Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Cyclosportives and commercial or charity rides => Topic started by: James_McD on 11 February, 2019, 01:38:52 pm

Title: Trans Alba Race
Post by: James_McD on 11 February, 2019, 01:38:52 pm
I know it's not strictly an Audax, but it is quite long.
I was just wondering if anyone else has been daft enough to enter?
I decided to as, having failed to pre-qualify last year, PBP was looking rather unlikely.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: teethgrinder on 11 February, 2019, 01:57:40 pm
Yes.
The train station is only 1.5 miles from my home and I can get 1 train to Edinburgh.
Just need a bargain train ticket now. And to get a few miles in...
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Ajax Bay on 11 February, 2019, 02:32:36 pm
https://www.transalbarace.com/
ROUTE
Start: Edinburgh.  Forth Road Bridge, Inverkeithing, St Andrew's,  Dundee, Cairngorms, Inverness, Bealach na ba / Applecross peninsula.
Skye and Mull, Oban, Trossachs, skirt Glasgow, Moffat, Scottish Borders, east to the coast, Duns, home to Edinburgh.


Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Bianchi Boy on 11 February, 2019, 07:18:10 pm
There are three ferry crossings. The last twice I have gone to catch a ferry they have been suspended because of wind.

Hope the same does not happen here.

BB
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: igauk on 12 February, 2019, 03:41:13 pm
I failed to complete my PBP pre-reg rides and thought of this as an alternative but couldn't decide between this, LeJog, or the North Coast 500. Still haven't decided but it'll be between the last two now. anyone mad enough to enter the Pan Celtic? https://www.pancelticrace.com/ (https://www.pancelticrace.com/)
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 February, 2019, 03:55:24 pm
There are three ferry crossings. The last twice I have gone to catch a ferry they have been suspended because of wind.

Hope the same does not happen here.

BB

CALMAC reserve the right to take the huff if a load of cyclists appear at the slip/pier at once and expect to get across on that sailing...

Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: fimm on 13 February, 2019, 10:25:38 am
I failed to complete my PBP pre-reg rides and thought of this as an alternative but couldn't decide between this, LeJog, or the North Coast 500. Still haven't decided but it'll be between the last two now. anyone mad enough to enter the Pan Celtic? https://www.pancelticrace.com/ (https://www.pancelticrace.com/)
My husband just sent me a link to the Pan Celtic Race. Given that he's never done an Audax and the furthest he's cycled in one go is 224 miles, I want to know what was in his coffee this morning...
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 01 July, 2019, 10:36:17 am
The riders set off not long ago and according to the tracker are currently in Fife. Will be interesting to see how they get on in the Cairngorms later today.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: fimm on 01 July, 2019, 10:59:22 am
I came along to see if anyone had posted about this here and discovered that I've already posted on the thread about it...
Anyway the tracker is here:
https://www.transalbarace.com/tracker
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 July, 2019, 01:01:06 pm
Slightly confused by riders 9 and 10, there's not many valid reasons to hang around Cowdenbeath or Cardenden...

I'd thought they may have made it to Dundee by lunch time, but I hadn't allowed for the time it takes to get along the Dryside and balcony roads.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 01 July, 2019, 02:34:40 pm
Leading riders are in Dundee now, presumably after a lunch stop?

Riders 9 & 10 I presume had a mechanical issue to deal with? No.9 rode from Cowdenbeath to just south of Dunfermline, and back again. Maybe getting spare parts? They're well behind now, but no reason they can't finish if they get No.10 up and running again...
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 01 July, 2019, 03:37:13 pm
First rider has reached Coupar Angus. Nearly at the 100 mile mark after 6.5 hours...
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 July, 2019, 03:51:14 pm
Leading riders are in Dundee now, presumably after a lunch stop?

Riders 9 & 10 I presume had a mechanical issue to deal with? No.9 rode from Cowdenbeath to just south of Dunfermline, and back again. Maybe getting spare parts? They're well behind now, but no reason they can't finish if they get No.10 up and running again...

Ah yes, 9's gone to Leslie bike shop and back
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 01 July, 2019, 03:58:38 pm
7 hours in and first rider has done over 100 miles.

