café, near the Transporter Bridge in Newport – opens 06:30, [tested and approved on ‘Gavin & Stacey’ 400km]. There’s also a Travelodge right on the route in Cardiff Docks. Retrace the outbound route through Chepstow and the Forest of Dean to the Severn valley near Tewkesbury, then a gentler route up to Pershore [lunch?] and just into Stratford-upon-Avon to control at Wellesbourne. The outbound route is picked up again approaching Towcester, aiming for a stop for the night at St Neots Premier Inn, just off the route.

A start at 06:00 [4h15 in hand] would allow 8 hours for the final 100km to finish by 14:00. Push on to Buntingford [47km] for breakfast, where there are several options. With several hours in hand, there should be time for extra stops if necessary. I’ll need to sort out some of the route details here and there, but a provisional route sheet should appear soon after New Year.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 14 November, 2017, 05:38:24 pm
Was this mentioned on the One Show?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 14 November, 2017, 06:45:59 pm
Towcester's just 12 miles up the A5 from me. Shame it doesn't start there!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 14 November, 2017, 07:24:36 pm
Think I'll need to gear down a bit for this one.   Thinking 70".
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 14 November, 2017, 07:48:32 pm
I've got a bonus 65km and 3000m so far from my quick route knock up, but thats without the official route sheet and RWGPS might be picking some none-road routes through them hills...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 14 November, 2017, 09:33:31 pm
Think I'll need to gear down a bit for this one.   Thinking 70".

I'm thinking 72 + 64 on double-fixed.  Flip the wheel in Barry; flip it back in Barry  :thumbsup:   (not that I've entered yet — it's just a few days before I go away with the whooooole family on holiday for Mum's 70th, so I'm yet to even begin to broach the subject ... :facepalm:  ::-))
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 14 November, 2017, 09:37:07 pm
I've got a bonus 65km and 3000m so far from my quick route knock up, but thats without the official route sheet and RWGPS might be picking some none-road routes through them hills...

RWGPS has it at about 1% for the Gavin & Stacey (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19716008) and The Return of Gavin & Stacey (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19726299) routes, so over 8000m in 850km.  And that's not including the Black Mountains 200.  I think RWGPS might be over-estimating somewhere along the route.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 14 November, 2017, 10:10:27 pm
I've got a bonus 65km and 3000m so far from my quick route knock up, but thats without the official route sheet and RWGPS might be picking some none-road routes through them hills...

RWGPS has it at about 1% for the Gavin & Stacey (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19716008) and The Return of Gavin & Stacey (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19726299) routes, so over 8000m in 850km.  And that's not including the Black Mountains 200.  I think RWGPS might be over-estimating somewhere along the route.

I'm at 1,073km with 9,279m but like I said, without the official route sheet it's just general guess work.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 15 November, 2017, 08:32:40 am
Think I'll need to gear down a bit for this one.   Thinking 70".

I'm thinking 72 + 64 on double-fixed.  Flip the wheel in Barry; flip it back in Barry  :thumbsup: 

Bit of a faff given my mechanical ineptitude.   I usually ride 79" but this has a few more lumps.

Schedule-wise I was thinking of riding through to Barry Fri night and St Neots Sat night so Tomsk's recommendation looks about right.   I had thoughts of trying to bash round but 1) getting home in time to get a train back from Witham Sat night is a big leap and 2) I probably have a big goal a couple of weeks later so smashing myself up isn't really an option.

All in all should be an enjoyable long weekend.   I probably need to enter.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Rod Marton on 15 November, 2017, 02:28:09 pm
This is sort of tempting, as I could probably manage it with a couple of sleep stops in my own sweet bed. This would add about 30k and a few hills, though it would mean a gruelling second day around Wales (and this is the lumpy bit). The problem is, that although it would be very nice to get into my own bed at 700k, I suspect that getting out of it again would not be such an attractive proposition. So I'm in two minds about this one.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 15 November, 2017, 03:16:46 pm
i have entered as an insurance against an attack of ICBA to enter the Brussels-Paris-Brussels 600 which is a week later. But this is starting to look easily as attractive.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 15 November, 2017, 03:43:29 pm
Why are there no AAA points? Without looking in detail, I would have expected sections in Wales to provide the necessary climbing rate.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 16 November, 2017, 03:15:28 pm
I had a look at booking a hotel in Barry and the rooms at the big chains seem to have gone for the weekend of the ride. I guess Barry is close to the airport. I`ll investigate some B+B`s.

Looks like accommodation might involve a bivvy bag up a dark alleyway!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 16 November, 2017, 03:30:55 pm
There's a Premier Inn at Port Talbot, rooms at £31.50 are available for the Friday night currently. 
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 16 November, 2017, 03:42:49 pm
Travel Lodge Barry had rooms for the Friday 29 June when I booked a day or so ago, not as cheap as Port Talbot though

ETA: Flex booking is £48 for Port Talbort (I think it's at 590km or so)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Chris S on 16 November, 2017, 03:50:51 pm
Travel Lodge Barry had rooms for the Friday 29 June when I booked a day or so ago, not as cheap as Port Talbot though

That guy sounds well dodgy.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 16 November, 2017, 03:58:16 pm
Travel Lodge Barry had rooms for the Friday 29 June when I booked a day or so ago, not as cheap as Port Talbot though

That guy sounds well dodgy.

Made my day better that!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 16 November, 2017, 04:14:05 pm
Travelodges (just spent a few days holiday at one in Bath) and Premier Inns? Surely open fronted bus shelters will do at the end of June ☺
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Charlie Polecat on 16 November, 2017, 04:43:50 pm
Travelodges (just spent a few days holiday at one in Bath) and Premier Inns? Surely open fronted bus shelters will do at the end of June ☺

I want to pick up on that . My Lejog adventure will be at the end of May, beginning of June, how do I go about reserving an open front bus shelter, and what time would I have to leave?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 16 November, 2017, 04:54:33 pm
Travelodges (just spent a few days holiday at one in Bath) and Premier Inns? Surely open fronted bus shelters will do at the end of June ☺

I want to pick up on that . My Lejog adventure will be at the end of May, beginning of June, how do I go about reserving an open front bus shelter, and what time would I have to leave?

From my previous experience you have to check out when the local police ask you to move on :facepalm:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 16 November, 2017, 04:57:35 pm
I do like it when Jiber and Psyclist do my planning for me, thanks guys :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 16 November, 2017, 06:30:26 pm
I do like it when Jiber and Psyclist do my planning for me, thanks guys :thumbsup:

You can pick the takeaways along the way (we spent 28 mins in that one on LEL according to my Google timeline data)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Alex B on 17 November, 2017, 05:09:43 am
...
14] Chepstow                                                671

15] Pershore                                                 710
...

That's only going to be possible with a wormhole I think; it's more like 90 km between these controls.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 17 November, 2017, 10:00:24 am
80km from Chepstow to Pershore using the A48 to Tewkesbury (62km, retracing ride out) and then the Bredon Road and the B4080 (17km).
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 17 November, 2017, 10:28:19 am
...
14] Chepstow                                                671

15] Pershore                                                 710
...

That's only going to be possible with a wormhole I think; it's more like 90 km between these controls.

I think it is just the Pershore distance that it a typo. The total of 120km from Cheptstow to Wellesbourne looks about right. You've probably already spotted that.

As Tomsk stated, these figures are likely to increase a bit once the route is complete.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 18 November, 2017, 07:31:08 pm
As many have noticed, it's a work in progress and there's ages to knock it into a bit more shape. [Mrs Google rules, as far as minimum distance goes]. The month of May will be route check time and maybe a DIY on all or part of it...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 18 November, 2017, 09:36:46 pm
In an unusual fit of organisation I have entered.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 19 November, 2017, 03:21:04 pm
In.
Thinking was thus:
  • now have the option to ride, which has cost a fiver. Might ride, really want to.
  • But might not ride, in which case I am down a fiver and Tomsk is up a fiver which he deserves anyway for all the work he puts in for auk. 
What's not to like in this?
Ditto
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: megajoulesexpenditure on 22 November, 2017, 11:29:29 am
Travelodge Barry booked for me. After the warnings I'll watch out for that dodgy guy though.(rooms still available for Friday night)

I'm going to have to calm down the excitement I'm feeling for this event or it'll be a very long winter. Seem to have rediscovered some much needed mojo. Thanks Tomsk and Co :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 22 November, 2017, 12:29:42 pm
I`m in :thumbsup:

Premier Inn Port Talbot booked for Friday, I like an early night O:-)

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 22 November, 2017, 12:58:44 pm
I`m in :thumbsup:

Premier Inn Port Talbot booked for Friday, I like an early night O:-)

I'm in both at the moment just in case.

St Neots is proving a little more challenging, the in town hotels are either very expensive or full.  I've a bit further down the A1 so will tt the A1 at about 10:30 on sunday morning... whats the worst that can go wrong !  :facepalm:  (there's a bike path all the way up to St Neots)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 22 November, 2017, 02:37:06 pm
Travelodge at Nottingham Wootton. Not quite as far as St Neots, but fits in well after a stop in Port Talbot the previous night.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: whosatthewheel on 22 November, 2017, 03:15:57 pm
... but fits in well after a stop in Port Talbot the previous night.

Really living the dream on the Welsh riviera...

(https://cdn.static-economist.com/sites/default/files/images/2016/04/articles/main/20160409_BRP501.jpg)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 22 November, 2017, 03:30:44 pm
Really living the dream on the Welsh riviera...

I don’t think the view from the Premier Inn at Port Talbot will be quite as iconic as the photo presented. But hey, the next option was Barry Island!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 22 November, 2017, 03:41:37 pm
... but fits in well after a stop in Port Talbot the previous night.

Really living the dream on the Welsh riviera...

(https://cdn.static-economist.com/sites/default/files/images/2016/04/articles/main/20160409_BRP501.jpg)


AHHHH almost like back home  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: L CC on 22 November, 2017, 04:27:55 pm

AHHHH almost like back home  :thumbsup:

I saw that picture and thought it was here :)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 22 November, 2017, 04:29:54 pm
Travelodge at Nottingham Wootton. Not quite as far as St Neots, but fits in well after a stop in Port Talbot the previous night.

Good spot, only adds an additional 6km for me if I remove the A1 hotel option detour.  Nice 300km after PT also!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jayteezim on 22 November, 2017, 05:58:00 pm
I have also entered this event. Excuse the ignorance as I only joined the AUK at the beginning of this year and have never cycled in the areas that this is supposed to cover. I put all the control points into RWGPS and joined the dots using the cycling feature and it came up with a 1123km route. I know the official route has not been posted however can someone give me an idea of where the route is likely to go.
I see on the post giving a guidline of where to stop recommends almost 600 km before the first break which is porbably a bit far for me without a break.
I see above travelodge nottingham wootton is mentioned above just before st neots? i can not find it on the map or google.
any help would be appreciated
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 22 November, 2017, 07:06:21 pm
Let's wait until I've finished the route folks! The controls are listed on AUKweb as well as here - it all still needs a bit of work and there are seven, yes seven months to go...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 22 November, 2017, 07:11:57 pm
Travelodge at Nottingham Wootton. Not quite as far as St Neots, but fits in well after a stop in Port Talbot the previous night.

Would that be Northampton Wooton, or are you adding a few 100Ks extra? ???
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tally51 on 22 November, 2017, 08:17:41 pm
I'm booked in at Tewkesbury, Port Talbot and St Neots.  That gives 3 reasonable days riding and 100K on the last morning given the initial info. That should give a bit of peace of mind that I've got some beds lined up over the winter, then can all be revisited nearer the time when the route is finalised. 
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: the straggler on 22 November, 2017, 10:13:51 pm
Let's wait until I've finished the route folks! The controls are listed on AUKweb as well as here - it all still needs a bit of work and there are seven, yes seven months to go...

I'm not too bothered about the final distance - as Tom probably based the distance between controls 'as the crow flies' method to make certain the overall minimum 1000km distance is achieved.   ;D

It could end up as a epic BRM 1100+ km and the cost still remains at £4. Now that's what I call VFM IMHO.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 22 November, 2017, 10:51:08 pm
I'm booked in at Tewkesbury, Port Talbot and St Neots.  That gives 3 reasonable days riding and 100K on the last morning given the initial info. That should give a bit of peace of mind that I've got some beds lined up over the winter, then can all be revisited nearer the time when the route is finalised.
That daily distance seems to be in keeping with other 1000km events.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 23 November, 2017, 12:55:25 am
Travelodge at Nottingham Wootton. Not quite as far as St Neots, but fits in well after a stop in Port Talbot the previous night.

Would that be Northampton Wooton, or are you adding a few 100Ks extra? ???

We don't go anywhere close to Nottingham, nor Northampton, not really. 

This is my speculation on the route — pure speculation based on the info Tomsk has posted here.  It's Gavin & Stacey plus a hilly Welsh loop and a modified retour:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26526898 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26526898).  I repeat — this is me just joining the dots, nothing more than that.  Just over 1040km by my reckoning, but plenty of opportunities to shorten for the brave.

As Tomsk mentioned, it's still SEVEN months away and we have, therefore, more than one RRTY event to ride, plus at least one, possibly two events to organise between now and then ...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 23 November, 2017, 08:48:23 am
My you lot are organised.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: alotronic on 23 November, 2017, 09:27:19 am
I wasn't thinking of doing this particularly, but then I looked at those welsh climbs in streetview - wow. Very tempted now!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 23 November, 2017, 11:34:42 am
I wasn't thinking of doing this particularly, but then I looked at those welsh climbs in streetview - wow. Very tempted now!

No hills, no scenery  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: megajoulesexpenditure on 23 November, 2017, 11:40:49 am
Yes as Tomsk says there are 7 months until our Severn crossing and a lot of work and miles to get in before then so now that we have our provisional totally flexible plan in place we'll get on with our miles and let Tomsk plot the route details for us. I'm sure it will work out and be an excellent adventure :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 23 November, 2017, 12:08:51 pm
This is my speculation on the route — pure speculation based on the info Tomsk has posted here.  It's Gavin & Stacey plus a hilly Welsh loop and a modified retour:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26526898 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26526898).  I repeat — this is me just joining the dots, nothing more than that.  Just over 1040km by my reckoning, but plenty of opportunities to shorten for the brave.
1000km cycling event starting from Witham(not Billericay), Essex. Controls at Buntingford, St Neots, Towcester, Banbury, Tewkesbury, Chepstow, Pontypridd, Barry, Tonypandy, Llandovery, Neath, Barry, Chepstow, Pershore, Wellesbourne, Towcester, St Neots and Buntingford.
I look forward to be impressed to see a route with these controls coming out at less than 1050km without disproportionate minor road wiggling. My stab is 1050km (starts and finishes in Witham).
Would we be allowed more time if this was designed as a 1100km BRM ride? We'd get a full fourth day's ride in. [Edit: "BRM (Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux) events are run all around the world under the standard set of rules laid down by the ACP (Audax Club Parisien) and the rides are validated and recorded by them.  They are at standard distances, with a maximum of 5% over distance, and the maximum time limits for each distance is: 1000km      75h00 ." So 1050km is the maximum distance if the ride is to be a BRM.]
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 23 November, 2017, 12:14:20 pm
This is my speculation on the route — pure speculation based on the info Tomsk has posted here.  It's Gavin & Stacey plus a hilly Welsh loop and a modified retour:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26526898 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26526898).  I repeat — this is me just joining the dots, nothing more than that.  Just over 1040km by my reckoning, but plenty of opportunities to shorten for the brave.
1000km cycling event starting from Witham(not Billericay), Essex. Controls at Buntingford, St Neots, Towcester, Banbury, Tewkesbury, Chepstow, Pontypridd, Barry, Tonypandy, Llandovery, Neath, Barry, Chepstow, Pershore, Wellesbourne, Towcester, St Neots and Buntingford.
I look forward to be impressed to see a route with these controls coming out at less than 1050km without disproportionate minor road wiggling. My stab is 1050km (starts and finishes in Witham).
Would we be allowed more time if this was designed as a 1100km BRM ride? We'd get a full fourth day's ride in.

You're not far off with that, i've got 1086 at teh moment including a slight 6km detour to tak in South Northampton's delights.  Half the fun in this is trying to join the control dots so I'm looking forward to comparing notes with an official route, at the moment I've got a schedule that sees me home with 90mins in hand based on my LEL data... not quite sure how I'll keep going without a main meal every 3 hours like on LEL though!  :facepalm:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 23 November, 2017, 03:53:17 pm
Oddly I am still not remotely tempted to take part in the ride but I am really enjoying watching everyone planning! I think my 1,000 will have to come post PBP year at some stage....
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 23 November, 2017, 06:48:06 pm
I look forward to be impressed to see a route with these controls coming out at less than 1050km without disproportionate minor road wiggling. My stab is 1050km (starts and finishes in Witham).

