Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Tomsk on 23 May, 2019, 08:56:14 pm

Title: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 23 May, 2019, 08:56:14 pm
Helpers' Ride the weekend before [15/16] - Josser expressed interest a while back. I'll be away leading an IBT tour up until a few days before the event, so can't ride myself, but the offer's there ...

I'd like to ride the event on the day, which means extra help from lovely ACME people along the lines of the last event - car park supervising, brevet hand-out, breakfast drinks and food. Then we need time to clear up afterwards: the ACME peloton can usually roll about 30 minutes after the last group [assuming a staggered start, hard to gauge demand at the moment].

Wilkyboy, if the offer to stamp cards at Chatteris is still on, that would be great, otherwise I'll take a stash of stickers there, or maybe Cycling Geezer will if he's riding round the week before on his 'Yorkshire via Essex'.

We also need a controller for 'Y via E' at the Boars Head in Dunmow - late morning, lunchtime through to mid afternoon, precise times tbc. Beer and lunch provided from Funds.

Still a lot of sorting out to do ... info on AUKweb needs updating and riders emailing in the next week or so.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 23 May, 2019, 09:06:44 pm
Yep, offer's still there  :thumbsup:

I'll have to check over the GPS files (https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/) as well — any changes from last year?
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Redlight on 23 May, 2019, 10:22:20 pm

We also need a controller for 'Y via E' at the Boars Head in Dunmow - late morning, lunchtime through to mid afternoon, precise times tbc. Beer and lunch provided from Funds.


I can come up and do this if no one local volunteers. Is it on the Saturday or the Sunday?
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: James_McD on 24 May, 2019, 02:11:04 pm
Are there still spaces available Tom?
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 24 May, 2019, 06:27:11 pm
I have one volunteer lined up for the Saturday at the Boars Head [subject to 600km qualifier going well in a week's time] - otherwise will be riding FF. Help needed on Sunday to gather in cards from The Angel and Harp - if just one or two controllers, then processing can be done later by me, but having many hands, as last weekend, makes for an easy life for the organiser! We like riders who hand in a neat, clean brevet, with numbered receipts, in order and highlighted times etc. This is my OCD talking here though, you realise and this is a very imperfect world ...

The route will have to change slightly, outbound towards Lincoln on the Branston road to avoid the road closure for the bypass roadworks, that we had to negotiate on our Arrow. I'll be updating the route sheet and info this bank holiday weekend sometime.

The event will remain open for online entries until midnight the day before, with on-the-line entries by paper form and cash on the day. Don't panic folks, you will get a ride for that all-important final qualifier!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: psyclist on 24 May, 2019, 07:37:24 pm
I should be ok to help at the finish on the Sunday. I’ll confirm next week.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: dod on 25 May, 2019, 04:24:20 pm
I'm available to cover the Chatteris control if required, even if it's just drinking tea with Wilkyboy  :)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 26 May, 2019, 06:27:50 pm
I was going to drop you a line, Dod, see whether you fancied lending a hand to keep the queues moving  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: psyclist on 30 May, 2019, 02:23:58 pm
I should be ok to help at the finish on the Sunday. I’ll confirm next week.

Confirmed  :)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 31 May, 2019, 07:43:42 am
Expect changes to the route to avoid Eastern Bypass roadworks on the B1188 south of Lincoln  ::-) - Cycling Geezer, Wilkyboy and I are working on it ...
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Nick Firth on 31 May, 2019, 01:02:58 pm
When I did the Flatlands 2 weeks ago I took the A15 out of Lincoln going South, I took the country lane left after Bracebridge Heath to Scopwick only to find that it was completely blocked off & closed due to the new by-pass I had to do 200 yards of muddy hiking to get passed it, beware.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 31 May, 2019, 03:43:23 pm
^ Yes, that was our surprise cyclocross section on the Easter Arrow, negotiating 50 yards of [fortunately firm] mud, steep embankment, fenced each side! In the dark. Some folks bikes and kit are much lighter than others  ;D
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 04 June, 2019, 02:54:54 pm
We now need a controller for the 'Yorkshire via Essex' Boars Head, Dunmow checkpoint on Saturday 22nd - roughly 11:45 to 17:25. Collect control signs, banner & ACME stamp from my house and sit outside in the sun for a couple of hours or so [assuming no riders have a major set-back ... ] - funds for lunch and beer available!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Dai P on 04 June, 2019, 05:19:21 pm
Tom, emailed you direct on this. Cheers Dai
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 05 June, 2019, 02:26:26 pm
I see routesheet with diversion bits is out on Aukweb or is there anything more to come?
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 05 June, 2019, 05:22:40 pm
Initial recumbent fettling and test ride done.  Now back in full recline mode ready for those winds. Short easy cruise to see if anything further needs doing like adjusting the hip to bottom bracket length on the bike. The recumbent is getting an unexpected audax outing this year, spicing things up.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/s8afj51yr694epq/FILE0055.jpg?raw=1) 

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9l3urxar6gcb3ov/FILE0060.jpg?raw=1)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 05 June, 2019, 07:31:26 pm
I see routesheet with diversion bits is out on Aukweb or is there anything more to come?

Unfortunately the diversion that Tom has detailed is also subject to a road closure until the end of Oct 2019.

You will most definitely not be able to use the diversion as initially detailed as they are currently excavating down to a depth 16m below the existing road level. This will enable the new bypass to pass under the Heighington to Canwick Road.

I'd amend the outbound diversion details as follows

[Diversion to avoid roadworks:
R @ TLS in Branston centre $ HEIGHINGTON
L on RH bend $ WASHINGBOROUGH and HEIGHINGTON
SO @ X $ WASHINGBOROUGH (Pitts Rd)
L @ T No sign post (Main Rd) (B1190)
SO at mini RAB
R @ TLS $ LINCOLN (B1188)

This will bring you back to the bottom of Canwick Hill into Lincoln where you rejoin the route.

I'd amend the homeward diversion details as follows

L @ TLS $ WASHINGBOROUGH (B1190)
SO at mini RAB
In 200m Turn R no sign post onto High Street (easily missed)
SO @ X $ BRANSTON
R @ T $ BRANSTON
L @ TLS in BRANSTON

Rejoin route
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: yanto on 05 June, 2019, 08:48:56 pm
Initial recumbent fettling and test ride done.  Now back in full recline mode ready for those winds. Short easy cruise to see if anything further needs doing like adjusting the hip to bottom bracket length on the bike. The recumbent is getting an unexpected audax outing this year, spicing things up.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/s8afj51yr694epq/FILE0055.jpg?raw=1) 

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9l3urxar6gcb3ov/FILE0060.jpg?raw=1)

Nazca Fuego? if so looks very much like one I sold a few years ago after going to the Netherlands to pick it up.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 05 June, 2019, 08:58:24 pm
I see routesheet with diversion bits is out on Aukweb or is there anything more to come?

Unfortunately the diversion that Tom has detailed is also subject to a road closure until the end of Oct 2019.

You will most definitely not be able to use the diversion as initially detailed as they are currently excavating down to a depth 16m below the existing road level. This will enable the new bypass to pass under the Heighington to Canwick Road.

I'd amend the outbound diversion details as follows
<snip>

This will bring you back to the bottom of Canwick Hill into Lincoln where you rejoin the route.

I'd amend the homeward diversion details as follows

L @ TLS $ WASHINGBOROUGH (B1190)
SO at mini RAB
In 200m Turn R no sign post onto High Street (easily missed)
SO @ X $ BRANSTON
R @ T $ BRANSTON
L @ TLS in BRANSTON

Rejoin route

wajcgac - clearly some v important local info here. I was planning to have a sleep stop at the Canwick Premier Inn at the top of the hill this year, rather than avail myself again of the somewhat crowded Audax hotels further north. Am I right in thinking your suggested diversion still goes up Canwick Hill and past the hotel?
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 05 June, 2019, 09:02:31 pm
Initial recumbent fettling and test ride done.  Now back in full recline mode ready for those winds. Short easy cruise to see if anything further needs doing like adjusting the hip to bottom bracket length on the bike. The recumbent is getting an unexpected audax outing this year, spicing things up.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/s8afj51yr694epq/FILE0055.jpg?raw=1) 

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9l3urxar6gcb3ov/FILE0060.jpg?raw=1)


Nazca Fuego? if so looks very much like one I sold a few years ago after going to the Netherlands to pick it up.

It is, not the one you sold, but yes a Fuego
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 05 June, 2019, 09:08:38 pm
I've now heard a helpers ride is the week before where any diversions will be tested out on the ground before a final route sheet comes out.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 05 June, 2019, 10:33:52 pm
wajcgac - clearly some v important local info here. I was planning to have a sleep stop at the Canwick Premier Inn at the top of the hill this year, rather than avail myself again of the somewhat crowded Audax hotels further north. Am I right in thinking your suggested diversion still goes up Canwick Hill and past the hotel?

I'm afraid not, both the outward and homeward diversions I have suggested use the B1190 road to and from Washingborough to get to and from Lincoln which is at the bottom of Canwick Hill.

It's effectively the same route as Toms diversion (the roads run parallel and there is little difference in distance between them) but his heads to Washingborough via Heighington Rd (which is very much closed) from the top of Canwick Hill.



Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 05 June, 2019, 11:37:33 pm
wajcgac - clearly some v important local info here. I was planning to have a sleep stop at the Canwick Premier Inn at the top of the hill this year, rather than avail myself again of the somewhat crowded Audax hotels further north. Am I right in thinking your suggested diversion still goes up Canwick Hill and past the hotel?

I'm afraid not, both the outward and homeward diversions I have suggested use the B1190 road to and from Washingborough to get to and from Lincoln which is at the bottom of Canwick Hill.

It's effectively the same route as Toms diversion (the roads run parallel and there is little difference in distance between them) but his heads to Washingborough via Heighington Rd (which is very much closed) from the top of Canwick Hill.

Thanks. Booking switched to city centre. I was hoping not to go up that bloody hill first thing in the morning but having to go back down it and then back up would be worse! (And if the weather's nice I'll cancel it and bivvy - those bus stops aren't so bad really)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 06 June, 2019, 10:15:32 am
Cheers! - I've got a slightly compressed version onto my route on AUKweb, [to fit the limited space on the route sheet], which will go out to riders tonight. It's the 2009 LEL route to the Washingborough control; I swear I could smell the bacon frying, coming out of Lincoln. Freakishly, it wasn't even raining at this point! Happy memories ...

