I have just got some Brevet cards through for the lovely Cambrian series, and am most excited ;D
I was just wondering, though, can I ride these routes with others (friends/family) or do they have to also pay to ride or be an Audax UK member?
which Cambrians are you doing ?
Thanks guys. I know that area of Wales pretty well so figured they would be very very hilly and was expecting 5 to 6 hours for the 100 km with stops. That is what I want though. Need to toughen up a bit, seemed like this would be a great way to do so as the scenery will take my mind off the pain, somewhat!
Thanks guys. I know that area of Wales pretty well so figured they would be very very hilly and was expecting 5 to 6 hours for the 100 km with stops. That is what I want though. Need to toughen up a bit, seemed like this would be a great way to do so as the scenery will take my mind off the pain, somewhat!
Thanks guys. I know that area of Wales pretty well so figured they would be very very hilly and was expecting 5 to 6 hours for the 100 km with stops. That is what I want though. Need to toughen up a bit, seemed like this would be a great way to do so as the scenery will take my mind off the pain, somewhat!
5-6 with stops ::-) see this http://connect.garmin.com/activity/427042903
OK I stopped 45 min @ Tregaron for a fabulous burger @ Y Talbot but the leg Beulah > Tregaron took nearly 2 hours riding !
and it`s an over distance 100km as it seems several of the other 100km are---but a fantastic route---thinking of 1D this Saturday (Bwlch Y Groes loop) but worried that snow level / ice may affect the higher roads
Although in theory AUK riders are not supposed to have outside assistance (eg pacing from other riders) on Audax events, I would be the last person to stop anyone from doing it on the rides I organise. The biggest barrier to riding in company on these rides is the terrain - as its much harder to ride in a group over lumpy ground. And there aren't many flat bits in the Cambrian Series :)
But of course I would welcome new AUK members and entries, especially if, having ridden one or two they get the bug. ;D
(After all, I was so impressed by the [Cambrian Series] that I bought the company {took over the organising from Peter Coulson})
At least you're warned ;D , before I went on the 3A I though the Devil's Staircase was in the Brecon Beacons (no, that's the much easier, Devil's Elbow). I knew there was a climb between Llanwrtydd Wells and Tregaron but was most shocked when presented with the almost vertical wall of the staircase.
I recall writing a ride report here afterwards including mention of that [expletive self moderated] climb! What the heck was that?
Only when I looked at my Strava segments afterwards did I discover its identity. :facepalm:
I will use a much lighter bike with better gearing.
34 * 28 - my roadbike is a BMC Streetracer - nice light racing machine albeit not carbon.
I tried and failed the Staircase on a 34*26 as Wiggle sent me a replacement cassette of the wrong ilk far too close to the date of the ride so I had little choice but to use it (the old one had worn out on my previous audax). The bike I used was my much heavier Hybrid I use for commuting. It should have had a 34*34 lowest gear and I might have been alright on that.
Personal preferences and all that but I'd definitely recommend a compact chainset if you're doing hilly rides in Wales. 20%+ gradients are not uncommon around the parts there be dragons! ;)
(I did do the Devil's Staircase on a compact once and nearly expired at the top).
14% and 16% will be encountered on Cambrian Series rides, usually 3 or 4 times per 100km. 20%+ like the Devils Staircase are actually unusual (the 4C is the toughest). I find a 30" gear ideal (the 27" was installed with Bwlch-y-groes in mind) - so I'd recommend a triple rather than a compact - as this allows a 30-granny ring to be used. With a compact, the 34" will require a dinner plate on the rear to get up the hardest hills comfortably. (I did do the Devil's Staircase on a compact once and nearly expired at the top). On the plus side a triple also allows a bigger big ring (eg 52 or 53) which means you can take advantage of some of the lovely long fast descents that are available - probably the closest you can get to real alpine descending in the UK. (Although please descend the Devil's Staircase with care..... :demon:)
Well I just looked it up on Strava - looks a reasonable toughie. Aside from the real killers like the Staircase (which as CET says are only occasional on these rides and won't feature at all I don't think on the shorter 1 and 2 series rides) that's probably as hard as anything you'll typically encounter.
What the main problem was was the frequency of them - it's not flat flat flat, BIG BILL, flat flat flat - they can just be relentless.
The worst bit of the 3A for me was actually towards the end - being knackered didn't help at all of course - but the rolling nature of the countryside between Hay on Wye and Monthmouth meant a rollercoaster of downslopes and steep upslopes on tired legs. That's when my spirit broke and I phone my missus wailing that 'I can't DO this anymore! Waaaah'
Then of course i got over it and did actually manage to finish. If you've got company that will help you get through such things :-) And the 3A is 300k - 200k rides don't do that to me - at least not yet.
I saw 18% and 25% on that Edge hill plot on Strava by the way. That's steep. But it didn't looks sustained. The Devil's Staircase has a really sustained 25% slope - it doesn't relent for a good couple of hundred feet. It's nasty nasty nasty.
http://100hillsforgeorge.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/hill-no-4-93-devils-staircase-powys.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-qCNTlFTGM
Love the Milk Race video - even Gethin Butler struggling up it.
And the quote at the end
"What do you think of the Devil?"
"That's not normal....!"
I heard they took the Milk Race up Bwlch y Groes as well - which is not quite as steep but five times as long....
Having said that, the professionals still looked like they were riding up it. I'm sure I've never gone up it at the speed. But then I've always done at least 75 miles by the time I've got to the foot of it.
Would be great to see the Tour of Britain take in this stretch of road but it would probably fail a risk assessment for the hairy descent on the other side.
Oh - and the shame in recommending a triple is less than the shame of walking up a hill and watching others ride past. The Prescelis and also the Lampeter - New Quay road offer great opportunities for high speed descents but these can be done with any gear ratio except fixed....
No time for an epic ride report from today atm. However, here is a picture taken at 7 am this morning an hour out of Monmouth on the Cambrian 2A. Another stunning Cambrian ride, would recommend. :thumbsup:
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b80/littlegirlbunny/1941616_10152524421762845_7157808969409241405_o_zps65b1170a.jpg) (http://s17.photobucket.com/user/littlegirlbunny/media/1941616_10152524421762845_7157808969409241405_o_zps65b1170a.jpg.html)
I can set up a separate Cambrian Series thread if you would like. I've been thinking about it….
I can set up a separate Cambrian Series thread if you would like. I've been thinking about it….
Why not just adjust the title ???
Magnificent!
(It seems to go over the same bit of road three times just before 200km... went back to find something dropped?)
??? Newtown isn`t shown as a control town on 2J route ? but you refer to it as such above /\
I've just tried to put together the route for the 2E, but bikehike has managed to generate it to 249 km. Anyone else had this problem?
I've just tried to put together the route for the 2E, but bikehike has managed to generate it to 249 km. Anyone else had this problem?
Googlemaps gives 210
Which means riding up the Bwlch the steepest way, right? Sounds like a challenge to me!
Which means riding up the Bwlch the steepest way, right? Sounds like a challenge to me!
What other way would you want to ride up it. It was the most memorable bit of riding I did last year, 300km into the 4C at 5am, having already got 5500m ascent in my legs, and had only 3 roadside catnaps. I did the whole thing in a 27" gear (30-30) sitting down wherever I didn't feel that the front wheel would rise off the tarmac. All the way into Bala this mantra was going through my head "I climbed Bwlch y Groes, I climbed Bwlch y Groes….."
Just as a guide, the 2E has been completed 4 times in my tenure (2008 onwards). Helpfully three of the riders who did complete it also did the 2A and generally they took about an hour longer to do the 2E than the 2A. It is probably the hardest of the 200s. The best value attempt was a rider who started at Bala, rode clockwise and reached Bwlch y Groes in the dark on the day that only comes around every 4 years, fearing that he would be out of time, only to finish with 4 minutes to spare.
Chapeau Jo :thumbsup:+1!
Clearly Bwlch is Welsh for 'truly brutal climb of epic proportions that you can barely spin up even in a 34*32 and you can see coming from a distance only to realise it is only part of it and it gets even worse when you get round the corner as evidenced by the GPS contour lines'
I did not, however, have "I climbed Bwlch y Groes, I climbed Bwlch y Groes….." running through my head on the way to Bala, but rather "please, God, destroy that mountain before the end of June so I don't have to do it again in two weeks" ;)
Quote from: rabbitClearly Bwlch is Welsh for 'truly brutal climb of epic proportions that you can barely spin up even in a 34*32 and you can see coming from a distance only to realise it is only part of it and it gets even worse when you get round the corner as evidenced by the GPS contour lines'
I did not, however, have "I climbed Bwlch y Groes, I climbed Bwlch y Groes….." running through my head on the way to Bala, but rather "please, God, destroy that mountain before the end of June so I don't have to do it again in two weeks" ;)
You don't anyway. Mc1k goes up the other side, from Bala. Then left at the junction to drop down to Vyrnwy. Otoh, you will have 900k in the legs at that point...
Oops, commiserations.
