Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: bikepacker on 01 April, 2017, 07:04:43 pm

Title: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 01 April, 2017, 07:04:43 pm
I have received the following email from Mark the organiser of the event.

“Hello Alan
As a supporter of our Cycling Rally, we want to make you aware first of some exciting changes to this year’s event.
After last year’s very successful test event at a new venue based around West Row Village Hall, we will be reverting to a full three-day event this year.
We will be relaunching it as the Mildenhall Cycling Festival with a new logo and website! We will though be retaining all the favourite parts of the old Rally, combining them in a superb rural and family friendly site.
 We expect to have finalised all the details for this year in the next 2-3 weeks and will then update our website.
 When the event is launched, we will email you again.
 I look forward to welcoming you all to Mildenhall again this year.
 Regards
Mark
Chairman
Mildenhall Cycling Club”


Good news for all of us who regularly attend. I will post a reminder when final details are announced.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Canardly on 01 April, 2017, 07:20:49 pm
Good news Alan.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 24 April, 2017, 07:21:32 pm
Further information about the event, this is an edited version of what Mark has sent to me:
"Hello Alan
 As promised in our last email, we are launching this year’s event this week.
 For those that had requested to be sent the Information leaflet, they have been posted today.
 The new Mildenhall Cycling Festival website www.mildenhallfestival.bike will be live from Thursday. This as usual will include being able to book your camping or caravan pitch with discounts available if you book before 29th May 2017!
The organisers have been working on this project for the last eighteen months with the very accommodating trustees of the Village Hall complex, who have made changes and improvements to their facilities to cater for the three-day Festival. These will be complemented by the upgraded toilets and the separate blocks of individual showers for Men and Women.
The Rally was known throughout the UK’s cycling community as one of the best all-round cycling weekends that appealed to cyclists of all ages and especially families. We hope this move to the picturesque venue that surrounds the West Row Village Hall complex the Festival will appeal to the next generation of cyclists too.
The new venue means the organisers are once again able to offer camping and caravan facilities from 4pm on Friday 25th August 2017. To reward the loyalty of those that regularly support the event the prices of pitches are discounted, so if you book before the Spring Bank-Holiday, a Cycle-Camper pitch will be £25 while a Motorised pitch for car and tent or caravan will be £36.
The organisers are very keen to promote the environmentally friendly aspects of cycling and are offering an incentive to those that cycle to the Festival. When they book their cycle camper pitch, they will get a £5 voucher that they can redeem on their arrival, which if they booked at the discounted rate their pitch will cost them just £20 for the whole weekend.
After 29th May, the prices will be £28 for the cycle-campers and £40 for the standard pitch.
I look forward to welcoming you all to Mildenhall again this year.
 
Regards
Mark"


I hope to see many of you there.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 24 April, 2017, 07:26:52 pm
Just got that too.  Full-height showers?  It just won't be the same...

Hoping to be there.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 24 April, 2017, 07:32:31 pm
Just a thought. Is worth asking Mark if it is possible to group all yacfers together?
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 24 April, 2017, 07:35:32 pm
They may have already thought of that and put a group name field on the as yet to be launched booking page (which is how York do it).  But it can't hurt to ask...
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Canardly on 24 April, 2017, 08:39:39 pm
Rich are you attending this year? Will you be taking your satnav?  :demon:
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: RichForrest on 25 April, 2017, 02:46:27 am
Got that too, take it no one read the bit at the top that said embargoed until midnight 26/4/17  ;D

Yes me and Dawn plan to be there. Probably not riding over Bob but will have my Google routed gps with me  :P
Our plan is to cycle round East Anglia the week after towards Sandringham for the following weekends ALC camping meet.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Morrisette on 25 April, 2017, 12:53:51 pm
They are moving the event full time to West Row?? Seems a strange decision if they want anyone to go to it. That place makes middle-of-nowhere look like London.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 25 April, 2017, 01:14:14 pm
They are moving the event full time to West Row?? Seems a strange decision if they want anyone to go to it. That place makes middle-of-nowhere look like London.

Mildenhall's already the middle of nowhere, so for non-locals the only practical difference is that you'll need your bike to nip to the shops.

