Post by: Ivo on 23 September, 2019, 10:05:01 pm
BRM 200 Zwolle sa 02-11-2019
BRM 200 Bergen op Zoom sa 16-11-2019
BRM 200 Boekelo fr 27-12-2019
BRM 200 Bunnik sa 25-01-2020
BRM 200 Nijmegen sa 08-02-2020
BRM 200 Maastricht sa 29-02-2020
BRM 300 Heerlen sa 14-03-2020
BRM 200 Amsterdam sa 28-03-2020
BRM 200 Dronten sa 11-04-2020
BRM 400 Boekelo sa 25-04-2020
BRM 200 Nijmegen sa 09-05-2020
BRM 1200 Bordeaux th 21-05-2020
BRM 300 Boekelo sa 13-06-2020
BRM 600 Amsterdam sa 27-06-2020
BRM 200 Heerlen sa 11-07-2020
BRM 400 Groningen sa 25-07-2020
BRM 300 Heerlen sa 08-08-2020
BRM 300 Maasland sa 22-08-2020
BRM 200 Eindhoven sa 12-09-2020
BRM 600 Boekelo sa 26-09-2020
BRM 200 Groningen sa 10-10-2020
BRM 200 Maasland sa 24-10-2010
BRM 200 Zwolle sa 07-11-2020
BRM 200 Bergen op Zoom sa 21-11-2020
BRM 200 Boekelo fr 29-12-2020
1 LRM ride will be organised, a 1200k starting in Bordeaux. We plan to release more detailed information on this ride in november, I'll open a special topic on it in november.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 September, 2019, 10:36:56 pm
BRM 200 Amsterdam sa 28-03-2020
This is a ride I'm organising. Will be my first (along with Ernst). Would be great to see some of the fine people of YACF there!
The Netherlands is pretty in spring!
J
Post by: slugbait on 24 September, 2019, 08:24:20 am
BRM 200 Amsterdam sa 28-03-2020
This is a ride I'm organising. Will be my first (along with Ernst). Would be great to see some of the fine people of YACF there!
It's in my schedule: Amsterdam is one of the few places in NL where I haven't done an audax yet and it's a good excuse to visit some friends in the capital.
BRM 400 Groningen sa 25-07-2020
BRM 200 Groningen sa 10-10-2020
Some additional info on the Groningen events. The 400 is going to be a classic end-to-end from the Far North (start location tba, but probably Pieterburen) to the Deep South (Maastricht). I still have to finalize the route, but you can expect some hills along the way. The 200 is a new route through the forests in the south-east of Friesland and central Drenthe. And it will include the Mont Ventoux of the Netherlands, the VAM-berg (a dazzling 48 meters above sea level).
Post by: Zed43 on 24 September, 2019, 08:54:42 am
The Groningen brevets sound enticing Pim! But when starting from Pieterburen the mandatory 24h McD at Ibbenbüren will be overdistance :P
Will there be a flèche in 2020? If so, in which weekend and where will the finish be?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 September, 2019, 09:28:38 am
Post by: slugbait on 24 September, 2019, 09:34:02 am
The Groningen brevets sound enticing Pim! But when starting from Pieterburen the mandatory 24h McD at Ibbenbüren will be overdistance :P
Will there be a flèche in 2020? If so, in which weekend and where will the finish be?
I will do my best to include at least one German 24h McD, but probably not one of the old favorites (Ibbenbüren, Isselburg etc)
The Belgians organize the Fleche this year, so I guess finish on Easter Saturday? If the finish is within 400k of Groningen, then we could try to get our team back on the road.
Bordeaux? 1200
Yes, it's roughly 1200k from Bordeaux to the Netherlands. Details will follow.
Post by: GPS on 24 September, 2019, 09:51:22 am
:(
... mind you - Bordeaux to the Netherlands sounds great !
Post by: slugbait on 24 September, 2019, 09:58:12 am
No Dutch Capitals in 2020 then ?
There are plans to organize the Dutch Capital Tour in 2020 (and it will be on the LRM calendar when it takes place), but it won't be organized by Randonneurs NL.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 September, 2019, 10:55:55 am
Start and finish at Madmen? Shame but I can't make it, 28th is the last day / graduation day of the yoga teacher training I'm currently attending. From the looks of it already quite a few conflicts with other plans I have for 2020 :(
Let me know if you want to join the helpers ride sometime in the couple of weeks before the event.
Quote
The Groningen brevets sound enticing Pim! But when starting from Pieterburen the mandatory 24h McD at Ibbenbüren will be overdistance :P
Will there be a flèche in 2020? If so, in which weekend and where will the finish be?
Easter weekend surely?
... mind you - Bordeaux to the Netherlands sounds great !
I've got my fingers in this pie too. You'll be pleased to know that my request to send the route up the Muur de Geraadsbergen was vetoed...
Expect more details in the next couple of months.
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 September, 2019, 10:57:30 am
Yes, it's roughly 1200k from Bordeaux to the Netherlands. Details will follow.
To the border, via the shortest possible route is 1000km.
But you'd have to be crazy to take the shortest route, which makes it a nice 1200km, that and we're not stopping at the border.
J
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 September, 2019, 11:22:07 am
Now this is very interesting, as it links up lots of rides on my heat map. - pbp, le havre to paris and borders of Belgium. Or the route may pass west of Paris.Yes, it's roughly 1200k from Bordeaux to the Netherlands. Details will follow.
To the border, via the shortest possible route is 1000km.
But you'd have to be crazy to take the shortest route, which makes it a nice 1200km, that and we're not stopping at the border.
J
The main question is how I get my bike to Bordeaux without using a car or bikebox
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 September, 2019, 11:30:05 am
Now this is very interesting, as it links up lots of rides on my heat map. - pbp, le havre to paris and borders of Belgium. Or the route may pass west of Paris.
It should be close enough to link up your PBP heat map. Fear not.
Quote
The main question is how I get my bike to Bordeaux without using a car or bikebox
Ferry to Hoek, cycle to a pick up in .nl, join bus full of crazy Dutch people to Bordeaux...
Or Eurostar to Paris, TGV to Bordeaux,
J
Post by: rob on 24 September, 2019, 11:33:24 am
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 September, 2019, 01:17:06 pm
3 day ride from Caen. Not like I'm having a shit day at work and thinking what I could spend next Summer doing or anything......
Montparnasse to Bordeaux trains appear to have fully assembled bike spaces
Post by: GPS on 24 September, 2019, 01:22:20 pm
No Dutch Capitals in 2020 then ?
There are plans to organize the Dutch Capital Tour in 2020 (and it will be on the LRM calendar when it takes place), but it won't be organized by Randonneurs NL.
Ta for the headsup ! :thumbsup:
Post by: Ivo on 24 September, 2019, 06:31:16 pm
The Belgians organize the Fleche this year, so I guess finish on Easter Saturday? If the finish is within 400k of Groningen, then we could try to get our team back on the road.
They are. I've already heard unconfirmed info about the finish spot. For you it would be over 400k to that spot if you start at your usual place ;).
Post by: Pip on 25 September, 2019, 07:22:13 pm
Post by: Phil W on 25 September, 2019, 07:58:21 pm
Post by: Bobby on 02 October, 2019, 08:51:59 am
Post by: slugbait on 02 October, 2019, 06:44:16 pm
I assume the "Around Luxembourg" ride is not going to happen again? looked nice on the map :)
If you want, I can send you the GPX-files and you can do it as a DIY. The event was x-tremely x-rated: at the start the organiser wished us "good luck and see you in 3 days". All controls were unmanned, in many cases the proof of passage was a selfie with a church clock in the background. At my one attempt (DNF due to x-treme heat), it felt like a solo ride. Not much difference with a DIY :P
Anyhow, it may return on the calendar at some point. We organise only 22 brevets per year with max 1 long ride, so choices have to be made. This year it's a 1200 starting in Bordeaux, next year could be different.
Post by: Bobby on 02 October, 2019, 11:28:31 pm
The event was x-tremely x-rated: at the start the organiser wished us "good luck and see you in 3 days". All controls were unmanned,
<snip>
Anyhow, it may return on the calendar at some point. We organise only 22 brevets per year with max 1 long ride, so choices have to be made. This year it's a 1200 starting in Bordeaux, next year could be different.
Understood - i’ll Keep an eye out for future years :). Whilst I spend most time riding on my own it’s nice to meet people at controls... :thumbsup:
I’ll have to see if I can make it over for one of the shorter events this year instead, thanks!
Post by: Blackhound on 05 October, 2019, 04:38:25 pm
Post by: Pedal Castro on 06 October, 2019, 10:55:38 am
Post by: slugbait on 06 October, 2019, 12:07:54 pm
Is the Bordeaux 1200 instead of the Utrecht 3x loop as suggested earlier in the year?
Yes
Post by: paulk on 23 October, 2019, 09:50:17 am
Post by: slugbait on 23 October, 2019, 10:07:34 am
Anybody going to Zwolle next week?
Yes, the route is one of my favorites. Also nice that the train ride to start is less than hour, instead of the usual 2-4 hours.
Post by: markcc on 27 October, 2019, 06:47:49 pm
Post by: Ivo on 27 October, 2019, 08:01:37 pm
NS not making it easy for this one.
Where are they building this time? I can't see any issues when I check my ususal approach from the south. But it's far enough to reserve a place to stay in or near Zwolle. Anyone fancying sharing a room in a B&B?
Post by: markcc on 28 October, 2019, 10:26:16 am
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 October, 2019, 12:15:13 pm
They are redoing the track between Amsterdam and Haarlem, as well as the main road being dug up. It's not good if you want to travel between them, or infact anywhere south past Schiphol on the weekend. At 0622 on a Saturday morning, the train was standing room only. NS seem to have got their provisioning totally broken...
J
Post by: Ivo on 28 October, 2019, 04:48:44 pm
There are buses between Haarlem and Amsterdam on Saturday
Ah, ok, only relevant for those living in the extreme west. (Or arriving via IJmuiden)
Post by: slugbait on 28 October, 2019, 07:29:30 pm
There are buses between Haarlem and Amsterdam on Saturday
Ah, ok, only relevant for those living in the extreme west. (Or arriving via IJmuiden)
There are also no trains between Amersfoort and Zwolle, which is a further complication. Or at least a small detour for those coming from Rotterdam and Utrecht.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 31 October, 2019, 02:50:00 pm
Anybody going to Zwolle next week?
