Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Rohnny on 18 January, 2020, 08:33:46 am
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Hello, registration for the BOB 2020 is open.
During 2 weeks we take 60 entries for the all-in formula (or untill the limit of 60 entries is reached).
All-in means:
entry fee: 10 euro
at km 555 (Champlon) and km 840 (Lommel):
B&B (bed - douche - breakfast): 2 x 35 euro
evening meal: hot meal and a beverage: 2 x 12 euro
bagdrop: 2 x 5 euro
Total: 114 euro.
If your entry is made before 23h59 on 31 january 2020 you get a 10 euro discount,
so total = 104 euro
There will be no discount starting 1 february 2020 and you are free to choose each option separately.
After 13 hours there are only 17 all-in entries left.
Link to website: https://bordersofbelgium2020.weebly.com/ (https://bordersofbelgium2020.weebly.com/)
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I've entered! Last time we grouped together to pay entry for a few of us, to save the international transfer costs. If anyone wants to do this, I'm happy to join you, or arrange it.
Dave C
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I'm in as well. Did consider the ACME Grand - Further West which is a the same time, but BoB is a lot more convenient for me travel wise.
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the ACME Grand - Further West which is a the same time, but BoB is a lot more convenient for me travel wise.
I've failed on both: BoB is a fabulous ride through some great landscapes on good roads. ACME Grand also good but is in Britain, so IMHO surfaces not as good, drivers less considerate. YMMV.
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Hello, registration for the BOB 2020 is open.
During 2 weeks we take 60 entries for the all-in formula (or untill the limit of 60 entries is reached).
All-in means:
entry fee: 10 euro
at km 555 (Champlon) and km 840 (Lommel):
B&B (bed - douche - breakfast): 2 x 35 euro
evening meal: hot meal and a beverage: 2 x 12 euro
bagdrop: 2 x 5 euro
Total: 114 euro.
If your entry is made before 23h59 on 31 january 2020 you get a 10 euro discount,
so total = 104 euro
There will be no discount starting 1 february 2020 and you are free to choose each option separately.
After 13 hours there are only 17 all-in entries left.
Link to website: https://bordersofbelgium2020.weebly.com/ (https://bordersofbelgium2020.weebly.com/)
5 entries left for the all-in option 24h after registration opening.
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Looks like the 60 all-in are gone.
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I've entered! Last time we grouped together to pay entry for a few of us, to save the international transfer costs. If anyone wants to do this, I'm happy to join you, or arrange it.
Dave C
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I'd like to join you in that transfer if possible?
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Last time we grouped together to pay entry for a few of us, to save the international transfer costs.
I've started to use TransferWise for international payments. It works out much better than mainstream banks. Might be an option if you're facing a significant international transfer cost.
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Yes Transferwise is great and I just keep a certain amount in my Euro account to cover my upcoming trips. I move money across from the GBP account when the exchange rate is at a recent high. This way you are insulated from exchange rate fluctuations at the time of a trip or paying for something. Plus no fees when you use the card in euro land.
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Does anyone know what the Second option choice means on the entry page for this ?
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Does anyone know what the Second option choice means on the entry page for this ?
The 60 All-in places are all gone. (What all-in means: see above.)
Entries starting 1 february are not all-in. That means that you can pick your options.
Maybe you want to sleep at the first manned control but not at the second or you want to eat at a control but want to ride on without sleeping there. Or maybe you just want bagdrops at the 2 manned controls and nothing else.
Your choice.
At the beginning there will be no limit on food or bagdrops, but if the demand surpasses our possibilities (depending on how many volunteers we can get or the transport options we have) we may have to set limits and stop taking some options.
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when the exchange rate is at a recent high
Those were happy days when sterling was high against other currencies - before June 2016.
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Hmm, this is testing my resolve for (a) Just doing a 4 event SR this year and (b) not travelling too far for audax events.
Im kind of glad I didn't see this until now!
Ho hum, dont need to do anything til 1 Feb now
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when the exchange rate is at a recent high
Those were happy days when sterling was high against other currencies - before June 2016.
In the spirit of judgements about the happiness of days, I think you'll find that the average of the sterling/euro rate since 2009 is much the rate it is today. 2014-June 2016 was the short period of 'halcyon days' and maybe had more to do with the weakness of the euro and the trials and tribulations of the eurozone than sterling's strength. More knowledgeable heads may provide a far more accurate analysis.
