Post by: Deano on 04 July, 2019, 11:07:54 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48199964541_0de2030ed5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2grgqcp)
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/20-84/
Draft route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30166330
New for 2020, 1000 km up the Scottish west coast and around the sea lochs, just (but just enough) into the Highlands, then back through Edinburgh, across the Lammermuirs and down the English east coast, under the Tyne at the fabulous cycle tunnel* and back through Durham's coal country.
This has been a long time a-brewing, and I think the balance of ferries, hills, main roads and - of course - bridges is about right.
It starts on a Thursday to take advantage of the 75th anniversary VE Day Bank holiday, and finishes on the Sunday, so local riders will only need the Thursday afternoon off work.
It starts in Darlington, which has great transport links from everywhere. Top tip for Londoners and other foreigners: Grand Central services from King's Cross to Eaglescliffe are a lot cheaper and more bike-friendly than direct services to Darlo, and then you can just hop a local train (no bike reservation needed).
There's a midafternoon start, which will see you riding over Upper Teesdale in the early evening in late spring, and there isn't a finer time to be in the best place in the world, you lucky lot. You'll pretty much need to ride through the first night, though there is a feed stop at Castle Douglas (no beds, it just breaks up a long section of buggerall - if you're fast enough to have time for proper sleep, there are hotels in Ayr). The ferry at Gourock starts operation again at
A loop around the Cowal peninsula and over the Rest and be Thankful takes you past the peace camp and nuclear subs at Faslane, down the Forth Valley and over the muir to the Friday night stop, which is now at Comrie rather than Cultybraggan camp, but we still have showers.
Assuming you do stop to sleep, the morning will bring Loch Earn, Glen Ogle and Loch Tay to sweet home Aberfeldy, then up past the Birks and through Glen Cochill, Glen Almond, Sma' Glen, Strathearn, Gleneagles, Glendevon, across the Ochils and down to Edinburgh. You'll get to cross the Lammermuirs away from the Forth and down into England to the Saturday night control at Shilbottle village hall. Again, sleeping mats and blankets provided, plus showers.
From there, it's a gorgeous run back down the coast, under the Tyne* and through the lanes back to Darlo. Hopefully I'll get to ride it myself in one go before the event ;D
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48200002197_5f0e43b993_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2grgBoD)
Yad Moss
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48199964011_9e32f7e5a3_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2grgq3g)
Gourock ferry
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48200041797_ba0bea7f04_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2grgPap)
Northumberland coast
*the cycle tunnels are wonderful and open 24 hours a day, though we're still awaiting the great glass elevators.
Post by: Flite on 05 July, 2019, 08:40:49 am
And Cultybraggan is an amazing place - shame the riders won't have time for a proper look round!
Post by: Roberto on 05 July, 2019, 10:27:05 am
Post by: Deano on 05 July, 2019, 10:58:01 am
Post by: Deano on 05 July, 2019, 11:49:27 am
What a fantastic route!
And Cultybraggan is an amazing place - shame the riders won't have time for a proper look round!
I'm looking forward to a look-round too!
And if anyone does fancy an excuse for a look-round, I'll want volunteers for Culty and the other controls...
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 05 July, 2019, 11:51:12 am
Post by: postie on 05 July, 2019, 02:39:10 pm
Post by: Socks on 05 July, 2019, 03:17:44 pm
What a fantastic route!
And Cultybraggan is an amazing place - shame the riders won't have time for a proper look round!
I'm looking forward to a look-round too!
And if anyone does fancy an excuse for a look-round, I'll want volunteers for Culty and the other controls...
The current Mrs Socks is on holiday Friday 8th May until Sunday 10th, so if we can get to Cultybraggan in time (in the campervan) we could sort out that control.
Post by: Deano on 07 July, 2019, 08:20:14 pm
Post by: bairn again on 07 July, 2019, 09:19:09 pm
Well done Dean.
Post by: eckagain on 07 July, 2019, 09:45:11 pm
That route looks to me to be the best 1000km Audax-that-starts-in-England-and-visits-Scotland.Of course it's a great route, the best route - it goes to Comrie. :thumbsup:
Well done Dean.
Post by: Deano on 07 July, 2019, 10:03:24 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 July, 2019, 08:56:12 pm
I note that the Glasgow may day holiday is the 6th of May, so also the tour of the Highlands weekend and potentially bollocks traffic in popular places.
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Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 July, 2019, 09:10:06 pm
Tempted but the "riding home to ride away" thing...Cracking route, want to do another 1000 and plenty choice next year.
I note that the Glasgow may day holiday is the 6th of May, so also the tour of the Highlands weekend and potentially bollocks traffic in popular places.
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Thoughts on the holiday weekend..
I'm not sure what the laich of mentieth is like on a Glasgow holiday, it's really the wrong way for them and there isn't much between Aberfoyle and Callander.
So the Rest and Vale of Leven are the only bits I'd be concerned about and there's some attempts at busy road avoidance possible there.
Hells glen route up the rest instead of kinglass, down the old road, rcr70 walker and wind blow dodging, shopper dodging at Loch lomond shores and on up the other side of the Loch through the park and the hilly road up the side of the hill from the A81. Hmm...
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Post by: Deano on 09 July, 2019, 09:33:48 pm
Have you looked at the Cowal Way between Strachur and Arrochar? I might give it a ride myself in the autumn.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 July, 2019, 09:41:38 pm
Yeah, I thought about going through Lomond shops, but it's chewy routing, and would be very busy for anyone there early.Think cowal way is mostly off road, not had a chance to take a proper close look at the route on rwgps as I decided to bugger off to Loch Tummel after getting home from Andy C's 1000.
Have you looked at the Cowal Way between Strachur and Arrochar? I might give it a ride myself in the autumn.
If I'm not riding I'll try to make sure I'm available to help at a control.
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Post by: IanDG on 11 July, 2019, 12:25:52 pm
'No problem' I replied.
Didn't realise at the time that it would be open between 9pm and 6am ;D
Post by: Paul D on 11 July, 2019, 04:16:20 pm
Have you looked at the Cowal Way between Strachur and Arrochar? I might give it a ride myself in the autumn.
First section from Strachur to Lochgoilhead is trackless bog deathmarch :thumbsup: I suspect Charlie Bikemonger and Marcus Stitz are using it as part of their Dunoon Dirt Dash ( http://dirtdash.cc/dunoon/ (http://dirtdash.cc/dunoon/) ) later this year as the entry regs include the comment:
Quote
PLEASE NOTE: Day 1 includes a section of 4.5km which crosses steep, boggy terrain where pushing the bike is neccesary and there are NO obvious tracks.
After LGH it gets better but still rocky over to Ardgarten.
Post by: Deano on 11 July, 2019, 04:27:56 pm
Post by: Paul D on 12 July, 2019, 12:48:36 pm
It wasn't a serious suggestion
Shame. I've found nothing gets randonneurs annoyed like chucking in a bit of off-road at least 8 hours into a long audax ;)
Post by: Deano on 12 July, 2019, 01:20:58 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 12 July, 2019, 01:49:01 pm
Check out the third photo in the OP :)
That's not off road, that's sustrans finest work... :p
J
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 July, 2019, 04:01:55 pm
The thought of climbing the Ballochandrain climb after almost 400km and probably no sleep given the start time... AND the Rig at 800, not to mention everything inbetween.
Suspect I need longer after the last 1000 to enter another!
Post by: Deano on 15 July, 2019, 10:54:10 pm
Looking over the route,
The thought of climbing the Ballochandrain climb after almost 400km and probably no sleep given the start time... AND the Rig at 800, not to mention everything inbetween.
Suspect I need longer after the last 1000 to enter another!
Ah you'll be fine. Up the Rigg and down through Duns is the best route south from Edinburgh to Darlo.
Is Ballochandrain some Scottish pun I'm missing? I dunno where you mean. But yeah, there are hills. It's not a flat route, it's a gorgeous route.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 15 July, 2019, 11:10:44 pm
Ballochindrain is the farm in Glen daruel at the foot of the climb over to otter ferry.Looking over the route,
The thought of climbing the Ballochandrain climb after almost 400km and probably no sleep given the start time... AND the Rig at 800, not to mention everything inbetween.
Suspect I need longer after the last 1000 to enter another!
Ah you'll be fine. Up the Rigg and down through Duns is the best route south from Edinburgh to Darlo.
Is Ballochandrain some Scottish pun I'm missing? I dunno where you mean. But yeah, there are hills. It's not a flat route, it's a gorgeous route.
Theres always the backup two feet option on the rig, I've a 100% record of using it too.
Definitley a good looking route!
Tbh the real challenge I see is the one I had on the auld alliance, from killin to Inverkeithing its home roads...
Edit: remembered part of the route wrong home roads starts at Drymen, but it is a fecking awesome route.
Need to check the location of the Highland boundary fault I think it's a double dip...
Edit edit: yes it is, first dip at Dunoon, undip somewhere on the loch, second dip at the pass of leny, then undip at the sma glen.
Suppose I do have nearly a year to get the hill training in and move house.
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Post by: Deano on 16 July, 2019, 10:45:10 pm
I know what you mean about travelling only to return home - I resisted the Old 240 for years, as there's a control 3 miles from my house. When I did ride it, I went home and had a decent meal, which was way better than what was on offer at Scotch Corner Services... And other events (LEL, Mille Pennines) which went close to home were fine - the pull of the event was stronger than the pull of home. Might have been different if I'd been at a real low on my local roads, of course.