I fancy a foray into the Cambrians. Might start with the 2B. Could you post a route Caerau?
2E this Friday is my pain.... Bwlch y Groes hard way--see jo`s report !!
Yes, that Chepstow to Abergavenny route is not the one i'd take. I'd go up past Llangwym on the Usk road and at Usk turn north towards Abergavenny. Only one significant climb and it is about 3% all the way.
From Talybont to Hay, I don't know the routes, so would be an adventure. Might pen this in for late July sometime.
Jamesbradnor, the 2B appeals because you can start in Chepstow. I only live 8 miles from there.
I will take pity and lead the autobus ;) ::-)
Any chance you can get paypal entries sorted for these rides ?
No cheque book anymore.
After much to my surprise on day 2 actually surviving the blacksheep monster that was Mr Pickwick yn mynd i chwilio am ddreigiau and having messed up the peacocks and Kites with a a DNS I find that i am in need of a 300 to complete a Cymru SR.
As the 3 rides completed so far have given me 15 AAA points I do not think I have any need for further suffering in the hills and was thinking of going for the "easy" 3D as an option (no AAA points only 3000m of climbing).
Has any one got a route for this i can have a play with and / or any recomendations on routing given this skirts some busy areas at time.
Ok I seem to have developed a free weekend at the end of July (26/27) and am strongly considering this as a potential Cambrian 400 weekend. Anyone else interested?
Ok I seem to have developed a free weekend at the end of July (26/27) and am strongly considering this as a potential Cambrian 400 weekend. Anyone else interested?
I`d really like join you on this but have to go down to Plymouth that w/e so sadly can`t (if I could I surely would----and then be looking for a 600 again ?? )
Would do w/e after though
After much to my surprise on day 2 actually surviving the blacksheep monster that was Mr Pickwick yn mynd i chwilio am ddreigiau and having messed up the peacocks and Kites with a a DNS I find that i am in need of a 300 to complete a Cymru SR.
As the 3 rides completed so far have given me 15 AAA points I do not think I have any need for further suffering in the hills and was thinking of going for the "easy" 3D as an option (no AAA points only 3000m of climbing).
Has any one got a route for this i can have a play with and / or any recomendations on routing given this skirts some busy areas at time.
Any chance you can get paypal entries sorted for these rides ?
Any chance you can get paypal entries sorted for these rides ?
Will look into it. Probably won't be for the next few weeks as having taken a week out of family life to go to the Alps for my 50th cycling will be a thoughtcrime.
Ok I seem to have developed a free weekend at the end of July (26/27) and am strongly considering this as a potential Cambrian 400 weekend. Anyone else interested?
Ok I seem to have developed a free weekend at the end of July (26/27) and am strongly considering this as a potential Cambrian 400 weekend. Anyone else interested?
Yes. :)
Ok I seem to have developed a free weekend at the end of July (26/27) and am strongly considering this as a potential Cambrian 400 weekend. Anyone else interested?
Yes. :)
Really? Awesome ;D
The only thing that may put the kabosh on a Cambrian is doing a DIY 400 from home to Plymouth starting Saturday early. You would, of course, be welcome to join me on that one. It'll be pretty hilly via the FoD, Quantocks and Cornish Coastline :)
Where are you thinking of doing this 400 Rabbit - I might consider designing a DIY or do another CS200 that coincides with it for a while...
DIY org standing by...
I'd only do a ride that I can ride to and from, so it'd have to start from the Welsh border (about 100 miles from home) and preferably on a Saturday morning for a 400 or possibly early Saturday afternoon.
Plymouth sounds good, but for me it would mean either a train ticket to get home, which would be too expensive for me, or would use up holiday from work, which I have very little of and would like to keep.
Unless I can find a very cheap train ticket from Plymouth to Milton Keynes that is.
Cambrian Series should now be set up to enter via the website and Paypal. However, I'm never convinced about things until they have been properly tested so let me know how it works and be prepared to fall back to a conventional process.
I've also put in possible start points on the website but, as always the rides can be started from anywhere on the route or marginally off it.
I'd only do a ride that I can ride to and from...
I wanted to have the cards at hand and do the rides when I can fit them in, but when I enter on line it wants me to fill out a date and I can't get any further if I try to leave it blank.
Plus the 6A has got some funny message about the price:
£To be confirmed Warning: number_format() expects parameter 1 to be double, string given in /srv/www/aukweb/aukcms/events/detail.php on line 261 ( £ when paying via PayPal. )
Edit 1: It will let me enter if I put the date format as 00/00/2015 or 00/00/2016 etc. Would this be ok if I did the ride at any time in that year or shall I just do a bank transfer or paypal for the full set ?
Question for those who have done the 3A....did you do the dull as dishwater A40 between Abergavenny and Brecon? I hate that bit of road, but it does seem to be the straightest/shortest route.
This is pretty much what I did when I rode the 3A in 2010: click (http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/perms/C3A.gpx). Chepstow start, then up to Hay, Brecon etc.
I`ve put together a potential 4F route ---http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5305922?privacy_code=jaCchbuzq6UEKIJu --and it comes out at 420km---I will start @ Knighton and can trim a km or two off by not going via Bleddfa to Llangunllo but via Knucklas etc.
Any thoughts on modifications, in particular the bits around Aberdare / Heads Valley Road which I can`t seem to find alternatives on. My expected schedule would see my @ Aberdare / Merthyr around 9-10pm---on a Saturday night too ??? ---before heading up to Talybont / Hay / Kington on home leg
Well---ended up riding 2E anti clockwise instead, ie going down really steep side Bwlch y Groes. At moment all I can say is that it was very very very hard ride entirely " relentless hills " is a very fair description; Newtown > lake Vyrnwy, 40 km was L1000m alone and I now realise why i`ve only once ever ridden the New mills > Llanfair Caerenion road :o--clocked up 4 300m ascent and it was relentless; temps to 25c + were trying and a lot of time spent stopping to refill body and bottles on drinks. Fuller report soon
Well---ended up riding 2E anti clockwise instead, ie going down really steep side Bwlch y Groes. At moment all I can say is that it was very very very hard ride entirely " relentless hills " is a very fair description; Newtown > lake Vyrnwy, 40 km was L1000m alone and I now realise why i`ve only once ever ridden the New mills > Llanfair Caerenion road :o--clocked up 4 300m ascent and it was relentless; temps to 25c + were trying and a lot of time spent stopping to refill body and bottles on drinks. Fuller report soon
It's a strange thing about a circular ride that the ascent on the clockwise direction is the same as that in the anti-clockwise direction - so what you gain by descending the steep of Bwlch-y-Groes you must make up somewhere else!
There are three ways up it (one from the East as well) - a bit like Mont Ventoux. Come to think of it there is a challenge for climbing Ventoux three ways - I am sure I could do something for Bwlch y Groes if there was the interest....!
"Bwlch three goes" sounds like a cracking challenge!
"Bwlch three goes" sounds like a cracking challenge!
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5474522
Bala > BYG north ascent> Vyrnwy> Dinas> BYG South ascent >Bala>Hirnnat > Vyrnwy> BYG east ascent >Bala,
avoids going DOWN the south side 2 x north side descents, 1 x east side descent
c 128km, 2 400m ascent
"Bwlch three goes" sounds like a cracking challenge!
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5474522
Bala > BYG north ascent> Vyrnwy> Dinas> BYG South ascent >Bala>Hirnnat > Vyrnwy> BYG east ascent >Bala,
avoids going DOWN the south side 2 x north side descents, 1 x east side descent
c 128km, 2 400m ascent
Ooh nasty
I like it 8)
"Bwlch three goes" sounds like a cracking challenge!
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5474522
Bala > BYG north ascent> Vyrnwy> Dinas> BYG South ascent >Bala>Hirnnat > Vyrnwy> BYG east ascent >Bala,
avoids going DOWN the south side 2 x north side descents, 1 x east side descent
c 128km, 2 400m ascent
Ooh nasty
I like it 8)
perhaps this then could be a Camb perm forum ride as a DIY ? Such jolly fun I might try to ride it....
"Bwlch three goes" sounds like a cracking challenge!
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5474522
Bala > BYG north ascent> Vyrnwy> Dinas> BYG South ascent >Bala>Hirnnat > Vyrnwy> BYG east ascent >Bala,
avoids going DOWN the south side 2 x north side descents, 1 x east side descent
c 128km, 2 400m ascent
Ooh nasty
I like it 8)
perhaps this then could be a Camb perm forum ride as a DIY ? Such jolly fun I might try to ride it....
Yes, although, I suspect getting it done in the time limit for a 100 with that much over distance and that much brutal climbing may actually be tough...when you think the 1A with 2200 was pretty tough?? We could extend to a 200?
"Bwlch three goes" sounds like a cracking challenge!
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5474522
Bala > BYG north ascent> Vyrnwy> Dinas> BYG South ascent >Bala>Hirnnat > Vyrnwy> BYG east ascent >Bala,
avoids going DOWN the south side 2 x north side descents, 1 x east side descent
c 128km, 2 400m ascent
Ooh nasty
I like it 8)
perhaps this then could be a Camb perm forum ride as a DIY ? Such jolly fun I might try to ride it....
