Post by: Andy Corless on 15 July, 2019, 06:09:04 pm
Whilst organising the 1000/1200 last weekend I had a few inquiries about next year's Land's End to John o' Groats (LEJOG) so I thought I'd better post about it. Here are a few practical details:
EVENT:
LEJOG 1400 km at Randonneur standard in July next year.
Distance: 1400 - 1435 km
Ascent: 12000 metres
Category: LRM (Les Randonneurs Mondiaux)
THE START
Date: Sunday 26 July 2020
Start: Land's End, Cornwall, England at 08:00 am prompt
Finish: John o' Groats, Highland, Scotland (before 04:40 am on Friday 31 July 2020)!
OVERVIEW
The LEJOG will start at the headland of Land's End, Cornwall, the far south-western corner of the UK mainland and will finish at the village of John o' Groats, Scotland, the far north-eastern corner of the UK mainland. Route doesn’t follow the most direct route between the start & finish but will pass through England; Wales & Scotland!
Riders will be expected to maintain a minimum cycling average speed of 12 kph including anytime spent off the bike.
Controls will be placed at roughly 50-mile intervals but 4 of the controls, which we hope riders will use overnight, will have adequate shower & sleeping facilities.
Drop bag to 2 of the overnight controls, an opportunity for riders to collect clean clothes etc will help ensure everyone makes it through this randonnee. Your drop-bags will later be transferred to John o’ Groats ready for collection on arrival.
Each and every rider will need to make their own way to the start at Land’s End and home from John o’ Groats afterwards.
THE ROUTE
The route has more or less been finalised but there'll doubtless be some revisions beforehand. The route is essentially split into 5-stages, ridden over 4/5 days:
Stage 1: Land's End to Weston-super-Mare (287 km)
Stage 2: Weston-super-Mare to Warrington (293 km)
Stage 3: Warrington to Abington (275 km)
Stage 4: Abington to Inverness (350 km)
Stage 5: Inverness to John o' Groats (200 km)
All the above distances are subject to confirmation. You do not have to sleep at the overnight controls and are free to push on if you so wish!
Weston-super-Mare; Warrington; Abington & Inverness are where the overnight (bunk-house/outdoor centre) controls will be placed offering feeding; shower; sleeping options etc.
The intermediate controls will use commercial facilities. Drop-bag will be available to 2 of the last 3 overnight controls.
Considering there's no overnight control between Abington and Inverness riders will likely have a choice of route between Abington & Inverness; either heading west over the Erskine Bridge before a run up the A82 via Fort William to Inverness or continuing north, past Edinburgh and crossing over the Forth Bridge before following the A9 through the Highlands to merge with the (western) route near Inverness.
In accordance with LRM regulations:
The overall time-limit will be 116 hours & 40 minutes.
No rider will be credited with a finishing time under 46 hours, 40 minutes.
Hope this answers a few questions.
ENTER?
Entry fee: £146.00. When entering online, non AUK/CTC/CUK members will see £3 automatically added to include temporary membership for insurance purposes!
N.B. entry fees are non-refundable and will be taken at the time of entry! The entry fee won’t fluctuate during the course that entries remain open!
Event is likely to be over-subscribed so early entry advised!
Your confirmation email, usually received from PayPal immediately after entering and paying the event entry fee, guarantees you a place on the event! Online entrants will also usually receive e-mail confirmation of their entry from the organiser’s within 72-hours of entering!
** No SR or any other qualification required to ride this event! Entries are now being taken on a first come – first served basis! Entries will close when the entry field limit of 120 riders is reached! **
Entry fee includes, but not limited to:
- Brevet card with detailed route-sheet giving precise instructions
- Validation with Audax UK (AUK) and Les Randonneurs Mondiaux (LRM) for successful riders
- Optional breakfast on the morning of the event (typically cereal/toast, tea/coffee/juice etc)
- Bag drop to 2 of the controls
- Food & drink at at least 4 of the controls
- Showers & sleeping facilities at 4 of the expected overnight controls (towels provided)!
- 3rd party insurance for UK based riders
- Any photograph’s taken by the organiser/helpers during the event
- Commemorative water-bottle and medal
Entry fee doesn't include:
- Travel expenses incurred travelling to/from the event.
- Hotel bookings for nights before, during or after the event.
- Any travel expenses incurred due to you having to abandon the event (taxis, trains etc)
- Spending money
- Commemorative event jersey (typically £35 - £45)
AUK event webpage: http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/20-64/
Website address:https://lejog1400audax.com/
Entry webpage: http://www.aukweb.net/events/enter/20-64/
Hope this is of help for now!
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400
Post by: grams on 15 July, 2019, 07:11:06 pm
Is it a postal finish? Is there somewhere to get Proof of Passage at John O'Groats at Silly o'clock?
Quote
before 05:40 am on Friday 31 July 2020
4:40 am?
Post by: bludger on 15 July, 2019, 07:27:45 pm
Post by: robert french on 15 July, 2019, 07:48:44 pm
Post by: mattc on 15 July, 2019, 08:43:10 pm
Quote
No rider will be credited with a finishing time under 46 hours, 40 minutes.that's me out then. Shame.
Post by: Karla on 15 July, 2019, 08:49:48 pm
QuoteNo rider will be credited with a finishing time under 46 hours, 40 minutes.that's me out then. Shame.
Shame, I was looking forward to you beating 24HourMaths in the forum tables.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 15 July, 2019, 10:44:30 pm
If there is a route choice between Abington and Inverness, the A9 route would probably appear to make some sense, no faff getting round Glasgow, reasonably gentle to the Forth Bridge, getting through Fife and Perth isn't too bad but...
Roadworks... if all is going to plan with the upgrade then the A9 will be a near constant block of road works between the current dual carriageway sections (completion target is 2025 which means everything has to be started by next summer... It's not happening but...)
The usual dodges of the A83 to Mekliour then Dunkeld, round the back to Ballinluig etc. will be busy with people trying to dodge the road works, given you can get from Perth to Calvine without touching the A9 using the old road and the Moulin there's some scope for it being bawsed, and that's the NCN route to that point.
The NCN route over Drumochter is also bawsed thanks to surface problems, fine on an MTB not so fine on road tyres sadly, the council are blaming the estate for using quad bikes on it, they deny all blame.
Slochd could be interesting too, the old road isn't going to be repurposed during the works... but somehow they have to fit a dual carriageway in a gap that's only big enough for the railway, the road and a narrow path, which means blasting a load of rocks out the way in close proximity to the lot... that'll likely mean closures for blasting between train times.
Worth checking out progress through:
https://www.transport.gov.scot/projects/a9-dualling-perth-to-inverness/
If considering going that way.
"Best" Middle route would be to use the Cairnwell, BHs, Lecht and Dava I suppose... though some are predicting all routes north will be ballsed up as everyone looks for alternatives.
(It's also a much harder ride)
Joy... :-(
:PrivateFrazer
Post by: lmm on 17 July, 2019, 10:31:04 am
Post by: Andy Corless on 17 July, 2019, 06:48:16 pm
The event doesn't use a mandatory route. Riders will be free to follow whichever route they wish providing the controls are visited and proof of passage is obtained. All the night controls will be opening up on time and most will probably close up an hour or two after cut-off time.
There will be some branding, but nothing too excessive.
Is it a postal finish? Is there somewhere to get Proof of Passage at John O'Groats at Silly o'clock?
No it's not a postal finish. We'll likely be using the nearby village hall for the finish control. Your brevet cards will be collected but your commemorative water-bottle and medal will be issued at the finish and your drop-bags will need to be collected before your departure home. It's not going to be a case of, "knock knock - who's there"!
"before 05:40 am on Friday 31 July 2020"
The cut-off is 04:40 am on Friday 31 July. My earlier post already edited.
"I am very interested. Putting this in my calendar"
A lot of people are, there's been a few entries already ....
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400
Post by: Jack_P on 31 July, 2019, 07:59:32 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 10 August, 2019, 04:08:08 pm
Just a quick update before many of you leave for Paris next week (if you haven't left already)!
THE START:
Sennen Churchtown Hall, about 1-mile from Land's End will now act as the event HQ. You can register, collect your brevet card and leave your drop bags anytime between 7.00 pm - 11:00 pm on Saturday night (25 July 2020). There'll also be a free all-you-can-eat-buffet laid on (we won't let you leave hungry)!! If you can't make the Saturday night you'll still be able to register before the start on Sunday morning.
The exact start will still be Land's End at 08.00 am prompt on Sunday 26 July 2020.
WEBSITE:
There's now a new website for the event giving more information at:
https://lejog1400audax.com/
You'll notice that "Event Route" on the new website remains pretty much blank. That's because we're still scanning maps etc so they'll probably appear within the next few days. I've also added a FAQ section in response to lots of questions by email (not exactly Shakespeare but it'll do)! This isn't complete yet either and will be updated within the next few days. The existing website will disappear soon and redirect to the new site.
MEMORABILIA:
Successful riders will receive a finishers medal and commemorative water-bottle at the finish at John o' Groats.
The commemorative event jersey will likely be ready for purchase sometime around December.
Due to the higher than expected entries and general level of interest entries have been increased to 120.
Finally, good luck to all those off to Paris - maybe see you there!
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG
Post by: jamiepearson on 10 August, 2019, 06:22:27 pm
"Considering there's no overnight control between Abington and Inverness riders will likely have a choice of route between Abington & Inverness; either heading west over the Erskine Bridge before a run up the A82 via Fort William to Inverness or continuing north, past Edinburgh and crossing over the Forth Bridge before following the A9 through the Highlands to merge with the (western) route near Inverness."
But the audax uk event page says controls at:
"Paisley (Renfrewshire), Crianlarich (Perthshire), Fort William (Highland)"
which is correct? I assume one couldn't go via a Paisely control and then choose a route via Edinburgh
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 August, 2019, 12:41:04 am
The Moulin was slightly busier than normal last weekend but that may have been because it was a nice day rather than Angus'ers dodging the Luncarty to Birnam roadworks;
I'm up that way regularly and watching the works progress, so will try to remember to share.
Post by: 24hourmaths on 12 August, 2019, 08:10:45 am
I'll be watching with interest for when I start my audaxing adventures...
Post by: vorsprung on 12 August, 2019, 09:40:52 am
Even getting to the start is a PitA, accommodation in Cornwall is expensive and travel links are crap
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 August, 2019, 12:47:20 pm
I don't think ending up exhausted at John O'Groats with no hotel/hostel/tent finish control sounds like fun
Even getting to the start is a PitA, accommodation in Cornwall is expensive and travel links are crap
Eh?
Penzance has a sleeper service and 8 direct day trains every day from Paddington.
JoG has at least 2 hostels in the area (The ones I know of are Sandras in Thurso and another one at JoG though can't remember which hotel it's run by), if you drop bag a tent then there's wild camping options in the vicinity and a campsite in Wick.
The village hall is a bit on the basic side, but if the air beds are there then you just need to drop bag a quilt.
There's IIRC 3 trains a day from Thurso/Wick (same train...)...
It's a bit optimistic to expect the 153s with bike spaces to be attached by then though as they're failing miserably to get the one that is ready on the Oban trains.
and also various private services to get bikes back to Inverness that a group of riders could arrange to utilize.
Post by: teethgrinder on 12 August, 2019, 05:24:08 pm
Penzance has plenty. Only 10 miles away.
Post by: Andy Corless on 14 August, 2019, 11:43:17 am
"Paisley (Renfrewshire), Crianlarich (Perthshire), Fort William (Highland)"
which is correct? I assume one couldn't go via a Paisely control and then choose a route via Edinburgh"
Riders on the 'other' route between Abington & Inverness will not have to pass through Paisley, but will likely go via Carnwrath; Queensferry; Kelty; and Perth before connecting to the A9 to Inverness. More details will be available in December when the exact distance is finalised.
"Further to my previous comments about the crap bit of the NCN7/A9 route between Blair Atholl and Dalwhinnie... It's being resurfaced right now :thumbsup:
The Moulin was slightly busier than normal last weekend but that may have been because it was a nice day rather than Angus'ers dodging the Luncarty to Birnam roadworks;
I'm up that way regularly and watching the works progress, so will try to remember to share."
Thanks for that. I'd appreciate any feedback regarding route options from local riders.
"I don't think ending up exhausted at John O'Groats with no hotel/hostel/tent finish control sounds like fun
Even getting to the start is a PitA, accommodation in Cornwall is expensive and travel links are crap"
We'll be using a nearby village hall as the finish control.
"Rates at Land's End Hotel are surprisingly reasonable.
Penzance has plenty. Only 10 miles away.
I suspect most riders will either stay in a hotel in Penzance (about 10-miles away) or camp in any of the nearby campsites. There's plenty of them."
I've been surprised at the level of interest so early on. Over half the places already take.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX
Post by: FifeingEejit on 03 September, 2019, 08:41:34 pm
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-49495139
Transport Scotland give the period of traffic management as being to March 2020, expect it to be later now.
Will slightly lengthen the route, the new corner won't be as severe, but the initial ramp and climb past the kirk remain the same.
Post by: markldn on 10 September, 2019, 03:45:33 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 September, 2019, 09:21:45 pm
The section of the NCN7 at Drummochter that was churned up by ATV use has now been repaired "Should last until the dual carriageway buries it"
It's also looking most likely that only the Luncarty to Birnham section will be under construction next summer; so the local roads cutting through to Dunkeld and Ballinluig are likely to be busier than normal, thats the Sma Glen and Meikleour routes.
Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/perthandkinrosscyclecampaign/photos/a.439477036201711/1371098919706180/?type=3&theater
Post by: The Solo Socialist on 15 September, 2019, 07:32:41 pm
Post by: Redlight on 28 September, 2019, 01:04:18 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 23 October, 2019, 12:00:09 pm
It's been a while now since my last contact so I thought I'd give you all a quick update.
I'm pleased to say that the event has been accepted by the Randonneurs Mondiaux for an LRM event and now appears in their calendar which has now been published (See attached link below).
This means the event must use a mandatory route,so there'll now just be one route between Abington and Inverness and that's the western direction via Paisley.
The event has proved to be much more popular than expected and we're comfortably going to reach the limit of 120 riders. There are places left and entries are still being accepted.
I've been asked if the event will run again in the future. The answer is very probably but not in 2021.
I've beefed the event website up a bit and will be adding some clearer route maps soon.
2020 RM Calendar:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSNb7P-COVwvC33mCeCUWvAYwFkAk7aOZdHk9rbg4Kyar_lRx2epDSQ8FwW6VKlXiNiHPCqts0VnyRs/pubhtml?gid=1480200001&single=true
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: Shaftesburybiker on 23 October, 2019, 02:02:44 pm
Enjoy!
Post by: Ajax Bay on 23 October, 2019, 05:08:18 pm
I'm pleased to say that the event has been accepted by the Randonneurs Mondiaux for an LRM event . . .http://www.randonneursmondiaux.org/files/Rules_2019.pdf
This means the event must use a mandatory route
(LRM EVENT REGULATIONS (adopted 2019)
"3.15 . . . each rider will receive a brevet card specifying the location of and time limits for the checkpoints, and route information by GPS tracks or similar and/or traditional cue sheet indicating the route. Riders must stay on the route. If a rider leaves the route, they must return to the route at the same point prior to continuing, i.e., no shortcuts or detours from the route, unless specified by the organiser."
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 October, 2019, 10:29:17 am
I can see the first stage is routing over dartmoor which seems to me like it will not be the flattest route.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 24 October, 2019, 01:40:11 pm
How punishingly hilly will it be? Is the route being designed for efficient progress or is it more typical of an Andy Corless ride? (Mille pennines, knock ventoyx etc)I think that assessment is likely. I've had a stab at recreating the Googlemaps walking route for the first day/300k section Andy's published: https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/.
I can see the first stage is routing over dartmoor which seems to me like it will not be the flattest route.
Land's End to Weston-super-Mare (A30/Dartmoor/A38 route): Marazion, Lanner, Bodmin, Minions, Horsebridge, Tavistock, across Dartmoor, thru' Exeter, old A38 via Taunton
(Note: Very difficult to completely avoid the A30 dual carriageway on that line, and this will struggle with "LRM Rule 1.5 The distance of the course will be determined by the shortest distance between controls capable of being cycled safely on road" unless the A30 where dualled is deemed to be 'unsafe'.)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31360459?beta=false
305km + 3595m
An attractive route based on long (175k and 59k) sections of @Ian H's proven Kernow and SW 600 to Weston is 302km + 2998m. About the same distance but 600m less climb, that would go via Hayle, Newquay (control), Bude (control), Winkleigh, Bampton, and Taunton:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31360440?beta=false
Post by: Andy Corless on 26 October, 2019, 03:29:01 pm
"3.15 . . . each rider will receive a brevet card specifying the location of and time limits for the checkpoints, and route information by GPS tracks or similar and/or traditional cue sheet indicating the route. Riders must stay on the route. If a rider leaves the route, they must return to the route at the same point prior to continuing, i.e., no shortcuts or detours from the route, unless specified by the organiser.""
Thanks for that clarification Ajax Bay.
"As the event is now mandatory route. How punishingly hilly will it be? Is the route being designed for efficient progress or is it more typical of an Andy Corless ride? (Mille Pennines, knock Ventoux etc)"
The event is being designed as nothing more than a special case of the End to End matching AUK rules (1400 km - 1470 km). As it's LRM the distance can't be under 1400 km, nor above 1470 km. I don't intend to have it anywhere near 1470 km (1435 km max)! The shortest "reasonable" route comes to about 1340 km so there has to be some dog-legs somewhere. However, I don't intend to throw in any needless hills (Hardknott; Great Dun Fell; Yorkshire Dales etc). I'll be down in Cornwall in a couple of weeks time finalising the first stage to Weston-Super-Mare.
I've made a note of the GPS tracks that have been created so far.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG Audax 2020
Post by: oggy on 07 November, 2019, 01:12:46 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 10 November, 2019, 01:10:38 pm
I have your entry. I'll be emailing all the entrants giving an update on current progress sometime later this week.
Andy Corless
Post by: Andy Corless on 21 November, 2019, 09:30:35 am
It's been a while now since my last contact so I thought I'd give you all a quick update.
Entries are very healthy and a few more places will be made available for the inevitable DNS etc. There are places left and entries are still being accepted. We have plenty of overseas interest for the event with entries coming in from: Ireland; Japan; USA and Australia.
EVENT ROUTE:
You might have noticed that I've uploaded some draft maps onto the event website. There are some clearer maps currently being designed and they'll be uploaded onto the event website sometime over the next few weeks. There are one or two detours being planned to possibly avoid busier roads (such as the A30) etc. It is of course inevitable that the route will follow some main/A-roads at some point along the route. Paisley, as opposed to Abington is under consideration for Tuesday's overnight control in order to even the distances out. There are some other variations under consideration as we continue to build the event.
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/
GETTING TO/FROM THE START/FINISH:
I've been asked by several riders for the best transport links to/from the start/finish. I've done some digging on the travel websites and come up with the following:
Travel to Land's End:
Rail:
The nearest railway station to the start is about 10-miles away in Penzance, which is basically the end of the line! There are direct train services from London/Birmingham (for connections from the north).
The website is:
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ Although you can normally only book up to 3-months in advance.
Air:
The nearest airport is Newquay, about 50-miles away. There are direct flights to Manchester/Heathrow & Dublin.
The website for Newquay airport is: https://www.cornwallairportnewquay.com/
n.b. Land's End airport only serves the Scilly Isles.
Expect to pay more by taking your bike.
Travel from John o' Groats:
The nearest railway stations to John o' Groats are:
Wick (about 17-miles south)
Thurso (about 20-miles west).
Scotrail has direct train services to Inverness where you can connect to the south (Edinburgh/London etc).
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ is the tool for this.
You could try some of the travel websites such as: expedia; lastminute.com etc for more info' on flights etc.
Air:
The nearest airport to JoG is Wick, about 17 miles south. BA has a direct flight to Edinburgh departing at 1:10 pm where you can connect to flights to over UK airports. Expect to pay extra if you fly home on the Friday.
I've updated the event website with some of this information. Many riders have discussed taking a shared shuttle from John o' Groats to the Inverness area (train station, airport etc).
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 10 December, 2019, 03:25:00 pm
Signed up for this.
I have booked john o groats bike transport for 6 people and their bikes from john o groats to Inverness.
Spaces are available at £70 each, reduced go £60 if all sold.
Leaving from seaview hotel john o groats at 09:30 on Friday 31st of July.
If you are on the ride and planning to travel back on Friday morning an don't fancy gambling on getting on to the train at Thurso send me a PM.
Also British airways flight from Inverness to Heathrow was only £32 at the weekend. I bet you won't get the train for that price.
Post by: jimloisdavis on 27 December, 2019, 06:20:45 pm
Let me know here if interested and we can make arrangements at the start on 26 July about collection of keys etc depending on how we are riding.
Thanks James
Post by: longflaps on 10 January, 2020, 12:48:49 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 11 January, 2020, 03:05:50 pm
I have your entry! I've had a few enquiries this last few weeks from people asking for a comparison between LEJOG Audax and the Deloitte RAB. My own answer is I don't know because I've not ridden the Deloitte version although I notice they've selected the same route as I have between Land's End and Marazion. I'll be in Cornwall again this next week finalising the route of stage 1 so the provisional route instructions and GPS tracks should be appearing before the end of this month! I'll then be updating all the entrants on current progress. Everything's on track for a successful inaugural LEJOG Audax!
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: S2L on 11 January, 2020, 03:16:13 pm
And of course you are riding the same route in half the time, so roughly twice the daily mileage
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 January, 2020, 06:08:30 pm
Used to go up Glen Ogle but not sure where after that.
This is more the classic touring route, up the west(ish) side and cross to the east via the Great Glen.
Reminds me I need to block out some time in my calendar so I can appear on route somewhere.
Post by: thegasman on 12 January, 2020, 03:06:20 pm
Many thanks for proving overnight controls with basic sleeping and shower facilities. That is fantastic support for us. In order for us to plan:
1. Will the sleeping facilities include a blanket to keep warm at night? or will we need to carry something to keep warm when sleeping?
2. Will there be any food at the overnight controls? (like you provided at Mille Peninnes, pasta or beans/toast which was bloody superb!) or will we need to pick food up earlier in the day if we want to eat at overnight control?
I would expect nothing, but would rather not carry stuff, only to find it provided.
Thanks in Advance
Post by: Andy Corless on 13 January, 2020, 05:01:46 pm
1. Will the sleeping facilities include a blanket to keep warm at night? or will we need to carry something to keep warm when sleeping?
2. Will there be any food at the overnight controls? (like you provided at Mille Peninnes, pasta or beans/toast which was bloody superb!) or will we need to pick food up earlier in the day if we want to eat at overnight control?
I would expect nothing, but would rather not carry stuff, only to find it provided.
Thanks in Advance"
The sleeping facilities are a mixture of bunk-beds & air-beds. They'll likely be blankets this time for the air-beds. All the overnight controls will be providing both hot & cold food free of charge. This is likely to be the usual choices of beans on toast; jacket potatoes/beans; cheese & broccoli pasta etc.
I'll be doing the rounds in Devon & Cornwall later this week so the provisional route-instructions should be appearing before the end of this month.
Hope this is of help!
More details on the event websites (links attached below):
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/20-64/
http://lejog1400audax.com/
https://www.cyclosport.org/event/26-Jul-2020/UK/lejog-1400.html
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: Ajax Bay on 13 January, 2020, 06:06:50 pm
Post by: Jack_P on 14 January, 2020, 10:40:59 am
Given the speed on Mille Pennines of @The gasman, Andy, at the appropriate stage, you may wish to make clear the effective opening times of ?Paisley and ?Inverness. My offer of help remains 'on the table'. And another (local to me) Mille Pennines veteran has provisionally offered her assistance at Night 1 venue (? Weston-super-Mare)The Gasman should be in full value mode ;-) we have three newbies to get through this ;D
Post by: Colinf on 14 January, 2020, 03:57:58 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 15 January, 2020, 03:47:41 pm
No - just a buffet the Saturday night with closing time about 11:00 pm! The event website (link attached below) gives some details on travel to Land's End and links to websites with overnight accommodation.