The minimum distance is indeed below ACP's 5% over-distance rule. The [advisory] route will be a little more [Tomsk's Rules], but it will be lovely and you'll thank me for it [but some might still choose to plough down the A Horrible].  ;)

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 25 November, 2017, 10:44:50 am
Hmmm. Unless someone can correct me, it's 75h dead, even for a n+5%km event. So we'll be riding an extra 50km, maybe more, in the same time limit.

That's quite a big disincentive for me - 2-3hours+ less sleep :( Still, good to be transparent about these things  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: whosatthewheel on 25 November, 2017, 10:49:37 am
Hmmm. Unless someone can correct me, it's 75h dead, even for a n+5%km event. So we'll be riding an extra 50km, maybe more, in the same time limit.

That's quite a big disincentive for me - 2-3hours+ less sleep :( Still, good to be transparent about these things  :thumbsup:

On the other hand, you'll probably be on the road a lot more hours than that should you choose to ride MC1K3...  ;D
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 November, 2017, 11:03:09 am
There are no options for BRMs to be any nominal distance other than the standard 200, 300, 400, 600 or 1000k, so an 1100km BRM isn't possible.

Is there a particular reason why this event couldn't start and finish about 20km west of Witham to bring both the shortest and routesheet distances closer to 1000km?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 25 November, 2017, 11:47:57 am
Comparing the ACME Grand to some other 1000km rides in the calendar for next year, this will be significantly flatter and probably not much further in actual riding distance, comparative to the length of the event. Therefore I wouldn't get too hung up on the ride distance, but consider this as a package in respect to the distance, amount of climbing, scenery and interesting places to stop for refuelling and sleep.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 25 November, 2017, 11:57:40 am
I've done plenty of 1000km+ rides, some flatter than others, with widely varying facilities, roads, yada yada. The rides vary in their ratio of TypeI fun to TypeII fun. That is Audax.

I'm quite capable of weighing these factors up for myself; I may not make perfect judgements, but my choice is more likely to suit *ME* than your choice!

It's perfectly sensible to discuss/consider the over-distance, just as it is sensible to discuss the facilities, scenery, and the brilliant Extra Info that Tomsk provides :)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 25 November, 2017, 12:07:36 pm
I've done plenty of ...

Yes, I'm aware of your palmarès. I was just putting across my view for the benefit of all readers of this thread, not offering advice to anybody specifically.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 25 November, 2017, 04:16:59 pm
I've done plenty of ...

Yes, I'm aware of your palmarès. I was just putting across my view for the benefit of all readers of this thread, not offering advice to anybody specifically.
Fair enough!

[if you want any more palmarès details, let me know. I expect all readers of this thread will be interested. ;) ]
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivo on 25 November, 2017, 05:00:32 pm
There are no options for BRMs to be any nominal distance other than the standard 200, 300, 400, 600 or 1000k, so an 1100km BRM isn't possible.

Is there a particular reason why this event couldn't start and finish about 20km west of Witham to bring both the shortest and routesheet distances closer to 1000km?

800k also exists but is hardly ever organised.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: whosatthewheel on 25 November, 2017, 05:05:52 pm
There are no options for BRMs to be any nominal distance other than the standard 200, 300, 400, 600 or 1000k, so an 1100km BRM isn't possible.

Is there a particular reason why this event couldn't start and finish about 20km west of Witham to bring both the shortest and routesheet distances closer to 1000km?

800k also exists but is hardly ever organised.

Shame... could be popular...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 November, 2017, 05:13:28 pm
There are no options for BRMs to be any nominal distance other than the standard 200, 300, 400, 600 or 1000k, so an 1100km BRM isn't possible.

Is there a particular reason why this event couldn't start and finish about 20km west of Witham to bring both the shortest and routesheet distances closer to 1000km?

800k also exists but is hardly ever organised.

Not in http://www.audax-club-parisien.com/EN/312.html so possibly as exceptions to the rules.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivo on 25 November, 2017, 07:09:21 pm
There are no options for BRMs to be any nominal distance other than the standard 200, 300, 400, 600 or 1000k, so an 1100km BRM isn't possible.

Is there a particular reason why this event couldn't start and finish about 20km west of Witham to bring both the shortest and routesheet distances closer to 1000km?

800k also exists but is hardly ever organised.

Not in http://www.audax-club-parisien.com/EN/312.html so possibly as exceptions to the rules.

I rode one in 2004, the Ladoga 800. It has been organised multiple times until traffic became to dense around St. Petersburg.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 November, 2017, 11:21:26 pm
I can't think of any other 800 BRMs this century.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 01 December, 2017, 04:15:19 pm
England play Belgium in their final World Cup group game on 28th June, so the roads may be less busy during the first afternoon/evening of this ride. Good planning Tomsk  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 01 December, 2017, 04:55:38 pm
England play Belgium in their final World Cup group game on 28th June,
Oi! We only need to beat Panama & Tunisia to progress - and we haven't lost to Belgium since 1936.

I'm not suggesting you put any money on it - god forbid - but it's not inconceivable that we will get out of that group :P
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 01 December, 2017, 05:27:42 pm
Final group game ... rather than final World Cup game. I expect there will be some suspense, but definitely possibilities for a final 16 and possible final 8 game also.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 03 December, 2017, 03:32:43 pm
First and second in the group will likely turn on the result of the Belgium match, and therefore which nation England will face in the next round will mean this match gets huge viewing, with beneficial effect on the numbers out and about on the roads.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: GPS on 06 December, 2017, 01:53:29 pm
I was on the road during England's dreadful World Cup match against Germany in 2010.

There was crazy driving leading up to it, an enjoyable traffic-free few hours during the game, and then a gradual return to 'normal' afterwards.

It was also a very hot day during which I was struck by the dozies having been on the road the night before.

Hopefully the ACME grand will be more enjoyable !

Which reminds me - I really ought to get my entry in ...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jayteezim on 06 December, 2017, 05:18:11 pm
Hmmm. Unless someone can correct me, it's 75h dead, even for a n+5%km event. So we'll be riding an extra 50km, maybe more, in the same time limit.

That's quite a big disincentive for me - 2-3hours+ less sleep :( Still, good to be transparent about these things  :thumbsup:
Leaving the football aside... the above statement encroaches on my worries as well. Not from the sleep but the time. Last year I did the Celtic Knot in 72 hours. It was less stressful as it was 3 loops. So any distances that are 50km out will already be closing in on my limits.  I have already entered so that is not an issue- goes to a good cause. Will have to wait for recommended route before booking accommodation depending on total length
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 29 December, 2017, 10:50:48 am
Provisional routesheet on AUKweb. There's a lot of it :o I need to lie down in a darkened room for a while...

If anyone would like to check it as a DIY I'd be grateful, but I'm aiming to do the same in May. Likewise if anyone can do a bullet-proof GPS track I can use for our customers...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 29 December, 2017, 11:01:46 am
Provisional routesheet on AUKweb. There's a lot of it :o
Is there a lot of overdistance? ;)

I can probably do some route-checking of the Oxon-ish bits if that's helpful.

EDIT: you've got Chepstow->Pershore as 39km. It's more like 80km.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: whosatthewheel on 29 December, 2017, 11:12:25 am
Provisional routesheet on AUKweb. There's a lot of it :o I need to lie down in a darkened room for a while...

If anyone would like to check it as a DIY I'd be grateful, but I'm aiming to do the same in May. Likewise if anyone can do a bullet-proof GPS track I can use for our customers...

Do you have a link to something mapped on Ridewith GPS or similar? I might be able to help with the Towchester-Bambury-Wellesbourne area
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 29 December, 2017, 08:42:06 pm
Provisional routesheet on AUKweb. There's a lot of it :o I need to lie down in a darkened room for a while...

If anyone would like to check it as a DIY I'd be grateful, but I'm aiming to do the same in May. Likewise if anyone can do a bullet-proof GPS track I can use for our customers...

Do you have a link to something mapped on Ridewith GPS or similar? I might be able to help with the Towchester-Bambury-Wellesbourne area

Sadly no - I'm a Ridewithout GPS kinda organiser...

The Gavin & Stacey route has been ridden by two; I've driven & ridden parts, also the urban Cardiff section. I rode from Coleford to Banbury via the mid-return sections in October.

EDIT: you've got Chepstow->Pershore as 39km. It's more like 80km.

Yes...will look at this and maybe have to tweak it a bit  ;D
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 29 December, 2017, 08:55:28 pm
The Grand has been tweaked...

And I've been doing my 'Woodman's Daughter' 50km routesheet this evening - on & off road options  :thumbsup:. Next week I might get some paid work done  ;D Happy the weather has been a bit orf, very few miles this week.

Mrs Tomsk has been immersed in building her new website [not without a few frustrating 'issues' along the way...] for the past few days, so I don't feel to bad about neglecting her - we've met up for meals...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: whosatthewheel on 30 December, 2017, 08:17:30 am
Whether you ride with or without a GPS is not the point. I am surprised there is nothing mapped... how do you work out the elevation?

Anyway, when I find the time I'll have a look at your routesheet for the area I know and I'll let you know if there is some road that is best avoided or alternatively if there is a road "not to be missed"
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 30 December, 2017, 08:28:12 am
... how do you work out the elevation?

Google Maps set to 'walking' - AUK's preferred method for finding minimum distance and elevation. Maybe not ideal, but it is simple and anyone, ie me, not remotely techie, can make it work...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: megajoulesexpenditure on 30 December, 2017, 09:31:56 am
Can I just ask and please don't take this as any criticism at all.


Nearer the time when the route has been all checked and the routesheet updated, can we please know the total distance of the actual routesheet so that if we were to follow your recommended route(which I usually prefer to do as I would think this would be the happiest route to go) to the letter we have a grasp of the actual distance we are planning for? :thumbsup:



Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 30 December, 2017, 06:02:52 pm
...can we please know the total distance of the actual routesheet...?

Fair point - I will do this, at least as far as Mrs Google will play along...

At one time I used to have actual distances on routesheets as well, but found some got confused with the minimum distances on the brevet. I should probably have a supplementary recommended route distance list along with the min. dist.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 30 December, 2017, 06:13:36 pm
I think with BRM the most important thing to know is the "official" (i.e. minimum rideable) distance, but it's a bit swings-n-roundabouts. I've seen both sets of data supplied, and as long as it's clear, that seemed to work well.

Hopefully when some kind soul puts a GPX together for Tomsk, from that someone can pick out the "routesheet" distance breakdown. If that can be put on one webpage with the route, all the better - some mapping sites are great for this, some not.  (Being a rider, I know the temptation to leave stuff like that to the last minute - it's much better for everyone if it's done as early as possible :) )


(Having organised a flat-but-overdistance BRM, it became clear that you're damned whichever way you do it ... )
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 30 December, 2017, 07:00:57 pm
I've had a quick run through with Google maps to update the distances sheet - on AUKweb now...saved a few kms by using the garage on Barry outskirts the first time around. Mrs Google places Llandovery way off the town centre, so this and one or two other similar vagaries corrected.

36 'bonus' kms, over and above the 1008 minimum distance; could be more if the 'Hill-Dodger's' strategy is deployed in the Welsh Valleys. As I've probably already mentioned, the main roads are there and may be good in the dead of night, or ok, but unpleasant at other times. I think all-in-all it has worked out much as expected...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: megajoulesexpenditure on 30 December, 2017, 07:35:40 pm
Many thanks Tomsk. That's great. Looks like we need to plan for a ride of around 1050k sticking to the routesheet then. :thumbsup:

When the physical on road routecheck is done can I make a request for the actual routesheet distances for each stage to be marked even if just in brackets?

Meantime I'll go back to my turbo trainer and wait for the snow to melt 8)

Looking forward to next years ACME rides.



I've had a quick run through with Google maps to update the distances sheet - on AUKweb now...saved a few kms by using the garage on Barry outskirts the first time around. Mrs Google places Llandovery way off the town centre, so this and one or two other similar vagaries corrected.

36 'bonus' kms, over and above the 1008 minimum distance; could be more if the 'Hill-Dodger's' strategy is deployed in the Welsh Valleys. As I've probably already mentioned, the main roads are there and may be good in the dead of night, or ok, but unpleasant at other times. I think all-in-all it has worked out much as expected...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 01 January, 2018, 09:04:40 pm
Provisional routesheet on AUKweb. There's a lot of it :o I need to lie down in a darkened room for a while...

If anyone would like to check it as a DIY I'd be grateful, but I'm aiming to do the same in May. Likewise if anyone can do a bullet-proof GPS track I can use for our customers...

I concur — there is a lot of it!  I've just spent the afternoon and most of the evening wrestling with it.  The results of my endeavours are here in a shiny RWGPS track (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26526898).  We're still six months away from riding it and and it may all change a bit anyway as people ride sections and Tomsk subsequently tweaks the route, so I won't turn it into various flavours of GPX and TCX until we're a bit closer to the event.  Anyway, feel free to browse the route in RWGPS — you can get a good feel for it from there.

The headlines:  1059km, 10,500m climbing.  The distance I'm confident with, although you can shorten it by not going all the way into Barry.  The elevation is always a bit iffy with these things and very hard to confirm either way with a simple barometric elevation measurement.  It seems quite a lot, but it works out at 1%, which is about average for the UK.  Some big climbs in Wales, and some flat bits in England, so there will be a tough day in the middle!

I need to find my own darkened room and have a lie-down myself, cor blimey! ...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 01 January, 2018, 11:11:39 pm
Thanks Wilky, well done.  :thumbsup:

That's about the same over-distance for  one of Tomsks 200km perms ;D

So if I ride from home to Witham and back that'll be a nice little ECE for 1100km.  😀
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 01 January, 2018, 11:57:42 pm
Stage distances and cumulative distances for the draft route of December 2017:

STAGE 1    61    61   BUNTINGFORD
STAGE 2    47   108   ST NEOTS
STAGE 3    65   173   TOWCESTER
STAGE 4    28   201   BANBURY
STAGE 5    68   269   TEWKESBURY
STAGE 6    17   340   CHEPSTOW
STAGE 7    58   398   PONTYPRIDD
STAGE 8    27   425   BARRY

STAGE 9    33   458   TONYPANDY
STAGE 10   70   528   LLANDOVERY
STAGE 11   50   578   NEATH
STAGE 12   64   642   BARRY

STAGE 13   54   706   CHEPSTOW
STAGE 14   86   792   PERSHORE
STAGE 15   44   836   WELLESBOURNE
STAGE 16   51   887   TOWCESTER
STAGE 17   65   952   ST NEOTS
STAGE 18   46   998   BUNTINGFORD
ARRIVÉE    61  1059   WITHAM
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Alex B on 02 January, 2018, 02:15:20 am
1060 km in 75 hrs.

On LEL it took me 83:20 to get that far.

O goodee - a challenge  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 02 January, 2018, 08:36:06 am
1060 km in 75 hrs.

On LEL it took me 83:20 to get that far.

O goodee - a challenge  :thumbsup:

But you finished an over-distance 1400, right?

I looked over my old 1000km+ brevets [I knew I'd kept them for a reason] and at 1000km I'd taken between 68 and 72 hours. And I'd had enough sleep - I reckon on an x-rated event I'd lose a lot less time at controls and therefore gain more time for sleep, but be very tempted to ride 2 nights on naps. PB PBP through the first and last nights, but with a good kip on the second night.

Look at it like this: 1060km @ 20kph = 53 hours for riding, almost a day for sleep, cafes, faffing...19 controls - say half an hour at each, on average [between 10 mins garage stop and an hour at a Wetherspoons], that's roughly 10 hours 'down time' or thereabouts. Most of us ride a bit faster than 20kph too.

And  a big THANK YOU to wilkyboy for looking over the route on RWGPS  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Alex B on 02 January, 2018, 10:34:28 am
But you finished an over-distance 1400, right?

True! So far as I am concerned, the over-distance is just a consequence of the way audax routes work and is no problem. It's just personally, as a relative newbie to ultra-distance events, I'm needing to get my head around what this ride is. I was in danger of thinking "I've done LEL, so 1000 km pah! how hard can it be!?" But for the type of rider I am, I think it's going to be a significantly tougher challenge than LEL because it's a bit hillier, there's a need to ride quicker and there's no constant control TLC. This is all good: I like a challenge. I'd better get training ;D

I'm also seeing this ride a PBP prep (never having ridden PBP) not just because a successful finish should give early pre-registration, but because it's a east-west out and back (ish) route with some hilliness at the western end. Mind you, I'd have though any successful ACME Grand finisher would be fairly bullish about completing an 80 hr PBP?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivan on 02 January, 2018, 12:07:08 pm
Ok, I'm in, having just about banished the memory of the over-distance of the original Flatlands 4 years ago. Got a cunning plan for a mandatory route ECE from home to bring it up to 1200 overall.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 03 January, 2018, 12:16:44 pm
I'm also seeing this ride a PBP prep
Food for thought in that point. I see it as a sort of PBP test, in that even if I don't finish it, I'll have a decent idea of whether it's worth having a second go at PBP. I'm unsure whether to ride this, which I've entered, or Brussels-Paris-Brussels 600k, which I've finished before. And there the
Borders of Belgium 1,000, where I have unfinished business. But this Essex Grand looks a very fine ride. At the moment it's at the top of my list. (Has the Tomsk flavour, which is a strong brand.)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 03 January, 2018, 01:23:55 pm
I really fancied a 1000 this year to give me a leg up for PBP entry.   I've not done anything over 600k since PBP.   The fact it starts about an hour from home helps with annual leave.