This event's shaping up quite nicely so far.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 01 July, 2019, 08:20:01 pm
Leading riders are past the 150 mile mark now. Riders 9 & 10 seem to have resolved their issue and are on the move as lanternes rouges.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 01 July, 2019, 11:06:37 pm
Lead rider has passed Grantown-on-Spey and is heading for the 200 mile mark. Pretty impressive given all the climbs on the way there!
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 July, 2019, 12:06:17 am
Lead rider has passed Grantown-on-Spey and is heading for the 200 mile mark. Pretty impressive given all the climbs on the way there!

Yeah, it's pretty good going, while the long climb to Kelty is a pain it's the short steep ones in North Fife such as the Cadgers that hurt and a bit of gratuitous climbing around St Andrews before tackling the Knapp out of the Carse of Gowrie; setting up nicely for the BHes and the Lecht which have similar steep ramps but go on an awful lot longer, oh and Bridge of Brown; the Cairnwell was probably the gentlest of the day, it's at least doable with a moderate sustained effort.

The location of the trackers at Braemar SYHA is interesting, but I'd better not say why.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 02 July, 2019, 02:09:44 am
The first rider has reached the centre of Inverness, at 2am. Three others not far behind.

Crazy stuff.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 02 July, 2019, 10:41:35 am
Steve Abraham has now taken the lead on day two. Heading towards the 320 mile mark and on to Tongue.

I suppose after the Year record attempt, this is relatively simple for him... :D
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 July, 2019, 01:16:48 pm
I didn't identify a sleep stop for Steve A when I was clicking on his track, just on Loch 'Oribble now!
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 02 July, 2019, 01:29:11 pm
Yes, he seems to have just ridden through the night and into the next day. Maybe he got a micro-snooze somewhere in the Cairngorms?
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 02 July, 2019, 01:31:36 pm
Nicky Shaw in second place.  Going well as well.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 02 July, 2019, 01:37:07 pm
Last night's leader, Tom Leeuwen, currently in fifth place, seems to have managed a decent sleep stop in Inverness as well.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out tomorrow. Steve and Nicky will have to sleep at some point...
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Redlight on 02 July, 2019, 01:37:25 pm
Yes, he seems to have just ridden through the night and into the next day. Maybe he got a micro-snooze somewhere in the Cairngorms?

I've always suspected that Steve is able to sleep one eye at a time and therefore never get off the bike.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 02 July, 2019, 01:50:19 pm
At the other end of the field, I note riders 9 & 10 are no longer back markers. I'm intrigued to see how they get on today.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: fimm on 02 July, 2019, 02:36:26 pm
Day one report here:
https://www.transalbarace.com/post/trans-alba-race-report-day-one?fbclid=IwAR0X2ISbGKUMYasx_OJeeP4ImTCiggcvUYdMIaZg2eY0JvSe7m9SFK2xxXs

The person in 2nd place is a woman (Nicky Shaw). A few other women racing (not that you can filter for them, which is annoying).
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 July, 2019, 09:51:13 pm
Steve A now at the University of Stac,
Nicky appears to have had a run in with the free kirk minister in Scourie around tea time allowing Andrew Hutchinson to catch up, passing the end of the free kirk road now.

Tom LEeuvwen is now at Durness, just ahead of a bunch of riders who have either just escaped Loch Orrible or are enjoying it's delights.

At the back, Alexander Junkov appears to have taken lodgings in Braemar late this afternoon, and the MacMahon's earlier than that at Spittal of Glenshee.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 July, 2019, 10:11:04 pm
Turns out it's not a run in with the free kirk at all and in fact is an interesting glamping pod in the form of the crystal dome.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 02 July, 2019, 10:31:51 pm
Phenomenal riding from Steve Abraham. He's almost in Ullapool.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 03 July, 2019, 08:16:48 am
Incredibly, Steve Abraham is now past the half way point after only 47 hours.
Nicky Shaw not far behind. If they keep this up, they'll both be back in Edinburgh within a couple of days. However they do have three ferries to catch before then, so that may slow them down.

The back markers seem to be extending their sojourn in the Cairngorms. If they finish, it will be very full value ride for them.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 03 July, 2019, 10:30:03 am
Looks like the McMahons have heading in opposite directions, Cary carrying on Charlie heading back to Perth(?)
9 and 10 looks interesting too

Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: essexian on 03 July, 2019, 04:09:59 pm
I might be wrong but it looks like Steve Abraham has around 3 hours to do approx 38 miles to get to the ferry port on Skye in time for the last sailing of the day (19.10).

