Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: vistaed on 24 August, 2017, 11:47:30 pm

Title: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 24 August, 2017, 11:47:30 pm
In the days following the sudden death of Mike Hall, some of Mike's friends in the audax community felt the need to do something to remember him by.  Having talked it over, and ideas shared with Mike's close family and friends, it was agreed that a 2018 calander event would be planned. This ride should be in the spirit of Mike.

Mike often rode 400km days on his bikepacking races, was keen to incorporate a bit of gravel into his Welsh road rides and was certainly not shy of hills. So with that in mind we set out to plan 'a good 400km day out' with 10,000m of ascent. Alas, that 10,000m goal alluded us. So we settled for a challenging 400km mixed surface route with some of the steepest 7.5AA points you'll ride. We felt that Mike would approve :demon:

The recce was certainly very challenging but very rewarding.  However, it highlighted the need for some alternative routes to insure a wider cross section of cyclists could join in remembering him.

So we have planned additional 100km, 200km and 300km rides alongside that 400km ride with the possibly of a 10AA 600km. They will all embrace the spirit of Mike and promise to be challenging in their own right. As such, the spirit of self-sufficiency should be embraced. These are not your normal 'run of the mill' mid Wales audax events and will offer something not often found on the AUK calendar. Don't enter the longer events thinking you will be able to just 'knock them out' on your light weight race bike. You won't! And that's not a challenge.

All rides will loop out of Llandrindod Wells over the weekend of 2nd - 3rd June 2018.

Events are planned to go live on the AUK calendar early October 2017 as Black Sheep productions. More details will follow. Keep an eye out here, on TCR based social media and on the AUK calendar.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: GPS on 25 August, 2017, 08:00:03 am
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 25 August, 2017, 08:33:57 am
Fantastic! Already bookmarked in the calendar though not sure if I can get round. (that's the attraction). Is the 600 by combining 400 and 200? Or is a further event in the pipeline?

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Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: al-c on 25 August, 2017, 08:49:55 am
That's in the calendar for next year, sounds great!
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: TOBY on 25 August, 2017, 09:15:50 am
Will share this in my club  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Paul D on 25 August, 2017, 09:16:31 am
I'm in. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Chris N on 25 August, 2017, 09:54:12 am
Definitely up for this. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 25 August, 2017, 10:51:00 am
Fantastic! Already bookmarked in the calendar though not sure if I can get round. (that's the attraction). Is the 600 by combining 400 and 200? Or is a further event in the pipeline?

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It will be a single 600km loop and not a combination of two shorter loops. There will be no mid ride return to Base and no mid ride manned sleep controls. X rated self-sufficiency is the ethos here.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 25 August, 2017, 11:24:46 am
Splendid. Ill hang fire until Black Sheep adds a 600 to his events already on the Calendar. Then pluck up the cohones!
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 25 August, 2017, 11:36:17 am
Fantastic! Already bookmarked in the calendar though not sure if I can get round. (that's the attraction). Is the 600 by combining 400 and 200? Or is a further event in the pipeline?

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As Vistaed has pointed-out for the 600, the same is true for all rides, they all go out from Llandrindod and single-loop around mid/north Wales.

The initial ride/route concept was 400km, and the 400 does form the basic framework that all the other rides hang around.

If you don't think you can get around, and I presume you're refering to the 400 BR. Why not enter the 400 BP ride, it's the same route - just at a lower pace, you'll get 40hours. You'll still get the AAA points, but not the distance points - but you wouldn't have got those anyway (or the AAA points) if you were out of time on the 400BR.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 25 August, 2017, 11:55:18 am
Fantastic! Already bookmarked in the calendar though not sure if I can get round. (that's the attraction). Is the 600 by combining 400 and 200? Or is a further event in the pipeline?

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk

As Vistaed has pointed-out for the 600, the same is true for all rides, they all go out from Llandrindod and single-loop around mid/north Wales.

The initial ride/route concept was 400km, and the 400 does form the basic framework that all the other rides hang around.

If you don't think you can get around, and I presume you're refering to the 400 BR. Why not enter the 400 BP ride, it's the same route - just at a lower pace, you'll get 40hours. You'll still get the AAA points, but not the distance points - but you wouldn't have got those anyway (or the AAA points) if you were out of time on the 400BR.
It's about the stretch. I wasn't sure I could get round your Scottish 1200 last year or Mille Pennines. But had a good go and made it. Both fantastic memories.

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Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 25 August, 2017, 12:04:30 pm
Sorry to whitter on. The earlier post was really asking if the 600 was to be added to the calendar. I was going to enter the 400 but will hang on a while.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 25 August, 2017, 12:25:23 pm
Sorry to whitter on. The earlier post was really asking if the 600 was to be added to the calendar. I was going to enter the 400 but will hang on a while.

600 on it's way  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: GPS on 25 August, 2017, 01:57:13 pm
Sorry to whitter on. The earlier post was really asking if the 600 was to be added to the calendar. I was going to enter the 400 but will hang on a while.

600 on it's way  :thumbsup:

Excellent news ! Sounds challenging ...
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 25 August, 2017, 04:10:11 pm
Fantastic! Already bookmarked in the calendar though not sure if I can get round. (that's the attraction). Is the 600 by combining 400 and 200? Or is a further event in the pipeline?

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It will be a single 600km loop and not a combination of two shorter loops. There will be no mid ride return to Base and no mid ride manned sleep controls. X rated self-sufficiency is the ethos here.
Bag-drop?
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 25 August, 2017, 04:20:40 pm
I do hope there's going to be no publicity. I don't think you can call anything self-sufficient if it consciously seeks approbation beyond the self.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 25 August, 2017, 04:26:24 pm
Fantastic! Already bookmarked in the calendar though not sure if I can get round. (that's the attraction). Is the 600 by combining 400 and 200? Or is a further event in the pipeline?

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk
It will be a single 600km loop and not a combination of two shorter loops. There will be no mid ride return to Base and no mid ride manned sleep controls. X rated self-sufficiency is the ethos here.
Bag-drop?
Unlikely
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 25 August, 2017, 05:08:30 pm
I do hope there's going to be no publicity. I don't think you can call anything self-sufficient if it consciously seeks approbation beyond the self.
Publicity....ummm. Yes, but not as a means to seek approval from others. More information will be made available via a dedicated website so that riders can make an informed decision about which is the appropriate route/distance for their kit and ability and allow them to plan a suitable ride strategy. We also want those beyond this forum, regular readers of Arrive or the AUK calendar to have an opportunity to hear about the rides and join in. A website will be an enabler for that, the details of which shall be spread via our social networks.

Self-sufficiently will come from the lack of external support beyond the necessary. ie, there will be no bag drops, no manned controls, no details of on-route re-supply options and no sag wagon. But we shall muse about what tires/bikes might be best suited or unsuitable to each of the routes.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 25 August, 2017, 05:26:02 pm
... no details of on-route re-supply options

If I read that correctly, that implies that information on cafes and shops etc will not be provided. This would not be an issue for local riders who will be aware of what lies on the route, or just off the route, but for out-of-area riders this will require much use of streetview and Internet information gathering beforehand. Is that correct?

Overall I am very much looking forward to the weekend. The thinking behind the events is spot-on, and I am looking forward to preparing for what appears to be a true challenge that will be rewarding in many ways.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: JohnL on 25 August, 2017, 06:00:21 pm
Ooooh, this sounds awesome!

I'd already decided 2018 was to be the year of the hill, so this will fit right in. I also wanted to do some more x rated events, so this is definitely ticking the boxes.

John
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 25 August, 2017, 06:10:12 pm
I do hope there's going to be no publicity. I don't think you can call anything self-sufficient if it consciously seeks approbation beyond the self.
Publicity....ummm. Yes, but not as a means to seek approval from others.

I only raise the point because some of the riders on LEL had PR support, and that generated a request for footage. I've got no real 'thing' about self sufficiency, and my main money-making activity is also a hobby, so I've got no qualms about making money out of other 'hobbies'. But that's 'inter-dependency'.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Clemo on 25 August, 2017, 07:13:26 pm
Just bought a Gravel bike so its going to get some serious use next summer   :thumbsup:

This is awesome
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 25 August, 2017, 09:04:57 pm
... no details of on-route re-supply options

If I read that correctly, that implies that information on cafes and shops etc will not be provided. This would not be an issue for local riders who will be aware of what lies on the route, or just off the route, but for out-of-area riders this will require much use of streetview and Internet information gathering beforehand. Is that correct?

Overall I am very much looking forward to the weekend. The thinking behind the events is spot-on, and I am looking forward to preparing for what appears to be a true challenge that will be rewarding in many ways.

You do read this correctly but I hear what your saying about being an out of area rider. I class myself as an out of area rider and had to find all the information on food etc myself before heading out with two other riders on our 400km recce. In a way its part of the spirit of Mike and enriched the experience of the ride. Our ride did not go to plan but I'll write about that at another time. The first time you do a challenging route in to the unknown it's more than just about being fit enough to complete the ride. It's about the mental preparation, the planning, the kit choice and your approach to risk that all come together to form a strategy you hope will get you round in time. But in the end you just don't know if the strategy will work. It's also about the asking of questions of those that are locals on forums like this. It helps to build a sense of joint adventure before the ride has even started. As such, I believe these rides could be more rewarding for out of area riders.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Ian H on 25 August, 2017, 09:23:36 pm

Bag-drop?
Unlikely

I think you should allow Matt at least to drop a bag at the start and collect it at the finish.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 25 August, 2017, 09:37:06 pm
George Berwick used to cache food and bottles in hedges on the 24. Will that be allowed if you do it by bicycle?
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 25 August, 2017, 09:49:13 pm

Bag-drop?
Unlikely

I think you should allow Matt at least to drop a bag at the start and collect it at the finish.
Go on then :)
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 25 August, 2017, 11:38:38 pm
George Berwick used to cache food and bottles in hedges on the 24. Will that be allowed if you do it by bicycle?
As it's not a race and only a bike ride after all, that approach sounds like fun to me.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 26 August, 2017, 05:58:05 am

Bag-drop?
Unlikely

I think you should allow Matt at least to drop a bag at the start and collect it at the finish.
Hmmmm ...

Well OK, but the hot-tub is non-negotiable.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 26 August, 2017, 07:47:05 am
... no details of on-route re-supply options

If I read that correctly, that implies that information on cafes and shops etc will not be provided. This would not be an issue for local riders who will be aware of what lies on the route, or just off the route, but for out-of-area riders this will require much use of streetview and Internet information gathering beforehand. Is that correct?

Overall I am very much looking forward to the weekend. The thinking behind the events is spot-on, and I am looking forward to preparing for what appears to be a true challenge that will be rewarding in many ways.

You do read this correctly but I hear what your saying about being an out of area rider. I class myself as an out of area rider and had to find all the information on food etc myself before heading out with two other riders on our 400km recce. In a way its part of the spirit of Mike and enriched the experience of the ride. Our ride did not go to plan but I'll write about that at another time. The first time you do a challenging route in to the unknown it's more than just about being fit enough to complete the ride. It's about the mental preparation, the planning, the kit choice and your approach to risk that all come together to form a strategy you hope will get you round in time. But in the end you just don't know if the strategy will work. It's also about the asking of questions of those that are locals on forums like this. It helps to build a sense of joint adventure before the ride has even started. As such, I believe these rides could be more rewarding for out of area riders.

Thank you for the explanation. With or without upfront details of places of nourishment I think the ride will be a challenge that sets it apart, and understand your reasoning for putting the onus on the riders to prepare for the journey.

When will the route details become known? Some details are on aukweb, but I would hope the full details  will be made available early so that riders have a lot of time to fill in the blanks and prepare themselves.
Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 26 August, 2017, 08:42:56 am
I think the blanks will be filled in by mostly..... blanks. It's moderately remote, there are few refuel points and nothing will be open a lot of the time. Memories of Highlands And Glens. Bring it on

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Title: Re: It's not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 26 August, 2017, 09:32:56 am
I don't have a definitive 'go live date' for the website. But we are talking weeks not months.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: guidon on 28 August, 2017, 07:49:36 pm
well it looks like a ten cc reunion is on the cards....Will try to gain permission for this but its a trek from the dordogne....I'll see what i can do....
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: alotronic on 28 August, 2017, 10:43:59 pm
Great looking rides, proper challenges but a good range of options too - I think they will be very popular. Nice work and love the ethos!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: hippy on 01 September, 2017, 01:19:26 pm
Likely unable to do this with racing getting in the way but are you likely to want anyone to test the route beforehand or maybe you'll open route up for Perm riders?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 02 September, 2017, 10:16:51 pm
****UPDATE****

There is now a website with more information www.tinat.cymru (http://www.tinat.cymru)
And a facebook group that you can join https://www.facebook.com/groups/1454317321326043/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1454317321326043/)

Reminder that entry opens on the 1st October 2017
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 20 September, 2017, 10:00:08 pm
If you're interested, and I know some of you are, there will be a 600km route. Details are now on the website with entrance to open on the 1st October along with the other rides.
http://tinat.cymru/saturday-rides/600km-br/ (http://tinat.cymru/saturday-rides/600km-br/)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Zed43 on 21 September, 2017, 12:00:55 pm
Wow. 11323m climbing, that would make this a Super Randonnée. Except you only get 42 hours instead of 60 and it is on mixed surface to boot...

Too much for me, but I do intend to ride the "fast 300" one. Now that my entry for the Bryan Chapman is confirmed I'm thinking of turning this into a nice British cycling excursion: start with the BCM, follow up with two weeks of easy-does-it touring in the south-central then finish with this adventure. Probably bring my new Rohloff randonneur; weights a bit more than my regular audax bike but it's sturdier and 48mm tyres should fit under the mudguards.

Looking forward to this one!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: GPS on 21 September, 2017, 01:27:16 pm
I have to admit, I'm getting ridiculously excited by the prospect of attempting the 600.  I very much doubt I'll complete it in under 42 hours - but it's got to be worth a pop.

What with the Mille Cymru, the Brevet Cymru and a possible BCM perm too - it looks like I'll be riding around Wales rather a lot next year  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: basset on 22 September, 2017, 08:33:12 am
Oh dear I think this might hurt my poor old legs 👀🙃
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: jiberjaber on 22 September, 2017, 10:33:10 am
Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 22 September, 2017, 05:04:55 pm
I've tried mapping the 400 route on bikehike, and I'm getting close to the published figures for distance and elevation. However I can only find 3 of the 5 "lengthy rough sections", and I haven't yet determined where the ford is. The rough sections I have so far are around Claerwen reservoir, past Blaenycwm on the route to Llangurig, and the NCR82 to Dolgellau. Whereabouts are the other 2 rough sections, and the ford?

I'm trying to get a feel for the route before putting my entry in, although I suspect I'll be up for the challenge irrespective of the finer points of the route!

That road up Bwlch y Groes looks impressive on the OS map. 10 steep climb arrows in the space of 1.9km, but at least we miss out one extra arrow where the route bears off to the right. 
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: thesloth on 22 September, 2017, 05:07:33 pm
Very keen for this. I've got the right bike now, so no excuses.
Struggling to get my head around the 600 option. 600km zipping along at 30km/h on smooth tar is one thing. 600km grinding up steep dirt tracks in the dark is quite another.

However like a moth to the flame it's hard to ignore the pull.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: zigzag on 22 September, 2017, 05:54:50 pm
this is the first audax (looking at the 600 one) where i wonder if i can make it back before the cut off. very tempting to find out and plenty of time to get a suitable bike for the job.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 22 September, 2017, 06:12:43 pm
I think knowing where the rough sections are is key to planning a sleep strategy on the 400 and 600. I'd definitely prefer to do all rough track during daylight.

I'm torn between the 200 and the 300, or even two 200s (Sat and sun). If I enter I will be sure to choose one if the routes that does the llanidoes to machynlyth section.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Chris N on 22 September, 2017, 06:42:57 pm
I believe the off road bits are Cors Caron nature reserve (near Tregaron), the Claerwen Reservoir track, NCR 818 Cwmystwyth - Llangurig cycle track, NCR 82 before Dolgellau and the last bit is probably in or near the Dyfnant Forest.  You can probably do the first 4 sections in daylight, maybe the 5th.

The ford might be on NCN 818 - it's been a while since I've been that way.

That road up Bwlch y Groes looks impressive on the OS map. 10 steep climb arrows in the space of 1.9km, but at least we miss out one extra arrow where the route bears off to the right. 
You sure about that? ;)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 22 September, 2017, 06:52:59 pm
I believe the off road bits are Cors Caron nature reserve (near Tregaron), the Claerwen Reservoir track, NCR 818 Cwmystwyth - Llangurig cycle track, NCR 82 before Dolgellau and the last bit is probably in or near the Dyfnant Forest.  You can probably do the first 4 sections in daylight, maybe the 5th.

The ford might be on NCN 818 - it's been a while since I've been that way.

That road up Bwlch y Groes looks impressive on the OS map. 10 steep climb arrows in the space of 1.9km, but at least we miss out one extra arrow where the route bears off to the right. 
You sure about that? ;)

Thanks Chris, I'll take another look with that additional info.

Re Bwlch y Groes, looks like the 600 takes the left at the top for the final bit of climbing, whereas the 400 turns right. Mind you, if I want to tick that off the list of 100 greatest cycling climbs I'll need to do the extra bit. Or maybe come back another day!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: U.N.Dulates on 22 September, 2017, 06:55:16 pm
The ford is on the Claerwen - Teifi Pools track. Unbridged river crossing. No footbridge alternative. Depending on how much rain there's been it can be anything from ankle to thigh deep.

There's another one on NCN818 but there is a footbridge there so you don't have to ride/wade through it.

The 5th bit of off-road is the Elan Valley cycle path up to Craig Goch dam.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: U.N.Dulates on 22 September, 2017, 06:56:58 pm
Re Bwlch y Groes, looks like the 600 takes the left at the top for the final bit of climbing, whereas the 400 turns right. Mind you, if I want to tick that off the list of 100 greatest cycling climbs I'll need to do the extra bit. Or maybe come back another day!

600 goes straight on over the summit. 400 turns right to head back down the Eunant valley to Lake Vyrnwy.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Chris N on 22 September, 2017, 07:02:56 pm
Thanks John. Looks like all of the of road stuff will be done by tea time.  ;)

The text on the 400 BP page mentions going to Bala then over the Hirnaunt Pass the to Lake Vyrnwy.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 22 September, 2017, 07:07:47 pm
The text on the 400 BP page mentions going to Bala then over the Hirnaunt Pass the to Lake Vyrnwy.

Yes, and in contradiction to the map. I pointed this out to Blacksheep a few days ago - he says he'll fix it, but didn't say which version is correct  :D
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Manotea on 22 September, 2017, 07:11:08 pm
...Struggling to get my head around the 600 option. 600km zipping along at 30km/h on smooth tar is one thing. 600km grinding up steep dirt tracks in the dark is quite another.

