Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Freewheeling => Racing => Topic started by: thesloth on 18 June, 2015, 02:46:07 pm

Title: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: thesloth on 18 June, 2015, 02:46:07 pm: 18-19 July
Entries close 23 June (http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/event/787)

Who's in?
...it would be a shame to let all that pre PBP conditioning go to waste!

I last rode this in 2012 and it was one of the most painful/challenging/rewarding experiences. I'm hoping to approach it this year older, wiser and hopefully faster and further.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: blackburnrod on 18 June, 2015, 04:41:16 pm: Entries actually close 23/6/15 !
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: thesloth on 18 June, 2015, 04:42:58 pm: Ah yes! that would make sense. Thanks for spotting that. Original post corrected.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Frank9755 on 18 June, 2015, 08:23:12 pm: I've entered.
DNF'd last year, after a few things went wrong. I did it three years ago and did 391. I would like to go a bit further than that.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 18 June, 2015, 11:58:32 pm: Was going to put my hand up for marshalling this year but I found out today that I may be working in Canada that weekend. Ho hum, we'll see what will happen a little closer to the day.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: TOBY on 19 June, 2015, 11:26:12 am: Yes :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Ian H on 19 June, 2015, 02:14:22 pm: Quote from: TOBY on 19 June, 2015, 11:26:12 am
Yes :thumbsup:

Has LWaB really upset you that much?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 19 June, 2015, 03:23:38 pm: Quote from: Ian H on 19 June, 2015, 02:14:22 pm
Quote from: TOBY on 19 June, 2015, 11:26:12 am
Yes :thumbsup:

Has LWaB really upset you that much?

I occasionally have that effect on some sensitive souls.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Assasin on 19 June, 2015, 09:52:21 pm: Maybe its the unsmiling stony faced Gorgon that won't be leaking venom a Prees this time that gets the thumbs up?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: simonp on 23 June, 2015, 01:06:13 am: In.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Jethro on 26 June, 2015, 12:55:07 pm: I think Steve Abraham is riding.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Karla on 01 July, 2015, 09:51:35 am: Startsheet (http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=101930)

Steve is riding, as are quite a lot of other people: there are 101 solos and 3 tandems in total. John Warnock is riding for the first time in a few years, so it'll be exciting to see what he does. Other main contenders look to include Alex Kirk, who did 493 in his first 24 two years ago, and Hippy.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: MikeH on 01 July, 2015, 11:39:05 am: In. 22 on the start sheet. First time for me.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Bairn Again on 01 July, 2015, 04:40:39 pm: In in - #9 on the startsheet. Happy with an early start time as it will mean less time on the finish circuit and fewer trips up the Col du Cock o Barton. ;)

I'm just hoping to finish after a DNF and a DNS in the last two years.

Did 379 miles in 2010 but cant see me getting anywhere near that. My VTTA standard is 341, I will aim for that.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: MikeH on 01 July, 2015, 05:36:38 pm: Also happy with early start. Looks like my veteran standard is 346.89. I will be quite disappointed if I don't better that (even for a first go).
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: simonp on 01 July, 2015, 05:40:47 pm: Where do you get these standards from?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: marcusjb on 01 July, 2015, 05:44:20 pm: http://www.vtta.org.uk/information/standardstables.php
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: simonp on 09 July, 2015, 11:31:36 am: Got the booklet through today. Nice.

Pedal reflectors. Of course no-one stocks the SM-PD59 shimano part.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: marcusjb on 09 July, 2015, 12:55:33 pm: Quote from: simonp on 09 July, 2015, 11:31:36 am
Got the booklet through today. Nice.

Pedal reflectors. Of course no-one stocks the SM-PD59 shimano part.

I think they have to put that to make sure bikes are fully legal etc.

However, we all know the practicalities of reflectors and pedals these days.

Ankle bands were very much in evidence on the ESCA 24 last year and I think are seen by most as a pragmatic solution.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: rob on 09 July, 2015, 01:06:12 pm: Quote from: marcusjb on 09 July, 2015, 12:55:33 pm
Quote from: simonp on 09 July, 2015, 11:31:36 am
Got the booklet through today. Nice.

Pedal reflectors. Of course no-one stocks the SM-PD59 shimano part.

I think they have to put that to make sure bikes are fully legal etc.

However, we all know the practicalities of reflectors and pedals these days.

Ankle bands were very much in evidence on the ESCA 24 last year and I think are seen by most as a pragmatic solution.

That's wording courtesy of CTT legal. As Marcus says, use reflective ankle bands. They gave them out at the start of the ESCA 24hr last year.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: rob on 10 July, 2015, 08:49:07 am: Could anybody be so good as to forward me a copy of the startsheet/pamphlet ? can send my e-mail address by PM.

Just a bit of research for now.

