Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Tomsk on 19 March, 2021, 07:57:38 pm
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As promised, my wish-list thus:
10/04/21: Tour de Stour 200km
11/04/21: Probably check the Woodman 100km, or during the week
17/04/21: The Woodman 100km (I'll be leaving in the last group with my Covid Safety Officer - probably 10:50, but much juggling of groups-of-six still to do) Probably ride the 50km Woodman's Daughter a few days before too.
01/05/21: Green & Yellow Fields 300km (Last away as I'll be Huggy's CSO for the event)
09/05/21: Hop Garden 200km
21/05/21: Hereward the Wake 300km Helpers'/Route Check (probably) (HtW is the following Friday 28/05 21:00)
20/06/21: Windmill 200km (Intended, not entered yet)
03/07/21: Fenland Friends (If 600km rides are permitted - it'll still be x-rated anyway) Or Oggy's Moor & Wolds 400km
18/07/21: I've my place held over from last year on Andy Corless's LEJOG 1400km, (if it is going to run) otherwise Asparagus & Strawberries 400km on 17/07/21
07/08/21: R&R 200km is on our wedding anniversary, so maybe I can ride with the helpers a week before?
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My wish list programme looks similar
Entered-
10/4 Stour 200
1/5 Green & Yellow 300
18/7 Lejog 1400 if it runs this year
Not yet entered-
28/5 Hereward the Wake 300
20/6 Windmill 200
3/7 Fenland 600
Asparagus & Strawbs if Lelog is off?
cheers
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Hi Tom ,do you know when fenland friends will be up to enter ?
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Entered
Grand Tour de Stour
Green & Yellow Fields
Should ride to/from each one.
I can’t do Asparagus and Strawberries as I’ll probably be doing a daft race in the North West that weekend.
I have Fenland Friends and the Grand on the calendar so hope that these run.
Rob
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Entered so far...
03/04 Double Dutch 200
17/04 The Woodman 100
24/04 Alan Turing Tribute 200
01/05 Green & Yellow Fields 300
Want to fit in an SR before a long ride I have on 27/07
I’m pretty relaxed on which groups I start in, though I suppose I should start at the same time as The Dutch Wife...
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Over a few years I have completed ACME Audaxes at every distance up to 600km, including 50km.
So, if I complete the ACME Grand do I receive a shiny?
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Over a few years I have completed ACME Audaxes at every distance up to 600km, including 50km.
So, if I complete the ACME Grand do I receive a shiny?
Does the ACME Grand go anywhere near a train station?
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I am going big straight away:
10th April - Tour de Stour 100k
17th April - Woodman's Daughter 50k
If I can survive those beasts, my plan is to ride ACME's newest and most exciting 200k perm - Carry on Up the Ganges - on the 24th April or thereabouts. If anyone wants to join me I will be starting from Mersea but you can join at Kelvedon.
I probably ought to have another look at the calendar before everything is booked up...
EDIT:
9th May - Hop Garden 200
Possibles:
Windmill Ride in June
Fairies 200 or 300 in July or possibly the Suffolk Lanes (if Fandango is available to tow me round again)
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Over a few years I have completed ACME Audaxes at every distance up to 600km, including 50km.
So, if I complete the ACME Grand do I receive a shiny?
Does the ACME Grand go anywhere near a train station?
I'm going to be hypnotised to ignore train stations.
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29/03/21: 200km DIY heading north in a loop through Cambridgeshire - COMPLETED
17/04/21: The Woodman 100km. I’ll ECE this up to 200km
09/05/21: The Red Penny Ride from Saffron Walden
28/05/21: Hereward the Wake 300
June: ???
07/07/21 London - Lands End - London 1000km.
17/07/21 Deferred Asparagus and Strawberries 400km
14/08/21 Rutland Weekend 300km. Midnight start after a curry like G&Y 300. Start at Baldock railway station. Organising this and will likely do a first test run in June . May ride it again on day. But don’t need to decide just yet.
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I am going big straight away:
10th April - Tour de Stour 100k
17th April - Woodman's Daughter 50k
If I can survive those beasts, my plan is to ride ACME's newest and most exciting 200k perm - Carry on Up the Ganges - on the 24th April or thereabouts. If anyone wants to join me I will be starting from Mersea but you can join at Kelvedon.
I probably ought to have another look at the calendar before everything is booked up...
EDIT:
9th May - Hop Garden 200
Possibles:
Windmill Ride in June
Fairies 200 or 300 in July or possibly the Suffolk Lanes (if Fandango is available to tow me round again)
Our Suffolk Lanes ride was very civilised, a nice glass of red with our Italian lunch and I didn't tow you around ted, you were sandbagging for 198km. You then sprinted to the Arriveé and scoffed all the cake before I struggled in.
Would be good to ride it again and I'm up for Carry on Up the Ganges too.
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So far I have only entered two events for this year:
The Woodman 100km which I plan to ECE to 200km and the LEJOG Audax.
Planning to do the Fenland Friends 600 as usual and the ACME Grand this year.
Will probably do a DIY or Perm to fill in the gaps for the 300km and 400km. ;D
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Is Green and Yellow Fields closed because it’s full or because it has yet to open entries?
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I'm easing my way back in very gently as I'm so unfit. Got an entry in for the Hop Garden 200 and will try to get into the Ride to the Sea at the beginning of July. Somewhere, I've got a card for the Man Of Kent Perm, which is a lovely day out, but that's it for now.
I'm spending a week in Cumbria in July so I might see if I can put together a DIY that takes in Wrynose and Honnister plus a few lesser gradients....
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Hi Tom ,do you know when fenland friends will be up to enter ?
No, sorry - the boss is currently holding back on all rides that are currently suspended (ie over 300km).
Is Green and Yellow Fields closed because it’s full or because it has yet to open entries?
It's full up according to Huggy - I think for my later events I may unrestrict the entry numbers, even if they remain x-rated. There's a big and growing demand now things are looking up.
Over a few years I have completed ACME Audaxes at every distance up to 600km, including 50km.
So, if I complete the ACME Grand do I receive a shiny?
I have a special 'ACME Grand' medal available and there's a gun-metal grey AUK 1000km one too. Ours is better. :thumbsup:
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Entered:
Woodman 100 + bonus 100
G&YF 300
(Route check The Way to the Sea?)
A&S400
Still need a 600.
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I've got an 8:50 start time for the Tour de Stour.
Circa 25mile ride to Long Melford. Civilised morning, hopefully.
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It's full up according to Huggy - I think for my later events I may unrestrict the entry numbers, even if they remain x-rated. There's a big and growing demand now things are looking up.
Thanks. I’m not used to this new world of x rated events filling up.
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I got a bit excited by this, then realised that a series of long-promised family camping weekends, some hiking and some work committments are properly messing up my bike riding! Plus a few rides are booked up already (Tour de Stour, G&Y Fields grrr).
So I've only entered the Woodman on 17/04/21, which I'll ECE.