Yes, tho not at the same time as you.
I'm doing the final route check tomorrow. On the plus side, drier, on the downside, colder, and no chance of anyone to draft.
J
Post by: Zed43 on 31 October, 2019, 05:14:46 pm
Still undecided myself :-\
Post by: Ivo on 31 October, 2019, 05:42:47 pm
Post by: slugbait on 31 October, 2019, 06:57:16 pm
Buienradar shows Saturday to be dry during the day (at least the places I checked: Zwolle and Enschede).
Still undecided myself :-\
Weren't you taking a break from cycling?
I seemed to have picked up a cold last night. If it gets worse, then I won't start. Otherwise I'll see how far I get. Never had a DNF on 200, could be an interesting experience.
Post by: Ivo on 31 October, 2019, 09:51:49 pm
Buienradar shows Saturday to be dry during the day (at least the places I checked: Zwolle and Enschede).
Still undecided myself :-\
Weren't you taking a break from cycling?
I seemed to have picked up a cold last night. If it gets worse, then I won't start. Otherwise I'll see how far I get. Never had a DNF on 200, could be an interesting experience.
This is a good event to just start and see if you'll make it, plenty of railway stations if you want to pack.
Post by: markcc on 01 November, 2019, 08:52:47 am
Post by: farfetched on 01 November, 2019, 01:27:34 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 01 November, 2019, 02:37:53 pm
By Eck it's cold and damp :(
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 01 November, 2019, 05:33:43 pm
DNF. Knee isn't happy.
Hope it's warmer and drier for you all.
Now to warm up and dry out a bit.
J
Post by: mzjo on 02 November, 2019, 01:31:59 pm
Post by: slugbait on 03 November, 2019, 04:43:41 pm
DNF. Knee isn't happy.
Hope it's warmer and drier for you all.
Now to warm up and dry out a bit.
J
Well, it was warmer at least: much more rain than I was expecting. Also: I learnt that you can ride a 200 with a cold and you can even ride it fast, but your cold definitely is worse the next day...
What's the route for Bordeaux? I could quite fancy the role of secret policeman or soup kitchen. I might be a bit too close to the start though (could always move a bit further north of course).
Soup is always welcome, even if it's a stone's throw from the start ;)
Post by: Ivo on 03 November, 2019, 10:03:31 pm
I spent most of the night before on the toilet. I still decided to start and give it a go. Within 15k I sensed that I was absolutely too slow so headed for a café to design a Plan B. Took a train to the plan B site and bagged a municipality which normally be a long train ride and headed back to the start.
What's the route for Bordeaux? I could quite fancy the role of secret policeman or soup kitchen. I might be a bit too close to the start though (could always move a bit further north of course).
You have a PM
Post by: paulk on 04 November, 2019, 07:41:58 am
Post by: quixoticgeek on 10 November, 2019, 01:05:22 pm
Anyone else feeling masochistic enough to tackle next weekend's ride in Zeeland?
I'm pondering it, but only if the wind is from the west, I did last years with 110km of headwind back from the western most point, and that was type 2 fun at best. With a Westerly wind, the first 95km will be the slog, but the home ride should be a bit nicer.
J
Post by: slugbait on 10 November, 2019, 03:28:49 pm
Anyone else feeling masochistic enough to tackle next weekend's ride in Zeeland?
I'm pondering it, but only if the wind is from the west, I did last years with 110km of headwind back from the western most point, and that was type 2 fun at best. With a Westerly wind, the first 95km will be the slog, but the home ride should be a bit nicer.
I'll be there, staying at the hostel the evening before the ride.
Weather forecasts are predicting a lot of things, but not westerly winds... yr.no is betting on N/NW (actually quite good, tailwind on the final stretch), weerplaza.nl is going for S (tailwind on the Oosterscheldekering, also a plus).
Post by: quixoticgeek on 10 November, 2019, 04:14:12 pm
Yeah, I've been hitting refresh on Buienradar for the last week, several times a day, it keeps moving about all over the place, I'm hoping it will settle on something westerly even if it has some south or north component.
J
Post by: paulk on 11 November, 2019, 09:12:47 am
Post by: quixoticgeek on 11 November, 2019, 06:34:27 pm
The yr.no wind forecast (E, then SE, then SW) is nicer than bueinradar one... (N or NW4).
I wonder which one will be right...
Have fettled the gpx to add a couple of detours to pick up Gemente.
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 11 November, 2019, 11:53:22 pm
I'll be there, staying at the hostel the evening before the ride.
I was going to try and do it as a return trip on the 0540 train, but decided that's a stupid idea, have booked a bed at the hostel for the night before and after. If the weather is cooperative I'll spend Friday bagging extra Gemeente in Zeeland.
Meet for a drink in the bar on Friday (didn't we do that last year too? we may have to be careful not to make it into a tradition...)
J
Post by: Ivo on 12 November, 2019, 06:30:03 am
Post by: slugbait on 12 November, 2019, 07:12:59 am
I'll be there, staying at the hostel the evening before the ride.
I was going to try and do it as a return trip on the 0540 train, but decided that's a stupid idea, have booked a bed at the hostel for the night before and after. If the weather is cooperative I'll spend Friday bagging extra Gemeente in Zeeland.
Meet for a drink in the bar on Friday (didn't we do that last year too? we may have to be careful not to make it into a tradition...)
J
Sound like a plan, 8pm?
Post by: farfetched on 12 November, 2019, 10:17:50 am
As was stated earlier there isnt much agreement amongst the weather sites as to what we can expect, should stop looking really.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 November, 2019, 01:43:16 pm
GEM reckons Southerly 18kmh
GFS reckons Southerly, 30kmh gusting 46kmh
ICON still to come
I'm hoping for Mondays GFS forecast of a gentle South Westerly when I get off the ferry on Monday morning at Rotterdam over GEMs air-con in the face....
Post by: quixoticgeek on 13 November, 2019, 02:44:14 pm
Buienradar is pretty much converged on westerly, force 4. The first 80km are gonna be one hell of a slog. The 15k from Vlissingen to the turn at the western most point is pretty sheltered in wind/dunes.
Gonna be one hell of a slog... RatN memories coming back... just with fewer sheep.
J
Post by: farfetched on 14 November, 2019, 09:19:27 am
Should be interesting... all seem to think it will stay dry for the most part.
Post by: markcc on 15 November, 2019, 03:16:23 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 November, 2019, 06:53:27 pm
Despite the best efforts of NS's finest ticket Thugs. I'm here.
My Gemeente hunt south of the Schelde was a partial success. I missed one, but got 2. I'm not addicted, honest.
J
Post by: Ivo on 15 November, 2019, 07:38:33 pm
Despite the best efforts of NS's finest ticket Thugs. I'm here.
My Gemeente hunt south of the Schelde was a partial success. I missed one, but got 2. I'm not addicted, honest.
J
I've changed to another NS card type which might also benefit you, weekend vrij, pay 34,- per month and you can travel freely from friday 18.30 until late sunday evening.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 16 November, 2019, 10:05:27 pm
I survived. 13:15. Way to close to the wire. Did 150km of it nursing a broken spoke on my rear wheel. The headwind after turning at the most northern point took what little I had left.
RRtY keeps going, added 3 more Gemeente, regained my year ranking.
How was it for everyone else?
J
Post by: slugbait on 16 November, 2019, 10:23:30 pm
I survived. 13:15. Way to close to the wire. Did 150km of it nursing a broken spoke on my rear wheel. The headwind after turning at the most northern point took what little I had left.
RRtY keeps going, added 3 more Gemeente, regained my year ranking.
How was it for everyone else?
J
A nice winter day to be out on the bike and the route was better than last year. At the last control I realized I could get a time well within 8 hours, so cranked up the effort a bit and finished in 7:45. For us faster riders, there was essentially no wind. It only seemed to pick up after 5pm.
Post by: markcc on 17 November, 2019, 08:41:18 am
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 November, 2019, 04:58:08 pm
Enjoyed that. Nice route and about as benign weather as you could hope for.
I think being a bit slower than everyone else, I got hit a bit more by the weather than others towards the end of the ride. When I turned southish at Den Osse, I came up against a persistant headwind that I'd get every time I had anything southern to the direction, the rest of the time it was a cross wind. Amazingly I got no noticable tailwind on the oosterscheldekering, the wind turbines were barely spinning.
The 2nd half of the ride I spent feeling like I had no energy, confused why I was making such slow progress.
Well the answer came a couple of hours after finishing, when I spent most of the night sat on the loo in the hostel, something I ate hasn't agreed with me, which explains why I felt so crap on the ride.
I'm glad I did the ride, and I'm glad I finished it, but I'm not sure I will put myself through this route again next year.
2019 - 206.54km - 11:05:26 moving, total time 13:17:10 ave speed 18.6km/h
2018 - 204.57km - 11:07:49 moving, total time 13:07:07, ave speed 18.4km/h
So more faff, marginally more speed.
I wonder how much quicker I'd been if I hadn't been ill. I also wonder what the northern half of the route looks like in day light, I've never see it...
J
Post by: farfetched on 17 November, 2019, 04:59:51 pm
Anyway first 100km in 4 hrs (Domburg) second 100km in 6.5 hrs, we spent an hour in front of the open fire at a pancake House off route. It's was a nice brevet for my club friend because he comes from Zeeland and the route went past his old home in hoedekenskerk.
If I want to keep my RRtY going then I will need to change my approach (clothing, food, ? ) I didn't really enjoy yesterday that much and it will probably be colder in Boekelo next month.
@quixoticgeek nice to speak to you at the start even if it was very briefly. The last part was always going to be challenging as parts where close to open water and the wind did pick up a bit from the south.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 17 November, 2019, 05:09:22 pm
If I want to keep my RRtY going then I will need to change my approach (clothing, food, ? ) I didn't really enjoy yesterday that much and it will probably be colder in Boekelo next month.