*EDIT* got one from Toby. Thanks.

Thanks

Rob
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 11 July, 2015, 08:24:03 pm: Quote from: simonp on 09 July, 2015, 11:31:36 am
Pedal reflectors.

Tick. I might not be in this to win it (no "might" about that!) but at least I'll be fully equipped and legal. Heck, if they disqualify all the non-compliant riders I could win it after all with my SPD T420s!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Assasin on 15 July, 2015, 10:47:28 pm: looks like the longbarrow will have to do about 390+ miles to beat the more venerable crew on standard. nothing like a challenge !!!!
be nice to collect the VTTA tandem Championship set.......
Title: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: MikeH on 16 July, 2015, 11:55:02 am: Time for a role call of the Audax community.

I'm in (13:22 start). :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Pedal Castro on 16 July, 2015, 06:55:22 pm: 13:12
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 17 July, 2015, 07:51:30 am: 13:07 with my eye on 5 AUK points, which will get me to my age standard.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Mr Green on 17 July, 2015, 09:13:40 am: I can't make this year :'(, but hope to spend the next 12 months getting ready for a 2016 attempt.
I will be interested to hear how people get on though. Good luck.

arthur
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Ian H on 17 July, 2015, 09:19:06 am: I shall be heading that way in a little while. Just trying to remember what I've forgotten.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Tomsk on 17 July, 2015, 09:28:03 am: Bon chance everyone.

On a 600km perm this weekend, but the possibility of an entry next year has been mooted...
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: tonyh on 17 July, 2015, 09:28:39 am: Quote from: Mr Green on 17 July, 2015, 09:13:40 am
I can't make this year :'(, but hope to spend the next 12 months getting ready for a 2016 attempt.
I will be interested to hear how people get on though. Good luck.

+1 to all of that!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: marcusjb on 17 July, 2015, 09:53:15 am: Good luck to everyone. I've only done 1 24 and loved the whole atmosphere, and the memories will remain with me forever more. I loved riding past the little encampments in the middle of the night with people cheering you on.

I hope everyone gets what they want.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Mr Green on 17 July, 2015, 12:39:50 pm: This has got me thinking... is there a bechmark for us audaxie-types?
I know that this is a difficult question to answer, but if you are a middling type of rider who has completed an SR what sort of distance should you aim for?
As somone who usually rides a steel frame with a carradice I really have no idea how to judge this sort of thing, and would love to hear peoples thoughts to help with my preparations for 2016.

arthur :smug:
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: alotronic on 17 July, 2015, 12:46:03 pm: As above, just interested, though these curiosities have a way of slowly becoming plans...
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: marcusjb on 17 July, 2015, 01:00:47 pm: Quote from: Mr Green on 17 July, 2015, 12:39:50 pm
This has got me thinking... is there a bechmark for us audaxie-types?
I know that this is a difficult question to answer, but if you are a middling type of rider who has completed an SR what sort of distance should you aim for?
As somone who usually rides a steel frame with a carradice I really have no idea how to judge this sort of thing, and would love to hear peoples thoughts to help with my preparations for 2016.

arthur :smug:

As an upper midfield rider, I chose to aim for 600km on my first time out. Partly as it's a nice number and partly as it's a nod back to the origins of AUK and the earliest British PBP riders pre-AUK.

If you are a veteran, then your VTTA standard is a good figure to aim for (conveniently, mine was just shy of 600km).

Even in the weeks leading up to it, it seemed a crazy number. But, everything is so different to Audax - especially if you have support.

I rode a steel frame with 'normal' wheels with lots of spokes (but with aero bars), which does put you in the minority on the day (but there's still quite a few who do).

It remains one of my greatest experiences on a bike, re-calibrated my entire position on what is possible, re-calibrated my entire position on what suffering really is and is something I am very keen on repeating, whilst applying the lessons learnt from last time.

I'd highly recommend it to any AUK as something completely different. It is the most rewarding experience, a real sense of community and mutual admiration between the riders. I experienced nothing but kindness from everyone associated with the event.

Best thing of all is that you are guaranteed a PB the first time you do it!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: tonyh on 17 July, 2015, 01:08:39 pm: Quote from: Mr Green on 17 July, 2015, 12:39:50 pm
is there a benchmark for us audaxie-types?

I find the VTTA standards quite encouraging (I need only 241 miles next year!):

http://www.vtta.org.uk/information/standardstables.php

I did 282 three years ago, and still felt very welcome to be there (hoped for 300 miles or better still 500km, but got into a poor state towards the end).
(I'm a less than middling rider, with an SR series or two.)
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: andyp on 17 July, 2015, 02:29:44 pm: Quote from: marcusjb on 17 July, 2015, 01:00:47 pm
Best thing of all is that you are guaranteed a PB the first time you do it!

which is a good reason not to go too hard on the first attempt: you want to know you can beat it. Riding it more like an audax than a TT also means that you're not totally destroyed on the final finishing circuit, which is not a good place to be (and might put you off the event for life, which would be a shame): far better to have something saved for that.

