Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Tomsk on 21 June, 2020, 07:42:45 pm
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So, permanents up to 200km will be sanctioned by AUK, from 1st August, therefore I'm proposing an ACME group perm on that day to celebrate! All welcome, small groups or solo, whatever you're comfortable with, socially distanced etc, subject to any government restrictions which may be introduced or eased by that date ...
I suggest my Boudicca's Revenge 200, with the option of the 100km route for anyone lacking full randonnee fitness. Takeaway food and drink should be available at Buntingford [shops, including bakers], Potton [ditto], Chatteris [likewise] and the Cambridge A14 services [apparently fully open, including toilets]. The Angel and Harp should still be doing takeaway beer in their car park on weekend evenings, to celebrate at the arrivee. [Food pre-ordered only, though there are plenty of fast food outlets up the town.] By August maybe more options will be available.
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Sounds like fun!
I'm in! :)
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Entry after midnight, then, for an 8am start? Or are permanents being opened for entry a few days before so they can be ridden on 1 Aug? Asking for a friend.
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Entry after midnight, then, for an 8am start? Or are permanents being opened for entry a few days before so they can be ridden on 1 Aug? Asking for a friend.
Well in this organiser's case, let me know you're riding, turn up on my doorstep on Saturday morning, pick a pre-packaged brevet from a shoebox in exchange for your perm event application form [I'll have spares should you need them].
At the end, stick in my post box with receipts, brevet filled in etc and I'll inspect, validate, after 72 hours ...
All I know is that perms are approved for validation from 1st August.
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I do feel the Board haven't quite thought that side of things through. However they're hardly going to change their stance in the light of an event like this.
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Should be in. I was going to enter all your perms ready for August. It will be a short ride to the start.
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I do feel the Board haven't quite thought that side of things through. However they're hardly going to change their stance in the light of an event like this.
This is what the letter to members said:
There may still be some differences in the rules covering the number of people who may gather or ride together and I would remind all members that they must comply fully with any requirements specific to the region in which they are riding.
The Board did discuss this point and, in the end, concluded that, for better or for worse, it had to rely on members' good sense both in keeping with the spirit of both the government's advice and its own desire to re-start events and not doing anything that might risk bringing the organisation into disrepute.
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I was referring to the bit that says:
Those [perms] that are available will be open for entry on the audax.uk web site and/or by post from August 1st. DIY riders will be able to enter their events at the same time.
I feel they could facilitate entries shortly before 1st August.
The prospect of some web admin sitting hovering over the 'enable' switch** on the stroke of midnight isn't going to happen, not least because these days that could carry a cost implication.
** if it were me I'd put it on a timer but again, that is extra programming that could have a cost implication.
Currently anyone who entered a DIY (including GPS DIY) shortly before lockdown should be good to go on 1st August - that is assuming the relevant DIY Org is willing - the GPS files are still stored online and now won't be deleted until much later in the year, the various upload links in the emails should still be valid.
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Thank you, Francis.
That was mainly my point: would seem entirely sensible and reasonable to allow the entry mechanism for @Tomsk's Permanent (and all other such events (<=200km) to be enabled say a week before, or even a month before, for extra salivation. This would obviate any 'surge' of admin for organisers (especially Area DIY Organisers).
Some riders (eg ACME in the case of this thread) will want to celebrate Audax UK's audacious decision to resume encouragement for and validation of long distance rides on 1 Aug by riding a DIY or Permanent that day. I will.
At present, for electronic entry as opposed to @Tomsk's admirable work-around, a rider will have to stay up till after midnight, make the entry, and then grab a few hours sleep before an early doors start (or faff around with the sun already up logging in, entering etc in between a hurried breakfast and filling bottles).
Entirely avoidable with a bit of finesse, and I doubt the Board intended this entry/ride time compression.
I do feel the Board haven't quite thought that side of things through. However they're hardly going to change their stance in the light of an event like this.
Not quite sure why this admirable ACME initiative would have any adverse effect on the Board's consideration of whether to refine a minor detail of the plan. Any rides entered in July and ridden in July would remain ineligible for validation. This isn't a 'stance' change: it's admin (of which you are the knowledge master and to whom we all owe much gratitude). Groups of up to 6 riders, socially distancing seems entirely within England guidelines (which will be 100cm by 1 Aug). Isn't that @Tomsk's plan? And probably the max 6 limitation will have been increased by then.
So, permanents up to 200km will be sanctioned by AUK, from 1st August, therefore I'm proposing an ACME group perm on that day to celebrate! All welcome, small groups or solo, whatever you're comfortable with, socially distanced etc, subject to any government restrictions which may be introduced or eased by that date ...
[Edit: my emboldening]
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I was planning to start a DIY at about 6AM JST on August 1st, so I certainly hope the website opens before UTC midnight...
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Oh that looks a good idea. Despite being an occasional guest on ACME rides Ive no reason to be anywhere near.
Id not twigged that 1 August was a Saturday. Can see it being popular!
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Oh that looks a good idea. Despite being an occasional guest on ACME rides Ive no reason to be anywhere near.
Id not twigged that 1 August was a Saturday. Can see it being popular!
Following the government's lead, the easing of restrictions might have started on Monday 3rd!
We happened to se an AC Hackney peloton for a little chat last Saturday - they had the same idea for a perm on 1st.
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Pass obtained so I’m in :thumbsup:
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Do the perm rules allow for a start on the same day from Chatteris instead?
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Do the perm rules allow for a start on the same day from Chatteris instead?
:thumbsup: Yes! The rules allow you to start at or between any control, [with additional proof-of-passage for the latter], ride in reverse, all ok. If the weather's 'orrible, stay in bed and ride another day - courtesy to let the organiser know your plans though.
Maybe we'll see you on the road - twice if you ride the route backwards. Though for 'Boudicca' reversed you get to climb the benign sides of Chapel Hill [both the Haslingfield and Stansted ones] and Royston Lane!
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Do the perm rules allow for a start on the same day from Chatteris instead?
:thumbsup: Yes! The rules allow you to start at or between any control, [with additional proof-of-passage for the latter], ride in reverse, all ok. If the weather's 'orrible, stay in bed and ride another day - courtesy to let the organiser know your plans though.
Maybe we'll see you on the road - twice if you ride the route backwards. Though for 'Boudicca' reversed you get to climb the benign sides of Chapel Hill [both the Haslingfield and Stansted ones] and Royston Lane!
Splendid :)
I thought about turning it into some kind of Audax pursuit event where anyone catching me wins a coffee and cake prize, but doing the route backwards sounds much more tempting!
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:thumbsup: Yes! The rules allow you to start at or between any control, ... ride in reverse, all ok.
This sounds good. Thinks about starting the 100 from Buntingford with a small EnCE... I might even not get caught for a bit :thumbsup:
Do any of us starting elsewhere pick up brevets part-way round? I suppose we can collect receipts without them, and the absence of the card from the organiser's box would be evidence of passage through the normal start ;D
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Interested but starting it from Buntingford.
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I thought about turning it into some kind of Audax pursuit event...
Isn't there some kind of pursuit where six people start evenly-spaced around a track and anyone caught has to drop out? Last one going wins. Not sure how many 200km, or 100km, laps that might take :o
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Yes it’s called Australian rules pursuit.
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An Australian pursuit is the bicycle race. Australian Rules is an entertaining variation of Gaelic football.
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Australian Rules is an entertaining variation of Gaelic football.
And then International Rules (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_rules_football) is a mixture of both played between Ireland and Australian teams every so often. Saw a game once at Croke Park when I was in Dublin. Mesmerising.
</digress>
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:thumbsup: Yes! The rules allow you to start at or between any control, ... ride in reverse, all ok.
This sounds good. Thinks about starting the 100 from Buntingford with a small EnCE... I might even not get caught for a bit :thumbsup:
Do any of us starting elsewhere pick up brevets part-way round? I suppose we can collect receipts without them, and the absence of the card from the organiser's box would be evidence of passage through the normal start ;D
Bung a form, SAEs and payment in the post well in advance and I'll post the brevet back. Post back to me in the usual way.
I'll have a good stash of 100 & 200 Boudicca cards prepared anyway.
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An Australian pursuit is the bicycle race.
Thanks both. Curiously that name came back to me in the shower this morning.
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Meh - camping with the kids, otherwise would have loved to.
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So, permanents up to 200km will be sanctioned by AUK, from 1st August, therefore I'm proposing an ACME group perm on that day to celebrate! All welcome, small groups or solo, whatever you're comfortable with, socially distanced etc, subject to any government restrictions which may be introduced or eased by that date ...
