Author Topic: The Buzzard 2014 (Read 9817 times)

SJR · « **on:** 29 May, 2014, 01:31:49 pm »

OK, fresh from my ignominious failure at the Brimstone I now need another chance to nail a 600 this season. There's not a lot going on that I can do, based on holidays, travel time and so on, but this one is just about feasible. If only Ian would run it the other way around it'd save me tank of diesel. I have browsed last year's thread and it seems to have been fairly popular, given that it is X-rated. Who's up for it this time around, maybe without the 30 degree temperatures? If anyone wants a car share with bike space from anywhere in the south-west, or even Bristol, I'm happy to pick them up on the way, on the morning of the event (early!). Might be able to run to a Travelodge during but certainly not one before as well! Happy to share a twin room at Wellington if anyone's up for that, assuming twin and NOT double

Euan Uzami · « **Reply #1 on:** 29 May, 2014, 04:39:32 pm »

Thinking about it.... nice simple loop through nice areas of countryside. Would certainly hope for there not being a repeat of last year's weather however...

Altitude Accumulator · « **Reply #2 on:** 29 May, 2014, 06:28:08 pm »

you could do it as a perm and start in the southwest?

SJR · « **Reply #3 on:** 29 May, 2014, 07:55:53 pm »

I could but then I'd only meet other riders going the other way. Even if I rode the two legs backwards AND the wrong way around

Fidgetbuzz · « **Reply #4 on:** 01 June, 2014, 09:13:06 am »

Any one doing this?

The revived FB is contemplating this one or going up to ride Lucy's 600 - same weekend ( fortunately Mrs FB is abroad - giving me a chance of an extra ride as build up to PAP)

SJR · « **Reply #5 on:** 01 June, 2014, 08:57:39 pm »

Talked myself into it with the offer of a cheap Cracklodge in Hemel Hempstead for the Friday night. All way too pricey around Taunton on the Saturday though.

BikinOn · « **Reply #6 on:** 01 June, 2014, 10:38:47 pm »

I'm booked, I expect to drive up on the morning an bivi bag somewhere suitable around mid point.

Any words of wisdom from those that have gone before?

Ian H · « **Reply #7 on:** 02 June, 2014, 10:02:03 am »

A bit of history.

The Buzzard was originally conceived as an easier 600 from Exeter, heading east of necessity, following as straightforward a route as possible. Partway through the planning it occurred to me that, since more of the riders were likely to live in the east, it might be better to start there.

The name of the event nearly became the Exe-Buzzard. Those who have ridden the Kernow & SW 600 in the past may recognise the allusion.

This year riders have the bonus of having an eminent randonneur handing out cards and encouragement at the start. The finish remains postal.

Details at ukcyclist.co.uk. The routesheet will be finalised nearer the date. All entries will be emailed with final details.

Fidgetbuzz · « **Reply #8 on:** 02 June, 2014, 12:31:08 pm »

What sort of climb total are you aiming for -- sensible answer please?

trying to decide this one or Lucys 600. Same day - reasons for both -- born in Exeter ,but Lucy introduced me to the concept of rides such as PBP

Ian H · « **Reply #9 on:** 02 June, 2014, 02:31:01 pm »

Calendar entry claims 5600. I presume that is my figure.

Fidgetbuzz · « **Reply #10 on:** 02 June, 2014, 10:12:05 pm »

With friends near the start -- I have gone for this one rather than Lucy's ride up in Scotland.

caerau · « **Reply #11 on:** 02 June, 2014, 11:49:50 pm »

I did this is as my first 600km ride last year. Climbing is only a real issue out of Chard and out of Bath - out of Bath on the second day was HARD but that wasn't helped by oven like temperatures and no shade. It is unlikely you will face such temps this year I hope for your sake - the weekend we did this was the same weekend those marines died of heat exhaustion in the Brecon beacons

If the heat is on, there is a lovely stop off shop in Bath you can use before descending that sold peaches sent straight from an express train from heaven - highly recommended

Participation was quite low as it was only a week or so before LEL, I hope it picks up this time around.

