Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Feanor on 14 May, 2016, 11:29:36 pm

Title: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 14 May, 2016, 11:29:36 pm
Most of the threads here relate to specific Cal events.
The Rides and Touring board explicitly states 'Not Audax'.
So where to post 'Have you been out today', when the answer is a Perm or DIY Audax?
A thread for random Audax rides is required.

So I have been out today, and I rode the route of the old Dee - Lecht -Able 200k which used to run from my home village.
There was a serious cold headwind from the North which was a PITA on the Ballater - Dufftown Lumpy Section.
On the homeward leg, the sun came out and fried me on the Right-Hand side,

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1168112652
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 15 May, 2016, 08:21:23 am
Good thread Feanor  :thumbsup: I do quite a few DIYs so will post them here. 

Looks a good ride.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: paul851 on 15 May, 2016, 09:13:42 am
A timely thread  8)
Yesterday I did the Saddleworth-Bowland (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/8965888) perm starting from Sowerby Bridge rather than Uppermill , definitely a full value ride for me , getting back into Sowerby Bridge 14 hours later somewhat sun burnt and not a little tired  ;D


Paul
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 15 May, 2016, 02:28:49 pm
Trip to a very sunny seaside yesterday https://www.strava.com/activities/576081162
Included a small voyage (thanks to JonB for showing the possibility).
Got my keys back.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JayP on 15 May, 2016, 04:27:15 pm
Excellent idea Feanor. Most of my rides are DIY perms these days. You just keep churning them out, collecting your points and wondering why you bother with Audax at all. You could just go for a ride?  - But it's good to know you're part of something. This could be a good thread.

On Friday/Saturday I did my duty 400 GPSDIY towards my 10'th (and last) SR.
A circuit of North Wales. Sunny and scenic with just  a touch of headwind heading East.
Macclesfield - Barmouth - Caernarfon - Chester - Macclesfield.

http://www.gpxeditor.co.uk/routes2/users/jayp/DIY400MAY2016



 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: beeblemaster on 15 May, 2016, 06:10:40 pm
 :thumbsup:

I had a great day out yesterday on Mark Rigby's "Sam Wellers Day Trip to Wochma".  Having DNS'd the calendar event in February due to the weather, I decided I must do the Perm.

What an absolutely gorgeous ride into the Wye Valley and the Cotswolds.  I don't know how it looks in February but in May - stunning!  Lush and green, carpets of bluebells and the scent of wild garlic.  Tintern and the Abbey - wow!  Definitely one of the best 200s I've done so far for it's beauty. 

A challenging ride at times, I didn't find it easy, but very rewarding.  I had to visit the Abbey Fryer in Tewkesbury for a fish and chip tea before packing the car!   :thumbsup:   ;D

Thanks of course to Mark for organising another superb route.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 15 May, 2016, 06:13:53 pm
JayP, that looks really nice.  Did you come across Chester in the dark/early morning?  You could call it "A Couple Of Old Bangors" - or alternatively, something sensible!

Pete
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JayP on 15 May, 2016, 09:49:03 pm
JayP, that looks really nice.  Did you come across Chester in the dark/early morning?  You could call it "A Couple Of Old Bangors" - or alternatively, something sensible!

Pete

Yes very dark indeed on the Greenway and towpath thro' Chester. In fact I put my lights on at Abergele when I left Mac'D's.
I'd prefer Old Bangors to sensible but, as one Old Bangor said to another,  'don't hold your breath'  :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: marylogic on 16 May, 2016, 12:26:59 pm
With the Dales Grimpeur rapidly approaching, and nothing more than a couple of DNS and a DNF to my name, I was allowed out to play yesterday as long as I was home for teatime. I left from Aberfeldy and packed as many hills as I could into a 150k, including Glen Quaich, Lawers dam road and the Schiehallion road. I saw an eagle circling at the top of the Schiehallion road (either that or it was a vulture waiting for me to expire - I was pretty close)

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/8975398

Looking forward to Pateley Bridge now
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 16 May, 2016, 12:38:10 pm
Trip to a very sunny seaside yesterday https://www.strava.com/activities/576081162
Included a small voyage (thanks to JonB for showing the possibility).
Got my keys back.

Ah, a significant chunk of the Hengitsbury Head route including the fab ferry crossing, looks a good day out Tony  :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JayP on 16 May, 2016, 03:43:43 pm
With the Dales Grimpeur rapidly approaching, and nothing more than a couple of DNS and a DNF to my name, I was allowed out to play yesterday as long as I was home for teatime. I left from Aberfeldy and packed as many hills as I could into a 150k, including Glen Quaich, Lawers dam road and the Schiehallion road. I saw an eagle circling at the top of the Schiehallion road (either that or it was a vulture waiting for me to expire - I was pretty close)

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/8975398

Looking forward to Pateley Bridge now

Mary I've just spent some time dropping the pegman at random on your route. Terrific!!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bhoot on 16 May, 2016, 04:01:51 pm
We too were DIY'ing on Saturday. Took a post PBP audax sabbatical and only did our first 200km last month, so we went for a nice potter around Essex and Suffolk. From East London we headed out along dreary roads through Ilford and Romford before striking off for countryside and the Norton Heath cafe (first control and second breakfast). Then a shorter leg to Thaxted where we had planned a quick "get a chocolate bar and receipt" but it turned into a longer stop as we chatted to a couple collecting signatures to petition for 20mph/traffic calming through the village. After that we headed east to Hadleigh - via mostly deserted country lanes apart from the Sudbury gyratory. We lunched at the rather good Huffers cafe and then grabbed "proper" POPs at the cashpoint, then set off on the longest leg down to Bicknacre. My carefully planned Colchester avoidance route went a little wrong when we missed a turning so we had a brief flirtation with the Saturday afternoon out of town shopping traffic. Compared to the last time we did this DIY, I had fine tuned the route to avoid the Colchester-Tiptree-Maldon B road as much as possible - and it was definitely better with more quiet lanes. Our penultimate control was at White Elm garden centre tea room, before the last short stretch to collect the final POP at Shenfield station. Finishing there rather than having a route that goes all the way back home is a good compromise - 5 or 6 tandem friendly trains an hour and a short 18 minute trip to Stratford, against cycling back in through the dreariness but with added traffic.
Looks like (subject to validation) we've now done two consecutive months....

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Polco on 16 May, 2016, 04:17:49 pm

So I have been out today, and I rode the route of the old Dee - Lecht -Able 200k which used to run from my home village.
There was a serious cold headwind from the North which was a PITA on the Ballater - Dufftown Lumpy Section.
On the homeward leg, the sun came out and fried me on the Right-Hand side,

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1168112652

Looks like a fine days ride, and on my doorstep too!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 16 May, 2016, 04:20:32 pm
:thumbsup:

I had a great day out yesterday on Mark Rigby's "Sam Wellers Day Trip to Wochma".  Having DNS'd the calendar event in February due to the weather, I decided I must do the Perm.

What an absolutely gorgeous ride into the Wye Valley and the Cotswolds.  I don't know how it looks in February but in May - stunning!  Lush and green, carpets of bluebells and the scent of wild garlic.  Tintern and the Abbey - wow!  Definitely one of the best 200s I've done so far for it's beauty. 

A challenging ride at times, I didn't find it easy, but very rewarding.  I had to visit the Abbey Fryer in Tewkesbury for a fish and chip tea before packing the car!   :thumbsup:   ;D

Thanks of course to Mark for organising another superb route.
I can agree with all of the above.I rode it a few weeks ago and enjoyed it a lot .More climbs than you would think and I had  to detour through Dymock due to a bridge closure.
The variety of scenery kept it interesting.Another superb day out on a Black Sheep event.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: marylogic on 16 May, 2016, 09:06:58 pm
With the Dales Grimpeur rapidly approaching, and nothing more than a couple of DNS and a DNF to my name, I was allowed out to play yesterday as long as I was home for teatime. I left from Aberfeldy and packed as many hills as I could into a 150k, including Glen Quaich, Lawers dam road and the Schiehallion road. I saw an eagle circling at the top of the Schiehallion road (either that or it was a vulture waiting for me to expire - I was pretty close)

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/8975398

Looking forward to Pateley Bridge now

Mary I've just spent some time dropping the pegman at random on your route. Terrific!!
Thanks!
I never knew you could do that until now!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: marylogic on 16 May, 2016, 09:11:54 pm
I've just had a thought...

Perhaps this thread could also serve as a library of DIY routes if we post gps route for DIY by gps or a list of controls for paper DIYs
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Assasin on 17 May, 2016, 09:56:29 am
Rode the route of the Beast from the East on the long barrow laden with food and clothes.
No DIY no cards required as it was just for the fun of it.
Cold overnight but picked up on day two.
Usual collection of breakages.
4 punctures and a slashed tyre.
Lost wheel nut was a bit scary but luckily the hub stayed on the axle or it could have been messy.
Not sure if it was on for the descent from the Blackdown hills
Made use of a crank bolt until Halfords in Winnersh provided some new bits.
Pace picked up again once we knew the machine had a chance of staying together.

And inspite of all that it was still a PB for the route  ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Andy C on 18 May, 2016, 01:31:11 pm
Did this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEGhcx57vJ4
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 18 May, 2016, 04:01:15 pm
A very good interesting watch. (And at the end, you look ok for another round!)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 18 May, 2016, 11:38:36 pm
DIY 200 today with Graeme, over to Teesdale and down to Masham.

It was in the spirit of a ride my dad and his clubmates used to do in the fifties and early sixties, picking up and dropping off their mates along the way. From what I can eke out of him, it was a season-closing thrash/piss-up for hard riders and hard drinkers, up to 150 miles.

In the spirit of his ride, we had a pie-and-a-pint at Masham. Not in the spirit of his ride, we missed the A1 (though it was a close thing).

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/27100725785_7327606fb3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HhNiAR)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/26496805503_b14cba97fe_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Gnr49c)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 19 May, 2016, 07:42:40 pm
Did this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEGhcx57vJ4
Thanks for posting that.
Good stuff.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ruthie on 19 May, 2016, 08:20:42 pm
Did this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEGhcx57vJ4
Thanks for posting that.
Good stuff.

Half a Twix?  HALF A TWIX?

A full body massage and a week by the pool with full waiter service more like!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 19 May, 2016, 10:26:24 pm
Did this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEGhcx57vJ4

Top tip - don't stop at the top of Hartside, just hammer down to Alston for a cuppa, otherwise you'll freeze on the descent.

Well done, you nutter, and it was a lovely video. I didn't believe I'd last the whole thing, but it was a compelling watch.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Si S on 21 May, 2016, 07:49:30 pm
Totmonslow 200 Perm - fairly wet, very windy, the leg heading south was really tough, its never fun getting blown to a stop when heading downhill
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 22 May, 2016, 05:49:03 pm
A nice jaunt from Bucks, through Berks, Surrey, West and East Sussex and Kent before returning by train.  including 5 of the 100 greatest cycling climbs

https://www.strava.com/activities/584391692

first 200km was awesome, getting back to Marylebone was a nightmare.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 23 May, 2016, 07:46:43 pm
A tough AAA ride today 150km with 2 500m ascent all round.

https://ridewithgps.com/users/168646/activities

Quickly down to Builth wells despite slight headwind and then for a change used the country lane route (instead of usual A483). A lovely section of NCN 43, rather uppy / downy but lovely Welsh Poppies, red campion, bluebells lining the verges.

From Llanwrtyd rejoined the A483 for the gentle climb up and over Sugar Loaf and a fast descent down to Cynghordy before REAL climbing began. After following gently along the valley, passing under the wonderful Cynghordy viaduct currently clothed in vast towers of scaffolding, the road turned and kicked sharply up, my Garmin recording a 30% gradient at one point   :o

I`d hoped to get food at Rhandirmwyn but both pubs, café and shop were shut. NBG there was nowt else for 30 km. So had to resort to a choc bar and gel to get me around all the Llyn Brianne ups and downs and Devils Staircase.

Those who know the Llyn Brianne road know all about its sinuous nature, ups and downs around and around inlets; the most easterly inlet I measured at being 3 km on road to advance by less than 400m. Despite the warmth of the valley below and earlier it was decidedly chilly around the reservoir with a NW breeze but fortunately distant rain clouds stayed distant  :thumbsup:

Devils Staircase (west) is as tough as the notorious hairpins; this side goes up in a series of straight up steps, 20-25 %steps and I seriously contemplated walking....but stayed on the bike just.

The run down the Gwesyn Valley was very fast with a tailwind and lots downhill, and very quickly I`d reached Beulah (noting another, permanently this time, closed café at Coed Trallwm---whatever is going on with rural tourism being so important when so much is shut?. Beulah was good sustenance at the 7 day OPEN garage and a pastie, cappuccino with extra sugar and chocolate coated flapjack boosted my energy levels for the test of the `feared` Beulah - Newbridge roller coaster road.

Reaching Newbridge it was a relief to know that the hardest was over and the A44 flew by to finish a wonderful DIY ---2.5 more AAA points hopefully :thumbsup:-- but most importantly a really good day out  ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 30 May, 2016, 10:39:02 pm
A lovely out-and-back to Brampton today, through Upper Teesdale and over Yad Moss to Tynedale, then back.

I usually plan loops rather than out-and-backs, but high spring in Upper Teesdale is always a bit special and it was worth doing twice, even if the clouds took ages to lift. A bank holiday well used.

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7357/27289196251_bede284869_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HzsgiD)
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7313/26753204623_a7eeb0729a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GL6aEF)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7247/27084150850_5f96dff0bb_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Hgkms7)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 31 May, 2016, 09:17:44 pm
on fixed too, kudos  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 31 May, 2016, 10:21:22 pm
To be fair, it's my default setting ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Genosse Brymbo on 01 June, 2016, 08:54:44 pm
I rode a 300km DIYxGPS (Mandatory Route) from home to St. Ives (Cambs.) on Sunday.  It's an out-and-back run Pangbourne-Aylesbury-Sandy-St.Ives which I've previously ridden as a DIYxGPS (advisory route) and as a non-validated ride.  The mandatory route is shorter, actually turning in St. Ives, whereas the advisory route went out to Chatteris to get the between-controls distance (actually 340km).  I didn't really mind the extra distance, as it's within my margin for navigational error.  However, I used to find that arriving in St. Ives but not having reached the turn messed with my head; it always seemed disappointing somehow.  Also, the Windmill in Somersham is a bit of an expensive eatery for a randonneur.

The ride itself was uneventful, with a nasty headwind outward and welcome tailwind homebound.  However, it was a masterclass in nutritional failure.  The full English breakfast in Aylesbury was poor (and they gave me beans when I'd explicitly requested none).  I carried on to Sandy, grumbling to myself at the bad food Feng-shui of baked beans and runny eggs - how the f*ck did those t*ssers think that combination works?  And by the time it arrived the bean juice was congealed; w*nkers.  The petrol station Co-op in Sandy was as good as ever - a Pepsi, pint of milk, and a £1 summer fruits pie hit the spot; and they have toilet.  After a quick turn in St. Ives to put the Garmin in reverse I soon returned to Sandy and started on the road to nutritional disaster by only taking on water there.  By Woburn I was getting very hungry, but only pubs were open and they looked posh, so I continued.  I was forced to stop at the Three Locks pub at Lower Brickhill to get some calories on-board, if a pint of bitter shandy from a disposable plastic glass and £5.50 thimble of fruit crumble with a doll's tea set milk jug of custard provided any.  It's the first crumble I've had with what appeared to be tinned pineapple and peaches.  I decided not to stop in Aylesbury and next stopped in Haddenham, just before Thame.  Here I was able to buy a pack of 4 Eccles cakes in McColl's and restore some energy to my depleted system.

Not eating in St. Ives and not at least buying some food to put in my saddlebag on the way back was a huge mistake.  I reckon 300km is the longest distance you can make this sort of mistake and get away with it.  I'm left wondering whether I didn't use the saddlebag because it wasn't my faithful Barley.  I rode my TCR with the new lightweight setup of triangle bag and Ortlieb seatpack (see pic).  It was the longest ride I done on that bike and it's still not quite dialled-in.  However it was very light and responsive compared to the Tifosi CK7 and Barley and the cycling aspect of the trip was fun.

(http://browning.myzen.co.uk/lel-photos/longdistancetcr.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Andy C on 02 June, 2016, 11:44:12 am
anuvver DIY...in 2 bitz!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6PAQZOhJR4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSdCR4SuS3c
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Jon+1bike on 04 June, 2016, 10:10:47 pm
Yes.. Did, Chris K-R. Perm' Cheshire Peak Grimpeur 117k 2&3/4k metres.
Wonderful weather, great views and well chosen route. Although days like today, too hot for me,  can't drink as fast as I sweat it away!  :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: StephenR on 05 June, 2016, 09:22:04 am
Rode the Gospel Pass 200km perm yesterday starting from Cheltenham. Bit overcast, but warm and little wind. Hay on Wye very busy with the festival going on. Wonderful views from the top of the pass and a lunch stop in Llanthony. https://ridewithgps.com/trips/9299802
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 08 June, 2016, 04:17:08 pm
And curiously enough today I rode a 150km DIY taking in Gospel Pass coming out of Hay https://ridewithgps.com/trips/9362419 ---to be continued write up post rehydration (beers and milk based, separately !)  ---it was very warm out there today  :thumbsup:

so suitably rehydrated now :)

Originally I`d planned a 300 ultra hilly DIY, 5500m ascent but a lingering viral infection saw me delaying and then deciding to shorten it to a 10km, still with 2500m ascent.

After the torrential Tuesday night downpours the air at 7 am was thick and heavy still and low clouds hung on the hills, but it was dry and warm with little breeze. Climbing started almost immediately with a 1km pull up to old Radnor before a series of rollers leading on towards Hay on Wye, curiously quite as the festivals were coming to an end, hardly a soul to be seen.

Gospel Pass certainly earns its position of Wales` highest road pass, the climb of over 400m ascent 7km is a big pull up; but it was glorious, fluffy cotton wool misty  clouds dragged across Hay bluff and skylarks sang and sang in the summer air. After about half an hour I gained the col , 35 km and already nearly 1000m ascent.

I took great care on the narrow lane down, heavy rain had washed a lot of gravel onto the road and soup plate sized potholes threatened in the dappled shade, but eventually the road opened out and I was able to gain some speed  ;D. Turning right just after Cwmyoy I followed a series of narrow and delightful lanes towards Crickhowell for a Welsh Breakfast at café 18.

Following the B road up towards Brecon, passing through Talybont and Pencelli I enjoyed the relative respite of flatter ground in the knowledge of teh big pull up onto The Epynt MOD range road. But today it didn`t seem so bad, the steadily rising road to Upper Chapel passed quite quickly before I turned left onto the military range road. Plenty of troops around today on various manoeuvres and firing practise. The sun was now high in the sky, a few big cumulus clouds threatened, but didn`t deliver fortunately, and the temperature was soaring so I took it very easy across the three rolling ascents on The Epynt before reaching the northern escarpment and fantastic views into mid Wales, a little hazy today but still a most wonderful vantage point. :thumbsup:

(https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7306/26945819063_491f63eee1_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/H47nei)20160608_124902 (https://flic.kr/p/H47nei) by jamesld8 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55935603@N05/), on Flickr


I enjoyed a brief stop there, hearing a peregrine screeching in the deep cwm below, before the fabulous 10% descent, nearly reaching 70kph ;D , before taking a right turn at the X roads and following a roller coaster little lane back towards Builth, the A road out to New Radnor and eventually home :thumbsup: A really enjoyable ride and a long tiem since I`d ridden some of the roads and lanes made it a real delight on a beautiful sunny, but very warm,  day---how often in Wales does one wish for it to be a wee bit cooler !
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: BobScarle on 11 June, 2016, 10:50:25 am
Started out at 4:30 yesterday morning on a DIY ride to Barmouth. The idea was that I ride there and my wife and daughter meet me and we have a couple of nights camping, come home on Sunday. Abandoned at about 85 miles due to a phone call from home saying not well, been sick. Decided that a night or two in a tent would probably not be the best thing so, I turned right at A458 back to Welshpool and caught the train home. I hate abandoning a ride.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 12 June, 2016, 09:07:14 am
A cold and damp Snow Roads 300k perm yesterday.
Not raining as such most of the time, but persistent drizzle that lasted all day and just slowly soaks everything.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1208790485

Annoying mechanical cost me an hour in Rhynie.
It was just a simple rear p*ncture, but I couldn't get the old tube out.
The knurled lockring on the valve was seized solid.
None of the tools on my multi-tool were pliers, but I managed to jury-rig the chain-splitter as a mini-vice, which slipped more often than it gripped.
But when it did grip, I got about 1/8th of a turn out of it.
I hoped that once I'd got the lockring loose, it would then spin off by hand as usual.
But oh, no.   It was solid the whole length of the (long) thread.
So it tool about 45 minutes to get the old tube out!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 12 June, 2016, 09:26:58 am
Nice one, good route isn`t it  ;D, and although you had drizzle at least you didn`t get the last few hours conditions of 2014 !!

Looking back up Glenshee:

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/4/3866/14242590850_56bae8dbef_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nGz14d)wet Glenshee evening (https://flic.kr/p/nGz14d) by jamesld8 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55935603@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: alfapete on 12 June, 2016, 11:27:31 am
Did 3peaker's Old Clee Hill Flyer yesterday and had a thoroughly lovely day.

Headed up through Evesham to Alcester then westwards through Droitwich to Bewdley and Cleobury Mortimer. It was flatter than I had expected to this point but with persistant drizzley light rain, though it was plenty warm enough. I'd never climbed Clee Hill before and was expecting a brute, so was very happy to discover a long but gentle gradient with the top arriving sooner than anticipated. However, the cloud was so low that there were no views to be seen, and there was a brief spell of heavy rain on the very enjoyable descent.

Lunch at Costas in Ludlow then over the rolling hillocks to Tenbury Wells, Bromyard and Ledbury on roads which were much more familiar, before a flattish ride into Cheltenham. I was meant to finish with Cleeve Hill, but took the longer and flatter route through Gotherington before turning for home in Winchcombe when the rain jacket was donned (needlessly, it turned out) for the third time.

For once I got my feeding and hydration right and so finished feeling pretty good - it makes all the difference! Highly recommended route
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Somnolent on 12 June, 2016, 01:20:19 pm
Round the Plain perm yesterday.
Slight drizzle to start but then mostly dry, although evidence on the road that I'd missed some substantial downpours.

Met Hummers coming the other way as I went up the Bourne valley

The road from Erlestoke to Bratton has finally been re-surfaced (there were some real bike-eater potholes there in the winter) but the service at the Pickleberry is still woefully slow.

And met Jonah just before Wylye (he was 120km in to the Hellfire, so 480km to go, when I was just 50km from home - didn't envy him one bit)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 12 June, 2016, 01:41:17 pm
Nice one, good route isn`t it  ;D, and although you had drizzle at least you didn`t get the last few hours conditions of 2014 !!

Looking back up Glenshee:

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/4/3866/14242590850_56bae8dbef_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/nGz14d)wet Glenshee evening (https://flic.kr/p/nGz14d) by jamesld8 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55935603@N05/), on Flickr

Yes, that was the year I p*nctured in Glen Isla about 20k out from the finish, and had to fix it in the pissing rain.
For me, the rain started just as I began the descent of Glenshee, as per your photo.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chris N on 12 June, 2016, 02:42:27 pm
Just a 100km DIY (my first audax since April last year :-[ and my first DIY using the new mandatory routes :thumbsup: ).  Figured out a mostly flat route to Ashbourne following the River Dove, up one steep (too steep to ride  :-[ ) climb in Ashbourne, then mostly downhill to the Trent.  I saved the hardest climb for the last 5 miles, as I had to get the distance up and couldn't be bothered to edit the start of the route last night. :facepalm:  Managed to do the ride non-stop too, apart from the stroll up Old Hill, so ended up with quite a respectable time and was back in time for lunch.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Si S on 18 June, 2016, 09:55:10 pm
A loop of Malham Tarn via Blackstone Edge and Heptonstall, the cobbled climb was tough and I came close to packing at Gargrave after the drag over Widdop Moor into a nasty headwind but it all started to come together on the climb up Malham Rakes.

https://www.strava.com/activities/613371892
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 19 June, 2016, 06:16:51 pm
300 DIY from Bristol to South Wales. Did this a few months ago but was very wet which limited what I got to see but yesterday was dry and quite warm by the afternoon.

Takes a slightly different route from the usual Welsh forays, from Chepstow headed straight along the A48 to Newport (nice and quiet early in the morning), Risca road out of Newport and a nice ride up to Hirwaun for breakfast (The Chippy and Cafe).  Turn south again and a lovely climb up the Rhigos, drop down to Treorchy and up the Bwlch. Then a longish descent with a few ups to Neath for a lunch (think it was NGR Cafe and Bistro). Turn north to Seven Sisters and left through some nice lanes and join the main A road that crosses over the Brecon Beacons, drop down to Sennybridge.  Then a straight run back via Brecon, Talybont-on-Usk, Abergavenny, Usk and the climb over Llangwm (the one at the end of Brevet Cymru and Gospel Pass) punctuated with a milkshake in a Brecon Ice Cream Parlour and a Cheese Toastie in Abergavenny Costa.

Route worked well and following the previous effort I was able to correct some RWGPS errors that had me grappling with poor cycle paths.  The two main climbs - Rhigos and Blwch - are great. Quite gentle and long that tend to wind up and down the mountains rather than going up and down.  The descents are on good roads with good vision and the bends are long so you can just let the bike go with minimal braking.

Here it is ... https://www.strava.com/activities/613349042
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 19 June, 2016, 06:38:12 pm
Nice one and thanks sharing details route---absolutely twin peaks, Marilyn M would be envious of such a profile  ;) 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bobby on 23 June, 2016, 12:16:45 pm
On Saturday the 11th I did a 200 via 'traditional DIY' rules, but on the Sunday rode home via a 300 using the 'mandatory route' option.  Worked pretty well apart from the off-road sections I'd not spotted whilst planning my route  :facepalm:

2-3km of this wasn't much fun:
(https://markcharlton1.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/img_21811.jpg?w=652)

Route home:
https://www.strava.com/activities/607559133

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 23 June, 2016, 12:56:49 pm
Looks like good reason for taking a legitimate diversion!

Well ridden.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 23 June, 2016, 01:40:11 pm
But at least you had disc brakes to rely on  :thumbsup:

RWGPS does seem sneak these bits in and at scale of mapping hard to tell, I`ve been put onto cycle routes / canal towpaths  which run very close to a road and it`s near impossible tell until  riding it, at which point I seek the legitimate diversion onto the planned road
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bobby on 23 June, 2016, 02:06:46 pm
Next time I'd ride round, but once I had to stop and remove mud to keep the wheels turning I felt committed to carrying on... :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 23 June, 2016, 02:10:27 pm
Ah yes, that "going back would be worse..... I hope.......  "  feeling!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Dave_C on 23 June, 2016, 02:56:57 pm
Just spotted this.

On Saturday I rode a DIY 400 from home based on a ex calendar event, Berwick & Beattock 400. I set off from home at 04:40 and rode to Berwick upon Tweed for another breakfast around 9:50am. This took me through Gifford (7am) and over Redstane Rigg (430m). From Berwick I followed the main road to Kelso and then north of the River Teviot away from the main road and its traffic. Around 3 miles east of Hawick I rejoined the main road and stopped for food in Subway at Hawick (2:30pm) before setting off on the second climb (365m) and down to sea level again on my way to Carlisle. Finally heading north at 6pm I climbed from Moffat up the Devil's Beef tub (395m) and finally arriving in Cramond (sea level) at 02:30am (at 411km). The home on the last 20km and back in bed ~24 hours after I set off.

I made the mistake after PBP last year of dismantling my bike to go abroad and the saddle was not put at the correct height, resulting in sore knees and back all this week. I will raise my saddle a cm and see how I get on over the next few weeks before a 600 in early July.

https://www.strava.com/activities/614361365
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 25 June, 2016, 04:27:11 pm
In my quest for more points (RRTY/1000 club), It was my Cheltenham Flyer 200 that won with the Permanent version. It has wet/winter variations and the biblical rain forced me to take the one to Westonbirt (after Tetbury). But here is my brief account:

25 Jun 16: Cheltenham 2012 Flyer 200
Wanted to do a 200 before our holiday and start RRTY25; a photo exhibition at Lacock suggested my Flyer 2012 AC. A dry start soon changed to torrential rain from Sapperton to Lacock. A soup and coffee helped restore hands before the exhibition. Dry up Bowden Hill and then more heavy rain up to the golf course (retrieved 3 balls from the roadside!); managed to shelter while I had a banana. Dry across Pewsey Vale and for the lanes to Burbage and then a heavy downpour while I sheltered with a snack. It gradually dried, so a good traverse of Lamborne Hills (there is now a cyclists warning before the descent of Blowingstone Hill) and the Cotswolds (no fun riding into a blinding setting sun), just finishing at dusk. Glad I had good lights for the final sprint down the A40.

Need to be careful on my next rides as now on 996points!!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 26 June, 2016, 10:46:44 pm
Did a DIY by GPS today: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/9662780
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 27 June, 2016, 08:42:44 am
Did a DIY by GPS today: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/9662780

That looks good: flat, up, down and finish ... nice :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: atk on 01 July, 2016, 10:28:03 pm
Rode the Staffs Peak perm. Concerned shoulder wouldn't be up to it after an over-the-bars a few weeks ago, but worked out alright in the end. Few showers during the day, plenty of hills throughout. Probably my favourite of the Marple Grimpeurs. Hope to get a day off and ride the calendar version in August
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Manotea on 01 July, 2016, 10:47:47 pm
An Anoraks Delight for me, my first BR in quite a while. I had a good day out, though the route seemed hillier than I remembered it. Nothing really big/steep but a lot of rolling terrain mixed with some delightful flatness.

Some wetness mixed with sunny spells, which was fine, riding through most of the mizzle 'cape off'. Got seriously lost around andover in estates which didn't exist when I cut the GPS track!

Also my first Keto 200. Had some pork scratchings, ham and a few chicken wings, say 800Cal all in. I didn't especially need to eat, and fat/protein takes ages to digest anyway but felt it sensible to have something to support recovery.  Felt pretty good and - within the limits of my fitness -  had  good form all the way round and felt fine after, which was interesting as I had bonked out/DNFed a 200 at 65km a month earlier having screwed up my diet that week.

Pork scratching are disgusting tho. Never again...

Edit: yet strangely addictive...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Simon_A on 02 July, 2016, 05:29:42 pm
Rode El Supremo's (as presented by Anton Brown) Reading-Pulborough 200k Perm.  AB kindly accommodated an extra start Control near home, cattle & swans bathing together in the water meadows just N of Alresford (very pastoral), an interesting lanes alt. to the A272 between Liss and Midhurst (if rather sandy, must clean chain), lots of folk getting ready for Polo just past Midhurst (must buy horse and loose wurzel accent), dirty great big fry-up in Pulborough (The Tea Room, high end of avg at £10 inc. tea but top notch ingredients & friendly service) and missed most of the rain.  So apart from the busy roads from Guildford to 3 Mile Cross and the strong westerlie that also did a good impression of a southerlie and northlie, a good ride.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 03 July, 2016, 06:49:05 pm
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/9763841

400km DIY by GPS. All sorts of weather, apres Clatterin' Brig la deluge. Decent control this time with food & drink provided :-p Had to have a power snooze in Ellon - not in a bus shelter, but sat on the ground against a wall.
Distance extended a bit by coming across a road closure near Fyvie. The GPS came into its own for finding an alternative route.
Fair bit of wildlife: red squirrel, bats, GSW, buzzards, deer trying to garrote itself on a fence.

ETA - just realised this is the longest solo ride I've done.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Si S on 17 July, 2016, 08:53:52 am
After crashing last week, yesterday I had another go at a visit to the seaside and Marj's to collect my wedding ring*

A night run to Rhyl into a blustery wind which turned a bit grim for the last bit from Prestatyn, didn't hang around at McDonanlds since they'd got the air-con on and being soaked I got the shakes. The pay-off was 140 odd km of tailwind to Marj's where I enjoyed a leisurely lunch of homemade pizza and filled the Carradice with chocolate cake, the  long break meant I found it tough to get going again.

Home up the canal through Stoke and then just a matter of staying out of the way of the TT'ers on the A50.

https://www.strava.com/activities/642963835

*actually jogler's wedding rind resized
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Manotea on 17 July, 2016, 09:29:04 am
Rode the Taste of the Test 200km on Saturday with Mattc who was on a 300 from Didcot. We met up at Pangbourne to ride down to Tadley which made it a 240km day for me. Mattc was great company as usual.

Hillier than I remembered it (where have I heard that before) and required the 24" gear in places. It was quite warm and I was rather dehydrated by the time we got to Aldbourne (the TOTT 150km control) and I was rather out of it for a while, but recovered to finish in good shape (much to my amazement, tbh), finishing with a 2up time trial back to Pangbourne, just in time to miss my train home which meant a 55 minute wait. Happily a bunch of lads arrived who had been on the lash all afternoon arrived and insisted I join their drinking game, which passed the time nicely. :)

Something I'd forgotten about was how difficult I find it to get to sleep after a hard ride, as I'm a mess of endorphins. I had mebbe a couple of hours and was up and about the rest of the night. I'll probably spend the rest of the day in a semi-doze; just hope I get a good night's sleep tonight.   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 17 July, 2016, 08:26:25 pm
A figure of eight loop from Bristol to Wilton near Salisbury via the Wylie Valley, the edge of Cranborne Chase via Broad Chalke and Cranborne Abbas then return via Shaftesbury, Mere, Warminster.  The Bristol Bath cycle path provided the intro and outro.  The Wylie Valley is lovely, pretty flat but enough little dips and rises to keep it interesting.  The view at Compton Abbas over the downlands is great and I had a breakfast at Compton Abbas Airfield, quite busy and seems to be quite a popular spot for cyclists, met a group who had ridden up from Poole.  There is quite a stiff climb out of Mere but again some lovely views from the ridge that the road runs along before dropping down and winding through four different Deverills (Kingston, Monkton, Hill and Longbridge … the latter having also been visited earlier in the day).  Very hot in the afternoon which took its toll but really a fine day out and a route that I’m really pleased with.
https://www.strava.com/activities/644054738
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 17 July, 2016, 08:59:46 pm
We live right on the Northern edge of the North York Moors, so it would be churlish not to visit them from time to time. Home-Hawnby (where I bottled it on the 33% descent, managed the 25% climb, then fettled the brakes as there was more descending to come). I'm too fat to spend all day in the Moors so headed up Wensleydale to Hawes for a (late) lunch. I'd not saved enough in my lardy legs for the climb up Preston Scar and by the time I got to Richmond I was knackered. Luckily it's flat (for round here) home from there, and with the wind squarely on my back I made much better time. Mr Smith rode out to meet me, which was lovely, though he did keep trying to halfwheel, the git.
Lovely sunny day. Almost like it's summer.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: mattc on 18 July, 2016, 04:50:11 pm
Rode a 300 on Sat round Wiltshire, Hampshire etc, much of it with a sweaty bloke from London that I met on the internet.
It was bloody lovely, although I got a bit grumpy on the hot afternoon leg - fortunately "1 Bottle" Paul was in a worse state than me, which cheered me up  ;D

With an 0515 start this was oh-so-close to being an all-daylight 300. But it DID manage to be a bare-arms & knees 300 - which is nice.

My first with GPS - thanks Phil for the loan and the private tutoring. And to Manotea for baby-sitting my mandatory route entry. (I shall no doubt be posting extensively and stupidly in the GPS board soon  ::-)  )



The previous Saturday was a 200 round a v.similar area - rather unfortunate planning, but nice routes anyway. This was a bit special, for being my first Audax points since being battered-by-van back in April. :)

(Thanks to Brymbo OTP for the company on that one).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 18 July, 2016, 05:18:23 pm
Well done MattC  :thumbsup:

If I`d gotten my act together, ie submitted an entry to Tony H beforehand  :facepalm:, my ride today would have been a 100km AAA ride, virtually a repeat of a previous out to Kerry, via Cilfaesty Hill, back via Kerry - Anchor road with the 10km descent to Clun  :thumbsup: https://www.strava.com/activities/645055254 , before back over Reeves / Stonewall Hill with surprisingly clear views given the heat building .

Tried to minimise faffage time, just 20 min `wasted` stops for food eaten `on the move; very warm day (hottest of year here )

So it`s a non DIY -`DIY` ride today  ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: yorkie on 18 July, 2016, 08:12:58 pm
Not today, but on Saturday night I rode the Dunwich Dynamo and extended the 180km "official" route to 303km via Beccles, the Reedham ferry, Aylsham, North Walsham and Paston, cutting back along the coast road to Sheringham YHA.

This is the first time I have ridden a 300km DIY by GPS and the first time I have ridden 300km since the late 90's.

The section to the coast was ridden in good company, with a bit of a tailwind, via Finchingfield, Sudbury and Framlingham, getting to Dunwich just after sunrise.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160718/67008bb26f7f1678945599faf89a455f.jpg)

The rest of the ride also went well, the only low point being just before Beccles, when I was seriously considering packing. After a McDonald's breakfast, I felt much better and pushed the wind to Aylsham with renewed vigour, including a trip across the Reedham ferry!

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160718/1904cdfb52ac83dd35179be3fbd66e07.jpg)

The final section from Paston also featured the aforementioned headwind, but by then I could smell the finish and got in after around 19 hours in total, of which around 15 hours were actually spent in the saddle.

What's next? I'm sure that someone is going to try and talk me into a 400! We'll see! :-D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chris S on 18 July, 2016, 08:53:00 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160718/1904cdfb52ac83dd35179be3fbd66e07.jpg)

Ah, yorkie - if I had a pound for every one of those I've had as DIY proof of passage, I'd have...

* checks *

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: yorkie on 18 July, 2016, 08:55:16 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160718/1904cdfb52ac83dd35179be3fbd66e07.jpg)

Ah, yorkie - if I had a pound for every one of those I've had as DIY proof of passage, I'd have...

* checks *

(click to show/hide)
Hehe! :-)

Thankfully I was doing a DIY by GPS with mandatory routing, so didn't need to get receipts.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 18 July, 2016, 10:53:02 pm
A 200 starting from Bristol and takes in parts of the Heart of England and the Severn Across.  The  route  heads out through Wiltshire to Malmesbury and then takes the lanes that cut through the Cotswold Water Parks. Coffee and cake at Coffee 1 in Cirencester where it picks up the early part of the Heart of England, last time I did this, the gentle rise up the Whiteway north over the Cotswolds was accompanied by a headwind which was slow going but today conditions were a lot more benign although the hills that followed the Whiteway were tough in the heat.  Magnificant views of the Cotswolds before dropping down the steep hill to Winchcombe, usually this is done on Blacksheep’s ‘January Sale’ in wet and often dark conditions but far more enjoyable today.  Now on the Western part of the Severn Across but I deviate to Tewkesbury to the Royal Hop Pole for lunch.  Lovely section West of the Severn made up of nice quiet lanes but then it’s the fierce climb up Symonds Yat Rock. From Coleford there’s some undulation before the magnificent descent to Chepstow and then it’s just the dreaded Fern Hill* and back home (*it’s not that long or steep but always comes at the end of Welsh rides when you’re invariably very tired).
Ride details here https://www.strava.com/activities/645470641
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 29 July, 2016, 09:53:19 am
Solo 400k DIYxGPS ( Mandatory Route ) yesterday.
Longest solo ride for me.

It's the route of the Kingdom Come, which was the National 400 back in 2000.