I suggest my Boudicca's Revenge 200, with the option of the 100km route for anyone lacking full randonnee fitness. Takeaway food and drink should be available at Buntingford [shops, including bakers], Potton [ditto], Chatteris [likewise] and the Cambridge A14 services [apparently fully open, including toilets]. The Angel and Harp should still be doing takeaway beer in their car park on weekend evenings, to celebrate at the arrivee. [Food pre-ordered only, though there are plenty of fast food outlets up the town.] By August maybe more options will be available.
Hi, would you mind pointing me in the direction of details of the 100km route please? Thanks :-)
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So, permanents up to 200km will be sanctioned by AUK, from 1st August, therefore I'm proposing an ACME group perm on that day to celebrate! All welcome, small groups or solo, whatever you're comfortable with, socially distanced etc, subject to any government restrictions which may be introduced or eased by that date ...
I suggest my Boudicca's Revenge 200, with the option of the 100km route for anyone lacking full randonnee fitness. Takeaway food and drink should be available at Buntingford [shops, including bakers], Potton [ditto], Chatteris [likewise] and the Cambridge A14 services [apparently fully open, including toilets]. The Angel and Harp should still be doing takeaway beer in their car park on weekend evenings, to celebrate at the arrivee. [Food pre-ordered only, though there are plenty of fast food outlets up the town.] By August maybe more options will be available.
Hi, would you mind pointing me in the direction of details of the 100km route please? Thanks :-)
https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=1445 (https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=1445)
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Great, thanks :-)
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Ooh. As a newly-retired (read redundant) ex-worker, this - or at least the 100 - would give me something to look forward to. Sounds fun!
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So, permanents up to 200km will be sanctioned by AUK, from 1st August, therefore I'm proposing an ACME group perm on that day to celebrate! All welcome, small groups or solo, whatever you're comfortable with, socially distanced etc, subject to any government restrictions which may be introduced or eased by that date ...
I suggest my Boudicca's Revenge 200, with the option of the 100km route for anyone lacking full randonnee fitness. Takeaway food and drink should be available at Buntingford [shops, including bakers], Potton [ditto], Chatteris [likewise] and the Cambridge A14 services [apparently fully open, including toilets]. The Angel and Harp should still be doing takeaway beer in their car park on weekend evenings, to celebrate at the arrivee. [Food pre-ordered only, though there are plenty of fast food outlets up the town.] By August maybe more options will be available.
The routesheet link isn't working for me. I checked the Tomsk site but couldn't find it.
I may attempt the 200k with a Chatteris start though...
Hi, would you mind pointing me in the direction of details of the 100km route please? Thanks :-)
https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=1445 (https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=1445)
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Anyone who can't find the 100 & 200km Boudicca routes on AUKweb or tomsk.co.uk can pm/email me and I'll email a route sheet and info.
Any who feels the distance is too great for current lockdown fitness can come along for a bit, then head back/find a pub etc.
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<bookmarks - if the weather is perfect yada-yada I might ride over to the start on Fri night.
Hopefully someone will organise something closer to home before this happens! >
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Week after next planning to ride my first 200km since lockdown. Then I’ll see where endurance fitness is and whether I want to join a group perm on 1st Aug.
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Hi Tomsk, where do I find an entry form or your email address. Keen to attempt my first 200km ride for 12 months.
I'll drive to Gt Dunmow from North Herts. Hope I can get a pint at the end.
Cheers
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Hi Tomsk, where do I find an entry form or your email address. Keen to attempt my first 200km ride for 12 months.
https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=1446
or for a blank entry form to print, fill in, sign and take along:
https://www.audax.uk/choose-a-ride/permanent-events/ (and scroll down)
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Hi Tomsk, where do I find an entry form or your email address. Keen to attempt my first 200km ride for 12 months.
I'll drive to Gt Dunmow from North Herts. Hope I can get a pint at the end.
Cheers
I’m pondering cycling over to start this one from Buntingford if interested. I’m heading out on a 200km ride next week to see where my endurance is, before committing.
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Hi Tomsk, where do I find an entry form or your email address. Keen to attempt my first 200km ride for 12 months.
I'll drive to Gt Dunmow from North Herts. Hope I can get a pint at the end.
Cheers
I’m pondering cycling over to start this one from Buntingford if interested. I’m heading out on a 200km ride next week to see where my endurance is, before committing.
:thumbsup: Buntingford works well if you're contemplating a ride-to-the-start, if you're in a near enough bit of North Herts. The delights of the A507?? Day's (bakers) in the High Street does takeaway coffee and there are benches all along.
Otherwise, if you drive to Gt Dunmow, the toilets in the Rec. car park opposite me have been open for weeks, (free - and should be plenty of room in the early morning), not sure from quite how early though - I'll try and catch the caretaker as he lives just down the road.
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Hi Tomsk, where do I find an entry form or your email address. Keen to attempt my first 200km ride for 12 months.
I'll drive to Gt Dunmow from North Herts. Hope I can get a pint at the end.
Cheers
I’m pondering cycling over to start this one from Buntingford if interested. I’m heading out on a 200km ride next week to see where my endurance is, before committing.
:thumbsup: Buntingford works well if you're contemplating a ride-to-the-start, if you're in a near enough bit of North Herts. The delights of the A507?? Day's (bakers) in the High Street does takeaway coffee and there are benches all along.
Yes A507 , pretty quiet most days and times. Plenty of B roads are busier. From the end of the 30 mph zone in Cottered it’s only about a 2 mile ride. In fact I’m heading out that way tomorrow.
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Thanks for replies. I'm from Letchworth. So ATM a bit too far to cycle to Dunmow. Current fitness is only 70 odd miles to Thaxted and back, a month will see me OK to gain 200 km fitness. Not averse to a Buntingford start. Lightning, Drossall?
Last long ride was Dunwich Dynamo 2019. Not this year though.
So, if anyone is in my neck of the woods and fancies an early 6am sumday ride let me know. Not sure where to post though
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I'm more for the 100 than the 200. Not sure if that rules me out. I'd thought to potter round on my own because of lockdown still being somewhat in place - seems more in the spirit of the AUK Board's intention. Sorry if that sounds anti-social.
The A507 isn't bad, but I'd wondered about Weston, Cottered and Throcking, which I don't think I've ever ridden through. I notice that there's a new housing estate road in Buntingford from opposite the Throcking Road onto the old A10.
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Hi Drossall, don't blame you for considering soloing. If I'm not up to 200 I may do 100. Throcking like a village time forgot. Not on the way to anywhere if that makes sense. Very peaceful. Crossing A10 near Buntingford no problem, good visibility both ways.
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Thanks - if you're even considering 200 I'd probably only slow you down anyway. But I'm kind of hoping to see people on the road occasionally, even if only as they whizz past ;D
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The A507 isn't bad, but I'd wondered about Weston, Cottered and Throcking, which I don't think I've ever ridden through. I notice that there's a new housing estate road in Buntingford from opposite the Throcking Road onto the old A10.
Had a look at the new housing estate in Buntingford today. There’s an access road comes out on the A10 trunk about 20-30 metres (to left as you emerge from Throcking direction) from where the Throcking road emerges. There’s already a right turning filter lane marked on the A10. The access road was blocked by metal mesh security fencing today so I threw myself and bike over it, and next (easier to get past) fence just before housing estate. When that access road is open it’ll make the Throcking route a pleasant and preferred option indeed.
See image below for my route today which currently involves climbing over a security fence.
Thanks for the tip, it’ll be a good option once it’s legit.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/G3balJ8BjBPVJQaqHXXldhsfVVldKX_Z34ViAa3uXdsf6O16XqA_V4Vr0mgC4l_VFnuHdqids2i-XV0yO8KjX-WOiMlxcciJGe5nKCgJdBSWbAR2VjhC9b9U8t_0Twj87g8URyZPVg)
Oh and bakery , Sainsbury’s, Coop and a couple of other shops were open in Buntingford, more by 1st August😀
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Excellent. That's what I hoped, looking at Google maps. There's a footpath just to the south of that housing estate as well I think but, apart from being illegal to cycle on, it didn't look very promising even for nipping through on foot.
Thanks for the update. Throcking it will be!
I did notice some campaigning going on. Something to do with a plan from the Council to turn that estate road into the main way onto the A10, and close the exit up where the old road meets the new. Seems a daft idea to me, but I'm not sure of the full reasoning. I can understand why the new residents are up in arms if their quiet back road is to become a rat run.
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Well in this organiser's case, let me know you're riding, turn up on my doorstep on Saturday morning, pick a pre-packaged brevet from a shoebox in exchange for your perm event application form [I'll have spares should you need them].