I'd amend the outbound diversion details as follows

[Diversion to avoid roadworks:
R @ TLS in Branston centre $ HEIGHINGTON
L on RH bend $ WASHINGBOROUGH and HEIGHINGTON
SO @ X $ WASHINGBOROUGH (Pitts Rd)
L @ T No sign post (Main Rd) (B1190)
SO at mini RAB
R @ TLS $ LINCOLN (B1188)

This will bring you back to the bottom of Canwick Hill into Lincoln where you rejoin the route.

I'd amend the homeward diversion details as follows

L @ TLS $ WASHINGBOROUGH (B1190)
SO at mini RAB
In 200m Turn R no sign post onto High Street (easily missed)
SO @ X $ BRANSTON
R @ T $ BRANSTON
L @ TLS in BRANSTON

Rejoin route
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 09 June, 2019, 01:56:16 pm
Well, yesterday afternoon whilst I was putting a new front tyre on the recumbent a strong gust of wind blew the bike over and the rivets popped off the bottom of the front mudguard.  Mudguard stay now affixed to mudguard using a zip tie and a test ride today shows all is well again.

Route fettled to flatten / smooth it and take out some level crossings and traffic lights for the recumbent.  Manoeuvers include the Spalding bypass, Lincoln western bypass, Lincoln eastern bypass, and the Red Lodge southern bypass.

Not necessarily faster but does avoid some stop / start and removes any steepish hills without any extra distance.  Some Yorkshire via Essex riders may find a lone recumbent going the other way on the water railway.  Tried and tested on previous rides and this years Easter Arrow. 

Looking forward to taking the recumbent into the Fens.  It's a very different experience to being on my road bike.  The headwinds don't grind you down and you get to enjoy the big skies above.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Wobbly on 09 June, 2019, 04:19:33 pm
Looking forward to taking the recumbent into the Fens.  It's a very different experience to being on my road bike.  The headwinds don't grind you down and you get to enjoy the big skies above.

Those who remember LEL 2013 and the terrible headwinds during the final southbound sections on the hottest day of the year will appreciate how irritating it must have been for Alan McDonogh (first finisher on an Elliptigo) to have me cheerfully chatting to him whilst trundling alongside on a recumbent.

To his credit he didn't dismount and kick me to death.

 ;D
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 11 June, 2019, 07:20:20 pm
Ordered a portable micro speaker which hopefully I can affix on the recumbent seat (out of the wind) below the head rest.  Now to put together some iPod playlists for the night sections. 
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Chris S on 11 June, 2019, 07:35:12 pm
Glitter ball + Disco. You know it makes sense.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 11 June, 2019, 07:44:28 pm
Now we're talking. Some 80's leg warmers and head band to complete the disco look.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Wobbly on 11 June, 2019, 08:11:42 pm
PBP 2003: I had a radio strapped to the handlebars of the recumbent. I had a portable mini-disc player (remember those?) connected to a little FM transmitter so I could play music from it via the radio.

Got through quite a lot of batteries...
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 11 June, 2019, 08:25:41 pm
PBP 2003: I had a radio strapped to the handlebars of the recumbent. I had a portable mini-disc player (remember those?) connected to a little FM transmitter so I could play music from it via the radio.

Got through quite a lot of batteries...

When I spent a period travelling the world I did have a small shortwave / long wave  radio.  It was weird but comforting hearing the BBC world service in Antarctica amongst the places I went to. The claims for the speaker are 8h on a charge and 45 mins to charge. It plugs directly into a 3.5mm jack socket, so maybe that uses less battery? Should be good enough for a 600 on one charge anyway. It's just something to keep the dozies at bay during bewitching hour.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Wobbly on 11 June, 2019, 09:06:51 pm
The benefits of Long Wave radio: listening to Test Match Special whilst riding through Normandy and Brittany :-)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 11 June, 2019, 09:49:53 pm
The benefits of Long Wave radio: listening to Test Match Special whilst riding through Normandy and Brittany :-)

Tesco are selling these old school radios for £10.99 at the moment. I was almost tempted when down the relevant aisle looking at the portable speakers. Tuning into radio Fenlands
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Wobbly on 11 June, 2019, 10:00:12 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 12 June, 2019, 04:20:36 pm
Mini speaker turned up this morning. Surprising loud for its size.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/h10u9z98esy9423/IMG_0129.JPG?raw=1)

Tried it this morning sitting in rack pack behind head and I can hear it perfectly well even at speeds above 30 mph on the recumbent.  Now just waiting on the super strong (adhesive backed) velcro and 3.5mm jack extension lead so I can fit the speaker a bit closer on the seat with ipod staying in rack pack.

Do not listen to AC / DC downhill in the wet though; you may end up doing a two wheel drift round the bend at the bottom. 
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 12 June, 2019, 09:04:52 pm
New fictional series on ITV called Wild Bill about a US cop who takes a job in Boston, Lincs. Opening sequence includes wind turbines and crashing in a cabbage patch. Apparently Boston has the highest murder rate in the UK.  Fens summed up in 2 mins....
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: markldn on 12 June, 2019, 09:42:22 pm
New fictional series on ITV called Wild Bill about a US cop who takes a job in Boston, Lincs. Opening sequence includes wind turbines and crashing in a cabbage patch. Apparently Boston has the highest murder rate in the UK.  Fens summed up in 2 mins....

Lol - I saw that ad on a newspaper this morning - amazing.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: duncan on 13 June, 2019, 02:17:22 pm
I'll be at the Fenland Friends 600, with j4, on the Pino. We just didn't get enough of the fens on the Capitals of East Anglia...
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 13 June, 2019, 04:23:58 pm
Playlist now ready.  Goole or Kirton Lindsay onwards into the night.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 13 June, 2019, 04:24:53 pm
I'll be at the Fenland Friends 600, with j4, on the Pino. We just didn't get enough of the fens on the Capitals of East Anglia...

An opportunity to get the fullest value out of the fens.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Alex B on 13 June, 2019, 05:06:26 pm
It's a long way out still, but the forecast for FF is currently looking fairly benign. Having ridden it last year into a LEL-esque headwind on the return, I wouldn't want to wish that on anybody!

If I can be arsed I might drag myself out of bed and schlep into central Cambridge to take some photos of the lucky folk riding this brevet, as they pass through ...

Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 13 June, 2019, 05:44:22 pm
It's a long way out still, but the forecast for FF is currently looking fairly benign. Having ridden it last year into a LEL-esque headwind on the return, I wouldn't want to wish that ...

Last time someone made that kind of comment was just before the Capitals of East Anglia...
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 13 June, 2019, 09:08:46 pm
It's a long way out still, but the forecast for FF is currently looking fairly benign. Having ridden it last year into a LEL-esque headwind on the return, I wouldn't want to wish that ...

Last time someone made that kind of comment was just before the Capitals of East Anglia...

And Cambridge Pork Pie 2018  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 14 June, 2019, 04:43:19 pm
Just as well it is not this weekend with the flooding going on in Lincolnshire.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/254x6z6b9zo6bap/IMG_0144.PNG?raw=1)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 14 June, 2019, 06:00:54 pm
Just as well it is not this weekend with the flooding going on in Lincolnshire.

The maps gives areas with potential of flooding. Currently the reality is that unless you're in the Wainfleet area towards the east coast you're only going to encounter isolated flooding on low lying roads such as the one near me where the road dips to pass under a railway bridge.

Of interest to you Phil is that the Water Railway route is currently flooded between Washingborough and Lincoln. This has become more likely to happen because of the works in the area on the eastern bypass have meant that the path has been diverted off the old railway line down to the lower bank of the South Delph, I reckon a lowering of height of about 4-5 feet. Hopefully over the weekend the water level will drop as it's my preferred commuting route.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 14 June, 2019, 07:06:14 pm
You are right that I plan to jump on the water railway at that point.  Is the lowered path gravel or tarmac?. I'm happy to ride either if the gravel is firm but if recently flooded or loose then would stick on the road into Lincoln.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 14 June, 2019, 07:56:13 pm
The diversion that drops onto and along the lower bank for 50m is the smoothest bit of tarmac on the whole Water Railway route.

(Photo of flooding 12/6 - I'm guessing at least 2 foot deep)

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/s01fxntj2wi6en9/cycle%20path%20flooding.jpg?raw=1)

I'm hoping to be back commuting on it next week so will let you know if there are any issues but looking at the current forecast I think it should be fine.

It's the normal route I take to and from Lincoln but I didn't suggest it as an alternative to the closed route mainly because it deviates further from Tomsk's original route and on the return leg I felt riders might find it a bit harder to navigate to.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 15 June, 2019, 11:58:25 am
I've been looking at the Water Railway. What would it be like as an alternative route (assuming it isn't flooded) all the way between Lincoln and Boston?
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 15 June, 2019, 02:30:19 pm
It's tarmac to Bardney, then gravel or take the short road alternative to Southrey.  Then Tarmac to Martin Dales. The water railway becomes gravel beyond into Boston. A few gates here and there but not too many. From there take the road the other side of the Martindales bridge to Dogdyke rejoining the official route.  I plan to take a lanes route from Kirton Lindsay to Bardney then Southrey as above.  It's a gently descending route down to Bardney and avoids the choppiness around Lincoln.  Means you miss food opportunities in Lincoln so you'd need to stock up at Glews garage, Goole.  Did most of that in reverse during our Easter Arrow, this year, when we controlled at Woodhall Spa.  The lanes are quiet and well away from those Eastern bypass works.  No extra distance over the official route.

PM if you'd like a copy of my alternate southbound GPX track for that leg, plotted with my recumbent in mind.  If you want to go via Lincoln then my only comments as above jump on road Bardney to Southrey rejoin water railway then road from Martindales.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 15 June, 2019, 04:38:31 pm
I've been looking at the Water Railway. What would it be like as an alternative route (assuming it isn't flooded) all the way between Lincoln and Boston?