Still possible:
09/05/21: Hop Garden 200km
28/05/21: Hereward the Wake 300km
20/06/21: Windmill 200km (if it runs)
03/07/21: Fenland Friends 600k
If I can get organised for Hereward and Fenland, then that leaves me a 400 short of an SR (again). Not sure I could face a non-calendar 400.
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My aim is to build up to the ACME Grand, and complete the welsh super randonee along the way. Immediate plans are:
03 Apr - Double Dutch
11 Apr - The Shark (since Tour de Stour is full)
17 Apr - Woodman
01 May - G&Y
09 May - Hop Garden
17 Jul - A&S
02 Sep - ACME Grand
Leaving room for a few bikepacking adventures.
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My aim is to build up to the ACME Grand, and complete the welsh super randonee along the way. Immediate plans are:
03 Apr - Double Dutch
11 Apr - The Shark (since Tour de Stour is full)
17 Apr - Woodman
01 May - G&Y
09 May - Hop Garden
17 Jul - A&S
02 Sep - ACME Grand
Leaving room for a few bikepacking adventures.
Cor, The Shark is a bugger! Me and 'fandango did that in 2015 (I think) and it was all I could do to stop him from getting the train back from the southcoast ;) If I recall bobb was there too.
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Cor, The Shark is a bugger! Me and 'fandango did that in 2015 (I think) and it was all I could do to stop him from getting the train back from the southcoast ;) If I recall bobb was there too.
I live near the end of the route and have seen some very shattered looking riders drifting in towards the end of the day. Half of me fancies trying it and half of me says 'don't be so bl--dy stupid'. Maybe next year, when Ive got my legs back.
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Cor, The Shark is a bugger! Me and 'fandango did that in 2015 (I think) and it was all I could do to stop him from getting the train back from the southcoast ;) If I recall bobb was there too.
I live near the end of the route and have seen some very shattered looking riders drifting in towards the end of the day. Half of me fancies trying it and half of me says 'don't be so bl--dy stupid'. Maybe next year, when Ive got my legs back.
I remember getting back to the finish at Greenwich feeling rather more than shattered and not being able to actually find the finish. There was another rider who thought he knew where we needed to be and it transpiring he was as clueless as me. I recall getting quite cross with the poor bloke :'(
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Having not ridden a 200k since 2019 (like many others probably) I have entered the (new) Rutland & Back 200k from Bolsover on 3rd July and also the (new) Wenlock Edge 200k from Nantwich two weeks later. Would very much like to then have a go at a 300 later in July or August but cant seem to find anything yet.
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My aim is to build up to the ACME Grand, and complete the welsh super randonee along the way. Immediate plans are:
03 Apr - Double Dutch
11 Apr - The Shark (since Tour de Stour is full)
17 Apr - Woodman
01 May - G&Y
09 May - Hop Garden
17 Jul - A&S
02 Sep - ACME Grand
Leaving room for a few bikepacking adventures.
I am organising a Rutland 300 from Baldock for 14th August, if that fits your plans. Midnight start after a curry if all goes to plan. Should appear in calendar in the next week or so.
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@Phil: Will your Rutland 300 be similar / the same to the Wilsden Rutland Weekend 300 that ran in 2015? Route from the 2015 version is here: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/1473325 (That brings back memories of a baking hot day on which I screwed up fluid intake on the way back and felt pretty shit.)
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My aim is to build up to the ACME Grand, and complete the welsh super randonee along the way. Immediate plans are:
03 Apr - Double Dutch
11 Apr - The Shark (since Tour de Stour is full)
17 Apr - Woodman
01 May - G&Y
09 May - Hop Garden
17 Jul - A&S
02 Sep - ACME Grand
Leaving room for a few bikepacking adventures.
Cor, The Shark is a bugger! Me and 'fandango did that in 2015 (I think) and it was all I could do to stop him from getting the train back from the southcoast ;) If I recall bobb was there too.
It did require a modicum of effort, If I remember correctly you were questioning your sanity after about 50km! Bobb was kind enough to pace me around, though he did have a sudden strange psst halfway up Kidd's Hill, I thought it was just an excuse for a rest. A good pub finish.
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@Phil: Will your Rutland 300 be similar / the same to the Wilsden Rutland Weekend 300 that ran in 2015? Route from the 2015 version is here: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/1473325 (That brings back memories of a baking hot day on which I screwed up fluid intake on the way back and felt pretty shit.)
Essentially yes, though I’m looking at reversing the out and back loops north of Oundle to enable a food stop control at Oakham from around 6am. This assumes a midnight start, which is current plan. Optional curry in Baldock before start. So think of it more like a figure of 8 in terms of tracing but same route. A couple of tweaks here and there but nothing major. Sunrise just after 5am on the day.
I’d asked Ian about reviving his old event, before the pandemic struck. He has sent me all his materials for it. Original pre pandemic plan involved village halls and start at northern end as well. But that option will now wait till 2022 at earliest.
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Nothing yet. Might do Just off to Whitchurch permanent. Feels like a PBP year with events filling up as soon as they are up, which I find stressful.
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I am organising a Rutland 300 from Baldock for 14th August, if that fits your plans. Midnight start after a curry if all goes to plan. Should appear in calendar in the next week or so.
Thanks for the heads up. I’ll look out for it.
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Updated
03 Apr - Double Dutch
11 Apr - The Shark (since Tour de Stour is full)
17 Apr - Woodman + ECE
01 May - G&Y
09 May - Hop Garden
28 May - Hereward
17 Jul - A&S
24 Jul - Arts and Science + ECE
02 Sep - ACME Grand
Others on the horizon
Cambrian ACP Super Randonnée - Randonneur - needs to fit into a nice weekend when Wales is open
19 Jun - (non-Audax) - Hope 1000 - unlikely, unless conditions in Switzerland are good by then
03 Jul - (non-Audax) - Italy Divide - unlikely, unless conditions in Italy are good by then
14 Aug - Rutland 300
26 Aug - Stravanger 1000 - depends on factors in Norway at the time
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Updated:
Entered
17/04/21: Woodman & ECE
28/05/21: Hereward the Wake 300km
Still possible:
09/05/21: Hop Garden 200km
20/06/21: Windmill 200km (if it runs)
03/07/21: Fenland Friends 600k
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Updated
03 Apr - Double Dutch
11 Apr - The Shark (since Tour de Stour is full)
17 Apr - Woodman + ECE
01 May - G&Y
09 May - Hop Garden
28 May - Hereward
17 Jul - A&S
24 Jul - Arts and Science + ECE
02 Sep - ACME Grand
Others on the horizon
Cambrian ACP Super Randonnée - Randonneur - needs to fit into a nice weekend when Wales is open
19 Jun - (non-Audax) - Hope 1000 - unlikely, unless conditions in Switzerland are good by then
03 Jul - (non-Audax) - Italy Divide - unlikely, unless conditions in Italy are good by then
14 Aug - Rutland 300
26 Aug - Stravanger 1000 - depends on factors in Norway at the time
Does that mean I'm going to give you another 250km lead out on the ACME Grand? ::-)
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Does that mean I'm going to give you another 250km lead out on the ACME Grand? ::-)
There was me hoping you might at least last until the hills this time ...