Yes, although, I suspect getting it done in the time limit for a 100 with that much over distance and that much brutal climbing may actually be tough...when you think the 1A with 2200 was pretty tough?? We could extend to a 200?
from what I understood a 100km DIY gets BP timings ---so this would have a 12hr limit; -----10kph minm speed
a 100km DIY gets BP timings...... .....10kph minm speed
a 100km DIY gets BP timings...... .....10kph minm speed
Correct. Not always known. Often worth bearing in mind, eg for very hilly rides, and when you want to ride further than the shortest (counting) distance.
As an aside Zigzag and I did a route around Le Bourg d'Oisans last month - Le Bourg d'Oisans - Col du Sarenne - Les Deux Alpes - D211a - Garde D'Huez - Le Bourg d'Oisans - Villard Notre Dame - Col de Saulude - Villard Raymon - Le Bourg d'Oisans which managed 3600m ascent in 108km which is my new gold standard. But I don't think we had much over 11% on that route. We had an hour for lunch and a bit of faffing to top our water supplies so if we'd set our minds to it we would just have got round at 15kph.
33.3m/km!
Cambrian 8A on 16-17 August from Llanidloes anyone? A nice post Mille Cymru warm down ;D
Cambrian 8A on 16-17 August from Llanidloes anyone? A nice post Mille Cymru warm down ;D
Weekend after would be tempting - would have BH to recover! ;D
Cambrian 8A on 16-17 August from Llanidloes anyone? A nice post Mille Cymru warm down ;D
Cambrian 8A on 16-17 August from Llanidloes anyone? A nice post Mille Cymru warm down ;D
Weekend after would be tempting - would have BH to recover! ;D
Does that sound reasonable?
Or would that be no, dumb, stupid idea, don't do it. You'd suffer
immensely?
I'm toying with the idea of a Cambrian series weekend sometime in Sep consisting of:
Train London Paddington to Bristol Parkway. Roll down to Severn view Travelodge, arriving
Friday evening.
Then on Sat get up 4 am. Do 3A picking Chepstow as start (obviously). Finish in time to go to sleep
at the Travelodge at midnight-ish.
Then get up Sun at 5 am. Do the 2B, once again picking Chepstow as start (obviously). Finish in time
to catch a train back to London from Parkway at around 8 pm.
Does that sound reasonable? Or would that be no, dumb, stupid idea, don't do it. You'd suffer
immensely?
I'm toying with the idea of a Cambrian series weekend sometime in Sep consisting of:Sounds to me like riding very hilly 500k in the same time as a 600 (I.e.40 hours). So if you usually get time for a good sleep on a normal 600, it sounds perfectly sensible.
Train London Paddington to Bristol Parkway. Roll down to Severn view Travelodge, arriving
Friday evening.
Then on Sat get up 4 am. Do 3A picking Chepstow as start (obviously). Finish in time to go to sleep
at the Travelodge at midnight-ish.
Then get up Sun at 5 am. Do the 2B, once again picking Chepstow as start (obviously). Finish in time
to catch a train back to London from Parkway at around 8 pm.
Does that sound reasonable? Or would that be no, dumb, stupid idea, don't do it. You'd suffer
immensely?
Wow, that makes me feel rather better about last years ride. I didn't realise I was one of only 6 who've done the 3A
I find that rather hard to believe in fact - presumably more people did it before you took them over...?
If you're travelling from Abingdon, I doubt the distance is much different if you cross over the Severn (for 'free') at Gloucester and come down to Chepstow from there
especially if you go through Painscastle and Hundred House on the Hay to Llandod leg.
I've just added a piece on my C8A outing last weekend in the ride reports. Legs are still talking to me!
I've just added a piece on my C8A outing last weekend in the ride reports. Legs are still talking to me!
Can you provide a link to this ?
Reached a milestone today, the 250th entry for a Cambrian series ride since I took them over. 6 entries from 3 riders today takes the total entries past the 50 mark for this season - a first for me (and I think for the series).
I'm guessing that news on the forum and Paypal entries have contributed to the increase in take-up. I only wish I had more time so I could do more of the rides.
Not a Cambrian excatly but am planning a DIY-GPS Bwlch Y Groes x 3 this Friday ;D
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5942042
any takers ???? about 9:30 start on A470 near mallwyd, hardest side first off....... :thumbsup:
I thought you, Jamesbradnor, CET, and select others, floated up thousands of metres without going through any significant pain at all!
(one of my favourite rides, especially if you go through Painscastle and Hundred House on the Hay to Llandod leg.
I thought you, Jamesbradnor, CET, and select others, floated up thousands of metres without going through any significant pain at all!
you MUST be joking !!!
If you don't like climbing too much Can't Climb, I'd be trying to avoid Painscastle if I were you - there are some truly (and unavoidable) brutal climbs through there.
Having said that, if you were trying to avoid climbing then a CS ride is probably best avoided altogether. ;D
I thought you, Jamesbradnor, CET, and select others, floated up thousands of metres without going through any significant pain at all!
Well done Can't Climb and James! Both pretty audacious efforts!
I'll pencil that Bwlch x 3 in for next year I think James. Can't see me being back up that way any time before the weather changes. :thumbsup:
19 mins up the South Side = pretty darned quick :thumbsup:
Did you submit for AAA and if so what was the figures?
(Despite your post being nothing about CS Perms :-P )
Looks nice James, I might go there one day.
(Despite your post being nothing about CS Perms :-P )
in my defence, yer honour, the very idea of the ride was aired in CS thread and I think that Mr CET may also have ideas about making this a CS perm. I rest my case, sir
6A done :thumbsup:
This weekend with aunt maud.
Write up to follow
Crickey o Riley it was TOUGH :o
6A done :thumbsup:
This weekend with aunt maud.
Write up to follow
Crickey o Riley it was TOUGH :o
6A done :thumbsup:
6A done :thumbsup:
This weekend with aunt maud.
Write up to follow
Crickey o Riley it was TOUGH :o
Glad to have helped you out with a splash of water. My friend just kept saying "their mad" I tried to defend you but then realised that many people on hear are in fact mad, myself included. Great writeup, makes me want to head out to ride it myself.
New Cambrian Permanent Series Machine Ordered.
After the severe pasting dished out to oneself by the 6A and the humiliation of never being able to catch the Rabbit, I've come to the conclusion that a new mount with gears of the granny type is the only way forward.
So by the magic of the digital age, I'm now slightly poorer in sponsdoolics but have an extra and much needed N.
Which goes like so: http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/archive/2014/tricross/tricross-elite-disc#press-and-reviews
Sporting; discs, 34x30 granny gear and muddy mounts.......just the ticket methinks.
Bring on the 4B.
Hoping to be fixed in time to do another Cambrian 200 for my November RRTY
I have been an advocate of triple chain rings for a long time. A 30 x most commercial cassettes makes a lot of sense for sustained 10%+ climbing, especially the likes of Bwlch-y-Groes after several hundred kilometres.
Interestingly enough, when Zizag and I went to the Alps ended up climbing most of those in about 30 x 23. Neither of us are known to dawdle on the climbs. Most of the time it was difficult for us to benchmark our speed but on Alpe d'Huez we were sailing past most of the punters who were struggling on (for them) overgeared compact chainsets. It's not just having a very low gear that helps, but having a choice of very low gears.
I'm summoning up courage to talk to Mrs CET about next year, but likelihood is last week of July for the 8A. That gives me 4 weeks to recover for PBP and also fits in with family holidays. I'm interested in Rabbit's ultra-light bivi approach as that would be good on the 8A, I could then do it by train using Caersws as an additional control/start/finish point and not have to worry about a drive home.
A compact crank cannot mount a 32t chainring. The smallest standard ring for a 110mm PCD is 34t, though the rare 33t ring that will also fit.
A compact crank cannot mount a 32t chainring. The smallest standard ring for a 110mm PCD is 34t, though the rare 33t ring that will also fit.
8A ?? still maybe---but Rabbit will be off like a shot up the hills ::-)
8A ?? still maybe---but Rabbit will be off like a shot up the hills ::-)
Yeah well, that's just something we're going to have to get used to.
TA sell 33t 110PCD rings.
Congrats Rabbit & Adam !!!!
Gearing ;)
I have a FSA chainset which is 50:33
It runs with my DI2 eleven speed chain width & 12:28 cassette
33:28 is maybe not quite a winching gear but I've had no problems with hills like Park Rash, Devils thingy, etc
The Cambrians are much better once the threat of icy stuff has gone. There are a lot of surprising frost hollows around, especially in the area around Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells, which are surrounded by high hills, and there aren't many people who can do the 200s in the daylight hours of November - February. Although I had a memorable day in April 2005 doing the 2A with snow showers (not settling). My first ever Cambrian Series ride.
