Author Topic: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400  (Read 6563 times)

Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #25 on: 22 February, 2019, 08:11:29 am »
Although I've not done this ride on fixed, I've done this ride and a lot of miles on fixed.  You might well find 63" very spinny indeed.  Something in the high 70s would be my suggestion.

Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #26 on: 22 February, 2019, 09:00:17 am »
I'm in B & B booked, only train to sort now. First 400, longest ride on fixed :D

You'll be fine.  But you might have to walk up to Halkyn.  It's worth it, though  :thumbsup:

There are flat alternatives for the 2 climbs over Halkyn and Sychnant, but these climbs are only short and not particularly steep and are very much recommended.  I can't comment on whether you'd get up them on fixed because I always use gears.  The steepest climb on the Llanfair PG 400 is probably on the dedicated Sustrans path between Pensarn and Colwyn Bay, and you'll need to have a good run at that (dog walkers permitting).  There is also a nice bit of zigzagging up from PenMaenmawr promenade for those avoiding the Sychnant climb.

wilkyboy

  • "nick" by any other name
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Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #27 on: 22 February, 2019, 11:47:33 am »
Although I've not done this ride on fixed, I've done this ride and a lot of miles on fixed.  You might well find 63" very spinny indeed.  Something in the high 70s would be my suggestion.

As I've NEVER ridden high 70s for very long, but have ridden standard medium 72-inches for 600s and the like, it will come down to your preference. 

If you think of it as gently rolling then you'll need something you can honk up short climbs and spin down the other side, leaving you plenty of legs for the flat stuff — if that's high-70s for you then you've better legs than me ;)

Having 60-inches on the other side would help lift you up to the scenery, twice — well worth it.

The steepest climb on the Llanfair PG 400 is probably on the dedicated Sustrans path between Pensarn and Colwyn Bay, and you'll need to have a good run at that (dog walkers permitting).

That ramp on the Sustrans coastal path always makes me smile — it's short and VERY sharp.  If you start in the wrong gear (non-fixies) then you'll be walking by the top.  Not wide enough to tack.  It's only about 10m up, though :)
Lockdown lethargy. RRTY: wot's that? Can't remember if I'm on #8 or #9 ...

Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #28 on: 22 February, 2019, 09:14:57 pm »
Wilkyboy is correct - it is very much a preference thing.  I stand in awe of those who can really spin it and have never ridden less than 77".  I'd rather walk a couple of sections and have the benefit on the flat/downhill.  Just out of interest, my first 400 without gears  was 'The Lincoln' which I can recommend for fixed riders.  I later did Mike's 'Pair of Kirtons' on fixed, which I can recommend as a first 600, if you should ever want to step up to that distance.

Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #29 on: 01 March, 2019, 10:44:49 am »
Entry list now full.

The ride is still available as a Perm but not to be ridden on 4th May 2019.  The Perm doesn't qualify for PBP obviously.

The Solo Socialist

  • Age Is Just A Number Just Wish By Body Agreed
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Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #30 on: 03 March, 2019, 06:18:31 pm »
Wilkyboy is correct - it is very much a preference thing.  I stand in awe of those who can really spin it and have never ridden less than 77".  I'd rather walk a couple of sections and have the benefit on the flat/downhill.  Just out of interest, my first 400 without gears  was 'The Lincoln' which I can recommend for fixed riders.  I later did Mike's 'Pair of Kirtons' on fixed, which I can recommend as a first 600, if you should ever want to step up to that distance.
Hi Revellinho, looked at the Kirtons, however, I was accepted into W-C-W on the 1st. Pretty sure I wouldn't have the legs for the two in one month. Plans are for an SR on Fixed in my Seventieth year. So a 600 is definitely on the cards.
Boots an Spurs

Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #31 on: 02 May, 2019, 09:38:33 am »
If anyone is doing Llanfair 400 on Saturday, and would be kind enough to accommodate my small bag in their car for the duration, I would be very grateful? Change of travel plans means I am coming by train and can't avoid bringing a small bag.

Ta
Greg

Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #32 on: 04 May, 2019, 06:16:18 pm »
77 riders out there which, if they all finish, will be a record for this event.  It's a bit breezier that they would probably like, and it will be chilly at night, but we've had colder in the past.

Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #33 on: 05 May, 2019, 03:27:53 pm »
Thanks again Mike & happy helpers. :) :thumbsup:
Always a headwind each year! But extra cold in early hours 0°C!


The Solo Socialist

  • Age Is Just A Number Just Wish By Body Agreed
  • Age but a number,which grows ever larger.
Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #34 on: 06 May, 2019, 07:15:09 pm »
Thank you, Mike and happy band of helpers. A very enjoyable ride, a tad cold overnight.
However as my first 400 and on fixed excellent...
Boots an Spurs

Re: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch 400
« Reply #35 on: 07 May, 2019, 11:12:57 am »
That was an absolutely fantastic ride - thanks Mike and everyone else.

We had a couple of hours more spare time at the end than we've ever had on an audax on the Pino before, which is a big relief after squeaking in just before the close on the Capitals of East Anglia last week. The highlight for me has to be the waves at high tide crashing into the rocks close to the path on the way back. The coast cycle paths are generally very lovely, though some care is needed on the heavily cambered sandy bits...

See you in a month for a Pair of Kirtons.