It's a good alternative if you fancy some traffic free cycling on a generally good surface - though I'd be happy to follow the official route as well.

If you decide on the Water Railway, take the 'winter' road alternative to Southery as Phil suggests and rejoin the traffic free section there - it's a while since I've been along the 'summer' route but in wet weather it used to get muddy as it's a bridleway/farm track for the first half.

Depending on the time you're passing through Bardney there are food options at the Old Station Cafe/Heritage Centre - (opposite where the first traffic free section ends at Bardney Bridge) and also a Co-Op store (in the village center).
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: orejas on 15 June, 2019, 04:47:27 pm
Any other full value riders doing this? Would be good to know I  will not be struggling alone for 600km at the rear
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 15 June, 2019, 11:32:59 pm
I've been looking at the Water Railway. What would it be like as an alternative route (assuming it isn't flooded) all the way between Lincoln and Boston?

It's a good alternative if you fancy some traffic free cycling on a generally good surface - though I'd be happy to follow the official route as well.

If you decide on the Water Railway, take the 'winter' road alternative to Southery as Phil suggests and rejoin the traffic free section there - it's a while since I've been along the 'summer' route but in wet weather it used to get muddy as it's a bridleway/farm track for the first half.

Depending on the time you're passing through Bardney there are food options at the Old Station Cafe/Heritage Centre - (opposite where the first traffic free section ends at Bardney Bridge) and also a Co-Op store (in the village center).

Thanks wajcgac that's really helpful. Did the official route last year, it's interesting to look at possible variations. Thanks also to Phil W.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Shaftesburybiker on 16 June, 2019, 01:01:40 pm
Hi Tom & team?

Are the GPX files finalised or just waiting on checking them on the test ride?

Thanks

Richard
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 June, 2019, 01:39:15 pm
Are the GPX files finalised or just waiting on checking them on the test ride?

Tom and some of the helpers are checking the route at the moment — they should be finishing in the next few hours.  When Tom has recovered enough, he will update the routesheet and then I'll update the GPS files on tomsk.co.uk.  We are expecting necessary changes around Lincoln, but aren't sure yet what those are going to be.

For now the ones that are loaded up there are DRAFT until further notice.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: duncan on 17 June, 2019, 08:51:25 am
Any other full value riders doing this? Would be good to know I  will not be struggling alone for 600km at the rear

You'll almost certainly bump into j4 and me on the pino at the back, though we're hoping to finish with a bit more time in hand than usual this time to demonstrate to ourselves that we stand some chance of sleeping on PBP...
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 18 June, 2019, 02:30:24 pm
Now wired for sound to keep the dozies at bay overnight.  The velcro attaching the speaker to the seat has done the 40mph down a rough steep hill test, so looks like it's good to go. 
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: duncan on 18 June, 2019, 02:33:48 pm
Now wired for sound to keep the dozies at bay overnight.

What exactly is the setup you're using? We've been considering adding speakers to the pino to keep us going on long nights.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: psyclist on 18 June, 2019, 02:44:36 pm
The sound is precisely what can be heard stood by the bike, it's not a soundtrack added later.

Given the aero advantage of your steed, I'm sure you could add the weight of a sub-woofer without too much impact to your overall speed. That would be more aurally pleasing. Oh, and a better choice of music  ;D
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 18 June, 2019, 02:53:34 pm
Now wired for sound to keep the dozies at bay overnight.

What exactly is the setup you're using? We've been considering adding speakers to the pino to keep us going on long nights.

One speaker https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01MXUQT9I/

One length of connecting cable https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BH9B8F8

Some sticky backed Velcro https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B071YC5WLV/

The fluffy velcro is stuck to back of seat  about where my shoulders rest.  There is vertical strip plus two horizontal side strips on either side.  The speaker has three strips of fluffy velcro stuck to it.  Then I have two strips of the rougher bit of the velcro stuck back to back with itself to produce a double sided strip of velcro. The speaker is velcro'd to the seat using the two strips, then the wire goes into my rack pack where my iPod sits. the Ipod has 5 or 6 playlists of two hours each.  It's fairly out of the weather where it sits with only the possibility of wheel spray beyond the mudguards catching it.  I'd be happy leaving it in place in all but the heaviest rain and wettest roads.

Speaker only weighs 42g (think a small old edge gps unit weight) but is more than loud enough given where it sits.  More importantly the velcro keeps it in place at high speed down rough roads. 
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 19 June, 2019, 05:54:26 pm
Distance error on my info sheet: Glews to Boston via Kirton [info control] is 131km. The route through Lincoln to McDonalds and diversion afterwards via Washingborough will add a few kms more ...
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 19 June, 2019, 06:14:52 pm
I take it, no further route diversions than already noted in published route sheet?
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 19 June, 2019, 06:56:50 pm
The GPS files are now finalised at  https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/ (https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/)  :thumbsup:

The main GPS routes head thru the roadworks and down/up Canwick Hill, and assume that at least pedestrian access will be available through the road closure.

There are also NEW DIVERSION GPS FILES — these are the complete stage 3 Sleaford to Gainsborough, and stage 6 Kirton to Boston, but following the Washingborough diversion, in case the full road closure also affects pedestrians.

This is all as per Tom's notes in the ride-information document and routesheet, which have been updated on AUKWEB (https://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/19-398/).

You should take your preferred standard GPS files, PLUS the diversion files.   Or the routesheet.  Or all three.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: duncan on 20 June, 2019, 02:18:20 pm
Speaker only weighs 42g (think a small old edge gps unit weight) but is more than loud enough given where it sits.  More importantly the velcro keeps it in place at high speed down rough roads.

That all looks pretty good - we might give it a go for PBP (assuming we do finally qualify). Not really enough time to do anything about it for Saturday morning though!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: duncan on 20 June, 2019, 03:07:25 pm
How's the Water Rail Way looking?
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 20 June, 2019, 03:40:27 pm
The route check has flagged up another road works/closure near Boston - passable on foot on a [muddy] pavement.

It looks like a temporary gravel path is being prepared to pass the A1188 closure between Branston and Canwick Hill, which should be ok to walk, but possibly not velomobile friendly! We shall see ...

GPS track used still had last years B1040 diversion to get round a total road closure - hope to get this fixed, but hey, it's a nicer route and only a few bonus kms!

Thanks to Deano_44, Beer Fuelled Commuter and Jem for toughing it out in the wind and rain. Sacrificing them to the weather gods should ensure some actual summer sun this weekend.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 20 June, 2019, 03:42:10 pm
GPS track used still had last years B1040 diversion to get round a total road closure - hope to get this fixed, but hey, it's a nicer route and only a few bonus kms!

This was fixed several days ago — the latest GPS files are correct.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 20 June, 2019, 03:51:56 pm
How's the Water Rail Way looking?

Good question as that is still my target.

The diversion via the water railway is an extra 2km. Being downhill to Washingborough that extra 2km should be less than 4 mins extra.  From what I can tell Canwick Hill possibly has three sets of temporary traffic lights on it.   So it depends on the phasing on Canwick Hill (which may even be closed on Sat) as to which way will be quicker, the road down to Washingborough then water railway has no traffic lights on it.

Just seen's Tomsk's comment about gravel on Canwick Hill.  Think I will stick with my aim of taking the alternate Washingborough route then pick up the water railway.  Unless I hear it remains flooded but forecast looks to be dry between now and when we will get there.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Deano4 on 20 June, 2019, 04:04:48 pm
The route check has flagged up another road works/closure near Boston - passable on foot on a [muddy] pavement.

It looks like a temporary gravel path is being prepared to pass the A1188 closure between Branston and Canwick Hill, which should be ok to walk, but possibly not velomobile friendly! We shall see ...

GPS track used still had last years B1040 diversion to get round a total road closure - hope to get this fixed, but hey, it's a nicer route and only a few bonus kms!

Thanks to Deano_44, Beer Fuelled Commuter and Jem for toughing it out in the wind and rain. Sacrificing them to the weather gods should ensure some actual summer sun this weekend.

I think I have done my time in the fens this year!

Good luck to everyone riding, especially those who need it for PBP. I won’t mention the weather this time!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 20 June, 2019, 04:21:51 pm
I think I have done my time in the fens this year!

Good luck to everyone riding, especially those who need it for PBP. I won’t mention the weather this time!

Is your real name Rob McKenna?

https://hitchhikers.fandom.com/wiki/Rob_McKenna
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 20 June, 2019, 06:21:04 pm
How's the Water Rail Way looking?

Not very promising for the section between Lincoln and Washingborough

This was last Sunday (16/6/19) morning looking east to west

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/ow2qtk64o64ywuh/Sunday.jpg?raw=1)

and this was about 4:25pm today ago looking west to east this time.

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/60495zagpk1cez3/Thurs.jpg?raw=1)

The level has dropped a good 2-3 foot since the weekend but it's still flooded. I took the pic on the way home from work at about 4:45pm - there were a few people (cyclists and runners) at the flood contemplating whether they should make an attempt at it.

Someone said that as I looked the most professional cyclist then i should give it a try - I'm usually up for the challenge but I'm older now (maybe even a little bit wiser?) and all I could think of was that I might quickly end up looking the most stupid as well.

You could see the tarmac for a couple of meters under the water and it's fairly level all the way along there so thought it might not get much deeper. There was also some weedy stuff on the LHS of the path that I could get a foot down if needed. I only rolled the bike forward a couple of metres before the water was half way to the front hub so aborted whilst I could still get a foot down and still maintain my 'professional' look.  ;D

For anyone contemplating using the Water Railway at the weekend I'd advise following the official diversion (to avoid the Branston B1188 weekend road closure) out to Washingborough and join the Water Railway there at Ferry Lane. (The water level may drop enough that the path is clear of water by Sunday but it'll be left muddy and potentially debris ridden for a while after).

Ferry Lane is easy to spot as it's signed NCR1 and is the first left turn in Washingborough down to the old Station House that stands all on it's own. Go over the little bridge and turn right to head towards Bardney.


Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 20 June, 2019, 06:24:09 pm
How's the Water Rail Way looking?