Welcome to the world of the full value rider, happy just to get round in time! :D
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 22 September, 2017, 07:30:06 pm
The ford is on the Claerwen - Teifi Pools track. Unbridged river crossing. No footbridge alternative. Depending on how much rain there's been it can be anything from ankle to thigh deep.

There's another one on NCN818 but there is a footbridge there so you don't have to ride/wade through it.

The 5th bit of off-road is the Elan Valley cycle path up to Craig Goch dam.
:o thigh deep? :-\
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: al-c on 22 September, 2017, 07:46:18 pm
Not sure I can complete the 600 in time, but that's part of the attraction so that's the one for me. Bring it on!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 22 September, 2017, 07:47:16 pm
The ford is on the Claerwen - Teifi Pools track. Unbridged river crossing. No footbridge alternative. Depending on how much rain there's been it can be anything from ankle to thigh deep.

There's another one on NCN818 but there is a footbridge there so you don't have to ride/wade through it.

The 5th bit of off-road is the Elan Valley cycle path up to Craig Goch dam.
:o thigh deep? :-\
Is that Mr Dulates's thigh or Mrs' ?

If the farcebook servers allow, here's someone else making the dread crossing:
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21761504_10154984644806814_1756483488418310617_n.jpg?oh=6ecd7e0c83336e351d711f8f2117038d&oe=5A565478)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: U.N.Dulates on 22 September, 2017, 09:35:48 pm
Well you'll get wet feet either way.

(http://www.wetroads.co.uk/images/claerwen%20farm1.jpg)

But be grateful you're not going down the Strata Florida track http://www.wetroads.co.uk/ceredigion.htm (http://www.wetroads.co.uk/ceredigion.htm)

(http://www.trf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Wales-C2C-14-1300x800.jpg)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 23 September, 2017, 12:11:19 pm
Very keen for this. I've got the right bike now, so no excuses.
Struggling to get my head around the 600 option. 600km zipping along at 30km/h on smooth tar is one thing. 600km grinding up steep dirt tracks in the dark is quite another.

However like a moth to the flame it's hard to ignore the pull.

You've got the right sort of bike,  so that's one hurdle overcome. We both know your ability on the flat, so there's no problems there either. You're familiar with Wales in the spring, so thats another variable taken care of. You will have seen the Claerwen  vid, another unknown sawtid. The event notes also give advice, and there's more on the FB group.

Sounds like you're all ready and good to go. :thumbsup:

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 24 September, 2017, 03:55:28 pm
The ford is on the Claerwen - Teifi Pools track. Unbridged river crossing. No footbridge alternative. Depending on how much rain there's been it can be anything from ankle to thigh deep.

There's another one on NCN818 but there is a footbridge there so you don't have to ride/wade through it.

The 5th bit of off-road is the Elan Valley cycle path up to Craig Goch dam.
This is the correct description of the rough sections. The 300/400/600 events were all planned so that the rough sections can be ridden before night fall because we are nice like that. I've also fixed the description on the fast 400km page.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 25 September, 2017, 12:28:49 am
At the risk of winding folk up over the unfortunate clash of dates, is anyone not riding Black Sheep or Lucy's event thinking of using the AUK reunion weekend as a recce?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 25 September, 2017, 10:22:39 am
At the risk of winding folk up over the unfortunate clash of dates, is anyone not riding Black Sheep or Lucy's event thinking of using the AUK reunion weekend as a recce?
No: I'm doing Phil Dyson's (always very well-attended) event!  :)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 25 September, 2017, 07:34:33 pm
At the risk of winding folk up over the unfortunate clash of dates, is anyone not riding Black Sheep or Lucy's event thinking of using the AUK reunion weekend as a recce?
If you ride the rough sections in November, be mindful that the weather maybe more of a factor than in June. Ie, it will be colder, darker, wetter under wheel, the ford higher, etc. Just saying.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: joy of essex on 25 September, 2017, 07:48:15 pm
So it's an off road audax in November?  Has there been a risk assessment?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 25 September, 2017, 07:54:44 pm
So it's an off road audax in November?  Has there been a risk assessment?

 ???
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 25 September, 2017, 11:16:15 pm


If you ride the rough sections in November, be mindful that the weather maybe more of a factor than in June. Ie, it will be colder, darker, wetter under wheel, the ford higher, etc. Just saying.

Good points appreciated and noted. A recce of some bits as a day out on the bike, no sleep deprivation and can turn round if the river's 4 ft deep. "Better drowned than duffers. If not duffers won't drown" A. Ransome.

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 26 September, 2017, 01:31:13 pm
Pic 5 in the instagram feed, what road is that?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 26 September, 2017, 05:42:50 pm
Pic 5 in the instagram feed, what road is that?
If we mean the same photo then it's along side Clearwan Reservoir.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 26 September, 2017, 05:46:06 pm
Pic 5 in the instagram feed, what road is that?
Or 5 from the other end of the feed is looking down Bwlch-y-Groes
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 27 September, 2017, 07:52:41 am
Bwlch-y-Groes was the one I meant, thanks. The OS map is quite arrowey just there isnt it  :o My knees are exceedingly pleased to see the 300 doesn't go that way.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Gareth on 01 October, 2017, 12:49:05 am
A technical hitch has meant the entry button didn't pop up at 00:01, they should all be available in 15 minutes or so...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 01 October, 2017, 08:03:06 am
Working now :-D (300, interesting, sane)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Zed43 on 01 October, 2017, 08:30:36 am
I'm in for the fast 300  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Darren Franks on 02 October, 2017, 07:43:32 pm
I've signed up for the Fast 400 but I'm now wondering if I've been soft and should be doing the 600.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 02 October, 2017, 08:03:24 pm
I am surprised (in a good way) at how many people are going for the 600  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: basset on 03 October, 2017, 08:30:01 am
I decided on the fast 400 too as I'm going to attempt the Mersey roads 24 just over a month later and if LEL was anything to go buy I'm not sure I would fully recover in time if I did the 600 (getting old , getting sensible, getting Grumpy 🤔Pick any two)😎
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: GPS on 03 October, 2017, 08:40:34 am
I am surprised (in a good way) at how many people are going for the 600  :thumbsup:

How many are going for the 600 ?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 03 October, 2017, 09:55:38 am
I am surprised (in a good way) at how many people are going for the 600 

How many are going for the 600 ?
Er.. me. Glad there will be quite a few.

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Paul D on 03 October, 2017, 01:29:53 pm
I'm in for the fast 400. Didn't fancy the 600 as it seemed to me that the original concept was a difficult on/offroad 400, then due to public demand some extra kms were found to make a 600 in the same style.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Deano on 03 October, 2017, 01:31:43 pm
I'm in for the fast 400. Didn't fancy the 600 as it seemed to me that the original concept was a difficult on/offroad 400, then due to public demand some extra kms were found to make a 600 in the same style.

I'm seriously thinking about the 400 for the same reason - it looks like the signature ride.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 03 October, 2017, 02:31:41 pm



I'm seriously thinking about the 400 for the same reason - it looks like the signature ride.

Tend to agree, but my usual streak of hope over reality persuaded me that that "easier" middle 200 (hysterical laughter) would help with the average. Only crosses Snowdonia twice. Simples 

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 03 October, 2017, 02:42:08 pm
I'm in for the fast 400. Didn't fancy the 600 as it seemed to me that the original concept was a difficult on/offroad 400, then due to public demand some extra kms were found to make a 600 in the same style.

Possibly the best excuse I've seen in ages.

(would you like some of this quiche, Paul? )
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 03 October, 2017, 03:33:59 pm
... but my usual streak of hope over reality persuaded me that that "easier" middle 200 (hysterical laughter) would help with the average. Only crosses Snowdonia twice. Simples 

I'll remember this quote whilst I am traversing that 'easier' section in the dead of night!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 03 October, 2017, 04:29:58 pm
I am surprised (in a good way) at how many people are going for the 600 

How many are going for the 600 ?
Er.. me. Glad there will be quite a few.

I'm only going by those posting here [a select few], and
on the event Facebook Page [a very slightly longer list].

Both lists seem pretty long for an event 8 months away :)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 03 October, 2017, 04:58:16 pm
"We few, we happy few...." 

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: zakalwe on 03 October, 2017, 07:39:07 pm
I'm in for the fast 400. Didn't fancy the 600 as it seemed to me that the original concept was a difficult on/offroad 400, then due to public demand some extra kms were found to make a 600 in the same style.

I signed up for the 600, but almost went for the 400 for this reason.  Now I'm having second thoughts  ???
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 03 October, 2017, 07:59:37 pm
I'm in for the fast 400. Didn't fancy the 600 as it seemed to me that the original concept was a difficult on/offroad 400, then due to public demand some extra kms were found to make a 600 in the same style.

I signed up for the 600, but almost went for the 400 for this reason.  Now I'm having second thoughts  ???

I went for the fast 400 because I thought that was the one the weekend was built around — "an interesting day out", so to speak, and a bit of a challenge.  But not two interesting days, nor half an interesting day.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: al-c on 03 October, 2017, 09:06:29 pm
I too almost entered the 400 but I can't resist 50% extra "fun" when it's there for the taking
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Deano on 03 October, 2017, 10:52:24 pm
I've entered the "fast" 400. vistaed talked me into it on the Mille Pennines, as he had loads of time to spare to chat. The bastard. He said it was tough, so I don't expect it to be easy.

I do expect it to be magnificent. Or wet.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Samuel D on 03 October, 2017, 11:28:53 pm
Have the people who recced this done the 600 inside the time?

I’m not a candidate for any of these rides but I love the concept. From the website:

And what are you going to do if you have a major mechanical en route at 10pm as the weather sets in? Because we are not coming to get you!

The photos show some fabulous terrain in which to ride a bicycle.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Carlosfandango on 04 October, 2017, 12:18:50 am
Reading between the lines on the webpage I don't think the 600 has been ridden in one go, only installments. It might not be possible to ride it within the time limit, but there's only one way to find out!

We won't be going home for breakfast on Sunday morning like these namby pamby, part time, fast 400 merchants, that's for sure.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 04 October, 2017, 09:23:39 am
I've entered the 300. That definitely feels like an interesting day out to me. Not a day and a night or two days.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Alismed on 04 October, 2017, 03:26:21 pm
I think 2A  and 1E for me, 2 lovely days of mixed surface riding and some new locations  ;D
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 12 October, 2017, 01:33:42 pm
Reading between the lines on the webpage I don't think the 600 has been ridden in one go, only installments. It might not be possible to ride it within the time limit, but there's only one way to find out!

No reading between the line required. We haven't ridden it in one go yet. And unless someone with a lot more grit than me wants to ride it over winter, then its not going to get ridden until at least after Easter 2018.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 20 October, 2017, 12:19:50 pm
I've just updated the website to include a page with some accommodation news and details
http://tinat.cymru/the-know/accomadation/ (http://tinat.cymru/the-know/accomadation/)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: jiberjaber on 20 October, 2017, 07:48:09 pm
Reading between the lines on the webpage I don't think the 600 has been ridden in one go, only installments. It might not be possible to ride it within the time limit, but there's only one way to find out!

We won't be going home for breakfast on Sunday morning like these namby pamby, part time, fast 400 merchants, that's for sure.

 ;D
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: iddu on 20 October, 2017, 11:31:46 pm
I've just updated the website to include a page with some accommodation news and details

Already scoped...

Twin Frin/Sun at "Glen Usk", so 1 bed available...
Caenarfon's about 340Km, so triple at the Travelodge, 2 beds 1 bed available...

First come first served.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 22 October, 2017, 10:30:43 pm
So you know, there is now a page about a post ride Sunday social. Its early days yet but it provides an outline of the idea. http://tinat.cymru/the-social/ (http://tinat.cymru/the-social/)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Rumps on 03 November, 2017, 04:22:43 pm
If Smeth is riding the 600 .................then so am I. Now I just need to find a bike to ride it on.........
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 03 November, 2017, 11:45:37 pm
If Smeth is riding the 600 .................then so am I. Now I just need to find a bike to ride it on.........
So I'm responsible for your +1?

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 07 November, 2017, 12:35:57 pm
Recce Ride report of the first 150k

SPOILER ALERT - DON'T GO HERE IF YOU LIKE TO DISCOVER AS YOU GO!!!

https://smethblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/07/tinat-recce-ride-nov-17/

Hope it works!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Rumps on 07 November, 2017, 03:08:47 pm
Dave, You are definitely to blame ............if/when I struggle. If I love every minute , it was all my decision. Clear?
Great blog -and that of course led me to read the Mille Pennines post -excellent , really communicated the feel of  an event which is very high on my bucket list, well worth the effort of you writing that and taking those great photos.
See you on the road soon I hope.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 07 November, 2017, 06:20:10 pm
Recce Ride report of the first 150k

That was really informative and an interesting read. Thank you for writing your ride report and including some good photos.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Samuel D on 07 November, 2017, 10:12:48 pm
Excellent photographs, Smeth. This ride looks wonderful (I say from my armchair).
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 27 November, 2017, 05:17:14 pm
Well, I've got a bike that can take 40c tyes (and full mudguards!) so seems rude not to sign up  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 04 February, 2018, 08:36:49 pm
Just to note that with over 100 entrants we have decided to close the fast 400km http://tinat.cymru/saturday-rides/400km-br/ (http://tinat.cymru/saturday-rides/400km-br/). We are now closed to new entrants on that ride. The 600km is hot on it's heels.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 06 February, 2018, 07:25:53 pm
Would it be rude to ask roughly where the info controls are on the 300 BR/BP route?   Logically one would be between the reservoirs and one at the NW tip?   Playing with google walking another seems to be needed at Dolgellau and one just outside Newtown too, that's one too many.

Mr Bond (NOTP) & I are entered in the BP.  For a while Mr B was suggesting we have a crack at BR pace anyway, I'm sure that would result in nasty blowup for me at least.  Therefore if we are 'only' interested in BP pace Mr B is investigating what extra off road he can find.  He's quite serious.  He's getting an N+1 built.  Worst of all he knows how to structure a training program, I merely ride as much as I can in hope.  I'm concerned.

Thanks.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: alotronic on 06 February, 2018, 10:58:25 pm
Just to note that with over 100 entrants we have decided to close the fast 400km http://tinat.cymru/saturday-rides/400km-br/ (http://tinat.cymru/saturday-rides/400km-br/). We are now closed to new entrants on that ride. The 600km is hot on it's heels.

Bother, was just getting up the nerve for it! 600 a bit too much... ah well, slow 400 I guess, no points...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 08 February, 2018, 10:59:56 am
....... Playing with google walking another seems to be needed at Dolgellau ......

Why's that?

- - - - - - ' - ' ' - - - - ' " " " - "'-  - - - -

The event's notes do state "A ride designed to challenge the rider. The event will require the rider to plan for some stages with rough lanes, and at times narrow lanes."

I will grant you, the generic generated system notes do not specify whether there might be "checkpoints", only controls and infos are stated.

A large part of the challenge is getting a map in front of you on the kitchen table, look where the controls are. The map on the event page shows a few more points that corrospondi to infos or check points.  Look on your map where the route goes, and consider utilising any resource that is on or near to the route.

I will be perfectly honest, it has surprised me that there has been such little conversation both on this  and other forum or social media about how one might tackle any of these rides. Perhaps everyone has their plan worked-out and keeping it to themselves. Or the more prevalent practice of not always doing useful research upfront.


I fully get that some might not like certain social media. I joined one group as it was the most effective way to engage with cyclists - not because I particularly like the media platform. These rides have a social media site, if you feel ill at ease asking or raising queries on a public forum such as this, why not raise them on the Social media site. Just follow the links from any event page via the dedicated website.

On the articular event mentioned, there are at least three fair-sized towns that one could realisticly get food etc. And any ammount of commercial establishments along the rpute that one could stop for a meal or drink.




Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Alex B on 08 February, 2018, 08:00:10 pm
I will be perfectly honest, it has surprised me that there has been such little conversation both on this  and other forum or social media about how one might tackle any of these rides.

Challenge accepted.

For me this ride (400km BR) is probably at the edge of my abilities - *if* I keep training and dieting until the start line. I live in Cambridge see: flatlander.

I've a cycling weekend in the Yorkshire Dales and a LEJOG planned in the months before TINAT. This should get some hillage in my legs.

I'm basing my TINAT plan around the 24hr McDonald's in Newton. I'm thinking get there for 4am, and away by 4.30am leaving ~ 5.5 hours for the 90km crawl to the arrivée on relatively benign (i.e. BCM-like) roads.

So that's 22 hrs to cover the first ~315km to Newton.

Normally a cinch, but with the hellacious climbing (inc. Devil's Staircase & Bwlch y Groes) I reckon this'll be a sufferfest.

Assuming I'll get no sleep.

I notice there's a fish & chip shop in Tywin for supper, but a nasty climb afterwards. So get the food and carry it up the hill to eat?

My bike will take 35mm tyres - so I'll try them. I'm used to cycling on unpaved tracks but have no MTB experience. Hoping this'll be enough.

That's as far as I've got in planning so far. Looking forward to the challenge :-)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 08 February, 2018, 08:11:26 pm
I think Facebook is about the worst communication website I have ever used. I reluctantly engage with it, as many clubs/activities/events don't provide information any other way. The "social media site" dedicated to TINAT has much more bearable content than most; so far ...  :P

I reckon the riders doing TINAT are from a different demographic to the typical "social media" cyclist.

Add in that it's still 4 months to go; riders will tend to be more experienced than - say - the average LEL entrant;  and I'm not surprised there is so little traffic.

(then there is the tendency to do one's research at the last minute ... which is an unvirtuous circle, as other riders tend to post so much information late in the day ....and the fact that certain audax organisers [in my experience of last 2-3 years] leave finalising their event details to the week before. Or the pre-ride briefing ... ;)  )
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 08 February, 2018, 08:42:35 pm
Cheers Mark, I think that answers my question.

Thanks too Alex, Newtown McDump added to my notes (though hoping not to need it).  Highly unlikely we'll be in the area early enough to use the Fish & Chips in Tywyn but should be able to make the kebab/pizza shop in Dolgellau if we don't take our main break before there.

And that is the next question to hammer out with Mr B, where to catch some Zzzzz?  I would favour Dolgellau were it not for the unflatness of the Peniarth - Dol stage.  Should we rest before that?  Decisions decisions.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Alex B on 08 February, 2018, 09:00:48 pm
Highly unlikely we'll be in the area early enough to use the Fish & Chips in Tywyn

For the 400, Tywin should be at ~190km. So assuming it takes 13.5 hrs to get there arrival is at 19:30 - supper time!