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/
"Given the speed on Mille Pennines of @The gasman, Andy, at the appropriate stage, you may wish to make clear the effective opening times of ?Paisley and ?Inverness."
I don't know who Gasman is so I have no idea of his/her progression times on the MP1K. For information purposes, the MP1K is also running over the weekend of 03 - 06 July 2020:
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/20-62/
http://millepenninesaudax.com/
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: willpom gwraudax on 15 January, 2020, 08:47:35 pm
https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-lands-end (https://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/yha-lands-end)
Post by: simonp on 16 January, 2020, 01:16:05 am
Post by: swiss hat on 16 January, 2020, 10:43:18 am
pm me if you're interested.
EDIT: Both beds provisionally taken. Thx
Post by: thegasman on 16 January, 2020, 04:40:08 pm
Given the speed on Mille Pennines of @The gasman, Andy, at the appropriate stage, you may wish to make clear the effective opening times of ?Paisley and ?Inverness. My offer of help remains 'on the table'. And another (local to me) Mille Pennines veteran has provisionally offered her assistance at Night 1 venue (? Weston-super-Mare)
HaHa Ajax Bay! - As Jack_P says, I will going "full value" for LEJOG, and be in proper tourist mode, making use of all the overnight sleep options so hitting the controls at the "expected" times rather than racing ahead.
Post by: simonp on 16 January, 2020, 05:51:53 pm
I've always said I'd never do LEJoG except at Audax pace, so thanks to Andy for putting this on. :thumbsup:
Going to have to find some training motivation, 2020 has so far gone badly (bad head cold).
Post by: Andrew097 on 16 January, 2020, 06:19:52 pm
Post by: Ajax Bay on 16 January, 2020, 09:13:44 pm
Just as a matter of interest how much climbing roughly is there on the route in meters? Would it be the up down affair the PBP is or something completely different. Just ballparkAndy has just updated the Audax UK page and moots 12,000 metres "12000m [6000m for AAA]".
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/20-64/
Edit: The AAA sections will be the first 250km LE to Taunton, and about 350km Kendal to Rannoch Moor.
I have attempted a rough sketch of the route, based on Andy's 'Route' tab on the main event site:
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/
My effort comes to 1,414km + 13,682m (and that's on RwGPS - routes generally seem to come in at 90% of the AAA man's assessment).
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
I will be amending this as new information appears. Note that this ride has a mandatory route - in accordance with the organiser's detailed routesheets etc so this 'stab' is for interest only.
This is a complete guess, just based on the stated controls (as at 14 Jan) and the small scale Googlemap walking images on https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 17 January, 2020, 11:30:06 am
Going to have to find some training motivation, 2020 has so far gone badly (bad head cold).
Had started to be a reasonable 2020 until the headcold arrived on Tuesday! I suspect I have now undone all the good work.
This was always expected to be sketchy due to illness and injury last year but a trial for LEL next year. I have booked adequate time off work that even if out of time I can finish.
Post by: simonp on 17 January, 2020, 11:37:37 am
Just as a matter of interest how much climbing roughly is there on the route in meters? Would it be the up down affair the PBP is or something completely different. Just ballparkAndy has just updated the Audax UK page and moots 12,000 metres.
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/20-64/
I have attempted a rough sketch of the route, based on Andy's 'Route' tab on the main event site:
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/
My effort comes to 1,414km + 13,682m (and that's on RwGPS - routes generally seem to come in at 90% of the AAA man's assessment).
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
I will be amending this as new information appears. Note that this ride has a mandatory route - in accordance with the organiser's detailed routesheets etc so this 'stab' is for interest only.
This is a complete guess, just based on the stated controls (as at 14 Jan) and the small scale Googlemap walking images on https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/
Note that the googlemap for stage 2 seems to start at Weston-Super-Mare rather than Sandford. It looks like some random street in Weston, no sign of any suitable control building there, so I expect this is still subject to change.
I've taken the liberty of making a copy and moving Sandford to Weston-Super-Mare and making some adjustments around Avonmouth. Also avoiding the Strawberry Line - this has a poor surface.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31767707
Just as much a guess as yours. It's a fair bit shorter.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 17 January, 2020, 06:06:43 pm
Andy updated the event page on 14 Jan. Previously the first 300/day ended in Weston. Now the control is stated as Sandford. Which is why my route goes through Sandford. Day 1 is missing from the 'route' webpage, presumably because Andy has pulled it and is amending it to go to Sandford :) .My effort comes to 1,414km + 13,682m (and that's on RwGPS - routes generally seem to come in at 90% of the AAA man's assessment).Note that the googlemap for stage 2 seems to start at Weston-Super-Mare rather than Sandford. It looks like some random street in Weston, no sign of any suitable control building there, so I expect this is still subject to change.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
I will be amending this as new information appears. Note that this ride has a mandatory route - in accordance with the organiser's detailed routesheets etc so this 'stab' is for interest only.
This is a complete guess, just based on the stated controls (as at 14 Jan) and the small scale Googlemap walking images on https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/
I've taken the liberty of making a copy and moving Sandford to Weston-Super-Mare and making some adjustments around Avonmouth. Also avoiding the Strawberry Line - this has a poor surface.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31767707
Just as much a guess as yours. It's a fair bit shorter.
Using the Strawberry Line is the best route (IMO) and avoids Bristol's busy centre, I used it for my end-to-end, so I'm biased and try to find a bit of rough stuff on every audax, but I use it for all my journeys north from Devon to the Severn Bridge. In July the Line's surface is fine (with just an element of audaciousness (and lights in the tunnel)) except for those with a very high non-tarmac avoidance threshold - have you ridden it recently? It also goes right past Sandford and lines one up with Yatton and the minor roads to the Avon Bridge (NCN26; if riders prefer the A38 trunk road and the Bristol racetracks, they can dig out).
Bridgwater to the M48 Aust junction via Sandford is 74k + 629m by the A38 and the A4 and through the Avonmouth industry zone. It's 79k + (only) 358m via the tunnel and NCN 26 and the Avon Bridge and then NCN41 (mainly).
As you say, my draft route https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false) is just a guess (but goes through Sandford rather than Weston so is shorter) and is a 'fair bit' flatter (than A38 option).
Post by: Leo on 18 January, 2020, 10:36:19 am
Pictures of the sign in Lands End to John O Croats indicate 873 miles which is 1405 km.
The route therefore must be close to I presume the shortest route? leaving little room for alternative routes for busy roads?
Coming from the Netherlands, I am not very comfortable with riding close to the borders of busy roads while large lorries are passing closely by with relative high speeds (especially at night in the rain) ::-).
Having limited bicycling experience abroad (only PBP 2019) and thus non in England and Scotland, I am a little worried how many roads like this there will be, how save I will be and also what I can do more than the usual (sufficient lighting, reflective tape on wheels and wearing a reflective safety vest) to decrease risks apart form staying home :-).
Post by: simonp on 18 January, 2020, 11:18:53 am
Andy updated the event page on 14 Jan. Previously the first 300/day ended in Weston. Now the control is stated as Sandford. Which is why my route goes through Sandford. Day 1 is missing from the 'route' webpage, presumably because Andy has pulled it and is amending it to go to Sandford :) .My effort comes to 1,414km + 13,682m (and that's on RwGPS - routes generally seem to come in at 90% of the AAA man's assessment).Note that the googlemap for stage 2 seems to start at Weston-Super-Mare rather than Sandford. It looks like some random street in Weston, no sign of any suitable control building there, so I expect this is still subject to change.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
I will be amending this as new information appears. Note that this ride has a mandatory route - in accordance with the organiser's detailed routesheets etc so this 'stab' is for interest only.
This is a complete guess, just based on the stated controls (as at 14 Jan) and the small scale Googlemap walking images on https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/
I've taken the liberty of making a copy and moving Sandford to Weston-Super-Mare and making some adjustments around Avonmouth. Also avoiding the Strawberry Line - this has a poor surface.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31767707
Just as much a guess as yours. It's a fair bit shorter.
Using the Strawberry Line is the best route (IMO) and avoids Bristol's busy centre, I used it for my end-to-end, so I'm biased and try to find a bit of rough stuff on every audax, but I use it for all my journeys north from Devon to the Severn Bridge. In July the Line's surface is fine (with just an element of audaciousness (and lights in the tunnel)) except for those with a very high non-tarmac avoidance threshold - have you ridden it recently? It also goes right past Sandford and lines one up with Yatton and the minor roads to the Avon Bridge (NCN26; if riders prefer the A38 trunk road and the Bristol racetracks, they can dig out).
Bridgwater to the M48 Aust junction via Sandford is 74k + 629m by the A38 and the A4 and through the Avonmouth industry zone. It's 79k + (only) 358m via the tunnel and NCN 26 and the Avon Bridge and then NCN41 (mainly).
As you say, my draft route https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false) is just a guess (but goes through Sandford) and is a 'fair bit' flatter.
Thanks for the clarification re the Sandford control - it's ideal for me, as we live close to your suggested route. I've not ridden the Strawberry Line recently; I used to commute to Bristol using the train from Yatton. We still have scars from being knocked off our tandem by a badger late at night on there on the way home from an Easter Arrow in 2012, and some ruined kit.
My alternative to the Strawberry Line isn't to go A38 through Bristol (though I've done that plenty times), it's this:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31769829
Post by: simonp on 18 January, 2020, 12:07:07 pm
As (a Dutch) participant of this event I am looking forward to this trip and trying to get an idea of the route in terms of climbs, scenery and also safety.
Pictures of the sign in Lands End to John O Croats indicate 873 miles which is 1405 km.
The route therefore must be close to I presume the shortest route? leaving little room for alternative routes for busy roads?
Coming from the Netherlands, I am not very comfortable with riding close to the borders of busy roads while large lorries are passing closely by with relative high speeds (especially at night in the rain) ::-).
Having limited bicycling experience abroad (only PBP 2019) and thus non in England and Scotland, I am a little worried how many roads like this there will be, how save I will be and also what I can do more than the usual (sufficient lighting, reflective tape on wheels and wearing a reflective safety vest) to decrease risks apart form staying home :-).
Because this is mandatory route, in my view this gives the organiser more flexibility in avoiding unpleasant sections of road. The shortest possible route is around 1400km but the rules allow up to 1470km so this would allow for detours. There are some long sections in Scotland (north of Glasgow) where there is basically only one road, these are usually single carriageways such as the A82 over Rannoch Moor.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 19 January, 2020, 09:40:17 am
As (a Dutch) participant of this event I am looking forward to this trip and trying to get an idea of the route in terms of climbs, scenery and also safety.Google maps gives 812 miles by walking or 836 driving, so the 1400+ km is not all that close to the shortest possible route. I would not expect to spend much time on busy main roads
Pictures of the sign in Lands End to John O Croats indicate 873 miles which is 1405 km.
The route therefore must be close to I presume the shortest route? leaving little room for alternative routes for busy roads?
Coming from the Netherlands, I am not very comfortable with riding close to the borders of busy roads while large lorries are passing closely by with relative high speeds (especially at night in the rain) ::-).
Having limited bicycling experience abroad (only PBP 2019) and thus non in England and Scotland, I am a little worried how many roads like this there will be, how save I will be and also what I can do more than the usual (sufficient lighting, reflective tape on wheels and wearing a reflective safety vest) to decrease risks apart form staying home :-).
Post by: Ajax Bay on 19 January, 2020, 11:31:23 am
"climbs, scenery"? The profile on the RwGPS route I've drafted (link in my post above) should give you an insight into the 'scenery' (climbs). The number of steep climbs (steeper than 1:10 - do you remember the steep pull up from Longny les Villages (PBP @ 99km)?) is close to nil (Helmsdale @1335km steepest?), so not dissimilar to PBP - similar climb per 100km. As @Ww says, I'm sure the route will be designed to minimise time on main roads [Edit: south of the Clyde] - to a very small percentage. No time on the A30 once it's dualled (at Hayle); bit busy into/through Taunton and Bridgwater; brief moments on the A49, and I've commented on the A6, A82 and A9 below.As (a Dutch) participant of this event I am looking forward to this trip and trying to get an idea of the route in terms of climbs, scenery and also safety.Google maps gives 812 miles by walking or 836 driving, so the 1400+ km is not all that close to the shortest possible route. I would not expect to spend much time on busy main roads
Pictures of the sign in Lands End to John O Croats indicate 873 miles which is 1405 km.
The route therefore must be close to I presume the shortest route? leaving little room for alternative routes for busy roads?
Coming from the Netherlands, I am not very comfortable with riding close to the borders of busy roads while large lorries are passing closely by with relative high speeds (especially at night in the rain) ::-).
Having limited bicycling experience abroad (only PBP 2019) and thus non in England and Scotland, I am a little worried how many roads like this there will be, how safe I will be and also what I can do more than the usual (sufficient lighting, reflective tape on wheels and wearing a reflective safety vest) to decrease risks apart form staying home :-).
Andy's route seems to skirt the southern side of Bodmin Moor - with Minions a 'high'light; crosses Dartmoor (national park) - the climb up from Tavistock is about 370m in 10km with two efforts of one km @ 1:11; crosses the Severn Bridge and up the Wye valley (Forest of Dean and past Tintern Abbey); heads up the Welsh Marches past War of the Roses castles etc, gets an unavoidable urban fix from the Mersey to the Ribble; then enjoys the A6 (with variations into Kendal possibly) - that road takes only local traffic as the M6 takes the heavy stuff - over Demmings Moss (at 426m) to Carlisle. The climb up from Kendal is close to 400m in 16km.
Then it's into Scotland and the 'old main road' to Glasgow (again the M74 takes all the traffic); bypass Glasgow via Paisley to the Erskine Bridge across the Clyde, wiggle up to Loch Lomond, take the low road (A82 - some don't like it) into the Highlands till it gets higher, across Rannoch Moor, down Glen Coe - can't get much higher scenic quotient than that (depends on metric), to Fort William. Head up the Great Glen (stretches of canal towpath with excellent surface available), past the Commando Memorial (with the top of Ben Nevis in view if you're lucky), along the side of Loch Ness ~~~, to Inverness and the A9 up the coast to JoG.
1400km is a very reasonable distance to plan an end-to-end to, minimising time on A roads till Preston, and from Carlisle to Glasgow.
The A6 from Preston to Carlisle is fine (see above). After the Clyde the roads in Scotland are what they are. But this route avoids the 'fast' A9 from Perth to Inverness. And then from the Kessock Bridge onwards the A9 is OK, and there are sections which can be avoided (eg Alness to Tain) with minimal extra distance on parallel decent minor roads. For the last 160km (from Alness) the imperative to keep the route 'short' unfortunately means the rider misses out on solitude on offer on the road up Dornoch Firth and the Kyle of Sutherland to Lairg, past the (LEJOG iconic) Crask Inn, Strathnaver to Bettyhill and the north coast of Scotland - that much more attractive option is 40km longer.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 19 January, 2020, 03:59:40 pm
Coming from the Netherlands, I am not very comfortable with riding close to the borders of busy roads while large lorries are passing closely by with relative high speeds (especially at night in the rain) ::-).
Having limited bicycling experience abroad (only PBP 2019) and thus non in England and Scotland, I am a little worried how many roads like this there will be, how save I will be and also what I can do more than the usual (sufficient lighting, reflective tape on wheels and wearing a reflective safety vest) to decrease risks apart form staying home :-).
Don't (unless it very suddenly makes sense to)
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/cycletraining/article/ct20110110-cycletraining-Bitesize-Bikeability--Part-4--On-Road-Positioning-0
Even though it'll be high tourist season the scottish roads are likely to fit the standard tourist season pattern of manic after breakfast, before lunch, after lunch and before tea and deserted the rest of the time, and then mostly in a single direction (to the nearest "big" town)
Post by: Andy Corless on 21 January, 2020, 04:48:37 pm
The first nights overnight control will be at the Mendip Activity Centre located just east of the village of Sandford. This is a lodge with 86 beds + further space for eating and erecting airbeds if necessary. This control was originally planned for Weston-Super-Mare but with the event having a much larger field than expected I've decided to look for bigger venues rather than limit entries. The event website will be updated soon when the better maps are ready.
As to the overall LEJOG distance, the signpost at Land's End states the distance to John o' Groats to be 874 miles. This signpost was apparently erected sometime during the 1950s; when the shortest distance calculated by road was 874 miles. In 1963, the shortest distance by road map was calculated to be 847 miles. Google walking distance calculates the shortest walking distance to be about 813 miles. It would appear the signpost simply hasn't been updated since first being erected.
The climbing figure written into the AUK calendar webpage is simply an estimate.
I'll be up in Scotland verifying the route between Inverness and John o' Groats next week after which the final route and distance will be moulded together.
LRM regulations allow for the route to be up to 5% over distance so by the book we're allowed up to 1470 km however, I don't intend the route to be any more than 1435 km.
Andy Corless
Organsier
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: FifeingEejit on 21 January, 2020, 05:25:55 pm
The only diversion I had to bash in was to avoid crossing the Pentlands which added 1 mile to the shortest walking route.
Because this is mandatory route, in my view this gives the organiser more flexibility in avoiding unpleasant sections of road. The shortest possible route is around 1400km but the rules allow up to 1470km so this would allow for detours. There are some long sections in Scotland (north of Glasgow) where there is basically only one road, these are usually single carriageways such as the A82 over Rannoch Moor.
Bear in mind
"1.5 The distance of the course will be determined by the shortest distance
between controls capable of being cycled safely on road. The time
limits will be calculated by dividing this distance by the overall
minimum and maximum average speeds applicable."
No advice on what is "safe" and sections of the route have traffic densities that are both highly seasonal and highly weather dependent.
With that in mind:
Gretna Green (Dumfries & Galloway),
- B7076
Abington (South Lanarkshire),
- B7078 plus local roads
Paisley (Renfrewshire),
- Erskine bridge and the A82 (or the adjacent cycle route on the old road as far as Tarbert)
Crianlarich (Perthshire),
- A82
Fort William (Highland),
- A82
Inverness (Highland),
- A9 and the NCN sections in the vicinity
Dornoch (Highland)
- A9
Wick (Highland).
- A99
JOG
Post by: Ajax Bay on 21 January, 2020, 09:58:30 pm
Have updated 'guess' to reflect this control (adds 3km to distance).
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
With other tweaks that comes to 1420km + 13813m (RwGPS).
Post by: Andy Corless on 22 January, 2020, 02:36:52 pm
Andy Corless
Organsier
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: Ajax Bay on 22 January, 2020, 05:18:58 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 22 January, 2020, 11:10:58 pm
Google Walking suggests the shortest route uses the B-roads to the south of Loch Ness for the stretch between Fort Augustus and Inverness
Hm, it's also using the railway line between Laggan and Aberchalder.
I spotted lots of newish signage beside the A82 when I was up in December, and that it pointed onto the railway line but being a winter Saturday morning I hardly saw another vehicle so didn't feel the need to explore it. (And I was turning off at Invergarry which also minimizes it's usefulness)
Looks like it went up in 2017: https://goo.gl/maps/twMRPAnhA6vgDZSr9
As usual Sustrans don't give any idea of surface suitability, but it appears to be a useless gravel surface judging by pics from 2019: https://goo.gl/maps/EwUA4Tw2vJaAQ1SG9
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 23 January, 2020, 08:14:28 am
Post by: Ajax Bay on 23 January, 2020, 10:19:19 am
The towpath from Bridge of Oich/Aberchalder to Fort Augustus is similarly a decent surface and about the same length/climb as the main road - again I found it a welcome change.
The short bit past Laggan isn't worth the effort.
So this: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31801339?beta=false
I agree with Andy that riders heading for Inverness on Day 4 will not be able properly to appreciate the scenery to the south side of Loch Ness and prefer to put up with 50 (more) km of the A82.
I'd observe that using Inverness as a control means riders can't take the connoisseurs' route over the hill after Drumnadrochit and directly to Beauly and Dingwall (and the back road to Evanton/Alness) but are consigned to the dull and busy A9 across Kessock Bridge, the Black Isle and the Cromarty Firth bridge. The main road route is 4km longer (same climb).
Post by: FifeingEejit on 23 January, 2020, 11:45:50 am
Going north from Fort William, the towpath option from Banavie to Gairlochy (and then up to the Commando Memorial above Spean Bridge to join the main road) is an excellent surface and provides the opportunity to get off the A82 - riders will have had plenty of that from Corpach north and all the way up to Inverness.
The towpath from Bridge of Oich/Aberchalder to Fort Augustus is similarly a decent surface and about the same length/climb as the main road - again I found it a welcome change.
The short bit past Laggan isn't worth the effort.
So this: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31801339?beta=false
I agree with Andy that riders heading for Inverness on Day 4 will not be able properly to appreciate the scenery to the south side of Loch Ness and prefer to put up with 50 (more) km of the A82.
I'd observe that using Inverness as a control means riders can't take the connoisseurs' route over the hill after Drumnadrochit and directly to Beauly and Dingwall (and the back road to Evanton/Alness) but are consigned to the dull and busy A9 across Kessock Bridge, the Black Isle and the Cromarty Firth bridge. The main road route is 4km longer (same climb).
The section from Longman to Tore can and should be dodged using the bridge cycle track and old road, the link between the 2 is unfortunately a bit vauge.
The problem with that section is it's the only reasonable way into Inverness from most of the Black Isle so is constantly busy.
I've always gone round by Dingwall and over the Struie from Evanton when heading that way, but there is A9 alternatives round to Tain
Post by: Andy Corless on 23 January, 2020, 04:15:02 pm
Obviously with the control being in Inverness it prevents riders from taking the better option from Drumnadrochit across the Muir of Ord to Dingwall however, there's a chance that the route would have been considerably under distance anyway.
"23.3k + 138m from Alness to NW of Tain (A9/B9174 junction) on the A9. 20.2k + 171m via Scotsburn: decent road, minor till Badachonacher (6km) but fast and straightish afterwards. Michael Broadwith was no doubt faster staying on the A9 (with a following vehicle)."
Physically, I suspect those leaving Inverness heading for JOG during daylight hours will opt for the 3km short-cut (via unlit country lanes) whilst those that are riding through the dark will opt for the A9. The "official mandatory route" will of course have to use the short-cut via the lanes in order to comply with the regulations.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG Audax 2020
Post by: longflaps on 24 January, 2020, 03:42:53 pm
Comparison is fairly easy... one is a fully catered ride, where all you have to worry about is to ride from A to B every day, the other is a ride where you have to worry about everything else too (logistics, luggage, mechanicals along the way, as well as collecting receipts for validation... )
And of course you are riding the same route in half the time, so roughly twice the daily mileage
Another big difference is the cost. Today I was sent an email from the organisers of RAB warning me that prices will rise after 31st Jan and that 80% of places have now all gone - they currently sell for 1799GBP a pop - see details https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/ (https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/)!
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 January, 2020, 04:28:56 pm
a big chunk of the extra cost is extra time. Riding in 9 days means twice as many overnight stops. If RAB ran at randonneu pace it could be less than £1000, but I guess most people dont want to do 300km every day.Comparison is fairly easy... one is a fully catered ride, where all you have to worry about is to ride from A to B every day, the other is a ride where you have to worry about everything else too (logistics, luggage, mechanicals along the way, as well as collecting receipts for validation... )
And of course you are riding the same route in half the time, so roughly twice the daily mileage
Another big difference is the cost. Today I was sent an email from the organisers of RAB warning me that prices will rise after 31st Jan and that 80% of places have now all gone - they currently sell for 1799GBP a pop - see details https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/ (https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/)!
