Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Martin on 12 April, 2019, 01:51:24 pm
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A little baby Manotea and me conceived with a lot of genes from a previous and well respected organiser.
It was a regular Hailsham start but has moved West, taking advantage of the bottom half of the London Orbital 300 before striking South into GdS territory and the iconic flat coastal route through Brighton. Shoreham harbour is a real working port and well worth the detour.
Very ECEable too :)
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/19-229/
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Hmm been toying with entering the London orbital but put off by the early start being further away than last year. 8am is more appealing but that seafront section into a likely headwind makes me pause.
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I rode that section twice over the winter was very happy to reverse the second time but it was ok the normal way too.
There is a cycle path all the way from Saltdean under the cliffs through Brighton to the turn for Carats but you can also mix it with the vehicles on the road instead for a bit more lumpiness
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I'm not anticpating wind being an issue on the day, as 'the under the cliffs' section is relatively sheltered and more to the point it will be July, and a heady combination of seaside, sunshine and grockles will mean riders can expect to be in gentle cruising mode on the Seaford to Shoreham leg. In fact a gentle sea breeze will probably be quite welcome. 8)
Click the graphic for more details.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/cd3p755pt45nj8q/SSA6.jpg?raw=1) (http://seashore200.paudax.com)
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anyone else up for this? a real treat around quiet lanes dramatic scenery with a small s and not at all quiet seafronts 8)
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I rode the London Orbital last year but have opted for the SeaShore 200 this year.
Will probably ECE it - just need to add a little distance to the direct route and sort out the paperwork.
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I should add the "only one hill" is a more general description of the High Weald than a single climb....
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had a nice ride round this inaugural event. The first 71k was very benign taking in last years Orbital 300 route. But then came the old adage "if I was going to Seaford I wouldn't start from here" I think there was a mass sense of humour failure after Mother Crowborough and all her little daughter hills. Once there the sailing club café was a very welcome and sunny spot. The undercliff route (gdunk gdunk!) was a lot better than the last two times I did it, yesterday without the walnut sized pebbles and 3m waves crashing over! If you think it's a nice bit of cycle / pedestrian provision its primary purpose is a big tunnel underneath to take sewage away from Brighton (near the Palace Pier where it used to come out) to discharge into the sea a couple of miles further East.
Brighton seafront was challenging! although if anything the preponderance of their own version of Boris bikes did keep the cycle path mostly free. A few riders said they couldn't find Carat's will give better destructions next year
The tail end of the Sussex Steam Fair at Wiston was a very nice disctraction through Steyning
Thanks Manotea!
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The undercliff was still a pebble-fest until as recently as Friday, when I passed the sweeping machine making its first visit since last summer. Obviously booked by the wonderful org!
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Cracking ride, the coastal section was superb. Nice promenade along the front at Seaford, the superb white cliffs on the undercliff path, then cyclepath along the front at Brighton, occasionally wall to wall pedestrians, but mostly not too bad, a few Boris bikes and the occasional hipster on a fixed. Then the deserted road through the docks, and over the impressive lock gates. The cycle path out of Shoreham on the banks of the river with views of Lancing College, and the wooden bridge crossing were a great finale to the coastal bit. A few seaside pics below!
I confess to being one of the people who failed to spot the Shoreham cafe, although to be fair, if there hadn't been an alt control listed, I would have made the effort to backtrack from the lock gates to go and find it.
I did have one technical issue on the ride, my GPS seemed to be playing up, it was reading 2185 metres of ascent by the end of the ride, which seems way off for a route with "only one hill".
(http://c8h10n4o2.org/audax/rrty19/fullsize/seaford.jpg)
(http://c8h10n4o2.org/audax/rrty19/fullsize/undercliff1.jpg)
(http://c8h10n4o2.org/audax/rrty19/fullsize/undercliff2.jpg)
(http://c8h10n4o2.org/audax/rrty19/fullsize/brighton.jpg)
(http://c8h10n4o2.org/audax/rrty19/fullsize/shoreham.jpg)
(http://c8h10n4o2.org/audax/rrty19/fullsize/steyning.jpg)
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Event planned (subject to the Man from Del AUK saying Yes!) as a standalone X rated 200 from Horsham next Sat July 26th slightly less lumpy but bonus coastline including Eastbourne Beachy Head and Birling Gap 8) :)
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Is that Saturday 25th July or Sunday 26th July 2020?