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Charlie Polecat on 08 February, 2018, 09:26:01 pm
Alex, you say:
Quote
a LEJOG planned in the months before TINAT

I am trying to decide between a May or June LeJog (airline tickets depending) and I would be interested in your thoughts concerning the likely weather, etc. of a May ride. I recognise no one can predict the weather for longer than for tomorrow, but your insight would be useful. Thanks.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Alex B on 08 February, 2018, 09:38:25 pm
I am trying to decide between a May or June LeJog (airline tickets depending) and I would be interested in your thoughts concerning the likely weather, etc. of a May ride.

Well you just never know. May should be warm enough during the day time, but there's always a risk of strong winds and/or rain. But the same's true of June. Early May should be midge-less in Scotland. Generally my assumption for UK "summer" is to expect some combination of being baked, soaked, chilled and blown about. Prepare accordingly.

Then there's half-term/holiday considerations. We found a lot of accommodation en-route already booked (for May) even in January!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 08 February, 2018, 09:54:11 pm
Just to note that with over 100 entrants we have decided to close the fast 400km http://tinat.cymru/saturday-rides/400km-br/ (http://tinat.cymru/saturday-rides/400km-br/). We are now closed to new entrants on that ride. The 600km is hot on it's heels.

I may add that the 400 BP is also close to full.

So realisticly both 400BP,  and along with the 600 will more than likely close in the near future.

But for those wanting the full experience might like to consider the possibility of still getting-in a 500k or 400k by riding one of the 300BR routes on the Saturday, then a 200k or 100k on the Sunday.

The 500k option has already struck a chord with a coue of riders, they realise that they get a 300 in-the-bag on Saturday, get 5 or 6 hours sleep/rest before tackling a 200 on Sunday.

Of course there's an effective 400 by riding a 200k on Saturday and anotheron Sunday. Again with getti g a nigjt sleep in between rides.

Just something the undecided might like to consider.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Clemo on 08 February, 2018, 10:45:08 pm
The map on the kitchen table thing I tend to do nearer the time along with how I am actually going to ride the event, quite a bit of that is weather dependant i'll work that out a lot closer to D-Day.

Most of the paved roads I have done before the only real unknowns are the off road sections and how much they are likely to impact the average speed allowing me sleep (If I require it) or time to soak in the scenery (more likely) I will most likely take a day off work and go and ride some of them beforehand to get a good picture in my mind.

I bought a gravel bike for this event, well ok I used this event as an justification to buy a gravel bike and have really been impressed riding wider tyres on broken surfaced lanes the difference between something running 35mm+ and a carbon road bike on 25's on a gravelly lane is stark! I have been pleasantly surprised how modern gravel type tyres roll on pavement despite more tread, I can't wait to see what is in store.

This may sound selfish, as time is likely to be tighter than on a 'normal' 400 I plan to ride alone so that I am not held up or I m not holding someone else up, faffage is kept to a minimum and I can play the ride by ear.

 

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Paul D on 09 February, 2018, 11:28:17 am
Perhaps everyone has their plan worked-out and keeping it to themselves.

Aerobars fitted, skinsuit ordered, but I admit I've been tardy about checking how many pubs are on the route.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 09 February, 2018, 11:43:53 am
Perhaps everyone has their plan worked-out and keeping it to themselves.

Aerobars fitted, skinsuit ordered, but I admit I've been tardy about checking how many pubs are on the route.

I seem to recall a 6'3" teapot outside kings YHA one may morning.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 10 February, 2018, 02:38:13 pm
Does the collective have tyre recommendations?

My bike will happily take 40C tubeless. Schwalbe G-One Bites might be nice but they are £50 each (!) not including the cost of setting them up.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: JamesBradbury on 10 February, 2018, 04:37:26 pm
My rather unglamorous tyre choice will probably be 32mm schwalbe green guards because they're tougher than my usual road tyre, reliable, faster than the M+, really cheap and about the fattest thing I can fit in my bike.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 10 February, 2018, 05:17:32 pm
My bike came with the original G-One on them so a fresh pair of G-One Allround (40-622) will go on in time for Moor Gravel Forever in April.   They do slip on wet surfaces off road but I've never felt as if they are unwarranted in doing so, what doesn't slip on wet chalk or spin on 4" deep mud?

I haven't gone tubeless with the first set but have collected most of the required items to do so, and really must, with the second.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 10 February, 2018, 05:55:55 pm
Most of the mileage is on road, and I'm yet to be convinced the off-road sections are particularly gnarly, so my inclination is to use my normal 23s to prove some sort of point.

(However, my audax bike is built around a CX frame, and I have a variety of CX tyres on the shelf, so sense may prevail)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 10 February, 2018, 07:16:46 pm
I'm guessing there will be a rough split between those out for the scenery, and those out for a time*. Or generally, those on the BPs, and those on the BRs!

I've done a few miles recently on gnarlier surfaces with 25mm tyres mid-audax; it's tended to be a fun challenge, but I spend far too long staring at the ground 10' ahead, and not enough at the nice views around me. I don't have great bike-handling skills, nor much off-roading experience (and I'm old enough to know that neither of these will change much). Plus it's more relaxing the less you are worrying about p******es.

As a 400BP rider, I don't expect to be huuugely time-pressed [famous last words]; the focus will be getting round in maximum comfort with minimum disasters. I'll also be testing equipment for a much more gravelly Euro adventure later in the year; so it's very likely I'll go for something more substantial than 23mm. Given the current (still quite new to me) bike, will probably go for minimal tread, 32mm-37mm. I'm still new to this "fat tyre" world!



*which may includes those just desperate to complete inside the time limit!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 10 February, 2018, 07:46:47 pm
I had a couple of  schwalbe CX Comp tyres on this bike before, and they were perfectly happy hammering along at 30kph or off road. Plus they were £13 each...

The one thing they couldn't handle was wet grass over mud. Is that too much to expect from any tyre?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 10 February, 2018, 08:37:48 pm
I've done a few miles recently on gnarlier surfaces with 25mm tyres mid-audax; it's tended to be a fun challenge, but I spend far too long staring at the ground 10' ahead, and not enough at the nice views around me. I don't have great bike-handling skills, nor much off-roading experience (and I'm old enough to know that neither of these will change much). Plus it's more relaxing the less you are worrying about p******es.

I've heard this suggestion that taking road tyres off road leads to punctures various times but I've never heard an explanation of the supposed mechanism. Is it pinch flats? Flints? Something else?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: JamesBradbury on 10 February, 2018, 08:48:32 pm
Presumably there's a lot more puncture - inducing crud off road, thorns, flints, etc. To probably less broken glass tho.

I also did in the sidewall of some nice Panaracers on the tandem when going off road. As my wife will tell you I had a serious sense of humour failure. Road tyres generally don't need so much side wall protection.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SR Steve on 11 February, 2018, 12:05:19 am
I'm in the process of converting my 1980's Raleigh Europa to a "go anywhere" bike that I might use for the TINAT 600km. It has an old TA Cyclotouriste chainset that did have a single 52 ring fitted for racing, but now has a more suitable 44/27 double. It currently has a 14-28 screw on 6 speed freewheel, but I hope to be able to fit a newer rear wheel with an 8 speed cassette that will give a higher top gear. The frame was made for 27 inch wheels and now has 700c wheels fitted so there is plenty of room for bigger tyres. I've just ordered a pair of 700 x 35c Schwalbe Land Cruiser tyres for it.
My choice of bike will ultimately depend on the weather forecast at the time. If it's going to be good weather, I might just ride my usual Specialized Roubaix with 25mm Durano tyres and if it's horrendous I could ride my old Giant Iguana mountain bike with 26 x 1.75 semi slicks.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: alotronic on 11 February, 2018, 11:17:21 pm
Entered the 400 BP as it was available and, actually, a good enough challenge for this year. Without the 'need' to do a PBP or LEL I get to enjoy things a bit more right? Also sets off at the same time as the BR so I can pretend to be proper hard core for a while at least.

Now to find some appropriate tyres for the Tripster... and a considerably smaller inner ring.... Now, time to get some training in...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: chillmoister on 12 February, 2018, 11:48:32 am
Having spent the last 10 years riding some of the finest events on the Audax calendar and after LEL last year I was starting to feel that I'd quite like to do some riding that was a little bit different.  This ride popped up with perfect timing and was an immediate 'must do'.  Although billed 'This is not a Tour' I wanted to approach this not as a straight, tough 400 but use the BP option to break this into two pretty tough 200's with an overnight wild camp. Full value maximum fun with still enough of a challenge to keep me focused on fitness and plenty of opportunity to think about bike and kit.

I don't have many bikes to choose from, and it is tempting to splash out on a new 'gravel bike' (I still reserve this option!) but currently my plan is to use my trusty Thorn Audax MK3 which, after a chat with Andy Blance the designer at Thorn,  will comfortably take 35mm tyres with mudguards removed and I think this should be fine.  Therefore I'm going to rebuild my wheels with Mavic A719 rims ( the old rims are nearly worn out and this means I can still use 28mm Tyres as a minimum) and fit 35mm Panaracer Gravel King SKs.   I'm still busy weighing up (metaphorically and literally) what kit I will need to take for the overnight camp....bivvy option / one man tent etc etc....and the camp location.  :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Planet X Paul on 12 February, 2018, 02:28:49 pm
  I'm still busy weighing up (metaphorically and literally) what kit I will need to take for the overnight camp....bivvy option / one man tent etc etc....and the camp location.  :thumbsup:

I'm also on the 400 BP and also intend breaking the ride up with an overnight camp, maybe 250 Km on day 1 with a leisurely 150 Km on day 2.  I have never bivvied before, but quite fancy it for this adventure, as I feel it is more in keeping with the ethos of the event.  My main concern is actually finding somewhere that I could actually do this that is practical in terms of privacy and relative comfort, and not get to the stage where I'm riding in the dark and not being able to find anywhere.

Any pointers in this respect.

Cheers
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 12 February, 2018, 04:16:06 pm
  I'm still busy weighing up (metaphorically and literally) what kit I will need to take for the overnight camp....bivvy option / one man tent etc etc....and the camp location.  :thumbsup:

I'm also on the 400 BP and also intend. . . . . . . . .          . . . . . . able to find anywhere.

Any pointers in this respect.

Cheers

Looks like a romantic evening along the shores of Llyn Vyrnwy for one.



I would suggest rather than just decide that the stop is going to be at a specific distance, you might look at the route profile for lsecond half of the ride. Afterall you might find that 250km is on the top of a windswept grass desert. I'm a fully subscribed member of the "No sleeping on tour" fraternity, but This is not a tour!


If I was wondering what to do, i would ask the man that completed the Scotish 1300k in 2014 and the 1200k in 2016. He is the master of this sort of thing. If you get to the start in time for the 600, I'm sure a few last minute tips might be gleaned.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 12 February, 2018, 04:46:00 pm
...

 If you get to the start in time for the 600, I'm sure a few last minute tips might be gleaned.

Nothing like preparing in good time!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Charlie Polecat on 12 February, 2018, 05:10:03 pm
It is interesting in the way that the planning to sleep wild seems so much more realistic than the actual practice of it. But, if one does intend to carry out such a plan, I would highly recommend a bivvy to crawl into than a tent set-up. A bivvy can go just about anywhere and is low enough not to be obtrusive whereas a tent takes some ground preparation and is more visible. 
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 12 February, 2018, 05:16:51 pm
...

 If you get to the start in time for the 600, I'm sure a few last minute tips might be gleaned.

Nothing like preparing in good time!

Standard practice these days. Get bike to start, pick up bre et card, turn-on GPS, hand in brevet card, get validated.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 12 February, 2018, 05:17:53 pm
It is interesting in the way that the planning to sleep wild seems so much more realistic than the actual practice of it. But, if one does intend to carry out such a plan, I would highly recommend a bivvy to crawl into than a tent set-up. A bivvy can go just about anywhere and is low enough not to be obtrusive whereas a tent takes some ground preparation and is more visible.
+1
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Zed43 on 12 February, 2018, 07:23:16 pm
Since I'll be only riding 300km (the BR) I don't need to bother about sleeping. Bringing my 650b campeur with its low gear of 16 gear-inches and 42mm tyres, although I'm still contemplating buying 48mm ones (they should still fit with mudguards attached).

I would like to peer at the GPS files though, at the very least splitting them so I have multiple tracks each ending at a control. Now the question is, when will these be available? I'll be leaving for the UK on May 17 to ride BCM and if the GPX only comes available I'll have a challenge...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: technocycle on 13 February, 2018, 12:00:32 am

I will be perfectly honest, it has surprised me that there has been such little conversation both on this  and other forum or social media about how one might tackle any of these rides. Perhaps everyone has their plan worked-out and keeping it to themselves. Or the more prevalent practice of not always doing useful research upfront.

On planning, have I missed the release of GPX files?
If anyone could point me towards the 300 BP I'd be grateful :)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Drone on 13 February, 2018, 08:47:09 am
My main concern is actually finding somewhere that I could actually do this .......

The beauty of planning to bivvy is that you don't need to do any planning. You just kip when you feel like it, rather than having to reach a particular location.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 13 February, 2018, 10:30:14 am
I've sketched out rough GPX tracks based on outline maps on the website. Note these are *very* approximate in places!

300: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26685308
400: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26685114

I've marked roughly the start and finish of each unpaved section. The BP and BR are the same route.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: keeks on 13 February, 2018, 01:07:22 pm
I'll be riding with Chillmoister on this and have done for near enough every ride over 200k . I like the idea of a bivvy but I have a great one man tent so I that's going to be my sleep over thingy. I'm trying to avoid buying stuff that in all probability will only be used once in a very blue moon. With that in mind besides my tent , my commuter Marin is front runner at the moment. But I've got to try it out over 50k on biggy tyres to see if I'm kidding myself.

This is a monster ride regarding the elevation - distance. But to add on a commuter bike with big tyres and some camping kit  - I should be concerned but for some reason this seems more relaxed . For all my other rides the 600s or PBP LEL and the like , I kinda zone in , sometimes too much - but this seems refreshingly chilled. I'm not nonplussed - far from it , but just not concerned . Wonder if Mike felt like that ?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: jiberjaber on 13 February, 2018, 01:09:53 pm
Thanks for that Graham, looks like the last 2 sections of off road might be the challenge give they are on an incline, the other sections look relatively flat and the surface appears to be not too bad but I know my average speed off road is significantly lower than my on road by a good 6kph.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 13 February, 2018, 01:25:34 pm
Yes, great work graham  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: technocycle on 13 February, 2018, 01:33:48 pm
I've sketched out rough GPX tracks based on outline maps on the website. Note these are *very* approximate in places!

Brill, thanks Graham!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Charlie Polecat on 13 February, 2018, 02:08:47 pm
My main concern is actually finding somewhere that I could actually do this .......

The beauty of planning to bivvy is that you don't need to do any planning. You just kip when you feel like it, rather than having to reach a particular location.

Do you have a particular bivvy you have found to be the best for wild camping?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Drone on 13 February, 2018, 03:08:28 pm


Do you have a particular bivvy you have found to be the best for wild camping?
[/quote]

I use an Outdoor Research Helium but whether it is "best for wild camping" I'd leave to more experienced users than me as the only other one I have used was a heavy army issue gortex bivvy. All I can say is that it has worked for me.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: robbieonsea on 13 February, 2018, 10:39:52 pm
My current plan is to carry a "Lightweight Emergency Survival Bivvy" - on the idea I don't intend to use it, as will be cycling straight through, but it will be a useful backup plan.

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/practical/VE104.html (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/practical/VE104.html)

I think this was mentioned somewhere on these forums.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 14 February, 2018, 06:53:45 am
Sunset at 9:30 and light before 5.

Thanks to a bit of over enthusiastic shopping for LeL I probably have enough batteries to run my big off-road light for 6h-7h.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 14 February, 2018, 09:54:08 pm
Sunset at 9:30 and light before 5.

Thanks to a bit of over enthusiastic shopping for LeL I probably have enough batteries to run my big off-road light for 6h-7h.

Check the lunar cycle - you might not even need them for that time.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 15 February, 2018, 10:10:40 am
Sunset at 9:30 and light before 5.

Thanks to a bit of over enthusiastic shopping for LeL I probably have enough batteries to run my big off-road light for 6h-7h.

Check the lunar cycle - you might not even need them for that time.
Are clear skies included in our entry fee?  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: chillmoister on 15 February, 2018, 12:12:01 pm
Sunset at 9:30 and light before 5.

Thanks to a bit of over enthusiastic shopping for LeL I probably have enough batteries to run my big off-road light for 6h-7h.

Check the lunar cycle - you might not even need them for that time.
Are clear skies included in our entry fee?  :thumbsup:

no, but someone once said 'weather guaranteed'  ;)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 20 February, 2018, 11:16:11 am
Quote from: chillmoister link=topic=104706.msg2257459#msg2257459 dte=1518696721
no, but someone once said 'weather guaranteed'  ;)

I'd love to meet the guy that originally promoted his audax with that   slogan.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 20 February, 2018, 12:37:54 pm
Thanks for that Graham, looks like the last 2 sections of off road might be the challenge give they are on an incline, the other sections look relatively flat and the surface appears to be not too bad but I know my average speed off road is significantly lower than my on road by a good 6kph.

The penultimate climb has an 18-inch ribbon of tarmac up the middle — all you need is a low gear, good balance and patience.  If you're carrying a water filter, there's a ford at the top that's good for filling up at.

The final climb looks to be a firm-grass/gravel track and even if it needs to be walked it won't add on more than 15-20 minutes over riding it.  I reckon Graham's dropped the start-point too early, I think it's surfaced for another 2km or so after that, to beyond the farm about halfway up the hillside.

The rest of the off-road sections are, as you say, benign.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 20 February, 2018, 12:41:44 pm
It is interesting in the way that the planning to sleep wild seems so much more realistic than the actual practice of it. But, if one does intend to carry out such a plan, I would highly recommend a bivvy to crawl into than a tent set-up. A bivvy can go just about anywhere and is low enough not to be obtrusive whereas a tent takes some ground preparation and is more visible.

And only weighs about 500g for a bivvy bag + liner.  I doubt we'll see low temps, otherwise it's another 700g for a sleeping bag, or more likely just push-on to keep warm.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Phixie on 20 February, 2018, 05:11:39 pm
Quote from: chillmoister link=topic=104706.msg2257459#msg2257459 dte=1518696721
no, but someone once said 'weather guaranteed'  ;)

I'd love to meet the guy that originally promoted his audax with that   slogan.

I first saw it from Duncan Peet who was organising the Daylight in 2001.  He didn't specify which one.  He did, however warn riders in the notes sent with the route that descending Glencoe could be "fun" and if it was a nice day they would have to pedal downhill.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Shell on 21 February, 2018, 03:41:04 pm

The final climb looks to be a firm-grass/gravel track and even if it needs to be walked it won't add on more than 15-20 minutes over riding it.  I reckon Graham's dropped the start-point too early, I think it's surfaced for another 2km or so after that, to beyond the farm about halfway up the hillside.


