Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Hummers on 21 May, 2009, 11:57:33 pm
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Middle-aged, well preserved and well upholstered male cyclist seeks like-minded company on leisurely weekend tour of southern England's tea rooms, convenience stores, A road service stations and bus shelters.
Likes; riding through rainy nights along romantic unlit winding pot-holed country lanes, gut wrenching ascents, white knuckle descents, narrowly avoiding lumps of aggregate and agriculture along the way.
GSOH, NS, financially solvent, has own hair and own teeth (mostly).
Will consider groups.
RSVP
Picture preferrable.
H
N.B. There are no calendar 600s this weekend but there is The Bournemouth Square 200 (a fine ride in its second year) and, I believe, at least one ride in Wales.
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no, no no
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no, no no
Shall I put you down as a 'maybe' then?
H
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*bump*
Oh come on now.
It can't be that hard, surely?
If you're at a loose end, why not join me in a little jaunt around the Westcountry.
Hmmmmm?
H
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*bump*
Oh come on now.
It can't be that hard, surely?
If you're at a loose end, why not join me in a little jaunt around the Westcountry.
Hmmmmm?
H
Sorry
I am painting the guttering
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Sorry
I am painting the guttering
What on earth is wrong with you all. ???
A unique opportunity to enjoy the lovely rolling hinterland of the Southwest in fine weather and along quiet, rural lanes is there for the taking.
H
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I'm ***curious*** to know the route, if anyone has plotted it onliney.
(Just read PeterM's pithy account - a good read!)
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I'm ***curious*** to know the route, if anyone has plotted it onliney.
(Just read PeterM's pithy account - a good read!)
Peter has done some great write ups of Shawn's series however I advise against plotting it on anything that offers elevation or route profile. I made that mistake with the Hardboiled.
There is normally a guideline route on Shawn's site linked on the AUK Perm event entry.
Shall I put you down as a definite yes? Hmmmmmmmm?
H
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There is normally a guideline route on Shawn's site linked on the AUK Perm event entry.
B6 Route (http://www.wessexsr.talktalk.net/b6route.htm)
It seems to go a lot of places. Still I suppose 600 is a lot of km to use up. I think my favourite placename is "Nunney Catch"
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...... I think my favourite placename is "Nunney Catch"
Tor Hole sounds interesting.
H
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Tor Hole sounds interesting.
H
Here be Bucks...on silly bikes.
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Sorry
I am painting the guttering
What on earth is wrong with you all. ???
A unique opportunity to enjoy the lovely rolling hinterland of the Southwest in fine weather and along quiet, rural lanes is there for the taking.
H
It clashes with a very scenic 600 in Wales, as well as the Dun Run.
You could always try another date.
August might be good (but not Mildenhall Rally)
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It clashes with a very scenic 600 in Wales, as well as the Dun Run.
You are right, of course. :-[
You could always try another date.
August might be good ...........
August is out for me. Post LEL, my cycling ambitions will become severely limited after that too.
It's now or never. :demon:
H
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H,
I'm not going to be able to join you for this one. The exam timetable has just been published and my deferred exam is to be during the following week (rather than the week before LEL as previously suggested) so I need to be revising. :(
Sorry,
P
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Farewell cruel world.
I leave the comfort of my bed to face the final challenge of the Wessex SR series: dodging the drunks of Poole on a Friday night to start the Hellfire.
As it happens, I will not be alone.
Oh no.
I have been rather unexpectedly joined for this excursion by Peter Pile, an old time friend I last saw in February. :-X
I expect he will pop out and make an appearance somehwere up the Cheddar Gorge. :o
H
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The weather seems pretty good for Mr Hummerstone, slightly cooler but not raining yet
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Farewell cruel world...
I have been rather unexpectedly joined for this excursion by Peter Pile, an old time friend I last saw in February. :-X
I expect he will pop out and make an appearance somehwere up the Cheddar Gorge. :o
H
It's a tough solo ride. I hope this Peter chappie isn't too much of a PITA. I doubt you'll get much conversation out of him.
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Farewell cruel world...
I have been rather unexpectedly joined for this excursion by Peter Pile, an old time friend I last saw in February. :-X
I expect he will pop out and make an appearance somehwere up the Cheddar Gorge. :o
H
It's a tough solo ride. I hope this Peter chappie isn't too much of a PITA. I doubt you'll get much conversation out of him.
He knows his place.
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Didn't realise Mark was going ahead with this solo - I know others do; but I think they have all ridden it before, with others, so know what to expect! (OK - I know he has company now).
Anyone know what time he was starting? 06:00am? Just thinkingabout a welcome at the end? :thumbsup:
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Oh dear.
A fail on the first attempt and perhaps a reminder that I still have a lot to learn about this Audax lark. Much respect to Mr Abrahams and his solo antics but I am some way off his mettle.
A cracking route through fantastic scenery and reasonably gentle by Shawn standards (bar Beaminster to Exmouth) - if a little tricky to follow at times.
I made good time to Exmouth (268k) with 4 hours in hand despite feeling off-form all day and a headwind from Codford to the coast. However, I was in a bit of a mess outside Exmouth Tescos and couldn't stop shivering and shaking even though it was 18 degrees. Despite being cooler than earlier in the week (almost ideal), I wasn't getting enough fluid in me and was constantly dehydrated although I was drinking loads between and at controls. Perhaps I was pushing the pace too hard early on when it was hotter- a danger of riding solo.
I am sure that if I had not been on my tod or had been on my usual form I would have finished but didn't fancy the night section feeling bloody rough with no company, a route sheet that at times was at odds with reality and the prospect of trying to find shelter in the middle of nowhere north of Cheddar.
There was also the fear that if I pushed on, I would wipe myself out for LEL.