Punctured 3k from the end, about 02:30 in the Deep Dark Woods!
Sitting on a rock fixing the tyre in the silence and pitch dark pierced only by my front light, I could hear Gruffalos and Grues close by in the woods behind me.
All I could see was the one million insects attracted to my lights, so I had to fix the puncture in a cloud of Moths and Other Things.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1278173050
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cold Snail on 29 July, 2016, 12:32:54 pm
Rode the Man of Kent 300 perm yesterday with Jel (who was getting his first 300 in for the year).
The steering bearings felt a little odd every now and again, and now it's cooled down today is making some scraping noises.
https://www.strava.com/activities/656839911
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: ebbson on 30 July, 2016, 07:39:18 pm
Greenwich Mean Climbs - 300.
Not a route I'd ridden before (DNS last year), though I've ridden most of the Sussex bits before.  It is a sensational route (save for the last 20km through Bromley) - good hills, and top draw lanes.  Really bloody lovely.
Knackered now - started at silly o'clock this morning (00:40) having gone to bed a mere two hours before.
I feel the first leg out to Ebbsfleet is probably best done in the dark.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 31 July, 2016, 11:35:41 am
Just back from a family holiday, camping in Cornwall near Porthcurno. Managed to squeeze in a couple of 200km DIYs.

The first was adapted from a calendar event that I found a link to (I think it was the four hundreds two hundred). I started it at the campsite, shortened it at the far end and included a loop around the Lands End Peninsula to finish.  The route was excellent and being Cornwall, quite hilly.  Nice run out across the Lizard Peninsula and then north east using the King Harry Ferry over to Roseland and then heading to the North Coast via St Newlyn East.  This part included a lovely climb alongside a woodland where the trees formed a beautiful canopy over the road which provided some welcome respite from the heat.  Once at the north coast the climbing intensified until I got the other side of Portreath where there was a flattish run to Hayle but this was accompanied by an upsurge in the headwind.  I was really looking forward to the north coast down to Lands End but by the time I got there rain/mist had set in and I couldn’t see a thing and the wind was really challenging.  Got to St Just feeling very wet and weak, only 10-15 km left but decided to stop for food at the Co-op and 10 minutes later was good to go. Enjoyed the tail wind from Lands End back to the campsite and managed the 16% hill just out of Treen without too much trouble. Ride details here https://www.strava.com/activities/657714906

Second ride shared parts of the previous one which is inevitable when you can only really go in one direction from Lands End.  After Marizion I got on the minor roads north of the Lizard and worked my way across to the King Harry Ferry but this time explored the Roseland Peninsula a bit more. Down to St Mawes and then followed the coast to Gorran Haven before heading cross county back to the ferry, plenty of climbing in this section.  Then to the Lizard, across the top part to Gweek and a climb that seemed to go on forever and then West toward Culdrose air base and then the really hard bit.  The rain had set in and the wind was really blowing from the south, I’d done about 150 km and I had to do an out and back into the wind to Lizard point, not far but very tempting to keep going West toward the campsite.  Frustratingly, the cafes had closed in Lizard and the pubs looked busy so I ended up with a coke and a cold pie from a shop. The rain then started to clear and the return up to Helston went really quickly, back on the minor roads to Marizion after Helston and a bit more climbing. Short stop in Penzance for water and chocolate and another 10 km to the finish.  Rain returned with a vengeance about 30 mins after I was back.  Felt I was struggling for time on this ride but this was partly a function of setting out later and a few more hills but overall another good day out on the bike, details here, https://www.strava.com/activities/657714890
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 04 August, 2016, 11:34:37 pm
Resurrected my SR series with Els 400 on Monday, thanks to Anton for organising and allowing me to use Chichester as start/finish, which meant I could start from my static caravan in Selsey.  The weather forecast was for rain spreading from the west so when I woke in the early hours that was encouragement to get going, with no one to disturb at 2.10am, making the start control at 2.42am.

Nice night ride and magic dawn over Old Winchester Hill before the slate grey cloud arrived.  Has a good conversation with the attendant at Shell Services in Sutton Scotney who told me about a blog he was following of someone cycling from Germany to Pakistan.  He'd obviously stamped cards for other AUKs in the past.

Big attack of the dozies around St Mary Bourne but after the beautiful church at Fosbury and the descent in Bedwyn woke up and was ready for a full English at Leigh Delamere.  The rain started early but I outpaced it in the lee of Tan Hill only for it to catch me up when I made a bonus tea and cake stop at a very friendly cafe in Pewsey (£2.80 for a mug of tea and home made Victoria sponge).  More dozies around St Mary Bourne on the way back but then the rain woke me up. 

Fancied a decent coffee so headed for McDonalds in Sutton Scotney services rather than a snack at the petrol station and emerged into proper rain.  At least all the roads were local and I made good pace over the hills to Petersfield.  The problem with the early start was that the A272 was now busy with afternoon traffic.  Needed something salty and it was just entering witching hour when all the proper cafes shut so resorted to a cheese and ham panini at Costa-lot. 

The rain eased off again on the way to Pease Pottage, and I had a good although not-that-quick run especially on the long drag up through Tilgate Forest for another panini (this was becoming a very expensive event - £3 for the ride and over £30 for food!!).  All the roads so far had been familiar, with no need to check the route sheet but I wasn't absolutely certain of the way around Horsham.  That gave me an unpleasant surprise as I had 58k not 48k to go and what an extra 10k it turned out to be.  I emerged from the services into steady rain that just got heavier.  The roads became sheets of water with white lines and draincovers potential death traps in the gathering gloom.  I reached Storrington and stood under the eaves of an estate agent for a snack, reckoning that this was on a par with PBP2007 and LEL2009 as some of the worst summer cycling weather I'd ever encountered.  But I knew it was only 30k of familiar roads to do, so I set off into the dark, laboured up the hill to Whitways and tiptoed through the floods around  Eartham.  One little mistake on my part, thought that the helpful sign to "Retail Park" would get me to Sainsburys avoided the A27 roundabout but should have known that Sainsburys is "Superstore" not "Retail Park" and ended up on an insane cycle/footpath only about 4 feet white with a raised white-paint death trap line to keep the two apart and lampposts encroaching menacingly.  Somehow survived this town planner's attempt on my life and rolled into Sainsbury

I knew I'd be back in Selsey too late for a kebab so wandered around the vast acres.  Found the pasta OK but the pesto sauce was several aisles and about half a mile away and I needed some kind lady to help me when she'd rather have a quiet-end-of-shift.  So after a few lost minutes clocked in at the checkout at 10.45pm.

The excitement wasn't over as I now had 15km into the wind and incessant rain back to the caravan.  Southern Railway, who can't run trains for toffee decided to rub it in by actually running one at 11pm so I had to sit soaked at the level crossing, then it was a matter of counting down the miles along the ever-too-familiar road to Selsey. 

The contents of my Nelson Longflap were bone dry.  Lancashire 1 Sussex Weather 0
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: HK on 06 August, 2016, 11:57:39 pm
Topped up today's 200, Cogdubnus run by MarcusJB as given the preferred method to the start was riding out, it seemed churlish not to assume my work tramlines and top up to a 300. Great time had and now have very happy but weary co-pilot.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 07 August, 2016, 03:59:36 pm
This is a route into South Wales that Audax Club Bristol plan to turn into a calendar event. It’s a tough day out with around 3000m of climbing. After getting over the Severn, the first climb is gentle, up toward Shirenewton from Chepstow, the outward route of the Brian Chapman, a few lanes after Usk and then the major climb of the ride – the Tumble. Yesterday it was clear and the views over the Brecon Beacons were fantastic.  Dropped down further than I needed, into Blaenavon to use the visitor centre café, but it was closed – heartsink. I was just about to crawl back up toward the Big Pit and the turning toward Brymawr and a woman emerged onto the adjacent road crossing wearing visitor centre uniform, I enquired if she was opening up and got a positive answer!  So, in for a veggie breakfast, they have library books for customers and I managed about 30 pages of a Lou Reed biography and was tempted to sit there for a few hours drinking coffee and reading but it was a lovely day and during the winter I longed for days like this so back out and up the hill. Some undulations through the towns that track along the Heads of the Valleys road until Merthyr Tydfil and then turn right back into the Beacons and some lovely countryside around the Pontsticill reservoir, tough climb and sharp descent to the Talybont reservoir and a lovely run into Talybont on Usk, gradually down for about 10km.  Another café stop at Crickhowell and the temperature has now become quite challenging.  Climb out of Crickhowell and take the lanes around the base of the Sugar Loaf before coming into Llanvihangel Crucorney which is at the southern end of the Gospel Pass.  Another set of lovely lanes to Raglan but I was really feeling the heat now and whilst there was nothing brutal the undulations really sapped my energy. I stopped for a coke and crisps at Raglan and psyched myself for the last tough climb, Star Hill.  Struggled up the climbs before it and then got in a very low gear and crawled up and was delighted and relieved to see the top. One significant undulation on the ridge, then Devauden and a long descent to Chepstow.  Had to top up with water at a garage, then over the Severn Bridge, the dreaded Fern Hill and about 10 km to home.  This is a great route and will make a fine calendar event but very tough in those temperatures. Full details hehttps://www.strava.com/activities/666795539re
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 07 August, 2016, 10:15:05 pm
Yesterday was my first attempt at a mandatory DIY-by-GPS route. I was very pleased with it, on the whole, though the admin was a nightmare.

The ride was brilliant, and in perfect weather - it would only work as a mandatory route, really, as I took inspiration from Uncle Peter's adventures on the canalways of Lancashire, and it was a mix of offroad and quiet lanes. My kind of terrain, that. However, it being County Durham, we don't have many canals, but we do have a lot of disused railways.

The river path along the Tees from Stockton to Middlesbrough is fantastic - best of all, there's pretty much no need to ride through Middlesbrough. There is an Eight Bridges cycle route, too. I only used four - Victoria Bridge, Infinity Bridge, Tees Barrrage, and finally I crossed the Transporter Bridge (open, for once) and rode across Dormans Pond and Seal Sands. It's an amazing route. Seals, seabirds, cows lazing in the water, oil refineries, chemical plants, cooling towers and a nuclear power station.

(https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8460/28218003383_08a904397c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/JZwDiH)
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8787/28801747596_17ba377fa0_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KT7u87)
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8863/28832759935_aebb98bbbf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KVRr1B)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8233/28548789240_bf590e6c00_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KuL1q9)

I did have to ride through the middle of Hartlepool, but I kept my Darlo badge under wraps, and from Hartlepool north it was the Hart-Haswell path, the Castle Eden walkway and the Hawthorn-Ryhope cycleway, which were mostly pretty well-surfaced. Mostly. There was a rough, muddy bit near Haswell, and a wooden walkway across a bog which I wouldn't fancy riding in the wet. It was covered with netting which provided some grip, but the netting was frayed, so I was as concerned about punctures as anything else.

It's still a better route across East Durham than any road I've found - Murton and Easington have their charms, no doubt, but the roads are shite.

It was an almost-imperceptible drag up from Poolie, and an equally-gentle drop back down to the land of the Mackems, which was another city centre blast, over the Wear and up the coast with the sea to my right and the salty smell in my nostrils. I just missed the Shields Ferry, and pissed away a half hour, even before the slow progress through the throngs along the path to Tynemouth and through the honeypots of Whitley Bay and Cullercoats.

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8496/28215714794_7fac2f07d2_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/JZjUZh)

Blyth was strangely empty by comparison*, and is blessed with pretty well-surfaced cyclepaths. They are a bit meandery, but far better than riding along the A189, and it was a purely functional bit anyway, to get me up to the Northumberland Coast and Druridge Bay. It's a gorgeous bit of the world, about to be ruined by an opencast mine (http://www.savedruridge.co.uk). I got chatting to an Aussie cyclist, and we both bemoaned the decision. There's millions of tons of coal left under the sea, or under Easington, and they could probably replace Easington with a hole in the ground before anyone noticed, let alone cared.

For the time being, though, it's a fantastic bit of coastline, with a lovely track across the dunes. My Aussie wheelmate looked at my bike and said that you wouldn't ride it on a road bike, and goggled a bit when I told him that was exactly where I was going. As I say, my kind of terrain - comedy offroading.

I turned back from Amble to Morpeth, which had been the catalyst for the ride, to use up an unused** open return from Morpeth. The last 50 km was rather hilly, certainly by comparison, but with such views, over to the Cheviots on one side and down to the sea at the other. A stop for a pint at the Dyke Neuk to string things out before my train, and all downhill for the last 10 km through Mitford to Morpeth.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8872/28756754281_f071a79b69_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KP8Tbi)

https://www.strava.com/activities/666949517

I may have cocked up the admin, but it's a great system - I couldn't have ridden that route any other way, as there'd have always been a persistent voice reminding me that I'd have to ride along the A189 or wherever, just to keep the distance within sensible margins. At times, I did miss the freedom to wander off course, and had to keep a tight leash on my exploring instinct, but as a mechanism for riding long distances, it's fantastic, and it opens up loads of potential routes.

*It won't be in a few weeks when the tall ships come to town: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/tall-ships-blyth-you-need-11711872
**FSVO unused***
***And still technically unused
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bobby on 07 August, 2016, 11:02:45 pm
I popped up to my Parent house in Lincoln via a 200k mandatory route DIY.  I decided when I got there to ride the 'top 100 cilmbs #28' aka the cobbled climb up Michaelgate & to the castle. 

It was after 10pm on a hot evening so the place was full of drunk people - sometimes as an Audaxer I find that a bit intimerdating, but I plowed on with the mandatory route.  I crawled up it the narrow, steep cobbles, without much fitness, carrying luggage, some dynamo-drag & 220k in the legs - thankfully the masses of drunkards took to shouting encouragement all the way up, people even walking next to me saying 'go on, you can do it' etc :)

At the top there were loads (100+) people outside the pubs etc & I got a spontaneous round of applause for making it :)

https://www.strava.com/activities/668222316 (https://www.strava.com/activities/668222316)

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 07 August, 2016, 11:06:16 pm
@ Dean, that's really good and (to me) inspiring.  You are taking some fabulous pictures, too.  I have actually done a couple of two hundreds "off-road" - the route 66 canal one which I mentioned at the National and one using the PeakTrails, which I did last year as soon as I was back on my bike, or pretty soon, anyway.  The canals one took a lot longer than yours, for obvious (and not so obvious) reasons but I brought it in BRM - just!  I'm writing it up and will stick it on here and hopefully Arrivee.  I didn't bother entering the rides as DIYs - just wanted to see if I could get the routes to work.

You talk of an admin nightmare.  Anything in particular?  Was it just getting the route to go where you wanted, or the entry itself?  I'm hoping to do both of mine again before the light goes.

Thanks again

Peter

Bobby, that's a good one, too!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 08 August, 2016, 12:39:25 pm
Cheers, Pete - the admin was mostly user error, I reckon. I tend not to enter DIYs until the last minute, and I didn't give myself enough time to really get to grips with the requirements. I emailed Andy C in the end, so we'll see.

Creating a usable track was a bit of a pain - I was using BikeHike, which is pretty good, but the auto-routing is on-road. With lots of offroady bits, I had to fill it in manually, which was a bit tedious. And inaccurate in a couple of places, as I was trying to cross canals where there were no bridges.

Then my track was too large for the entry form - no problem, I could just zip it. It wouldn't accept my zipped file, and I spent a fruitless half hour trying to find Phil W's thingummy for compressing GPX files (Dale mentioned this last week, but he couldn't remember where he'd seen it - it's buried away in the GPS ghetto: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=97952.0). Gave it up, emailed Andy C and went to bed.

Next time, I'll try to do all the prep beforehand, but still enter at the last minute!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: billplumtree on 08 August, 2016, 12:44:38 pm
Great stuff Dean, lovin the pics.  But when did Newport Bridge turn red?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 08 August, 2016, 12:50:14 pm
It was a couple of years ago, to mark its 80th anniversary. It had been getting tatty for a while. Nowt to do with Middlesbrough FC AFAIK.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 08 August, 2016, 01:26:27 pm
(http://i65.tinypic.com/5ck2g.jpg)

We went out on Saturday to routecheck The Penshaw Punisher (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=98199.0) route. Rode it as a DIY by GPS. I'm rather glad I don't have to ride it again now, it's rather lumpy...  ;D

Cheers, Pete - the admin was mostly user error, I reckon. I tend not to enter DIYs until the last minute, and I didn't give myself enough time to really get to grips with the requirements. I emailed Andy C in the end, so we'll see.

Creating a usable track was a bit of a pain - I was using BikeHike, which is pretty good, but the auto-routing is on-road. With lots of offroady bits, I had to fill it in manually, which was a bit tedious. And inaccurate in a couple of places, as I was trying to cross canals where there were no bridges.

Then my track was too large for the entry form - no problem, I could just zip it. It wouldn't accept my zipped file, and I spent a fruitless half hour trying to find Phil W's thingummy for compressing GPX files (Dale mentioned this last week, but he couldn't remember where he'd seen it - it's buried away in the GPS ghetto: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=97952.0). Gave it up, emailed Andy C and went to bed.

Next time, I'll try to do all the prep beforehand, but still enter at the last minute!

I like RideWithGPS to create the .gpx files - you can choose driving/cycling/walking options which does the job 99% of the time when doing these kinds of tracks and trails routes and then for the odd time it doesn't work, you can just draw it in.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 08 August, 2016, 02:22:19 pm
Having completed 100,000km on a Cheltenham Flyer Perm (Cotswolds version) I learned that the original (the one I rode as a Calendar in 1992) used Clee Hill in Shropshire and was first organised by Sean Graff (of Cotswold Corker fame) in 1988. So, to complete my 1000 points celebration, I rode my Flyer Perm 200 over Clee Hill last Friday (also my 1st RRTY August ride). I was lucky with perfect weather for views from Clee Hill. the 1000 points was certainly an incentive; now I just have to work on RRTY and staying out of trouble for LEL17.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 08 August, 2016, 08:32:29 pm
It was a couple of years ago, to mark its 80th anniversary. It had been getting tatty for a while. Nowt to do with Middlesbrough FC AFAIK.

They had planned to paint it silver for it's 80th anniversary but it took so long it was the 81st anniversary because Stockton hadn't maintained it and it needed a great deal of remedial work.
The Transporter is getting much better at being open. Except Sundays, obv. For commuters they are even continuous running rather than at 15 minute intervals. It's almost become a reliable crossing.  :o

Your route is a reverse of one I did a couple of years ago, from me Mam's down the coast, pretty much. Except I did all the shitty road bits.  ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 08 August, 2016, 08:50:22 pm
I'll finish off this bridgy interlude with an action shot! of Newport Vertical Lift Bridge, back when it lived up to its name: https://flic.kr/p/29K1oz

I was there the last time the lift was used (I'm sure I've mentioned that before).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 20 August, 2016, 12:20:04 pm
Over the last 2 days, I rode the old Scottish classic route, the Twilight 600.
This is my longest ever solo ride.

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/10610083

This route deserves a bit more description than a one-liner, so here goes...

This classic Scottish route goes diagonally across Scotland, from Edinburgh in the South East, to Ardgour in the North West, taking in much of the varied scenery and terrain that Scotland has to offer.

From a 5am start, we head North across the Forth Road Bridge, with views of the Forth Bridge and the near-finished new Forth Crossing.
After negotiatating major road-works at the North of the bridge, we pass through some of the less scenic parts of Fife, before bearing westwards towards the more gentrified pastures of Perthshire.
There's a great ride up Glen Devon, and a massive descent down towards Gleneagles.
Control at Crieff, where the cafes are not yet open, so it's a bacon roll from the bakery.

From Crieff, a classic ride through the Sma' Glen, and on to Aberfeldy.
Down past Loch Tay, to Killin for snacks and drinks.   This had been a possible lunch stop, but I was way too early for lunch, so I press on to Crianlarich.
Joining the A85 at Lix Toll, this is where the bad traffic begins.

The traffic and standard of driving is nothing short of horrific.
Busses and HGVs will make no effort to pass you, and will fly past at 70 an inch away from your handlebars.
This requires pretty aggressive road positioning, and glowering over your shoulder to force them to slow down and pass more carefully.
Cars were mostly well behaved, but I did notice that most of the ones that did dangerous overtakes had NL plates, which surprised me.
Perhaps with so much segregated cycling in NL, the drivers don't know how to deal with cyclists on main roads?
Camper vans ( probably hired ) all pulled in too soon, probably because their drivers are not used to such long vehicles.

Anyways, Lunch at Crianlarich, on to Tyndrum and the climb up to Rannoch Moor.
You know you are on the West Coast when you see Buachaille Etive Mor glowering across Rannoch Moor.
This is the gateway to Glencoe, and a hooning great descent town the glen.
Across the Ballachulish Bridge, at arrive at the Corran Bunkhouse before 4pm.

Get checked in, and dump some stuff off the bike and we head out for the evening loop of 130k round Ardgour.
The bunkhouse is on the ferry slipway, and as I set off I notice the navigational instruction on my Garmin says 'Board Ferry'.
This seemed like good advice, so I did.

(https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8437/28964947782_6886f9fdb2_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/L8wVRq)
Corran Ferry (https://flic.kr/p/L8wVRq) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr

The loop round Argour is quite rugged, and not particularly fast.
I set off around 4:30, but the road along Loch Sunart is constantly undulating, so you feel like you are climbing all the time.
Through Strontian ( the element Strontium is named after it ), and on to Salen where I stop for dinner at the Salen Hotel.
The road North to Lochailort goes over a couple of fairly long draggy climbs, and I get to the Lochailort inn at about 9.
The guests are just finishing their dinner, and I am served some drinks and crisps by some cheery East Europeans.
As I go to depart, one of the diners offers me some advice.  I'll need some lights, apparently.
Grateful for their words of wisdom, I turn my lights on and head East towards Fort William in the Twilight.
This is a flat section, and fairly fast. I pass Glenfinnan, where the monument was floodlight.

At Corpach, a couple of miles from Fort William, I come across stationary traffic.   There is nothing coming the other way, so I pass it.
The gridlock goes all the way to Fort William, and I come to the Police road block.
Pedestrians are directed down a steep bank into a field, where I can re-join the road after a couple of hundred metres.
The tailback stretches for a couple of miles the other side of Fort William too.
This meant I had no traffic coming my way all the way back to the Corran Bunkhouse.

So to bed at 11, and up at 6 for a 7am start on day 2.
Drinking my coffee, I read the news and it turns out the incident in Fort William the previous evening was a cyclist fatality involving an HGV.

With this sobering news fresh in mind, and bearing in mind the traffic I endured the previous day, I decided to use the cycle path NCN 78 from Ballachulish to Oban.
I've used this before, some years ago on the Port Navigation 200, and remember it as being of good quality.
And indeed it was; I followed it all the way.

This was all well and good until you come to the Connel Bridge. The NCN78 points off to the left, saying Oban 6.
That's a bit longer than the main road, but what the heck.  I had time in hand before the Oban control.  DO NOT DO THIS!
The route takes a big loop away from Oban, along a bastard hilly single track road. Unless you are looking for a few over-distance Km, and a bunch of gratuitous climbing, take the main road.
And that was the Good News.
The bad news is that NCN78 to Oban DOES NOT GO TO OBAN!
It's an Oban Bypass, dropping you out on the Taynuilt road 2.5 mile beyond Oban, on the wrong side of a Bastard Hill.
Since Oban was a control, I had to climb over said Bastard Hill to get to Oban.
And then for extra fun, a Hill Rep back over said Bastard Hill in the other direction, because my next destination was Taynuilt!

Lovely road to Taynuilt, though.
Then up a seemingly endless climb to Tyndrum and back to Crianlarich, with only 100k or so to go.
It started to rain on the climb, and the waterproofs went on and remained on for the remainder of the day.
Back along the Dangerous A85 as far as Lix Toll, where I turn south up another endless climb and to Lochearnhead then Callander.
The weather was a bit grim, so I was just head down and pushing on by now.

The final stretch took me through Stirling, but I think my route could have been better planned through the city; I was on cycle-hostile main roads and multi-lane roundabouts in heavy fast traffic.
Then through Grangemouth, which is dominated by the massive Ineos refinery and petrochemical plant.
The whole place has an unwholesome stink about it.  Who knows what volatile aromatic compounes are in the air.  I do wonder how anyone can ever sell a house there.
This might be the only place where a Daily Mail headline might actually be true: Ineos gave my house price cancer.

The final part of my route could do with a bit of refining itself.
Through Bo'ness, and up a Bastard Steep road out the other side, followed by some nice lanes which took me directly back to South Queensferry for a 8pm finish.

I checked in at the Dakota hotel, had a shower and got changed in time for a decent dinner in the hotel, and so to bed.

Another SR in the can ( STV etc etc ).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Si S on 21 August, 2016, 06:33:15 am
Yesterday I attempted to run north before the storm, which was going well until Tebay where it broke on me with a vengeance at which point it all became a bit biblical. Enoyed it though, I've wanted to ride the road that splits the M6 up there for years and the sight of looking up to see what appeared to be a canoe flying south in the downpour was a little surreal.

Mind you Cumbria County Council putting notice of this on their website, or even some indication at the junction 3km at the top of the massive descent before might have been useful:

(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8513/28496094493_544046ce08.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Kq6W72)

Having an advance train ticket adds a new frission to the whole thing

https://www.strava.com/activities/683050034/overview
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Dave_C on 22 August, 2016, 11:28:10 am
We came across one of these closed roads stages on a recent 400 in the borders. Fortunately the fence/gates were not locked and we were able to walk through closing the gate behind us.

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 22 August, 2016, 09:30:56 pm
I took my sisters around the route of my Peculier Old 200 yesterday - it was also an opportunity to refine a couple of bits of the route and check out some of the more remote controls. Mainly Masham, but the White Bear is an incredibly accommodating place, and they were intensely relaxed about the prospect of 50 or so* sweaty cyclists invading the place. The food there is excellent, not overpriced, and pretty swift. There is a Co-Op just up the road, should anyone want to keep to the Way of the Garage Forecourt.

It was a good day out, mostly sunny and a steady sort of ride. The absolute highlight, though, was the clown of a cyclist who wandered upstairs to find us at the cafe at Middleton-in-Teesdale and announced that he was lost. My sister nominated me to help him - he was trying to ride to the Kirkside Pass, and wanted to know how far it was. When I managed to work out that he meant the Kirkstone Pass and I guessed the distance at 70 miles, he started to argue. I had to bite my tongue. After giving up on working out where he'd come from or where he was actually going and trying to convince him that he might need some sort of clue, I just pointed him towards Alston, and said he should find his way from there. He's probably still trying to find it. Wherever it is.

https://www.strava.com/activities/684294747

*total guess, but entries are coming in steadily.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: TigaSefi on 23 August, 2016, 11:38:23 am
Avoided the crappy weather forecast for last Saturday for a much better day on Sunday to do the Ditchling Devil 200 PERM.

Totally different doing it on your own. For some reason I managed to do it on 3 gels, a chocolate chip cliff bar, 4 bottles of water, 2 bananas and a packet of McCoys!! Really not to be recommended thou :D

I liked the route but I spent most of the time checking I was on the right roads and going through the correct control points so not as nice as doing a proper calendar event.

https://www.strava.com/activities/683893420
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bhoot on 23 August, 2016, 10:50:42 pm
Not quite sure why I thought it was a good idea to tackle my first solo DIY 200km on the hottest* day of the year in the South East. I did choose the route with the lowest amount of climbing (because I am so not a grimpeuse) from our repertoire done on the tandem - this meant it was East London, Rayne (near Braintree), West Mersea (I did check the tide times first!), Rainham, and home to East London.
I did it but was taking increasingly long and frequent breaks as the day wore on - I would like to think because of the heat not because I was tired. There must have been about 30 minutes of non-moving time just applying sunscreen as I kept feeling I was burning. On the plus side I did remember to put it on my feet - as a sandal wearer I have been caught out by this in the past and it is quite painful.
The worst part of the day was the ride from Billericay back to Rainham - the awfulness of the driving was breathtaking and my nerves were completely shredded at the end of it. So many close overtakes (with/without vehicles coming the other way), being undertaken at a roundabout etc. This was far worse than our previous weekend experiences. I think it's time to work out a few more DIY routes that finish at Shenfield station and so avoid the trek back into London.
Anyway hopefully another 2 points... making a grand total of a quarter of 40 at 40!

* or somewhere near hottest ..
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 24 August, 2016, 09:35:56 am
At the weekend I did a DIY 600, starting from my in laws in Ft William just before 6am Saturday and finishing back home In Edinburgh (Mrs wanted to visit her parents and was happy to let me go cycling if I drove up there Fri, seemed a reasonable bargain). 

Route on Saturday took me round Loch Eil and back to the Corran Ferry the long way then straight down to Tarbert via Oban and Lochgilphead and a retrace to Ft William for 350km.  Great cycling down toOban via the Tarmac bike path only interrupted by very short road stretches, with the lovely approach into Oban via Ganavan.  After Oban it got very lumpy and I plodded away at the 80k to Tarbert knowing I had to retrace.  Got back to Oban at 8pm for fish and chips and enjoyed an evening pootle on the bike path.  Ft William was reached at 1am and the alarm set for 5.

Away again at 0545 for the ride back down to Connel again and then to Crianlarich for lunch and a break from the bad driving and surface on the A82.  At least I knew i had a choice of routes after Lochearnhead when I took the bike track which slowed me up but made for more enjoyment.  The path to Callander had some stretches where the surface was pretty bad and mr tetchy did appear, but I was still happy to avoid the traffic.  Went the quiet way via deanston to Doune then over the Hill of Rew to Causewayhead and a stop at the famous Corrieris cafe.  From there I had about 10 different routes home all +/- 2km of each other so I went north side of the forth to Kincardine and crossed over and used the cycle path to Lauriston.  After that it was the old A9 back home.  Unfortunately I got a puncture with 20km to go, then again with 3km to go.  The latter was a slowie so as long as I kept out the saddle it would last for nearly 1km.  So I started and stopped my way back home. 

Dry and sunny mostly, west highlands had the best of the weekend weather with just one shower for about 30 mins on Saturday.  Subject to validation it's my 12th consecutive SR.  I know don't have to do a September 600!

Overall it was enjoyable, hillier than I would normally seek to do but starting from Ft William and sleeping there Sat pm really did limit my choices.  I remember those hills from the Mull of Kintyre 600 and they are tough. 

Lots of cycling on dedicated cycle ways, the one between Oban and ballachulksh really is first class, though on the way north on Saturday night I only used the stretches that were on the seaward side of the main road as the other stretches are more convoluted and lumpy.  Road was dead anyway. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Si S on 29 August, 2016, 09:21:07 am
After being chief potwasher at Anslow on the national and real life getting in the way of the helpers ride I had JayP's permission to butcher his route somewhat for a DIY.

So on Saturday morning at 3 am under clear skies I headed out across the Cheshire plain through patches of chilly mist to make the ascent of the Cat and Fiddle. As I reached the pub and refilled my bottles (the pub is currently closed but the outside tap is still on, which is handy) dawn was just breaking and it was stunning, even with my colour vision the sky was a riot, and it was one of those perfect moments

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8257/28642027644_eb0f7f456a.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KCZSWQ)

(https://c4.staticflickr.com/9/8422/29308593995_279c011c5a.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LDUcU8)

The descent into Buxton was equally spectacular with all the valleys full of mist reflecting the sun giving the appearance of a massive lake with the peaks looming out of it like islands. Here I joined the route of the National along the Monsall Trail but ran all the way to Bakewell to find the Co-Op lie about their opening hours, I managed to get a pint of milk to go with my saddle bag supplies before returning to the route through Youlgreave.

A steady run to Hatton where I refueled and resupplied while it bucketed it down, which stopped as I set off  :thumbsup: I had planned to stop next at Ironbridge at halfway but as I came into Brewood I figured Ironridge might be manic so stopped for lunch at a convenient spot for chicken pasta. As I rolled into Ironbridge I wasn't feeling too clever and was rather explosively unwell, despite this my legs were still good and I enjoyed the tailwind all the way to Shrewsbury, here I'd messed with route to run straight through resulting in a series of sprints between roundabouts.

This level of exertion coupled with the previous evacuation meant that I was running on empty and about to bonk when I got to Knockin, so diverted to the Knockin Shop for pasty and cake. A very steady ride to Oswestry where something manic involving hundreds of motor bikes was happening before continuing to Llangollen and the a return to Chirk for noodles and I was starting to feel physically better.

At St Martins some loon in van took exception to my road position and forced me through a series of potholes resulting in a broken spoke, this affected me pretty badly and at Ellesmere came close to packing it in but just about managed to resolve to push on. This was where I left the route to run for home and was reminded that lanes you know well in the day are very different at night and these particular lanes around Whixall moss had a challenging surface at the best of times, this and wind I had previously enjoyed wasn't helping my still fragile mental state.

Prees Heath was like an oasis the way I felt and here I manged to pull my proverbial together for the 70 odd km to home. The lanes became more familiar and better surfaced as I headed through Cheshire, although I did have stern words with myself at routing up one of the few 10% climbs in this part of the world. Leaving Northwich I had the company of a pair of badger outriders for a few hundred meters, they were pretty quick. The final few km's up to High Legh and I although I felt pretty much ok, there was no power left and the GPS showed I was crawling along.

So my longest ride and reaching home couldn't decide how I felt about the whole thing, a curious mix of satisfaction and trauma coupled with exhaustion.   

https://www.strava.com/activities/691434267/overview
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 29 August, 2016, 10:39:25 am
Ten out of ten for tenacity, Si - well done!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 29 August, 2016, 10:50:46 am

So my longest ride and reaching home couldn't decide how I felt about the whole thing, a curious mix of satisfaction and trauma coupled with exhaustion.   

https://www.strava.com/activities/691434267/overview

Welcome to long distance cycling ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ruthie on 29 August, 2016, 10:59:32 am
Lovely ride report  :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 29 August, 2016, 11:45:17 am
Nice ride report, Si, but this:

I managed to get a pint of milk to go with my saddle bag supplies before returning to the route through Youlgreave.

Aren't you a bit old for the old 'following the milkman' trick?  ;)

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 04 September, 2016, 08:51:48 pm
Deferred from Saturday`s deluge set out for a 100 km AAA ride heading out west towards Elan Valley. Not quite as nice as forecast with a little drizzle but not enough for a rain jacket.

https://www.strava.com/activities/700156629

Heading into drizzley hills

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8208/28832700194_13e34f2322_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KVR8fA)DSCF9258 (https://flic.kr/p/KVR8fA) by jamesld8 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55935603@N05/), on Flickr

Made good progress as far as Abbeycwmhir and realised that I was going a bit too hard and couldn`t keep this pace up---maybe a legacy of recently doing Single speed riding I was finding myself pushing a bigger gear than I normally do on my 20 speed bike. So eased off considerably for the 2.5km 6% climb out of the valley and enjoyed the views and observed the copious berries on the rowans and bilberries along the roadside.

On the Abbeycwmhir climb

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/9/8032/28835048153_e0afbe7a63_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KW4adD)DSCF9259 (https://flic.kr/p/KW4adD) by jamesld8 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55935603@N05/), on Flickr

A brisk breeze was blowing down the long climb out of Rhayader all 5km of it so I took this steady as well, all too easy to overcook the effort on this climb.

`classic` Elan mountain road view

(https://c8.staticflickr.com/9/8176/29457064095_80ad1e66e0_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LT29Tr)DSCF9261 (https://flic.kr/p/LT29Tr) by jamesld8 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55935603@N05/), on Flickr

Reaching the psychological half way at the top

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8032/29422375776_33abac36ee_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LPXnfY)DSCF9262 (https://flic.kr/p/LPXnfY) by jamesld8 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55935603@N05/), on Flickr
 homeward bound just Radnor Forest to cross

(https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8065/29168484110_0a010add23_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Lrw77s)DSCF9265 (https://flic.kr/p/Lrw77s) by jamesld8 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/55935603@N05/), on Flickr
 it was then a fairly steady run back home with no major hills to contend to complete 118 km and near on 1700m climbing in just under five hours riding.  A very pleasant morning` DIY  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 05 September, 2016, 10:40:13 am
Very nicely atmospheric!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Dave_C on 05 September, 2016, 01:10:52 pm
I rode my 600 DIY this weekend to complete (providing validation) this year's SR

Starting from my home near The Forth Road Bridge, I rode out to Dollar through Dunfermline and through the lovely Glen Devon and down to Glen Eagles. From here I rode out to Crieff, where I stopped for a bite to eat and a water refill. Then East through Perth and along the beautiful glen north of the Sidlaw Hills, north of Perth and Dundee, to Forfar before continuing on to Friockhiem to a friends for lunch. Then north through Brechin and through Edzell, Fettercairns (both with nice arches as you approach) and down to coffee at Castleton Farm Shop. Returing the same way, I feared a head wind as I had had no wind in my face all morning, but it appeared to be very low so I was saved the slog back. Getting to Forfar I called in for McD's and then onto Perth and out to Crief, where the rain came on as it was getting dark. I found a Pizza place and tooked into a large Calzone before getting my w/proofs on again for the ride south over Glen Devon the steep way. The ride north through Glen Devon is a slow climb and a fast descent but now from the top of Glen Devon going south it was down hill to Dollar. Now on familiar roads I slogged back through Dunfermline and the many wet drinks shouting and arguing, to get home at 30 mins past midnight. I'd planned for 2am but to be home early was great. Shower and bed with the alarm set for 06:30.

Up and out for 07:30, I visited Clackmannan and on to Auchterader and a new swish café. Caked and coffeed I then rode out in glorious sunshine to Newburgh and on to Tayport before turning in to a breeze to St Andrews. Coffee and a sandwich set me up for the ride to Falkland following the lumpy route 1 where I found an iced cream seller :o) Avoiding the Lomond hill climb, I chanced my arm on the A92 dual carrage way for a mile before heading round the horrible new town of Glenrothes where a the motor car is king. Out to Lesley and then via Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath and home at 1800 hours. cream crackered, but relieved at completing.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: MAC on 05 September, 2016, 08:41:06 pm
I completed a 200k mandatory GPS DIY on Sunday. Not my first or hardest audax but the longest distance cycled in two years. Now quite sore in the buttock and neck areas but the owner of a satisfied smile.

Setting off from home in north Manchester, I took a slightly dog leg way to Tatton Park where I was due to rendezvous with a mate. He was doing the Manchester 100 mile charity ride and I planned to ride along with him for a while before cutting off and taking a different way home. He was not able to make it on the day so I set off an hour later than we had arranged, avoiding the band of rain which kindly dissipated. This also meant I would be on the roads later than most of the M’cr 100 cyclists - or so I thought.

As I got to Tatton Park, I came across quite a few riders of various types and experience. I settled in behind one group but the pace was a little slow and so I pushed on alone. I felt good and strong and was enjoying having a full day out. Most of the route was familiar to me as it uses the same roads utilised by audax rides in the area - the Mere 200 and Llanfair 400 at least. I had a quick bench break and text my wife at 70k to tell her I was OK. A few riders passed and I pushed on after them. I wanted to make use of a few smaller lanes familiar to me from previous outings but my route followed the M’cr 100 riders at this point.

Through Delamere Forest, onto to Tattenhall and then Nantwich. There were only a few cyclists about now and most of these were normal Sunday cyclists oncoming or passing across my route. Halfway reached without a stop but my average 23kph was starting to dip a bit. I noticed marshals’ waving riders down and heard about a diversion ahead. Conscious of my mandatory route, I pushed on to Long Lane at Haughton where I found the quite lane well and truly closed. Apparently a cyclist had been injured and airlifted some time before and the police were now investigating the scene. Quick pic to confirm the rationale for my diversion and then I consulted my Etrex 20 to find a way round. It added about 2km and very pleasant it was too. Hope the cyclist is alright.

About 120k I started to get some stomach pains. I'd been running on Soreen bars and my own isotonic mix but needed to stop for carbohydrate and additional/alternative fluids. At around 135k I made use of The Old Star pub in Winsford and bought a pint of bitter shandy and bag of salt & vinegar crisps. There were a lot of M’cr 100 cyclists at the hostelry which also had an official stop outside. I think a lot of these were actually completing the 100k route which had now rejoined the longer 100 miler.