Post by: Deano on 16 July, 2019, 10:48:49 pm
'Can you run a control?' asks Deano.
'No problem' I replied.
Didn't realise at the time that it would be open between 9pm and 6am ;D
:) As if!
(click to show/hide)
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 July, 2019, 11:09:59 pm
Ah, I thought that was the Hill you meant. Looks like a beastie (I haven't ridden it, but Roberto assures me it's fine - I meant to go via Tighnabruaich/Kames so you get the cracking view down the Kyles of Bute, but had to re-route to fit in with where I could get overnight stops).
I know what you mean about travelling only to return home - I resisted the Old 240 for years, as there's a control 3 miles from my house. When I did ride it, I went home and had a decent meal, which was way better than what was on offer at Scotch Corner Services... And other events (LEL, Mille Pennines) which went close to home were fine - the pull of the event was stronger than the pull of home. Might have been different if I'd been at a real low on my local roads, of course.
I only stopped for a photo and pee on the Argyll Alps which was surprising as going the other way I remember death griping the brakes to avoid over cooking it into a fence.
Goes on a bit at that speed but the steepest bit is disposed of early. No where near as bad as I thought it would be.
Aye I suppose I was on a real low on AA, it was pishing doon and I couldn't hang onto anyone on the Dunning road.
And when I say home roads it's more my stomping ground rather than right past home, over Schiehallion to the parents caravan at Tummel and Gleneagles village (with all the eejits who think it's got something to do with Eagles) is probably closest to home at 60km.
Not like Dave C's 200 last year where I rode past the rode end on 100km and 200m later passed within 10m of the house (the railway is in the way)
Which leaves the question, do I want to ride the WAW next year or do another 1000km and save the longer ones for later...
Also:
Just noticed in the draft route it has the "Amulree Anomaly"
Post by: IanDG on 17 July, 2019, 03:11:55 pm
'Can you run a control?' asks Deano.
'No problem' I replied.
Didn't realise at the time that it would be open between 9pm and 6am ;D
:) As if!(click to show/hide)
You did say '2pm from Darlo', I just didn't do the sums :D
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 17 July, 2019, 04:16:24 pm
Ballochindrain is the farm in Glen daruel at the foot of the climb over to otter ferry.
I know it by the alternate spelling Bealach an Drain, or Bealach Maim (the latter seems more appropriate: the first time I attempted it I had to stop 3 times because my legs were well and truly maimed). It's horrible.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 17 July, 2019, 04:36:00 pm
Bealach Maim appears to only turn up on more recent maps
For Maim I've found
maim
sf see mam & maoim.
1 alarm, panic, terror 2 consternation 3 eruption, outburst, sudden burst
Sounds about right!
or
mam /maum maim mamən/
fir. gin. maim, iol. -an
1 rounded hill/mountain 2 mountain gap/pass 3 boil 4 bulge
Post by: Deano on 11 August, 2019, 09:42:34 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48514213236_70ccee5334_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2gV32om)
Lovely it is, too.
If anyone is really keen and enters early, then just bear in mind I'll be away in France for a month, and won't be bothering with entry emails - I'll mop 'em all up when I get back.
Post by: Revellinho on 15 August, 2019, 09:59:33 pm
Post by: Graeme on 17 September, 2019, 10:03:52 pm
[Practices breathing exercises to calm nerves.]
I was really interested in the All Points North event, but then Deano put this ride on and I was torn between the two. I've eventually come round to the idea of a Super Randonneur 2500 next year and think I might even try for 50 points. Not much you say, but most of mine will be alone; so getting 10 points on an event where I may see others is too good an opportunity to miss.
Thanks for doing this Deano.
Post by: Bobby on 10 October, 2019, 05:28:47 pm
It's pretty early in the year for somebody only just getting back into riding after taking most of this year off, but still plenty of time to get fit enough.
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 04 November, 2019, 05:54:50 am
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 November, 2019, 10:52:07 am
I'll hopefully have enough company for the 250km on "home territory" to be distracted.
Post by: Deano on 04 November, 2019, 08:33:25 pm
I went through the old maps and think I concluded that Ballochindrain is probably the correct name for the farm, after all it's not a pass of anywhere.
Bealach Maim appears to only turn up on more recent maps
For Maim I've found
maim
sf see mam & maoim.
1 alarm, panic, terror 2 consternation 3 eruption, outburst, sudden burst
Sounds about right!
or
mam /maum maim mamən/
fir. gin. maim, iol. -an
1 rounded hill/mountain 2 mountain gap/pass 3 boil 4 bulge
Just to round this off, according to the info post at Otter Ferry, it's Bealachandrain, which is The Pass of the Thorn Tree.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 November, 2019, 08:43:01 pm
Edit: Which makes sense given the Irish pronunciations I've found of Bealach are nothing like what English/Scots speakers use. I've no idea how Islay or Stornoway Gaelic pronounce it though.
Post by: IanDG on 05 November, 2019, 09:06:27 am
I went through the old maps and think I concluded that Ballochindrain is probably the correct name for the farm, after all it's not a pass of anywhere.
Bealach Maim appears to only turn up on more recent maps
For Maim I've found
maim
sf see mam & maoim.
1 alarm, panic, terror 2 consternation 3 eruption, outburst, sudden burst
Sounds about right!
or
mam /maum maim mamən/
fir. gin. maim, iol. -an
1 rounded hill/mountain 2 mountain gap/pass 3 boil 4 bulge
Just to round this off, according to the info post at Otter Ferry, it's Bealachandrain, which is The Pass of the Thorn Tree.
Surely it means 'a wet uphill slog' (Bealach-and-rain).
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 November, 2019, 12:39:26 pm
I went through the old maps and think I concluded that Ballochindrain is probably the correct name for the farm, after all it's not a pass of anywhere.
Bealach Maim appears to only turn up on more recent maps
For Maim I've found
maim
sf see mam & maoim.
1 alarm, panic, terror 2 consternation 3 eruption, outburst, sudden burst
Sounds about right!
or
mam /maum maim mamən/
fir. gin. maim, iol. -an
1 rounded hill/mountain 2 mountain gap/pass 3 boil 4 bulge
Just to round this off, according to the info post at Otter Ferry, it's Bealachandrain, which is The Pass of the Thorn Tree.
Surely it means 'a wet uphill slog' (Bealach-and-rain).
Nah that's just a given.
Post by: Diesel on 28 December, 2019, 11:35:30 am
Post by: Graeme on 28 December, 2019, 01:21:18 pm
I'm in. looks like a great route. :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
Post by: Deano on 12 January, 2020, 09:21:30 pm
No pressure to enter, but if you want to ride, I'll probably be closing entries in a few weeks, at the current rate.
Post by: Jack_P on 14 January, 2020, 11:03:06 am
...and it's over three quarters full.
No pressure to enter, but if you want to ride, I'll probably be closing entries in a few weeks, at the current rate.
Love your work, can't miss this one, I'm in. :thumbsup:
Post by: Ivan on 14 January, 2020, 11:39:16 am
Post by: Jack_P on 14 January, 2020, 01:25:02 pm
I thought you had retired from this long distance cycling lark?Just the competitive types Ivan. ;D
Post by: Deano on 15 January, 2020, 02:42:14 pm
Love your work, can't miss this one, I'm in. :thumbsup:
Cheers, Jack, I'll be emailing confirmations tonight.
Post by: mattc on 30 January, 2020, 07:47:18 pm
<looks at waistline>
...
Any chance of putting this back a month Deano? Or two maybe ...
Post by: Deano on 30 January, 2020, 10:37:39 pm
Think of it as prep for my 400 in June, Matt.
Post by: mattc on 30 January, 2020, 10:46:22 pm
This seemed like such a great idea. But then I realized I've not ridden a long one earlier than July before. And recent years have been sep/aug/Oct. I feel like my biorhythms are all out of sync ...
Post by: Paul D on 31 January, 2020, 09:43:27 am
This seemed like such a great idea. But then I realized I've not ridden a long one earlier than July before. And recent years have been sep/aug/Oct. I feel like my biorhythms are all out of sync ...
Have you not ridden the Chapman in sub 40 hours mid-May more than once? Think of it as having 35 hours to do another 400k after the same effort. No problem :thumbsup:
Post by: yanto on 01 February, 2020, 07:44:31 am
I also notice that the access is using the vertical lifts which are large enough for 2 people and 2 bikes, but I can't find any information on their physical dimensions, does anybody know?
Finally can anybody recommend an alternative cycle friendly crossing?
Post by: mattc on 01 February, 2020, 07:56:47 am
Typical crazy AUK logic! ;DThis seemed like such a great idea. But then I realized I've not ridden a long one earlier than July before. And recent years have been sep/aug/Oct. I feel like my biorhythms are all out of sync ...
Have you not ridden the Chapman in sub 40 hours mid-May more than once? Think of it as having 35 hours to do another 400k after the same effort. No problem :thumbsup:
Post by: iroiromono on 01 February, 2020, 08:16:51 am
I've read the Tyne cycle tunnel is daytime use only (6am - 8pm) although ambiguously it does also say it's open to shift workers as well?