In most clubs, you'll get the club record as well as a PB because it's usually vacant. Can't think why :)
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: marcusjb on 17 July, 2015, 02:43:34 pm: Quote from: andyp on 17 July, 2015, 02:29:44 pm
In most clubs, you'll get the club record as well as a PB because it's usually vacant. Can't think why :)

Unless you've got an ex National Champion and current World Champion as a club mate.

(through a quirk of dates, I still managed to beat him to win the club silverware for biggest 24 hour distance!)
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Grandad on 17 July, 2015, 03:44:05 pm: Quote
It remains one of my greatest experiences on a bike
+1
Riding a 24 was the final item in my bicycling bucket list and I finally got round to it 6 months before retirement. Well pleased with 365 miles on the trike
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Bairn Again on 17 July, 2015, 09:01:35 pm: Im #9.

Id say that 350 miles is a good target (and achievable) for most reasonably fit audax riders in reasonably benign conditions.

600k effectively requires an average riding speed of around 16.5mph (assuming ~90 minutes off the bike across the whole event) which is no mean feat.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: bodach on 17 July, 2015, 09:17:21 pm: I have had to pull out of riding pilot on the tandem with McNasty as I am suffering from a severe attack of sciatica. McNasty will be riding on his own in spite of bruised/ broken ribs due to a recent fall. Good luck and hope all riders get decent conditions. I will be back next year.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 17 July, 2015, 09:23:31 pm: Quote from: Mr Green on 17 July, 2015, 12:39:50 pm
This has got me thinking... is there a bechmark for us audaxie-types?

Yes, don't forget that the Raven is open all night, so you can have a proper Audaxie-type stop
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: tonyh on 17 July, 2015, 09:33:28 pm: Quote from: bodach on 17 July, 2015, 09:17:21 pm
I have had to pull out of riding pilot on the tandem with McNasty as I am suffering from a severe attack of sciatica. McNasty will be riding on his own in spite of bruised/ broken ribs due to a recent fall. Good luck and hope all riders get decent conditions. I will be back next year.

Best wishes to you both (and to everybody else) for assorted types of suffering!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: velocitizen on 18 July, 2015, 01:22:33 pm: Go MikeH.
You've got our Climberruss as your minute man I think.
Good luck to you all.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Ivo on 18 July, 2015, 02:24:54 pm: If you're a more back of the pack audaxer you can aim for something around 500k. You usually ride a lot faster as during a 400 or 600. Regarding club trophy's, I was lucky to ride it for Willesden when there were no fast riders doing a 24 in that year. This year I wouldn't stand a chance ;).
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Peter on 18 July, 2015, 04:42:04 pm: Quote from: tonyh on 17 July, 2015, 01:08:39 pm
Quote from: Mr Green on 17 July, 2015, 12:39:50 pm
is there a benchmark for us audaxie-types?

I find the VTTA standards quite encouraging (I need only 241 miles next year!):

http://www.vtta.org.uk/information/standardstables.php

I did 282 three years ago, and still felt very welcome to be there (hoped for 300 miles or better still 500km, but got into a poor state towards the end).
(I'm a less than middling rider, with an SR series or two.)

Thanks for that link, Tony. I've never ridden a 24 but am amazed and not a little surprised to find that my times for the few 400s I've done would probably make me a standard rider - allowing for the 6 or so AAA points!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: marcusjb on 18 July, 2015, 05:16:17 pm: Quote from: bodach on 17 July, 2015, 09:17:21 pm
I have had to pull out of riding pilot on the tandem with McNasty as I am suffering from a severe attack of sciatica. McNasty will be riding on his own in spite of bruised/ broken ribs due to a recent fall. Good luck and hope all riders get decent conditions. I will be back next year.

I hope you recover soon and are back on two wheels. Good luck to McNasty.

Hope everyone's settling down well now.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: bodach on 18 July, 2015, 07:03:53 pm: Thanks for the good wishes. First tried Ibuprofen for the pain, then Diclophenic. Now on Co Codamol which is helping the pain relief considerably. Now just a matter of time and several visits to my physio to get back on track for PBP.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: mattc on 18 July, 2015, 07:29:21 pm: Quote from: Peter on 18 July, 2015, 04:42:04 pm
Quote from: tonyh on 17 July, 2015, 01:08:39 pm
Quote from: Mr Green on 17 July, 2015, 12:39:50 pm
is there a benchmark for us audaxie-types?