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Ignoring the pounds dips in 2010 and 2011 and assuming the current position is a spike due to delayed brexit:
https://www.xe.com/currencycharts/?from=GBP&to=EUR&view=10Y
It's generally been much stronger than it has the last 3 years.
Unfortunately XE only goes back 10 years on its graphs.
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The euro/pound rate has fluctuated wildly since the euro started trading in the late 90's.
It started round 1,40 and was usually at least 1,30 up to the credit crisis era... After that it nearly reached parity in 09 but you can consider 1.25 to 1.30 as normal territory. I would agree that the last 3 years Sterling has been weak... Where it goes from here is anyone's guess. The next eurozone crisis could easily undo brexit weakness
Since I moved to NL in the late 80's the pound rate has always been a rollercoaster ride!
Scroll down to the exchange rate section, there is an historic Sterling chart
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro)
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The Borders of Belgium team is happy to accept all the Euro banknotes and coins issued since 2002 :-)
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The registration will re-open this saturday 1 february at 8 AM CET.
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This has piqued my interest, it's easy to get to for me and it's the week after the school summer holidays, so I'm in. :thumbsup:
A quick squizz at my bank's IBAN transfer T&Cs and I reckon if I use their app it'll be £7 charge from the receiving bank only, which isn't the end of the world.
Rohnny: your finish date on the front page of the site is wrong; it says Sunday 7th September, which should be Sunday 6th.
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Thanks for the entry and pointing out the error! Fixed it!
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Signed up and paid. Annoyed I missed the last edition of this and given my relatively light race goals this year I figured it would be silly not to tick the BoB off.
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Entry in
I'll work out how to get time off work in the 2nd half of the April->March holiday year later...
Assuming i've done it right it Cost €0.67 for the transfer and £0.75 for the top up with Transferwise.
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Real life [TM] has intervened to the extent that my annual leave for 2020 has been fully allocated.
Hope its a success. :thumbsup:
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Real life [TM] has intervened to the extent that my annual leave for 2020 has been fully allocated.
Hope its a success. :thumbsup:
Unpaid Leave not an option?
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Just to say I thoroughly recommend having a go at this ride! Super event, well organised and fantastic route/country. I have other commitments this year, but do plan to be back one day to ride it again :thumbsup:
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Got my entry in too.
Hoping some beds will open up to help with sleep logistics / or there is a corner of floor to crash on at controls.
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I plan to cross on the Hull to Zeebrugge ferry again. I'll book for a couple of days prior and the day after returning. If anyone want to share a two or four berth cabin feel free to message me or email David Stephen Crampton at Google mail dot com
Dave C
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I notice the event entry page is still open for this, obviously everything is a bit of a unknown at the moment, but as the event is not until September are the organisers still planning on running it ?
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I notice the event entry page is still open for this, obviously everything is a bit of a unknown at the moment, but as the event is not until September are the organisers still planning on running it ?
Yes, the event is still on the calendar. The Belgian calendar will undergo some changes but the Borders of Belgium will stay on the original date. As long as the National security counsel (about the Corona measures) give us green light to organise, the event will run. I have very good hopes it will be the case.
Rohnny, organisor of the BOB.
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I've heard audax is starting up again in Belgium. I wonder what is the situation for BOB?
Getting there on the ferry/train from UK might be an issue.
In Belgium are the shared accommodation options likely to be ok? Are hotels/motels etc likely to be functioning?
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Hey Hippy,
I'm in the same boat, so to speak. Ferry still appear to be non running to all but emergency timetables.
We stayed in an AirB&B last time, around 20km from the sStart/Arrivee.
Where are you crossing from? I'll be looking for a Hull Rotterdam ferry.
Last time I noticed tents next to the start. There is a good campsite toilet block next to the start also, but unsure whether it will be open it not.
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Similar position for me, as is IroIroMono.
Also since travel restrictions are devolved we might have other issues too.
I'm not exactly ready for 1000 though.
Was only a tenner entry (with the extra logistic considerations that came with) so not massively bothered if I have to miss it.
Was planning to use the Zebrugge ferry and train down to Ghent then ride to the start; but obviously that's all out.
I also don't fancy a night standing out on deck.
Looks like Pride of York hasn't moved anywhere recently (and given the age, like many P&O vessels might only ever move again to scrap), the Europoort service does appear to be running nightly.
Audax Ecosse needs a minibus :-p
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I think I'd originally mooted Eurostar then local train to Gent for this.