I also notice that the access is using the vertical lifts which are large enough for 2 people and 2 bikes, but I can't find any information on their physical dimensions, does anybody know?
Finally can anybody recommend an alternative cycle friendly crossing?
FifeingEijit and I took it on our Dinner Dart this year. I'd say it would be a struggle with a velomobile. It wasn't a massive cargo lift. They're doing work commission the new diagonally moving elevator which is a lot larger. This goes down the shaft for the stairs. If that is in service in May you should be okay.
Post by: L CC on 01 February, 2020, 05:35:53 pm
https://www.nexus.org.uk/ferry/timetable
Post by: Deano on 01 February, 2020, 09:09:41 pm
If you're just after info about the tunnel and alternatives, then go for the ferry.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 February, 2020, 09:23:31 pm
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Post by: Deano on 01 February, 2020, 09:26:41 pm
I can send you the route if you like, mind.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 February, 2020, 09:29:21 pm
Sunday services are shite, which is one reason I didn't route it that way.If I don't get back on the bike soon it'll be the Monday before I get there
I can send you the route if you like, mind.
I'll have a proper think about it nearer the time, the only other reason I can see me using that ferry is if I confuse north and South shields again.
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Post by: Deano on 01 February, 2020, 09:42:45 pm
Post by: Deano on 01 February, 2020, 10:21:39 pm
No changes to the published route - I wasn't sure of the route from the 697 to Shilbottle, but this is the shortest route, and it's lovely. There's a hill, and it's a bit rough in places, but the alternative is all hills, and all rough, and you'd have to go through Alnwick, eurgh.
Worth it for the view from the top of Lemmington Bank alone, I reckon:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49474607466_eb93cdae59_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2inUi8y)
I was quite happy with the route through North Tyneside, too. Well, as far as I got - it was pissing down from Cresswell south, and I bailed to a train at Cramlington. I stopped at a bus shelter in Ashington to hide from the rain, and a couple walking past checked I was OK, which was lovely. Decent roads between towns, no silly overtakes. A bit of a comedown after Druridge Bay, but what wouldn't be?
I do still have to check the instructions for Cramlington-Washington (be still my beating heart), but nae rush, I don't expect that to change, barring the appearance of a magical cyclepath from the south end of the tunnel to Fatfield Bridge.
Post by: L CC on 02 February, 2020, 12:04:37 am
Next crossing is the millennium bridge, that's a fair detour.
Plenty of time for it to get fixed, though.
Post by: L CC on 02 February, 2020, 12:12:21 am
<Looks at calendar>14 weeks. 14 kilos. What can possibly go wrong?
<looks at waistline>
...
Post by: Rowan on 02 February, 2020, 12:28:10 am
In other news, I was out route-checking today, and checking the routesheet instructions.I know that road well, great views down to the coast, Big climb up Lemmington bank, (probably the biggest in this part of northumberland). Don't fancy your ride down the 697 (far too many logging trucks cornhill to wooperton), can think of far quieter roads from Duns to Shilbottle.
No changes to the published route - I wasn't sure of the route from the 697 to Shilbottle, but this is the shortest route, and it's lovely. There's a hill, and it's a bit rough in places, but the alternative is all hills, and all rough, and you'd have to go through Alnwick, eurgh.
Worth it for the view from the top of Lemmington Bank alone, I reckon:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49474607466_eb93cdae59_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2inUi8y)
I was quite happy with the route through North Tyneside, too. Well, as far as I got - it was pissing down from Cresswell south, and I bailed to a train at Cramlington. I stopped at a bus shelter in Ashington to hide from the rain, and a couple walking past checked I was OK, which was lovely. Decent roads between towns, no silly overtakes. A bit of a comedown after Druridge Bay, but what wouldn't be?
I do still have to check the instructions for Cramlington-Washington (be still my beating heart), but nae rush, I don't expect that to change, barring the appearance of a magical cyclepath from the south end of the tunnel to Fatfield Bridge.
Post by: yanto on 02 February, 2020, 07:00:19 am
Have you entered, yanto?
If you're just after info about the tunnel and alternatives, then go for the ferry.
No not entered, I'm half and half, would really like to, but not sure I would be physically capable so soon into the season (for me), especially knowing the steepness of some of the roads, I will look into ferry though.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 February, 2020, 03:43:42 pm
Oh no, not someone else getting their excuses in. I do follow you on Strava, you know.
haha aye, 2 rides this year to finish an RRTY and keep one RRTY going, everything else on strava is annoying lunch time walks.
14 weeks... loads of time.
Post by: Deano on 03 February, 2020, 10:54:20 pm
I know that road well, great views down to the coast, Big climb up Lemmington bank, (probably the biggest in this part of northumberland). Don't fancy your ride down the 697 (far too many logging trucks cornhill to wooperton), can think of far quieter roads from Duns to Shilbottle.
Thanks, Rowan - can you point me at the quieter roads that fit the criteria of quiet roads, direct and simple routing, decent surface, suitable for riders looking for sleep at Shilbottle and shorter than my route?
Post by: Deano on 11 February, 2020, 08:31:16 pm
...and it's over three quarters full.
No pressure to enter, but if you want to ride, I'll probably be closing entries in a few weeks, at the current rate.
And that's it, it's full.
Post by: Graeme on 11 February, 2020, 08:34:31 pm
...and it's over three quarters full.
No pressure to enter, but if you want to ride, I'll probably be closing entries in a few weeks, at the current rate.
And that's it, it's full.
:thumbsup:
Post by: Phil W on 11 February, 2020, 08:43:08 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 February, 2020, 09:00:44 pm
How many riders is that then?
Enough for Comrie to live up to its sub-title?
Post by: Deano on 11 February, 2020, 09:15:18 pm
How many riders is that then?
100 plus volunteers. The calendar page does tell you this, Phil.
Post by: Deano on 11 February, 2020, 09:15:45 pm
How many riders is that then?
Enough for Comrie to live up to its sub-title?
"The Spiritual Home of Scottish Audaxing"?
Post by: Deano on 11 February, 2020, 09:35:58 pm
Post by: Phil W on 11 February, 2020, 09:56:19 pm
How many riders is that then?
100 plus volunteers. The calendar page does tell you this, Phil.
Ah hidden in facilities, hadn’t spotted that.
Post by: bairn again on 11 February, 2020, 09:56:56 pm
Oh, and if anyone is audax-curious, I'm still after a few helpers at the finish in Darlo, at Castle Douglas on the Thursday night, and at Shilbottle on the Saturday night.Deano - there is a possibility that I might not be able to ride due to a Real Life commitment on Saturday 9th - if so I could help out at CD on the Thursday. I wont know for sure until nearer the time unfortunately.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 February, 2020, 11:56:53 pm
Erm well I was thinking of the more common one "the shaky town" but, aye.How many riders is that then?
Enough for Comrie to live up to its sub-title?
"The Spiritual Home of Scottish Audaxing"?
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Post by: Pale Rider on 12 February, 2020, 01:33:48 am
I've read the Tyne cycle tunnel is daytime use only (6am - 8pm) although ambiguously it does also say it's open to shift workers as well?
I also notice that the access is using the vertical lifts which are large enough for 2 people and 2 bikes, but I can't find any information on their physical dimensions, does anybody know?
Finally can anybody recommend an alternative cycle friendly crossing?
The Tyne cycling/pedestrian tunnel is open, certainly during the day.
Not sure about overnight, but as you say the tunnel traditionally served factory and shift workers so it probably remains open.
I was there a few weeks ago and access is either the stairs - one of my party shouldered his upright bike and walked down, or the lift.
The lift is small, we got two bikes in, opposed, but there was very little spare space lengthwise.
My mountain bike needed to be at a slight angle.
Not sure if a velomobile would fit, you might have to lift the nose - if that's possible.
The Shields Ferry is open again.
That runs during the day into the early evening, later on Thursday to Saturday.
A velomobile ought to roll on OK, although it might ground on the ramp.
https://www.nexus.org.uk/ferry/timetable
Post by: yanto on 12 February, 2020, 07:21:35 am
I don't think the lift will be doable, the velomobile is 2.7m long just getting it in through the doors at an angle would be hassle, also getting there and finding it won't fit would be a royal PITA.
Ferry does look better option, I can always get out and manhandle over ramps or approach at an angle, I've done both methods previously.
Being honest with myself I don't think I'll be in any form of fitness suitable for riding such a long distance in 11 weeks, which is my fault as I had a lay off from cycling between Oct and early Jan.
Post by: Deano on 12 February, 2020, 09:33:43 pm
Oh, and if anyone is audax-curious, I'm still after a few helpers at the finish in Darlo, at Castle Douglas on the Thursday night, and at Shilbottle on the Saturday night.Deano - there is a possibility that I might not be able to ride due to a Real Life commitment on Saturday 9th - if so I could help out at CD on the Thursday. I wont know for sure until nearer the time unfortunately.
Cheers G, but here's hoping you'll be riding!
Post by: Pale Rider on 13 February, 2020, 01:21:04 am
I do still have to check the instructions for Cramlington-Washington (be still my beating heart), but nae rush, I don't expect that to change, barring the appearance of a magical cyclepath from the south end of the tunnel to Fatfield Bridge.
Have you considered the Monckton Cycleway?