Sounds great - very interested in doing the 200. Not done anything over 100 since the Horsepower 200 in March, so July includes some building back up to test the 'distance fitness'. A relaxed ride at a low fixed ratio of 67" is likely.
Could I check how the socially distanced perm works: I'd want to start around 8 am, so would arrive with an entry form and fee and get a perm brevet. Is the depart and arrivée controlled by a person at Casa Tomsk and/or the pub, or do I get a Dunmow receipt as I set off?
Cheers
Nim
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Could I check how the socially distanced perm works?
Well, this is something I've tried to work out for myself, reading beween the lines of Government guidlines, AUK discussion etc ...
1) Enter in advance by post if possible (note, I've about 8 x 200km brevets left, more to come soon, but plenty of 100km - so maybe a delay before you get sent one). If undecided then on the line entry is ok, if you bring a completed form, SAE and payment (£3 cash or cheque).
2) On the day knock on my door to say hi and that's ok as proof-of-passage for me to stamp your brevet later. If you're off very early (before 07:00) or after 09:00 then you'll need a receipt from somewhere up the town. I'll leave a few spare brevets at home after I set off just in case. If you decide not to ride, then by all means use the brevet another day - just let me know your plans though please.
3) Set off when ready - small groups ok, up to 6 together as I understand it. Obviously I'll be lanterne rouge/Tommy-no-mates, but I might catch a few up ... in which case if I'm present you can fill in your brevet at controls and won't need a receipt there.
4) At the finish, I'll be heading for the Angel and Harp (must check their arrangements soon). Hand your brevet and receipts to me, otherwise drop in my post box at #31. I'll let them stew for a bit, (ie at least 72 hours, probably more), then go through the sweaty but hopefully by then virus-free paperwork! In the post to you after I've validated.
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... after which, we'll all let them stew again for another 72 hours ;D
Thanks, that all sounds clear. Or post them back of course if not starting/finishing at Dunmow. In which case, once all the stewing is finished, it may be September at least ;D
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Thanks for clarifying Tom :thumbsup:. My entry will be in the post after I get paid next week. I’ll probably start/finish in Walden - hopefully I’ll manage to get to Dunmow before you leave and save myself the extra few hundred metres ride into town ;D
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I rode round Dick Turpin’s Day Out today. I’ve forgotten how much I like this route. My legs haven’t deserted me.
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4) At the finish, I'll be heading for the Angel and Harp (must check their arrangements soon). Hand your brevet and receipts to me, otherwise drop in my post box at #31. I'll let them stew for a bit, (ie at least 72 hours, probably more), then go through the sweaty but hopefully by then virus-free paperwork! In the post to you after I've validated.
Thanks Tom, all sounds good and my entry should be with you soon. By the way, due to my work I've had to take an interest in the research on survival of coronavirus on paper, and we'll be working with 72 hours quarantine for paper.
Nim
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Tom,
On Thursday completed my first 200 since lockdown, a 220km outing got round in good time and with only 55 mins stopped.
I’ve doubled checked distances and if I ride to Buntingford, do your 200 perm, then ride home it comes to approx 250km. So I’ve got two possible options I’m considering. Ride your 100, riding to and from Buntingford, meaning about a 140km outing. Ride your 200, riding to and from Buntingford , a 250km outing.
For the 250km I’m considering leaving the house at midnight 1st August. Ride to Buntingford , get an ATM receipt. Then riding anti clockwise, so Great Dunmow next. Get an ATM receipt. This way I get to see the rest of you going the other way once I’m southbound from Chatteris during the day. If I did this would there be an option to pick up a brevet card as I passed through? I’d be as quiet as possible!
I’ve missed audax night riding and fancy a bit of it during the warmer months. Plus means I’d be home early afternoon on the Sat.
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Ok Phil, sounds like a plan is coming together - why not get an entry in the post (or sign & scan it and paypal the £3 fee, plus £1 for postage) and I'll post your brevet, then you're not dependent on timing and meeting etc? I'd commend riding a reversed route to anyone starting early or late, or from another control, then there's a chance for at least a wave or better, a chat by the road.
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Sounds like awesome idea. Anyone else contemplating riding to start from London ?
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Right 250km anti-clockwise starting midnight got nod from wife. Should be fun.
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Board update today may impact this if more than 6 riders no matter what different times or places we start .
“We will require all entrants to comply fully with the applicable COVID guidance for the area in which the event takes place and the places it passes through. This will include, in particular, social distancing and the limitations on gatherings. While we appreciate that Permanent events can be ridden from different starting points and at different times, the easiest way for us and organisers to monitor compliance is to limit the number of daily validations for each event route to the maximum number permitted for that area. In the event that the limits are exceeded, none of the rides forming the excess will be validated. It is likely that changes may occur between now and the 1st of August and we will post any updates on the forum and the website. At present the limits for individuals from different households are as follows:
• England - 6 people
• Wales - 2 people
• Scotland - 3 people
• Northern Ireland - 30 people“
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Probably not for this thread, but that’s all a bit nanny state isn’t it ?
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Well, yes, but that is inherent in how the AUK Board is treating brevet organisation and validation at the moment. Especially compared to other cycling organisations and other parts of society e.g. hotels and suchlike reopening.
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I saw a club time trial taking place this morning. A lot more than 6 riders out.
You can quite easily have 20 riders go round a 200k on the same day without any of them interacting with each other. I see other organisations finding ways to get people back out again whilst AUK seems to be finding ways to stop people.
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It's currently a gamble whether people turning up to "socially distanced" events stick with it for more than 5 seconds (if at all). *
I don't think the board envisioned however many people are likely to turn up to this event at the same time when they decided to allow DIYs and perms.
Whether it's the board's job to police that I don't know.
(* I was planning to do this ride and barely speak to anyone, as per usual)
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Probably not for this thread, but that’s all a bit nanny state isn’t it ?
I couldn't possibly comment ...
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Looks like this week's 'New Rules' haven't been thought through eh? Won't make a blind bit of difference to me and I suspect most others. We'll ride anyway, validated or not and keep apart too.
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Looks like this week's 'New Rules' haven't been thought through eh? Won't make a blind bit of difference to me and I suspect most others. We'll ride anyway, validated or not and keep apart too.
I'll either ride round and not enter or ride it on the Monday for the validation. I'm helping Karla on a 12hr on the Sunday so maybe riding on Monday would make more sense. I'll check with you if I see you this week.
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Raymond and me usually socially distance ourselves after 1 km so nothing new there. We are doing one of the two distances.
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Given a position that only permanents are authorised, I can have some sympathy for the board being cautious. In the end, boards tend to be made up of volunteers who give their time, like organisers, so I'd like to appreciate both, and hope that they won't end up at loggerheads.
One additional consideration is the continuing one of people seeing large numbers (not groups) of cyclists and assuming that some big event is going on that must be breaking lockdown rules. Although, given the feeling that some people will object to anything, it's impossible to be guided entirely by that.
Hopefully we can clarify the actual concern. As others have said, validation isn't really the point - I ride Audaxes because they give me something to aim for, and have only accidentally and occasionally ended up with an official "score" at the end of the year. But if necessary I'll switch to a different day, with or without validation.
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Gonna get my entry in the post tomorrow, was gonna enter the 200, but given how little I've been out over lockdown and how beat I was after a hilly 50 last week...
I'll be riding the 100 :)
Sent from my COL-L29 using Tapatalk
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Today the entries for 'Boudicca' 200km have hit the permitted 6 rider target, assuming all ride as planned on 1st August.
This creates quite an admin headache for organisers ... I appreciate the AUK Board has to be cautious but I'm very much in the dark here as to their strategy. As I see it the options I can offer for riders #7 onwards are:
1) A Boudicca 200km brevet to be ridden on another day.
2) A refund.
3) An alternative brevet for another of my permanents, to be ridden on 1st or whenever.
There's also: 4) Ride the route anyway on 1st without a brevet, though not with anyone 'officially' riding, as this also contravenes AUK rules. I couldn't endorse this, nor could I prevent it. Some of us have been riding 'Notaudaxes' throughout the Lockdown.
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Some clarifications are being made on the AUK forum but it is like pulling teeth.
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Some clarifications are being made on the AUK forum but it is like pulling teeth.
I mean clearly this is a wind up. On Friday I did another Tomsk 200 just for fun. I left at 12:30pm and got back before 8:30pm. If I applied the same strategy on a day when other groups went off at 8am I guarantee I would not come into contact with another rider or breach any COVID 19 regs. Same ride, same day but I could be rider number 7 that doesn’t get validated.