Note to self: solo 600s are tough and maybe I am not as tough as I think I am. Still, I am determined to have another go at this one before the season ends.
H
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That looks a well-judged strategic withdrawal.
I'll try and watch you pass through the hilly part near here (Bradford on Avon) on your next attempt - I was regretting not being able to be out there this morning.
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I packed a solo (ish - was supposed to hook up with the Dun Run) 400 yesterday after 100km. Experience gives you The Knowledge. You just know when to pack, because you can tell the difference between a bad patch, and a ride where the Cyclist Inside has taken the day off.
Good call by both of us I think...
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Yesterday on the Clawdd Offa my bike packed so I didn't have to :).
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I've never packed (although would have done so on PBP had it not been PBP); a lot of it is knowing at the start whether you think you can do it or not, if you are not on tip top fitness it's always going to be hard. Tactical and sensible withdrawal in both cases Chris and H I think :)
To an extent the Long Distance Cyclist Inside me retired on 24.8.07; I've enjoyed 2 3 and 400s much much more since then. Even then 200 is my sensible limit for me for a solo perm.
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Mark
Good on you for trying; as I said, didn't know you'd planned a solo - have been thinking of you; last night's full moon but it seemed very cold; and today - only just home but wondering whether there would be a posting to say your ETA. As you know, Ray, Pete M and I packed last year. I packed after Shrewton at 1:00am on my solo Porkers attempt.
Plenty of time after LEL - or you could always ride the whole series again next year ;D
Cya soon. And b..... well done for making the right decision!
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Actually, I assumed you were riding with Paul Whitebelly.
I had a 'practical' interview on Saturday for a job I don't even want laying turf
(I want to be a tree surgeon)
I was on the edge of calling the interview off and coming along with you with or without brevet card just for the hell of it.
I wished I had now just so I could have bullied you around the course.
Perhaps next time...
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Still, I am determined to have another go at this one before the season ends.
I'd like to join you if we can find a convenient date...
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I wished I had now just so I could have bullied you around the course.
Perhaps next time...
Well, you were invited and would have been very welcome. No doubt your kindly words of encouragement would have helped me to either an early finish or an early grave somewhere between Taunton and Malmesbury.
That is of course assuming that you would have been able to keep up with me to Exmouth. :-*
Plenty of time after LEL - or you could always ride the whole series again next year ;D
This is something I am thinking of If there are no takers this season and soon... although:
I'd like to join you if we can find a convenient date...
...it looks like I might have another willing victim!
H
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Still, I am determined to have another go at this one before the season ends.
I must still be light-headed after the Offa 600, but if you can wait until September I might be interested in joining in... :o As long as your mate Peter doesn't make an appearance in public. :hand:
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Still, I am determined to have another go at this one before the season ends.
I must still be light-headed after the Offa 600, but if you can wait until September I might be interested in joining in... :o As long as your mate Peter doesn't make an appearance in public. :hand:
That could be a goer too although it might mean bumping the YACF camping weekend for me. :-[
H
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Oh dear.
I made good time to Exmouth (268k) with 4 hours in hand despite feeling off-form all day and a headwind from Codford to the coast. However, I was in a bit of a mess outside Exmouth Tescos and couldn't stop shivering and shaking even though it was 18 degrees. Despite being cooler than earlier in the week (almost ideal), I wasn't getting enough fluid in me and was constantly dehydrated although I was drinking loads between and at controls. Perhaps I was pushing the pace too hard early on when it was hotter- a danger of riding solo.
H
Well.
Remember on the Porkers when you mentioned that we were very close to the time limit? I said that it didn't matter because we all felt good, not tired and didn't need to worry.
That's what I meant. It's better to be on the time limit and feeling good than to have several hours in hand and feeling like you can't go on.
Remember that at the start of every ride you have all of the distance to do and no time in hand. So every minute you have in hand is an advantage you never had at the start and if you are not tiring yourself out to stay within time then you have a good chance of finishing.
Note to self: solo 600s are tough and maybe I am not as tough as I think I am. Still, I am determined to have another go at this one before the season ends.
You were gong very well on Porkers, the Brimstone should be pretty easy for you, even if you did it alone.
Anyway, which weekend in August are you thinking of?
The Hellfire would be a good weekend for me.
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Well, there's a lot of sense in there but like I said, I've still a lot to learn bout this Audax lark.
I know that I don't like doing solo 600 perms though and missed the camaraderie of the Porkers.
Since the weekend, I've calmed down a bit and have realised I need to stop obsessing about a ride that was never in my cycling objectives for 2009.
To this end, I won't be touching this before LEL or in August and I am happy to come to terms with the fact that perhaps this year, the Hellfire was not meant to be.
A revisit in September is a definite goer though! ;D
H
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I have received my Wessex Super Randonneurs certificate of non-achievement from Mr Shaw ;D and this has spurred me to revisit this with company. To this end, I have managed to solicit the companionship of Sherpa Abrahams to join me on the 19th and 20th September.
This clashes with the YACF camping weekend, the Bournemouth Square and at least one ride in Wales but is the last throw of the dice this season for me so I'll have go for this date.
I think Plodder and Paul D could manage a date in September. Posite and Ian H have also expressed an interest.
H
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19th/20th of Sept. sounds good, subject to weather. I can offer local knowledge around Taunton/Heymock and a vast supply of flapjack to the team.
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19th/20th of Sept. sounds good, subject to weather. I can offer local knowledge around Taunton/Heymock and a vast supply of flapjack to the team.
Splendid :thumbsup:
H
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19th/20th of Sept. sounds good, subject to weather. I can offer local knowledge around Taunton/Heymock and a vast supply of flapjack to the team.
Splendid :thumbsup:
H
Is that going to be a Tor Hole style secret control?
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19th/20th of Sept. sounds good, subject to weather. I can offer local knowledge around Taunton/Heymock and a vast supply of flapjack to the team.