Plusminus differences in site facilities of course.  I suppose we'll find out...
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Canardly on 25 April, 2017, 01:30:42 pm
This does mean........ is not within staggering distance from ye pub?
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 25 April, 2017, 01:44:26 pm
If like me you are cycling 160 miles to get there, another 2 miles makes little difference.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Butterfly on 25 April, 2017, 09:40:44 pm
This does mean........ is not within staggering distance from ye pub?
Maybe from a different pub?
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: ElyDave on 25 April, 2017, 09:55:21 pm
back end of August  :thumbsup:

I won't be on holibobs, so will attempt to sign up for a recumbent 200 this year
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: clarion on 26 April, 2017, 10:41:28 am
Mildenhall is ridiculously hard to get to, especially when compared to York.  West Row is no real stretch (though it may well be noisier).
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Wobbly John on 26 April, 2017, 10:52:19 am
This does mean........ is not within staggering distance from ye pub?
The only pub in the village is Jude's ferry, at the far end of the village. The White Horse was closer, but was demolished a few years ago.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: ElyDave on 26 April, 2017, 10:13:07 pm
Mildenhall is ridiculously hard to get to, especially when compared to York.  West Row is no real stretch (though it may well be noisier).

Mildenhall is as easy as pie to get to (refraining from profanity), just ride/drive down the A 1101 and turn right into West Row
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Butterfly on 27 April, 2017, 09:28:58 pm
Mildenhall is ridiculously hard to get to, especially when compared to York.  West Row is no real stretch (though it may well be noisier).

Mildenhall is as easy as pie to get to (refraining from profanity), just ride/drive down the A 1101 and turn right into West Row
;D
It probably depends on one's starting point.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 28 April, 2017, 05:50:32 pm
Campsite booking is now open. http://www.mildenhallfestival.bike/camping_oc_form.html
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Jayjay on 10 May, 2017, 09:09:23 pm
Works hols still uncertain at this point, but still keen to go down there. I went last year to the "keeping the rally going" event. It's about 150 miles but I managed to amass over 600 - darn satnav....
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Regulator on 11 May, 2017, 07:58:41 am
Subject to work and Mr R, I'm planning to be there. 

Let's see what Kevin can tempt me with this year....
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Canardly on 04 August, 2017, 10:57:12 pm
Who is going to this? I am of mixed mind atm due to new location and £40 to take the car over, which seems a bit steep. Last time I rode there with Rich F and D which was most enjoyable and experienced bibilical torrential rain (once again) over the week end and on the way back.  So Reg, Alan and who?
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 04 August, 2017, 11:03:22 pm
Barakta and I are planning to be there.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 August, 2017, 06:33:30 am
I have just unwittingly booked 5 nights in Wales for this period. Bugger!

We are staying near Ceri and Newtown, Kim.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 05 August, 2017, 11:44:37 am
Still going to be there. I intend to cycle there doing a roundabout route taking 4 or 5 days. It is probably the last moving on camping ride I shall do age has finally caught up. Still intend to tour B&B or hostels and go to fixed base events so unfortunately you haven't quite seen the last of me.  ;)
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: JBB on 06 August, 2017, 10:01:28 pm
I shall be there. Mildenhall virgin me; although I have read about it!
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Tomsk on 07 August, 2017, 07:02:53 am
I'll be up on Monday. I've somehow been volunteered to make tea at the Countess of Warwick's Show at Little Easton for the rest of the weekend - at least I've the AUK organiser skills for that job...
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 10 August, 2017, 06:58:43 pm
I've just remembered to actually book a pitch.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Jayjay on 16 August, 2017, 09:22:13 pm
Camping booked, couldn't commit early as I wasn't sure I could go.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 17 August, 2017, 02:33:29 pm
Sods law! Been waiting 8 months for a hospital appointment and it comes for the 29th August.

Strange but the only trains I can get back to Worcester from Ely on the 28th are all through London.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Wobbly John on 17 August, 2017, 06:37:05 pm
There was a derailment on the line just West of Ely earlier this week, and there is a chance of replacement bus service from Peterborough if track repairs over run. They hope to have the line open early next week.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 17 August, 2017, 07:07:30 pm
I think it may be something to do with what you say. I have been told there are no trains between Ely and Peterborough that weekend due to some urgent track repairs.