Not very promising for the section between Lincoln and Washingborough

This was last Sunday (16/6/19) morning looking east to west

(https://previews.dropbox.com/p/thumb/AAfjEKF8pwS1meYXIoX_o2diAuWyfORfIwwKuhKuMzQMfcQFHHFlL7cHms2t1sCDKUrAYbkT7jytZOokw7Cy6CWt7pBnQX1VWt4_iPJePSNoHGxC8_thYPAtsOk1WLSj4J5K7bWeTJMh__uHfW6kbU2WujnS5RFwaiANcol50Qz_Uz5ZUIzwgUna2ftnk_EkbFOVffvAiDGH3jbsqxu5vaHhYTRzdiT1lg0yPxs09TrL0SCAYHSdAZuExOrFAUpiRfD8hlIzAFez59aTR-KoNl7IZkrmsvh1cNy00MNXQLvpg-gYPUsk8xql4kt0ok3QK4IorElrNJ6u07EPXpO-pU85/p.jpeg?fv_content=true&size_mode=5)

and this was about 4:25pm today ago looking west to east this time.

(https://previews.dropbox.com/p/thumb/AAf1vMTr17ZfTdduFOf_GIlNICMeVokozP6fi4LR2aIAL6mZtF98ClwIRSTalZ1Vj7LLvZ41DtoSxGptyjdfc0fJY9m1UKQlDDRXTNMHYMCYYmGtDdWJPXmCtGJYRuK78fgV_oGJOctHLDuDnarSiRxK5RxYYDaCZTCU5e9lORYICi0DTrIM__m4MCa_nU23OnazQCpiZ1ujTpxLPve930umCUVr44rZb2vdFWtOFtxFYO69b48gIoJpHGk_pK9jRe5LWkvck28TOl7bd27r3bv4L3D27OzjEzYBoVytLAQaG9PQKbH-xcfEuJuT_XP9qW3YMnUrB4QHvaW8ha-KAwbB/p.jpeg?fv_content=true&size_mode=5)

The level has dropped a good 2-3 foot since the weekend but it's still flooded. I took the pic on the way home from work at about 4:45pm - there were a few people (cyclists and runners) at the flood contemplating whether they should make an attempt at it.

Someone said that as I looked the most professional cyclist then i should give it a try - I'm usually up for the challenge but I'm older now (maybe even a little bit wiser?) and all I could think of was that I might quickly end up looking the most stupid as well.

You could see the tarmac for a couple of meters under the water and it's fairly level all the way along there so thought it might not get much deeper. There was also some weedy stuff on the LHS of the path that I could get a foot down if needed. I only rolled the bike forward a couple of metres before the water was half way to the front hub so aborted whilst I could still get a foot down and still maintain my 'professional' look.  ;D

For anyone contemplating using the Water Railway at the weekend I'd advise following the official diversion (to avoid the Branston B1188 weekend road closure) out to Washingborough and join the Water Railway there at Ferry Lane. (The water level may drop enough that the path is clear of water by Sunday but it'll be left muddy and potentially debris ridden for a while after).

Ferry Lane is easy to spot as it's signed NCR1 and is the first left turn in Washingborough down to the old Station House that stands all on it's own. Go over the little bridge and turn right to head towards Bardney.

Thanks. I think I'll leave the Water Railway route to next year then!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 20 June, 2019, 06:38:03 pm
Thanks. I think I'll leave the Water Railway route to next year then!

I wouldn't let the flooded section between Lincoln and Washy put you off, it's the bit with the poorest surface even when it's not flooded so you won't miss anything and as I described you can easily pick the route up at Washy anyway.

It also has the advantage of being very flat all the way to Boston (no climbing Canwick Hill or the choppy bits towards Metheringham).
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 20 June, 2019, 06:41:57 pm
How's the Water Rail Way looking?

Not very promising for the section between Lincoln and Washingborough

This was last Sunday (16/6/19) morning looking east to west

(https://previews.dropbox.com/p/thumb/AAfjEKF8pwS1meYXIoX_o2diAuWyfORfIwwKuhKuMzQMfcQFHHFlL7cHms2t1sCDKUrAYbkT7jytZOokw7Cy6CWt7pBnQX1VWt4_iPJePSNoHGxC8_thYPAtsOk1WLSj4J5K7bWeTJMh__uHfW6kbU2WujnS5RFwaiANcol50Qz_Uz5ZUIzwgUna2ftnk_EkbFOVffvAiDGH3jbsqxu5vaHhYTRzdiT1lg0yPxs09TrL0SCAYHSdAZuExOrFAUpiRfD8hlIzAFez59aTR-KoNl7IZkrmsvh1cNy00MNXQLvpg-gYPUsk8xql4kt0ok3QK4IorElrNJ6u07EPXpO-pU85/p.jpeg?fv_content=true&size_mode=5)

and this was about 4:25pm today ago looking west to east this time.

(https://previews.dropbox.com/p/thumb/AAf1vMTr17ZfTdduFOf_GIlNICMeVokozP6fi4LR2aIAL6mZtF98ClwIRSTalZ1Vj7LLvZ41DtoSxGptyjdfc0fJY9m1UKQlDDRXTNMHYMCYYmGtDdWJPXmCtGJYRuK78fgV_oGJOctHLDuDnarSiRxK5RxYYDaCZTCU5e9lORYICi0DTrIM__m4MCa_nU23OnazQCpiZ1ujTpxLPve930umCUVr44rZb2vdFWtOFtxFYO69b48gIoJpHGk_pK9jRe5LWkvck28TOl7bd27r3bv4L3D27OzjEzYBoVytLAQaG9PQKbH-xcfEuJuT_XP9qW3YMnUrB4QHvaW8ha-KAwbB/p.jpeg?fv_content=true&size_mode=5)

The level has dropped a good 2-3 foot since the weekend but it's still flooded. I took the pic on the way home from work at about 4:45pm - there were a few people (cyclists and runners) at the flood contemplating whether they should make an attempt at it.

Someone said that as I looked the most professional cyclist then i should give it a try - I'm usually up for the challenge but I'm older now (maybe even a little bit wiser?) and all I could think of was that I might quickly end up looking the most stupid as well.

You could see the tarmac for a couple of meters under the water and it's fairly level all the way along there so thought it might not get much deeper. There was also some weedy stuff on the LHS of the path that I could get a foot down if needed. I only rolled the bike forward a couple of metres before the water was half way to the front hub so aborted whilst I could still get a foot down and still maintain my 'professional' look.  ;D

For anyone contemplating using the Water Railway at the weekend I'd advise following the official diversion (to avoid the Branston B1188 weekend road closure) out to Washingborough and join the Water Railway there at Ferry Lane. (The water level may drop enough that the path is clear of water by Sunday but it'll be left muddy and potentially debris ridden for a while after).

Ferry Lane is easy to spot as it's signed NCR1 and is the first left turn in Washingborough down to the old Station House that stands all on it's own. Go over the little bridge and turn right to head towards Bardney.

Based on your text as the photos aren't showing in different browsers here anyway.

Ok, I will avoid that then as I wanted to use it going east to west through Lincoln going northbound.   Gone back to my plan B for going northbound through Lincoln which does not use the water railway and is the same distance.  Southbound I bypass Lincoln to join the water railway further east, and I'll stick with that part of the plan.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 20 June, 2019, 06:56:44 pm
Based on your text as the photos aren't showing in different browsers here anyway.

Thanks for the heads-up Phil, seems OK in chrome but not IE for me - will try and resolve later.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 20 June, 2019, 07:11:14 pm
Thanks. I think I'll leave the Water Railway route to next year then!

I wouldn't let the flooded section between Lincoln and Washy put you off, it's the bit with the poorest surface even when it's not flooded so you won't miss anything and as I described you can easily pick the route up at Washy anyway.

It also has the advantage of being very flat all the way to Boston (no climbing Canwick Hill or the choppy bits towards Metheringham).

OK thanks - helpful to know. I was a bit concerned that the section going south between Southrey and Dogdyke might also be affected...
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 20 June, 2019, 11:02:01 pm
Just a quick heads-up about Chatteris Green Welly on Saturday — card-stamping and water

Dod (George) and I (Nick) will be stamping your cards so you don't need to trouble the staff for a receipt when you order your breakfast  ;) :thumbsup:

If the weather's not p!shing it down then we'll probably be stood near the main entrance outside, or else near the entrance inside.

There will also be large bottles* of water to refill your bidons — last year was a bit of a bunfight for the taps in the loos!  Pink table, outside (don't ask — but at least you can spot it)  :thumbsup:



* The bottles are refilled from the tap, in case anyone's thinking "single-use plastic"  O:-)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 21 June, 2019, 12:08:07 am
Based on your text as the photos aren't showing in different browsers here anyway.

Thanks for the heads-up Phil, seems OK in chrome but not IE for me - will try and resolve later.

Also going by text - images not showing in Safari either

Hopefully sorted now - had to amend the dropbox link to end with raw=1 rather than dl=1 don't know why this should be but when quoting one of Phils posts I saw that it was the difference in the links and gave it a try.

OK thanks - helpful to know. I was a bit concerned that the section going south between Southrey and Dogdyke might also be affected...

I rode all the way along there last weekend at the height of the floods and the water was no where near the top of the bank even then. It only flooded on the short section around the bypass works between Lincoln and Washy as the path has been routed temporarily on to the lower bank there.

Now I've got the hang of this photo lark here's one nearer to Woodhall - that puddle was as wet as it got  ;D

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/7kt51ehsugfe29x/IMG_20190616_102950770_HDR.jpg?raw=1)

Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 21 June, 2019, 12:12:50 am
brilliant, thank you! Pictures all working now too :)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: markldn on 21 June, 2019, 10:32:57 am
Not being that familiar with the local area/situation, can anyone advise me whether I could potentially run into trouble/flooding using the following water railway route?  I have tried to avoid gravel.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30317722

EDIT:  Just seen Phil W has emailed me an update!  Hold!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 21 June, 2019, 10:33:07 am
Yep, photos showing now. 

Defo avoid the section between of Washingborough and Lincoln and out towards Woodhall the Water Railway looks like it normally does. Perfect.  That's my alternate routing finalised.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 21 June, 2019, 10:38:01 am
Not being that familiar with the local area/situation, can anyone advise me whether I could potentially run into trouble/flooding using the following water railway route?  I have tried to avoid gravel.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30317722

EDIT:  Just seen Phil W has emailed me an update!  Hold!