You're right.  in fact, the climb is tarmac surfaced almost all the way to the top (to about 126.8k on Graham's 400 route plot).  It's a great climb, fabulously scenic, long and tough but never too steep.  The gravel section beyond is, in my view, marginally more challenging than the section around Claerwen.  There's some "loose" gravel sections on the gradual descent after the forestry, with a centre strip of grass which are a bit tricky (plus more stunning views) and a bouldery section just before rejoining the tarmac.  I rode it a couple of years ago with my wife on our road bikes with 28mm tyres.  With a bit of care and a couple of "moments" on the trickier bits, I managed to avoid any walking.  My wife was sensibly more cautious and walked a few hundred metres.  I waited no more than 5 minutes for her to catch me up.  A bit more tyre volume would obviously help but is not essential.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 22 February, 2018, 10:19:33 pm
I'm also on the 400 BP and also intend breaking the ride up with an overnight camp, maybe 250 Km on day 1 with a leisurely 150 Km on day 2.  I have never bivvied before, but quite fancy it for this adventure, as I feel it is more in keeping with the ethos of the event.  My main concern is actually finding somewhere that I could actually do this that is practical in terms of privacy and relative comfort, and not get to the stage where I'm riding in the dark and not being able to find anywhere.

Any pointers in this respect.

It is a law universally accepted that you will cycle past a bivvy spot that seems ok, but perhaps not the best, but not find anything anywhere near as good as the one you cycled past, and end up bivviing in a slightly sub optimal location down the road because you've hit your limit and just have to stop. Upon resuming your ride in the morning, you'll find 500m down the road the most perfect bivvi location you could imagine... Thus is the law of bivviing...

I've bivvi'd with a number of different bivvi bags in varying conditions in various countries. I had to learn best practice the hard way... with practice... And aside from a nocturnal encounter with a wild boar in Spain, not had any major issues when bivviing. These days I prefer to sleep outside in a bivvi bag to a tent. Laying there watching the stars go by as I drift off is just an amazing experience. I highly recommend it.

Thus, Other than the above, the rules of bivvying are simple:

1) don't breathe into the bivvi bag.

2) don't breathe into the bivvi bag, technically this is the same as point 1, but it's so important it's worth mentioning twice. There are some bivvi bags that are sufficiently breathable that you can breathe inside them, but they are few and far between and cost the gdp of a small developing nation.

3) Insulation from the ground is really important, don't skimp on your sleep matt

4) Whilst the bivvi bag is wind proof, this just means that the wind won't go straight through to your skin and chill you that way, it doesn't stop the bag from getting cooled by the wind blowing on the outside increasing heat loss. Pick a spot out the wind if you can.

5) Even if you relieve yourself before crawling into the bivvi bag, the laws of the universe mean that even if you're dehydrated, the moment you've crawled into the bivvi bag the first time of the night, you'll need to pee about 5 minutes later and have to go through getting out and in to the bivvi bag all over again, accept this, it's not worth the fight. This is even more so if you have a thick down bag, with a liner inside it as well...

6) It's supposed to be fun, no really it is...

7) Check your shoes for slugs before putting them on (you only ever make this mistake once...), if you have enough space, putting your shoes in a plastic bag in the foot of your sleeping bag keeps them warm and keeps the slugs out.

Hope this helps.

J
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 22 February, 2018, 10:26:34 pm
My main concern is actually finding somewhere that I could actually do this .......

The beauty of planning to bivvy is that you don't need to do any planning. You just kip when you feel like it, rather than having to reach a particular location.

Do you have a particular bivvy you have found to be the best for wild camping?

I have three bivvi bags I've used in various conditions. The British Army Goretex bivvi bag, the Alpkit Hunka XL, and the AMK SOL Escape Bivvi.

The Army Goretex bag is cheap, breathes better than the other 2, and is the nicest to sleep in. But it weighs almost twice the Alpkit, and it's twice the volume when packed.

The Alpkit is a nice balance of breathability, weight, and comfort. For the price, it's hard to do better.

The AMK SOL is a bit of a disappointment. In theory the reflective material means you can use a lighter bag inside, and in warmer weather forego the insulation inside all together. However I've yet to find conditions that works in, it doesn't breathe as well as I'd like, and it's quite a snug fit. (I wrote a full review on my blog, link in sig). That said, this is the bag I intend to take on the Race round the Netherlands, it packs down smaller than the other 2 bags, and for the conditions, I'm hoping it's good enough.

Be advised that condensation inside the bag is quite likely and this makes it better to pair the bivvi bag with a synthetic rather than down sleeping bag.

My current plan is to carry a "Lightweight Emergency Survival Bivvy" - on the idea I don't intend to use it, as will be cycling straight through, but it will be a useful backup plan.

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/practical/VE104.html (http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/practical/VE104.html)

I think this was mentioned somewhere on these forums.

I wouldn't. That bag is designed for emergency use when the brown stuff has hit the fan. It's not going to be comfortable to use long term, you will get loads of condensation on it, which will soak what every you've got inside it. The Escape bivvi by the same company (AMK SOL Escape Bivvi to give it the full title), Is discussed above. It's a bit more expensive than the one you link to, and slightly heavier and bulkier, but it's a better compromise between the bag you link to and a full blown bag like the army goretex bag or the alpkit.

Hth

J
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 23 February, 2018, 10:13:59 am
... and  buy The Book of the Bivvy[Cicerone]. Lots of good advice, and a very dry sense of wit

(which I trust to influence the overnight weather - d'ya see what I did there??)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 23 February, 2018, 10:40:51 am
One add to all the good bivvy advice. I have bivvied twice when it's been p*****g down. I have the kit to do it but in practice getting into everything with a lot of stuff wet is a nightmare. Search (street view etc) for a few places. Sadly it usually means civilisation.. bus shelters, supermarket or liesure centre porches, verandahs, garage or motor dealer roof structures etc. I have bivvied dry on a beach in Skye but in the wet I would exchange that splendour for Waitrose porch in Broadford 10 miles away. Early hours, nobody's around depending on circs.

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Jamesha on 21 March, 2018, 11:43:38 pm
Quick question.

Would the 300km BREVET POPULAIRE (THE SLOW 300) on the Saturday count towards RRTY?

Thanks
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Greenbank on 22 March, 2018, 12:11:27 am
(Undefinitive but 99% sure): No.

RRTY = Randonneur Round The Year.

"Perms (and DIYs) of at least 200km completed at Randonneur pace can be included and you can start in any month, but miss a month and you have to start all over again."

Populaire pace (no matter how long it is) is not sufficient for the award.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: TOBY on 22 March, 2018, 10:41:45 am
I've only ridden 200kms in 2018, will this be a problem when riding the 400?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Greenbank on 22 March, 2018, 11:26:48 am
I rode further on the Mersey Roads 24 in 2016 than I had in the whole of the 6 and a bit months running up to it.

I'm sure you'll be fine.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 22 March, 2018, 01:06:41 pm
You've ridden a 200 km this year? You're doing better than me!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: simonp on 22 March, 2018, 01:33:02 pm
Arse.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 22 March, 2018, 01:47:15 pm
BPs never count for RRtY.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: simonp on 22 March, 2018, 02:03:03 pm
So now I need to decide if 34/30 is low enough.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Ivan on 22 March, 2018, 04:06:03 pm
I think I'll be going 44/16  ;)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 22 March, 2018, 07:54:03 pm
29/32 and I'll be spending a long time in it

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SR Steve on 22 March, 2018, 10:06:25 pm
If I ride my Specialized Roubaix it will have a compact 50/34 and a 10 speed 11-32 cassette.

If I ride my early 80's Raleigh Europa it has a TA Cylcotouriste 44/27 chainset and an 8 speed 11-28 cassette plus the added bonus of 35mm chunky tyres. 
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 28 March, 2018, 10:13:02 am
The 600k and the 400k Populaire events are just about fully subscribed. With this in mind and the fact that the 400k BR has been closed for a while now. We will now be formally closing these entry to these rides on April 14th.

Please be aware that it will still be possible to enter a 300k or 200k or 100k on the Saturday and a 200k or 100k on the Sunday.

That way you will still be able to ride either 500k, 400k, 300k, 200k and get a night's rest on Saturday.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: telstarbox on 28 March, 2018, 11:40:39 am
That's excellent news. Well done to the organisers for taking a punt on some "different" rides.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 17 April, 2018, 01:02:38 pm
Tried a bit of mountain biking for the first time this weekend, to get some off-road experience.

Not sure 34/32 is going to cut it after that experience. It is seriously hard work getting up 20% climbs when gravel and lose rocks cause your wheel to slip and slide, and that was with a 32/46 low gear and huge tyres!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: alotronic on 17 April, 2018, 01:47:09 pm
Tried a bit of mountain biking for the first time this weekend, to get some off-road experience.

Not sure 34/32 is going to cut it after that experience. It is seriously hard work getting up 20% climbs when gravel and lose rocks cause your wheel to slip and slide, and that was with a 32/46 low gear and huge tyres!

I am not being flippant and speak from experience on long rides on fixed; sometimes you can just walk up a climb.

Mind you I am doing the BP so there's no rush!

28 x 34 for me should do it; Riding what I have lying around: Tripster with 2 x 10sp MTB chainset 28/40, 10sp bar end shifters and a 9sp XT rear changer, though I've yet to try it out properly...

A
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 April, 2018, 01:51:41 pm
Tried a bit of mountain biking for the first time this weekend, to get some off-road experience.

Not sure 34/32 is going to cut it after that experience. It is seriously hard work getting up 20% climbs when gravel and lose rocks cause your wheel to slip and slide, and that was with a 32/46 low gear and huge tyres!

I am not being flippant and speak from experience on long rides on fixed; sometimes you can just walk up a climb.

Al's correct, it's not worth worrying about, just walk it if you have to — worry about the Kamikaze sheep, not the climbing.  And there's only one significant uphill on gravel, which is about 1-2km of steep-ish stuff IIRC (NCN82 on the 400), so about 15 minutes on the ol' 24-inch if you felt you needed to. 
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 17 April, 2018, 04:38:35 pm
Far more frustrating is downhill loose/lumpy stuff (if you are on the wrong tyres).
I shall post an audacious picture one day.

You end up walking (quite slowly!) when you want to be doing 30mph+ => average speed plummets.

I haven't yet read of any such secteurs on this event, so fingers crossed  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 April, 2018, 04:41:08 pm
Far more frustrating is downhill loose/lumpy stuff (if you are on the wrong tyres).
I shall post an audacious picture one day.

You end up walking (quite slowly!) when you want to be doing 30mph+ => average speed plummets.

I haven't yet read of any such secteurs on this event, so fingers crossed  :thumbsup:

None that I can think of on the 400A — they all seem to be uphill or flat, although the route may have changed since I last checked, as it wasn't then finalised.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: JamesBradbury on 18 April, 2018, 07:05:53 am
How self sufficient are people planning to go for the fast 400? I was wondering about carrying all my food and water from the start, but I think that might be difficult, based on doing that on a DIY 200 which I got around, but felt mightily hungry.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: jiberjaber on 18 April, 2018, 09:43:19 am
Carrying enough food for 24 hour would be problematic for me.  I'll carry something but will need to stock up on route.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 18 April, 2018, 09:51:57 am
I think the longest shop/café-free leg is about 110km, based on my understanding of the very-draft route, so packing a sandwich and a couple of large bidons should be enough, I'd've thought.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 19 April, 2018, 03:23:18 pm
Will the route be fleshed out in detail, or is this a design-the-route-yourself-based-on-controls type of affair?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 20 April, 2018, 11:02:25 pm
Full route details will be available about 2 weeks before the event. But a number of people on this thread have worked out the route in good detail and its unlikely to change much from that. In the spirit of Mike, when he organised his valley cat events riders had little to no advance notice of the route and had to work out their route before setting off. As such two weeks advanced notice is generous and fairly typical for audax. My advice would be to plan for approx 100km of no supply after Dolgellau if your on the 400km. I've not figured out the 600km yet.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 20 April, 2018, 11:55:13 pm
I reckon leaving Dolgethlau on the 600 with a full bag of food and bottles would be wise. Don't want to wait for hopeful pub food. Caernarfon mostly shut after 10pm and I'll probably be there later. Could be ok for the quicks though. Bala co-op not open until 10 am. Need to do a proper check but the middle 200 entirely self sufficient through the night appeals.

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 01 May, 2018, 08:48:56 pm
As a 'volunteer' I'll be setting out to ride the 600km on the 19th May. Yes BC weekend. Initial scoping of open supply options between Dolgellau and Newton is returning a blank. Heck! That's going to be a long night section with very full pockets.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 01 May, 2018, 09:54:05 pm
Glad Im not the only one drawing blanks. Did 220k once on two big fat sarnies and fig rolls plus the odd gel and powder.
The search continues, then I'll look for taps.

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: GPS on 02 May, 2018, 09:29:46 am
Yes - water will be the main issue for me on such a long stretch I think. Guess i'll just have to carry more than usual.

Better start looking for churches on cemeteries: they might have taps ...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: hippy on 02 May, 2018, 09:48:11 am
Initial scoping of open supply options between Dolgellau and Newton is returning a blank. Heck! That's going to be a long night section with very full pockets.

Ah "Newtown" (no wonder I couldn't find it). You mean the whole northern loop through Snowdonia and then back down?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: zakalwe on 02 May, 2018, 11:01:20 am
As a 'volunteer' I'll be setting out to ride the 600km on the 19th May. Yes BC weekend. Initial scoping of open supply options between Dolgellau and Newton is returning a blank. Heck! That's going to be a long night section with very full pockets.

There's a 24-hour petrol station a short distance away from Llanberis:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Beran+Service+Station/@53.1526403,-4.1575546,13.58z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1spetrol+station!3m4!1s0x0:0x73b28b39c69832cd!8m2!3d53.1589509!4d-4.1394813

The Shell in Betws-y-Coed is apparently 24-hour:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Shell/@53.0332702,-3.8535548,11.58z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1spetrol+station!3m4!1s0x0:0x56d2f3cb7eb1027a!8m2!3d53.0851838!4d-3.7956476
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 02 May, 2018, 11:23:27 am



The Shell in Betws-y-Coed is apparently 24-hour:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Shell/@53.0332702,-3.8535548,11.58z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1spetrol+station!3m4!1s0x0:0x56d2f3cb7eb1027a!8m2!3d53.0851838!4d-3.7956476

Just phoned the Betws one. Confirmed 24/7, locked door at night but shop goods available. Coffee machine...YES!  Nice one Zakalwe. Although I shall not totally rely.

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: GPS on 02 May, 2018, 01:12:49 pm
 :thumbsup: nice one - thanks !
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: zakalwe on 02 May, 2018, 02:30:13 pm



The Shell in Betws-y-Coed is apparently 24-hour:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Shell/@53.0332702,-3.8535548,11.58z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1spetrol+station!3m4!1s0x0:0x56d2f3cb7eb1027a!8m2!3d53.0851838!4d-3.7956476

Just phoned the Betws one. Confirmed 24/7, locked door at night but shop goods available. Coffee machine...YES!  Nice one Zakalwe. Although I shall not totally rely.

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Excellent!  As far as I could see, no more 24/7 petrol stations between there and Newtown, so I might stop off at the one near Llanberis first, just in case.  Like you said, don't want to put all my eggs in one basket.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Si S on 02 May, 2018, 02:48:15 pm



The Shell in Betws-y-Coed is apparently 24-hour:

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Shell/@53.0332702,-3.8535548,11.58z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1spetrol+station!3m4!1s0x0:0x56d2f3cb7eb1027a!8m2!3d53.0851838!4d-3.7956476

Just phoned the Betws one. Confirmed 24/7, locked door at night but shop goods available. Coffee machine...YES!  Nice one Zakalwe. Although I shall not totally rely.

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Excellent!  As far as I could see, no more 24/7 petrol stations between there and Newtown, so I might stop off at the one near Llanberis first, just in case.  Like you said, don't want to put all my eggs in one basket.

I used to live at the bottom of the hill that Beran garage is at the top of...it's approach to 24hr was not 100% reliable, though things may well have changed in the intervening years.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 02 May, 2018, 02:52:47 pm
Since posting yesterday I also found those two garage options. Not looking bleak now. So the 400km event may have the fewest night time options after Dolgellau. But that's what we had to deal with when riding the route last year, and apart from lots of rain, nothing adverse occurred.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Paul D on 02 May, 2018, 03:07:33 pm
So the 400km event may have the fewest night time options after Dolgellau.

I'm basing my 400km ride around the Newtown McDonalds (~315km?) that claims to be 24 hour. "13 cheeseburgers please" :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Planet X Paul on 03 May, 2018, 04:07:36 pm
Could be more problematic for me as being veggie, McDonalds is not a viable option for me.  So I'll need to stock up in Dolgellau.  Being on the 400 populaire and planning on getting some sleep en-route, I may actually be in Newtown when some shops are actually open.  A good excuse for a lie-in then  ;D
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 11 May, 2018, 11:18:50 pm
***IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT***
Some beer has been ordered for Sunday's refreshments.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Zed43 on 12 May, 2018, 01:18:26 pm
Any chance of posting the locations of the (info) controls soonish? I'm heading over to the UK this Thursday and will have no facilities after that to prepare (uploading gpx to my garmin etc).
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 12 May, 2018, 03:38:20 pm
We are conducting final checks to assess winter damage to routes. As is normal for black sheep events, and has been explained a few times over the last few months, routes will be shared approximately 2 weeks ahead of the event. We have a lot checks to be made and want to ensure no mistakes are made. We want to get it right first time. I k ow this won't suite everyones needs.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 12 May, 2018, 03:49:00 pm
Having been on both sides of this problem, I have sympathy for both parties!

Mr Zed: I won't be bringing anything really useful with me (like a laptop and garmin leads etc), but happy to do stuff like printout routesheets/rider-instructions and bring along spare copies for our Prestigious International Guests  :P PM me and if necessary we can exchange other details.

Ideally someone from the L'Wells area will popup with unlimited IT help available on the Friday. And the moon on a stick :)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 12 May, 2018, 09:15:25 pm
***UPDATE***
There are some more details regarding the Sunday afternoon and evening social plans over on the TINAT website. Note that TINAT riders will not be charged for food and drink. However, spectators will be charged £10 to cover costs. Any profits will be going to charity. http://tinat.cymru/the-social/ (http://tinat.cymru/the-social/)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: inappropriate_bike on 12 May, 2018, 10:44:38 pm
I'd like to join the Social but don't have Instagram, or Facebook, and I don't seem to be able to leave a comment on the page as requested.  :facepalm:

Will a request in this forum work instead?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 12 May, 2018, 10:48:52 pm
I'd like to join the Social but don't have Instagram, or Facebook, and I don't seem to be able to leave a comment on the page as requested.  :facepalm:

Will a request in this forum work instead?
Of course, just PM me your name and that will be fine. I'll look into the website comments.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Peat on 17 May, 2018, 01:28:08 pm
Just been plotting the 300A route. Have to say, it looks stonking!