Managed to get a ticket for £17 all the way and a bike reservation from Paddington. It also includes an underground journey from Kings Cross to Paddington but I doubt if they will take a loaded bike.

I have cycled that route across London a few times so it doesn't pose any problems.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: campagman on 22 August, 2017, 06:26:25 pm
I set off tomorrow am for this. It takes me 3 days to get there but I do like the MH rally.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Robh on 22 August, 2017, 08:24:07 pm
I could actually do this. If they've got any pitches left, and I can get my act together, I hope to see some of you there :-)
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 August, 2017, 08:24:47 pm
I think it may be something to do with what you say. I have been told there are no trains between Ely and Peterborough that weekend due to some urgent track repairs.

Managed to get a ticket for £17 all the way and a bike reservation from Paddington. It also includes an underground journey from Kings Cross to Paddington but I doubt if they will take a loaded bike.

I have cycled that route across London a few times so it doesn't pose any problems.

Circle/H&C Line should not present problems in that regard, but as you say, it's probably easier to cycle.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 22 August, 2017, 10:09:58 pm
I could actually do this. If they've got any pitches left, and I can get my act together, I hope to see some of you there :-)

There are some pitches still available, I enquired for someone else last week.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Robh on 23 August, 2017, 03:37:16 pm
I could actually do this. If they've got any pitches left, and I can get my act together, I hope to see some of you there :-)

There are some pitches still available, I enquired for someone else last week.
Booked!
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: cycleman on 23 August, 2017, 05:15:07 pm
Just about to leave . I might ride all night or bivvi part way  :)
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 24 August, 2017, 10:41:18 pm
My Achilles and knee are playing up and my car-camping packing mojo is notably absent.  This is suboptimal.  I'm still less broken than barakta, who overdid it for a job interview this morning (shades of Long Itch).  This is even more suboptimal.

We'll be there.  I'll probably spend a lot of time sitting down...
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Butterfly on 24 August, 2017, 10:59:50 pm
My Achilles and knee are playing up and my car-camping packing mojo is notably absent.  This is suboptimal.  I'm still less broken than barakta, who overdid it for a job interview this morning (shades of Long Itch).  This is even more suboptimal.

We'll be there.  I'll probably spend a lot of time sitting down...

That all sounds less than ideal. Hope you both recover on the way.

See you tomorrow.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: barakta on 25 August, 2017, 10:05:50 am
Still rather migrainous but reckon we should come anyway, we can always bail and getting off screens might do me some good. Sunglasses on standby and I can walk albeit like a drunkard and I am likely to flail and not quite fall a lot if the last two weeks is anything to go by...

I think we're expecting to arrive at evening meal time ish.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: andrewc on 25 August, 2017, 11:36:35 am
I won't be there, instead I'll be in Bank Holiday Train Hell. 4 changes to get from Liverpool to Harwich with a loaded bike.


Hope you all have a lovely time.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 25 August, 2017, 02:22:35 pm
We're setting off now.  Feel like I'm letting the side down a bit by not bringing a recumbent...
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Luke on 25 August, 2017, 05:46:44 pm
Arrived and set up.

I'm on E86.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: barakta on 25 August, 2017, 06:29:13 pm
Arrived and at E87 where Kim has made a tent happen and Luke gave me a donut.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: andrewc on 25 August, 2017, 08:42:09 pm
Arrived and at E87 where Kim has made a tent happen and Luke gave me a donut.


Yay for Luke & Donuts!  I hope there is adequate TEA to wash it down.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Canardly on 25 August, 2017, 10:30:22 pm
Will not be joining you, have a really good time. Weather is set fair.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 25 August, 2017, 11:59:21 pm
That's a shame, Bob.  Weather looking surprisingly decent so far!
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 26 August, 2017, 02:38:51 am
Bladder o'clock and all is well...
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 August, 2017, 04:44:14 am
Bladder o'clock and all is well...

Bladder also greetings from Kerry, aka Ceri (see Wowbagger's Folly).