The lanes now became roads and were getting increasingly busy as well. Middlewich, Mobberley, Wilmslow and around M’cr airport was soon done. I had left the M’cr 100 route and was taking the shortest way from south Manchester to home in the north of the city. Luckily, I know most of the roads as I cycle commute into the centre. I didn't know the Princess Parkway dual c/w does not allow cyclists to join it where I planned though! The Etrex proved of value again and I found a cycle route avoiding the junction and adding just 1k or so. It allowed me (nay forced me) to join the dual c/w a short way along where the cycle lane just became a bus stop!

Average speed now 19kph which I maintained for the last uphill 9k following my normal commute route. Could tell the difference on this section after 201k compared to normal though. Total distance 208k. Home an hour later than planned but to a warm welcome, a shower, couple of brufen and a waiting Sunday tea. Job done.
 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ivo on 05 September, 2016, 09:16:02 pm
Not exactly today but 10 days ago.
I opted for a flat 200k DIY along Belgian canals, after all I only did a 1000k BRM two weeks before.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7362.jpg)

When starting out the cows predicted a hot day, several of them were already cooling down in the river well before noon. I choose the old Zuid Willemsvaart for the first stretch as it's nice and shady. It wasn't actually designed as a shipping canal but as a feeder canal for 'le Grand Canal du Nord' designed by Napoleon.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7363.jpg)

I briefly left the canals to ride north to Achelse Kluis abbey, a very popular cyclist's top. But I didn't really stop there, I opted for a baguette a few k south of it. After the abbey I cycled south to the canals again via an old railroad. From neerpelt I took the canal to Herentals. Both canals will be very known to the Borders of Belgium riders.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7368.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7369.jpg)

In Herentals I took a short break to admire the local scenery before heading south over an old railroad to Aarschot. Entering Aarschot was a bit iffy due to roadworks, I had to detour and then head back to the city centre where I had my control. From Aarschot it was a while through the inland, deviating from the canals&railroads theme of this DIY. Still I managed to follow a few small rivers as a substitute to the canals.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7374.jpg)

In Viversel I finally reached my last canal for the day, the more modern Albertkanaal. I had an alternative though, there were thunderstorms predicted for the evening so i made full use of the free routing by having an inland option to Zutendaal with plenty of shelter. But I didn't need it so I continued along the canal into the fading daylight.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7378.jpg)

When the canal turned south I turned northeast to the village of Zutendaal for the few meters of climbing in this route. It was dark by the time I hit the hightest point at 70m. The downhill back to town is an easy one. Near home I stopped at the chinese takeway. Back home I just finished my dinner when the tunderstorm started.

https://www.strava.com/activities/691250715




Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 06 September, 2016, 09:30:41 am
That red Jag was on our ferry.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ivo on 11 September, 2016, 12:42:03 pm
Another weekend, another DIY. This time a mandatory one, loosely based on my old Citadel 200.

In contrast to the event route, the first stage stays nearer to Liege. I exited town via the Jeker valley and picked up a Ravel in Hautain Saint Simeon. This network of converted railroads and tramlines is great for cycling in Belgium. There are two other ones in this route, one from Namur to Hoegaarden and the other from Tienen to St. Truiden.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7420.jpg)

In Alleur I deviated from the Ravel for a short visit to Decathlon. I still needed some kit for the Silk Route 1200 and this one is very convenietnly located. After leaving the Ravel the traffic was a bit dense. This route is in fact better for a sunday since both the Liege and Namur area's can be quite busy. Due to the traffic the descent to the Maas valley was slower as expected.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7423.jpg)

Cycling is popular here, you can find a lot of cycling specific monuments like this one in Amay.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7425.jpg)

Once clear of the Liege urban area there's a lot to see on this route, castles, mansions and citadels like the one in Huy. The advantage of the mandatory route for this ride is that you can take the bikepath next to the river which is a detour compared to the direct route.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7426.jpg)

Just south of Huy the bikepath leads straight through the sugar factory. On weekdays it's a bit smelly here but there were hardly any operations on this saturday. Further south it's a quiet ride especially since all traffic stays on the eastern bank of the river and for most of the time you can cycle via the quiet western side.
The busy town of Namur is a bit of shock sometimes. The climb of the Citadel itself is not too difficult. The gradient is such that they could drag cannons up by horsepower so it's just a question of sitting and grinding. The ascent itself is more scenic as the top.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7433.jpg)

The descent has been resurfaced recently so now it's a nice swooping descent to the Sambre river. Just after this there are a few kebab shops which perfect for lunch. Directly behind Namur railway station another Ravel starts. I really like this one, scenic, straight and not too difficult. Especially yesterday it was a nice one, the headwind which slowed me down in the Maas valley now turned into a nice tailwind. The warm wather invited a lot of locals on BSO's out on the bikepath so sometimes I needed some quick reflexes to evade their dodgy cycling.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7436.jpg)

In Sint Truiden it was into the teeth of the monster and back out again for short bit of city cycling followed by another former railroad. I bypassed my usual stop in Drieslinter, a nice cycling cafe. I started out o a bit late so the Vuelta stage had finished already. Otherwise this is a nice stop, especially if you arrive there around 16h when' there's cycling on the TV.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7439.jpg)

Just after Drieslinter I took the branch line to St. Truiden, another very scenic Ravel. Entering St. Truiden it was remarkably quiet on the road. Quite a lot of roads were fenced off. As a cyclist I could pass a number of fences but eventually I had to stop at the market square. Here it was really fenced off, an evening run along brightly lit monuments. I tried a detour but was stopped by a police officer. 10 minutes later all traffic was allowed again and I could continue into the evening.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP7449.jpg)

It was dark already when I neared Tongeren. The main church tower is brighly lit and can be seen from the surrounding countryside. This time I opted for a meandering route and not the fast dash via the mainroad. In Tongeren there were some traffic problems again, the Ambiorix fair was held. And this fair is not only on the market square but all around town. Originally I planned to have dinner here but the restaurants were too busy for a quick turnaround. So I decided to try my luck in the next place, Mal. After some walking through the crowds I reached another former railway line. In Mal I left the former railroad line. No real food to be had here, only a friterie was open. So I pushed on, I could still make it to town before the last Chinese take away closes. The bit from Mal to home is one of my usual approach routes so no navigational issues. I had elected the official event finishing point, the Youthhostel, as start/finish so I could detour to the Chinese takeway without problems. They were still a lot of customers there so I arrived home with another DIY 200k in the bag and a meal in my rackpack.

The route a bit cleaned up (detours removed):

http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=eewtzetmnicaeuws
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Simon_A on 12 September, 2016, 12:42:23 pm
Rode a 300k DIY in The Dales / Northern Pennines on Friday 9th Sept - https://www.strava.com/activities/709152199 (https://www.strava.com/activities/709152199)

An enjoyable route with some good hills and fantastic views over the fells and dales.  Dark clouds hugging the line of Great Dun Fell as I rode below, Killhope Cross looking east and descending through Arkengarthdale (though a pint just before at the Tan Hill Inn may have helped ;D) were particular highlights.

Southerly winds were forecast however and I certainly got them.  Being blown up the Old Coal Road and Hartside were welcome but from Stanhope onwards it was a strong headwind all the way to Gargrave, pretty hard work.  Rain squalls from mid afternoon added to the experience, making crossing Fleet Moss (walked the final bit, just too steep & windy :( ) and descending into Langstrothdale particularly unpleasant.  I was there again caving on the Sunday and it couldn't have been more different; warm, sunny and windless!!!

Broke a gear cable at Stanhope but at least that led to a good chat with the only passing cyclist who could bothered to ask if I needed any help; thanks Lester!  An older lady in Gargrave was also quick to offer help when she thought I was lost; much appreciated but thankfully I wasn’t, just a bit spaced-out…

The pull up & over the fell side to Settle (so as to avoid the A65) seemed to go on forever but eventually I was on the lumpy road to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and then the comfort of my caving club hut where hot food & a shower awaited.

A little more 'character building' than I'd hoped for but none the less a good day out on the road.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 19 September, 2016, 02:37:26 am
Rode a 200 on Thursday. Maidenhead to Bognor Regis and back. Last day of the good weather.

Only realised after getting back that I had forgotten to swap my pump from the other bike. Luckily didn't need it. Not much point carrying tubes,  patches and levers but no pump.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 19 September, 2016, 05:39:44 pm
Yesterday could probably be identified as the last day of Summer for a day’s ride in Summer gear.

So managed my Audax Perm Malvern Elgar Dean 200km, which traverses the Jubilee Drive (collected natural Malvern Spring water!). It is a cracking route on mainly quiet roads: Cheltenham> Tewkesbury> Newent> Ledbury> British Camp> Malvern> Lower Broadheath (Elgar Birthplace Museum)> (down!) Ankerdine Hill)> Bromyard> Hereford (Cathedral + Elgar bronze)> St Weonards (Shop on LEJoG)> Goodrich (Castle Tea Rooms)> Cinderford (For of Dean)> Glos> Brockworth> Chelt. I designed this route after riding editions of Nik Peregrine's Elgar Route. We celebrate Nik with the Border Castles 200 from Chepstow this w/e.

The Elgar BM (closed on 18 Sep)(nr Worcester) transfers to the National Trust for next season, so will be a great place to relax for a mid-ride snack when they build a café.

And now Sandals resigned to storage till the Spring.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: mattc on 19 September, 2016, 06:41:43 pm
Rode a 200 on Thursday. Maidenhead to Bognor Regis and back. Last day of the good weather.

I'm so confused! Can you two please decide when the last day of good weather and/or summer was?!

Or indeed whether it has already happened?? Will my lawn stop growing now (it's had a damn good last 7 days, I can tell you) ?  And how many shopping days are left?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 19 September, 2016, 07:38:30 pm
Rode a 200 on Thursday. Maidenhead to Bognor Regis and back. Last day of the good weather.

I'm so confused! Can you two please decide when the last day of good weather and/or summer was?!

Or indeed whether it has already happened?? Will my lawn stop growing now (it's had a damn good last 7 days, I can tell you) ?  And how many shopping days are left?

I think grass keeps growing down to 7c, I would classify that as still good weather.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 07 October, 2016, 10:51:36 pm
Last weekend - a couple of perfect days riding out to Alston via Kielder and the Borders, and back over Mallerstang and through the Dales. Comedy offroad orchestrated by Aidan, and the sort of skies you only seem to get in Northumberland.

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5204/30143485236_5c72bca206_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MVFeYG)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5077/29549055113_a59b1d924e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M29CBt)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8615/30063507442_d378f16c7c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MNBknd)
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5686/29882472540_a3ea3b538f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MwBtZN)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5709/29549166784_cb2e03292e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M2acNQ)
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5029/30093665501_a5a8398b68_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MRgUiK)
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8273/30063523932_16e261fed5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MNBqgw)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5672/30063532082_b2a43ac282_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MNBsG3)
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8696/29549186044_3bf727d610_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M2aiwU)
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8414/29549215564_175d125090_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M2asiS)
(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8681/30093634381_3aac382487_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MRgK4c)
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5194/29549264884_558ffb8d3a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/M2aGYd)
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8551/30143616166_4cdc58f81c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MVFUU7)
(https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5454/29882565550_11941e44e9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MwBXDq)

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: mattc on 08 October, 2016, 08:27:56 am
Cool.

(Does VC167 usually use team radios?)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Phil W on 08 October, 2016, 10:16:20 am
Last weekend - a couple of perfect days riding out to Alston via Kielder and the Borders, and back over Mallerstang and through the Dales. Comedy offroad orchestrated by Aidan, and the sort of skies you only seem to get in Northumberland.

(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5204/30143485236_5c72bca206_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MVFeYG)

 (https://flic.kr/p/M29CBt)
Is that the new wireless electronic shifting you've been working on?

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 08 October, 2016, 10:18:35 am
Or does it change the traffic lights to green?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 08 October, 2016, 01:01:46 pm
Cool.

(Does VC167 usually use team radios?)

Marginal Gains.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Whitedown Man on 10 October, 2016, 08:18:22 am
A 600km DIY this weekend (626km OTR) with the "corners" being London, Chichester, Honiton, Taunton and back to London.

The weather was fantastic for the time of year, with temperatures mild (7 degrees overnight, 15 during the day) and apart from an hour of intermittently heavy showers on Sunday afternoon dry all the way round.

I think that will be my lot (in terms of 600s) until Spring though. I know that all true hard-bitten AUKs are as happy with night riding as daytime, but when you get to the point that there are as many hours of darkness as light for me it's time to retreat to 200s and cosy nights in.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JamieD on 15 October, 2016, 05:14:06 pm
Did the AAA Milne starting/finishing from East Grinstead, 100K 1.75AAA points.

This has to be one of the best routes I've been on having almost no A roads, very little traffic and in general excellent road surfaces.

Are there any other perms which cover the same area? Because this was ideal cycling terrain with enough hills to keep it interesting but not so many that you couldn't do it at a decent pace (>25kph).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Si S on 16 October, 2016, 02:21:01 am
I did the 'Gollen 200 perm, the perm version of the World End. Flew out to Davenham and then it started to fall apart. A flat through Vale Royal resulted in depressurisation, the pump decided to be an ex pump, so I bodged it with a crisp packet and some instant patches to get 30 psi and limped to Chester for a new pump at The Edge Cycleworks.

Up the hill out of Mold a 12 year old driving an all terrain thing at warp factor five got it wrong and hit me with the mirror and I got to inspect the hedgerow.

Arriving at Johnstown it appeared the whole populace was in the Co-Op and one member of staff working so it took 30 mins to get a receipt.

On the path at the back of Swettenham I got blinded by a security light, hit the step up to the tarmac and performed the slowest over the bars you'll ever see.

Despite all of the above an excellent day out with out of this world scenery on a great route and just about completed the 212km in BRM time.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: mattc on 16 October, 2016, 08:29:21 am
Despite all of the above an excellent day out with out of this world scenery on a great route and just about completed the 212km in BRM time.
Excellent  ;D

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: SoreTween on 19 November, 2016, 10:29:13 pm
First diy 200 and a lovely route for the first 150, it was dark after  that so I know the lanes were quiet but know nowt of the scenery. I may or may not get 2 AUK points but I sure earned a bucket of rule #9 points.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 20 November, 2016, 01:58:46 am
200km today, based on the upper Thames but modified betweenS toke row and Bicester as for some strange reason the official route does not start at the end of my road.

started at 06:25 as i figured starting in the dark is better than finishing in the dark. If nothing else, fewer tools driving in morning twilight than evening.

Pretty cold at the start and ice/slippery in the Cotswolds, stopped at the old mill cafe in Chipping Norton. very good, reasonably priced and quick, would eat there again
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 20 November, 2016, 03:32:02 am
300 km down to the Humber and back - Steve made me do it, and he's still riding home to complete his 400. Nutter. But the type of nutter that makes you think it's perfectly reasonable to start a 300 on an icy November day at 9 am. I was just as pleased not to be starting too early, mind, as it was hammering down in Darlo until about 8.30 this morning.

I had charge of the 300 km route, and stuck to routes I knew would work along the Great North Road to Aberford, and across to Selby. I got a bit bored at that point, and thought I'd try the Trans-Pennine Trail along the Humber to add a bit of interest. I loved it, Steve was...ambivalent. We both enjoyed the silence and the glow of twilight across the estuary.

Back onto familiar roads up to York and across to Ripon. The roads were distinctly shiny around Beningbrough and Aldwark, so I made the executive decision to plough back along the A61 through Busby Stoop and up the A167, which proved to be the right decision - apart from some icy bits at the edges north of Croft, it was clear and entirely ridable. We did miss the thrill of a final stop at Leeming McDonald's, but made up for it with a stop outside the Ottterington Shorthorn to charge Steve's Garmin, chatting with the locals as they emerged from the locked doors and blackout curtains.

Home by two and ahead of Storm Angus.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 20 November, 2016, 11:38:25 am
That sounds great.  Which Steve?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 20 November, 2016, 04:42:29 pm
I wove the Kent Invicata Grimpeur 50k loops into a 200 mandatory DIY yesterday. It had everything - rubbish suburban roads at the start and finish, really wonderful scenery in Kent and nice drivers too, plenty of climbing, great weather in the morning and rubbish rain in the afternoon. My Garmins played up all day so plenty (aka way too much) of faffage culminating in a Garmin crash 10k from home. Hopefully, I have enough for assessment but, if not, it was a grand day out.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iddu on 20 November, 2016, 09:16:35 pm
Hurrumph...

Checking out a EWE Baaa on Sat, for Calendar event potential; nice morning, pleasant riding until Reading, where Bloody Moronic Wanker man starts off with his mantra of "I pay my Road Tax / Get on the cycle path", to which the only response, given prevailing conditions, is "Fuck Off"; eventually he finds himself stuck in a queue cause by other motons (which, natch, is my fault), and he gets dropped in the distance.  Obv. his singular neuron can't cope with such complicated instructions, as 10 minutes later he comes roaring up from behind and deliberately swerves into me, bringing me down, then follows prior instruction and indeed fucks off... >:(

The bike's fine, and I'm just grazed/bruised r/h hip/thigh, so manged to limp around remaining 150Km.

Fortunately, there are also good people in the world, and the couple behind had iPad'd him, and promptly e-mailed me :thumbsup:

Sadly, it ain't turned up, and I didn't give them my mobile :facepalm:

So this could sit here, Today's MM (him), DOTD (me) or several other places, depending on how you look at it.

But yes, conversion is feasible :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 20 November, 2016, 09:24:15 pm
Bloody hell, pat - you're phlegmatic!  Look after yourself.

Peter
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Jonah on 20 November, 2016, 10:24:26 pm
That red Jag was on our ferry.

V12 Series-3 two plus two?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 20 November, 2016, 10:40:25 pm
That sounds great.  Which Steve?

Steve Gee of the above CB radio fame. Who else? I can never remember his yacf handle.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 21 November, 2016, 12:18:00 am
Right - I wondered if it might be Steve GT.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iddu on 21 November, 2016, 01:13:22 am
Bloody hell, pat - you're phlegmatic!  Look after yourself.

Peter

Ta

I hide it well - If I ever catch up with him I'll teach him about the passion of Vlad Țepeș.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 21 November, 2016, 10:40:17 am
Will he get the point?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Not far enough on 21 November, 2016, 11:56:08 am
That sounds great.  Which Steve?

Steve Gee of the above CB radio fame. Who else? I can never remember his yacf handle.

Me!! this handle, nothing to do with CB radio, it was a 70cm/2m dual band handheld I brought out once  :facepalm:

I liked that route (yes even the comedy off road, which was ..er.. comicle, for me anyway) I slid home on the progressively icing roads and through freezing fog and relaxed with a few carb recovery drinks (8% abv) until the blood decided to go back into my feet!

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 24 November, 2016, 02:00:19 pm
I have done a couple of mandatory gps diys lately.

I really like being able to plan a meandering route without having to fret about shortest distance between controls.

IMHO mandatory has for me made diys safer and more enjoyable as previously I did long sections on busy A roads to keep the distance down .Now I take the pretty and more relaxed routes .

Did one yesterday .Only 1 km from the start in Magor came to a road closure but it was easy to avoid and final mileage came out ok so was accepted by the org.(thank you).

I enjoyed a day wandering up the River Severn via lanes and used Mark Rigbys route through Gloucester which is brilliant in avoiding traffic and takes you right past the cathedral grounds and other points of interest.

Above Gloucester did a loop around Sandhurst then a second loop out through Corse Lawn before lunch in the Royal hop pole followed by another similar meander home.

On crossing back over the Severn bridge the NEly wind was getting strong and pushed me the last 20kms in fine style, who needs banned substances when wind is available?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: BlackSheep on 24 November, 2016, 03:07:12 pm
Nice one Banjo. Not entirely sure of your route, but have a fair idea. As you've pointed-out in that part of the world a mandatory route makes absolute sense. It's gives you freedom to utilise some very pleasant minor roads. Otherwise it becomes A-road misery for large periods of time. The little loop out of Gloucester via Sandhurst is a gem, you miss the A40/A38 roundabout, which at peak times can be a bind. I know there's an opportunity to "island-hop" on both the west & east side of the roundabout for those of a more cautious nature, but I always leave Gloucester via Sandhurst.



I have done a couple of mandatory gps diys lately.

I really like being able to plan a meandering route without having to fret about shortest distance between controls.

IMHO mandatory has for me made diys safer and more enjoyable as previously I did long sections on busy A roads to keep the distance down .Now I take the pretty and more relaxed routes .

Did one yesterday .Only 1 km from the start in Magor came to a road closure but it was easy to avoid and final mileage came out ok so was accepted by the org.(thank you).

I enjoyed a day wandering up the River Severn via lanes and used Mark Rigbys route through Gloucester which is brilliant in avoiding traffic and takes you right past the cathedral grounds and other points of interest.

Above Gloucester did a loop around Sandhurst then a second loop out through Corse Lawn before lunch in the Royal hop pole followed by another similar meander home.

On crossing back over the Severn bridge the NEly wind was getting strong and pushed me the last 20kms in fine style, who needs banned substances when wind is available?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 25 November, 2016, 07:35:42 pm
Cheers Black sheep
My gps doesn't work well in built up areas and seemed to want me to ride straight into the open Cathedral doors. Unbelievably for a second I caught myself considering it .  If arrested I could have blamed you  ;D  .

The mandatory route system has opened up South Wales for DIY in a similar way. My previous attempts on the old system usually involved unpleasant amounts of time on the A48 .

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 25 November, 2016, 11:51:21 pm
Second test ride of the forthcoming brevet unpopulaire, coming soon to an audax calendar near you.

Behold the ridiculous elevation profile: https://www.strava.com/activities/785326300

Graeme wanted to call it Lion and Lamb, as we go to the Lion Inn, and we could probably find another pub called the Lamb. I only remembered this while riding along Lamb Lane, but there is a blend of sweetness and ferocity about the route which would suit the name. Hellish, unridable climbs and steep descents mixed with heavenly upland tracks and deserted roads.

Also, it was as perfect a day for cycling as you can get in November.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5575/31204907576_b25d2304ee_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/PxtiRS)
(https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5580/31205089626_70e49a1a59_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/PxueYE)
(https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5555/30433341463_99316231f5_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NnhQ8R)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5675/30419902704_89ecc5e073_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Nm6Xg7)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 26 November, 2016, 02:01:48 am
We've got a few 100s over here (South Pennines) with AAA of over 2 but I doubt if any of them are as hard as this looks!  Is that long drag Ingleby Incline?  And have you got a bit of the Lyke Wake Walk in after Blakey Ridge?  It all looks great!

Peter
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: andyoxon on 26 November, 2016, 08:59:32 am
Looks great Deano - wished I'd been able to do the Blakely Ridge - Ingleby Incline track back in July.  More appropriate bike going to NYM next year!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Si S on 26 November, 2016, 11:04:48 am
Yes and no, I walked the bike down to the main road in the freezing fog to find that covered in a sheet of ice too, so returned home, it's still below zero now so decided discretion is the better part of valour. Ah well.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 26 November, 2016, 11:06:15 am
Good call, Si.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 26 November, 2016, 12:26:36 pm
Yeah, wise choice if it's owt like here - I just went to clean my bike, and the washing up bowl in the yard still has a half inch of ice on it.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 26 November, 2016, 12:33:17 pm
We've got a few 100s over here (South Pennines) with AAA of over 2 but I doubt if any of them are as hard as this looks!  Is that long drag Ingleby Incline?  And have you got a bit of the Lyke Wake Walk in after Blakey Ridge?  It all looks great!

Peter

Ingleby Incline is the bit that looks like a wall - there aren't that many hills with a profile like that. It's worth it for the 9 miles of blissful riding across the watershed to the Lion, though.

I don't think it'll get that many AAAs, but the roughness makes up for it!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Karla on 26 November, 2016, 12:39:02 pm
Is that going to be a 100 km out of NTR?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 26 November, 2016, 01:20:33 pm
Hopefully Newby Wiske, Northallerton if not.

You have a cross bike, right? Or you could just use your Pompino (I did!)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Karla on 26 November, 2016, 01:28:25 pm
Sounds good  :thumbsup:

On the subject of Pompinos, a friend just got a frame in the PX auction.  I got the pleasure of telling him what it meant  :smug:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tiermat on 26 November, 2016, 03:56:17 pm
Yes and no, I walked the bike down to the main road in the freezing fog to find that covered in a sheet of ice too, so returned home, it's still below zero now so decided discretion is the better part of valour. Ah well.

So nothing to do with the copious quantity of alcohol consumed last night then?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Si S on 26 November, 2016, 04:05:21 pm
Yes and no, I walked the bike down to the main road in the freezing fog to find that covered in a sheet of ice too, so returned home, it's still below zero now so decided discretion is the better part of valour. Ah well.

So nothing to do with the copious quantity of alcohol consumed last night then?

I was pretty good at 7 am this morning having made the train on time, I only had 2 beers and a couple of jd's, you had a 4 hour head start if you recall, which I suspect you don't  :demon:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: The Bonk on 26 November, 2016, 05:34:48 pm
Second test ride of the forthcoming brevet unpopulaire, coming soon to an audax calendar near you.


I'm up for this, if it doesn't clash with owt. Got a date planned for it yet?


Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 26 November, 2016, 09:35:07 pm
Saturday 29th of April, pending approval from TPTB. It's a week after the Dirty Reiver so as not to clash (this matters to at least one prospective rider).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JamieD on 26 November, 2016, 10:51:48 pm
Did a short (100K) AAA DIY with a friend who wants to complete his Grimpeurs De Sud this year. Cold as balls when we set off but warmed up to a balmy 6c later on.

All in all 150K door to door with 2,200m so worth getting out of bed for.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Manotea on 27 November, 2016, 11:05:54 am
Rode out to Lambourn from London along the Thames valley on IDDU's new EWE Baa 200km perm, aided and abetted by Mattc who joined me midway. Clear skies, low wind and single digit temps (oC) made a grand winter ride. I tend to overdress when the weather is cold but got things about right for once, two layers of merino plus longs being just enough to keep the chill off.  Mostly flattish so a chance to work on spinning a larger gear. I get the feeling this will be a useful 'reference' ride... be interesting to see how things are going when things start to warm up in the spring.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 27 November, 2016, 12:29:57 pm
Rode out to Lambourn from London along the Thames valley on IDDU's new EWE Baa 200km perm, aided and abetted by Mattc who joined me midway. Clear skies, low wind and single digit temps (oC) made a grand winter ride. I tend to overdress when the weather is cold but got things about right for once, two layers of merino plus longs being just enough to keep the chill off.  Mostly flattish so a chance to work on spinning a larger gear. I get the feeling this will be a useful 'reference' ride... be interesting to see how things are going when things start to warm up in the spring.

I have been thinking of doing the Ewe Bah starting at the other end. Bearing in mind I live in a welsh town and ride mostly rural routes how do you think the London end would be for me?   probably ride on a weekday.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 27 November, 2016, 06:48:18 pm
Is that going to be a 100 km out of NTR?

Hopefully Newby Wiske, Northallerton if not.

You have a cross bike, right? Or you could just use your Pompino (I did!)

Dean, are you sure you don't mean INTO Northallerton?  People will die if you send them DOWN Ingleby Incline!  At least, I will!

Peter
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: mattc on 27 November, 2016, 06:49:26 pm
I have been thinking of doing the Ewe Bah starting at the other end. Bearing in mind I live in a welsh town and ride mostly rural routes how do you think the London end would be for me?   probably ride on a weekday.
Fairly quiet, not many sheep. Probably flatter than you're used to, and a few more traffic lights. HTH.


But I can heartily recommend the Gorge Cafe on the South side of Caversham Bridge. Proper budget greasy spoon, opens at dawn, and even did an "Atkins Diet" special to keep Mr O'tea happy!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 27 November, 2016, 08:28:58 pm
Is that going to be a 100 km out of NTR?

Hopefully Newby Wiske, Northallerton if not.

You have a cross bike, right? Or you could just use your Pompino (I did!)

Dean, are you sure you don't mean INTO Northallerton?  People will die if you send them DOWN Ingleby Incline!  At least, I will!

Peter

Ah, I think I see - I just started that ride from Darlo cos I live here and stuff.

It'll be a loop from Newby Wiske, and up Ingleby Incline (the notion of going up and then back down the Incline was entirely Graeme's - imagine the carnage).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bagman on 27 November, 2016, 08:32:01 pm
Last year I completed my first RRtY and SR in my first Audax year and at the age of 62. So I thought I would try again. DIY 200 completed today - 11 more to go.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chris S on 27 November, 2016, 08:36:06 pm
Second test ride of the forthcoming brevet unpopulaire, coming soon to an audax calendar near you.

Behold the ridiculous elevation profile: https://www.strava.com/activities/785326300

I'm thinking I might give it a shot on Friday - so if you hear the sound of helicopters, it'll be the Air Ambulance at Blakey  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: SoreTween on 27 November, 2016, 08:59:15 pm
Last year I completed my first RRtY and SR in my first Audax year and at the age of 62. So I thought I would try again. DIY 200 completed today - 11 more to go.
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 27 November, 2016, 09:01:35 pm
Last year I completed my first RRtY and SR in my first Audax year and at the age of 62. So I thought I would try again. DIY 200 completed today - 11 more to go.

Good work!
Well done. keep it up.

I've not managed an RRtY yet, and I don't see that changing!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 27 November, 2016, 09:27:05 pm

I'm thinking I might give it a shot on Friday - so if you hear the sound of helicopters, it'll be the Air Ambulance at Blakey  :facepalm:

 :thumbsup:

Take gears, good brakes and sturdy walking shoes would be my advice.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: D O G on 27 November, 2016, 09:28:08 pm
Did the Dorset Coast perm today, although I rode the calendar route.  Had a headwind on the way back, which was not appreciated, but did explain why the way out was relatively easy.

Decent day for it, considering the time of year.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chris S on 27 November, 2016, 09:28:18 pm

I'm thinking I might give it a shot on Friday - so if you hear the sound of helicopters, it'll be the Air Ambulance at Blakey  :facepalm:

 :thumbsup:

Take gears, good brakes and sturdy walking shoes would be my advice.

The plan would be: Cannondale CAADX Cross, Gears a-plenty, and SPD winter boots  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Alismed on 28 November, 2016, 10:46:25 am
Barmouth Boulevard, the permanent version on the tandem yesterday. An adventure with lots of variety. Beginning in Dolgellau (home) the ride to Corwen was straightforward on gritted, quiet roads into the dawn. Back to Bala for second breakfast then the big hills from Llanuwchllyn to Trawsfynydd and on to Harlech for lunch. The legs started to get heavy on the ride south, over Barmouth bridge and eventually inland to Abergynolwyn and the final, hilliest stretch over mountains all the way home via Aberllefenni, Mallwyd and the bwlch. I would love to do the calendar event which includes Bwlch y groes and would involve the beautiful Aberangell - Aberllefenni road in full daylight. Some aches and pains and a loose (and occasionally errant!) timing chain put some dampeners on the day but we made it home well within time for a feast prepared the evening before  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 28 November, 2016, 08:04:40 pm
Barmouth Boulevard, the permanent version on the tandem yesterday. An adventure with lots of variety. Beginning in Dolgellau (home) the ride to Corwen was straightforward on gritted, quiet roads into the dawn. Back to Bala for second breakfast then the big hills from Llanuwchllyn to Trawsfynydd and on to Harlech for lunch. The legs started to get heavy on the ride south, over Barmouth bridge and eventually inland to Abergynolwyn and the final, hilliest stretch over mountains all the way home via Aberllefenni, Mallwyd and the bwlch. I would love to do the calendar event which includes Bwlch y groes and would involve the beautiful Aberangell - Aberllefenni road in full daylight. Some aches and pains and a loose (and occasionally errant!) timing chain put some dampeners on the day but we made it home well within time for a feast prepared the evening before  :thumbsup:

That`s some route on a tandem, mega kudos  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

For my own I had a DNF on an AAA 100 on Sunday; @ 70 km rear wheel spoke snapped so had to fettle repair and limped back last 30km off the mandatory by taking A44 back and unfortunately encountering MORON DRIVER CRETIN 2016 who overtook line cars straight at me, lights switched to full beam with intent,  forcing me off road into verge--a moment when a headcam would have been good to send footage to police for prosecution

https://www.strava.com/activities/787225238
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Shell on 28 November, 2016, 08:54:53 pm
Barmouth Boulevard, the permanent version on the tandem yesterday. An adventure with lots of variety. Beginning in Dolgellau (home) the ride to Corwen was straightforward on gritted, quiet roads into the dawn. Back to Bala for second breakfast then the big hills from Llanuwchllyn to Trawsfynydd and on to Harlech for lunch. The legs started to get heavy on the ride south, over Barmouth bridge and eventually inland to Abergynolwyn and the final, hilliest stretch over mountains all the way home via Aberllefenni, Mallwyd and the bwlch. I would love to do the calendar event which includes Bwlch y groes and would involve the beautiful Aberangell - Aberllefenni road in full daylight. Some aches and pains and a loose (and occasionally errant!) timing chain put some dampeners on the day but we made it home well within time for a feast prepared the evening before  :thumbsup:

It must have been you I passed (in a car) on a Cannondale tandem climbing the stiff rise out of Fairbourne, mid afternoon yesterday.  I pedalled over to Tywyn on Friday https://www.strava.com/activities/788277498 and had just been up to Coed Y Brenin with my daughter.  Barmouth Boulevard calendar event is on my hit list too, so perhaps see you there next year.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 29 November, 2016, 07:59:33 am
I was gonna do my 200 diy for rrty yesterday, but something came up. I usually start them at 5am, but at 7am today it was -3 in town here, so I assume lower in the sticks. Why didn't I get out earlier in the month to do it (Nov is month nine).

At least there's no rain, so I'm hoping the roads tomorrow will just be frosty!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 30 November, 2016, 04:00:38 pm
I've always felt quite sane leaving home 1-1:30 am to ECE an event, but going out at 3:15 this morning, wondering if I'd encounter ice (the gritters splattered me on the Milton Keynes roads), to keep RRtY going, and get to a café when clubmates were there (I was 1 1/2 hours late, and they'd gone), I now question my sanity. Earliest I've started a 200 DIY is 5am, and I think this one ended up being my slowest.

Respect, TG, for braving the cold and ice during your HAMR attempt!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 08 December, 2016, 03:41:02 pm
Got my last DIY 200 of the year planned for Saturday.  One way arrow to Aberdeen or Stonehaven for dinner with daughter #1

If successful that would be 10 points on the board for the first 3 months of the season.  Target is 73 for the season, if that includes a 1300km + ride I will qualify for Brevet 25,000.

     
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Andy C on 08 December, 2016, 05:13:44 pm
Rode this...ha ha!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGh4Yab99tw
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 09 December, 2016, 11:32:25 am
I like the magic "snap your fingers and arrive home" trick! And the day/night comparison pictures, and the production skills. And the whole enterprise!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 09 December, 2016, 02:34:27 pm
Excellent! Well done, loved it.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: dasmi on 11 December, 2016, 09:51:47 am
Did Alfreton figure of eight perm 200 for my December RRTY with Jo and Roy. pleasant ride until Sudbury, it got dark and rained in biblical amounts, so out came the new carradice cape for it's first test. Of the three of us at the finish two had a bad case of CAPE  :smug:ENVY  :smug:

cheers

Dave
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: postie on 11 December, 2016, 11:43:08 am
Denmead 300km yesterday, rode with out glove's for most of the day,very mild all day and some rain in latter part of the ride.
Rode single speed( not bad for the first point counting ride since july).

Good day out and good to finish at the fox and hounds pub with a couple of good ales. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Manotea on 12 December, 2016, 10:32:01 am
A ride down to Brighton and Peacehaven, having invited myself along for a DIY200 organised by Ed and Omar. One of the perks of the job :)

A great day to be out with fine company.

Here's a picture of some sheep on Telscombe Tye. Its a lot easier going up from the coast then going down...

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/26765083/IMAG0209.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JamieD on 12 December, 2016, 05:34:27 pm
Did a DIY variation of the London Ditchling Devil (mainly so I could start and end it in Kingston market).

It was a strange ride, positive in that we did it in less than 10 hours elapsed but there were long stretches 110K-150K where I really wasn't feeling it and it was just a boring exercise in turning the pedals.

Refuelling at the worst shop in Chidingfold then saw us blasting through the final 50K in an attempt to get it over and done with.

I don't think I've done 200K with negative splits before especially not in this fashion with the final hour being a respectable 26.5km/h average

Anyway - at least that's December's 200 done for RRTY
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Manotea on 26 December, 2016, 09:01:08 pm
I've finally managed a 200km to the boxing day family get together, a perfect way to blast away the Christmas cobwebs. Could be the start of a new tradition. :)

A bit of predeparture faffing and a puncture meant those travelling by car arrived 10 minutes before me.  I'll have to make sure I'm away at 4am sharp next year (and change my tyres... seems I'm down to canvas...). A bit of a headwind but all in all a near perfect winters day to be out. Did the distance on a water bottle, a small bag of nuts and a Costa Coffee. It's amazing what you can achieve when you're feeling motivated (and on a day the country is mostly closed!).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kangaroocourt on 29 December, 2016, 01:10:16 pm
Did the EWE Baaa yesterday from Kew Bridge end.  Proper type 2 fun - hit the deck hard after 10ks on ice, freezing fog and loaded the "out" route twice!!  Not to mention a minor "episode" at the roundabout crossing the M25 on the way back.  Dunno why Mrs thinks I'm nuts ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 23 January, 2017, 07:44:10 am
DIY (mandatory route, 200k) for me yesterday - a very convoluted one-stop route to Henley planned to make the best of the weather. It was achingly cold for the first 40k but, given I was in suburbia, the roads were ok. The slush puppy water bottle was a joy! The next 120k were just glorious- sunshine, blue skies and almost no wind. A quick stop in Henley and I headed back the same way I arrived - not so audacious but needs must...
Garmin 810 crashed at 165k but very luckily I had a backup. Home just after dark and relieved to have finished without any real problems.
File submitted by dinner time and approved by Manotea last night - thanks!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: dasmi on 23 January, 2017, 09:46:45 am
Did tom fox's Horncastle 200 (in reverse) yesterday. Icy in morning to Lincoln, briefly sunny, then cold returned. Crawled back from Newark for a slow 13 hr 200. Still that's the January RRTY done.

Dave
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: SoreTween on 29 January, 2017, 09:26:48 am
First failure  :(
Yesterday I attempted the Cambrian 2B in a reverse direction Chepstow start.  I made Monmouth at my target speed of 17kph but every hill was absolute purgatory.  At Hay-On-Wye I was still in time just, 15.2 overall average to there.  I had to refuel which would put me behind but I had a decent chance of catching up on the flat stage to Builth Wells.  It got a bit wierd on that stage.  According to Garmin I was 21 minutes behind pace leaving Hay which I did catch up.  What I cannot understand is why when I overtook my virtual partner I only had 14.4 average.  Worst was on that stage I started to get a trapped nerve, I've had that before but never so early in a 200.  I grabbed water and continued knowing that if I made it up one last bastard hill I'd be able to make up time most of the way home:
(http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq18/SoreTween/Misc/profile%203_zps9cyot10j.png)
With a lot of walking I did get up and started to cruise but the trapped nerve had other ideas, it felt like an electric shock right through my left arm to the extent it was making me let go of the bars.  In the past it's just been a bit of an annoying twinge as I release or grip the bars.  Fear of letting go made me go slow which made me cold and so it spiralled.  Not far short of Brecon I phoned my wife, I couldn't talk long enough to sort logistics so said I'd call again from somewhere warm in Brecon.  On the last km into town using my left brake was setting off the spasm.  Fighting against myself to hold onto the brakes on a fast & twisty descent with a car up my chuff is not something I'm in a hurry to repeat.