I find the VTTA standards quite encouraging (I need only 241 miles next year!):

http://www.vtta.org.uk/information/standardstables.php

I did 282 three years ago, and still felt very welcome to be there (hoped for 300 miles or better still 500km, but got into a poor state towards the end).
(I'm a less than middling rider, with an SR series or two.)

Thanks for that link, Tony. I've never ridden a 24 but am amazed and not a little surprised to find that my times for the few 400s I've done would probably make me a standard rider - allowing for the 6 or so AAA points!
Peter,
You do realise the standards are in miles, dont you?

HTH,
Matty x
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Peter on 18 July, 2015, 08:28:44 pm: Rest (perhaps not the right word) assured, Matt, one day I will find you.....
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Fidgetbuzz on 18 July, 2015, 09:26:13 pm: Never thought that this was my sort of thing - just a steady old plodder who used punch and go to keep in the middle third of the pack, but my age mileage would be 241 next year -- now that is less than a 400kms ride in 24 hours -- darn it i can do that --idea gets put into brain and will rest there for some time.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: rob on 18 July, 2015, 09:46:08 pm: Will probably have another go next year. I have made some gains this year that can hopefully be built on over this Winter.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: marcusjb on 19 July, 2015, 07:55:58 pm: Going from here:

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=91987.msg1892625#msg1892625

That's a huge number up front - 4 miles down on Wilko's record?

Amazing in what don't sound like easy conditions.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: mattc on 19 July, 2015, 08:44:20 pm: And everyone said the Sussex course was much faster ;)
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 20 July, 2015, 12:35:36 am: An interesting day out. For us, a lot of it was a technical test for PBP filming, but I suspect that there's a very interesting story to be told from what we got at the 24.

It was great that George Berwick finished, although his tandem partner was sidelined with sciatica, that Mem Sec rode 312 km, and that Teethgrinder was able to connect with riders who can fully comprehend what he's going through.

When I left, Steve was chatting with Andy Wilkinson about training regimes.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Peter on 20 July, 2015, 12:52:10 am: Perhaps 312 miles?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 20 July, 2015, 08:28:26 am: Quote from: Peter on 20 July, 2015, 12:52:10 am
Perhaps 312 miles?

Indeed! I'm so close to my age-standard (312.44) and to 5 AUK points that I'm anxiously awaiting the official result. I was using 0.6 as the mile/kilometre conversion, giving me 312.50 miles for 500km, but using 0.62137 means I only need 310.68 miles for those 5 points.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Pedal Castro on 20 July, 2015, 08:48:45 am: Well that was fun. Wouldn't have liked to do it without support though. I really slowed down on the second night circuit so had a 20' sleep and was motoring along again afterwards. A puncture with an hour to go put paid to a possible 600km ride thoguh.

I loved the verbal support and applause you get from all the other support teams and marshals. There was one chap at Tern Hill that made an effort to use my name as he cheered me on, he wouldn't have known me from Adam so I suspect he did that for everyone going past! Andy Wilkinson possibly?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 08:54:19 am: A tough day/night/day.
My head wasn't in it at all for the first 100km. Here's where having support is important - I would have probably bailed, but didn't want the guilt of having wasted my crew's weekend and so pushed on.
Once I realised that I was up on my schedule I felt a bit more motivated.
I was the minute man to the eventual winner and it didn't take long for him to devour me (the first of many times).

It was fairly windy especially down at the Southern end of the Prees circuit on the Saturday, the wind dropped at night, but reappeared with a vengeance on Sunday.
When it got dark I was able to pick up the speed and had a good run for a few hours. It rained from 03:00 to 08:00 as per the forecast. Despite it not being very cold the wind chill was substantial.
Not very nice on the A41 with big trucks thundering past throwing up spray.

On Sunday morning my neck started to give up. First time this has ever happened to me. Proper Shermer's Neck. Not particularly painful, My muscles just refused to respond to pick my head up.
I ditched the helmet and switch to a road bike. By the time I got to finishing circuit I had one arm on the TT bars, an elbow on the other pad and my hand holding up my chin. This provided good comedic for the crowds outside the HQ.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: marcusjb on 20 July, 2015, 09:50:21 am: Quote from: Pedal Castro on 20 July, 2015, 08:48:45 am
A puncture with an hour to go put paid to a possible 600km ride thoguh.

&^%$! That's frustrating I have no doubt!

Quote from: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 08:54:19 am
A tough day/night/day.

Sounds like you had a tough time of everything, but came up trumps with a massive mileage - well done indeed!

Quote from: Delph Cyclist on 20 July, 2015, 08:28:26 am
I'm so close to my age-standard (312.44) and to 5 AUK points that I'm anxiously awaiting the official result.

I spent a few worrying days in a similar position after the ESCA last year. My GPS etc. said I had done my target (just), but until it is confirmed officially, it is anxious for sure! Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Veloman on 20 July, 2015, 09:57:08 am: Quote from: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 08:54:19 am
Not very nice on the A41 with big trucks thundering past throwing up spray.