- Carry a spare base layer, swap at the control, this means you have a dry layer next to your skin.
- When you stop, put your gloves inside your jersey, this keeps them warm, so you don't have to warm up any moisture in there when you start again
- Change socks at every stop if necessary
- shoe warmers are worth their wait in gold https://amzn.to/37d0FWK
Quote
@quixoticgeek nice to speak to you at the start even if it was very briefly. The last part was always going to be challenging as parts where close to open water and the wind did pick up a bit from the south.
And you too. Slightly worrying you recognised me from my bike, and not from being one of 5 women riding :p
J
Post by: farfetched on 17 November, 2019, 06:30:06 pm
- Carry a spare base layer, swap at the control, this means you have a dry layer next to your skin.
- When you stop, put your gloves inside your jersey, this keeps them warm, so you don't have to warm up any moisture in there when you start again
- Change socks at every stop if necessary
- shoe warmers are worth their wait in gold https://amzn.to/37d0FWK
The problem is more to do with my body area so a change of base layer is worth considering if I can find the space. Feet and hands are usually fine even with mild frost.
Quote
And you too. Slightly worrying you recognised me from my bike, and not from being one of 5 women riding :p
J
I've seen your bike on lots of foto's here and there but not you, to be honest at the start I don't usually pay much attention as to whose riding, once underway more so. One thing I have noticed is that there are lots of riders (always male) who really have no idea how to ride in a group. Saw at least 3 near misses with traffic, especially in Vlissingen where it was 'zwarte piet' time again. I don't get why riders take risks to stay in the group when the control is a couple of km's away. (Actually risk at any time is a mystery to me!)
Post by: paulk on 18 November, 2019, 07:13:27 am
Maybe I will ride the 200 from Boekelo, depending on the weather.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 22 January, 2020, 08:31:07 pm
Anyone planning to goto Bunnik on Saturday?
J
Post by: Ivo on 22 January, 2020, 09:54:09 pm
Anyone planning to goto Bunnik on Saturday?
J
I'll be there. I booked a bed in the hostel for both friday and saturday night.
Post by: slugbait on 22 January, 2020, 10:37:28 pm
Anyone planning to goto Bunnik on Saturday?
I did the route check earlier this month because I'm working this Saturday (not what I signed up for as a semi-"civil servant"). But I'll be present again in Nijmegen and Heerlen.
Post by: Ivo on 23 January, 2020, 06:16:27 am
Anyone planning to goto Bunnik on Saturday?
I did the route check earlier this month because I'm working this Saturday (not what I signed up for as a semi-"civil servant"). But I'll be present again in Nijmegen and Heerlen.
I'll be in Nijmegen as well and am planning to be in Heerlen (I haven't got my shift plan yet for that weekend so I can't be sure).
Post by: paulk on 23 January, 2020, 09:34:42 am
Anyone planning to goto Bunnik on Saturday?
J
I will be riding this one.
Also the Nijmegen and maybe the Heerlen one.
Post by: slugbait on 23 January, 2020, 10:10:20 am
I'll be in Nijmegen as well and am planning to be in Heerlen (I haven't got my shift plan yet for that weekend so I can't be sure).
It's a pity that we can't use the Stayokay in Maastricht for the "Festina Lente"-ride. Maastricht is a considerably nicer town to spend the weekend than Heerlen.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 January, 2020, 12:09:16 pm
It's a pity that we can't use the Stayokay in Maastricht for the "Festina Lente"-ride. Maastricht is a considerably nicer town to spend the weekend than Heerlen.
Oh, I hadn't noticed that the Festina Lente ride had moved to Heerlen. That's a bit of a pain, there's a lot less affordable accommodation in Heerlen than in Maastricht :(
J
Post by: slugbait on 23 January, 2020, 12:33:49 pm
Oh, I hadn't noticed that the Festina Lente ride had moved to Heerlen. That's a bit of a pain, there's a lot less affordable accommodation in Heerlen than in Maastricht :(
"Natuurvriendenhuis Eikhold" is the best I could find. Not supercheap, but affordable.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 January, 2020, 01:06:15 pm
"Natuurvriendenhuis Eikhold" is the best I could find. Not supercheap, but affordable.
Have booked a bed there. It's on a par with the cost of the stay okay in Maastricht anyway.
J
Post by: Ivo on 23 January, 2020, 05:47:57 pm
I'll be in Nijmegen as well and am planning to be in Heerlen (I haven't got my shift plan yet for that weekend so I can't be sure).
It's a pity that we can't use the Stayokay in Maastricht for the "Festina Lente"-ride. Maastricht is a considerably nicer town to spend the weekend than Heerlen.
You still could, it's only 25k to the start (or half an hour by train).
Post by: slugbait on 23 January, 2020, 09:35:35 pm
You still could, it's only 25k to the start (or half an hour by train).
I always forget how compact Zuid-Limburg is. Somehow I thought it was approx 40km (despite having cycled a lot there).
Anyhow, the plan is to combine it with some municipality hunting. Brunssum on Friday and Weert, Nederweert, Reusel-De Mierden en Cranendonck on the way back. And for the ride in Nijmegen, the plan is to bag Winterswijk and Cuijk. Then all I need is one strategic ride from Utrecht to have every province except both Hollands and Friesland (those bloody Wadden Islands) in the bag.
Post by: Ivo on 23 January, 2020, 11:10:22 pm
You still could, it's only 25k to the start (or half an hour by train).
I always forget how compact Zuid-Limburg is. Somehow I thought it was approx 40km (despite having cycled a lot there).
Anyhow, the plan is to combine it with some municipality hunting. Brunssum on Friday and Weert, Nederweert, Reusel-De Mierden en Cranendonck on the way back. And for the ride in Nijmegen, the plan is to bag Winterswijk and Cuijk. Then all I need is one strategic ride from Utrecht to have every province except both Hollands and Friesland (those bloody Wadden Islands) in the bag.
A small tip for the islands, Rederij Doeksen has a special offer until march 30th, for the price of a single ticket to either Vlieland or Terschelling with your bike they offer you a return ticket + bike hire. As these islands are rather small riding it on a hire bike wouldn't make it very hard.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 January, 2020, 11:23:15 pm
A small tip for the islands, Rederij Doeksen has a special offer until march 30th, for the price of a single ticket to either Vlieland or Terschelling with your bike they offer you a return ticket + bike hire. As these islands are rather small riding it on a hire bike wouldn't make it very hard.
Useful to know. I was planning on doing it with a Brompton. I only have 3 islands left.
J
Post by: farfetched on 24 January, 2020, 10:36:04 am
It's a pity that we can't use the Stayokay in Maastricht for the "Festina Lente"-ride. Maastricht is a considerably nicer town to spend the weekend than Heerlen.
Oh, I hadn't noticed that the Festina Lente ride had moved to Heerlen. That's a bit of a pain, there's a lot less affordable accommodation in Heerlen than in Maastricht :(
J
Does anybody know (roughly) any details about the Festina Lente route, are we talking Ardennes/Eiffel or perhaps something less challenging.
I normally only do one brevet a month so I like to have some idea where its going. Thats the reason i will not be starting tomorrow in Bunnik,
last weeks Belgian brevet (Bruges) was a little more inviting to me than a trip through the 'randstad' , and i have done this event before anway.
Post by: slugbait on 24 January, 2020, 10:45:59 am
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 January, 2020, 10:47:14 am
Festina Lente heads north to Venlo. When it started in Maastricht the first 30km were hilly (including Loorberg and Camerig), the rest was flat with a long section along the Maas.
Does that mean the last 30km involves Loorberg and Camerig?
J
Post by: farfetched on 24 January, 2020, 11:44:45 am
probably re-routing some of it. We shall see... good point about the last 30km!
Post by: Ivo on 24 January, 2020, 03:41:35 pm
The fact that it hasnt been published yet, but it was a previous route (from Maastricht) indicates to me that they are
probably re-routing some of it. We shall see... good point about the last 30km!
Jo already uploaded some routechecking of parts of the route to be changed on Strava.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 26 January, 2020, 12:31:24 pm
Well that was considerably harder than it needed to be. Turns out that 3 weeks off the bike with flu, getting back on and doing a mid winter 200k is bloody hard. Definitely type 3 fun. If it wasn't for my RRtY, I don't think I would have started yesterday. 8/12 for AUK, 7/12 for RNL.
Ow
J
Post by: slugbait on 26 January, 2020, 03:23:37 pm
The fact that it hasnt been published yet, but it was a previous route (from Maastricht) indicates to me that they are
probably re-routing some of it. We shall see... good point about the last 30km!
Jo already uploaded some routechecking of parts of the route to be changed on Strava.
After careful examination of Jo's rides on Strava, it appears Loorberg and Camerig are gone, but Dodeman (1km at 7.4%, max gradient over 100 m is 15.6%) is included just after the start.
Post by: markcc on 26 January, 2020, 07:30:33 pm
Post by: farfetched on 27 January, 2020, 09:00:04 am
Well that was considerably harder than it needed to be. Turns out that 3 weeks off the bike with flu, getting back on and doing a mid winter 200k is bloody hard. Definitely type 3 fun. If it wasn't for my RRtY, I don't think I would have started yesterday. 8/12 for AUK, 7/12 for RNL.
Well done!
It was cold and pretty miserable on Saturday when i was walking the dog, so not much fun on the bike specially for full value riders. I also rode
the Boekelo event with a bout of flu, all for my RRtY. Luckily February has 3 options including the Belgians so that shouldnt be a problem unless real winter arrives.
Quote from: slugbait
After careful examination of Jo's rides on Strava, it appears Loorberg and Camerig are gone, but Dodeman (1km at 7.4%, max gradient over 100 m is 15.6%) is included just after the start.
Thats the alternative to the Keutenberg, I have done it a few times - no fun at all - that gives me more incentive to turn up in Nijmegen in a couple of weeks.
Post by: Ivo on 28 January, 2020, 10:21:27 pm
https://randonneurs.nl/brevet/brm-200-maastricht/?fbclid=IwAR0KmxOQUSkGmnJN0ZqT6Py74bIsMj3PnI5f7p4k3ny91lEUb9zr9NnZsJc
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 January, 2020, 10:39:24 pm
Well that looks... challenging.