Splendid :thumbsup:
H
It's not quite far enough for a sleep stop though...
H
Is that going to be a Tor Hole style secret control?
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It's not quite far enough for a sleep stop though...
H
If you mean Heymock..I live approx 5 miles from Hemyock and we get there I guess at about 310km, or about 18/19 hours in. If we started at 6am that would be just after midnight, which is a little early for a kip but acceptable.
Vorsprung towers is a 10 mile detour from the route but there are no especially large hills in the way, just normal Devon up and down.
Alternatively, my mother in law lives about 1/2 a mile off the route near Hemyock. She is a cyclist of the CTC sort and so would if asked allow us to sleep in her front room/conservatory with the dogs.
Both venues would have an unlimited supply of tea and anything else you wanted, by prior arrangement
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Incidentally, I will need to know what time/date you are starting apparently Mr Shaw wants this on the entry form
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Splendid!
H
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Incidentally, I will need to know what time/date you are starting apparently Mr Shaw wants this on the entry form
He does, your entry will need to go in at least two weeks before the event.
We are looking at Saturday 19th September as the start date.
I started at 6am last weekend and that worked well with the controls on the first day but will confirm the exact time after we have a definitive list of riders.
H
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Right, cards on table time - I'm not going to decide on this before LEL.
At the moment its likely I could get a pass from home and I promise you I'm keen. However, after PBP I did naff all for a few weeks. I'll need to guage my enthusiasm level for long distance riding during August before I commit (to being commited ::-)). No miles probably means no Hellfire.
Watch This Space.
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Pfft, madness. Gone are the days when I would contemplate doing this particular 600 in anything other than high summer.
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I'm always faster in September than May, and I do hilly 600's in May every year. Same amount of daylight in September as May as well. I thought we all had good lights by now?
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I have received my Wessex Super Randonneurs certificate of non-achievement from Mr Shaw ;
One of the pleasures of the Wessex series is the support from Shawn. My two DNF are Porkers one year and Brimstone the next. I still have those non-achievement certificates.
When I finally completed the series, riding the 200 as a permanent, I dropped the Wessex Series card through Shawn's door. He heard the letter flap drop and came out of the house and invited me in for 'cakes that have just come out of the oven' (does his wife ever stop baking?). He had no idea I was riding the permanent that day (as it was controlled by someone else) but he thought that the achievement of a Wessex SR series warranted recognition. He also knew that I had been trying to complete the series for 5 years and was pleased that I had finally achieved it.
Hummers - they are tough rides that need the right mental attitude. It may take some time but they are achievable. Great sense of achievement when it happens!
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Pfft, madness. Gone are the days when I would contemplate doing this particular 600 in anything other than high summer.
If the weather is bad I will be a DNS
It is frequently good in September though
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Hummers - they are tough rides that need the right mental attitude. It may take some time but they are achievable. Great sense of achievement when it happens!
Yeah, I was on track for cracking the series off in one go but things went awry on the Hellfire. It wasn't that it was any tougher than the other three, it was just not going to happen that weekend. Hopefully September will be a different story.
Thanks for the encouragement though. :-*
H
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I'm always faster in September than May, and I do hilly 600's in May every year. Same amount of daylight in September as May as well. I thought we all had good lights by now?
I believe the description of these routes is tortuous. Steep, gravelly descents in the gloomy hours and fabled Shaw route sheets. Neither make me think riding in September will be anything but challenging.
A finger of fudge for anyone who completes it.
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I believe the description of these routes is tortuous.
Based on my experience, I can't agree.
I have only completed 3.4 out of the 4 rides that make up the Wessex SR but can offer these observations on the routes comprising the series:
1. They pass through magnificent, breathtaking countryside,
2. They go out of the way to take in hills in stages that have become legends in their own right,
3. If it has been raining, roads lanes can be tricky, especially if you are following IanH,
4. Setting off without tracing the route on a map against the route sheet instructions is ill advised,
5. Setting off without a map (if you don't know the area or route) is very ill advised,
6. Commercial controls may not exist or be open when you roll up hoping for shelter,
7. The route is likely to take longer than you expected for similiar distanced hilly rides,
8. Anyone who says the Hellfire is easier than the Porkers is lying talking in relative terms ,
9. Expect long sections (>100k) with no shops or commercial controls open,
10. Shawn's unique take on Brevet cards and certificates sets these rides apart from any other ride I have done.
I am really looking to the return visit but this time, with company to share the Wessex SR Experience.
H
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October isn't a bad time of year for this ride. :) Even November has seen The Rook out on the leafless lanes of Wessex pushing fixed pedals to Hellfire glory.
Still, each to their own and seeing that not one new name has appeared on the list of the Wessex SR achievers for what, four seasons now?, the challenge seems to be as great as ever, whenever. :o
How those who were there remember the Great Storm of 2000: blowing a hooleigh; sodden Gortex all around (perhaps I misheard that comment); the course strewn with heart beaten randonneurs; yes it was May Bank Holiday. And half the field abandoned.
Tortuous? that's a tad strong unless one is under prepared of course but then what isn't under such circumstances. Night time gives no quarter regards terrain or navigational skills needed it is true. Much is made of the brevety of the route sheets; again it is all in the preparation. :smug:
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How those who were there remember the Great Storm of 2000: blowing a hooleigh;
Fond memories...
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Still, each to their own and seeing that not one new name has appeared on the list of the Wessex SR achievers for what, four seasons now?, the challenge seems to be as great as ever, whenever. :o
I am working on that.. ;D
H
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And I almostmade it last year :(
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And I almostmade it last year :(
Are there any other Lady Wessex SR Randonneurs?
I would be surprised if there wasn't.