Some 2 000m worth of climbing over this distance so may be tight......
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 03 July, 2019, 05:30:15 pm
I might be wrong but it looks like Steve Abraham has around 3 hours to do approx 38 miles to get to the ferry port on Skye in time for the last sailing of the day (19.10).

Some 2 000m worth of climbing over this distance so may be tight......

He's over the Skye bridge, with less than 20 miles to the ferry port. So he could make it. If he does, his lead will be unassailable; if not, he'll lose his lead as the others will catch him at the port.

Dramatic!
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 03 July, 2019, 05:44:54 pm
If he makes it he'll be stuck about 60 km later waiting for the Tobermory ferry tomorrow. His current advantage over 2nd place is about 75 km, so it's not that dramatic a change. It should close up the race for second place though.

It'll be interesting to see how many make the third (Oban) ferry before it shuts tomorrow.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Pingu on 03 July, 2019, 06:19:39 pm
Looks like ~5km to go  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Tim Hall on 03 July, 2019, 06:24:47 pm
Looks like ~5km to go  :thumbsup:

Aren't the map markers in miles though?  It's a 1000 mile race according to the blurb on the front page and the map markers stop at 1000.  Still nearly there mind.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 03 July, 2019, 06:33:55 pm
Aren't the map markers in miles though?  It's a 1000 mile race according to the blurb on the front page and the map markers stop at 1000.  Still nearly there mind.

Comparing distances between towns with GMaps, it turns out they are in miles... which is confusing because the map scale is in km.  :-\
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 03 July, 2019, 06:40:42 pm
If he makes it he'll be stuck about 60 km later waiting for the Tobermory ferry tomorrow.

Sure, but he may finally be able to get some sleep in Mallaig, and will be on the first ferry tomorrow. He'll be done with ferries tomorrow and on his way to the vicinity of Glasgow.

Looks like he will make the ferry by the way. Come on Steve!

I note that three riders have dropped out of the event. Also 9 and 10 who had so much trouble yesterday, are making decent progress today.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 03 July, 2019, 06:48:47 pm
It seems that Mr Abraham is at the ferry terminal. :D
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 03 July, 2019, 06:59:12 pm
It seems that Mr Abraham is at the ferry terminal. :D

Perfect timing. I've no doubt he was aware of the last ferry sailing today.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 03 July, 2019, 07:32:49 pm
Steve is on the ferry.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Pingu on 03 July, 2019, 07:38:08 pm
Looks like ~5km to go  :thumbsup:

Aren't the map markers in miles though?  It's a 1000 mile race according to the blurb on the front page and the map markers stop at 1000.  Still nearly there mind.

I just default to proper units  :)
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 03 July, 2019, 08:02:30 pm
In the morning Steve will be able to get moving 50 mins before the chase group, due to ferry timings. Plus they have a second ferry to wait for and catch.  So he should gain an extra 1.5 hours of ride time over the chase group tomorrow, after a decent sleep.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Karla on 03 July, 2019, 08:43:34 pm
Steve is on the ferry.  :thumbsup:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/t3FEfpCbLcD4Y/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 03 July, 2019, 08:45:12 pm
Looks like he's tried both hostels, both tricky to get in as they often have block bookings from boat crews, the Mission is particularly bad for that, Iv'e been there will all beds sold and only 5 guests present.

Though it looks like he's stopping, It's 100kmish down to Kilcohan and the ferry waiting room is likely to be open all night and warm.
First ferry from Kilchoan is at 0800; allow 4 hours for the 100km and he'd need to be away from Mallaig by 4am to catch that; he could open up a massive gap over Nicky tomorrow.
Earliest she can get to Mallaig is 0925 if she cracks on from shieldaig tonight, and even then that's Kilchoan for the 1345 ferry which is cancelled...