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Does that mean I'm going to give you another 250km lead out on the ACME Grand? ::-)
There was me hoping you might at least last until the hills this time ...
No worries, I'm in training, up to 25km already, Wales holds no demons for me.
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Does that mean I'm going to give you another 250km lead out on the ACME Grand? ::-)
There was me hoping you might at least last until the hills this time ...
No worries, I'm in training, up to 25km already, Wales holds no demons for me.
Great stuff. Do post the rides you're planning to do ... or shout if you want to get some practice in the southern hills.
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Does that mean I'm going to give you another 250km lead out on the ACME Grand? ::-)
There was me hoping you might at least last until the hills this time ...
No worries, I'm in training, up to 25km already, Wales holds no demons for me.
Great stuff. Do post the rides you're planning to do ... or shout if you want to get some practice in the southern hills.
Take ‘fandango with you when you ride The Shark, he loves that ride!
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Hereward the Wake 300 (28/05) now entered.
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Well having just wondered how I can start riding again and logging in I find all the ACME events closed, which is hardly surprising, this means I will be GPSing everything for an SR which means I probably won't be bothered.... Ah dear.... where is that mojo gone?
Hopefully a few other events will open up and appeal. I would like to do a classic Essex SR (A+S, G+Y, FL) as I think I will find anything over 50km a challenge at the moment so the flatter and the better known the better.
A
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Well having just wondered how I can start riding again and logging in I find all the ACME events closed, which is hardly surprising, this means I will be GPSing everything for an SR which means I probably won't be bothered.... Ah dear.... where is that mojo gone?
Hopefully a few other events will open up and appeal. I would like to do a classic Essex SR (A+S, G+Y, FL) as I think I will find anything over 50km a challenge at the moment so the flatter and the better known the better.
A
Hereward the Wake 300 is still open
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8807
Asparagus and Strawberries 400 is still open
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8662
Fenland Friends 600 is still open
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8690
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Does that mean I'm going to give you another 250km lead out on the ACME Grand? ::-)
There was me hoping you might at least last until the hills this time ...
No worries, I'm in training, up to 25km already, Wales holds no demons for me.
Great stuff. Do post the rides you're planning to do ... or shout if you want to get some practice in the southern hills.
Take ‘fandango with you when you ride The Shark, he loves that ride!
I do love The Shark OD, especially when you ride with me.
Thanks psyclist, that's kind of you, but my fitness is way off at the moment, I'll work on it and hopefully ride with you soon(ish).
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08.40 start for me tomorrow on the TdS 200km. Back to the winter kit I think ...
Judging by recent rides, I'll be chugging round in about 11 hours.
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I'd have loved to have joined you on that, but entries were full by the time I got my act together, alas. TdS was my first Audax, merrily stomping along behind tippers_kiwi and a tandem, until a surfeit of lunch had its way with me in the afternoon.
Have fun. It's a lovely route.
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08.40 start for me tomorrow on the TdS 200km. Back to the winter kit I think ...
Judging by recent rides, I'll be chugging round in about 11 hours.
I'm 10 minutes after you. I'll be riding there and back as a bit of a test. I got round R&R in 9hrs last weekend in similar conditions.
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I'm 10 minutes after you. I'll be riding there and back as a bit of a test. I got round R&R in 9hrs last weekend in similar conditions.
You'll pass me soon! I considered riding there and back, but it'd be nearly a 300km day and I'm not sure I'm ready for that - I'll be going round the Woodman on Sunday, in particular to check the state of Paslow Hall farmyard. I want to enjoy that and not be suffering!
The TdS was the first ride I managed to stick with Deniece all day and not lose her somewhere en-route, back in the day, probably mid-to-late noughties. I think she has a place on the 100km tomorrow.
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Rode the Grand Tour de Stour in 2016. A figure of eight loop from memory , based from Long Melford. A fine day out.
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Tomsk has been as organised as ever and sent out his Woodman emails.
Really rather looking forward to it, especially if it stays dry. My Saturday morning ride took me up the Stour valley and some of those on the Tour de Stour were coming down it - into the headwind.
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Rode the Grand Tour de Stour in 2016. A figure of eight loop from memory , based from Long Melford. A fine day out.
It was a lovely day out and my first time on this ride. The controls were replaced by infos which called for regular stops. It was chilly in the NEly and quite exposed at Harwich.
I caught Tomsk after about an hour and chatted for a while. Bumped into a few old friends on and off, but spent a lot of the day on my own. I rode to and from Long Melford and clocked just under 300k.
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re the Woodman, can anyone help me about trains from London? Normally I'd go via Cambridge to Elsenham, but there are engineering works north of Stansted, and replacement buses. So I'm thinking of Finsbury Park, which I know well, and across to Tottenham Hale by tube or bike.
I know that many trains from there will be the Stansted Express service, but are these mixed with regular trains that actually do useful things such as carry bikes? Any of the airport, Stansted Mountfitchet or Bishops Stortford would be OK (probably in that order because of distance and avoiding the M11 roundabout).
If it does need to be the Stansted Express, I have a cunning plan, but my preferred Audax bike is a regular one. For that matter, are they used to people showing up at the airport station and just wandering out of the door? ;D
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/l9bc4ek05oimx2d/Tern_small.jpg?raw=1)
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The Stansted Express uses the same trains as the other services and there are no guards, so the chance of getting grief is extremely low, especially boarding at Tottenham Hale where all trains go from the same platform. Heading back you'll likely be fine if you ride to Bishop's Stortford.
No non-folding bikes allowed on the relevant bit of the tube, as I'm sure you know.
(I've never taken a bike through the airport station)
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Thanks. How much slower are the other services anyway? I couldn't figure out from the timetable which was which, leaving Tottenham Hale. I'm basically trying to work out how much time to allow. As you say though, with trains probably running near-empty and it being early, I can probably get at least to Stortford regardless.
Yes, obviously I couldn't take a normal bike on the Tube, but it's not a long ride anyway. It's just that the connections look quite tight so I need to make the right choices, or get up extra early ;D
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At Tottenham Hale I would suggest just getting the first train to Bishop's Stortford that comes through. Very occasionally somebody has stopped me from taking a bike on a Stansted Express train at Liverpool Street, but I've never had any issues when joining at intermediate stations and getting off at Bishop's Stortford.
The other trains on the line would normally be about 10 minutes longer, depending on the number of additional stops they are making. Best to check the timetable if you are tight for time.
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... It's just that the connections look quite tight so I need to make the right choices, or get up extra early ;D
There's a bit of wiggle room - I've kept some of the mid-late groups to 3 or 4, to slot late arrivals in if necessary. I'll be riding in the 'sweep' group of 2 or 3, starting at 10:50.
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Ive bitten the bullet and have entered the Asparagus & Strawberries 400km even if Ive had to pay my own travel and accommodation costs (previous attendance at ACME events had been part funded by coincidental business travel).
Train south to that London Friday 16th, stay over with friends and early train to Manningtree. Leisurely 24+ hr ride round and train back to London. Staying over London Sunday night too (commercially) so ive got time to do something meaningful if Im not sleeping. Train home Monday 19th.