H
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And I almostmade it last year :(
Are there any other Lady Wessex SR Randonneurs?
I would be surprised if there wasn't.
H
One at least. Shawn's website lists them all.
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And I almostmade it last year :(
Are there any other Lady Wessex SR Randonneurs?
I would be surprised if there wasn't.
H
One at least. Shawn's website lists them all.
Annemarie Manley Winter?
Anne Learmonth?*
Vicki Brown Parnaby?
They've all ridden Wessex events but I'm not sure if they all did the series in one year.
*Only lady to complete Crackpot
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That website tells us that Anne Learmonth was the first lady in 1995.
Annemarie Manley rode solo in 1996 and tandem 2004. Another solo ride in 1996 was completed by Pauline Wainwright. Further solo acheivers were Sandra Shaw(1997), Vicki Brown(1999). Pushing her husband around on the tandem Lisa Young joined the ranks in 2005 finishing off the series with a Hellfire. :o
So six ladies in all most going on to achieve Auk championships................... that must tell us something. :smug:
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Is Sandra Shaw in any way related to barefoot, husky voiced Sandy Shaw?
H
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Is Sandra Shaw in any way related to barefoot, husky voiced Sandy Shaw?
They don't look similar. I rode my first 200 with the company of Sandra Shaw
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I say.
Two become three.
So far we have:
1. Me
2. Teethgrinder
3. J. Swallow
With a host of 'I am interested as long as....."
How exciting.
H
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Buggrit, I'm free that weekend as the rowing season ends a week earlier. Where are you starting from?
AC
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Buggrit, I'm free that weekend as the rowing season ends a week earlier. Where are you starting from?
AC
The detailed plan is as follows (at the moment):
1. Start at 6:00am from the BP Garage in Poole oppsite the big hospital.
2. We ride for a bit
3, We return to the BP garage about (but no more than) 36 - 39.999 later.
H
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Better get my act together then.
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Better get my act together then.
Is this your infamous party trick involving £5 in 20p coins tucked under your foreskin?
I thought the doctor advised you not to try that again after the incident at the last Honiton & Luppit talent competition.
H
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It was chocolate money and I merely forgot to take the foil off.
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I'm in (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=21090.msg409633#msg409633) if you'll ride with me.
Is the 19th/6am decided now?
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I'm in (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=21090.msg409633#msg409633) if you'll ride with me.
Is the 19th/6am decided now?
Looks like we got ourselves a convoy!
Welcome, m'dear.
H
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Buggrit, I'm free that weekend as the rowing season ends a week earlier. Where are you starting from?
AC
The detailed plan is as follows (at the moment):
1. Start at 6:00am from the BP Garage in Poole oppsite the big hospital.
2. We ride for a bit
3, We return to the BP garage about (but no more than) 36 - 39.999 later.
H
So we need to get our forms in to the man with 6am, BP Garage in Poole opposite big hospital as the start point, asap
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I shall post my entry next week when we're back from Ecosse. Shawn is aware. He's sent bikehike maps of the route.
I ought to be old enough to know better.
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OK, stuff printed out, just needs to be filled in and posted.
Need to decide if I should drive down on the morning or grab a travelodge type room. That's probably more sensible (as if anything about this weekend was sensible!)
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OK, stuff printed out, just needs to be filled in and posted.
Need to decide if I should drive down on the morning or grab a travelodge type room. That's probably more sensible (as if anything about this weekend was sensible!)
I'll probably book a hotel the night before. So we can share and save a few quid.
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The entry went into the post this morning. Sharing a room sounds good, let me know the details when you've sorted it.
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I will be driving down in the morning.
H
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Hooray!
Route sheet on my door mat on my return from hols. This might make it difficult to read whilst on the move though.
I believe the even organiser was riding it himself this weekend. Bloody awful weather out there today.
Here is Shawn's route online:
Stage 1 bikehike.co.uk - Course Creator (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16325)
Stage 2 bikehike.co.uk - Course Creator (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16326)
Stage 3 bikehike.co.uk - Course Creator (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16329)
Stage 4 bikehike.co.uk - Course Creator (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16333)
Stage 5 bikehike.co.uk - Course Creator (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16335)
Stage 6 www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16339 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16339)
Stage 7 www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16348 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16348)
Stage 8 www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16351 (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16351)
H
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No sheet here, but I did get the email from Shawn saying they are in the post. I looked at the elevation profile on bikehike - I thought this was a flat one?
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No sheet here, but I did get the email from Shawn saying they are in the post. I looked at the elevation profile on bikehike - I thought this was a flat one?
TeeHee.
I shall post my entry tomorrow. Last time I rode the Hellfire was in 1998. Freezing rain; thigh-deep flood water - it was an epic. Though it was meant to be light relief in the spare weekend between a 2600k permanent and the Crackpot 1000.
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I looked at the elevation profile on bikehike - I thought this was a flat one?
There is a paticularly hilly section from Beaminster to Exmouth.
Up until then, it is flattish.
After that, I would imagine it is more of the same.
H
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Lumpy in parts, but it was never as hard as the Bryan Chapman...er that's the Brimstone. A permanent is always more challenging.
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I was only kididng :)
I'm looking forward to properly stretching the legs again post-LEL.
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Lumpy in parts, but it was never as hard as the Bryan Chapman...er that's the Brimstone. A permanent is always more challenging.
That may be true, but the Bryan Chapman was hader in those days.
(I must be getting old)
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So.
We have the following entrants:
Me
Matt H
Teethgrinder
Mrs Swallow
Ian H
Crumbs, that is quite a turnout.
H
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If I wasn't running an event that weekend, I'd join you. >:(
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Sorry I am chickening out.
Just don't feel like it!
Have fun...
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I'm chickening out too. The offer of a beer festival trip that weekend was the final descision maker.
Have fun.