Gearing ;)
8A is on! 24th - 26th July. Agreed schedule with Mrs CET today. Perfect time to fill the gap between PBP qualification and PBP. If others are interested maybe can sort out some logistics.. ;D :thumbsup:
8A is on! 24th - 26th July. Agreed schedule with Mrs CET today. Perfect time to fill the gap between PBP qualification and PBP. If others are interested maybe can sort out some logistics.. ;D :thumbsup:
What are you planning for overnight stops?
8A is on! 24th - 26th July. Agreed schedule with Mrs CET today. Perfect time to fill the gap between PBP qualification and PBP. If others are interested maybe can sort out some logistics.. ;D :thumbsup:
What are you planning for overnight stops?
8A is on! 24th - 26th July. Agreed schedule with Mrs CET today. Perfect time to fill the gap between PBP qualification and PBP. If others are interested maybe can sort out some logistics.. ;D :thumbsup:
What are you planning for overnight stops?
Toilets....You know you love toilets Rabbit.
Not sure yet. When I set the route up, as a figure of 8 I assumed an overnight stop at the crossover in Llanidloes. However, unless you are Swiss Hat then whichever half of the eight you start with will take close to 24 hours so isn't an overnight stop. Although I'm still tempted to drive to a lay-by near Llanidloes as I could stretch out in my old Volvo and get a couple of hours kip.
So my next thought was to take a train to somewhere en route (such as Caersws, which I used as my start/finish for the 4C last year), with a lunchtime start, then ride through the first night, and have pre booked accommodation for the second night (there is a Premier Inn in Aberdare).
The third option I've considered is to start early in the morning in Knighton, take a bivvy bag and find a quiet place just of the road when I get too tired to focus on the road, and then use Aberdare as the second overnight stop.
What I've done on the 400s is to look at the distance of each leg and amount of climbing on each leg which gives me a rough idea of how long I will take. Generally I'm best if I spend midnight to 4am asleep or not moving. So I was going to spend a bit more time on the above three strategies to see if they make sense.
The Cambrian Series SR sounds like a good bit of fun to me.
Well, you can rule out a winter attempt as the 6A in October was cold enough.
It's all in the planning, Rabbit. ::-) #Gottoloveatoiletblock
I seem to be in limbo on the website probably because I've just renewed my membership ...
It's all in the planning, Rabbit. ::-) #Gottoloveatoiletblock
^conker that :thumbsup:
TBH the biggest problem in October/winter is the darned lack of open youth hostels.
Cheers Adamski. Thanks for the route :thumbsup:
What is the short secton at about 154km like just before Pont-rhyd-y-groes that passes alongside the Ystwyth river? On the map it looks like it is an off road path with no entry signs at either end. Is it a cycle path and if so whats the surface like?
Cheers Adamski. Thanks for the route :thumbsup:
What is the short secton at about 154km like just before Pont-rhyd-y-groes that passes alongside the Ystwyth river? On the map it looks like it is an off road path with no entry signs at either end. Is it a cycle path and if so whats the surface like?
Just stick to the road. It's steep but you won't crash...
I've only ever done the ride clockwise. It's the best 300 route imaginable, perhaps the Scottish option aside, and were it not for the excellence and tradition of the established Elenith and its younger, and linguistically advanced, brother Yr Elenydd, I'd have probably put it on as a calendar event from Chepstow or Tintern.
Well, it's time to blow off the winter cobwebs and dust it down, as it's nearing Cambrian time.
First up then is a social amble, taking in the scenery of the 2A from Hay in the company of jamesld8, on the 20th March for a warm up to The Cambrian Classic on the 21st.
Anyone care to join a social outing to stretch the legs with a bit of grin and bear it thrown in?
Clockwise looks sensible.
Clockwise looks sensible.
Yes then if done in can take valley back along Wye rather than Painscastle rollers ;D
Clockwise looks sensible.
Yes then if done in can take valley back along Wye rather than Painscastle rollers ;D
Cheating! ;D
I love it around Painscastle, just beautiful area. The Begwyns particularly make my heart sing. Did a DIY on Saturday that went from home to Stourport, Over Clee, then Clun and ran south through Knighton, Presteigne, Painscastle, and back through undulating Herefordshire. Just stunning :thumbsup:
Clockwise looks sensible.
Yes then if done in can take valley back along Wye rather than Painscastle rollers ;D
Cheating! ;D
I love it around Painscastle, just beautiful area. The Begwyns particularly make my heart sing. Did a DIY on Saturday that went from home to Stourport, Over Clee, then Clun and ran south through Knighton, Presteigne, Painscastle, and back through undulating Herefordshire. Just stunning :thumbsup:
Clockwise looks sensible.
Yes then if done in can take valley back along Wye rather than Painscastle rollers ;D
Cheating! ;D
Looks like I might have to find another weekend for the 8A. The Ramblin Man Festival in Maidstone is v. tempting.
From the bunkhouse page:Clockwise looks sensible.
Yes then if done in can take valley back along Wye rather than Painscastle rollers ;D
Cheating! ;D
Yup, but don't forget rabbit dear I'm old and very sloooooooooowwwwww.
**The 4D spanning the 9-10/4 with a sleep stop at YHA Dolgoch Bunkhouse anyone ?**
http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/dolgoch-bunkhouse
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7113618
**The 4D spanning the 9-10/4 with a sleep stop at YHA Dolgoch Bunkhouse anyone ?**
**The 4D spanning the 9-10/4 with a sleep stop at YHA Dolgoch Bunkhouse anyone ?**
Hmmm sounds interesting. 9-10/4 is a Thursday/Friday? A mid week ride would be ok with me.
**The 4D spanning the 9-10/4 with a sleep stop at YHA Dolgoch Bunkhouse anyone ?**
Hmmm sounds interesting. 9-10/4 is a Thursday/Friday? A mid week ride would be ok with me.
<prayer> I'm riding/crawling round Yr Elenydd on the Saturday, so a lunch/mid afternoon finish would suit me fine.</prayer>
That`s one heck of a lot of climbing you`re packing into 3 days !!!---round about 11 000m I think---bon courage ;D
I'm tentatively thinking about using my PBP fitness, and a bit more again, to ride the 8A sometime late September/early October 15. Does anyone have GPX they could share? @rabbit Anyone want to join me?
I'm tentatively thinking about using my PBP fitness, and a bit more again, to ride the 8A sometime late September/early October 15. Does anyone have GPX they could share? @rabbit Anyone want to join me?
I'm tentatively thinking about using my PBP fitness, and a bit more again, to ride the 8A sometime late September/early October 15. Does anyone have GPX they could share? @rabbit Anyone want to join me?
I'm tentatively thinking about using my PBP fitness, and a bit more again, to ride the 8A sometime late September/early October 15. Does anyone have GPX they could share? @rabbit Anyone want to join me?
It's a hard ask to do this with 12 hours of darkness each day as you will have a lot of big hills to do in the dark and it is hard to make up time on the ascents. To give you an idea of the terrain in 2013 I did the 4C a week after the Rough Diamond 300k on the same bike and similar weather. My average riding speed on the Rough Diamond was 30.0kph and on the 4C was 20.0 kph.
I'm tentatively thinking about using my PBP fitness, and a bit more again, to ride the 8A sometime late September/early October 15. Does anyone have GPX they could share? @rabbit Anyone want to join me?
It's a hard ask to do this with 12 hours of darkness each day as you will have a lot of big hills to do in the dark and it is hard to make up time on the ascents. To give you an idea of the terrain in 2013 I did the 4C a week after the Rough Diamond 300k on the same bike and similar weather. My average riding speed on the Rough Diamond was 30.0kph and on the 4C was 20.0 kph.
But at 20.0 kph you'd still get round in the time limit as long as stops were minimised? How much sleep did you have? I don't find any difference descending in the dark to the light, unless it's icy. The little lanes are just shite to descend on anyway, especially with sleep deprevation/exhaustion on top.
I have a new plan for my own attempt on the C8A, agreed provisionally with Mrs CET this morning - starting from Aberdare at 10.16am on Thursday 25th June - aiming to complete by 10.16pm on Saturday 27th June and recovering in the delights of the Premier Inn, Aberdare on Saturday night.
Its a definite commitment now as have booked the Premier Inn for £25 + £8.75 for an all you can eat breakfast on the Sunday morning (they really shouldn't make such offers!!!!) This replaces the plan for a month late which clashed with the Ramblin' Man Fair in Maidstone.
So, anyone who wants a half-decent test of fitness before PBP, or an epic because they can't be bothered/missed out on PBP qualifying/just love very long Cambrian Perms is welcome to join in!
The 6B looks interesting for an October jaunt.
The 6B looks interesting for an October jaunt.
Does it go near warm facilities?
Interesting stats!
What about the 1A? I think that has to be one of the best 100's out there and I'm surprised it's not on the popular list.
6A http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5848540
6B http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6626509
4B http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6177784
4D http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7113618
3A http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5895066
2A http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5884696
They may need some tweaking, as they're in the planning.