But god knows how all of that's going to work.
Also large parts of this route are quite sparse if I remember right - sounds like it'll end up being close to x-rated if it goes ahead.
On top of that, not sure what my motivation is - part of the appeal was recovery beers in Gent afterwards, but not sure if I'm ready to mingle with riders from all over Europe in close quarters, given the circumstances.
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Given that the UK has about the worst COVID result in Europe, I suspect that others might not want to get too close to UK riders anyway.
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Given that the UK has about the worst COVID result in Europe, I suspect that others might not want to get too close to UK riders anyway.
Being in a part of Scotland with one of the lowest current COVID rates, I don't particularly want to mingle with riders from south of the Antonite wall right now.
And then there's Leicester and Yns Mon :shudder:
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True but most folk won’t look at things in such detail. National-level at best e.g. USA = plague.
Aside: First time I have heard of the Antonine Wall. Not entirely successful, it seems.
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Luckily I have a blue passport and a suitably safe accent :D
Safe for riding, not so safe when we hit the bars in Ghent.
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True but most folk won’t look at things in such detail. National-level at best e.g. USA = plague.
Aye :-)
I don't really expect anyone outwith a country to look at the picture within.
England and Wales also = plague from this viewpoint.
My only concern about Leicester is Crisps, it is 377 miles away even Thurso is closer.
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Given that the UK has about the worst COVID result in Europe, I suspect that others might not want to get too close to UK riders anyway.
Being in a part of Scotland with one of the lowest current COVID rates, I don't particularly want to mingle with riders from south of the Antonite wall right now.
As an aside, the course of the Antonine Wall ran through the back garden of the house I grew up in, and there was a short stretch that could be made out very close by, albeit over grown but the profile of the thing could clearly be made out.
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Given that the UK has about the worst COVID result in Europe, I suspect that others might not want to get too close to UK riders anyway.
Being in a part of Scotland with one of the lowest current COVID rates, I don't particularly want to mingle with riders from south of the Antonite wall right now.
As an aside, the course of the Antonine Wall ran through the back garden of the house I grew up in, and there was a short stretch that could be made out very close by, albeit over grown but the profile of the thing could clearly be made out.
The only bit of it I've ever actually seen or knowingly been to is somewhere in the vicinity of Bonnybridge, but it wasn't in anyone's backgarden.
Possibly at Rough Castle.
Following the route on the map, got to say that Antonine must have been a bit daft, ran all the way along the Lothian shore of the Forth to Bo'ness.
The Carron surely would have made a good enough boundary and the rest defended using the river and lookouts.
Or was Stenhousemuir just too rough for the Romans?
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Hello, registration for the BOB 2020 is open.
During 2 weeks we take 60 entries for the all-in formula (or untill the limit of 60 entries is reached).
All-in means:
entry fee: 10 euro
at km 555 (Champlon) and km 840 (Lommel):
B&B (bed - douche - breakfast): 2 x 35 euro
evening meal: hot meal and a beverage: 2 x 12 euro
bagdrop: 2 x 5 euro
Total: 114 euro.
If your entry is made before 23h59 on 31 january 2020 you get a 10 euro discount,
so total = 104 euro
There will be no discount starting 1 february 2020 and you are free to choose each option separately.
After 13 hours there are only 17 all-in entries left.
Link to website: https://bordersofbelgium2020.weebly.com/ (https://bordersofbelgium2020.weebly.com/)
Is there any news Rohnny on this event, Thanks
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Hello, registration for the BOB 2020 is open.
During 2 weeks we take 60 entries for the all-in formula (or untill the limit of 60 entries is reached).
All-in means:
entry fee: 10 euro
at km 555 (Champlon) and km 840 (Lommel):
B&B (bed - douche - breakfast): 2 x 35 euro
evening meal: hot meal and a beverage: 2 x 12 euro
bagdrop: 2 x 5 euro
Total: 114 euro.
If your entry is made before 23h59 on 31 january 2020 you get a 10 euro discount,
so total = 104 euro
There will be no discount starting 1 february 2020 and you are free to choose each option separately.
After 13 hours there are only 17 all-in entries left.
Link to website: https://bordersofbelgium2020.weebly.com/ (https://bordersofbelgium2020.weebly.com/)
Is there any news Rohnny on this event, Thanks
This event is still on the calendar, just like the other events on the Belgian calendar.