J
Post by: Zed43 on 29 January, 2020, 10:09:19 am
Skipping his one but I'll be riding on February 8 (starting at ~ 9:30 because of trains SNAFU which was ok by the organizer)
Post by: slugbait on 29 January, 2020, 12:04:23 pm
Skipping his one but I'll be riding on February 8 (starting at ~ 9:30 because of trains SNAFU which was ok by the organizer)
Putting S&S couplers in your audax bike is really paying off for you. I'm just going to cycle to Arnhem and catch the train back home from there.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 February, 2020, 11:43:42 am
Well the forecast is starting to converge for Saturday. It's going to be interesting, I've not ridden since Bunnik, (this lurgy has really knocked me for 6). If the current forecast holds, should be a force 2 from the south west. Not ideal, but could be a lot worse.
Considering the Dutch National Headwind champs may be held on Sunday, we may get off lightly...
J
Post by: slugbait on 06 February, 2020, 07:58:28 pm
The route for the Heerlen 300 is changed compared to last year (judging by the outline of the route on randonneurs.nl). The horrible bit from Liège/Luik to Andenne is gone. I'm thinking about riding this now. (The plan was to do a 300 early March but I didn't like the 2019 Heerlen route).
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 February, 2020, 08:12:24 pm
Dutch National Headwind champs are taking place on Sunday, but luckily the wind (and rain) only arrive late Saturday evening/Sunday.
Yeah, gonna be interesting, esp for any full value riders...
Quote
The route for the Heerlen 300 is changed compared to last year (judging by the outline of the route on randonneurs.nl). The horrible bit from Liège/Luik to Andenne is gone. I'm thinking about riding this now. (The plan was to do a 300 early March but I didn't like the 2019 Heerlen route).
Ooh, that is an improvement. Shame I'm going to be busy that weekend now. Not that I am even close to the fitness needed for a 300. But good to see the feedback has been taken to heart and it's avoiding some of the worst bits. tho the road into Namur is still the same horror show.
J
J
Post by: Ivo on 06 February, 2020, 10:00:21 pm
The rain does cause a short detour though from km 33. The stretch east of Rheden is flooded. Please watch your email inbox, a detour will be mailed to all pre registered riders tomorrow.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 February, 2020, 10:11:20 pm
The detailed predictions of weeronline now even postpone the heavy rain untill sunday around noon.
The rain does cause a short detour though from km 33. The stretch east of Rheden is flooded. Please watch your email inbox, a detour will be mailed to all pre registered riders tomorrow.
Ooh, thanks for the headsup.
Better make sure my bike is ready.
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 February, 2020, 12:28:15 am
Bollocks. There's engineering works on the line between Arnhem and Nijmegen. Gonna be a right pain to get to the start. Train journey is involves and ICD to Breda to arrive in time to get to the start. And getting home looks even more impossible. Shit. 26k ride from finish to Arnhem, to get a train. At least it looks like it'll be a tailwind for that bit.
Need to consider my options.
J
Post by: slugbait on 07 February, 2020, 06:42:40 am
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 February, 2020, 09:41:25 am
What's so difficult about the return journey? Sprinter to Den Bosch from Nijmegen Dukenburg, catch a train to Amsterdam from there. Last train is at 22:56.
Ooh, that's a much more friendly journey. I don't know what I was doing wrong, 9292 kept sending me on a bus via Arnhem.
Right, given the above option, I'm gonna try to get the 0606 from Sloterdijk!
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 February, 2020, 10:24:32 am
I have made a gpx of the route with the diversion in place, with the old bit chopped out. If anyone else wants to use it, you're welcome to.
http://photos.quixotic.eu/misc/nmg_custom.gpx
Use at own risk etc...
J
Post by: slugbait on 07 February, 2020, 10:46:53 am
Post by: Ivo on 07 February, 2020, 10:57:42 am
Thanks, QG! I was already on my way when the new route was sent around. I didn't have the chance to create my own new GPX-file.
For those already on their way, I'm staying in the centre of Nijmegen tonight and have a netbook with Mapsource + the new route with me.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 February, 2020, 03:24:53 pm
Fnnnngh. The 0606 departure is showing as no longer available on 9292. Looks like I need to be on an 0541 from Sloterdijk. Via Centraal, Rotterdam, and Breda...
Thanks NS...
J
Post by: Zed43 on 07 February, 2020, 03:55:26 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 February, 2020, 04:47:41 pm
Or mail the organiser (Roef) that you will arrive at around 9:30, starting between 9 and 10 is ok but he appreciates a heads up. Then take the 7:00 train from Sloterdijk, transfer at Den Bosch and arrive at 8:55 in Nijmegen. 7km from CS to the start.
Problem is as a full value rider, I then make it harder for myself by about 30 minutes...
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 February, 2020, 04:52:01 pm
I've emailed Roef, let's see what they say.
It does rather cut it fine at the end... tho, given the 2256 return train... The extra hour of sleep would be very appreciated tho...
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 February, 2020, 07:04:23 pm
I've not had a reply from the organiser yet, but if anyone who is riding, and will be there early enough, could you tell Roef that I will be a little late. Gonna risk the 0700 from Sloterdijk.
Thanks
J
Post by: Ivo on 07 February, 2020, 09:14:24 pm
It's very quiet at the hostel so if you want to change your plans at last minute, I could ask the girl at the reception if you can still book.
One other rider at the hostel, I've spotted a Canyon with a PBP bottle
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 February, 2020, 09:36:37 pm
I'll be there early so I'll tell Roef.
It's very quiet at the hostel so if you want to change your plans at last minute, I could ask the girl at the reception if you can still book.
One other rider at the hostel, I've spotted a Canyon with a PBP bottle
Thanks. I got a reply back from Roef. So all is good. May consider the hostel tho.
Thanks!
J
Post by: Ivo on 07 February, 2020, 09:46:50 pm
Post by: Zed43 on 08 February, 2020, 06:42:54 am
The route change does cost me 13 extra tiles on my cluster though :(Should have packed your swimming trunks
Post by: quixoticgeek on 08 February, 2020, 06:53:06 am
Realised that the train stops at Wijchen, 10 mins before it gets to Nijmegen, and Wijchen is only 500m or so further than Nijmegen station. Think I'm gonna try that.
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 08 February, 2020, 11:24:19 pm
Thank you so much to Zed43 for letting me suck your wheel so much, hope I didn't cause you to get home too late
Thanks to slugbait for pointing me at a viable train home.
I think I added 93 new tiles to my count today. Plus two municipalities (now at 341)
Both my bike, and me need a shower...
J
Post by: Zed43 on 09 February, 2020, 12:53:28 am
Post by: Ivo on 09 February, 2020, 08:08:31 am
I'm still at the hostel now. It was a nice ride, a winter route with many place to hide should the weather turn foul.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 February, 2020, 09:18:01 am
The route was interesting, tho something that still confuses me is why the detour at Ottello? We could have gone straight on upto the roundabout, but instead the route goes left through the village.
Was there originally a control there?
J
Post by: farfetched on 09 February, 2020, 10:27:07 am
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 February, 2020, 10:33:27 am
Otterlo has a few restaurants, it's where I stopped as 57 km is too short so I didn't hang around at CP1. For a winter BRM it was a good route, probably too many N roads but it's safe and easy to scratch if you have to. Never been to Barneveld before, probably the only gemeente with 2 new churches in NL ;) where I live they're all supermarkets and theaters now.
Interesting.
You can tell we were in the Bible belt. Three massive churches in a very short distance, 2 within a kilometre. I was surprised to see they had car parks tho. I thought driving on a Sunday was frowned upon...
J
Post by: farfetched on 09 February, 2020, 10:52:18 am
They probably also come from out lying villages hence the car parks, they're not amish ;)
You can't wash your car on a Sunday though.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 February, 2020, 10:57:40 am
I read somewhere that one is already deemed to be too small for the congregation.
They probably also come from out lying villages hence the car parks, they're not amish ;)
You can't wash your car on a Sunday though.
Ah. I once drove through Martinsdijk at about 1800 on a Sunday. Everyone was walking in the same direction. The Dutch person in the car next to me explained the whole zwarte-kousenkerken. I was amazed to find cash points not working in the area. And doing more research I found a church who's website didn't work on Sundays. I lived for over ten years in Canterbury, the home of the church of England, and even I was taken back by this.
That said, the drivers in that area were very courteous yesterday.
J
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 February, 2020, 11:16:54 am
Their
https://www.fpchurch.org.uk/we-are-closed-for-the-sabbath/
Post by: slugbait on 09 February, 2020, 11:41:25 am
Sounds a bit like the Wee Wee Frees.
TheirsundaySabbathhomeevery page:
https://www.fpchurch.org.uk/we-are-closed-for-the-sabbath/
Presbyterianism and Dutch Reformed are closely related: both have their roots in the teachings of Calvin.
Anyway, it was a nice ride yesterday albeit a bit damp from the second control onward. There were a couple of places where the route could be optimized (as mentioned above), but overall it was very well organized.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 February, 2020, 11:44:56 am
Presbyterianism and Dutch Reformed are closely related: both have their roots in the teachings of Calvin.
Anyway, it was a nice ride yesterday albeit a bit damp from the second control onward. There were a couple of places where the route could be optimized (as mentioned above), but overall it was very well organized.
You were quicker than us, we started to get soaked around the big churches. I think the exchange between zed43 and I as we approached said weird routing went something like "Why does it take us in there?" "secret control?" "secret control, or there's a good bakery"
We found no bakery, nor secret control.
J
Post by: Ivo on 09 February, 2020, 06:35:19 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 February, 2020, 06:49:47 pm
My photo's of yesterday: https://www.zonerama.com/Link/Album/5991691
Why do I get the feeling that last shot is you lot looking at the tracker trying to work out why we're so slow? :p
Nice shots.
J
Post by: paulk on 11 February, 2020, 10:08:39 am
Finished around 18:30.
Anyone going to the 200 in Heerlen, the 29th?
Post by: Ivo on 11 February, 2020, 10:59:51 am
I enjoyed the ride, made a short detour to look at the Gallery in Brummen to look at some classic cars, https://www.gallery-aaldering.com/nl/
Finished around 18:30.