Easy access from the south end of the tunnel.
Some of the A frame restrictions have been removed, probably to improve wheelchair access, so reasonably swift progress can be made.
Restrictions aside, it's all tarmac or well made gravel track.
You would pop out just by Heworth golf club, then make a left (south) turn onto the A195 to cross the graded junction with the A194(M) at Follingsby.
Continuing on the A195 takes you, via a series of roundabouts, to Fatfield.
I suppose some may see it as less than ideal cycling, but it is mostly wide single carriageway, and is fairly flat, so you could bowl along at a good pace.
Nowt wrong with your proposed route, although it is narrower and may involve mixing it with car transporters and other HGVs going to and from Nissan.
Post by: Deano on 13 February, 2020, 02:03:45 pm
Post by: JonJo on 13 February, 2020, 03:14:11 pm
Thanks, PR - I might give it a look. That's the Bowes Railway Path, right? Someone (probably Dale) put me off that, but it would save crossing and re-crossing the A19.
The Bowes railway path in that area is very badly eroded. Two thirds the width of the track is an axle deep washout gully and the remaing thin strip of tarmac is overhung by brambles and the like. It's an interseting and challenging ride if you have the track to yourself. If you were to meet someone coming the other way it could be carnage.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 February, 2020, 03:59:43 pm
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/42005637
It was ok but not great, better than what followed right enough...
Post by: Pale Rider on 13 February, 2020, 06:24:38 pm
Thanks, PR - I might give it a look. That's the Bowes Railway Path, right? Someone (probably Dale) put me off that, but it would save crossing and re-crossing the A19.
It becomes the Bowes railway path which, as said elsewhere, is a bit iffy in places.
But you will have turned off it before then.
The stretch you will be using - from the tunnel to the A195 junction, is all well made, either tarmac or gravel.
Mind, it looks like I can't spell Monkton.
Going back to the name, this map calls it the Bowes Railway Path for the whole length from the tunnel.
My group has always called the first stretch the Monkton Cycleway, not least because there are a couple of blue Sustrans signs which say that.
https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/5480189#map=15/54.9462/-1.5258
Post by: hippy on 15 February, 2020, 03:43:34 pm
I've booked a 10am outbound. Hopefully I can get a bike on this train and make it in time for the start.
Post by: Diesel on 15 February, 2020, 05:17:03 pm
Train tickets from London to Darlington for the 7th are now available.
I've booked a 10am outbound. Hopefully I can get a bike on this train and make it in time for the start.
Thanks but looks like they haven't been released for journey back yet on the Sunday. Looks like usual hassle of finding cheapest prices and booking bike on. Trying to avoid having to drive up...
Post by: Phil W on 15 February, 2020, 05:23:20 pm
Train tickets from London to Darlington for the 7th are now available.
I've booked a 10am outbound. Hopefully I can get a bike on this train and make it in time for the start.
Thanks but looks like they haven't been released for journey back yet on the Sunday. Looks like usual hassle of finding cheapest prices and booking bike on. Trying to avoid having to drive up...
Since the cheap advance fares are generally singles you may as well get your outbound then get the return when they come out. Cheap advance returns seem to have disappeared from what I can see.
Post by: hippy on 15 February, 2020, 07:08:49 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 15 February, 2020, 11:42:06 pm
Scotrail do web bike bookings but they don't seem to have the LNER Advance tickets listed.
LNER don't do on line web bike bookings
TPE do web bike bookings AND had the LNER advanced fares listed, but their website is s--te... But I got nectar points so all's good...
Post by: hippy on 16 February, 2020, 02:55:43 pm
Post by: Deano on 16 February, 2020, 03:08:07 pm
It's about a fiver to Eaglescliffe from Darlo.
Post by: hippy on 16 February, 2020, 03:34:45 pm
Post by: mattc on 16 February, 2020, 06:54:18 pm
Leaving London costs £26. Returning is going to cost £140 FFS. UK trains >>>I do feel sorry for you Londoners. Of course £26 is a lot of money (after you've paid for all those cappucinos and beard-trims). I am therefore happy to pay almost 3 times this to travel 15 miles less to Darlington (from Oxon); it's only fair that us rural rich subsidise our cycling Town Mouse cousins. You can thank me at Darlo, a simple handshake or tug of the forelock will suffice.
(on the plus-side, I got 5 different tickets for the one journey - that's great value for money! I only got the one bike reservation though - getting 5 different ones seemed greedy, it is the same train, after all).
Staying in York Wed night (after much dithering over train ticket prices for various options, etc etc ... ). One of the hostels is quite likely.
Not sure about Sun night; a ride like this, any assumptions about finish time are pretty rash for this rider!
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 February, 2020, 06:54:39 pm
I only got the notification from LNER about the advanced tickets for the trip south on Friday and not expecting the one for the Sunday night trains north until next friday
The LNER website says "Tickets are available for travel up to and including: Friday 08 May 2020"
But I can get full price ticket and time listings up to the 10th from Scotrails website.
If I look on TPE I get XC Advance tickets (which come out earlier) and this warning on 96 quid LNER Anytime Single fares
"The LNER timetable on this date has not been finalised yet.
If you buy a ticket now, you will NOT have a seat reservation and may pay more than you need to. LNER timetable, seat reservations and Advance tickets are not yet available."
which also means no bike bookings or cheap fares yet...
Post by: hippy on 16 February, 2020, 07:16:35 pm
I do feel sorry for you Londoners. Of course £26 is a lot of money (after you've paid for all those cappucinos and beard-trims). I am therefore happy to pay almost 3 times this to travel 15 miles less to Darlington (from Oxon); it's only fair that us rural rich subsidise our cycling Town Mouse cousins. You can thank me at Darlo, a simple handshake or tug of the forelock will suffice.
Why do you think I'm so scruffy looking? Can't afford haircutting of any sort living in London and paying £1200 a week for a dog kennel with en-suite bucket to the land(ed gentry)lords living the high life in their country mansions.
Also, that's the cheapest ticket outbound and to get back it's more (guess that's the price to maintain the M25 border controls). My point is that trains in this country are stupidly expensive and it's no wonder every bugger drives everywhere.
Post by: mattc on 16 February, 2020, 07:40:51 pm
Why do you think I'm so scruffy looking? Can't afford haircutting of any sort living in London and paying £1200 a week for a dog kennel with en-suite bucket to the land(ed gentry)lords living the high life in their country mansions.You've got an en-suite?? Crikey, we need to put your rents up! I'll have a word with Spoffy at the club tomorrow ...
Post by: Deano on 27 February, 2020, 10:27:09 pm
I think I used up all the wind, so you ought to be alright on the day.
Post by: Revolution9 on 09 March, 2020, 10:29:18 am
With the Final route now showing 1020km, does this mean the info on the event page is incorrect?
"Time:13:00 to finish by + 16:00"
Post by: Ivan on 09 March, 2020, 10:36:57 am
Post by: Revolution9 on 09 March, 2020, 03:16:18 pm
It's a BRM event so a fixed 75h time limit applies, no allowance for over-distance.
Thanks :thumbsup:
Post by: Deano on 09 March, 2020, 03:17:23 pm
And don't forget 4-5 km of the extra distance is a ferry. I've ridden 200s with more overdistance than that :)
Post by: Paul D on 09 March, 2020, 03:48:36 pm
I'm stockpiling jelly babies just in case there's a run on them between now and 7th May. Any chance the scaremongers might cancel the Greenock ferry? ::-)
Post by: Revolution9 on 09 March, 2020, 03:50:12 pm
No point in performing an ITT for the last 10k when you don't need to. DAMHIKT :facepalm:
Post by: mattc on 16 March, 2020, 07:38:28 pm
<Looks at calendar>I'd like to point out that - between named storms - I have actually ridden my bike shitloads since this post.
<looks at waistline>
...
Any chance of putting this back a month Deano? Or two maybe ...
SO if you are planning to cancel this event - El Deano - I may have to deploy my MkIII Paddington Stare. You've been warned!
Post by: Deano on 16 March, 2020, 09:13:32 pm
I'd like to point out that - between named storms - I have actually ridden my bike shitloads since this post.
SO if you are planning to cancel this event - El Deano - I may have to deploy my MkIII Paddington Stare. You've been warned!
Bugger, and there was me counting on you DNF-ing :demon:
Post by: Deano on 16 March, 2020, 09:15:29 pm
Bit of a pisser, but I can't see how it can go ahead at the moment.
Post by: Pale Rider on 22 March, 2020, 12:21:37 am
Outside of virus restrictions, the normal overnight service is a shuttle bus which can take bikes.
That situation is planned to remain until the refurbishments are 100 percent completed, which given the history of the project, could be years.
During virus restrictions, the shuttle bus has been replaced by a taxi service, which cannot take bikes.
Post by: Paul D on 06 May, 2020, 11:59:35 am
I'm starting to make plans for this, working on the theory that no matter what the government guidance on the apocalypse is by then, there's a significant chance I'll be self-isolating on the bike for 3 days anyway so no reason it won't go ahead. :D
I'm stockpiling jelly babies just in case there's a run on them between now and 7th May. Any chance the scaremongers might cancel the Greenock ferry? ::-)
Thinking about this today as I'd be travelling up to stay at my father's tonight. Although a little tongue-in-cheek, my comment above didn't age well did it? Would be grateful to just visit my father at the moment, let alone ride round the country. Oh well.