Not a nice road full stop! Many local cyclists avoid it and over the last couple of years it has seemed to get busier with even larger lorries using it during the weekends. Weekday use is just suicidal IMO.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: vorsprung on 20 July, 2015, 10:24:40 am: Good work by toby, 428 miles on the provisional result.

Shows that it was a good year that this didn't even get top ten

There were two people with over 500
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: zigzag on 20 July, 2015, 10:59:00 am: Quote from: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 08:54:19 am
<...>
On Sunday morning my neck started to give up. First time this has ever happened to me. Proper Shermer's Neck. Not particularly painful, My muscles just refused to respond to pick my head up.
I ditched the helmet and switch to a road bike. By the time I got to finishing circuit I had one arm on the TT bars, an elbow on the other pad and my hand holding up my chin. This provided good comedic for the crowds outside the HQ.

top effort there Matt! re shermer's neck - it must be the weight of beard.. :D
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 20 July, 2015, 11:17:34 am: Quote from: vorsprung on 20 July, 2015, 10:24:40 am
Good work by toby, 428 miles on the provisional result.

Shows that it was a good year that this didn't even get top ten

There were two people with over 500

I'd say that many distances were slightly down on most years. Michael Broadwith said that he actually liked the cool wet conditions overnight, he rode 537.35, for a new comp record. Stuart Birnie rode in the same general range that he has in recent years. Alex Kirk had a puncture early on, and lost about half an hour, so he was playing catch-up after dominating in the first few hours.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 11:18:27 am: Quote from: zigzag on 20 July, 2015, 10:59:00 am
Quote from: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 08:54:19 am
<...>
On Sunday morning my neck started to give up. First time this has ever happened to me. Proper Shermer's Neck. Not particularly painful, My muscles just refused to respond to pick my head up.
I ditched the helmet and switch to a road bike. By the time I got to finishing circuit I had one arm on the TT bars, an elbow on the other pad and my hand holding up my chin. This provided good comedic for the crowds outside the HQ.

top effort there Matt! re shermer's neck - it must be the weight of beard.. :D

I guess this rules me out of RAAM! Bit surprised I couldn't even last 24hrs. I did previous 24s on a road bike with clip-on aero bars. My TT bike position is quite a bit more aggressive.
The winner Michael Broadwidth looked very good on the bike - perfectly flat back.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: rob on 20 July, 2015, 11:27:14 am: Quote from: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 11:18:27 am
Quote from: zigzag on 20 July, 2015, 10:59:00 am
Quote from: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 08:54:19 am
<...>
On Sunday morning my neck started to give up. First time this has ever happened to me. Proper Shermer's Neck. Not particularly painful, My muscles just refused to respond to pick my head up.
I ditched the helmet and switch to a road bike. By the time I got to finishing circuit I had one arm on the TT bars, an elbow on the other pad and my hand holding up my chin. This provided good comedic for the crowds outside the HQ.

top effort there Matt! re shermer's neck - it must be the weight of beard.. :D

I guess this rules me out of RAAM! Bit surprised I couldn't even last 24hrs. I did previous 24s on a road bike with clip-on aero bars. My TT bike position is quite a bit more aggressive.
The winner Michael Broadwidth looked very good on the bike - perfectly flat back.

Same thing happened to me on last year's ESCA. My previous races had all been on bike with a higher position, but my neck failed on that one with 2-3hrs to go. As you say there's no pain, you just suddenly find yourself staring at the tarmac.

I've spent more time on the TT bike this year and put it on the turbo over the Winter with a view to getting more used to the extreme position. It worked on the 12hr I did recently where I was more comfortable so will do the same this Winter.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: MikeH on 20 July, 2015, 11:39:31 am: Didn't hang around for final result, but I should be about 412 miles.

I set out with a target of 400, and my plan showed an outcome of 414, so very happy with the final result.

Weather was far from perfect - too much wind for most of the day, rained for about 4 hours during the night, but at least sunshine at the finish.

There were some big distances on the day - I believe there were at least two 500+ (one might be a new course record).

My 412 breaks the existing club record, however there were two of us from the club taking part, and he did about 20 miles more - great result for the club - slowly I am spreading the message that 400 and 600 Audax rides are great training for 12 and 24 hour TTs.

Had my road bike in standby because I didn't think I'd be able to withstand 24 hours on my TT bike. I wouldn't say it was comfortable, but I did survive the distance on the TT bike.

Enjoyed the whole thing a lot more than I thought I would. Great to see many familiar Audax faces. And as others have said it is amazing to be cheered on by lots of total strangers.