Off course we follow the situation very closely.
If the National Security Counsil and/or Randonneurs.be (our national audax organisation) decides different measures/restrictions are needed, we will follow those rules.
At this moment organisations are allowed, but we have additional rules:
- There will be not one start time, but we'll go for multiple start times (roughly between 11h and 16h, more about that will be published later and a mail will be sent to the participants)
- We will limit the number of participants to 199.
- No entries at the day of the start. Entry will be closed on 15 august or when we reach 199 entries, whatever comes first.
- Entries have to be paid uo front, no entry fees on the day of the start.
- By spreading the start the formalities before the start (brevet cards, jerseys, bag drops, ...) will not be crowded nor will the manned controls (km 555 and 835) and the finish.
- No fixed controls in cafés, but free controls and control questions will be used.
- no self service at the manned controls.
Other measures will be taken if needed.
We see the numbers of infectoins climb each day so it is still possible we are forced not to organise in 2020.
If so we will organise in 2021. The people who entered the event in 2020 will stay on the list for 2021.
When things changes we will let you know as soon as possible.
KR,
Rohnny
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I entered in Feb but now have a clash because other events have been moved. Is it possible to get a refund and put my entry back in the pot for someone else?
It was a basic entry, no accommodation so if you can't refund can you at least make sure it's spent on Belgian beer for the riders (and yourself Rohnny)? :D
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I entered in Feb but now have a clash because other events have been moved. Is it possible to get a refund and put my entry back in the pot for someone else?
It was a basic entry, no accommodation so if you can't refund can you at least make sure it's spent on Belgian beer for the riders (and yourself Rohnny)? :D
Please use the contact email on the website to get in touch.
This is hardly the place to talk to the organisor why you think another event is more interesting about a clash a refund. ;)
Plus I don't know who "hippy" is, so...
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Rohnny
Two questions.
Are time trial bars(clip ons on normal bars) allowed? saw some on footage of earlier editions but just wanted to make sure.
Can you give an idea of the size of the bags for the bag drop?
Thanks in advance
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Are time trial bars(clip ons on normal bars) allowed? saw some on footage of earlier editions but just wanted to make sure.
No doubt the man himself will be along soon with the definitive answer, but in the meantime: I've used them on three events in Belgian audax, no problem. *Remember that helmets are mandatory over there.* (So it's different from PBP - better IMHO.)
Can you give an idea of the size of the bags for the bag drop?
From memory, similar to the LEL bags, so about 18 inches by two feet, cloth bags with drawstring top.
HTH.
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Opps - just seen this from The Man Himself:
Please use the contact email on the website to get in touch.
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Are time trial bars(clip ons on normal bars) allowed? saw some on footage of earlier editions but just wanted to make sure.
No doubt the man himself will be along soon with the definitive answer, but in the meantime: I've used them on three events in Belgian audax, no problem. *Remember that helmets are mandatory over there.* (So it's different from PBP - better IMHO.)
Can you give an idea of the size of the bags for the bag drop?
From memory, similar to the LEL bags, so about 18 inches by two feet, cloth bags with drawstring top.
HTH.
Trial bars are allowed. I recommend to be very careful because sometimes the road surface can be... euh... a bit British all of a sudden. So make sure you have good lights on the bike.
Indeed, the bags are roughly the size of the LEL bags. Enough for a jersey, bib shorts and socks + some inner tubes, a tire and some other bits.
Keep in mind that the bags must be fully closed. I don't want to empty my car and find things that should have been in a bag.
No problem answering these kind of questions here. Just questions like the one from Hippy I prefer to answer in private.
Thanks for understanding.
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Hello,
due to the new measurements by the National Security Council about COVID-19 it is no longer possible to organise (and ride) a long distance bicycle ride like the Borders of Belgium.
We tried to hold on as long as possible, but with the infection numbers rising since 2 weeks it is the only sensible thing to do.
Therefore we push the BOB2020 to 2021 and keep the same period: start on thursday 2 september 2021.
The participants on the list keep their place on the list for 2021.
An official statement on the website will follow soon.
Kind regards, Rohnny
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That comes as both a disappointment and a relief :-\ On the one hand I looked forward to it, knowing from two years ago this is a superbly organised event, and my first brevet (a 400) since February went fairly well. On the other hand, I have not done alot of miles and/or proper training in the past months, which made itself felt on that brevet too. And this does not bode well for a 1000km through the Ardennes. Oh well, the decision to start or not is out of my hands now...