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Could you explain to me the difference between a beer festival and riding with Hummers?
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Could you explain to me the difference between a beer festival and riding with Hummers?
Best you discover for yourself.
(stop sniggering at the back)
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Could you explain to me the difference between a beer festival and riding with Hummers?
Best you discover for yourself.
(stop sniggering at the back)
Good point Matt.
Of course, Ian has experienced both but if we get into a situation like this (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4980.msg380092#msg380092), we may* have gone off route.
H
*Or may not
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Unfortunately that is actually a picture of me about to mount Hummers.
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So.
We have the following entrants:
Me
Matt H
Teethgrinder
Mrs Swallow
Ian H
Crumbs, that is quite a turnout.
H
Best not tell Liz Crease then.
Last time I organised a 600 on the same day as her 200, I was accused of stealing her riders. ::-) :D
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Best not tell Liz Crease then.
Last time I organised a 600 on the same day as her 200, I was accused of stealing her riders. ::-) :D
Yes, I remember the point being made at the AGM.
However, I see that Liz changed the date of the Ruislip event. ;)
H
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Actually, my brevet card has arrived, I just didn't spot it. I've never had one with my photo printed onto it before!
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I posted my entry today. This time with the correct money.
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Mr Shaw didn't ride this weekend after all. I wonder if he may up for joining us too.
H
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Still vaguely wavering on this one. If I ride it, I would probably start from Nunney and time it to meet the rest of you at 6am. Any thoughts on the Nunney-Poole stretch and how it's likely to be as a night section from those that have done it before?
Reason for doing it this way would be that I'd have a better chance of grabbing some meaningful kip at my folks place before an early return for work on the Monday...
AC
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No idea on the last section but I would imagine either Ian or Mr TG would be able to help. It looks pretty straight forward.
I think others have started at different points/stages on this one but best check with Shawn.
Either way, don't leave it too late to get your entry in as I am informed that Mr Shaw is a stickler for the rules.
H
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Any thoughts on the Nunney-Poole stretch and how it's likely to be as a night section from those that have done it before?
AC
I think it should be a good night stage which is mainly on decent lanes and has a fast run in along the Tarrant valley and B roads through Wimbourne to Poole. The trickiest bit will be the narrow lane out of Shaftesbury which has a steep descent and similar climb up to re-join main road, Shawn probably uses this to avoid the main road that could be busy on Sunday afternoon but it would be quiet early on a Saturday morning.... It is a classic bit of Shawn routing though. The major climbs are approachng Shaftesbury, the lane after Shaftesbury and finally out of Fontmell then it's time to savour the prospect of finishing in Poole (if you've started there!).
I know some have started the perm at places other than Poole. So as long as you let Shawn know your plans you should be OK.
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The last section of the Brimstone had some steep descents on very narrow roads, and I mean narrow, and steep! They needed care in daylight. But after Fontmell Magna (Bit of a climb there, a bit of a bastard at the end of a 600 if you're tired) it's easy all the way to Poole.
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The last section of the Brimstone had some steep descents on very narrow roads, and I mean narrow, and steep! They needed care in daylight. But after Fontmell Magna (Bit of a climb there, a bit of a bastard at the end of a 600 if you're tired) it's easy all the way to Poole.
I fail to recall any of that. I though it was easy to Poole. Leastways I seem to remember getting into a final road-race with a certain Mr Whitebelly.
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The last section is this:
bikehike.co.uk - Course Creator (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=16351)
Seems to be as Swiss Hat suggests although there do seem to be a couple of steep descents around Shaftsbury.
The thing is, although it will be dark, you will be fresh.
H
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Thanks for the input folks. I've been persuading by an aspiring AUK to accompany him around the Ferryside Fish Foray instead, so will wish you all the best on this one!
AC
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Thanks for the input folks. I've been persuading by an aspiring AUK to accompany him around the Ferryside Fish Foray instead, so will wish you all the best on this one!
AC
Cheers Andy. Have a good one.
H
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My desire to do this ride has been exceeded by SWMBO's demands that I spend some time with her as I am already away both weekends before and the one after! Reluctantly I have acquiesced. :(
Hope you have a good one. :thumbsup:
Plodder
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Never mind sweetie. :-*
H
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I fail to recall any of that.
My goodness!
That is a surprise! :P :D
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Can I cadge a lift from anyone doing this ride from London, or near Milton Keynes?
The trains are looking a bit dodgy getting home because of the Sky ride. Cycling to and from the event would mean I can't wait for anyone, if I actualy can do it.
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I live close to Basingstoke, which is about half way to the start from you. Not being a train sort of person or knowing the impact of the Sky ride, can you get to Reading or Basingstoke? Or somewhere on this side of London? I don't mind driving a bit extra (esp. on Friday), but don't think it'd be sensible/safe for me to go all the way to MK and back on Sunday after the ride so can drop you somewhere where either you can ride home or get a train.
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What time do you expect to be going through Abbots Ann (Monxton/Thruxton) on Saturday/
The YACF camping trip ride goes through there (ETA 3pm) and it would be great to tie the 2 rides together
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What time do you expect to be going through Abbots Ann (Monxton/Thruxton) on Saturday/
The YACF camping trip ride goes through there (ETA 3pm) and it would be great to tie the 2 rides together
It would be a great idea and I have been watching your thread with interest.
Unfortunately (and based on my last attempt) Abbots Ann and that area would be around the 8:30-10am mark so we will be a tad early for your ride.
A nice thought nonetheless, Lee.
H
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Just want to wish all of you a successful ride this weekend. Weather looks to be set fair. I'm sure you'll be a WSR by Sunday evening, Mark.