Ah well, 8 hours in the YHA at Dolgoch and a full English at Hay took its toll and we were 22 minutes over time. ;)
But I blame it on the jobsworth behind the counter at Monmouth Post office, who made me wait whilst he had a chat about the Lib Dems election manifesto to some tie-dye clad hippy, then refused to stamp my card despite all the other Banks and Post Offices on the route doing so.......Post Office rules say nada! ::-)
8 hours kip on a Cambrian 400! People would start to think these events are an easy option :demon:
Here's to your emotional rescue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iw_BE_X9sA
Family andworkcome first. Any possibility of a September outing?
If this year's shown anything it's that the time of year makes little difference to Welsh weather ;)
Bah, I was looking forward to that ride report! But echo sentiment re family coming first. Anybody done the 3b so I can compare route options, and am I right in assuming you can start at any control and go in either direction (but then have to follow them in that prescribed order)
Are any of these routes online somewhere in gpx/map/eparchment form? Its a logistical challenge for me to start anywhere in Wales except Chepstow (and that's non-trivial), so i'd like to look at what options are worth the effort.
(yes, I know the control town names are on the event pages - but if anyone has done the 'next step' and put it online, that would be fab! )
My only other question is how do you control if no cash machine and an obscure hour of the day. Okay maybe I lied (second question); how do I go about ordering all the 100 brevet cards for a rainy day
I have a 100km circular route from llantwit Major along the coast to Ogmore where it turns inland and over the Bwlch Y Clawd pass at 530 meters before descending back to Llantwit by a different route.... Always seeking new knowledge
Sorry Banjo, I was beaten to it,
As far as suggestions for 100km perms, I'm looking into a few ideas, further West. Around the Llandeilo area, my home patch. Got some great ideas for calender events but the main problem is controls being open or even exsisting at all without going into Carmarthen (too far west). I will work something out as this area is very sparse unless you go up to the 200's and above.
Cambrian 1K (proposed) - Maesteg – Treorchy – Hirwaun – Maerdy – Mountain Ash – Ferndale – Maesteg (106km) 2200m ascentsounds great although some of them controls sound like hopping over and doubling back into same valleys in odd order
Cambrian 1K (proposed) - Maesteg – Treorchy – Hirwaun – Maerdy – Mountain Ash – Ferndale – Maesteg (106km) 2200m ascentsounds great although some of them controls sound like hopping over and doubling back into same valleys in odd order
Cambrian 1K (proposed) - Maesteg – Treorchy – Hirwaun – Maerdy – Mountain Ash – Ferndale – Maesteg (106km) 2200m ascentsounds great although some of them controls sound like hopping over and doubling back into same valleys in odd order
I tried putting the route on the map and couldn't work out exactly what CET has in mind. either the controls are not in order or theres an extra one that needs deleting.
Will be a tough old 100kms when its finalized. Enough climbing for an AAA 200.
Will have to give it a go if/when its added to the list.
Actually, CET's route does work...
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9273132
That is quite savage looking at it.
The tricky bit goes Hirwaun, the west side of Aberdare, over to Meardy, back over the same climb, and then down to Mountain Ash, cuts over little roads to Ferndale. The shortest way back is then to Treorchy to retrace steps to Maesteg.It was that skip back i thought would be a mistake but having just planned this route, it looks absolutely brutal and I can't wait to do the proposed route. If you need a crash test dummy let me know.
Planning to have a crack at the 3A mid August starting from Chepstow but seeing as its the summer and - hopefully - nice and warm was thinking about camping the night before and whats left of the night after. Had a quick google around but couldn't find that many obvious camps sites close by to Chepstow.
Any recommendations?
I thought the whole point of riding The Cambrian Series Perms, was that you actually ride/dab up and down all the hilly bits and work for the AAA's......
Maybe that's just me being weird.
I am planning to ride the 2b sometime soon.
This time I am starting in Chepstow then anticlockwise. anyone care to comment on the route I have planned for it.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9291991
Not the shortest possible (I drew one at 201kms) this one has slightly less climbing .
@ Abergavenney (163.4km) take A4143 South, under A465, left @ Roundabout onto B4269, cross A4042 onto lane (no SP) that runs parallel with River Usk, through Maerdy, Right at LLanvair Kilgeddin B4598 rejoin route.
Looks like a nice route and you're welcome ;)
Don't forget to take some photos, so we can have a looksee.
@ Abergavenney (163.4km) take A4143 South, under A465, left @ Roundabout onto B4269, cross A4042 onto lane (no SP) that runs parallel with River Usk, through Maerdy, Right at LLanvair Kilgeddin B4598 rejoin route.
.
Certainly for people outside the area just a gmap overview gives a nice starting point:thumbsup:
Does anyone have a decent GPX file for the 2J?
Does anyone have a decent GPX file for the 2J?
funny you should ask that as it`s one of my `in waiting to ride `cards and I have put together a decent route methinks as here, comes in at 202.4 km so reckon it must be as close as can get. Nasty start out to Clun though via New Invention so you may not be thinking decent thoughts at that point ;D
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5884716
anybody completed 6b with a ride report. Where would your sleeping options be, not done a 600 perm before thinking of doing it early next year (March/April).
Certainly for people outside the area just a gmap overview gives a nice starting point - though I know what you mean about gpx routes - one persons nice route is anothers hell!
Cheers
Certainly for people outside the area just a gmap overview gives a nice starting point - though I know what you mean about gpx routes - one persons nice route is anothers hell!
Cheers
GMaps loaded for all the 100 and 200 rides as website links. The 2G gave me a surprise as it is possible to do it in 120 miles. So from now on instead of Conwy riders will need to use Penamaenmawr or Llandudno instead of Conwy. Penmaenmawr via the Sychnant pass would be in keeping with the Cambrian Series ethic of interesting hills.
1k sets a new standard; I havent heard of ANY of the control towns!
Which probably means I should ride it ASAP ...
1H sounds great :thumbsup:
1k sets a new standard; I havent heard of ANY of the control towns!
Which probably means I should ride it ASAP ...
That's a brilliant ride report. I won't be attempting it in this lifetime.+1 (possibly though may attempt ) but has prompted me to fit a 12-34 cassette for 1H ride coming up ;D
1H sounds great :thumbsup:
have card, will ride , will feedback ;D
Closest ATM to the station is TSB in Blue street. (If it's still open)
Come out of the station, bear left and go accross the footbridge
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.8530247,-4.3070544/51.8560192,-4.3080844/@51.855896,-4.3090254,18.75z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e2?hl=en
Closest ATM to the station is TSB in Blue street. (If it's still open)
Come out of the station, bear left and go accross the footbridge
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.8530247,-4.3070544/51.8560192,-4.3080844/@51.855896,-4.3090254,18.75z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e2?hl=en
1k is on for Monday for me and hammerman :)
Although do you mean 3b not 3a?Closest ATM to the station is TSB in Blue street. (If it's still open)
Come out of the station, bear left and go accross the footbridge
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/51.8530247,-4.3070544/51.8560192,-4.3080844/@51.855896,-4.3090254,18.75z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e2?hl=en
1k is on for Monday for me and hammerman :)
Thanks Plod. I've just seen this after a happy half-hour of Google Streetview checking out the one way systems of Carmarthen and Brecon and working out why I always go wrong in Brecon and Fishguard (no signposts at key junctions to deter grockles, or whatever they are called in Wales, from finding windy B roads and keeping their emmett boxes on the main drag).
Hope the weather is good for you on the 1K. I expect Im going to have rain from about an hour after sunrise, so will back a dry layer in the Nelson Longflap for the journey home.
3B it is. I'll have to give the organiser a telling off ;DHowd you get on? 3b was one of my highlights of 2015 and told me not to take the cambrians lightly!
....excellent report....
I'd get bored waiting around for him.
Meanwhile, here is some relevant puffery:
43 reasons why cycling anywhere in Wales is a terrible idea
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/fun-stuff/43-reasons-cycling-anywhere-wales-11080365
Blacksheep put a ludicrous info by the dam for his 600 last year.
(But it's a very lovely ride, so I'm trying it again this year - hopefully without the fog this time!).
The 2C also uses Newcastle Emlyn as a control (New Quay - Newcastle Emlyn - Fishguard - Carmarthen - Llandeilo - Lampeter - New Quay.) so you could start and finish at Newcastle Emlyn or use Llandysul as an extra start/finish control in between New Quay and Newcastle Emlyn which by my calculations adds 12k to the distance but not much climbing.This is looking favourite for Monday. I haven't found many routes for it on t'web (or even comments on here, except this https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=57183.msg1179659#msg1179659 ). So either it's little ridden, or there is only really 1 main route option. Or both.
The 2C also uses Newcastle Emlyn as a control (New Quay - Newcastle Emlyn - Fishguard - Carmarthen - Llandeilo - Lampeter - New Quay.) so you could start and finish at Newcastle Emlyn or use Llandysul as an extra start/finish control in between New Quay and Newcastle Emlyn which by my calculations adds 12k to the distance but not much climbing.This is looking favourite for Monday. I haven't found many routes for it on t'web (or even comments on here, except this https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=57183.msg1179659#msg1179659 ). So either it's little ridden, or there is only really 1 main route option. Or both.