Annoying to fail, annoying to fail with all the hard work done and not get to enjoy the payback.
On the bright side I had a nice pint and a meal in The Bank, I'm off the rtty treadmill and I'm alive.  I need to find an osteopath that can look at my position on the bike.  There's no rides floating my boat in Feb and I no longer need to ECE the Gospel Pass 150 in March, that's a ride I would like to do.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Paul H on 29 January, 2017, 11:08:31 am
I thought I'd take advantage of the current YHA discount to ride some roads less familiar. So after a night in Stratford and a plentifull breakfast I set off from the town.
Or to be accurate, twice round the one way system, then set off...

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/746/32433046522_ee43a991a9.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RpZQMh)SuA Audax-1 (https://flic.kr/p/RpZQMh) by Paul (https://www.flickr.com/photos/phbike/), on Flickr

To make the distance back to Derby requires a non direct route, so south to Chipping Campden, Evesham and Pershore where there was a queue in the bakers and I make a point of not passing what looks like a local recommendation, I wasn't disappointed.  A few miles further on to a picnic bench at the Seaford ford, no I didn't, I used the bridge. It's deeper in the middle than the board indicates as I saw when a tractor went through.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/360/32463171401_207f4730cb.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RsEeRK)SuA Audax-2 (https://flic.kr/p/RsEeRK) by Paul (https://www.flickr.com/photos/phbike/), on Flickr

Heading north now with a pleasant breeze on my back. Mostly lanes and avoiding the towns, the joy of mandatory routes. Took a break in Meriden, couple of fish cakes from the chip shop while sitting on Wayfarers bench.  Now on more familiar roads, though that didn't stop me getting a bit lost in Nuneaton.  Soon back on very familiar roads, the Grace Dieu path was muddy and slippery, probably a mistake in the dark, more thought needed when planning mandatory routes! Easy end along the cloud trail, which I had to myself.  No records broken, comfortably in the time limit and a good day out.
Bit of drizzle as I set off, then blue skies most of the day, some threatening dark cloud or an hour or two, but apart from a short hail shower remained dry.  Glad for the break from the last couple of icy weeks, though plenty of gritters about after dark. 
Serious bike cleaning needed today :(

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/583/32585882525_6c907e3a4a.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RDvaAM)SuA Audax-3 (https://flic.kr/p/RDvaAM) by Paul (https://www.flickr.com/photos/phbike/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 29 January, 2017, 02:07:27 pm
First failure  :(
Yesterday I attempted the Cambrian 2B in a reverse direction Chepstow start.  I made Monmouth at my target speed of 17kph but every hill was absolute purgatory.  At Hay-On-Wye I was still in time just, 15.2 overall average to there.  I had to refuel which would put me behind but I had a decent chance of catching up on the flat stage to Builth Wells.  It got a bit wierd on that stage.  According to Garmin I was 21 minutes behind pace leaving Hay which I did catch up.  What I cannot understand is why when I overtook my virtual partner I only had 14.4 average.  Worst was on that stage I started to get a trapped nerve, I've had that before but never so early in a 200.  I grabbed water and continued knowing that if I made it up one last bastard hill I'd be able to make up time most of the way home:
(http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq18/SoreTween/Misc/profile%203_zps9cyot10j.png)
With a lot of walking I did get up and started to cruise but the trapped nerve had other ideas, it felt like an electric shock right through my left arm to the extent it was making me let go of the bars.  In the past it's just been a bit of an annoying twinge as I release or grip the bars.  Fear of letting go made me go slow which made me cold and so it spiralled.  Not far short of Brecon I phoned my wife, I couldn't talk long enough to sort logistics so said I'd call again from somewhere warm in Brecon.  On the last km into town using my left brake was setting off the spasm.  Fighting against myself to hold onto the brakes on a fast & twisty descent with a car up my chuff is not something I'm in a hurry to repeat.

Annoying to fail, annoying to fail with all the hard work done and not get to enjoy the payback.
On the bright side I had a nice pint and a meal in The Bank, I'm off the rtty treadmill and I'm alive.  I need to find an osteopath that can look at my position on the bike.  There's no rides floating my boat in Feb and I no longer need to ECE the Gospel Pass 150 in March, that's a ride I would like to do.
I feel your pain and dissapointment especially after getting  most of the climbing behind you.

Does your bike fit you ok and is adjusted properly ?
Your elbows should be slightly bent all the time.If they are locked out they will transmit the vibration and shocks up your arms.
your wrists should not be cocked to allow your hands to sit on the hoods.the angle should be comfortable and natural.

You may find getting a bike fit will be more beneficial than a physio/osteo treatment.
Good Luck.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jamesld8 on 29 January, 2017, 03:38:35 pm
First failure  :(
Yesterday I attempted the Cambrian 2B in a reverse direction Chepstow start.  I made Monmouth at my target speed of 17kph but every hill was absolute purgatory.  At Hay-On-Wye I was still in time just, 15.2 overall average to there.  I had to refuel which would put me behind but I had a decent chance of catching up on the flat stage to Builth Wells.  It got a bit wierd on that stage.  According to Garmin I was 21 minutes behind pace leaving Hay which I did catch up.  What I cannot understand is why when I overtook my virtual partner I only had 14.4 average.  Worst was on that stage I started to get a trapped nerve, I've had that before but never so early in a 200.  I grabbed water and continued knowing that if I made it up one last bastard hill I'd be able to make up time most of the way home:
(http://i429.photobucket.com/albums/qq18/SoreTween/Misc/profile%203_zps9cyot10j.png)
With a lot of walking I did get up and started to cruise but the trapped nerve had other ideas, it felt like an electric shock right through my left arm to the extent it was making me let go of the bars.  In the past it's just been a bit of an annoying twinge as I release or grip the bars.  Fear of letting go made me go slow which made me cold and so it spiralled.  Not far short of Brecon I phoned my wife, I couldn't talk long enough to sort logistics so said I'd call again from somewhere warm in Brecon.  On the last km into town using my left brake was setting off the spasm.  Fighting against myself to hold onto the brakes on a fast & twisty descent with a car up my chuff is not something I'm in a hurry to repeat.

Annoying to fail, annoying to fail with all the hard work done and not get to enjoy the payback.
On the bright side I had a nice pint and a meal in The Bank, I'm off the rtty treadmill and I'm alive.  I need to find an osteopath that can look at my position on the bike.  There's no rides floating my boat in Feb and I no longer need to ECE the Gospel Pass 150 in March, that's a ride I would like to do.

Very sorry hear of your difficulties on this, that trapped nerve sounds horrid and I hope that you get to have it looked at and sorted soon
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: SoreTween on 29 January, 2017, 06:23:05 pm
Thank you both.
Something has to be wrong with my setup, I am always predisposed to problems affecting my left side though.  As today has progressed and the fatigue has eased through my body my left wrist and hand has continued to feel a bit off so I think Banjo is on the money.  The light tingling I still feel in the finger/thumb web I'm hoping is effect and the discomfort in the wrist closer to the cause.  I'll pay more attention to where my hands sit on the bike this week and see if I can spot a difference.  I'll also pay attention to my elbows, it is very likely that my left is locking and the right not.

As per Paul, the bike needs a serious clean.  Possibly starting with a shovel before moving onto a sponge.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 29 January, 2017, 06:33:57 pm
I didn't mean to suggest you don't use osteo or physio. I am a great believer in both. Hopefully you can get some relief to allow you to mend then get bike set up sorted to avoid doing it again.

At least you are freed from the horror of RRTY  ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Paul H on 29 January, 2017, 06:45:53 pm
I'll pay more attention to where my hands sit on the bike this week and see if I can spot a difference.  I'll also pay attention to my elbows, it is very likely that my left is locking and the right not.
It's all a bit of a minefield with each thing having consequences on another. As it was a hilly route you might also look at how much weight is on your hands when out of the saddle, or how much you're pulling on the bars. 
Hope you get it sorted. I know how frustrating it can be, I used to suffer knee pain, had 9 moths off the bike with a shoulder injury and the knee has been fine since, it may well have been that whatever it was just needed the break to heal properly.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 05 February, 2017, 09:52:08 pm
Managed my first 200 since mid November today. 

A 200 I've done before starting in Edinburgh out to Bridge of Allan then East back through Edinburgh out to Dirleton in East Lothian and back home mostly on reasonably quiet A roads. Very flat and good for a winter DIY with an optional stop at home at 120k. 

Started raining at Linlithgow and didn't stop until I returned there around 95k.  It was quite cold too so I made use of Corrieris cafe at 60km for a couple of hot rolls and a cuppa.  The roads were pretty foul wet and dirty and I decided to go fora full change of clothes when returning home for lunch.

I set off for the final 80km at 2pm and made slow progress through central Edinburgh but enjoyed the sunny views of the firth of forth after Seton Sands.  After a quick stop at the turn around 160km I was heading back to Edinburgh on my Saturday club run route and I felt better today than I had on many other occasions.  I went for the Hollywood finish, Portobello promenade then up into Edinburgh and along Princes St.

Home around 6pm with just over half an hour in the dark but all of that with streetlights, and a few rugby stragglers in the town. 

Functional winter 200km on my new bike for work machine.  It will need a good clean. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iddu on 18 February, 2017, 11:41:00 pm
Yes - testing "The Loins (sic) of EWE"

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170218%20-%20The%20Loins%20of%20EWE/DSCN1486_zpsm0z7bec3.jpg)
Sod the number of bedrooms - how many garages for bikes?

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170218%20-%20The%20Loins%20of%20EWE/DSCN1491_zpslrxubpq8.jpg)
"My HomeCastle is my CastleHome"

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170218%20-%20The%20Loins%20of%20EWE/DSCN1494_zpsjrwmtdnx.jpg)
"DARK IN HERE, ISN'T IT?"

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170218%20-%20The%20Loins%20of%20EWE/DSCN1499_zpsymf4nz1m.jpg)
"Watch out for the step..."

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170218%20-%20The%20Loins%20of%20EWE/DSCN1504_zpsvhby0ozy.jpg)
One, two, lots...

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170218%20-%20The%20Loins%20of%20EWE/DSCN1509_zpsqg9waocg.jpg)
[earworm]All along the Watchtower[/earworm]

(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20170218%20-%20The%20Loins%20of%20EWE/DSCN1510_zpsyn9hgxwp.jpg)
3/5...

A slightly rolling, tadge under 3,000m, 200Km (TBC), with some farm tracks lesser used C roads - coming to a perm list near you in due course
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Neil C on 19 February, 2017, 12:05:26 am
" Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?"

Not today but I did ride Manotea's Ditchling Devil yesterday. A good day to be out and so much warmer than The Willy Warmer last month. It was my first perm and I missed the TLC of the calendar event. No piles of cake  and happy smiles from the ladies of Chiddingfold - only a curt "we are closed" from the tea shop at 3.31pm.

Tomorrow I'm off on iddu's EWE Baaa.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: CrinklyUncle on 19 February, 2017, 01:13:12 am
Today I rode a (N)Audax - it was 40km (ish) and validated by CCCC

A fuller ride report is here: 40ish @ 40ish – Brevet Exclusif – Organised by CCCC (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=101850.0)

Title: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 19 February, 2017, 01:33:56 pm
I am currently in Subway in Hailsham, slightly less than halfway round a DIY 200, starting from home in Whitstable.

It's a variation on a route i devised some years ago but haven't ridden for ages. It's somewhat more undulating than I remember it, especially the hike up to Brightling. Quite challenging at current fitness levels.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 19 February, 2017, 02:13:52 pm
I am currently in Subway in Hailsham, slightly less than halfway round a DIY 200, starting from home in Whitstable.

It's a variation on a route i devised some years ago but haven't ridden for ages. It's somewhat more undulating than I remember it, especially the hike up to Brightling. Quite challenging at current fitness levels.
What are you having to eat?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Martin on 19 February, 2017, 11:05:32 pm
I am currently in Subway in Hailsham, slightly less than halfway round a DIY 200, starting from home in Whitstable.

It's a variation on a route i devised some years ago but haven't ridden for ages. It's somewhat more undulating than I remember it, especially the hike up to Brightling. Quite challenging at current fitness levels.

I remember the route well; nice! especially "oh look 3 people on a bike" shouted at from some yoof on a park bench in Faversham (responded to by Arabella "no 3 people on 3 bikes")

broke my 2017 AAA duck with a familiar and slow trot round Ashdown Forest; I think the "Hell of the bielzibub Butt's / Satan's kitchen Forest" spor'ive was going in the opposite direction
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 19 February, 2017, 11:26:50 pm
I remember the route well; nice! especially "oh look 3 people on a bike" shouted at from some yoof on a park bench in Faversham (responded to by Arabella "no 3 people on 3 bikes")

It's quite different now - and better, I think.

The outward leg goes via Charing to Biddenden rather than via Lenham. so it cuts out that long uphill drag from Faversham, replacing it with a much more undulating option. From Biddenden, it's the same as the old route down to Robertsbridge then over Brightling and down to Hailsham. Instead of that horrible road through Herstmonceux and Battle, the return leg now runs down to Pevensey and along the coast through Bexhill, Hastings and Winchelsea to Rye and then on to Hythe. From Pevensey through to Hythe, it's essentially pancake flat for 70km, except for a nasty lump after Hastings with the climb up to Fairlight (although not nearly as nasty as the route taken up to Fairlight by the Mad Jack). Bearing that flat 70km in mind, the overall climbing figure of 2,200m should give an idea of how undulating the rest of the route is.

The route from Rye to Hythe and from Hythe back home is unchanged from the one we did before but I'm thinking of tweaking it further to cut out the soul-destroying section from Rye to Brenzett along that horrible road full of idiot drivers going far too fast. Since I was late setting off this morning, by the time I got to Hythe, the usual cafe was closed but instead I had some excellent chips from a place called Papa's just across the road from the Railway. Highly recommended.

After Hythe, it's pretty much constantly upwards until you get to Rhodes Minnis, then a fast, mostly downhill run to Canterbury. The alternative option I'm considering cuts inland from Rye, via Appledore, Hamstreet, Smeeth, Hastingleigh and Petham, so not as flat but more direct, and a lot more interesting and pleasant to ride. Having said that, I did enjoy crossing Romney Marsh with a tailwind!

The outward leg is much lumpier than I remember it - no really tough climbs but barely a metre of flat road, just constant up and down. The climb to Brightling is easy enough but goes on a bit. What made it harder was a fairly stiff headwind for the whole of the outward leg. By the time I got to Hailsham, I felt like packing it in, and it was only the knowledge that the next section would be easier that kept me going.

Once I have perfected the route, I shall make it available as a permanent, and hopefully next year I will also be able to put it on as a calendar event - need to get the club on board with that idea.

I didn't get any numerically challenged yoofs shouting anything about people on bikes today, but I did get one wag saying, 'Oh look, it's Bradley Wiggins!' I thought about making some asthma-related gag in response but nothing suitably witty came to mind.

So far this year, I have ridden my bike exactly three times. Two of those occasions were 200km audaxes (the Poor Student and today's DIY) and the third was an aborted attempt at the Willy Warmer 200. I think that's what you call not doing things by halves.

https://www.strava.com/activities/872692422
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 25 February, 2017, 09:00:13 pm
DIY mandatory route for me, bit of a risk, as my garmin has been crashing a bit lately.

I've come to the conclusion there is a bad memory spot somewhere,as it only seem to happen shortly after deleting all the acrivities  https://www.strava.com/activities/879440261

really should have done this last weekend when the weather more more pleasant.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 25 February, 2017, 09:07:47 pm
Extra kudos for the extra weather!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 25 February, 2017, 10:11:51 pm
Extra kudos for the extra weather!
that's what happens when you leave the ride to the last available day, just have to suck it up to keep RRTR on track  (7/12 now, I would have it if I hadn't missed out on July (of all months) last years.

Still it was dry (or just the lightest drizzle around 150km) so a bit of wind isn't that bad ridiculous winds are tolerable.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JamieD on 25 February, 2017, 11:21:23 pm
Worst DIY ever.

Clubmate has a London-Oxford-London route which he says is good.

Didn't bother checking it.

I can live with the NCN off road malarky. The horrific I am going to die at any moment ride down the A40 was the worst ride I have ever had.

It's entirely my fault for not checking the route.

Overall it was a crap route. There's no reason to ever ride through Oxford, too much A road, Beaconsfield is a sign there is no god.

If I hadn't left it so late in the month to do a 200 I'd have got the train home.

My friend who did it with me got halfway down the A40 before calling her wife saying "It's not fun anymore, come and pick me up".
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 25 February, 2017, 11:57:22 pm
Rode a Houston Randonneurs 100k perm route called the Chappell Hill Loop today.
Took me through loads of proper small-town (and village!) Texas, on roads with no motor traffic.
A really great route.
Shows the benefit in using Local Knowledge to choose your route.
Fairly stiff headwind for some of it, and although there are no hills in the sense I'd normally use, the route is unrelentingly undulating.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1591710086

A couple of photos:

Start / finish in a petrol station forecourt...
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/659/32271106524_7df5146d96_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RaFREm)
20170225_142528 (https://flic.kr/p/RaFREm) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr

First control in Independence, TX, a bit of a one-horse town with a general store that is used by all the cyclists in the area:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/497/33116119715_158a6188a1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SsmLDi)
20170225_104203 (https://flic.kr/p/SsmLDi) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr

Second control is a gas station and home-spun service area in the village of Burton:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/726/32989407551_03faf27f21_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SgakwP)
20170225_121221 (https://flic.kr/p/SgakwP) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr

And somewhat randomly, in a field in the Middle Of Nowhere, TX, I came across a GPO Phone Box, and what looks like a Scottish Lion Rampant flag.  (I didn't cross the property boundary to investigate, as trespass often doesn't end well in Texas):
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3912/32959786202_91eccf2a0e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Sdxw8U)
20170225_134900 (https://flic.kr/p/Sdxw8U) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr

Near the end, we pass through the small town of Brenham, where on local advice I stopped for lunch at a good local ole-fashioned Soda Fountan and Sammich Shop ( no photos ).
There was a railroad crossing, AND a ford ( but it was dry ). So no misadventure.

I am slightly cooked, I think. May need to get some cream for my arms and legs.

A grand day out.






Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 26 February, 2017, 08:56:15 am
Worst DIY ever.

Clubmate has a London-Oxford-London route which he says is good.

Didn't bother checking it.

I can live with the NCN off road malarky. The horrific I am going to die at any moment ride down the A40 was the worst ride I have ever had.

It's entirely my fault for not checking the route.

Overall it was a crap route. There's no reason to ever ride through Oxford, too much A road, Beaconsfield is a sign there is no god.

If I hadn't left it so late in the month to do a 200 I'd have got the train home.

My friend who did it with me got halfway down the A40 before calling her wife saying "It's not fun anymore, come and pick me up".
I'm intrigued, I've ridden the a40 everywhere between Wheatley services and the denham/uxbridge roundabout. Never felt in any danger anywhere although traffic can be bad in wycombe  and beaconsfield.  Either side of that stretch I can't believe anyone would consider riding there.

Oxford itself is no great though too busy, never enjoy riding anywhere near the centre.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: dim on 26 February, 2017, 05:58:13 pm
Worst DIY ever.

Clubmate has a London-Oxford-London route which he says is good.

Didn't bother checking it.

I can live with the NCN off road malarky. The horrific I am going to die at any moment ride down the A40 was the worst ride I have ever had.

It's entirely my fault for not checking the route.

Overall it was a crap route. There's no reason to ever ride through Oxford, too much A road, Beaconsfield is a sign there is no god.

If I hadn't left it so late in the month to do a 200 I'd have got the train home.

My friend who did it with me got halfway down the A40 before calling her wife saying "It's not fun anymore, come and pick me up".
I'm intrigued, I've ridden the a40 everywhere between Wheatley services and the denham/uxbridge roundabout. Never felt in any danger anywhere although traffic can be bad in wycombe  and beaconsfield.  Either side of that stretch I can't believe anyone would consider riding there.

Oxford itself is no great though too busy, never enjoy riding anywhere near the centre.

I have a Garmin Varia Radar unit connected to my Edge 1000

it's well worth the money, especially when riding on busier roads .... I've had it for several months, and it's never missed a beat, and takes the stress away from riding on busier roads
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JamieD on 26 February, 2017, 08:45:17 pm
Worst DIY ever.

Clubmate has a London-Oxford-London route which he says is good.

Didn't bother checking it.

I can live with the NCN off road malarky. The horrific I am going to die at any moment ride down the A40 was the worst ride I have ever had.

It's entirely my fault for not checking the route.

Overall it was a crap route. There's no reason to ever ride through Oxford, too much A road, Beaconsfield is a sign there is no god.

If I hadn't left it so late in the month to do a 200 I'd have got the train home.

My friend who did it with me got halfway down the A40 before calling her wife saying "It's not fun anymore, come and pick me up".
I'm intrigued, I've ridden the a40 everywhere between Wheatley services and the denham/uxbridge roundabout. Never felt in any danger anywhere although traffic can be bad in wycombe  and beaconsfield.  Either side of that stretch I can't believe anyone would consider riding there.

Oxford itself is no great though too busy, never enjoy riding anywhere near the centre.

I have a Garmin Varia Radar unit connected to my Edge 1000

it's well worth the money, especially when riding on busier roads .... I've had it for several months, and it's never missed a beat, and takes the stress away from riding on busier roads

It's not me not knowing about the cars coming, it's them not caring about me that bothers me.

This uphill section in the dark and rain with a reasonably narrow lane led to constant very close passes and a pavement covered in debris so that wasn't even an option

(http://i.imgur.com/Rnzb289.png)

The this bit again had cars doing well over the 50mph limit in the dark and rain on narrow lanes with close passes.

(http://i.imgur.com/E3HyZMV.png)

Maybe in the day it would be OK but considering we were lit up like xmas trees the behaviour of drivers seemed overly aggressive.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 26 February, 2017, 08:47:26 pm
Feanor: git!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Simon_A on 26 February, 2017, 09:50:34 pm
Meridian Hills on Saturday.  Good day out if a little breezy :-)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 26 February, 2017, 10:11:26 pm


This uphill section in the dark and rain with a reasonably narrow lane led to constant very close passes and a pavement covered in debris so that wasn't even an option

(http://i.imgur.com/Rnzb289.png)

The this bit again had cars doing well over the 50mph limit in the dark and rain on narrow lanes with close passes.

(http://i.imgur.com/E3HyZMV.png)

Maybe in the day it would be OK but considering we were lit up like xmas trees the behaviour of drivers seemed overly aggressive.
That first bit I understand it's quite a long slow climb and not very wide, I usually only do that section in the other direction, so am travelling much faster. The second section, I've not had a problem with, I've even used as an alternative to the official route on both severn across and anfractuous calendar events, in both cases climbing to holtspur from wooburn green rather than loudwater.
Either way you could have taken a route oxford, stadhampton, watlington, marlow, gerards cross which would have only be 4km further and likely much more pleasant.
while I'm quite happy to bash along a roads, there is a difference between roads I would be happy to ride, and roads I would recommend to others.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bobby on 27 February, 2017, 08:46:12 am
Poor student 200 on Sunday - storm Ewan reminded me that you can always get weather on this ride :)

I will be back again to do it in summer!

https://www.strava.com/activities/880949030 (https://www.strava.com/activities/880949030)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JamieD on 27 February, 2017, 10:04:47 am
Either way you could have taken a route oxford, stadhampton, watlington, marlow, gerards cross which would have only be 4km further and likely much more pleasant.
while I'm quite happy to bash along a roads, there is a difference between roads I would be happy to ride, and roads I would recommend to others.

Mandatory route DIY by GPS and a route I didn't bother checking first (my fault).

I'll know for next time.

While I'm fine with riding in London I can't stand riding along A roads as I think it's the speed difference not the volume of traffic which really makes things dangerous.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 27 February, 2017, 10:22:12 am
Mandatory route DIY by GPS

The wording of the motion passed at the 2015 AGM included (with my bold):

"Under mandatory routing riders follow the route set by the event organiser [for DIYs, this means the rider] subject only to dealing with any eventualities that might occur such as road closures or other factors which might render sections of the route inappropriate"

The heavy and fast traffic on the A40 at the time was, I feel, one such factor - I'd have gone Stadhampton and noted why to the Org.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JamieD on 27 February, 2017, 11:37:22 am
Mandatory route DIY by GPS

The wording of the motion passed at the 2015 AGM included (with my bold):

"Under mandatory routing riders follow the route set by the event organiser [for DIYs, this means the rider] subject only to dealing with any eventualities that might occur such as road closures or other factors which might render sections of the route inappropriate"

The heavy and fast traffic on the A40 at the time was, I feel, one such factor - I'd have gone Stadhampton and noted why to the Org.

Thanks. I'll remember that for next time.

There was a degree of thinking "I'm the idiot who said I was going to ride this route, I can't really say 'oops, my bad'".
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 27 February, 2017, 12:10:46 pm
Traffic on the A40 would not be entirely unexpected. A road closure is a different situation. You are changing a mandatory route into an advisory route.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lady Cavendish on 27 February, 2017, 12:40:44 pm
I think you must have just got it on a bad day. Yes, riding through Oxford is crap generally, but I ride the A40 between there and Gerrards Cross all the time, day and evening, and have never felt unsafe. I quite like that road  :-[ I'm the type that can't stand riding on gravelly lanes though.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 27 February, 2017, 12:42:30 pm
002 Sunbudigoc for me yesterday i.e. Cogidubnus 200 in reverse. It wasn't planned to ride the route in reverse but I had some interesting issues in loading and sending the route to Manotea.

It was a good day for a ride as the headwind strengthened to a nice tailwind once Chichester was left behind. Harvester in Chichester provided much needed sustenance. The lanes were in awful condition - very slippy and muddy - which shouldn't have been a surprise. Traffic levels on the main roads were fine. It's a really lovely route and surprisingly lumpy. I might ride it the right way around sometime and it would be very scenic in the sunshine.

For info, Barhatch Lane had a 'road closed' sign at the top. Various docs on www suggested it is closed but didn't state whether its impassable or not. I chose to divert on Greensands Lane. The road there would be a challenge to a horse and cart! There's tree-logging going on so it is hard to tell where the road ends and the bog begins...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JamieD on 27 February, 2017, 02:15:48 pm
For info, Barhatch Lane had a 'road closed' sign at the top. Various docs on www suggested it is closed but didn't state whether its impassable or not. I chose to divert on Greensands Lane. The road there would be a challenge to a horse and cart! There's tree-logging going on so it is hard to tell where the road ends and the bog begins...

It was passable on Friday 17th of Feb and it's only verge repair work so I expect it will always be passable for bikes.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 27 February, 2017, 03:47:51 pm
DIY mandatory route for me, bit of a risk, as my garmin has been crashing a bit lately.

I've had a few problems with my Edge recently but I take the view that the ride itself is the most important thing. Getting AUK validation for it is a bonus.

Quote
I've come to the conclusion there is a bad memory spot somewhere

Sounds plausible.

Quote
really should have done this last weekend when the weather more more pleasant.

The element of pot luck with the weather is half the fun/challenge, isn't it? ;)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Paul H on 27 February, 2017, 08:48:19 pm
Couldn't get out of bed on Saturday for the 300 I'd been looking forward to all week, just the sound of the weather was enough, I didn't need to get up and look at it.  As a bit of a consolation went out for a hastily plotted 200 loop around Leicester yesterday, still pretty windy and plenty of debris all over the lanes.  A bit slower than i'd have liked, but otherwise a good day out.  I've been using http://cycle.travel/ (ftp://cycle.travel/) to plot mandatory routes, it zigzags about a bit and finds lanes I've never ridden, even in areas I'm pretty familiar with.  Suites the sort of route I like and couldn't really do it with advisories without going way over distance, yesterdays 200 would only have been about 160 between 4 controls ;) 
https://www.strava.com/activities/881065267
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 28 February, 2017, 01:04:13 pm
For info, Barhatch Lane had a 'road closed' sign at the top. Various docs on www suggested it is closed but didn't state whether its impassable or not. I chose to divert on Greensands Lane. The road there would be a challenge to a horse and cart! There's tree-logging going on so it is hard to tell where the road ends and the bog begins...

It was passable on Friday 17th of Feb and it's only verge repair work so I expect it will always be passable for bikes.

Good info, thanks.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: andyoxon on 15 March, 2017, 11:08:11 pm
First mandatory DIYxGPS 200km at the weekend, from Abingdon - Chilterns -  Alton Barnes (White Horse nr Pewsey) and back; great day out, and warm.  At about 120km my etrex Vista HCx started turning off, and then died!  Fortunately the back-up option, of phone attached to USB battery pack in the Tri-bag, did the job for the rest of the ride.  Wildlife highlight of the day, was a barn owl catching prey fairly close up, in the Vale twilight...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chris S on 16 March, 2017, 09:02:13 am
Fboab and I snuck out for a cheeky mid-week 200 to hunt for her lost cycling mojo; using a route provided by Deano.

We both woke up early, so were on the road by 5:30am. Good thing about this is, you're already half way when you stop for elevenses  :thumbsup:.

The morning rush at Newton Aycliffe was somewhat intimidating (saved in part by Deano's love of off-road paths) but in common with other mid-week rides we've done, other roads were completely empty and a joy to ride on.

There were lambs, and hills, and bridges and rivers. We love it up here.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 16 March, 2017, 11:05:08 am
There were lambs, and hills, and bridges and rivers. We love it up here.
Not a lot of cycling mojo, though.
 :-\
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 17 March, 2017, 09:26:44 pm
I was out yesterday on the Stalybridge-Scarborough 200 Perm.  What a terrific day, helped by a following wind.  The bonus was that it was curry night at Scarborough Wetherspoons where I had over an hour to wait for my train back to Stalybridge.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: CrinklyUncle on 20 March, 2017, 10:43:16 am
Yesterday I rode the Stalybridge-Scarborough 200 Perm. I also had a great following wind. Although it did get a bit to much on the exposed parts of the Knottingley to Boroughbridge section as this was a strong side wind. It was a chicken burger and a pint for me in the Wetherspoons.

Strava (http://www.strava.com/activities/906998078)
Relive.cc (http://www.relive.cc/view/906998078)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: R_nger on 20 March, 2017, 11:52:30 am
My first mandatory route DIY (with GPS) at the weekend - 200km through North Herts and Bucks.  I'm an early starter, and as noted above, it's always encouraging to stop for elevenses with half the ride completed (at this time of year it's also nice to finish before dark).  I have always struggled with digestive issues at around 140km on previous 200ks, but I discovered the benefits of Alka Seltzer this time and my ride was enjoyable rather than a test of willpower and endurance.  Admittedly, a tailwind for the last 50k helped ! And, another first, I finished with a feeling of elation (normally it's relief !).  As a bonus, I Gibboned too ! 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: IanN on 02 April, 2017, 10:35:57 am
Yesterday I did 3peaker's Cotswold, Canals and Cheddar 300. Bristol start. My first proper perm with a bag full of receipts.

Felt quite rough to start with - I think I was fighting off the vomiting bug that child A had on Friday, but - onwards and upwards!
Then, due entirely to my own incompetence, I hadn't noticed that the gps track truncated at about 240km in Trowbridge. Too many points I think, which is not a problem I've had before, but I haven't done many 300s. I blame the small screen on the Etrex 20...   ;)
Anyhoo - I learned all about the 'navigate to' function. The Etrex doesn't recognise Wells, but I found an address in Wells with my phone, and the Etrex found that. From there on I knew the way. I even got a (modest) PR up cheddar gorge.

I got back to the start at 01:30 on 314km, so had a little trip round the block to bring it up to 321 point something km. Then strava nicked a couple of km when I uploaded it, so I still didn't quite make it to 200 miles  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 02 April, 2017, 11:19:03 am
firstly you need 321.8 km to get 200 miles, for strava smoothing I would add 1km so aim for 323.
secondly if you realise straight away you can go out again and stitch gpx files together in notepad. Strava should have this feature to allow for rides which happen either side of a hardware crash or if the battery on one device fails.

went out this morning for a AAA 100. 1700m of climb based on the northern end of the chiltern 100 sportive. Much nicer than the wet weather conditions I endured two years ago.

working towards my grimpeur du sud.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Revellinho on 02 April, 2017, 02:08:51 pm
200 in The Borders yesterday from Crosby in Eden. Eskdalemuir, Gordon Arms, Yarrow, Bonchester Bridge and Newcastleton. Usual little bits of busy road and weird Borders tarmac but by and large an excellent route. Probably a bit too flat for AAA.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Alexander Turner on 07 April, 2017, 10:58:22 am
Saracen RC 200km No 2 perm on Tuesday just gone. Little bit of drizzle at the start but otherwise a dry and breezy day. Wind blowing from the NW at 14mph. Sun came out late afternoon.  No dramatic climbs but rolling up and down insidiously notched up the elevation. I enjoyed the route and the days riding.   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 09 April, 2017, 10:45:30 am
A one way ride from edinburgh to aberdeen via comrie for 300k.  Set off 1600 Friday finished 1200 Saturday.  Glorious moonlit night, mosly a tailwaind and warm by the finish though Aberdeen never really ever gets warm

Route barred at Stonehaven meant a lift from the demolition contractors for the 1/2 mile of the A90 i refused to ride, and the run into Aberdeen similarly disruped by the closure of Milltimber brae which blocked access to the north deesside road which has a cycle lane, or the dedicated cycle path that runs parallel.  Instedall traffic was on the south deeside road so not a hollywood finish especially when a bit sleep deprived.

Still, job done, feel reasonably sprightly today and set for next weeks DIY 400 non arrow to York. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 09 April, 2017, 10:52:55 am
<Tales of road closure woe...>

Ah, sorry, I should have mentioned that...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Whitedown Man on 09 April, 2017, 11:37:36 am
400k DIY yesterday - broadly London / New Forest / Devizes / London. The first 330k were glorious, everything I love about being on a bike.

The final 70k though, after night had fully fallen, reminded me why 300k remains my favourite distance but 400k my least favourite - I just don't enjoy riding after nightfall. I know this puts me into the 'big girls blouse' sub-section of the AUK membership, but in the words of the poet "eyam what eyam".
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: scottlington on 09 April, 2017, 11:47:14 am
400k DIY yesterday - broadly London / New Forest / Devizes / London. The first 330k were glorious, everything I love about being on a bike.

The final 70k though, after night had fully fallen, reminded me why 300k remains my favourite distance but 400k my least favourite - I just don't enjoy riding after nightfall. I know this puts me into the 'big girls blouse' sub-section of the AUK membership, but in the words of the poet "eyam what eyam".

400K DIY on your own. Not a big girls blouse mate, not at all....
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: andyoxon on 10 April, 2017, 02:19:24 pm
On saturday, I did a ~210km DIY (mandatory route) – first solo 200km.  From Abingdon (7am start), I headed around to Wheatley – via Drayton St Leonard, then up to Cottisford (N of Bicester), along to Chipping Norton (via Somerton & Enstone), down to Burford, Fairford, Uffington and back.  Gloriously sunny, but not too hot.  Best bit of the ride was Somerton to Fairford, with Burford to Little Barrington entirely vehicle free.   Had a good lasagne for lunch in The Old Mill in Chipping, and in Fairford, discovered the Mill Lane bridge across the Coln river, is a lovely spot to have a break.  Found a road fully closed to all vehicles & peds at North Aston, so had to do a few km diversion. Didn’t sleep that well the night before so was feeling a bit more tired than usual by the end, but a great day out.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Paul Rainbow on 21 April, 2017, 05:58:19 pm
Did a nice DIY with a few guys from the club...  2020km in total from Rome to Caen, was a great ride  :thumbsup:

https://www.strava.com/activities/950392584 (https://www.strava.com/activities/950392584)

Few pics up at...

https://www.instagram.com/audaxclubbristol/ (https://www.instagram.com/audaxclubbristol/)

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 21 April, 2017, 06:01:06 pm
Aah, it wasn't a typo!

Cracking ride, well done!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 April, 2017, 10:39:54 am
On a rather lesser scale, a DIY 200 yesterday with IanN. Route of his devising, which he's christened Bourton on the Rocks. We rode in dinner jackets with discreet shoulder holsters and laser-powered watches that include a jet booster for the hilly bits. Bristol to Malmesbury went quite quickly, where I ate something Ian claimed was healthy and he displayed the shocking pink "wallet" with cartoon characters he mugged his younger daughter for. Then grovelling into a headwind all the way up to Bourton; at least, I was grovelling, Ian didn't seem too bothered by it. Had to stop and do stretches for an ouchy knee but adjusting my saddle angle helped. Bourton was overrun with tourists. Then along some lovely lanes over the Cotswolds to Cirencester.
This was the highest point of the ride, just south of Compton Abdale (I think):
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2937/34214602755_4a2b2a0646_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U8qMo4)
It was supposed to show you the glorious view but the limitations of my phameracone mean you can't really see that. Still, you can admire my bike instead.  :P

From here it was a gentle 20mph freewheel all the way to Ciren.
And here's Ian just hitting that high:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4169/34214600635_b79581a267_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/U8qLKv)
You can just about see the road dropping away in the background.

We managed to find some more lumps our side of Malmesbury; roads I'd never ridden despite being so close.

And the sun shone all day.  8)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: IanN on 23 April, 2017, 03:43:33 pm

(http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/parp/901f0849-dc82-4582-be46-affd5addf6fa_zpsh5sw99xs.jpg) (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/parp/media/901f0849-dc82-4582-be46-affd5addf6fa_zpsh5sw99xs.jpg.html)

Shiny happy Cudzo...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 April, 2017, 05:07:00 pm
Remind me, Ian, was that before or after we compared ding-dongs?  :D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 24 April, 2017, 12:48:13 pm
Cudzo and Ian's ride sounds (and looks) good. 

I managed a 200 yesterday which was a variant of my first DIY about 3 years ago, since mandatory routing I've been able to cut out Hungerford and incorporate some nicer roads through Ramsbury on the Marlborough Downs and a more direct route to Pewsey.  The route heads north east to Malmesbury from Bristol and then goes north of Swindon before getting into the Lambourn Downs.  Steep but short climb up Blowingstone Hill and then a lovely run into Lambourn.  Cuts across nice lanes to Ramsbury and another short sharp climb (Spring Hill?) before crossing the A4 and onto one of my favourite cafes at Pewsey (The Applecart ... excellent milk shakes).  Skirted Salisbury plain at Urchfont and Potterne and then home via Bath and the cycle track.

Loads of cyclists out, there was a sportive on and I saw lots coming the other way and then got in amongst it going up the hill out of Ramsbury before veering off their route toward Pewsey.  Looked to be a very big event.

Route https://ridewithgps.com/trips/14127798
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 24 April, 2017, 05:05:14 pm
I did a DIY200 on Saturday which subject to validatio takes me over 20 points for the season

Id originally toyed with doing the port navigation but decided against as I was under orders to be ready for dinner by 7pm which couldnt be guaranteed on the PN with its three ferry rides. 

Instead, I came up with an enjoyable but convoluted Ft William-Kinlochleven-Dunbeg-Kinlocheil-Ft William 200km. (happy to ride the A82 early morning but not at dinner time hence the loop round Loch Eil)

Lots of quiet roads and bike tracks and dry for all but a few minutes after the Corran ferry.   

Beautiful scenery and the bike path to Oban gave the ride a "Sem Fed" feel that even two punctures couldnt spoil.

Nice to see the bike path between Ballachulish and Connel being used so much (and that the shop in benderloch sells spare inner tubes!)

Next big decision is whether to ride the Auld Alliance as a DIY this weekend or not.  Weather being studied.   

 


Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ray 6701 on 24 April, 2017, 10:34:02 pm
I did a version of the old Wem we get there audax as a diy yesterday.  Tamworth - Bramshall  - Wem - Penkridge - Fradley - Tamworth.  It was my 1st 200k since January 2016.  I found the 1st leg easy then it was a headwind all the way to Wem + a diversion due to a now closed road.  Wem to penkridge was pretty easy with a tailwind then it was tough climbing through Cannock Chase but once I'd got through that & found the co-op in Fradley it was just a case of pushing on back to Tamworth for a well earned ice cream in the castle grounds  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ray 6701 on 29 April, 2017, 09:41:48 pm
Another diy for me yesterday... Tamworth - East Leake - Bottesford - Uppingham - Lutterworth - Tamworth
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/4777317?privacy_code=Arnp8RPHd26tgjVJ
I've only done this route once before & forgotten how hilly it was... suffered a fair bit after the stage from Bottesford to Uppingham which is really tough & groveled home to finish in around 11 hours.