Post by: Phil W on 24 January, 2020, 04:37:13 pm
a big chunk of the extra cost is extra time. Riding in 9 days means twice as many overnight stops. If RAB ran at randonneu pace it could be less than £1000, but I guess most people dont want to do 300km every day.Comparison is fairly easy... one is a fully catered ride, where all you have to worry about is to ride from A to B every day, the other is a ride where you have to worry about everything else too (logistics, luggage, mechanicals along the way, as well as collecting receipts for validation... )
And of course you are riding the same route in half the time, so roughly twice the daily mileage
Another big difference is the cost. Today I was sent an email from the organisers of RAB warning me that prices will rise after 31st Jan and that 80% of places have now all gone - they currently sell for 1799GBP a pop - see details https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/ (https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/)!
I thought they used tents on RAB, £200 a night for camping.
Post by: LMT on 24 January, 2020, 04:53:11 pm
Comparison is fairly easy... one is a fully catered ride, where all you have to worry about is to ride from A to B every day, the other is a ride where you have to worry about everything else too (logistics, luggage, mechanicals along the way, as well as collecting receipts for validation... )
And of course you are riding the same route in half the time, so roughly twice the daily mileage
Another big difference is the cost. Today I was sent an email from the organisers of RAB warning me that prices will rise after 31st Jan and that 80% of places have now all gone - they currently sell for 1799GBP a pop - see details https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/ (https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/)!
A fool and their money,..
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 January, 2020, 04:55:25 pm
And food, transport, support, etca big chunk of the extra cost is extra time. Riding in 9 days means twice as many overnight stops. If RAB ran at randonneu pace it could be less than £1000, but I guess most people dont want to do 300km every day.Comparison is fairly easy... one is a fully catered ride, where all you have to worry about is to ride from A to B every day, the other is a ride where you have to worry about everything else too (logistics, luggage, mechanicals along the way, as well as collecting receipts for validation... )
And of course you are riding the same route in half the time, so roughly twice the daily mileage
Another big difference is the cost. Today I was sent an email from the organisers of RAB warning me that prices will rise after 31st Jan and that 80% of places have now all gone - they currently sell for 1799GBP a pop - see details https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/ (https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/)!
I thought they used tents on RAB, £200 a night for camping.
Post by: Phil W on 24 January, 2020, 05:42:32 pm
And food, transport, support, etca big chunk of the extra cost is extra time. Riding in 9 days means twice as many overnight stops. If RAB ran at randonneu pace it could be less than £1000, but I guess most people dont want to do 300km every day.Comparison is fairly easy... one is a fully catered ride, where all you have to worry about is to ride from A to B every day, the other is a ride where you have to worry about everything else too (logistics, luggage, mechanicals along the way, as well as collecting receipts for validation... )
And of course you are riding the same route in half the time, so roughly twice the daily mileage
Another big difference is the cost. Today I was sent an email from the organisers of RAB warning me that prices will rise after 31st Jan and that 80% of places have now all gone - they currently sell for 1799GBP a pop - see details https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/ (https://www.rideacrossbritain.com/packages/individual-entry/)!
I thought they used tents on RAB, £200 a night for camping.
Transport, I thought they were cycling LEJOG. £200 of food a day is also rather a lot. Cut to the chase we know RAB makes a tidy profit. Nothing wrong with that, it’s a commercial venture. Just like Andy’s lejog isnt.
321 back in the room.
Post by: Andy Corless on 27 January, 2020, 03:09:46 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: j.bob on 28 January, 2020, 12:05:17 pm
About 14 of us from Brothers on Bikes CC have signed up. We're all a little puzzled with the 2 bag drops. How does this work exactly?
Also noticed there will be breakfast, great! And there will be food at least one control per day. Is this the overnight control every day? Or will it be another etc?
Sorry to be a pain!
Thanks
JBoB
Post by: Phil W on 28 January, 2020, 12:22:00 pm
Hi all,
About 14 of us from Brothers on Bikes CC have signed up. We're all a little puzzled with the 2 bag drops. How does this work exactly?
Also noticed there will be breakfast, great! And there will be food at least one control per day. Is this the overnight control every day? Or will it be another etc?
Sorry to be a pain!
Thanks
JBoB
Andy will be along in a minute I'm sure.
Generally with bag drops you get a gym sized draw string bag like many used to have at school. Into it you'll be able to fit a change of clothes. You give these bags to the organiser at the start and then the bags are transported to the bag drop locations. These locations will be one or two of the controls. When you reach those controls you then have a fresh set of cycling kit etc. to change into. Then at the end of the ride the bags are returned to you. Make sure you have a plastic bag in them for any smellies.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 28 January, 2020, 01:34:53 pm
About 14 of us from Brothers on Bikes CC have signed up. We're all a little puzzled with the 2 bag drops. How does this work exactly?As Phil says, Andy will be along.
Also noticed there will be breakfast, great! And there will be food at least one control per day. Is this the overnight control every day? Or will it be another etc?
You will be able to designate which two overnight locations/controls you want each of the two bags to go to. Hand them in at registration/start and they will be there when you arrive. Work on 5 litres/3kg. Make them esoteric so easier to spot among 100+ bags. He says: "Drop bag to 2 of the overnight controls, an opportunity for riders to collect clean clothes etc will help ensure everyone makes it through this randonnee. Your drop-bags will later be transferred to John o’Groats ready for collection on arrival."
The overnight controls "will have adequate shower & sleeping facilities" and be at:
Churchill, Somerset: 287 km [assumed: Mendip Activity Centre]
Warrington, Cheshire: 580 km
Abington, South Lanarkshire: 854 km
Inverness, Highland: 1207 km
(Long old Day 4).
Having picked up your bags at the finish, think how you will carry them/the contents if riding across to Thurso or back down to Wick/Inverness.
Provided food is at overnight controls only (see below).
"All food & drink at the overnight controls is included"
"Entry fee includes:
Breakfast before the start (typically cereal/toast, tea/coffee/juice etc)
Food & drink at at least 4 of the controls
Sleeping facilities at 4 of the expected overnight controls"
Andy has separately said that there will be a mix of bunks and air beds.
Having helped run/man the overnight control on another of Andy's rides (3 nights running) food will be available 'all the time' with menu in the evening likely to include baked potatoes, pasta (various) and baked beans (eg on toast); menu moving on to typical (non-fried) breakfast fare pre-dawn. May see you all at the first overnight.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 28 January, 2020, 02:15:30 pm
2 drop bags to chosen locations is an assumption. It could just as easily be one drop bag each, all transported to 2 locations as determined by the organiser.
I hope 5litres is not the expected size, considering this is not an out and back or circular route, so will need civies for travelling to penzance and from john o groats. I dont really want to spend all day on public transport in lycra and SPDs
Post by: Phil W on 28 January, 2020, 05:38:21 pm
I thought Abington had changed to Paisley increasing day 3 and reducing day 4
2 drop bags to chosen locations is an assumption. It could just as easily be one drop bag each, all transported to 2 locations as determined by the organiser.
I hope 5litres is not the expected size, considering this is not an out and back or circular route, so will need civies for travelling to penzance and from john o groats. I dont really want to spend all day on public transport in lycra and SPDs
Having 1 drop bag two locations would make movement of drop bag logistically more challenging. As Andy and his helpers would need to know which riders had been through before potentially transporting bags in multiple trips to the other location during event. Just taking separate bags to each location at the start of event, then moving bags to finish after all riders have been through / control closes, is much easier.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 28 January, 2020, 06:32:58 pm
I thought Abington had changed to Paisley increasing day 3 and reducing day 4Andy has very recently updated the Event Information page: https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/
2 drop bags to chosen locations is an assumption. It could just as easily be one drop bag each, all transported to 2 locations as determined by the organiser.
I hope 5litres is not the expected size, considering this is not an out and back or circular route, so will need civies for travelling to penzance and from john o groats. I dont really want to spend all day on public transport in lycra and SPDs
and that lists the first control as 'Churchill' - it's half way between Sandford and Churchill (assumed) BS25 5PQ.
So I guess he aspired to change N3 from Abington to Paisley but that hasn't happened.
See what you mean by drop bag text interpretation "Drop bag to 2 of the overnight controls, . . . Your drop-bags will later be transferred to John o’Groats ready for collection on arrival." One bag sequentially to two controls (?designated by who?) and then to the finish seems more workable. 10 litres then, perhaps. The yellow PBP bags might just take 5 litres; the LEL ones maybe 7? Why would one need civvies for travelling down to Land's End? What do you think normal unsupported riders do? Wear some shoes you're about to throw out and dump them at Penzance railway station. Same with an old top. Getting back from JoG I posted a shoebox with shoes, socks, T-shirt and shorts to the far north (capacity about 6 litres) so I could travel in comfortable, clean clothes.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 28 January, 2020, 07:52:23 pm
I imagine they use panniers and travel fewer miles per day. A lot of people use a support van or even sign on to RAB. Travelling to lands end is not so bad. But travelling back from inverness on the plane and then home from heathrow in cycling kit, is not practical. not to mention trying to get through airport security with spd shoes. So if I need to carry these things on the bike, then little need for drop bags.I thought Abington had changed to Paisley increasing day 3 and reducing day 4Andy has very recently updated the Event Information page: https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/
2 drop bags to chosen locations is an assumption. It could just as easily be one drop bag each, all transported to 2 locations as determined by the organiser.
I hope 5litres is not the expected size, considering this is not an out and back or circular route, so will need civies for travelling to penzance and from john o groats. I dont really want to spend all day on public transport in lycra and SPDs
and that lists the first control as 'Churchill' - it's half way between Sandford and Churchill (assumed) BS25 5PQ.
So I guess he aspired to change N3 from Abington to Paisley but that hasn't happened.
See what you mean by drop bag text interpretation "Drop bag to 2 of the overnight controls, . . . Your drop-bags will later be transferred to John o’Groats ready for collection on arrival." One bag sequentially to two controls (?designated by who?) and then to the finish seems more workable. 10 litres then, perhaps. The yellow PBP bags might just take 5 litres; the LEL ones maybe 7? Why would one need civvies for travelling down to Land's End? What do you think normal unsupported riders do? Wear some shoes you're about to throw out and dump them at Penzance railway station. Same with an old top. Getting back from JoG I posted a shoebox with shoes, socks, T-shirt and shorts to the far north (capacity about 6 litres) so I could travel in comfortable, clean clothes.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 January, 2020, 08:08:19 pm
A pair of travel trousers (or maybe even shorts), a travel shirt and some small light fold or squash able shoes take up very little space.
Post by: Ian H on 28 January, 2020, 08:22:06 pm
Inverness does have some shops BTW...
A pair of travel trousers (or maybe even shorts), a travel shirt and some small light fold or squash able shoes take up very little space.
Indeed. I've done longer rides unsupported, with a minimum of off-bike clothing (nothing more than would fit in a large saddlebag).
Post by: Greenbank on 28 January, 2020, 08:39:01 pm
I imagine they use panniers and travel fewer miles per day. A lot of people use a support van or even sign on to RAB. Travelling to lands end is not so bad. But travelling back from inverness on the plane and then home from heathrow in cycling kit, is not practical. not to mention trying to get through airport security with spd shoes. So if I need to carry these things on the bike, then little need for drop bags.
If I was flying I'd be more worried about how I was going to package up the bike for the return flight as there's no way that 10L would be enough to hold sufficient padding/bags for the bike. When I flew back from PBP in 2011 I carried out a CTC clear plastic bag and a whole load of pre-cut pipe lagging (and zip ties) so I could protect the bike for the return journey (it went out to Paris in the back of a van).
So, how were you going to solve this problem?
If you were going to solve this problem by visiting a bike shop or similar in Inverness to get it boxed up then you can just buy some cheap shoes/clothes (I kitted myself out once for under £20 in Tesco when a friend who was carrying my luggage said she was going to be 6 hours later than expected to meet us and we were already at our destination) and either post other stuff back or package it up with the bike to go in the hold.
If it were me I'd be looking to go by train there and back (it helps to live in London):-
5L should be enough for the spare kit I'd need during the ride (a spare pair of shorts and a couple of spare jerseys plus some other luxuries) and the other 5L allowance could be used for clothes/shoes to travel in. I'd then split the spare kit between the two drop bags so it was in the right place and fill up the rest of the space in each with the normal clothing/shoes as it didn't matter where this was as long as it gets to JOG.
Even then I've done plenty of trains to/from Audaxes in cycling kit. When I did a 3 day one-way DIY recce of London-Edinburgh in 2009 I came back by train in the same kit I'd used on one of the days as I had to carry everything for all 3 days as there were no drop bags at all. It's one reason why I much prefer SPDs and MTB shoes, walking normal distances is perfectly doable.
10L * 200 people = 2000L = 2m3 at least if it was as dense as water. Quantative surverying rule of thumb is to treble volumes for loose items so that's 8m3. That's a big van already. To give people even a 30L rucksack and you triple that to 24m3.
Pare it down, come up with another solution or realise a one-way trip like this with a flight at the end might not be for you.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 28 January, 2020, 09:20:05 pm
Compartment to yourself, clothing doesn't matter (unless it suddenly does when you grind to a halt on Slochd with a broken 86 on the front)
Post by: Ajax Bay on 28 January, 2020, 11:47:16 pm
But riders taking on an Audax LEJOG are not "a lot of people" they're more or less self-supported. Imagine panniers all you like: I carried about 5kg in 15 litres in bag and rack. But I only averaged 180km a day. I'm not suggesting travelling home in cycling kit, as I said a shoebox will get you shoes and clothes to travel in - post it for pennies to where you're staying after finishing. To get back to work in London I took the ferry to Orkney, rode the 30km to Kirkwall, caught the overnight ferry to Aberdeen (2330-0700) and flew back (having packed my bike in a cardboard box from a bike shop) to Heathrow and then a bus. Was back at work (well at my desk) 24 hours after finishing at JoG.I imagine they use panniers and travel fewer miles per day. A lot of people use a support van or even sign on to RAB. Travelling to lands end is not so bad. But travelling back from inverness on the plane and then home from heathrow in cycling kit, is not practical. not to mention trying to get through airport security with spd shoes. So if I need to carry these things on the bike, then little need for drop bags.I hope 5litres is not the expected size, considering this is not an out and back or circular route, so will need civies for travelling to penzance and from john o groats. I dont really want to spend all day on public transport in lycra and SPDsWhy would one need civvies for travelling down to Land's End? What do you think normal unsupported riders do? Wear some shoes you're about to throw out and dump them at Penzance railway station. Same with an old top. Getting back from JoG I posted a shoebox with shoes, socks, T-shirt and shorts to the far north (capacity about 6 litres) so I could travel in comfortable, clean clothes.
"trying to get through airport security with spd shoes" - you seem to be scrabbling at straws and looking for problems not solutions.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 29 January, 2020, 12:40:34 am
Bike return is sorted. Shipping it home still a big saving over taking the train. John o groats bike company arrange this for end to end riders all the time.I imagine they use panniers and travel fewer miles per day. A lot of people use a support van or even sign on to RAB. Travelling to lands end is not so bad. But travelling back from inverness on the plane and then home from heathrow in cycling kit, is not practical. not to mention trying to get through airport security with spd shoes. So if I need to carry these things on the bike, then little need for drop bags.
If I was flying I'd be more worried about how I was going to package up the bike for the return flight as there's no way that 10L would be enough to hold sufficient padding/bags for the bike. When I flew back from PBP in 2011 I carried out a CTC clear plastic bag and a whole load of pre-cut pipe lagging (and zip ties) so I could protect the bike for the return journey (it went out to Paris in the back of a van).
So, how were you going to solve this problem?
If you were going to solve this problem by visiting a bike shop or similar in Inverness to get it boxed up then you can just buy some cheap shoes/clothes (I kitted myself out once for under £20 in Tesco when a friend who was carrying my luggage said she was going to be 6 hours later than expected to meet us and we were already at our destination) and either post other stuff back or package it up with the bike to go in the hold.
If it were me I'd be looking to go by train there and back (it helps to live in London):-
5L should be enough for the spare kit I'd need during the ride (a spare pair of shorts and a couple of spare jerseys plus some other luxuries) and the other 5L allowance could be used for clothes/shoes to travel in. I'd then split the spare kit between the two drop bags so it was in the right place and fill up the rest of the space in each with the normal clothing/shoes as it didn't matter where this was as long as it gets to JOG.
Even then I've done plenty of trains to/from Audaxes in cycling kit. When I did a 3 day one-way DIY recce of London-Edinburgh in 2009 I came back by train in the same kit I'd used on one of the days as I had to carry everything for all 3 days as there were no drop bags at all. It's one reason why I much prefer SPDs and MTB shoes, walking normal distances is perfectly doable.
10L * 200 people = 2000L = 2m3 at least if it was as dense as water. Quantative surverying rule of thumb is to treble volumes for loose items so that's 8m3. That's a big van already. To give people even a 30L rucksack and you triple that to 24m3.
Pare it down, come up with another solution or realise a one-way trip like this with a flight at the end might not be for you.
Sleeper train £190 flight £30 shipping bike home £80. Not to mention the many hours saved. I cant see why anyone would want to pay more to take the train, not to mention the limited number of bike spaces on train. Now the field is about 200. How many bikes per train on the inverness to london line? And how many trains per day? How long to get everyone back?
I made sure j had plans in place for return travel before signing up. The last thing I wanted was to be at the station at wick/thurso with the guard saying no more than 6 people on the train and 150 riders on the platform
Post by: Greenbank on 29 January, 2020, 10:04:08 am
Bike return is sorted. Shipping it home still a big saving over taking the train. John o groats bike company arrange this for end to end riders all the time.
Sleeper train £190 flight £30 shipping bike home £80. Not to mention the many hours saved. I cant see why anyone would want to pay more to take the train, not to mention the limited number of bike spaces on train. Now the field is about 200. How many bikes per train on the inverness to london line? And how many trains per day? How long to get everyone back?
I made sure j had plans in place for return travel before signing up. The last thing I wanted was to be at the station at wick/thurso with the guard saying no more than 6 people on the train and 150 riders on the platform
OK, so it's simple for you then. Use some of your drop bag space to stash some lightweight shoes and clothes and use those when finished, if need be drop in to a local Primark/H&M/whatever and buy some more clothes, stick your SPD shoes with your bike and let JOG bike company deal with those for you. Or, as others have said, post some clothes up to yourself at JOG in advance. Plenty of people do this.
As for "I cant see why anyone would want to pay more to take the train"
I often take the train because:
a) It's far less eco-damaging[1] than flying
b) I'm willing to sacrifice a bit more time to enable (a) but the difference isn't that huge
c) You can often get much cheaper train tickets when the advance fares open up ~90 days in advance - it might not end up costing more than flying but this is always a gamble. I remember paying £20 or so to come back from Edinburgh to London on the train, and that was 1st class with free biscuits/coffee - no chance of flying for that price.
d) Yes bike reservations can be a bit of a gamble, but generally it works out. I've always managed to get back from various events in the past, and I could just ship my bike in the same way you were planning to.
Picking a random day in March (within the 90 days) then selecting Wick to London train fares I get told it's £196. Doing individual tickets from Wick/Inverness/Edinburgh/London I can get advance fares for £9.80 + £17.60 + £32.00 = £59.40. That would leave Wick at 6am and arrive back in London at 7pm.
So £60 for the train instead of a £30 flight (plus the cost of getting to the airport, which looks like it is £15 at least with advance fares). I could send a bike in the same way you were planning to and only have to spend £15 more to not have to fly.
1. The whole thing is an entirely unnecessary event (but people are allowed some fun in their lives) so I prefer to think of it in terms of eco-damaging rather than doing an absolutely necessary thing in a more eco-friendly way.
Post by: Deano4 on 31 January, 2020, 03:35:02 pm
Post by: longflaps on 05 February, 2020, 03:26:48 pm
Crikey I've just seen the price of the RAB version: £1799 for camping or £2399 for hotels (that's apparently 8-nights though but doesn't give the star rating). I think I'll stick with the £146! Places have been increased to 200.
Andy Corless
Now gone up to £1899 for camping and hotel version sold out!
Post by: Andy Corless on 06 February, 2020, 11:12:31 am
That's £1899 for the RAB version. The price for the Audax version remains at £146.
More details when the February update with latest developments is emailed to all entrants next week after I return from Paul's 200.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: Tomsk on 09 February, 2020, 06:54:36 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 February, 2020, 09:48:42 pm
OK, so it's simple for you then. Use some of your drop bag space to stash some lightweight shoes and clothes and use those when finished, if need be drop in to a local Primark/H&M/whatever and buy some more clothes, stick your SPD shoes with your bike and let JOG bike company deal with those for you. Or, as others have said, post some clothes up to yourself at JOG in advance. Plenty of people do this.
If you are getting JOG bike company to package up your bike, can you also get them to receive a parcel? Wear stuff to Lands end, post it to JOG, done.
Worst case, amazon prime order to the nearest post office to Jog?
Quote
As for "I cant see why anyone would want to pay more to take the train"
I often take the train because:
a) It's far less eco-damaging[1] than flying
b) I'm willing to sacrifice a bit more time to enable (a) but the difference isn't that huge
c) You can often get much cheaper train tickets when the advance fares open up ~90 days in advance - it might not end up costing more than flying but this is always a gamble. I remember paying £20 or so to come back from Edinburgh to London on the train, and that was 1st class with free biscuits/coffee - no chance of flying for that price.
d) Yes bike reservations can be a bit of a gamble, but generally it works out. I've always managed to get back from various events in the past, and I could just ship my bike in the same way you were planning to.
e) you really hate airports.
J
Post by: David27 on 10 February, 2020, 11:20:03 am
website mentions a commemorative jersey (I love that kind of stuff)
but I can't see how you order it
Have I missed something?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 10 February, 2020, 12:31:30 pm
I've enteredNo details yet, I expect details will emerge in time, will probably be sold on the force GB website
website mentions a commemorative jersey (I love that kind of stuff)
but I can't see how you order it
Have I missed something?
Post by: Andy Corless on 12 February, 2020, 12:09:11 pm
Jersey currently in design and will appear in early April just before I go away at Easter.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX
Post by: kevinsm on 12 February, 2020, 12:51:05 pm
Just wondering if anyone fancies sharing either way or both, no problem with stopping en route to collect drop off.
also open to other ideas, if anyone has any :)
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 February, 2020, 01:39:53 pm
Doubt there's any chain van hire further north than Inverness.
Post by: kevinsm on 12 February, 2020, 01:42:16 pm
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Post by: kevinsm on 12 February, 2020, 01:43:23 pm
Hertz are at Wick, I’ve had a quote from them.But you’d probably have to book it
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Post by: j.bob on 13 February, 2020, 08:25:52 am
Post by: kevinsm on 13 February, 2020, 08:50:50 am
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Post by: George60 on 14 February, 2020, 10:16:15 am
Post by: Andy Corless on 19 February, 2020, 06:29:49 pm
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: Andy Corless on 25 February, 2020, 09:32:11 am
There's still some confusion over the drop-bag arrangements. Basically, each rider can simply fill two bags at the start (typically with clean clothes and equipment etc). Both of these bags will be transported to two of the selected overnight controls, either Sandford; Warrington; Paisley or Inverness. After you’ve passed through the control, we’ll collect the bag and transport it onto John o’ Groats. All the bags should arrive at JOG before any of the riders ready for collection. I've reworded and updated the event website.
I'll allow about 15 more entries. I'll be away this weekend but when I return next Tuesday I'll start to knock the route-sheet together so the first drafts should be appearing around early April. There'll likely be some amendments as I continue to build the event but these will be minor.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: klem on 25 February, 2020, 11:51:48 am
Only after reaching JOG and booking into the Seaview late evening did I investigate the return to London, to find limited trains from Thurso and Wick and all bike spaces booked out for weeks.