My family support crew did really well - they based themselves at Press Island, and were always on standby to drive out to me if I needed them (thankfully not needed). During night time the loop is about 2 hours, so they get the chance of two or three 1.5 hour naps.

For me this was on my bucket list to do it (and get 400+), so not sure I'll be back for another go, but never say never.

I would thoroughly recommend this event to anyone that enjoys doing 600s and finds that they can cope with little or no sleep on these events.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: marcusjb on 20 July, 2015, 01:05:18 pm: Quote from: Delph Cyclist on 20 July, 2015, 08:28:26 am
Quote from: Peter on 20 July, 2015, 12:52:10 am
Perhaps 312 miles?

Indeed! I'm so close to my age-standard (312.44) and to 5 AUK points that I'm anxiously awaiting the official result. I was using 0.6 as the mile/kilometre conversion, giving me 312.50 miles for 500km, but using 0.62137 means I only need 310.68 miles for those 5 points.

Results are up
http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/event/787

You made your age standard! Well done!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: simonp on 20 July, 2015, 01:11:51 pm: I needed more miles in position. Neck was very sore after just 6 hours. By the morning I was seeing double when riding in position. Will have to ride some shorter events next year.

The traffic was bad at times. On the way up to the finishing circuit a van overtook me really wide. So a car undertook it at speed at the same time. Lots of undipped headlights at night.

The support was great. Nice to get shouts of encouragement from both the roadside and other riders and I got my bottles filled at Prees by another rider's crew. I heard that more than 30 packed and I was certainly tempted at a couple of low points.

If I ever do this again it will be with fatter tyres at a lower pressure.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Tim Hall on 20 July, 2015, 01:13:41 pm: Quote from: marcusjb on 20 July, 2015, 01:05:18 pm
Quote from: Delph Cyclist on 20 July, 2015, 08:28:26 am
Quote from: Peter on 20 July, 2015, 12:52:10 am
Perhaps 312 miles?

Indeed! I'm so close to my age-standard (312.44) and to 5 AUK points that I'm anxiously awaiting the official result. I was using 0.6 as the mile/kilometre conversion, giving me 312.50 miles for 500km, but using 0.62137 means I only need 310.68 miles for those 5 points.

Results are up
http://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/event/787

You made your age standard! Well done!

I can't see Teethgrinder on that list.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: simonp on 20 July, 2015, 01:23:34 pm: Looks like they've credited me with far more miles than I did. Probably double counted loops of the Quina Brook circuit when I had something to eat. I recorded 479km from Hq to start and final timekeeper.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 02:35:10 pm: This makes my eyes water:
Wheels of Fire's 24 stats (https://app.strava.com/activities/350088512)
Incredible!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: L CC on 20 July, 2015, 02:56:31 pm: Well, we see how he managed it.
(click to show/hide)
Devil worshipping pentagram at the start
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Mr Larrington on 20 July, 2015, 02:57:55 pm: Bugger! fboab beat me to it chiz.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: 24hourmaths on 20 July, 2015, 03:08:56 pm: Quote from: fboab on 20 July, 2015, 02:56:31 pm
Well, we see how he managed it.
(click to show/hide)
Devil worshipping pentagram at the start

Nope, it was because I was wearing orange socks :)
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: L CC on 20 July, 2015, 03:14:22 pm: However you managed it, bloody well done!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: marcusjb on 20 July, 2015, 06:00:03 pm: ^ and again from me!

Just an amazing distance.

Massive chapeau to you and your crew.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: simonp on 20 July, 2015, 06:07:57 pm: +1
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: mattc on 20 July, 2015, 06:22:15 pm: Quote from: Exit Stage Left on 20 July, 2015, 11:17:34 am
Quote from: vorsprung on 20 July, 2015, 10:24:40 am
Good work by toby, 428 miles on the provisional result.

Shows that it was a good year that this didn't even get top ten

There were two people with over 500

I'd say that many distances were slightly down on most years. Michael Broadwith said that he actually liked the cool wet conditions overnight, he rode 537.35, for a new comp record. Stuart Birnie rode in the same general range that he has in recent years. Alex Kirk had a puncture early on, and lost about half an hour, so he was playing catch-up after dominating in the first few hours.
Apologies for ignorance in advance, but:

how is this a comp record? Wilko's 541 was also at the 24h National Championshp - the course doesnt matter. Does it? :-\

I'd have thought the high winds cost him quite a few miles, but high July afternoon temps ARE detrimental usually, so I guess its was swings and roundabouts for riders that werent mentally affected by the rain (I hate rain at night).

Any news on Toothy's result? Did he not make the finishing circuit?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 20 July, 2015, 06:26:19 pm: Quote from: thesloth on 20 July, 2015, 02:35:10 pm
This makes my eyes water:
Wheels of Fire's 24 stats (https://app.strava.com/activities/350088512)
Incredible!