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I can foresee all sorts of glitches and quibbles juggling the entries - how does the organiser decide between two entries that arrive on the same day by post for place #6? The rider who for whatever reason decides at the last minute not to ride and denies another the chance. Inevitable also that some will be tempted to ride anyway with a brevet'd-up mate - if it comes to my attention, how mean will it be to invalidate the brevet, though of course it contravenes AUK rules?
I appreciate AUK is trying to do the responsible thing and that all this annoying fuss is to avoid the much worse problem of spreading Covid 19 across the planet. By the way, my local club (Dunmow Velo) is now advertising rides as 'Informal' and 'Not Led', but I've not been out with them yet since lockdown, though I've seen many more than groups of 6 riders from other clubs on the road. Or at least I assume to be club runs, since they're in a tight group but all in anonymous non-club kit. Interesting how many have a 2012 Team Sky kit at the back of the drawer ...
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I bumped into 3 Dunmow Velo groups on Sunday morning (coming the other way). There were more than 6 in each one.
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I can foresee all sorts of glitches and quibbles juggling the entries - how does the organiser decide between two entries that arrive on the same day by post for place #6?
I don't think the board want you running advertised public group perms at all.
They are being unnecessarily conservative. I see no reason why staggered start X-rated calendar events shouldn't be on the agenda and we wouldn't have to do this stupid dance.
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I can foresee all sorts of glitches and quibbles juggling the entries - how does the organiser decide between two entries that arrive on the same day by post for place #6?
I don't think the board want you running advertised public group perms at all.
They are being unnecessarily conservative. I see no reason why staggered start X-rated calendar events shouldn't be on the agenda and we wouldn't have to do this stupid dance.
I've just got involved in the debate on the official forum for the first time ever. This is very rare for me as I've largely taken things as they come. The problem is that AUK are now significantly behind the other cycling bodies in trying to get a return to riding. As I said over there there's a 50 mile TT near me this Sunday that has 120 entries.
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-53279653 refers to a 500+km run through Cumbria taking a week with 8 hours sleep. Sounds not overly different to riding a long demanding perm, except she had a support crew and ran with others during the week.
Compare and contrast with riding no more than 200km. Note the lack of any debate regarding whether this activity should have occurred.
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I've just got involved in the debate on the official forum for the first time ever.
Probably should have left it alone.
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-53279653 refers to a 500+km run through Cumbria taking a week with 8 hours sleep. Sounds not overly different to riding a long demanding perm, except she had a support crew and ran with others during the week.
Compare and contrast with riding no more than 200km. Note the lack of any debate regarding whether this activity should have occurred.
To be fair, @LWaB this superb endurance activity wasn't organised or sanctioned by any body (eg FRA), she had a support crew but I suspect less than 5 at any one time, and again she ran with a few others but I doubt more than 5 others, at a time. (I am going on my experience of running a Bob Graham Round for this insight, not any reporting.) In addition she will not have been going into shops and I suspect use of loos available to the public will have been very occasional (maybe once or twice a day). Entirely reasonable that there is NO debate about whether she 'should' have attempted/completed this run. Same as there's minimal public debate about an individual riding 200+km (the debate over whether the body whose raison d'etre is to encourage long distance cycling in UK by sanctioning rides and recognising riders' achievements is not the same).
So useful comparison of running the Wainwrights round with long distance cycling is constrained to the endurance aspect and the fact that it's outdoors, socially distanced, COVID-19 laws/guidelines compliant and fun, of both types.
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I've just got involved in the debate on the official forum for the first time ever.
Probably should have left it alone.
I've never even looked at the AUK forum. I don't mind being told what is expected of me as an organiser, but there has been a distinct lack of guidance. As grams says, I now know they don't want anyone organising group perms. It was never said how permanent rides starting up again would actually work, so I worked it out for myself. In my experience there's seldom groups of 6+ on the road together on a calendar event never mind a permanent.
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Ajax Bay, so there is nothing specifically stopping the AUK Board allowing solo or small group multi-day perms right now. Indeed, it appears to be socially laudable, if not quite as newsworthy as running through Cumbria.
Let alone giving organiser guidance, the Board have not given any indication as to how AUK may restart activities beyond 200km perms or what sort of prerequisites might be appropriate for a staged resumption (other than it must be legal, which falls into the blindingly obvious category). Have they asked experienced organisers or riders other than Board members at any point?
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Today the entries for 'Boudicca' 200km have hit the permitted 6 rider target, assuming all ride as planned on 1st August.
Don't forget the weather on the day might be diabolical. There could be all this angst-ing about the six, but if you limit entries too much you might get only 2 turn up and ride.
As I see it the options I can offer for riders #7 onwards are:
1) A Boudicca 200km brevet to be ridden on another day.
2) A refund.
3) An alternative brevet for another of my permanents, to be ridden on 1st or whenever.
There's also: 4) Ride the route anyway on 1st without a brevet, though not with anyone 'officially' riding, as this also contravenes AUK rules. I couldn't endorse this, nor could I prevent it. Some of us have been riding 'Notaudaxes' throughout the Lockdown.
Or 5) ... A race! The validations go to the 1st 6 back :demon:
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Tomsk, on the AUK forum, you can have 2 x 6 starts riding the same perm loop in opposite directions. You suggested riding opposite directions upthread.
Also, folk riding part of the same route from different starts/ finishes aren’t counted as part of the 6 riders per perm per day limit.
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Ajax Bay, so there is nothing specifically stopping the AUK Board allowing solo or small group multi-day perms right now. Indeed, it appears to be socially laudable, if not quite as newsworthy as running through Cumbria.
Let alone giving organiser guidance, the Board have not given any indication as to how AUK may restart activities beyond 200km perms or what sort of prerequisites might be appropriate for a staged resumption (other than it must be legal, which falls into the blindingly obvious category). Have they asked experienced organisers or riders other than Board members at any point?
No, I cannot see what risks of riding Permanents (includes DIYs) of any distance , beyond the risks of everyday life and controlled by the powers that be, the Audax UK Board is seeking to eliminate. Literally months ago (on here but think in the thread that was deleted after 30 pages before you started this one) I suggested that a plan be shared and draft guidelines for the conduct of rides be constructed and put out for comment (and I had a quick bash myself, based on the Audax Oz ones). There seems some concern with interpretations eg 'gathering' 'meeting' 'social interaction' 'activity together'.
How can an Audax UK-sanctioned ride be "supervised" (by Audax UK and the organiser)? Answer (restricted to the 'supervising' aspects only):
1) Accept an entry (so supervising who's intending to ride).
2) Explicitly require anyone with symptoms, or in the same household as someone with symptoms, or has been told to self-isolate through 'track and trace' NOT to attend the event (so supervising that all those who turn up have self-screened).
3) Issue a recommended route and any final or specific details (routesheet plus) including the requirement to ride alone or in groups of not more than the number allowed 'locally' - so supervising that the (rough) route they're riding is compliant with local laws/guidelines.
4) Record the identity of those who start and at what time (appropriate and practical supervision of who's riding).
5) Receive the record of completion or record those who inform the organiser they've DNF'ed/retired (so supervising completion or not).
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Don't forget the weather on the day might be diabolical. There could be all this angst-ing about the six, but if you limit entries too much you might get only 2 turn up and ride.
What, hardened Audax riders don't like a bit of rain? Outrageous! ;D
The missive from on high I've received makes no allowance for different direction/start points & only 6 validations per permanent event. I'll have to seek clarification. So far one of my 6 is starting at Cambridge Services and another in Buntingford, the latter reversing the route too.
In other news I have 2 entries for Boudicca's 100km - a sensible choice for a good day out, especially if you ride over to the start - maybe giving extra pub time at the arrivee as well ... And there's a rumour that Extended Permanent Events are now a viable thing too.
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That is interesting. On 13 July the AUK Sec. stated:
“If you ride the route in reverse, you have not ridden the same route as a group going in the opposite direction.”
In response to my specific query regarding whether riding the opposite direction counted within the six rider daily limit for a perm.
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Tom I think you need to let John Ward know in advance if there are more than six riders for the 200 on 1st August. Then outline different starts and directions of riders to him. Highlighting no more than six in either direction. Then riders will need to be directed to stick to their start and direction. That’s the impression I get from the response on the audax UK forum. Might be worth emailing John to clarify.
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More plates to keep spinning! Ah well, it'll all come good in the end ...
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I bumped into 3 Dunmow Velo groups on Sunday morning (coming the other way). There were more than 6 in each one.
And they must have passed many many members of the public. Did the world end??
I categorically don't defend those groups, but I don't recall any media storm, or police raids, or statements in parliament about this riding (in fact I haven't seen any cyclist corona-shaming for weeks - outside of cycling echo-chambers, anyway ...) Who seriously thinks that 6 riders on a 600k would create any reaction?