(also largest off piste:paved ratio. Nice.)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 17 May, 2018, 08:05:35 pm
I really enjoyed riding it after we had put it together.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 17 May, 2018, 08:10:49 pm
Just been plotting the 300A route. Have to say, it looks stonking!

(also largest off piste:paved ratio. Nice.)

:( so gutted the boss called dibs on this weekend.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: al-c on 19 May, 2018, 11:11:14 am
Amyone know if/when GPX files might be available? I am awawy the week before so need to get prepared this week.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 19 May, 2018, 08:50:57 pm
Amyone know if/when GPX files might be available? I am awawy the week before so need to get prepared this week.

I'm looking to getting them out either tomorrow or Monday.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: al-c on 19 May, 2018, 11:29:47 pm
Great, thanks Mark  :)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 21 May, 2018, 12:14:04 pm
Arrived about 9am.  :thumbsup:

that's this evening blown ...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 21 May, 2018, 09:36:41 pm
The 600km is no longer theoretical. It's been ridden and within the time limit! I've put some words on the website http://tinat.cymru/2018/05/21/600km-recon/ (http://tinat.cymru/2018/05/21/600km-recon/)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 21 May, 2018, 09:48:17 pm
Someone less busy than Black Sheep please tell me if there's been an email, or if the ride info is somewhere I can't find on the website please?

Could be BS is still ploughing through his comms workload of course, while Vistaed was off having type 1.5 fun

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 21 May, 2018, 09:51:43 pm
BS has been sending out e-mails today. Best drop him a line of you think you should have received one. And some of my fun was type 3.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 21 May, 2018, 10:06:49 pm
BS has been sending out e-mails today. Best drop him a line of you think you have received one. And some of my fun was type 3.
Ta. I'll give it a while before bugging him. Type 3 huh? Tell us after if we make it.
Thanks in anticipation for all the graft you've done.

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: GPS on 22 May, 2018, 08:13:33 am
Type 3 fun ? That's encouraging !
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: chillmoister on 23 May, 2018, 11:01:03 am
Hi folks ....just a heads-up to say that the Dafarn Newydd Stores (about 1.5 km South East of Lake Vyrnwy) will be opening early on Sunday morning to provide first or second breakfast opportunities.  There will be coffee and the usual local shop fare and possibly some hot food too.  They may even be opening late on the Saturday night.  The shop owner should be putting out a sign up the road to remind the weary TINAT rider  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 23 May, 2018, 12:00:03 pm
Hi folks ....just a heads-up to say that the Dafarn Newydd Stores (about 1.5 km South East of Lake Vyrnwy) will be opening early on Sunday morning to provide first or second breakfast opportunities.  There will be coffee and the usual local shop fare and possibly some hot food too.  They may even be opening late on the Saturday night.  The shop owner should be putting out a sign up the road to remind the weary TINAT rider  :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
that place was like an oasis when we came across on it one Sunday morning on another Blacksheep event (I think it was a very flat 600, with a sleep stop nr Betws-y-Coed, then down to Aberhafesp via Lake Vynrunrun.)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: chillmoister on 23 May, 2018, 02:17:59 pm
(I think it was a very flat 600, with a sleep stop nr Betws-y-Coed, then down to Aberhafesp via Lake Vynrunrun.)

Oh yeah ....THAT ride was pan flat .... :demon:   #brokeme   definitely the hardest ride I've completed and that was just within the time limit!  If the TINAT route is only half as good (and I have suspicion it will be of the same calibre) we are in for a treat  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 23 May, 2018, 06:18:00 pm
(I think it was a very flat 600, with a sleep stop nr Betws-y-Coed, then down to Aberhafesp via Lake Vynrunrun.)

Oh yeah ....THAT ride was pan flat .... :demon:   #brokeme   definitely the hardest ride I've completed and that was just within the time limit!  If the TINAT route is only half as good (and I have suspicion it will be of the same calibre) we are in for a treat  :thumbsup:

That was my first 600km ride, if we're talking about the same ride, full of dragons and legends. I came across a cafe at some point after the lake, which provided a much needed second breakfast, before a third at Aberhafesp.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: iddu on 23 May, 2018, 09:38:36 pm
OK - due to A N Other dropping out, if you're riding the 600 & still dithering over accomodation I now have a spare bed for Fri & Sun night at the Glen Usk, and if you're willing to add 10Km 2 spares at Caernarfon Travelodge on Sat (about 340Km in).

First dibs applies...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: thesloth on 25 May, 2018, 10:57:43 am
Sloth make 600 map (https://goo.gl/8KdAK8)

I looked up a few of the opening times of supermarkets, cafés & pubs and put the info in the waypoints.
...of course these may be wrong & indeed these places may not even exist at all.
It might just be a desert out there. Although I'm fairly certain that it will be a wet desert.

Interesting to see that there isn't a control at the Northern tip. The devious could be tempted to make short-cuttings direct to Betws-y-Coed  O:-)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: GPS on 25 May, 2018, 11:23:29 am
Interesting to see that there isn't a control at the Northern tip. The devious could be tempted to make short-cuttings direct to Betws-y-Coed  O:-)
Yes - the route sheet mentions a control at Caernarfon but actually ends up at Betws y Coed. The GPX as supplied doesn't actually go in to Caernarfon either ... maybe there'll be an info on the day ??

Ta for the map link  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Paul D on 25 May, 2018, 11:59:30 am
I looked up a few of the opening times...

Sadly I don't think the "Orgasmic Cider Company" is going to be open for us 400 riders. :'(
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 25 May, 2018, 01:43:25 pm
Hopefully everyone should have received ed their ride info by now.

Sorry that it was slightly later than planned, but I spent most of Friday and last week end answering "where's my route sheet?" mailings.  And basically shunted everything back two days, c'est la vie as they say.

Speaking of which. A motorcyclist has just burst through the doors at The Duke's Head  here in Leominster, and has finally stopped at the bar, I know we're in the West here, but jeez -  i didn't realise that sort of thing still happened. Nobody appears to be injured.



L
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 25 May, 2018, 02:40:38 pm
I looked up a few of the opening times...

Sadly I don't think the "Orgasmic Cider Company" is going to be open for us 400 riders. :'(
I noticed the sign for that place last weekend. I rode past.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 26 May, 2018, 10:11:05 am
I've added another news article about accommodation and room availability at Highland Moors http://tinat.cymru/news/ (http://tinat.cymru/news/)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 27 May, 2018, 02:53:35 pm
Will there be emails going out for the 100a & 100b?  I think all I need is where to turn up to each morning.

[ETA] Arivée too please [/ETA] Just seen the accommodation post stating HMGH is arivée for all routes.  Gonna assume it is the start point too as it is for the 300a unless corrected.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: alfapete on 27 May, 2018, 07:34:53 pm
Will there be emails going out for the 100a & 100b?  I think all I need is where to turn up to each morning.

[ETA] Arivée too please [/ETA] Just seen the accommodation post stating HMGH is arivée for all routes.  Gonna assume it is the start point too as it is for the 300a unless corrected.
Received mine on 21st.   Rides start from Linden Walk near Metropole Hotel
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 28 May, 2018, 09:08:12 am
Thanks Pete, Mark is on the case.

I managed to bugger it up by transferring from the 300bp to the 100a (fitness fail) and entering the 100b on the day the emails went out.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 29 May, 2018, 01:14:12 pm
I think that's about it. Riders should have the relevant route details now. From tomorrow morning I will be on holiday.

If not speak now. Please use the email details were originally sent from. Others you may decide to use are not monitored, and may not get responded to.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: alfapete on 29 May, 2018, 04:07:54 pm
I think that's about it. Riders should have the relevant route details now. From tomorrow morning I will be on holiday.


Going to Wales???
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 29 May, 2018, 11:31:29 pm
Have a great set of rides, you guys. We, on the West Highlands, will (very occasionally) be thinking what fun you're having.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 30 May, 2018, 06:14:48 am
Sloth make 600 map (https://goo.gl/8KdAK8)

That overlay has been very useful, thank you Sloth.

On the 600 route, just before the Pen y garreg dam, the route goes 400m on a right hand spur, then retraces and goes along the left hand spur to keep to the southern and western side of the Pen y garreg reservoir. I'm presuming the 400m up the right hand spur is to get to the checkpoint that is included on the routesheet between 114.5km and 117.9km. Do others agree?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 30 May, 2018, 07:26:24 am


Sloth make 600 map (https://goo.gl/8KdAK8)

That overlay has been very useful, thank you Sloth.

On the 600 route, just before the Pen y garreg dam, the route goes 400m on a right hand spur, then retraces and goes along the left hand spur to keep to the southern and western side of the Pen y garreg reservoir. I'm presuming the 400m up the right hand spur is to get to the checkpoint that is included on the routesheet between 114.5km and 117.9km. Do others agree?

I think it could be a minor gpx route creation glitch not worth bothering BS with. The route sheet (unless I'm misreading) appears to tell us to continue on the track to the all the way to the craig goch dam on the north east side of the water and cross that  to a T then turn right.  That way is a continuous gently graded scenic track. I've done a gpx along there before and the line kept wanting to switch back down to the road. Route sheet (600) says the route is along the track somewhere, so switching back down to the road can't be for checkpoint and is an unnecessary decent and climb missing part of the lovely off road cycleway.

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 30 May, 2018, 07:41:28 am
Thanks Smeth. So keep to the east of the reservoir and cross back onto the GPX route at dam.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 30 May, 2018, 07:46:38 am
Thanks Smeth. So keep to the east of the reservoir and cross back onto the GPX route at dam.
I reckon. The route sheet doesn't mention the retrace. Just crossing the dam at the top.

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 May, 2018, 10:13:05 am


Sloth make 600 map (https://goo.gl/8KdAK8)

That overlay has been very useful, thank you Sloth.

On the 600 route, just before the Pen y garreg dam, the route goes 400m on a right hand spur, then retraces and goes along the left hand spur to keep to the southern and western side of the Pen y garreg reservoir. I'm presuming the 400m up the right hand spur is to get to the checkpoint that is included on the routesheet between 114.5km and 117.9km. Do others agree?

I think it could be a minor gpx route creation glitch not worth bothering BS with. The route sheet (unless I'm misreading) appears to tell us to continue on the track to the all the way to the craig goch dam on the north east side of the water and cross that  to a T then turn right.  That way is a continuous gently graded scenic track. I've done a gpx along there before and the line kept wanting to switch back down to the road. Route sheet (600) says the route is along the track somewhere, so switching back down to the road can't be for checkpoint and is an unnecessary decent and climb missing part of the lovely off road cycleway.

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk

Also note that the routesheet for the 400 — and I suspect the 600 also — selects the track that is BETWEEN those two roads, as shown below — aim for the boulders NOT the "NTR" or no through-road — the instruction on the 400 routesheet is "RIGHT on to track, Imm after NTR on Right", but Google doesn't have that path marked, so the auto-routing will misplace it onto either the NTR road, or the through-road:

(http://www.16inchwheels.uk/content/images/2018/05/Screen-Shot-2018-05-30-at-10.05.19.png)

The misrouting on Sloth's route uses the two roads either side — and the official 400 GPX also uses the NTR and NOT the path, rejoining the path higher up in the forest (one of several discrepancies).

There is a checkpoint up that side of the reservoir somewhere; I'm assuming it will be up by the toilets at the dam, as there's somewhere for the controller to park up and keep warm and dry if the weather's sh!te, but they could be lower down.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 30 May, 2018, 11:01:00 am
Great work Nick - that's not very clear at all (although the GPX would probably work for me).

I was just reading that bit of the routesheet and wondering "WTF does NTR mean??"   :)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Steve Orchard on 30 May, 2018, 11:03:02 am


Sloth make 600 map (https://goo.gl/8KdAK8)

That overlay has been very useful, thank you Sloth.

On the 600 route, just before the Pen y garreg dam, the route goes 400m on a right hand spur, then retraces and goes along the left hand spur to keep to the southern and western side of the Pen y garreg reservoir. I'm presuming the 400m up the right hand spur is to get to the checkpoint that is included on the routesheet between 114.5km and 117.9km. Do others agree?

I think it could be a minor gpx route creation glitch not worth bothering BS with. The route sheet (unless I'm misreading) appears to tell us to continue on the track to the all the way to the craig goch dam on the north east side of the water and cross that  to a T then turn right.  That way is a continuous gently graded scenic track. I've done a gpx along there before and the line kept wanting to switch back down to the road. Route sheet (600) says the route is along the track somewhere, so switching back down to the road can't be for checkpoint and is an unnecessary decent and climb missing part of the lovely off road cycleway.

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk

Also note that the routesheet for the 400 — and I suspect the 600 also — selects the track that is BETWEEN those two roads, as shown below — aim for the boulders NOT the "NTR" or no through-road — the instruction on the 400 routesheet is "RIGHT on to track, Imm after NTR on Right", but Google doesn't have that path marked, so the auto-routing will misplace it onto either the NTR road, or the through-road:

(http://www.16inchwheels.uk/content/images/2018/05/Screen-Shot-2018-05-30-at-10.05.19.png)

The misrouting on Sloth's route uses the two roads either side — and the official 400 GPX also uses the NTR and NOT the path, rejoining the path higher up in the forest (one of several discrepancies).

There is a checkpoint up that side of the reservoir somewhere; I'm assuming it will be up by the toilets at the dam, as there's somewhere for the controller to park up and keep warm and dry if the weather's sh!te, but they could be lower down.
Same on the 300b.

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 30 May, 2018, 11:10:27 am
The other little one I noticed was that the track does the ystwyth trail old railway after Tregaron whereas the route sheet seems to follow the road which is slightly shorter but less interesting.

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Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Peat on 30 May, 2018, 11:40:38 am
There are several places that have roads parallel to the gravel trails where the routesheet suggests using the road. I'm going for full off-road value to justify the cost, time and swearing of getting my tubeless gravel tyres setup.   ::-)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 30 May, 2018, 12:16:41 pm
There are several places that have roads parallel to the gravel trails where the routesheet suggests using the road. I'm going for full off-road value to justify the cost, time and swearing of getting my tubeless gravel tyres setup.   ::-)
After years of deviating from "official" routesheets whenever I "knew better", I had planned to follow the TINAT route exactly, warts/fords/canyons and all.

But if I meet nav difficulties, I shall just take the safest option. PlanA is follow the purple tunnel, hopefully that will take in every pebble that Mark has lovingly arranged for us.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: psyclist on 30 May, 2018, 12:24:22 pm
@wilkyboy, thank you enormously for posting that photo. That makes it really clear where to go.

My plan is also to follow the intended route in full. I've checked streetview so that I'm familiar with the entrance to the path that is after Tregaron, but otherwise I think the off-road sections are straightforward to enter and follow, at least following the clarifications up towards the dam.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: andyoxon on 30 May, 2018, 12:37:19 pm
...
I've checked streetview so that I'm familiar with the entrance to the path that is after Tregaron, but otherwise I think the off-road sections are straightforward to enter and follow, at least following the clarifications up towards the dam.

The Cors Caron, railway track section looks like a goody; doing it on the Sunday.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Chris N on 30 May, 2018, 12:38:04 pm
Great work Nick - that's not very clear at all (although the GPX would probably work for me).

I was just reading that bit of the routesheet and wondering "WTF does NTR mean??"   :)

No Through Road.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 May, 2018, 12:50:59 pm
There are several places that have roads parallel to the gravel trails where the routesheet suggests using the road. I'm going for full off-road value to justify the cost, time and swearing of getting my tubeless gravel tyres setup.   ::-)
After years of deviating from "official" routesheets whenever I "knew better", I had planned to follow the TINAT route exactly, warts/fords/canyons and all.

But if I meet nav difficulties, I shall just take the safest option. PlanA is follow the purple tunnel, hopefully that will take in every pebble that Mark has lovingly arranged for us.

There are some that were missed off, probably due to weight-of-numbers and so risk to other road/trail users:

— Imm after leaving Llandrindod, cross bridge then turn L into lane then 2x R @ T to L @ T to rejoin route — exactly the same distance, but off the main road (not that at 6am it's going to make much difference)
— You can do a nifty Larrington Manoeuvre to avoid the Devil's Staircase, which is an ugly ramp — bear R to forestry track at bottom where the Elenydd checkpoint usually is, then keep L at each T to R @ road at top — it's a much steadier gradient than the Staircase and more gravelly (and credit to Iddu for that, back in 2013)
— The disused railway across the Cors Caron nature reserve after Tregaron — SA thru car park past building to R @ track; then R @ T (at end of 5km track) soon 1st L and SO @ X to rejoin the routesheet route to climb up to Claerwen Farm.
— The waterside track along Garreg-Ddu reservoir — take the gate on LHS before the T after crossing Garreg-Ddu Dam, then at end cross directly to track as shown in photo — it's flat and gravelly, where the road is slightly lumpy, and there will almost certainly be families out with kids, so care required — pedestrians have priority, as on all shared-use paths, of course.
— After Llanidloes, there's an alternative route through Hafren Forest that takes in the lakeside — Hafren itself is a lovely run, but I rode it a couple of times last year, so I'm going waterside for a change.
— After Tywyn, the routesheet takes a direct, 15min route to the gravelly NCN8/82 ascent up past Cader Idris, but the GPX takes in a 25min loop around the picturesque Dysinni Valley, which seems ample time to let a bag of fish&chips settle ;)
— After Vrynwy there are a couple of extra BOATs that could be included, but unfortunately the steep descents (>10%) on road tyres and rim brakes mean I'm sticking to the tarmac for those!

The real question, though, is whether to try to ride through the ford before Claerwen Farm, or wade the bike through?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: andyoxon on 30 May, 2018, 01:30:01 pm
...
The real question, though, is whether to try to ride through the ford before Claerwen Farm, or wade the bike through?

Afon Claerddu ford?

(http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/92/45/2924590_37fba5e1.jpg)

or http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/411693

Probably a shoes off and wade job for me...  :) 
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 May, 2018, 01:37:17 pm
...
The real question, though, is whether to try to ride through the ford before Claerwen Farm, or wade the bike through?

Afon Claerddu ford?