2 rides of 136 & 138 miles + 4 11/12 hour shifts pulling 900 kilo pallets around pretty much did me in... feel better today though & next diy pencilled in for a week Tuesday  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 02 May, 2017, 09:32:12 am
I did an inverse York Arrow, starting at 12 noon Sunday and riding back home to Edinburgh for  a 400km DIY. 

I zig zagged my way north up through Ripon and Northallerton to Darlo, so the wind was either cross tail or head, either way it was strong.  After darlo it was right behind me and I enjoyed riding on new roads for me through Whorlton to Barnard Castle.   

Id aimed to make dinner at Langdon Beck and got there about 1930 where I had the bar to myself where I had  a large plate of ham egg and chips and got ready for the night section.  I plodded over Yad Moss, the first time Ive cycled this road heading north.  I got a bit lost trying to find my way to the Carlisle Truckstop / McDs but found three gents heading home from the pub who kept me right.  Feeling not sleepy at all I had a quick cuppa in McDs and left shortly after midnight aiming to get to the Lockerbie truck stop for a snooze. 

A few lorries coming towards me on the B7076 had full beam on which caused Mr tetchy to appear but I soon reached the sanctuary of Lockerbie where I stayed for  a couple of hours.  I had to prise myself aay at about 0530 only to discover my back wheel had a puncture.  I suspect that I've bought a dud batch of conti inner tubes as Id had a flat earlier and it was the valve at fault and I think the same had happened here.  I replaced it with a Halfords cheapie bought in haste at Northallerton and this lasted the rest of the ride. 

I grovelled my way up towards Abington where the grippy surface of the 7076 just gets poorer and poorer while listening to the Today programme, and against my better judgement popped into the garage for a Costa fortune and some donuts.  When paying the woman asked me "Any fuel?" and I lifted the pack of donuts to show her.  Honestly!

Turning back into the wind I slowed up considerably but I was enjoying the warm sunshine while listening to tales of torrential rain in Birmingham via the radio.  Enjoyment levels increased once I got off the A73 at Thankerton then it was mostly country lanes apart from the short stretch on the A70 after Carnwath. I shunned the shorter route home via the much nicer route by Auchengray and Woolfords.  Livingston is a bit of a maze but I seem to have found a good way through it now after about 20 years of trying.   

I reached home by 1300 so 25 hours for a 400, jut a tad slower than the equivalent by Arrow.

Starting at 1200 was a new approach for me, I found it quite a good way to go as it split the ride up naturally into three. 
 
Yesterday was my wedding anniversary (24 years) so after a bath and a snooker assisted snooze I met my other half for dinner in central Edinburgh.  I sometimes crave strange stuff after a long audax but on this occasion both of us were in agreement that a steak was in order.  A large ribeye was therefore dispatched along with a glass of red.         

G&Y 300 next week, looking forward to it!
         
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lee Killestein on 02 May, 2017, 09:32:21 pm
I rode the Majorca Moonpig perm today, which is...erm in Majorca! It's a fantastic route starting in Port de Pollensa up and over Puig Major, dropping down to Soller, over the Col de Soller and its silly amount of hairpins, Col d'Honor into Orient before climbing back up Col de Sa Bataia and finishing with the genuinely 'weeee' descent of the Col de Femenia! Great cafes all along the route. I'd definitely recommend the route if you get the chance.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 02 May, 2017, 10:49:51 pm
Not as exciting as Majorcan hairpins but I had a great day out on a GPS DIY Started in Magor south Wales then through Chepstow and across the Forest of Dean to soak up the colour and beauty of the forest  at this time of year then for a magnificent breakfast at the Heritage center.Free range eggs local sausages and bacon plus mushrooms beans tomatos hashbrowns etc etc and a gallon of tea all for a very reasonable price.

Chatted to Kay she seems quite bitter at the way she has been treated but accepts now that nothing can be done and has stopped the petition.I wished her best of luck with her new café near Cannop .

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4188/33616790583_e1d23cb36d_k.jpg)

Fuelled up with Kays breakfast. Plodded up the hill and gradually the forest gave way to farm land on the way to the Royal Hop Pole in Tewkesbury for more food (pretty average this time tbh )  A nice touch is the big glass container of cold water on the bar which is great for filling bottles.

Off again towards Gloucester via Apperley and Sandhurst to avoid some of the A38.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2879/34267580312_e02bf8b828_k.jpg)

Used Blacksheeps almost traffic free route through Gloucester then on through the lanes to the Severn Bridge and back into Gods own country to finish in about 12.5 hours (good result for a full value person like me  ;D)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4163/33585054914_931d3cfd14_k.jpg)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20585318   Strongly recommend this DIY and it could easily be modified to start in Bristol if required.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 02 May, 2017, 11:30:34 pm
Another diy for me yesterday... Tamworth - East Leake - Bottesford - Uppingham - Lutterworth - Tamworth
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/4777317?privacy_code=Arnp8RPHd26tgjVJ
I've only done this route once before & forgotten how hilly it was... suffered a fair bit after the stage from Bottesford to Uppingham which is really tough & groveled home to finish in around 11 hours.

2 rides of 136 & 138 miles + 4 11/12 hour shifts pulling 900 kilo pallets around pretty much did me in... feel better today though & next diy pencilled in for a week Tuesday  :thumbsup:

I work a mixture of 12 hour days and nights. I have found that to really enjoy a ride I need at least one rest day and two nights in bed prior to a ride makes a huge difference.PS I can only dream about 11 hours for an over length 200  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iddu on 05 May, 2017, 04:50:20 pm
Bah >:(

330km mandatory to York. Sense of humour failure after 180km of NE againsterly, which doesn't look like letting up, so on the train from Derby.

Bet it sodding turns into a South-Westerly on Sun...

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iddu on 08 May, 2017, 12:40:17 am
Ah, that' s better...

To stand high in the Wolds, and discern through the velvety gloaming the garish lights of Membury on the far horizon, knowing my sweet & a warm bed lie below, fair brings a tear to my eye.

Or it could just be the rememberance  that there's the sod of Blowingstone to climb after 320km.

Normal (dis)service now resumed

 ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: renard on 09 May, 2017, 04:43:49 pm
Did a 100km DIY yesterday in Argyll.

Drove to Gourock and then ferry to Hunter's Quay, Dunoon.

Cycling in lovely weather with quiet roads went north to Strachur and bagged a BCQ clue.  Then south to Otters Ferry for an al fresco pub lunch.  It then got rather hilly going the long way to Tighnabruich and back yo Dunoon with a detour to take in Bealch Maim, a rather steep hill in Another 100 great climbs book.

A great day out.

(http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/Tonr48][img]https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4192/33727339713_0846452bab_z.jpg)[/url]IMG_20170508_114132797 (https://flic.kr/p/Tonr48) by Daniel Fox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18316416@N00/), on Flickr[/img]
Waiting for the ferry to Hunter's Quay

(http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/TonwBT][img]https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4172/33727358433_32f2b55931_z.jpg)[/url]IMG_20170508_120534909 (https://flic.kr/p/TonwBT) by Daniel Fox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18316416@N00/), on Flickr[/img]
Strachur

(http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/UC1P7D][img]https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4184/34538104285_2c38e12123_z.jpg)[/url]IMG_20170508_151253633 (https://flic.kr/p/UC1P7D) by Daniel Fox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18316416@N00/), on Flickr[/img]
Kyles of Bute

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/14442003
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bobby on 13 May, 2017, 11:51:55 am
200k diy after work last night, work crisis kicked in at 10pm, had to call and email whilst by the side of the road, didn't get home until after 4:30am, kids woke me at 6:30, then on emergency work teleconference at 9am.

Knackered.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 13 May, 2017, 07:03:03 pm
Rode the first half of the auld alliance 400km as a DIY200 route check. 

Misty wet and cold! 

Had to really work hard to keep the bike straight on at Dunblane railwaystation, the first 100k was a real trial, compounded by the 5am start to get a cheap train home.  Enjoyed the last few hours though.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 13 May, 2017, 09:34:33 pm
200 mandatory route diy for me today. I opted for a re-run of my Jan diy 200 "A Convolution to Henley". It was a much better day than the -7C Jan effort with a damp start followed by a mostly tailwind ride back. Nothing to report other than another Garmin 810 crash on the same stretch near Thorpe Park at 170km. I ride this stretch regularly and have only suffered a Garmin failure on these two diy rides - weird.
I managed to recover the file so the drama was only temporary.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Whitedown Man on 14 May, 2017, 07:05:51 am
There is one spot (descending into Salisbury) which I ride regularly where my Garmin always (100% without fail) switches off. I'm the least techie person in my universe so conclude that this must be evil spirits on that very specific street corner. But nevertheless, there's clearly a Garmin glitch that something localised and signal-related causes a shut-down.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bus Shelter Bertie on 14 May, 2017, 07:51:12 am
There is one spot (descending into Salisbury) which I ride regularly where my Garmin always (100% without fail) switches off. I'm the least techie person in my universe so conclude that this must be evil spirits on that very specific street corner. But nevertheless, there's clearly a Garmin glitch that something localised and signal-related causes a shut-down.

I understand that this is a map issue.Two tiles do not join together correctly and the Garmin cannot cope. You could prove by changing map or turning off map. Alternatively you could just put up with it. My solution is to not use maps - in return I get 100% Garmin reliability, a rare beast.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 May, 2017, 07:44:43 pm
A very enjoyable 200 devised by and in the excellent company of IanN. Through the Two Tunnnels and out past Westbury, providing lots of opportunities for rail-geekery, down the beautiful Wylye Valley into Wilton, then up the equally picturesque Avon (not that one!) to Amesbury, where, being near Stonehenge, we had a real caveman lunch: fried everything including bread ( :sick:). With mammoths in our stomachs, we rode over the Salisbury Plain, sometimes north, sometimes south, sometimes west and occasionally east, blessing the hedges which sheltered us from the wind (south-west) – at least, when there were hedges – before plummeting down towards Calne and winding our way to Corsham. Here we stopped for supplies at the Spar, where we had a very pleasant encounter with an elderly shopper. She looked the archetypal Little Old Lady but appearances were deceptive; seeing our jerseys, she encountered where we'd come from and where we were going, but rather than regarding cycling from Bristol to Corsham (about 20 miles) as the limits of human endurance, she said our 125 mile was an excellent thing to do and she used to have a colleague who did things like that.  :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 22 May, 2017, 01:15:28 pm
Got home late last night from a DIY 600 in Belgium, though I don't expect the ride will be validated since I lost the first 72km of the track due to a moment of stupidity - entirely my own fault, nothing I can blame Garmin for. The number of diversions due to roads being dug up might also be problematic - I think it must have been Belgian National Roadworks Weekend or something. Note to self: next time you're doing a big ride in unknown territory, take the safe option of traditional proof-of-passage and advisory route. Oh well, it was a great way to spend a weekend anyway, and gives me a good excuse to do another 600 this year to get my SR!

The conceit was to visit four countries in one weekend, starting in France and riding through Belgium and the Netherlands as far as Germany, then back again. In that respect, at least, it was a successful adventure. There are some sections I would change if I were doing it again but some of the route-planning decisions were purely pragmatic, in order to keep the distance as close to 600km as possible, which unfortunately meant riding a few main roads (not as bad as it might have been, thanks to Belgian cycle paths). And parts of the route were absolutely glorious - the rolling countryside between Liege and Namur was particularly wonderful in the Sunday morning sunshine.

I might do a fuller write-up at some point but I'm trying to stay awake to catch up on some work today...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 22 May, 2017, 01:27:36 pm
The conceit was to visit four countries in one weekend

Shame about the first 72k but sounds like a cracking thing to do on a weekend!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 22 May, 2017, 01:30:31 pm
There is one spot (descending into Salisbury) which I ride regularly where my Garmin always (100% without fail) switches off. I'm the least techie person in my universe so conclude that this must be evil spirits on that very specific street corner. But nevertheless, there's clearly a Garmin glitch that something localised and signal-related causes a shut-down.

I understand that this is a map issue.Two tiles do not join together correctly and the Garmin cannot cope. You could prove by changing map or turning off map. Alternatively you could just put up with it. My solution is to not use maps - in return I get 100% Garmin reliability, a rare beast.
No. It's just ley lines  ;)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 22 May, 2017, 01:39:45 pm
The conceit was to visit four countries in one weekend

Shame about the first 72k but sounds like a cracking thing to do on a weekend!

Yes, it gave a very satisfying narrative structure to the ride, if that doesn't sound too poncey. Part of me wants to do it again with better planning to avoid the pitfalls we encountered, and with some route alterations to make it more scenic, but another part of me thinks that attempting to recreate it would ruin what made this adventure special.

I forgot to mention that the overall distance came to a bit over 650km in the end - it was somewhat over-distance to start with, but the diversions added up to about an extra 20km. Easily the longest 600 I've done to date!

https://www.strava.com/activities/999435356
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 22 May, 2017, 10:54:02 pm
There is one spot (descending into Salisbury) which I ride regularly where my Garmin always (100% without fail) switches off. I'm the least techie person in my universe so conclude that this must be evil spirits on that very specific street corner. But nevertheless, there's clearly a Garmin glitch that something localised and signal-related causes a shut-down.

I understand that this is a map issue.Two tiles do not join together correctly and the Garmin cannot cope. You could prove by changing map or turning off map. Alternatively you could just put up with it. My solution is to not use maps - in return I get 100% Garmin reliability, a rare beast.
No. It's just ley lines  ;)

Weird. Mine does the same at &searchp=ids.srf&mapp=map.srf]Kirknewton (http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=391500&y=630500&z=120&sv=kirknewton&st=3&tl=Map+of+Kirknewton,+Northumberland+[City/Town/Village), or it has done the last couple of times I rode along that stretch of road, and I was blaming the military as Otterburn's not far off, but maybe it's The Mystical Powers of the Ancient Kings of Northumbria (http://www.gefrin.com/default.htm).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 May, 2017, 03:44:53 pm
Did a 200 DIY yesterday, the first of my own devising and on my own. Up to Pershore all went very well. Then I was into the wind but it wasn't too strong and there were beautiful villages and country as far as Bishop's Cleeve. It was here I made my mistake; I stopped at Cafe No 9, where I had a bowl of roasted vegetable soup. It was disgusting! Ridiculously salty and full of little horrid bits of aubergine skin. I like aubergine but these were just skin and very tough. After that I wasn't quite full so had a scone, which they served hot with clotted cream. Then I was too full and spent the next 30 miles struggling and burping. Hit the headwind on the A38 and struggled at about 12km/h. After Whitminster perked up a bit and finished relatively quickly (for me).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bhoot on 29 May, 2017, 11:34:30 am
Not today, but Saturday... A DIY which we could call the "Dunwich Daylight" - starting in east London, controlling at Haverhill, Hadleigh, Eye and then finishing in the Ship Inn at Dunwich before heading for the beach for a swim. The water was lovely, that "it's really too cold to be in here" feeling for the first five minutes and then totally comfortable. Then into the headwind (fortunately decreasing by this time) to Ipswich for pizza on the waterside and train home to London.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: alotronic on 29 May, 2017, 11:50:15 am
Sunday did a 200 DIY, heavily hacking a route by wilkyboy into the chilterns from cambridge - my version started in London! The middle half as per wilkyboys route; first 25% did the LEL route out of Loughton as I hadn't ridden the first 5 k of it, despite haviong been riding out this way for 15 years... then joined route at Pukerdige for some really ride riding through gently rolling hills on a glorious day to Gravely. From here the hills got a bit stiffer and the real estate a lot more expensive all the way to Tring at 120km. Big lunch from M&S and picnic on Church lawn with a snooze in the sun. Had been riding near to a 25kph average but knew that was going to come down a lot as I was a bit tired at this point. Biggest climb of the day straight out from lunch (burp) then a series of short and sometimes nasty hauls up over the chilterns for the first hour or so,  then it evened out somewhat thankfully. Baking heat, lots of cyclists around, nice riding but getting a bit fried. My route back to hertford for a long stop at a Nero for multiple ice coffees, then onto Lee Canal which was always going to be slow on a warm sunday afternoon, and indeed it was, but nice just to amble the last 20km back.

Wilky's route: http://www.camaudax.uk/rides/cambridge-chilterns-pathfinder-200/
My hack: https://www.strava.com/activities/1010928302

Recommended for a bit of climbing in the challenging but not deadly mode, and a great scenic change for regular Essex/Cambs riders.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chamford Sideplate on 29 May, 2017, 03:20:56 pm
200km DIY by GPS yesterday from Musselburgh. The route is a sort of Merse and Moors 300 lite, missing out the southern part by cutting across to Norham from Denholm.
I met up with a mate in Eskbank and we rode up the A7 to join the Old Coach Road at Heriot. The tailwind pushed us towards black clouds in the south but these had moved off by the time we climbed up to Lindean and the sun came out for the descent into Denholm. The cafe on the corner was closed but a local cyclist pointed us to another on the other side of the village green called The Meet.
After that we enjoyed a tailwind again past Fatlips Castle and over the Merse to Kelso. Great view of Floors Castle. The road to Norham skirted huge country estates and castle ruins. We crossed into England at Norham. Our control was the Honey Farm at the Union Bridge where we watched people going on helicopter rides while we ate food served from an old double-decker bus.
Expecting a headwind we set off north but the wind was once again behind us and pushed us on past Chirnside to Preston village. We took the Whiteadder road through the Lammermuirs, passing the Whiteadder's source near Whitecastle and descending through Garvald to our East Linton control.
We'd planned a sheltered ride back to the start but the wind was once again blowing strongly from behind us so we got onto the exposed road over Gladsmuir and enjoyed a flying finish through Tranent. A 200km tailwind.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: dod on 30 May, 2017, 10:27:15 pm
An overnight 320, using Wilkyboy's East Anglia Tour route starting last Saturday in Chatteris at 2:45pm (my LEL start time) and heading clockwise.

The tailwind from heaven saw me cruising through March, Swaffham and on to Norwich, with some great views across the rolling fields of green. In Framlingham by 11pm for a kebab at Zorba's (open 24 hours they told me), then discovered that the GPX file for part 2 of the ride had vanished from my Etrex 20. Spent a couple of minutes cursing the idiot who managed that, then downloaded the route from RidewithGPS onto my phone and navigated using both devices.

Ipswich at 1am on a Bank Holiday Sunday was lively, and the wind had dropped for my turn to the west. However the navigation suffered somewhat, especially in Kersey where I missed a turn and went shooting down the hill, spotting the ford at the bottom just in time. Of course I had to climb the hill at the other side before realising I had gone the wrong way, so crossed the ford again in reverse. I'm sure it's a beautiful spot in daylight, and I hope my squealing brakes didn't wake too many folk!

After my phone battery died the navigation accuracy dropped further, and I probably added around 10 miles in the section between Ipswich and Cambridge. The 24 hour garage in Girton supplied the final feed, and the last 20 miles were done on autopilot.

Finished in just under 18 hours, and it's a great route with plenty of gentle scenery that looks superb at sunset and sunrise. My first 300, with lots learned about trying the 'no sleep on the first night' method for LEL.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 01 June, 2017, 12:02:50 pm
I decided to take advantage of the pleasant weather yesterday to bag a 200km ride after work.  Im also on organisers duty Fri/sat so riding this weekend isn't possible for me.

It was my very simple and flat fallback 200, from home in Edinburgh out to Bridge of Allan and back for 120km and a second leg from home to Dirleton in east Lothian and back. 

The first bit out to BoA was tailwind assisted and I covered the 60km in 2h 15m.  Though I had put the tri bars on my audax bike too which helped.  I knew Id not get back to Edinburgh without having to eat so stopped at the cyclists favourite, corrieris in Causewayhead for a small calzone and a big drink of water. It was pretty hot and humid.

The wind dropped soon after I started on the return leg and I managed to keep good pace, using the tri bars when I was outside any 30/40 mph zones.  Training turned into audaxing when I got off the flats at Grangemouth and I took it a bit easier back to Edinburgh, though I had to keep one eye on the clock as I didn't have a front light (not deliberate, Id forgotten to fit one in my haste to get going).  I got home almost bang on 10pm so 5 hours for 122km wasn't too shabby.  I was still warm in my short sleeve top and bib shorts

I had some supper, sorted lights, arm & leg warmers and overshoes and got back under way at 2245.  the final leg wasn't particularly lumpy but isn't that fast as it goes east through central Edinburgh and a good few towns in east Lothian.  It does however have the advantage of street lights the entire way to around 10km from the turn.  The roads were quiet and it was a very still and mild evening.  I got slightly confused in Gullane where there were an array of red lights, but these were temporary crossing points for an upcoming golf tournament.  I was hoping to find a tailwind at the turn but in truth there was no wind.  after a banana from my back pocket (warm on one side, nice) I started counting down the distance to the finish. 

Musselburgh and central Edinburgh were very quiet, no revellers like you get on a Friday or Saturday.  Just a few dog walkers and folk using the last kebab shop open at Tollcross (ggod to know for future reference).

After Roseburn it became apparent to me that the shortest route to home would be a fraction under 200km so I added in a modest dog leg round the bike path by Carrick Knowe golf course to make the distance. 

My GPS showed 0230 when I went to switch it off at the house so it was job done. 

Id never ridden  200 strting at this time of day, I recall Steve A having posted a ride report of a few of these the year he did  his mega points total. 

I had a long lie until 0815 this morning and made it to work bang on 0900, having driven.    :o   

     
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: mcshroom on 04 June, 2017, 12:27:08 pm
I was out on a 200km DIY yesterday afternoon. Egremont-Loweswater-Aspatria-Carlisle-Bowness on Solway-Egremont.

It was a lovely day to be out, and there were lots of cyclists out. Around the turn was'nt much fun where the cafe had closed early, then a road was shut, and then I turnedinto the strong SW wind made the return leg along the coast hard going, especially on the Allonby Coast Road. I set off a lot later than planned due to procrastinating, but riding back through Maryport and Workington down the main roads was probably nicer at 11pm than it would have been earlier on :)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4207/34245095654_86b490b494_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ub84RG)
Crummock Water

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4204/35088666685_6a035456cf_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/VsEA8P)
Solway Firth

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4279/34701665530_e186966de8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/USt7b7)
Sunset over the Galloway hills
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 June, 2017, 10:50:48 am
When you ride with three people in training for TCR, an Outdoor Activities teacher and a veteran of several PBPs and LELs, you end up doing your first 300 faster than you've ever done a 200. Going to be eating a lot today.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 19 June, 2017, 07:14:16 pm
Was planning to do the Fairies 200 or 300 yesterday but had to be home early for a family social event so did a DIY 200 instead, by way of testing some route variations for my 200 I'm putting on in September.

Planned to set off early to beat the heat. Woke up at 4am, but rolled over and went back to sleep... By the time I got going at just after 5.30am, it was already warm enough that I didn't need a vest.

Headed over to Herne for the official start point, made good progress on the quiet roads down to Charing and on to Biddenden. The roads start to get a bit more undulating after that, but I mostly kept up a steady pace, except for the steep bits around Bodiam and Salehurst. The long slog up to Brightling isn't too demanding if you come from Robertsbridge, so that was fine, then came the descent down to Wartling, which was fun. Then made good use of the tri-bars on the flat section across the levels to Pevensey, where I stopped at the services to replenish my empty bidons and scoff a chicken and avocado sandwich.

I'm thinking of changing the control location from Hailsham to Pevensey Services - not as many shops/cafés etc but what is there should be adequate, and it avoids going into Hailsham town centre, which is not the most bike-friendly place. And I like the alternative route too.

Next section was along the coast to Bexhill, and then continuing along the seafront through Hastings. There's a stretch of cycle path I wanted to try out between Bexhill and Hastings. It's partly good tarmac, partly that plastic netting stuff embedded in the dirt/gravel, and partly rough unsurfaced gravel trail - but only for a couple of hundred metres. However, there were signs saying it's going to be closed for a few weeks from today, so maybe they're resurfacing it. Will have to go back and check again before September.

After Hastings, it's another long uphill slog to Fairlight. Again, I was trying a route variant along the minor roads through the country park, rather than the main road out of Hastings. It's mostly good, but viciously steep in places and has another section of rough, unsurfaced trail. Personally, I don't mind that but I will provide on-road alternatives on the route sheet for the benefit of those with skinny tyres and loose fillings.

By now, it was properly hotting up and I must have lost about a litre of sweat on the climb.

The descent to Pett Level is an absolute blast, though, then it's flat all the way through Winchelsea and Rye, and along the Military Road to Appledore, so it was back on the tri-bars for most of that section.

The road through Appledore, Kenardington and Hamstreet to Smeeth is rolling but fairly easy going, except for a short but steep bit up through Aldington.

Stopped again in Brabourne to take on more liquid and an apple, which I consumed sitting on the pavement outside in the full blazing sunshine - it was now about 1.30pm, and and up into the low 30s celsius, so I didn't hang around. The climb out of Brabourne is another short but very steep one, but once you're up onto the Downs, it's a quick road to Waltham, and then a long, fast, fun section, mostly downhill to Chartham.

The railway crossing at Chartham was closed so had to hike the bike over the station footbridge - would have been a few miles detour otherwise, so was very grateful for that. From there, the climb to Chartham Hatch is a nice steady one, and then it's a horrible twisty descent through the woods to Harbledown.

After that, the route skirts round the edge of Canterbury before climbing up one last hill past the university, and then along the fast country road back to Herne.

Got back not long after 3pm, having taken a total of 9:36:33 to cover 216km, of which my moving time was ten seconds inside 9hrs, so I'd only spent just under 37 minutes stopped - which is a minor miracle, given my propensity for faffing at controls (I normally spend more like 60-90 minutes stopped on a 200), and just goes to show what you're capable of if you're against the clock. Very pleased with that.

Also very pleased with my route variations - will need to run the change of control past the powers that be, but I think it will be fine. The amended route is much nicer in several respects. I'll try to ride it again at least another couple of times before September though.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 19 June, 2017, 07:28:33 pm
Did consider entering a DIY today but a forecast of 30 degrees c and humid saw me chicken out and just do an early morning short local spin.

My respect to Citoyen and anyone else who did ride a DIY in this heat. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 19 June, 2017, 07:56:53 pm
Thanks! But looking at the reports of the Three Coasts 600 this weekend, I think those riders deserve far more respect...

Respect to those doing the Fairies rides as well. I last did the Fairies 300 in 2011, when it was similar conditions, and that was pretty tough going - slogging across the vast open expanse of Romney Marsh to Dungeness in full sun and searing heat is no fun at all.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 20 June, 2017, 11:08:23 am
Did the Snow Roads 300 Perm yesterday.

Much more overcast than the weekend.
Heavy drizzle from Oyne all the way over the lumpy bits to Strathdon, well soaked.
Dried out for the rest of the ride.

Final big and normally fast descent down the North side of the Cairn o' Mount was a big disappointment.
It was awash with surface dressing for several K, and the bike was swimming around in it.
This is a steep descent, and felt dangerous at the 20kph I did it at!
My wrists were sore from working the brakes so hard for so long.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1807497776

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jelhinks on 20 June, 2017, 08:15:58 pm

After spending the weekend at the Fairies Flat Audaxes
Paul aka Cold Snail organizing and me making tea and coffee'
We decided to do a gentle 200k today.
We thought starting at midnight might be fun.
I managed 2 hours sleep and Paul had five minutes in an armchair.
Midnight found us at Tonbridge
Was perfect cycling , warmish and no cars
We stopped for a snack in Appledore at about 50k
Rye ,Camber and  Dungeoness flew by without any problems
75 miles in we found the first open shop and had sandwiches and drinks
Another ten miles and I was nodding off on the bike..
A coffee each and red bull for me from the garage at Brenzhet and we had a nap on the edge of the forecourt'
Most pleasant  it was too.
Bethesden , Headcorn and Staplehurst passed without incident
Paddock Wood and a very smokey car passed us . A while later the lady driver had stopped by the side of the road.
We helped as best we could, she had no mobile so she used mine to get her breakdown service to the rescue
Next stop Five Oak Green for more snacks then back to Tonbridge
By the end it was properly hot and we'd covered 211 km







Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 21 June, 2017, 12:40:28 am
Another very hot one - a mandatory DIY 200 from centre of London to Marlow and Henley with 4 climbs up from the river towards the Ridgeway. I set off at 1400 which meant I got the worst of the rush hour madness in the hills. Roads that were previously quiet for me flipped to aggressive commuter rat runs. I came across one head-on collision on a single track road. Long skid marks from each car so thankfully no injuries.

It was very very hot until about 1900 but luckily there was quite a bit of shade about. The countryside was beautiful but I was too hot'n'bothered to take a picture.

I consumed 8 litres of fluid and could have had another bottle. I've no idea how folk completed 600 at the weekend.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 24 June, 2017, 10:43:42 pm
Id entered the National 400 but a post holiday illness and inability to travel far from home meant I changed plans and did a DIY 300km. 

Starting from Edinburgh at 8pm I first headed west to Callander, 80km into a very strong headwind.  I then turned and went to Perth via Dunblane and Auchterarder.  I reached Perth (150km) at 4am and it hadnt really got dark at all during the night, just a bit gloomy from around 11.30pm - 2am.  Id had a few very small showers but not enough to require anything more than my gilet. 

I left Perth at 6am, buyoed by a SW wind which helped me through Forfar Montrose to my penultimate stop at Edzell where I had an al fresco lunch and briefly cycled with a couple from Stoney.

The final stretch from Auchenblae to Stonehaven is one of my favourite roads and I enjoyed counting down the kms.  I arrived in Stoney at 1400 and managed to get a train to Edinburgh almost immediately.

Warm day and Im glad I didnt try a longer ride as I am still suffering the effects of an illness a few weeks ago. 

Very enjoyable to be out at night when the nights are so short, its a special feeling.   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 10 July, 2017, 12:31:38 pm
i took advantage of the warm weather to bag a 600 and subject to validation, my 13th consecutive SR.  :P

Leg 1 of 350km was darlo - malton - Beverley - Epsworth - York - Ripon - Darlo

Leg 2 of 250km was a Darlo - Thirsk - Stamford Bridge - escrick - Boroughbridge - Darlo. 

Busy and hot on Saturday, my lack of detailed local knowledge had me on busier roads than might have been the case, the busy B road from Malton - Beverley in parrticular had no other cyclists. 

I was glad that the heat subsided about 6pm and it became a lovely evening pootle, enhanced by a beautiful sunset from the top of  Hutton Bank just after Ripon.   

Local yoof tried a ride on my bike at leeming services c 2300, until threatened him with physical violence (Scottish accent always helps in this regard).  By Sunday afternoon, part of me was wishing hed ridden off on it!

back to Darlo by 0100 up at 0430 and away on Sunday by 5am. 

Long slow day, wish I had a £1 for every sign that said "York 10 miles" - also when circumnavigating the bits on main roads A64, A166, A1079 that look like staggered crossroads online are in fact longer (and I didn't much like turning right off them with their buys traffic).

Part of my route on Sunday seemed to direct me to a bridle way near Pilmoor which had me wishing Id just ridden the A19 as I ended up adding about 12km.   I was stopping every hour or so to fill up with water and to just cool down, I saw slathered in sun cream so had my very own bug collection on legs and arms, im sure I was a sight. 

Once I got to York I knew I could get back to the finish on memory, and I stopped in Boroughbridge for a big feed.  Chocolate eclairs (the cream variety) always seem to hit the spot for me on a long ride.

almost got taken out by a woman driving on her mobile phone with about 10k to go, we exchanged pleasantries. 

Finished at 1900, so 37 hrs all in, 3 edit - sorry - 5 hours in hand for the DIY limit of 42. 

My body is in decent nick given the circumstances but Ive noticed my right foot a little numb which im putting down to the poor road surfaces, of which there were many. 

ive done 600s as early as easter and as late as September, this felt like just about the right time to do one,  I felt great on Saturday night approaching the sleep stop but I was woken up with cramp during the  night which set the scene for a sluggish sunday. 

Anyhow, job done and i even managed a couple of very nice pints of Northallerton Dark in the Quakerhouse before the train back home to civilisation.

On my ride to the railway station I was amazed to see that darlington actually has driving instructors.    :D

Work today....not firing on all cylinders...and a stinky kit bag waiting for me at home..... :sick:



   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonBuoy on 10 July, 2017, 05:04:45 pm
At the last minute I arranged to visit a friend over the weekend on the north east end of the Quantocks.  The forecast looked pretty reasonable and she seemed keen to have a go at a 200k on Saturday.  I love planning DIY's but not knowing the area and not having much time I looked at Ian H's site for inspiration.  I ended up 'stealing' bits from 'Mad March Coasts and Quantocks' and from 'Valley of the Rocks' and splicing them together with my own bits.  An advisory DIYxGPS was put in on Saturday morning for Holford - Sampford Peverell - Lynmouth -  Combe Martin - South Molton - Holford.  This looked a bit hilly but hills are good for you aren't they?

After the usual pre-ride faffing we set off just after 0800.  It was overcast but not too cool and the lovely climb to Dead Woman's Ditch soon had us up to working temperature.  The descent into Crowcombe was a bit worrying as my brakes seemed to be barely slowing me at one point.  The braking performance that I am more than happy with around Leicestershire was found sadly lacking for the hills of Somerset and later Devon.  I vowed that I would be careful not to let the speed get too fast on the really steep stuff no matter how good the sight lines, road surface etc.

We headed southwest away from the Quantocks towards the Vale of Taunton Deane (apparently) and the countryside became pleasantly crinkly with little lanes and picturesque villages.  I couldn't remember quite where the borrowed route finished and my bit started but at some point after Milverton we ended up on a narrow track with a dodgy surface and I knew that this was my bit!  On the OS map this was the most direct route to Sampford Peverill and just had to be done as it had a ford at the end of it.  OK so the Streetview man had decided not to go down it but when he drove past the other end you could definitely see that there was a footbridge for if the water was too deep.  The track itself was passable with care and although we managed to avoid the footbridge we rejoined 'proper' roads at Lutley Bridge where we had to stop for a 'lets pretend we just rode through the ford' photo.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4290/35451395040_edaf470a7d_z.jpg)

This also put us on NCN3 which took us to the first control via a decent section of canal towpath where we herded flocks of small birds through the reeds.

We turned north and followed the Lowman Valley to Bampton where the bakers caught our eye.  We bought a snack then headed off up the hill to enjoy the view while we ate it.  The hills were getting larger again and began in earnest after Dulverton.  Eventually the manicured grass fields with sheep and cattle changed to proper moorland with heather, bracken and even the occasional pony.

After the previous braking problems the descent into Lynmouth was taken with care.  To be honest I didn't really enjoy this part of the ride as I was worried about the brakes and the road surface also needed watching in places.  The climb to Lynton was a bit of a shock - it tested my legs, my lungs, my shoulders and the new rear hub.  We stopped for lunch outside the town hall and watched the world go by for a while.  I was trying to work out what time I had to finish in order to get the ride validated.  It didn't look too promising but I wasn't massively bothered (honest).  I thought that I had heard that the 14.3kph could be relaxed for particularly hilly rides but wasn't sure by how much or whether I had imagined the whole thing.

The Valley of the Rocks was pretty spectacular but a bit too busy and manicured.  The lovely lanes and fantastic views along the next 15k to Combe Martin almost took our minds off the climbs.  I wasn't sure how far down into Combe Martin I had to go to be controlled and the welcome sign at the very top of the hill felt like a bit of a cheat.  I passed a church and a chippy then noticed that I was on High Street but finally turned round when I got to the library.

My riding partner was struggling with a bad back so to avoid unnecessary climbing hadn't bothered descending into the town and had headed off along the A399 for the last control at South Moulton.  As usual it took me longer to catch her than expected but we then made decent progress along the gentler inclines of the A-road.  The time was approaching 1800 and there was a fair amount of traffic but it was mostly very well behaved.  Another refuel in the centre of South Moulton and we had about 65k left to go and just under 4 hours to do it.  This wouldn't sound too bad normally but my route now took us back across Exmoor with (I later discovered) some gratuitous climbs.  The legs were now getting tired and the back was more of a problem on the climbs requiring frequent dying fly impersonations on the grass verges to straighten it out.  I was encouraged to bugger off to try to finish in time but declined.  At least the descents were kinder and you could generally let the bike run rather than hanging on the brakes.

Back to the relatively flat lands and we decided to stick to the A39 rather than follow the planned route through Watchet as the nav was easy, the surface was good and, as it was after 2100, the traffic was now light.  With 15k including two allegedly 'massive' hills to go and about 45 minutes before cutoff time I finally agreed to bugger off up the road and finished with about 10 minutes to spare (I think).  I then pedalled back along the road and we finished again about bang on time  :)

This was a (mostly) lovely route in a new area for me.  It was a great day out on the bike with good company but with just less than 4000m of climbing it was jolly hard work !


ETA:  Now validated and I didn't imagine the relaxation of speeds for AAA rides.  Also passed to AAA man who reckons 4250m of climbing  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 10 July, 2017, 05:09:18 pm

On my ride to the railway station I was amazed to see that darlington actually has driving instructors.    :D
 

Who do you think causes all the problems? :)

(The only time I've been told to get on the cyclepath in Darlo, it was a driving instructor telling me)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 July, 2017, 05:23:20 pm
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4290/35451395040_edaf470a7d_z.jpg)
That looks more like a "river bed used as road" than a ford!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonBuoy on 10 July, 2017, 09:08:08 pm
I guess that the clue was in the name.


(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4278/35034096573_e5c51b1479_z.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 18 July, 2017, 10:37:14 am
I took advantage of yesterdays warm weather to bag a 200.  I managed to finish work sharp and was under way from home in the west of Edinburgh just before 1700.  I was heading for Bridge of Allan and decided to go via the FRB and north of the Forth for a change.  Despite the westerly wind I made good time through Culross ("Coo-russ"), Clackmannan and Alloa reaching Brdge of Allan (60km) just after 1915. 

After a quick banana from my pocket I set off on the return. I should have been faster, but wasn't and stopped for a sandwich and coffee at Bowtrees and was sufficiently refreshed to feel better on the return to home where I arrived just after 2200.  120km in 5 hrs, not bad. 

A big bowl of pasta leftovers, arm and legwarmers and reflective gilet on and I was away just before 2245.  Glorious "simmer dim" kind of night, front light really only required to help other road users and the view was clear over to Kinghorn in Fife. 

All but the last 15km east to Dirleton has streetlights so when I reached the "dark" stretch I knew that the turn was close.  I stopped in Aberlady to pop the radio on for the midnight news.

Another pocket based banana at Dirleton and the return into a very light headwind for the final 40km home.  A Monday night meant it was quiet with not too many revellers to cause distraction which helped swift progress.  I decided to go for the tourist finish, up on to Princes Strreet with loads of space as the trams stop running about 2330.  Lots of folk milling about Princes Street as it was such a fine night including a guy painting near castle Street.

There has to be one place that opns late and the ratpack at the West End looked like it was just turning out about 0130.  I gave the pavement a wide berth and didn't freewheel in order not to give any idiots advance warning. 

A quick jink past Haymarket Station, past the back of Murrayfield Stadium and Carrick Knowe golf course and I was home at 0215.  One of my quickest 200s in a while helped by exceptionally benign conditions.

I had to drag myself out the house at 120km but once under way on the last bit I didn't regret it. 

Long lie this morning and dialled into my 0900 meeting from home

5km commute to work was draggy, I will need to get out at lunchtime and spin the legs.         

   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 20 July, 2017, 09:20:20 am
There is one spot (descending into Salisbury) which I ride regularly where my Garmin always (100% without fail) switches off. I'm the least techie person in my universe so conclude that this must be evil spirits on that very specific street corner. But nevertheless, there's clearly a Garmin glitch that something localised and signal-related causes a shut-down.