Looking at the records its actually the last calendar event I completed in June 2019, everything else since has been a DIY.r
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For better or for worse, ECE to Woodman now submitted. Must remember the extra distance I’m doing when everyone piles off into the distance and my stomach is rumbling.
Note on the 2021 Woodman 100 10k GPX from Wilkyboys website. It doesn’t include a waypoint for the Witham Info control.
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For better or for worse, ECE to Woodman now submitted. Must remember the extra distance I’m doing when everyone piles off into the distance and my stomach is rumbling.
ITYF everyone else in your group is also ECEing (not that I know who they are I've just had a LOT of ECEs for this ride)
Enjoy! I gave at the office midweek
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It’s funny. I’m looking forward to my first calendar event and having others to ride with, after 13 months. But I’ll be grumpy about keeping to my own pacing and stop time. Audax as usual 😂
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Note on the 2021 Woodman 100 10k GPX from Wilkyboys website. It doesn’t include a waypoint for the Witham Info control.
All is clear on the route sheet. O:-)
And the info answer is in letters 10 feet tall, you can't miss it!
See you all tomorrow. :thumbsup:
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Note on the 2021 Woodman 100 10k GPX from Wilkyboys website. It doesn’t include a waypoint for the Witham Info control.
All is clear on the route sheet. O:-)
And the info answer is in letters 10 feet tall, you can't miss it!
See you all tomorrow. :thumbsup:
I have compared the two. If you’re going to get a job right you have to do it yourself. None of this subcontracting 😆 See you tomorrow. Cold outbound ECE then reasonable there after.
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Note on the 2021 Woodman 100 10k GPX from Wilkyboys website. It doesn’t include a waypoint for the Witham Info control.
All is clear on the route sheet. O:-)
And the info answer is in letters 10 feet tall, you can't miss it!
See you all tomorrow. :thumbsup:
I have compared the two. If you’re going to get a job right you have to do it yourself. None of this subcontracting 😆 See you tomorrow. Cold outbound ECE then reasonable there after.
;D
Some degree of leg-exposure is possible tomorrow ...
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Having been wearing full winter kit this week I'm confused what to wear tomorrow...
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Re Woodman 105 km audax. Thanks Tom for organising. Completed it with my son today. As always, friendly bunch of cyclists and we were blessed with fine weather. Hope all riders returned safely.
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I enjoyed that. Jacket and gloves till Sawbridgeworth then removed them whilst writing info question answer in my brevet. Nice to have others to ride with and chat. Quite a few of us descended on Ingatestone at same time. Parked on Budgens side where sun was. Cambridge Nick overtook on hill up to Galley Wood. He stopped one junction too early for info clue in Danbury. My descent of Great North Hill had to be slowed when I caught a Range Rover near the bottom / paper mill. Boo for needing to scrub speed. . Then stayed ahead of Nick till he went past when I was stopped for more food just beyond Witham where a few logs at side of lane were perfect for sitting. Adam caught me up not long after my fourth food stop after Witham. We rode the final section together to the finish. Had another food stop at Gt Dunmow before my ECE leg home. Legs were a bit dead after the break but they recovered later on. Appetite good when I got home, which is always a good sign. 220km all told for me.
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Thanks to Tom for organising. I did the 50km route and really enjoyed it.
I cycled over from Harlow to the start and with the ride home at the end clocked up 105km.
Despite living and regularly riding in the area it was nice to ride some new roads and tracks.
I'll definitely be stopping a the Shed coffee house again in the future as well.
Thanks
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Grand ride and first calendar event since summer 2019 :thumbsup: Thanks to Tom / ACME.
Great to visit some new roads and chat with various people including Tomsk, Huggy & L. Phil near the end.
Certainly didn't eat enough and felt a bit crap after the 55 km ride back into the wind from Great Dunmow.
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Thanks Tomsk and ACME for a grand day out. It was a day of firsts - my first 50 and my 12yo daughter’s first audax. We chose the off-road 50 which was just a scenic joy to ride, even on 23mm tyres. I prefer lanes to A road bashes and there was plenty of those too. Daughter’s verdict - 9/10 with the dropped mark because apparently I brought the wrong energy bar for her. She thought the deli club at the Shed was an acceptable replacement!
Tomsk, thank you for welcoming her as you did and thanks also to the many who gave her an encouraging word as they passed - it all left a very positive impression on her.
Martin
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Thanks Tomsk and ACME for a grand day out. It was a day of firsts - my first 50 and my 12yo daughter’s first audax. We chose the off-road 50 which was just a scenic joy to ride, even on 23mm tyres. I prefer lanes to A road bashes and there was plenty of those too. Daughter’s verdict - 9/10 with the dropped mark because apparently I brought the wrong energy bar for her. She thought the deli club at the Shed was an acceptable replacement!
Tomsk, thank you for welcoming her as you did and thanks also to the many who gave her an encouraging word as they passed - it all left a very positive impression on her.
Martin
... Your collection of 'Shinys' starts at 50km and leads via a Mini-Slam of any collection of distances building to: The Grand Slam of Shiny: 50, 100, 150 Brevet Populaires, plus a Super-Randonneur series of 200, 300, 400 & 600km rides in a season; The Grandest Slam adding the 1000km ACME Grand. An entirely Essex Collection is even better! My made-up rules: correct distances, no substitution of longer for shorter as per AUK rules. These things are kind of addictive, but motivational - that's the point! You could start with a Pink Shiny Round the Year of 50km/month! It's all good.
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Martin - there is an Audax UK Brevet 250 (http://audax.uk/results/achievement-awards/brevet-awards/) award and to encourage younger members the badge is free for under 18s! It's also possible to include a couple of 100km events in the five rides.
Is your daughter already a member? If not and she wants to join, drop me a mail (membership@audax.uk) and I will give you a discount code so that you get a refund of the non-member supplement paid for the event.
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Man thanks to Tomsk for organising as usual.
The 9:40 group had a leisurely ride around the route. Was a bit cold to begin with but was able to remove a layer at Ingatestone. Just in time for the cold headwind on the way to the next control. Was nice to have the sun out though and made a change from the usual storms from last year's end of season dash.
Enjoyed the off-road section down the farm track and to catch up with some familiar faces and new ones. Was also pleased we descended the Mighty North Hill.
We all managed to avoid some serious mechanicals but it was close
See you all next time. :).
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Another delightful riding of the Woodman. I don't know who you bribe Tom - I'm going to assume all your rides done in such nice weather.
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Thx Tom for a wonderful ride. First audax since May 2019 and was grateful to be back. lovely route and weather. Really enjoyed some of the smaller lanes and bridleway.
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Thanks for a great route.
Might ask for a small portion at the Shed next time as I think my faculties were somewhat reduced following their breakfast bap.
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Glad everyone had a good time, whether or not they did a good time! Looking at the brevets, there's a distinct division between the two approaches on the 100km. I gather some groups got a civilised afternoon tea, including at the home of two riders who live on the route. I note the recently re-opened Paper Mill Lock cafe was also visited.