Worra load of twaddle. Or "the latest audax moral panic" as an esteemed member once phrased it :P
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My soon to be ex club got a pretty tough e-mail from the caff they meet at on a Saturday warning them to respect the social distancing requirements of the establishment. A few of them were putting selfies up on Strava with club kit and groups together. Not particularly clever but it’s right that there has been less focus on cyclists of late.
I think the group of 3 I was in on Wed night was the biggest group I had ridden in since March.
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More plates to keep spinning! Ah well, it'll all come good in the end ...
Are you expecting to be able to accommodate more than six entrants (with validation), or should we refrain from entering?
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Are you expecting to be able to accommodate more than six entrants (with validation), or should we refrain from entering?
I'll bother the Perm. Sec. for clarification this weekend. I'll be riding the 100km with Big Saxon and The Straggler if the 200km is 'full', but if more want to do a 200km, then I'll do whichever of mine is favoured.
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Are you expecting to be able to accommodate more than six entrants (with validation), or should we refrain from entering?
I'll bother the Perm. Sec. for clarification this weekend. I'll be riding the 100km with Big Saxon and The Straggler if the 200km is 'full', but if more want to do a 200km, then I'll do whichever of mine is favoured.
I had thoughts of doing horses for courses but then realised I’m going to spend most of the Sunday near Snetterton.
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Today I got brevet card for 200. 😀 Warm up rides next week. Then all set for my 250 outing.
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Despite my enthusiasm earlier in this thread I clearly didn’t get my entry in, in time. I have therefore made other plans for the 1st August; so please don’t wait up 😊.
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Well I tried to enter the 100, but looks like I don't have a sign-in for the new site. I've emailed Tomsk and the membership secretary.
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The new site now appears to accept email addresses and not Memnos, when logging in.
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"Log in using your e-mail rather than your membership number as your identifier. This will be the e-mail address that Audax UK currently have registered for you . . .
"Your password will be the same on the new site as on the old."
https://audax.uk/news/membership-system-upgrade/
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Yes, but if you've forgotten that you gave Audax UK a different email address from your usual one, that doesn't work :-) I have unlimited email addresses, which sometimes gets me into difficulties but can be very useful.
The membership secretary was very helpful. I have now signed in.
Next dim question (to save Tomsk's time) - how to enter when entries are blocked. As far as I can see, I'd need a generic permanents form and Tomsk's postal address (which obviously no-one is going to post openly here) - I am being dim; one's under the list of rides and the other is in the ride information that I've got already.
Sorry to waste everyone's time reading this message ;D
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Entries are opened on a perm by perm basis.
For the 100 enter here
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=1445
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Great thanks. Is that new? Wasn't there when I looked earlier this morning.
Got a bad input error from PayPal when I tried, but I'll try again later.
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Great thanks. Is that new? Wasn't there when I looked earlier this morning.
Got a bad input error from PayPal when I tried, but I'll try again later.
My perms were opened up on Friday. So depends on Tomsk’s dialogue with John Ward and at what point some his perms were released for entry.
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Great thanks. Is that new? Wasn't there when I looked earlier this morning.
Got a bad input error from PayPal when I tried, but I'll try again later.
It's all been a bit confusin' - a lot of very non-routine things to look after - but hopefully things will be more stable now.
I have unlimited email addresses, which sometimes gets me into difficulties but can be very useful.
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In case anyone is wondering the BBC have now guaranteed that the weather on 1 August will be "Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze" with a high of 23 degrees at 16:00.
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Ok, here's the situation: Despite rumours, counter rumours and Fake (Good) News, only 6 places per permanent event per day are currently available, regardless of start time, place or whether ridden in reverse. I hope that things may improve soon, depending how the early weeks of Audax Resurection goes.
As of now, there are 6 riders for Boudicca's Revenge 200km and 5 for the 100km on 1st August. I'm leaving myself out of the equation and will ride whichever doesn't end up with a full quota on the day. Or ride another permanent. Additionally, some I'm sure will ride round without a brevet - naughty but understandable. Start time is your choice of course, but can I suggest 07:00 for 200km and 10:00 for the 100km? If I ride the 100 with Big Saxon and The Straggler, we'll surely have a jolly good full-value day out. That way me might all meet up at the Angel and Harp late afternoon/early evening.
If anyone else wants to do a different official 200km brevet on 1st then let me know your intentions and we'll ride that. I've ridden all of mine, with variations and explorations since lockdown, with the exception of Horses for Courses, since I did a helpers' ride the week before the calendar Horsepower back in March - that'd be my default option, but I have no really strong preference if anyone would like another route. One of my 100km calendar routes, the Richard Ellis Memorial, up to the Maglia Rosso Cafe in Hawstead, (which I gather is now open) would make the basis of a nice simple out-and-back DIY if anyone else is interested. Actually, come to think of it the Woodman 100km route might work too - Mid-Essex at harvest-time, lovely!
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So the AUK Secretary specifically saying a few days ago that riding a route in different directions is not the same route is bullshit.
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I've been mulling over what the rules are how and how they might apply to DIYs where all sorts of interpretations might be applied. It may be that Tomsk has been in touch with AUK officials directly or it might be his interpretation. Regardless, seems to me that whilst AUKSEC has been doing his best to respond to queries and make sense of what he's been told, the correct thing to do is not post here or on the auk forum but to have the T&C's for events as we come out of COVID lockdown clearly documented on the AUK website. This is by far the most widely accessible official communications channel, and the responsibility for preparing and publishing that guidence lies with the events and perms secretaries in conjunction with the Board as a whole.
How this helps.
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So the AUK Secretary specifically saying a few days ago that riding a route in different directions is not the same route is bullshit.
He said it wouldn't, hypothetically, breach social distancing rules, not that it would be allowed.
I think the AUK board are keen not to have mass group perms pre-empt the return of calendar events, which is their prerogative, and limiting every perm to a small number of riders is a reasonable way of achieving that.
I am disappointed that low key calendar events still seem to be a long way off.
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Previously posted by me on the AUK forum:
AUK could be overly prescriptive and say "No more than six riders for a DIY".
AUK could try to consider and specifically allow or prohibit every possible permutation (a failing strategy).
AUK could do like the Australians and European randonneurs and limit group sizes on the road and at stops in line with national requirements (social distancing, face coverings inside, etc.). Reported infractions risk DQ.
The last approach is exactly the same approach used for AUK"s activities in normal times, just appropriately adapted to fit the current circumstances.
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Unfortunately the AUK Board has gone back to the first option (I should have written perm instead of just the DIY subset) after a period of going with the second option. The third option is better than both.
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So the AUK Secretary specifically saying a few days ago that riding a route in different directions is not the same route is bullshit.
He said it wouldn't, hypothetically, breach social distancing rules, not that it would be allowed.
I think the AUK board are keen not to have mass group perms pre-empt the return of calendar events, which is their prerogative, and limiting every perm to a small number of riders is a reasonable way of achieving that.
I am disappointed that low key calendar events still seem to be a long way off.
I was specifically asking whether, in AUK's view, having two groups going the opposite way round a route each had a separate six-rider limit or collectively had a six-rider limit. The answer then was they were riding different routes, were separate and so did not exceed the six-rider limit. Now, collectively, they do. Pretty simple to understand.
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Another possibly better approach is have groups of six riding together with a captain, uaf style, and use time fencing to keep riders apart. Have captains communicate by Whatsapp. (That avoids the overlap problem with bidirectional riders, etc ). WTAWTAW.
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I've been in touch with the Permanents Secretary for chapter and verse. I'm ok with the 6 rider limit, you've got to start somewhere, but I hope if things go well the limits may soon be lifted to allow more riders or at least different directions, times, start locations etc. All quite hard to co-ordinate though. The pressure on the 1st August situation is just a one-off and I think 12 riders per weekend on any one of my five available perms is unlikely.
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Another possibly better approach is have groups of six riding together with a captain, uaf style, and use time fencing to keep riders apart. Have captains communicate by Whatsapp. (That avoids the overlap problem with bidirectional riders, etc ). WTAWTAW.
Herding cats leaps to mind, for typical AUKs at least.
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It seems to be a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
If a group overtakes another group on the road, how is that a problem? That situation happens out on the roads now on sunny weekends. Riders risk DQ if groups get over-large, so I do not think that any AUKs would do that without somebody reminding them.
If a group splits during the event (puncture, tired legs, climbing, etc.), how is that a problem? The two smaller groups continue on and coalesce later, or not.
Separation might be aided by staggered starts. The organiser might ask faster folk to self-seed and start earlier with slower riders starting later to avoid groups overlapping at stops.