However both were freely available from Inverness, so I cycled back there over 2 days stopping overnight at a pub in Brora, which made for a relaxing and hassle free end to the ride.
Post by: Tomsk on 25 February, 2020, 07:58:27 pm
I rode LEJOG as a solo perm end of Sept 2009.
Only after reaching JOG and booking into the Seaview late evening did I investigate the return to London, to find limited trains from Thurso and Wick and all bike spaces booked out for weeks.
However both were freely available from Inverness, so I cycled back there over 2 days stopping overnight at a pub in Brora, which made for a relaxing and hassle free end to the ride.
My plan more or less, having ridden all th'blinkin' way to the top bit, is to take a more few days touring the Highlands, then get the train from Inverness. If I had more time I'd be tempted to go island hoppng across Orkney and Shetland.
Post by: LMT on 26 February, 2020, 10:57:24 am
Post by: Andy Corless on 26 February, 2020, 06:31:21 pm
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/
A lot of riders have commented on the physical and financial restraints of travel to either end of the country although it is worth noting that as many Audax riders ride the end to end at some point during their cycling lives it is a challenge that you'll have how/whenever you decide to ride it.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 26 February, 2020, 07:45:59 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 26 February, 2020, 07:57:33 pm
12 trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow a day (6 each I think) - 2 bike spaces (Scotrail and Chieftain)
4 spaces on sleeper?
16 trains a day to Aberdeen connect to train to Edinburgh or Glasgow, another 2 bike spaces each
Roughly 60 bike spaces a day out of Inverness.
Split from Thursday to Sunday should be enough?
Post by: Phil W on 26 February, 2020, 10:07:10 pm
I am planning train down and then to courier service back so i can relax on the train. Worst case, I will cycle back to inverness or even prevail on family to drive up from Aberdeen to collect me and get me to a bigger station.
On another forum a regular lejogger recommends shipping bikes back by pallet. A quick look online indicates about £44 once you’ve sourced a pallet from somewhere.
Edit the pallet shipping company I was looking at can also supply the pallet £12.50 plus VAT
Post by: Ajax Bay on 27 February, 2020, 10:21:02 am
My plan more or less, having ridden all th'blinkin' way to the top bit, is to take a more few days touring the Highlands, then get the train from Inverness. If I had more time I'd be tempted to go island hoppng across Orkney and Shetland.Not riding but: Ferry across to Burwick (summer) or from Gills Bay (6km away, all year round, currently 1845 sailing) and then the midnight ferry Kirkwall (Orkney Mainland) to Aberdeen is efficient in time. Finish at JoG at 5pm and in 15 hours a rider can be at either Aberdeen train station (bike spaces available) or its airport for the journey south (cardboard box from bike shop). I flew back and was in London 'at work' (with my bike) the afternoon after finishing at JoG at 1515.
https://www.pentlandferries.co.uk/timetable-2/
I used the hostel in Kirkwall as a staging post: http://orcadeshostel.com/ (shower/snooze/food shop etc)
From Kirkwall to Aberdeen: Mon/Wed/Fri 2345-0700 (comfier than Newhaven -Dieppe and longer so decent time to sleep)
https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/timetables/
Lots more flights from Aberdeen than Inverness.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 27 February, 2020, 10:54:06 am
Note the kirkwall to Aberdeen ferry is not daily, only 3 times a week (mon, wed, fri)My plan more or less, having ridden all th'blinkin' way to the top bit, is to take a more few days touring the Highlands, then get the train from Inverness. If I had more time I'd be tempted to go island hoppng across Orkney and Shetland.Not riding but: Ferry across to Burwick (summer) or from Gills Bay (6km away, all year round, currently 1845 sailing) and then the midnight ferry Kirkwall (Orkney Mainland) to Aberdeen is efficient in time. Finish at JoG at 5pm and in 15 hours a rider can be at either Aberdeen train station (bike spaces available) or its airport for the journey south (cardboard box from bike shop). I flew back and was in London 'at work' (with my bike) the afternoon after finishing at JoG at 1515.
https://www.pentlandferries.co.uk/timetable-2/
I used the hostel in Kirkwall as a staging post: http://orcadeshostel.com/ (shower/snooze/food shop etc)
From Kirkwall to Aberdeen: Mon/Wed/Fri 2345-0700 (comfier than Newhaven -Dieppe and longer so decent time to sleep)
https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/timetables/
Lots more flights from Aberdeen than Inverness.
Post by: longflaps on 04 March, 2020, 12:57:57 pm
It's been interesting following the various travelling patterns to/from Land's End and JOG. Most people (judging by emails) seem to be relying on the railways but the trains can only carry so many bikes. I'd be interested in riders posting their intentions on this forum. If you don't know already there's some travel advice on the event website at:
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/
A lot of riders have commented on the physical and financial restraints of travel to either end of the country although it is worth noting that as many Audax riders ride the end to end at some point during their cycling lives it is a challenge that you'll have how/whenever you decide to ride it.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
I often tag on a bit more cycling before and after long events to make more of a holiday out of it. With this in mind I'm considering cycling back down to Inverness or maybe even Glasgow after completing. Will probably use train to get to the start.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 05 March, 2020, 12:33:21 pm
Post by: simonp on 05 March, 2020, 06:30:25 pm
Post by: kevinsm on 06 March, 2020, 03:33:09 pm
Hertz are at Wick, I’ve had a quote from them.But you’d probably have to book it
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Well that's us sorted-
Hire van through work, Notts to Sennen £47!
Hertz van Wick to Notts £120
not bad for two + Tandem.
Post by: willpom gwraudax on 06 March, 2020, 06:42:26 pm
It's only 300k to the start from here. Maybe I should cycle.
Only 1100km back from the finish...
(https://i.4pcdn.org/tv/1460212372679.gif)
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 March, 2020, 11:33:06 pm
It's only 300k to the start from here. Maybe I should cycle.
Only 1100km back from the finish...
That would be quite an epic ECE...
J
Post by: Andy Corless on 09 March, 2020, 06:27:03 pm
I believe that Bob Garrett cycled from his home to Land's End; completed the LEJOG Permanent; paused for a couple of days before riding home whilst on his way to the 1998 individual championship which was apparently an equivalent distance to the Great Triangle (which is about 3400 km long). I don't know where he lived and/or whether he's still around. There might be more that's done the same or similar.
Andy Corless
Post by: simonp on 09 March, 2020, 07:15:23 pm
It's only 300k to the start from here. Maybe I should cycle.
Only 1100km back from the finish...
(https://i.4pcdn.org/tv/1460212372679.gif)
I did notice.
Post by: optoboman on 13 March, 2020, 03:46:56 pm
Post by: Andrew097 on 18 March, 2020, 07:14:46 pm
Post by: postie on 18 March, 2020, 08:09:45 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 March, 2020, 08:11:31 pm
I would be amazed if anything runs before October unfortunately all the experts think its going to 6 months. Minimum! !
TbH, I'm expecting the whole year to be a write off :(
J
Post by: postie on 18 March, 2020, 08:37:17 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 18 March, 2020, 10:44:08 pm
Q, i think your right, spent all day deciding what to do about my events!
Even when events can be run again, people are going to be trying to run all the postponed events at the same time on the same very small selection of available dates.
If stuff happens it's a bonus, but I'm kinda assuming that nothing will happen this year.
This is going to effect things far and wide.
J
Post by: Jack_P on 19 March, 2020, 11:05:06 am
The seed has been set though and I am still keen on doing a LeJog of some form this Summer.
can this even happen in 2021 with LEL running?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 19 March, 2020, 03:21:43 pm
While I would not be surprised if it does have to be cancelled I am bit giving up hope just yet. See what the picture looks like at the start of June.
Post by: Andy Corless on 20 March, 2020, 09:07:59 am
Firstly, I'd like to offer my condolences to anyone who's lost loved ones during the Covid 19 pandemic. I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank those AUK members working for the emergency services around the clock for us all this last few weeks during the dreadful Covid 19 outbreak.
Obviously, we've seen the Covid-19 outbreak have an impact on sporting events worldwide which might or might not have an impact on the LEJOG event. As you're all probably aware, AUK has temporarily suspended all future AUK events indefinitely due to the COVID 19 outbreak. The AUK board are going to review the situation at their next board meeting in late April, but they've also advised organisers not to cancel their events at the moment for logistical reasons.
As the LEJOG isn't due to take place before late July there's unlikely to be any further movement with the event physically or financially before the
April board meeting, other than myself continuing to build the event in the hope that the situation improves before the Summer and the event will go ahead as planned, although event entry has been restricted for now. In the meantime, entrants will continue to receive bi-monthly updates (next update due in April). If or whenever it becomes apparent that the LEJOG has to be postponed; cancelled etc then a range of options will need to be explored.
However, this is a rapidly escalating pandemic and actions, including government sanctions can be implemented at a moment's notice that have implications for everyone.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2020
Post by: Redefined_cycles on 03 April, 2020, 12:46:39 am
I'm Shafiq and an ICU nurse in Yokshire and part of the Brothers on Bikes cycling crew. I've been following this thread ever since a few of us registered for the event a few months ago (I think it was early January) but as soon as we started getting told and learning about the WuhanNovel I already had in the back of my mind about extra precautions and what would happened to our lovely event (the LeJOG). Then eventually the above message came from Andy on here and then the email that he was planning to continue building the event...
By this point I was pretty certain (from following Italy as did many) that it probably would have to be cancelled as it wouldn't be safe. I advised whoever would listen of my friends and not get annoyed at me. Then eventually when we got 'the talking to' from our manager that its gonna be a difficult few months I emailed Andy to see if I could cancel (I understand that it was a noCancellation policy and fully prepared to lose my money).
However, since my email there was no response which made me wonder for his safety and/or whether my email got through. As times have gotten slowly worse for us on the ICUs across the country I have recently decided to try and sell things off (fundraiser can be found on BearbonesBikepackingForum) to try and support my colleagues with extra/adequate presonal protective equipment. Today I've just put an order through for some respirators for us to use and mostly funded by the nice people on the BB forum as well as some mates from our cycling club (BoB cc) and I've also decided to fund one of my own. Thats what has brought me here...
I wonder whether anyone knows if Andy is ok and whether or not there will be any refunds taking place as after paying for the quipment I'm gonna be slightly out of pocket and hoped I might be able to get a refund or parital refund or even an update.
Dont take this the wrong way please. I'm not trying to break rule #1 and nor am I asking for any handouts from anyone. Just hoping someone might be here that has direct access to Andy and know if hes ok and whether or not there is any chsnce I might be able to approach him to try and arrange a partial (half or quarter or even a 3rd as I understand these things aren't cheapt to put together and the rules were obviously clear on 'no refunds'...
Thanks very much and I do hope noone takes offence at my sudden post that might even sound like a rant!... I alsi do hooe this will not cause any grievance in any other way to anyone else including Andy...
I come in peace. Just trying to get a little update on if anythings happeneing and/or advice
Post by: Redefined_cycles on 03 April, 2020, 12:53:08 am
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 03 April, 2020, 07:28:47 am
I too do not think that we will see audax rides this season.
Post by: davocon on 03 April, 2020, 10:06:09 am
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 03 April, 2020, 10:50:58 am
I'm actually worried if it DOES go ahead now as I won't have done any 300, 400, 600 as build-up training!I doubt this will happen. I think for it to go ahead restrictions will need to be eased by end of June possibly giving time for some last minute ramping up.
But it will Neff more than restriction reading for the ride to go ahead, I don't see any viable exit strategy in place by July.
1 vaccine, al Ralph of a vaccine is it being at leafy a year away
2 eradication of the virus nationally, seems unlikely especially with birds still open
3 testing that shows 60% have already had it and the mortality rate was significantly lower than thought all along. (The condemned herd immunity)
I can see a case where infections are low and testing and tracking is viable to contain outbreaks, this will allow return to somewhat more normal life with twith some restriction,
but a group of 200 people riding the length of the country would be less than ideal if the aim is to stop the virus spreading from one area to another
Post by: LMT on 03 April, 2020, 10:53:43 am
I'm actually worried if it DOES go ahead now as I won't have done any 300, 400, 600 as build-up training!
Has training indoors or cycling outside been banned?
Post by: davocon on 03 April, 2020, 11:01:10 am
I'm actually worried if it DOES go ahead now as I won't have done any 300, 400, 600 as build-up training!
Has training indoors or cycling outside been banned?
I am training indoors in the way I normally would. But I wouldn't normally be doing 600s before such an event.
I am not going to do a 24+ hour ride on my turbo trainer!
Let's not start the outdoor ride argument that has been prevalent on the Facebook groups. Rides outside are restricted to reasonable outdoor exercise starting from your home depending on level of fitness. It is left that vague, but I don't think multiple 24+ hour rides as training is in the spirit of these restrictions!
Post by: Ajax Bay on 03 April, 2020, 11:24:13 am
I think Andy made it clear that he awaits AudaxUK's board meeting where they're going to review the situation "in late April, but they've also advised organisers not to cancel their events [scheduled after end June?] at the moment for logistical reasons."
So I suggest he'll send out an e-mail (which will effectively answer your question) thereafter.
Some organisers have the time and inclination to answer all the e-mails they receive. Others, less so, and particularly if there's no substantive answer to give.
This country (UK) will either have seen the peak by late April or it won't. And the exit route is not clear and depends on how things go.
This will include whether long rides (as opposed to daily exercise) are acceptable, either alone or in groups. I note the Deloitte 'Ride Across Britain' site has no revised announcement, and that's 1000+ all camping together and pissing up in the evenings after a short daily ride. But it is scheduled for September and costs £1899 - still taking entries ::-).
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 03 April, 2020, 02:12:32 pm
Post by: Phil W on 03 April, 2020, 04:37:02 pm
I'm actually worried if it DOES go ahead now as I won't have done any 300, 400, 600 as build-up training!
In 2018 I didn’t ride above 220km ahead of the West Highland 1000. It wasn’t the plan but due to a frame breaking and other matters that’s how it ended up. It was fine, and I didn’t even do it on my own bike. So as long as you can get the shorter harder rides in your fitness will be fine. It’s just the routine of audax and what you carry overnight that’ll be rusty.
Post by: Redefined_cycles on 03 April, 2020, 06:23:57 pm
Answering/advising @Redefined_cycles (and thanks for your service on the front line).
I think Andy made it clear that he awaits AudaxUK's board meeting where they're going to review the situation "in late April, but they've also advised organisers not to cancel their events [scheduled after end June?] at the moment for logistical reasons."
So I suggest he'll send out an e-mail (which will effectively answer your question) thereafter.
Some organisers have the time and inclination to answer all the e-mails they receive. Others, less so, and particularly if there's no substantive answer to give.
This country (UK) will either have seen the peak by late April or it won't. And the exit route is not clear and depends on how things go.
This will include whether long rides (as opposed to daily exercise) are acceptable, either alone or in groups. I note the Deloitte 'Ride Across Britain' site has no revised announcement, and that's 1000+ all camping together and pissing up in the evenings after a short daily ride. But it is scheduled for September and costs £1899 - still taking entries ::-).
Thanks very much for that comprehensive response... Makes sense totally... I shall await that said meeting... Thanks and I'm now at ease....
Post by: wwatts on 04 April, 2020, 02:00:14 pm
Personally, I don't care very much about the refund, as it was to be a small part of the expense anyway. I wonder if it would make sense to delay the ride to the summer of 2021. Of course, it could not conflict with LEL, but Danial has mentioned the possibility that that ride might also need to be delayed a year.
I hope that everyone in this list is doing well. While I was looking forward to this ride, recent events have put it in perspective--health, family, national well being, social order and the preservation of something like democracy seem far more important concerns at the moment.
Best wishes,
Bill Watts
Indiana, USA
Post by: wwatts on 30 April, 2020, 05:53:46 pm
Bill Watts
USA
Post by: LMT on 30 April, 2020, 08:08:12 pm
Does anyone know the status of this event? I had understood that this would be determined at an Audax UK board meeting in April, but I haven't heard any news from that meeting. I don't expect that the news can be good, but, as I would have to book a trans-Atlantic flight, it would be helpful to know if this has been decided.
Bill Watts
USA
Hi Bill
The board did meet and the suspension was upheld to carry on subject to future Government guidelines with respect to social distancing and group activities.
Our next brief over here in the UK on what the Government is going to do is the 7th of May, up until that point we still are in lockdown.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 01 May, 2020, 11:16:49 am
While there may be potential for a return to audax by end of July an event where 300 people will be meeting each night in a bunk house seems higher risk than most.
Post by: lmm on 02 May, 2020, 11:03:44 am
Our next brief over here in the UK on what the Government is going to do is the 7th of May, up until that point we still are in lockdown.
Have you set a date at which you'd be postponing/cancelling if the lockdown hasn't been lifted by then? I'm in a similar position re flights and it'd be good to know how last minute a last minute booking would have to be.
Post by: Jack_P on 02 May, 2020, 03:59:11 pm
Say we start this ride sometime this year under a government and Audax allowance that events of up to 500 people can proceed
After night 1 control stop someone falls ill with the virus symptoms.
Does this mean under track and trace that everyone in contact, a chunk of the field and organisers probably, have to make arrangements to self-isolate, not an easy senario in that case.
Seems no way that anyone could continue the ride with the possibility they are part of a spreading wave crossing the country ???
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 02 May, 2020, 05:19:45 pm
O have no inside knowledge, but if we haven't had an announcement by 1st of June about 200km events restarting, I would suggest that would make this extremely unlikely.Our next brief over here in the UK on what the Government is going to do is the 7th of May, up until that point we still are in lockdown.
Have you set a date at which you'd be postponing/cancelling if the lockdown hasn't been lifted by then? I'm in a similar position re flights and it'd be good to know how last minute a last minute booking would have to be.
Agree with the statement about the event being forced to stop is someone comes down ill on the event. Wonder if it would be feasible for everyone to be tested prior to starting. On the assumption that test capacity is up and cases should be down by then.
Post by: Andrew097 on 03 May, 2020, 07:24:45 am
Post by: Colinf on 03 May, 2020, 08:06:28 am
just out of curiosity has any one received the April email update ? Thank you in advance
No email for April, it must be a nightmare for the organiser after all the work that has gone on behind the scenes, i would imagine a fair amount of money has been paid out too !!
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 03 May, 2020, 10:51:41 am
I'm hoping the event will be postponed rather than cancelled, so all planning will still be useful, with just dates to change. Getting a refund for this is not especially concerning to me. The organiser should not end up out of pocket at all.just out of curiosity has any one received the April email update ? Thank you in advance
No email for April, it must be a nightmare for the organiser after all the work that has gone on behind the scenes, i would imagine a fair amount of money has been paid out too !!
Post by: Andy Corless on 03 May, 2020, 11:28:10 pm
AUKs suspension of all events was extended indefinitely (as expected) at their latest board meeting last month.
I've been keeping an eye on developments and I see that the government are likely to start lifting restrictions later this month.
Logistically, the event is still ready to run in late July however, even if restrictions are lifted sometime during late May/June/July and AUK events resume considering the large number of events cancelled during the Spring I doubt whether many of the riders would be in condition anyway (both physically and mentally).
I'm already considering a rerun of the event in July 2021.
I've noticed that the Deloitte edition due to take place in September has been cancelled so that's not a good omen.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400
Post by: Davef on 04 May, 2020, 07:38:40 am
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Post by: simonp on 04 May, 2020, 09:56:39 am
50/50 over LEJOG at the moment. I haven't issued an April update as there's not much to report.
Thanks for the update Andy. :thumbsup:
Post by: kevinsm on 04 May, 2020, 10:14:38 am
50/50 over LEJOG at the moment. I haven't issued an April update as there's not much to report.Thanks Andy, we still hope it goes ahead, optimistic I know, but we live in hope.
AUKs suspension of all events was extended indefinitely (as expected) at their latest board meeting last month.
I've been keeping an eye on developments and I see that the government are likely to start lifting restrictions later this month.
Logistically, the event is still ready to run in late July however, even if restrictions are lifted sometime during late May/June/July and AUK events resume considering the large number of events cancelled during the Spring I doubt whether many of the riders would be in condition anyway (both physically and mentally).
I'm already considering a rerun of the event in July 2021.
I've noticed that the Deloitte edition due to take place in September has been cancelled so that's not a good omen.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400
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Post by: wwatts on 05 May, 2020, 07:50:31 pm
Bill Watts
50/50 over LEJOG at the moment. I haven't issued an April update as there's not much to report.
AUKs suspension of all events was extended indefinitely (as expected) at their latest board meeting last month.
I've been keeping an eye on developments and I see that the government are likely to start lifting restrictions later this month.
Logistically, the event is still ready to run in late July however, even if restrictions are lifted sometime during late May/June/July and AUK events resume considering the large number of events cancelled during the Spring I doubt whether many of the riders would be in condition anyway (both physically and mentally).
I'm already considering a rerun of the event in July 2021.
I've noticed that the Deloitte edition due to take place in September has been cancelled so that's not a good omen.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400
Post by: wwatts on 10 May, 2020, 08:01:04 pm
Bill Watts
USA
Post by: Davef on 11 May, 2020, 07:35:14 am
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Post by: wwatts on 11 May, 2020, 08:11:59 pm
If you are coming from the USA you will need to factor in a 14 day quarantine period on arrival in the U.K.
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Very true. And that requirement, if it were in force at the time of the ride, would probably make participaption in impractical for me. But before I begin to think about those logistics, it would be helpful to know what the Audax board has decreed.
Bill Watts
Post by: Greenbank on 11 May, 2020, 08:18:13 pm
Post by: kevinsm on 18 May, 2020, 03:23:32 pm
Also, at the moment LEJOG can't go ahead as the event isn't compatible with the current travel/cycling restrictions in both Wales and Scotland. Those will likely change by late July but there's much less of a chance of the air travel quarantine being lifted by then.
Post by: kevinsm on 18 May, 2020, 03:24:46 pm
https://audax.uk/If you are coming from the USA you will need to factor in a 14 day quarantine period on arrival in the U.K.
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Very true. And that requirement, if it were in force at the time of the ride, would probably make participaption in impractical for me. But before I begin to think about those logistics, it would be helpful to know what the Audax board has decreed.
Bill Watts
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Post by: Kevlar1965 on 19 May, 2020, 10:32:29 am
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 19 May, 2020, 10:53:46 am
For me the biggest issue is a lack of preparation. All North of Scotland Audax events cancelled in the run up, restrictions currently still on meaning lack of miles under the belt. Certainly won't be in any physical shape for the challenge, with that comes injury risk, poor decision making when fatigued etc etc. Add to that my Aberdeen-Newquay flight is about to be cancelled ::-)Just ride to the start building up mikes over the days, solves both problems ;D
But seriously if we aren't riding audax distance by mid june it will be very hard to be at the required fitness level in late July. I've done a couple of 100 mile local rides recently with the camelback, and they were quite tough. I could do 200km, don't think I could do multiple days of 300+
Post by: davocon on 19 May, 2020, 11:35:10 am
For me the biggest issue is a lack of preparation. All North of Scotland Audax events cancelled in the run up, restrictions currently still on meaning lack of miles under the belt. Certainly won't be in any physical shape for the challenge, with that comes injury risk, poor decision making when fatigued etc etc. Add to that my Aberdeen-Newquay flight is about to be cancelled ::-)
This is my biggest fear - if it does run I'm going to want to do it, and that will be a poor decision based on the lack of building up through the Audax distances in the run up. I've been keeping fit on the turbo, but this is no substitute for long miles in the legs and the building up the confidence mentally from riding through nights.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 19 May, 2020, 02:28:24 pm
I'm more worried about starting but not being able to finish due to outbreak on the ride or restrictions changing after setting off.For me the biggest issue is a lack of preparation. All North of Scotland Audax events cancelled in the run up, restrictions currently still on meaning lack of miles under the belt. Certainly won't be in any physical shape for the challenge, with that comes injury risk, poor decision making when fatigued etc etc. Add to that my Aberdeen-Newquay flight is about to be cancelled ::-)
This is my biggest fear - if it does run I'm going to want to do it, and that will be a poor decision based on the lack of building up through the Audax distances in the run up. I've been keeping fit on the turbo, but this is no substitute for long miles in the legs and the building up the confidence mentally from riding through nights.