Back to the actual thread topic ... Green and Yellow Fields on the weekend after next time:
Tomsk
Despeuch
felstedrider
josser
adamski
psyclist
Any others?
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Back to the actual thread topic ... Green and Yellow Fields on the weekend after next time:
Tomsk
Despeuch
felstedrider
josser
adamski
psyclist
Any others?
Me.
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I've just entered the Bildeston Lanes 100km for the 17/07 which gives me just over a month to try and get into shape once I am allowed to ride the bike again. I think it might end up being the only Audax I do ahead of the Winter series but I figured having a target was a good thing.
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Back to the actual thread topic ... Green and Yellow Fields on the weekend after next time:
Tomsk
Despeuch
felstedrider
josser
adamski
psyclist
Any others?
Me.
The Dutch Wife - her first 300km and first ride through the night. She says she's going to boycott the McDonalds at Barton Mills, so I'm not sure she's really cut out for Audax if she's not willing to eat a Big Mac at 4 in the morning...
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Andyc3333333 has a strategy for the midnight Maccy D stop. He has a seat inside but still sticks it to "the Man".
Ask him.
Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk
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Back to the actual thread topic ... Green and Yellow Fields on the weekend after next time:
Tomsk
Despeuch
felstedrider
josser
adamski
psyclist
Any others?
Me.
The Dutch Wife - her first 300km and first ride through the night. She says she's going to boycott the McDonalds at Barton Mills, so I'm not sure she's really cut out for Audax if she's not willing to eat a Big Mac at 4 in the morning...
McDonalds isn’t going to be open for eating in. Can’t see them opening up like that till after June 21st. First G&Y 300 I did was 2013, pre McDonalds. It was a case of stopping at the garage on A11 to get something and the cold ensured you got moving again pretty quickly.
Have fun, I was too late to get in. I hear there’s a waiting list but other plans for the long weekend now.
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G&Y Fields groups have been published. Group 1 looks like it is full of the speed merchants, and me! I suspect the group might have split up by the time we reach the halfway point on the hill out of Manningtree ...
Just an observation. Absolutely looking forward to this bare bones G&Y edition, and hopeful for the more social aspects to return next year.
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Just entered the G&Y Fields taking one of the DNS places.
Shame about the McDonalds this year though! :-[
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G&Y Fields groups have been published. Group 1 looks like it is full of the speed merchants, and me! I suspect the group might have split up by the time we reach the halfway point on the hill out of Manningtree ...
Probably won't be a burn up on the way North as the food facilities at the turn won't open until 6:30am.
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Shame about the McDonalds this year though! :-[
Got to love Audax and Audaxers ;D
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Just entered the G&Y Fields taking one of the DNS places.
Shame about the McDonalds this year though! :-[
I thought Huggy would be running his burger and kebab van up at Barton Mills?
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Wow was that a cold ride up to the coast. Warmed up now at least
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Cold enough northerly this morning in daylight. I can imagine it was more than cold enough overnight.
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Every time I stopped I ended up shaking uncontrollably.
Everything was made up by the great company. I have really missed riding with other people.
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Feedback on the Burnham Deepdale control catering services:
The ladies were very happy with the level and pace of the business - no mega rushes and no long boring gaps.
Although number of cyclist was less than predicted (DNS due to weather and bus replacemnts for trains), the cycling trade justified the early opening.
Compliments on the nice cyclist customers we supplied, with genaral afterthought of we must be mad.
In being open for us they picked up a lot of trade from the campsite (currently only open to users with self contained washroom facilities, like campervans and caravans), holiday lets and locals.
I expect they will be reviewing opening hours, now the glampers are back!
And the mature gent we see every year collecting his newspaper as soon as the garage opens recognised "us" and got very close to remembering the name of the town we started from! I am now recognising a lot of the dogs and their slaves at that time of day as well.
And nice to see all of those that rode today, the world almost seemed normal for a change, although naming the people when wearing full cold/wet cycling gear is a bit hit and miss.
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Great to see you at Burnham Deepdale BFC, entertaining the masses and providing one possible cause of the Barbarian Invasions during the Middle Ages, a topic of conversation I’d been having on the ride up.
Most unusual occurrence on the ride was when 2 of our group of 4 got stopped and subjected to an ear bashing from a member of the Sudbury constabulary. We’d been riding down a hill, with a car following (turned out to be a police car). One rider went straight on, which was the second exit to the roundabout. 2 riders carried on round to the third exit. On seeing this I checked my Wahoo map and then took the second exit. We must have looked like the cycling equivalent of an aerobatic display team as we fanned out, which triggered the flashing blue lights. The 2 riders who were aiming for the third exit were the ones stopped, and were advised that all 4 of us could have been arrested for not signalling! Turned into an ear bashing for the 2 who had been stopped.
What followed was more typical of an audax ride. Freezing temperatures through the night (glad I took my down jacket), a few showers in the morning, and a mixture of roads back to Manningtree, some more splendid than others. Enjoyed the usual interactions with a number of other riders at the various stops.
Thanks for organising Huggy, and for helping out Tomsk and BFC. Always appreciated what you do to make these events happen.
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Great to see you at Burnham Deepdale BFC, entertaining the masses and providing one possible cause of the Barbarian Invasions during the Middle Ages, a topic of conversation I’d been having on the ride up.
Most unusual occurrence on the ride was when 2 of our group of 4 got stopped and subjected to an ear bashing from a member of the Sudbury constabulary. We’d been riding down a hill, with a car following (turned out to be a police car). One rider went straight on, which was the second exit to the roundabout. 2 riders carried on round to the third exit. On seeing this I checked my Wahoo map and then took the second exit. We must have looked like the cycling equivalent of an aerobatic display team as we fanned out, which triggered the flashing blue lights. The 2 riders who were aiming for the third exit were the ones stopped, and were advised that all 4 of us could have been arrested for not signalling! Turned into an ear bashing for the 2 who had been stopped.
What followed was more typical of an audax ride. Freezing temperatures through the night (glad I took my down jacket), a few showers in the morning, and a mixture of roads back to Manningtree, some more splendid than others. Enjoyed the usual interactions with a number of other riders at the various stops.
Thanks for organising Huggy, and for helping out Tomsk and BFC. Always appreciated what you do to make these events happen.
Haha one of those moments when I wish I'd been there to ask the officer why?
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(https://i.ibb.co/hyPDFkt/IMG-20210501-051754.jpg) (https://ibb.co/56NBhdf)
(https://i.ibb.co/9qXtxh6/IMG-20210501-052945-01.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dQ9gNtF)
(https://i.ibb.co/W0wjHqs/IMG-20210501-052925-01.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9hLSpzG)
(https://i.ibb.co/2cmfMSc/IMG-20210501-050758-01.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nQZ51BQ)
(https://i.ibb.co/jz51bjq/IMG-20210501-083039.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gd7BmcQ)
(https://i.ibb.co/Smdzd7h/IMG-20210501-082903.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t2x9xP7)
(https://i.ibb.co/3cPqXZm/IMG-20210501-051756.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TtNSX3M)
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Third time around G&YF 300. Amazing company for the ride. Thanks to the other three :thumbsup:
Decided to go with the winter softshell jacket in the end and definitely the right decision. Veloboy and I had to stop twice on the ride to Barton Mills to get on more clothes. the hand dryer in the McDonald's was great for warming up my hands. Left McDonald's wearing everything I had and prayed it wouldn't get any colder....the freezin' fog was interesting!