Post by: mattc on 06 May, 2020, 06:59:54 pm
Post by: Deano on 07 May, 2020, 09:21:10 pm
I reckon most of you would've crossed the border by now, and a few would even be through Dumfries to the control at Castle Douglas.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49867343443_d613673c0c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iYBaRv)
Dunno when the rearranged date will be yet, but there will be one. The hills and coasts'll still be there.
Post by: IanDG on 07 May, 2020, 10:01:13 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 08 May, 2020, 08:42:17 pm
For reasons that will soon become obvious locals usually surmize the following poem about the Firth of Tay (the Fjord that runs from somewhere East of Perth out to the Bell Rock) as:
The Tay, the Tay, the Silvery Tay,
That flows from Perth to Dundee every day.
Anyway... courtesy of the one and thankfully only Wm Topaz McGonagall, I give you
A Descriptive Poem on the Silvery Tay
(https://i.ibb.co/KLqYNNj/P1050229.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KLqYNNj)
Beautiful silvery Tay,
With your landscapes, so lovely and gay,
Along each side of your waters, to Perth all the way;
No other river in the world has got scenery more fine,
Only I am told the beautiful Rhine,
Near to Wormit Bay, it seems very fine,
Where the Railway Bridge is towering above its waters sublime,
And the beautiful ship Mars,
With her Juvenile Tars,
Both lively and gay,
Does carelessly lie
By night and by day,
In the beautiful Bay
Of the silvery Tay.
Beautiful, beautiful! silvery Tay,
Thy scenery is enchanting on a fine summer day,
Near by Balmerino it is beautiful to behold,
When the trees are in full bloom and the cornfields seems like gold –
And nature’s face seems gay,
And the lambkins they do play,
And the humming bee is on the wing,
It is enough to make one sing,
While they carelessly do stray,
Along the beautiful banks of the silvery Tay,
Beautiful silvery Tay, rolling smoothly on your way,
Near by Newport, as clear as the day,
Thy scenery around is charming I’ll be bound…
And would make the heart of any one feel light and gay on a fine summer day,
To view the beautiful scenery along the banks of the silvery Tay.
---
And this
Was one of his better ones...
Post by: mattc on 09 May, 2020, 05:48:27 pm
What? No one started?. Can I close the control and head on home to bed then? ;)best to give it another day -theres always someone running late.
Much appreciated 👍 :thumbsup:
Post by: IanDG on 09 May, 2020, 07:58:05 pm
What? No one started?. Can I close the control and head on home to bed then? ;)best to give it another day -theres always someone running late.
Much appreciated 👍 :thumbsup:
;D
Post by: Graeme on 27 October, 2020, 04:20:22 pm
Post by: madcow on 27 October, 2020, 06:19:10 pm
Post by: Deano on 06 November, 2020, 08:26:57 pm
We're go for the early May Bank Holiday in 2021.
For anyone not already entered - sorry, I don't think I'll be re-opening entries, barring a huge number of dropouts (and I did make a few promises to sneak mates in if they want to ride ;)) .
Post by: Dakkar on 04 December, 2020, 06:11:32 pm
Just asking.
Post by: markcjagar on 05 December, 2020, 03:00:03 pm
Just in case there is a tremendous amount of drop outs and your mates can't make it. Give us a shout. :)
Just asking.
Add my name to the bottom of the list as well please Deano
Post by: aidan.f on 06 December, 2020, 02:45:33 pm
Post by: Deano on 06 December, 2020, 06:36:29 pm
And if you do have a spare weekend, the Chevy would be a lovely way to spend it: https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8776
Post by: Dakkar on 06 December, 2020, 07:54:31 pm
Post by: Deano on 24 February, 2021, 08:34:07 pm
Post by: Graeme on 24 February, 2021, 08:54:58 pm
:thumbsup:
Post by: L CC on 25 February, 2021, 08:48:57 am
Post by: bairn again on 25 February, 2021, 09:06:50 am
Im realistically not going to ride two events that distance in addition to organising one.
Post by: Dakkar on 01 March, 2021, 08:34:45 pm
Post by: Deano on 02 March, 2021, 08:49:09 pm
I'm not running a waiting list, sorry, but I'll let everyone know if any places do open up, though that seems unlikely.
Post by: mattc on 07 March, 2021, 06:47:42 pm
Post by: Deano on 07 March, 2021, 10:43:02 pm
My 400 (the offroady one) and 600 (the hilly one) are going to go ahead on the 17th July. Pretty much x-rated, sadly, but there's plenty of space left on both.
Post by: aidan.f on 08 March, 2021, 06:31:10 pm
Post by: Deano on 24 September, 2021, 10:02:42 pm
Currently I'm congratulating myself on my foresight in not adding dates to the posters I bodged together. Here's the other version, but everyone else preferred the one I put on the OP.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51512524068_944539c9ae_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mtZ9JG)
Post by: mattc on 23 January, 2022, 06:38:28 pm
(Currently my AUK season looks like:
Winter,
300 in March,
Highland 1000,
Eating.)
Post by: Deano on 23 January, 2022, 06:50:22 pm
Not sure how I'll prepare myself for my helper's ride, probably a hilly 300 or two.
Post by: Graeme on 23 January, 2022, 06:52:34 pm
Post by: Graeme on 23 January, 2022, 06:53:37 pm
:thumbsup:
Post by: Diesel on 23 January, 2022, 08:51:24 pm
Post by: Deano on 23 January, 2022, 08:59:43 pm
I've no idea. I'm just hoping that the callouses on my butt from previous seasons will see me through. I'm sure that half the ride is downhill too, so it's only really 500km. Reluctantly heading out for a 200 tomorrow and hoping against hope that I enjoy it.
Part of it is certainly Downhill (https://maps.app.goo.gl/93MHvvNbctNoZ18r7)
Post by: Graeme on 23 January, 2022, 09:04:29 pm
Lol.
Post by: Andy Corless on 23 January, 2022, 10:25:21 pm
https://burnleyccevents.com
There's already an unusually high entry for the 300 this year.
Andy Corless
Post by: IanDG on 23 January, 2022, 11:33:34 pm
Find some friends and do an Arrow, Matt, you'll be reet.
Not sure how I'll prepare myself for my helper's ride, probably a hilly 300 or two.
I can do a small section for you ;)
Post by: Deano on 24 January, 2022, 09:23:26 pm
Find some friends and do an Arrow, Matt, you'll be reet.
Not sure how I'll prepare myself for my helper's ride, probably a hilly 300 or two.
I can do a small section for you ;)
Ha, cheers Ian, but I want to give the whole thing a go myself :)
Post by: Deano on 24 January, 2022, 09:26:31 pm
I fully intend on riding in April and for information purposes I'm organizing a couple of hilly events in early April (200 + 300) that might be of interest. More details here:
https://burnleyccevents.com
There's already an unusually high entry for the 300 this year.
Andy Corless
Ha, good on you, Andy, I suppose I should take this opportunity to plug my hilly 200 at the beginning of April: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=114643.0
Post by: Deano on 03 February, 2022, 09:50:11 pm
Post by: Graeme on 03 February, 2022, 10:32:22 pm
;D
Post by: Deano on 03 February, 2022, 11:49:18 pm
Post by: John Stonebridge on 04 February, 2022, 05:57:08 pm
Following domestic negotiations I do however have a cunning plan for a later-in-the-season DIY 1000km..
Hope y’all have a nice time.
Post by: Deano on 15 February, 2022, 06:46:50 pm
Post by: Deano on 17 February, 2022, 11:06:00 pm
Post by: IanDG on 17 February, 2022, 11:14:59 pm
I've no idea. I'm just hoping that the callouses on my butt from previous seasons will see me through. I'm sure that half the ride is downhill too, so it's only really 500km. Reluctantly heading out for a 200 tomorrow and hoping against hope that I enjoy it.
Part of it is certainly Downhill (https://maps.app.goo.gl/93MHvvNbctNoZ18r7)
Some of the Old Military Road to Castle Douglas is downhill - some of it isn't ;)
Post by: Deano on 17 February, 2022, 11:17:37 pm
Post by: IanDG on 17 February, 2022, 11:20:31 pm
Hush, they'll be fine. I'll be happy for a hill or two after the Solway Coast bit.
After the windy bit?
Post by: Deano on 17 February, 2022, 11:21:17 pm
Post by: Graeme on 15 March, 2022, 10:35:38 pm
Post by: Deano on 16 March, 2022, 10:53:32 pm
I was surprised to get a few more entries in over the weekend while I was out checking the route. It is still open, but I can't sneak many more in, based on the controls and how many of you I can be arsed to feed.
Top tip - make sure your waterproofs are still waterproof before the ride :facepalm:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51942634716_b90388d21b_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2n8ZzDw)
Post by: oggy on 18 March, 2022, 07:49:54 am
Post by: FifeingEejit on 20 March, 2022, 10:07:15 pm
The idea of the route check/helpers ride is to get all the bad weather so the event has sunny clear blue warm skies
I disproved this theory in December, even the forecast said I was getting the worse day (it was the day before).
The riders very definitely got the worst day, "I've never been so wet and cold on a bike" was one comment.
