Full Fat Festive 500s & Double Creamed 1000 | 27 & 29 Dec 2023 | Bristol

[willpom gwraudax]

Take 2 is open. 34 completed it last year. Will you be one this?

To discuss accommodation etc https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=109457

For those that want to put their oar in re. longer distances in winter please do so here https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=109177

[bludger]

Last year's ride was terrific despite my DNF (arrived to Cambridge too early, had to wait around 2 hours for a friend to come home to open the house, then beers were opened... and...). I will be along for this one with an aim to actually finish the thing.

Just an FYI last year the Wetherspoons people in Cambridge got very annoyed about bikes against the gates and started getting their security people onto our backs, so caveat emptor for anyone craving a burger and pint meal deal.

https://i.imgur.com/uYEpxGl.mp4

[willpom gwraudax]

Alternative plans for a recommended stop +22km in St. Ives are underway to avoid that Spoons on a Saturday night.

[willpom gwraudax]

The Taproom in St. Ives will be a dedicated control, kitchen open late!

[teethgrinder]

I was wondering if this would be on again this year and about doing another Festive double.

[eddum]

The Taproom in St. Ives will be a dedicated control, kitchen open late!

I have no idea why i'm here  except to say.. I've been there.

[willpom gwraudax]

I was wondering if this would be on again this year and about doing another Festive double.

 

[Solocle]

I'm very tempted, although, if my plans hold, I'll be going straight from maxing at 200 to a 500... somewhat, shall we say, audacious.

[willpom gwraudax]

Whilst I would like to say go for it! Out of duty and care as the organiser I will reiterate the statement from the event page.

This is an X-rated event for experienced randonneurs and endurance cyclists only. The organiser accepts no responsibility for winter weather or road conditions and you undertake this event entirely at your own risk. 

[bludger]

@ Solocle the biggest I'd done before I tried the FFFFH 2018 was a 300 and I didn't feel underprepared. If you get a 300 or two in before the ride I think your odds are very good.

[willpom gwraudax]

@ Solocle the biggest I'd done before I tried the FFFFH 2018 was a 300 and I didn't feel underprepared. If you get a 300 or two in before the ride I think your odds are very good.

 

[Solocle]

@ Solocle the biggest I'd done before I tried the FFFFH 2018 was a 300 and I didn't feel underprepared. If you get a 300 or two in before the ride I think your odds are very good.

 

I can only see one convenient 300 - Moonrakers and Sunseekers! https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=7570

The other one I'm eyeing up in preperation is the Upper Thames 200 https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=7511

2 weeks is definitely enough recovery between those two, and my main skill is not giving up easily. History wise, I've got two centuries under my belt, so 200 isn't really much of a stretch. I'll see how I feel afterwards...

[S2L]

@ Solocle the biggest I'd done before I tried the FFFFH 2018 was a 300 and I didn't feel underprepared. If you get a 300 or two in before the ride I think your odds are very good.

In fairness the weather was extremely benign last year over the Christmas period. A more likely scenario is either wet and very windy or very cold and icy/snowy

[willpom gwraudax]

I've had all of those on the first 2 times I rode it; so cold we ran out of water in the first 40km as our bottles froze on the first, on the second more VERY WET & VERY WINDY on the return leg, but the day before was glorious.

It is that being prepared for all eventualities, including a puncture in the freezing night, that formed my statement.

[S2L]

I've had all of those on the first 2 times I rode it; so cold we ran out of water in the first 40km as our bottles froze on the first, on the second more VERY WET & VERY WINDY on the return leg, but the day before was glorious.

It is that being prepared for all eventualities, including a puncture in the freezing night, that formed my statement.

It would be nice to be part of it, but when I ride long distance with bibtights I get kneecap inflammation and therefore I never do anything longer than a BP in winter...

[willpom gwraudax]

Long shorts & long socks? 

[TOBY]

Goose Fat (although it's at a premium in the festive season)

[Wycombewheeler]

@ Solocle the biggest I'd done before I tried the FFFFH 2018 was a 300 and I didn't feel underprepared. If you get a 300 or two in before the ride I think your odds are very good.

 

I can only see one convenient 300 - Moonrakers and Sunseekers! https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=7570

The other one I'm eyeing up in preperation is the Upper Thames 200 https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=7511

2 weeks is definitely enough recovery between those two, and my main skill is not giving up easily. History wise, I've got two centuries under my belt, so 200 isn't really much of a stretch. I'll see how I feel afterwards...

Moonrakers would be great prep. My first audax was a diy between Christmas and new year and the weather was filthy (cold, windy and then wet). But I think the biggest challenge on these will be the long winter nights. It's a long time until sunrise if you are out all night. Much colder at night as well as the long burn time needed for lights.

[willpom gwraudax]

Many last year got a deal for accommodation in Northampton

[Phil W]

I've had all of those on the first 2 times I rode it; so cold we ran out of water in the first 40km as our bottles froze on the first, on the second more VERY WET & VERY WINDY on the return leg, but the day before was glorious.

It is that being prepared for all eventualities, including a puncture in the freezing night, that formed my statement.

It would be nice to be part of it, but when I ride long distance with bibtights I get kneecap inflammation and therefore I never do anything longer than a BP in winter...

Padded shorts and running tights or power stretch fleece trousers. Cross country skiing pants work well in winter as well, at least for upright bikes they do.

[willpom gwraudax]

I can only see one convenient 300 - Moonrakers and Sunseekers! https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=7570

Well I have a biased opinion of this. Yes this will set you up nicely. Capacity will soon be reached so get in there quick to avoid disappointment. It will be of a different nature to FFF500 with well over a 100 other riders on the road and a big breakfast included at the half way point.

[willpom gwraudax]

Guaranteed entry closes this Sunday 15th at 23:59. After that it's the waiting list. Don't be left out in the cold! 

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/19-507/

[S2L]

looks another mild one for you lucky lot...

[Solocle]

Anyone with local knowledge about the A14/A1307 situation? I'd like a more direct route from Cambridge considering the flooding, something like this https://www.strava.com/routes/23058235. I'd expect the A1307 to be quiet, but with the A14 works, it would be good to hear from someone who knows the score.

[Phil W]

Anyone with local knowledge about the A14/A1307 situation? I'd like a more direct route from Cambridge considering the flooding, something like this https://www.strava.com/routes/23058235. I'd expect the A1307 to be quiet, but with the A14 works, it would be good to hear from someone who knows the score.

You don't want to be on the A14. It's a trunk road, dual carriageway and sees high volumes of traffic, linking the Ferry ports to the M1 / M6 and rest of motorway network.