At 201km this seems likely to be the shortest route.
https://connect.garmin.com/page/activity/activity.faces?activityId=32782213&actionMethod=page%2Factivity%2Factivity.xhtml%3AuserSwitcher.switchSystem&cid=11599286
Any reasons not to use this?
Any reasons to ride clockwise? (The obvious one being a much flatter finish, instead of the infamous Synod Inn climb!)
(and of course café tips for an anti-clock ride with an Emlyn start! )
the 3B does most of this route, except Llandeilo - Lampeter (it adds Brecon & Llanwrtyd) and I rode this route anticlockwise last Thursday (well Wednesday night - see write up above). The only change I would suggest is using the B4300 from Carmarthen to Llandeilo (through Capel Dewi) as this is pleasant, not hilly and much less traffic. There was a really good greasy spoon cafe in Lampeter which opened from 7am - if you approach from the east its on the right hand side before the main A road junction.
The Ty Croeso cafe in Newcastle Emlyn did a really good cheese and ham toastie.
The Barclays ATM in Fishguard wasn't giving receipts but perhaps they've put a new till roll in now.
Enjoy!
Mrs CET doesn't like the idea of me riding the 8A solo, so is anyone up for three days around Wales starting from Aberdare on Saturday 30th April. Otherwise I might do a 400 or head for the Porkers.
There`s 2A (goes thro Llanwrtyd and L`dod so could link into ) or 2B thro` Builth itself; or you could look at the 1H option (goes thro` Hundred House just up road from Builth)Failing that I could meet up with you in Builth for a 100-120 DIY hilly to take in eg a loop around Elan Valley / Painscastle hills, Epynt---
forgot :facepalm: may be in Bristol that Saturday, but here`s some other routes too
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12624061 or https://ridewithgps.com/routes/9524730 or https://ridewithgps.com/routes/6860470 linking into routes @ Newbridge just up A470 from Builth.
I`m not too far from Builth and OH is also going to Wonder wool ! My ride speed on a hilly 100 is around 20-22 kph average.
Entry number 100 for the season reached. Thank you all for supporting these rides and keeping them alive.
Looks like the 4F rather than the 8A for me this weekend as the weather forecast for the second half of the long weekend is interesting....
...I've heard that the Inuit have 37 different words for snow so I presume that Welsh have a similar number for liquid precipitation.
Entry number 100 for the season reached. Thank you all for supporting these rides and keeping them alive.100 entries eh. Any update on validations? <hint hint! I'm itching to get on the Cambrian Scoreboard! >
Looks like the 4F rather than the 8A for me this weekend as the weather forecast for the second half of the long weekend is interesting....
...I've heard that the Inuit have 37 different words for snow so I presume that Welsh have a similar number for liquid precipitation.
Many years ago, shortly after taking on the Cambrian Series rides,...
breakfast in St Davids then cycle via Fishguard, Llandeilo, Trecastle, Brecon, Crickhowell, Chepstow and back onto familiar roads near Oxford, home for Sunday night.
As feared I have gathering dust a 4F card, so as this passes right by my front door (I think) it might be on my list for 2017....
I can never load pictures on YACF either - does any one have a flow chart explaining how?https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=367.msg7323#msg7323 Point 5
On the google map of the 2B (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Monmouth/51.6409272,-2.6766526/Abergavenny,+Monmouthshire,+UK/Brecon,+Powys,+UK/Builth+Wells,+Powys,+UK/Hay-on-Wye,+Powys,+UK/Monmouth/@52.0678331,-3.439155,12.65z/data=!4m64!4m63!1m5!1m1!1s0x4871b6284a5b60cf:0xd8c4601b465848b7!2m2!1d-2.7163045!2d51.8116533!1m15!3m4!1m2!1d-2.714381!2d51.645596!3s0x4871eaac490bdc07:0x9aa963e42c502b03!3m4!1m2!1d-2.762981!2d51.6459458!3s0x4871ea80b4f1185b:0xbfb958f7042a1066!3m4!1m2!1d-2.8235075!2d51.6910832!3s0x4871c3d32d92c5f1:0x4d400775296a70c4!1m5!1m1!1s0x486e27e43a90123b:0x7df1b5eb2a20c6fa!2m2!1d-3.019423!2d51.825366!1m10!1m1!1s0x486e295269352fb7:0x9a709ed66f96fdd9!2m2!1d-3.391463!2d51.9489469!3m4!1m2!1d-3.452631!2d52.0679384!3s0x486fcebac2bfe6b7:0xef63dd8851ee8b07!1m5!1m1!1s0x486fc415bd5dd3f9:0x41ded9e4c6fc6007!2m2!1d-3.404592!2d52.150023!1m10!1m1!1s0x4870298c0cdc8981:0x50d8b23d498cb40!2m2!1d-3.125908!2d52.075697!3m4!1m2!1d-3.0028545!2d51.9731969!3s0x4871d3270462a755:0xf7931cabc06b07d3!1m5!1m1!1s0x4871b6284a5b60cf:0xd8c4601b465848b7!2m2!1d-2.7163045!2d51.8116533!3e1?hl=en) what is the side wiggle between Brecon & Builth Wells? It's not mentioned as a control point. Cafe worth knowing about?
Am starting to work on a 6C, carefully crafted to reach 10,000m ascent. Any takers?
Am starting to work on a 6C, carefully crafted to reach 10,000m ascent. Any takers?
Yeah, just as soon as this pile of fresh brake parts have been installed onto the ultra bike :)
Who's the new AAA man...
Time limit for a Super Randonnee is now 60 hours and a perm will only become a SR600 if Sophie Matter of the ACP agrees with the 'value' of the route.
If you do the Cambrian 1H you will find that Hundred House is closed (both pub and shop) but people have found innovative ways to get proof of passage such as selfies emailed to the organiser. Technology is wonderful.
If you do the Cambrian 1H you will find that Hundred House is closed (both pub and shop) but people have found innovative ways to get proof of passage such as selfies emailed to the organiser. Technology is wonderful.
Not so, I cycled past pub today and most definitely open !
Am starting to work on a 6C, carefully crafted to reach 10,000m ascent. Any takers?
Yeah, just as soon as this pile of fresh brake parts have been installed onto the ultra bike :)
Well, here's a first thought - needs some detailed checking - but adding a loop of Bala - Abergele - Llanberis - Denbigh - Mold - Llangollen to the 4C route and removing the Bala - Llangollen link, would add about 3000m climbing and 180km so turning the 4C into a 6C at 617km and 11,000m climbing. Which I think would qualify for one of those 10,000m+ 600k permanents with a 50hr time limit??
Ho hum. I'll get working on it. Who's the new AAA man. They'll need to put in some overtime on this one!
The Cambrian 6C Super Randonee is almost there. Once the dust has settled on LEL I'll order the cards. The Permsec is setting it up as an event on the AUK website (together with a BR version - 11750m ascent in 42 hours is there for taking ladies and gents) so that we have a means of payment.Thanks for your efforts :thumbsup: :thumbsup: I
I'm almost tempted to ride it as a Super Randonee myself as it takes out most of the riding in the early hours bit that I seem to be struggling with, but keeps all the legendary hills and some which aren't legendary but should be (All y Gwernant out of Llangollen comes to mind) that make these rides so much fun.
It also has a brief tourist guide to Wales, including a couple of photo spots that I'd ridden past without noticing that came as a genuine surprise.
The Cambrian 6C Super Randonee is almost there. Once the dust has settled on LEL I'll order the cards. The Permsec is setting it up as an event on the AUK website (together with a BR version - 11750m ascent in 42 hours is there for taking ladies and gents) so that we have a means of payment.If completed in less than 42 hours counts as both super randonee and 600km brevet? I assume you have to declare which at thr start? No going for a 42hr finish but then claiming super randonee if out if time?
I'm almost tempted to ride it as a Super Randonee myself as it takes out most of the riding in the early hours bit that I seem to be struggling with, but keeps all the legendary hills and some which aren't legendary but should be (All y Gwernant out of Llangollen comes to mind) that make these rides so much fun.
It also has a brief tourist guide to Wales, including a couple of photo spots that I'd ridden past without noticing that came as a genuine surprise.
The Cambrian 6C Super Randonee is almost there. Once the dust has settled on LEL I'll order the cards. The Permsec is setting it up as an event on the AUK website (together with a BR version - 11750m ascent in 42 hours is there for taking ladies and gents) so that we have a means of payment.If completed in less than 42 hours counts as both super randonee and 600km brevet? I assume you have to declare which at thr start? No going for a 42hr finish but then claiming super randonee if out if time?
I'm almost tempted to ride it as a Super Randonee myself as it takes out most of the riding in the early hours bit that I seem to be struggling with, but keeps all the legendary hills and some which aren't legendary but should be (All y Gwernant out of Llangollen comes to mind) that make these rides so much fun.
