What a fantastic route!
And Cultybraggan is an amazing place - shame the riders won't have time for a proper look round!
What a fantastic route!
And Cultybraggan is an amazing place - shame the riders won't have time for a proper look round!
I'm looking forward to a look-round too!
And if anyone does fancy an excuse for a look-round, I'll want volunteers for Culty and the other controls...
That route looks to me to be the best 1000km Audax-that-starts-in-England-and-visits-Scotland.Of course it's a great route, the best route - it goes to Comrie. :thumbsup:
Well done Dean.
Tempted but the "riding home to ride away" thing...Cracking route, want to do another 1000 and plenty choice next year.
I note that the Glasgow may day holiday is the 6th of May, so also the tour of the Highlands weekend and potentially bollocks traffic in popular places.
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Yeah, I thought about going through Lomond shops, but it's chewy routing, and would be very busy for anyone there early.Think cowal way is mostly off road, not had a chance to take a proper close look at the route on rwgps as I decided to bugger off to Loch Tummel after getting home from Andy C's 1000.
Have you looked at the Cowal Way between Strachur and Arrochar? I might give it a ride myself in the autumn.
Have you looked at the Cowal Way between Strachur and Arrochar? I might give it a ride myself in the autumn.
PLEASE NOTE: Day 1 includes a section of 4.5km which crosses steep, boggy terrain where pushing the bike is neccesary and there are NO obvious tracks.
It wasn't a serious suggestion
Check out the third photo in the OP :)
Looking over the route,
The thought of climbing the Ballochandrain climb after almost 400km and probably no sleep given the start time... AND the Rig at 800, not to mention everything inbetween.
Suspect I need longer after the last 1000 to enter another!
Ballochindrain is the farm in Glen daruel at the foot of the climb over to otter ferry.Looking over the route,
The thought of climbing the Ballochandrain climb after almost 400km and probably no sleep given the start time... AND the Rig at 800, not to mention everything inbetween.
Suspect I need longer after the last 1000 to enter another!
Ah you'll be fine. Up the Rigg and down through Duns is the best route south from Edinburgh to Darlo.
Is Ballochandrain some Scottish pun I'm missing? I dunno where you mean. But yeah, there are hills. It's not a flat route, it's a gorgeous route.
'Can you run a control?' asks Deano.
'No problem' I replied.
Didn't realise at the time that it would be open between 9pm and 6am ;D
Ah, I thought that was the Hill you meant. Looks like a beastie (I haven't ridden it, but Roberto assures me it's fine - I meant to go via Tighnabruaich/Kames so you get the cracking view down the Kyles of Bute, but had to re-route to fit in with where I could get overnight stops).
I know what you mean about travelling only to return home - I resisted the Old 240 for years, as there's a control 3 miles from my house. When I did ride it, I went home and had a decent meal, which was way better than what was on offer at Scotch Corner Services... And other events (LEL, Mille Pennines) which went close to home were fine - the pull of the event was stronger than the pull of home. Might have been different if I'd been at a real low on my local roads, of course.
'Can you run a control?' asks Deano.
'No problem' I replied.
Didn't realise at the time that it would be open between 9pm and 6am ;D
:) As if!(click to show/hide)
Ballochindrain is the farm in Glen daruel at the foot of the climb over to otter ferry.
I went through the old maps and think I concluded that Ballochindrain is probably the correct name for the farm, after all it's not a pass of anywhere.
Bealach Maim appears to only turn up on more recent maps
For Maim I've found
maim
sf see mam & maoim.
1 alarm, panic, terror 2 consternation 3 eruption, outburst, sudden burst
Sounds about right!
or
mam /maum maim mamən/
fir. gin. maim, iol. -an
1 rounded hill/mountain 2 mountain gap/pass 3 boil 4 bulge
I went through the old maps and think I concluded that Ballochindrain is probably the correct name for the farm, after all it's not a pass of anywhere.
Bealach Maim appears to only turn up on more recent maps
For Maim I've found
maim
sf see mam & maoim.
1 alarm, panic, terror 2 consternation 3 eruption, outburst, sudden burst
Sounds about right!
or
mam /maum maim mamən/
fir. gin. maim, iol. -an
1 rounded hill/mountain 2 mountain gap/pass 3 boil 4 bulge
Just to round this off, according to the info post at Otter Ferry, it's Bealachandrain, which is The Pass of the Thorn Tree.