One rider arrived later than intended at the start, the one and only to look at the forecast and have a complete kit change.
Post by: Deano on 08 April, 2022, 09:00:37 pm
Meanwhile, I just emailed the final (probably) info out to riders - you should all have it, but let me know if not.
PS bought a new jacket and gloves off the back of that - jacket is awesome, gloves less so.
Post by: hippy on 13 April, 2022, 04:31:54 pm
Post by: Deano on 13 April, 2022, 05:16:05 pm
Post by: Deano on 24 April, 2022, 11:31:23 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027708354_bb962d8d20_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngvB5o)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027457321_3077df86aa_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngujse)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027701909_a8099a7a0a_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngvzag)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027490243_90ab0c26aa_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nguueR)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027697894_ddb0b49526_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngvxY3)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027457321_3077df86aa_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngujse)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027701909_a8099a7a0a_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngvzag)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027490243_90ab0c26aa_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nguueR)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027697894_ddb0b49526_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngvxY3)
There is a lot of riding next to water, which is only one of the things I like about the route.
And this weekend has been the other side of ride prep, with the oven on full burn, and sorting out all the other background things.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52026421697_c13fd95a8e_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngp1AD)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027465701_be35962f67_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngumWH)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027684384_bad72c1fed_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngvtX7)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027465701_be35962f67_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngumWH)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52027684384_bad72c1fed_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ngvtX7)
Ready for you all in Darlo on Friday, or elsewhere on the route :)
Post by: mattc on 25 April, 2022, 06:44:09 am
Great pics!
I liked the hills info note. In at least 3 places; "this may be the hardest longest bastard hill on the ride".
Thanks for that.
Post by: oggy on 25 April, 2022, 09:36:28 am
http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/fedd8427-d7d7-48ff-ae1b-13a9f3fb33f6
good news it will keep those pesky midges down
Post by: Deano on 25 April, 2022, 09:38:23 am
But if that's right you'd have a tailwind all the way round ;D
Post by: Peter on 25 April, 2022, 09:51:36 am
I liked the severally-punned "fixed" picture, too.
Have a lovely time, everyone.
Post by: Graeme on 25 April, 2022, 10:35:14 am
Started on my packing list. It's looking like "bring everything"
Day 1: 570km Afternoon - Night - Day - Night
Day 2: ~300km Early to Late
Day 3: 130km Early to Lunch
Deano's food, hills and shelter guidance is brilliant. Combined with the photos I'm really looking forward to the ride and immersing myself in it for four 'daytimes'.
My prep has been dreadful. A few 200s, one 300, plus two instances of Covid and a hurty Achilles. Thankfully fully recovered from all of that now. However, I feel like I'm heading out into the cold and wet woefully unready. I'm sort of hoping we'll just encourage each other through this. There'll be highs and lows for all of us but together we'll be alright. I hope.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday.
Post by: Deano on 25 April, 2022, 11:06:31 am
Post by: Graeme on 25 April, 2022, 01:11:49 pm
I've had a ride out on the folding bike... working perfectly and ready for the event.
:thumbsup:
Post by: FifeingEejit on 25 April, 2022, 07:36:33 pm
That is however the least of my worries pre-wise, if I pack wrong my fellow train carriage occupants will jsut have to suffer...
Post by: Deano on 25 April, 2022, 10:33:46 pm
That reminds me, Dean: that halva you brought down the other week was lovely! The riders are lucky; not only are you a route master but a caterer of class - like John Perrin!
I liked the severally-punned "fixed" picture, too.
Have a lovely time, everyone.
Ah thanks Pete, the halva is a hard sell at times so I only make it for those who appreciate it!
Post by: Deano on 25 April, 2022, 10:34:27 pm
Deano,
I've had a ride out on the folding bike... working perfectly and ready for the event.
:thumbsup:
Great stuff, thanks G, I'll have the jacket ready too.
Post by: mr ben on 26 April, 2022, 11:09:48 am
If the Express is predicting POLAR VORTEX it'll probably turn out nice.
Post by: john jackson on 26 April, 2022, 08:28:37 pm
BOLDON COLLIERY control – McD’s, Asda,cinema etc
I can imagine the snoring in the cimema as riders have a nap in the dark. ;D
Post by: IanDG on 26 April, 2022, 08:31:17 pm
Wow, this is looking epic on all fronts. I'll see you all in Castle Douglas. :thumbsup:
If the Express is predicting POLAR VORTEX it'll probably turn out nice.
Just sorting out the menu 🙂
Post by: davocon on 27 April, 2022, 08:39:45 am
Happy riding!
Post by: iroiromono on 27 April, 2022, 04:43:14 pm
Post by: Revolution9 on 27 April, 2022, 04:44:29 pm
Having a real dither on what to wear / pack as it looks like we could be having some cold nights and a wet Saturday!
For the sake of others, don't wear those burgandy bibs :facepalm: ;)
Post by: Deano on 27 April, 2022, 05:08:09 pm
Post by: iroiromono on 27 April, 2022, 05:11:50 pm
...
For the sake of others, don't wear those burgandy bibs :facepalm: ;)
I'll be sure to wear them for the first day
Post by: Lightning Phil on 27 April, 2022, 05:30:18 pm
Post by: Revolution9 on 27 April, 2022, 08:56:20 pm
...
For the sake of others, don't wear those burgandy bibs :facepalm: ;)
I'll be sure to wear them for the first day
Only kidding. Best of luck
Post by: mattc on 27 April, 2022, 11:26:52 pm
Blame Matt, he did ask if there'd be snow on the tops :)Only on the TOPS I said!!
Can Deano or anyone suggest a Last Supper venue for tomorrow? (The Horse pub nr start doesn't look good for parking a bike :-\ )
Post by: mattc on 27 April, 2022, 11:36:21 pm
Having a real dither on what to wear / pack as it looks like we could be having some cold nights and a wet Saturday!May BH rides have often been tricky (even in Eng/Wales!)
I had ice on my tent in Exeter this time last year.
Never done a 1k+ ride this early. My approach will be take all the clothes I might need - rather than mustn't carry too much stuff. We'll see ...!
Post by: Deano on 28 April, 2022, 12:10:58 am
Blame Matt, he did ask if there'd be snow on the tops :)Only on the TOPS I said!!
Can Deano or anyone suggest a Last Supper venue for tomorrow? (The Horse pub nr start doesn't look good for parking a bike :-\ )
There are a few cafes up North Road and Northgate. One just opened at the top of Askrigg Street, or there's Morrison's cafe (leave your bike in one of the trolley lockers) or, of course, McD's.
There is food at the start if you can fuel up on scotch eggs and quiche, plus food to go.
I packed a down jacket for my helper's ride which was fairly mild overnight, but still wound up wearing it near the finish (mainly cos I was knackered going into the second night on crappy powernaps alone).
Post by: Diesel on 28 April, 2022, 08:18:23 am
I'm staying next door at Harrogate Hill Hotel so I'll leave bike there
Post by: hippy on 28 April, 2022, 09:26:59 am
Anyone know if the SPAR in Balloch is really open 24hr or is it just 24hr for fuel? I refuse to use McDs so need alternatives if possible (even if that's just carry more food from earlier).
Post by: Deano on 28 April, 2022, 09:35:58 am
Post by: Dominic on 28 April, 2022, 11:40:04 am
Post by: Roberto on 28 April, 2022, 11:48:05 am
See you then
Post by: hippy on 28 April, 2022, 11:49:06 am
Same with the sleep kit - was going to use my race kit but maybe it's worth throwing the big bag in instead. Then again, if it's cold I'll ride instead of sleep..
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 April, 2022, 01:33:45 pm
Waterproof Factor 50 needed.
* by locational standards of temperature
Post by: hippy on 28 April, 2022, 02:09:10 pm
But the long sleeves, warm gloves and rain jackets are going in.
https://darksky.net/forecast/56.5844,-4.2206/ca12/en
Edinburgh damp same evening: https://darksky.net/forecast/55.9498,-3.1903/ca12/en
Post by: mattc on 28 April, 2022, 03:24:47 pm
Matt if you are talking about Thursday evening, then I'm planning on using the White Horse.Nice. Have you decided what you're having yet?
I'm staying next door at Harrogate Hill Hotel so I'll leave bike there
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 April, 2022, 03:41:50 pm
Yeah, Aberfeldy looks wet 2-10pm on Sat. No idea where I'll be and when, I'm doing my usual 'just wing it' trick.
But the long sleeves, warm gloves and rain jackets are going in.
https://darksky.net/forecast/56.5844,-4.2206/ca12/en
Edinburgh damp same evening: https://darksky.net/forecast/55.9498,-3.1903/ca12/en
'feldy should be somepoint on Sunday unless you don't want to sleep/snooze at the centre of the Audax Ecosse universe ???
Post by: Diesel on 28 April, 2022, 03:44:05 pm
[/quote]
Nice. Have you decided what you're having yet?
[/quote]
Hopes are not high. Hoping that White Horse is just the name of the establishment…
Post by: hippy on 28 April, 2022, 03:59:30 pm
'feldy should be somepoint on Sunday unless you don't want to sleep/snooze at the centre of the Audax Ecosse universe ???
Yeah, probs. I assume you mean the Comrie sleep stop? I'll be making use of all the sleep offerings, hoping that my riding speed is enough to get me to the finish on time.