(http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/92/45/2924590_37fba5e1.jpg)

or http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/411693

Probably a shoes off and wade job for me...  :)

That's the one  :thumbsup:

I think I'll see what it's like when we get there, and how I'm feeling balance-wise (on a road bike on a distinctly off-road section).
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Phil W on 30 May, 2018, 02:00:59 pm
You could always set proximity alarms on your GPS that say Gravel or Road or some such so you know which to take when you get to the confusing bits.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: chillmoister on 30 May, 2018, 02:07:49 pm
if the small lanes are anything like some of those around Hampshire and West Sussex after this Winter it is going to be difficult to tell the difference between off and on road sections.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: simonp on 30 May, 2018, 03:16:14 pm
I am definitely a DNS as I have not ridden more than about 110km in a day this year. Not fit enough for a 600k, especially not one with additional challenges.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 30 May, 2018, 03:56:17 pm
Has anyone actually bought a drink - in sweaty lycra - at the Cross Foxes Inn?? It looks very powsh inside:)

[This might be the first time I pass it at beer O'clock ... ]

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 30 May, 2018, 03:58:34 pm
Has anyone actually bought a drink - in sweaty lycra - at the Cross Foxes Inn?? It looks very powsh inside:)

[This might be the first time I pass it at beer O'clock ... ]

Yes — a group of Welsh Ride Thing (http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/WelshRideThing/) riders did.  It's very powsh inside and a bit pricey, apparently.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: jiberjaber on 30 May, 2018, 04:20:11 pm
I'm DNS also, not been on the bike for 2 weeks now - don't think I'll be riding over 200km for the foreseeable future at the moment... :(
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: thesloth on 30 May, 2018, 04:30:57 pm
Sloth make 600 map (https://goo.gl/8KdAK8)

I put the "points of interest" & controls into GPX files as waypoints so they can be uploaded to Garmin or similar
TINAT600Controls.gpx (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sBZhDx0w3phqJn0c5zPgzu6oa38Gl3af/view?usp=sharing)
TINAT600POI.gpx (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XIlNSO1ekBnukcD5yTXWWXCz9C26F_Jp/view?usp=sharing)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 30 May, 2018, 10:30:15 pm
...
The real question, though, is whether to try to ride through the ford before Claerwen Farm, or wade the bike through?

Afon Claerddu ford?

(http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/92/45/2924590_37fba5e1.jpg)

or http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/411693

Probably a shoes off and wade job for me...  :)
I rode through two weekends ago. And rode through three times last year when route planning. But this means nothing on Saturday.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Chris N on 30 May, 2018, 10:43:42 pm
I waded it back in April, but it had been pissing down for several days prior.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 31 May, 2018, 09:44:39 am
I still need to decide which bike to take. My main concern is gearing on the climbs - anyone have a clear idea of what proportion are super steep?

(I’m doing the 300)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Paul D on 31 May, 2018, 10:35:01 am
...the climbs...what proportion are super steep?

All of them once your tired? (My 34x36 will get plenty of use after Dinas Mawddwy but perhaps you don't go over to Newtown on the 300?)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 31 May, 2018, 11:35:58 am
All of them once your tired? (My 34x36 will get plenty of use after Dinas Mawddwy but perhaps you don't go over to Newtown on the 300?)

The 300A misses the loop after Dinas Mawddwy - it goes straight(-ish) to Newtown, then reasonably direct back to Llandrindod Wells.

I'm hoping 36x28 won't mean too much walking.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: The Bonk on 31 May, 2018, 12:00:05 pm
Has anyone broken the 400 gpx down into sections that I could look at pinch please?

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 31 May, 2018, 12:16:41 pm
@wilkyboy, thank you enormously for posting that photo. That makes it really clear where to go.
Seconded  :thumbsup: I was scratching my head looking at that junction on google yesterday.  Shoulda checked here  :facepalm:

— You can do a nifty Larrington Manoeuvre to avoid the Devil's Staircase, which is an ugly ramp — bear R to forestry track at bottom where the Elenydd checkpoint usually is, then keep L at each T to R @ road at top — it's a much steadier gradient than the Staircase and more gravelly (and credit to Iddu for that, back in 2013)
In this map (https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=c6d9a8ec-d234-4043-9fcb-a7802175cc56&cp=52.191799~-3.723079&lvl=15&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027) leave the road at the cattle grid (CG) and follow the obvious route to return to the road north of Pen y Cnwc?
Off here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.1871716,-3.7107462,3a,60y,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQEV-q8frsPP62dn08JvlJA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) and return here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.192559,-3.7266886,3a,75y,334.81h,85.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdZcayf-C0VJ7FqtxuWUGMA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: TOBY on 31 May, 2018, 12:18:58 pm
...
The real question, though, is whether to try to ride through the ford before Claerwen Farm, or wade the bike through?

Afon Claerddu ford?

(http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/92/45/2924590_37fba5e1.jpg)

or http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/411693

Probably a shoes off and wade job for me...  :)
I rode through two weekends ago. And rode through three times last year when route planning. But this means nothing on Saturday.

should be nicely topped up by the weekend (https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings#?date=2018-05-31)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 31 May, 2018, 12:24:35 pm
Has anyone broken the 400 gpx down into sections that I could look at pinch please?
What's your requirement? Do you just prefer to navigate from several tracks/routes instead of one big one?

One big track is working for me. Saves on thinking during the ride!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 31 May, 2018, 12:31:13 pm
— You can do a nifty Larrington Manoeuvre to avoid the Devil's Staircase, which is an ugly ramp — bear R to forestry track at bottom where the Elenydd checkpoint usually is, then keep L at each T to R @ road at top — it's a much steadier gradient than the Staircase and more gravelly (and credit to Iddu for that, back in 2013)
In this map (https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=c6d9a8ec-d234-4043-9fcb-a7802175cc56&cp=52.191799~-3.723079&lvl=15&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027) leave the road at the cattle grid (CG) and follow the obvious route to return to the road north of Pen y Cnwc?
Off here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.1871716,-3.7107462,3a,60y,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQEV-q8frsPP62dn08JvlJA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) and return here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.192559,-3.7266886,3a,75y,334.81h,85.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdZcayf-C0VJ7FqtxuWUGMA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

Yup, that's the one  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: The Bonk on 31 May, 2018, 12:32:25 pm
Has anyone broken the 400 gpx down into sections that I could look at pinch please?
What's your requirement? Do you just prefer to navigate from several tracks/routes instead of one big one?

One big track is working for me. Saves on thinking during the ride!

The big one works fine. It's just good sometimes to have the routes in section to each/the next control.
I'm useless at that stuff and it'd take me longer to do than ride it.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 31 May, 2018, 12:48:46 pm
— You can do a nifty Larrington Manoeuvre to avoid the Devil's Staircase, which is an ugly ramp — bear R to forestry track at bottom where the Elenydd checkpoint usually is, then keep L at each T to R @ road at top — it's a much steadier gradient than the Staircase and more gravelly (and credit to Iddu for that, back in 2013)
In this map (https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=c6d9a8ec-d234-4043-9fcb-a7802175cc56&cp=52.191799~-3.723079&lvl=15&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027) leave the road at the cattle grid (CG) and follow the obvious route to return to the road north of Pen y Cnwc?
Off here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.1871716,-3.7107462,3a,60y,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQEV-q8frsPP62dn08JvlJA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) and return here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.192559,-3.7266886,3a,75y,334.81h,85.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdZcayf-C0VJ7FqtxuWUGMA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

Yup, that's the one  :thumbsup:
I'll certainly be giving that one a go  :thumbsup: [I've ridden the DS properly, so don't feel any obligation for Saturday.]

It's a shame there are no official "interesting" bits on the Sunday for us soft400 riders. If you spot me Nick, feel free to guide me down some interesting paths, but left to my own devices I shall play safe on Sunday.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Alexander Turner on 31 May, 2018, 02:59:25 pm
Has anyone broken the 400 gpx down into sections that I could look at pinch please?
What's your requirement? Do you just prefer to navigate from several tracks/routes instead of one big one?

One big track is working for me. Saves on thinking during the ride!

The big one works fine. It's just good sometimes to have the routes in section to each/the next control.
I'm useless at that stuff and it'd take me longer to do than ride it.

Here you go. Cut from the route emailed by Mark. https://ridewithgps.com/users/151788/routes (https://ridewithgps.com/users/151788/routes)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: The Bonk on 31 May, 2018, 03:35:08 pm
Has anyone broken the 400 gpx down into sections that I could look at pinch please?
What's your requirement? Do you just prefer to navigate from several tracks/routes instead of one big one?

One big track is working for me. Saves on thinking during the ride!

The big one works fine. It's just good sometimes to have the routes in section to each/the next control.
I'm useless at that stuff and it'd take me longer to do than ride it.

Here you go. Cut from the route emailed by Mark. https://ridewithgps.com/users/151788/routes (https://ridewithgps.com/users/151788/routes)

You’re a star. Thanks very much.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 31 May, 2018, 04:47:02 pm
— You can do a nifty Larrington Manoeuvre to avoid the Devil's Staircase, which is an ugly ramp — bear R to forestry track at bottom where the Elenydd checkpoint usually is, then keep L at each T to R @ road at top — it's a much steadier gradient than the Staircase and more gravelly (and credit to Iddu for that, back in 2013)
In this map (https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=c6d9a8ec-d234-4043-9fcb-a7802175cc56&cp=52.191799~-3.723079&lvl=15&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027) leave the road at the cattle grid (CG) and follow the obvious route to return to the road north of Pen y Cnwc?
Off here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.1871716,-3.7107462,3a,60y,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQEV-q8frsPP62dn08JvlJA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) and return here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.192559,-3.7266886,3a,75y,334.81h,85.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdZcayf-C0VJ7FqtxuWUGMA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

Yup, that's the one  :thumbsup:
I'll certainly be giving that one a go  :thumbsup: [I've ridden the DS properly, so don't feel any obligation for Saturday.]

It's a shame there are no official "interesting" bits on the Sunday for us soft400 riders. If you spot me Nick, feel free to guide me down some interesting paths, but left to my own devices I shall play safe on Sunday.
Soory to have served up such a boring Sunday ride. However, you could try riding over the Hergest ridge stright out of Kington to the West. It was on our very original draft route.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 31 May, 2018, 04:55:38 pm
Soory to have served up such a boring Sunday ride. However, you could try riding over the Hergest ridge stright out of Kington to the East. It was on our very original draft route.
;D

Oh please don't be - it looks a LOVELY route. And the climb out of Dinas Mawddwy will be "interesting" enough! I very much doubt that I will WANT any more challenges if you ask me on Sunday.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 31 May, 2018, 05:00:46 pm
Soory to have served up such a boring Sunday ride. However, you could try riding over the Hergest ridge stright out of Kington to the East. It was on our very original draft route.
;D

Oh please don't be - it looks a LOVELY route. And the climb out of Dinas Mawddwy will be "interesting" enough! I very much doubt that I will WANT any more challenges if you ask me on Sunday.
If this weekend works out OK, Im going to 'talk' with Mark about the possibility of 400 & 600 v2 routes. Haven ridden them both and looked at more OS maps, I think the Eastern and Southern sections could be 'spiced' up a bit.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 31 May, 2018, 05:18:55 pm
It looks like you can save 80m of climbing by taking the main road from Llangurig to Llanidloes, and - on the 300 route - you can save 200m (!) in 7km by sticking to the A489 most of the way to Newtown.

Would I be missing anything, especially as it'll be dark when I get to Newtown?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 31 May, 2018, 05:36:23 pm
It looks like you can save 80m of climbing by taking the main road from Llangurig to Llanidloes, and - on the 300 route - you can save 200m (!) in 7km by sticking to the A489 most of the way to Newtown.

Would I be missing anything, especially as it'll be dark when I get to Newtown?
You'll be missing some nice lanes, and avoiding the task of riding hills, something that Mike never shed away from, that's all.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: chillmoister on 31 May, 2018, 06:15:34 pm
so who's up for a bit of 'Pass Storming'? I've just plotted that optional extra and will see how the weather and the legs are on the day!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: andyoxon on 31 May, 2018, 10:12:45 pm
...
— You can do a nifty Larrington Manoeuvre to avoid the Devil's Staircase, which is an ugly ramp — bear R to forestry track at bottom where the Elenydd checkpoint usually is, then keep L at each T to R @ road at top — it's a much steadier gradient than the Staircase and more gravelly (and credit to Iddu for that, back in 2013)
In this map (https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=c6d9a8ec-d234-4043-9fcb-a7802175cc56&cp=52.191799~-3.723079&lvl=15&style=s&v=2&sV=2&form=S00027) leave the road at the cattle grid (CG) and follow the obvious route to return to the road north of Pen y Cnwc?
Off here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.1871716,-3.7107462,3a,60y,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQEV-q8frsPP62dn08JvlJA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) and return here (https://www.google.com/maps/@52.192559,-3.7266886,3a,75y,334.81h,85.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdZcayf-C0VJ7FqtxuWUGMA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

I've never done Devil's Staircase - so I guess I'll probably stick to the road this time, but that track does look like a good option...

edit:  If anyone's interested, the Geograph.org centisquares image navigator e.g. Tywyn/Bryncrug area (http://www.geograph.org.uk/mapper/?t=tolJ5oOXXJ0oOXJFoOXXJfoObOJqoluOJL5405oMjwMjuNatbXXw8uj&centi=1) can be useful to find images of tracks - some of the photos can be a tad old though...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: zakalwe on 01 June, 2018, 07:04:34 am
It looks like you can save 80m of climbing by taking the main road from Llangurig to Llanidloes, and - on the 300 route - you can save 200m (!) in 7km by sticking to the A489 most of the way to Newtown.

Would I be missing anything, especially as it'll be dark when I get to Newtown?
You'll be missing some nice lanes, and avoiding the task of riding hills, something that Mike never shed away from, that's all.

Alternatively, you can add 200m of climbing in 7km (on the 600 route) by taking the first right on the A5 out of Betws-y-Coed:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27670889

The climb is quite a commitment, I think, but it's very pretty, and the route takes you over some beautiful, rugged high ground with very nice roads to boot.

I was tempted to do this detour on the 600 tomorrow, but realised it'll be dark by the time I get there so I won't be able to see the nice views :(
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Peat on 01 June, 2018, 08:48:54 am
If anyone's interested, the Geograph.org centisquares image navigator e.g. Tywyn/Bryncrug area (http://www.geograph.org.uk/mapper/?t=tolJ5oOXXJ0oOXJFoOXXJfoObOJqoluOJL5405oMjwMjuNatbXXw8uj&centi=1) can be useful to find images of tracks - some of the photos can be a tad old though...

Thanks for the link. What a great resource!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 01 June, 2018, 09:34:01 am
It looks like you can save 80m of climbing by taking the main road from Llangurig to Llanidloes, and - on the 300 route - you can save 200m (!) in 7km by sticking to the A489 most of the way to Newtown.

Would I be missing anything, especially as it'll be dark when I get to Newtown?

You could save 600km by staying in bed.

These rides were put together to honour the way Mike rode and routes Mike rode. We also know the bits that Mike rode, because we either rode the sections with him, or chewed thd fat over sections.

All this hot air (not just this thread but others too) about saving 200m here and 22.54cm there. You clearly never knew Mike or his ethos on bike riding. If you did, there would not be any of these comments. Which really does raise the question what are you hoping to acheive at the weekend?

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 01 June, 2018, 09:37:49 am
I plan to ride The Route (at least until I get lost*. Or I accidentally take an off-road Devils Staircase option ... )

But Mike's greatest legacy is the TCR. He wanted riders to work out the fastest/best route between checkpoints. So there is a precedent for this sort of behaviour :)

Lots of Love,
Matt <now very excited>

*and then get unlost, obvs ;)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: simonp on 01 June, 2018, 11:48:23 am
Chapeau to everyone riding. I’m not daft enough to think I’m fit enough for this given where my focushas been recently.

Also kudos and thanks to Mark and everyone else involved in making this happen. Bonne route!

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Planet X Paul on 01 June, 2018, 02:21:43 pm
I'm also going to be a DNS on the 400 populaire.  Unfortunately I have only ridden half the distance I had done this time last year and not done any hill work.  I did do a 400 a couple of weeks ago and was not too bad.  However, it was a flat route and what hills there were found me out.  I'm hoping to get some more miles and hills in during the summer and hopefully have a solo ride of the route in August or September.  Have a great weekend all.  Looking forward to hearing the stories of your adventures.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 01 June, 2018, 03:09:11 pm
Exactly what Mattc said. I took analysing the terrain to be part of the exercise. Perhaps I’m mistaken.

By entering the BR I’ve set myself a challenge that’s at the very edge of my abilities. I could have entered the BP and that be easy.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: johny bath on 01 June, 2018, 04:19:55 pm
Dear All
A rather mundane request after the excitement of routing, but one which will cause a lot of bother before hand if I get it wrong - is there anywhere near the start that anyone recommends for parking? Its a bit far and early to ECE! I am sure i can find somewhere, but after the Brian Chapman and requests not to park near the start, I do not want to offend any residents or cause a bother for the organisers.
Any help appreciated.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: telstarbox on 01 June, 2018, 04:28:22 pm
:) http://tinat.cymru/2018/06/01/parking/
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: teethgrinder on 01 June, 2018, 05:28:37 pm
I'm out. :(
Bike all set to go but my head isn't in it plus I've still got a slight lurgy in my chest that I've had for over a fortnight.
I've got lots of silly little jobs to do that I've kept putting off. I'm sure that's, at least, partly why my head isn't in it. I'll use the loss of this ride that I was looking forward to, to give me a kick up the jacksy to get things done.
Hope you all have a good ride. Route looks great and it doesn't make sense that I'm not pulling out the stops to make the start. Weather looks like it will be good too.
Maybe if I get my shit together I'll have a ride around anyway later on this year, as I have the route. I know I could ride it this weekend, it's just not right for me right now.
I feel a bit gutted that I'm not even trying to make it, so will miss one of the rides I was looking forward to most of all this year. But, if I get my act together then it will be a very good thing and there's always other rides, which will be better if I sort myself out.
Plus, I still have the route, so I can always ride it some other time, maybe even as a group perm?

Have fun everyone... :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: iddu on 02 June, 2018, 06:23:20 pm
Bah, DNF

Complete lack of mojo, < 200k in 13 hours :(

Good speed to the rest.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 02 June, 2018, 06:33:15 pm
Ditto dnf the 600. Overcooked a misty descent. Off into the rockery but stayed upright on a flat rear. Still well in time and bike ok after repair no 1 but all not well.  2 boots, three tubes and a busted pump later, no way to continue. Long walk and a taxi.

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 02 June, 2018, 06:36:50 pm

Watching the coverage of this ride on social media. It looks amazing. I hope it's run again next year!