I live this ride for the transition into daylight and it didn't disappoint this year. The sunrise was stunning.
We got to the coast just before the breakfast shed opened but we're happy to wait in order to get some hot food.
The ride back was warmer, but still unseasonably cold.
I got back to Manningtree at 1pm, which was ½ hour later than when I rode in 2019. Oh but this time I started 1½ hours earlier because of the COVID restrictions 😂 Riding when it's frickin' freezin' isn't fast!
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ACME 'Lanterne Rouge' group left at 00:50. Tom J made an early break but the remaining 4 of us managed to stay together to the end. A little mechanical for Ruby Holdsworth near Hawkedon - broken front mech cable (new-fangled technology eh ::-)), but fairly easily fixed. Thanks Grey Sheep for waiting and shining a light while I fiddled with spooling up the excess cable. It took a very long time for my fingers to warm up after only about 10 minutes stopped.
Regrouped with Mr & Mrs Josser at Barton Mills for a cold and freezy/foggy/damp run up to Swaffham in the pre-dawn twilight. Saw A.N. Other audaxer here (not on this event) who had apparently come off on a patch of ice. Glad we were on main roads during the coldest part of the night! BFC and the Vans of Delight at Deepdale were a very welcome sight (enormous duck and hoisin wrap!). We hung about chatting to tail enders here for quite a while, but the sun was up and the northerly was strengthening, so were feeling good. Uneventful run home, but there seemed to be more traffic than ever on the busy bits - bank holiday syndrome or just us being later than usual?
Waitrose picnic in Wymondham and icecream from the charming corner shop (Eltons) in Needham Market to fuel us to the finish. The Bentley bluebells were as good as ever, always a treat after schlepping through the scrappy backside of Ipswich on the old main road.
Thanks Huggy for organising, and our little peloton for the towing, company and cheery banter. We even managed properly co-ordinated team hedge stops, very slick - sorry Mrs J, they were unisex hedges, but at least we took turns to visit.
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McDonalds isn’t going to be open for eating in
*ahem* motorway services *ahem*
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Planning a long way ahead but I've entered the Silly Suffolk 100 for October. After the last time I'll be making sure I have plenty of space for souveniers from the St Peters Brewery!
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My appolgies to Huggy for my DNS on the G&Y Fields....again. Not sure what it is about a midnight start but I can never seem to make it, don't think I'll enter next year.
On the bright side though, I encountered a massive issue with my front wheel on a ride out on Saturday which would have resulted in a DNF anyway.
Well done to everyone who did start and finish though, hopefully see some of you on the Hereward at the end of the month. :)
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ACME 'Lanterne Rouge' group left at 00:50. Tom J made an early break but the remaining 4 of us managed to stay together to the end. A little mechanical for Ruby Holdsworth near Hawkedon - broken front mech cable (new-fangled technology eh ::-)), but fairly easily fixed. Thanks Grey Sheep for waiting and shining a light while I fiddled with spooling up the excess cable. It took a very long time for my fingers to warm up after only about 10 minutes stopped.
Regrouped with Mr & Mrs Josser at Barton Mills for a cold and freezy/foggy/damp run up to Swaffham in the pre-dawn twilight. Saw A.N. Other audaxer here (not on this event) who had apparently come off on a patch of ice. Glad we were on main roads during the coldest part of the night! BFC and the Vans of Delight at Deepdale were a very welcome sight (enormous duck and hoisin wrap!). We hung about chatting to tail enders here for quite a while, but the sun was up and the northerly was strengthening, so were feeling good. Uneventful run home, but there seemed to be more traffic than ever on the busy bits - bank holiday syndrome or just us being later than usual?
Waitrose picnic in Wymondham and icecream from the charming corner shop (Eltons) in Needham Market to fuel us to the finish. The Bentley bluebells were as good as ever, always a treat after schlepping through the scrappy backside of Ipswich on the old main road.
Thanks Huggy for organising, and our little peloton for the towing, company and cheery banter. We even managed properly co-ordinated team hedge stops, very slick - sorry Mrs J, they were unisex hedges, but at least we took turns to visit.
No fig rolls at the bandstand?
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I always think a 200 is a nice day ride, whereas 300+ starts to feel more serious. Especially when it's 2am and it's 0°C. 😂
With the pandemic knocking out last year it has been nearly two years since I did a 300+ km ride. Spending the last two days thinking back over Friday night / Saturday morning I realised how much I've missed these rides. It's more than just the distance too because even tho there was a rolling start it still felt very much like an event .
Thanks Huggy & BFC. :)
Cannot wait for A&S400 in July :thumbsup:
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A big thanks to Huggy, Tom and the ACME people; always good to make the journey over to some excellent events! I think there were seven of us from Dulwich, some, myself included doing a first official Audax ride in ages...and did it feel real at around 2am ::-)
Cheers and hopefully see you on the Hereward
Rich I
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No fig rolls at the bandstand?
Grey Sheep & I stopped briefly for a snack at the Market Cross in Swaaaffham, before pressing on to catch Mr & Mrs J at Castle Acre. The stalls opposite were setting up, (about six I think), all selling the most amazing collection of antique lawnmowers, tools, bikes etc. GS was most impressed there were broom-handles available, having failed to find one in B&Q, as they only sold the whole article! Sometime the Swaffham Saturday market might be worth a visit - though I built up a collection of gardening hardware from the one specialist stall in Braintree market, many years ago.
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The overnight forecasts had 3 degrees and slightly milder up by Burnham Deepdale.
My GPS data shows -4 for large chunks of the night leg. That ride seems to have taken more out of me than I expected.
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My GPS data shows -4 for large chunks of the night leg.
-4°C seems realistic. It was bloody cold for sure.
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ACME Peloton for The Hop Garden on Sunday:
Nik's Nick
psyclist
tedshred
Tomsk
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Doing Wilkyboy's 100 and ECEing on Sunday.
I've done Kent a lot.
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I’m on the The Red Penny Ride from Saffron Walden as well.
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Temperatures look a little better on Sunday, but the force 5, gusting 7, will make the open flat sections from Hythe on the Hop Garden a little interesting.
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ACME Peloton for The Hop Garden on Sunday:
Nik's Nick
psyclist
tedshred
Tomsk
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ACME Peloton for The Hop Garden on Sunday:
Nik's Nick
psyclist
tedshred
Tomsk
First time for me. Any gpx files for this?
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ACME Peloton for The Hop Garden on Sunday:
Nik's Nick
psyclist
tedshred
Tomsk
First time for me. Any gpx files for this?
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35818257 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35818257)
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First time for me. Any gpx files for this?
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35818257 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35818257)
:thumbsup:
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Presumably bikes are OK on the train from London Victoria at that time of day - without reservation?