Just checking - none of you would have been riding the Bournemouth Square now would you? ;) Ah; I've just realised - you'll be back in time to ride that aswell!! Silly me! :thumbsup:
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Just want to wish all of you a successful ride this weekend. Weather looks to be set fair. I'm sure you'll be a WSR by Sunday evening, Mark.
Just checking - none of you would have been riding the Bournemouth Square now would you? ;) Ah; I've just realised - you'll be back in time to ride that aswell!! Silly me! :thumbsup:
Bless you, Margaret.
:-*
H
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They've had great weather so far. If anything yesterday was a bit too hot n heavy
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I'm back home now. The weather was good, if a bit hot at times. Lots of stories to tell, quite a few problems, but we all got around (except Judith, who had to pack early on with a dodgy freehub).
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Many, many congratulations to you all :thumbsup:
I'm just a little bit green with envy of the new WSRs though!!
We crossed your route at Witham Priory and I thought I saw one of you cross ahead of me - around 1:00 pm or slightly later?
Brill weekend for weather. :)
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Any thoughts on the Nunney-Poole stretch and how it's likely to be as a night section from those that have done it before?
AC
I think it should be a good night stage which is mainly on decent lanes and has a fast run in along the Tarrant valley and B roads through Wimbourne to Poole. The trickiest bit will be the narrow lane out of Shaftesbury which has a steep descent and similar climb up to re-join main road, Shawn probably uses this to avoid the main road that could be busy on Sunday afternoon but it would be quiet early on a Saturday morning.... It is a classic bit of Shawn routing though. The major climbs are approachng Shaftesbury, the lane after Shaftesbury and finally out of Fontmell then it's time to savour the prospect of finishing in Poole (if you've started there!).
I know some have started the perm at places other than Poole. So as long as you let Shawn know your plans you should be OK.
Absolutely spot-on description of that final stage.
It is a classic bit of Shawn routing though
No doubt intended to linger in the memory long after the pain in one's knees has subsided.
The whole ride promised to be a classic and didn't disappoint. We had perfect weather, I shudder to think what it would have been like had it been inclement.
Highlights as follows:
- Having some very experienced AUKs accompany me on this one
- Matt Haigh's superb GPS skills. "Is this right Matt"?
- The food at The George, Codford. Well worth a visit.
- The first three sections in fine weather with spectacular views
- The hilly fourth section not feeling half as hard as during my July attempt
- Arriving in Exmouth not feeling wrecked and largely unscathed after an encounter with a tractor whilst descending the narrow lanes after Shave Cross
- The night section's clear September skies
- Being caught up by Teethginder on the last stages of the leg to Taunton Deane after he had urged us to carry on without him (on the previous section) as he was slowing us up and might pack
- The climb up Cheddar Gorge in the early morning light
- Being caught up by Teethginder as we left Malmesbury after he had urged us to carry on without him (on the previous section) as he was slowing us up and still might pack
- The villages of Warleigh and Shapstone on the penultmate section
- Being caught up by Teethginder as we left Nunney Catch after he had told us he was going to do the 'sensible thing' and cycle home/catch a train from Malmesbury as he may not get back to Poole before the last train
- All three of us being dropped by Teethgrinder on the last section. I think he would have finished 45 minutes before us. ;D
- Mr Hennessey being accosted by horses whilst trying to snatch a nap outside of Mere
- The late evening sun shining on The Tarrants
- Arriving in Poole knowing I had completed the series
- An unexpected Wessex SR badge presentation in the parlour of 22 Shaftesbury Avenue.
I am really chuffed to have finished this one and to have completed the Wessex SR. Thanks to all those who have encouraged and supported me, especially Postie who inspired me to attempt this fine series of rides it in the first place.
H
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Big congratulations!
(I planned to ride a few miles of the route, eg Batheaston to Nunney Catch, and offer encouragement as you swept past.... but failed to even get out of the door.)
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Nice one Hummers :thumbsup:
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Yes, Wessex SRs are not so easy to come by, nowadays.
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The Crackpot, anyone?
H
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huge congratulations Hummers ...what a perfect finale to a superb year of cycling :thumbsup:.
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The Crackpot, anyone?
H
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3940097463_c3fcb9c65c.jpg)
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Many, many congratulations to you all :thumbsup:
I'm just a little bit green with envy of the new WSRs though!!
We crossed your route at Witham Priory and I thought I saw one of you cross ahead of me - around 1:00 pm or slightly later?
Brill weekend for weather. :)
That may well have been us, a group of cyclists approached us and turned right across our path around there. One of the had what looked to be an AUK jersey on (of the vertical red/white/blue striped variety).
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The Crackpot, anyone?
H
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3940097463_c3fcb9c65c.jpg)
Show off.
Is that you on the badge though?
;)
huge congratulations Hummers ...what a perfect finale to a superb year of cycling :thumbsup:.
Cheers m'dear.
You know you and the Faccombe collective really ought to give this series some consideration...
H
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huge congratulations Hummers ...what a perfect finale to a superb year of cycling :thumbsup:.
Cheers m'dear.
You know you and the Faccombe collective really ought to give this series some consideration...
H
we'll certainly throw these rides into the mix when we sit down soon and plan our 2009-2010 campaign :)
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Show off.
Sad, innit. I wonder if it could be made a permanent.
Is that you on the badge though?
I reckon it's TG, seeing as how he did it thrice on fixed.
Impressive ride by him at the weekend. He's hard as marbles, that lad.
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I reckon it's TG, seeing as how he did it thrice on fixed.
Impressive ride by him at the weekend. He's hard as marbles, that lad.
He knew what he had to do to get his body working again and pushed through the pain until it worked.
He is, in my humble opinion, quite simply a legend.
Either that or it might have been my offer of him deriving an extra supply of salt by licking my arse arm.
H
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huge congratulations Hummers ...what a perfect finale to a superb year of cycling :thumbsup:.
Cheers m'dear.