Anyone going to the 200 in Heerlen, the 29th?
I'll be there, the route will pass within 2km from my home.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 11 February, 2020, 12:47:17 pm
I'll be there, the route will pass within 2km from my home.
So a secret control where you give us all cake? :p
I have a hostel booked, and currently intend to be there. Tho having done my RRtY for Feb, I may cancel.
J
Post by: slugbait on 11 February, 2020, 06:34:45 pm
But at some point I have to stop this: I have riden everything on the Dutch calendar since the Maasland 300, last July...
Post by: quixoticgeek on 11 February, 2020, 06:49:33 pm
I've entered both Heerlen events ("Festina Lente" because I enjoyed the route the last time I rode it; "Maas en Mijn" because I need to step up to longer distances at some point in the spring as preparation for Bordeaux-Dordrecht).
But at some point I have to stop this: I have riden everything on the Dutch calendar since the Maasland 300, last July...
I've got a couple of gaps in terms of the Dutch calendar, but have managed to keep my RRtY streak going from July 2018. With RatN and a failed TCR in the mix.
If I can complete this RRtY (in June), and this TCR. I think I may wind down at least some of the winter Audaxes. Tho I really wanna do LEL, so can't really ease off too much...
J
Post by: slugbait on 11 February, 2020, 07:20:15 pm
I've got a couple of gaps in terms of the Dutch calendar, but have managed to keep my RRtY streak going from July 2018. With RatN and a failed TCR in the mix.
Does that include DIYs? Including DIYs, my DIY streak starts in July 2017. Without, it's September 2018.
I actually like the winter brevets. After completing the 2020 RRtY in June, the plan is to take it easy in the summer and do some relaxed touring: NL-Poland-Sweden-NL most likely, or maybe cycle to Lithuania to meet up with some friends there.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 11 February, 2020, 07:23:21 pm
Does that include DIYs? Including DIYs, my DIY streak starts in July 2017. Without, it's September 2018.
I actually like the winter brevets. After completing the 2020 RRtY in June, the plan is to take it easy in the summer and do some relaxed touring: NL-Poland-Sweden-NL most likely, or maybe cycle to Lithuania to meet up with some friends there.
Yes. I had to use DIY's in March -> June 2019, cos it was a PBP year, there was nothing under 400 for all of these. (I DNF'd the 300 in March :( )
J
Post by: Ivo on 11 February, 2020, 10:38:37 pm
I'll be there, the route will pass within 2km from my home.
So a secret control where you give us all cake? :p
I have a hostel booked, and currently intend to be there. Tho having done my RRtY for Feb, I may cancel.
J
I want to ride the event, so no secret controlling ;)
I did do that though once on a 300 from Merselo which passed near Maastricht. One of the German riders later wrote that near Maastricht he missed a turn to a slight detour over a hill. When he spotted the error he remembered that he was in my neck of the woods and that I wasn't at the start. So he turned around, took the correct route expecting a secret control somewhere. And yes, exactly at the point where both routeversions merged I was at the side of the road with a secret control ;).
Post by: markcc on 26 February, 2020, 08:11:37 pm
Post by: slugbait on 26 February, 2020, 08:40:24 pm
Pretty much committed to this one now. Even booked a room for the night before at Abdij Rolduc. Is the weather going to be totally awful?
Current forecast suggest a dry morning and a wet afternoon. I would say relatively dry and calm compared to the last two weekends, but definitely not as pleasant as we would like.
Post by: Ivo on 26 February, 2020, 09:56:05 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 27 February, 2020, 02:05:18 am
I'm not going to be able to make it this weekend, I've the opportunity for some paid work and I kinda need to take it.
Next ride I'll be at is the one I'm organising 5 weeks later. Tho I'll be riding it 2 weeks before then. Just to make sure it has the correct combination of obstacles ready for you all ;p
Good luck with the Heerlen run!
J
Post by: Ivo on 01 March, 2020, 09:02:24 pm
Pics are online at https://www.zonerama.com/ivomiesen/Album/6034336
Post by: Ivo on 12 March, 2020, 06:53:13 pm
First and for all, the brevets will take place.
But we'll limit the amount of riders to a maximum of 99. Only pre-entries and only electronic pre-payment.
For the upcoming Heerlen brevet all controls have been changed to free controls so we can avoid large gatherings as much as possible.
Further, those who fill a bit ill, especially if you live or recently have visited a high risk area, are requested to stay at home and not to participate.
Post by: Ivo on 13 March, 2020, 08:40:09 am
Of the 300km some 250km are through Belgium. Yesterdayevening the Belgian government decided on some severe measures regarding Corona:
-All sports and cultural activities regardless of size are cancelled
-All café's and restaurants are closed from yesterday late evening
-All non essential shops (including bikeshops) are closed over the weekend.
Not the conditions to organise a brevet, most bail out options for the 2nd half of the ride are closed. Combine this with early march weather and it's too risky to organise the brevet.
All pre-entry payments will be refunded.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 15 March, 2020, 07:43:15 pm
On advice of the Dutch Government, the 200 from Amsterdam on 28th is no cancelled. If you already registered, you should have had an email.
Apologies, but it is out of our hands.
J
Post by: slugbait on 23 March, 2020, 07:02:14 pm
Post by: Zed43 on 23 March, 2020, 08:01:22 pm
Post by: slugbait on 23 March, 2020, 09:35:27 pm
Post by: slugbait on 23 June, 2020, 08:22:48 am
To make sure that we comply with the Dutch corona laws: maximum of 99 riders at the start (only pre-entry and pre-payment, entry closes 48 hrs before the start and members of Randonneurs NL have priority over non-members). Start will be outdoors at much as possible, no group start (collect brevet card and off you go) and no riding in big groups (max. 4 people). All controls are free controls. And, of course, if you have any signs of illness, then please stay at home.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 June, 2020, 01:48:23 pm
We are restarting the audax season in the Netherlands in July (although it may be difficult for Brits to come to the Netherlands at the moment, so this is mainly a notification for those of you living on the "continent"). There are two changes to the calendar: the first Heerlen brevet will now head into the Eiffel region of Germany and the second goes through the Ardennes in Belgium, both are quite lumpy by Dutch standards (or even UK standards). The Groningen event in July was supposed to be an end-to-end ride from the Far North to the Deep South, but is now a tour of the Northern Dutch provinces with start and finish in the city of Groningen.
To make sure that we comply with the Dutch corona laws: maximum of 99 riders at the start (only pre-entry and pre-payment, entry closes 48 hrs before the start and members of Randonneurs NL have priority over non-members). Start will be outdoors at much as possible, no group start (collect brevet card and off you go) and no riding in big groups (max. 4 people). All controls are free controls. And, of course, if you have any signs of illness, then please stay at home.
Thanks for the update. Main issue I'm now up against is NS's stupid no bike on the train rule...
Does the Mybrevett thing count towards the Dutch RRtY ?
J
Post by: Zed43 on 23 June, 2020, 02:32:18 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 June, 2020, 02:35:35 pm
Unfortunately, no.
Bugger...
J
Post by: rob on 23 June, 2020, 02:48:22 pm
I have looked at the travel regs and think it's do-able. The limitation on quarantine coming back to the UK is fine as I'm WFH for the foreseeable future. Key bit on the Dutch regs for me are :-
1. It's been mentioned elsewhere that there is a 14 day quarantine if you come into NL but I can't find an official confirmation on this. There is some mention about flights but I will likely come in by ferry.
2. There is a requirement to provide evidence of your accommodation booking to cover your stay which is against race regs. I'll be able to pre-book hotels for before/after the race but maybe not for the duration of the event.
Any local knowledge gratefully received.
Cheers
Rob
Post by: slugbait on 23 June, 2020, 03:42:23 pm
We are restarting the audax season in the Netherlands in July (although it may be difficult for Brits to come to the Netherlands at the moment, so this is mainly a notification for those of you living on the "continent"). There are two changes to the calendar: the first Heerlen brevet will now head into the Eiffel region of Germany and the second goes through the Ardennes in Belgium, both are quite lumpy by Dutch standards (or even UK standards). The Groningen event in July was supposed to be an end-to-end ride from the Far North to the Deep South, but is now a tour of the Northern Dutch provinces with start and finish in the city of Groningen.
To make sure that we comply with the Dutch corona laws: maximum of 99 riders at the start (only pre-entry and pre-payment, entry closes 48 hrs before the start and members of Randonneurs NL have priority over non-members). Start will be outdoors at much as possible, no group start (collect brevet card and off you go) and no riding in big groups (max. 4 people). All controls are free controls. And, of course, if you have any signs of illness, then please stay at home.
Thanks for the update. Main issue I'm now up against is NS's stupid no bike on the train rule...
Does the Mybrevett thing count towards the Dutch RRtY ?
J
You could still put your bike in a bike bag and carry it as luggage. But yes, it's a major pain in the ass. I'm considering the Heerlen event in August by going via Germany (Groningen-Leer-Aachen avoids NS trains) and then cycling back home over a couple of days.
mybrevet.cc is just for fun, to keep everyone busy.
Post by: slugbait on 23 June, 2020, 03:48:52 pm
Slightly OT but I still have a spot for RAtN and it looks, from this, that it may run.
I have looked at the travel regs and think it's do-able. The limitation on quarantine coming back to the UK is fine as I'm WFH for the foreseeable future. Key bit on the Dutch regs for me are :-
1. It's been mentioned elsewhere that there is a 14 day quarantine if you come into NL but I can't find an official confirmation on this. There is some mention about flights but I will likely come in by ferry.
2. There is a requirement to provide evidence of your accommodation booking to cover your stay which is against race regs. I'll be able to pre-book hotels for before/after the race but maybe not for the duration of the event.
Any local knowledge gratefully received.
Cheers
Rob
The website of the Dutch government is vague on the issue. For Dutch citizens coming back from the UK, the strong advice is to self-quarantine for 2 weeks (either at home or somewhere else), but no enforcement it seems? You could ask the Dutch embassy in London?