Regards,
RP
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Is that Saturday 25th July or Sunday 26th July 2020?
Regards,
RP
Saturday 25th July :-[
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Assuming the new route gets approved it's;
First section a little South of this year's just clipping the Northern edge of Gatwick then through Horley to Edenbridge (where those wanting something more than snacks at Leigh control 10k later should stock up at Co-Op)
Crowborough is replaced by Mayfield (or is it Heathfield?) as the high point (it's possible to avoid the climb to Heathfield by staying on the A267 but it's longer), there isn't really any way to avoid that ridge heading South but once at Heathfield you are on the flat well surfaced Cuckoo Trail until almost Pevensey. Simple Tesco Express control but again there is more in Eastbourne.
Then it's a tour of seafronts, Eastbourne first followed by the easiest route I could find up to Beachy Head (Dukes Drive a lovely Alpine style hairpin), Birling Gap with iconic views either side of the Seven Sisters. A short bit of busy narrow climb on the A259 to Friston but I'm looking at alternatives. Downhill to Exceat where you pick up last year's route all the way to Shoreham Harbour (will give more detailed directions to Carat's this year). The official route goes down to the undercliff path at Saltdean but riders can stay on the A259 if they prefer)
The last section avoids this year's last busy and fast trafficked road (at that time of day) to Alfold in favour of a laney info before rolling downhill to the finish.
Be advised Horsham is not a place to park on a Saturday! it will set you back £12-14 :o I've found a free alternative 2km away. Or you can always get the train :)
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Or cycle to the start :)
Anton
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Now open for entries :)
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/20-229/
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only 30 places left!
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This does look rather good , cant make the 25th.
But any chance you want a route check done beforehand?
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This does look rather good , cant make the 25th.
But any chance you want a route check done beforehand?
yes please as I'm riding on the day :thumbsup:
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Its a done deal, will be in contact nearer the time. :thumbsup:
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Just entered, thanks for notifying me about this.
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Entered.
Might book into a nearby Premier Inn where there is also free parking.
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PLEASE NOTE
Owing to high demand this event is going to close entries soon but is being repeated on Saturday 15 August as the Airbourne 200, on the same day as Eastbourne airshow. This is likely to involve diversions around Eastbourne seafront but other than that the route and controls are the same.
If you wish to swap over to the Airbourne please PM :)
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Full! (And 10 entries over the max to allow for DNS)
Watch out for the Airbourne on August 15
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Event moved to 19.9.20; otherwise May 2021
I will also run it again next summer, this year's is currently full
Note revised route avoids about a third of the A267 to Mayfield and the (not nice) A264 on the last section
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32971838
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Offer of route check is still there if needed/wanted.
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Thanks; much appreciated :thumbsup:
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Did a route check of the intended route today to kick off my 2020 RRTY :thumbsup:
Apologies for the Leigh- Heathfield section it's pretty brutal (by my standards although not done more than 160 in 4 months) but better than last year's and there isn't really any way to avoid that ridge in order to get to the coast. The Cuckoo Trail may not be to everyone's taste but it's hard surface the whole way. Total climb about 1900m which is way out of AAA but still a bit of a work out
The Leigh post office 52k control was a welcome surprise cheap flapjacks and an even cheaper coffee machine! (£1) :P
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A couple of us took advantage of what might be the last sunny weekend of the year to do this as DIY on Sunday.
Strong headwinds made the first part to Leith tough. Unfortunately the Post Office there shuts on a Sunday, so no chance to sample the flapjacks and instead stopped at the Waitrose at Heathfield after what was also a very tough and undulating section. As pointed out, the Cuckoo Trail surface is fine, but don't expect to go fast with all the barriers, road crossings, nervous cyclists, children, dogs and ponies around. Enjoyed the seafront section, again need to watch out for pedestrians but generally not too crowded. More difficult was trying to work out which bit is actually a cycle lane, particularly as they seem to be putting in new (covid social distance related) cycle facilities as we speak. Unfortunately hit a pothole not long before home, but just a few grazes on me and a new bar tape on the bike to sort out and will be fine.