Post by: kevinsm on 19 May, 2020, 02:53:40 pm
That is a valid concern as it’s out of ones hands and is possible, but so are a lot of unrelated things that might happen during the event. As for fitness levels, for those that have years/miles in their legs, endurance doesn’t drop off as soon as you think, and can be ‘refreshed’ relatively easy. This is LSD Aerobic work, not top end speed, which does drop off quickly. We’ve entered on our Tandem, been hovering around the 70-90 mile range for weekend rides. Weights sessions in the week with some Zwift sessions thrown in. Last weekend was 200k due to easing of restrictions, this week 300k and so on with a couple of double days thrown in between now and the intended event. Admittedly we’ve not done as much as we would have liked, but have been riding with intent when possible. Some riders I know have not been out for 10weeks, if that was me I’d also have reservations. As it stands, I’m glass half full, and hope it somehow goes ahead.I'm more worried about starting but not being able to finish due to outbreak on the ride or restrictions changing after setting off.For me the biggest issue is a lack of preparation. All North of Scotland Audax events cancelled in the run up, restrictions currently still on meaning lack of miles under the belt. Certainly won't be in any physical shape for the challenge, with that comes injury risk, poor decision making when fatigued etc etc. Add to that my Aberdeen-Newquay flight is about to be cancelled ::-)
This is my biggest fear - if it does run I'm going to want to do it, and that will be a poor decision based on the lack of building up through the Audax distances in the run up. I've been keeping fit on the turbo, but this is no substitute for long miles in the legs and the building up the confidence mentally from riding through nights.
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Post by: Ajax Bay on 19 May, 2020, 03:51:42 pm
https://markhbdm.wixsite.com/end2end#!br/c1nwd
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/mh01/
or more civilised:
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/mh02/
And enjoy the tale here:
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=76263.0
https://www.landsendholidays.co.uk/ - less than a mile from the 'start'.
This is my draft of the possible route that Andy might choose, passing through the control points he's revealed or I've guessed:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
Post by: j.bob on 20 May, 2020, 10:38:57 pm
Post by: Andrew097 on 23 May, 2020, 03:47:51 pm
Has anyone else suffered this set back recently?
Regards
A
Post by: kevinsm on 23 May, 2020, 05:44:36 pm
::-) ~My accommodation in the last week or two have cancelled my bookings, both at the start and finish due to advice of the government etc etc.Nope, ours is fine still
Has anyone else suffered this set back recently?
Regards
A
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Post by: kevinsm on 23 May, 2020, 05:45:11 pm
What government advice?::-) ~My accommodation in the last week or two have cancelled my bookings, both at the start and finish due to advice of the government etc etc.Nope, ours is fine still
Has anyone else suffered this set back recently?
Regards
A
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Post by: FifeingEejit on 23 May, 2020, 06:00:33 pm
Post by: kevinsm on 23 May, 2020, 06:03:12 pm
The bit that says don't spend the night away from home presumably.That’s current, we don’t know it still will be end of July, presume that’s why Andy has not cancelled yet.
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Post by: FifeingEejit on 23 May, 2020, 06:25:13 pm
The bit that says don't spend the night away from home presumably.That’s current, we don’t know it still will be end of July, presume that’s why Andy has not cancelled yet.
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True, but the end of July is only 9 weeks away;
Assuming Scotland goes to Phase 1 on the 28th, the earliest we are likely to go to Phase 2 is the 18th of June, and so the earliest for Phase 3 would be 9th July.
At that point hotels can open, but it's unlikely to be quite that quick. End of July to Mid-August is roughly when many of us are predicting it.
What's more physical distancing remains, that still means the current restrictions on food serving are likely to remain in place.
It's likely most accommodation providers in Scotland are looking at it and realizing it wont be worth the effort unless they have self-catering kitchens in every room.
Hostels with shared rooms are almost certainly going to find it impossible to reopen too.
Even in the plans for Phase 4 travel and accommodation will still be full of problems.
It's rather wooly about relaxations being on scientific advice, which really just means there's no hope of setting out the road map any further.
But the starting point retains physical distancing, so still no hostel style accommodation.
We're all reckoning that will be reached some point next spring...
Bit annoying as I somehow need to use up at least 28 out of 41 days leave with not much to do in it.
As for that Cornish hotel, they've probably looked at the van trippers invading and had a "fuck this" moment and decided they can't promote tourism this summer.
The other possibilities of course are that they've gone bankrupt.
And... there's not going to be any international tourists for a long time, and that was one of Andy's other problems running it.
Post by: Davef on 23 May, 2020, 06:33:22 pm
So camping it is then.The bit that says don't spend the night away from home presumably.That’s current, we don’t know it still will be end of July, presume that’s why Andy has not cancelled yet.
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True, but the end of July is only 9 weeks away;
Assuming Scotland goes to Phase 1 on the 28th, the earliest we are likely to go to Phase 2 is the 18th of June, and so the earliest for Phase 3 would be 9th July.
At that point hotels can open, but it's unlikely to be quite that quick. End of July to Mid-August is roughly when many of us are predicting it.
What's more physical distancing remains, that still means the current restrictions on food serving are likely to remain in place.
It's likely most accommodation providers in Scotland are looking at it and realizing it wont be worth the effort unless they have self-catering kitchens in every room.
Hostels with shared rooms are almost certainly going to find it impossible to reopen too.
Even in the plans for Phase 4 travel and accommodation will still be full of problems.
It's rather wooly about relaxations being on scientific advice, which really just means there's no hope of setting out the road map any further.
But the starting point retains physical distancing, so still no hostel style accommodation.
We're all reckoning that will be reached some point next spring...
Bit annoying as I somehow need to use up at least 28 out of 41 days leave with not much to do in it.
As for that Cornish hotel, they've probably looked at the van trippers invading and had a "fuck this" moment and decided they can't promote tourism this summer.
The other possibilities of course are that they've gone bankrupt.
And... there's not going to be any international tourists for a long time, and that was one of Andy's other problems running it.
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Post by: kevinsm on 23 May, 2020, 06:53:09 pm
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Post by: Wycombewheeler on 23 May, 2020, 10:24:16 pm
::-) ~My accommodation in the last week or two have cancelled my bookings, both at the start and finish due to advice of the government etc etc.I havent had anything yet. Currently expecting cancellation nearer the time, maybe 3 or 4 weeks before the planned date.
Has anyone else suffered this set back recently?
Regards
A
It's hard to see the rules in Scotland being compatible with the event in only 2 months, judging by past performance.
I see they are still expecting to run borders of Belgium in September, and the event Jersey is great. Of course Belgium may not be keen on a load of high risk British cyclists arriving.
Post by: AndrewLarkins on 23 May, 2020, 10:51:13 pm
::-) ~My accommodation in the last week or two have cancelled my bookings, both at the start and finish due to advice of the government etc etc.
Has anyone else suffered this set back recently?
Regards
A
I was booked on the sleeper train back. Yesterday I was notified that the service has been cancelled. I am sure this will also impact others.
On a more positive note I managed 240 miles in a day on rollers as a recent charity ride so my fitness is not too bad.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 23 May, 2020, 11:06:42 pm
I see they are still expecting to run borders of Belgium in September, and the event Jersey is great. Of course Belgium may not be keen on a load of high risk British cyclists arriving.
Considering the UK's quarantine is likely going to last well into "Phase 4" level of restrictions I don't see me being able to go, given I'll be stuck at home for 2 weeks on return.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 May, 2020, 11:11:35 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 23 May, 2020, 11:14:41 pm
Expect you might also need a fortnight’s quarantine in Belgium before you can start riding.
Just had a look at the Ranndoneurs.be and BoB websites and see no mention on what the situation is with running things beyond their Strava based DIY system.
Admittedly my Dutch isn't great and French is non-existent so I might have missed something.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 May, 2020, 11:27:19 pm
From https://be.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Seems to be confirmed in https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/faq/#006
I expect Belgium’s Schengen area international travel restrictions will be relaxed before travel restrictions from the UK.
Post by: Bianchi Boy on 24 May, 2020, 04:05:06 pm
1. The travel and social distancing restrictions are unlikely to have been lifted.
2. The sleeping arrangements will struggle to allow social distancing.
3. Showers and washing areas are a particular problem as they will need to be cleaned between uses. This is what my work could not manage so until further notice the showers at my work are closed.
4. The travel people have booked has started to be cancelled. LE and JoG are both hard to get to and require transport networks to be operating.
5. People from abroad may be subject to quarantine when entering and leaving the UK.
6. Cafes and pubs are a mainstay of feeding on these type of long rides. They will be unlikely to be open for the event.
I have ridden LEJOG twice and once in the AUDAX standard. It is unpredictable, arrival and leaving times will be hard to predict. If you really want to do LEJOG this year then I would opt for a solo ride. From the outside it feels like trying to organise this in the year we are having is a fool errand.
BB
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 May, 2020, 05:26:36 pm
“Travelers arriving to Belgium from abroad must stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing.”
From https://be.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Seems to be confirmed in https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/faq/#006
I expect Belgium’s Schengen area international travel restrictions will be relaxed before travel restrictions from the UK.
I was meaning in relation to BoB running or not, rather than whether belgium has a 14 day quarantine or not. The later was easy enough to find written in English.
Post by: Jon+1bike on 24 May, 2020, 06:01:05 pm
What locals would think of cyclists, not to mention Audax, in each place we stop or congregate, can only be negative, possibly hostile.
Furthermore, with social distances of two metres, along with queuing, how much time would be added to each Co-Op/Spar stop, multiplied by controls doing the same, to an average rider each day?
I truly wish a July LEJOG would be realistic, but I have strong doubts! I respectfully think, a decision must be made ASAP.
Post by: Bianchi Boy on 24 May, 2020, 07:46:05 pm
I feel that Bianchi Boy, has valid points, although I am very keen to ride; my B&B has been cancelled & cannot be re-booked. If train fares could be booked, it doesn’t seem possible, for cyclists in numbers to travel within restrictions.If you are really keen on doing this solo is a very practical option if all the facilities are open. I stopped mainly in Travel Lodges as they have 24 hour reception (currently only open for key staff) so unless you are prepared to bivi the whole way up accommodation will be a struggle. I did have to bail on the second last day before Inverness because of a block head wind down the great glen. In the morning the wind had stopped but the rain was heavy all the way to Tain.
What locals would think of cyclists, not to mention Audax, in each place we stop or congregate, can only be negative, possibly hostile.
Furthermore, with social distances of two metres, along with queuing, how much time would be added to each Co-Op/Spar stop, multiplied by controls doing the same, to an average rider each day?
I truly wish a July LEJOG would be realistic, but I have strong doubts! I respectfully think, a decision must be made ASAP.
I sincerely hope things improve rapidly and the event can run, but my head tells me this is highly unlikely.
I have 4 DIY perms ready to go so I can get an SR if restrictions allow. I can hunker down for one night on the 600 in a shop doorway.
BB
Post by: Ajax Bay on 25 May, 2020, 10:38:46 am
If you are really keen on doing this solo is a very practical option if all the facilities are open. I stopped mainly in Travel Lodges as they have 24 hour reception (currently only open for key staff) so unless you are prepared to bivi the whole way up accommodation will be a struggle.If Audax UK have reintroduced Permanents in a suitable timescale (I sincerely hope so), then End-to-end permanents:
BB
https://markhbdm.wixsite.com/end2end#!br/c1nwd
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/mh01/
By end July Travelodges and the like will surely be open for business, and so will shops and the like all along the route, even Scotland.
This is my draft of a possible route with 290km average days and control points:
[To follow - RidewithGPS seems 'down'.]Edited: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32758483?beta=false
Travelodges at Weston-super-Mare (305k), Warrington (603k), Dumfries (852k), Fort William (1148k) - overall 1444k.
Post by: LMT on 25 May, 2020, 10:40:36 am
With everyone's training down the pan, with lack of events running up to LeJOG & lockdown hurting plans for big rides, as well as mental effects etc. Perhaps best to postpone this event until next year.
Speak for yourself.
Post by: kevinsm on 25 May, 2020, 10:42:28 am
Second that!With everyone's training down the pan, with lack of events running up to LeJOG & lockdown hurting plans for big rides, as well as mental effects etc. Perhaps best to postpone this event until next year.
Speak for yourself.
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Post by: oggy on 26 May, 2020, 06:21:13 pm
Second that!With everyone's training down the pan, with lack of events running up to LeJOG & lockdown hurting plans for big rides, as well as mental effects etc. Perhaps best to postpone this event until next year.
Speak for yourself.
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Perhaps we should consider the helpers who tend to be more at risk
personally i want to ride as much as the next rider but we also have to think of others
Post by: Ajax Bay on 26 May, 2020, 06:43:49 pm
Perhaps we should consider the helpers who tend to be more at riskHelpers?
personally i want to ride as much as the next rider but we also have to think of others
Post by: crispyp on 26 May, 2020, 08:58:37 pm
I am really hoping this gets deferred until next year - presumably with all those who had paid up places for this year getting a guaranteed place then. I am a little worried though - if this event runs I will be in no position to ride, have been home schooling and attempting to work since this all started and am now moving house next week (were ready to move before lock down but it was put on hold until now.) Haven't so much as looked at my bike since March! I know everyone is in the same position - just wanted to vent! Hopefully a decision gets made soon, can see the frustration for the organiser.
Post by: oggy on 27 May, 2020, 10:03:04 am
Perhaps we should consider the helpers who tend to be more at riskHelpers?
personally i want to ride as much as the next rider but we also have to think of others
When events start some will run with helpers we can not discriminate events on basis we just want to do this one ride.
Post by: Davef on 27 May, 2020, 10:07:16 am
It may well be in”the new normal” no events will be able to have helpers.Perhaps we should consider the helpers who tend to be more at riskHelpers?
personally i want to ride as much as the next rider but we also have to think of others
When events start some will run with helpers we can not discriminate events on basis we just want to do this one ride.
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Post by: wwatts on 27 May, 2020, 12:40:34 pm
As someone who also organizes rides in the states, and has had to deal with all of these uncertainties, I have followed this principle: Make the obvious decisions early, and save the more difficult ones for later. I wonder if the LEJoG 1400 is not at the point where the obvious choice is either to cancel or to postpone to next year. The logistics of such a ride are challenging under the best of circumstances, and if you add in all of the uncertainties, it is hard for me to see how this is workable for the organizers, for the volunteers, and for the great majority of the riders.
One good thing about this situation is that the entry fee was low, less than 150 pounds if I remember correctly. For me, the much greater expense would have been in getting to the start, and getting home aftewards, so I am not going to quibble about the entry fee. If the ride gets postponed, I hope that some part of what has been paid will apply to the rescheduled event, but I am prepared to consider this payment a small loss among far greater losses, on both a personal and a global scale.
Be well everyone,
Bill Watts
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
Post by: oggy on 27 May, 2020, 12:46:59 pm
It may well be in”the new normal” no events will be able to have helpers.Perhaps we should consider the helpers who tend to be more at riskHelpers?
personally i want to ride as much as the next rider but we also have to think of others
When events start some will run with helpers we can not discriminate events on basis we just want to do this one ride.
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So you mean perms
But as Bill pointed out above calendar events take a lot of organising and long events even more so.
It is yet to be decided by AUK how they are going to restart rides so this discussion is rather mute util the fact are known, all we can do is plan and train with in the rules we find our selves in.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 27 May, 2020, 01:05:13 pm
Post by: Davef on 27 May, 2020, 02:30:30 pm
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Post by: Wycombewheeler on 10 June, 2020, 04:05:54 pm
Interesting
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 June, 2020, 05:02:44 pm
Scottish tourism sector to re open on 15th July
Interesting
That's the 3 week review period between the expected move to Phase 2 and Phase 3.
Assuming we go to Phase 2 next Thursday.
I asked a bunkhouse what it means for shared dorms since physical distancing remains at that stage, and they don't know yet, but said they can open their luxury lodges.
Post by: Bianchi Boy on 11 June, 2020, 06:10:45 pm
So is that the 15th July for the start of the review that will finish on the 5th August to see if facilities will open on 5th August?Scottish tourism sector to re open on 15th July
Interesting
That's the 3 week review period between the expected move to Phase 2 and Phase 3.
Assuming we go to Phase 2 next Thursday.
I asked a bunkhouse what it means for shared dorms since physical distancing remains at that stage, and they don't know yet, but said they can open their luxury lodges.
And remember half the ride is in England.
BB
Post by: Davef on 11 June, 2020, 06:26:45 pm
It might be too short notice for the official lejog audax and auk, but I think I am going to do it anyway, as long as it is legal to do so by then. Probably at a slower pace with more luggage.
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Post by: kevinsm on 11 June, 2020, 06:35:15 pm
It is being reported the Scottish tourism minister is saying actually opening on 15th July.They are proposing the 15th for reopening hospitality, this gives operators time to prepare. Although it is subject to review in line with the number of new cases.
It might be too short notice for the official lejog audax and auk, but I think I am going to do it anyway, as long as it is legal to do so by then. Probably at a slower pace with more luggage.
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And I can’t see Scotland being ahead of England on this move, so I expect similar here soon too. Plus there is pressure to reduce the 2m distance, as hospitality can’t really operate on that format.
A step towards the event running as far as I’m concerned.
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Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 June, 2020, 04:12:00 pm
So is that the 15th July for the start of the review that will finish on the 5th August to see if facilities will open on 5th August?Scottish tourism sector to re open on 15th July
Interesting
That's the 3 week review period between the expected move to Phase 2 and Phase 3.
Assuming we go to Phase 2 next Thursday.
I asked a bunkhouse what it means for shared dorms since physical distancing remains at that stage, and they don't know yet, but said they can open their luxury lodges.
And remember half the ride is in England.
BB
The reviews take place with a decision made on the Thursday for making changes from the Friday; it's in the UK level act...
So assuming no regression in reduction of rate during Phase 2 (which we expect from Friday coming) then Phase 3 roadmap guidance starts from the 15th of July.
If everything goes backwards or public services say they can't get into an appropriate state, then erm naw.
They are proposing the 15th for reopening hospitality, this gives operators time to prepare. Although it is subject to review in line with the number of new cases.
And I can’t see Scotland being ahead of England on this move, so I expect similar here soon too. Plus there is pressure to reduce the 2m distance, as hospitality can’t really operate on that format.
A step towards the event running as far as I’m concerned.
Based on the R0 estimates published yesterday, the only reason for for Scotlands release of lockdown being behind England's is political acceptance of virus spread and associated death levels... (but this is obviously for the politics section thread)
There's also no guarantee that cross-border or inter-regional travel won't be restricted as part of it.
Post by: wwatts on 15 June, 2020, 02:33:23 am
Bill Watts
USA
Post by: Bianchi Boy on 15 June, 2020, 09:34:59 am
I'm virtually certain that I will not be able to do this ride because of the two-week quarentine requirment currently in place in the UK for international travelers. I do, howeer, keep my eye on the status of the ride, and, I must say that I find it odd that there has not been any accouncement about the status of the ride. It's only six weeks out now. I would think that the logistics and complexities of puttinng on a ride like this woud have required a decision by now.Nothing is certain. Even if non-essential travel will be allowed. US corvid cases not leveling out like expected. Looks like it will be a long summer of Trump tweets ::-)
Bill Watts
USA
Post by: Andy Corless on 17 June, 2020, 11:34:43 pm
Logistically, the event is still ready to run in late July however, as I said previously even if restrictions are lifted sometime during June/July and AUK events resume considering the large number of events cancelled during the Spring I doubt whether many of the riders would be in condition anyway (both physically and mentally).
Whether or not there's a LEJOG this year (and it's looking very unlikely) everybody who's entered is automatically being transferred to the 2021 edition.
18-22 July 2021 has already been listed for the rerun of the event. All entrants will be emailed sometime during the next few days.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX
Post by: simonp on 18 June, 2020, 01:05:45 am
Audax UK have just announced August for perms and DIYs up to 200k. My guess is calendar events of any distance are still out for the foreseeable.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 18 June, 2020, 08:09:25 am
Thanks for the update Andy.And certainly not going to restart before perms, so there is certainty that this event cannot happen
Audax UK have just announced August for perms and DIYs up to 200k. My guess is calendar events of any distance are still out for the foreseeable.
Post by: Davef on 18 June, 2020, 08:34:53 am
It will be ironic if the first minister announces today that Scotland opening for tourism on the 15th just as auk says no. Being stubborn I am probably, if legal to do so, stick to the original dates as a solo ride. I could of course postpone slightly in order to submit 10 consecutive 200km DIYs for comedy value.Thanks for the update Andy.And certainly not going to restart before perms, so there is certainty that this event cannot happen
Audax UK have just announced August for perms and DIYs up to 200k. My guess is calendar events of any distance are still out for the foreseeable.
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Post by: Wycombewheeler on 18 June, 2020, 08:44:44 am
It only needs 7 consecutive 200sIt will be ironic if the first minister announces today that Scotland opening for tourism on the 15th just as auk says no. Being stubborn I am probably, if legal to do so, stick to the original dates as a solo ride. I could of course postpone slightly in order to submit 10 consecutive 200km DIYs for comedy value.Thanks for the update Andy.And certainly not going to restart before perms, so there is certainty that this event cannot happen
Audax UK have just announced August for perms and DIYs up to 200k. My guess is calendar events of any distance are still out for the foreseeable.
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Post by: Davef on 18 June, 2020, 08:47:27 am
I was including travel to the start.It only needs 7 consecutive 200sIt will be ironic if the first minister announces today that Scotland opening for tourism on the 15th just as auk says no. Being stubborn I am probably, if legal to do so, stick to the original dates as a solo ride. I could of course postpone slightly in order to submit 10 consecutive 200km DIYs for comedy value.Thanks for the update Andy.And certainly not going to restart before perms, so there is certainty that this event cannot happen
Audax UK have just announced August for perms and DIYs up to 200k. My guess is calendar events of any distance are still out for the foreseeable.
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Post by: Jon+1bike on 18 June, 2020, 12:14:27 pm
IF no LEJOG 2020.. Automatically transferred to 2021. What date? (July 27th?)
As LEL is 8-13th August 2021[/b] ....
What if you planned to do LEL..?
What if you don’t want a transfer to 2021?
Will there be a refund on LEJOG?
Post by: LMT on 18 June, 2020, 12:19:15 pm
??? A number queries....
IF no LEJOG 2020.. Automatically transferred to 2021. What date? (July 27th?)
As LEL is 8-13th August 2021[/b] ....
What if you planned to do LEL..?
What if you don’t want a transfer to 2021?
Will there be a refund on LEJOG?
''18-22 July 2021 has already been listed for the rerun of the event''
Post by: FifeingEejit on 18 June, 2020, 02:23:03 pm
It will be ironic if the first minister announces today that Scotland opening for tourism on the 15th just as auk says no. Being stubborn I am probably, if legal to do so, stick to the original dates as a solo ride. I could of course postpone slightly in order to submit 10 consecutive 200km DIYs for comedy value.
I'd miscounted previously, the switch to "phase 3" should be announced on the 9th of July.
This is not the first time I've been eagerly awaiting something called "phase 3" from the Scottish Government and its agencies...
