Author Topic: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018  (Read 60167 times)

Alex B

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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #125 on: 02 January, 2018, 10:34:28 am »
But you finished an over-distance 1400, right?

True! So far as I am concerned, the over-distance is just a consequence of the way audax routes work and is no problem. It's just personally, as a relative newbie to ultra-distance events, I'm needing to get my head around what this ride is. I was in danger of thinking "I've done LEL, so 1000 km pah! how hard can it be!?" But for the type of rider I am, I think it's going to be a significantly tougher challenge than LEL because it's a bit hillier, there's a need to ride quicker and there's no constant control TLC. This is all good: I like a challenge. I'd better get training ;D

I'm also seeing this ride a PBP prep (never having ridden PBP) not just because a successful finish should give early pre-registration, but because it's a east-west out and back (ish) route with some hilliness at the western end. Mind you, I'd have though any successful ACME Grand finisher would be fairly bullish about completing an 80 hr PBP?

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #126 on: 02 January, 2018, 12:07:08 pm »
Ok, I'm in, having just about banished the memory of the over-distance of the original Flatlands 4 years ago. Got a cunning plan for a mandatory route ECE from home to bring it up to 1200 overall.
“That slope may look insignificant, but it's going to be my destiny" - Fitzcarraldo

mmmmartin

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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #127 on: 03 January, 2018, 12:16:44 pm »
I'm also seeing this ride a PBP prep
Food for thought in that point. I see it as a sort of PBP test, in that even if I don't finish it, I'll have a decent idea of whether it's worth having a second go at PBP. I'm unsure whether to ride this, which I've entered, or Brussels-Paris-Brussels 600k, which I've finished before. And there the
Borders of Belgium 1,000, where I have unfinished business. But this Essex Grand looks a very fine ride. At the moment it's at the top of my list. (Has the Tomsk flavour, which is a strong brand.)
Besides, it wouldn't be audacious if success were guaranteed.

rob

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #128 on: 03 January, 2018, 01:23:55 pm »
I really fancied a 1000 this year to give me a leg up for PBP entry.   I've not done anything over 600k since PBP.   The fact it starts about an hour from home helps with annual leave.

Added to this I have an affinity with Tomsk's rides, having done a few in recent years.   There is a chance we will be moving closer in a couple of years if all goes well.

The evnt starts 10 days after my planned 12hr and finishes just under 3 weeks before the 24hr, should I decide to ride again.   I'll look to get round by riding briskly during the day and getting some kip in hotels at night.   I'll plan in a bit more detail once we're into the Spring.

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #129 on: 03 January, 2018, 02:09:11 pm »
Put my entry in for this over the Christmas period to make up for my failed LEL.  Got to start riding my bike again.  Must also check that my entry has gone because thinking about it I haven't seen any confirmation e-mails about payment!

Tomsk

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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #130 on: 03 January, 2018, 05:00:34 pm »
...I haven't seen any confirmation e-mails about payment!

Remiss of me, other priorities, sorry. I'll get in touch with entrants eventually. Meanwhile I need some time this week to look at over-distance issues, route sheet glitches etc etc...

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #131 on: 03 January, 2018, 05:55:14 pm »
Tomsk,
I appreciate you are busy and it was not directed at you, more that I couldn't remember seeing confirmation from PayPal that the money had been sent to you.

Tomsk

  • Fueled by cake since 1957
    • tomsk.co.uk
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #132 on: 03 January, 2018, 07:04:52 pm »
Paypal has had a few hiccups at the back end of last year, that I need to chase up...organiser's hassles...

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #133 on: 03 January, 2018, 07:29:23 pm »
Ok, I'm in, having just about banished the memory of the over-distance of the original Flatlands 4 years ago. Got a cunning plan for a mandatory route ECE from home to bring it up to 1200 overall.

Not decided what big ride to do this Summer, but as I've ECE'd the Flatlands the last two years, the next step would be to ECE this one, or share a car journey with Big Saxon, or do the perm (if Tomsk turns it into one), and start from Towcester  ;)
Bikes are for riding, not cleaning!

Tomsk

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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #134 on: 04 January, 2018, 08:42:12 pm »
Edited, proof-read, tweaked version of the Provisional Routesheet up on AUKweb [ :thumbsup: thanks wilkyboy for the second pair of eyes over it...]

Still not sure about trimming the over-distance: it is spread out with a few bonus kms here and there, over almost every section. I think it'd need about 10 info controls...