I went through the old maps and think I concluded that Ballochindrain is probably the correct name for the farm, after all it's not a pass of anywhere.
Bealach Maim appears to only turn up on more recent maps
For Maim I've found
maim
sf see mam & maoim.
1 alarm, panic, terror 2 consternation 3 eruption, outburst, sudden burst
Sounds about right!
or
mam /maum maim mamən/
fir. gin. maim, iol. -an
1 rounded hill/mountain 2 mountain gap/pass 3 boil 4 bulge
Just to round this off, according to the info post at Otter Ferry, it's Bealachandrain, which is The Pass of the Thorn Tree.
Surely it means 'a wet uphill slog' (Bealach-and-rain).
I'm in. looks like a great route. :thumbsup:
...and it's over three quarters full.
No pressure to enter, but if you want to ride, I'll probably be closing entries in a few weeks, at the current rate.
I thought you had retired from this long distance cycling lark?Just the competitive types Ivan. ;D
Love your work, can't miss this one, I'm in. :thumbsup:
This seemed like such a great idea. But then I realized I've not ridden a long one earlier than July before. And recent years have been sep/aug/Oct. I feel like my biorhythms are all out of sync ...
Typical crazy AUK logic! ;DThis seemed like such a great idea. But then I realized I've not ridden a long one earlier than July before. And recent years have been sep/aug/Oct. I feel like my biorhythms are all out of sync ...
Have you not ridden the Chapman in sub 40 hours mid-May more than once? Think of it as having 35 hours to do another 400k after the same effort. No problem :thumbsup:
I've read the Tyne cycle tunnel is daytime use only (6am - 8pm) although ambiguously it does also say it's open to shift workers as well?
I also notice that the access is using the vertical lifts which are large enough for 2 people and 2 bikes, but I can't find any information on their physical dimensions, does anybody know?
Finally can anybody recommend an alternative cycle friendly crossing?
Sunday services are shite, which is one reason I didn't route it that way.If I don't get back on the bike soon it'll be the Monday before I get there
I can send you the route if you like, mind.
<Looks at calendar>14 weeks. 14 kilos. What can possibly go wrong?
<looks at waistline>
...
In other news, I was out route-checking today, and checking the routesheet instructions.I know that road well, great views down to the coast, Big climb up Lemmington bank, (probably the biggest in this part of northumberland). Don't fancy your ride down the 697 (far too many logging trucks cornhill to wooperton), can think of far quieter roads from Duns to Shilbottle.
No changes to the published route - I wasn't sure of the route from the 697 to Shilbottle, but this is the shortest route, and it's lovely. There's a hill, and it's a bit rough in places, but the alternative is all hills, and all rough, and you'd have to go through Alnwick, eurgh.
Worth it for the view from the top of Lemmington Bank alone, I reckon:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49474607466_eb93cdae59_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2inUi8y)
I was quite happy with the route through North Tyneside, too. Well, as far as I got - it was pissing down from Cresswell south, and I bailed to a train at Cramlington. I stopped at a bus shelter in Ashington to hide from the rain, and a couple walking past checked I was OK, which was lovely. Decent roads between towns, no silly overtakes. A bit of a comedown after Druridge Bay, but what wouldn't be?
I do still have to check the instructions for Cramlington-Washington (be still my beating heart), but nae rush, I don't expect that to change, barring the appearance of a magical cyclepath from the south end of the tunnel to Fatfield Bridge.
Have you entered, yanto?
If you're just after info about the tunnel and alternatives, then go for the ferry.
Oh no, not someone else getting their excuses in. I do follow you on Strava, you know.
I know that road well, great views down to the coast, Big climb up Lemmington bank, (probably the biggest in this part of northumberland). Don't fancy your ride down the 697 (far too many logging trucks cornhill to wooperton), can think of far quieter roads from Duns to Shilbottle.
...and it's over three quarters full.
No pressure to enter, but if you want to ride, I'll probably be closing entries in a few weeks, at the current rate.
...and it's over three quarters full.
No pressure to enter, but if you want to ride, I'll probably be closing entries in a few weeks, at the current rate.
And that's it, it's full.
How many riders is that then?
How many riders is that then?
How many riders is that then?
Enough for Comrie to live up to its sub-title?
How many riders is that then?
100 plus volunteers. The calendar page does tell you this, Phil.