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I’m on the The Red Penny Ride from Saffron Walden as well.
And me. Seemed rude not to as it’s so local :)
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I’m on the The Red Penny Ride from Saffron Walden as well.
And me. Seemed rude not to as it’s so local :)
On your latest recumbent? (Do you have two now?)
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On your latest recumbent? (Do you have two now?)
Yes - I’m looking forward to giving it it’s first decent run out :)
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Excellent. I’ve asked for a start around 10am. Hopefully see you on the road or at start.
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Excellent. I’ve asked for a start around 10am. Hopefully see you on the road or at start.
:thumbsup: Ive asked for an early start time but if I do start before you, I’m sure you’ll catch me on the road :)
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I’m not planning on rushing round , so I doubt I’ll get anywhere near making up 1.5 hours on you. That would be quite an ask 😀
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Oh I don’t know. - I usually make a pretty good attempt at being lanterne rouge :D
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ACME Peloton for The Hop Garden on Sunday:
Nik's Nick
psyclist
tedshred
Tomsk
I'll be there too but maybe I'd best not put on the ACME shirt - don't want to embarrass you all as I creep in long after everyone else has gone home.
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Presumably bikes are OK on the train from London Victoria at that time of day - without reservation?
I doubt they will be that busy, at least on the way out. I'll be getting on at Bromley, so I'm counting on there not being too many AUKs on board ;)
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Presumably bikes are OK on the train from London Victoria at that time of day - without reservation?
I doubt they will be that busy, at least on the way out. I'll be getting on at Bromley, so I'm counting on there not being too many AUKs on board ;)
See you aboard :thumbsup:
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Oh I don’t know. - I usually make a pretty good attempt at being lanterne rouge :D
I’m planning on stopping at the café control if it’s not too busy. I need to learn to stop properly on audaxes again. I’ve been riding them non stop (other than odd brief stop to get food out seat bag) this past year.
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ACME Peloton for The Hop Garden on Sunday:
Nik's Nick
psyclist
tedshred
Tomsk
I'll be there too but maybe I'd best not put on the ACME shirt - don't want to embarrass you all as I creep in long after everyone else has gone home.
I'm sorry to interrupt as I'm not an ACME man but has anyone had the final instructions yet?
I entered a couple of months ago and the entry is showing on the AUK website but I have not yet received an email from Patrick.
I've ridden it before so know the start, have got the gpx and routesheet, but expect there to be some Covid changes.
Thanks.
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There was an email earlier this week. Another one is expected tomorrow with everybody’s start time.
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Thanks psyclist, just what I needed to know. I'll contact Patrick.
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I'm out of the Hop Garden, bike has come down with carbonitis and might need to be put down.
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I'm out of the Hop Garden, bike has come down with carbonitis and might need to be put down.
Oh no. What’s happened?
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Apparently the rear mudguard I fitted has worn through the carbon on the rear stay. To the extent that Trek say its a write off. And doesn't come within their lifetime guarantee as not a manufacturer defect (probably fair enough). Annoying as the only reason I fitted the damn thing in the first place (other than to comply with Audax regulation!) was because the Trek-manufactured, Trek-supplied and Trek Dealer-fitted mudguard fell off and nearly mangled my rear wheel 400k into the 2018 Fenlands Friends (just leaving Boston).
I'm a bit peeved.
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Sounds like https://carbonbikerepair.co.uk/wp/ or a similar mob is the next step.
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Certainly an option. As much as I'm not particularly keen to provide Trek with more custom, it might be that the best option to get a functioning bike relatively quickly is to take Trek up on their offer of a 25% discount on a new frame. But part of that deal is returning the old frame...
Of course one of the morals of this tale is that having only one bike is foolish.
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Well, yes. The ‘one bike’ approach works when it works and doesn’t when, etc.
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Wilkyboy laid on the weather for us today. 50k ECE to Saffron Walden and time to sit around drinking coffee in the fresh air. Lovely route out to the Maglia Rosso for coffee and cake. Felt pretty perky on the way back and it feels like my legs are returning.
Decent chat at the finish and then 50k back in the sunshine. The world is beginning to feel more normal again.
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Indeed, enjoyed The Red Penny Ride 100 today. Lovely route, good to have company, and enjoyed a sausage and egg bap and spicy sausage roll. Number of water bottle destroyed- 1. Get to be in shorts and t shirt. Just a brief bit of rain at 75km.
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Thirded! I really enjoyed the Red Penny ride - great route and glorious weather (I must have missed the rain). From a rider POV, I’d say it was a good thing it had to be postponed from November ;D The new (to me) Bacchetta ran flawlessly too. The only negative of the day was forgetting sun cream :)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gmwybvb59x3dr5p/IMG_1728.jpg?raw=1)
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Funky bar tape on your yellow peril 😁
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Funky bar tape on your yellow peril 😁
That’s how it came when I bought it ;D I was thinking to change it for something less garish but it’s actually starting to grow on me :)
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After a successful first outing today I've taken my chances and entered The Broadsman on the 30th May and the 100km Windmill ride...not that I'm too eager or anything!
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Thirded! I really enjoyed the Red Penny ride - great route and glorious weather (I must have missed the rain). From a rider POV, I’d say it was a good thing it had to be postponed from November ;D The new (to me) Bacchetta ran flawlessly too. The only negative of the day was forgetting sun cream :)
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/gmwybvb59x3dr5p/IMG_1728.jpg?raw=1)
Which top tube bag is that and what’s the capacity?
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Which top tube bag is that and what’s the capacity?
It’s a large Topeak Fuel Tank, which apparently has a capacity of 0.75l. I find it useful for holding my grazing snacks, though thinking of changing it for a bag with a phone compartment on top to use as a routesheet holder :)
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If anyone is interested I queried the results of the Grand Tour de Stour as the ride was listed but the points were missing.
It looks like this was an issue with the registration set-up of the event and I had confirmation that it had been fixed yesterday. I can now see my points so assume everyone else can.
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If anyone is interested I queried the results of the Grand Tour de Stour as the ride was listed but the points were missing.
It looks like this was an issue with the registration set-up of the event and I had confirmation that it had been fixed yesterday. I can now see my points so assume everyone else can.
:thumbsup: Likewise! Though I suppose a 200km Brevet Populaire, at a lower speed limit, is good practice for when I'm older and even slower!
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Any more news on ECEing Hereward to 400km?
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Any more news on ECEing Hereward to 400km?
I was thinking the same this morning. Logically it should be ok as the extra bit is effectively a perm, but you never know.
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I've entered the Windmill 200 as my first Audax back after lockdown. Can't believe I've never done it before what with it starting about half a mile away. No getting up at the crack of dawn. Wooo!
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The 213km Essex R&R and 107km A Little Essex R&R (7th August) are now open for entry.
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8709
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8710
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My 2013 AudaxUK membersahip is renewed and I am in for the Windmill 100 as my first ride over 20 miles since LEL2013. I am killing the commute lately mind.
I am going to do the ride to the start as a halfway house this weekend, that's a gnat's under 100km on top. See how that goes.