Added to this I have an affinity with Tomsk's rides, having done a few in recent years.   There is a chance we will be moving closer in a couple of years if all goes well.

The evnt starts 10 days after my planned 12hr and finishes just under 3 weeks before the 24hr, should I decide to ride again.   I'll look to get round by riding briskly during the day and getting some kip in hotels at night.   I'll plan in a bit more detail once we're into the Spring.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Dominic on 03 January, 2018, 02:09:11 pm
Put my entry in for this over the Christmas period to make up for my failed LEL.  Got to start riding my bike again.  Must also check that my entry has gone because thinking about it I haven't seen any confirmation e-mails about payment!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 03 January, 2018, 05:00:34 pm
...I haven't seen any confirmation e-mails about payment!

Remiss of me, other priorities, sorry. I'll get in touch with entrants eventually. Meanwhile I need some time this week to look at over-distance issues, route sheet glitches etc etc...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Dominic on 03 January, 2018, 05:55:14 pm
Tomsk,
I appreciate you are busy and it was not directed at you, more that I couldn't remember seeing confirmation from PayPal that the money had been sent to you.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 03 January, 2018, 07:04:52 pm
Paypal has had a few hiccups at the back end of last year, that I need to chase up...organiser's hassles...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 03 January, 2018, 07:29:23 pm
Ok, I'm in, having just about banished the memory of the over-distance of the original Flatlands 4 years ago. Got a cunning plan for a mandatory route ECE from home to bring it up to 1200 overall.

Not decided what big ride to do this Summer, but as I've ECE'd the Flatlands the last two years, the next step would be to ECE this one, or share a car journey with Big Saxon, or do the perm (if Tomsk turns it into one), and start from Towcester  ;)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 04 January, 2018, 08:42:12 pm
Edited, proof-read, tweaked version of the Provisional Routesheet up on AUKweb [ :thumbsup: thanks wilkyboy for the second pair of eyes over it...]

Still not sure about trimming the over-distance: it is spread out with a few bonus kms here and there, over almost every section. I think it'd need about 10 info controls...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Alex B on 05 January, 2018, 12:11:09 pm
Still not sure about trimming the over-distance

I'd rather have over-distance than death-by-info-control any day! And from a purely selfish perspective, I'm planning to take advantage of the route flexibility to divert and overnight with my sister - adding another 10km :)

The route looks very nice - featuring no less than three climbs from Simon Warren's "Greatest Climbs" books ...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 05 January, 2018, 12:56:17 pm
In what is, for me, a moment of spectacular planning I have booked rooms at the Premier Inns in Barry and St Neots.    Will ride through Thursday night as suggested.

I'll need a slightly larger bit of luggage than I've used recently and probably a lower gear for the lumpy bits.

Looks like a nice little mini-break and I should be back home Sunday tea-time and ready for work on Monday.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Christophe on 17 January, 2018, 09:18:24 am
Mid life is hitting hard and after a bit more adventure. I am rapidly talking myself in to this one. Looking at Tomsk's timings though, seem a bit optimistic for my steady pace. Also 600 is furthest I've been so will be 400k in to the unknown....
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Oaky on 17 January, 2018, 10:53:34 am
Mid life is hitting hard and after a bit more adventure. I am rapidly talking myself in to this one. Looking at Tomsk's timings though, seem a bit optimistic for my steady pace. Also 600 is furthest I've been so will be 400k in to the unknown....

sounds like we are in a similar position.

I'm still looking hard at the distance and trying to decide where my most likely sleep stops will be based on previous rides.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tedshred on 17 January, 2018, 12:44:43 pm
Something to discuss tonight possibly. In a fit of enthusiasm I did have a look at this yesterday. 

The difficulty I could see is that the Tomsk schedule relies on riding 600k plus before the first sleep stop.  It will be daylight for the last 300k or so which will help but I would probably have gone for a schedule of 400ish, sleep, Welsh loop plus 100, sleep and 300ish to finish.  That means afternoon sleep stops though.

I should probably be more worried about being fit enough but planning is part of the fun - I haven't entered yet either...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Christophe on 17 January, 2018, 01:38:07 pm
Something to discuss tonight possibly. In a fit of enthusiasm I did have a look at this yesterday. 

The difficulty I could see is that the Tomsk schedule relies on riding 600k plus before the first sleep stop.  It will be daylight for the last 300k or so which will help but I would probably have gone for a schedule of 400ish, sleep, Welsh loop plus 100, sleep and 300ish to finish.  That means afternoon sleep stops though.

I should probably be more worried about being fit enough but planning is part of the fun - I haven't entered yet either...

Tomsk's strategy of 24hr 400 plus 13hr 200 gets you back to Barry at midnight with an 11.00am start. I think I'd want a stop before then. I don't mind winging it and bivvying but the thought of 3 full days of cycling without a shower is another prospect entirely......
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 17 January, 2018, 01:39:32 pm
When I did the mille cymru I foolishly thought, after doing 600s on no sleep, I'd only need two sleeps (even though the event was split into four sections, the last one being 100km or so). I DID need three short sleeps though. The same for the mille pennines. Mors climbing = more rest for me.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mattc on 17 January, 2018, 03:12:14 pm
Something to discuss tonight possibly. In a fit of enthusiasm I did have a look at this yesterday. 

The difficulty I could see is that the Tomsk schedule relies on riding 600k plus before the first sleep stop.  It will be daylight for the last 300k or so which will help but I would probably have gone for a schedule of 400ish, sleep, Welsh loop plus 100, sleep and 300ish to finish.  That means afternoon sleep stops though.

I should probably be more worried about being fit enough but planning is part of the fun - I haven't entered yet either...


Tomsk's strategy of 24hr 400 plus 13hr 200 gets you back to Barry at midnight with an 11.00am start. I think I'd want a stop before then. I don't mind winging it and bivvying but the thought of 3 full days of cycling without a shower is another prospect entirely......
I think the idea is to book a shower (possibly with free bed and even breakfast included) at Barry after that first 600k. [I've bolded your relevant text]
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 17 January, 2018, 04:27:17 pm
There's a Premier Inn at Port Talbot, which might provide a useful alternative for slower riders who would not reach Barry until very late on the second night. I'm planning to stop there, knowing that after riding through the previous night and having had a day of hills, I'll be ready for a nice rest at that stage.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 17 January, 2018, 04:38:06 pm
There's a Premier Inn at Port Talbot, which might provide a useful alternative for slower riders who would not reach Barry until very late on the second night. I'm planning to stop there, knowing that after riding through the previous night and having had a day of hills, I'll be ready for a nice rest at that stage.
And you might be happy when your bike gets pinched while you sleep  ;D
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 18 January, 2018, 07:43:07 am
There's a Premier Inn at Port Talbot, which might provide a useful alternative for slower riders who would not reach Barry until very late on the second night. I'm planning to stop there, knowing that after riding through the previous night and having had a day of hills, I'll be ready for a nice rest at that stage.
And you might be happy when your bike gets pinched while you sleep  ;D

Is that said with any knowledge that they don’t allow bike in rooms at the Port Talbot Premier Inn?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 18 January, 2018, 09:02:00 am
There's a Premier Inn at Port Talbot, which might provide a useful alternative for slower riders who would not reach Barry until very late on the second night. I'm planning to stop there, knowing that after riding through the previous night and having had a day of hills, I'll be ready for a nice rest at that stage.
And you might be happy when your bike gets pinched while you sleep  ;D

Is that said with any knowledge that they don’t allow bike in rooms at the Port Talbot Premier Inn?
No, purely an unhelpful comment. Worry not!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tedshred on 18 January, 2018, 01:53:57 pm
It looks as if the ACME B Peloton is taking shape.

Oaky and I approached the Straggler last night at the Arrows pubinar looking for some local insight into the tricky Welsh section.

"I don't have a plan, I was just going to follow Carlos Fandango", was the extent of that local insight  :o

Fortunately, we know what a canny fellow the Straggler is and once we had assured him that we were thinking of joining the famous B peloton, he was a bit more forthcoming.  Our plan, such as it is, is mostly based around winging it with bivvy bags, overnight food supplies and a bit of local knowledge from the Straggler.

I might even enter at this rate.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 18 January, 2018, 02:37:09 pm
It looks as if the ACME B Peloton is taking shape.

Oaky and I approached the Straggler last night at the Arrows pubinar looking for some local insight into the tricky Welsh section.

"I don't have a plan, I was just going to follow Carlos Fandango", was the extent of that local insight  :o

Fortunately, we know what a canny fellow the Straggler is and once we had assured him that we were thinking of joining the famous B peloton, he was a bit more forthcoming.  Our plan, such as it is, is mostly based around winging it with bivvy bags, overnight food supplies and a bit of local knowledge from the Straggler.

I might even enter at this rate.

Go for it ted :thumbsup: Make sure you pack all your arm, knee and leg warmers, buffs and extra jerseys just in case you fancy another garage aisle fashion show. ;D

As for the Straggler, I`m humbled by his faith in my navigational and ride management skills, they are however totally misplaced.

My strategy is usually, ride until hunger and/or sleep deprivation are about to cause temporary unconciousness, stop, eat, sleep, ride and repeat.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Christophe on 18 January, 2018, 02:41:35 pm
It looks as if the ACME B Peloton is taking shape.

Oaky and I approached the Straggler last night at the Arrows pubinar looking for some local insight into the tricky Welsh section.

"I don't have a plan, I was just going to follow Carlos Fandango", was the extent of that local insight  :o

Fortunately, we know what a canny fellow the Straggler is and once we had assured him that we were thinking of joining the famous B peloton, he was a bit more forthcoming.  Our plan, such as it is, is mostly based around winging it with bivvy bags, overnight food supplies and a bit of local knowledge from the Straggler.

I might even enter at this rate.

If there's room for a small one I wouldn't mind joining the B peloton. I was thinking of bivvying it as well rather than stressing about having to be somewhere at a certain time. My other consideration was showering facilities which I have found at Magor services on the M4 just after Newport. According to Wilky's track this is about 1km off route just under 700km in. Will also be carrying tea making facilities.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 18 January, 2018, 03:03:24 pm
It looks as if the ACME B Peloton is taking shape.

Oaky and I approached the Straggler last night at the Arrows pubinar looking for some local insight into the tricky Welsh section.

"I don't have a plan, I was just going to follow Carlos Fandango", was the extent of that local insight  :o

Fortunately, we know what a canny fellow the Straggler is and once we had assured him that we were thinking of joining the famous B peloton, he was a bit more forthcoming.  Our plan, such as it is, is mostly based around winging it with bivvy bags, overnight food supplies and a bit of local knowledge from the Straggler.

I might even enter at this rate.

Go for it ted :thumbsup: Make sure you pack all your arm, knee and leg warmers, buffs and extra jerseys just in case you fancy another garage aisle fashion show. ;D

As for the Straggler, I`m humbled by his faith in my navigational and ride management skills, they are however totally misplaced.

My strategy is usually, ride until hunger and/or sleep deprivation are about to cause temporary unconciousness, stop, eat, sleep, ride and repeat.

From what we witnessed on LEL, You missed out "Shower" at every stop (unless that was code for something else?)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 18 January, 2018, 05:06:33 pm
Well, I'll be having a shower at Port Talbot, that'll have to do I'm afraid.

As far as LEL goes, what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room ;)

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Charlie Polecat on 18 January, 2018, 05:56:50 pm
I apologise in advance in sidetracking this thread, but I want to say I am in awe of riders undertaking this 1,000 with its attendant self-accommodating issues. A 1,000K ride I am planing to ride in preparation for maybe PBP next year but certainly LeJog this year, we will start and stop over three legs at the same spot with hotels within reach:


This is a 1000k broken over 3 days starting just north of downtown Austin. The first day is 233 miles through Texas hill country.
It is a loop that goes north and west of the city. The second day is loop that is south and west of the city (198 miles). The final
day is an out and back heading mostly east. It has the least climbing of the 3 days and is mostly gentle rollers.

Each day starts and ends at the Speedy Stop (which is open 24 hours and has reasonable hot food). Best choices for hotels are listed below
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Redlight on 18 January, 2018, 06:54:15 pm
As far as LEL goes, what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room ;)

Are you referring to the Edinburgh control in 2009?  :demon:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 18 January, 2018, 08:29:08 pm
As far as LEL goes, what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room ;)

Are you referring to the Edinburgh control in 2009?  :demon:

That was before my time, but please enlighten us.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 18 January, 2018, 08:58:15 pm
As far as LEL goes, what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room ;)

Are you referring to the Edinburgh control in 2009?  :demon:

That was before my time, but please enlighten us.

I must have misread that first statement, i’m sure you said what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 18 January, 2018, 10:48:35 pm
A 1,000K ride I am planing to ride . . . will start and stop over three legs at the same spot with hotels within reach:
But this 'looping' business means you're not really going anywhere so loose out on the adventure the four 1000 kilometre rides in UK this year all offer (Mille Pennines gives you a double C2C).
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Redlight on 19 January, 2018, 08:31:24 am
As far as LEL goes, what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room ;)

Are you referring to the Edinburgh control in 2009?  :demon:

That was before my time, but please enlighten us.

I must have misread that first statement, i’m sure you said what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room.

I think it's a bit like the Sex Pistols' first gig in Manchester. Those who were there are far outnumbered by those who were not but wish that they had been and now claim that they were  ;)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Carlosfandango on 19 January, 2018, 09:01:49 am
As far as LEL goes, what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room ;)

Are you referring to the Edinburgh control in 2009?  :demon:

That was before my time, but please enlighten us.

I must have misread that first statement, i’m sure you said what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room.

Damn, talked myself out of some juicy gossip there. :facepalm:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 15 February, 2018, 08:23:47 pm
Extra information added to the ACME GRAND file on AUKweb: Control opening and closing times.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 16 February, 2018, 08:12:59 am
A 1,000K ride I am planing to ride . . . will start and stop over three legs at the same spot with hotels within reach:
But this 'looping' business means you're not really going anywhere so loose out on the adventure the four 1000 kilometre rides in UK this year all offer (Mille Pennines gives you a double C2C).

That sounds unfair.  All these rides are looping, it's just a matter of how many loops.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 16 February, 2018, 09:55:45 pm
A 1,000K ride I am planing to ride . . . will start and stop over three legs at the same spot with hotels within reach:
But this 'looping' business means you're not really going anywhere so loose out on the adventure the four 1000 kilometre rides in UK this year all offer (Mille Pennines gives you a double C2C).

That sounds unfair.  All these rides are looping, it's just a matter of how many loops.
On reflection, you're right: my comments were too harsh. Any 1000km ride is an adventure. ETA: But if you're returning to the start twice during the ride, it is less of an adventure. Loops in the four UK 2018 thousands are from a 'remote' control.

The four in UK this year have all been designed to allow 2 (Mille Pennines 3) stops at the same place, which is not the start or the arrivee:
West Highlands starts at 2000: 456k to Oban (via (almost the Mull of) Kintyre), 280k over to (ferry) and round Sunart, Moidart and Loch Eilt/Eil and back to Oban, and 270k to finish off via Perth.
ACME Grand starts at 1100: 426k to Barry, 216k through and north of the valleys and back to Barry, and 418 to finish (with a stop somewhere).
Mille Pennines starts at 1100: 250k round/through the Lakes to Sedbergh, 347k across the Pennines to Scotland and back, 337k across the North York Moors (twice) and back to Sedbergh, and 78k to finish.
Mille Cymru 3 starts at 0800: 303k to Llanwrtyd Wells, 324k to St David's/Broad Haven and back, 313k north to Snowdonia thence to Vrynwy, and 72k to finish.




Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 02 April, 2018, 03:29:38 pm
Having had the benefit of local knowledge from a local South Wales cyclist [fellow International Bicycle Tours leader], I may well tweak the route from Penarth to Newport via the Cardiff Bay Barrage and the coast road - about 2km further, but less urban on the parts through Cardiff and Newport, and flatter too. Watch this space...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 05 April, 2018, 08:41:34 pm
Looking good. Perhaps emphasising you get a lot of bang for your buck on the ACME Grand  :)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 06 April, 2018, 08:14:38 pm
Re The Shiny. Well there was a pic, but Photobucket isn't playing...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 06 April, 2018, 08:48:07 pm
A shiny??? I may have to enter for another badge, commemorative jersey and bidon  😀
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 06 April, 2018, 09:32:22 pm
Is this the pic?