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It's a problem because the guidence is to restrict groups to six, so mixing groups breaks that. Time fencing provides a simple protocol to keep groups apart. The alternative is unmanageable and so we end up where we are, amax of six riders taking part in a ride. (And refTomsk' comments, your approach works for you/your situation, but different considerations apply for group DIYs)
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Where was I saying that groups combine? Groups may pass each other on the road, not coalesce. Groups may split and the splits heal (or not) later on.
I’ve ridden lots of Arrows, lots of UAF brevets and quite a few group perms, so I understand the differences and similarities. The arrow is a reasonable analogue to what is needed here. Each group (Arrow team of up to six riders, if you prefer) can ride together or separate as they wish but can not combine or mix with other groups.
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I'm sure the board will come up with a whole set of rules for how groups are organised and how they're allowed to interact whenever calendar events resume.
Until that next step, which isn't what's happening on August 1st, separation is being ensured by everyone riding a different route and/or a different day.
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Starting on 1st August, the Board is allowing a few perms, DIY or otherwise, but in a heavily restricted format. Nothing beyond 200km despite the DIY by GPS option offering a Covid-compliant paperless system at all distances right now.
In future the Board will continue to [redacted]
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I've been mulling [things] over . . .
the correct thing to do is not post here or on the auk forum but to have the T&C's for events as we come out of COVID lockdown clearly documented on the AUK website. . . .
responsibility for preparing and publishing that guidence lies with the events and perms secretaries in conjunction with the Board as a whole.
I agree that it would be great to have clear and reasonable guidance for events as the different categories of event are sanctioned. But there isn't. Has a timeframe been suggested for Ian and John to produce the guidance you say is their "responsibility"? This seems onerous and I hope they will be reaching out for help - #hands-up.
I tried to see whether the minutes record what decision/direction the Borad took/gave but only Jan/Feb/Mar minutes of the AUK Board seem to have been published. Might the more recent minutes help? https://audax.uk/about-us/minutes/
Why are you seeking to deter 'posting on here' and even more so, why do you suggest that posting/asking questions on the AUK Forum is not "the correct thing to do"?
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I'm not looking to deter posting here, I'm pointing out that the most widely accessible platform for disseminating this info is the auk website.
And whilst its not my intention to join others in giving the board a hard time, they've had months to consider these matters...
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By the way, did I miss the bit where someone explained why it's called Boudicca's Revenge? As I understand it, her campaign ranged from Colchester through London to St Albans, but is there a closer connection?
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By the way, did I miss the bit where someone explained why it's called Boudicca's Revenge? As I understand it, her campaign ranged from Colchester through London to St Albans, but is there a closer connection?
Well, I've long though of Royston Lane (from Cambs up to the Essex border) as Boudicca's Revenge - it's on the Icknield Way, which connects the Iceni capital at Thetford to Salisbury Plain, via the Ridgeway along the Chilterns. It must be the steepest hill in Cambridgeshire - I reckon more than 10% but not enough for an OS 1-in-7 arrow. It was cruel to have that tough little climb on the penultimate stage of the LEL 2013 route - there's a photo of some riders walking it in the subsequent Arrivee! On the 200km route the sharp-eyed might also spot Boadicea Way in Chatteris.
Some of the other bits of both 100 and 200km routes use Roman roads. No doubt Ancient Brit war chariots trundled about on them too.
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Good enough for me. I'll tell you afterwards whether she took it out on me personally ;D
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Anyone for a different 200km on 1st?
Btw, I've checked out water supply options for anyone needing a quick top-up in Dunmow: no outside tap at the Pavilion/public loos opposite me unfortunately. The Churchyard mains tap is just behind the tower (north side) as you approach from Churchend, adjacent to the vestry. On 'Boudicca' in summer I always seem to need a top-up at Littlebury, where there is a mains tap at the church too. In winter, with less good endurance I often huddle in the porch and eat my bonk rations for the last 25km of the ride.
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Think I’m going to need to restart my Audax career on the 3rd. That weekend has got a bit hectic.
I’ll pick up a selection of cards from you possibly tomorrow night.
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Thanks Tom
I’ll look more closely at the route over this weekend. I suspect I’ll do water top up at Church , Dunmow then that should see me through rest of the night and aim for breakfast in Chatteris.
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Checked out the Angel and Harp situation, in case any want to head there afterwards on 1st August. Booking needed for eating inside (as normal then), but outside is ok without - simple one-way queueing system for the bar, though apparently you can order through an app and nowhere near as busy as usual for a balmy Friday evening. No contact details taken ...
I don't think hordes of cyclists descending would go down well though, it all seemed very restrained.
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I've been in touch with the Permanents Secretary for chapter and verse. I'm ok with the 6 rider limit, you've got to start somewhere, but I hope if things go well the limits may soon be lifted to allow more riders or at least different directions, times, start locations etc. All quite hard to co-ordinate though. The pressure on the 1st August situation is just a one-off and I think 12 riders per weekend on any one of my five available perms is unlikely.
I made the Stevenage Start of Summertime 200 a perm during lockdown. It’s available as both traditional POP and by GPS validation. Controls in Saffron, Thaxted, and Buntingford for Essex based riders. Start anywhere round route.
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8692
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I've been in touch with the Permanents Secretary for chapter and verse. I'm ok with the 6 rider limit, you've got to start somewhere, but I hope if things go well the limits may soon be lifted to allow more riders or at least different directions, times, start locations etc. All quite hard to co-ordinate though. The pressure on the 1st August situation is just a one-off and I think 12 riders per weekend on any one of my five available perms is unlikely.
I made the Stevenage Start of Summertime 200 a perm during lockdown. It’s available as both traditional POP and by GPS validation. Controls in Saffron, Thaxted, and Buntingford for Essex based riders. Start anywhere round route.
https://audax.uk/event-details?eventId=8692
Very tempting for the first official AUK weekend avoiding crowded Essex (nearly) - I haven't actually missed a personal RRTY monthly through the lockdown. My normal Audax technique sadly met the government rules - incapable of riding with anyone :( - Ok sometimes with two or three but not last few months, and I don't stop at any controls when riding on my own (or DIYing) for 200's or 300 in June. So no interaction away from home unlike government advisors on their long distance car travels.
Phil, your route looks about 1.3 Km short. I would start and end at Saffron so plenty of distance from home but I don't think reaching the course counts for a perm unless it can be ECE'd. It would probably be on distance if I went one roundabout further in stevenage to Six Hills Way/ Gunnels Wood Rd. That used to be on my work commute. I don't ned to do the Station. I would probably stay on road through Stevenage except Gunnel Wood Rd as well as it's hard to meet distance rules on shared cycle ways (If I still care).
I assume it is it Ok to have 6 rides on one perm and riders on another perm that cross paths because it would take bad planning or the groups to meet up.
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Different perm so no probs if overlap at Buntingford. The GPS track is filtered to speed up processing on GPS etc. If you do a full fat version you’ll find no missing distance. It’s all approved as meeting min distance so you can just ride as is, no need to extend if you don’t want to.
I wouldn’t miss riding past Stevenage station as that’s where control is located for gps validation. I think the route validation will want you within 200m of that. Though of course I can review your track and use judgement when you’ve submitted a tracklog.
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My Sunday has been freed up. I’ll probably ride Boudicca’s Revenge 200 then.
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Not that it matters all that much. Just looking at route and map. According to Open Street Map there appears to be a new 4m wide cycle way and bridge over the A14 from the roundabout at the Cambridge A14 services. Anyone cycled over it, can confirm its existence?
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Not that it matters all that much. Just looking at route and map. According to Open Street Map there appears to be a new 4m wide cycle way and bridge over the A14 from the roundabout at the Cambridge A14 services. Anyone cycled over it, can confirm its existence?
Not ridden over it but I've seen it from the car. Looks complete.
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Thanks
Actually realised I'll be passing that way in the early post sunrise hours, the direction I'm riding, so may just stick to the road. Seen the services are now open 24hr again , so that will be just right for my first breakfast before pushing on to Chatteris. Got my spare buff for my face covering ;D . About 115km into my ride.
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Recent riders around the route report the new A14 bridges and cyclepaths all completed and signposted. I'll need to ride the route soon to update the route sheet! When I rode round very early in the lockdown the one to the services looked all done and ready to go, just barriered off. It's reached by taking to the cyclepath to the left at the RBT and bearing to the left of the position of the old one and goes more directly to the services - the new road bridge is a long way round. The already opened cyclepath on the A14 bridge approaching St Ives was just having repairs to the embankment as it slumped duing the February rains and is all done now.