You know you and the Faccombe collective really ought to give this series some consideration...
H
we'll certainly throw these rides into the mix when we sit down soon and plan our 2009-2010 campaign :)
Make sure you throw them a long way, over a hedge maybe.
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huge congratulations Hummers ...what a perfect finale to a superb year of cycling :thumbsup:.
Cheers m'dear.
You know you and the Faccombe collective really ought to give this series some consideration...
H
we'll certainly throw these rides into the mix when we sit down soon and plan our 2009-2010 campaign :)
Make sure you throw them a long way, over a hedge maybe.
Come, come now Lee.
The Hellfire took on some of the same lanes and glorious countryside you visited only last weeked.
All joking aside, each one of the series is a classic in it's own right and whilst there is a sprinkling of gratuitous climbs, the views from the top are always glorious (unless 'the top' was another false summit or goes vertical around the next bend).
I guess a clue to the nature of the rides is in this quote from Shawn's site:
Audax events had taken me to unfamiliar parts of the British Isles and through the intimate knowledge of each organiser I had been treated to the most enjoyable parts of their locale; parts that I could only find by an accident of good fortune or by getting lost. I am indebted to and imbued with the attitude that prevailed in my early Audax days as expressed in the events organised by Nick Peregrine and Dave Pountney; an attitude that says 'It's not a climb, it's just a road with nice views'. In this vein I offer you a few favourite corners of my 'backyard': the Blackdown Hills: the Mendips and the Cotswolds: with Bulbarrow and Blackmore Vale: with Salisbury Plain and the Somerset Levels: with the Wylye, Nadder and Ebble Valleys: with the North Dorset Downs and Cranborne Chase.
...and on your doorstep too.
H
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That was a bit harder than I expected :o
I got cramp and my stomach didn't seem to work. The stomach trouble meant that I had empty legs, so ended up walking some hills I could have probably ridden up. I never felt in pain though, except for when the cramp kicked in on the climbs.
Cramp was mostly solved by Hummers magic bag of crisps which got me to Exmouth, then 2 litres of tomato juice. It never entirely went away though.
The stomach was made better by 3 hours on a bench 3 miles before Cheddar.
I decided to pack before I slept near Cheddar. Before that I was going very slowly and even slight hills were a struggle, so when I saw the bench, I thought I'd stay there, then get a breakfast in Cheddar before thinking about how I would get home. I was still a bit reluctant to pack though. I had a leisurely 3 hours sleep and my stomach seemed a lot beter. I felt hungry which was a good sign. I id a few sums and realised that reaching Malmesbury before the control closed was possible if I could get moving.
I managed to ride up Cheddar Gorge OK and reckoned that I could make Malmesbury before the control shut, which I did. I was very surprised to see the others still there. I thought they'd be long gone.
I didn't know whether to finish the ride or not from Malmesbury. I knew that I could, it's just that I was worried that the train wouldn't get me home afterwards. I had less miles to do to get home than I did to finish.
But I reckoned that I would be OK with the trains if I finished before 2000 and the ride home was a bit tedious. The ride to the finish was much more interesting and I wasn't keen on the idea of packing, so I carried on.
I caught the gang again at Nunney Catch services and we left sort of together but I ended up leaving them. I would have prefered to finish with the gang but had to be unsociable because of the trains.
I eventualy finished at 1915ish watching the sun start to set as I rode into Poole and was on the train eating my BP Meal Deal at 1932.
If I'd known which platform to go to for my connection at Clapham Junction, I wouldn't have missed my connection by a minute. The next train for my connection was the very last one, so that was a very close thing!
I eventualy arrived home after midnight.
Sorry I couldn't be a bit more sociable on the ride and ended up on my own or quite a lot of it.
Well done Hummers on your Wessex SR and also to Matt H.
I had missgivings about this ride. It was expensive with the train fare and accommodation adding up to over £120. I've ridden the calendar event 6 times and stopped because it started to become tiresome. But now I'm very glad that I rode it. I forgot what the Wessex experience was. These are very special rides and well worth doing. I'd go as far as to say that this was my favourite ride of the year so far.
I might even do it again next year.
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You know you and the Faccombe collective really ought to give this series some consideration...
we'll certainly throw these rides into the mix when we sit down soon and plan our 2009-2010 campaign :)
Make sure you throw them a long way, over a hedge maybe.
Come, come now Lee.
The Hellfire took on some of the same lanes and glorious countryside you visited only last weeked.
All joking aside, each one of the series is a classic in it's own right and whilst there is a sprinkling of gratuitous climbs, the views from the top are always glorious (unless 'the top' was another false summit or goes vertical around the next bend).
I have to say that I was having a minor sense of humour failure yesterday. The route sheet was irritating me (having got used to being spoon fed with precise instructions). I'm sure that at one point "3rd right" didn't count a road that joined immediately, whereas later "2nd left" did. We certainly spent a fair amount of time comparing maps, GPS and instructions. I'm also not the best climber in the world.
Having said that, today I'm looking back on it with a certain, rather worrying, fondness :)
Next time around (a phrase I didn't think I'd be uttering yesterday!)
- I'll get more than 3 hours in bed the night before.
- I won't slide my bike under the front of a large tractor approaching us on a narrow lane. Though I did shed less blood than Hummers, who took the make-a-path-through-the-thorny-hedge alternative escape option.
- I'll take sunglasses (I managed to lose mine at work on Thursday, couldn't find them on Friday either, found them this morning in my locked desk drawer...) so I don't spend the weekend pulling flies out my eyes.
- I will have a fried breakfast somewhere. This is the first long Audax in ages where I haven't had a fry up at some point.
The company was great, and we didn't finish that long after TG - we'd probably have met at the garage if Ian hadn't wanted to try out his horse whispering :)
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Well done chaps. Seductive ride reports!