Bit of disruption on route the next few days
Thursday 4th July
The 1300 sailing departing Tobermory & the 1345 sailing departing Kilchoan are cancelled

Friday 5th July
The 1300 sailing will be brought forward departing Tobermory at 1230 and returning from Kilchoan at 1315.
The 1430 sailing from Tobermory and 1515 sailing from Kilchoan are cancelled

Saturday 6th July
The 1430 sailing from Tobermory and the 1515 sailing from Kilchoan are cancelled
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 03 July, 2019, 09:28:18 pm
Steve A's on his way south again, see where he gets to tonight!
And Nicky has just been passed by Donald Munro in Shieldaig if her tracker is to be believed (not updated since 5pm)
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 03 July, 2019, 10:29:36 pm
Teethgridner is almost at Lochailort just over 640mi....
The 3 riders behind him are all at Shieldaig at 535mi.

 :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: paddyirish on 03 July, 2019, 10:34:01 pm
2 of the three are at the Tigh an Eilean hotel- a very understandable idea - stayed there a month ago and the restaurant was superb.  I'd think they'd want a rest and a good feed before tackling the coastal route to Applecross (I found that harder than the Bealach)
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 03 July, 2019, 10:44:18 pm
2 of the three are at the Tigh an Eilean hotel- a very understandable idea - stayed there a month ago and the restaurant was superb.  I'd think they'd want a rest and a good feed before tackling the coastal route to Applecross (I found that harder than the Bealach)

Yeah I ate there while camping above the village once for the Bealach Beag; at least with the Bealach you know it's a big up and down... The coast road is unrelenting.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Tim Hall on 03 July, 2019, 11:46:08 pm
Steve's tracker hasn't updated for half an hour. Do they stop updating when stationary? Street view shows a bijou Audax hotel just near where his dot is, so he might be having a kip.  I see the rules say  riders must stick to the GPX route, but just a 100m or so from his location, up a side road, is an inn. The deviation would be a short "there and back". Is such a thing allowed?
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 03 July, 2019, 11:51:59 pm
Seems to update every 20 minutes or so.
Noticed Nicky is on the go again but Steve's lead is huge, and if the ferries land the way I suspect it's only going to get bigger.

Won't be able to follow much longer as I'm heading for the Fort William 1000 and the tracker is pretty useless on the phone.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: paddyirish on 04 July, 2019, 08:36:13 am
Steve on the crossing to Tobermory, Nicky at the Skye ferry port and the others a good 50 miles behind Nicky.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: bhoot on 04 July, 2019, 08:58:15 am
...... the tracker is pretty useless on the phone.
I have somehow got it on my phone showing just the tracking screen and it is fine to follow - the url seems to be  https://talbarone.legendstracking.com It shows only the map view by default.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 July, 2019, 09:24:19 am
That works nicely!



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Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 04 July, 2019, 09:37:11 am
Steve looks set for the 1100 ferry to Oban.

Nicky might be able to get the 1515 ferry to Tobermory which would line her up for the 1825 to Oban. So a 7+ hour time gap.

Unless anyone further back makes the 1215 from Armadale, they're going to be stuck in the same section Steve was last night, so a full 24 hours behind.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 04 July, 2019, 10:10:56 am
Steve now at the shop by Craignure ferry terminal
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 04 July, 2019, 12:26:02 pm
He's across, out of Oban and currently has about an 80 mile lead on Nicky.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 04 July, 2019, 12:46:38 pm
Nicky will need to ride very hard to make the 15:15, but there is a later ferry that will still allow her to get the last ferry to Oban today.

There are five riders on Skye right now who'll have to wait together for the 16:40 ferry and then wait again overnight for the first ferry to Tobermory. That bus shelter is going to be cosy.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 July, 2019, 12:52:39 pm
It could be worse, they could be waiting at Claonaig which is just a basic bus shelter, Kilchoan is a wee stone hut.

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Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 04 July, 2019, 01:16:30 pm
Steve Abraham on his way to Glasgow now with only 300-odd miles left to go until the finish.

Incredible!  :o
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: fimm on 04 July, 2019, 01:19:05 pm
Short daily reports available here https://www.transalbarace.com/blog-1
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 04 July, 2019, 02:59:38 pm
With Steve Abraham's lead largely secure, and Nicky Shaw also looking safe in second, the competition is going to be mostly about third place I should think. A bunch of riders currently waiting in Armadale for the afternoon ferry. Another three riders who could potentially make the later ferry to Mallaig. They will all be overnighting at the next ferry terminal hoping to get to Mull first thing. Could be interesting seeing how it all pans out tomorrow.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 04 July, 2019, 03:26:14 pm
Another three riders who could potentially make the later ferry to Mallaig.