I'll be emailing the 10 riders on the 100 & 200km Boudicca very soon this evening. I'll take a spare place on the 100km on Saturday and ride the 200 when I can soon. There may be additional riders sans-brevets on Saturday and I know some others will be riding the permanent a day or two afterwards as well.
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Enjoy your rides tomorrow all the ACME. Scottish Borders Randonneurs will be out too riding the Snow Hare to Sanquhar and other routes. Have fun and take care everyone 8) :thumbsup:
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Ok, here's the situation:
As of now, there are 6 riders for Boudicca's Revenge 200km and 5 for the 100km on 1st August.
Too far away from where I live to contemplate driving getting there.
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The new cycle bridge at the A14 services has been open for a few weeks now, the one at Bar Hill wasn't quite finished last week when I passed it. I'm not sure how much signposting is in place for either of them.
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Updated my gps maps to latest osm. Updated GPS track to include the new A14 cycle way. Also adapted tracks to take account of which bits I’ll be riding in the dark. T minus 8 and a bit hours.
Between 20c to 17c overnight so that should be a nice temp for cycling.
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for a The Churchyard mains tap is just behind the tower (north side) as you approach from Churchend, adjacent to the vestry.
So come in through gate, go straight past tower, and tap should be immediately on my right? Or do I need to head round to the right behind tower then turn north?
Just clarifying as it’ll be somewhat dark (and quiet!) when I pass through.
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I've been focusing on the 100, but I'm getting vague memories of a 200 calendar event that went out to Chatteris and back across the A14 at the services. Is that the same route?
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for a The Churchyard mains tap is just behind the tower (north side) as you approach from Churchend, adjacent to the vestry.
So come in through gate, go straight past tower, and tap should be immediately on my right? Or do I need to head round to the right behind tower then turn north?
Just clarifying as it’ll be somewhat dark (and quiet!) when I pass through.
Over the speed bumps, to the tower on R & the tap is on N side of the church, by the vestry door - you should see lots of watering cans there.
I've been focusing on the 100, but I'm getting vague memories of a 200 calendar event that went out to Chatteris and back across the A14 at the services. Is that the same route?
Boudicca 100 & 200 are the old calendar 'Flitchbikes' events that ran in summertime from 2010 to'15 when I changed it to the current 'Richard Ellis Memorial' route, which ran then as 'Flitchbikes', moved to the autumn and re-named after Richard's death in 2016. Boudicca's been available as a perm. since 2010.
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I hope this a success, and a safe one, tomorrow.
Im on annual leave now for two weeks and should have been en route to Semaine Federale in Valognes by now.
Plan B is a family stay in my in laws in Ft William, which isnt too bad an alternative all things considered.
Bike is coming with me so maybe a wee hurl down to Oban and back for a DIY 200 at some stage while Im up in the Highlands.
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Thanks for that Tomsk.
It was good to reach my final control on the 200 this morning before you passed through. Saves posting my card and receipts. Bit of light mist overnight but good to see all the new cycle infrastructure and shiny new tarmac and bridges by the A14 services. Got there a bit before sunrise. Met the others going opposite way just after (for me) and just before (for them) Ashwell. Also saw Gavin near Potton where we stopped for a catch-up on opposite sides of lane. Had a good sleep after getting home to catch up on missed sleep overnight. Now ready for evening beer and food.
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Also saw Gavin near Potton where we stopped for a catch-up on opposite sides of lane.
It was good to see you Phil :)
I ended up doing a DIY today to avoid the perm number restrictions, although it did take it the Boudicca route between Great Hornmead and Potton before taking a longer loop to St Ives and then back home. My full set of Tomsk 200 perm cards arrived this week though so that should keep me busy over the coming weeks and months ;D
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Tom mentioned you’d got the set. Good little perm project at the moment.
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I do like to have a few available!
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Brilliant day out, enjoyed every minute of it. With the bonus distance that I hadn't noticed on the 100km, and the ride to and from Buntingford, I knocked up, by a few hundred yards, my first Imperial ton since last year's double bypass.
Apart from the obvious stop at the Haslingfield control, I just kept going to Dunmow and had lunch, which I'd brought with me, in Tomsk's park. I'm not sure a photo of the Audax control sign in his window counts as evidence of passage ;D so I did the usual shop thing as well.
I kept expecting to find a harder bit into the wind, but finished almost wishing I'd signed up for the 200 :thumbsup:
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Just arrived home after 6.15am start to Gt Dunmow for the 115km BR. Last 15km I decided to take the laney route home. Cracking day out, my 1st 200km distance for 8 months and I am sure my legs will complain tomorrow.
Thanx Tomsk for the organisation and to the Big Saxon for treating me to a pizza at the finish. I owe you one next time.
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Well done everyone! Good to see you all out and about or at the Angel and Harp arrivee.
Maybe do another group effort next month? I must get planning some DIYs to make use of other good routes.
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AndyW, Lightning Phil, how did your Buntingford-based rides go? I didn't see anyone I knew to be on the event all day. Sorry if that means I failed to spot someone.
There were loads of cyclists at the northern end especially though. Between Barley and Flint Cross a stream were coming the other way, but in ones, twos and threes that seemed to be unconnected with each other. One time triallist in training, two tourists with full bags, some small groups out on road bikes, they just kept coming :thumbsup:
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Did Boudicca’s 200 today solo. Lovely day out. Good to be back collecting receipts.
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I seem to be noticing more loaded touring cyclists about - riders who would otherwise be out touring the wider world, but having a staycation? Quite a few about yesterday. Typically such cyclists passing through here are Dutch riders on well equipped, but sit-up-and-beg machines, often following NCN16 west from Harwich, though these look more like Brits: traditional tourers, mountain bikes, gravel bikes etc.
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Saw an unusually high number out in the Thames Valley today too - no idea what it means, but it definitely felt like “a thing”
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Absolutely cracking ride.
Haven't been out further than 60km all lockdown, so the extra 50km hurt. I thought Essex / Cambridgeshire was flat!
Sent from my COL-L29 using Tapatalk
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AndyW, Lightning Phil, how did your Buntingford-based rides go? I didn't see anyone I knew to be on the event all day. Sorry if that means I failed to spot someone.