Oh, and if anyone is audax-curious, I'm still after a few helpers at the finish in Darlo, at Castle Douglas on the Thursday night, and at Shilbottle on the Saturday night.Deano - there is a possibility that I might not be able to ride due to a Real Life commitment on Saturday 9th - if so I could help out at CD on the Thursday. I wont know for sure until nearer the time unfortunately.
Erm well I was thinking of the more common one "the shaky town" but, aye.How many riders is that then?
Enough for Comrie to live up to its sub-title?
"The Spiritual Home of Scottish Audaxing"?
I've read the Tyne cycle tunnel is daytime use only (6am - 8pm) although ambiguously it does also say it's open to shift workers as well?
I also notice that the access is using the vertical lifts which are large enough for 2 people and 2 bikes, but I can't find any information on their physical dimensions, does anybody know?
Finally can anybody recommend an alternative cycle friendly crossing?
Oh, and if anyone is audax-curious, I'm still after a few helpers at the finish in Darlo, at Castle Douglas on the Thursday night, and at Shilbottle on the Saturday night.Deano - there is a possibility that I might not be able to ride due to a Real Life commitment on Saturday 9th - if so I could help out at CD on the Thursday. I wont know for sure until nearer the time unfortunately.
I do still have to check the instructions for Cramlington-Washington (be still my beating heart), but nae rush, I don't expect that to change, barring the appearance of a magical cyclepath from the south end of the tunnel to Fatfield Bridge.
Thanks, PR - I might give it a look. That's the Bowes Railway Path, right? Someone (probably Dale) put me off that, but it would save crossing and re-crossing the A19.
Thanks, PR - I might give it a look. That's the Bowes Railway Path, right? Someone (probably Dale) put me off that, but it would save crossing and re-crossing the A19.
Train tickets from London to Darlington for the 7th are now available.
I've booked a 10am outbound. Hopefully I can get a bike on this train and make it in time for the start.
Train tickets from London to Darlington for the 7th are now available.
I've booked a 10am outbound. Hopefully I can get a bike on this train and make it in time for the start.
Thanks but looks like they haven't been released for journey back yet on the Sunday. Looks like usual hassle of finding cheapest prices and booking bike on. Trying to avoid having to drive up...
Leaving London costs £26. Returning is going to cost £140 FFS. UK trains >>>I do feel sorry for you Londoners. Of course £26 is a lot of money (after you've paid for all those cappucinos and beard-trims). I am therefore happy to pay almost 3 times this to travel 15 miles less to Darlington (from Oxon); it's only fair that us rural rich subsidise our cycling Town Mouse cousins. You can thank me at Darlo, a simple handshake or tug of the forelock will suffice.
I do feel sorry for you Londoners. Of course £26 is a lot of money (after you've paid for all those cappucinos and beard-trims). I am therefore happy to pay almost 3 times this to travel 15 miles less to Darlington (from Oxon); it's only fair that us rural rich subsidise our cycling Town Mouse cousins. You can thank me at Darlo, a simple handshake or tug of the forelock will suffice.
Why do you think I'm so scruffy looking? Can't afford haircutting of any sort living in London and paying £1200 a week for a dog kennel with en-suite bucket to the land(ed gentry)lords living the high life in their country mansions.You've got an en-suite?? Crikey, we need to put your rents up! I'll have a word with Spoffy at the club tomorrow ...
It's a BRM event so a fixed 75h time limit applies, no allowance for over-distance.
<Looks at calendar>I'd like to point out that - between named storms - I have actually ridden my bike shitloads since this post.
<looks at waistline>
...
Any chance of putting this back a month Deano? Or two maybe ...
I'd like to point out that - between named storms - I have actually ridden my bike shitloads since this post.
SO if you are planning to cancel this event - El Deano - I may have to deploy my MkIII Paddington Stare. You've been warned!
I'm starting to make plans for this, working on the theory that no matter what the government guidance on the apocalypse is by then, there's a significant chance I'll be self-isolating on the bike for 3 days anyway so no reason it won't go ahead. :D
I'm stockpiling jelly babies just in case there's a run on them between now and 7th May. Any chance the scaremongers might cancel the Greenock ferry? ::-)
What? No one started?. Can I close the control and head on home to bed then? ;)best to give it another day -theres always someone running late.