(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/bwe.jpg)

Shiiiinyyyyy! 8)   Want one  ;D  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 06 April, 2018, 11:13:00 pm
Now that’s SHINY!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 07 April, 2018, 07:49:23 pm
Thanks Wilkyboy  :thumbsup:

The Real Thing will be available to handle and admire at 'The Woodman/Woodman's Daughter, next weekend...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: alotronic on 16 April, 2018, 12:07:22 pm
Oh dear, I've just entered, and it's not that far away... Logic was it happens before proper summer hols so I can do a big ride without messing up summer hols with the fam (that's PBP next year!) So, really should start doing rides longer than 100 then....
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: telstarbox on 16 April, 2018, 12:59:55 pm
As far as LEL goes, what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room ;)

Are you referring to the Edinburgh control in 2009?  :demon:

That was before my time, but please enlighten us.

I must have misread that first statement, i’m sure you said what happens in the shower room, stays in the shower room.

I think it's a bit like the Sex Pistols' first gig in Manchester. Those who were there are far outnumbered by those who were not but wish that they had been and now claim that they were  ;)

But every single person went on to set up their own Super Randonneur series.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivan on 07 May, 2018, 11:18:18 am
Started working on a plan for this, including where to sleep and what gearing to go for. Ooh, looks a bit hilly, so ran wilkyboy's draft track through my tool used by the AAA man, I make it eligible for 9.25 AAA points for the middle section.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 07 May, 2018, 01:39:08 pm
Started working on a plan for this, including where to sleep and what gearing to go for. Ooh, looks a bit hilly, so ran wilkyboy's draft track through my tool used by the AAA man, I make it eligible for 9.25 AAA points for the middle section.

I’m thinking of dropping from my usual 79 to 70.   I’m a little lazy for wheel flipping so will gear down a few weeks before to get back used to spinning.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 07 May, 2018, 01:47:45 pm
I make it eligible for 9.25 AAA points for the middle section.

I know Tomsk is working on getting the AAA points confirmed, currently waiting on our AAA man, but if 9.25 points is anywhere near the final figure i’ll be very happy.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 08 May, 2018, 01:46:41 pm
Started working on a plan for this, including where to sleep and what gearing to go for. Ooh, looks a bit hilly, so ran wilkyboy's draft track through my tool used by the AAA man, I make it eligible for 9.25 AAA points for the middle section.
Can't quite see how any tool can discover 9,126m of climb for the "middle section" in a ride which according to Wilkyboy's RwGPS route is 1059km + 10548m. It looks to me as if the 300-600ish km section merits AAA points - must be more than 3,760m in that section from climbing up into the Forest of Dean (307k) to Neath at 583k. But maybe some tools are more generous than others. Does imply that the first 300 (NB includes the Cotswolds) and the last 400k together have less than a couple of thousand metres of climb (which does sound a bit 'Flatlander').
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivan on 08 May, 2018, 02:10:38 pm
With a climbing rate of 11.67m/km, that nominal 9,126m covers 782km, which then only leaves 277km for the non-AAA ease in/out, plus there is a slight variation in how climbing figures are calculated.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: grams on 08 May, 2018, 03:22:56 pm
Using RideWithGPS I can find 8726m in the 782 km from roughly the A6 north of Bedford to the M1 north of Milton Keynes (via Wales!), so only a 400m difference, which is not unusual when comparing numbers from different tools.

(If you took RWGPS as AAA gospel the most you can get is 7.25 points for the 650 km loop west of Banbury before the rate of climb falls below the AAA threshold)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: TigaSefi on 08 May, 2018, 10:57:12 pm
11,000 feet a day sound insane!! what am I letting myself in for.

Sleeping in Barry on Friday 29th June right ?

Wyboston Premier Inn seems to be full. Any other recommendation?

EDit Towcester silverstone is literally on the route near mcdonalds too. perfect.

willing to share a twin room to split the costs.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 08 May, 2018, 11:45:39 pm
(If you took RWGPS as AAA gospel the most you can get is 7.25 points for the 650 km loop west of Banbury before the rate of climb falls below the AAA threshold)
This is very close to the figure I got when I looked more closely (ie Banbury and back). Would still be interested to learn the start and finish points of a 9+ AAA point element. But the tools used do seem to suggest significantly greater climb than RwGPS routes calculate. For example, on RwGPS BCM 2016/17/18: 6615m in 596k (AAA requires 7271m @ 12.2m per km for under 600km rides) but gets 7.5 AAA points.
Irrespective, looking forward to the ride.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivan on 09 May, 2018, 11:34:02 am
FWIW, I've got it starting 133km in, north of Bedford as Graham has it. The AAA tool uses OS data in the UK which is of generally better quality than the STRM global data RwGPS is most likely using. Also the sampling method is chosen to match existing AAA assessments as closely as possible, so I wouldn't obsess too much over the exact climbing amount, which like measuring the length of the coastline is always going to be an approximation.

In other news, I've booked the Barry Premier Inn for Friday night, looks like the place to be, and will wing it with a bivvy bag for the others. Need to round TINAT to decide on the gearing but most likely keep the 73".
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 10 May, 2018, 08:08:58 am
AAA points to the value of 9.25 are coming soon, courtesy of Mr Triple A  :thumbsup:  9163m climbing eligible for points, out of a total 10997m...

Thanks again to jiberjaber and wilkyboy for the gps data  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 10 May, 2018, 12:10:21 pm
AAA points to the value of 9.25 are coming soon

That’s more than I was expecting, but very welcome. I think that I might need to study the route a bit more closely; I should be ok with my conservative pace estimates, but they might not be as conservative as I thought! Pleased I opted for Port Talbot on night 2 though.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: the straggler on 10 May, 2018, 01:18:55 pm
AAA points to the value of 9.25 are coming soon

That’s more than I was expecting, but very welcome. I think that I might need to study the route a bit more closely; I should be ok with my conservative pace estimates, but they might not be as conservative as I thought! Pleased I opted for Port Talbot on night 2 though.

Yikes, no need to study the route more closely! I'm taking my m-bike.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 10 May, 2018, 05:56:06 pm
AAA points to the value of 9.25 are coming soon, courtesy of Mr Triple A  :thumbsup:  9163m climbing eligible for points, out of a total 10997m...
Thanks again to jiberjaber and wilkyboy for the gps data  :thumbsup:
The RwGPS link on the AUK Calendar event page doesn't seem to work for me:
Website: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27454318
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 10 May, 2018, 06:03:52 pm
AAA points to the value of 9.25 are coming soon, courtesy of Mr Triple A  :thumbsup:  9163m climbing eligible for points, out of a total 10997m...
Thanks again to jiberjaber and wilkyboy for the gps data  :thumbsup:
The RwGPS link on the AUK Calendar event page doesn't seem to work for me:
Website: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27454318

Hmmm - not sure why the link isn't working- the last link had a '.' at the end so I assumed that was what had broken it, but the revised link exhibits the same behaviour!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 10 May, 2018, 06:13:08 pm
Riders will get emailed in a few weeks, once the route has been ridden in full next week: route sheet revised and the RwGPS link. Plus my top tips for bus shelters/church porches and other choice bivi spots.

I need to do more bike fettling this weekend, gears need attention...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: megajoulesexpenditure on 10 May, 2018, 06:58:18 pm
The link seems to work  fine if you remove the https://  and then paste it into your browser :thumbsup:

AAA points to the value of 9.25 are coming soon, courtesy of Mr Triple A  :thumbsup:  9163m climbing eligible for points, out of a total 10997m...
Thanks again to jiberjaber and wilkyboy for the gps data  :thumbsup:
The RwGPS link on the AUK Calendar event page doesn't seem to work for me:
Website: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27454318

Hmmm - not sure why the link isn't working- the last link had a '.' at the end so I assumed that was what had broken it, but the revised link exhibits the same behaviour!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 10 May, 2018, 07:55:14 pm
It does not work as it has doubled up http and https in the link.

So the address starts http://https/ridewithgps ... Needs the https/ taking out of the link address
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Jem on 10 May, 2018, 08:53:28 pm
AAA points to the value of 9.25 are coming soon

I really didn't need to know that......
 :-\
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 11 May, 2018, 07:47:22 am
It does not work as it has doubled up http and https in the link.

So the address starts http://https/ridewithgps ... Needs the https/ taking out of the link address

Done! Fingers [or should that be digits] crossed it works...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Nim on 14 May, 2018, 01:09:41 pm
AAA points to the value of 9.25 are coming soon

I read "9.25" and had assumed or hoped vainly this was a typo and it'd be more like 1/3 of that accounting for the hilly welsh bit... but no, tis updated on aukweb now. I am definitely bringing the geared bike.

Happily this puts an AAA SR within reach for me this season. :thumbsup:

This should also make the ride eligible for Grimpeurs du Sud.

Nim
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 14 May, 2018, 02:41:21 pm
The climbing is mostly spread-out.  There are a few significant climbs in Wales, but otherwise it looks like rolling landscape all the way. 

I checked the first 1000km of my PBP track from 2015 and that came out with more climbing, and that felt okay when I rode it (well, as okay as 1200km ever is), with nothing too onerous about the climbing.  So I'd expect this one to feel similar.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 14 May, 2018, 03:42:20 pm
Can a local help/explain why there seem to be no trains on that Sunday (ie 1 Jul) from Witham/Chelmsford into (say) Liverpool Street. Essential railway maintenance?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 14 May, 2018, 06:49:22 pm
Probably Witham is generally the center of the world for rail replacement
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 14 May, 2018, 07:26:29 pm
Trains running from Stansted but that’s a fair old ride back.   Mrs Rob can’t pick me up until late afternoon Sunday.   Anyone recommend anywhere to park for 4 days ?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 14 May, 2018, 08:33:38 pm
Trains running from Stansted but that’s a fair old ride back.   Mrs Rob can’t pick me up until late afternoon Sunday.   Anyone recommend anywhere to park for 4 days ?

Any residential road in Witham should be ok, but Withamians may have specific recommendations...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivan on 15 May, 2018, 12:18:27 pm
If it was engineering works, they would be showing a replacement bus service, so I reckon it's just a glitch in the new calendar.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 15 May, 2018, 07:51:38 pm
If it was engineering works, they would be showing a replacement bus service, so I reckon it's just a glitch in the new calendar.

Thought it a bit odd as I also searched Braintree and Chelmsford and they all gave nil results.

Despite the short hop from St Neots Sunday morning I can’t see myself wanting to ride home, although I suppose we’ll both be going the same way ?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivan on 15 May, 2018, 09:10:42 pm
My original plan was to ECE it but not sure I can face traversing the outer reaches of East London twice so going to put that decision off for as long as possible.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: bhoot on 15 May, 2018, 09:23:35 pm
I think it is because the timetables , particularly around engineering works, are not available yet - see http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/184755.aspx There is some major issue which is reducing the planning to only 6 weeks instead of 12 and paying havoc with advanced ticket sales amongst other issues (like audax ride planning!)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 15 May, 2018, 11:29:35 pm
Now if the ride finished in Great Dunmow (say), those hoping to take a train into the city (and out again multi-miles for some that Sunday evening)  could ride across to the Stanstead line. And those who'd parked in Witham could, well, just ride to Witham (as is the current plan). Ride would be closer to 1000km. Nice town, Great Dunmow.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 May, 2018, 10:37:35 pm
I think it is because the timetables , particularly around engineering works, are not available yet - see http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/184755.aspx There is some major issue which is reducing the planning to only 6 weeks instead of 12 and paying havoc with advanced ticket sales amongst other issues (like audax ride planning!)

Half the operators seem to have ripped up their old timetable and implemented a completely new one.  On Cambridge trains they're warning that "every single scheduled service will change" and then no detailed info on what the changes will be.  I think we'll be better off from Cambridge with more direct-to-London services ... not that that helps with getting to Witham  :facepalm:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 17 May, 2018, 08:25:50 am
Nice town, Great Dunmow.

 :thumbsup: But a Dunmow start would be under-distance according to Mrs Google, unfortunately.

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 17 May, 2018, 08:28:31 am
Timetable now up.   Buses between Ingatestone and Newbury Park.   Driving it is then.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 17 May, 2018, 09:56:28 am
Witham start but Great Dunmow finish? Long enough?
Plenty of trains to get to Witham on Thursday morning.
Tom - thoroughly appreciate all the organising: riders getting back home after 1056km is small beer - we will need to be self-reliant on the ride and that doesn't come to a crunching stop after 1056km.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 17 May, 2018, 07:00:48 pm
Good luck to Tomsk doing the route check at the moment.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 17 May, 2018, 07:01:38 pm
Good luck to Tomsk doing the route check at the moment.
Yep, he's just reached Towcester at the moment
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 20 May, 2018, 08:46:55 am
Back safe and sound, great weather, plenty of time in hand... :thumbsup:

Now cooking breakfast, probably ought to sleep soon, then gather my thoughts properly  ;D
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 20 May, 2018, 09:14:55 am
Good to hear!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 20 May, 2018, 07:06:24 pm
Cracking stuff that will give confidence to those who have entered.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: alotronic on 23 May, 2018, 06:15:56 pm
Back safe and sound, great weather, plenty of time in hand... :thumbsup:

Now cooking breakfast, probably ought to sleep soon, then gather my thoughts properly  ;D

Well done Tom, mental fortitude award! And when you say plenty of time in hand....
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 24 May, 2018, 08:00:51 pm
Back safe and sound, great weather, plenty of time in hand... :thumbsup:

Now cooking breakfast, probably ought to sleep soon, then gather my thoughts properly  ;D

Well done Tom, mental fortitude award! And when you say plenty of time in hand....

...hours...

And I deliberately 'toured' the last day - it finally got hot enough to wear my sandals without socks, have ice creams, drink beer in the sun etc. I'm working on a full ride report and massive updating and expanding of rider info. Due out at the weekend or early next week.

I'll post here and email out to all riders.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 29 May, 2018, 07:48:49 am
Tons of stuff collated: route sheet [updated], gpx link[thanks jiberjaber], control information, route notes AND my DIY ride report all emailed out to riders last night. If anyone somehow got missed off, please let me know.

And the full write-up is over in 'Rides and Touring: Ride Reports'...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 29 May, 2018, 11:09:13 pm
If anyone somehow got missed off, please let me know.

I didn't receive anything, so could you forward to me please?  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 09 June, 2018, 04:53:28 pm
I've updated my RideWithGPS route with all the changes from Tom's final routesheet.

I've sliced'n'diced the route into a number of different lengths in both TCX and GPX, and then reduced to various numbers of points (250, 500 and 10,000) as required for different GPS devices.  You can download your preferred version from here, if you need to:

http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/acme-grand-2018/ (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/acme-grand-2018/)

For such a long ride, if you decide to use one of these sets, please load them onto your device and check them carefully a couple of days before the event — it's quite common for devices to show only the first half of a route if there's something not quite 100% compatible in the GPX/TCX with that device, and on such a long event then that could leave you stranded! 

You can browse the general route here — https://ridewithgps.com/events/57035-acme-grand-1000-tom-deakins-audax-event (https://ridewithgps.com/events/57035-acme-grand-1000-tom-deakins-audax-event).  If there are any more updates to the route itself from the expected route-check in a week or two then I'll update the routes on the above page shortly after.

I'll be navigating by routesheet, naturally  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 09 June, 2018, 05:33:17 pm
I've updated my RideWithGPS route with all the changes from Tom's final routesheet.

That is most helpful, thank you very much :)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 June, 2018, 11:52:40 am
You're welcome  :thumbsup:

Individual stage-by-stage route are now up as well, in 250-point, 500-point and 10,000-point (that's a maximum, each) in both TCX and GPX.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 10 June, 2018, 02:45:32 pm
Our plan, such as it is, is mostly based around winging it with bivvy bags, overnight food supplies
That is more or less my plan, too. Am about to sit down with maps and think about hotels.

Then I'll move on to the trickiest question of all: which valve caps? Black? (Selected to match socks, obvs) Yellow? Different for back/front wheels?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: alotronic on 10 June, 2018, 07:16:11 pm
You're welcome  :thumbsup:

Individual stage-by-stage route are now up as well, in 250-point, 500-point and 10,000-point (that's a maximum, each) in both TCX and GPX.

Super Nick, thanks. I have taken the one hotel option between Port Tablot and Barry, seems about right. Now, gearing....
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 10 June, 2018, 10:26:57 pm
I've updated my RideWithGPS route with all the changes from Tom's final routesheet.

I've sliced'n'diced the route into a number of different lengths in both TCX and GPX, and then reduced to various numbers of points (250, 500 and 10,000) as required for different GPS devices.  You can download your preferred version from here, if you need to:

http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/acme-grand-2018/ (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/acme-grand-2018/)

For such a long ride, if you decide to use one of these sets, please load them onto your device and check them carefully a couple of days before the event — it's quite common for devices to show only the first half of a route if there's something not quite 100% compatible in the GPX/TCX with that device, and on such a long event then that could leave you stranded! 