Post by: Zed43 on 23 June, 2020, 06:06:32 pm
You could still put your bike in a bike bag and carry it as luggage.From the terms and conditions (https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1520262041715/content/assets/ns-en/terms/general-terms-and-conditions-for-the-transport-of-passengers-and-hand-luggage-of-the-ns-avr-ns.pdf)
NS may refuse you access to the train or require that you leave the train if NS is of the opinion that
your Hand Luggage, or the use thereof, is or may form a nuisance. NS may in any case do so if the
height, width or breadth of your Hand Luggage exceeds 85 centimetres.
You'll need a very small frame and remove the fork/wheels (I think) or have a S+S equipped bike and remove the front wheel (I know) to get to 85x85cm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 June, 2020, 06:22:08 pm
You could still put your bike in a bike bag and carry it as luggage.From the terms and conditions (https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1520262041715/content/assets/ns-en/terms/general-terms-and-conditions-for-the-transport-of-passengers-and-hand-luggage-of-the-ns-avr-ns.pdf)
NS may refuse you access to the train or require that you leave the train if NS is of the opinion that
your Hand Luggage, or the use thereof, is or may form a nuisance. NS may in any case do so if the
height, width or breadth of your Hand Luggage exceeds 85 centimetres.
You'll need a very small frame and remove the fork/wheels (I think) or have a S+S equipped bike and remove the front wheel (I know) to get to 85x85cm
Arse...
J
Post by: Zed43 on 23 June, 2020, 06:25:10 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 June, 2020, 06:27:54 pm
Oh come on Julia, bring your Brompton! O:-) ;D
You thought I was slow on my real bike. Imagine how slow i am on a Brompton!!
Btw are campsites open yet? Maybe I should cycle up over 2 days...
J
Post by: slugbait on 23 June, 2020, 06:56:34 pm
You could still put your bike in a bike bag and carry it as luggage.From the terms and conditions (https://www.ns.nl/binaries/_ht_1520262041715/content/assets/ns-en/terms/general-terms-and-conditions-for-the-transport-of-passengers-and-hand-luggage-of-the-ns-avr-ns.pdf)
NS may refuse you access to the train or require that you leave the train if NS is of the opinion that
your Hand Luggage, or the use thereof, is or may form a nuisance. NS may in any case do so if the
height, width or breadth of your Hand Luggage exceeds 85 centimetres.
You'll need a very small frame and remove the fork/wheels (I think) or have a S+S equipped bike and remove the front wheel (I know) to get to 85x85cm
This is ridiculous, of course. For many people, not owning a car is feasible because of the train-bike combination. Apparerently, the largest rail company in the Netherlands does not see itself as part of an alternative to car ownership. The signal I am getting from both the government and NS is that if you want to travel this summer (for whatever reason) then you better own a car or have the means to hire one. Whereas we should be striving towards less car use (and less greenhouse gas emissions). [Sorry for the political rant!]
Post by: slugbait on 23 June, 2020, 06:58:37 pm
Btw are campsites open yet? Maybe I should cycle up over 2 days...
From July 1, I believe so.
Post by: Zed43 on 23 June, 2020, 07:16:14 pm
Also, Staatsbosbeheer is not opening the "paalkampeerplekken" (pole camp sites, basically sanctioned wildcamping at specific spots for up to 3 tents), they will be closed for good. The other Staatsbosbeheer campsites as well as the NTKC campsites require prior reservation for the moment, even when you just have a small tent.
Post by: Ivo on 23 June, 2020, 07:35:25 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 June, 2020, 07:54:21 pm
Interestingly Belgium seems to be more relaxed now concerning Corona rules relevant for cyclists. So it might be interesting to route your trip up and down via Belgium as campsites might be more relaxed in their rules. (Or you cycle down to Essen and take a Belgian train from there.)
I was aiming for Groningen...
J
Post by: slugbait on 23 June, 2020, 08:23:16 pm
I was aiming for Groningen...
Groningen is easy. Cycle to Enkhuizen, take the boat to Stavoren and from there take an Arriva train.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 June, 2020, 08:37:02 pm
Groningen is easy. Cycle to Enkhuizen, take the boat to Stavoren and from there take an Arriva train.
Perfect. Any recommendations for a simple campsite near the Groningen start?
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 23 June, 2020, 08:38:28 pm
Is the Groningen one at the end of July going to still be 400?
J
Post by: slugbait on 23 June, 2020, 09:13:45 pm
Post by: markcc on 24 June, 2020, 07:40:33 am
Also, Staatsbosbeheer is not opening the "paalkampeerplekken" (pole camp sites, basically sanctioned wildcamping at specific spots for up to 3 tents), they will be closed for good. The other Staatsbosbeheer campsites as well as the NTKC campsites require prior reservation for the moment, even when you just have a small tent.
OT, but the pole campsites were super gross - so much used toilet paper strewn about the place. I'm not surprised they're closing permanently.
Post by: slugbait on 24 June, 2020, 06:26:23 pm
Post by: Ivo on 24 June, 2020, 10:46:03 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 June, 2020, 11:45:42 pm
Latest news, bikes are welcom in NS trains again from july 1st. But you have to register via the app. More info will follow.
WOO!
Thank fsck for that.
J
Post by: slugbait on 25 June, 2020, 09:16:15 am
Post by: Zed43 on 25 June, 2020, 10:29:51 am
Since your bicycle ticket is valid for the entire day and not just one particular train ride I don't see how they can prevent people from making many reservations and only showing up for one.
It's also going to be interesting when you miss the regular connecting train when you have a delay in the first leg of your travel.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 25 June, 2020, 01:55:04 pm
I would suggest making reservations for every train that you might want to take on that day, allowing for every contingency.
Since your bicycle ticket is valid for the entire day and not just one particular train ride I don't see how they can prevent people from making many reservations and only showing up for one.
It's also going to be interesting when you miss the regular connecting train when you have a delay in the first leg of your travel.
Thus breaking the reservation system...
"hey all the bike spaces are reserved"
"But no bikes are on the train"
"tough"
J
Post by: slugbait on 26 June, 2020, 08:46:38 am
Luckily one of the brevets this month starts right in front of my house. So, I don't have to worry about trains until August.
Post by: Ivo on 26 June, 2020, 09:02:27 am
Post by: Zed43 on 26 June, 2020, 10:46:12 am
Works for me.
Post by: slugbait on 26 June, 2020, 11:53:26 am
My shoulder isn't fully recovered yet so I'll skip the july brevets. For august I'll settle for the Heerlen one, I could cycle to it. (If I use the train it'll be Arriva and not NS so probably less bureaucratic). For september I've already scheduled 3 days off at work so I can cycle to Merselo, camp there and return by bike on sunday. No planning possible for november and december though as these months are blocked for holidays at work.
Weren't you planning to do the Silk Route this year? Or has that been cancelled?
Post by: Ivo on 26 June, 2020, 08:47:00 pm
My shoulder isn't fully recovered yet so I'll skip the july brevets. For august I'll settle for the Heerlen one, I could cycle to it. (If I use the train it'll be Arriva and not NS so probably less bureaucratic). For september I've already scheduled 3 days off at work so I can cycle to Merselo, camp there and return by bike on sunday. No planning possible for november and december though as these months are blocked for holidays at work.
Weren't you planning to do the Silk Route this year? Or has that been cancelled?
I indeed planned for the Silk Route 1200 and even scheduled some holidays around it. But due to the current situation I prefer not to fly. And I doubt if the cheap flights to Uzbekistan still exist.
Furthermore my shoulder issues really slowed my cycling down, I don't think that it would be wise to attempt a 1200 with a not fully healed shoulder.
Post by: slugbait on 02 July, 2020, 07:30:02 am
Post by: quixoticgeek on 02 July, 2020, 08:17:14 pm
I decided that I needed a holiday (and some audaxing). So, I entered the Heerlen event (and probably cycling back home over a couple of days). Now I'm trying to figure out how to take a bike on a train. It turns out the "app" is a website, where you need to login with your NS-account. Then you can register your bike for a specific train (but only 36 hours in advance). Since this is per train, every leg of the journey needs to be registered separately. After you go through all this trouble, they tell you that registration is not a guarantee that you will have a place for your bike and that registration is not mandatory... So why bother? Oh yeah, the bicycle ticket itself can also only be purchased via the "app". Somehow I'm thinking that it's easier to go via Germany...
Well this is a good start, can't remember my NS password, and it doesn't seem to want to send me a reset email... Maybe I should just create a new account...
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 02 July, 2020, 08:55:54 pm
Bloody hell that's a faff. At least it seems to work on the web browser of my mobile. Going for a bike ride tomorrow, needs 6 trains. Have reserved them all...
They really don't make this easy do they ?
J
Post by: Ivo on 02 July, 2020, 10:20:35 pm
Bloody hell that's a faff. At least it seems to work on the web browser of my mobile. Going for a bike ride tomorrow, needs 6 trains. Have reserved them all...
They really don't make this easy do they ?
J
I do suspect that this is a deliberate action of the NS. They are forced to accept bikes again by the parliament so now it's very tempting to obstruct.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 July, 2020, 07:46:20 am
I do suspect that this is a deliberate action of the NS. They are forced to accept bikes again by the parliament so now it's very tempting to obstruct.
That is the feeling I got.
On the plus side, at least you don't have to phone them up to make it work...
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 July, 2020, 08:55:01 am
Stupid system...
J
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 03 July, 2020, 09:25:42 am
I decided that I needed a holiday (and some audaxing). So, I entered the Heerlen event (and probably cycling back home over a couple of days). Now I'm trying to figure out how to take a bike on a train. It turns out the "app" is a website, where you need to login with your NS-account. Then you can register your bike for a specific train (but only 36 hours in advance). Since this is per train, every leg of the journey needs to be registered separately. After you go through all this trouble, they tell you that registration is not a guarantee that you will have a place for your bike and that registration is not mandatory... So why bother? Oh yeah, the bicycle ticket itself can also only be purchased via the "app". Somehow I'm thinking that it's easier to go via Germany...