Alex B

  • Headwind specialist
    • Where is there an end of it?
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #135 on: 05 January, 2018, 12:11:09 pm »
Still not sure about trimming the over-distance

I'd rather have over-distance than death-by-info-control any day! And from a purely selfish perspective, I'm planning to take advantage of the route flexibility to divert and overnight with my sister - adding another 10km :)

The route looks very nice - featuring no less than three climbs from Simon Warren's "Greatest Climbs" books ...

rob

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #136 on: 05 January, 2018, 12:56:17 pm »
In what is, for me, a moment of spectacular planning I have booked rooms at the Premier Inns in Barry and St Neots.    Will ride through Thursday night as suggested.

I'll need a slightly larger bit of luggage than I've used recently and probably a lower gear for the lumpy bits.

Looks like a nice little mini-break and I should be back home Sunday tea-time and ready for work on Monday.

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #137 on: 17 January, 2018, 09:18:24 am »
Mid life is hitting hard and after a bit more adventure. I am rapidly talking myself in to this one. Looking at Tomsk's timings though, seem a bit optimistic for my steady pace. Also 600 is furthest I've been so will be 400k in to the unknown....

Oaky

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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #138 on: 17 January, 2018, 10:53:34 am »
Mid life is hitting hard and after a bit more adventure. I am rapidly talking myself in to this one. Looking at Tomsk's timings though, seem a bit optimistic for my steady pace. Also 600 is furthest I've been so will be 400k in to the unknown....

sounds like we are in a similar position.

I'm still looking hard at the distance and trying to decide where my most likely sleep stops will be based on previous rides.
You are in a maze of twisty flat droves, all alike.

85.4 miles from Marsh Gibbon

Audax Club Mid-Essex Fire Safety Officer
http://acme.bike

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #139 on: 17 January, 2018, 12:44:43 pm »
Something to discuss tonight possibly. In a fit of enthusiasm I did have a look at this yesterday. 

The difficulty I could see is that the Tomsk schedule relies on riding 600k plus before the first sleep stop.  It will be daylight for the last 300k or so which will help but I would probably have gone for a schedule of 400ish, sleep, Welsh loop plus 100, sleep and 300ish to finish.  That means afternoon sleep stops though.

I should probably be more worried about being fit enough but planning is part of the fun - I haven't entered yet either...
The pleasure of pain endured
To purify our misfit ways

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #140 on: 17 January, 2018, 01:38:07 pm »
Something to discuss tonight possibly. In a fit of enthusiasm I did have a look at this yesterday. 

The difficulty I could see is that the Tomsk schedule relies on riding 600k plus before the first sleep stop.  It will be daylight for the last 300k or so which will help but I would probably have gone for a schedule of 400ish, sleep, Welsh loop plus 100, sleep and 300ish to finish.  That means afternoon sleep stops though.

I should probably be more worried about being fit enough but planning is part of the fun - I haven't entered yet either...

Tomsk's strategy of 24hr 400 plus 13hr 200 gets you back to Barry at midnight with an 11.00am start. I think I'd want a stop before then. I don't mind winging it and bivvying but the thought of 3 full days of cycling without a shower is another prospect entirely......

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #141 on: 17 January, 2018, 01:39:32 pm »
When I did the mille cymru I foolishly thought, after doing 600s on no sleep, I'd only need two sleeps (even though the event was split into four sections, the last one being 100km or so). I DID need three short sleeps though. The same for the mille pennines. Mors climbing = more rest for me.
Bikes are for riding, not cleaning!

mattc

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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #142 on: 17 January, 2018, 03:12:14 pm »
Something to discuss tonight possibly. In a fit of enthusiasm I did have a look at this yesterday. 

The difficulty I could see is that the Tomsk schedule relies on riding 600k plus before the first sleep stop.  It will be daylight for the last 300k or so which will help but I would probably have gone for a schedule of 400ish, sleep, Welsh loop plus 100, sleep and 300ish to finish.  That means afternoon sleep stops though.

I should probably be more worried about being fit enough but planning is part of the fun - I haven't entered yet either...


Tomsk's strategy of 24hr 400 plus 13hr 200 gets you back to Barry at midnight with an 11.00am start. I think I'd want a stop before then. I don't mind winging it and bivvying but the thought of 3 full days of cycling without a shower is another prospect entirely......
I think the idea is to book a shower (possibly with free bed and even breakfast included) at Barry after that first 600k. [I've bolded your relevant text]
Has never ridden RAAM
---------
No.11  Because of the great host of those who dislike the least appearance of "swank " when they travel the roads and lanes. - From Kuklos' 39 Articles

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #143 on: 17 January, 2018, 04:27:17 pm »
There's a Premier Inn at Port Talbot, which might provide a useful alternative for slower riders who would not reach Barry until very late on the second night. I'm planning to stop there, knowing that after riding through the previous night and having had a day of hills, I'll be ready for a nice rest at that stage.