It is the section between km 32 and 35 that is flooded as above.  So if going via Lincoln when southbound you can continue to the Washingborough Rd to Washingborough then down Ferry Rd and join the Water Railway at km 35.  If bypassing Lincoln there is a ramped foot / cycle bridge at Fiskerton or you can join the Water Railway at Southrey as a few of us are now.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: markldn on 21 June, 2019, 11:18:12 am
Not being that familiar with the local area/situation, can anyone advise me whether I could potentially run into trouble/flooding using the following water railway route?  I have tried to avoid gravel.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30317722

EDIT:  Just seen Phil W has emailed me an update!  Hold!

It is the section between km 32 and 35 that is flooded as above.  So if going via Lincoln when southbound you can continue to the Washingborough Rd to Washingborough then down Ferry Rd and join the Water Railway at km 35.  If bypassing Lincoln there is a ramped foot / cycle bridge at Fiskerton or you can join the Water Railway at Southrey as a few of us are now.

Amazing, very clear.  Have made both adjustments.  Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 21 June, 2019, 02:30:02 pm
“I know these closures aren’t ideal, but we’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption, including keeping Lincoln Road open over August bank holiday weekend, maintaining pedestrian access along both roads and doing our best to finish both jobs up ahead of schedule."

Seems it might be possible to get down Canwick road but might be gravel, as above, and no idea how long you'd be on the rubbish surface. Will leave diversion in GPX files and see what's what when get to Branston. 

Editted to add: If you go to open street map you can see the line of the Eastern Bypass and where it crosses our routes. It might not be too long a section to get past assuming access has been maintained. Now see, it's 1.3 miles beyond Branston, so a pain if you can't get past, and it's uphill on that bit to top of Canwick Hill. So think I'll just head downhill at Branston to Washingborough on the diversion.

https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/69144#map=14/53.2060/-0.4973

Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: duncan on 21 June, 2019, 02:49:52 pm
Thanks for the Water Rail Way updates - will avoid it until Bardney.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: duncan on 21 June, 2019, 03:04:00 pm
Quote
Washy
is very much what I'm hoping to avoid.

Will probably join it at Washingborough - the Water Rail Way is lovely, I'd like to ride as much of it as possible!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 21 June, 2019, 03:40:51 pm
Quote
Washy
is very much what I'm hoping to avoid.

Will probably join it at Washingborough - the Water Rail Way is lovely, I'd like to ride as much of it as possible!

I get to use it on my commute 2-3 times a week where it takes me right in to Lincoln and enables me to avoid the busy commuting roads. I wouldn't commute as much by bike if it wasn't there - certainly not in the winter when the road in to Lincoln from Washy becomes really grotty when wet.

Being local I forget sometimes how good this traffic free route is From Lincoln to Bardney and then Woodhall beyond. I do a few Audax events in other parts if I can - and if I had to ride along something similar I'd be thinking what a great route it was.

Almost forgot to say don't panic if you see the 'Sustrans Route Flooded' sign in Ferry Lane - it's referring to the section back to Lincoln.

Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: BFC on 21 June, 2019, 04:04:54 pm
“I know these closures aren’t ideal, but we’ll be doing everything we can to minimise disruption, including keeping Lincoln Road open over August bank holiday weekend, maintaining pedestrian access along both roads and doing our best to finish both jobs up ahead of schedule."

Seems it might be possible to get down Canwick road but might be gravel, as above, and no idea how long you'd be on the rubbish surface. Will leave diversion in GPX files and see what's what when get to Branston. 

Editted to add: If you go to open street map you can see the line of the Eastern Bypass and where it crosses our routes. It might not be too long a section to get past assuming access has been maintained. Now see, it's 1.3 miles beyond Branston, so a pain if you can't get past, and it's uphill on that bit to top of Canwick Hill. So think I'll just head downhill at Branston to Washingborough on the diversion.

https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/69144#map=14/53.2060/-0.4973

I rode the helpers ride last weekend.

At the site of the eastern bypass/B1188 intersection that is planned for road closure this weekend there was a temporary aggregate path being constructed to the East of the B1188 - as of last weekend it was behind barriers and I could only see the ends where it joined the existing road. They were about 1/2 way up the depth of the wooden shuttering and the aggregate looked fairly coarse. Transition from the road to the new pathway did not look the best - no drop kerbs and 90 degree to the roadway. Velomobiles may want to avoid! The path along this stretch of road is signed as a combined use footway/cyclepath so a load of bikes rolling up to use the temporary path is not unreasonable.

I would expect the contractors will be finishing it off with smaller stone and compacting it - this is a logical extrapolation in line with good construction practice. Until someone goes along and tries the "path" out we can only speculate on it's actual surface quality and ride/walk ability. Official opening time for the path is 7:00pm tonight - if anyone local can "do a test ride" to check it out it would help, otherwise the Audax riders will have to take a best guess and hope. This all leaves the organisers of Fenland Friends and Yorkshire via Essex rides with a bit of a problem - advising the riders based on incomplete information.

I will be at the Angel and Harp on Sunday to listen to stories of how good or bad it actually was! Good luck to all.

GPS files for both the "carry on regardless" and the "take the formal diversion" routes for Fenland Friends have been prepared by Wilkyboy and are available.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 21 June, 2019, 05:00:56 pm
Thanks for that update BFC.

If it's fine and compacted with no loose bits then I'm quite happy riding that kind of stuff on the recumbent. But sounds like it will still have lots of settling down to do.  The small front wheel of the recumbent will not like that, and you have less time to react. So I'm going to stick to the diversion on good surfaces.  Others can speak of their tales of adventure or how it was a Tarmac smooth surface and they were cruising at 40mph.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wajcgac on 21 June, 2019, 06:17:08 pm
For real adventure, riders could try the original diversion that Tomsk had in mind to avoid the Branston Road (B1188) weekend works which was to use the road to and from Heighington and Canwick.

I know a lot of cyclists including myself tend to treat road closure signs as not usually applying to us and that you can usually get through, but sometimes you've got to admit defeat. Looking west is where Canwick is - the big hole is the bypass route running north to south. Eventually the Heighington to Canwick road will be reinstated and the bypass will pass under it.

Should you manage to get over the fence and down you have the choice between a ladder or ramp to get out.

More of a road removal than closure!

(https://www.dropbox.com/s/t7jyfhdz1hqls45/IMG_20190616_114114493.jpg?raw=1)

Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Alex B on 22 June, 2019, 10:01:28 am
Here are photos (https://www.flickr.com/search/?sort=date-taken-asc&safe_search=1&tags=fenlandfriends2019&user_id=45086087%40N00&view_all=1) of some of the riders passing through Cambridge this morning (feel free to re-use). It's a nice day for a bike ride!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: ChillyPanda on 22 June, 2019, 05:25:35 pm
Nice photos, Alex.

Hardly a Carradice in sight. Riders seem to pack light these days.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Alex B on 22 June, 2019, 06:10:33 pm
Hardly a Carradice in sight.

But I did spot two pairs of SPD sandals. So it's not as if standards have slipped entirely ;)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: αdαmsκι on 23 June, 2019, 04:41:16 pm
I gated crashed the arrivee on my pointless ride. I was there at about 13:30 /14:00..the first rider has turned up earlier and while I was there numbers 2, 3 and 4 arrived.

Excellent stamping work by Huggy

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9v31aiXsAAJq04?format=jpg)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: markldn on 23 June, 2019, 07:13:12 pm
Thanks everyone for an incredible ride. I was up and down and in a variety of England’s most well kept towns. Somehow the foot got through but every other part of me has been thoroughly put through the hurt locker (it all started with Morvelo). Highlight was local hospitality and banter in Queen’s Head. Low point was sunrise and the last three stages with no sleep. Hope everyone made it out of their 5* hotels and to the finish. Cambridge? Spaniard? Richard? Tom?

Here is my patched together instagram stories of the ride.

https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTA0NjkyNTk5MzIzNjc3/?igshid=15yipejawrtz2&story_media_id=2071645199704235942
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 June, 2019, 07:30:00 pm
Excellent news. See you in Paris!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 23 June, 2019, 07:30:58 pm
A few photos wot I took in Chatteris, while stampering your brevets — https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/ (https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: markldn on 23 June, 2019, 07:45:11 pm
Excellent news. See you in Paris!

Thank YOU!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: rob on 23 June, 2019, 08:18:07 pm
A few photos wot I took in Chatteris, while stampering your brevets — https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/ (https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/)

‘A couple of vets from the Sleaford start’ are the legendary Jim Hopper and Ian Hill.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 23 June, 2019, 08:22:20 pm
A few photos wot I took in Chatteris, while stampering your brevets — https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/ (https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/)

‘A couple of vets from the Sleaford start’ are the legendary Jim Hopper and Ian Hill.

Who's who?  (I've never had the honour) — Jim's on the trike, right?
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: JBB on 23 June, 2019, 08:29:02 pm
A few photos wot I took in Chatteris, while stampering your brevets — https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/ (https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/)

‘A couple of vets from the Sleaford start’ are the legendary Jim Hopper and Ian Hill.

Who's who?  (I've never had the honour)


Chap putting on the helmet is Jim.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 23 June, 2019, 08:30:19 pm
A few photos wot I took in Chatteris, while stampering your brevets — https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/ (https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/)

‘A couple of vets from the Sleaford start’ are the legendary Jim Hopper and Ian Hill.

Who's who?  (I've never had the honour)


Chap putting on the helmet is Jim.

I think that you might mean a different Jim — neither of the two Sleaford vets are wearing helmets  ???
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: rob on 23 June, 2019, 08:49:47 pm
A few photos wot I took in Chatteris, while stampering your brevets — https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/ (https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/)

‘A couple of vets from the Sleaford start’ are the legendary Jim Hopper and Ian Hill.


Who's who?  (I've never had the honour) — Jim's on the trike, right?

Yeah
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 23 June, 2019, 09:01:02 pm
Who's who?  (I've never had the honour) — Jim's on the trike, right?