(it was the working title for a project that I was due to move onto)
Post by: Redefined_cycles on 18 June, 2020, 07:16:23 pm
??? A number queries....
IF no LEJOG 2020.. Automatically transferred to 2021. What date? (July 27th?)
As LEL is 8-13th August 2021[/b] ....
What if you planned to do LEL..?
What if you don’t want a transfer to 2021?
Will there be a refund on LEJOG?
I'm an ICU nurse and at the start of the crisis (slightly before our idiot PM got on with it and he can stuff his Thursdays clap) I emailed Andy regards cancellation/refund. There was no response then and since this last update I've emailed again. I'm gonna assume he's either too busy to answer our queries or is of the opinion that the rules at entry (ie. No refunds) were final and its not something he'd like to discuss at all. Not even a tiny message back.
Hopefully I'm wrong and he will give the option of a refund for those that are unable to make the event date either this or next year. But from the looks of it and the fact he's a hard man to get hold of (as well as a very hard man apparently) and there's nowhere really to direct any questions or concerns, I'd not really hold out any hope of a refund and you're probably better off counting your losses.
Hope that helps at all and with any luck he might see your message and offer alternatives/refunds (even if they are partial refunds which would make sense as he's probably sent a certain amount during planning!). Personally I've seen enough death or near-death patients that I've lost the desire to attempt any sort of LeJOG any time soon. Will be just riding locally (ie. In England) and as soon as things looks suitable I'll be making my epic (epic for me, not for many on here) 230 miler to London with some nice climbing in between.
Thats just my 2 pence... hope it helps. Andy, if you do end up reading this, no offence mate. Totally understand there's always 2 sides to a coin and can imagine your dilemmas that we might not know of. Take care. Shafiq (Shafiq.staffnurse@gmail.com in case you wonder when I emailed ya) :)
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 21 June, 2020, 10:23:34 am
A few years ago, I mistakenly entered HK in one of his long brevets that clashed with a long French brevet that we’d already booked. Despite emailing Andy asking to withdraw HK’s entry (noting that he had no requirement to do so) within an hour of entering his event, no response at all. AUK policy is no refunds and so we wrote off a fairly large entry fee (in AUK terms) without quibbling. Such is life!
Post by: 3peaker on 21 June, 2020, 11:07:19 am
In the meantime, I am planning a JoGLE of my own as a leisurely N-S tour, although I had hoped and had planning for a 7x200. Just a matter of cycling to JoG which I intend to do by a (40yrs later) re-run of the National 3 Peaks by Bike Caernarvon<>Ft William. Might just extend it to a 4Corners, picking up a couple DIY 200s along the S coast in August.
Just need to be prepared to “take an Audax break” and think about other ways to enjoy cycling. As a senior, every year is a bonus and not to be wasted.
Post by: Davef on 21 June, 2020, 12:24:41 pm
Once the Boris bridge to NI is opened there will be a whole new range of rides to consider.
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Post by: kevinsm on 26 June, 2020, 07:27:35 pm
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Post by: LMT on 26 June, 2020, 09:23:50 pm
Well despite Andy saying no more on here, his website says it’s postponed till 2021. We won’t be doing it then, have other things planned. So as we have time booked off work, accom and transport sorted, we’re still going ahead ourselves, as it appears it will be legal to do so. We’ll leave LE on 25th, giving us a day extra to do it in, basically 7x 200k.
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Andy did send out an email.
Post by: kevinsm on 26 June, 2020, 09:26:49 pm
When was that?Well despite Andy saying no more on here, his website says it’s postponed till 2021. We won’t be doing it then, have other things planned. So as we have time booked off work, accom and transport sorted, we’re still going ahead ourselves, as it appears it will be legal to do so. We’ll leave LE on 25th, giving us a day extra to do it in, basically 7x 200k.
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Andy did send out an email.
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Post by: LMT on 26 June, 2020, 09:32:12 pm
Post by: kevinsm on 26 June, 2020, 09:36:25 pm
Are we the only ones that have missed it or not received it, it’s not like we have not been checking/waiting.
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Post by: Bus Shelter Bertie on 26 June, 2020, 09:45:50 pm
Neither my wife or me have had that, we’ve both entered?
Are we the only ones that have missed it or not received it, it’s not like we have not been checking/waiting.
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You are not alone Kevin, nothing received here either.
Post by: bgilliver on 26 June, 2020, 09:54:21 pm
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Post by: davocon on 26 June, 2020, 10:38:08 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 26 June, 2020, 11:45:23 pm
Obviously, you'll all by now have received the latest instructions from the AUK board that AUK events of any kind won't be resuming before 01 August 2020. As a consequence, we all now have to accept that there'll be no LEJOG AUDAX this year and the event has been postponed until 2021. In all honesty it seems that it was only a matter of time. This is a great shame as I was really looking forward to it. All entrants are in the process of being emailed so if you haven't got yours yet it will be with you within the next couple of days or so. 18-22 July 2021 has been provisionally set for the 2021 edition.
Andy Corless
Post by: simonp on 27 June, 2020, 02:25:00 am
Post by: davocon on 27 June, 2020, 09:49:31 am
Post by: Redefined_cycles on 27 June, 2020, 11:34:28 am
Hello all,
Obviously, you'll all by now have received the latest instructions from the AUK board that AUK events of any kind won't be resuming before 01 August 2020. As a consequence, we all now have to accept that there'll be no LEJOG AUDAX this year and the event has been postponed until 2021. In all honesty it seems that it was only a matter of time. This is a great shame as I was really looking forward to it. All entrants are in the process of being emailed so if you haven't got yours yet it will be with you within the next couple of days or so. 18-22 July 2021 has been provisionally set for the 2021 edition.
Andy Corless
Sorry for being a pain Andy. What if anyone isn't able to make the new date for 2021?? I don't think I'll be able to rearrange time off work for one and possibly many others lile that. Do we just lose all the 2020 entry fee. Thanks again
Post by: Tomsk on 27 June, 2020, 05:25:19 pm
If it's confirmed no permanent events longer than 200km, or any calendar rides can happen this season, then the ACME Grand will have to be cancelled too. We'll see whether the Richard Ellis 200 & 100km in the new season as well as the ACME Winter Series are viable ...
Post by: Ajax Bay on 27 June, 2020, 06:05:37 pm
Post by: Xander on 29 June, 2020, 06:01:35 pm
I don't receive messages from AUDAX UK, because I'm not a member as a Dutchie. I hope to receive your e-mail soon.
Kind Regards,
Xander.
Post by: composite on 30 June, 2020, 12:28:49 am
Some information on what the deal is with refunds if we can't make it to the rescheduled event would be appreciated.
Post by: JonJon on 30 June, 2020, 01:54:38 pm
Hello all,
Obviously, you'll all by now have received the latest instructions from the AUK board that AUK events of any kind won't be resuming before 01 August 2020. As a consequence, we all now have to accept that there'll be no LEJOG AUDAX this year and the event has been postponed until 2021. In all honesty it seems that it was only a matter of time. This is a great shame as I was really looking forward to it. All entrants are in the process of being emailed so if you haven't got yours yet it will be with you within the next couple of days or so. 18-22 July 2021 has been provisionally set for the 2021 edition.
Andy Corless
Post by: slugbait on 30 June, 2020, 06:03:14 pm
Dear Andy,
I don't receive messages from AUDAX UK, because I'm not a member as a Dutchie. I hope to receive your e-mail soon.
Kind Regards,
Xander.
Hi Xander, as Dutchie you can still join Audax UK. It's a bargain! And Dutchies (like myself) really appreciate a bargain ;-)
(And I guess Andy will eventually send an e-mail to all those who entered.)
Post by: Andy Corless on 30 June, 2020, 11:27:03 pm
"Hello all,
Obviously, you'll all by now have received the latest instructions from the AUK board that AUK events of any kind won't be resuming before 01 August 2020. As a consequence, we all now have to accept that there'll be no LEJOG AUDAX this year and I've not really much option other than to postpone the event until 2021. I'm also planning on running the event in 2022. In all honesty it seems that it was only a matter of time. This is a great shame as I was really looking forward to it and I know a lot of you will also be disappointed as many of you have been training exceptionally hard however, we also have to accept that these are exceptional circumstances totally beyond our control and none of which could possibly have been foreseen when the event was first created. I'm particularly concerned for our overseas riders who might have incurred a heavy financial burden whilst arranging flights etc and might have had to self-isolate following arrival in the UK. Fortunately, many of the international airline carriers are offering credits/refunds etc.
I'm hoping, with everyone's cooperation, that all of you will be able to make either the 2021/2022 edition and the dates for 2021 have been provisionally set for 18-23 July 2021. This might seem unusual but with thousands of pounds already spent on the LEJOG event I don't want the event left in a negative financial situation, particularly as the circumstances are exceptional and couldn't have been forseen.
I'll be emailing again in a couple of weeks time with further news. I'm sorry it's turned out like this for everybody this year but the circumstances are obviously exceptional and completely out of everybody's control. I was hoping that the situation would improve throughout the Spring in time for the LEJOG to go ahead as planned in late July but it isn't to be this time.
I hope that you and your families stay safe and do take care for now in these difficult times for what has been a miserable season for seasoned randonneurs.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX "
Adding to that, considering that with all the AUK Spring events cancelled I doubt whether most riders would have been in condition anyway.
Andy Corless
Post by: Davef on 09 July, 2020, 03:28:47 pm
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Post by: Bikeabilityman on 09 July, 2020, 05:01:14 pm
Thanks again to Andy for the efforts he has made. I still intend to have a go as a solo ride this year (before repeating in 2021 or 2022 officially) It has been officially announced today that phase 3 is underway in Scotland and that hotels are open for tourism for the 15th. Hotels do seem particularly cheap ... my travelodge/premier Inn bookings average less than £30.Sounds like a pampered ride 😉 Good luck!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Redefined_cycles on 15 July, 2020, 10:26:59 pm
I took it to paypal and opened up a case. Not sure what the outcome will be but at least it seems to have led to a response (no shizzle Sherlock) by the organiser (Burnley Cycle Club). Not to me directly but to PayPals resolution team. But its a start.
Hope it helps anyone else that might be struggling with comms and finances ...
Post by: Andy Corless on 29 July, 2020, 10:02:56 am
You're welcome to enter next year or in 2022, and I'm sure you will once the Covid-19 pandemic blows over and things hopefully return to normal. I Look forward to seeing you then if so.
Andy Corless
Post by: C-3PO on 29 July, 2020, 12:21:27 pm
NB. If anyone thinks my post wasn't observing rule #1 (dont be a ...) then feel free to PM and I'm happy to delete and just wait to see when Andy manages to cstch up. Apologies in advance
Just got my money back from paypal. Thanks Andy for acting like we're all thick and ignoring us (well done for responding quickly when paypal got in touch). Won't ever be doing an audax with you again mate ya swindling ignoring smartypants. Thanks again fella and hope everyone else you ignored when it came to money woes manages to also get refunded ::-).
Master, the information in your post above could have been expressed in a more appropriate way. We understand your frustration, but suggest a re-word to the post; you have the power to do this.
Your shiny servant.
Post by: Davef on 30 July, 2020, 07:52:54 pm
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200730/ed3b2762659e2af88d1d4cf508b5f812.jpg)Thanks again to Andy for the efforts he has made. I still intend to have a go as a solo ride this year (before repeating in 2021 or 2022 officially) It has been officially announced today that phase 3 is underway in Scotland and that hotels are open for tourism for the 15th. Hotels do seem particularly cheap ... my travelodge/premier Inn bookings average less than £30.Sounds like a pampered ride
Sent from my iPad using TapatalkGood luck!
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Post by: bairn again on 30 July, 2020, 09:20:18 pm
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200730/ed3b2762659e2af88d1d4cf508b5f812.jpg)Thanks again to Andy for the efforts he has made. I still intend to have a go as a solo ride this year (before repeating in 2021 or 2022 officially) It has been officially announced today that phase 3 is underway in Scotland and that hotels are open for tourism for the 15th. Hotels do seem particularly cheap ... my travelodge/premier Inn bookings average less than £30.Sounds like a pampered ride
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Chapeau. No finer feeling!
Post by: FifeingEejit on 31 July, 2020, 12:35:47 am
Post by: Davef on 31 July, 2020, 06:31:54 am
Ah so you got there before some gadgie malkied the "Orkney" finger.They had just finished repairing it.
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Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 31 July, 2020, 06:34:20 am
Post by: Davef on 31 July, 2020, 06:38:13 am
I hope it was an enjoyable ride Davef.Apart from the bit from Lockerbie to East Kilbride into a nasty headwind
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Post by: Bikeabilityman on 01 August, 2020, 08:23:03 am
Post by: kevinsm on 03 August, 2020, 12:58:59 pm
Post by: adam w on 11 August, 2020, 09:57:44 am
Post by: Leo on 17 November, 2020, 07:00:38 am
Post by: robgul on 17 November, 2020, 08:41:22 am
I have just re-vamped my www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk website (newer technology and tidying up the text/content)
At the moment the Audax mention is out of date - if someone would like to make contact and let me have the content that should be there (and anything else) I'll be delighted to publish it) See https://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk/rides/audax-rides
You can list your ride in the calendar and if you are of a mind to write a journal or whatever that can be published too ... and all for free!!
[There is a contact form on the website, or PM from here]
Rob
Post by: Despuech on 13 January, 2021, 07:20:08 am
Post by: robgul on 13 January, 2021, 08:31:48 am
Check out the Matt cartoon in today’s Torygraph :-)
Couldn't resist : https://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk/old-news-stuff
Post by: Geriatricdolan on 13 January, 2021, 01:44:14 pm
Surely hope it will be possible to ride LEJOG 2021 :)
Very unlikely... multi-day event, sharing accommodation will probably be difficult to organise safely.
Post by: Andy Corless on 15 January, 2021, 12:32:56 am
Hopefully but probably about 50/50. I suppose it depends on the efficiency of the new vaccine as well as the lifting of the suspension currently in place by AUK for events at that distance.
Best to keep an eye on the event website. Link attached below.
All the 2021 entrants, including those that transferred their entry over from last year will be receiving latest update emails shortly. Same goes for Inverness 1200 and Pendle 600!
https://lejog1400audax.com/
Andy Corless
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 18 January, 2021, 05:22:53 pm
Depends onSurely hope it will be possible to ride LEJOG 2021 :)
Very unlikely... multi-day event, sharing accommodation will probably be difficult to organise safely.
A) how many riders have been vaccinated
B) level of cases in the country at the time
Post by: Lightning Phil on 18 January, 2021, 05:27:05 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 18 January, 2021, 10:26:16 pm
A) how many riders have been vaccinated
B) level of cases in the country at the time
As well as AUK lifting the suspension for events of that distance after the lockdown.
Andy Corless
Post by: robhyde on 19 January, 2021, 02:41:11 pm
"Surely hope it will be possible to ride LEJOG 2021"
Hopefully but probably about 50/50. I suppose it depends on the efficiency of the new vaccine as well as the lifting of the suspension currently in place by AUK for events at that distance.
Best to keep an eye on the event website. Link attached below.
All the 2021 entrants, including those that transferred their entry over from last year will be receiving latest update emails shortly. Same goes for Inverness 1200 and Pendle 600!
https://lejog1400audax.com/
Andy Corless
I'll probably ride the Pendle 600 if Covid conditions allow - is there a way of registering interest even if calendar events aren't enterable on the AUK site currently?
Post by: Ajax Bay on 19 January, 2021, 03:55:39 pm
I'll probably ride the Pendle 600 if Covid conditions allow - is there a way of registering interest even if calendar events aren't enterable on the AUK site currently?All entry mechanisms have been blocked off, as you've said. Don't think there will be an issue getting a place on the Pendle 600 though, so registering an interest is nugatory (except for personal motivation). Might be an issue completing it, though!
Consider Deano's SR600 as a hilly alternative with attractive images required as an integral part of the ride.
Post by: robhyde on 19 January, 2021, 04:21:47 pm
I'll probably ride the Pendle 600 if Covid conditions allow - is there a way of registering interest even if calendar events aren't enterable on the AUK site currently?All entry mechanisms have been blocked off, as you've said. Don't think there will be an issue getting a place on the Pendle 600 though, so registering an interest is nugatroy (except for personal motivation). Might be an issue completing it, though!
Consider Deano's SR600 as a hilly alternative with attractive images required as an integral part of the ride.
Ah yes I have unfinished business with the Pendle, almost certain that Yorkshire will be sunny with tailwinds this year though : )
Post by: Andy Corless on 19 January, 2021, 11:59:36 pm
I'd expect the Delightful Dales 200; Knock Ventoux 300; Tan Hill 200 and Glasgow 600 to go ahead with a 30-rider limit. I wouldn't be sure about the others.
There's little chance of the Pendle 600 becoming fully booked up.
After all the transfers are complete there's likely to be about 30 places left on LEJOG!
Andy Corless
Post by: wwatts on 04 March, 2021, 11:16:31 pm
Bill Watts
Indiaan Randonneurs, uSA
Post by: GPS on 05 March, 2021, 08:40:54 am
Does anyone have a prediction about whether travel restrictiions are likely be to lifted for overseas visitors in tme for LEJOG 2021? I am coming from the states, and will be fully vaccinated by mid-March, and will have documentation to prove it. It would not make any sense for me to come, though, if I had to quarantine for two weeks after landing.
Bill Watts
Indiaan Randonneurs, uSA
This is where the UK government published its recent official announcements on our 'roadmap' out of the current lockdown: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021
No-one's got a firm idea of what'll actually happen though, of course ! I'm in the same boat as you with regards to booking travel overseas for rides. It's crap isn't it !?
Post by: grams on 05 March, 2021, 08:57:18 am
Post by: Andy Corless on 18 March, 2021, 10:50:30 pm
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Deano4 on 19 March, 2021, 12:15:02 pm
Post by: LMT on 19 March, 2021, 02:41:34 pm
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 22 March, 2021, 09:20:44 am
Does anyone have a prediction about whether travel restrictiions are likely be to lifted for overseas visitors in tme for LEJOG 2021? I am coming from the states, and will be fully vaccinated by mid-March, and will have documentation to prove it. It would not make any sense for me to come, though, if I had to quarantine for two weeks after landing.Given recent statements from the government, I would say it is unlikely. I wouldn't book any travel yet.
Bill Watts
Indiaan Randonneurs, uSA
Post by: Jack_P on 09 April, 2021, 10:48:43 am
Following the recent announcements from the UK government re the proposed relaxing of covid-19 restrictions as well as AUK validating rides again from next month I've been asked by a few riders the likelihood of the LEJOG going ahead this time, and will we be accepting more entries. The chances are high that the LEJOG will go ahead as planned in July. I'm just waiting to see precise advice about Scotland and Wales. More details will be available in the next update, due around Easter time. There's about 20 places left!
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Any update then Andy?
Post by: Andy Corless on 14 April, 2021, 10:45:19 pm
Update later this month.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Leo on 27 April, 2021, 08:16:48 am
Post by: Andy Corless on 01 May, 2021, 10:36:51 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: Andy Corless on 12 May, 2021, 11:49:49 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: Andy Corless on 17 May, 2021, 10:49:39 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: thegasman on 18 May, 2021, 09:50:32 pm
Post by: Alans coffee on 21 May, 2021, 05:34:53 pm
Post by: Alan Steele on 23 May, 2021, 09:30:06 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 23 May, 2021, 11:08:48 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: amitgal on 26 May, 2021, 12:54:11 pm
Post by: Ajax Bay on 27 May, 2021, 03:30:33 pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
1419.4 km + 13833m
DRAFT GUESS 1400+km audax from Land's End to John o'Groats. Via St Stephen (Cornwall), Moretonhampstead (Dartmoor), Sandford (Somerset - sleep stop 1 @302), Monmouth, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Warrington (sleep stop 2 @ 593), Carnforth, Gretna Green, Paisley (sleep stop 3 @ 957), Fort William, Inverness (sleep stop 4 @ 1229)
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/
Post by: Andy Corless on 01 June, 2021, 12:19:46 am
Now that we have a clearer picture I'll advise of my intentions of running the 2021 LEJOG 1400 AUDAX.
The 2021 edition is set for 18-23 July 2021 and I intend to proceed as planned with the event using the four overnight controls, subject to final approval my the AUK events board. The event is still currently suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic. I also intend to retain the drop-bag to the first 3 controls, so it's effectively as we were.
Obviously, because of the uncertainty caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, many of the pre season events have had to be cancelled and we realise that many riders won't be in the expected physical condition to ride a 1400 km Audax in 2-months time as you'd normally be, so I'll be happy to defer any rider entry over to next year if they'd prefer just as many have already requested to do so.
Obviously, in order for the LEJOG to run we need to assess both the physical and financial viability of the event as it would require a certain number of riders; so it would be helpful if you could each confirm your intention to ride this year or not.
Event info'; route-sheet etc will all be available sometime during mid-late June.
We're in the process of emailing the Spring update out to all the entrants.
Kind regards,
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 02 June, 2021, 08:40:48 am
Post by: Princellewelyn on 02 June, 2021, 06:57:58 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 02 June, 2021, 11:39:28 pm
As said in my previous post earlier this week, we realise that many riders won't have ridden themselves into condition with much of the longer (400km+) pre-season events being cancelled, so we're happy to transfer riders over to next year on request and many have already decided to do so.
For information purposes, the 2022 edition has been confirmed as 03-08 July 2022. There's been a surprising number of enquiries coming in already for the 2022 edition and judging by the level of interest we're already planning for 500 riders next year.
Apologies if you've emailed in the last few days and not yet had a response as there's been a delay at this end.
Every rider on the 2021 start list will be getting the latest update imminently if they haven't done so already.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 03 June, 2021, 09:33:09 am
Post by: thegasman on 03 June, 2021, 09:03:57 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 05 June, 2021, 01:12:24 am
I'm away in Scotland (again) this weekend so I'll look at the responses when I get back home and see where we are Monday/Tuesday. Have a good weekend all and enjoy the good weather.
Andy Corless
Post by: Jack_P on 06 June, 2021, 10:16:19 am
Everyone who's on the start list for the 2021 edition should have by now had the latest update emailed this last week. Thanks to all those that quickly responded.
I'm away in Scotland (again) this weekend so I'll look at the responses when I get back home and see where we are Monday/Tuesday. Have a good weekend all and enjoy the good weather.
Andy Corless
I have received no email Andy, even though I know what the email says, and intend to ride in 2021
Jack Peterson
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 09 June, 2021, 10:28:09 am
Post by: Andy Corless on 10 June, 2021, 11:25:30 pm
Route will be similar, not identical, to this:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
Those still keen to ride should keep an eye on the event website:
https://lejog1400audax.com/
More info' soon.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Jon+1bike on 15 June, 2021, 04:20:45 pm
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 15 June, 2021, 05:20:10 pm
??? LOCKDOWN Extension till 19th July ???Take it easy through Cornwall and arrive at the first overnight control after 00:01 19/07/2021
;D
In fairness not many will be able to do this in less than 15 hours anyway.
Post by: Andy Corless on 16 June, 2021, 12:00:21 pm
Being totally honest, I'd be reluctant to run any 'night' events before 19 July. If there were any Covid-19 outbreaks at any of the control facilities shortly afterwards the blame would fall squarely on us and possibly damage reputations. I'll be emailing all the 2021 entrants this coming week to gather their thoughts and see if they're all willing to proceed. Many have already requested a transfer to 2022. It's still being discussed at this end.
Kind regards,
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Princellewelyn on 16 June, 2021, 06:15:21 pm
Post by: Alan Steele on 16 June, 2021, 08:37:14 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 16 June, 2021, 11:42:52 pm
I'll be emailing all the 2021 entrants later this week.