J
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: haywire on 02 June, 2018, 07:22:44 pm
Ditto dnf the 400 BP. Just taking so long to recover from the ups and boy are there a load of them. Not feeling terribly audacious
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: haywire on 02 June, 2018, 07:24:28 pm
That said, I've had a cracking day out and even a couple of sections would make the basis of a decent ride some time in the future
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: tonyh on 02 June, 2018, 09:27:16 pm
Condolences to iddu, Smeth, and haywire. Sounds tough out there.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Zed43 on 03 June, 2018, 01:45:19 am
I loved it! (did the "fast" 300). Think this one had the most climbing/km of a brevets I've done sofar. The gravel sections  were challenging (never done mtb'ing or cross) but fun. It did help loads that the weather was beautiful.

One dissappointment: no cake or anything at arrivee. I mean, seriously?

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Shugg McGraw on 03 June, 2018, 08:01:12 am
Did the easiest of the 200ks. It was absolutely brutal. 300k seems like an impossibility - never mind the longer rides. Congratulations to everyone who finished any of them. I was not More Mike but I was as Mike as I could be.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Mr Green on 03 June, 2018, 09:46:45 am
Body hell, that was tough. Completed the 200A with about 5mins to spare.very different from most other Rides I've done. Well done to the team organising, a well conceived and well organised memorial
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Peat on 03 June, 2018, 12:07:26 pm
Insane rides! :D

Doing the 300A, I had to be talked out of packing at the Dolgellau. I soldiered on and finished around midnight. (I had forecast an 8pm arrivee.... :facepalm:) It was just so bloody hard!

Stunning scenery, heroic organisation & a great team of helpers. Nice to meet Mikes' mum!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 03 June, 2018, 12:33:43 pm
I did the 300A BR and poured everything into getting to Llanidloes (130 km) with 1 minute to spare and had nothing left for the rest of the ride. I got to the Dolgellau checkpoint over an hour out of time and after that I could barely turn the pedals and was fighting off the dozies. Got to arrivée four hours late.

(Was the Newtown McDonalds meant to be open? Closed for refurbishment and  didn’t even have glass in the windows!)

I did do all five off road sections on my usual 23mm slicks with only one puncture. I imagine I may have been the only one.

An amazing route but absolutely brutal. Thanks organisers and volunteers.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Paul D on 03 June, 2018, 01:19:08 pm
400 BR complete, as per other comments we were later than hoped as the hills are relentless and there just isn't anywhere to recover time.

Bacon roll at 11pm at Lake Vnwry shop was immense, and I particularly enjoyed then last off road section and descent to James and team at the Dolgellau checkpoint (he gave me his beer!)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: alfapete on 03 June, 2018, 02:30:11 pm
Only the 100A for me and having read the other reports I'm glad I didn't try the 200. After 10 years of audaxing I made so many rookie mistakes!

It was unusual for me to be at the front of the field from the off but I pressed on and thought someone was sure to come past me once we started climbing. When they didn't I thought perhaps Mark had sent me the wrong .gpx. When the grass triangle at 13km didn't appear I was seriously concerned but it was only at 20km that I realised I was following the purple line THE WRONG WAY ROUND. So I had a very early lunch in LLanidloes and a long gentle climb up to the highest point on the ride followed by a steep descent on the worst of the gravel whilst meeting so many others going the other way. Sorry to the rider I forced to stop on his way up when we couldn't pass on the 12" wide tarmac  - he thought it was easier for me to take to the rocks, I thought it was easier for him.

The scenery and weather were sublime and I enjoyed my ice cream at the dog show too. The the section around the reservoirs was absolutely beautiful but as I was a DNF I took a main road route back from Rhayader to the Arrivee (not very Mike at all)

A fabulous tribute, well done to Mark and the team for organising it.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Tull924 on 03 June, 2018, 04:26:38 pm
I rode the "fast" 400km very slowly, so slowly in fact I was out of time at Knighton so I packed at 355km (390km by the time I got back to the arrivee, but I could not have rode the extra to Presteigne and Kington)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: rabbit on 03 June, 2018, 10:25:27 pm
Well done to everyone who took part in these amazing events over the weekend, and particularly well done to the outstanding efforts from Mark Rigby and the rest of the Tinat Organisers. I managed to get a few half decent pics - apologies I didn't get all of you and that I haven't had time to edit any photos. I've uploaded some low res files to Flickr, and I am happy to supply the original RAW files if anyone wants them to edit/change etc.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/154699339@N04/

Feel free to use the pics for personal use (not commercial).....all I ask for is a small donation to my 'Bring Mo Home' fund which can be found here

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jo-and-mo

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Zed43 on 03 June, 2018, 10:35:43 pm
Photo 0303 made me chuckle "what do you mean, 'this is not a tour' "

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: rabbit on 03 June, 2018, 10:43:26 pm
Photo 0303 made me chuckle "what do you mean, 'this is not a tour' "

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

I know - he made me smile very much! :)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1750/27671814587_552a12fc66.jpg)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: andyoxon on 04 June, 2018, 08:37:31 am
I did the 100B (Abergwesyn-Tregaron-Claerwen-Elan) on Sunday, and found it challenging - with more elevation than any of my 200kms packed into 113km.  The scenery was simply stunning.  First time for Abergwesyn to Tregaron and found it pretty lumpy (Devil's Staircase - followed by Devil's offspring family!), but with some great descents, and the bonus of hearing a Cuckoo. Post lunch, and heading up to Ffair Rhos my lack of a good night's sleep in the tent (Disserth) caught up with me and found myself yawning, so in the heat, I picked a shady tree to stop under for 20 mins.  Climbing to Claerwen I found tough - though the vistas were amazing, and was glad it wasn't as bad once getting on to gravel.  At Claerddhu ford, took off shoes, and... sat with feet in water admiring the view, then managed to cycle through.  The track around Claerwen felt longer than I'd expected, but 32C Schwalbes did pretty well. I made it to Elan visitor's centre at 4:45pm, just before closing, for some welcome beverages!  Beer and hog roast back at Highland Moors in LW; saw the Mayor in attendance...

Many thanks to the whole team!



(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1734/28679828468_30921bd521_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KGkBPb)IMG_20180603_104030668 (https://flic.kr/p/KGkBPb) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr


Looking East to Abergwesyn from Devil's staircase

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1737/40738133260_b22302aaf0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/254TzHW)IMG_20180603_105636681_HDR (https://flic.kr/p/254TzHW) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr


Flattest bit of the ride - Cors Caron railway track

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1732/42546870561_a0de6c0f44_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27PHQiP)IMG_20180603_131454846 (https://flic.kr/p/27PHQiP) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr


Looking back before Lyn Teifi

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1757/42546873811_76eb1a66bd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27PHRgR)IMG_20180603_142440086 (https://flic.kr/p/27PHRgR) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1748/42546881211_bb628ca4de_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27PHTtr)IMG_20180603_144401040 (https://flic.kr/p/27PHTtr) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1750/42494552242_bbcec08b1f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27K6FTQ)IMG_20180603_150047051 (https://flic.kr/p/27K6FTQ) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1738/40738220140_24ebfa5f52_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/254U2xS)IMG_20180603_145205150 (https://flic.kr/p/254U2xS) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1730/42546804811_88496aa169_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27PHuLc)IMG_20180603_153705972 (https://flic.kr/p/27PHuLc) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1734/42494579692_4d95491890_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27K6Q47)IMG_20180603_153256056 (https://flic.kr/p/27K6Q47) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Chris N on 04 June, 2018, 09:40:40 am
I had a lovely day stamping cards in the Elan Valley on Saturday - was great to see so many riders out enjoying themselves (for the most part).  :)

Great photos rabbit. :thumbsup:

Best bike award goes to this guy:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1730/28668842808_2e1c3a0be2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KFnjaf)DSC_0212 (https://flic.kr/p/KFnjaf) by Jo Page (https://www.flickr.com/photos/154699339@N04/), on Flickr

This chap was the first 600 rider through, ridiculously early:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1760/41640194025_872d43cb28_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26rASXK)DSC_0115 (https://flic.kr/p/26rASXK) by Jo Page (https://www.flickr.com/photos/154699339@N04/), on Flickr

My favourite photo:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1744/40733961370_d5a151d5de_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/254wcyN)DSC_0056a (15) (https://flic.kr/p/254wcyN) by Jo Page (https://www.flickr.com/photos/154699339@N04/), on Flickr
The boys had a lovely time too. :)

I left at 1530 - I hope that we were there long enough to catch everyone coming through.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Zed43 on 04 June, 2018, 10:10:49 am
Thanks Chris, I'll forward the compliments to its builder, Marten Gerritsen (http://www.m-gineering.nl/indexg.htm)!

It was originally conceived as a tourer, I had not done any audax back then. But with its low gearing (Rohloff hub with 42/19 chainring / sprocket) and wide 650b tyres it has proven itself on the Yr Elenydd, the BCM and esp. on TinaT as an audax bike for when the going gets steep. Despite its 30 pound weight (including the kick stand...)

Note to self: next time start eating your sandwiches after the fotoshoot
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Chris N on 04 June, 2018, 10:20:52 am
Ah, that was you!  Nice to meet you, briefly. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Paul D on 04 June, 2018, 10:32:58 am
I had a lovely day stamping cards...

No doubt, but you know you should've been the third man in this photo :P

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1729/41640322715_6c8d75976e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26rBxdx)DSC_0346 (https://flic.kr/p/26rBxdx) by Jo Page (https://www.flickr.com/photos/154699339@N04/), on Flickr

Not this one:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1750/41640321005_c3fb24dcfb_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26rBwH4)DSC_0343 (https://flic.kr/p/26rBwH4) by Jo Page (https://www.flickr.com/photos/154699339@N04/), on Flickr

Great pictures Jo. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Chris N on 04 June, 2018, 10:48:41 am
Yeah yeah, I know.  I'm quite happy I wasn't riding. :P
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: whosatthewheel on 04 June, 2018, 01:54:49 pm
Thanks Chris, I'll forward the compliments to its builder, Marten Gerritsen (http://www.m-gineering.nl/indexg.htm)!

It was originally conceived as a tourer, I had not done any audax back then. But with its low gearing (Rohloff hub with 42/19 chainring / sprocket) and wide 650b tyres it has proven itself on the Yr Elenydd, the BCM and esp. on TinaT as an audax bike for when the going gets steep. Despite its 30 pound weight (including the kick stand...)

Note to self: next time start eating your sandwiches after the fotoshoot

I've got the same Shimano grey shoes, perfect for long rides that end in a pub...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Shaun the Sheep on 04 June, 2018, 02:11:49 pm
I rode the 400A and 100C, probably the toughest rides ridden so far!! The scenery was breathtaking though, well worth all the pain.

Huge thanks to Mark and the other helpers in making this a cracking weekend.

Thanks for the pictures Rabbit(donation on it's way), you even caught me smiling!!
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1754/27671818617_ace1c36361_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 04 June, 2018, 04:12:49 pm
Thanks to everyone that came to Wales this weekend to rides bikes in hard terrain to remember Mike. The grimace on some faces and all the socialising after would have made him smile as it did us. And to those that didn't make, you missed a great weekend. Next time maybe?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Tull924 on 04 June, 2018, 04:18:55 pm
I rode the 400A and 100C

 :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

WOW! All on less than ideal terrain for fixed, a truly inspirational effort, chapeau!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 04 June, 2018, 08:33:18 pm
What a weekend  ;D

Friday: Mr Bond & I rock up at Bryncrach camp site in Hundred House good and early, lovely site with superb facilities and showers to die for.  After pitching up we took a reconnaissance ride (https://www.strava.com/activities/1616987757) into Llandrindod via a very technical but fun (when taken downhill) byway.  Checked out the start and finish locations for the weekend and then found and got slightly delayed in Arvon Ales (https://whatpub.com/pubs/RAD/75/arvon-ale-house-llandrindod-wells), an excellent micro pub.  Back to the camp site by a more sensible but still very unflat (https://www.strava.com/activities/1616987682) road route. A good feed at the Hundred House Inn.

Saturday:  Into Llandrindod by another ++hilly route (https://www.strava.com/activities/1616987691) for second breakfast at Greggs.  Then to the bandstand for the start of the 100a (https://www.strava.com/activities/1616987956) which was just sublime.  I particularly enjoyed the way so many routes converged in four dimensions through the Elan Valley, it was really enjoyable being among so many riders on the road.  We threw in a short bit of extra gravel before Bwlch-Y-Sarnu (recommended!) and used some cycle tracks (not so recommended) to avoid having to go through Llandrindod town centre on the way back.

Sunday:  Feeling better than expected we got to Llandrindod for second breakfast on the garage forecourt just up from the Highland Moors.  At 09:00 we rolled off with a good number on the 100b (https://www.strava.com/activities/1616987954).  More sublime scenery all day (nice photos andyoxon).  Extra gravel at the Devils Staircase bypass, thanks Iddu and Wilkyboy, and Cors Caron before the heat drove us into the Teifi Inn at Ffair Rhos for unscheduled extra liquid.  The Visitors centre at the Elan valley closed while we locked up the bikes outside, should have paid more attention :(  We really did not fancy the A470 finish one bit so at Llanwrthwl we peeled off right to reverse the outbound leg of Saturdays 100a, extra gravel and much nicer.  Free beer and pig at arrivée ;D

May find a closer camp site next year - Hundred House to Llandrindod & back three times added almost 2000mtrs to our weekend.  The showers were almost worth it.

Thank you to all the organisers, route planners & checkers, card stampers and everyone who made this a superb weekend.  Oh and the weather gods too.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: wilkyboy on 04 June, 2018, 09:10:22 pm
... Extra gravel at the Devils Staircase bypass, thanks Iddu and Wilkyboy ...

When we got there on Saturday morning, the gate to the track was closed and apparently there was a sign up that said "Devil's Staircase Bypass Closed" — nice one, Mark (or whoever did that), I chuckled when Alex told me  :thumbsup:

As it happened, I rode the staircase itself, as I felt good, so I never got close enough to the sign myself to see what it said  :P
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Tull924 on 04 June, 2018, 09:20:04 pm

Best bike award goes to this guy:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1730/28668842808_2e1c3a0be2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KFnjaf)DSC_0212 (https://flic.kr/p/KFnjaf) by Jo Page (https://www.flickr.com/photos/154699339@N04/), on Flickr


My personal preference was for the sage green Sven 650b Randonneur bike with front bag, I liked it that much I forgot to get a photo! (I last saw the rider fixing a puncture around Claerwen Reservoir).
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Deano on 04 June, 2018, 09:28:32 pm
Thanks Chris, I'll forward the compliments to its builder, Marten Gerritsen (http://www.m-gineering.nl/indexg.htm)!

It was originally conceived as a tourer, I had not done any audax back then. But with its low gearing (Rohloff hub with 42/19 chainring / sprocket) and wide 650b tyres it has proven itself on the Yr Elenydd, the BCM and esp. on TinaT as an audax bike for when the going gets steep. Despite its 30 pound weight (including the kick stand...)

Note to self: next time start eating your sandwiches after the fotoshoot

Never mind the bike - where did you get the shades? I haven't seen a set like that since... well, yesterday, actually, when the York CTC gang was coming in the other direction.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: JonBuoy on 04 June, 2018, 10:18:03 pm
... Extra gravel at the Devils Staircase bypass, thanks Iddu and Wilkyboy ...

When we got there on Saturday morning, the gate to the track was closed and apparently there was a sign up that said "Devil's Staircase Bypass Closed" — nice one, Mark (or whoever did that), I chuckled when Alex told me  :thumbsup:

As it happened, I rode the staircase itself, as I felt good, so I never got close enough to the sign myself to see what it said  :P

I was going to give it a go for a change but...

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1741/42567891521_9ec3a1bc86_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27Rzz7a)20180602_074904 (https://flic.kr/p/27Rzz7a) by jwilton634 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/22204998@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Zed43 on 04 June, 2018, 11:06:03 pm
Haha it was on the clearance rack of my favourite optician some 4 years ago for a reason I guess... Still, I consider it one of my best cycling-related buys; it is just soo much better than riding with my regular prescription glasses! They change colour depending on the amount of light btw.

I did consider that staircase alternative (more gravel) but, can you imagine, I actually like the Devil's Staircase! It just needs low gearing, that's all.

After reading a comment on Strava that only 30 out of 100 finished in time for the 400a I am very curious about how everybody got around, or not; will there be a short report on this?

And speaking of reports, I just finished putting my memories of the 300a on Strava; a whopping 1169 words. Maybe I should submit it to the editors of Arrivée?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: thesloth on 04 June, 2018, 11:09:42 pm
That was quite a ride! All things considered probably one of the most challenging outings I've ever had on a bike.
Brutal climbs, but with big rewards at the top. As always, plenty of good company and this time lots of new faces.
The off road bits were fantastic - definitely the highlight.

Many thanks to BlackSheep, vistaed and all of the others who put this together. A great atmosphere at the Arrivee on Sunday...even though I did feel like a bit of a zombie.
A fitting tribute. I hope it's a regular fixture. I managed to visit the National Cycle Museum on the Friday. Definitely worth a look.

A few photos (https://flic.kr/s/aHskzfMgFc)

It's probably not the done thing to rate one country's drunks over anothers, but the Welsh on a Saturday night came out top.
Kitchen was closed at the pub. The (well oiled) patrons tried to get some food cooked for us and when that wasn't happening they insisted on buying us 6 packets of peanuts.
...didn't really want to carry that up the next hill, but didn't have the heart to refuse.

...and then there was that stop in Llanberis for a coffee around last orders:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1721/28692735748_23cdc07c0a_z.jpg)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: iddu on 05 June, 2018, 02:29:35 am
Well done to everyone who took part in these amazing events over the weekend, and particularly well done to the outstanding efforts from Mark Rigby and the rest of the Tinat Organisers. I managed to get a few half decent pics - apologies I didn't get all of you and that I haven't had time to edit any photos. I've uploaded some low res files to Flickr, and I am happy to supply the original RAW files if anyone wants them to edit/change etc.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/154699339@N04/

Feel free to use the pics for personal use (not commercial).....all I ask for is a small donation to my 'Bring Mo Home' fund which can be found here

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jo-and-mo

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Bloody paparazzi...best gut forward that man.

I spent more time on trains that I did riding :facepalm:

[mini-Rant] TOC's - If you're applying a reservations policy then throw the non-reserved off, rather than deny the reserved in middle of nowhere Wales. Otherwise, what's the f'point of the policy >:( [/mR]
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: alfapete on 05 June, 2018, 07:03:50 am

A few photos (https://flic.kr/s/aHskzfMgFc)


Fabulous photos, well worth a click, thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: SoreTween on 05 June, 2018, 08:53:40 am
I was going to give it a go for a change but...