Yeah

Ta, updated  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 23 June, 2019, 09:13:07 pm
Jim is always on the trike...
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: JBB on 23 June, 2019, 09:19:28 pm
Jim is always on the trike...

I must admit that's what I was led to believe, mea culpa!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 23 June, 2019, 10:47:02 pm
Thanks everyone for an incredible ride. I was up and down and in a variety of England’s most well kept towns. Somehow the foot got through but every other part of me has been thoroughly put through the hurt locker (it all started with Morvelo). Highlight was local hospitality and banter in Queen’s Head. Low point was sunrise and the last three stages with no sleep. Hope everyone made it out of their 5* hotels and to the finish. Cambridge? Spaniard? Richard? Tom?

Here is my patched together instagram stories of the ride.

https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTA0NjkyNTk5MzIzNjc3/?igshid=15yipejawrtz2&story_media_id=2071645199704235942

Hi Mark, great riding with you - and many thanks for helping me get out of Kirton! Got back fine after a good sleep and a relatively leisurely second day. I did see Richard in the morning - he had a rough night but was still riding strongly. I left him sound asleep in the Boston McD's...

Looks like you had an amazing ride. Love the instagram clips - thanks for sharing them.

Martin (Cambridge)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 23 June, 2019, 10:49:34 pm
Hardly a Carradice in sight.

But I did spot two pairs of SPD sandals. So it's not as if standards have slipped entirely ;)

Yes. Lots of sandal envy too  ;D
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 June, 2019, 01:52:00 am
Thanks everyone for an incredible ride. I was up and down and in a variety of England’s most well kept towns. Somehow the foot got through but every other part of me has been thoroughly put through the hurt locker (it all started with Morvelo). Highlight was local hospitality and banter in Queen’s Head. Low point was sunrise and the last three stages with no sleep. Hope everyone made it out of their 5* hotels and to the finish. Cambridge? Spaniard? Richard? Tom?

Here is my patched together instagram stories of the ride.

https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTA0NjkyNTk5MzIzNjc3/?igshid=15yipejawrtz2&story_media_id=2071645199704235942
excellent, see you in Paris

3 weeks after a fractured toe, tough as nails.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Bagman on 24 June, 2019, 06:53:21 am
Well done Mark. Completed mine so see you at the campsite
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 24 June, 2019, 10:54:16 am
Having crashed and burned, due to the heat and dehydration ending my ride with projectile vomiting on Windsor Chester Windsor; I entered Fenland Friends as a back up to complete my qualification for PBP.  First decision was which bike?  My recumbent is ideally suited to the Fens but this year I'd done all my qualifiers on my road bike and any rides of any distance. The recumbent had just done short local rides. The different riding positions do put emphasis on different muscles within the legs, and consequently my legs would feel weaker  on the recumbent.  Some initial test rides suggested I'd be fast enough on the recumbent, if I twiddled up the Essex and Suffolk hills, and made up for it in the Fens. I decided to ride the recumbent and dedicated the available two and bit weeks to exclusively riding it to help strengthen the laid back leg muscles.  A brevet populaire the week before destroyed my legs, boy did they hurt, but I decided to stick with decision of choice of bike.

I woke at 4:30am, had breakfast and loaded the bike. setting off on the drive over at 4:45am. Parking up in the recreation car park, Gt Dunmow there were a few unloading bikes and getting ready.  I rolled down to the start, picked up and filled in a brevet card with my details, had a drink. Time to go.

My plan was not to try and keep up with the road bikes on the uphills and to bide my time till it flattened after Cambridge.  I deliberately positioned myself at the back.  Here I met Drew Buck who had also crashed and burned at Windsor Chester Windsor and we shook hands as he said "good to see you've made the right decision", "we will see we will see" I replied.

A few words from Tom, and it was time to get going.  The plan worked for about 5 mins,  the third descent and everyone was freewheeling in front of me.  On a recumbent the technique is to hammer the descents and let your speed and aerodynamics carry you as far up the other side as possible.  Far less energy intensive.  So this is what I did hammering past everyone, and with enough momentum no one caught me on the uphill and I was away.  Some decided to give chase and I'd see them closing on the longer uphills, till I was away downhill again.  A tenacious group of four caught and passed me on the climb out of Saffron Walden.  Then I gained on them once over the top and we stayed in sight of each other till near Great Shelford.

Great Shelford marked the beginning of the red light district.  Never before have I hit so many red lights and this continued all the way till Longstanton where finally a traffic light took pity on me.  In Cambridge there were a few students returning from late night partys but otherwuise it was deserted and peaceful.    Just as I was making the turn right past the market then left to continue north a tourist decided to take a photo of me.  The tourist then spoke and I realised it was Alex, with words of encouragement "Go Phil". Then I was round the corner and away.  Sorry Alex I can be a bit brain dead early in the morning.

As the terrain flattened my speed increased steadily and I found myself at a nice cruising speed with little effort.   There were a number of Red Kites up above and together with the speckled clouds they occupied my attention.  I was drinking like it was going out of fashion after my dehyration problems last time, and also taking salt tablets.  Consequently I need 3 pee stops before I even got to the first control. Chatteris turned up far sooner than I expected and before long I rolled up at the Green Welly cafe. 

Nick and Dod were outside together with Ian Perry, on Yorkshire via Essex, stood by his velomobile.  Ian was ahead of the Yorkshire Via Essex control opening time so they were making him wait till.  Nick wanted to see if I was ahead of the Fenland Friends control opening time, nope I'd arrived 4 mins after the opening time.  Those three pee stops were essential part of the timing plan.  Nick then also informed me I was the first to the control from the Dunmow start.  I was a bit shocked at this as thought the four who passed me in Saffron Walden were still ahead.  But now I recall I had passed them in Earith but my brain was in trance mode. I think they were possibly stopped and just pulling out.  Yes, that was them.

With no queue I got my order in for sweet and sour pork with rice and a strawberry Yazoo from the fridge.  Whilst drinking the Yazoo and waiting for my order the riders from both starts began to roll in and form a queue.   I quickly got my Playpus filled up with water before the queue got too big.  After a chat with Ian (still waiting for his control open time) back inside for my food.  The cafe was soon heaving and I got various amused comments at me having sweet and sour pork for breakfast.  Hey I like this stuff, what can I say?

I was off again, first to leave and greeted various inbound Yorkshire via Essex riders, including a fellow laid back rider on a high racer. I turned onto Forty Foot Bank. Once more I saw some Red Kites above and was so engrossed in them that I missed a turning.  It was only when I glanced down that I noted there was no sign of the track on the GPS.  Just then a sign appearied pointing to Benwick and I vaguely remembered this was on route.  So I turned right and followed the signs to Benwick eventually rejoining the route after 5 km of extra riding.  Just as I did this my breakfast companions turned on the route in front of me a group of about 11 doubled up.  I caught them up and chatted away with the lone rider at the back.  It was nice to be working at a very low effort, drafting the uprights. Eventually, after we'd entered Lincolnshire, I got tired of the view (of riders bums) and so backed off to regain the view I prefer. The wide landscape with sky and birds above.

The day by now had warmed up and eventually I got the early warning signs of cramp.  My tactic with the salt tablets was to pre load before the ride and then take one at each control, and to take one if signs of cramp appeared.  I took a tablet and the early signs receded till the legs were back to normal.  I didn't get cramp on a long brevet, in warm weather, for the first time in a long time.  I'm a convert to supplementary salt tablets. oh, and arm coolers work well as well. Just need leg / knee coolers now.

I had made a number of adjustments ot the offical route to make it more suited to my bike's strengths.  I'd also decided to bypass Spalding since it wasn't a control.  This involves going along Welland Bank then when it drops off the bank go left instead right towards Spalding.  You then head via Pinchbeck West to rejoin the offical route north and west of Spalding.   A great traffic free variation that works well.

Eventually Sleaford appeared and I do like the first view you get of it, approaching from the south.  Origianlly my plan was to hit the Wetherspoons but about 100 metres short I saw some fellow riders outside a bakery, and decided I'd stop.  An iced tea cake and two jam doughnuts and a coke.  The water available was in small bottles so I decided not to top up the bladder, which still had water.

I left shortly before the others gathered around and headed north to Lincoln.  Initially the roads were fairly busy but once I turned onto the B road to Branston it quietened down again.  The road was rolling and perfect for hammering the descents and getting most of the way up the other side without pedalling.  Arriving in Branston I stopped at the red lights and the others caught me here.  Straight on to Canwiock hill and a gravel section or the longer diversion.  At this point Stefan and Mark are to my right and ask if I'm going right.  Decision made, we go right whilst the others go straight on.

The diversion goes well and Mark and Stefan follow me on my second alteration which heads out to Skellingthorpe then Saxilby, rejoining the offical route at Staunton by Stow and bypassing the climb onto the ridge.  At Staunton by Stow my water has run out so I bid the others on whilst I stop at the shop there.  Topping up my water I also grab a jam doughnut and eat it on the picnic bench outside.

Crazy speeds entering Gainsbrough on the descent, and then a staple of audax, a garage forcourt.  Perhaps a dozen of us are sat around on our quality diets. The chilli snack is somewhat hot and burns my throat. The sun is hot and any shade is greatly appreciated.  Moving off I opt to cross on the right hand side of the bridge and turn right by the pub down the paved cycle track to Old Trent rd.  This bypasses the A631 road section. it was not pre planned but traffic is quite busy at this point and the alternative is more pleasant. In contrast the A161, to Goole,  is quite empty.

Goole services and McDonalds it is.  After waiting several minutes at one of the automated machines; I give up and go to the counter.  A McFlurry Crunchie and a coke.  My order turns up quickly.  The time on the receipt is 18:00, bang on 12 hours. We've made good progress. I sit with one of my companions from breakfast at the Green Welly. 

Retracing out of Goole to Eastoft. Back south and passing and waving at various riders inbound to Goole.  The wind is quite light at this point and I don't notice any reduction in speed. Climbing the hill to Kirton in Lindsay I spy my table companions stood outside a COOP, so I pulled over to join them.  I opt for some pineaple chunks and a pint of milk.  Diet getting better.  Further up just before the turn right some are sat outside having a pint at the pub.  Here I have another alteration to the route, opting to bypass Lincoln by going direct to Bardney then Southrey to join the water railway.  I mount a speaker on my seat, plug in the ipod and start the playlist for my solo jaunt into the night.