Aside: The Guardian newspaper is wrong about taking bikes on trains in the Netherlands. "There is a blanket ban on bikes on trains in the Netherlands, including services to and from Belgium or Germany, and that’s likely to remain until early September." From https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/jul/03/europe-by-rail-train-summer-2020-service-updates-great-deals
Post by: Redlight on 03 July, 2020, 09:35:05 am
Aside: The Guardian newspaper is wrong about taking bikes on trains in the Netherlands.
I suspect it's hard for even the journos to keep up with the constantly changing rules. I am still clinging to a hope of cycling the Alpine route from Geneva to Nice later this year, travelling by train to and from each end. A few days ago one of the trains I was hoping to use was showing no space for bikes but yesterday they magically appeared. I'm hoping that the same may happen with regional services from Nice up to Paris soon. Otherwise, I'll have to shelve the idea as I can't spare the time to cycle back from the Med!
Post by: slugbait on 03 July, 2020, 09:47:59 am
Well that was a pointless exercise. Got to sloterdijk early, got an earlier train, now 30 mins ahead of schedule, can't add reservation, can't delete reservation. Site says "system unavailable"
Stupid system...
J
Do keep us updated about the experience! Also where are you heading to? 6 trains from Amsterdam must be quite an exotic location.
@LittleWheelsandBig: I know the Guardian is wrong about bikes on trains. There was never a blanket ban on bikes on trains. Some regional providers still allowed bikes on their services. The ban was mainly on services run by NS, the company who operates all trains on the main lines. However there was some pressure on them to allow bikes back on their trains before September.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 July, 2020, 11:15:46 am
Do keep us updated about the experience! Also where are you heading to? 6 trains from Amsterdam must be quite an exotic location.
After so much of my riding focus has been on Audax or racing i decided what I really need to do is just ride my bike for the hell of it. No time limits, no racing the clock. Just for the fun of riding my bike, and maybe ice-cream.
I started in Rijen, I've made it to Raamsdonk, where I am having appeltart. My destination will be either Helmond or Vennray. Depending how my legs feel.
Why Rijen? Well I might not be risky against a clock, but there's no reason not to hunt some Gemeente... 4 down so far...
J
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 03 July, 2020, 01:09:37 pm
I bet you could get as far as the extreme north of scotland in fewer than 6 trains from amsterdamWell that was a pointless exercise. Got to sloterdijk early, got an earlier train, now 30 mins ahead of schedule, can't add reservation, can't delete reservation. Site says "system unavailable"
Stupid system...
J
Do keep us updated about the experience! Also where are you heading to? 6 trains from Amsterdam must be quite an exotic location.
@LittleWheelsandBig: I know the Guardian is wrong about bikes on trains. There was never a blanket ban on bikes on trains. Some regional providers still allowed bikes on their services. The ban was mainly on services run by NS, the company who operates all trains on the main lines. However there was some pressure on them to allow bikes back on their trains before September.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 July, 2020, 01:39:04 pm
I bet you could get as far as the extreme north of scotland in fewer than 6 trains from amsterdam
For clarity, that's 3 trains out, and 3 trains back... Not 6 in one direction...
But yes, Eurostar direct St Pancras, night train to th Highlands. Done...
It used to be that Vladivostok was a single change from Amsterdam, in Moscow, but the night trains are messed up still...
J
Post by: grams on 03 July, 2020, 01:57:18 pm
After so much of my riding focus has been on Audax or racing i decided what I really need to do is just ride my bike for the hell of it. No time limits, no racing the clock. Just for the fun of riding my bike, and maybe ice-cream.
Uh huh.
* continues reading *
Quote
Well I might not be risky against a clock, but there's no reason not to hunt some Gemeente... 4 down so far...
I knew it!
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 July, 2020, 05:10:44 pm
Btw, next time RNL riders tell me off for my relaxed attitude towards red lights... Today i got told off by a Dutch cop for stopping at a red light... Which is new...
J
Post by: farfetched on 03 July, 2020, 08:54:19 pm
Nobody seems to know why though ;D
Post by: Zed43 on 03 July, 2020, 08:56:16 pm
Post by: farfetched on 03 July, 2020, 09:20:51 pm
Boredom?
Maybe, anti 1.5m measures is another possibility... But that's stuff for POBI
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 July, 2020, 09:25:14 pm
Be careful in Helmond... We have had street riots and a curfew down here in recent weeks.
Nobody seems to know why though ;D
Maybe someone else got told off for stopping at a red light too, and decided to react differently.
I'm pretty certain I only didn't get fined cos she thought I was a tourist. I didn't stick around, got the first train out of there.
Returning to the previous subject of the reserving thing. The site is basically bollocks, you can't easily use it on the phone, so if you have to change anything you can't really do much. Noone checked my reservations, noone checked my bike ticket, noone checked my ov chipkaart. I think the on board staff are doing the bare minimum they can to keep the trains working, with the absolute minimum of contact with the public (NS Really do know how not to waste a good crisis!).
Had to take the non HS home, as I missed my connection in Breda, only made my connection at Den Haag Centraal by about a minute. Running with a bike from the far end of platform 1, to the middle of platform 9 in under 5 mins is not an easy feet. I wish they'd stop putting bike spaces in the ends of trains and just put them in the middle...
Had a good ride tho. 6 Gemeente in total, just 5 left, only one of which doesn't require a ferry. I need to build up a bit more before I attempt a 200. Hopefully I can do an AUK DIY by the end of August, and finish my RRTY by October. I won't be restarting my RNL RRtY, There's not enough time to finish one before the TCR next year, so will use winter and spring to concentrate on training for that, rather than playing chicken with frostbitten toes from Bunnik like I have the last 3 years.
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 July, 2020, 09:27:21 pm
Boredom?
Maybe, anti 1.5m measures is another possibility... But that's stuff for POBI
1.5m? you mean 5 tegels?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eb_UZZNXgAALDSy?format=jpg&name=small)
I thought this country had a metric system to use...
J
Post by: farfetched on 03 July, 2020, 11:00:56 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 July, 2020, 11:20:07 pm
I think 1.5m is a vague concept for the average Helmonder, they can probably count to 5 though. :facepalm: except when it's carnaval
South of the river is weird...
J
Post by: Ivo on 03 July, 2020, 11:52:30 pm
I think 1.5m is a vague concept for the average Helmonder, they can probably count to 5 though. :facepalm: except when it's carnaval
South of the river is weird...
J
I'd say the opposite ;).
Post by: slugbait on 10 July, 2020, 07:59:13 pm
Returning to the previous subject of the reserving thing. The site is basically bollocks, you can't easily use it on the phone, so if you have to change anything you can't really do much. Noone checked my reservations, noone checked my bike ticket, noone checked my ov chipkaart. I think the on board staff are doing the bare minimum they can to keep the trains working, with the absolute minimum of contact with the public (NS Really do know how not to waste a good crisis!).
That matches my experience today from Groningen to Nijmegen. The only good thing is that I actually had plenty of space for the bike. Normally, Fridays in Summer are horrible with way too many bikes on trains.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 16 July, 2020, 04:47:56 pm
I discovered a Randonneurs NL Buff in my mailbox today. I don't know who I should be thanking for this, but it's great, thank you!
J
Post by: farfetched on 16 July, 2020, 08:46:55 pm
Post by: Zed43 on 16 July, 2020, 09:20:09 pm
Post by: slugbait on 19 July, 2020, 02:18:11 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 19 July, 2020, 02:21:50 pm
I think we have to thank Jo Henrich: he spend his Sunday afternoon preparing the packages. I got mine at the start of the first post-lockdown brevet. Great route through the Eiffel with perfect cycling weather.
Was it the same route as last year? It was an amazing ride, bloody hard tho in the heat and all the up. I had 4 minutes to spare!
J
Post by: slugbait on 19 July, 2020, 03:19:27 pm
Post by: Zed43 on 19 July, 2020, 04:40:45 pm
Post by: slugbait on 19 July, 2020, 04:57:51 pm
Speaking of, when will the GPX for next weeks ride be available?
Our IT-guy has promised to get them online tonight.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 19 July, 2020, 05:01:02 pm
Speaking of, when will the GPX for next weeks ride be available?
Our IT-guy has promised to get them online tonight.
I won't be making the Brevett, but I will be up in Friesland and Groningen bagging Gemeente...
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 25 July, 2020, 10:37:32 pm
I got soaked packing up my tent in Friesland this morning. And am now being battered by storms here in NH. I hope the riders out tonight are ok, this weather is heading their way now.
How many started?
J
Post by: slugbait on 26 July, 2020, 04:24:16 am
My spreadsheet is currently showing 20 finishers, 7 DNS, 5 DNF and 18 riders are still out. One DNS gave as reason not to start that he thought it would be too wet, one DNF due to ill-equiped to deal with this much rain. Most of the riders that are still out are actually in a hotel/B&B etc. Sleeping through the worst of the rain.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 August, 2020, 12:07:31 pm
Update on the bikes on Dutch trains thing. I tried to take my bike on a train from Hilversum to Amsterdam on Saturday. Forgot I couldn't buy a bike ticket at the machine (tho I did try). Couldn't make the app work, or the website. Got on train anyway. The train conductor, despite helping me get the bike on the train (well he held the door, and told me to calm down he'll wait for me). Then went into the cab and didn't come out again until the next station. No ticket check etc...
This whole new system really isn't working, I don't know quite what NS is trying to achieve, they just seem to be finding ways to miss out on my €7...
J
Post by: slugbait on 03 August, 2020, 07:20:34 pm
On topic: Weather forecast for the Heerlen audax is looking terrible. 35 degrees celsius according to some...
Post by: quixoticgeek on 03 August, 2020, 08:37:18 pm
At least on Dutch trains there is a plenty of space: everybody seems to be avoiding public transport. Last weekend I cycled to Hamburg and took a bunch of regional trains back to Groningen. Very crowded and, while everybody was wearing masks, people were not keeping distance at all. Especially Hamburg Hbf was a big mess.
Hamburg hbf is always a mess. It is an appalling design. It has taken me 10+ minutes just to get off the platform in the past.
Quote
On topic: Weather forecast for the Heerlen audax is looking terrible. 35 degrees celsius according to some...
That seems... Toasty. Esp for an event with so much climbing. Drink more water people!!
J
Post by: Ivo on 03 August, 2020, 09:04:46 pm
So I'll go to Luxemburg to chase some municipalities, with a much slower average speed.
