Revisited - Hellfire 600 Perm: 19th & 20th September

[Ian H]

No sheet here, but I did get the email from Shawn saying they are in the post. I looked at the elevation profile on bikehike - I thought this was a flat one?

TeeHee.

I shall post my entry tomorrow. Last time I rode the Hellfire was in 1998. Freezing rain; thigh-deep flood water - it was an epic. Though it was meant to be light relief in the spare weekend between a 2600k permanent and the Crackpot 1000.

[Hummers]

I looked at the elevation profile on bikehike - I thought this was a flat one?

There is a paticularly hilly section from Beaminster to Exmouth.

Up until then, it is flattish.

After that, I would imagine it is more of the same.

H

[Ian H]

Lumpy in parts, but it was never as hard as the Bryan Chapman...er that's the Brimstone. A permanent is always more challenging.

[MattH]

I was only kididng  
I'm looking forward to properly stretching the legs again post-LEL.

[teethgrinder]

Lumpy in parts, but it was never as hard as the Bryan Chapman...er that's the Brimstone. A permanent is always more challenging.

That may be true, but the Bryan Chapman was hader in those days.
(I must be getting old)

[Hummers]

So.

We have the following entrants:

Me
Matt H
Teethgrinder
Mrs Swallow
Ian H

Crumbs, that is quite a turnout.

H

[DanialW]

If I wasn't running an event that weekend, I'd join you. 

[vorsprung]

Sorry I am chickening out.
Just don't feel like it!
Have fun...

[Paul D]

I'm chickening out too. The offer of a beer festival trip that weekend was the final descision maker.

Have fun.

[MattH]

Could you explain to me the difference between a beer festival and riding with Hummers?

[Ian H]

Could you explain to me the difference between a beer festival and riding with Hummers?

Best you discover for yourself.


(stop sniggering at the back)

[Hummers]

Could you explain to me the difference between a beer festival and riding with Hummers?

Best you discover for yourself.


(stop sniggering at the back)

Good point Matt.

Of course, Ian has experienced both but if we get into a situation like this, we may* have gone off route.

H

*Or may not

[Ian H]

Unfortunately that is actually a picture of me about to mount Hummers.

[teethgrinder]

So.

We have the following entrants:

Me
Matt H
Teethgrinder
Mrs Swallow
Ian H

Crumbs, that is quite a turnout.

H

Best not tell Liz Crease then.
Last time I organised a 600 on the same day as her 200, I was accused of stealing her riders.

[Hummers]

Best not tell Liz Crease then.
Last time I organised a 600 on the same day as her 200, I was accused of stealing her riders.

Yes, I remember the point being made at the AGM.

However, I see that Liz changed the date of the Ruislip event. 

H

[MattH]

Actually, my brevet card has arrived, I just didn't spot it. I've never had one with my photo printed onto it before!

[Ian H]

I posted my entry today. This time with the correct money.

[Hummers]

Mr Shaw didn't ride this weekend after all. I wonder if he may up for joining us too.

H

[Andydauddwr]

Still vaguely wavering on this one.  If I ride it, I would probably start from Nunney and time it to meet the rest of you at 6am.  Any thoughts on the Nunney-Poole stretch and how it's likely to be as a night section from those that have done it before?

Reason for doing it this way would be that I'd have a better chance of grabbing some meaningful kip at my folks place before an early return for work on the Monday...

AC

[Hummers]

No idea on the last section but I would imagine either Ian or Mr TG would be able to help. It looks pretty straight forward.

I think others have started at different points/stages on this one but best check with Shawn.

Either way, don't leave it too late to get your entry in as I am informed that Mr Shaw is a stickler for the rules.

H

[swiss hat]

Any thoughts on the Nunney-Poole stretch and how it's likely to be as a night section from those that have done it before?
AC

I think it should be a good night stage which is mainly on decent lanes and has a fast run in along the Tarrant valley and B roads through Wimbourne to Poole. The trickiest bit will be the narrow lane out of Shaftesbury which has a steep descent and similar climb up to re-join main road, Shawn probably uses this to avoid the main road that could be busy on Sunday afternoon but it would be quiet early on a Saturday morning.... It is a classic bit of Shawn routing though. The major climbs are approachng Shaftesbury, the lane after Shaftesbury and finally out of Fontmell then it's time to savour the prospect of finishing in Poole (if you've started there!).

I know some have started the perm at places other than Poole. So as long as you let Shawn know your plans you should be OK.
 

[teethgrinder]

The last section of the Brimstone had some steep descents on very narrow roads, and I mean narrow, and steep! They needed care in daylight. But after Fontmell Magna (Bit of a climb there, a bit of a bastard at the end of a 600 if you're tired) it's easy all the way to Poole.

[Ian H]

The last section of the Brimstone had some steep descents on very narrow roads, and I mean narrow, and steep! They needed care in daylight. But after Fontmell Magna (Bit of a climb there, a bit of a bastard at the end of a 600 if you're tired) it's easy all the way to Poole.

I fail to recall any of that. I though it was easy to Poole. Leastways I seem to remember getting into a final road-race with a certain Mr Whitebelly.

[Hummers]

The last section is this:

bikehike.co.uk - Course Creator

Seems to be as Swiss Hat suggests although there do seem to be a couple of steep descents around Shaftsbury.

The thing is, although it will be dark, you will be fresh.

H

[Andydauddwr]

Thanks for the input folks.  I've been persuading by an aspiring AUK to accompany him around the Ferryside Fish Foray instead, so will wish you all the best on this one!

AC