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I'm doing a helper's ride for the Windmill 200 next Monday - Soupy and I'll be manning the Finchingfield checkpoint the following Sunday for the 200 & 100km rides.
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The 213km Essex R&R and 107km A Little Essex R&R (7th August) are now open for entry.
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8709
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8710
Good man, in!
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Today is the day I am creating the A&S staggered start list. I'll form an ACME group for late start (as requested by an elder who will be riding to Manningtree).
If anyone would like to ride a Helpers' route check the weekend before let me know and I'll arrange to get brevets to you (I won't be riding myself so no need to worry about slowing down for me).
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The ACME peloton has formed. 09:15 start. I'll be aiming to get to Manningtree Station Buffet for breakfast around 08:00. Any other ACME riders on the A&S, other than those in the 09:15 group? No doubt many of the 'usual suspects' will be there too.
Sad news about the landlord of the Fox and Hounds at Weasenham - the Bell at Hempton (1st L shortly after joining the A1065 at Fakenham outskirts) is only just off the route. Currently closing at 10pm on Saturdays. Grey Sheep and I have already talked about a takeaway curry stop in Melton Constable (other outlets are available) as an alternative to Wells. This has worked out very well on our last two A&Ss. Breaking the ride up with a pub stop in Wells is another option, or Swaffham if we get a tailwind both ways! This is working out timings on the usual gentlemanly plan of around 24 hours for the event, aiming to arrive at a civilised hour for breakfast, back at the Station Buffet.
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Looks like a cracking weekend weather wise. I was tempted into riding the Peewhits and Curlews ride from Darlington, so I'm missing out on the A&S this year.
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I'm riding on Saturday. I was surprised to discover this will be my first A&S400 since 2015.
Successful completion will result in my first Essex SR series.
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I rode A and S Saturday just gone solo ,weather was good apart from heavy rain up near wells but wind was kind .Route is all good with no problems I rode around in 22 hours overall which was ok .One thing to note though is Wells was super super busy and the chance of fish and chips was low unless you wanted to wait an hour !! However fresh hot donuts did the trick instead !! I missed McDonald’s at Barton mills by 15 mins as it closes at midnight .....I’m very happy to report this completes my first Essex SR 👍👌
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I rode A and S Saturday just gone solo ,weather was good apart from heavy rain up near wells but wind was kind .Route is all good with no problems I rode around in 22 hours overall which was ok .One thing to note though is Wells was super super busy and the chance of fish and chips was low unless you wanted to wait an hour !! However fresh hot donuts did the trick instead !! I missed McDonald’s at Barton mills by 15 mins as it closes at midnight .....I’m very happy to report this completes my first Essex SR 👍👌
Well done on your Essex SR - it's the only one that counts ;)! Wells is either super-busy (ridden there on a bank hol!) or all shut-up early, if the weather is a bit rubbish, which is why we favour Melton Constable as a dinner option - 5* bus shelter too, (as used in the wind and rain on our DIY last September).
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Sacked off my plans to ride in circles in the North West this weekend (long story). Rather than lay around sulking figured I’d ride this instead. I think I’ll need to ride briskly as I’m due to be useful on Sunday.
Already technically done my Essex SR but this will replace my DIY 400 with a proper ACME event.
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I rode A and S Saturday just gone solo
Is A&S still available to ride as a perm? I understood that Herman has retired from running perms and none of his rides appear on the AUK website. I suppose riding them as a DIY would be an option...
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I rode A and S Saturday just gone solo
Is A&S still available to ride as a perm? I understood that Herman has retired from running perms and none of his rides appear on the AUK website. I suppose riding them as a DIY would be an option...
Yes, I have taken over Herman's Manningtree Permanents.
I've just submitted the G&YF and A&S documentation to apply for them to be made available for electronic entry with the option for GPS validation. They are currently paper based with postal exchange of cards & route sheet.
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Yes, I have taken over Herman's Manningtree Permanents.
I've just submitted the G&YF and A&S documentation to apply for them to be made available for electronic entry with the option for GPS validation. They are currently paper based with postal exchange of cards & route sheet.
Excellent! :thumbsup:
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Seems I am on for an Essex SR with Essex r&r, asparagus and strawberries, fenland friends and acme grand.
Forecast for A&S looks great, sunny all day, but not to hot up in Suffolk and norfolk
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I’m on A&S this weekend. Legs still a bit tired , lacking zip, from last weeks LLEL. Suspect a full value outing. Which is fine. Forecast looks a bit warmer than I’d like but the extra warmth overnight will be welcome.
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Boom. That's SR series #7 (I think) and Essex SR #1.
Time for a nap 💤
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Decent day out. On my own for a while and then met up with Wycombewheeler and Colin (?). We worked together to Barton Mills where WW went off to his hotel room. Didn’t feel too hot riding due to the Northerly wind but it was hot when stopped.
I was a bit slower than I was 2 years ago but reasonably happy overall.
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Decent day out. On my own for a while and then met up with Wycombewheeler and Colin (?). We worked together to Barton Mills where WW went off to his hotel room. Didn’t feel too hot riding due to the Northerly wind but it was hot when stopped.
I was a bit slower than I was 2 years ago but reasonably happy overall.
Nice riding together, I knew I was slower than 2 years ago, but I think everyone was, maybe due to that north wind, maybe because people had been training harder for PBP I was slightly quicker from wells to Barton mills, but much slower to wells
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Next up is the Essex R&R 200k and A Little Essex R&R 100k on the 7th August.
Anyone fancy joining me for a route check of the 200k on the 31st July or 1st August?
I might go round the 100k route this coming weekend if it's not too much of a washout.
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Next up is the Essex R&R 200k and A Little Essex R&R 100k on the 7th August.
Anyone fancy joining me for a route check of the 200k on the 31st July or 1st August?
I might go round the 100k route this coming weekend if it's not too much of a washout.
I might be tempted as I’m not sure I can do the actual day.
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Hey Huggy - I could be tempted. Like the publican, I can't make the day itself.
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Riding on the day as I'm going away the following morning. Unfortunately I will miss the social.
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Enjoyable R&R 200 yesterday. It was really quite damp for the first few hours to the point where we were stood in a shop doorway in Burnham on Crouch not wanting to move. One member of our group of 3 turned for home when he passed quite close. I was tempted.
I avoided going home later on despite being a mile from my front door. It was warm and sunny for the last couple of hours and I cheered up.
The finish control had me slightly emotional having not sat down with my friends eating pizza and cake after a long ride for what seemed like a very long time. Thanks to Huggy and family for putting all this on.
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Good ride on the 100k too, and yes, I enjoyed the pizza. Apparently, or so I was told at the finish, I'm some kind of weather god; I did need a waterproof for a couple of short periods in the early miles, but then I stuck it in my back pocket and was fine. Unlike those riding five minutes ahead and five behind it would seem ;D Even the volunteer controller at Abberton had looked at the sky and warned me I was for it in the final miles - but I stayed dry then too.
Next up is the Wormingford events in two weeks, which we being advertised at yesterday's HQ.