What? No one started?. Can I close the control and head on home to bed then? ;)best to give it another day -theres always someone running late.
Much appreciated 👍 :thumbsup:
Just in case there is a tremendous amount of drop outs and your mates can't make it. Give us a shout. :)
Just asking.
I've no idea. I'm just hoping that the callouses on my butt from previous seasons will see me through. I'm sure that half the ride is downhill too, so it's only really 500km. Reluctantly heading out for a 200 tomorrow and hoping against hope that I enjoy it.
Find some friends and do an Arrow, Matt, you'll be reet.
Not sure how I'll prepare myself for my helper's ride, probably a hilly 300 or two.
Find some friends and do an Arrow, Matt, you'll be reet.
Not sure how I'll prepare myself for my helper's ride, probably a hilly 300 or two.
I can do a small section for you ;)
I fully intend on riding in April and for information purposes I'm organizing a couple of hilly events in early April (200 + 300) that might be of interest. More details here:
https://burnleyccevents.com
There's already an unusually high entry for the 300 this year.
Andy Corless
I've no idea. I'm just hoping that the callouses on my butt from previous seasons will see me through. I'm sure that half the ride is downhill too, so it's only really 500km. Reluctantly heading out for a 200 tomorrow and hoping against hope that I enjoy it.
Part of it is certainly Downhill (https://maps.app.goo.gl/93MHvvNbctNoZ18r7)
Hush, they'll be fine. I'll be happy for a hill or two after the Solway Coast bit.
The idea of the route check/helpers ride is to get all the bad weather so the event has sunny clear blue warm skies
That reminds me, Dean: that halva you brought down the other week was lovely! The riders are lucky; not only are you a route master but a caterer of class - like John Perrin!
I liked the severally-punned "fixed" picture, too.
Have a lovely time, everyone.
Deano,
I've had a ride out on the folding bike... working perfectly and ready for the event.
:thumbsup:
Wow, this is looking epic on all fronts. I'll see you all in Castle Douglas. :thumbsup:
If the Express is predicting POLAR VORTEX it'll probably turn out nice.
Having a real dither on what to wear / pack as it looks like we could be having some cold nights and a wet Saturday!
...
For the sake of others, don't wear those burgandy bibs :facepalm: ;)
...
For the sake of others, don't wear those burgandy bibs :facepalm: ;)
I'll be sure to wear them for the first day
Blame Matt, he did ask if there'd be snow on the tops :)Only on the TOPS I said!!
Having a real dither on what to wear / pack as it looks like we could be having some cold nights and a wet Saturday!May BH rides have often been tricky (even in Eng/Wales!)
Blame Matt, he did ask if there'd be snow on the tops :)Only on the TOPS I said!!
Can Deano or anyone suggest a Last Supper venue for tomorrow? (The Horse pub nr start doesn't look good for parking a bike :-\ )
Matt if you are talking about Thursday evening, then I'm planning on using the White Horse.Nice. Have you decided what you're having yet?
I'm staying next door at Harrogate Hill Hotel so I'll leave bike there
Yeah, Aberfeldy looks wet 2-10pm on Sat. No idea where I'll be and when, I'm doing my usual 'just wing it' trick.
But the long sleeves, warm gloves and rain jackets are going in.
https://darksky.net/forecast/56.5844,-4.2206/ca12/en
Edinburgh damp same evening: https://darksky.net/forecast/55.9498,-3.1903/ca12/en
'feldy should be somepoint on Sunday unless you don't want to sleep/snooze at the centre of the Audax Ecosse universe ???
Butterflies in my stomach this afternoon, but all packed and ready. See you at the start.
'feldy should be somepoint on Sunday unless you don't want to sleep/snooze at the centre of the Audax Ecosse universe ???
Yeah, probs. I assume you mean the Comrie sleep stop? I'll be making use of all the sleep offerings, hoping that my riding speed is enough to get me to the finish on time.
You reminded me to find my ear plugs...
Nice. Have you decided what you're having yet?
Nice. Have you decided what you're having yet?
Comrie has been much-hyped over the years. It better not disappoint...
I need to swot up on Scotch lingo - thanks for the reminder.Comrie has been much-hyped over the years. It better not disappoint...
This is on the Scottish tourist trail, aim low...
(actually it's a reasonably pretty wee village with a penchant for getting a bit shaky, also the chip shop does deep fried mars bars, what more can you ask for?)