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As with last year's event there's no easy way of avoiding the high ridge between Ashdown Forest and Heathfield in order to reach the South Coast. I thought Beachy Head and Birling Gap were an important addition for a calendar event.
I have various DIY mandatory route versions which avoid a lot of that hilly area if you are interested, mostly they turn at Exceat near Seaford.
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Agreed - worth a few extra hills for more sea views!
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Following a few dropouts entries are open for the rescheduled September 18 event 8)
Following feedback from riders who've done the route as a DIY the Cuckoo Trail section is truncated to just the Hailsham area, it also avoids the gratuitous climbs around Mayfield and Heathfield although it still crosses the same ridge near Cross in Hand. The not so nice A road section from Steyning also replaced with a lanier option and an extra info.
Depending on the Covid situation by then I may ask the cafe next to the start if they mind opening early, I imagine many local riders will sort themselves out before they arrive. Free parking confirmed 3km S of the start, £12-14 in the town centre :o
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=9214
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Just signed up for this. I'm not very good in the heat so probably won't do much in July/ August, so this'll be good for the end of summer.
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A healthy field of 77 with about 20 places left. Pre ride free catering will be tea / coffee and cereal bars but opportunities for more at Horley 20km
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Did a DIY route check yesterday, sublime views from Beachy Head 8) challenging sea breeze which disappeared as soon as I rode inland
I've removed most of the Cuckoo Trail section following feedback, this does result in an alternative 6km section along the A267 to Hellingly, anyone wanting to avoid this can turn onto the trail at Horam
8 places left after which it's a waiting list
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Glad you mentioned places left. When I saw it on the calendar yesterday was going to wait to enter, but have just done it. Looking forward to it.
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Entries still trickling in I expect a last minute rush. I've ordered another 30 cards about 25 left.
Please support Carat's they have been very helpful :)
Those coming by train make sure you go for the GroupSave fare if there are more than 2 of you it will be up to 50% saving :thumbsup:
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Anyone else want to make up the full value Peloton? I happen to actually know where Carats is which might help and also know some ways to avoid the cycle path along the front (while still staying true to the spirit of the ride) which can get very busy between Brighton and Hove.
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Excellent..............IF I can keep up
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Please note diversion due to Eastbourne carnival along the seafront.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37489096
I may use this next year if I run the event on the day of the airshow
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Should be a good ride on Saturday, weather is looking favourable at the moment.
@GdS, are the ride details being sent out to riders soon?
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Should be a good ride on Saturday, weather is looking favourable at the moment.
@GdS, are the ride details being sent out to riders soon?
yes I've been sending them out since I route checked but I've got you down as a DNS!
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Should be a good ride on Saturday, weather is looking favourable at the moment.
@GdS, are the ride details being sent out to riders soon?
yes I've been sending them out since I route checked but I've got you down as a DNS!
No worries. I had the email back in June that said my entry was carried over from last year. I have now got the details you just forwarded, thank you :thumbsup:
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Perfect weather for the inaugural running of this much delayed event from Horsham 8) almost no wind until after Eastbourne where it turned into a tailwind all the way. A good showing of local club riders on their first 200km Audax.
Having detoured through Eastbourne to avoid the carnival we were not mistaken for Tour of Sussex riders on the climb to Beachy Head! The undercliff path and most of the route through Brighton and Hove was very quiet when I passed through (apart from Palace Pier) they were also getting ready for L2B today.
apologies for lack of stickers at Carats it appears they never found their way to the counter.
Finished with Tommy P thanks for your company! :)
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Well done Martin for getting the results out so quickly, (presumably a result of Ann’s fine Controlling) whilst we can still remember the names of the noobies we met on the ride. Nice varied route, but the most challenging aspect was avoiding the seafront jay walkers. There were a lot of cyclists and scooterists going in both directions, but pedestrians seemed totally oblivious to the existence of the very obvious cycle path. Thereafter it was actually a joy just to have to put up with cars, as they mainly travelled in straight lines.