The light fades as i enter Bardney and I'm almost tempted to stop at a pub but carry on.  At Southrey I had the church porch lined up to sleep in, but in the ptich black I fail to spot the chiurch and find myself at the water railway.  So I keep going till I find an enclosed bench along the Water Railway.  I pull the seat pad off my recumbent, and set the alarm on the GPS to wake me at 1am. Perhaps 20 mins later a rider stops and asks me if I'd like to rdie with him. Not right now, I'm sleeping, but if he wants to wait till 1am then sure.  Not being tired, he opts to ride on. Peace descends again.

Come 1am I'm off again and meet a few Yorkshire via Essex riders coming the other way.  Being low to the ground I'm slightly blinded by their death ray lights. A few wobbles and slowing down till they are past and once more into the dark.  Boston rolls up, and another McDonalds.  A coke and a milkshake this time. As well as Fenland Friends  there's another group of riders in, doing a 90 mile night ride.  They are a bit loud but I decide on a second doze.  The other riders leave and after finishing my drinks, a trip to the toilet to lose weight, and then a third doze.  Another Fenlad Friends rider turns up, just as I'm leaving and we greet each other in passing.

Leaving Boston in the ethereal pre dawn light the birds are singing away and it's a lovely moment in time rolling south west to Spalding.  Out of Spalding I opt once more for Welland Bank, preferring it to the Cowbit option.  After Crowland I start to get the dozies but the verge is long grass and full of insects crawling on my skin.  So I get back up and continue on.  A posh house on the right has manicured the grass facing onto the road.  So this tramp, parks his recumbent next to his wall, and once more lays down, undistrubed by insects.  After a 30 min catnap I'm on the move again, refreshed. In Whittlesey I spy a newsagent and go inside asking if they sell ice lollies.  The paper girls and boys are busy filling up their bags for their rounds. Not only do they, but the popsicles are only 22p, bargain, receipt done.

Near Warboys the first hills in oh I don't know like forever turn up, and they feel like the Himalayas.  In Warboys I stop at the service station and have a Callipo.  In Earwith I stop again and have an iced lolly.  You get the idea, most village stops I paassed, I was now stopping for ice lollies.  It felt like the day was going to get seriously hot.  Haddenham delivered a triple hill just in case I wasn't paying attention to the change in geography.

The leg to Red Lodge seemed to take forever, but turn up eventually it did.  There were 3 other riders already there.  I ordered a ham and cheese omelette and vimto. Well I tried to order it but some loud local man keep shouting about, oh another cheese omelette, that I had to turn around and tell him to shut up whilst I ordered.  Eventually the other riders left whilst I ate what I could of the worlds largest omelette, it was huge! Even when fresh I'm not sure I've have managed to finish it.

Now my final bit of route fettling to smooth the hills to the finish, Great Dunmow.  It included some unridden roads suggested by Alex B that went via Cowlinge.   Near Darsham I met some audax riders coming the opposite way which initially confused me.  Then I saw a whole load more and realised they must be on a different audax.  Now I think Alex B was having a laugh.  I turned into one lane which was simply named "The Hill" and indded it was going on for longer than usual round these parts.  I crawled up this, under the hot sun. My knees and legs now burnt to a crisp.  Riding a low racer is like being on a mobile sun lounger, watch out for bit of legs burning that don't on an upright bike.    The reward for this climb was a fantastic long descent the other side.

I opped out on the A134 and there was a shop there.  So I stopped there and drank 1.5 litres of lemonade, plus the obligatory iced lolly.  The A134 was wonderful and had the sort of rollers wherre, on the recumbent, you don't need to pedal the uphills.  All but two of the rollers I was able to do this, brilliant.  The link to Finchingfield and Bardfield not so much, and I crawled up hills, fast descent, but then needed to pedal the next hills. 

Eventually a sign for Dunmow, 7 miles, almost done. I was certainly done and feeling the heat.  I'd been managing my hydration and pouring water over myself to cool down throughout the ride. Plus taking the salt tablet, It had worked well. I think I've found the solution to the problems I have with heat. 

Those last 7 miles seemed to take forever the motto "one more hill".  Motorbikes were racing these sections of roads but fortunately were moving along the white line and well away from me.  A final quick descent to Gt Dunmow, hitting 67 km/h. Then into the Angel and Harp. The ACME gang had tables 30 and 37 in the garden.  It was 1509, my quickest 600 time in the last 3 years.  It was validation for me, that my fitness is ok, if I take care of heat and hydration before they become too big an issue.  Just as importantly I'd qualified for Paris.  Mission accomplished.

I had a doze on the grass beind the table and then when awake again ordered a pizza and Ghost Ship.  My appetite exceeded my ability to eat the pizza. Far too much left.  Should have ordeed the garlic bread that later arrivals had.  Tom and ACMe crew riding turned up and after a bit of chat it was time to head home beofre a wave of dozies turn up again.

I drove home, taking it easy and leaving big gaps.  Safely home, car unloaded.  A ribena and strawberry milkshake.  Shower then bed. I slept till 6am, interrupted with needing a pee, or my legs burning on contact with the duvet. Almost a full 12 hours sleep. Now I have today off to chill, and stay out the sun, with a little leg strech round the local park.

Thanks Tom and helpers, and those I rode with or spoke to on the road.   

Photo's here

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dMZTabM9Dg6wTcGH9
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: marcusjb on 24 June, 2019, 10:58:55 am
Well done Phil- chuffed for you after WCW!  See you in (nearly) Paris!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 June, 2019, 12:04:21 pm
Talking of Death Ray lights...
I was blinded by a recumbent front light somewhere between Boston and the water railway on YviaA, and had a last second dodge as we were both on the crown of the road.

Not quite sure how that works if the recumbent light is set right (unless it didn't have a cut off...)

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: markldn on 24 June, 2019, 12:09:14 pm

Hi Mark, great riding with you - and many thanks for helping me get out of Kirton! Got back fine after a good sleep and a relatively leisurely second day. I did see Richard in the morning - he had a rough night but was still riding strongly. I left him sound asleep in the Boston McD's...

Looks like you had an amazing ride. Love the instagram clips - thanks for sharing them.

Martin (Cambridge)

Fantastic, no problem - glad to hear it Martin!  (I didn't forget your name btw but I liked my designated one for you on the ride!)


excellent, see you in Paris

3 weeks after a fractured toe, tough as nails.

Two weeks and it was the 5th metatarsal* :P  (*That sounds tougher).  But surprisingly no issues with it until the last 150km from the hills; it was mainly the lack of fitness for being off the bike in the lead up to and recovery of toegate. 

See you in Paris indeed James!  Richard says hi(!)—we rode together for much of the ride until we lost him to an audax hotel outside Lincoln.

Really ecstatic and grateful to the YACF community for helping support me through two occasions of potentially dashed PBP hopes, in both preregistering and qualifying for PBP.  Truly skin of the teeth stuff.  Can't quite believe it.

Well done Mark. Completed mine so see you at the campsite

Congrats Dave! (who found me after he heard me chewing another rider's ear off about how I hadn't yet seen my mate on the field whose last chance this was to qualify—I had been on Bagman's wheel for at least 30 minutes) 

It's all coming together now.  Hopefully see you on a training ride in July!  London Orbital?

I deliberately positioned myself at the back....

That's funny because I always seem to remember seeing you at the front riding into the distance.  I was going to say something as you had requested on this very thread but left you to it!

Some clarifications.  It was myself and Joaquin (or "the Spaniard" as I would call him) you were riding with north from Branston and underneath Lincoln.  And that was me who caught you during your sleep preparations on the Waterway.  You got some rest and caught me up at McD's in Boston with plenty of time so maybe I should have stopped to try and sleep.

Speaking of Joaquin (who I have yet to hear how his ride went?) I lost him at the Queen's Head in Kirton because I was having too much fun with the locals.  Think they wanted to set me up with the young lady behind the bar.  Though I had also had the offer of a shed from a lady named "Sue".  With all that plus a half pint of Guinness compliments of "Ian", I have nothing but my own love of a party to blame for Joaquin leaving me....  Great pub and 100% good people—it's reputation preceded it (via Stefan) and will definitely continue to do so.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Bagman on 24 June, 2019, 12:14:01 pm
Mark - i will be manning a control on the Orbital. Next ride Hereward the Wake
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 24 June, 2019, 12:37:24 pm
Speaking of Joaquin (who I have yet to hear how his ride went?) ...

Joaquin finished in 35 hours dead  :thumbsup:  He is "orejas" on this forum.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 24 June, 2019, 12:46:05 pm
That's funny because I always seem to remember seeing you at the front riding into the distance.  I was going to say something as you had requested on this very thread but left you to it!

Yep my plan didn't last very long did it.  I'd already had a comment "You don't provide a draft do you?" in those first few mins.

Some clarifications.  It was myself and Joaquin (or "the Spaniard" as I would call him) you were riding with north from Branston and underneath Lincoln.  And that was me who caught you during your sleep preparations on the Waterway.  You got some rest and caught me up at McD's in Boston with plenty of time so maybe I should have stopped to try and sleep.


Joaquin finished in 35 hours dead  :thumbsup:  He may be "orejas" on this forum?

Ah that makes sense. I'd assumed it was you and Stefan as you were talking about my diversion as we entered Lincoln and you let me go first to lead the way.  But of course Joaquin / orejas had also asked for and been sent my route adjusted northbound and southbound GPX. So he too would have known about my alternate route diversions. In fact we weren't the only ones who took my alternate as I was complemented on it by others (whom Stefan must have been riding with) at Goole McDonalds.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: stefan on 24 June, 2019, 12:57:37 pm
Ah that makes sense. I'd assumed it was you and Stefan as you were talking about my diversion as we entered Lincoln and you let me go first to lead the way.  But of course Joaquin / orejas had also asked for and been sent my route adjusted northbound and southbound GPX. So he too would have known about my alternate route diversions.

Yep - although I took the same route after going through the roadworks.