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1741/42567891521_9ec3a1bc86_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27Rzz7a)20180602_074904 (https://flic.kr/p/27Rzz7a) by jwilton634 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/22204998@N05/), on Flickr
There was a bit of discussion but we figured it was most likely closed due to logging which would not be happening on a Sunday. If it had been impassable we had time in hand to retrace and walk the staircase. Turned out fine, nice bit of extra gravel. 
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 05 June, 2018, 04:40:25 pm
I've started the process of collating videos, articles and photos of the weekend rides. The collection can be found at http://tinat.cymru/stories/ (http://tinat.cymru/stories/)

If you know of anymore then let me know.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 05 June, 2018, 04:43:16 pm
I've started the process of collating videos, articles and photos of the weekend rides. The collection can be found at http://tinat.cymru/stories/ (http://tinat.cymru/stories/)

If you know of anymore then let me know.
FTFY James  :-*
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Alex B on 05 June, 2018, 04:54:31 pm
... I rode the staircase itself, as I felt good, so I never got close enough to the sign myself to see what it said ...

On reflection it's obvious who put the sign there: the Devil! :demon:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: andyoxon on 05 June, 2018, 08:53:00 pm
Staircase involved much zig-zagging all over the road for me, even with 20" gear.

...apparently it's all about the fine print.

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1732/27728538347_3c46d501be_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Jfh1pn)IMG_20180603_105619547_HDR-001 (https://flic.kr/p/Jfh1pn) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 06 June, 2018, 04:16:50 pm
[1st test of my google photos folder:]
(https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMpMmNtccijPgdcgFXH2nXSjD-JLs3UKwjdARYjmjIb6Gc9YqaFt2pOqDTaoSF-VA/photo/AF1QipOkvjNDZ4EJn-YCgY1X_9xUgsB8O3temAZUgVac?key=bXp3Rmc2RnBvT2s4dXhaUHdRSUtOVTc4ZWg5M0ZR)

& attempt 2:
(https://photos.app.goo.gl/TSpOE3zEgnIGdAmj1)

& a plain link:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/TSpOE3zEgnIGdAmj1
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: chillmoister on 08 June, 2018, 05:38:52 pm
it's an interesting observation that there has not been much post event chat on this thread compared with Fakebook and Instaspam ....presumably old school Forums are not quite so de rigueur these days.  ;)

Anyway, for the record I enjoyed a very splendid ride on the slow 400 which incorporated a rather fine wild camp up in the hills above Tywyn.  This made for two challenging 200k days which were really not like touring in my book so I'm satisfied I was still within the TINAT ethos!  I thought the route was a masterpiece and the organisation a masterclass!

The TINAT rides were advertised as "Welsh Audax bike rides in the spirit of Mike Hall". For you, his friends that were organising this event I'm sure you wanted to 'do Mike's memory proud' and clearly you achieved that and then some! Chapeau to you all!

Thank you Black Sheep and all the others for quite possibly the best weekend of riding I have ever done.


'and now for the Gallery' as someone once said (cue music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om2HbDzZOWA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om2HbDzZOWA)):

http://s379.photobucket.com/user/chillmoister/slideshow/Mobile%20Uploads/TINAT%20400%20brevet%20Populaire%20-%20June%202018 (http://s379.photobucket.com/user/chillmoister/slideshow/Mobile%20Uploads/TINAT%20400%20brevet%20Populaire%20-%20June%202018)


Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Peter on 08 June, 2018, 06:15:17 pm
Some lovely stuff there, thanks.  I don't know the route but did  I spot Abergwesyn Common?  And possibly the area known as World's End?  The track up through the trees put me in mind of one I rode on my way to help out at a control on the National 400 last year, in the Elan Valley - Craig something reservoir?

Thanks again.

Peter
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: thesloth on 08 June, 2018, 07:14:46 pm
it's an interesting observation that there has not been much post event chat on this thread compared with Fakebook and Instaspam ....presumably old school Forums are not quite so de rigueur these days.  ;)

Anyway, for the record I enjoyed a very splendid ride on the slow 400 which incorporated a rather fine wild camp up in the hills above Tywyn.  This made for two challenging 200k days which were really not like touring in my book so I'm satisfied I was still within the TINAT ethos!  I thought the route was a masterpiece and the organisation a masterclass!

The TINAT rides were advertised as "Welsh Audax bike rides in the spirit of Mike Hall". For you, his friends that were organising this event I'm sure you wanted to 'do Mike's memory proud' and clearly you achieved that and then some! Chapeau to you all!

Thank you Black Sheep and all the others for quite possibly the best weekend of riding I have ever done.


'and now for the Gallery' as someone once said (cue music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om2HbDzZOWA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om2HbDzZOWA)):

http://s379.photobucket.com/user/chillmoister/slideshow/Mobile%20Uploads/TINAT%20400%20brevet%20Populaire%20-%20June%202018 (http://s379.photobucket.com/user/chillmoister/slideshow/Mobile%20Uploads/TINAT%20400%20brevet%20Populaire%20-%20June%202018)

Great photos!

It has been remarked that the number of AUK's vs "others" wasn't that great so probably the majority of participants are unaware of the YACF VIP area.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: JonBuoy on 08 June, 2018, 08:54:53 pm
Some lovely stuff there, thanks.  I don't know the route but did  I spot Abergwesyn Common?  And possibly the area known as World's End?  The track up through the trees put me in mind of one I rode on my way to help out at a control on the National 400 last year, in the Elan Valley - Craig something reservoir?

Thanks again.

Peter

Abergwesyn Common is in there but not World's End - that is much further north.  You probably did ride the track through the trees to the Craig Goch reservoir rendition of the Van of Delights.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Peter on 08 June, 2018, 11:02:02 pm
Yes, World's End is up Llangollen way but I didn't know your route.  I was indeed at the V of Delights in 2017.  I didn't ride back down the track at night, though, as I thought that might be tempting fate.  This turned out to be the right decision because my front lamp suddenly failed on the descent of the road on the other side of the valley - no warning, just darkness!  Fortunately, I had a small back up lamp.

Great pictures, again.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Jeff E on 09 June, 2018, 01:54:50 pm
Whoever organised Dafarn Newydd Stores to stay open all night needs a big pat on the back.   I think it was Chillmoister ?    This was an amazing oasis providing just what we wanted just when we needed it.   And the couple running the Shop/Cafe were such nice people.   I particularly enjoyed the Fish and Chips.   This set me up so nicely on the 300b that I didn't need to stop again before the Arrivee (which I had great trouble finding !).    I was carrying plenty of food but was out of water because of the heat on the long steep climbs.
So well done that man.

The Event was the most fun I have had in over 20 years Audaxing.   I found it very hard, but knew it would be when I entered, but the atmosphere, the great weather and attitude of the Organising Team and Checkpointers plus the other riders made for an amazing day.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 09 June, 2018, 05:53:09 pm
What are you doing on the15th-16th June 2019?
www.tinat.cymru (http://www.tinat.cymru)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Smeth on 09 June, 2018, 06:10:15 pm
What are you doing on the15th-16th June 2019 ?
Er..... this?(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180609/34baf02eef08546681c10642d76f0af0.jpg)

Sent from my SM-J510FN using Tapatalk

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Phil W on 09 June, 2018, 06:54:31 pm
What are you doing on the15th-16th June 2019?
www.tinat.cymru (http://www.tinat.cymru)

In the diary was on Highlands 1000 this year. Will make a nice post PBP qualification weekend.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: vistaed on 09 June, 2018, 06:59:46 pm
What are you doing on the15th-16th June 2019?
www.tinat.cymru (http://www.tinat.cymru)

In the diary was on Highlands 1000 this year. Will make a nice post PBP qualification weekend.
That's what we thought.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: chillmoister on 10 June, 2018, 02:48:59 pm
Whoever organised Dafarn Newydd Stores to stay open all night needs a big pat on the back.   I think it was Chillmoister ?   
I can't take the credit for that ...my longstanding wheelman Keeks, of this parish, did the leg work to make them aware of the event and that it might be worth their while opening early on Sunday to support the TINAT riders.  Black Sheep saw an even bigger opportunity for them and used his Jedi mind tricks and persuaded them to stay open all Saturday night / Sunday morning  :thumbsup:.  When I dropped in mid Sunday morning they were 'totally stoked'  8) with the whole experience and definitely want to be involved again.  They really felt they had been part of something special ..which they had!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: al-c on 10 June, 2018, 10:22:19 pm
What are you doing on the15th-16th June 2019?

Completing unfinished 600 business, hopefully. Unless I succumb to a bout of sanity.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: zakalwe on 11 June, 2018, 12:40:04 pm
Thanks so much to Mark, James, Gareth, and everyone else who made this happen! What a weekend.

Here's my post-mortem:

http://blog.willvousden.co.uk/2018/06/this-is-not-a-tour/
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 15 June, 2018, 10:48:15 pm
http://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/16290977.Bike_ride_in_memory_of_ultra-distance_cyclist/
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Peter on 15 June, 2018, 11:01:26 pm
Well done.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 15 June, 2018, 11:10:17 pm
What are you doing on the15th-16th June 2019?
www.tinat.cymru (http://www.tinat.cymru)

Hopefully ^

The date works much better for me.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Jeff E on 19 June, 2018, 12:37:17 pm
Does anyone know where I can access the finish list of those who completed the BP Events (100, 2 x200, 300 and 400).    It would also be nice to know how many starters and finishers (incl out of time) there were on the Events that have been published.     ALL the Routes were much rougher and tougher (but also more Scenic 😎) than our usual Audaxes because of the off road sections, and just to complete any of the Routes in any time at all was an achievement
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Chris N on 19 June, 2018, 12:46:31 pm
They're not all up online yet, but the results will be here: http://www.aukweb.net/results/detail/this/events/  Only those who complete the ride are recorded.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Jamesha on 19 June, 2018, 02:40:36 pm
Does anyone have the route sheets and GPS files for these routes?

I was not able to ride on the weekend but quite fancy having a crack at some under my own steam over the Summer.

Particularly interested in the two 100km routes and the slow 300km.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 19 June, 2018, 03:28:54 pm
Does anyone have the route sheets and GPS files for these routes?

I was not able to ride on the weekend but quite fancy having a crack at some under my own steam over the Summer.

Particularly interested in the two 100km routes and the slow 300km.

And I thought we had more than our fair share of freeloaders on the day.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: telstarbox on 19 June, 2018, 03:48:05 pm
Not wishing to encourage freeloaders, but the maps are on the event listings and there aren't that many roads in mid Wales...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Jamesha on 19 June, 2018, 04:20:56 pm
Does anyone have the route sheets and GPS files for these routes?

I was not able to ride on the weekend but quite fancy having a crack at some under my own steam over the Summer.

Particularly interested in the two 100km routes and the slow 300km.

And I thought we had more than our fair share of freeloaders on the day.

Mark,

I am not really sure how to take your comment. If I have offended you I apologise.

I would be quite happy to make a contribution in return for the route info. Sorry I should have mentioned this in my initial request.

I know that you and your team put a massive amount of effort into these events as well as the normal calendar events you organise.

I appreciate this effort and would not want to take advantage of your hard work.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: BlackSheep on 19 June, 2018, 05:11:16 pm
Does anyone have the route sheets and GPS files for these routes?

I was not able to ride on the weekend but quite fancy having a crack at some under my own steam over the Summer.

Particularly interested in the two 100km routes and the slow 300km.

And I thought we had more than our fair share of freeloaders on the day.

Mark,

I am not really sure how to take your comment. If I have offended you I apologise.

I would be quite happy to make a contribution in return for the route info. Sorry I should have mentioned this in my initial request.

I know that you and your team put a massive amount of effort into these events as well as the normal calendar events you organise.

I appreciate this effort and would not want to take advantage of your hard work.

It's more the fact that a group of individuals quite litterally gave-up hundreds (probably thousands') of hours of their free time and resources, to make everything happen. 

Also from the very outset (some eight months beforehand) it was stated on every event page that any profits from the events would be going to charity.


I realise that you are not aware of the underhand tricks pulled by quite a number of individuals leading-up to the event or a consoderable number of others on the morning. And on a more general note, that was probably the most dissapointing/disgusting issue of the week end.

On the Friday evening every entrant's brevet card was double-checked against the records generated by the AUK system. So it came as a considerable  shock and logistic issue when  such a large number of 'unaccounted' presented themselves at the start.

If you want details, PM me and we can see what can be done.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: telstarbox on 19 June, 2018, 05:31:17 pm
:O
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Zed43 on 22 June, 2018, 09:42:19 am
They're not all up online yet, but the results will be here: http://www.aukweb.net/results/detail/this/events/
Are all finishers up yet? Just curious as a quick tally shows ~ 110 finishers now and there were 500+ registered riders I believe? Yes it was challenging (at least the 300A was) but 80% DNF/HD? Did AUK members on the whole do better than laymen (for lack of a better term)?

I realise that you are not aware of the underhand tricks pulled by quite a number of individuals leading-up to the event or a consoderable number of others on the morning.
Because registration was closed and they wanted to ride anyway or just to cheat you out of £8? I'd say the former is just incredibly bad form (use the descriptions/route map and plan your own ride on another weekend instead). As to the second, that's a behaviour I literally cannot comprehend  ???

Fortunately it didn't dissuade you from organising this again next year! After riding 30 brevets in ~ 2 years time this one and LEL are the two rides I remember most fondly and I'd love to ride it again.

Lastly, have you considered turning the 600 into a permanent Super Randonnée? It appears to have the required 10000+ meters climbing. Just how cool would it be to have a "Mike Hall Super Randonnée" that is a challenge not just for the climbs, but has off road sections as well? Is there any other SR with real off road sections?
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 22 June, 2018, 10:34:24 am
They're not all up online yet, but the results will be here: http://www.aukweb.net/results/detail/this/events/
Are all finishers up yet? Just curious as a quick tally shows ~ 110 finishers now and there were 500+ registered riders I believe? Yes it was challenging (at least the 300A was) but 80% DNF/HD? Did AUK members on the whole do better than laymen (for lack of a better term)?
I have no idea of the actual numbers on TINAT, but high-profile events tend to have very high non-starter rates (DNS); especially when there is a low entry fee. [Look-up Blacksheep's 1300k he put on round Scotland. ]

80% does seem too high, even for events as tricky as this!
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: andyoxon on 25 June, 2018, 10:48:07 am
My video effort (12min) captured on the Sunday 100B ride.  (Llandrindod Wells-Abergwesyn-Tregaron-Claerwen-Elan-LW)

"TINAT Audax: Claerwen via Devil's staircase"      https://youtu.be/u96yVrWK4ms    Guest appearances by Kona Ken (among others).

Apologies if the music is not your cup of tea (was nearly Beethoven's Egmont), and for the VIRB's image stabilisation, such as it is, being a tad lacking in places.   :)

edit.

Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: grams on 25 June, 2018, 11:28:08 am
I have no idea of the actual numbers on TINAT, but high-profile events tend to have very high non-starter rates (DNS); especially when there is a low entry fee. [Look-up Blacksheep's 1300k he put on round Scotland. ]

80% does seem too high, even for events as tricky as this!

The 300A had around an 80% DNS rate judging by the number of unclaimed cards left on the table, which was a big surprise. A lot of people missed out on a great route.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: Peter on 25 June, 2018, 11:47:28 am
My video effort (12min) captured on the Sunday 100B ride.  (Llandrindod Wells-Abergwesyn-Tregaron-Claerwen-Elan)

"TINAT Audax: Claerwen via Devil's staircase"      https://youtu.be/u96yVrWK4ms    Guest appearances by Kona Ken.

Apologies if the music is not your cup of tea (that or Beethoven's Egmont), and for the VIRB's image stabilisation, such as it is, being a tad lacking in places.   :)

Thanks for that, Andy, I enjoyed it very much.
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: iddu on 23 July, 2018, 05:10:41 pm
#unfinishedbusiness

So, TANIT 600 from Wed...

Bala/Betws/Waunfawr/Bwlch-y-groes/Tywyn/Machynlleth/Llanidloes/Elan Valley/Tregaron/Dolgoch YH then Upper Chapel/Llandindod/Hay/Kington/Kington/Knighton/Newtown/Talerddig/L. Vyrnwy/Bala.

On the hottest days of the year :facepalm:  I'm gonna DIE! ;D


Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 23 July, 2018, 06:40:40 pm
Can I make a suggestion?

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: andyoxon on 23 July, 2018, 08:57:36 pm
#unfinishedbusiness

So, TANIT 600 from Wed...

Bala/Betws/Waunfawr/Bwlch-y-groes/Tywyn/Machynlleth/Llanidloes/Elan Valley/Tregaron/Dolgoch YH then Upper Chapel/Llandindod/Hay/Kington/Kington/Knighton/Newtown/Talerddig/L. Vyrnwy/Bala.

On the hottest days of the year :facepalm:  I'm gonna DIE! ;D

TANIT.  This Audax Needs Iced Tea? 

Did some of Ffordd Ddu NCN82 and the amazing views of the Mawddach estuary last week. 
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: iddu on 28 July, 2018, 08:58:01 pm
#stillunfinishedbusiness

Well, it killed me off again...a lack of fitness, and stupid rookie error[1]...

(https://i.imgur.com/4uthD1f.jpg)

Llynnau Mymbyr, early am, heading to Pen-y-Pass

(https://i.imgur.com/bsa4eDx.jpg)

Pont-y-Gain. Trawsfynydd to Llanuwchllyn road, which I think is nicer than the Tregaron mountain road

(https://i.imgur.com/akaKasb.jpg)

NCN 82, looking over Barmouth to the Lleyn Peninsula.

(https://i.imgur.com/Q9GlYVN.jpg)

NCN 82. looking back along Carig-las (Cadair Idris)

(https://i.imgur.com/gglna5V.jpg)

WTF, you lazy sods.  The gardenvalley chair of solitude, Hafren Forest...

(https://i.imgur.com/oOVAhf3.jpg)

The moon over Claerwen Reservoir, stupid o'clock

(https://i.imgur.com/19Fm1tN.jpg)

Sunset over Lake Vyrnwy

[1]  I was expecting to get to Dolgoch[2] by 2am - 7am I got there :facepalm:  Wandering the ruff tracks overnight wasn't the best move, and given we were staying at Llanuwchllyn, I should have had the brains to just go South and get it out of the way in daylight hours, rather than fritter away time on good roads that could have waited until night.

[2[ Only 3 decades of passing and repassing, and I finally get to sleep, albeit for an hour, at the YH :thumbsup:
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: andyoxon on 30 July, 2018, 12:39:32 pm
#stillunfinishedbusiness

...

(https://i.imgur.com/oOVAhf3.jpg)

The moon over Claerwen Reservoir, stupid o'clock

...

Audacious.  Claerwen is a pretty remote spot so must have been super quiet at night, and not the easiest track even in daylight...
Title: Re: This is not a tour. Welsh rides in the spirit of Mike Hall - 2/3rd June 2018.
Post by: mattc on 15 July, 2021, 06:53:13 pm
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=119816.0

Proposed tribute in Harrogate.