The Ascent of Beachy Head was in sweltering conditions, so the later sweeping descents were even more enjoyed. Eastbourne closed its streets to all but us (at your request presumably), and laid on musical entertainment for us, so maybe you could ask Brighton to put on a similar distraction which would keep the cycle path clear..........
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Thanks for guiding me back Martin! Also for all the bits of knowledge as we passed by bits of the route. And thanks to the rest of the gang we were with for letting me tag along.
Not feeling quite as knackered as I have from previous 200 efforts, so must be getting fitter!
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I followed Martin’s GPX the whole day. It was our official route. It had a few glitches in it along the Coast, but I felt that if Martin had gone to the trouble of providing the GPX showing what he thought was the best route, there must be a good reason for his choice, and I should follow it. He would have known about this route you are referring to, and decided we should not use it
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Jeff; I am Martin! :)
Like when Manotea ran the event I did issue "chill pill" warnings about Brighton on both the route sheet and the welcome email. Not a section for blasting along. I found the undercliff section very quiet (and also mostly pebble free) but was about 90 min later than you.
Sadly they had already put barricades up along Madeira Drive in preparation for the bike ride finish the next day (which I only found out about a few days before) which did rather spoil the usually generous cycle lane but with insider knowledge we ignored the closed road signs and rode along the empty road. After the Palace Pier it does become day tripper central for about 1km as they gush out from West St towards the pier and the i360. I did also advise that riders could use either the A259 or the cycle path.
Where the Covid lane finally stops the cycle path goes back out towards the seafront but we continued along the road as the motor traffic was still single file. Soon after the cycle path rejoins and is a lot quieter as you are now in Hove Actually!
Sadly next year the Covid bike lanes will have gone (although Covid may not have) so it will be either on the path or the road whichever you prefer. But hopefully many of the crowds will be along the seafront at Eastbourne watching the airshow instead 8)
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Hi Martin
Your Auk Checkpoint signs were still in evidence in Horsham Sunday afternoon, as we came back from a Tandem Club ride. Our hopes for spare cake were dashed when we realised the event was on Saturday. Don't know if they're still there...
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Hi Martin
Your Auk Checkpoint signs were still in evidence in Horsham Sunday afternoon, as we came back from a Tandem Club ride. Our hopes for spare cake were dashed when we realised the event was on Saturday. Don't know if they're still there...
Thanks for reminding me! will go and retrieve it was all a bit of a rush to get everything back in the car before the next tranche of Horsham riders turned up for a club run the cafe opened and parking wardens arrived :)
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Great ride, a bit of a classic I would say! Quite hilly after Leigh, but mostly on quiet roads, often lined by trees. I accidentally took the seafront route through Eastbourne, but luckily the carnival hadn't started yet, so I had a traffic free road all to myself, passing by bands in full swing, people putting on dragon costumes, a few drinkers who had peaked a bit too early, etc.
Good climb out of Eastbourne, and nice rolling section past Birling Gap, with much less traffic than I was expecting. Some rather sharp hills through East Dean in the full heat of the day, but compensated for by zero traffic. The bit along the undercliff, and then the Brighton promenade was every bit as good as I remembered from last time. I didn't find the pedestrians too much bother, just had to concentrate a bit more, and it was only for a few short sections. I even managed to find Carats this time!
Rode the last couple of hours with Jeff, who was riding a fat-tyred mountain bike, as his road bike was in the workshop. Enjoyed the conversation, and it made the miles fly by!
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some great photos here (login required)
https://www.strava.com/activities/5982018396
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A reminder that this year's event is on Saturday August 20th and is renamed the Airbourne 200 as it coincides with Eastbourne airshow. Although this may seem strange planning it avoids the whole seafront and my experience on the day is that traffic is generally very quiet along the coast road during the show. There should be lots to see in the air as many of the displays come along the coast from Shoreham (aka Brighton City) airport which the ride also passes.