You can browse the general route here — https://ridewithgps.com/events/57035-acme-grand-1000-tom-deakins-audax-event (https://ridewithgps.com/events/57035-acme-grand-1000-tom-deakins-audax-event).  If there are any more updates to the route itself from the expected route-check in a week or two then I'll update the routes on the above page shortly after.

I'll be navigating by routesheet, naturally  :thumbsup:

Super useful as always Nick!  :thumbsup:  I'm not sure there is another route check planned before the event now (Tomsk is away leading some chaps around on a bike tour) so I think the route is what it is now. 

There is a link on the AUK entry page to my RWGPS route which was built on Nicks, updated to the revised route section through Cardiff and has a few other points of interest marked on it from the route sheet (some caution bits, 24hr garages etc) Not all the items from Tomsk's write up are on there but hopefully it complements the good work Nick has done to make the route files accessible.

Unfortunately I am DNS but I am hoping to see you all at the start and perhaps somewhere on route

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: alotronic on 11 June, 2018, 07:16:03 am
So you're making us choose between route-artistes.... that's cruel. Sophies' choice.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 11 June, 2018, 07:53:36 am
It looks like the Wee MacTaggart and I won't be riding the 1000 unfortunately. Have fun out there.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: grams on 11 June, 2018, 02:08:27 pm
I've just noticed the 9:03 control closing time in Barry on Saturday morning. That means an earlier start from Port Talbot than I was hoping for. Boo.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 12 June, 2018, 07:29:40 pm
I've just noticed the 9:03 control closing time in Barry on Saturday morning. That means an earlier start from Port Talbot than I was hoping for. Boo.

Having done Stacey & Gavin (the reverse of Gavin & Stacey) last year it took me nearly 26 hours with no sleep stops and fresh legs before THOSE climbs, so the 0900 out of Barry is right on the limit for me.  I'm also planning to stop in Port Talbot and leave at first light (about 0300) with 3 hours to get to Barry (planned).
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 12 June, 2018, 08:29:23 pm
I'm also planning to stop in Port Talbot and leave at first light (about 0300) with 3 hours to get to Barry (planned).

Another one here stopping there. My estimated time to get to Port Talbot ranges from 8pm to 11:30pm, depending upon my mood and level of optimism. That'll determine my start time on the Saturday, but 3 or 4am sounds about right.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 12 June, 2018, 08:47:07 pm
I've just noticed the 9:03 control closing time in Barry on Saturday morning. That means an earlier start from Port Talbot than I was hoping for. Boo.

Having done Stacey & Gavin (the reverse of Gavin & Stacey) last year it took me nearly 26 hours with no sleep stops and fresh legs before THOSE climbs, so the 0900 out of Barry is right on the limit for me.  I'm also planning to stop in Port Talbot and leave at first light (about 0300) with 3 hours to get to Barry (planned).
The route is flatter back from Barry, goes via the coast so you only have to do the Eglwysilan climb once, and even then it's the less steep side :)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 13 June, 2018, 11:26:45 pm
So it begins.
The pedals have been changed on the long distance audax bike.
I've thought about which socks to take, after reading Tom's very helpful account of his solo DIY.
I might actually have to start this ride.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 15 June, 2018, 11:23:33 am
This has rather crept up on me but my other activities have diverted me.

Put new tyres, chain and lower gear on the Audax bike last night.   Not ridden a gear that low for a while and it's very spinny.   It should help with the Forest of Dean and the Welsh mountains, though.

Will put a bit more prep time in next week.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 June, 2018, 11:34:36 am
Not ridden a gear that low for a while and it's very spinny.   It should help with the Forest of Dean and the Welsh mountains, though.

Out of interest, how spinny?  I'm wavering towards gears, after my TINAT fail, as I now need this for RRTY, and both JJ and Tomsk's recent write-ups indicated the route feels hillier than online mapping would have us believe  ::-)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 15 June, 2018, 11:42:32 am
Not ridden a gear that low for a while and it's very spinny.   It should help with the Forest of Dean and the Welsh mountains, though.

Out of interest, how spinny?  I'm wavering towards gears, after my TINAT fail, as I now need this for RRTY, and both JJ and Tomsk's recent write-ups indicated the route feels hillier than online mapping would have us believe  ::-)

I've gone from 79" to 70".   I got round the last LEL on 70" and only walked one bit in the Howardian Hills and the cobbles in Alston.

Can always walk here and there.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 June, 2018, 12:33:28 pm
Not ridden a gear that low for a while and it's very spinny.   It should help with the Forest of Dean and the Welsh mountains, though.

Out of interest, how spinny?  I'm wavering towards gears, after my TINAT fail, as I now need this for RRTY, and both JJ and Tomsk's recent write-ups indicated the route feels hillier than online mapping would have us believe  ::-)

I've gone from 79" to 70".   I got round the last LEL on 70" and only walked one bit in the Howardian Hills and the cobbles in Alston.

Can always walk here and there.

I had to walk a couple more, too — I'm heavier and less powerful than you are (and I was running 72-inches).
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 15 June, 2018, 01:04:46 pm
Not ridden a gear that low for a while and it's very spinny.   It should help with the Forest of Dean and the Welsh mountains, though.

Out of interest, how spinny?  I'm wavering towards gears, after my TINAT fail, as I now need this for RRTY, and both JJ and Tomsk's recent write-ups indicated the route feels hillier than online mapping would have us believe  ::-)

I've gone from 79" to 70".   I got round the last LEL on 70" and only walked one bit in the Howardian Hills and the cobbles in Alston.

Can always walk here and there.

I had to walk a couple more, too — I'm heavier and less powerful than you are (and I was running 72-inches).

This was the 2013 version, though.   I was probably 10kg  heavier back then.   My fitness improvements have only really been in the last 2-3 years, when I got a bit more focused.    It won't last.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 15 June, 2018, 01:35:36 pm
Not ridden a gear that low for a while and it's very spinny.   It should help with the Forest of Dean and the Welsh mountains, though.

Out of interest, how spinny?  I'm wavering towards gears, after my TINAT fail, as I now need this for RRTY, and both JJ and Tomsk's recent write-ups indicated the route feels hillier than online mapping would have us believe  ::-)

I've gone from 79" to 70".   I got round the last LEL on 70" and only walked one bit in the Howardian Hills and the cobbles in Alston.

Can always walk here and there.

I had to walk a couple more, too — I'm heavier and less powerful than you are (and I was running 72-inches).

This was the 2013 version, though.   I was probably 10kg  heavier back then.   My fitness improvements have only really been in the last 2-3 years, when I got a bit more focused.    It won't last.

Ah, I was on the Brompton for that one.  I walked the 1-in-6 after the hay-bale, but I think I rode everything else (I think).  I was 5kg lighter then than I am now, and quite a bit fitter. 

This discussion isn't helping ... actually, it is — it's looking more likely I'll be attempting this on gears  :facepalm:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 15 June, 2018, 01:40:08 pm
Not ridden a gear that low for a while and it's very spinny.   It should help with the Forest of Dean and the Welsh mountains, though.

Out of interest, how spinny?  I'm wavering towards gears, after my TINAT fail, as I now need this for RRTY, and both JJ and Tomsk's recent write-ups indicated the route feels hillier than online mapping would have us believe  ::-)

I've gone from 79" to 70".   I got round the last LEL on 70" and only walked one bit in the Howardian Hills and the cobbles in Alston.

Can always walk here and there.

I had to walk a couple more, too — I'm heavier and less powerful than you are (and I was running 72-inches).

This was the 2013 version, though.   I was probably 10kg  heavier back then.   My fitness improvements have only really been in the last 2-3 years, when I got a bit more focused.    It won't last.

Ah, I was on the Brompton for that one.  I walked the 1-in-6 after the hay-bale, but I think I rode everything else (I think).  I was 5kg lighter then than I am now, and quite a bit fitter. 

This discussion isn't helping ... actually, it is — it's looking more likely I'll be attempting this on gears  :facepalm:

I don't have the choice to take gears.   In my mind I had this down as one of the more relaxing weekends of the year given how much time I have spent beating myself up.    I have 2 hotel stops booked and aim to complete around the time the last PBP took me.

Then I got Tomsk's ride write up and the fear kicked in.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 18 June, 2018, 12:59:35 pm
Are we on the final, final version of the routesheet ?

Was going to print it out and annotate this week.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 18 June, 2018, 01:07:34 pm
Yes, unless Tomsk has arranged some other routecheck to be ridden and not told anyone, I think that is as it is.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 20 June, 2018, 11:34:51 am
Bad news. The weather forecast says there'll be a following wind all the way to Barry Island with the lowest temperature at night in double figures and zero chance of rain. Llangattock will be about four degrees in the middle of the night. For the return trip there might be a slight headwind. No rain forecast at all.
I'm running out of excuses. I was hoping for a forecast involving war, pestilence, famine and a plague of frogs.
Looks like I'll have to start this.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 20 June, 2018, 11:42:43 am
Yes, unless Tomsk has arranged some other routecheck to be ridden and not told anyone, I think that is as it is.

I thought Tom mentioned someone might be riding it the week before? It was in his email — "Please find attached the revised route sheet, but note that the route will be checked again by another rider a week or so beforehand, so further revisions may be necessary!".
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 20 June, 2018, 03:28:34 pm
He'll be back in the next day or so, so hopefully we'll find out :)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 20 June, 2018, 08:38:49 pm
Route is finalised, ride will now be by DIY and too near the start time to be useful.

Currently at 100 riders, after DNS notifications.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 20 June, 2018, 10:51:28 pm
Thanks, Tom — now I can get on and print myself the routesheet  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ivan on 21 June, 2018, 05:42:04 pm
I'm out. Having failed to complete half my audaxes this year, and a general lack of riding due to other commitments, just don't have the required physical or mental strength to do this. I've got a prepaid room at the Barry Premier Inn on Friday night going spare - pm me if interested.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 21 June, 2018, 06:31:52 pm
Passes quite close around the 70km, 990km marks.  May head out with SLR to grab a few shots.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 21 June, 2018, 08:04:52 pm
Some piccies would be good Phil  :thumbsup:

I should have expert photographer #2 offspring out and about with a camera in Dunmow, if he's not started his holiday job by then. Otherwise Soupy or Mrs Tomsk...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 21 June, 2018, 09:05:58 pm
I'll be bringing my camera as well.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 21 June, 2018, 09:27:06 pm
I've got a prepaid room at the Barry Premier Inn on Friday night going spare - pm me if interested.

Am tempted.
But while my general lack of achievement and idleness is on a par with yours, I - for some reason I can't explain - am going to have a go at this. The plan is to wing it with a bivvy bag. If it all goes horribly wrong I'll head for the nearest railway station.
So that room ought to go to someone more likely to actually reach Barry.

I refer the court to my sig line.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Arry-R on 21 June, 2018, 10:32:23 pm
Bad news. The weather forecast says there'll be a following wind all the way to Barry Island with the lowest temperature at night in double figures and zero chance of rain. Llangattock will be about four degrees in the middle of the night. For the return trip there might be a slight headwind. No rain forecast at all.
I'm running out of excuses. I was hoping for a forecast involving war, pestilence, famine and a plague of frogs.
Looks like I'll have to start this.


And successfully complete it squire
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Chris F.cc on 22 June, 2018, 03:02:20 pm
I'm out..... just don't have the required physical or mental strength to do this. I've got a prepaid room at the Barry Premier Inn on Friday night going spare - pm me if interested.

^ X2 I am also a DNS with a prepaid room at Barry Prem. PM me....etc
Good Luck everybody!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 22 June, 2018, 06:57:19 pm
Manipulation of the calf, Achilles and knee with the physio today.   Incredibly painful experience but I can feel much more mobility already. 

Hopefully should be back up to speed next few days.

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: alotronic on 23 June, 2018, 09:19:12 am
Route is finalised, ride will now be by DIY and too near the start time to be useful.

Currently at 100 riders, after DNS notifications.

Thanks Tom, useful notes on food etc very handy. A small GF something would be nice at the tea party :-)

A
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 23 June, 2018, 09:27:11 am
As I haven't made any since St David's day, today's the day for a test batch of my Welsh Grandma's Bakestone Cakes recipe to gauge quantities. Allowing ??? per rider for an additional bit of momentum for your descent off the Black Mountain  ;D

I'll just make loads, they keep ok, but somehow you might all have an appetite by then.  :thumbsup:

Thanks Tom, useful notes on food etc very handy. A small GF something would be nice at the tea party :-)
A

I'll pop out and get some gf flour to test too. I'll have a few alternatives anyway on Friday, something savoury too.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jsabine on 23 June, 2018, 09:07:52 pm
I'll pop out and get some gf flour to test too. I'll have a few alternatives anyway on Friday, something savoury too.

GF flour is a shit to work with (xanthum gum is sometimes suggested as an additive) but buckwheat flour may be worth experimenting with - it works really well in *some* recipes.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: alotronic on 23 June, 2018, 10:34:32 pm
I'll pop out and get some gf flour to test too. I'll have a few alternatives anyway on Friday, something savoury too.

GF flour is a shit to work with (xanthum gum is sometimes suggested as an additive) but buckwheat flour may be worth experimenting with - it works really well in *some* recipes.

Yeah, GF baking is really hard to do, don't put yourself through it! Grab a packet of biscuits from the supermarket :-)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 24 June, 2018, 04:19:13 pm
Good luck all.  Looks like you are going to have a hot one.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 24 June, 2018, 09:10:22 pm
Wish I was doing it, but I’m in sunny Jersey 😎. I’ll wait for the perm, if I can start it in Towcester 😉.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 25 June, 2018, 08:02:05 am
Yeah, GF baking is really hard to do, don't put yourself through it! Grab a packet of biscuits from the supermarket :-)

Tell me about it! We have friends with extensive gf baking experience - I doubled the egg in the recipe, still a little more crumbly than standard, but they survived in my bar bag on the Windmill 200 yesterday.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Nuncio on 25 June, 2018, 08:27:00 am
I've just noticed that this goes past my house (Rhos, after Pontardawe, 572km). I would have lined the roadside, or offered refreshements, or a bed or two, or at least put out a 'Go ACME 1000 riders, Go!' sign, but, sadly, I'll be in Greece.

Bon courage!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 25 June, 2018, 09:27:30 am
I've just noticed that this goes past my house (Rhos, after Pontardawe, 572km). I would have lined the roadside, or offered refreshements, or a bed or two, or at least put out a 'Go ACME 1000 riders, Go!' sign, but, sadly, I'll be in Greece.

Bon courage!

Leave the key under the mat ?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Nuncio on 25 June, 2018, 10:37:14 am
I could try 'They're not strangers, they're just dirty sweaty cyclists (sleeping in our beds and eating our Coco Pops) that we haven't met yet' with my wife, but I don't hold up much hope.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 25 June, 2018, 05:44:36 pm
Spare accommodation due to DNS: Barry Premier Inn, Friday 29th June; Nag's Head, St Neots, Saturday 30th June.

Interested? Contact me and I'll put you in touch.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Jonah on 25 June, 2018, 08:27:33 pm
Anyone got a GPX?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 25 June, 2018, 08:30:56 pm
Anyone got a GPX?

If you look up the thread a page or two, you'll find a wilkyboy post where he has linked to many varieties of the route, depending on the device you have.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 25 June, 2018, 08:36:49 pm
Anyone got a GPX?

Several  ;)

http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/acme-grand-2018/
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Jonah on 25 June, 2018, 09:49:14 pm
Thanks folks...
JX
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: johny bath on 26 June, 2018, 12:45:00 pm
Dear All
Fast approaching start date, and not quite ready yet....The start is too far to ECE so I will need to drive and park up. Is there anywhere that anyone could recommend to park up for the duration? I think I have managed to read most of the ACME grand thread and haven't seen car parking so sorry if this has been already asked and answered.
Thanks!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 26 June, 2018, 12:56:18 pm
I'm going to park in one of the residential streets on the right as you head into town from the South - there's no official parking.    I've street viewed it and there's a few possibilities and it's under a mile to the pub HQ.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 26 June, 2018, 07:25:18 pm
Just a thought on timings.  Both LEL and PBP I managed to get around at something like 21.3kph moving average.  Let's say I do the same again this week, then that's almost exactly 50 hours' riding over 1060km of the route, leaving 25 hours for controlling, eating and sleeping.  Sounds like plenty, but ...