I understand that this is a map issue.Two tiles do not join together correctly and the Garmin cannot cope. You could prove by changing map or turning off map. Alternatively you could just put up with it. My solution is to not use maps - in return I get 100% Garmin reliability, a rare beast.
No. It's just ley lines  ;)

Weird. Mine does the same at &searchp=ids.srf&mapp=map.srf]Kirknewton (http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=391500&y=630500&z=120&sv=kirknewton&st=3&tl=Map+of+Kirknewton,+Northumberland+[City/Town/Village), or it has done the last couple of times I rode along that stretch of road, and I was blaming the military as Otterburn's not far off, but maybe it's The Mystical Powers of the Ancient Kings of Northumbria (http://www.gefrin.com/default.htm).

The previous couple of times I've been through Kirknewton my eTrex switched itself off. On the Border Raid this weekend I was waiting for this to happen, but it stayed on! Maybe the map (OSM) has been fixed?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 26 July, 2017, 11:17:58 am
A Solo 600km DIY Audax by GPS

Day 1 started at 0440, the sky was grey and it was quite chilly with a northerly wind. I was joined on the Deeside Line by a fox, the first wildlife encounter of the ride. A second breakfast of a bacon and egg roll was taken at Bean for Coffee in Ballater. By this time the sun had come out and suncream was applied. After Ballater the scenery was fantastic, good views of Lochnagar and the mountains around Braemar. The ascent up the Cairnwell was aided by a tailie (!) and it was very warm. The descent was fast (84 kph max), but I got a rather scary speed wobble at the bottom of the steep section which fortunately didn't last very long. I stopped at Kirkmichael for a cold Irn Bru and some clothing removal. The ascent of Moulin Moor was it's usual draggy-self with a red squirrel spotted scrabbling at the side of the road just after Kirkmichael. Lunch was taken at the Moulin Hotel in Pitlochry with a Moulin Light for isotonic purposes. The next section to Kinloch Rannoch was lumpy with great views of Loch Tummel to Schiehallion. I passed the infamous Noodley corner and encountered another red squirrel on they way. Then it was up the Schiehallion road and a nice long descent to Aberfeldy. I grovelled up Bealach na Craig, but enjoyed the long, gentle descent to Dunkeld. From there the road rolled to the secret control at Eck's in Kirriemuir. He kindly plied me with beer (non-alcoholic) and toast, we talked about LEL and stuff and I prepared myself for the night section. This last 100km or so was a bit chilly and slow and it started raining just before Stonehaven. There were hares and bats to help me on my way and I was glad to get into bed at about 0130. Mrs P said zzz and I set my alarm for 0530.

Day 2, the alarm didn't go off and I didn't leave the house until after 7. Later on I felt glad I had the extra hour's sleep! The weather was damp and dreich with the occasional shower thrown in and another northerly wind - waterproofs on. I stopped at Fraserburgh for a sandwich accopanied by a hopeful herring gull. The waterproofs stayed on until I got to Portsoy for lunch. The run to Rhynie was aided by a tail wind and an occasional glimpse of sushine. Then it was a 'reverse Snow Roads' to Chapel of Garioch and what seemed like an interminable rolling road back home. Day 2 was real slog. Mrs P provided sustenance and Belgian isotonics and the I was ready for bed.

My first solo 600 done subject to validation, ect, ect. Many thanks to Eck for the secret control and Mrs P for looking after me at the arrivée :)

Here's the route: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16362093

Lochnagar:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4294/35783404290_da78acc5b0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ww4iqo)
IMG_9025_01 (https://flic.kr/p/Ww4iqo) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

Schiehallion (no sunrise):

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4320/36174227935_740b129e72_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/X7AnF6)
IMG_9030_01 (https://flic.kr/p/X7AnF6) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: hillbilly on 26 July, 2017, 11:24:14 am
Well done on your first solo 600 Pingu.  Looks a lovely route, if a little bit on the hard side, taking in some of my favourite roads.  I didn't see mention of Comrie - I'm surprised Eck let you get away with avoiding it  :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 26 July, 2017, 11:26:10 am
Wonderful. Severe attack of nostalgia now in progress!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 27 July, 2017, 03:14:16 am
My riding buddy, Gaz and I did the Cheddar Gorge 300 perm on Sunday, starting in Marlborough. We agreed to meet at 0500 to start and in a rush of blood to the head, I decided to extend it slightly by riding over from Lacock, leaving the house at 0345 in thick fog, which played havoc with my vision as my specs were covered in droplets.

Our first control was Bradford on Avon, where the papershop had just opened in time for a yoghurt and choccie bars, then onwards to Wells. This section was quite tough with loads of short, steep climbs on nadgery lanes in the Avon valley. Descents were cautious affairs with blind bends and gravel aplenty!

Arrived at Wells shortly before 9am and grabbed one of the sofas in Costa for breakfast rolls and coffee/hot choc with all the trimmings. Just as we headed out for the next leg, the heavens properly opened (rain was forecast from 1300 for a few hours, so this was a bit gutting!) and we donned jackets for a soggy schlep to Cheddar.

Not wanting to stay static and get cold, we controlled at a pound shop just off the bottom of the Gorge road. Unfortunately the receipt didn't give full location details, so we took a quick snap outside the showcave as backup evidence. One of my other passions is caving. Seeing the amount of water running down the gorge made me think of some of my favorite subterranean haunts which would be very much off limits to all except those with gills! (There are however, many caves where the extra water would've just upped the fun factor!)

The rain cleared as we crested the Gorge and as we began our descent off the Mendips towards Chew lake, we cheekily stopped in a driveway for a quick snap of the epic view. The resident turned out to be a lovely bloke called Nigel who is also an AUK member, so we ended up chatting about all things Audax for a while before heading off to the next control at Wick. This was another quite challenging section, negotiating flooded roads and lots of hills. We enjoyed a wonderful bit of cycle track alongside the Avon Valley Steam Railway and were fortunate to see a running engine near Bitton.

We controlled at a garage on the A420 at Wick, devouring a veritable feast of sarnies, crisps, yoghurts and milkshakes. We even found an outside tap round the back of the building for a freebie bottle refill. Sadly, within minutes of setting off, a single clap of thunder signalled the start of a biblical downpour that lasted a good 20 minutes and soaked us to the skin. Still, we pushed on towards Cirencester, enjoying some faster miles on the flat alongside the M4. Shortly after Malmesbury, Gaz ground almost to a halt with a pretty severe case of the knock. With teeth firmly gritted, we got to Cirencester at about 5pm, finding to our surprise a brilliant cafe still serving cake which we gorged upon!

Next stop, Witney, and we dialled back the pace a bit and made steady progress on the now flat route. A bit of a walk down memory lane for me, as we rode past the gates of RAF Brize Norton (Gaz is still serving, I left in 2015), then controlled at the busiest garage in the world, queuing for about 15 minutes for another calorie fest.

Witney to Lambourn was the turn for home and into a slight headwind. This was my favourite section of the whole day. To my great surprise, I felt really strong on the climbs up onto the downs near Uffington and the views were spectacular in the now glorious evening weather. My only issue was a sore arse, but to be fair I was on a new saddle (Brooks C15 carved), I'd neglected to bring chamois cream and I'd been in wet clothes for the best part of 15 hours. We controlled at a cashpoint in Lambourn, eating the last of the rations we had on us rather than buying anything else.

Lambourn to Marlborough took us straight past my (future) in-laws house in Mildenhall, which gave me the idea of asking for a lift back to Lacock, rather than riding as I'd originally planned. Yeah yeah, I know I'm a wimp, but I had a caving trip planned the following day and wanted the extra hour's kip! Dave (father-in-law in waiting), kindly agreed and met us in Marlborough high street after collecting the final cash point slip of the day.

This is a brilliant ride, with the bonus of 1.75 AAA points. The terrain is really varied, with some really poorly surfaced, technical lanes, cycle paths and everything in between. it goes without saying that the views on the Mendips and Lambourn downs are worth the effort and there are tons of really interesting control options; we chose some pretty dull ones in fairness and I'd plan this better if I did the ride again.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 July, 2017, 08:07:54 pm
While some are wimping it up with meals waiting at every control on a mere 1400km and others are swanning over Europe, IanN otp and I decide to ride a 200 over the Somerset Levels and then back up over some decidedly unlevels. Down over Kenn Moor to Yatton then along the Strawberry Line, except it was closed in two separate places. The official diversion was a muddy track so found a longer way round on roads. First control at Sweets near Wedmore, which I've often ridden past but didn't realise it was a cafe! Well, it's evidently a cyclist haven, with long lines of bikes outside and only two of the many customers inside were not gimped up wheelies! Then some nice laney bits over to Castle Cary, through Wincanton and over a couple of hills.Somewhere or other we stopped to degunk my back mudguard, true by wheel and straighten my brake blocks. Nothing wrong apart from that! By now it had started to rain, and then to rain heavily, so we decided a hot, nutritious break was called for. We spent an age looking for the Red Lion in Kilmingdon, but despite both of us having visited it before, we could not find it. We only managed to gain zero distance and put ourselves up against the time limit! So we carried on and a little later we spotted a pub. A different pub in a different village, but it was open. We went in to the Seymour Arms in Witham Friary and entered a time warp. Small bar, or should I say counter, directly in front of the door. Small rooms either side. Dart board. No visible signs of anything else, though I believe there was electricity. No food, but we got a packet of crisps and the landlord made us cups of tea, which we drank while chatting to a friendly extended family from Shropshire, Plymouth and Essex, celebrating granny's 81st birthday.  :thumbsup: Not quite sure how they ended up there.

Despite friendly family's conviction that we'd never get back to Bristol on a packet of crisps and a cup of tea, we did. It got rather hilly though, with the downs being as testing in the wet as the ups. Through Wellow into Bath and a final bash along the rly pth. Made it, taking full value to its limits!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 10 August, 2017, 10:28:35 pm
A DIY by GPS to Lossiemouth and Braemar. Both days were quite well ventilated. The first day was a slog to Findhorn followed by a taillie over the scenic section to Aboyne. The second day had a welcome taillie back home from Braemar. The second day was quite warm :-) Spotted loadsa buzzards, roe deer, dead badgers, hares (one really close on the road) and an osprey.

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16776645

I'm starting to get a bit twitchy about validation for my previous DIY by GPS as it hasn't appeared in the results on the AUK website yet  :-\
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jsabine on 11 August, 2017, 01:15:49 am
I'm starting to get a bit twitchy about validation for my previous DIY by GPS as it hasn't appeared in the results on the AUK website yet  :-\

I believe your friendly local DIY organiser may have been otherwise engaged recently, ensuring that everything was in hand to welcome 1400 waifs and strays from THAT LONDON, and then send them on their way.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 11 August, 2017, 09:54:14 am
I'm starting to get a bit twitchy about validation for my previous DIY by GPS as it hasn't appeared in the results on the AUK website yet  :-\

I believe your friendly local DIY organiser may have been otherwise engaged recently, ensuring that everything was in hand to welcome 1400 waifs and strays from THAT LONDON, and then send them on their way.

 :) Indeed. It's like waiting for an eagerly-anticipated parcel, thobut.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cyclops on 11 August, 2017, 12:06:04 pm
I'm starting to get a bit twitchy about validation for my previous DIY by GPS as it hasn't appeared in the results on the AUK website yet  :-\

I believe your friendly local DIY organiser may have been otherwise engaged recently, ensuring that everything was in hand to welcome 1400 waifs and strays from THAT LONDON, and then send them on their way.

 :) Indeed. It's like waiting for an eagerly-anticipated parcel, thobut.
I'm not sending you a f*cking present as well!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 11 August, 2017, 10:36:04 pm
I'm starting to get a bit twitchy about validation for my previous DIY by GPS as it hasn't appeared in the results on the AUK website yet  :-\

I believe your friendly local DIY organiser may have been otherwise engaged recently, ensuring that everything was in hand to welcome 1400 waifs and strays from THAT LONDON, and then send them on their way.

 :) Indeed. It's like waiting for an eagerly-anticipated parcel, thobut.
I'm not sending you a f*cking present as well!

Arf  ;D It would be like getting Haribo from Wiggle  :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: αdαmsκι on 11 August, 2017, 10:50:59 pm
Yatton then along the Strawberry Line, except it was closed in two separate places. The official diversion was a muddy track so found a longer way round on roads.
Don't I know it. I used the Strawberry Line yesterday on  my LEJoG and followed the diversion, which was a mistake especially as I'm essentially riding a road bike with a Carradice. I wasn't amused.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: rob on 12 August, 2017, 07:34:34 am
300k DIY perm around the edges of Norfolk yesterday.

Norwich-Acle-Cromer-Hunstanton-Ely-Newmarket-Diss-Norwich

Beautiful sunny day all day with a bit of a headwind in the fens (isn't it always).   Forgot how much I love the road along the North Norfolk coast.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 August, 2017, 03:04:13 pm
Report here. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=61324.msg2198039#msg2198039)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: IanN on 13 August, 2017, 04:16:24 pm
Report here. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=61324.msg2198039#msg2198039)
I don't know why I bother...

I've been concocting a few routes based on a tour of Abbeys (ruined or otherwise) since Graeme did his Easter arrow as pilgrimage last year. This one went via Glastonbury Abbey, Sherborne Abbey, Cerne Abbey, Milton Abbey (now a school), over the new forest to Romsey Abbey, nearby Mottisfont Abbey and via Bath Abbey back to Bristol. Took in Wells and Salisbury cathedrals for good measure. For the most part on nice lanes and NCN routes. I had a somewhat flatter version but Cudzo insisted on going to Cerne Abbas.

The desolate 11pm Warminster Spar shop visit was very welcome as I was down to my last Nine Bar and Bath was 30km away. Amazing how you can sink 1100 calories and scarcely notice.

A little over 325 km for a double century in about 20 hours. As a DIY, we technically had time in hand. Should have slowed down!

(Thanks to TonyH our marvellous SW+Wales perm org for enabling all this nonsense)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 August, 2017, 06:10:22 pm
 ;D Sometimes I'll do words, sentences, paragraphs, make a ride into a story. But you've got to keep the readers hungry (for words, not pasta from Spar).

More report. (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=104509.msg2198032#msg2198032)

Never lose sight of the glamour.  8)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 August, 2017, 03:50:22 pm
Audax is a wonderfully clean and healthy branch of cycling. We don't have the drug scandals of road racing. Besides, we know where those drug cheats end up, don't we? They end up at the foot of the Malverns.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4429/36603036916_16db9c2cf0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/XLu8Do)

And we don't have those long, boozy lunches favoured by the CTC, either. And where do those drinkers end up? That's right, they end up a bit nearer Tewkesbury:
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=382220&Y=230435&A=Y&Z=120

What on earth is there to do after drink and drugs? Stop at a pub, of course! The Red Lion at the bottom of Wainlode Hill. Not for anything as vulgar as alcohol. No, this was to obtain my drug of choice: a mug of black tea! And a sandwich, which came with a delicious, refreshing salad and a plate of chips. Maybe chips at the bottom of Wainlode Hill weren't such a wise idea... but sensible gearing makes all hills ridable. All hail the 32 sprocket, the great enabler! It deludes portly middle-aged gentlemen (not me, I've no illusions of being a gentleman) that they are athletes. Or could be, if only they really wanted. Maybe next year...

Those chips were nicely digested by the time I got to the big hill, Birdlip Hill, which proved hot and fumy thanks to busy traffic. It's at least 20 years since it ceased to be a main road and got bypassed by the "new" A417, where is all this traffic going? So at the top of that I really needed some drink and drugs, and probably looked as if I'd had both. Instead, I found something more heartily sustaining:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4342/36477012362_e53de75f3a_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/XzmdWf)

Presumably it's a house or farm, but maybe it's an event. Plum Pudding Festival? Pudstock?

On through little windy lanes near Miserden, where I got a little fed up of being forced to stop while winding uphill on single-track lanes because oncoming drivers couldn't control their cars, panicked, and skidded into the banks. Then on towards Tetbury on high, broad Cotswold hills, through fields of corn with dry stone walls and the occasional small wood. Just outside Tetbury I saw a gentleman (neither middle aged nor portly) riding an old-fashioned black roadster, rod brakes and big dynamo headlight. In a city he'd have had a big, square beard and displayed tattooed biceps, but this being Tetbury, he was dressed in tweed with a leather satchel, like a 1950s schoolboy's bag, over his shoulder. A gamekeeper, perhaps. Or had the revolution started while I was lost in the drink and drugs (or climbing Birdlip Hill, similar feeling) and rural estate agents had forsaken their SUVs and sharp suits in favour of bicycles and hard-wearing, practical outdoor clothing? Tetbury itself displayed neither blood nor pitchforks nor heads on stakes, so probably not, but I didn't stop, just in case.

Weatherbagel had promised me a warm, dry though overcast ride, but there were large black clouds on the horizon coming my way. It started drizzling, the temperature fell. I stopped under a tree by that pottery near the sign to Westonbirt (you know, surely? No, I can't remember its name and I've never seen any pots there but there's a triangle of trees at a junction of two lanes, all quite idyllic... or did I hallucinate that?) to put my waterproof on. And then I rode on and got home.

Oh, looks like I've been doing words again.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 20 August, 2017, 11:06:56 pm
Today, an experiment - 200 km using as many of the converted railway lines in Durham as possible for a mainly traffic-free ride (and we have a lot).

(click to show/hide)

It nearly worked. It should have been a lovely ride. Aidan was excellent company, and we nipped back to his place so he could let the dogs out. I also chucked in the cyclepaths along the Tees, with its fabulous bridges and astonishing industrial architecture. A trip through Saltholme Nature Reserve theoretically saved us from the schlep along the A178, but I kinda like that bit across Dormans Pond. Poolie was a good laugh, and I stuck two fingers up at the opposition when we passed Victoria Park.

But the problem with the railway paths is that they're all in cuttings. It was more-or-less a day of riding through tree tunnels.

Aidan finally took me to Pedalling Squares in Blaydon, though, which is a great cyclists' cafe transposed from Hoxton to Swalwell, and I loved the switch from riding on roads and watching for traffic to riding on shared use paths, slowing for pedestrians and smiling and waving at them all, sharing a joke, stopping to pet friendly dogs and all the other stuff that you do on shared use paths. There's a great route in there, but I'll need to work on it a bit.

BUT we did visit the Tom Simpson memorial in Haswell, which I've been meaning to do for aaages.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4335/36699336395_4ed84abe57_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/XUZG8e)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 22 August, 2017, 04:28:09 am
This is the sort of thing I've been doing over here in exile, Dean.  I've managed to test 3 200s, using old railways but especially canals.  The ones with the railways in are quicker (though you have to work to bring them in on time) but I agree about tree tunnels.  The views on the canals are better!  How long did yours take (yes, I know there's an age difference!)?

Peter
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 22 August, 2017, 01:51:21 pm
I reckon it would've been better if we'd have included the Waskerley Way up to Parkhead.

12 hours overall and 9 hours moving, so it wasn't quick. But there was a ferry in there as well.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Dave_C on 22 August, 2017, 03:48:52 pm
Sunday, me and a friend rode a DIY 400 from my house in West Fife. The weather was fantastic, no wind, warm and dry. But oh I am so unfit, and I've developed a painful achillies tendon injury. It started off on a 300 in May on the right, so I rested but now its back in both. I've tried resting it but it didn't help.

Anyway, 26 hours later we arrived back home, tired and hungry. The overnight was a lot colder than the forcast, and a couple of bouts of the dozies were a nightmare!

Dave C

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4356/36688744826_1d2a050ffe_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/XU4pBY)IMG_20170820_111125 (https://flic.kr/p/XU4pBY) by David Crampton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135765095@N06/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4379/36688742106_7b68e9076b_n.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/XU4oP5)IMG_20170820_111249 (https://flic.kr/p/XU4oP5) by David Crampton (https://www.flickr.com/photos/135765095@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 29 August, 2017, 09:28:14 pm
Cool pics!

Today saw me complete Iddu's EWE Baa or WEWTTTL* as I'll now know it. It was a slow day awheel as I'm not fully recovered from the lurg that caused me to miss Rondom Luxembourg 1,000 earlier this month.

As a London-dweller the route to Caversham was excellent - snarly drivers, busy roads, diesel fumes and plenty of rubbish about. The route to and from Lambourne was so weird - eerily quiet, polite drivers, great views. I couldn't wait to get back to Caversham for the comfort of the rush-hour**.

Actually, the country section was so beautiful I may have to try one of Iddu's calendar events.

*WestEastWest to that there Lambourne
** I may have this the wrong way around
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iddu on 03 September, 2017, 09:39:18 pm
[Mr Evans] our new 400 route -  4 of us rode on Saturday, we think it’s a good’un. Hope you do too, thanks![/Mr Evans]

Well, I'll be the Judge of that.  I needed(*) a 400 for the SR, so decided to check out proposed route of his Dauntsey Dawdle (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19400260)

I decided to start/finish from Lechlade, so had a evening kip at the office, for a midnight start, meaning that apart from the hump over Howe Hill to Henley, most of the ride into THAT LONDON was easy peasey.

The urban section seemed to be much less urban that that of the EWE Baaa - quite pleasant tracking in/out alongside the river bank.

But OMG - once you're out the sprawl - the lanes, the lanes...pre-online, he'd have spent a week peering at maps to find some of those.

A fabulous set of swoopy whoopy rises that goes on for miles and miles.  I'd almost class it 100% FRF (fixed/recumbent friendly), but then he marred it by throwing in Bexley Hill, and 2Km of skoggy lane Shawn S would be proud of.  But once past such it was back to more of the same glorious riding...

If you get a chance to enter the Calendar event, and the day is anything like yesterday was, you'll have a fabulous time.

P.

(*) FFS you dick - if you're DIY'ing by GPX, make sure the tracklog is on :facepalm: :facepalm: :facepalm:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 11 September, 2017, 06:08:34 pm
Pingu and I have just DNFd a local 600 DIY after about 190k of foul weather.

It basically pissed down all day, with only brief respite.
As the day went on it got heavier and heavier.
The roads became rivers, with large flooded sections and gravel was washing onto the roads.
Then the wind began to pick up from a niggly headwind to a full scale storm.

We'd both become so cold that it was sapping our strength by about 2pm, and the prospect of the night section of the ride which would take us over high ground in the Cairngorms seemed unwise given our current state.  There was no likelihood of us drying out and warming up before then; the weather was pretty set.

So we bailed out to Elgin, which has a station, and got a train back to Aberdeen with our tails between our legs.
Much like the shivering pooch we saw being towelled down outside a car on the last stretch.

But we atent ded yet, and live to ride another day :-)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bhoot on 12 September, 2017, 08:03:56 am
Well it was actually quite a few days ago but I mislaid my notes. However I enjoy reading other people's ride descriptions (and sometimes getting useful ideas from them) so I am going to post it late anyway.

The real Deal DIY...

We decided it would make a change to head for Kent from East London – all our DIYs so far have been mostly about Essex with a fair amount of Suffolk thrown in and the occasional foray into Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

The route took us south across the North Downs and the Greensand ridge to Edenbridge which appeared to be a suitable control point for us “luddites” relying on receipts. This is a reasonably uphill start reaching the highest point of the whole ride just past Biggin Hill (245m), before descending to Westerham and then ascending again. An 05.45 start at Greenwich on Bank Holiday Sunday meant we could stick to main roads without too much discomfort.  Edenbridge did indeed tick the control boxes with a Tesco Express with cash point. In fact it ticked them more than once as Fhoot (actually on his Moulton not the front of the tandem this ride) forgot his receipt so we had to return for another (an extra mile or two and probably 15 minutes).

The next section was almost due east, sneakily following the railway line to Ashford fairly closely and so pretty much flat. We had some mild COR on the approach to Tonbridge and then mostly quiet lanes through to Headcorn. This was needed as a control point to get Mr Google Walk to comply with our desired route, and also provided a late breakfast opportunity in Costas. Ashford and a rapid visit to the International station café followed soon (this is a very useful facility – you can take your bike into the station, there are free toilets, and a cafe should you need refreshment – on the south side, opposite the normal domestic station entrance). Then we headed south to Appledore (yet another control  - too  many really but that was a function of steering the route along the flatlands between the North Downs and the Weald) – the village shop here performed admirably with good receipts and OK sandwiches.

On then to Dungeness, immediately after leaving Appledore the scenery changed to the Romney Marshes, and we passed the little church at Fairfield (http://theromneymarsh.net/stthomas) on our way to Lydd. After that another scenery change to shingle and at last some welcoming cool breeze coming from the sea. We headed for the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway café next to the old lighthouse, to find it had been completely rebuilt since our last visit on the Hop Garden in 2014.  By coincidence, fellow ACH DIY-er Joss arrived too so we swapped notes about our rides.

Our last leg was to the finish at Deal, no more controls needed as the geography of the coast sends Mr Google Walk around the edge here. However we did have to contend with busy seaside promenades and then two major ascents for us flatlanders. It’s a 170m climb out of Folkestone – depressingly you can see the street light that you are heading for way up on the top of the cliffs – and then a bit less out of Dover. We managed to save significant time between the first summit and Dover by not following the NCN (is there ever an occasion when this is not true?), instead using a good B road with just the right continual gradient to not have to brake but hardly have to pedal either.  We had felt very up against the clock on this ride (too many stops, the return to Edenbridge, me being slow especially up hills etc) and it wasn’t until Dover that we felt able to relax a little and chill out eating ice creams. The descent from St Margaret's at Cliffe back to the coast down the delightfully named “Otty Bottom” surpassed my expectations. It’s been resurfaced along a lot of the length since I last rode it, so the last few miles into Deal was very enjoyable. We extracted our last PoP from the ATM, had a good pizza and then caught the high-speed train home to London. Probably one to repeat, but with a few route refinements and no forgetting to collect receipts first time around!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Alexander Turner on 17 September, 2017, 09:16:16 pm
DIY audax: Hartlepool 200km http://www.monaxle.com/2017/09/17/diy-audax-hartlepool-200km/ (http://www.monaxle.com/2017/09/17/diy-audax-hartlepool-200km/) - I've had better days  :'(
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ruthie on 17 September, 2017, 09:24:22 pm
It looks like a canny route. What went wrong? Did you get round in time?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Alexander Turner on 17 September, 2017, 09:55:21 pm
The route was great. Nice mix of cycling ways and scenic roads. The problem was six weeks of next to no riding before hand. Unremitting muscle spasms put an end to my efforts and a DNF.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ruthie on 17 September, 2017, 09:58:44 pm
DNF trumps DNS!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 24 September, 2017, 01:59:28 pm
Yet another DIY 600 (subject to validation) :-) The start was fairly chilly, down to 2°C at times, and misty. All the major climbs had bastard headwinds especially Dava Moor & Glenshee. Fortunately there was no rain. Some wildlife: hunners o' geese near Fraserburgh, singing seals hauled out at Portgordon, twit-twooing owls on the night section on Donside and Deeside and black grouse in Glenshee. Stopped at Wee House of Glenshee for noms where I was given the larger piece of fruit cake because I was "on my bike" :-) There was an an illicit, muddy traipse through roadworks near the end. The beer & pasta at the arrivée was very good  :P

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/17916130
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 24 September, 2017, 02:26:25 pm
Yet another DIY 600 (subject to validation) :-) The start was fairly chilly, down to 2°C at times, and misty. All the major climbs had bastard headwinds especially Dava Moor & Glenshee. Fortunately there was no rain. Some wildlife: hunners o' geese near Fraserburgh, singing seals hauled out at Portgordon, twit-twooing owls on the night section on Donside and Deeside and black grouse in Glenshee. Stopped at Wee House of Glenshee for noms where I was given the larger piece of fruit cake because I was "on my bike" :-) There was an an illicit, muddy traipse through roadworks near the end. The beer & pasta at the arrivée was very good  :P

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/17916130

hats off to you, it must take some strength of character to keep going on a Solo DIY 600. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iddu on 05 November, 2017, 02:14:27 pm
Went looking for Marchant the Wonder bike - failed to find again.

Otherwise a pleasant 200, bar being DOTD

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 November, 2017, 11:25:13 am
Up to Burford yesterday, out via Highworth and Coleshill, back via Cerney Wick. For some reason I'd routed myself through the rather uninspiring Carterton itself and then the somewhat busy and uppy-downy B4042 rather than along the lanes surrounding. But a good ride, surprisingly hill-less, stayed dry and not too cold, and got to see some 18th century graffiti and a 19th? early 20th? century steam engine, which didn't look as if it would cover an audax distance.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 13 November, 2017, 05:06:42 pm
For my first Nov RRTY ride, I elected to ride the AUK Poor Student 200 Perm (not one of mine, so some new lanes!). Normally starts at Pear Tree Services on Oxford by-pass but I elected to ride to Andoversford for a Start receipt at the 24hr fuel stop/shop (a pack of mince pies was my purchase). Then up to the Salperton turn on the A40, where the PS200 crosses. Having ridden the Clockwise route twice, I chose the AC route, so headed in light rain to Compton Abdale and on to The Whiteway (sublime wind assisted!) and Cirencester, busy with Remembrance activities; I had a poppy in my handlebar clamp and stopped in Ewen for a 11:00 2min memorial. Then across to Charlton; I helped a wagon (full of sheep) driver (?s to his satnav?) to not try the railway bridge to Ewen – large wagon v narrow low bridge! Then onwards to Malmesbury Control. Realised the rain had stopped and the NW wind had blown me here. It was cooling down! Best part was the traffic-free traverse to Parton, Blunsdon to Highworth and a lunch break in Shrivenham (bargain here – on-date sandwiches and French pain au chocolat with 75% reduction!). Then a super lanes route to Farmoor, crossing As 420, 417, 415 and a new route avoiding Oxford centre to Pear Tree Services. Now 5pm and more reduced sandwiches and smoothie (50%) in Waitrose. So far no lights but after a break here it was lights for the return 78km to Andoversford. I had done this route Clockwise but the AC route at night was a challenge; could not read the gps and regularly checked the Routesheet with my spare torch. I was now wearing my liner gloves and extra jersey brought for the forecast cold. It is a genuine quiet roads and lanes traverse NW into slowing wind to Chipping Campden; fortunately, I recognised many lanes from my Audax rides past and present. CC was the final Control and then a climb back on to the Cotswolds and a traverse to the Salperton turn start. It was still another 15 mins along the A40 to Andoversford for the Finish receipt (I had spotted a bunch of big bananas when I was there in the morning at 09:30, so they were my purchase; it was now 23:30. That was a long day in the saddle 14hrs + the hour from and back to Leckhampton; so a 225km day. That pint of Portuguese lager went down well (after my pint of tea).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 19 November, 2017, 03:43:57 pm
I managed out yesterday for my final 200km ride of 2017.  I reckon that now is about the cut off for there being enough light for an enjoyable 200, anything later & until maybe early February is a grim slog which Im not up for.

I was in Falkirk visiting my mum Friday night so took a very early train to Stirling and started from there.  It was very frosty and I had to look out for some icy patches for the first couple of hours until the sun got up and eliminated the possibility of ice.  Even then there were patches in the shade that looked a wee bit treacherous.

My route too me via Kinbuck, Gleneagles and Madderty to Perth (thats Perth UK) then round by Stormontfield to avoid the A93, Guildtown and over to Collace by a road Id never ridden before, where I got very tired and decided to stop for a back pocket snack after a load of sheep coming in the opposite direction made me stop anyway.  I can normally go over 100k without stopping but I was pretty weary and Id only done 70k.  I put this down to the crosswind and the fact that I hadnt eaten a huge breakfast.

I limped on to Forfar using the lanes through Ardler and then the Bogside Road, had a big feed, and my legs felt a bit more sprightly though by this stage I was heading due East and the NW wind was helping to Montrose.  Back into the teeth of the wind to Fettercairn where I was glad to turn Northeastwards for the final time.  It was getting gloomy here and I put my lights on, with still 30km to go.  I made light work of the stretch to Auchenblae, but there was very little zip in my legs for the climb out the village.  I engaged the front hub light for the descents on this strectch, switching it off for the uphill bits!

Its a downhill finish into Stonehaven where I arrived in just over 10 hours.  A change of clothing, a quick face wash and a couple of panaches in The Station Hotel before the train home to Edinburgh. 

Road Club 50 milers on a Saturday only for the next few months. 

 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 20 November, 2017, 10:04:51 pm
before the train home to Edinburgh. 

If you want a 200km from Edinburgh, you might like my new 200, SP47 Cramond & Trossachs 200. This 200km, extracted from my SP15 Central Scotland 300, neatly makes the distance with S/F at Old Cramond Bridge. Email me for RS: stephen.poulton@btinternet.com
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: NeilP on 24 November, 2017, 02:38:54 pm
Pingu and I have just DNFd a local 600 DIY after about 190k of foul weather.

So we bailed out to Elgin, which has a station, and got a train back to Aberdeen with our tails between our legs.


I have seen this a few times....if you pitch up at a station like this how likely is it that you might not be able to get your bike on the train? Always sounds like a gamble to me.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 25 November, 2017, 05:16:11 pm
Pingu and I have just DNFd a local 600 DIY after about 190k of foul weather.

So we bailed out to Elgin, which has a station, and got a train back to Aberdeen with our tails between our legs.


I have seen this a few times....if you pitch up at a station like this how likely is it that you might not be able to get your bike on the train? Always sounds like a gamble to me.

I'm a very infrequent train user ( because there are not many trains around here! ), so I don't really know.

On the rural line in question, the trains are not crowded, and there seemed to be plenty of space.
We rocked up at the ticket office in cycle kit, with our bikes propped against the windows.
We didn't ask about the bikes, we just bought the tickets.

It's a different story on busier services, I expect.
Some ToCs might require bookings.
Certainly, the trains back from York to Edinburgh required booking, as they were over-subscribed.

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: telstarbox on 25 November, 2017, 07:20:50 pm
Current long term plan is a "Half RRTY" i.e. a 100km ride each month (more in the summer), so I devised a DIY from Croydon to Littlehampton crossing both the North and South Downs.

Rode it today to tick the box for November, enjoyed cold but clear conditions all day and some fine views. Littlehampton is a strange seaside town though - the beach and town are some distance from each other!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: NeilP on 26 November, 2017, 11:46:44 am
With the cancellation of family visitors at the last minute the door of opportunity opened and I took advantage yesterday by riding 3Peaker's Severn Bridge High Loop. I set off just before 7 in semi light and finished in proper darkness with 9 1/2 hours riding time under the belt.
I got through 100 miles in around 7 1/2 hours and had a bit of a slog to the end. I don't ride that distance very often and haven't really mastered the art of eating and drinking, basically don't do enough of either.
So the RRTY is still on.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 26 November, 2017, 05:09:50 pm
Current long term plan is a "Half RRTY" i.e. a 100km ride each month (more in the summer), so I devised a DIY from Croydon to Littlehampton crossing both the North and South Downs.

Rode it today to tick the box for November, enjoyed cold but clear conditions all day and some fine views. Littlehampton is a strange seaside town though - the beach and town are some distance from each other!

It is a shame there isn't such an award in the AUK provision... there is an award for everything else.

Personally I think doing 200 in full winter is a bit masochistic... 100 are a lot more civilised, making full use of the "less cold" hours in the day
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 26 November, 2017, 05:25:35 pm
Audax Australia and RUSA both have a 'monthly sub-200s for a year' award.
RUSA doesn't recognise anything shorter than 100km.
https://rusa.org/pages/award-p12
Audax Oz recently changed their award to allow monthly 50km brevets.
https://www.audax.org.au/public/68-awards/403-rolling-year-round-randonneurs
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: mattc on 27 November, 2017, 06:52:03 pm
Current long term plan is a "Half RRTY" i.e. a 100km ride each month (more in the summer), so I devised a DIY from Croydon to Littlehampton crossing both the North and South Downs.

Rode it today to tick the box for November, enjoyed cold but clear conditions all day and some fine views. Littlehampton is a strange seaside town though - the beach and town are some distance from each other!

It is a shame there isn't such an award in the AUK provision... there is an award for everything else.

Personally I think doing 200 in full winter is a bit masochistic... 100 are a lot more civilised, making full use of the "less cold" hours in the day
Yup, agree with the masochism point. That and the very real risk of ice have put me off RRTY.

I did float a variant of this once, a sort of "season-appropriate distance round-the-year". Probably 3x100km, 6x200, 3x300.
It got an indifferent response at best!

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 27 November, 2017, 08:16:17 pm
Current long term plan is a "Half RRTY" i.e. a 100km ride each month (more in the summer), so I devised a DIY from Croydon to Littlehampton crossing both the North and South Downs.

Rode it today to tick the box for November, enjoyed cold but clear conditions all day and some fine views. Littlehampton is a strange seaside town though - the beach and town are some distance from each other!

It is a shame there isn't such an award in the AUK provision... there is an award for everything else.

Personally I think doing 200 in full winter is a bit masochistic... 100 are a lot more civilised, making full use of the "less cold" hours in the day
Yup, agree with the masochism point. That and the very real risk of ice have put me off RRTY.

I did float a variant of this once, a sort of "season-appropriate distance round-the-year". Probably 3x100km, 6x200, 3x300.
It got an indifferent response at best!

I like it!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 27 November, 2017, 09:03:59 pm
Nothing to stop you doing whatever series of rides you want for your own enjoyment.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 03 December, 2017, 04:31:18 pm
Half pleasant, half unpleasant, but box ticked for December... I'd say at the bottom end of what I rate as a bearable day to ride a 200

https://www.strava.com/activities/1300675426
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 03 December, 2017, 08:57:24 pm
We had to visit Edinburgh this weekend for other reasons, so I decided to take a bike and ride home to Aberdeen as a 200k DIY.
At 220k a touch over-distance, but the 200k point passed just on the 8-hour mark which was good enough for a winter ride.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1300794768
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonBuoy on 03 December, 2017, 11:36:27 pm
For the last couple of years the first weekend of December has always been MarmiteGeoff's Tinsel and Lanes weekend.  This is no longer running so three of us rode a variation of it as a DIY.  We joined the route just after Wistow and left it just after Meriden but we made sure we routed along the actual Tinsel Lane on the way home.

The weather was pretty good for December and the only real problems were an impassable closed road near Flore that required a significant backtrack/reroute and my failing legs/lungs.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 04 December, 2017, 12:32:07 pm
My first attempt at a DIY yesterday, 200k using the new on-line system to upload the proposed route.  Because I still use paper maps and the garmin just to record time and distance, an advisory route with receipts as proof of passage.

The weather was just about as good as could have been hoped for in December.  I made an early start (5.00am) to get most of the darkness miles out of the way while there was less traffic.  The stretch from Sedgefield to Bedale was mostly on quiet familiar lanes, most of the time nobody else on the road.  Highlight of this was a large, nearly full moon shining between scattered clouds, and temperature was relatively mild. 

The middle section (across to Northallerton, then down to Wigginton) became a bit busier as the morning went on but again I used mostly quiet roads and by lunch time there was even some sunshine.  Although I'd picked a fairly flat route, I wasn't managing a very fast average - although that's not unusual for me.

Then back to the finish.  This started to get difficult, my legs were tiring and becoming quite painful at times - not sure if this was cramp or maybe because the temperature was dropping.  By the time I got back, it must have been close to freezing and a gritter wagon had passed me several times.  Each time the lorry turned off to go round a village or housing estate, I would get ahead again; then they caught me up a bit further on.  Quite a lot of traffic as people headed home, some of whom didn't bother dipping headlights for a mere cyclist.  For once I managed to keep motivated, after doing so much of the ride I didn't want to miss the time limit even with an extra 18k to do. 

<iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/embed/2364250332' title='Sedgefield DIY' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe>

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 07 December, 2017, 10:06:04 pm
The storm gave me a fair push along a local flat-ish TT segment at lunchtime, 7.3k at an average speed of over 50kph and a max of 63kph! Enough for a 2nd overall, which is most unlike me.