How is the profile for this generated? After 300km there is a succession of increasing higher peaks, and between 620km and 720km we seem to hover around the 150km mark. Is this measuring something else, such as air pressure?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: MikeH on 20 July, 2015, 07:05:43 pm: Quote
Looks like they've credited me with far more miles than I did. Probably double counted loops of the Quina Brook circuit when I had something to eat. I recorded 479km from Hq to start and final timekeeper.
Looks like they've credited me with about 11 less than I did (should be 412). I've used the distances in the A5 booklet, taken the number of times round the various different loops, plugged that into a spreadsheet, and hey presto that matches GPS and simple bike computer and what my crew had calculated. I've sent an e-mail asking for clarification.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: MikeH on 20 July, 2015, 07:13:36 pm: Quote
Any news on Toothy's result? Did he not make the finishing circuit?
I passed him on the finishing circuit, so he definitely made it. His Strava I think shows two loops of the finish circuit. Maybe he didn't keep going to the timekeeper after his 24hr expired - I think that's the requirement to be classified.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Bairn Again on 20 July, 2015, 07:15:09 pm: well done to those who finished and managed to reach their goals

I experienced three incidents on the first Shawbirch circuit that were as close to being wiped out on a bike as Ive ever experienced, and gratefully DNFd after 56 miles.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: mattc on 20 July, 2015, 07:30:58 pm: Quote from: MikeH on 20 July, 2015, 07:13:36 pm
Quote
Any news on Toothy's result? Did he not make the finishing circuit?
I passed him on the finishing circuit, so he definitely made it. His Strava I think shows two loops of the finish circuit. Maybe he didn't keep going to the timekeeper after his 24hr expired - I think that's the requirement to be classified.
(thanks, thats useful)

No, I'm pretty sure you can stop any time on the FC (cos I've done it!)

Odd. Maybe they're triple-checking his distance - he may have spent odd times off the bike, and his numbers may get a lot of scrutiny.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 hour TT 2015
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 20 July, 2015, 08:00:44 pm: Quote from: mattc on 20 July, 2015, 06:22:15 pm
Quote from: Exit Stage Left on 20 July, 2015, 11:17:34 am
Quote from: vorsprung on 20 July, 2015, 10:24:40 am
Good work by toby, 428 miles on the provisional result.

Shows that it was a good year that this didn't even get top ten

There were two people with over 500

I'd say that many distances were slightly down on most years. Michael Broadwith said that he actually liked the cool wet conditions overnight, he rode 537.35, for a new comp record. Stuart Birnie rode in the same general range that he has in recent years. Alex Kirk had a puncture early on, and lost about half an hour, so he was playing catch-up after dominating in the first few hours.
Apologies for ignorance in advance, but:

how is this a comp record? Wilko's 541 was also at the 24h National Championshp - the course doesnt matter. Does it? :-\

I'd have thought the high winds cost him quite a few miles, but high July afternoon temps ARE detrimental usually, so I guess its was swings and roundabouts for riders that werent mentally affected by the rain (I hate rain at night).

Any news on Toothy's result? Did he not make the finishing circuit?

I meant event record. Steve rode 235.41 according to the result sheet. He didn't stop at his last timekeeper, but just rode on. We were pre-occupied with filming the winner, and assumed he'd been sent to the next TK, and followed him there.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: jsabine on 20 July, 2015, 08:01:44 pm: Quote from: mattc on 20 July, 2015, 07:30:58 pm
Quote from: MikeH on 20 July, 2015, 07:13:36 pm
keep going to the timekeeper after his 24hr expired - I think that's the requirement to be classified.
No, I'm pretty sure you can stop any time on the FC (cos I've done it!)

I thought you had to keep going to the timekeeper too - but I've never ridden one, so what do I know .... (Maybe next year. Or the year after ...)

Any news of Assasin and Jes on the longbarrow? The screenshots on twitter show 'em at 316 miles going into the finishing circuit.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: rob on 20 July, 2015, 08:18:21 pm: You are credited with an official finish and distance provided you get to the finishing circuit.

If you do 24hrs you finish at the next TK after you have gone over 24hrs. If you get to one in 23h59m you can ride to the next or pull up there. Depends how much you really need the extra fractions of mile.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: blackburnrod on 20 July, 2015, 09:23:08 pm: To clarify:
You can stop at any finishing circuit timekeeper before your time has expired if you want to.If you don't get to the finishing circuit you can claim your distance at the last checkpoint before your time expired.You should stop /be stopped at the first circuit timekeeper after your time has expired and your distance covered between the penultimate and last timekeeper will be calculated on the recording spreadsheet.

Rod Goodfellow,Chief Timekeeper,MRC 24
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Peter on 20 July, 2015, 09:43:46 pm: Some great efforts here, well done everyone!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: TOBY on 21 July, 2015, 10:54:34 am: Great rides alround! Especially Wheels of Fire !!!!!!!!!!!