Andy Corless
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 22 June, 2021, 02:17:17 pm
I'd be interested to ride x rated if it runs on that basis. If it diesn't run, I'll probably look at riding it as a 7x 200km ride.
Post by: Andy Corless on 23 June, 2021, 12:13:23 am
Scotland's current restrictions would limit the field to 50 riders however, these restrictions are due to be relaxed on 19 July. LEJOG wouldn't arrive there before 20 July so there's room for manoeuvre here but this could be extended or even tightened at anytime and what we don't want of course is to have to cull the ride halfway through.
The spread of the Delta variant in North West England is also a major concern. Visitors to Manchester and Salford are not eligible to travel to Scotland and this travel ban could be extended to Lancashire at anytime.
Nightmare at the moment but I'm confident that things will improve later this year and optimistic that next year's edition, set for 03-08 July 2022, will be a full value event and be a success.
All the 2021 entrants will be receiving emails later this week. Those that preferred to transfer over to next year (which I'm certain will go ahead as planned) will also be receiving confirmation emails.
As an aside, I'm as confident that the next event I'm organizing after LEJOG, Inverness 1200, set for 11-15 September will also be a success. Scotland plan to remove all restrictions around 09 August 2021.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 23 June, 2021, 10:46:08 am
The spread of the Delta variant in North West England is also a major concern. Visitors to Manchester and Salford are not eligible to travel to Scotland and this travel ban could be extended to Lancashire at anytime.
The rate in Warrington is not far below Manchester and rising quickly. I think there is a very real risk that by mid July the affected area will present a significant barrier to the route. If any control locations fall under the same restrictions as Manchester then the ride could not go ahead with auk knowing that riders will have to stop in areas which would result in them not being allowed to enter Scotland.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 24 June, 2021, 11:14:08 pm
Maybe 60% of the M6 to M74 traffic will have passed through Manchester (J23-J27).
Cyclists en route are not 'visitors to Manchester and Salford'.
The sleep stop control was to be Warrington.
There is a McD's and a 24 hour Shell garage on the road a mile north of Warrington (on A49).
This is outside Greater Manchester: https://tfgm.com/public-transport/maps/greater-manchester-bus-boundary-map
The route I've shared:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
avoids Greater Manchester, straying into its edge for a mile between Billinge and Orrell.
Maybe merit in riders NOT booking somewhere to stop within city limits.
Several Travelodge options including one in central Warrington (<£30) and for £32:
https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/135/Haydock-St-Helens-hotel?checkIn=19%2F07%2F21&checkOut=20%2F07%2F21&rooms%5B0%5D%5Badults%5D=1&rooms%5B0%5D%5Bchildren%5D=0
The next control was (once upon a time) shared as Carnforth.
ETA: I've also cut out the 4km excursion to Sandford (Churchill) Activity Centre (was to be end of Day 1 stop/bed offer) on the RwGPS route: there is a 24 hr service station on the A38 (col) above Winscombe as the control option.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 25 June, 2021, 11:51:58 am
It is inconceivable that a citizen travelling through Merseyside/Manchester conurbation will thus be 'prohibited' in law or in practice from travelling into the Scotland.
Maybe 60% of the M6 to M74 traffic will have passed through Manchester (J23-J27).
Cyclists en route are not 'visitors to Manchester and Salford'.
Agreed greater Manchester is not a problem, but the trend in surrounding areas such as Lancashire and Warrington is upwards, the risk is that at any time in the next two weeks the restrictions on Manchester could be applied to other areas.
Passing through non stop is not being a visitor, this is established. But overnight stops would be and I'm not sure if having lunch in a pub or restaurant would count.
Post by: Andy Corless on 26 June, 2021, 10:47:10 pm
The UK has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases today since February so it's not a good sign. My club advisors are also concerned that if any of the overnight controls recorded a Covid-19 outbreak shortly after we passed through the blame for the spread would fall squarely on us, or probably AUDAX for sanctioning the event.
However, there's always a "however", I'm confident that we'll have a LEJOG AUDAX at some point.
I'm about to send out a group email to all those on the 2021 LEJOG start list advising of the options.
Nightmare situation.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX
Post by: Ajax Bay on 27 June, 2021, 10:43:40 pm
This is a major concern at this end.Were you still planning to arrange 'overnight controls' Andy? Thought you had changed it to be 'X rated'.
. . . .
My club advisors are also concerned that if any of the overnight controls recorded a Covid-19 outbreak shortly after we passed through the blame for the spread would fall squarely on us, or probably AUDAX for sanctioning the event.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX
I hope Ironman UK at Bolton next Sunday manages to run. Over 1000 athletes are entered.
Post by: Andrew097 on 04 July, 2021, 12:46:01 pm
Post by: wwatts on 27 July, 2021, 09:23:06 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 28 July, 2021, 11:24:18 pm
Looking ahead, which is about the only thing that we can do at the moment, we're already preparing for the 2022 edition and planning for 500 riders.
If you plan to travel over to the UK from abroad I'd advise you to get your Covid vaccination jabs up to date before booking. The US apparently doesn't recognize the Oxford AstraZeneca/Pfizer vaccine. I don't know if it's the same vice versa.
I've been out of it this last week with only limited email access so if you've emailed this last week you'll be getting a reply soon.
We've already updated the LEJOG event website with next year's details (see link below).
Looking forward to seeing you on 03 July next year ....
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
https://lejog1400audax.com/
Post by: wwatts on 29 July, 2021, 06:42:42 pm
Bill Watts
Post by: Simon_A on 23 August, 2021, 08:31:18 pm
Post by: Marek on 14 September, 2021, 11:00:53 am
I signed up for the event next year on 12 August but have not received a confirmation email? I have however got the one from PayPal.
Out of curiosity, how many people is the event open to/what numbers usually do it? Also, do bunches form during the event or does everyone usually just stick to themselves and ride their own routes + pace solo?
Cheers,
Marek
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 14 September, 2021, 05:21:46 pm
Hi Andy,Post upthread says there are 500 places, so I would expect plenty of groups to form on the road.
I signed up for the event next year on 12 August but have not received a confirmation email? I have however got the one from PayPal.
Out of curiosity, how many people is the event open to/what numbers usually do it? Also, do bunches form during the event or does everyone usually just stick to themselves and ride their own routes + pace solo?
Cheers,
Marek
Post by: Lightning Phil on 14 September, 2021, 08:25:22 pm
Hi Andy,
I signed up for the event next year on 12 August but have not received a confirmation email? I have however got the one from PayPal.
Out of curiosity, how many people is the event open to/what numbers usually do it? Also, do bunches form during the event or does everyone usually just stick to themselves and ride their own routes + pace solo?
Cheers,
Marek
The event hasn’t run before. That latter point has no answer.
Post by: Andy Corless on 15 September, 2021, 02:55:49 am
I signed up for the event next year on 12 August but have not received a confirmation email? I have however got the one from PayPal.
Checking the records there was only 1 entry on that date and the entrant was sent a confirmation email the following day at 12:04 pm. I've sent you another one just in case.
Look forward to seeing you then.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Marek on 15 September, 2021, 11:54:56 am
This will be my first Audax, so glad to hear that groups will likely form!
Looking forward to it
Post by: Bobby on 15 September, 2021, 01:09:36 pm
Andy I don't want to be a pain so really just asking, do you think any manned controls are likely to have gluten-fee options? With bag drops it's not impossible for me to put dehydrated meals in as a backup & obviously there are commercial options,
Cheers,
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 15 September, 2021, 01:43:55 pm
Thanks Andy, got it now :)This is to a certain degree speculation on my part, but I evermore completed a 1000km brevet with only 12 riders and of the 15 stages I think I ride 5 with compensation and could have had company on at least 3 more of us been prepared to wait.
This will be my first Audax, so glad to hear that groups will likely form!
Looking forward to it
More riders means more chance of people riding at your speed. Nothing is guaranteed. Best bet if you want company is to ride with a group you are not flat out to keep up with.
Post by: Andy Corless on 21 October, 2021, 11:08:06 pm
Not being a pain at all. So sorry for not responding earlier but I'm playing catch up at this end after a rather hectic last few weeks. The answer is very probably. There'll be a wide selection of food options available at each of the overnight controls.
More in the next update, due early December.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX
Post by: audax-man on 27 November, 2021, 04:54:24 pm
I have been very patient on this issue, and don’t really understand why the matter remains outstanding. The LEJOG ride has been postponed twice now (in 2020 & 2021) and as I have informed you previously my priority is LEL in 2022, and I don't have the time outside of work/family to do both LEJOG and LEL in 2022. I look forward to receipt of the £146 owed.
Post by: Andy Corless on 27 November, 2021, 11:34:41 pm
If you requested a refund you'll be on the list so it'll be processing soon. Very busy and a bit behind at this end with very big cycle tour coming up in a couple of weeks time. With it being such a long time email addresses have to be (re)confirmed as direct refunds can only be processed within 180-days. You'll need to email me your PayPal email address if you haven't done so already? Banks tend not to recognised YACF pen-names these days ...
Andy Corless
Post by: Andy Corless on 19 December, 2021, 12:04:31 am
I do hope you're all keeping safe and well in these difficult times.
The December update on the progress of the LEJOG 1400 AUDAX, due to be held between 03-08 July 2022, is currently being emailed to all those on the starting list.
The Start:
We still plan on a mass start at 09:00 am on Sunday 03 July 2022. A optional all-you-can-eat buffet is also being arranged at the nearby village hall for the night before the event (Sat 02 July 22).
Route and controls:
We're still searching for some larger controls near the existing control points in case the event is over-subscribed. A re-route through Cornwall is under consideration but the route is very likely to be close to that already drafted and posted on the Ride With GPS website. Link attached here:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
International travel:
For foreign entrants still intending to travel over to the UK next July, the UK government has relaxed travel restrictions for entry into the UK for fully vaccinated travellers however, these are set to change at very short notice. I'd advise all foreign entrants to keep a close eye on the UK foreign office website here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
The finish:
We don't plan on using any building for the finish. The exact finish point will be in the main car-park at John o' Groats. For those that haven't been there before the road actually runs straight into the car-park anyway so the right turn onto the A99 at the village of Reiss, about 13-miles from the finish is essentially the last instruction. All-day parking at JoG costs just £2 when we last looked. There's a number of cafes and souvenir shops surrounding the main car-park although a controller will be on hand 24/7 from opening to closing time (or from when the first riders are expected to arrive until the last riders have collected their drop bags and left for home) in order to collect cards; and your drop bag will be here available for collection.
Overall, I'm more confident that the 2022 LEJOG will go ahead as planned despite the ongoing C*vid-19 Pandemic. The vaccination programme combined with the relaxing of travel restrictions, both domestic and international makes the event a huge probability despite the number of variants that keep cropping up from time to time.
Entries are now open and I'd advise aspiring riders to also keep an eye out for updates on the event website at:
https://lejog1400audax.com/
After a couple of inquiries I'll confirm that tribars are allowed.
I'll probably be away between Christmas and New Year so I'll only have limited email access in that time (which I often only do anyway), but the next update's likely to be around February time when I'll have more information on exact control points.
In the meantime, do stay safe and I look forward to seeing you all in the near future.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Tom88 on 05 January, 2022, 06:59:39 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 18 February, 2022, 11:18:32 pm
It's that time again. Time for the latest LEJOG AUDAX progress update before I go away again this weekend.
Event jersey:
There's likely to be a commemorative jersey for the event. Cost isn't included in the entry fee but are likely to be priced at around £40-£45 each. More details in April! There's likely to be an extra page added to the event website so keep an eye on the website link at:
https://lejog1400audax.com/
Officialdom:
After all the trials and tribulations over the last couple of years it looks like we’re finally going to get an AUDAX LEJOG after all. Despite the travel chaos caused by the Pandemic, the recent easing of social distancing measures and travel restrictions makes this year’s edition more probable than possible. I’m as certain as I can be that the 2022 edition will proceed as planned although we’re still talking to some of the controls. Foreign entrants might find some useful travel information of the foreign office website at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
Controls:
After some discussion, it's now believed that the original controls will be large enough for the field so we'll be sticking with these. More details in or around Easter.
Route:
We still plan on issuing much of the final information around Easter, including split GPS tracks for each day, but the overall route is expected to be at or close to this draft:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
All entrants will be issued with the latest update sometime over the next couple of weeks. I'll be away until early March so keep getting the miles in.
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Andy Corless on 26 February, 2022, 10:49:30 pm
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Alans coffee on 27 February, 2022, 09:47:48 am
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 28 February, 2022, 02:35:46 pm
Does anyone know if we can stay at the hall on the night before?I don't think there was any suggestion of this being available before, and personally I wouldn't. There will be enough subsequent nights in a dorm with lots of noisy audaxers. I would have no desire to sleep in a shared space before the event as well and potentially start the event sleep deprived, especially with the sort of people who will set an alarm for 20 minutes before they need to get up and then hit snooze.
Of course if you are a particularly heavy sleeper (or deaf) you may feel differently.
Post by: Andy Corless on 01 March, 2022, 10:31:44 pm
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/
Andy Corless
Post by: Ian H on 02 March, 2022, 10:44:32 am
Post by: Redlight on 03 March, 2022, 02:57:42 pm
Premier Inn opposite Penzance station is bike-friendly. Be aware that nearly all places in the town stop serving food at or before 21:00.
Also, don't count on being able to get a cup of coffee or anything else at Land's End, before you set off. When I was there in September, the hotel refused to allow me in, despite the dining area being visibly near-empty.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 04 March, 2022, 09:05:16 am
Event start is in the village hall in Sennon, I expect some food and drink will be provided by the organiser. Not expecting a full cooked breakfast here, but there will almost certainly be coffee.Premier Inn opposite Penzance station is bike-friendly. Be aware that nearly all places in the town stop serving food at or before 21:00.
Also, don't count on being able to get a cup of coffee or anything else at Land's End, before you set off. When I was there in September, the hotel refused to allow me in, despite the dining area being visibly near-empty.
Post by: Marek on 22 March, 2022, 08:49:44 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 24 March, 2022, 10:44:22 pm
It's 3 separate bags, not the same bag three times and the bags are being delivered to each of the three locations rather than being driven from location to location.
Charging facilities will be available at each of the four overnight controls.
Andy Corless
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 25 March, 2022, 09:22:22 am
Marek,
It's 3 separate bags, not the same bag three times and the bags are being delivered to each of the three locations rather than being driven from location to location.
Charging facilities will be available at each of the four overnight controls.
Andy Corless
Andy,
will it be ok if one of the bags is larger than the others (to carry the other two inside when riding to the start?) And do we get to choose which controls?
Post by: Marek on 25 March, 2022, 01:00:33 pm
One large bag (collapsable) to house the three is what I plan to do as well to help with getting to and from the start/finish.
Post by: Simon_A on 09 May, 2022, 02:57:05 pm
Hello Andy, I've just entered. Thanks for putting on such an iconic route as an event :thumbsup:I'm out, recent medical issue means I won't complete my training in time :( Hope it goes well for everyone else!!!
Post by: Andy Corless on 09 May, 2022, 11:25:29 pm
https://lejog1400audax.com
Andy Corless
Post by: Southy on 10 May, 2022, 01:16:37 pm
Thanks for letting us know; I'll mark you down as DNS. Due to calendar congestion many are transferring over to 2024. There'll be another update later this month. A few updates on the event website at:
https://lejog1400audax.com
Andy Corless
Hi Andy, I am probably stating the obvious based on the above, but just to clarify. There are currently no plans to run this in 2023?
Many thanks
James
Post by: Kangaroocourt on 10 May, 2022, 04:49:57 pm
Anyone else the same boat?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 10 May, 2022, 04:54:39 pm
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 10 May, 2022, 06:43:24 pm
Per usual I've left organisation until the last minute, and now can't find any trains with bike spaces from Thurso or Wick heading down south until days after the finish. The bike transports also seem to be booked out and flying isn't an option. Cycling back to Edinburgh might be fun - or not.
Anyone else the same boat?
possibly. I haven't attempted anything.
I have a couple of thoughts on this.
1) it's only 200km back to Inverness, so cyclable
2) JOG bike transfer will (probably) ship your bike home for you from Inverness even if they don't pick you up from JOG.
Post by: Kangaroocourt on 10 May, 2022, 07:11:59 pm
Per usual I've left organisation until the last minute, and now can't find any trains with bike spaces from Thurso or Wick heading down south until days after the finish. The bike transports also seem to be booked out and flying isn't an option. Cycling back to Edinburgh might be fun - or not.
Anyone else the same boat?
possibly. I haven't attempted anything.
I have a couple of thoughts on this.
1) it's only 200km back to Inverness, so cyclable
2) JOG bike transfer will (probably) ship your bike home for you from Inverness even if they don't pick you up from JOG.
Cycling might be the go unless something else turns up. What's another couple of days in the same kit after all?
Post by: Ajax Bay on 12 May, 2022, 05:28:54 pm
Head up onto Orkney and get overnight ferry Kirkwall to Aberdeen, then train from there to London and onwards.FTFY
Ferry direct from JoG or a few km west of JoG at Gills Bay. Very civilised compared to via Inverness but first Kirkwall - Aberdeen ferry possible is Friday 8 Jul at 2345 depart from Kirkwall (Mon/Wed/Fri ferries).
https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/booking-info/timetables/
Post by: marlan on 14 May, 2022, 05:36:15 pm
I took that ferry when I did my LEJOG a few years ago, very civilised with a recliner seat and a good price!Head up onto Orkney and get overnight ferry Kirkwall to Aberdeen, then train from there to London and onwards.FTFY
Ferry direct from JoG or a few km west of JoG at Gills Bay. Very civilised compared to via Inverness but first Kirkwall - Aberdeen ferry possible is Friday 8 Jul at 2345 depart from Kirkwall (Mon/Wed/Fri ferries).
https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/booking-info/timetables/
Then leisurely ride to Edinburgh and a train home
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Andy Corless on 14 May, 2022, 10:56:05 pm
Just picked up the LEJOG file for final preparations with just 7 weeks to go.
There's no plans to run the LEJOG in 2023. It's anticipated the event will return in 2-years time and a provisional date of 28 July - 02 August 2024 has been selected.
If you've already entered this year's edition and asked for a transfer to next year due to DNS (and many already have) we'll be in touch soon.
Keep an eye on the event website for further updates:
https://lejog1400audax.com/
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG 1400 AUDAX
Post by: Kangaroocourt on 16 May, 2022, 11:36:08 am
I took that ferry when I did my LEJOG a few years ago, very civilised with a recliner seat and a good price!Head up onto Orkney and get overnight ferry Kirkwall to Aberdeen, then train from there to London and onwards.FTFY
Ferry direct from JoG or a few km west of JoG at Gills Bay. Very civilised compared to via Inverness but first Kirkwall - Aberdeen ferry possible is Friday 8 Jul at 2345 depart from Kirkwall (Mon/Wed/Fri ferries).
https://www.northlinkferries.co.uk/booking-info/timetables/
Then leisurely ride to Edinburgh and a train home
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Much appreciated and duly booked. No getting out of it now :o
Post by: Chris Radcliffe on 31 May, 2022, 11:32:46 pm
Does anyone have a lift arranged and have any spare space?, failing that I may be able to persuade my wife to pick me up in which case I could then offer a lift.
Thanks,
Chris Radcliffe, Otley CC.
Post by: Andy Corless on 01 June, 2022, 11:03:10 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: Jimkarthauser on 05 June, 2022, 01:25:35 pm
Very much looking forward to the event.
Are you able to share how many entrants there are currently?
Cheers.
Post by: thegasman on 05 June, 2022, 08:47:04 pm
When you send out the latest update for the 2022 event, please can you include the actual locations of the overnight facilities? You have already said that the first is at Sandford Outdoor Activity Centre, but I'd be interested in exactly where Warrington, Paisley and Inverness locations will be. I am sure others would like to know the information too. In addition a full list of the controls (where we need a receipt etc.) would really help planning. I see so far there is St Stephen, Moretonhampstead, Sandford, , Ludlow, Market Drayton, Warrington, Carnforth, Gretna Green, Abington, Paisley, Tyndrum, Fort William, Inverness, Evanton, Helmsdale. Are there any others? Thanks in advance for all your efforts and looking forward to the event.
Post by: simonlee on 09 June, 2022, 08:36:00 am
bristol - penzance 55.20 (change newton abbot, no bike spaces on the direct train)
premier inn penzance 312.50 ( 2x nights)
scrabster - strommness 20.85 ( gives me 3hours to get the 15miles to kirkwall)
kirkwall-aberdeen 47.45 (inc seat & breakfast)
aberdeen - edinburgh 41.10
travel 164.60, total GBP477.10
Post by: Tom88 on 12 June, 2022, 10:25:44 pm
First audax - looking forward to it. Also….Scotland midges, are they really that bad?
Post by: Ajax Bay on 13 June, 2022, 07:19:32 pm
Random one - sorry for the daft questions, what should I expect sleeping wise? (I’m not expecting much, guessing scouts huts etc) the daft question being…bedding wise..should I just throw a sheet folded up in the back of my saddle bag?If Andy runs this as smoothly as he normally does ;) then plan for airbeds and anything better is a bonus. I've carried a v light sheet bag to ensure 'first layer' quality. Edit: On NO account a foil blanket.
First audax - looking forward to it. Also….Scotland midges, are they really that bad?
ETA: I have found what Andy said two years ago (on the 2020 thread on here): "The sleeping facilities are a mixture of bunk-beds & air-beds. They'll likely be blankets this time for the air-beds. All the overnight controls will be providing both hot & cold food free of charge. This is likely to be the usual choices of beans on toast; jacket potatoes/beans; cheese & broccoli pasta etc."
ETA: "first audax" - Once you complete this, please do not assume that this is like any other UK randonnee: it isn't, in so so many ways, except maybe the organiser's other 600+ hill fests.
Keep an eye on: https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/
4 is fine if you don't stop, except in towns. Also varies with time of day: peaking post dawn and pre-sunset.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 June, 2022, 11:35:12 am
Random one - sorry for the daft questions, what should I expect sleeping wise? (I’m not expecting much, guessing scouts huts etc) the daft question being…bedding wise..should I just throw a sheet folded up in the back of my saddle bag?Nah they're just a wee bit annoying, the ideal solution to them is to have a sacrificial Bruce with you.
First audax - looking forward to it. Also….Scotland midges, are they really that bad?
That said it's all relative, I've been to Rùm on a warm still day...
Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
Post by: Lightning Phil on 14 June, 2022, 11:40:21 am
Post by: abc123 on 14 June, 2022, 02:18:01 pm
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 15 June, 2022, 01:46:07 pm
Random one - sorry for the daft questions, what should I expect sleeping wise? (I’m not expecting much, guessing scouts huts etc) the daft question being…bedding wise..should I just throw a sheet folded up in the back of my saddle bag?
First audax - looking forward to it. Also….Scotland midges, are they really that bad?
A sheet would be good, maybe a blanket if it is not warm. When I
Post by: Ajax Bay on 15 June, 2022, 11:12:53 pm
Hi AndyHere is the webpage for the route: https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/ It refers to the route linked below as 'provisional'.
When you send out the latest update for the 2022 event, please can you include the actual locations of the overnight facilities? You have already said that the first is at Sandford Outdoor Activity Centre, but I'd be interested in exactly where Warrington, Paisley and Inverness locations will be. I am sure others would like to know the information too. In addition a full list of the controls (where we need a receipt etc.) would really help planning. I see so far there is St Stephen, Moretonhampstead, Sandford, , Ludlow, Market Drayton, Warrington, Carnforth, Gretna Green, Abington, Paisley, Tyndrum, Fort William, Inverness, Evanton, Helmsdale. Are there any others? Thanks in advance for all your efforts and looking forward to the event.