Anyhoo, Junior has just asked me to take him for a 200k spin over the Festive Season.
I may combine this with my January ride, so we will see.
I'll need to plan a low-level route in case of bad weather on high ground, as my stock 200s from home all involve high ground.
I may have to go rummage amongst Pingu's menu of infernal wind-blown Northron Loops.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iddu on 17 December, 2017, 01:44:13 pm
Bah, getting soft in my dotage - DNF'd Poor Student check, too miserable even for me...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chris S on 17 December, 2017, 02:03:31 pm
Bah, getting soft in my dotage - DNF'd Poor Student check, too miserable even for me...

Wow. That IS miserable, and I'm an expert in miserable.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 18 December, 2017, 12:16:16 pm
The snow last week was a set-back ; I even started out on Tues morning, intending to ride a 200. Within 50m (yes m!) I returned home, changed to walking gear and had a great walk in snowy fields. A club colleague went into the Cotswolds and showed lovely pics; what he did not announce was a serious fall on the snowy/icy lanes, resulting in shoulder ligament damage. Three days later I hit my same planned route, clear of snow and ice and just warm enough to enjoy. It was the route I designed along the Rs Severn and Avon with minimal climbing (~1000m), when I was recovering from a broken leg in Winter 2012/13. Saving the heroics for decent roads!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: NeilP on 23 December, 2017, 04:10:08 pm
Possibly not the smartest move with regards to traffic but needs must.
Completed 3Peaker's SE Oxford 200km perm so the debut RRTY  is still on track. Very foggy start out of Cheltenham and through Stroud but then once the sun came up (not that it could be seen) it turned into a rather pleasant day. Bit of a sting in the tail with the long drag up to The Rissingtons and then a bit very pleasant run along the A436 back to Andoversford.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 December, 2017, 09:34:32 pm
200km today, started at 08:15, high wycombe to Esher  (flat start) Esher to Newbury  (rolling hills and headwinds) Newbury to high wycombe (via the flat lands south of the river) real sting in the tail climbing from Marlow to Wycombe at the end. Home at 17:05. Shorts and just a short sleeved baselayer under my brevet jersey was just about enough, it was slightly colder than I expected.. Mostly dry roads tiny bit if drizzle. Probably the kindest December Audax I have done.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 January, 2018, 07:26:27 pm
New year, new DIY. Up through the lanes to Slimbridge, elevenses at the Tudor Arms, then blast up the A38 to Gloucester and out along the A417, all quiet on NYD, to the turning for Corse. From there it's a nice straight ride to Upton-on-Severn, pretty flat but with views of the magnificent Malverns. We (IanN otp and I) thought about lunch at the famous Banjo's but found we'd past it – it's somewhere at the top end of town and we were in the centre by then. Well, I was, Ian had somehow got ahead of me and crossed the bridge, I don't know how he did this cos I'd passed him a mile or two before Upton in a field gate. So we regrouped and made our way down the A38, under the M50 bridge, for pizza in Tewkesbury.

Suitably fortified, the wiggly bits started. Gloucester, Churchdown, Cheltenham, Churchdown, Gloucester, Cheltenham, oh look there's the dry ski slope where Eddie the Eagle practised – maybe it would make a good venue for a hill climb? ( ;D). By now it was getting a bit blowy, headwind of course. Somewhere round there we passed a utility cyclist going the other way dragging a huge stick in his left rear drop out. How he hadn't seen, heard or felt it, I do not know. Or maybe he had but simply couldn't remove it.

Eventually we escaped Gloucester and were riding past Haresfield, pretty soon we were in Stonehouse, where we raided the Co-op. It's a large branch but the shelves were bare, at least bare of anything suitable for the sustenance of cyclists. Well, I got a yogurt (a spork is the audaxer's saddlebag friend) and Ian got some crisps and a Ginster's, I think. Then the hilly bit, Dursley to Stinchcombe, Nibley, Wotton. Ian was unable to use his granny ring so I don't think this bit was his favourite. But we could see the Severn Bridge all lit up in the distance and that meant we were nearly home. Soon we were rolling through Chipping Sodbury, the sharp left into the bikes and pedestrians only Horseshoe Lane, where the space between the bollards was unfortunately occupied by a man carrying a bin full of empty bottles and cans(!), and well by then we really are nearly home.

And so we were! Feeling as knackered as you only can after Christmas...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 13 January, 2018, 06:28:10 pm
A 200k DIY into the Northron Wastelands.

A nice tailwind up to Fraserburgh, but then gusty sidewinds then about 80k of brutal headwinds on the homeward leg.
The headwinds were not on-the-nose, but with a sideways component, and very gusty.
This made the Aero Bars twitchy as hell, throwing me all over the road.
I had to come up onto the hoods for much of that section.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1355270776
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Shaftesburybiker on 13 January, 2018, 07:43:19 pm
200 round South Essex today - Chelmsford, Brentwood, Corringham, Canvey Island, Olmpic MTB Centre (great Bakewell cake), Sarfend, Shoeburyness, Rochford, Canewdon, Battlesbridge, Dengie peninsula (despite the now closed marsh road), Purleigh, Stock, then home. 216km. A bit too much traffic in some places and a strong headwind among the coasts, but all manageable. 1400m of climbing, very fixed-freindly. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 14 January, 2018, 08:23:47 pm
Given a reasonably benign forecast I did a 200km arrow from Edinburgh - Stonehaven yesterday, one of my favourite rides.

I set off just before 7am.  Zero traffic on the Forth Rd Bridge is still a novelty but I had to squeeze past the bridge maintenance van on the cycle path as it had stopped to quiz a pedestrian. 

The ESE wind was helping and hindering in equal measure and along with New Year levels of fitness, it soon became clear that Id stuggle to finish before dark.  It got light not long after Cowdenbeath where I was soon overtaken by a grupetto of 3 riders going at a fair clip.  I accelerated to hold their wheels and got a tow at 30kph for half a mile before they turned off.  A young lady in Kinross dressed up to the nines almost crossed in front of me without looking.  Walk of shame Id wager. 

The descent of Glenfarg was cold as ever and I was glad to get out into the hazy daylight and onwards to Perth where I shunned a stop in order to get the steady climb done.  I took the lumpier route north of Perth to avoid the A94 as much as possible though 2km is pretty much unavoidable. 

The audax hotel standard bus stop in Kinrossie at 80k provided the perfect location for a banana from my back pocket.  I had 2 base layers on, as well as arm warmers a long sleeve top and a thin gilet and wasnt overly warm so pushed on before cooling down. 

In good conditions I can do a 200 with one stop about 110km but I was flagging a little on the stretch to Coupar Angus and the Bogside Rd became a bit of a slog as I counted down the kms to a lunch stop at McForfar (120km).  Here I switched my gilet for a more subbstantial jacket and had a big feed including a cappuccino that tasted heavenly.  I got my small digital radio on the go here and hooked up my left earphone to keep up to date with the sport of Radio 5.

The road between Forfar & Montrose is normally a tailwind assisted 30kpm blast but yesterday was hard going.  I was glad that my route didnt go all the way into Montrose but instead jinked around the basin clockwise through Bridge of Dun, a route that Alex Pattison showed me a few years ago. 

I got a little mixed up at Hillside and added a km and a bit, as ever this involved avoidably going down a long hill and back up it again!

I was back on more familiar roads to Marykirk, passing a house which must have had the same 3 or 4 kids bikes for sale outside it for at least three years.  My route to Auchenblae was reasonably direct, avoiding Fettercairn.  It was less lumpy than I thought it would be but that might have been helped the block tailwind on this section.

I noticed that the cars were almost all coming towards me with headlights on, and even though I didnt need my front light to see, I switched it on when I joined the B road near Auchenblae.

The steep section in the main street here tested my resolve not to honk, but I just about managed it.  Ive ridden the strech from Auchenblae to Stonehaven many times and was ready for its undulations.  It got properly dark about 10km from the finish and I stopped to fire up the 2nd and 3rd of my rear lights and pop my radio back in the bag, cheered by Falkirks victory over Greenock Morton  :)

The wind was getting gusty now and sideward blasts kept me on my toes, though some were definitely helping too.  Id not reset the trip computer on my GPS so couldnt be sure but I was reasonably certain that my extra dogleg nr Montrose would take me over the 200km.  I stopped at the Co-op petrol station and shop to buy a can of deoderant and a bag of tangfastics for the train home. 

It was about 1720 and my train wasnt until 1836 so I popped into the Station Hotel to change into the dry layers I had in my saddlebag including a lovely snuggly pack away down jacket.  I also had a couple of pints which went down a treat.  I positioned myself beside a very warm radiator too and really had to drag myself away from this oasis!

Train home was quiet.  I demolished my bag of sweets in no time.  I was joined at Montrose by five well oiled Livingston FC fans, who were returning from their away fixture at Brechin.  They  had come armed with a sizeable carrier bag full of a combination of ice cubes and beer.  When it became apparent that there was no way they were going to finish them all, I took them up one the offer of a cold Tennents.  Must have been 20 years since Ive had Tennents, here's hoping its another 20 years til my next one (didnt stop me finishing it mind  ;))

We were soon at Haymarket where I declined an invitation to join my new friends in the Dickens Lounge on Dalry Rd (I used to live near it and got slightly apprehensive just walking past it).  Feeling slightly lazy I jumped on the tram, two stops to Balgreen and a 1 mile ride home rather than 4 from Haymarket. 

First 200 of the year.  I had forgotten how riding in the cold makes for slow going, either stops are more frequent / longer / both or speed on the road slows up.  With hindsight I really should have stopped at Perth at around 65km to fuel up as I really was getting a bit ragged on the 30km or so to my lunch stop in Forfar. 

Anyhows job done, my winter bike (Boardman) is quite comfortable and I may even contemplate using this all year round as all it might need is a change of wheels and possibly a different gear range too.


 

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 14 January, 2018, 08:39:18 pm
Given a reasonably benign forecast I did a 200km arrow from Edinburgh - Stonehaven yesterday, one of my favourite rides.

Yes, I reckon a Northbound arrow would have been just the ticket yesterday.

Sounds like a good one.
I did steal some of your routing for my EDI-ABZ 200 in December!

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 14 January, 2018, 10:30:44 pm
Given a reasonably benign forecast I did a 200km arrow from Edinburgh - Stonehaven yesterday, one of my favourite rides.

Yes, I reckon a Northbound arrow would have been just the ticket yesterday.

Sounds like a good one.
I did steal some of your routing for my EDI-ABZ 200 in December!
true Ron, but it really was a rude awakening on the road out of Forfar.  Id also previously thought the Bogside Rd ran almost due North! 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 15 January, 2018, 05:28:19 pm
Yes, Sun 14 Jan was a good day in the South. Light wind till evening, which became a supportive backwind!, dry, above freezing (4 deg). So a good opportunity for a double traverse of the Cotswolds to keep RRTY28 going:

12HR CHILLER FOR 200KM
Trek: Forecast dry, light winds and above freezing. Also, just getting over a nasty cold, so need an easy pace. What better invitation for a 2nd 200 for Jan, when the following days are for mixed winter stuff. Had not ridden my Oxford Perm for a while. Late start to Bourton. LB up for sale! Took the road (climb) to L Riss airfield then main to Burford and flooded Windrush valley to Witney. Lanes to S Leigh then toll (free for bikes) Br to Botley; took lunch here with Tesco £3 Meal Deal. Next climb Cumnor Hill to Abingdon. Easily then on A417 to Wantage. Sun now set so dusk run to Ashbury before drop to Shrivenham > Highworth > Lechlade. Needed a 15min nap in the Lechlade Riverside Park and revived with more food. I used to commute the A417 Lechlade to Ciren, so very familiar. Turned off at Marston Meysey for Down Ampney and S Cerney; new Co-op in SC, so competition for the Premier shop near the War Memorial. Now cross-country to the Stroud road; found bridge after Ewen wet though not flooded like last time I passed this way! Once on A419 easy run to Stroud though fast descent of Cowcombe Hill not nice with rough road and position of sewer covers; almost lost it on one bend! Final cake in Stroud before very quiet A46 run to Cheltenham.

Garmin E1030 batt 42% after 12hrs navigation use, suggests 20hr life, re-assuring.
Event Time: 12h 12m  Mov Time: 10h 37m  Mov Ave 18.8kph Asc: 1681m Dist: 200km (G1030=42% suggests 20hr life)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: StephenR on 21 January, 2018, 06:25:58 pm
Yes, rode Blacksheep’s March Madness perm yesterday with four others. It was cold and wet but not the heavy rain that was forecast. We had the luxury of Blacksheep meeting us in Bromyard as he lives nearby. We also tried out the new route for him that now goes to the Hopewell Colliery Cafe due to the demise of the Heritage centre cafe. The route now has more climbing and 2 AAA.
Was a tough ride in the conditions but never really got too cold, just wet feet.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 February, 2018, 12:38:59 pm
I'd planned a 200 for Sunday with IanN otp. Out to Burford via Malmesbury and Faringdon, back through Meysey Hampton. Unfortunately Ian came down with flu, so I decided to ride on my own. Get well, Ian, and hope to see you in two weeks! The forecast had been settled for a few days: cold but dry and sunny, with a fairly strong tailwind on the way out, lessening on the way back. Perfect! But it didn't quite work out like that...

The first less than perfect thing was actually someone else's problem and it was only a couple of miles from home. There was a bloke at the point where the Railway Path splits, right for Bath and left for Pucklechurch, struggling with a puncture, so I stopped to see what I could do. Turned out the hose of his Lezyne pump had got stuck; instead of threading onto the body of the valve, it was somehow wedged on to the pippety bit that you undo. Neither he nor I nor both of us together could do anything to budge it, so he was resigned to a walk.

It was actually warmer than I'd expected and I had to stop not long after to delayer. The cafe in the railway centre at Purton was still closed for winter, so I pushed on to Highworth for elevenses, which was pretty much lunch by the time I got there. It's not much of a cafe, if I remember next time it might be better going on to Coleshill.

Coming out of Highworth, it felt quite a bit colder. Well of course it did, I'd been sat in a warm cafe and in any case, Highworth is – as its name implies – on top of a hill, so there's a long, fast descent leaving the town towards Faringdon. But when I got to the top of Coleshill (awfully literal placenames round there!), it started to snow. Never mind, I thought, it's just cos I'm up on the higher ground. It'll stop once I'm down in Faringdon. And the best bit of the ride is ahead! The descent stung a bit; hard, dry flakes and a strong wind. Through Faringdon and... it's still snowing. In fact, it snowed all the way to Burford. At one point I took shelter in a church, I think the village was called Kencott. It was snowing continually rather than continuously; ten minutes of snow followed by a couple of minutes rest.

Eventually I reached the Windrush valley just downstream of Burford and followed it into the town. There's nowhere much to stop on the way back so I ate here although I was still pretty full with Highworth panininini (no banananana). Spent a bit too long really but it started snowing again as I left. Followed Sheep Street up the Windrush valley again, missed my turning and found myself up on the high ground. Backtracked and rejoined the valley. All very pretty. And it had stopped snowing. But not for long. At least now it was soft, wet flakes, not harsh, stinging ones. Then up out of the valley, towards Hatherop and so on. Stopped in Quenington as my back wheel was rubbing on the brake blocks going up hill. Opened and retightened the QR, which seemed to solve it. A bloke on a fluorescent yellow Trek mtb passed while I was doing this, and a woman walking with a greyhound who asked how far I was going. "All the way to Bristol? You're mad! My sister's like that; she's moved to the south of France so she can ride her bike all the time. Nutter!" So much for families!

A couple of miles further on I saw a cyclist quite some way ahead of me in a hi-viz jacket. Was it the bloke who'd passed me earlier? I gave chase, very slowly, across the A417, through Meysey Hampton, losing sight of him, gaining on him, losing him again, eventually catching him as we left Down Ampney. It was indeed the bloke on the fluorescent yellow Trek. He was wearing wellies and jeans – maybe a farm worker? – I guess farm work keeps you fit cos he was going some on that mountain bike! Turned out to be quite chatty on the subject of potholes and other things. Eventually he headed off on a road parallel to the A419 (actually the old A419) where I headed straight over to Cerney Wick. I should have asked him where he was going – could have been going all the way to Cirencester.

I'm fond of Cerney Wick. It's not a picturesque village with thatched cottages and so on, but it's pretty enough, it has multiple streams and an old canal, all with little stone bridges, one of which is (I think) Saxon. And it has virtually no traffic cos the last of its bridges is closed. It's also the first village on "home" side of the (almost motorway) A419, so it feels like a milestone gained! A bloke walking his dog there complained vociferously I was dazzling him, and I could tell I genuinely was, so I stopped to adjust the IQ-X. It's hard cut-off is a bit of a pain in this respect and its mount does it no favours, but I think I've got it sorted now. Mind you, I've said that before.

The temperature was down to freezing now and it was still snowing off and on. There was ice on the approach to Malmesbury, which I rode gingerly over then walked down the short but steep and twisty hill into the town. A cup of tea would have been good. Did the Co-op in Malmesbury have a hot drinks machine? I didn't think so, but it was worth checking. No, it doesn't. I rode on and decided to stop at the Old Royal Ship Inn, a known cyclist-friendly pub with a long name in Luckington, a village a few miles down the B4040. Got there, it was quiet, a cup of tea and, yes! A bowl of leek and potato soup!

It was minus 1.something when I left the pub, by which time it was after 9 p.m. already; I should have been home by now! Decided to stick to the B road rather than follow the original laney route. In fact I felt quite warm once I got moving, but then I was wearing six layers by now! It's impressive that even on a freezing cold night, the inner (Bristol) end of the Railway Path is still used by quite a few people riding home (or somewhere). You start to see them from the Fish in. Got home. Ate chickpea curry which my son had cooked to his own patent recipe; yum! Worth riding for!

Edit: I was certain this ride was out of time – which would have been a neat coincidence as the only other ride I've finished OOT (amazingly despite my lack of pace and capacity for time wasting, it's only happened once before) was on the Flapjack back in 2014, and this year's Flapjack was... on Sunday! – but a rift in the space-time continuum specific to the AUK route validator says otherwise. Either that or I was riding a Tardis.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Banjo on 12 February, 2018, 09:46:55 pm
Nice ride report Cudzo.  I am increasingly afraid of ice allways bounced well in the past but don't want to push my luck these days.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ivo on 13 February, 2018, 10:30:37 pm
Weather was a bit changy during my DIY 200 on sunday.

First the Relive of the ride so you have an idea where I took the photo's ;)
Since my home area was rather cycling unfriendly due to carnival I went north of the Rhine to do a DIY 200. I started out from a hostel in Utrecht. The first bit along the Vecht river passing old castles and some fortress towns protecting Amsterdam in the old days.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5008.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5009.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5016.jpg)

Up over the bridge and a mighty change of scenery, from old towns and hamlets to very new and very man made towns and the large scale agriculture of Flevoland. And of course windswept dikes. First a massive sidewind limiting my speed to 15km, then a huge headwind with a cruising speed of 30-35km/h.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5026.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5028.jpg)

Just when I got bored of the new land I returned to the old land, to the old Hanse town of Kampen.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5031.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5038.jpg)

Then again a massive headwind near the coast of the old Zuiderzee.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5040.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5041.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5042.jpg)

The small old hanse town of Elburg was a pleasant surprise for me.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5049.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5055.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5060.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5066.jpg)

The rest of the return was a bit chilly, a combination of headwind and occasional hail

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5075.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP5078.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 19 February, 2018, 02:18:25 pm
Any validation issue on a DIY which is a figure of 8?
Given it's going to get really cold over the weekend, I would like to stick to gritted roads I know well. I am NOT planning on doing loops, just a simple figure of 8
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: telstarbox on 19 February, 2018, 02:28:38 pm
Can't see that being a problem as some Calendar rides use figure of eight routes.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 19 February, 2018, 02:37:28 pm
Can't see that being a problem as some Calendar rides use figure of eight routes.

Agree, the only difference is that the half way point would be my home address... not sure if that is an issue or not... or if it is or not in "randonneur" spirit.
I could put the halfway point a mile away, but it seems silly having to spend money in a cafe' when I can raid my own fridge free of charge... especially in a GPS DIY, not needing proof of passage
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: postie on 19 February, 2018, 03:48:21 pm
Riders who do 600km diys often come back home for a overnight stop, so it really is not a issue.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ian H on 19 February, 2018, 03:57:51 pm
First event of the year: a 235k DIY (well, 201 was the actual event) round the badlands of North Devon. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 19 February, 2018, 04:01:40 pm
the half way point would be my home address... not sure if that is an issue or not...

Definitely not a problem for validation.

(You need to avoid riding the same sections of road in the same direction, as much as reasonably possible; small sections are ok.)

[Disadvantage (perhaps): you won't reach such excitingly distant places!]
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 19 February, 2018, 06:05:39 pm
Thanks everybody...

Yes, it's going to be a rather dull ride on roads I know too well... if it wasn't for the fact that I am 8 months in my RRTY I wouldn't bother to be honest
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: NeilP on 23 February, 2018, 04:52:11 am
As I have no chance for a calendar event I took a day off work and headed out for my February 200km yesterday. I had planned on leaving at about 0630 but as usual this didn;t happen and I set off an hour later in daylight. I paid the price as getting through Cheltenham was a total pain, plus I was stopped at every set off red lights all the way to Tewkesbury.

Out of Tewkesbury on the Ledbury road and the day was turning out to be very pleasant, the sun was popping out every now and again and after a quick bottle refill in Much Marcle I headed off for Ross and Monmouth. After passing straight through it was intot he Wye Valley and the recently resurfaced A466, what a great road, hardly and traffic and a great surface. I stopped for lunch at the Abbey Mill cafe in Tintern and recieved confirmation that the 466 south of there was unpassable so had to detour up to Devauden and then it was a fast run into Chepstow via St Arvens passed the race course, all covered up with frost covers to try to save their meeting on Saturday.

Straight around Chepstow and over the bridge and things changed, a slight headwinf breeze appeared and it got more hilly. I passed through Thornbury, Wotton and nailsworth before a fast run along the 419 into Cirencester. From here it was all local lanes back home.

This was my 6th or 7th 200 and have to say I rode this one better than any of the others, I ate more, paced it nicely and finished feeling much fresher. If I did this ride again I'd tweak it here and there to avoid the serious sharp climbs through the Cotswolds.

Link to the ride here

https://www.strava.com/activities/1420731890 (https://www.strava.com/activities/1420731890)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 23 February, 2018, 11:09:33 am
Third ride this Tuesday in my first attempt at Rrty, subject to validation.  Along a similar route to my earlier ones:

- December - DIY using the on-line entry system and controls (advisory route).  The advantage was that it was similar to a calendar event from the point of view of controls and receipts.  Disadvantage was the extra 15k over the 200k distance as a result.  It was a lovely ride.  I set off early to do most of the darkness riding while I was still fresh, along dark little lanes and with the benefit of a full moon.

- January - DIY using that GPX malarkey.  So a shorter distance but more reliant on technology.  Good weather conditions again, light wind and temperatures of 4 - 6 degrees.  Highlight was excellent scrambled eggs at the pub at Brafferton.  Low point was having to walk a couple of stretches thanks to farmers cutting their hedges and kindly scattering thorns all over the road.  Even after walking, I still had to dig a thorn out of the back tyre before I set off again.

- February - Another GPX DIY.  I was running out of days to find some decent weather, so I did the ride this Tuesday despite a blustery wind.  Lovely heading South, a hard slog on the way back.  With the additional complication of a road closure meaning that I had to bimble around a bit at the end to ensure that I did the minimum distance.

Hopefully I'll be able to do a calendar event and find a bit of company in March ....
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chris S on 23 February, 2018, 09:10:46 pm
If anyone who uses me as their DIY Org is eyeing their mailbox nervously as we get toward month's end, you should be aware that I'm really busy with work, so there's something of a backlog. I'll try and find time to work through the pile in the coming days - but no guarantees.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 24 February, 2018, 12:56:43 am
Despite having bagged my February RRTY ride earlier in the month with a tailwind assisted 200km arrow to Totnes, I'd had an idea brewing for a while to have a bash at a winter 300 with a few hills chucked in for good measure. Last Tuesday saw me execute the plan with a misshapen loop starting from home in Lacock with controls at Chepstow, Abergavenny, Hay-on-Wye, Monmouth and Gloucester.

The alarm went off at 04:30 and I was on the road shortly after 05:00 with a couple of pieces of toast on board. The brisk headwind was a slight worry as I knew I'd be battling it for the first 150km and over the two 'feature climbs' of The Tumble (from the south side) and Gospel Pass. I settled into the mentality that I'd keep twiddling away and tick off the milestones as they came. Worst case scenario would be to get a snap of the dawn over the Severn Estuary and retrace home, but I had other bail out options in mind for if it stopped being enjoyable.

The Severn Bridge was my first target and I felt fresh as a daisy as I rolled over and into Chepstow. A short battle with rush hour traffic, then I speared off onto the B road to Usk. I'd packed a top tube bag full of goodies and had been steadily munching away, so felt happy enough to ride straight through Usk and through to Pontypool, where I grabbed a milkshake and a Red Bull at a petrol station. Had a slight faff traversing the park in Pontypool to find the way on to the disused railway path up to Blaenavon (NCN 46), but it was well worth it. I've cycled this path before on a tour with friends and it is great. A gentle uphill winding through the valley until you meet the Blaenavon heritage railway line. I got off the path at Blaenavon, opposite the Rhymney Brewery. My pals and I did the brewery tour when we passed by last May and it is highly recommended. No time for such dalliances on this ride though.

Because the climb on NCN46 is so gradual, I hadn't noticed how much height I'd gained and hardly had any climbing left to summit the Tumble. Took me a few minutes to get my picture at the top as the wind kept blowing the bike over as it was lean't against the sign! So stiff was the breeze that I struggled to get my speed up beyond 35mph down into Govilon but enjoyed it anyway. Opted to stop for a feed in Abergavenny Subway to get some fuel on board for Gospel Pass and enjoyed a bit of people watching as I munched away.

This would be my third ride over the Gospel Pass and I've always done it from the South side. I must have a bash the other way sometime, although the road surface is so utterly wrecked from Llanthony to Capel-y-ffin that the descent would be somewhat spoiled. Even on 28mm tyres it was pretty pants, particularly when cars (not that there were many!) prevented me from picking the best line. In places, the road was basically a streambed, so I can see how it's gotten so awful. I knew I wouldn't be breaking any records on this ascent, so opted instead to indulge in a couple of stops to take in the views and grab some snaps. A helicopter was buzzing around, moving sacks of stone between fields, but the resident wild ponies didn't seem to mind and were happy to pose for the camera.

A steady descent into Hay followed and I patronised the Hay cafe for a cheese toastie and slice of cake before striking out for Monmouth. When planning the route, I spotted 'Arthur's Stone' on the map and decided to plot a short detour to visit it. Whilst I'm glad I did, the 20 odd % gradient climb up Scar Lane which led to it was not welcome! Still, the Neolithic site was very interesting and meant I was properly past the halfway mark now, with the majority of the climbing done. My ride through the Golden Valley was tailwind assisted so i was flying and loving life. The only fly in the ointment was my drivetrain, which had taken a beating going up the wet and mucky Gospel Pass and was squealing out for lube. Stupidy I hadn't bothered packing any with the forecast being so dry. Lesson learned! Fortunately, I spotted EW Morgan & Sons Garage approaching Pontrillas and they were kind enough to let me have a free squirt of WD40 to restore tranquility to my ride.

Opted for a quick pitstop in Monmouth and guzzled more milkshake in preperation for the traverse of the Forest of Dean. I really should've stopped and eaten more, because the series of steep climbs felt much harder than they should've been! I consoled myself with the thought of the flat run to Gloucester to follow and kept spinning in the granny gear!

Had some minor GPS issues on the run in to Gloucester, but otherwise made good time. Unfortunately, I arrived at rush hour and had some major A roads to contend with, but got through with no issues and was soon back on lanes to snap a quick pic of the sun setting behind me as I crossed the M5. I knew I was now in for the last of the climbing, but was pretty disheartened when I came across the 25% sign at the bottom of the lane leading out of Haresfield. I was (un)happily tacking away until an oncoming car forced me to a stop, whereupon I had to take to shank's pony for a short while. This didn't do my cleats any favours and they needed some fettling before I could re-mount for the descent into Stroud, to be followed immediately by the climb back up onto Rodborough Common. Started to feel pretty wobbly towards the top so stopped to guzzle some flapjacks and chocolate.

From here, it was pretty much downhill all the way through Tetbury and Malmesbury, where I re-joined familiar roads. Spent the last few miles feeling very satisfied  with my efforts, particularly the fact that I'd never once considered bailing, in spite of plenty of chances to do so. Got home after around 16 hours and devoured a jacket spud smothered with indecent amounts of cheese!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 24 February, 2018, 06:27:22 am
If anyone who uses me as their DIY Org is eyeing their mailbox nervously as we get toward month's end, you should be aware that I'm really busy with work, so there's something of a backlog. I'll try and find time to work through the pile in the coming days - but no guarantees.

I'm heavily backlogged too. But all will be well....
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Manotea on 24 February, 2018, 10:27:49 am
It's one of those days when j just cannot get out the house despite it being bright and sunny.
Cannot think why... or maybe I can... anyway, the day has warmed up to a cheerful 1C so time to go. I'll pay the price this evening...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Whitedown Man on 24 February, 2018, 07:46:37 pm
Left the house at 4:30 for today’s 200 DIY, the theory being to get all the cold stuff out of the way during the first part of the ride and finish before the temperature started to drop this afternoon. Worked out v. nicely according to plan, with the only snag being that I couldn’t drink during hours 2, 3 & 4 because my bidons were completely frozen  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: SR Steve on 24 February, 2018, 11:46:36 pm
I needed a third 200km this month to keep a RRtY going and today seemed like my best option with snow on the way and even colder temperatures forecast. My pc crashed this morning and it took me a while to get it going again, so I didn't get away until after 10am. I'd hoped to start earlier as I was heading east into a fresh Siberian wind and it was in full force by the time I started. There were a few gentle undulations at first and then I crossed some higher ground in northern Leicestershire before dropping down to a stretch of open fenland that was straight into the relentless wind. I was glad of my aero bars on this section as I had missed them on the LEL over a much longer stretch of fenland. Today's route followed a short section of the LEL route near Sutterton before heading back with a nice tailwind.
I had made a note of a few icy patches on my outward journey, so I avoided some nasty surprises on descents when I retraced my route. I had felt just right heading into the wind, but got a bit hot taking advantage of the tailwind across the fens for about 20 miles on the way back. I was glad I didn't take anything off though as it cooled down as I climbed out of the fens and later I considered adding a layer around sunset, but held out as I hadn't got far to go and finished just after 7pm.
Looking forward to a few calendar events next month including Easter Arrow, Hard Boiled and Dorset Coast.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: NeilP on 25 February, 2018, 03:12:53 pm
Is a point to point, I believe this is an "arrow" in audax speak, allowed for RRTY purposes as a DIY?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 25 February, 2018, 06:42:00 pm
A dart, if its a solo effort.
A DIY can be any route, it doesn't have to be a circle.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 February, 2018, 07:16:38 pm
Yesterday I rode up to Upton, where I looked for the famous Banjo's cafe but must have ridden right past it without spotting it; the same happened back in January. So I found a different place, where I had a good bowl of leek and potato soup and a slice of cake. Then across the river and past Croome to Pershore, which must have a byelaw decreeing that all traffic lights will always be red. Back through Tewkesbury and Gloucester, GPS failed – well, batteries went dead and yes, I had spares, but they turned out to also be dead  :facepalm: – but it was a simple route home (straight line) and got a receipt at the end. Much warmer (ok, less cold) than today, but too.much.yogurt!

Lesson learned: if you use rechargeable batteries for your Garmin, it's worth checking their state of charge from time to time.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 25 February, 2018, 07:42:46 pm
Yesterday I rode up to Upton, where I looked for the famous Banjo's cafe but must have ridden right past it without spotting it; the same happened back in January.

If heading in from the South then it's just after the shops start on the left https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.0622054,-2.2181414,3a,37.5y,298.79h,83.28t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sV-870rx1_zqzEC5D1E6W2g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 ... very easy to miss, last year it seemed to be undergoing some kind of renovation and was closed. Last time I visited, it was closed but it was during the Christmas break and later in the day, it did look like an ongoing concern.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 February, 2018, 08:16:03 pm
Ah, thanks. I'd actually googled it in advance, but in the photo I found it had a dark blue front. Also, there were roadworks at that point with tidal traffic lights, so that made it a bit more difficult to have a good look. Anyway, I found this place:
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.0633973,-2.2180202,3a,75y,270h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVbthodizcAwjzaNN9BZ6Sw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: NeilP on 26 February, 2018, 03:42:11 pm
A dart, if its a solo effort.
A DIY can be any route, it doesn't have to be a circle.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 27 February, 2018, 12:36:19 am
Yes, a 200 in Ecuador on a piece of crap bike. I don't want to do that again; it hurts. Time for a long shower and a cold beer, in that order.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: j_a_m_e_s_ on 28 February, 2018, 10:05:27 am
So at 0400 yesterday my alarm went off, and I readied myself for an engagement with The Beast from the East and Around the Weald Expedition - Polar Edition.
Extra jumper - check
Waterproof socks - check
Cleats tightened on my sandals - check
Train rocked up into East Croydon at 05something and I primed the legs with the climb up to Selsdon, and with new 28mm tires and a homemade camper longflap style saddlebag to put through its paces, I gingerly set sail at 0609
Slow and steady was always going to be the order of the day, so I pushed along to Edenbridge avoiding the worst of the back roads, thinking to myself that I'll be okay. Close to 15hrs I thought, but I'll do it. Bounced off Edenbridge at 0720 with a brief stop for some Red Bull slush puppy which had already started to develop in my bottle, a little over an hour in.
Avoided Puddledock and routed via Ide Hill instead of Toys and Emmets Lane, dropped down into Sundridge and crossed the M25 and into Filston Ski track Lane. It was at this point that I probably should have said no and just gone home.
No, not I. I figured I may as well get to Swanley and if needs be just go home from there. After much hard climbing, forced into the saddle by loss of traction from the 65" I was running (an oversight on my behalf - I was supposed to have fitted a 18t cog, but discovered this morning that I had done it all on a 17t.) Parts were literally sheets of ice, but I persevered and got to Swanley Co-op at 0920.
Jam tortilla and coconut trek bar, washed down with an alpro chocolate milk, I made the brave foolish decision to press on.
What followed was a 6hr onslaught of blizzard, ice, periodic stops to unlog the brake callipers and correx mudguards of icebergery, slipperiness, crashed vans, snowed in lorries, comments of how brave I was by pedestrians, frozen beard and water bottles, and general all round jolly japery. I got to Battle at about 1445, thinking that I'm over halfway, I'm going to do this. 85km to go. 6hrs ish left. I was beginning to believe.
Quick phone call to the wife to tell her that I was still alive and onwards I pushed. Slight headwind, which was unbelievably cold. Something akin to The Day After Tomorrow.
Legs getting heavier and heavier, but I wouldn't cave. I'm the Beast from the South East, and a little weather wasn't going to ruin my perfect run of AWEs. 50AAA gloriousness awaited me upon arrival back at Selsdon.
Forest Row - bottle of Coke (red stuff naturally), a litre of Lucozade and a couple of fruit jellies. Onwards and for the umpteenth time quite literally upwards, out of Forest Row. The sun had now set, temperatures had plummeted and The Beast showed me what she really had. The climb out of Forest Row was brutal - stiff headwind, blasted by the heaviest downpour of snow I'd seen all day, settling on the floor in front of my eyes. I had no option - push on. Almost there. 12hrs in, just 30km to go. It got very slick, very quickly. I pushed on, averaging just 10km/h. It was in more than just the figurative sense, slipping away from me.
A toilet break at Lingfield at 1945ish. Train on the platform.
Unashamedly, I packed. less than 20km from the end. but only an hour and a bit to do it. I don't think I could have safely ridden that quickly last night.

Despite the brutal conditions, it was probably the nicest AWE I've (almost) done. At times there were some truly stunning views, and all in all, after a whole day is foolhardiness, I made the right choice in the end. It was treacherous last night, pitch black, and I honestly think I would have hurt myself.

And so 50AAA still awaits, but I'll be in a position to get them when I thaw out, as opposed to heal up.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: psyclist on 28 February, 2018, 11:02:47 am
Around the Weald Expedition - Polar Edition.

Chapeau for attempting that, and truly impressive that you so nearly completed it.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: telstarbox on 10 March, 2018, 08:12:07 pm
A DIY 200 from London to Kings Lynn. I wanted to see the Dunwich Dynamo route in daylight so mostly followed the DD from Leyton to Finchingfield before turning north to Haverhill then into the flat Fens (via Ely and Downham Market).

Apart from a depressing series of close passes around Epping it was a good day out and the rain stayed mercifully intermittent. The extended flat sections by the Great Ouse were more interesting than expected and I enjoyed the scenic villages heading north.

Feeling ready ish for my first 300 in a month's time now!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 11 March, 2018, 10:23:51 pm
I did my first 200 in 2 months today following an ankle ligament injury.

My route took me north from Edinburgh to Perth, it was mostly misty and with many flooded patches where i had to slow.  I breakfasted at Tesco Perth 66km and left there at 1100 so bang on 3 hrs. 

I then headed west via Crieff to Comrie into a very light headwind where the roads were drying and it was even getting a bit warmer.  In Comrie i stopped to remove my jacket for the steady climb over Langside to Braco. 

I decided to stop at the café in M&S Dunblane rather than going on to Corrieris in Causewayhead given the latter was more likely to be a mothers day choice.  It had cooled down a lot now so my jacket went back on. 

I had a free choice of route home and stayed north of the Forth the whole way through Clackmannan, Culross and Rosyth to retrace back over the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh where i finished just before 1800.

Im now confident enough to travel to the Yorkshire Gallop as planned, but not so sure about doing the double header with the rearranged Forth & Tay!

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bobby on 16 March, 2018, 10:39:23 pm
I have been really struggling this year (work, health, weather, mojo).  I’m signed up for the BOB in September so need to get cracking!

Therefore, today I was pleased enough to do 77k & get an Audax 50k diy by gps on the way :)

That’s my first audax of 2018, and the first new distance medals I can buy, and what I hope is a kick in the right direction.  Felt good to be out, even if “it’s only a 50”  :thumbsup:


https://www.strava.com/activities/1455589424 (https://www.strava.com/activities/1455589424)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 24 March, 2018, 09:14:23 pm
A local DIYxGPS 200 to keep my RRtY running ( the Forth and Tay cal event I had planned to use had first postponed, then cancelled due to Weather ).

Although the forecast said it was not going to be windy, I'd take exception to that.
My route had about 80k in a SW direction, from Fraserburgh to Rhynie, and I can say that it was a total grind.

I had a bugger of a ride from the Mechanicals PoV.

Lost over 3 hours to mechanicals. Involved 1.5 hours walk from Mossat to Alford due to earlier sliced tyre followed by multiple punctures. Attempted makeshift tyre boot using folded £10 note, but it didn't really work. The cut was too bad. Exhausted my supply of Puncture Fixings.  Cleats totally destroyed from the hike!  Changed wheel at Alford and completed the ride.

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2576414506

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 25 March, 2018, 11:49:10 am
I managed out and did a 300k using some of my favourite roads, from Edinburgh to Aberdeen via Dunblane and Comrie  :thumbsup:

Id toyed with a 1800 depart Friday but the road surfaces are not great for night riding just now, plus the forecast for yesterday was good and there was enough light for the vast majority to be completed in the daylight.

I left home just before 5am where it was hovering around 1 degree.  It started getting light immediately but it remained very cold but dry through Bo'ness to Stirling.  Id normally manage about 100km before stopping but I stopped for a coffee at McDonalds in Stirling.  I was warm soon enough climing over Langside to Comrie and I removed my jacket just after Crieff.  I stopped for an early lunch at the petrol station in Perth around 130km where I had a big feed.  It wasnt particularly warm but still sunny and dry.

