The Old 240

[Lars]

Just entered. Who else is going for this scenic and challenging ride? Did it last year, and can't resist heading up for more
hilly fun! Hope it won't be as rainy this time though. 

Together with Porkers my favourite 400!

[paul851]

I rode the perm this May and it's definitely up there as one of the most challenging rides I've done    I was disappointed not to hit the magic 240 miles in 24 hours as I took a full value twenty seven and a half hours to complete  so will be at the start and hoping to do better this time .


Paul

[Lars]

I rode the perm this May and it's definitely up there as one of the most challenging rides I've done    I was disappointed not to hit the magic 240 miles in 24 hours as I took a full value twenty seven and a half hours to complete  so will be at the start and hoping to do better this time .


Paul

Was similar for me. Controlled in Alston at 190k after less than 12h. But thinking I was running late due to the brutal rain over Hartside plus two earlier rather long feed stops. Didn't think breaking 24h should be too problematic. Thought after that the second half would be quite easy with a long shallow climb up Yad Moss followed by the long descent to Barnard Castle. Easily re-gaining the average speed lost climbing. Then a bitch of a climb up Kidstones. But then almost 50k of net downhill, again making up for the steep climb. And then just a nasty sting in the tail kicking in 30k from the finish. In the end needed 26.5 hours to finish the ride. Will make sure to have a good calorie intake plan this time. Was rather whimsical last year, ending up running low on energy during the night and struggling with eating. Which is not good on a hard x-rated 400. 

[Mike Conway]

Tempted… is there camping available the evening before in Sowerby Bridge?

EDIT: Just read the info doc on AUK, which says there is at the organiser's house, but it's from 2012 - still relevant I take it?

[Euan Uzami]

It may or may not be of interest to anyone staying in Halifax Travelodge to note that the vending machine gives out free Tories

Edit:  YORKIES even bloody mobile auto correct

[zacklaws]

I'm going to have another go at it, did it last year, just under 24 hours. Hopefully the clouds will not have recharged themselves from last year to provide another downfall of rain on the day. Still not found myself a small waterproof container to keep my POP's etc dry which I could have done with last year.

I slept in Chris's garden last year, so I presume it will be same again, but be warned, Chris's garden slopes severely, even the flat spots which look level till you lay down, and you spend all night crawling back up it in your bag, if you don't, you slip out under your tent and you could be anywhere next morning in the Calder Valley. A tent peg through the hood of your sleeping bag would help.

[Revellinho]

I'm aiming to be there if it is not crappy weather... I know, I'm a wuss.  Not ridden it before, but I've had a look at the route and it certainly looks promising.

[thesloth]

I'm planning on doing this. I did it's far flatter sibling the Spurnhead 400 a few years ago.
I was told to expect better scenery on the Old 240.
Looking at the amount of climbing I expect a may be appreciating a fair bit of that scenery under torchlight!

[Euan Uzami]

Be rude not to really seeing as I'm in Halifax but is there anything open in the last 100ish km pref about 350?
Doubt I could make Gargrave co-op by 10pm somehow...

[Lars]

Be rude not to really seeing as I'm in Halifax but is there anything open in the last 100ish km pref about 350?
Doubt I could make Gargrave co-op by 10pm somehow...

Don't think there was. After Scotch Corner I only stopped at the pub at the start of the Kidstones
climb, where an info control was, and luckily was open well after midnight. After that I only stopped
at a garage in Keighly to get some fast carbs for the final climb. In Gargrave got an ATM receipt since
no open shops or garages. So very good idea to load up on fluids and things to eat for the final 100k.

[pizzicatooff]

We've got plans to have a Calderdale CTC member or two stationed at the Summer Seat (that's bus shelter to you and me) in Gargrave http://goo.gl/maps/rbYgi
after the Co-Op closes, with a supply of sandwiches and drinks.

Chris

[Jonah]

I'm planning on heading up

[richpips]

Hi, does anyone have a current GPX file ffor the 240?

Thanks Rich

[Mike Conway]

I've mapped this out from the route sheet. As you would expect from a non-official source, use at your own risk, though I've ensured it passes through all the controls: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599846

I am considering whether riding along the A629 at 4am is such a good idea with 380km in the legs... might go back along the out-route at that point (B6265 from Cross Hills to Keighly).

[pizzicatooff]

I've mapped this out from the route sheet. As you would expect from a non-official source, use at your own risk, though I've ensured it passes through all the controls: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599846

I am considering whether riding along the A629 at 4am is such a good idea with 380km in the legs... might go back along the out-route at that point (B6265 from Cross Hills to Keighly).

I wouldn't advise you to do that either, which is why the route sheet doesn't suggest you do that.