There are 18 controls, plus the ACME Party up Black Mountain, so 19 stops.  Remove 3x 3-hour sleeps leaves 16 hours over 16 stops.  Just an hour each — if I bounce a few it should be easy to build up some sort of buffer  :thumbsup:

Given the forecast heatwave and advice to "slow down when hot", plus silly AAA (wherever did that come from?), I can see my average slipping down towards 20kph.  If so then that would mean 53 hours' riding and just 22 hours' stoppage  :-\

I have to say my Achille's heel is sleep-dep — I've been trying to get good sleep the past week, but the heat has put paid to that, so I think I'll be starting tired.  I'm planning on bivvying my way around — I'll be sleeping in a freezer bag as an experiment*, so it might not all be quality sleep ???  If I find I do need to sleep more than 3x3 then I'll be even more up against the ever-ticking clock.

I'm coming to realise, this could be a challenging ride, even more so as it's fully X-rated  :o

Now, do I ECE it or try to catch the train down?  :P


* not strictly true.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Alex B on 26 June, 2018, 07:44:10 pm
I'm coming to realise, this could be a challenging ride ...

Too right!

I remember still basking in a post-LEL glow I recommended this ride to a friend as "bound to be a laugh".

I'm not laughing right now. 1060 km in 75 hrs, with plenty of lumpiness and some serious climbing in Wales (e.g. a 20% ramp out of Pontypridd - and that's just the hors d'oeuvre). Then there's the numerous time-sinking controls, the absence of TLC (Essex tea-party excepted), and the likelihood of extreme heat and a headwind after the turn.

Is there such a thing as a type 2 laugh?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 26 June, 2018, 07:56:15 pm
^ On my Grand DIY I was under my PBP/LEL average by a couple of kph or so, 'cos it is hillier and I wasn't as fit in early May as I would be by July/August. But made up time by bouncing controls, at least as far as Penarth [over 600km in]: only three sit down meals up to that point [Subway, St Neots; McD's, Towcester; Pontypridd 'spoons brekky  :thumbsup:], oh yeah and my evening pub stop and wash n'brush up + night layering at Upper Brailes in the Cotswolds. Much more relaxed on the final 400km - took about 26 hours for that.

Finish time was at the upper end of my 68-72 hours 1000km time on the longer rides.

Sleep: 3 hours in a proper bed in Penarth, afternoon nap at Wellesbourne, two short naps on the last night.

If the heat gets to you, ride more at night, nap more in the day. Works for me. Short of water = churchyards often have a mains tap near the road.

Hills - really don't worry, let them come to you, use your granny gear, walk if necessary to save your legs, enjoy the views and the wonderful descents  ;)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 26 June, 2018, 08:53:15 pm
Good info, thanks Tom  :thumbsup:

If the heat gets to you, ride more at night, nap more in the day. Works for me. Short of water = churchyards often have a mains tap near the road.

I was thinking of doing this.  It's just easier to find a "secret bivvy" in the dark than the light, because they don't have to be that secret.  At the moment I've got a few bivvy spots marked between Tewkesbury and Barry, but, as you say, I'm tempted to push on through the cool of the night and find somewhere much later up Sarn Helen for an hour or two in the sun.  Then bivvy in the morning after Chepstow on the return.

I tried the church-tap thing up Dolfor on TINAT, but, frustratingly, neither of the two churches had an outside tap.  Fortunately I had my Sawyer filter with me, as it was that sort of middle-of-nowhere-in-Wales event, and filled up from a stream.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: D on 26 June, 2018, 09:06:33 pm
Good Luck to everyone riding this event, hope all goes well for everyone. Deniece
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 26 June, 2018, 09:17:06 pm
Good Luck to everyone riding this event, hope all goes well for everyone. Deniece

 :thumbsup: All welcome to see off the Intrepid Elite on Thursday and welcome [some, maybe most of] them back on Sunday at the 'spoons. Faster finishers can of course, have a sleep and turn up for Sunday breakfast all refreshed. Or go home and post their brevet in, promptly, mind...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 26 June, 2018, 09:42:32 pm
I will probably take a picnic and liquid refreshment plus my kindle and cycle over with the SLR to Roe Green (phone box, kids playground, cricket pitch) just beyond Sandon at 75km.  Will aim to get there for 1:30pm and hang around till about 3pm when most should be through.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 27 June, 2018, 10:47:40 am
It actually doesn't look that hot - I've ridden in worse.   Probably 24/25 degrees during the day with a North-Easterly blow to take the edge off.

I'll probably bounce the earlier controls to get a bit of time in hand so I can enjoy the mountain ride on Friday before getting to the hotel at Barry.   I've already reduced the amount of kit I'm taking.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 27 June, 2018, 11:00:43 am
My RainlegsTM will stay at home.

But as I'm planning to ride in Wales, I've packed a rain jacket.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Bairn Again on 27 June, 2018, 11:03:10 am
All the best to participants and helpers on this one. 

I hope the event is a success. 
 
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 27 June, 2018, 05:37:33 pm
Firstly good luck to you all and I hope the weather holds and you get the scenery in Wales. (I'll be riding in mid-Wales so I REALLY hope the weather holds).

I suspect you are all in for an early night tonight but if anyone is staying in the Witham arwa the ACME mid week drinks are at the Sun Inn in Feering just up the Road. Most folk should be there by about 9pm. They do good food as well (Not sure what time they serve until sorry).
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 27 June, 2018, 05:57:27 pm
Firstly good luck to you all and I hope the weather holds and you get the scenery in Wales. (I'll be riding in mid-Wales so I REALLY hope the weather holds).

I suspect you are all in for an early night tonight but if anyone is staying in the Witham arwa the ACME mid week drinks are at the Sun Inn in Feering just up the Road. Most folk should be there by about 9pm. They do good food as well (Not sure what time they serve until sorry).

Good call Nik!  Here's the location: https://goo.gl/maps/gbL4meQjRjn  Most of the ACME mid-week lot will be there from 9PM (which might be a little late for you guys :( )


Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 27 June, 2018, 08:03:54 pm
Am in Hatfield peverel tonight. Early night for me.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Deano4 on 28 June, 2018, 03:58:12 am
Good luck to everyone today.

Looking forward to hearing all the stories.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 28 June, 2018, 11:03:47 am
SLR battery on charge. See you all in about 3 hours. Good riding all.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 28 June, 2018, 04:16:28 pm
40 starters  :thumbsup:

Tailwind, sunshine, last night's full moon now on-the-wane, short night, very quiet from 7pm, must be something on the telly...  ;D  :thumbsup:

Bonne Route et Bon Courage  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 28 June, 2018, 05:31:56 pm
Riders were all through 70km by 2:30pm.  First rider was through at 1:30pm.  He was riding so fast at first I did not think he was one of the riders. So I only took a shot after he had passed.  Riders are already riding solo or in pairs.  Will share pictures a bit later once I have been through them.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 28 June, 2018, 06:04:48 pm
Thanks Phil  :thumbsup:

Dan got some good shots: in particular sky-blue Dulwich tops and blue sky over the old Town Hall in Dunmow - looks great! Some of the ACME peloton have caught 'The Gurn' from Oscar's Dad...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 28 June, 2018, 07:00:59 pm
One set here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/audaxuk/permalink/10157587120488642/

Another set here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/audaxuk/permalink/10157586940708642/
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 28 June, 2018, 07:03:57 pm
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/839/29200670078_c18da52b2a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Lun4SW)_DSC1347.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Lun4SW) by Jason Burns (https://www.flickr.com/photos/101280753@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/925/43073446501_82e1beb905_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28CfEZk)_DSC1303.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28CfEZk) by Jason Burns (https://www.flickr.com/photos/101280753@N05/), on Flickr

Thanks to Wilkyboy for the ACME group photo...

Out of the 300 photos I took, the hit rate wasn't great (camera decided to focus on the parked cars :( ) so I've tried to do the best I could with what was left... just uploading them now but they will all be in a Flickr album located here:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskAx4PdV

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 28 June, 2018, 07:07:16 pm
Some of the ACME peloton have caught 'The Gurn' from Oscar's Dad...

Yeah they need to work on that.

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 28 June, 2018, 07:15:57 pm
Some from the ones I took today

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/36zw0m310obzd5y/2018062813040015.JPG?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ichzum9f725ahow/2018062813180021.png?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/u5si7uf3qsbtzm7/2018062813180022.png?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/t904k6aak8wnc3s/2018062813300034.png?raw=1)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 29 June, 2018, 12:00:29 pm
We are just mid coffee brew after arriving, past one cyclist who might be the lead of the ride on the way up, he had a carradice, dark jersey and potentially a roll mat... that would be a very quick 500km....(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180629/d3d96605cbc5224a0bbca5ac767d6997.jpg)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Nik's Nick on 29 June, 2018, 12:23:11 pm
Looks like a tough day of hard work ahead...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: citoyen on 29 June, 2018, 12:34:57 pm
Looks like a lovey day to be out on the bike. I'm envious.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 29 June, 2018, 04:34:42 pm
It's hot!

3 through so far @16:33
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: grams on 29 June, 2018, 07:37:23 pm
Just abandoned at Treherbert. Too hot, too far behind, only feasible way of completing was one or even two more nights without sleep. It just wasn’t fun any more. Saw my last chance for a train to civilisation and took it.

(Plus a nerve in my wrist flared up early on and probably shouldn’t have been continuing this long)

Good luck to everyone still out there.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 29 June, 2018, 08:30:20 pm
In my hotel at Barry.  Caught out by 1. Heat and 2. Lumpiness on some of the stretches where I wasn’t expecting it.  Setting my alarm for 5am.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 29 June, 2018, 08:36:00 pm
The heat certainly took it out of me. And I was surprised by the steepness, length and sometimes sheer volume of traffic on the hills in the Forest of Dean.
Packed.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 29 June, 2018, 09:10:35 pm
In my hotel at Barry.  Caught out by 1. Heat and 2. Lumpiness on some of the stretches where I wasn’t expecting it.  Setting my alarm for 5am.

Good luck on the return
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 29 June, 2018, 09:11:19 pm
The heat certainly took it out of me. And I was surprised by the steepness, length and sometimes sheer volume of traffic on the hills in the Forest of Dean.
Packed.

Sorry to hear that, forecast is for it to get even hotter into the weekend.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Humpdoc on 30 June, 2018, 03:00:23 pm
I started this ride on Wednesday as a DIY event as I needed to get back home today.

I had to abandon at Towcester yesterday afternoon as I dropped my wallet from my back pocket, presumably shortly after stopping at Wellbourne. I could not risk going on without money to buy food and drink for the last 150km. I had Apple Pay on my phone so decided to get the train back to London from. Milton Keynes and then ride to Liverpool Street station and back to Witham.

My strategy was to leave Witham at 07:00 and get to Chepstow where I had two nights booked in a hotel. With the tail wind I made good time I was in Chepstow by 22:00. The next morning I set off for the Welsh hills - that was a relentless hard grind in very hot conditions. I did not get back to Chepstow till the early hours. Some riders were just passing through the town as I arrived back. Yesterday morning I set off back and had done all the hard work so very frustrating to abandon at Towcester after 900km.

This is a very tough ride and in the heat makes it very challenging any one who completes the ride will have been through some very tough mental and physically tiring moments.

If anyone finds a brown camouflage wallet with £10 some loose change and a debit card in it, on the road just after the one stop in Wellbourne let me know haha!

Good luck to those who have made it through so far.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 30 June, 2018, 03:03:04 pm

https://flic.kr/s/aHskAx4PdV

Photos from the ACME mountain based tea stop now online...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Redlight on 30 June, 2018, 03:13:38 pm

https://flic.kr/s/aHskAx4PdV

Photos from the ACME mountain based tea stop now online...

I hope some of those will be finding their way to the Arrivee editor  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: lastant on 30 June, 2018, 03:19:12 pm
Photos from the ACME mountain based tea stop now online...

Snaps from the tea stop are fantastic!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 30 June, 2018, 04:51:50 pm
This may not be much use as it's in the wrong place but a catnap for returnees, there is a very excellent bus stop, providing superb FREE overnight accommodation here:https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.9923072,-2.2109745,3a,75y,226.63h,90.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxgIL_KsFoYihbqX75C78Vw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.9923072,-2.2109745,3a,75y,226.63h,90.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxgIL_KsFoYihbqX75C78Vw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
The address is, according to Mrs Google:
42 Bishops Walk, Forthampton Gloucestershire,

it's also here:
https://goo.gl/maps/jXS4c9s5LvK2
and grid ref is:

51°59'32.0"N 2°12'39.0"W

Might help someone. It certainly helped me.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 30 June, 2018, 05:26:05 pm
Photos from the ACME mountain based tea stop now online...
In which ACME shows itself to be one of top UK Audax clubs - by coming up with this brilliant idea, getting it to the start line, then driving 270 miles to provide tea and cakes for riders.
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: citoyen on 30 June, 2018, 07:11:21 pm
That is a truly smashing spot for a tea stop.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: the straggler on 30 June, 2018, 07:20:58 pm
Called it the day at Chepstow on the outbound leg after collective decision with fellow riders Bert and Mel. Main reasons being more heat, not gaining enough advantage of tail wind, lack of sleep and forecast headwind on return leg. I was expecting to take the easy option of the train back to the start, but Mel hatched a plan to ride back along the A4 via Chippenham, Hungerford, Newbury, Slough to London. A brief nap at Mel's home, lift to Witham from Mel  :thumbsup: with Bert,  and solo ride home. 590km achieved. Many thanks for the company and memorable alternative route  back.
Like to wish all the best to those still on the road making their return stages back to Witham.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 June, 2018, 07:38:53 pm
Just abandoned at Treherbert.

Sorry to hear that Graham — I packed at Hirwaun the other side of that f++king hill, 450km 475km in, not even halfway :(

I lost my ability to climb, which wasn't great to start with, by about Tewkesbury, developing hardly any power at all, and then going straight into the red and overheating.  ACME crew can tell you just how sh!t my climbing had become, every time I was left for dust on the slightest climb to Barry (the first time).  I don't think I've every drunk quite so much water on a ride, but still felt cooked the whole way.  The climb up out of Tonypandy (Treherbert by then) was excrutiatingly slow, even though it's a fairly gentle grade all the way up, I just couldn't turn the pedals over, or if I did I popped and stopped.

I had bags of time in hand, so I sat in the shade in a pub for a while and then out in the countryside, but just felt worse, not able to cool down and starting to lose optical focus/image-alignment, so felt it was time to call it a day — the forecast was for even hotter and the hills weren't going to get any smaller, I didn't have it in me to continue.  Retired to a Premier Inn in Cwmbach (Aberdare), a nice air-conditioned room, a cheeky Chinese takeaway, and a relaxed, downhill ride along the Cynon and Taff Trails to Cardiff this morning then a long, slow train ride home to Cambridge.

Even on the odd uphill section of the ride back today I wasn't able to develop any power, although on the flats I was fine.

Lots of things to mull over now about where it went wrong, but my initial thoughts are that I'm not as fit as I think I am and I went out too quick even for the fitness I thought I had.  Basic rookie mistakes; a bit embarrassing, really  :-[

That's 60-something back-to-back months of RRTY comprehensively terminated with two hilly Welsh DNFs in a single month — my first DNFs since early 2013, I think my limits have found me.

A disappointing end to what was a great adventure, well done Tomsk for coming up with the idea and organising, and helpers for helping  :thumbsup:

And I hope everyone else has a better time of it and gets back safely.

EDIT:  I forgot to mention, thank you to all those whose shared their company on the road.  I tended to move around a bit, more so later, but nevertheless I spent a fair chunk of time on and off with Abi, who sensibly had a hotel booked in Chepstow on the way out; Mick Gray, who reckoned I was about 2% quicker than he could sustain on his own and I joked I was about 10% quicker than I could manage myself, which was probably an understatement; the ACME group, who I bumped into in Pontypridd after breakfast, but who immediately dropped me up every hill to Barry — Jan's a monster on the granny gear!; Chris T, Alex B, Ali, et al. 

I already know some of you didn't make it, but I hope the rest of you did (by the time you read this)  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: oggy on 30 June, 2018, 07:55:14 pm
packed on the way out at chepstow feeling the effects of the heat thanks to mel, bert and straggler for the company but i felt i was holding them up, sorry to hear you guys also packed but chapeau for getting so far.

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 30 June, 2018, 07:57:28 pm
Sorry to hear that chaps.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 30 June, 2018, 08:49:40 pm
Myself and Alex B will at Buntingford from 9am till about 11am tomorrow.  Somewhere between Sainsburys local and the benches at southern end of High Street.  Hopefully we will catch some of the riders still out there.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 30 June, 2018, 09:16:18 pm
a great adventure
Yup, it certainly was. In future years others will read this thread and wonder if it's worth entering.
You only live once: and at the end you'll regret more the things you didn't do than the things you did. This was deffo worth effort, it's a great experience.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 30 June, 2018, 09:20:22 pm
This is some attrition rate! The combination of heat and hills is a tough one. At least all seem to have found the bed/train they needed and eventually got home safely. And well done to the Bus Shelter Bertie/Mel K/Straggler group for having had an alternative adventure ;D

I reckoned on a bit of Welsh rain and headwinds thinning out the field, but you know what they say about the best laid plans...riders would always curse me of course  :demon:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 30 June, 2018, 10:21:09 pm
Today was quite slow, reaching Towcester Maccies for dinner where I met up with Flat Earth Bob.  Brisk ride to St Neots with him.