As long as they don't accidentally jump on a train to Inverness.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 July, 2019, 03:37:32 pm
Another three riders who could potentially make the later ferry to Mallaig.

As long as they don't accidentally jump on a train to Inverness.
That would be pretty daft since they'd have to go to Glasgow first!

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Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: bairn again on 04 July, 2019, 04:18:48 pm
Nicky looks close to the wire to catch the 1645 ferry at Kilchoan.  Its a 2 hour wait after that, hope she makes it

(this is addictive!)

EDIT 16.19.....her marker has jumped to much closer to the ferry.  phew!
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 04 July, 2019, 05:25:07 pm
If the tracker is to be believed, Nicky is currently crossing the water. The first brace of pursuivants are in Mallaig. They won't make the ferry to Mull though.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Tim Hall on 04 July, 2019, 05:28:34 pm
Is there any way to make the tracker fill the whole screen?  I get a small(ish) rectangle of trackery goodnees in the middle of a screen of Scottish Scenery, with photos of contestants below that.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 04 July, 2019, 05:33:42 pm
Direct tracker link:
https://talbarone.legendstracking.com/

It'll be interesting to see how many persuants make it to Mallaig tonight, and how many further back are waiting for the first ferry tomorrow.

Steve's tracker has been frozen for 90 minutes.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 July, 2019, 05:41:07 pm
Last ferry fron Craignure is 1915 Nicky can probably make that.


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Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Tim Hall on 04 July, 2019, 05:44:35 pm
Direct tracker link:
https://talbarone.legendstracking.com/

It'll be interesting to see how many persuants make it to Mallaig tonight, and how many further back are waiting for the first ferry tomorrow.

Steve's tracker has been frozen for 90 minutes.
Brilliant, thanks.

Hopefully it's just technology at fault for Steve.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: essexian on 04 July, 2019, 05:58:20 pm
Looks like it might have been a tracker issue as Steve suddenly jumped from one end of the Loch to the other!

Now heading south on the A819.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 July, 2019, 06:02:49 pm
Doh, I should have remembered there's no signal at all at ford on any GSM system.

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Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 04 July, 2019, 07:05:29 pm
Doh, I should have remembered there's no signal at all at ford on any GSM system.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

That was my first thought.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 04 July, 2019, 07:14:47 pm
Nicky appears to have (just) made the 1915 ferry
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 04 July, 2019, 07:31:28 pm
Nicky appears to have (just) made the 1915 ferry

Yeah, she only had about 5 minutes to spare by the looks of it!
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 04 July, 2019, 11:55:24 pm
Steve is 120 miles in the lead.

Nicky seems to be taking a long rest in Oban.

Cap 32's intermittent tracker has spluttered into life and they've teleported to Mallaig, so there are now eight riders on this section. If they all wake up in time for the first ferry they'll arrive in Tobermory and then Oban together at around 11 am.

Cap 35 missed a turn and has taken the main road to Kyle. I'd guess no penalty, as they're pretty much just waiting for the ferry now anyway. Maybe two or three others will have joined them overnight.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 05 July, 2019, 08:51:26 am
Morning update: Steve Abraham seems to be having a kip on the eastern side of Loch Lomond, having ridden 860 miles so far; Nicky Shaw is on the move from Oban, having had what appears to be a very good sleep. She has 130 miles to ride before she can hope to catch Steve - but he'd better not slumber too long. A number of pursuivants are on Mull, others have yet to reach the ferry port.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 05 July, 2019, 11:01:14 am
Steve has been up and riding since 6 am. He seemed to spend the night (or part of the night) in a golf club car park (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@55.9692213,-4.3628289,3a,75y,63.59h,81.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1szrAlHp2FZeBtL1yfhKGPDA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). He'll be within sight of the finish tonight.

Nicky only hit the road at 8am, burning 12 hours of her 16 hour advantage, although well-earned with yesterday's riding.

The five who got the earlier ferry to Mallaig yesterday all seem to have got the first ferry to Tobermory this morning and are now waiting for the ferry to Oban. The three stragglers didn't take the chance to catch up and are still riding there, and have been caught up by 35 who took the first Mallaig ferry this morning.

Lots more hitting the first ferry now.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 05 July, 2019, 01:58:48 pm
Tom Duncan has broken away into third place and is 35 miles behind Nicky.  Whether he catches her will likely be down to who sleeps the most.  With a good sleep banked Nicky is likely set for a long stint without much sleep from here on. Steve is well away, about 140 miles in the lead, barring a major mishap.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 05 July, 2019, 02:05:03 pm
Yeah by the looks of it Steve only has about 150 miles or so still to ride!

There was a weird thing between 6 and 8am when his tracker was seemingly stuck in one place, hence my comment above. In the end looks like he only snoozed for 2-3 hours...
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: essexian on 05 July, 2019, 02:28:58 pm
Any ideas what has happened, if anything, to Cap 53 Colin Nicol. He seemed to make it to the first ferry of the morning with the rest of the chasers but hasn't moved since.  Caps 17 and 46 have crossed onto Mull so I am sure* there wasn't an issue with overloading of the Ferry.


*Well as sure as I can be from 350 miles south!
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 05 July, 2019, 02:38:55 pm
If you click on the points it will show when the tracker last updated. 53 hasn’t updated since this morning.

I presume they’re satellite based as there’ve been no obvious coverage gaps along the route. I imagine it’s quite easy to dislodge them into a position where they can’t see the sky well enough to transmit.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: essexian on 05 July, 2019, 02:42:04 pm
Thanks. That does seem a possible reason and the pin thingy does confirm he arrived in time for the boat.

Well lets hope all is well and further progress is made  ;D
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Tim Hall on 05 July, 2019, 03:05:38 pm
If you click on the points it will show when the tracker last updated. 53 hasn’t updated since this morning.

I presume they’re satellite based as there’ve been no obvious coverage gaps along the route. I imagine it’s quite easy to dislodge them into a position where they can’t see the sky well enough to transmit.
The Legends website https://www.legendstracking.com/ (https://www.legendstracking.com/) says the GPS derived position data is sent to Legends HQ using gprs i.e mobile phone. Possibly not the best choice for a part of the country consisting of lots of open space and  no mobile signal. Low power and cost though.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: eckagain on 05 July, 2019, 04:12:13 pm
Thanks. That does seem a possible reason and the pin thingy does confirm he arrived in time for the boat.

Well lets hope all is well and further progress is made  ;D

Caps 52 and 53, clubmates of mine, are fine. This message came in from Dave Hill (52) this morning after someone else expressed concern that Colin Nicol (53) had literally missed the boat. "Don't worry guys all on board and heading to Oban now."  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: essexian on 05 July, 2019, 04:14:03 pm
Brilliant. Thanks for the update.  :thumbsup:


Regards


Ian
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 05 July, 2019, 05:29:58 pm
Not sure what is going on with Claire Davis.  She overlapped Steve when he was around 900 miles. Been stationary some time. My guess is she's waiting for more of the lead riders to pass by.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Pingu on 05 July, 2019, 05:48:56 pm
Steve's heading for Talla. Nice 'n' scenic  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Pingu on 05 July, 2019, 07:38:27 pm
And 'just' Redstone Rig to go  :)
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 05 July, 2019, 09:23:37 pm
Nicky seems to be holding a two hour lead on Tom Duncan, despite a lengthy stop at Dumbarton Starbucks.

Steve is nearly at the 1000 mile mark with 70-ish miles to go.

There are later last ferries on Friday nights, so there's a bit less drama there.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 05 July, 2019, 10:21:49 pm
There are later last ferries on Friday nights, so there's a bit less drama there.

Aye but the riders have to run the gauntlet of Friday night Clydebank, Coatbridge, Wishaw, and assorted Lanarkshire settlements. Rather them than me! Cowdenbeath on Friday night was bad enough.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 05 July, 2019, 10:41:52 pm
Has Jane managed to catch the last ferry (tonight) to Oban?  Awaiting that next tracker update!
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: paddyirish on 06 July, 2019, 06:48:29 am
Steve into last 10 miles- should finish between 7.30 and 8.  Amazing effort.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 06 July, 2019, 07:19:06 am
Read the day 4 blog, didn't realise they put the gang plank back down on one of the ferries for Nicky's three  ferries in one day effort.  Great effort and helped her keep the second place. Still maintaining a 20 mile gap at the moment.