I was woken up by a moth, which has been attracted by the light before we turned it off at about 11.30, becoming entangled in my hair. Its corpse has just fallen out.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 26 August, 2017, 08:45:44 am
Some unplanned drizzle has arrived. This isn't filling me with enthusiasm for leaving the tent...

Something big with jet engines has also arrived...
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: andrewc on 26 August, 2017, 09:00:03 am
Some unplanned drizzle has arrived. This isn't filling me with enthusiasm for leaving the tent...

Something big with jet engines has also arrived...


Probably Kevin with his new jet bike.......
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 August, 2017, 03:45:35 pm
I thought about you lot but didn't see any of you when I rode through on Thursday...

http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=421123&Y=169793&A=Y&Z=120
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 26 August, 2017, 04:33:32 pm
Back from a pootle to Midlenhall (which is now a commute).  We've discovered that barakta literally has ants in her pants.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: andrewc on 26 August, 2017, 05:01:26 pm
I suppose it beats wasps...
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Wobbly John on 26 August, 2017, 09:40:08 pm
At least they'll keep the earwigs away...

 :demon:
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: JBB on 26 August, 2017, 11:28:17 pm
Just of to bed after doing the 200k audax so somewhat shattered.  I'll come and find you tomorrow after breakfast. Sleep well!
Julia
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 27 August, 2017, 02:05:13 pm
Barakta and I are back from a ride to Prickwillow (featuring comedy off-roading and rather a lot of sun).

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/mildenhall_2017/2017_08_27_10_44_23.sized.jpg)

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/mildenhall_2017/2017_08_27_10_44_35.jpg)

(http://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/mildenhall_2017/2017_08_27_11_20_51.jpg)

They've finally repaired the eleventy million potholes in the Prickwillow Road.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 August, 2017, 10:08:09 pm
There is a tiny hamlet near Newtown yclept Llanmerewig. I have lodged a petition that it be twinned with Dunwich.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: ElyDave on 27 August, 2017, 10:29:43 pm
Barakta and I are back from a ride to Prickwillow (featuring comedy off-roading and rather a lot of sun).  They've finally repaired the eleventy million potholes in the Prickwillow Road.

You could have carried on another 10 km and had a cup of tea. That roadie much better, shame about the crap it connects to though
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Jayjay on 05 September, 2017, 09:59:46 am
Now back from the long ride and this page reminds me of the miles in the sun, seeing friendly faces, bikes, cake, gear cables (thanks again Alan) so I can see through the rain, the work and the broken freezer to better times.  ;D
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: bikepacker on 05 September, 2017, 03:40:34 pm
Thanks for taking the cable off my hands jayjay, it saved me from carrying it back.  ;) ;)  It was great to see you and all the other forum members once again. I for one enjoyed the new venue.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: cycleman on 05 September, 2017, 06:43:11 pm
Yes, me and Apollo enjoyed the new venue.We had a great ride out to bury st Edmunds on Sunday. Weather was pleasant .  :)
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: JBB on 05 September, 2017, 10:58:08 pm
A good picture here - http://www.mildenhallfestival.bike/media/images/user-images/38548/1262-2017_361.jpg
 ;D
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 05 September, 2017, 11:04:12 pm
A good picture here - http://www.mildenhallfestival.bike/media/images/user-images/38548/1262-2017_361.jpg
 ;D

It's the socks that make it...
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: JBB on 05 September, 2017, 11:07:03 pm
A good picture here - http://www.mildenhallfestival.bike/media/images/user-images/38548/1262-2017_361.jpg
 ;D

Bit of a puzzle as I only recall a bit of drizzle on Saturday morning about 10ish.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Kim on 05 September, 2017, 11:08:49 pm
I think they were just  the most reluctant to dry of a set of clothes that had been laundered.
Title: Re: Mildenhall 2017
Post by: Butterfly on 08 September, 2017, 08:56:39 am
A good picture here - http://www.mildenhallfestival.bike/media/images/user-images/38548/1262-2017_361.jpg
 ;D

Bit of a puzzle as I only recall a bit of drizzle on Saturday morning about 10ish.

They were the thick ones and the waterproof ones that had failed to dry in the shaded corner by our tent so required a Circe washing line to follow the sun  :D