It also has a brief tourist guide to Wales, including a couple of photo spots that I'd ridden past without noticing that came as a genuine surprise.
BR (42 hour time limit)
According to the super randonee rulesThe Cambrian 6C Super Randonee is almost there. Once the dust has settled on LEL I'll order the cards. The Permsec is setting it up as an event on the AUK website (together with a BR version - 11750m ascent in 42 hours is there for taking ladies and gents) so that we have a means of payment.If completed in less than 42 hours counts as both super randonee and 600km brevet? I assume you have to declare which at thr start? No going for a 42hr finish but then claiming super randonee if out if time?
I'm almost tempted to ride it as a Super Randonee myself as it takes out most of the riding in the early hours bit that I seem to be struggling with, but keeps all the legendary hills and some which aren't legendary but should be (All y Gwernant out of Llangollen comes to mind) that make these rides so much fun.
It also has a brief tourist guide to Wales, including a couple of photo spots that I'd ridden past without noticing that came as a genuine surprise.
When it is set up on the AUK website there will be three entry options - a BR (42 hour time limit) - counts for AUK points and AAA points, an SR (Super Randonnee). Both of these options I will validate as a Super-Randonnee (although note that the SR requires specific photographic proof of passage). There will also be the Tourist Super Randonnee version.
I'd quite like to offer an attempt at the 42 hour version and allow an SR for finishers within 60 hours, but I think that might fall foul of rules around entering two events concurrently (which I seem to recall from correspondence a few years back is not the done thing)
Apologies
Otherwise the rides were all 100s and 200s
Waiting for the brevet cards to arrive from France and then it should be a go.
Waiting for the brevet cards to arrive from France and then it should be a go.
Any further update please?
Still not seen anything. France does seem to have its own time zone (measured in months). I still haven't got my medal for the York Arrow last year. Sorry.
Are you riding it before March??? Chapeau!
The Cambrian Super Randonnee is now live and available for entries on the AUK website.
There are two versions - the Randonnee, which has a 60 hour time limit and the Tourist, which allows you to ride at 75km per day.
The Cambrian Super Randonnee is now live and available for entries on the AUK website.
There are two versions - the Randonnee, which has a 60 hour time limit and the Tourist, which allows you to ride at 75km per day.
note that 60 hours is 3 full days and 2 nights
so, can you ride 200km with 4000m climbing in 12 hours, 3 days in a row. seems achievable
Looking at the route I see a town with accommodation at 200km and another at 415km. 415km is also conveniently 300km so you could check in and deposit stuff before continuing
I think you can download a gpx from here https://www.openrunner.com/ enter "cambrian 6c" in the search boxThe Cambrian Super Randonnee is now live and available for entries on the AUK website.
There are two versions - the Randonnee, which has a 60 hour time limit and the Tourist, which allows you to ride at 75km per day.
note that 60 hours is 3 full days and 2 nights
so, can you ride 200km with 4000m climbing in 12 hours, 3 days in a row. seems achievable
Looking at the route I see a town with accommodation at 200km and another at 415km. 415km is also conveniently 300km so you could check in and deposit stuff before continuing
Is there a gpx or a route sheet available? I am always on the lookout for an interesting ride.
BB
Re the Cambrian 6c, if you enter the Randonnee, you get 6 points and 10.75 AAA points if you complete within 40 hours.
If you are slower but still complete it within 60 hours, you don't get the 6 points but do you still get the 10.75 AAA points?
I'm looking at giving this a tilt before the end of August.
Re the Cambrian 6c, if you enter the Randonnee, you get 6 points and 10.75 AAA points if you complete within 40 hours.
If you are slower but still complete it within 60 hours, you don't get the 6 points but do you still get the 10.75 AAA points?
I'm looking at giving this a tilt before the end of August.
That appears to be the case but coincidentally I've just earlier today asked the Perms Sec for confirmation on the points situation for these rides.
That 11,995 felt like 12,000 and I'm not going back for the last 5m.
The climbing is a steady 1,000m per 50km. Even on my last day I still climbed nearly 2,000m in the last 100km.
I did it though, ask me anything!
That 11,995 felt like 12,000 and I'm not going back for the last 5m.
The climbing is a steady 1,000m per 50km. Even on my last day I still climbed nearly 2,000m in the last 100km.
I did it though, ask me anything!
Have you got a gpx or ridewithgps of your route that you wouldn't mind sharing please?
Here's my route when I thought about this ride
http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/perms/C3A.gpx
I actually started off route so what I actually rode was a bit different, see below
http://bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=https://sites.google.com/site/youngadamski/gpx/perms/C3Ariddenroute.gpx
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=32788.msg661602#msg661602
I've entered the Super Randonnee, for a date in August.YHA hostel at Swallow Falls close to the turn left and up up to Llanwrst (Km 393)?
Day two will be a further 200km, which would take me to Llanrwst (on the way back from Llanberis). I can't find any accommodation there, or anywhere on the route for the next 50km. There is a campsite just outside Llanrwst though, so I'm thinking I'll need to take some minimal camping equipment with me. That'll add to the challenge!
I've entered the Super Randonnee, for a date in August.YHA hostel at Swallow Falls close to the turn left and up up to Llanwrst (Km 393)?
Day two will be a further 200km, which would take me to Llanrwst (on the way back from Llanberis). I can't find any accommodation there, or anywhere on the route for the next 50km. There is a campsite just outside Llanrwst though, so I'm thinking I'll need to take some minimal camping equipment with me. That'll add to the challenge!
It's mandatory (I think) by the ACP rules to accept photos as PoP for a Super Randonnee, so I wouldn't necessarily extrapolate from that to the other Cambrian perms.
Organiser's discretion prevails on those, as long as he's satisfied that what he accepts is acceptable to AUK1.
1:(click to show/hide)
My personal view is that Audax UK should respect what ACP consider to be Randonneur level rides and award the points accordingly which would mean that anyone completing the Cambrian Super Randonnee in under 60 hours would get the distance and AAA points that they deserve. This would also encourage Audax UK riders to participate in Super Randonnees and work towards the ACP Randonneur 10000.
The Cambrian Super Randonnee 600 is high on my wish list. I might have entered it last year if I hadn’t already entered the Super Randonnee around the Dolomites and made all my travel plans. I rode that last August and it was by far the hardest ride I’ve ever done with 15500m of ascent according to my Garmin and 16800m according to Strava. The organiser asked me to set up WhatsApp on my phone so I could send him my control photos on the way round so he could track my progress. I downloaded the free app and set a group up with him and my family so they could all see where I was up to. This worked very well and the organiser also messaged me back with welcome words of encouragement. Like Wales the Dolomites has areas with no internet access but photos get sent automatically when you next get a connection.The super randonee rules expressly prohibit it being done in conjunction with another event/award.
I didn’t stop for food or accommodation on the ride and filled my bidons from fountains along the route so didn’t actually spend any money. I had hoped to get round in about 42 hours as the ride was “only” advertised as 13000m but the relentless and extra climbing slowed me down and I unexpectedly had to go through the whole of the second night. This meant I had to sleep out twice on the second night with no bivvi kit and eventually finished early the next morning, still over 10 hours inside the Randonneur limit.
Regarding the points, I claimed it as an Overseas 600 and sent in my gps track for AAA points. Before 2018 marcusjb was the only Audax UK rider to complete a Super Randonnee 600 and that was another very tough one around the Pyrenees back in 2013. He had received 6 distance points and 15 AAA points so I expected similar. Why not when it is a permanent ride considered, at least by ACP, to be at Randonneur level? I was initially given 6 distance points and 16 AAA points but the AAA points were on the right day and the distance points were on the last day of the 2018 season. When I asked for this to be corrected and my ACP brevet number added, I was told that the Audax UK board had decided that Super Randonnees would not be awarded distance points and my points were taken away! Luckily I didn’t particularly need them as I was still over 100 points and hyper anyway, but it was still annoying as it took the edge off my achievement a bit, especially as it was the last ride I needed for my ACP Randonneur 10000.
My personal view is that Audax UK should respect what ACP consider to be Randonneur level rides and award the points accordingly which would mean that anyone completing the Cambrian Super Randonnee in under 60 hours would get the distance and AAA points that they deserve. This would also encourage Audax UK riders to participate in Super Randonnees and work towards the ACP Randonneur 10000.
I'm not sure about the distance points as the allowed time is outside the normal criteria for a 600km, but AAA points would be nice. I'm riding it to complete my ACP Randonnee 10000, so need to ride it in any case.
I think somewhere Colin has made it clear that if you complete it within BR time you will also get AUK distance points for it.
I haven't read the whole thread relating to this but...
Remember it can be 14.3kph for BR points so 42hrs nominal distance.
If you want the ACP SR 600 for your ACP R10k do it in 60hrs. If you want the 10+ AAAs do it in 60hrs. If you want both of those and 6 points do it at BR pace. Otherwise do an easier 600 for the points. They're supposed to be very demanding. That's my view.