I didn't use your southbound diversion in the end (I needed that hotel stop in Lincoln) but your northbound ones were ace  :thumbsup: - thanks for sharing them!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: jiberjaber on 24 June, 2019, 02:56:19 pm
Well done Phil - great to see you basking in the glow of qualification! (and a bit of sunburn)  :thumbsup:

I think we had the last rider through around 21:30ish - unfortunately I was too late for last orders by the time I got home but good to see so many smiling faces at the end, hope you all enjoyed the band and street party we arranged for you in Finchingfield  ;D
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 24 June, 2019, 03:20:31 pm
Talking of Death Ray lights...
I was blinded by a recumbent front light somewhere between Boston and the water railway on YviaA, and had a last second dodge as we were both on the crown of the road.

Not quite sure how that works if the recumbent light is set right (unless it didn't have a cut off...)

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Apologies that would have been me between Dogdyke and Martindales. The light is the Edelux (original bought 2010), and defo has a cut off. The light is bolted in place but occasionally the bolt can come a little loose allowing it to move.  This was my first night ride on the recumbent this year, so it's quite possible it's been knocked and I hadn't noticed.  Will check alignment.

Edited to add. That dodgy road definitely required riding on the crown!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 June, 2019, 03:37:10 pm
Talking of Death Ray lights...
I was blinded by a recumbent front light somewhere between Boston and the water railway on YviaA, and had a last second dodge as we were both on the crown of the road.

Not quite sure how that works if the recumbent light is set right (unless it didn't have a cut off...)

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Apologies that would have been me between Dogdyke and Martindales. The light is the Edelux (original bought 2010), and defo has a cut off. The light is bolted in place but occasionally the bolt can come a little loose allowing it to move.  This was my first night ride on the recumbent this year, so it's quite possible it's been knocked and I hadn't noticed.  Will check alignment.

Edited to add. That dodgy road definitely required riding on the crown!

Ah, didn't recognise you in the dark though i did when I passed you on my way to Chatteris, it wasn't the best of surfaces was it!

Some interesting patches of subsidence in the fens too, I'm sure I was in a rut at one point that had the crown at my crank top and noting you wouldn't want to drop a car wheel I to it (sump breakingly bad times)

Must have been a good few fenland friends that passed (or bypassed) me as I slept then.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Neil C on 24 June, 2019, 04:01:45 pm
A few photos wot I took in Chatteris, while stampering your brevets — https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/ (https://www.tomsk.co.uk/fenland-friends-600/2019/photos/)
Great photos Wilkyboy

"Richard Painter, Tom Jackson, +1, preparing to depart"
+1 is Edel Costello, on her first 600 and finished with hours to spare.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 24 June, 2019, 04:55:43 pm
Great photos Wilkyboy

"Richard Painter, Tom Jackson, +1, preparing to depart"
+1 is Edel Costello, on her first 600 and finished with hours to spare.

Thanks, Neil.  Looking at Strava, the group she was in was really pacey, chapeau  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 24 June, 2019, 07:29:56 pm
Great to ride one of my events on the day - first one for some time. On my routes, I'd got rather used to lonely solo rides or leisurely CTC club-run type of jaunts with my helpers. This was a bit of a thrash, almost like we were training for a big ride somewhere.  ;D
We still managed to have lots of down time in: 3 cafes, 2 McDonalds, 2 Wetherspoons, 1 garage, 1 village shop for icecream and our traditional 5-star bus shelter for 2 hours sleep, or for some, just dozing and listening to snoring [no names, but great PBP training too].

Nice to see others about on both 600s - the other riders seen in Essex later on were riding the Windmill 200km from Chelmsford - good of Andy C333333, Nim and The Straggler to take a break from their ride and come and see us in the Angel and Harp beer garden.

Congratulations to al those who have now qualified for the 'French Ride' and thanks to all my helpers - I'll thank you all individually in due course, but I have an evening of all-important brevet checking and results uploading to do first. Not forgetting the staff of the Green Welly and Angel and Harp, plus the Boars Head in Dunmow, checkpoint on 'Yorkshire Via Essex'.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 24 June, 2019, 08:29:59 pm
The Results Are Uploaded Less Than 24 Hours After The Finish - something of a record for me with an 'X' event, with no postal finishers to stress over, hooray! I guess they'll show as provisional for a little less long than usual, if ACP get their skates on [and aren't totally pre-occupied by the issue of getting the vacated reserved places re-allocated in some sort of fair order]. I feel for them - it's an administrative nightmare.

My tired organiser's brane now needs a rest: a little more paperwork to prepare for the Validation Secretary, no accidents reported, 40 completed brevet to post - 38 starters, 1 DNF + 3 helpers riding the weekend before. Female participation near enough 20%.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: yanto on 24 June, 2019, 09:23:42 pm
Talking of Death Ray lights...
I was blinded by a recumbent front light somewhere between Boston and the water railway on YviaA, and had a last second dodge as we were both on the crown of the road.

Not quite sure how that works if the recumbent light is set right (unless it didn't have a cut off...)

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Lighting and being illuminated are problems with having a low mounted light and being physically lower to the ground.

The light has to be near horizontal to achieve a decent range, so even a few degrees out can cause the light to shine too high for others, and I was guilty of this heading over the Isle of Axholme where I was acutely aware of lighting up cyclists coming towards me, so if any of you were affected I apologise, I lowered the light a tad at Glews. The light being so low also means that undulations briefly cause the light to shine up!

The flip side of course is being so low that practically every light source is blinding, be that car, motorcycle and other riders, I was blinded many times on last years YviaE by riders heading the other way on FF.

Velomobiles are all fitted with German approved for road lights, mine no exception also mine is about as bright as possible to get at the moment , it is effectively as bright as car headlight, it even has a proper main beam, but is power hungry.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 June, 2019, 10:21:47 pm
Yeah, I realized being lower would be problematic for Phil at the time as my light is mounted on the fork crown which was pretty much at his eye level.
Wasn't really sure what I could do if anything, putting a hand over the light would have left me unable to see where I was going at all, which despite the road being flat and straight the surface needed visibility!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: orejas on 24 June, 2019, 11:53:32 pm
Mark,  yes not sure what happened at the pub, i thought you were all going to catch me as I rolled slowly. Arriving in Lincoln just before 11 I decided i had plenty of time for a proper sleep so tried to find a room at the Premier Inn but no luck on either but Vince and Dan (Morvelo) who i met as I was dejectdly leaving the Premier Inn offered me room on the floor of ther room which I gratefully accepted. 4 hours sleep, shower and then cycled with them the rest of the day. Arrived at 5pm having decided not to stop at the party in Finchingfield.
Thanks to Tom and all the other helpers andto those I rode with (Martin, Mark, Tom, Dan, Vince, Alan amongothers) a great weekend out now Paris bound
Joaquin
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: tomj on 25 June, 2019, 08:42:10 am
Orejas, let's hope we can persuade Dan & Vince (with his tri-bars) to ride on the front all the way to Brest. What a tow!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 25 June, 2019, 09:30:14 am
The Results Are Uploaded Less Than 24 Hours After The Finish -

Sterling work, now feels quite relaxed having a whole week to wait for my final ACP number to put into the PBP lucky dip machine.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 25 June, 2019, 09:33:22 am
Yeah, I realized being lower would be problematic for Phil at the time as my light is mounted on the fork crown which was pretty much at his eye level.
Wasn't really sure what I could do if anything, putting a hand over the light would have left me unable to see where I was going at all, which despite the road being flat and straight the surface needed visibility!

I wouldn't worry about it, occupational hazard of being lower.  Normally I can tip the peak of my cap down to cut out the glare, but as you say the surface needed as much forward visibility as possible on that narrow lane.  Besides I had both hands on the tiller to maintain my line!  It's pretty rare I can't just tip the peak down to shield my eyes.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: BFC on 25 June, 2019, 12:03:51 pm
Orejas, let's hope we can persuade Dan & Vince (with his tri-bars) to ride on the front all the way to Brest. What a tow!

I suggest anyone considering using tri bars checks out the bike rules for PBP before setting off to France, probably a good idea to try a compliant set up on a few rides as well. Be careful if sliding full length tri bars back to meet the regulation - they are quiet painful when the knees hit them. If you are going to experiment with cutting them down (and finding they don't work for you?) buy cheap ones.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Tomsk on 25 June, 2019, 12:45:59 pm
^ And if you are used to tri-bars, don't just suddenly remove them to comply, and hope your neck muscles will cope. USAnians often favour tri-bars for those long staight exposed roads at home and are the main victims of 'Shermer's Neck' on PBP as a result. Also take your helmet light off as soon as it gets light and use one centrally mounted or with a battery pack at the back to balance the light at the front. There's nothing too technical anyway, that needs a 'seeing round the corners' light that are so useful on UK lanes. A cheap and lightweight AAA powered one will be useful to pick up the reflective arrows mounted high above normal bike headlight range and also of course for roadside repairs/rummaging in your saddlebag etc.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 29 June, 2019, 07:45:28 pm
ACP BREVET NUMBERS ARE UP  :thumbsup:  https://www.aukweb.net/results/archive/2019/listevent/?Ride=19-398 (https://www.aukweb.net/results/archive/2019/listevent/?Ride=19-398)
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 30 June, 2019, 03:59:28 pm
Great, that's my PBP registration complete, with 600 ACP number now entered.
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: duncan on 01 July, 2019, 01:08:40 pm
Great, that's my PBP registration complete, with 600 ACP number now entered.

Me too - thank you!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 01 July, 2019, 01:26:10 pm
Me too - thank you!

And your navigator?!
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: duncan on 02 July, 2019, 11:09:11 am
Me too - thank you!

And your navigator?!

Indeed! We are both now fully registered with PBP. Now just need to find some time to do some training rides...
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: wilkyboy on 02 July, 2019, 11:33:10 am
Me too - thank you!

And your navigator?!

Indeed! We are both now fully registered with PBP. Now just need to find some time to do some training rides...

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Fenland Friends 600km 22nd/23rd June
Post by: Phil W on 03 July, 2019, 07:21:21 pm
Left leg started weeping again on today's bike ride. I won't make the same mistake again of lack if sun cream on legs when riding recumbent a long way in sunshine.  Sure the new skin will be ready in time for PBP :facepalm: