Gospel Pass - 600km from stevenage

[pineapple bod]

Will be pleased to hear of anyone stopping at Tewkesbury Hilton, the thought of that has tickled me!

I've taken bikes to Hiltons (Reading and Bournemouth), and they are generally fine about it, if a bit bemused.  Only once I was asked to put it in the luggage store rather than taking it to bed 

[Wycombewheeler]

Bit concerned about that meaning a longer day two than preferable, but staying in Hereford should mean getting sleep during the bit of the night when I know I'm most glad of sleep - then up and out with the larks, lovely.

Will be pleased to hear of anyone stopping at Tewkesbury Hilton, the thought of that has tickled me!

I recorded 275km to the finish from Hereford last year, which did feel quite long for day 2. But I prefer to stop before I get too tired, as riding in the dark while tired tends to be slower, leading to less sleep. I set off at sunrise (05:15) and finished with nearly two hours in hand in the daylight, despite needing a short nap as it was warm and I felt drowsy. So IMO that was preferable to pushing on until 3am before checking in at Hereford.

[sparklyfish]

Thanks WW, that roughly what I was thinking - minimise on slow overnight by being asleep, afternoon nap in the sun, nice. I've been on the RRTY train for five years, but only did my first 600 last year - so lots to learn!

[Lightning Phil]

It’s not BRM this year and as a result you’ll get roughly an extra 50 mins time limit to finish, compared to last year. 

[Wycombewheeler]

It’s not BRM this year and as a result you’ll get roughly an extra 50 mins time limit to finish, compared to last year.

I've always felt that the only time deadline that counts on a 600km ride is the first one after the sleep stop. (except on Brimstone when they all counted) Get to the first stop after sleeping in time (and having had a reasonable sleep) and everything after that is not a problem. Ride at 20km an hour, 4 hours are allowed to cover 60km, but it only takes 3,  stop for half an hour to eat - result 30 minutes gained every 60km

420km control - 15 minutes in hand
480km 45 minutes in hand
540km 75 minutes in hand
600km 105 minutes