Now in Premier Inn.  Aim to get on the road before 6 to finish before 11.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 01 July, 2018, 11:19:34 am
Looks like two finishers so far.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 01 July, 2018, 12:38:22 pm
Buntingford Control this morning.

ACME left about 9:11am and Adrian (Dulwich) left about 10:20am. So should see the ACME crew rolling in to the finish soon if not already. Myself and Alex B left after 10:30am. I rode back up the route as far as Sandon before turning off for home. I did not see any more riders up to 11am. Any more out there will be already on the limit before Buntingford.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/42j60be3t0hfyxa/2018070107450006.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pmc3pcb7o4zjb5r/2018070107460009.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/x54d64ll94rtbwk/2018070107510011.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/dqb07v2gjstooh9/2018070108110016.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/1i7e6mipd18fr1b/2018070108310023.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/x5zzkm8cbahfk10/2018070108350030.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/xls35en1vss7mzq/2018070108350031.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/h8k9s6r7c9prbsm/2018070108350032.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/4lwimx29zljujiz/2018070108380033.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/eq7987sv1yzl7op/2018070108540038.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/3zw47ockxq2bgpx/2018070109020039.jpg?raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/u0m9cb0hlswflgj/2018070109200041.jpg?raw=1)

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: tonyh on 01 July, 2018, 12:48:13 pm
Thanks Phil, fine portraits telling a story!

Congrats to all involved with the Event.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Alex B on 01 July, 2018, 02:33:37 pm
Buntingford Control this morning.

And here are some from me - I've gone for a moody B&W to complement Phil's full-colour extravaganza.

All things considered, the riders looked in good order. Big chapeaux to all of them -- truly they are audax "grandees" !

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/923/42224873805_3c5180b761_z.jpg)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1762/41318053180_cffb52fd7a_z.jpg)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/838/42224872895_62c601713c_z.jpg)

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/917/41318051900_69a808480e_z.jpg)


Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 01 July, 2018, 02:41:16 pm
How many finished in time?
We know more than a hundred paid to enter because Tom said he expected a hundred starters, taking into account the apologies from the DNS  people and then he said 40 had started.
So it looks as if maybe twenty finished in time?
If so, that's quite a rate of attrition, as Tom said earlier.

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 01 July, 2018, 04:51:55 pm
There were a lot of DNFs on Tom’s sheet.

I’d estimate around 10 had finished by the time I left and that was around 2hrs before the cut.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 01 July, 2018, 04:59:41 pm
19 finishers is last number I saw.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 01 July, 2018, 05:01:16 pm
19 finishers
Big attrition rate.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 01 July, 2018, 07:29:33 pm
Adding up my 3 Garmin files I have 670 miles and 36,000ft of climbing.

Have fallen asleep twice this afternoon and going to bed soon.   Got to ride to work in the morning.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: earthloop on 01 July, 2018, 09:18:10 pm
Wow, that was a tough old ride. I wasn't expecting it to be that hard, but the combination of heat and hills really added up. I was the one on the heavily loaded blank Canyon covered in reflective tape. A fantastic route though, thanks Tom and crew for running it.

I had fast A-road alternative routes worked out for many of the sections, but planned to use them only if I got very low on time in hand. The one exception was the A38 and Severn Bridge route from Tewkesbury to Chepstow which I would use if the timing worked out right for an A38 night ride followed by the bridge in daylight, as I'd never ridden over the Severn bridge before. The more I thought about this the more I liked the idea, so leaving Tewkesbury at about 2330 I decided to make the timing work by camping for the correct amount of time during the A38 part. This turned out not to be such a great idea in terms of sleep, after 2 hours stopped with no deep sleep I decided it would be light enough and moved on. The A38 was empty at night as expected although the surface wasn't up to trunk road standard in many places. The bridge was fantastic in the early light at about 0415 though, with the red lights on the support structures really jumping out. I remember looking down on some gulls riding the thermals.

As Friday wore on I was really starting to be drained by the heat, so at around 1700 I treated myself to a 1 hour stop in the shade a few metres up a footpath a little after Llandovery, a bit of a lie down including a 30 minute nap seemed to help a lot. Cracking on through the evening I found Black Mountain surprisingly easy, only to later find Tom and co up the real Black Mountain on the next section. What I'd assumed was the mountain was just a random hill. I had a welsh cake, it was good. A quick sponge bath and full water bottles and I was away again.

Around 2300 I was 30 or 40 km short of Barry on the return and getting very sleepy. I kept thinking that somebody had painted "SLOW ARSE" in big white letters on the welsh roads as a personal taunt to me. Very much time for a kip. I found a lightly overgrown farm track ending in a gate that did not look frequently used. It was quite near the road but protected from headlights, so it'd do. At this point I think I had about 8 hours in hand and I was looking at hitting Barry only a couple of hours behind Tom's DIY pace. I remembered that Tom finished with such a huge embarrassment of time in hand that he missed out on a breakfast at the pub at the end, so being a few hours slower seemed like no bad thing. Time for a long sleep. I almost never set an alarm (I have the opposite problem, I can't stay asleep long enough to get enough sleep) but I picked out 3am as a target leaving time. Every time I woke up before that I rolled over for another 90 minutes. Moving again at 0350 on Saturday. The roads were back to saying "SLOW ARAF".

Another hot day full of hills. Good riding in the early morning but the wind was up around Cardiff, time in hand building slowly but steadily though. "Welcome to Gloucestershire, home of the mountains that wouldn't fit into Wales". I think I got to ride most the roads of the scenic route that I'd skipped for the Severn bridge on the way out. Settling into a steady routine: every 30 minutes I was putting my jersey in a plastic bag and soaking it with water. Every couple of hours I'd run out of water and go into a pub. "a pint of coke with no ice please and could you fill these up with water", quaff half the coke, into the bathroom to run my jersey under that tap, quaff the other half pint on the way out "thanks, bye", rolling again. Repeat. Between the wet jersey and the regular short stops in the shade today was better, but by the evening I was ready for some grease, so into McDonald's Towcester.

A little further on I started to get really sleepy, and having enough time in hand for a bit more than than a power nap I set up the full camping arrangements and set a precautionary alarm in case I slept so long that I'd be out of time at St Neots, but woke naturally before it went off. 2300 stop and 0140 start according to the records. The night riding went well, time in hand building. St Neots was full of Saturday night revellers and grumpy ATMs. Maybe lack of sleep was getting to me, but I could swear it printed out the slip I'd asked for and then sucked it back in when I didn't take it fast enough. "Here is a proof of passage, which I'm not going to give to you". Bastard. Another withdrawl and this time I grabbed the slip like it was food.

The day started to warm up a bit and I ran out of water, but it was only around 20C and I was nearly done, so I didn't worry too much. I almost asked someone who was working in his front garden for a water refill, but I was low on sleep so my filters were down and I'd just seen a sign for Cock Green so it might have ended badly.

Finished, and a large mixed grill really hit the spot.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1674472390 (https://www.strava.com/activities/1674472390)

Nick
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 02 July, 2018, 01:04:55 am
Last of my photos now uploaded here https://flic.kr/s/aHskAx4PdV

Well done everyone who took part, a challenging ride in this weather!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 02 July, 2018, 06:51:33 am
50% attrition, for which I accept partial responsibility:

Hills [up]: I made sure they were in the way, though some went around them.

Hills [down]: Those that avoided them missed a treat. Cools you down too.

Weather - Outwith the control of even the Welsh Government: It could have been muggy and thundery, or cold, wet and windy. It was good summer weather...hydration is the key, and the wet jersey thing works well. [I favour plain water in one bidon for a quick squirt over my shoulders on every climb]. Sandals for a paddle are good too.

Well done to all finishers, you will breeze round PBP next year! Non-finishers at least have a better idea of their strengths and weaknesses, unfinished business and all that, think positive!

And a big thank you to Huggy, jiberjaber and Soupy, for giving their time so generously to look after everyone up The Black Mountain on Friday - we did have fun too, though!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: alotronic on 02 July, 2018, 06:25:11 pm
Chapeau to finishers - that was one tough ride; even the bit of it I did.

I made it over Black Mountain and down to Port Talbot but with the heat I knew I would be toast the next day so had a long sleep in the room that Karl had cancelled (I think) and a lazy train ride back to London. I was fine on the hills but run out of puff before Llandovery due to lack of base miles. I was certainly pleased with it as a training ride; I recovered really quickly and I will be awesome on the commute tomorrow and looking forward now to a series of other challenges (Hereward, Flatlands etc) in the knowledge that they will seem pretty straight forward (well, I hope).

Having decided to pack before Llandovery and looking at a map I realised I still had to ride Black Mountain anyway to get a train! And I am glad I did - highlight of the ride for me; road with changes in gradient, no effing mad welsh drivers in vans, sunset, lots of twists and corners and able to amble up at my own pace AND being met by the ACME crew at the top. Awesome.

Rode most of the way with Jan, Andrew and Andrew and thrilled that they all finished - that badge is now owned by a very small and excellent set of riders.

I will write some more later but for those reading in the lead up to 2020 then yes, do it. A tough self-sufficient event and a great training ride for the TCR set too I would think given its bivvy and convenience store ethic.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 02 July, 2018, 06:56:55 pm
That was one classic event, and certainly a journey that will linger in the mind for a very long time.

Looking back, I managed 5 hours of sleep over the 3 nights, had 3 McDonalds meals, 1 garden centre cafe breakfast and 1 pub stop for lemonade and bidon refilling. Otherwise all stops were convenience stores or similar. Although I maintained a buffer throughout, it never felt like there was quite enough time for a more relaxed stop.

In some ways the weather made things a little taxing, with the heat and the headwind on the return journey, but it also helped. There was no messing with wet weather arrangements, nor cold weather clothing beyond donning a long sleeve jersey at night.

Our group morphed a little through the ride, occasionally growing in number, occasionally reducing. It was good to get to the finish with Grey Sheep and Andrew (whose forum name escapes me right now), and to have the company of carlosfandango, wilkyboy, alotronic, and Ricky along the way. Possibly one or two others, but hey that was a taxing ride and I have the right to forget some details!

One huge thank you to Tomsk for thinking up and making the event come to fruition. When I first saw the details I knew I was in, but was expecting a less arduous route than this turned out to be. All the better for it, in my view.

As well as putting on such a great route, we were also treated to that memorable tea stop on the Black Mountain (where was the beer for the riders though? ;-) and a rousing reception on finishing the ride. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to jiberjaber, huggy, soupy and soupy's brother for their assistance and photography, and also to Phil and Alex for doing their bit too. Oh, and Josh and wife (?) for cheering us on as we wound our way through Essex on the outwards leg.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 02 July, 2018, 09:13:21 pm
(where was the beer for the riders though? ;-)

I'll budget for riders' beer next time :D cider for the gluten free, someone will want Pimms, you see how it starts... ;D
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 03 July, 2018, 01:00:08 pm
It's a couple of days later and I'm still re-introducing myself to the real world.   This is a little odd after a ride that only took 3/4 days, but a bit like post PBP come down.   All I can say is what a wonderful adventure that stretched me in a whole lot of ways that my brisk pace and longer stops may have belied.   Rather than a full write up, which I'm not great at here's a list of a few memories :-

- Setting off a little late and leapfrogging small groups through Essex and Cambs.
- Being hot by St Neots but the staff in Café Nero filling my bottles with iced water.
- Crossing the Cotswolds with a gentle tailwind and seeing a stunning sunset to the West just before dropping to Tewkesbury.
- Moonlit lumpy ride to Chepstow and walking a couple of hills in the Forest of Dean.
- A couple of proper goat tracks around Pontypridd and rush hour traffic heading into Barry.
- A stunning mountain loop around the Brecon Beacons and making it up the Black Mountain on my 70" gear to be greeted by the ACME crew.
- Hot and tetchy ride into Barry to my first hotel stop and being talked down my family who assured me I had plenty of time in hand and to feed, rehydrate and sleep.
- A cracking Day 3 in fresh clothing with a cool start (views down to the Severn Estuary after the Forest of Dean) and a hot afternoon, topped off by a great evening run, after a McDonalds (more iced water in the bottles) dinner, with Bob Johnson and into St Neots.
- A very relaxed sleep in the St Neots Premier inn knowing the ride was in the bag. and telling the receptionist that the ride was not for charity.
- A final 5hr run into Witham catching a few riders around Buntingford to be met by the ACME team in the pub.
- Completing my 22nd Super Randonneur in 26 years of AUK membership and getting another shiny medal.
- A massive Wetherspoons Veggie Fry Up sat in the shade in the beer garden.

I managed to avoid sunburn, fuelled and hydrated OK.   My contact points are all OK apart from my hands which are very sore from tugging on the bars up the hills and bracing myself on the descents.   I haven't slept this well for a long time and have a massive appetite.

Congratulations to everyone that finished and thanks to all involved with organising.   I underestimated the ride a little so it's probably one of my favourite achievements since starting these rides all those years ago.

*EDIT - and being called a Monster by Wilkyboy on FB.

Rob
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: alotronic on 03 July, 2018, 01:08:16 pm
^^^ I was wondering who the fixed rider was - well done that man! I am  impressed/amazed you stayed comfortable enough on a Dolan Aluminium track frame...
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 03 July, 2018, 01:15:17 pm
^^^ I was wondering who the fixed rider was - well done that man! I am  impressed/amazed you stayed comfortable enough on a Dolan Aluminium track frame...

It's the FXE rather than the Precursa.   The geometry is quite relaxed and it's comfy on the long ones.   Will be my PBP bike.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: audax-man on 04 July, 2018, 01:10:57 pm
As a relative newcomer to the ‘art and craft of Audax’ this was a tough ride for me and a steep learning curve regarding the reality of an X-rated event. Yes, it can be quite lonely out there on the road and (if you’re a Londoner) the countryside at night can be much more scary than Brixton!

Now I have been back at work for 2.5 days and the dust has settled in my brain, I have just recorded some hi-lights (and low-lights) below:

•   An excellent and confident day of cycling with our four strong Dulwich Paragon (DP) team to Tewkesbury. A great route, exceptional weather and a beautiful sun-set
•   Leaving the Travelodge in Tewkesbury on day two and avoiding the lumps of The Forest of Dean via the A48. It is a good route however the Highways Agency regularly hi-light the 42 road traffic casualties this year (I am not sure about the number of deaths)
•   The Welsh Valleys in intense sunlight at 32C, the decent into Pontypridd and ‘dining’ at Greggs in Tonypandy in the Rhondda Valley
•   Over the mountain to Llandovery and then leaving The Co-Op in Llandovery as the last DP team member still pedalling
•   A complete surprise at sunset to find Tom and his jovial team on the top of The Black Mountain, and being served tea and home-made Welsh cakes – all very welcome
•   A huge relief on finding Burger King in Neath still open at mid-night, and being the only customer
•   Helping the night-manager at the Bridgend Premier Inn to get a mouse out of the reception area, because it was frightening some lady customers. Finally I managed to persuade the mouse to exit via the electric doors!
•   The Celsa Steel Work in Cardiff, the tethered ponies blocking the road and a very unwelcome headwind
•   The A48 from Chepstow going north this time, then seeing Stratford-upon-Avon amongst the trees in the distance…..a Shakespearean moment there
•   Having a nap below an oak tree (behind a hedge, to avoid being woken) before climbing Edge Hill in Warwickshire. There is something remarkably English about having a one hour sleep under an oak tree somewhere in Warwickshire; this is about as close as one can ever get to being a character from a Thomas Hardy novel – perhaps Gabrielle Oak?
•   Feeling like a complete outsider on Saturday night in the McDonalds in Towcester……..asking myself ‘what am I doing here?’
•   A night-ride to the Premier Inn in St. Neots, followed by a very deep sleep
•   Meeting Paul Whitehead and Phil B at Sainsbury’s in Buntingford and having an audax chat with them, great to speak to cyclists who are used to cycling further than 50k. I thought Paul was on the ride but then realised he had a DSLR around his neck!
•   Cycling through Essex on Sunday morning, it looked like Tuscany and the temperature was now 34C/93F
•   Overtaking a group of Sunday cyclists on an ‘Essex hill’……ironic really
•   The welcome I received at Witham as I walked into the Wetherspoons garden, including Rich from the DP team

Most of all I wanted to give my enormous thanks to the Acme team for their continued encouragement, and especially to Tom for all his work on planning, organising and documenting this epic ride.

Many audax routes are forgettable; however this one will live on in my memory for a long time, and therefore I have no need or desire to repeat the experience!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 04 July, 2018, 01:20:01 pm
Well done, Adrian. 