Eddington: 133 miles    Max square: 43x43

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #144 on: 17 January, 2018, 04:38:06 pm »
There's a Premier Inn at Port Talbot, which might provide a useful alternative for slower riders who would not reach Barry until very late on the second night. I'm planning to stop there, knowing that after riding through the previous night and having had a day of hills, I'll be ready for a nice rest at that stage.
And you might be happy when your bike gets pinched while you sleep  ;D

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #145 on: 18 January, 2018, 07:43:07 am »
There's a Premier Inn at Port Talbot, which might provide a useful alternative for slower riders who would not reach Barry until very late on the second night. I'm planning to stop there, knowing that after riding through the previous night and having had a day of hills, I'll be ready for a nice rest at that stage.
And you might be happy when your bike gets pinched while you sleep  ;D

Is that said with any knowledge that they don’t allow bike in rooms at the Port Talbot Premier Inn?

Eddington: 133 miles    Max square: 43x43

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #146 on: 18 January, 2018, 09:02:00 am »
There's a Premier Inn at Port Talbot, which might provide a useful alternative for slower riders who would not reach Barry until very late on the second night. I'm planning to stop there, knowing that after riding through the previous night and having had a day of hills, I'll be ready for a nice rest at that stage.
And you might be happy when your bike gets pinched while you sleep  ;D

Is that said with any knowledge that they don’t allow bike in rooms at the Port Talbot Premier Inn?
No, purely an unhelpful comment. Worry not!

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #147 on: 18 January, 2018, 01:53:57 pm »
It looks as if the ACME B Peloton is taking shape.

Oaky and I approached the Straggler last night at the Arrows pubinar looking for some local insight into the tricky Welsh section.

"I don't have a plan, I was just going to follow Carlos Fandango", was the extent of that local insight  :o

Fortunately, we know what a canny fellow the Straggler is and once we had assured him that we were thinking of joining the famous B peloton, he was a bit more forthcoming.  Our plan, such as it is, is mostly based around winging it with bivvy bags, overnight food supplies and a bit of local knowledge from the Straggler.

I might even enter at this rate.
The pleasure of pain endured
To purify our misfit ways

Carlosfandango

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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #148 on: 18 January, 2018, 02:37:09 pm »
It looks as if the ACME B Peloton is taking shape.

Oaky and I approached the Straggler last night at the Arrows pubinar looking for some local insight into the tricky Welsh section.

"I don't have a plan, I was just going to follow Carlos Fandango", was the extent of that local insight  :o

Fortunately, we know what a canny fellow the Straggler is and once we had assured him that we were thinking of joining the famous B peloton, he was a bit more forthcoming.  Our plan, such as it is, is mostly based around winging it with bivvy bags, overnight food supplies and a bit of local knowledge from the Straggler.

I might even enter at this rate.

Go for it ted :thumbsup: Make sure you pack all your arm, knee and leg warmers, buffs and extra jerseys just in case you fancy another garage aisle fashion show. ;D

As for the Straggler, I`m humbled by his faith in my navigational and ride management skills, they are however totally misplaced.

My strategy is usually, ride until hunger and/or sleep deprivation are about to cause temporary unconciousness, stop, eat, sleep, ride and repeat.

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #149 on: 18 January, 2018, 02:41:35 pm »
It looks as if the ACME B Peloton is taking shape.

Oaky and I approached the Straggler last night at the Arrows pubinar looking for some local insight into the tricky Welsh section.

"I don't have a plan, I was just going to follow Carlos Fandango", was the extent of that local insight  :o

Fortunately, we know what a canny fellow the Straggler is and once we had assured him that we were thinking of joining the famous B peloton, he was a bit more forthcoming.  Our plan, such as it is, is mostly based around winging it with bivvy bags, overnight food supplies and a bit of local knowledge from the Straggler.

I might even enter at this rate.

If there's room for a small one I wouldn't mind joining the B peloton. I was thinking of bivvying it as well rather than stressing about having to be somewhere at a certain time. My other consideration was showering facilities which I have found at Magor services on the M4 just after Newport. According to Wilky's track this is about 1km off route just under 700km in. Will also be carrying tea making facilities.