It is a really nice route, you will get to see so many lovely places, Salisbury was a highlight on the first day, the Cotswolds on the second, Bath is always nice (if at the bottom of a bottomless pit

).

You will enjoy, good luck

caerau · « **Reply #12 on:** 02 June, 2014, 11:54:27 pm »

I thought I'd beat my record longest ride and highest climbing figures on one ride (set on the Buzzard last year) by riding the BCM.

However, even after uploading that the following remain as my personal records.

Both figures were slightly lower on this year's BCM. I did get rather lost in Bath though and probably did more climbing than I needed to (a lot of it on foot - the hills in central bath are proper horrendous). Also it rather depends on whether you believe the climbing figure of garmin connect although I have used the altitude correction function...

Elevation Gain
22874
ft[/size][/font]The Buzzard 600 km A07/13/2013
Remove

Longest Ride
393.9
miThe Buzzard 600 km A 07/13/2013
Remove

SJR · « **Reply #13 on:** 05 June, 2014, 08:54:38 pm »

£23 for a Friday night stay in the Luton Cracklodge - booked. Looks like I'm committed

bikey-mikey · « **Reply #14 on:** 05 June, 2014, 09:29:49 pm »

Yep I'm gonna have another helping !!!

Last year was a crack

SJR · « **Reply #15 on:** 06 June, 2014, 10:31:49 am »

Great to hear that Mikey - looks like I've at least got some company then as we always seem to wind up together at some point on every audax I ride

bikey-mikey · « **Reply #16 on:** 06 June, 2014, 11:09:09 am »

Quote from: SJR on 06 June, 2014, 10:31:49 am

Great to hear that Mikey - looks like I've at least got some company then as we always seem to wind up together at some point on every audax I ride

SJR · « **Reply #17 on:** 06 June, 2014, 04:31:13 pm »

....or maybe that's just because YOU are on EVERY audax EVERYONE rides!

Be good to chat again

Ian H · « **Reply #18 on:** 12 June, 2014, 09:38:54 pm »

Entries still trickling in.

What does anyone think of the idea of adding a few TLC features for next year - a Buzzard for softies.

caerau · « **Reply #19 on:** 12 June, 2014, 09:40:59 pm »

Parasols would have been useful last year

Fidgetbuzz · « **Reply #20 on:** 12 June, 2014, 10:02:39 pm »

Quote from: Ian H on 12 June, 2014, 09:38:54 pm

Entries still trickling in.

What does anyone think of the idea of adding a few TLC features for next year - a Buzzard for softies.

Why not have a trial run this year??

i cycle · « **Reply #21 on:** 12 June, 2014, 10:34:56 pm »

Been as it was my first 600 one as well and enjoyed it so much, I have been looking forward to doing it again. So entry in.

Ian H · « **Reply #22 on:** 12 June, 2014, 11:06:47 pm »

Quote from: Fidgetbuzz on 12 June, 2014, 10:02:39 pm

Quote from: Ian H on 12 June, 2014, 09:38:54 pm
Entries still trickling in.

What does anyone think of the idea of adding a few TLC features for next year - a Buzzard for softies.

Why not have a trial run this year??

Not possible.

alotronic · « **Reply #23 on:** 13 June, 2014, 08:18:12 am »

Speaking as one who has yet to do a 600 and looking at the calendar I would think *ideally* there would be a TLC 600 in the south once a year. I think the thing you worry about the most a a newbie is not the distance (though I probably should!) but the whole sleeping thing.

bikey-mikey · « **Reply #24 on:** 13 June, 2014, 08:38:27 am »

Quote from: Ian H on 12 June, 2014, 11:06:47 pm

Quote from: Fidgetbuzz on 12 June, 2014, 10:02:39 pm
Quote from: Ian H on 12 June, 2014, 09:38:54 pm
Entries still trickling in.

What does anyone think of the idea of adding a few TLC features for next year - a Buzzard for softies.

Why not have a trial run this year??

Not possible.

Author Topic: The Buzzard 2014 (Read 9817 times)

Euan Uzami