I left home at 11:25pm to start Boudicca's Revenge 200 at Buntingford not long after midnight. COOP cashpoint was just a black hole of darkness, and the few drunk people about were no help. I took a picture of the Jolly Sailor pub and carrried on.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MvWKzlBACbSi-b9eafSsrS8NNN2ABIdoeJt9n-KTjavRppoJswTz65_J6QiICtLEgQfdENAC0ncWgCef3zObiRDxogiqE89VMVV0bofPjbZ0VGMJ3E6EBvN-Pfpcd4baGwVIagoPEA)
Couple of cars passed on the section over to Hare Street, plus one down from Little Hormead. Bit of low mist in the lanes, which surprised me and I had to come to a stop quite quickly when I released I'd turned off a lane onto a gravel farm track. A car at Furneaux Pelham, plus some in Stansted MountFitcet by the garage you cross at, then all quiet till Great Dunmow. ATM at Barclay's in town then up to the church to top up the water bottles from the tap Tomsk had indicated.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_trxy1o_2xlwgUTawMmkZvkvU5IZQ9RLwEhgf0V90ya483Y_eFgNOliKc2K5wNWj-Mxi-vj5bDMZRSdXkeEk7WGSfIk3FfRZxo8zfPuYS4CqL19ebk8dcenONv2KB0MJM6Cncnw5rQ)
I had two routes plotted for the overnight section. The recommended one by Tomsk or straight up the B road through Saffron Walden onto the A1303 through Cambridge. I opted for the latter, which made it easier with the white lines in the middle and along the edge of the road. The odd car now and again but otherwise quiet. From the north side of Cambridge, you go past the Girton turn, about 800m, then there is a track on right (just as you reach the roadworks) that takes you to a new bridge over the A14.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pwS9VCnxc45icIXskroR3Yc5nUF5z4iJ2hHPCSgSji60X5nTis26pNJjIDcieGXJfYAaAlZJsM3j69shyr9JiUnmeC2qZlET5Ial8J542czeYQJOxz8TErwr87vtdwQKcXKcqxT-Dg)
That leads to an access road on the north east side of the A14, that runs parallel to the A14, and is free of any motorised traffic. That leads to the new section of A1303 again running alongside the new A14 sections. There's a 4m wide cycle way on the right, and it's all new tarmac. That takes you straight to the cycle bridge over the A14 and the services. It's also about 10km shorter than Tomsk's route. It's now about 4:40am. It was too early for the McDonalds breakfast menu so I had a big Mac. That was a mistake, not great for the digestion. Should have had a McFlurry or something instead. Wore buff as face covering, till my food arrived. Only one sat in there so social distancing not a problem.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MMAOVbwHvTRtdNa3WBWSJn6ATdQO6xhg9hZg3vXSjNcqtmppyPkqbrDdM5_ly-XWiKdpxolzt6Zk2BUKWaLNc8hMGmx6dsnNx-YgZ0ix_Xa2sTRcPYGUzIiNtTfNmVQgZXI0R7j3UQ)
I left the services about 5:05am and headed back over the bridge and onwards through Swavesey and north to the control at Chatteris. I'd been wearing just shorts and a short sleeve merino top overnight, given the warmth. But I'd chilled a little sat in the air conditioned services. So it was nice to get warm again.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_Fmj3hWo7V6udJTji5SLdMixckNcG3a7dB2mrI5jnsGzjqRt_lL3z6hnnwOUbF3PsefgQ9QLI0hcHJwCNA9F8p-WHr4-MwsFx-wheeozBPFfzf_GmC_nOiU1osRHnD4xVFwqIPAzDw)
The landscape got flatter and the wind picked up, but mostly blowing from south or west. Plus on the recumbent, who cares? The sunrise came with a bit of cloud so the sun didn't make an appearance till about 5:50am.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UVtrStT9Y03986u7Z5jiOPhCmouEcGo6HyLjkrIaln39DAl9d7Vr5WknReESia5GdvFeXsqwznKtDvT7dGlspK0GkBi-OyDZXqU6xEvxilRF_okX08vzrPRnlSyfJIZ_TuI1FtFj4A)
Reached Chatteris around 6:20am where I stopped at the BP garage for a water top up and to eat some of the flapjack sat in the sun. Still very quiet with hardly any cars about.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mJQeXEE2YBregAGPINf6S0MIdNtcesLz9zS5Pu_3QocphqxWr3-ZMSg1XtHO7VgKMdD4qrGn1rlCLP5ugyEAw0YElZZEcfc1bJR7Cv5rdzjtvUU7Lvcz1eh8ADo7dJXfXCazNDU_Qg)
Returning south there was a definite headwind but fairly gentle. The sun was now casting shadows on the road. I stopped in St Ives on the medieval bridge to have some more food, that was 7:38am according to the time on the photos I took.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/TfmOcgo1hr0uyO_t4pBdPzDnpuwSqUk6jdoidZnlUcqmpkc9iqJ3lAx_gWQnshQ8hb-AbqIPhZqREI9B8fZFicxrZGdu6NoeW5QZtxGKnQ2PrKuCpwgiNIlgZqGKVx4_I03Y4WZe0A)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/em3GvIpQjqcwLOUZc7ygIm9BwhOuo0twpo4pjsWOq6mnytTR1JSLBQRLgKAt4sj3EVDTjf1A2XscfwpNvHY01ng1s0A_N2QFP0Ps6iCSJovtc_Ed576tWH1FD155FWYLbytOyAdfLw)
Then south to Potton in the early morning light, though it was already getting warm. I stopped in Potton at the Tesco Express. Had ready salted crisps, ice cream, mango juice, milk shake, and topped up water Enjoyed on the grass by the car park. Initially I turned right and started heading north again but soon corrected myself to continue south.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/UZNoW5fgmA7jwJcBx-R2L_FZYHW9LaswoAeA0_P-gyIXztd8AoAFUxZgHwc-IOLOTvHEDLWQjvVZOsKz8_-Y9AFn5Ht5uW3DBkGb6AiGyG6FRnKw5AvfGGUGks7zK0J9d_ilhRZvvw)
I met Gavin out on a DIY a few miles south of Potton and we stopped for a chat on opposite sides on the lane whilst tractors and cars interrupted us to get past. As you head towards Ashwell the chalk ridge running along from Weston towards Barkway and beyond looks like the Himalayas. It's been so relatively gentle on the northern sections of the ride. But it's nothing to worry about even if the legs have forogtten what cycling uphill feels like. Through Ashwell and up the hill towards the A505. I met Jan and the ACME crew at the top, and again stopped for a chat. Shortly after I met the fifth rider on the 200. I didn't meet the sixth rider of the 200 but I believe they started at the services so the timing wouldn't have worked.
From here I realised that if I got a move on I might catch Tomsk in Buntingford and be able to hand my card over before I headed home. So I upped the pace after the A505, up through Roe Green, Sandon and Green End, across A10 and down into Buntingford. I stopped at the cafe on the corner and had a mini breakfast, with green tea, and another milkshake. Tomsk arrived about 15 mins later, where we had a quick chat, and I handed my card over. He then set off in pursuit of you 100 riders.
I stayed at the cafe a while with top ups of my green tea. Then I trundled slowly along the A507, then left through Cromer and across through Halls Green and Weston to home. There was an impatient driver on the A507 who pulled alongside and said maybe I shouldn't be on that road. I gave him short shrift on that matter. The missing sleep of overnight was catching up at this point, energy levels dropping, and I had no intention of making the ride home much longer than it needed to be. The A507 was unusually busy at that time of day. They were all out on essential journeys no doubt!
Home for lunchtime. Had a shower, then went to bed with a pint of ribena, and slept for 5 hours. Then enjoyed the late afternoon and evening with beer and food.
No aches or pains, or digestion problems. Could have drunk more, but otherwise, all went well. I had intended to push the pace a bit on this ride to see what I was capable of over the distance. But it was so muggy and warm overnight, that I quickly abandoned that idea, and settled into an easy pace for the duration.
So I guess this means my RRTY is restarted. I intend to do a 200 in September anyway and see if I can keep it going through winter, subject to audax perms being possible. I get a feeling calendar events won't be seen for the rest of 2020.
Total of 236km, and nice to get an overnight ride in, during the warmer months. It may have been the warmest overnight this year.
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I noticed the bank on the left (Barclays ?) as you come into Buntingford is no more. The Sainsbury’s has a cash point.
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I noticed the bank on the left (Barclays ?) as you come into Buntingford is no more. The Sainsbury’s has a cash point.
Indeed and I had I thought I little longer the BP garage (I'd passed) at the A507 / A10 crossing probably had a cashpoint. When I next do an overnight ride, I'll have to scope out proof of passage a bit better than relying on one ATM. Got rusty at this audax lark!
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The Coop at Buntingford has a cashpoint, only problem is that it is surrounded by police tape at the moment.
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The Coop at Buntingford has a cashpoint, only problem is that it is surrounded by police tape at the moment.
Ram raiders should stop making holes in the walls where there is one already!
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I left home at 11:25pm to start Boudicca's Revenge 200 at Buntingford not long after midnight.
Wow. I messed around a bit and left home about 8.25am to start the 100km about an hour later. Can't have missed you finishing by too much?
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Brevets from Saturday all validated and in the post this morning, along with the Sunday and mid-week crop. Applications are coming in by post almost every day and the Perm. Sec. reports 150 validations nationally this week! :thumbsup:
Next chance for me is next Sunday 16th.
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Apologies to anyone trying to enter one of Tom's perms - there was an issue that meant "postal only" perms still had an "enter online" button which then failed at the Paypal stage. This has been fixed and so now you should see the correct entry buttons for each perm event - including a specific one for entry by GPS when this is an option, and no online button when only postal entries are accepted.
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Brevet card back today. Thanks Tomsk.
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Thanks bhoot - I wasn't tempted to succumb to accepting pp for my perms - I fear it would have released an ongoing flood of last-minute-itis ... Keep a stock of useful brevets in and a few down the back of your sofa like The Straggler does!
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Returned from cycling in Norfolk, Brevet Card in post box, thank you for a great ride.
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I'll arrange another date for an ACME group outing next month (Saturday 5th September?) and a Richard Ellis Memorial Weekend in October. If the 6 rider limit remains, I'll probably not specify an event for September, just that we could all meet up at the Angel and Harp afterwards like last time.
Another possibility could be to arrange DIYs on more-or-less the same route as an event, solo, or as small groups, starting from your home or near-ish, but finishing in the same venue: option of the Compasses Littley Green, instead of Dunmow then? Depends who's keen to get riding 200s every month.
Subjects for discussion at tomorow's Tippers MEMWNS gathering?
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5th Sept sounds like a good date. September was when I planned to restart my RRTYs, but as my French ride has ended early, it looks like I’ve now got time to fit them in during August after all.
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5th Sept sounds like a good date. September was when I planned to restart my RRTYs, but as my French ride has ended early, it looks like I’ve now got time to fit them in during August after all.
Sounds like you have a tale to tell ...
5th Sept is good - we're looking at fitting in a holiday the week before, back on 4th.