Oddly as I was just about to set off from Wellesbourne I saw a Dulwich jersey and waved, only to realise they were on a race bike with no luggage so probably just out for a spin.

Bit far from 'home' though ?


Rob
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Liamo on 04 July, 2018, 02:14:05 pm
Adrian is being typically modest about his audax palmares; the highlights of which includes a PBP, LEL and three BCMs.

He was though (on paper) the least experienced of the DPCC crew at the ACME Grand. But he pedalled on, keeping the flag flying, as the rest of us fell by the wayside.

Chapeau Adrian and all the other finishers!
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 04 July, 2018, 02:20:22 pm
a PBP, LEL and three BCMs.
:o :o
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Ajax Bay on 04 July, 2018, 02:44:54 pm
He was though (on paper) the least experienced [with only a PBP, LEL and three BCMs] of the DPCC crew at the ACME Grand. 
:o :o
FTFY
What are the 'more experienced' palmares of each of the other three?
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 04 July, 2018, 04:24:42 pm
My reflections on the Acme Grand.

Like many of the entrants, I saw this as an opportunity to gain access to the pre registration for PBP.  As a relatively new Audaxer, having watched the ACME LEL entrants prepare for that event, I had reckoned on having achieved a 600km ride before the event.  That didn’t come to fruition so on the day, my longest preparation ride had been 470km for the Arrow.  As such, I had the same  feeling of uncertainty and trepidation as I had on my first 200km (The Horsepower 200) which had been only 15 months earlier.

The factors I had prepared for were, the bike, the weather, fluids and a schedule to ensure I was on target.  The factors I didn’t prepare too well for was sleep and feeding. 

Thanks to Wilkyboy for his superb choice of gps routes.  I chose the 19 stages as, for me, it gave the largest number of “completed” ticks, as well as a smaller risk of route issues on a Garmin.  I know many chose the 5 * 200km or the 400, 200, 400 routes for similar reasons.  Talking with the tandem riders on the Towcester return, they had used the 1000km route and had encountered the usual Garmin issue with loops that crossed, so had added some bonus miles.

The atmosphere at the start was brilliant, sunshine was always going to help, but so many people came to support as well as take part it was a great way to take your mind off the size of the task in front of you. The ACME peloton all started together, and I found myself in Buntingford before expected and feeling fine.  Next gps course loaded, and off to St Neots.  The little garden/park off the high street was a nice shaded find to eat and rest.

It is always interesting to see how the groups and individuals spread out over the rides, and how the 24 hour McDonald’s bring people back together, something that this ride gave much opportunity for.  The first of which was at Towcester, and it brought back memories of the Stacey and Gavin ride I undertook last year.  It was my first 400 and where I fell asleep after 24 hours of being awake.

The first night section was good with warmth lasting until dawn, and a full moon illuminating the fields.  The Acme peloton came back together in this section, but with a couple packing after the first day in the heat.  I remembered the Forest of Dean and the Chepstow climbs from the previous year, and the change of direction didn’t seem to make any difference to the effort needed.  Chepstow was the same and so to Caerphilly with the castle and statue to Tommy Cooper.  I clearly remembered the section between Caerphilly and Pontypridd from the previous year’s G&S ride and JibberJabbers recent G&S ride had reinforced the memory of the climbing and descending required.  At least this time in was in glorious sunshine, and not the torrential downpour of the previous time here.

A quick breakfast stop at Pontypridd and then to Barry for the first time.  By now it was very warm, and water bottles were being emptied and filled very rapidly.  I subscribe to the “two types” theory and have one bottle with additives, and one plain water.  It works for me as I find the taste of the additives off putting after a while and prefer the plain water.  Salt intake is supplemented with crisps and peanuts that also contain lots of calories.

The Brecon Beacons and Black mountain sections were stunning.  However, as much as I enjoy climbing, with the heat and lack of sleep I came close to packing on several sections.  Not the big climbs where the view from the top and the descent allow body and mind to recover, but the constant 10%ers that just sapped my legs in the heat.

The tea party on the Black Mountain was very, very welcome.  The moral boost of seeing an ACME shirt waving at me and knowing there was a rest at the top and a short ride to some sleep got me up the hill.  The Essex flag on the entrance to the car park was brilliant to see.  Many, many thanks to Tomsk, Soupy, Huggy and Jibberjabber for traveling all that way with tea and Welsh cakes and waiting all day for us. The main ACME peloton was, by now, the three of us (myself, Psyclist AND Andrew P)

Sleep finally came at Port Talbot, where I also made the mistake of turning off the Garmin.  As a consequence, it recorded distance and elevation fine, but no other details for the next 300K to Edge Hill where it had a hissy fit, locked up and threatened to loose everything.

We had a rapid ride to Barry along the A48 where Psyclist and I had planned to meet with Andrew P, but a messed up hotel booking had meant he had to bivvy rather than bed.  We eventually came back together just before the Edge Hill climb.

The daytime ride was brilliant, with. Chepstow, the Forest of Dean providing some great climbs, and the diversion after Tewksbury to Pershore and Stratford was a great idea.  I was just being lulled into a false sense of a promised “flat ride back” when we hit Edge hill.  17% was too much for me and I had to walk a hill for the first time in ages.

With the Three of us back together, moral and mental support in place to get through the next night.  I had planned to stop at the posh Audax hotel on Onley, but my brain was shot, and I missed it, and all the others.  The hallucinations were constant by now, and I was convinced Andrew was on a shopping bike with badgers running round his wheels, and they kept scaring off the seals on the sides of the road.  Shapes in hedges added to the weird experience.  I eventually opted for a park bench in St Neots.  The shop alarms and drunks not stopping me sleep.  It’s amazing how 45 minutes sleep can fix the brain.

With just two sections left, it should have been a straight forward run home, but by now bits of my body were protesting, especially the knees that hadn’t been quite right since the start.  It was a very slow run back to Witham.  Again, a moral and mental boost provided by Phil W and others taking pictures and encouraging words at Buntingford.

 So, my lessons learnt, planning that worked and that which didn’t.

Knees hurt on the last 100k, probably due to not allowing for the stack height difference between spd and sl cleats/pedals.

The choice of lightweight carbon bike over steel was, for me, the right one with all that climbing.  My Ribble Gran Fondo was comfortable for the distance, but stiff and light enough to be efficient. 

I am now a proper long distance Audaxer as I have 2½ numb fingers due to the ride, so double wrap the bars next time.

Plan for more sleep.  My brain was shot at the end, as proven by the fact I couldn’t put the receipts into numerical order.  If I can’t do a simple task like that, what else can I get wrong on the road?

Take a bivvy bag.  I was lucky it was warm and dry overnight.  A bivvy bag would had very sensible.

Better quality food next time.  Being wheat flour intolerant limited my choices (especially in McDonald’s) but I could have eaten better, plan more café stops as the best meal was the breakfast in the Chepstow Garden Centre.

The Garmin played up, as did other people’s. Next time, take two and don’t switch them off.

I ran out of electricity.  The dynamo hub will not charge a phone.  Take a proper charger for the hotel stop as the 10amp hour power pack was flat by the end of day 2.

Cycling in a group is a big help.  I had hoped to cycle with Psyclist as his rate on the Arrow was good for me.  I also learnt a lot watching him deal with his low spots.  I’m not sure what the optimal number is for a group as low spots slow the group, so at some point it must be detrimental.  But our group of three seemed to work well, thanks to both of the Andrews for sticking with me.

Thanks to Tomsk, Huggy, Jibbers & Soupy for the event and event support.  It was not just welcome, but a real enabler in helping me complete.

Tom’s ride notes were a big help with the planning.

Thanks to friends and family for all the support through Facebook and WhatsApp. Those messages ready do help you through the journey.

After the ride the legs were fine, but I had lower back pain due to tight hamstrings.  Next time some stretching of these at each stop will hopefully help.

Hats off to everyone that took part if you completed or not.  It was a proper “Big Adventure” regardless of how many miles were completed.




Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 04 July, 2018, 05:24:35 pm
Tom’s ride notes were a big help with the planning............
....It was a proper “Big Adventure” regardless of how many miles were completed.
Yes, I'd forgotten how helpful Tom was. Those notes were really useful in my planning.
And yes, it was An Awfully Big Adventure, wasn't it? Even a third of it felt like that.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 04 July, 2018, 05:38:47 pm
My reflections on the Acme Grand.
....................
Hats off to everyone that took part if you completed or not.  It was a proper “Big Adventure” regardless of how many miles were completed.

 :thumbsup:

Here's your receipt action...

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1808/43089726892_72426e2bdd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/28DG7zJ)_DSC2795.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/28DG7zJ) by Jason Burns (https://www.flickr.com/photos/101280753@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Phil W on 04 July, 2018, 05:58:16 pm
•   Meeting Paul Whitehead and Phil B at Sainsbury’s in Buntingford and having an audax chat with them, great to speak to cyclists who are used to cycling further than 50k. I thought Paul was on the ride but then realised he had a DSLR around his neck!

Phil Whitehurst and Alex Brown, so you were close!  Another rider thought I was on the ride as well. With my bike in the alley way with a rack bag on the back I can see that mistake might be made.  Though one or two of you were in mental distress by Buntingford. I did the West Highlands 1000 a month before, though I did look at the ACME Grande 1000 when looking at the choices. The former provided more new cycling territory for me, the overall climbing and AAA figures are virtually the same as the Grande
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 04 July, 2018, 06:35:38 pm
True. But Acme Grand = no midges. Which is worth a lot....
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 04 July, 2018, 06:54:33 pm
I had hoped to cycle with Psyclist as his rate on the Arrow was good for me.  I also learnt a lot watching him deal with his low spots. 

Not sure what I do any different. Just keep going until the next food stop, when everything comes good again for a while.

I'm keen to try lucazade on a ride again. I filled one bottle up with the stuff at Wellesbourne, and had all the energy in the world through to Towcester. Only downside was it put me off sweet things for the rest of the ride.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 04 July, 2018, 07:35:03 pm
True. But Acme Grand = no midges. Which is worth a lot....

I seem to have an awful lot of insect bites.   Not sure what they were but something had fun.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: johny bath on 05 July, 2018, 11:31:32 am
Dear All

After a few days recovery I can say that I am not nearly near recovered! This taxed me more than any other 1000k including the crackpot. The route was so easily underestimated. The biggies you could account for, but it was the myriad of 'smaller' ones that really got to me in the end - edge hill of course was walked - never mind the legs,  my back couldn't take any more - mind 42 16 was optimistic at this stage. The most memorable moment for me which I would like to forget and will always be called from now on 'That Road In Neath' was the climb out of the town, frying in over 30c totally cooking me into a meltdown - as in I had to just get off,  pour all my water over me and lie in the shade to sleep for 30 mins sopping wet.

The heat was relentless, but you could cool down with a drenching, however the wind was quite persistent in a very grinding down kind of way and there is nothing you can do about that other than adjust your head to 500k of headwind - not that it even dropped at night.

The positive side of this heat and dryness, was that it made sleeping very easy. If ever there was a time to experiment with a different approach then this was the time to do it, or another way of putting it is I had no organisation to book any rooms anywhere! My approach was simple - am i tired? no then ride. Am i tired ? yes then sleep. This involved just getting off the bike and lying down on a roll mat and sleeping wherever i was, like in the middle of Neath or a lovely verge in the middle of the night. All I needed was a lightweight down jacket at night on a roll mat and that was it. I doubt things will get that easy again for a while or without a huge amount of luck. The result was a lot less faff time that any other 1000k but a much slower ride speed. As it turns out faff time trumps riding time in making your overall time longer, so despite grinding way more slowly than other rides where I had fuller sleeps and riding 'faster'.

The route was great with some fantastic highlights, but some did come at a cost. The mountain tops and climbs were spectacular, but riding through some of the valleys to get there was hair raising at times. 30mph speed limit my arse. I kept on thinking that they must have a 6th sense to drive so fast on narrow busy roads. As it turns out they dont. I saw the results of 2 crashes in one hour. First involved 'just' ambulances and police with a pedestrian smashed into, and the other even more serious involving an idiot driving his car into a lorry head on with roads closed and fire engines cutting out etc. I know I was tired at the time but it just emotionally drains you to see the trivial attitude to operating 2 ton machines outside of their safety margins. I can imagine what work colleagues attitude would be if I were to use a nail gun with the same level of carelessness, but it is perfectly ok in  car.

If/when there is a next one I will be riding with luck. A couple of thoughts/observations to be dismissed at leisure so dont take any too seriously:
- x rated so all controls were commercial, and 19 in all. I think If i add up what I spent (not a complaint at all) and the cost of accommodation (if I had not been too lazy to actually do) I reckon that Tomsk could charge quite a chunk of cash if there were a few stops on the way. Dont know costs and realities so NOT an expectation and I know it would involve lots of work, but £100+ entry would still see me better off.
- Charging more might make the DNS rate a bit lower - but I guess also maybe entries lower too
 - This event still makes it the best value ride i have done in a while any which way.
 - The very nature of the event was that it was x rated this - was one of its premier features - sort yourself out mentality.
 - Sun cream sun cream sun cream sun cream. Boy it works good. How do I know? Because I covered myself in it and was not burnt  apart from 2 areas that are suffering - my lips where i have a lovely UV induced cold sore (UV lip balm from now on) and on my arse - I managed to get a small rip in my shorts on day 1 about an inch squre that I did not think about until a few days after when I  could feel a real burn to look in the mirror to see a lovely bright welt where the tear was!

A bit of a ramble, but thanks to Tomsk and ACME. Great to follow other peoples routes even through some areas you know - you seem to appreciate then in a different light some how.

All the best

Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 05 July, 2018, 08:52:55 pm
Good to get feedback, all useful food for thought.

Just waiting on one more postal return and I can upload the data to AUKweb.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 10 July, 2018, 06:46:59 pm
Still waiting for that card to come in the post, be a day or so before results get uploaded... ::-)
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: rob on 11 July, 2018, 09:28:13 pm
Still got tingles in the smaller 2 fingers of both hands.

Rest of me is OK, which is a good job as I’m back to time trials for the next 2 weekends.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 14 July, 2018, 07:06:14 pm
Brevets all in, results uploaded, just the final paperwork to do and post with the cards, by Monday.

[Loads of points coming your way...!]
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 21 October, 2018, 03:10:15 pm
I have brevets for the permanent version! I'll need to adapt the route sheet and information for AUKweb asap.

The ACME Ten Tons 1000km, start anywhere, any time, 13.3kph = 75 hours and 47 minutes time allowance.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 3rd September 2020
Post by: Tomsk on 29 October, 2019, 08:33:43 am
2020 route changes at the Further West Welsh end checked over the past few days. All good stuff, lovely scenery [when it wasn't raining!] and some good roads with options of shorter routes on hillier lanes or route optimisation on generally pretty quiet, flatter* main roads along the valleys. I'll get an updated route sheet and information done soon.

* Disclaimer: Flatter is a very relative term in  Wales

In other news, the last few kms of Gavin and Stacey 400km/Ten Tons 1000km to Barry on the A4226 is now vastly improved by a nearly completed bypass, with the old road available to ride on away from the traffic and some good cycle paths alongside at the A48 and Weycock's Cross ends.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: psyclist on 29 October, 2019, 01:14:16 pm
All sounds really good, thanks Tomsk  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

With there being shorter, hillier options available in some places, will these options be communicated in due course? I’m happy to bespoke a GPX to include the quieter bits of route, but having those options identified would help, rather than scouring a map.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
Post by: Tomsk on 30 October, 2019, 06:22:07 am
^ I'm going to make the shortest [Scenic] route the 'standard' on the route sheet. Main road 'Hill-Dodger's Long-Cut' options are many, especially west beyond Newport - easily spotted from a glance at a map, but I will outling briefly, probably just road numbers..
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km
Post by: Tomsk on 14 November, 2019, 03:32:15 pm
New version of the routesheet and information on AUKweb - all to be checked nearer the time.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km
Post by: rob on 14 November, 2019, 03:54:35 pm
New version of the routesheet and information on AUKweb - all to be checked nearer the time.

I seem to have a clash with a 12hr I quite fancy doing (again).   It's ages away....I'll change my mind a few times between now and then.
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km
Post by: Tomsk on 14 November, 2019, 05:53:12 pm
New version of the routesheet and information on AUKweb - all to be checked nearer the time.

I seem to have a clash with a 12hr I quite fancy doing (again).   It's ages away....I'll change my mind a few times between now and then.

Ride a route-check for me?  ;D
Title: Re: ACME Grand 1000km
Post by: rob on 14 November, 2019, 07:32:59 pm
New version of the routesheet and information on AUKweb - all to be checked nearer the time.

I seem to have a clash with a 12hr I quite fancy doing (again).   It's ages away....I'll change my mind a few times between now and then.

Ride a route-check for me?  ;D

Funnily enough that was a thought.....