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- I won't slide my bike under the front of a large tractor approaching us on a narrow lane. Though I did shed less blood than Hummers, who took the make-a-path-through-the-thorny-hedge alternative escape option.
:o :o :o :o
Poor tractor driver! (said Emma)
Well done all, sounds an awesome series.
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I have to say that I was having a minor sense of humour failure yesterday. The route sheet was irritating me (having got used to being spoon fed with precise instructions). I'm sure that at one point "3rd right" didn't count a road that joined immediately, whereas later "2nd left" did. We certainly spent a fair amount of time comparing maps, GPS and instructions.
This is a specific feature of those rides - the routesheet is at best a guide and at worst a liability.
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I managed to ride up Cheddar Gorge OK and reckoned that I could make Malmesbury before the control shut, which I did. I was very surprised to see the others still there. I thought they'd be long gone.
Glad you managed to get home OK Steve and take some consolation from this: seeing you struggle made me feel a whole lot better. ;)
We had been lanquishing at Malmesbury for an hour and a series of events left us with an expectation that you would probably get there before us. :-[
Firstly, we noticed that the Teethgrinder laser light show had slipped off our wheel at the turn off for Pedwell Hill. After waiting for a bit for the tell tale blazing LEDs, we decided that you'd probably kipped down somewhere. At Cheddar, we too had an unscheduled stop in preparation for the assault on the Gorge and squatted at the curious shaped square thingy for some early morning scran.
The climb up through to the Mendips was superb but all three of us were struggling with the dozies and missed the Castle of Comfort turn off completely. Of course, we only realised this after we'd dropped most of our height and ended up about 10k west of where we should have been. This offered the opportunity for Matt to deal with a split in his tyre side wall, me to consult the map as to how we could get back on route and Gramps Ian to have a nap.
More confusion was encountered in Queen Charlton after not counting the first (immediate) left and in fact, taking the 3rd instead of the second left. This time, the map not only suggested that there were two Keyneshams but that a road existed linking it directly to Queen Charlton, which of course is complete and utter bollocks.
So this begs the question, what took you so long?
:-*
H
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I was going very slow on the way to Pedwell. I dropped off the back of you a few miles after Taunton. I know you weren't rushing, but I couldn't keep up, at least it would have been a bad idea to try. My legs just didn't have anything in them. I crawled along for miles, then I stopped for a doze in a shop window. Then I stopped again for at least 3 hours before Cheddar. I probably spent 3.5 hours asleep, as well as going very slow from Taunton to Cheddar. The sleep revived me and I could ride steady again. I left Cheddar after 0800.
I thought you'd all be long gone when I got to Malmesbury. I was surprised to see you still there.
I never had any navigational trouble though :smug:
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I have to say that I was having a minor sense of humour failure yesterday.
Really?
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d96/HummersOriginal/20092009001.jpg)
H
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I managed to ride up Cheddar Gorge OK and reckoned that I could make Malmesbury before the control shut, which I did. I was very surprised to see the others still there. I thought they'd be long gone.
...
about 10k west of where we should have been. This offered the opportunity for Matt to deal with a split in his tyre side wall, me to consult the map as to how we could get back on route and Gramps Ian to have a nap.
More confusion was encountered in Queen Charlton after not counting the first (immediate) left and in fact, taking the 3rd instead of the second left. This time, the map not only suggested that there were two Keyneshams but that a road existed linking it directly to Queen Charlton, which of course is complete and utter bollocks.
The CG300 takes a nice route from Cheddar to Malmesbury, free of navving problems (assuming you didn't need to drop by Tor Hole).
Hope this helps.
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I have to say that I was having a minor sense of humour failure yesterday.
Really?
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d96/HummersOriginal/20092009001.jpg)
H
Actually, by then I was OK. It was the bit around Queen Charlton and Keynesham that was getting to me. Although you did take that photo it was because we'd gone backwards and forwards over about a mile of road failing to find an info control.
TG - did you find it?
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Actually, by then I was OK. It was the bit around Queen Charlton and Keynesham that was getting to me. Although you did take that photo it was because we'd gone backwards and forwards over about a mile of road failing to find an info control.
TG - did you find it?
Nope, he didn't find it either.
H
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The CG300 takes a nice route from Cheddar to Malmesbury, free of navving problems (assuming you didn't need to drop by Tor Hole).
Hope this helps.
Nope.
The Hellfire goes north through Chew Magna and on to Malmesbury via an info control.
Actually, by then I was OK. It was the bit around Queen Charlton and Keynesham that was getting to me. Although you did take that photo it was because we'd gone backwards and forwards over about a mile of road failing to find an info control.
TG - did you find it?
Nope, he didn't find it either.
H
If that was the mythical blue sign, then no, I didn't get that one either. :'(
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If that was the mythical blue sign, then no, I didn't get that one either. :'(
Mr Shaw has sent me a photo of it.
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If that was the mythical blue sign, then no, I didn't get that one either. :'(
Mr Shaw has sent me a photo of it.
I remember seeing it.
:-[
H
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As I only pop in occasionally, I was unaware of this ride. It is reassuring to know that the bold traditions of Auk are being kept alive.
I have never done this ride, but many audacious stories are told from the days when it was still a calendar event.
Well done to all. Hopefully there is an organiser who can put this back on the calendar one day.
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- An unexpected Wessex SR badge presentation in the parlour of 22 Shaftesbury Avenue.
Was there cake as well ?
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- An unexpected Wessex SR badge presentation in the parlour of 22 Shaftesbury Avenue.
Was there cake as well ?
Yes, there was but I was so sick of eating sweet things that I couldn't face it.
:-[
H
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Yes, there was but I was so sick of eating sweet things that I couldn't face it.
I thought you said you'd never use your pet name for me in public?