You reminded me to find my ear plugs...
Post by: Graeme on 28 April, 2022, 04:07:43 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 28 April, 2022, 04:12:54 pm
Butterflies in my stomach this afternoon, but all packed and ready. See you at the start.
You’ll settle once underway. Good to have a bit of nerves, stops you getting too complacent.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 April, 2022, 05:09:03 pm
'feldy should be somepoint on Sunday unless you don't want to sleep/snooze at the centre of the Audax Ecosse universe ???
Yeah, probs. I assume you mean the Comrie sleep stop? I'll be making use of all the sleep offerings, hoping that my riding speed is enough to get me to the finish on time.
You reminded me to find my ear plugs...
Yes
And all going well there will be a locationally appropriate stamp in the brevet cards.
I need to remember to text the courier of it at somepoint on Saturday...
Post by: mattc on 28 April, 2022, 05:37:35 pm
Post by: iroiromono on 28 April, 2022, 05:42:38 pm
Nice. Have you decided what you're having yet?
[/quote]
Hopes are not high. Hoping that White Horse is just the name of the establishment…
[/quote]
What time are you thinking? I’m arriving at Darlo at 7.30pm this evening.l and staying at central Premier In. I could come down and join for food.
Post by: hippy on 28 April, 2022, 05:44:21 pm
Bloody battery pack isn't charging either. I think it must've got freaked out by having not been used in the pissing rain for a change.
Post by: Diesel on 28 April, 2022, 06:11:35 pm
Nice. Have you decided what you're having yet?
Hopes are not high. Hoping that White Horse is just the name of the establishment…
[/quote]
What time are you thinking? I’m arriving at Darlo at 7.30pm this evening.l and staying at central Premier In. I could come down and join for food.
[/quote]
Think I’ll be there between 7 and 9 roughly? I’ll be the one looking odd sat there in cycling kit. Don’t know if anyone else will be around
Post by: Deano on 28 April, 2022, 06:32:41 pm
Post by: Diesel on 28 April, 2022, 07:15:25 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 April, 2022, 09:55:45 pm
Comrie has been much-hyped over the years. It better not disappoint...
This is on the Scottish tourist trail, aim low...
(actually it's a reasonably pretty wee village with a penchant for getting a bit shaky, also the chip shop does deep fried mars bars, what more can you ask for?)
Post by: mattc on 29 April, 2022, 08:33:16 am
I need to swot up on Scotch lingo - thanks for the reminder.Comrie has been much-hyped over the years. It better not disappoint...
This is on the Scottish tourist trail, aim low...
(actually it's a reasonably pretty wee village with a penchant for getting a bit shaky, also the chip shop does deep fried mars bars, what more can you ask for?)
Post by: aidan.f on 29 April, 2022, 10:37:08 am
Post by: CarlF on 29 April, 2022, 11:07:43 am
8° C in Perth when I was out at 8AM this morning - will be colder higher up, we're at sea-level. Met Office forecast for Amulree (in the hills halfway between Aberfeldy and Crieff) has the temperature in single digits all weekend, dropping as low as 2°, which coincides with heavy rain on Saturday evening. Hopefully it will have cleared well before the time you're all passing there, but that rain might well fall as snow on the tops of even the lower hills.
No snow visible on those hills from here today, but still quite a bit on the tops of the highest peaks visible from in town, up past Dunkeld toward Pitlochry / Aberfeldy. I'd be very surprised if there's no snow on the tops of the taller hills around the Comrie - Killin -Aberfeldy section (Ben Vorlich, Ben Chonzie, Ben Lawers, etc.).
Post by: Deano on 29 April, 2022, 03:59:43 pm
Post by: Graeme on 30 April, 2022, 02:22:29 pm
Post by: αdαmsκι on 30 April, 2022, 05:54:13 pm
Post by: Peter on 30 April, 2022, 06:00:21 pm
I have a brandy and a four poster bed. Time for a soak in a huge bath. DNF in style.
Just over-extended, I hope, Graeme, not an accident?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 30 April, 2022, 06:14:27 pm
I have a brandy and a four poster bed. Time for a soak in a huge bath. DNF in style.
Just over-extended, I hope, Graeme, not an accident?
Cold and wet did him in.
Post by: CarlF on 30 April, 2022, 07:00:59 pm
We're on the way back from an afternoon in Glasgow and just passed four cyclists (one who looked like he was wearing a VC 167 jersey), on the A9 between Dunblane and Greenloaning, where the HF1000 route takes the parallel B-road. That section is a continuation of the M9, 70mph traffic, drivers not expecting bikes, and no hard shoulder to escape onto. They were not being given much space. Will not have been pleasant riding for them, hope they got to the next turnoff OK, and back on the route if indeed they are on the Highland Fling.
Post by: Peter on 30 April, 2022, 07:26:37 pm
I have a brandy and a four poster bed. Time for a soak in a huge bath. DNF in style.
Just over-extended, I hope, Graeme, not an accident?
Cold and wet did him in.
OK, Phil, thanks for that. He sounds as if he's made a satisfactory decision!
Post by: Deano on 30 April, 2022, 07:50:51 pm
It's a bit dreich out there but looks like it's clearing.
We're on the way back from an afternoon in Glasgow and just passed four cyclists (one who looked like he was wearing a VC 167 jersey), on the A9 between Dunblane and Greenloaning, where the HF1000 route takes the parallel B-road. That section is a continuation of the M9, 70mph traffic, drivers not expecting bikes, and no hard shoulder to escape onto. They were not being given much space. Will not have been pleasant riding for them, hope they got to the next turnoff OK, and back on the route if indeed they are on the Highland Fling.
I know who that'll have been!
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 May, 2022, 11:02:01 am
The short cut from Doune road to Cromlix is easy to miss, but the direct route to Braco isn't!
I packed at Otter Ferry....
Ok I decided I was likely to pack at Otter Ferry and fuck is that a long way to bail out from.
I am maybe regretting the decision to continue to Arrochar rather than bail to Dunoon, and certainly deciding to go to Balloch by Loch Lomond (Why did I think the railway went that way) rather than continue to Hellensburgh and chance my luck on a WHL train before that. (IT was 1hr 15m to the next one at Arrochar and Tarbert and there is no heating in the waiting rooms)
Felt great all the way until Cowal, but the brutality of Stronafian followed by the Bealach Maim/Bealachandrain revealed I had no climbing left. Grinding to a halt on what looked like a descent without touching the brakes somewhere near Strauchur further dampended spirits (I'll need to check my wiring and dynamo as I think that was water related) and then climbing Glen Kinglass finished me off, even the descent off the rest into Arroachar didn't help and I didn't bother grabbing a reciept at Arroachar (mistake really I should have eaten)#
I suspect the cold hard night and struggle to find breakfast before the café up the cut didn't help either.
Post by: Deano on 01 May, 2022, 11:03:49 am
Post by: CarlF on 01 May, 2022, 12:03:34 pm
Post by: Deano on 01 May, 2022, 12:44:52 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 May, 2022, 01:11:41 pm
Post by: Deano on 01 May, 2022, 01:22:07 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 May, 2022, 01:25:06 pm
ACME grand is tempting me...
Edit: Has tempted me.
Post by: Graeme on 01 May, 2022, 04:12:35 pm
It was so good to meet mattc for the first time, and to meet friends from audax-past. I'll be at Arrivée to cheer the plucky riders home.
Cycling today I have come to the conclusion I got clothing, eating, pace, mind and body right. Where I screwed up was strategy. LEL17 I left midday and slept from 1-3am. Then carried on. Trying to get to 570 without sleep was a mistake. I'm feeling hugely encouraged about my endurance - I pushed further than I've ever done before without sleep and found my empty bucket. PBP23 is going to require a sleep stop on the way to Brest. I'd heard that wisdom said: ride to Brest, tour home. But I now know I couldn't do that.
Last night I was wondering if I'd ever Audax again. This morning I remembered what *day 2* ought to feel like. I've even found myself wondering if I could do a 24hr TT and get to 500 - what with there being no gratuitous ascents.
Anyway. Dean has really created a monster in this event. I hope more people get to experience the severe kicking I've had.
(Note, yeah the A9 was premeditated by said rider)
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 May, 2022, 04:21:02 pm
Well except from Patna to Ayr, 50kg of luggage seems to be better for that one than 25Kg of excess ballast.
Said rider... had commented at Castle Douglas about the state of the roads on the descents of the Military Road, I did wonder why I caught him so easily as he hadn't long before dispatched me and my aching right foot on the way into Dumfries.
Maybe he thought the A9 would have a better surface than the route?
Despite that aching foot I seem to have set my best time over to Brampton, admittedly Vs the return leg of "Over the hill and back" 400.
The aching foot was fixed by loosening velcro straps when I put my warmers on.
Post by: Graeme on 01 May, 2022, 05:28:42 pm
Post by: Graeme on 01 May, 2022, 05:29:49 pm
That's an interesting navigational fuck up.
The short cut from Doune road to Cromlix is easy to miss, but the direct route to Braco isn't!
I packed at Otter Ferry....
Ok I decided I was likely to pack at Otter Ferry and fuck is that a long way to bail out from.