Steve now in the last five miles and shortly riding past Salisbury crags
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 06 July, 2019, 07:37:17 am
Steve now finished
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 06 July, 2019, 09:58:02 am
Amazing effort from Steve Abraham. Congratulations to him: I wish I'd been up earlier to cheer him at the finish at Holyrood.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: essexian on 06 July, 2019, 10:10:47 am
Excellent work by Steve  :thumbsup:

Looking close for second with cap 7 closing in on cap 4: only 12 miles between them although Cap 4's tracker has not updated for 30 minutes. 70 miles or so to go for Cap 4 so it could be close.

Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 06 July, 2019, 02:29:14 pm
Nicky has 30 miles to go and a 10 mile lead over Tom.  I think she'll hold onto that lead barring anything major happening. Go Nicky.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 06 July, 2019, 04:41:25 pm
Nicky has held onto 2nd with just 3 miles left for her to go.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 06 July, 2019, 04:52:08 pm
Nicky's tracker shows her in Holyrood Park, on Queen's Drive. Few hundred metres left.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: crowriver on 06 July, 2019, 04:57:25 pm
She's finished in second place. Another epic ride! Well done!
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: essexian on 08 July, 2019, 11:51:13 am
Six riders still on the road coming up to midday on Monday

Of these, Cap 51 has a 100 miles to go so may finish today, while caps 54, 9, 24 and 25 should finish in the next day or two.

The final rider is halfway around the course and has the three boat rides to do. Not being rude but is there a time limit for completing the ride? I hope not but I don't see him finishing in the next week or so.

Oh to be fit enough to do this ride... I would love to but frankly, its not going to happen.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 08 July, 2019, 02:23:49 pm
The final rider is halfway around the course and has the three boat rides to do. Not being rude but is there a time limit for completing the ride? I hope not but I don't see him finishing in the next week or so.

Her.

No time limit other than when you need to be back to work.

She was meant to be riding with her son who DNFed due to injury, which I think ate a day and meant she faced worse weather than the others. The brief mentions of her in the daily ride reports say she's intent on finishing Good luck to her.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: essexian on 08 July, 2019, 02:33:41 pm
Yes, good luck to her and sorry for getting the wrong gender! I assumed that her name was male. My bad.  :facepalm:



Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 08 July, 2019, 11:57:00 pm
The Pan Celtic Race starting on Sunday and is following a lot of the same roads on the Scottish stage. The lead riders would have been passing Cary all day today.

(I have a friend that's doing it. Anyone interested in a thread?)
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 July, 2019, 11:21:29 pm
If you click on the points it will show when the tracker last updated. 53 hasn’t updated since this morning.

I presume they’re satellite based as there’ve been no obvious coverage gaps along the route. I imagine it’s quite easy to dislodge them into a position where they can’t see the sky well enough to transmit.
The Legends website https://www.legendstracking.com/ (https://www.legendstracking.com/) says the GPS derived position data is sent to Legends HQ using gprs i.e mobile phone. Possibly not the best choice for a part of the country consisting of lots of open space and  no mobile signal. Low power and cost though.
What's worse is wirh GPRS being 2g in places where there is currently no signal, 4g masts are going up without 2g so where I am right now on Loch Tummel my smart phone is of more use than my 2g Nokia bike phone.



Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: essexian on 11 July, 2019, 11:51:23 am
So the last rider on the road, Cap 42 Cary is some 20 miles from the ferry to Tobermory. I wonder whether she will get the 13.45 or the 15.15.

There is a further 20 miles to cover to get to the next ferry so hopefully Cary may be able to get off of Mull given that there are four ferries she may be able to get, the last being 19.15.

Wishing Cary well.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 11 July, 2019, 01:42:30 pm
Looks like Cary's made the 1345 ferry with minutes to spare. Fingers crossed she gets to Oban tonight.

21 (who scratched and restarted) is riding about 20 minutes behind and has missed it.
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: grams on 15 July, 2019, 12:03:52 pm
Cary finished around 2 am this morning after an 160 mile final push. Amazing!
Title: Re: Trans Alba Race
Post by: Phil W on 15 July, 2019, 12:07:52 pm
Brilliant