I have amended the route (which I'm maintaining for 'fun' - please note: it "has no authority whatsoever" (Jackie Weaver)):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
It has new information about the first control (now not Sandford).
Edit: Have amended route N from that overnight stop opportunity through Bristol, going up towards/thru Downend and across to the Severn Bridge. Ni 1 = BA3 5HY Ni 2 = WN2 5XL
Post by: Phil21 on 16 June, 2022, 09:52:17 am
Post by: thegasman on 19 June, 2022, 08:44:24 pm
Hi AndyHere ia the webpage for the route: https://lejog1400audax.com/event-route/ It refers to the route linked below as 'provisional'.
When you send out the latest update for the 2022 event, please can you include the actual locations of the overnight facilities? You have already said that the first is at Sandford Outdoor Activity Centre, but I'd be interested in exactly where Warrington, Paisley and Inverness locations will be. I am sure others would like to know the information too. In addition a full list of the controls (where we need a receipt etc.) would really help planning. I see so far there is St Stephen, Moretonhampstead, Sandford, , Ludlow, Market Drayton, Warrington, Carnforth, Gretna Green, Abington, Paisley, Tyndrum, Fort William, Inverness, Evanton, Helmsdale. Are there any others? Thanks in advance for all your efforts and looking forward to the event.
I have amended the route (which I'm maintaining for 'fun' - please note: it "has no authority whatsoever" (Jackie Weaver)):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
It has new information about the first control (now not Sandford).
Edit: Have amended route N from that overnight stop opportunity through Bristol, going up towards/thru Downend and across to the Severn Bridge. Ni 1 = BA3 5HY Ni 2 = WN2 5XL
Thanks Ajax Bay - That is really helpful - So we now know the likely exact locations of the first 2 overnight stops (BA3 5HY & WN25XL). Did you work that out from the event website? (where I think it only says "Mendip 308km & Warrington 580km), or do you have some "inside information"? Actually, it doesn't matter how you know, but I am very grateful for the information - Thank you. Please post if you find our similar information for the 3rd & 4th overnight stops.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 20 June, 2022, 10:43:16 pm
[ https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/ ]:
"The overnight controls will be at [Edit: have added in postcodes and grid references]:
Oakhill, Somerset: 308 km (6km NNE of Shepton Mallett BA3 5FZ, ST65024722)
Abram, Cheshire: 613 km (14km N of Warrington WN2 5XL, SD61080110)
[Edit: Clarkston (12km SE of Paisley, Renfrewshire]: 956 km (opp station) G76 7EP NS57015732]
Kirkhill, Highland: 1220 km" (12km W of Inverness IV5 7NX, NH55414560)
Sunrises: D2 0500, D3 0448, D4 0439, D5 0427.
Cheekiest climb: Up from Drumnadrochit! As Andy might say, even the strongest rider might wish for a 26t sprocket (for 40").
Close seconds: Climb after Horsebridge ('Wecome to Devon') and Pork Hill, climbing onto Dartmoor.
Post by: Andy Corless on 20 June, 2022, 11:03:52 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: derekahern on 21 June, 2022, 07:28:10 pm
Are towels supplied at the controls or did I read that somewhere else?
Post by: Tomsk on 21 June, 2022, 07:45:02 pm
Crikey news travels quickly on this forum. Yes controls have been updated. The event info' and final GPS Tracks are about to be emailed to all those on the start list. If you're still riding and haven't received this by Friday please let me know.
Andy Corless
And a route sheet for Luddites - is that just me then?? If not I'll make a start on one for my own use, based on the GPS tracks!
Post by: Ajax Bay on 21 June, 2022, 10:57:38 pm
And a route sheet for Luddites - is that just me then?? If not I'll make a start on one for my own use, based on the GPS tracks!I'd hold fire @Tomsk, for a day or two. I've been told that a routesheet has been prepared and will be sent out this week. Have to say that's going to be a long, long routesheet.
Here's a list of towns/villages defining Day 1 (CAPS are controls):
km Place
0 LAND'S END
14 Newlyn
35 Praze-an-Beeble
61 Truro
79 ST STEPHEN (Co-op with golden post box)
89 Roche
101 Llanhydrock
114 Doublebois
123 Minions
148 Tavistock
182 MORETONHAMPSTEAD (Co-op)
204 Exeter
224 CULLOMPTON (Premier, or Tesco service station R@ TLs, with McD's a little further on imm before M5/J28)
255 Taunton
287 Street
304 Shepton Mallet
310 MENDIP CAVING B/H
BA3 5FZ
Here's a section from Minions to start of the climb out of Tavvy to Moorshop.
123.4 MINIONS
125.4 2.0 SO @ X $ RILLA MILL
128.0 2.6 R @ x $ Linkinhorne (after br)
129.7 1.7 L $ none
130.1 0.4 L @ T $ Bray Shop
130.1 0.0 Imm R $ BRAY SHOP
131.4 1.3 SO @ X $ Launceston 8
133.3 1.9 SO @ X (A388) $ Horsebridge
134.6 1.3 SO @ X $ HORSEBRIDGE
140.3 5.7 R $ Chipshop
142.1 1.8 L @ T $ CHIPSHOP
142.8 0.7 SO @ X $ OTTERY
144.7 1.9 R $ brown cycle
145.3 0.6 L @ X $ TAVISTOCK 2
147.4 2.1 L @ T $ none (A390)
147.6 0.2 2E @ mRbt $ Okehampton
147.7 0.1 Imm 1E @ RBT $ Okehampton A386
148.5 0.8 1E @ mRbt $ Town Centre
148.6 0.1 Imm 2E @ mRbt $ none (one way)
148.8 0.2 TAVISTOCK
148.8 (L is Co-op - no shops since whenever and none till Moretonhampstead)
148.8 Imm R $ none (opp Co-op)
148.9 0.1 1E @ mRbt $ Okehampton
149.1 0.2 R $ Princetown
Post by: Andy Corless on 21 June, 2022, 11:50:52 pm
It's really that that caused the delay; having to amend the instructions the few miles in/out of the new control points. It's likely the GPS Tracks and event information will be sent out separately with the new route sheet to follow over the weekend.
Andy Corless
Post by: Tomsk on 22 June, 2022, 06:32:00 am
I'd hold fire @Tomsk, for a day or two. I've been told that a routesheet has been prepared and will be sent out this week. Have to say that's going to be a long, long routesheet.
:thumbsup: Having written a few 1000km routesheets, I know I'd need to deal with it in bite-sized chunks, probably 300km at a time. (Five evenings then, as next week will be busy for me in preparation for a week away from work!)
"And a route sheet for Luddites"
It's really that that caused the delay; having to amend the instructions the few miles in/out of the new control points. It's likely the GPS Tracks and event information will be sent out separately with the new route sheet to follow over the weekend.
Andy Corless
Understood!
Post by: Notfromrugby on 22 June, 2022, 10:28:44 am
Post by: Ajax Bay on 22 June, 2022, 02:27:49 pm
310 MENDIP CAVING B/H
BA3 5FZ
318 Midsomer Norton
321 Paulton
335 Keynsham
338 Bristol&BathRP (NCN4)
358 (>M5/J16)> Almondsbury
373 Chepstow (W edge, BP garage imm R after bike path end, or Budgens on L a mile later, or Tintern for coffee)
398 Monmouth
410 St Weonards (NB signpost (on R) to LE and JoG!)
427 HEREFORD (Asda fuel station/shop, on L before bridge)
A49 then B4361
465 LUDLOW (Spar or Castle Cafe, see route wriggle and note narrow alley to avoid one way system)
B4365/B4368
490 Longville-i-t-Dale
504 Cressage
515 Wellington (N edge)
529 Childs Ercall
540 MARKET DRAYTON (Morrisons fuel/shop w/Costa after town centre, on R)
562 Nantwich
577 Winsford (W)
584 Sandiway
598 A49 then Hatton
604 Warrington
A49 to M62/J9 > A573
618 ABRAM WN2 5XL
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
Post by: Marek on 23 June, 2022, 08:00:40 am
1. Is it possible to get a rough idea of the numbers expected still going through with the ride?
2. Will a track floor pump be available at each of the overnight stops? I'll obviously have a small pump of my own to deal with any flats during the day but would ideally like to ensure my tyres are at optimum pressure each morning when heading out. Otherwise I might look into buying a small handheld pressure gauge.
Post by: Ajax Bay on 23 June, 2022, 03:39:48 pm
https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/
More detail is in my comments on this route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
(NB: not authoritative).
Day 3:
618 ABRAM
624 Wigan
630 Standish
643 Clayton-le-Woods
652 Preston (via NCN 55)
670 A6 > Garstang
B5272/A588
689 Lancaster
699 CARNFORTH
711 Milnthorpe (and R&L)
718 Sedgwick
724 Kendal (N on A6)
751 Shap
767 Penrith
777 Hutton End
799 Carlisle
815 GRETNA
840 Lockerbie
895 ABINGTON
931 Strathaven
947 Mossneuk
954 CLARKSTON
Post by: Ajax Bay on 24 June, 2022, 08:05:16 am
965 Paisley
976 Erskine Bridge
978 NCN 7 and A814
986 Dumbarton
987 A812 and B857
994 Balloch
995 A82 > Tarbet
1047 CRIANLARICH (R if into village; either C or T OK as 'control')
1054 TYNDRUM (Brodies or Green Welly)
1105 Ballahulish (Coop)
1129 FORT WILLIAM
1144 NCN 78 > Gairlochy
1147 Commando Memorial
1182 Fort Augustus
1213 Drumnadrochit (and L)
1215 R $ Beauly A833
1230 R A862
1234 KIRKHILL IV5 7PB
aligned with kilometrages in https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 June, 2022, 06:37:18 pm
Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
Post by: JonBuoy on 24 June, 2022, 06:48:21 pm
What is meant by C or T as control at Crianlarich?
Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
I read that as 'either Crianlarich or Tyndrum OK as control'
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 June, 2022, 06:50:15 pm
The real food cafe is pretty good for food.
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Post by: Ajax Bay on 24 June, 2022, 08:05:20 pm
That's as I understand it. In the expectation that riders will use the sleep stop at Clarkston (after a long Day 3), it's 100km to Tyndrum so surely the store will be open. But makes entire sense to offer 'either/or'. On the long final day of West Highlands 1000, Brodies was open at 5:30am (with bonus midge anti-faffing function).What is meant by C or T as control at Crianlarich?
Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
I read that as 'either Crianlarich or Tyndrum OK as control'
Thursday's run in:
1234 KIRKHILL IV5 7PB
1241 Beauly (and SO >)
1245 Muir of Ord
1255 Dingwall (> back road) https://lc24cyclerepair.co.uk
1265 Evanton
1270 Alness
1271 L on NCN 1 > Tain
1302 DORNOCH (Evelix fuel)
1327 Brora
1345 Helmsdale
1401 WICK
1428 JOHN O'GROATS
Post by: Ajax Bay on 26 June, 2022, 03:21:45 pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39956656?beta=false
And commentary/refinements:
1) 43.4 R@x (Four Lanes)
2) 52.6 SO (eff R), past Perranwell stn and thru Carnon Downs
3) 58.0 Off A39 and 'Old Coach Road' past Playing Place and thru Calenick
4) 72.7 NB R at Ladock
5) 79.2 Carry on to next L (for shop)
6) 102.6 Foll NCN past stn to A38
7) 142.1 Better road and line into Tavvy, Wiggle in town goes past Coop.
8) 201.8 Up and straight thru city centre
9) 203.5 2E @ Rbt on B3212 to Pinhoe and north
10) 235.8 Best to stick on main road
11) 253.0 Care and pre- (map) recce thru Taunton
12) 287.2 R on 'The Roman Way', later 1E @ mRbt and SO@X
Post by: Lightning Phil on 26 June, 2022, 07:06:29 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 26 June, 2022, 11:05:39 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: Ajax Bay on 28 June, 2022, 03:40:17 pm
First reference in list below is day/km on that day's route as issued; second ref is the @km on my full route linked here:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31764424?beta=false
1) Day 1 - see my 26 Jun post ^^ (Cornwall/Devon/Somerset familiar roads)
2) Day 2/25 and @335 Keynsham to the Severn Bridge: use B&BRP see @335
3) Day 3/27.6 and @641.2 Prefer use of NCN 55 and fine bridge across R Ribble and into Preston (out on A6).
4) Day 3/81 and @698.2 Better via Milnthorpe R&L on NCN 6, and road thru Natland to Kendal.
5) Day 3/150.6 and @767.4 After Penrith (note route thru town) rather than yet more A6, prefer fast back road thru Unthank and Durdar Rd /racecourse rd into Carlisle.
6) Day 4/23 and @972-991 Approach to Erskine Bridge and on to Loch Lomond Please use @973.0 (and not issued route)(tho' cycling on the carriageway across the bridge is legal aiui).
And then drop to A814 and later A812/B857 north. Stays off A82 till there's no choice (after Balloch, tho' could take 'Old Luss Rd' and join A82 a few km N).
7) Day 4/178 and @1128 Prefer get off A82 and novelty of superbly graded/smooth/flat(obv) canal path to Gairlochy and up to the Cdo Memorial and the A82. Another stretch of canal path recommended @1171 from Bridge of Oich to Ft Augustus.
Post by: mealybar on 29 June, 2022, 11:46:28 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 29 June, 2022, 11:48:12 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: Ajax Bay on 30 June, 2022, 12:38:25 pm
The route is mandatory I think, how much leeway does it give for these type of diversions?The LRM regulations are here: https://www.randonneursmondiaux.org/files/Rules_2019.pdf
Good luck over the dual carriageway'd Erskine Bridge and continuing on the dualled A82 for 20km.
There's a short and sensible route option I've shared in case riders decide prudence trumps mandatory.
Please note that none of my observations are "shortcuts" and the vast majority are based on having ridden the roads in question.
I'm sure other riders will appreciate verbal assistance if they've somehow failed to follow the prescribed route and give any advice due regard.
I've been told there may be as many as 80 riding. Good luck to all with their travel down to the far south west tomorrow/Saturday.
Post by: number71 on 01 July, 2022, 07:32:03 am
Post by: bgilliver on 01 July, 2022, 07:42:27 am
Andy has emailed out that we should down load updates to the route. Does anyone know where to get these updates. The website seems to have the updated route but the route is one complete track and too big for my garmin, i really need the stages. I cant split the route either on RWGPS since im cheap and don't pay for premium.See Andy's previous email with individual links to each stage. They have been updated and just need downloading to your device again.
Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
Post by: JonBuoy on 01 July, 2022, 07:42:52 am
Andy has emailed out that we should down load updates to the route. Does anyone know where to get these updates. The website seems to have the updated route but the route is one complete track and too big for my garmin, i really need the stages. I cant split the route either on RWGPS since im cheap and don't pay for premium.
Take a look here: https://ridewithgps.com/users/3580601
Post by: number71 on 01 July, 2022, 08:12:14 am
Post by: Chris Radcliffe on 01 July, 2022, 12:21:33 pm
Yes the route is mandatory. The final version of the route sheet/control list is going out tomorrow morning.
Andy Corless
Hi Andy, is it possible to get the route sheet I never received the email, or does anyone else have it and can post it up? I just want to have a backup in case the GPS gives up!
Thanks very much, Chris.
Post by: simonlee on 01 July, 2022, 02:59:22 pm
If you want a5, you'll need to convert the pdfs first yourself.
Hope that helps someone.
( a4 for me )
Post by: Ajax Bay on 01 July, 2022, 05:22:45 pm
Hi Andy, is it possible to get the route sheet I never received the email, or does anyone else have it and can post it up? I just want to have a backup in case the GPS gives up!Chris - Andy sent the 'routesheet' out at 2301 yesterday (Thursday). If you want a "back-up" I'd recommend you scroll up and paste together the list of places I shared and print that out.
Thanks very much, Chris.
The significant changes revealed last night were (my analysis/assessment):
1) Ludlow is no longer a control
2) No controls north of Inverness (so Kirkhill > JoG).
3) Some of the RwGPS day routes he shared a few days ago have been "amended slightly since last weekend's email so it might be a good idea to download them again". After a swift scan the change that stands out (to me) is that on Day 3 after 93km he invites riders to take the A6 over Levens Bridge (entering the Lake District) and dualled trunk A591 rather than the (Previous route) A65 or the benign option I shared through Sedgwick and Natland up the quiet Kent valley.
List of overnight controls (directions, postcodes and grid references):
The website lists the 4 'overnight' controls:
[ https://lejog1400audax.com/event-information/ ]:
Oakhill, Somerset: 308km, Mendip Caving B/H, Fosse Rd: R off A367 at 'The Oakhill Inn' and after 1.4km on right (6km NNE of Shepton Mallett) BA3 5FZ, ST65024722
Abram, Cheshire: 613km - off A573 R into village and 4th L 'Fisher Avenue' and imm on L (14km N of Warrington) WN2 5XL, SD61080110
Clarkston: 956km - 1st L imm after station and imm L 'Aidans Brae' and to end (12km SE of Paisley, Renfrewshire]: G76 7EP NS57015732
Kirkhill, Highland: 1220km A833, R on A862, soon L $ Kirkhill, R on B9164 $ Kirkhill, in village L on RH bend (eff SO) soon L $ Community Centre (12km W of Inverness) IV5 7NX, NH55414560
Post by: Andy Corless on 01 July, 2022, 10:52:53 pm
Stage 1: Land's End - Oakhill. 308 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39736698
Stage 2: Oakhill - Abram. 305 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39778756
Stage 3: Abram - Clarkston. 331 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39812705
Stage 4: Clarkston - Kirkhill. 278 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39812468
Stage 5: Kirkhill - John o' Groats. 192 km
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39779407
Ludlow is no longer a control as the route passes through anyway to Market Drayton. There's no control after Kirkhill; it's a straight run to John o' Groats.
The final distance was calculated to be 1414 km; with an overall time limit of 116 hours & 40 minutes with no extra time allowed for the over distance. No rider will be credited with a finish time under 47 hours & 08 minutes.
We'll be updating the website throughout the event with an informal tracking system (no times); photo's etc, so your friends and club mates can keep an eye on the event progress and the website link is attached here:
https://lejog1400audax.com/live-updates
The Severn Bridge is closed to traffic until 07:00 am on Monday morning but the cycle track is apparently still open.
Finally, we're still a little short of volunteers at Abram (613 km - Monday night); Clarkston (944 km - Tuesday night) and Kirkhill (1222 km - Wednesday night). If you're available on any one of these nights and would like to lend a hand please do get in touch. All expenses will of course be covered.
Andy Corless
Post by: Ajax Bay on 02 July, 2022, 10:58:50 pm
The Severn Bridge is closed to traffic until 07:00 am on Monday morning but the cycle track is apparently still open.For those speedy souls who either press on on Sunday evening or set off pre-dawn getting to the Severn Bridge before 0600:
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/m48-severn-bridge-suspension-cable-inspections/
"The M48 Severn Bridge will be fully closed from 7pm on Friday 1 July right through to 6am on Monday 4 July . . .
For the duration of the weekend closure, . . . the westbound footway and [south side]cycle path will remain open during the closure."
I have checked with the helpline who confirm that by "westbound" they mean the cycle path next to the westbound carriageway, i.e. on the south side of the bridge (not the Aust Services side) - NOT as per RwGPS route.
Go under the motorway, using the roundabout, exit on the A403 dual carriageway and (care) imm right (Passage Rd) and imm right (blue NCN signed Severn Bridge) and there's a board which hopefully will say 'OPEN'. At the far end the cycle path returns the rider to the north side (through a tunnel often strewn with glass) and the route up to Chepstow.
One doesn't know whether the cycle path on the north side will be opened promptly: they consider it 'job done' if one side is open.
NB 'Just seeing" whether the cycle path on the north side is open, and finding it's not, will cost the rider about 800m.
Good luck to all starters.
Post by: Alexander Turner on 08 July, 2022, 08:56:20 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 14 July, 2022, 11:37:19 pm
(https://lejog1400audax.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_20220703_085847_683.jpg?w=768)
Well we finally made it!
Despite the logistical challenges; train strikes and of course the ongoing COVID 19 Pandemic, 67 riders started from Land's End shortly after 09:00 am on Sunday 03 July 2022 and 50 riders officially finished the inaugural LEJOG AUDAX 1400 km Randonnee.
Firstly, I'd obviously like to thank all the volunteers who contributed to make the event a success:
OAKHILL, Somerset:
(https://lejog1400audax.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_20220703_203219_464.jpg?w=768)
Hillevi Moller-Blackwell, Luke Hounsome, Tim Daplyn, Will Pomeroy, Fiona Ridley
ABRAM, Greater Manchester:
Gary Taylor & Michael Loughran
CLARKSTON, Renfrewshire:
Simon Lee & Mick Stanford
KIRKHILL, Aird:
Matthew Gilliver; Simon Lee & Mick Stanford
------------------------
This 1400 km Randonnee took the riders on a historic coast to coast, south to north journey across mainland Great Britain. Starting from Land's End, Cornwall - the end of the road - the riders headed across the lumpy roads of Cornwall and Devon before climbing over Dartmoor into Somerset as darkness fell on day 1, with many riders arriving at the first night control, Oakhill, Somerset at just over 300 km throughout the night.
Day 2 started with a loop around Bristol before crossing the Severn Bridge into Wales and on into Shropshire.
Day 3 started with a ride through northern urban towns such as: Wigan; Preston and Lancaster before the climb over Cumbia 's Shap Fell - at 426 metres above sea level - the highest point of the route.
Later that day, the route crossed over into Scotland passing just to the south of Glasgow.
(https://lejog1400audax.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_20220705_160622_955.jpg?w=768)
(https://lejog1400audax.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_20220705_154409_114.jpg?w=768)
Day 4 was remembered for the punishing winds of Glen Coe; whilst the last day was more or less a straight run north-west up the A9.
(https://lejog1400audax.files.wordpress.com/2022/07/img_20220707_203130_678.jpg?w=768)
A couple of known accolades from me:
Rimas Grigenas completed the event less than a week after completing the Alpi 4000.
Ryan Mcglen completed the event as his first ever AUDAX.
-------------
All those involved in the 2022 LEJOG AUDAX,
whether you cooked Pasta for the riders at 02:00 am; cleaned the loos; or even a curious passer-by who stood and applauded the riders into the control at Clarkston - scenes reminiscent of PBP - should feel a sense of achievement.
Overall, the event went relatively well. There were no reportable accidents and the online result has now been submitted to the AUK website and can be viewed at: http://www.aukweb.net/results/archive/2022/listevent/?Ride=22-64
There's no running of my LEJOG AUDAX in 2023. The next edition has been provisionally set for 28 July - 02 August 2024; with some modifications to the route and also to the drop bag arrangements. It's likely the 2024 route will take a more central route through Scotland - including a run over the Forth Road Bridge - into the Highlands. The final 100-mile run up the A9 will likely also feature.
Many photos have been uploaded onto the event website at:
https://lejog1400audax.com/live-updates/
I look forward to seeing you in 2024 .....
Andy Corless
Organiser
LEJOG AUDAX 2022
Post by: Peter on 15 July, 2022, 12:11:21 am
Post by: Von Broad on 15 July, 2022, 07:57:52 am
That's some effort to ride and a huge effort to organise. Well done all of you!
+1
Indeed!
Post by: Tomsk on 15 July, 2022, 08:39:29 am
That's some effort to ride and a huge effort to organise. Well done all of you!
+1! It was ace! Probably the toughest of any ultra-long rides I've done, with the exception maybe of the wet PBP (2007) and ditto LEL (2009). Hills + NW headwind for the middle three days ... and rain all morning from Loch Lomond over to Glencoe. Only coped with that thanks to an extended lunch break at the Green Welly in Tyndrum. (Which is light-years ahead of 'our' Green Welly at Chatteris!)