I was going well up to my first puncture which I managed to sort myself and shrug off, the second one on Quina Brook when I had to wait for a wheel left me somewhat dispondant :-\

I rode round trying to think what to do? The answer of course that there was nothing else to do, so I sat down had a Cheeseburger and got on with it :)

In a reversal of events this year my provisional distance was down on what I thought I had done (I'd lost track of my Garmin resets so had been figuring it out in my head - good luck with that!), but got amended before I was even back to Cardiff. As always there's so much to knit pick through what went "wrong" on my ride etc - but I'm pretty happy I salvaged my ride.

So in the end 467.65 and 6th place. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: thesloth on 21 July, 2015, 11:10:22 am: Quote from: TOBY on 21 July, 2015, 10:54:34 am
So in the end 467.65 and 6th place. :thumbsup:

Glad they sorted you out. When I saw the provisional I thought that was a bit off as you'd come past me at a pace.

...and so the mystery of the Quina Brook stop is solved. I didn't quite catch your reply as I rode past, but the way you were standing arms folded, bike parked up I figured it was something more than a toilet break.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: tonyh on 21 July, 2015, 11:22:44 am: Quote from: TOBY on 21 July, 2015, 10:54:34 am
Great rides all round!

Including yours! Very finely persisted and salvaged!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: PloddinPedro on 21 July, 2015, 03:17:40 pm: Quote from: jsabine on 20 July, 2015, 08:01:44 pm
Any news of Assasin and Jes on the longbarrow? The screenshots on twitter show 'em at 316 miles going into the finishing circuit.

https://flic.kr/p/w1Spvr (https://flic.kr/p/w1Spvr)
A storming ride to 347.95 miles, despite three punctures, for the winning tandem, the VTTA Tandem Championship and the Johnson Tandem Trophy. Chapeau!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: jsabine on 21 July, 2015, 03:33:51 pm: Chapeau indeed.

A fine shot of Mr B's aerobelly in that photostream too, as well as TG and Jim Hopper caught side by side.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: 24hourmaths on 21 July, 2015, 08:50:28 pm: Quote from: TOBY on 21 July, 2015, 10:54:34 am
Great rides alround! Especially Wheels of Fire !!!!!!!!!!!

Great ride yourself, Toby, especially the mental strength to get past the punctures.

You came past me at just the right moment (for me) - I found the transition to the finishing circuit really tough and was feeling pretty down about 4 hours going round and round there. I'd just stopped outside the HQ declaring to my chief support that I couldn't do this any more. He said something rude, I ate a banana, you came flying past - that was just the combined kick up the backside that I needed to strap on a pair and get on with it.

A grand day out all round.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Jes on 22 July, 2015, 02:17:35 pm: Not one for posting but I feel the achievement of my Trainer and Captain deserves recognition.

This was Assasin's first 24hr TT in 22 years after having looked after me on the Mersey and the ESCA 24 for the past few years, and only his second tandem trike TT in all that time.

By winning the Mersey Roads tandem competition this year, he joins a very elite group of only three riders (Pat Kenny and the Brabins) who have won the Mersey tandem section three times - one with a comp record in 1993 which was only broken in 2012 by Ralph Dadswell and Marina Bloom.

The only person to have a longer gap between Mersey wins - 22 years - is one George Berwick who left it 30 years to win the tandem section in 2004 after his solo win in 1974.

Chapeau Captain :)
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: MikeH on 22 July, 2015, 02:45:07 pm: I now have an official revised distance of 413.97. Happy now. ;) Might scrape top 20 if too many others haven't been revised upwards.

Chapeau to all those that took part, especially WheelsOnFire - amazing ride.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Ian H on 22 July, 2015, 05:12:05 pm: Quote from: Jes on 22 July, 2015, 02:17:35 pm

Chapeau Captain :)

You looked pretty good pedalling that big beast round (the trike, I mean).
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Assasin on 22 July, 2015, 05:32:06 pm: Not bad for the fat kid.
I will be back to do it properly and try not to break anything next time.
Not bad for a comeback.
Need those Angry bird disc wheels to make it go faster.......

Shame The VTTA chap doesn't think tandem trikes count for the vets tandem championship.
It will get sorted one day...............................
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24 Hour 2015 (July 18/19)
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 22 July, 2015, 09:21:43 pm: We did a film of the winning ride. We've got loads more stuff, as we were doing a technical test for PBP. I'll have to do the definitive 24 film sometime. We've left most of the finish footage in, it needs cutting a bit. Dave Robinson did most of the editing, as I've been busy applying for a job, and having a cataract operation.

https://youtu.be/RsEt3FI1Ld0