I have a brandy and a four poster bed. Time for a soak in a huge bath. DNF in style.
I have a brandy and a four poster bed. Time for a soak in a huge bath. DNF in style.
Just over-extended, I hope, Graeme, not an accident?
I have a brandy and a four poster bed. Time for a soak in a huge bath. DNF in style.
Just over-extended, I hope, Graeme, not an accident?
Cold and wet did him in.
It's a bit dreich out there but looks like it's clearing.
We're on the way back from an afternoon in Glasgow and just passed four cyclists (one who looked like he was wearing a VC 167 jersey), on the A9 between Dunblane and Greenloaning, where the HF1000 route takes the parallel B-road. That section is a continuation of the M9, 70mph traffic, drivers not expecting bikes, and no hard shoulder to escape onto. They were not being given much space. Will not have been pleasant riding for them, hope they got to the next turnoff OK, and back on the route if indeed they are on the Highland Fling.
That's an interesting navigational fuck up.
The short cut from Doune road to Cromlix is easy to miss, but the direct route to Braco isn't!
I packed at Otter Ferry....
Ok I decided I was likely to pack at Otter Ferry and fuck is that a long way to bail out from.
I am maybe regretting the decision to continue to Arrochar rather than bail to Dunoon, and certainly deciding to go to Balloch by Loch Lomond (Why did I think the railway went that way) rather than continue to Hellensburgh and chance my luck on a WHL train before that. (IT was 1hr 15m to the next one at Arrochar and Tarbert and there is no heating in the waiting rooms)
Felt great all the way until Cowal, but the brutality of Stronafian followed by the Bealach Maim/Bealachandrain revealed I had no climbing left. Grinding to a halt on what looked like a descent without touching the brakes somewhere near Strauchur further dampended spirits (I'll need to check my wiring and dynamo as I think that was water related) and then climbing Glen Kinglass finished me off, even the descent off the rest into Arroachar didn't help and I didn't bother grabbing a reciept at Arroachar (mistake really I should have eaten)#
I suspect the cold hard night and struggle to find breakfast before the café up the cut didn't help either.
Looking over my Strava, I seem to have beaten all my best times on descents.
Well except from Patna to Ayr, 50kg of luggage seems to be better for that one than 25Kg of excess ballast.
Said rider... had commented at Castle Douglas about the state of the roads on the descents of the Military Road, I did wonder why I caught him so easily as he hadn't long before dispatched me and my aching right foot on the way into Dumfries.
Maybe he thought the A9 would have a better surface than the route?
Despite that aching foot I seem to have set my best time over to Brampton, admittedly Vs the return leg of "Over the hill and back" 400.
The aching foot was fixed by loosening velcro straps when I put my warmers on.
I'll be making use of all the sleep offerings, hoping that my riding speed is enough to get me to the finish on time.
You reminded me to find my ear plugs...
Yeah. Lanes.
From there, it's a gorgeous run back down the coast, under the Tyne* and through the lanes back to Darlo.
Dale & I agreed we'd rather have been riding-it's probably easier.
I'm glad I'd booked today off work and hope all you riders were properly fed. And I am very sorry about the lack of cream.
Dale & I agreed we'd rather have been riding-it's probably easier.
I'm glad I'd booked today off work and hope all you riders were properly fed. And I am very sorry about the lack of cream.
Yeah, I went into work (the actual office) the day after riding it, couldn't have done that today...
Well that was a long day out. Pretty, though (mostly)Yeah. Lanes.
From there, it's a gorgeous run back down the coast, under the Tyne* and through the lanes back to Darlo.
They would have been nice. Still, I'd hate to have nothing to moan about.
Just been sent a screenshot of the finish list, not sure how Robbie gets it from aukweb still.
Hard Bastards the lot of them and that was their categorization before last Friday.
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Scots/Northumbric how vs Standard English how
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Tablet-adjacent, anyway. Glad someone had it, all the vegans dropped out or failed to find the control!
I can say - in total honesty - that I've never been more grateful for an Arrivé to appear!Well that was a long day out. Pretty, though (mostly)Yeah. Lanes.
From there, it's a gorgeous run back down the coast, under the Tyne* and through the lanes back to Darlo.
They would have been nice. Still, I'd hate to have nothing to moan about.
Careful, Matt, I'm checking cards and just got to yours ;)