Post by: slugbait on 04 August, 2020, 12:06:49 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 04 August, 2020, 12:07:59 pm
The route is also 6km under distance. Some tips to get rid of that annoying underdistance (and get the elevation over 3000m). First, in Bévercé (descent towards Malmédy) take a right turn up the Ferme Libert (https://climbfinder.com/nl/beklimmingen/ferme-libert) and descend back to Bévercé (+2.5km). Second, after descending into Stavelot, take a u-turn right before the bridge and climb up the Stockeu (https://climbfinder.com/nl/beklimmingen/stockeu), take a left turn at the Eddy Merckx statue until your back en route (+2.5km). Third, after you enter Partij you realize that you cycled around the Gulpenerberg. So, head back to Gulpen over the Gulpenerberg (https://climbfinder.com/nl/beklimmingen/gulperberg-partij) until your back en route (+5km or so).
Masochism :p
J
Post by: slugbait on 04 August, 2020, 12:54:48 pm
Post by: Zed43 on 04 August, 2020, 07:55:28 pm
Post by: slugbait on 05 August, 2020, 08:19:57 pm
Will not come to Heerlen this weekend as I registered for the BRM600 in Oostende. Hope to pitch my tent at a small campsite ("boerencamping") near Sluis, just next to the route. Forecast: bloody hot and force 4 winds (cross, mostly)
Why Sluis? That's not very close to Oostende. Or is there are you talking about a different Sluis (not in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen).
Weather forecast (at weerplaza.nl) seems to think that Friday is the hottest day, with temperatures in the weekend more managable (33 degrees in Heerlen, 31 degrees in Stavelot). Nonetheless, my escape plan is to follow a river valley to Liège and take a train back to the hotel.
Post by: Zed43 on 05 August, 2020, 08:30:52 pm
Post by: slugbait on 06 August, 2020, 09:10:38 am
But good luck this weekend. I'm waiting for Boekelo in September for the big ride of the year.
Post by: markcc on 19 August, 2020, 09:10:38 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 19 August, 2020, 09:11:30 pm
Maasland 300 this weekend. Any takers?
Not me. My knee isn't 100% yet :(
J
Post by: slugbait on 20 August, 2020, 08:37:25 am
Maasland 300 this weekend. Any takers?
I'm in, combining it with bagging the last non-island municipalities.
Post by: paulk on 20 August, 2020, 10:25:13 am
Maasland 300 this weekend. Any takers?
I'm in, my first brevet since the corona.
Yesterday I got a message that the start is between 7:30 and 9. Will try to start around 7:30.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 August, 2020, 10:25:56 am
Maasland 300 this weekend. Any takers?
I'm in, combining it with bagging the last non-island municipalities.
ooh, which ones are you missing?
J
Post by: slugbait on 20 August, 2020, 11:44:46 am
After that only Vlieland and Terschelling remain. I plan to do these as day trips later in the year.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 August, 2020, 11:56:42 am
On Friday: Culemborg, Westvoorne and Nissewaard. On Saturday during the brevet: Druten, Zaltbommel, West Maas en Waal, Maasdriel, Tiel and West Betuwe. And on Sunday: Voorschoten en Waddinxveen.
After that only Vlieland and Terschelling remain. I plan to do these as day trips later in the year.
Until this post i hadn't realised this 300 wasn't the same upto Alkmaar and back route that the Maaaland 300 was when O last rode it. Cool!
Tho wind looks suboptimal...
Enjoy!
J
Post by: Zed43 on 20 August, 2020, 12:00:03 pm
I like the route in general, but distances between the controls are odd to say the least. CP1 at 140km, then CP2 5km later, why???
Modified the route a bit adding some additional loops (~ 30km of them) to maximise tile bagging ;D
Post by: slugbait on 20 August, 2020, 12:06:02 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 20 August, 2020, 12:29:42 pm
And all 5 controls within 81km...
Side effect of the excessively wiggly route. Can you do photo controls? Or do you have to buy something at all of them ?
J
Post by: Zed43 on 20 August, 2020, 12:32:16 pm
Post by: Ivo on 20 August, 2020, 05:52:07 pm
Maasland 300 this weekend. Any takers?
Not me. My knee isn't 100% yet :(
J
Neither is my shoulder
Post by: Ivo on 20 August, 2020, 05:52:52 pm
On Friday: Culemborg, Westvoorne and Nissewaard. On Saturday during the brevet: Druten, Zaltbommel, West Maas en Waal, Maasdriel, Tiel and West Betuwe. And on Sunday: Voorschoten en Waddinxveen.
After that only Vlieland and Terschelling remain. I plan to do these as day trips later in the year.
On several weekdays Doeksen offers a special ticket out and back including bike hire.
Post by: slugbait on 20 August, 2020, 06:41:04 pm
On several weekdays Doeksen offers a special ticket out and back including bike hire.
I know, but this autumn is going to be very busy at work. So, weekdays are off the table (unless internet on the train/boat is good enough for work purposes).
Post by: farfetched on 27 August, 2020, 06:48:00 pm
Until this post i hadn't realised this 300 wasn't the same upto Alkmaar and back route that the Maaaland 300 was when O last rode it. Cool!
Tho wind looks suboptimal...
Enjoy!
J
The wind was definitely suboptimal, but as far as I am concerned infinitely better than hills and 35c plus. Really nice route the only downside was the last 10km in and around Rotterdam, industrial units etc... Didn't get in until after midnight, spent too much time at CP2 waiting for the rain to stop. It's good that we can ride Calander events and that Randonneurs NL are willing to put them on.
Post by: slugbait on 28 August, 2020, 10:19:14 am
The wind was definitely suboptimal, but as far as I am concerned infinitely better than hills and 35c plus. Really nice route the only downside was the last 10km in and around Rotterdam, industrial units etc... Didn't get in until after midnight, spent too much time at CP2 waiting for the rain to stop. It's good that we can ride Calander events and that Randonneurs NL are willing to put them on.
The wind was very annoying, indeed. I liked the bit through Rotterdam; lots of interesting architecture and we don't cycle through big cities that often. Nice for a change, I thought.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 28 August, 2020, 08:36:07 pm
The wind was definitely suboptimal, but as far as I am concerned infinitely better than hills and 35c plus. Really nice route the only downside was the last 10km in and around Rotterdam, industrial units etc... Didn't get in until after midnight, spent too much time at CP2 waiting for the rain to stop. It's good that we can ride Calander events and that Randonneurs NL are willing to put them on.
The wind was very annoying, indeed. I liked the bit through Rotterdam; lots of interesting architecture and we don't cycle through big cities that often. Nice for a change, I thought.
Even with my approach to red lights, my opinion of Rotterdam is the place is too full of the bloody things...
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 29 August, 2020, 08:55:23 pm
Looks like quite a few RNL members are riding RatN, based on the RNL team kit in evidence at the start. Does anyone have a definitive list?
J
Post by: slugbait on 30 August, 2020, 04:46:55 pm
Looks like quite a few RNL members are riding RatN, based on the RNL team kit in evidence at the start. Does anyone have a definitive list?
If you have some programming skills: match the recent homologations on randonneurs.nl with the start list of RatN? A quick count gives me (at least) 6 members who are participating.
Post by: paulk on 06 October, 2020, 10:36:14 am
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 October, 2020, 10:45:12 am
Unfortunately not. I've yet to make it past the 90k mark since March. I doubt I'll do another 200 until December :(
J
Post by: slugbait on 06 October, 2020, 06:28:24 pm
Post by: Zed43 on 06 October, 2020, 06:46:03 pm
Post by: farfetched on 07 October, 2020, 04:23:05 pm
Any news on how late we can pick up the brevet card and leave 8.00 to 10.00 as at other venues ? might not be able to make 9.00am
Post by: Zed43 on 07 October, 2020, 04:30:33 pm
Oh well, the GPX is in Basecamp, I can ride it some other time as a DIY :thumbsup:
Post by: slugbait on 07 October, 2020, 05:58:49 pm
I have signed up for Saturday but I am anticipating wet and windy weather, (which might put me off) that said its a part of NL I havent really visited much.
Any news on how late we can pick up the brevet card and leave 8.00 to 10.00 as at other venues ? might not be able to make 9.00am
You'll be receiving a mail with additional information after I've had my supper (you understand Dutch, right?).
The route is designed with maximum wind shelter in mind. There are long stretches through the woods. A bigger concern is leaves, sticks, acorns etcetera on the bicycle paths. Wider tyres that offer some puncture-resistance may be a good idea.
@zed43: Beterschap! I hope the fever goes down a bit.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 07 October, 2020, 06:21:16 pm
Running a 39 degrees fever at the moment and a covid test planned this Friday. So definitely not coming to the start/finish and very unlikely to ride it as an x-rated event avoiding all contact (my house is pretty much next to the outgoing route).
Oh well, the GPX is in Basecamp, I can ride it some other time as a DIY :thumbsup:
Eek! Betteschap!
Take it easy!
J
Post by: farfetched on 07 October, 2020, 07:25:12 pm
I have signed up for Saturday but I am anticipating wet and windy weather, (which might put me off) that said its a part of NL I havent really visited much.
Any news on how late we can pick up the brevet card and leave 8.00 to 10.00 as at other venues ? might not be able to make 9.00am
You'll be receiving a mail with additional information after I've had my supper (you understand Dutch, right?).
The route is designed with maximum wind shelter in mind. There are long stretches through the woods. A bigger concern is leaves, sticks, acorns etcetera on the bicycle paths. Wider tyres that offer some puncture-resistance may be a good idea.
@zed43: Beterschap! I hope the fever goes down a bit.
Yes, dutch is no problem - thanks for the mail - just replied to it.
Post by: paulk on 08 October, 2020, 06:58:30 am
Running a 39 degrees fever at the moment and a covid test planned this Friday. So definitely not coming to the start/finish and very unlikely to ride it as an x-rated event avoiding all contact (my house is pretty much next to the outgoing route).
Oh well, the GPX is in Basecamp, I can ride it some other time as a DIY :thumbsup:
Beterschap. Maybe see you in a later brevet in Holland.