I am maybe regretting the decision to continue to Arrochar rather than bail to Dunoon, and certainly deciding to go to Balloch by Loch Lomond (Why did I think the railway went that way) rather than continue to Hellensburgh and chance my luck on a WHL train before that. (IT was 1hr 15m to the next one at Arrochar and Tarbert and there is no heating in the waiting rooms)
Felt great all the way until Cowal, but the brutality of Stronafian followed by the Bealach Maim/Bealachandrain revealed I had no climbing left. Grinding to a halt on what looked like a descent without touching the brakes somewhere near Strauchur further dampended spirits (I'll need to check my wiring and dynamo as I think that was water related) and then climbing Glen Kinglass finished me off, even the descent off the rest into Arroachar didn't help and I didn't bother grabbing a reciept at Arroachar (mistake really I should have eaten)#
I suspect the cold hard night and struggle to find breakfast before the café up the cut didn't help either.
Ah.
Post by: Graeme on 01 May, 2022, 05:32:02 pm
Post by: IanDG on 01 May, 2022, 06:49:13 pm
Looking over my Strava, I seem to have beaten all my best times on descents.
Well except from Patna to Ayr, 50kg of luggage seems to be better for that one than 25Kg of excess ballast.
Said rider... had commented at Castle Douglas about the state of the roads on the descents of the Military Road, I did wonder why I caught him so easily as he hadn't long before dispatched me and my aching right foot on the way into Dumfries.
Maybe he thought the A9 would have a better surface than the route?
Despite that aching foot I seem to have set my best time over to Brampton, admittedly Vs the return leg of "Over the hill and back" 400.
The aching foot was fixed by loosening velcro straps when I put my warmers on.
Potholes on the OMR are not the worse in Dumfries and Galloway
Post by: Deano on 01 May, 2022, 09:14:43 pm
There are actually 38 still on the road, decent weather today and looking like a tailwind finish back from tonight's overnight control at Powburn in glorious Northumberland.
*In both cases, it was there all the time.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 May, 2022, 12:20:06 am
In fact I might just haul myself out of my own bed and take a walk to the 24hr BP, evidently the medium papa John's vegan pizza claiming 1500kcal I ordered for lunch when I realized my fridge was empty wasn't enough, nor the ben and Jerry's dairy free ice cream (this is a find of much delight) or garlic bread pizza, cos I'm getting a bit hungry.
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: Peter on 02 May, 2022, 12:30:24 am
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 May, 2022, 08:23:59 am
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: Graeme on 02 May, 2022, 12:16:26 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 May, 2022, 12:25:40 pm
Post by: John Stonebridge on 02 May, 2022, 01:49:06 pm
The stretch of the A9 at Balhaldie takes the definition of "main road bash" to daft levels. An info control in Kinbuck or at Cromlix does the trick though info control material is somewhat thin on the ground. I recall a lengthy post event debate about the difference between chimneys and flues sparked by an info control question.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 May, 2022, 02:02:48 pm
Post by: oggy on 02 May, 2022, 07:02:40 pm
By this time the rain had started so by the time I got to the top of Rest and Be Thankful I was soaked through so was thankful I found a cafe (obvious by the collection of bikes parked outside) soup was awesome and feeling better carried on replenished supplies at Helensburg. 95k to overnight control got to Buchlyvie and started to feel cold starting to shiver every item of kit was soaked and still raining so decided to pack rather than risk hyperthermia I packed.
Very grateful for the lift to Comrie and to the station.
The route is fantastic and manned controls were brilliant.
In hindsight i should have packed extra gloves and a base layer plus extra socks would have been good.
Post by: aidan.f on 02 May, 2022, 07:03:38 pm
Big thank you again to Dean and Team Great support and super route.
Post by: mr ben on 03 May, 2022, 01:23:25 pm
Post by: Diesel on 03 May, 2022, 07:49:36 pm
Great event and will have many wonderful memories.
Huge thanks to Dean and the Team. It really was exceptional organisation and controls.
Turning up at Duns at midnight to be met with such a warm welcome at the camper van control - Hot Coffee AND Whisky. Surely that's Audax at it's best.
Thank you all
(https://ridewithgps.com/photos/12341307/large.jpg)
Post by: L CC on 03 May, 2022, 08:13:51 pm
I'll be making use of all the sleep offerings, hoping that my riding speed is enough to get me to the finish on time.
You reminded me to find my ear plugs...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220503/5b076e0fdaa92dc818edc02d20a6e534.jpg)
Dale & I agreed we'd rather have been riding-it's probably easier.
I'm glad I'd booked today off work and hope all you riders were properly fed. And I am very sorry about the lack of cream.
Post by: mattc on 03 May, 2022, 08:38:43 pm
Yeah. Lanes.
From there, it's a gorgeous run back down the coast, under the Tyne* and through the lanes back to Darlo.
They would have been nice. Still, I'd hate to have nothing to moan about.
Post by: Deano on 03 May, 2022, 09:18:58 pm
Dale & I agreed we'd rather have been riding-it's probably easier.
I'm glad I'd booked today off work and hope all you riders were properly fed. And I am very sorry about the lack of cream.
Yeah, I went into work (the actual office) the day after riding it, couldn't have done that today...
Post by: IanDG on 03 May, 2022, 09:41:21 pm
Dale & I agreed we'd rather have been riding-it's probably easier.
I'm glad I'd booked today off work and hope all you riders were properly fed. And I am very sorry about the lack of cream.
Yeah, I went into work (the actual office) the day after riding it, couldn't have done that today...
My legs are still aching - I only helped for 1 night (plus a full day in the kitchen food prep). Did my voluntary food deliveries this morning and then fell asleep on the couch ;D
Post by: Deano on 03 May, 2022, 09:45:38 pm
Well that was a long day out. Pretty, though (mostly)Yeah. Lanes.
From there, it's a gorgeous run back down the coast, under the Tyne* and through the lanes back to Darlo.
They would have been nice. Still, I'd hate to have nothing to moan about.
Careful, Matt, I'm checking cards and just got to yours ;)
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 May, 2022, 10:55:29 am
Hard Bastards the lot of them and that was their categorization before last Friday.
Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
Post by: iroiromono on 04 May, 2022, 11:16:12 am
Just been sent a screenshot of the finish list, not sure how Robbie gets it from aukweb still.
Hard Bastards the lot of them and that was their categorization before last Friday.
Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
https://www.aukweb.net/results/archive/
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 May, 2022, 11:25:52 am
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Post by: IanDG on 04 May, 2022, 11:29:37 am
Scots/Northumbric how vs Standard English how
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Post by: john jackson on 04 May, 2022, 01:05:42 pm
Post by: Deano on 04 May, 2022, 08:28:29 pm
I had 50 starters on the day, of whom 39 finished. The DNFs broadly fell into two categories - those who got to Castle Douglas or Ayr before their bikes or bodies failed, and those who were defeated by the relentless rain around the Cowal and Loch Fyne. A bunch of riders were draped across hotels and trains between Caiirndow and Helensburgh.
There are a lot of photos out there, I've gathered as many as I could from the helpers (and a couple of choice ones from riders) over 'ere:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jXWXYN8d5Km6gJkf8
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52050910745_caaa5c1e04_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2niywkB)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52050910750_3fa68484de_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2niywkG)
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 May, 2022, 09:35:46 pm
Post by: Deano on 04 May, 2022, 09:44:44 pm
Post by: Peter on 04 May, 2022, 10:22:08 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 May, 2022, 06:34:11 pm
Tablet-adjacent, anyway. Glad someone had it, all the vegans dropped out or failed to find the control!
Plenty appeared to have been eaten by the time I got there.
Vegans appear to be quite handy for me, even if I do occasionally need to extract meat from dairy to annoy them.
Post by: mattc on 05 May, 2022, 10:27:00 pm
I can say - in total honesty - that I've never been more grateful for an Arrivé to appear!Well that was a long day out. Pretty, though (mostly)Yeah. Lanes.
From there, it's a gorgeous run back down the coast, under the Tyne* and through the lanes back to Darlo.
They would have been nice. Still, I'd hate to have nothing to moan about.
Careful, Matt, I'm checking cards and just got to yours ;)
Post by: Deano on 05 May, 2022, 10:28:16 pm
Post by: Jack on 06 May, 2022, 09:35:00 am
I loved the variety of country, scenery, points of interest and routing. I hadn't cycled in Scotland since around mid noughties (apart from LEL 2017) and I knew I missed it.
Thank you Dean and all volunteers immensely. Invaluable TLC controls (see the wide-eyed photo of me with blanket above!).
It had its dark moments of course (the cold and rainy section) but they passed. The hills were tough but (mostly!) not gratuitous and took you to new vistas.
And the great company really made me feel like my pandemic woes were healing. I was surprised how many forumites I met!
Of course it was hard work, but I had this great sense that all (limited compared to some) my audax experience of the last few years came together. I finished with more time in hand than I've had on almost any other audax.
:thumbsup:
Post by: Diesel on 06 May, 2022, 04:19:07 pm
Post by: trundle on 06 May, 2022, 05:13:02 pm
And chapeau for completing that epic ride!
Indeed - chapeau for all!
Post by: Deano on 16 May, 2022, 08:59:39 pm
Post by: john jackson on 19 May, 2022, 01:11:12 pm
My trousers now need a belt ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D