Commiserations for the disappointment you (and your team) must feel too Rohnny, after all the preparation and organising you have been busy with.
And Rohnny: 2 september 2021 is roughly two weeks after LEL; as much as I would like to ride both, I would need more time for recovery :( How set in stone is that starting date?
Slightly off-topic: do you know if the 600km from Oostende on August 8 will be canceled too (the registration page still works)?
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That comes as both a disappointment and a relief :-\ On the one hand I looked forward to it, knowing from two years ago this is a superbly organised event, and my first brevet (a 400) since February went fairly well. On the other hand, I have not done alot of miles and/or proper training in the past months, which made itself felt on that brevet too. And this does not bode well for a 1000km through the Ardennes. Oh well, the decision to start or not is out of my hands now...
Commiserations for the disappointment you (and your team) must feel too Rohnny, after all the preparation and organising you have been busy with.
And Rohnny: 2 september 2021 is roughly two weeks after LEL; as much as I would like to ride both, I would need more time for recovery :( How set in stone is that starting date?
Slightly off-topic: do you know if the 600km from Oostende on August 8 will be canceled too (the registration page still works)?
I feel really sick about the move to 2021, but it's the only option. In some parts of Flanders there's an curfew between 23 and 6h. On top of that it is mandatory to wear a face mask, even while cycling.
Indeed: LEL ends 3 weeks before BOB. I also want to ride LEL, but I guess it will be impossible due to all the preparation. 2/9/21 is not set in stone, no. But the national calendar is always packed and I don't want to take the date of some other yearly organisation. As always, our calendar will be official in october. If another spot comes available, we will consider moving.
About other Belgian organisations: No idea what will be decided. The new measures were announced yesterday, so I guess they will have a meeting about the coming BRM's. For example: The track of the BRM 600 of Oostende goes through Gent. In the center of Gent it is mandatory to wear a face mask while cycling.
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Positive for me I guess, I was a DNS for an injury as well as building up to distance reasons but if restrictions are eased early enough in 2021...
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And Rohnny: 2 september 2021 is roughly two weeks after LEL
There is no guarantee LEL will happen. Restrictions on international travel mean riders from the US and Asia may be doubtful about traveling, and millions will have lost their jobs by then so won't have the money. A big fall in numbers may mean it is financially unviable. No one knows what the sleeping arrangements will have to be so no one can be sure there is the capacity to cope with riders. Social distancing for exhausted riders sleeping on the floor of a school sports hall? We can be sure there won't be a vaccine by then, but not sure of much else. I'd say there's far more chance of Rohnny's event happening than LEL. But I know less than just about everybody.....
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And Rohnny: 2 september 2021 is roughly two weeks after LEL
There is no guarantee LEL will happen. Restrictions on international travel mean riders from the US and Asia may be doubtful about traveling, and millions will have lost their jobs by then so won't have the money. A big fall in numbers may mean it is financially unviable. No one knows what the sleeping arrangements will have to be so no one can be sure there is the capacity to cope with riders. Social distancing for exhausted riders sleeping on the floor of a school sports hall? We can be sure there won't be a vaccine by then, but not sure of much else. I'd say there's far more chance of Rohnny's event happening than LEL. But I know less than just about everybody.....
I'm having similar thoughts. We're putting a lot of hope in things being relatively normal by this time next year. That feels like a big hope...
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Yup. I've stopped saying it to people I know as they dislike the idea. But there will be no vaccine within one year. We can be sure there'll be an economic catastrophe, worldwide. Millions will lose their jobs. Only the rich will not suffer. What the political impact will be, I shudder to think. I'm doing DIY by GPS routes to stay sane.
See you on the other side.
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My commiserations to Rohnny and all affected by this, which is basically all of us. I fear it's going to be a long road back.
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Well that's one thing (again tentatively) in the calendar for 2021
looking at the rider list looks like there could be a few of us Midlanders who might ride over ;D
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I think you may well be right there, Jack.
...assuming it goes ahead that is! :P
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It seems to be going ahead but with some changes.
More here https://bordersofbelgium2020.weebly.com/
No beds no food
But still one dropbag stop
Spread starts and clockwise.
Need to get the miles up now.
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Basically I need Belgium on both Scotland and England's Green list to be able to go or face 2 weeks unpaid leave...
So my chances of doing it are slim to non sadly.
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