At "377.2 R at TRL sp. EASTBURN B6265", the junction is the same one as at "28.9 L at TRL sp. Colne A6068". Continue on the B6265 towards Keighley. This becomes the A629 as you approach the town centre. Yes, you have hit the outward route .

Also you might want to look again at "405.0 R at T (WATER HILL LANE)" and see if you can modify that bit to the finish as it's ever so slightly shorter than what you have.

I haven't  looked at the rest.

Chris

[richpips]

I've mapped this out from the route sheet. As you would expect from a non-official source, use at your own risk, though I've ensured it passes through all the controls: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599846

I am considering whether riding along the A629 at 4am is such a good idea with 380km in the legs... might go back along the out-route at that point (B6265 from Cross Hills to Keighly).

Thanks Mike. 

[Mike Conway]

I've mapped this out from the route sheet. As you would expect from a non-official source, use at your own risk, though I've ensured it passes through all the controls: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599846

I am considering whether riding along the A629 at 4am is such a good idea with 380km in the legs... might go back along the out-route at that point (B6265 from Cross Hills to Keighly).

I wouldn't advise you to do that either, which is why the route sheet doesn't suggest you do that.

At "377.2 R at TRL sp. EASTBURN B6265", the junction is the same one as at "28.9 L at TRL sp. Colne A6068". Continue on the B6265 towards Keighley. This becomes the A629 as you approach the town centre. Yes, you have hit the outward route .

Also you might want to look again at "405.0 R at T (WATER HILL LANE)" and see if you can modify that bit to the finish as it's ever so slightly shorter than what you have.

I haven't  looked at the rest.

Chris

Fab, I understand now - made those changes to that segment of the ride. I;ve actually got the ride split into 4 parts too (4th part has the amendment):

Part 1 - 115km (Depart to Dent): http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599711
Part 2 - 86km (Dent to Alston): http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599721
Part 3 - 85km (Alston to Scotch Corner): http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599758
Part 4 - 121km (Scotch Corner to Arrivée): http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599767

[richpips]

That's even better, thanks, tracklogs was having a haemorrage trying to deal with so many trackpoints.

Cheers Rich

[DrMekon]

This will be my first audax of the year (having been diagnosed with bronchiectasis - boo hoo). Doing it with a mate who has never done more than a 200.

It'll be fun

Sleeping in Halifax Travelodge the night before.

[Mike Conway]

Staying in Hebden Bridge the night before at a hostel. Really looking forward to the ride now - got my bike all set up with a front hub dynamo to charge the Garmin halfway through. Mudguards fastened nicely to ward off the downpour and emergency bivvy packed for the snowstorm on top of Kidstones

[Graeme]

I'm on the waiting list.

Old 240

While I really hope everyone is feeling good and ready for this - if you already know you are going to DNS, could you let Chris know?

Many thanks,
Graeme.

[thesloth]

Fab, I understand now - made those changes to that segment of the ride. I;ve actually got the ride split into 4 parts too (4th part has the amendment):

Part 1 - 115km (Depart to Dent): http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599711
Part 2 - 86km (Dent to Alston): http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599721
Part 3 - 85km (Alston to Scotch Corner): http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599758
Part 4 - 121km (Scotch Corner to Arrivée): http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599767

Many thanks for this.
Interesting to see the "pointy bits" on the elevation profile (starting at 185km - A686). The snow patches visible on Street View have me worried! Must remember to pack a camera and some well rested legs.

[Lars]

Hmmm, looks like Hartside and Yad Moss will treat us with a menu of rain, moderate winds
and rather cool temps. Better have warm wind and rain proof clothing for the long descents.

Saddle bag will be heavy.

[Mike Conway]

Alton (between the two hills) at 200km is looking clear but a bit chilly according to Accuweather:

[321up]

I've mapped this out from the route sheet. As you would expect from a non-official source, use at your own risk, though I've ensured it passes through all the controls: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5599846

I am considering whether riding along the A629 at 4am is such a good idea with 380km in the legs... might go back along the out-route at that point (B6265 from Cross Hills to Keighly).

I wouldn't advise you to do that either, which is why the route sheet doesn't suggest you do that.

At "377.2 R at TRL sp. EASTBURN B6265", the junction is the same one as at "28.9 L at TRL sp. Colne A6068". Continue on the B6265 towards Keighley. This becomes the A629 as you approach the town centre. Yes, you have hit the outward route .

Also you might want to look again at "405.0 R at T (WATER HILL LANE)" and see if you can modify that bit to the finish as it's ever so slightly shorter than what you have.

I haven't  looked at the rest.

Chris

My preference is to follow the official route on the assumption that its written with local knowledge that is far better than mine.  Does anyone have a GPX which follows the official route please?  Sorry I don't have time to create one myself and share - we just got back from Wales and have lots to do before departing for Yorkshire tomorrow.  I hope our legs have recovered by Saturday.  Many thanks, A.