The Cambrian Super Randonnee 600 is high on my wish list. I might have entered it last year if I hadn’t already entered the Super Randonnee around the Dolomites and made all my travel plans. I rode that last August and it was by far the hardest ride I’ve ever done with 15500m of ascent according to my Garmin and 16800m according to Strava. The organiser asked me to set up WhatsApp on my phone so I could send him my control photos on the way round so he could track my progress. I downloaded the free app and set a group up with him and my family so they could all see where I was up to. This worked very well and the organiser also messaged me back with welcome words of encouragement. Like Wales the Dolomites has areas with no internet access but photos get sent automatically when you next get a connection.The super randonee rules expressly prohibit it being done in conjunction with another event/award.
I didn’t stop for food or accommodation on the ride and filled my bidons from fountains along the route so didn’t actually spend any money. I had hoped to get round in about 42 hours as the ride was “only” advertised as 13000m but the relentless and extra climbing slowed me down and I unexpectedly had to go through the whole of the second night. This meant I had to sleep out twice on the second night with no bivvi kit and eventually finished early the next morning, still over 10 hours inside the Randonneur limit.
Regarding the points, I claimed it as an Overseas 600 and sent in my gps track for AAA points. Before 2018 marcusjb was the only Audax UK rider to complete a Super Randonnee 600 and that was another very tough one around the Pyrenees back in 2013. He had received 6 distance points and 15 AAA points so I expected similar. Why not when it is a permanent ride considered, at least by ACP, to be at Randonneur level? I was initially given 6 distance points and 16 AAA points but the AAA points were on the right day and the distance points were on the last day of the 2018 season. When I asked for this to be corrected and my ACP brevet number added, I was told that the Audax UK board had decided that Super Randonnees would not be awarded distance points and my points were taken away! Luckily I didn’t particularly need them as I was still over 100 points and hyper anyway, but it was still annoying as it took the edge off my achievement a bit, especially as it was the last ride I needed for my ACP Randonneur 10000.
My personal view is that Audax UK should respect what ACP consider to be Randonneur level rides and award the points accordingly which would mean that anyone completing the Cambrian Super Randonnee in under 60 hours would get the distance and AAA points that they deserve. This would also encourage Audax UK riders to participate in Super Randonnees and work towards the ACP Randonneur 10000.
I haven't read the whole thread relating to this but...
Remember it can be 14.3kph for BR points so 42hrs nominal distance.
If you want the ACP SR 600 for your ACP R10k do it in 60hrs. If you want the 10+ AAAs do it in 60hrs. If you want both of those and 6 points do it at BR pace. Otherwise do an easier 600 for the points. They're supposed to be very demanding. That's my view.
The thing is, if you look around, hilly brevets typically are quite generous with time provision, Raid Pyrenean gives you 100 hours to do 712 km... OK, it's not ACP and all of that, but it's still a Brevet de Randonneur.
I think somewhere Colin has made it clear that if you complete it within BR time you will also get AUK distance points for it.
What makes you think that Raid Pyrenean is an AUK BR? It is a French randonnee but, in France, 'randonnee' can mean a whole lot of things and some of them have no time limits at all.
AUK has the problem that it tries to shoehorn everything into their BRM-based points system. The French don't do so and appreciate these rides on their own merits. Why try to stuff everything into the points system when some rides are probably better suited to being outside that system?
How many points do AUK 100km brevets get? How many 100km brevets are ridden compared to other distances?
I think somewhere Colin has made it clear that if you complete it within BR time you will also get AUK distance points for it.
and because it's there! Surely??!
Just stumbled across this thread as it's risen to the top of the pile.
Like some other loons, I was inspired by The Long Rider's Arriveé article and have dreams of doing the Cambrian 6C Super Randonneé this summer, although I've not done much planning yet.
From the above discussion, presumably if I was to succeed, I couldn't count the ride towards my in-progress AAARtY?
As the 6C Super Randonnee starts and finishes in Knighton, you could always do the Cambrian 1B as a leg loosener before or after (Knighton - Clun - Newton - Llandrindod Wells - Knighton) :o :o
The SR rules require the route to be posted on Openrunner so that they can validate the climbing. So if you login to Openrunner and search for Cambrian 6C you will see the official route.Thank you. All received. Openrunner link is: https://www.openrunner.com/ :thumbsup:
Instructions, frame plate and brevet will follow, once I get a chance to visit a post office. :thumbsup:
Anyone else planning on riding the 6C as an SR some time before PBP? It and that will be the last pieces in an ACP Randonneur 10k jigsaw (since/starting March 2017).
Have PM'ed you.Anyone else planning on riding the 6C as an SR some time before PBP? It and that will be the last pieces in an ACP Randonneur 10k jigsaw (since/starting March 2017).Same here. I’ve got a 1000km, the SR and PBP to complete the jigsaw. I’m riding the 6C from 2nd August. When are you riding?
I . . . will do the 6C on Ride with GPS (its already on Openrunner) as soon as I can.In preparation for my Super Randonneur ride of the 6C have put together what I think reflects the Openrunner route on RwGPS here:
Prediction:FTFY(click to show/hide)
I . . . will do the 6C on Ride with GPS (its already on Openrunner) as soon as I can.In preparation for my Super Randonneur ride of the 6C have put together what I think reflects the Openrunner route on RwGPS here:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29823510?beta=false I will need to polish it up - cross checking 600k takes a while.
Two comments I have at this stage is that the Openrunner route goes on a bit beyond the Llanberis control, which I'm sure is not your intent (but adds 2km to all the distances after that). Or maybe there's a good cake shop at the north end of Llanberis. And the line of the Openrunner route does not go to General Picton's statue in Brecon.
I am also constructing a routesheet, inspired by 'that thread' which I'll share with you once complete - I've just got to Abergele!!
I have checked the descent into Glyn Ceiriog: there are three options and the RwGPS trace reflects the Openrunner route. All are 'multiple-chevron' descents. The RwGPS trace also takes into account the Brecon one-way streets, though such detail in towns is best left to the randonneur, perhaps. I think Oliver suggested the Caersws-Llanidloes A470 stretch was the least enjoyable section of his ride.This is pretty close. I've now set up a route on RWGPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29823510, admittedly with the assistance of a few glasses of 2006 burgundy. I would check the descent into Glyn Ceirog. I've also rerouted Caersws to Llanidloes to avoid the A470. But as I'm unlikely to take the organisers option of a secret control (the idea of sitting by the side of a road in Wales for 24 hours in the off chance that a rider might pass doesn't appeal).I . . . will do the 6C on Ride with GPS (its already on Openrunner) as soon as I can.In preparation for my Super Randonneur ride of the 6C have put together what I think reflects the Openrunner route on RwGPS here:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29823510?beta=false
There is a one way system in Brecon. Looking closely you can probably walk about 10 metres to get to the statue!!!
I've now set up a route on RWGPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29823510, admittedly with the assistance of a few glasses of 2006 burgundy.
I've now set up a route on RWGPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29823510, admittedly with the assistance of a few glasses of 2006 burgundy.
I'm booked in for the Super Randonnée in mid-June, having had to postpone from last year due to work. Is the above route the best one to base my ride on?
I would still check this myself against the Open Runner route, but with Ajax Bay already having done that, I wouldn't expect to find anything of note.
There are a few quirks - as Ride with GPS in cycling mode avoids main roads with ruthless tenacity :demon: and in driving mode seems to be spooked by cattle grids like Devon Loch was spooked by the Melling Road :demon: :demon:. I've done the best I can. They are free routes after all... :facepalm: :smug: :thumbsup:
Cambrian 3D all approved - with a tasty 5.25AAA. That should stop it being the ugly duckling of the 300s.
Thank you, CET. Hope you enjoyed Mad March, sneaking in the last long(ish) hilly (wet) ride for a while.
From 29th March, it will be possible to ride permanent events of up to 200km in Wales, so I will accept entries for these rides from now, and validate cards for rides ridden on 29th. However, routes are not allowed to cross the border with England (again, it feels like echoes of the Two Ronnies - The Worm that Turned). That means that the Cambrian 1B is off-limits as it visits Clun. The 2A and 2B can be ridden, but require a rider to use Gospel Pass for the Monmouth - Hay leg rather than routing through Longtown or Golden Valley.Is there any extra info on the routes e.g. a website other than what is on the AUK site? Had looked at 2F but the info was very sparse.
From 29th March, it will be possible to ride permanent events of up to 200km in Wales, so I will accept entries for these rides from now, and validate cards for rides ridden on 29th. However, routes are not allowed to cross the border with England (again, it feels like echoes of the Two Ronnies - The Worm that Turned). That means that the Cambrian 1B is off-limits as it visits Clun. The 2A and 2B can be ridden, but require a rider to use Gospel Pass for the Monmouth - Hay leg rather than routing through Longtown or Golden Valley.Is there any extra info on the routes e.g. a website other than what is on the AUK site? Had looked at 2F but the info was very sparse.
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