I made good time after this and decided in Forfar to push on to Montrose for my next feed.  This was a bit of an error as I grovelled into Montrose having run out of puff about 10k earlier.  This was about 220km and I reckoned I could manage from here to the finish in Aberdeen without another big stop. 

I was on familiar roads from the many 200ks Ive ridden north to Stoney or Aberdeen and I was soon over the A90 heading towards Fettercairn which now seems to have its own peripherique to avoid the old arch in the town.  I was overtaken by an unfeasably fast youth on a mountain bike just before Auchenblae which made me feel very old and slow!

I decided not to stop in Stoney as I wanted to ride the only bit that was new to me in daylight.  The roadwords for the Aberdeen bypass meant I had to add in a twiddly bit out the Slug Road and over a climb that I believe is known as the Mowtie Beast to rejoin the road north to Deesside.  It wasnt that bad, but I did have to honk for the first time, which I try to avoid.

I stopped about 25km short of Aberdeen to pop my jacket back on and to have some of the sweets Id bought in Montrose.  I knew now it would be dark when I finished but also that the final 10km or so would have streetlights.  I descended carefully in the dark to Peterculter where I was afforded a close up view of the new Aberdeen bypass currently under construction.  My final climb was up Milltimber Brae to join the A93.  I still had to pay attention as the cycle lane has a lot of sunken drains to catch out the unwary.  I rolled into the Railway Station almost bang on 15 hours which gave me an hour or so before my train home.  Id taken a change of clothes so got into those and had a Kriek beer in Casc near the station.  I could have stayed longer.

Train journey was marred by the usual booze britain antics, travelling with a bike does seem to attract unwanted attention and i was glad Id taken a small lock with me so nobody could move it.  Scotrail apparently has a ban on alcohol after 2100 but I appeared to be the only one observing it.  The train quietened down by DUnfdee (all the numpties seemed to be heading to Stoney or Montrose after a day on the lash in Aberdeen).      It was a very short but chilly cycle home from South Gyle Station and I opened to door at bang on midnight.  A long but enjoyable and rewarding day.  Half my 2018 SR done!   8)


     
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: grapefruits on 28 March, 2018, 10:11:19 am
I'm trying to do my first RRtY this year, and I'm 4 months in. I really thought I'd got the worst months out of the way, but I have yet to complete my March ride having had the MoK 200 postponed until April. I have a 200 penciled in for Friday but the weather looks absolutely atrocious and having ridden 30 minutes to work in it earlier today I am not sure I can hack 9 hours of the same on Friday.

I am so close to throwing in the towel but this feels decidedly un-audax.

 :-\

(I know this doesn't really belong here, but oh well)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: rob on 01 April, 2018, 08:34:33 am
200k DIY yesterday.   Bromley-Ringmer-Rye-Hythe-Whitstable-Faversham and then the train home.

Managed to stay dry all day and the wind wasn’t very troublesome.   Quite a lot of climbing, though, so I can feel it today.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 01 April, 2018, 06:29:36 pm
Impromptu 200k DIY ride home from Edinburgh to Aberdeen today...

https://www.strava.com/activities/1483859010
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: andyoxon on 01 April, 2018, 07:28:30 pm
Impromptu 200k DIY ride home from Edinburgh to Aberdeen today...

https://www.strava.com/activities/1483859010

 Nice  :)  221km @ ~29km/h, in the cold, is good going!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 02 April, 2018, 09:11:17 am
I rode my standard winter 200 yesterday, from home in Edinburgh to Bridge of Allan, back home for lunch and then out to Gullane in East Lothian and back home.  Id toyed with a 400 starting 8am but it really was going to be too cold for me to contemplate a 400. 

I can normally knock off a 200 with a single stop but low temperatures make me stop more frequently and for longer so I stopped in McStirling at 65km and again at home around 125km.  Winds were light to start with but the flags at the caravan depot (40km then 80km) suggested it was against me both ways!  The sun had alos disappeared around 1000 and it didnt return.  The wind strengthened as I got closer to home and while I was riding into it I knew it would mean a tailwind for the last 40km or so.  Easter Sunday meant traffic was heavier than normal and the third world road surfaces in Edinburgh kept me on my toes.  I didnt see too many cyclists though I did encounter David Stark coming the other way near Bo'ness and a group carrrying large musical instruments on cargo bikes near Seton Sands. 

I had no zip in the legs from the off and it really was a slog, but I got back home in a tad over ten hours. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Paul H on 02 April, 2018, 11:47:45 am
More Fenland fun DIYing home from the Double Dutch, North into the wind as far as Wisbech with breakfast along the way at the legendary Green Welly.  Then West through Crowland and thankfully into some hills after crossing the A15.  I don't know how people deal with riding in the Fens, it makes a nice change but I wouldn't want all my rides to be like that, I saw very few cyclists out compared to how many I'd expect to see on a Sunday locally.  And it wasn't even that windy.  Got a bit confused when I crossed the A607 thinking it was the A606 and I was 15km further along...  I'd planned to stop at the A1 services at Colsterworth, but didn't like the look of the slip road so pressed on.  Stopped for a coffee and break at a lovely but almost empty country pub in Sproxton, I don't know how such places keep going.
All in all a pleasant ride, a bit damp at times and I got wet feet on a flooded road early on and they never fully dried.  A bit slower than I'd hoped and small beer to some, but this is the first time I've done back to back rides since an accident a year ago, so well pleased with that.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1484427369
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 April, 2018, 02:52:24 pm
The Malverns are the most beautiful hills in Britain. The sight of them from the east, rising green and purplish, ancient and lumpy from the surrounding flatlands, never fails to uplift the heart. So how come I've never ridden them? Maybe they've always seemed a bit too far or perhaps just too hilly. But yesterday was the day for a Cheeky Thursday 200 in glorious sunshine to the Magnificent Malverns.

Up through Hill and Berkeley to Gloucester, stopping off at Attwooll's in Whitminster for elevenses. A bit early really, but it's in a convenient place. Initially I ordered a toasted sandwich then decided it was just too hot (already!) for that, so changed it to a plain ordinary cheese and pickle sandwich, which was very good, followed by a slice of chocolate cake, which wasn't; dry, too sugary and not chocolatey. Made me feel a bit sick in fact.  :-\ On into Gloucester and out through Maisemore, past the beekeepers' and up the hill to get the first sight of the Malverns as well as an equally beautiful view of the Cotswolds to the other side.

Before long I had almost reached Upton, but instead of turning right on the main road and then crossing the Severn, I turned left on a tiny, somewhat gravelly lane, heading due west to the Hills. Gosh, they looked steep! Are those really houses on them? How do they not slide down the slopes? Past Malvern showground (nothing on, looks a bit like an army barracks) and into the town of Malvern Wells, where I stopped at the first shop I saw for more water (aaah! cold!) and an it's-all-fuel sandwich. Then up and up and out of town. It turns out as I'd half expected that the road over the Mendips to Colwall is not a demanding climb at all, just a steady gradient. Some of the streets in the town are far steeper and I suspect if I lived there I'd do a lot of pushing and also use a lot of brake blocks! Right at the top of the climb the road does a right-angle turn into a sort of short rocky gorge or cutting – I'm not sure whether it's natural or man-made – at the end of which is the most gorgeous view of Herefordshire and Wales. I stopped on an old (Victorian?) iron bench to admire the view, apply sun screen (too late; today my arms look like a particularly embarrassed lobster after a tomato fight) and think about staying there till it got dark. It was so hot I hardly had energy to roll down the other side!

But of course I did, rattling unnervingly all the way. Stopped at the bottom and found it was bottle cage bolts, the ones on the seat tube, which I don't use much. What makes these come loose? Being a well-prepared audaxer in the self-sufficient spirit (or maybe just by luck), I had the appropriate tool to do them up. Colwall, at the bottom of the hill, is notable for nothing at all except a skew bridge over the railway with traffic lights at each end. Luckily they understood that cyclists always deserve priority and gave me the green light. Then along tiny and steep lanes, one of which bore the name Cut Throat Lane – must be a story there – and into Ledbury, which I'd never been to before. It's a pretty market town with lots of non-chain shops. My eye was caught by a yellow-fronted ice cream parlour and the gooseberry sorbet I had must have been the world's most delicious ice cream. Loads of cyclists out here, maybe they were all on cheeky Thursday 200s?

More lanes followed, all new to me until Dymock and then I was getting back into familiar territory. Sure enough, here was Newent. Under the remains of the old railway bridge and it'll be straight on at the slightly staggered crossroads. No! The track is routing me off to the left, straight along the B4125! Well of course, it's the most direct way back to Highnam and Gloucester. A little bit busy at that time but correspondingly fast.

Through Gloucester, which was in linear car park mode, and out through Stonehouse. Tempted for a second by chips, but no. Frocester, Cam, join the A38, loads more cyclists again, mostly looking as if they were in training for a TT – though one chap looked quite mixed up, he had a Bambino aero helmet and a big, baggy fluoro jacket and was coasting along. Tempted again by the woodfired pizza place just before Berkeley, one day I really must try them. Temperature was dropping and I'd put my long-sleeved jersey on.

On the outskirts of Bristol, just before the ex-runway at Filton, there's a choice; over the flyover or use the lights? The flyover is quicker and more thrilling but takes that little bit more energy, which I wanted to save for Filton Hill. On this occasion the choice was made for me, as the flyover was closed off, as was all the road from it to the bottom of Filton Hill. I was able to get through by riding along the pavement (there were no pedestrians around) then had the whole Hill to myself! And so home.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 22 April, 2018, 06:21:00 pm
Not quite today - like cudzoziemiec I took the opportunity of the good weather on Thursday.  Number 5 of (touch wood) 12 in my first Rrty attempt.  My usual DIY route in South Durham and North Yorkshire, early start to avoid traffic on the main road down to Northallerton then to Topcilffe.  And minor roads for the rest of the day.  For the first time this year, warm weather meant that I could rely on waterbottles and didn't need to carry a flask for a hot drink.  Although a water top up was need part way through, I went through a lot of fluids.

Instead of a pub breakfast to warm up at the half way point, I carried my own food so was able to minimise non-cycling time.  The heat was a bit of a novelty, it seems like a long time since I was cycling in shorts and short sleeve top - and still felt hot.  Forgot about sunscreen on the back  of my hands, so another cyclist with a strange tan on my hands / wrists matching the gap in my cycling gloves.

It was a good day out, and a relatively good time for me with only one small deviation from the route. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 22 April, 2018, 06:36:30 pm
Id entered the Yorkshire Gallop and had booked travel / accommodation in advance.  However a combination of (a) good weather and (b) the prospect of no cycling in the subsequent 3 weekends made me believe a DIY 400 was better than ECEing the YG into a 400.

I sent my final work email at 1659 and was under way shortly after on Friday. 

My route was from Darlington south to Ripon York Airmyn to Kirton, and a simple retrace.   

The busy traffic on the A167 and from Northallerton to Leeming Bar was soon forgotten over a lovely fish and chips dinner in Ripon before a pleasant evening pootle down towards York via the old Aldwark Bridge.  I stopped to put lights on just before joining the A19 and carried on through York for a stop at Airmyn (150km) where it had got distinctly cooler with little mist pockets that were even colder.  I carried through Scunthorpe towards the furthest point south (Kirton in Lindsay) where I reached the 200km point in just over 10 hours.

I headed back north which was a morale booster in itself (see Tom Deakins PBP 2007 at Brest) and I knew I only had another hour of riding in the dark back to Scunthorpe, as Id promied myself Id stay there til 0500 and daylight.  Thankfully the Saturday night revellers had long dispersed when i reached McDs in Scunny, though the place was clearly in need of a tidy up.  I locked my bike and had 40 winks after a coffee. 

Under way again and daylight resulted in more traffic so I elected to head north via Crowle and Goole to pick up the my route again.  Id aimed to reach York and 300km by 0900 but a few roadside stops (just to relieve the monotony) made me slip behind that plan.  On the way north just before Swinefleet I was treated to the sight of a deer running through the field on my right keeping pace with me then advancing in front.  As it crossed in front of me it slid the full width of the smooth dewy tarmac before regaining its composure and speeding off in the field to my left. 

I limped into York (300km) and stopped at the first petrol station I could find, a strange place with daleks and other  odd gimmicky stuff.  I got lost a bit getting out of York (again) and chose to get off the A19 by going through Overton.  York is one of those places where I dont find the driving merely bad, I find it actively anti cyclist (even the bus drivers - which most certainly isnt the case in Edinburgh)

I stopped briefly in Ripon before ploughing on though by this stage it had become a slog.  I stopped off near Wath to enjoys some fig rolls and tangfastics on a roadside bench. 

Given the busy traffic on the way south (and the fact that I had about 6 hrs to do 35km) I decided to make my route up north after Leeming.  I zig zagged my way north and east on the lanes around Pepper Arden.  I rolled back into Darlington around 1430 so lots of time in hand. 

Just a 600 (or longer) for a 14th consecutive SR.   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 22 April, 2018, 08:20:29 pm
A 200km DIY by GPS in the Northron Wastes, first long ride since September. A bit ruddy well-ventilated. Nice tailie up to the Broch then the wind was mostly a bit of a bastard for the rest of the day. Started off misty then had some periods of sunshine and clouds. Two punctures and a tyre boot fitted to cover the hole which caused the second. More time was wasted looking for my 'pooter which fell off its mount after the second puncture. Not much in the way of wildlife: a buzzard, a brown hare and some deer pronging across a field.

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/22364056.png?secret_hash=1fd611d73e28005c59fc958b933628ccab8d5fd5) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/22364056)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 May, 2018, 02:45:05 pm
What better way to celebrate Labour Day* yesterday than by working hard on a midweek slacker's** audax? It's a vital mainstay of the economy by smoothing out workload and income for cafes and it's also a self-indulgent privilege available to the industriously self-employed. Or you can pull a sickie! So off to Burford via Malmesbury and Faringdon, back through Cerney Wick, a route I've done a couple of times before in late-summer sunshine and all-day snow, but this time I was on a different bike just because it was time for that to earn some audax points (and points make... no they don't, Brucey!). The Sequoia is perhaps not the most obvious audax bike, being a little on the heavy side and having humoungous tyres (700x42) but it worked very well. The big tyres not only soak up broken surfaces but roll well; better than I'd have thought, in fact.

Had a fun moment in Malmesbury on the way out. There was a Motorist Stand Off directly in front of me; road too narrow to pass and neither would back down. I've no idea who was "right" or "wrong" and I wasn't waiting around to see the outcome (it wouldn't be like the movies anyway), there was a bike-sized gap between them so through I went. One of them had overtaken me just a few seconds before but I never saw either of them again. (I went through again on the way home and didn't notice any blood on the ground, or spilt engine oil.  ;)) Stopped for an early lunch in Highworth, "the Gateway to the Cotswolds" (it never strikes me as being a typically Cotswold place) and was delighted to see bubble and squeak on the menu. When did you last have bubble and squeak? For me it was probably when I was about 12, but it seemed highly audax-appropriate. When it came it was the ponciest food I've ever seen! Two perfect little squares topped with a poached egg. Well, it was tasty and I suppose it was quite cheap too, so no complaining. And the service was quick!

My favourite part of this ride comes after Highworth. There are lovely ups and downs to Coleshill and Faringdon then a flat section with interesting houses and bridges and stuff from there to Burford. One of these days I must do it without time limits (or get faster... ) so I can stop at all these places. Burford itself I find both very attractive and rather cloying. It's a bit too much of a honeypot I suppose, but there is a decent cafe there, whose wifi I can somehow never get to work. Huge and delicious scones though with oodles of real creamy cream.

Later it started raining and I was glad I hadn't put shorts on, and after that it got rather windy, from the south – or sometimes the west, depending which way I was heading! And then I decided to stop for chips in Malmesbury – rarely eat chips while riding, but they work ok – and then the wind slackened and then I was home.

*Cyclists of the world unite! You have nothing to lose but your... oh, you want to keep those...
**Riding midweek you see a surprising number of people who are clearly out doing something similar. Not necessarily an audax but clearly out for a ride during the working day and not just riding somewhere on a task or on tour. While a few of them are clearly of an age to be retired the majority are definitely not. Shouldn't they be at work? No? I didn't think so either.  ;)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Jamesha on 06 May, 2018, 11:01:00 pm
Rode Stephen Poulton's Gloucestershire and Worcestershire 200 permanent today.

. 7th leg of my Randonnée-Round-the-Year attempt – no calendar events near me this month.

Was quite interesting – got overtaken by a genuine race peloton – they were really moving! – overtook a traction engine, saw a steam engine. Hillier than I thought it would be - 1800 metres according to my Garmin. Only one evil hill out of Nailsworth but little ups and downs add up I guess.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 07 May, 2018, 08:35:24 pm
Attempted a DIY 300 yesterday. I was testing a new route I'd devised, but more importantly than that, it was meant to be a kind of warm-up for the WH1K at the end of this month, carrying all the kit I intend to carry on that ride.

Plan was to be on the road by 3am, in order to get the bulk of the distance out of the way before it got too hot, and before the roads got too clogged up with bank holiday traffic. Didn't quite go to plan, but I was out of the house and on the bike by around 4.40am. Heading west towards Faversham through the mist-shrouded Seasalter marshes, I was feeling good and looking forward to a nice day on the bike.

The good feeling continued as I climbed over the downs and descended towards Lenham, then on through Yalding and across the flatlands to Paddock Wood. Stopped at Tonbridge for a breakfast at McD's, which had just opened. By the time I got going again, the sun was on its way up and I enjoyed the ride along the rolling country road through Penshurst to Lingfield, where I stopped at the Co-Op to replenish my bidons and get some sweets.

Unfortunately, due to setting off later than intended, the next section down through Turners Hill and Haywards Heath was busier with traffic. Ditchling village was gridlocked but I managed to squeeze through by hopping onto the pavement. Please don't hate me.

Ground my way up the Beacon at barely walking pace, but managed to get all the way up without stopping or suffering a stroke. It was starting to get Really Bloody Hot by this time. Didn't stop at the top but pressed onwards into Brighton, which was a seething mass of traffic, including assorted vintage trucks and steam engines on their way down to the pier for some kind of gathering. Stopped for an ice cream at the pier but didn't want to linger, even though I was in need of food, so carried on with the intention of stopping for lunch when I found somewhere more pleasant. Luckily, didn't have to wait long - came across a nice looking café in Roedean, overlooking the sea, where I had a fish finger sandwich, a cup of tea and a can of fizzy pop.

The next leg was along the A259 all the way to Eastbourne. It was horrible. Traffic was heavy, with several bottlenecks - mainly at Cuckmere, where there was a long queue of people wanting to turn off into the country park thing, whatever it is, and no way for other traffic to get past. On top of that, there was a bastard headwind, which made the undulating road seriously heavy going. And the road is quite narrow in places, so I had to endure lots of close passes from impatient motorists who just had to get past regardless of whether there was room to do so safely (especially on the climb just after Cuckmere, where the road is narrow and steep). It's a good few years since I last rode along this stretch and it wasn't as busy then. Maybe it will be better at a different time of day and not on a sunny bank holiday weekend, but I may need to look at revising the route.

After Eastbourne, it was onto another flat section along the coast through Pevensey to Bexhill - progress was quicker, in spite of the persistent headwind.

Stopped for a rest at Bexhill and decided it was probably time to call it a day. I'm confident I could have completed the distance - that last stretch was the worst of the ride over, with some much nicer bits to follow. However, I needed to be home at a reasonable time and that was unlikely to happen if I carried on. So I rode on as far as Hastings where I got the train home, having racked up a bit over 200km - still a decent ride on a day that was far too hot for such exertions.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: andyoxon on 20 May, 2018, 01:06:51 pm
DIYxGPS 200km yesterday.  Route was basically Abingdon, Wheatley, Stratton Audley, North Aston, Chippy, Burford, Lechlade & back.  The only real A-road bit was the A415 heading east, and at 7am it was very quiet.  Almost a perfect day, not too hot in the sun, not much wind, but enough breeze.  Stopped for a coffee at the Yurt cafe in North Aston (Garden centre), then on to CN to the Old mill cafe.  I had a superb Moussaka, but unfortunately it was totally the wrong choice for me on a 200km.  Almost deserted roads through the cotswolds at lunchtime (due an event at Windsor castle), but I started feeling more and more uncomfortable.  The Moussaka just sat in my stomach, and the warm water in my bottles, didn't seem to improve matters.  In Lechlade I craved something cold and sweet, so bought a coke - which I don't normally do, but it felt good.  Had to stop more and more frequently, the moussaka hadn't digested.  I limped home, feeling pretty horrible, and didn't eat anything until about 10pm. Live and learn.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/909/42229103631_a39caf202e_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27kDcgD)IMG_20180519_065417106 (https://flic.kr/p/27kDcgD) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/903/28356002558_16f723a7b4_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KcHVDQ)IMG_20180519_100224080 (https://flic.kr/p/KcHVDQ) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

Nicolson's Cafe, North Aston

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/951/42229162061_842cf0214c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27kDuD4)IMG_20180519_103751831 (https://flic.kr/p/27kDuD4) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

Looking back to the under-Wychwoods.

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/974/27358096077_a00f66b3bd_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/HFxoPF)IMG_20180519_133755182 (https://flic.kr/p/HFxoPF) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

Buttercups near Lechlade

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/974/28356090738_955888eeaf_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KcJnSb)IMG_20180519_152141453_stitch (https://flic.kr/p/KcJnSb) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr

Tadpole bridge over the Thames

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/906/41507452464_553a41707c_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26eSxw9)IMG_20180519_165849525_stitch (https://flic.kr/p/26eSxw9) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25983110@N05/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Charlie Polecat on 21 May, 2018, 05:20:35 pm
Lovely scenery, thank you for that.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Charlie Polecat on 21 May, 2018, 05:24:55 pm
Quote
still a decent ride on a day that was far too hot for such exertions.

When you say 'hot' what temperature would that be?

Over here I am attempting to avoid the worst of the day's temperatures - which now is around 95 degrees - by riding partly at night starting at around 2 in the afternoon and riding a 200K until just before midnight. Fortunately, we don't have the kind of traffic you mention so it's just the temperature that is wilting.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 27 May, 2018, 09:00:14 pm
Quote from: Mrs Pingu
Up with the larks for a sneaky DIY 200. Chilly start, Pingu had to use his "spare jersey" <insert Audax Ecosse joke here>. Startled a couple of deer by the Tin Coo. Stopped at Ballater for 2nd breakfast. Saw some bullfinches & a couple of wooderypeckeries. Tons of cyclists coming the other way from Braemar on some sort of event (The 3 pistes cyclosportive, apptly). Back to Ballater for lunch, where it was scorchio. Headwind all the way home (yay, my favourite). Recovery drink is the most delicious Belle Fleur by De Dochter Van De Korenaar.

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/23615367.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/23615367)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1749/28517933928_4581f788df_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ks2Sd1)
IMG_0802_01 (https://flic.kr/p/Ks2Sd1) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 28 May, 2018, 08:14:29 am
Andyoxon, looks wornderful!!

Please share the route...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 28 May, 2018, 11:58:53 am
I rode 'The Struggle Dales' sportive yesterday and extended it (back to the train station in Leeds) to bag a 200, subject to validation of course! This was my first Sportive and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the good atmosphere, having read and heard lots about how they can be unpleasant and attended by sketchy riders. Okay, at £40 it wasn't cheap but they did chuck plenty of free stuff at you at the very well organised feed stations and the route was well signed and marshalled. Would I choose it over Audax? Nah, I much prefer the more relaxed feel and sense of self reliance, but I'd happily ride more Sportives if they come up at the right time and place.
The ride was utterly brutal, with climbs of Bedlam, Hartwith Bank, Greenhow Hill, Malham Cove, Park Rash, Trapping Hill and Two Stoops. My climb figure for the day was just shy of 12000 feet and the heat and strong winds ensured that it really lived up to its name. When I got to the finish, I had to shoulder my rucksack and had two hours for the 18 miles to catch my train in Leeds. I was so wrecked I wondered if I'd make it, but I did, with 30 mins in hand. Unfortunately, my train was terminated in Birmingham after the crazy weather and I had little choice but to get a hotel and make my way home this morning. Ah well, Cross Country Trains are picking up the tab and the burger I got on room service went down a treat!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 28 May, 2018, 12:12:22 pm
I rode 'The Struggle Dales' sportive yesterday and extended it (back to the train station in Leeds) to bag a 200, subject to validation of course! This was my first Sportive and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the good atmosphere, having read and heard lots about how they can be unpleasant and attended by sketchy riders.

I did lots of sportives... the Fred Whitton Challenge stands out for the great route and atmosphere... locals with cowbells up Hardknott pass etc... I'd do it again, but it's a very expensive weekend... hotels in the lakes are pricey, also, I can't go to the Lakes without taking the wife, which means a much more expensive hotel and doubling the cost of everything else...  ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 28 May, 2018, 08:43:57 pm
Meridian hills for me today. Beautiful ride, but so hard. Harder than any 300 I have done.physicallt tougher than any 400 as well but not riding sleep deprived made up for it.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: halhorner on 29 May, 2018, 06:04:26 pm
I did John Hamilton's 'Snowdon, Lleyn & Lakes' yesterday.

Had a fantastic day's cycling in glorious late May sunshine. The route is an absolute cracker, highly recommended. It goes from Bala, through the Arenigs and across the Ffestiniog valley then round the Lleyn peninsula, back into the mountains via the Nantlle and Gywant valleys and back to Bala via Betws y Coed with a bit of a sting in the tail with a final drag over the Denbigh Moors. Crams many varied landscapes into 200km: from mountain to moorland to coastline to wildflower hedged pastoral lanes...made it feel like a real tour. Plenty of climbing but only a couple of really steep bits, and some fantastic descents. What was also noticeable after a winter of cycling on the bombed out lanes of southern England was the quality of the road surfaces - really nice all the way round.

I stayed at Plas Coch on Sunday night, rough and ready but cheap accommodation and friendly/helpful staff.

Second breakfast at Eric Jones cafe under Tremadoc rocks (an old favourite from my climbing days), crab sandwiches for lunch at Y Gegin in Aberdaron and a custard slice for tea from the (excellent) bakery in the Spar shop at Betws.

Thanks John, must try one of your Calendar events one day!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 31 May, 2018, 11:03:15 am
Slight belated post but been a tad busy...

Set off last Friday 20-00 to do a DIY600 and broke a  spoke about 40km in.  Detour to Larbert for train home to Edinburgh but train was cancelled so i rode with comedy front wheel the 4 miles to Falkirk and the last train home on the Glasgow line. 

Duly irritated I replaced the wheel, notified the DIY organiser of my DNF and set off at 0500 to catch the train to Stonehaven (the original furthest point of my intended 600) where i rode home as I wanted to scope out some ideas for a possible calendar 600 next year.  Weird weather - hot sun & cold wind.  Not firing on all cylinders but got home in just over 10 hrs.   Free choice of route after Perth so I took the very lumpy Wicks O baiglie road (which explains the 10 hrs + bit). 

Watched football saturday night and did some admin for the West Highlands on Sunday whilst shivering in the haar. 

Scunnered by the cold misty weather in Edinburgh I got up with the lark on Monday and got the train to Dunblanne and had a cracking day out, a 200km DIY up to Meigle and back.  It was lovely, hot and sunny and using quiet roads (main roads were busy as it wasnt a bank holiday in Scotland even though I was off).  Best day out since I rode to Rannoch Station 5 years ago.   

     
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: deejay on 03 June, 2018, 09:21:34 am
I was out doing a DIY200 yesterday. On the run in the Red Lodge near Newmarket when I met two other riders. One was wearing a Audax Ireland gilet. We had a brief  conversation and it turned out that the audax rider was on a DIY250 starting at Peterborough and had just met the other rider. I assumed everyone would be heading for the famous cafe but in the end I was the only one that stopped. I am just wondering if it was anyone from hear. I hope the day went well for you.

JT
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 07 June, 2018, 09:28:00 am
A DIY by GPS:

Mrs P's first 300 (subject to validation)  8) She doesn't mention the steep cobbly climb up Bosberg - must've erased that one from her mind :)

I nearly filled up the AUK DIY by GPS entry form with controls for this one!

Quote from: Mrs Pingu
So, The Audacious Maattentart Heist: 0450 start wearing all the clothes. Saw lots of kitties on the canal path doing a spot of early morning hunting, as well as a giant metallic bat. 2nd brekky in Deinze was Maattentart from a van at the market. Then off up through the Flemish Ardennes for Dan 's fix of hills and the weather warmed up and we had wall to wall sunshine. Turned north in a bit of a head wind back on to the flat. Antwerp full of crap expensive shops. Down through the Sint Anna tunnel under the Scheldt which was very chilly after the 30ish °C on the surface. A flat bit next to the motorway which ate up the kms a bit with the wind behind us, before we got to the Dutch coast and quite a lot of interminably dull route behind the Zeedijk into a head or a cross wind. At this point the 3 litres of water consumed started to turn into a yen for a big sachet of salt and a can of fizzy pop. Some kilometers later we found a friteur and much rejoicing was done. After that more trundling along the usually heaving route past Cadzand and Knokke Heist which was happily dead at that time of night. Nice sunset and then finally we turned away from the coast on the last stretch into Bruges. Also seen: storks, several hunting kestrels, various dogs, cats sheep all flaked out in the sun, some hares and a dead cow in a farmyard.

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/24006042.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/24006042)

That tunnel:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1747/42627805661_180e1e81cd_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27WSDuz)
IMG_0983_01 (https://flic.kr/p/27WSDuz) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bhoot on 13 June, 2018, 11:14:47 pm
Five islands, four causeways, no ferries, and quite a few birds*
On holiday in the Outer Hebrides we checked out the possibility of a 200km DIY and found out that it was possible to cycle that far without taking any ferries or falling into the sea. We started at Berneray ferry terminal, headed over the first causeway of the day and then south west to Balranald (corncrakes, redshanks, oystercatchers) and then south over the next three causeways to the Hebridean Jewellery coffee shop at the north end of South Uist for bacon rolls. Suitably refreshed, south again (curlews and short eared owl) to the Kilbride campsite cafe at the south end of the island, with a great view across to Barra - for the previous two weeks this would have been of white sand and sparkling turquoise water but the weather had broken and it was a bit grey all day. Turnaround point, so back now into the wind and we realised why the northbound touring cyclists we had met earlier were looking slightly grim! Next stop via one causeway was Benbecula (shelduck and chicks) for a control at McLennans supermarket where we sat outside on compost bags (much more comfortable than petrol station charcoal) and ate typical audax fare of yoghurt and rock buns and drank chocolate milk. Back across two more causeways (with the small island of Grimsay between them) to North Uist and the Lochmaddy ATM (a rare facility around here) to control. The final leg (more oystercatchers, swans, redshanks, a raven, maybe an eagle) across the last causeway of the day back to Berneray, fortunately arriving before the last ferry of the day from Harris disgorged its vehicles onto the singletrack road.
* We could in fact have bagged one more island and causeway by going to Eriskay but we didn't actually need to for 200km
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jayteezim on 14 June, 2018, 04:08:44 pm
I was out doing a DIY200 yesterday. On the run in the Red Lodge near Newmarket when I met two other riders. One was wearing a Audax Ireland gilet. We had a brief  conversation and it turned out that the audax rider was on a DIY250 starting at Peterborough and had just met the other rider. I assumed everyone would be heading for the famous cafe but in the end I was the only one that stopped. I am just wondering if it was anyone from hear. I hope the day went well for you.

JT

Yes that was me. Nice bumping onto you. I was doing a route check for the south part of the Yorkshire via Essex(The Flatlands Reversed), http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-382/ and it controls at the NISA store centre in Red Lodge and not at the cafe. Was not trying to avoid you ;D. Always good to see others enjoying the weather and riding their bike.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 16 June, 2018, 08:29:57 pm
great one way 200 Edinburgh - Stonehaven after last weeks Southern Upland 400km.

I booked the 1510 train home so left at 0500 which also helped me keep ahead of the rain.,,...for a while. 

Lovely sunrise behind the Forth Road Bridge (see @graeme_wyllie on twitter) and mostly favourable SE winds. 

Heavy rain by Forfar 120km and steady thereafter.   

My body is back getting used to a single stop on a 200 so i was just over 9 hrs and had about 45 mins to spare after getting changed.

A couple of pints in the Station Hotel while watching the football and a wee snooze on the train home.  Fab day despite rain

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/24387738 (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/24387738)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 16 June, 2018, 08:55:45 pm
Nice one, YleeG.
Shame you won't be at Fordoun tomorrow. I'm currently trying to moderate my wine consumption this evening, which is a bit of a nuisance!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 16 June, 2018, 09:29:51 pm
Nice one, YleeG.
Shame you won't be at Fordoun tomorrow. I'm currently trying to moderate my wine consumption this evening, which is a bit of a nuisance!
aye, I was given my orders to keep tomorrow free for Fathers Day.  Good luck!  I really must get out on the TT bike and get some practicce
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 18 June, 2018, 07:52:10 am
I churned out the Dark and White Peak 200KM Perm on Saturday. Easily my hardest 200KM ride to date with 4000m of ascent recorded and a persistent strong headwind for every Southbound mile. Spectacular scenery though. A highly recommended ride!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 19 June, 2018, 12:03:33 am
Not the Lanchester 400 at the weekend:

https://wordpress.com/post/audaxdarleaux.wordpress.com/456
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: deejay on 21 June, 2018, 12:28:08 pm
Always good to see others enjoying the weather and riding their bike.

Yep, it was a good day in the end if a little wet at the start for me. It threatened to thunder near the finish as I rolled back through Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket but nothing came of it.
 :thumbsup:

JT
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 22 June, 2018, 01:25:25 pm
Seven of best (or worst) climbs in the Cotswolds... hopefully 2 AAA points when validated

https://www.strava.com/activities/1654567082
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 June, 2018, 05:59:36 pm
200 yesterday in a last-ditch attempt to keep my RRTY going. Up the A38 to Gloucester for elevenses (more like tenses, but any time is good) then out over Alney Island and up to Ledbury, where I spent far too much time eating ice cream and generally looking around. There's a lot to look at in a small town, I must go back on another occasion without time pressure. On further north, continuing into a headwind, to the turning point at Bromyard. From Ledbury to Bromyard is really not very far but the heat and the headwind where draining me (nothing to do with being unfit, oh no) so I found a cosy little cafe where I had a cup of tea and a cheese and onion toastie. Bromyard is in a valley, which I hadn't taken any notice of when planning. I did on the way out. Fortunately the road out actually seemed a shallower gradient than the one in. I also hadn't paid much attention to riding along the A465 for several miles. You can't always tell with A roads unless you know them; some are horrible, some lovely. Even primary status isn't an infallible guide. Fortunately the A465 had not much traffic but gave me the benefit of a smooth surface, easy gradients and no give ways.

I crossed the Wye at Holme Lacy and the steep stuff started. Again, maps and signs aren't everything. The first hill the OS consider worthy of a chevron left me unimpressed while others with no chevrons were far more taxing. The descent into Hoarwithy manages to combine a chevron, meaning at least 14%, with a road sign indicating 10%. In this case, I reckon it's at least 14%. It's also quite potholed, so I rushed down in a clanging of luggage, bottles and Garmin! By now it was really hot – the computer on my bike indicated 33 degrees! – so I did something quite unusual for me, stopped at a rural pub (it wasn't in a village, just at a crossroads) and drank some orange juice and lemonade, which I found really refreshing. (But why does it cost more than beer?)

The hottest was yet to come though. The road out of Monmouth to Trellech starts with a long climb. It's never steep but it never stops and the road is quite exposed. It felt like five miles though looking at the map I think it's only about two. I went right down the cassette, kept my cadence steady and was glad to reach the top. So was my average speed, which increased noticeably as I freewheeled at 50-odd km/h towards Chepstow; I'd been bumping against the time limit before. Chepstow, of course, is virtually a suburb of Bristol (or vice versa?) so from there it's just a question of following my nose. Home, and there were peaches!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 08 July, 2018, 10:59:32 am
Today's ride turned out to be an exercise in poor nutrition and hydration (because I forgot my wallet). Conclusion: either don't forget your wallet or carry enough food and water to get you round sans dosh. I do these things so you don't have to  ::-)

Anyway, a lovely day to be out on the bike. Had a puncture at @ 20k in - boo and indeed literally hiss >:-( . Bastard headwind from Dufftown got bastardier as the afternoon wore on. Not much wildlife spotted - some buzzards, an oystercatcher chick and a smelly dead deer.

Met that Feanor on the Col de Chapel of Garioch  :)

Superior arrivée on this event  :)

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/25211702.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/25211702)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 08 July, 2018, 03:17:58 pm
The Wee McTaggart and I tandemed round the Horses for Courses 200 perm yesterday, along with megajoules expenditure and HK on solos. Not too much in the way of hills but quite a bit of fluid consumed. It turned out that Snetterton Circuit wouldn't let us into the cafe without each of us purchasing a £16 ticket to watch the racing, despite advice to the contrary. A food stop a little further along the route seemed like a better use of our readies.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 July, 2018, 11:29:42 am
Yes. And it's only 11 o'clock! Oh, but it was yesterday I went out. So 24 hours ago IanN and I were somewhere between Tetbury and Melksham on a 200km route of his devising, which I christened the Veloviewer Special – he gave it another name – thanks to the various dead-ends and "straight-on dog legs" he incorporated into it for the sake of upping his Veloviewer score! (see thread elsewhere). Perhaps a route with dead-ends sounds odd, frustrating even, but in fact they were bucolic gems in a scenic route, leading us down tiny lanes you would otherwise ignore. The route was out of Bristol up through Wickwar to Tetbury, this section incorporating a 1 in 4(!), Minety, turning south and skirting Chippenham down to Westbury, where the White Horse followed us, then up to Freshford before heading in to Bath along the canal (gravel, drunks, travellers, holidaymakers, dogs and an electric fat bike) and cruising home on the cycle path. Ian was suffering in the heat and ran out of water, even I drank two bottles, which is unusual for me (in addition to copious amounts of tea – and thumbs up to the Folly Row cafe in Kington St Michael, which grasped without being prompted the dimensions of an audaxer's thirst for tea!).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 23 July, 2018, 09:20:40 am
Given that 6 weekends in a row (starting next weekend) feture no cycling for me, I bit the bullet and did aDIY600.  I wasn't feeling great at the end of the Hereward the Wake 300 last weekend so set off with some trepidation. 

Although my heart wasnt entirely in it in the days beforehand (a surefire DNF indicator I find) I decided to catch the train to Darlington and head south to Goole to link up with the Flatlands course, turning north shortly after Sleaford.  Id booked the Premier inn in canwick which was at the 360km mark for wash n sleeps.  The idea was for a gentlemans 600 in nice weather few hills and a proper sleep Saturday night. 

I set off at 0600 Saturday and stopped at Leeming for breakfast around 40km and made steady progress through Ripon to York.  After Boroughbridge I went via Aldborough (much nicer and flatter than yon lumpy busy B road) and used the bike path into York to avoid the A19 - very nice. 

A big early M&S Food lunch in York and then southwards to Goole (150km) and Gainsborough to Lincoln (220km) where I had  a huge plate of fish and chips on Burton Rd, checked in to my hotel and dumped a few bits and bobs.  A quick turnaround means that no thoughts of staying put were entertained and I was back out.  The B1188 after Canwick was too busy for my liking so I zigged zagged south knowing that all I had to do was to go through my controls at Sleaford then Threekingham by any route (the benefits of a GPS advisory route).  I even found a ford in those lanes - perhaps the last running water in the UK??   I turned north expecting a headwind but it wasn't too bad, I think the wind had dropped at almost exactly the same time.  It was dark when I reached the ford for the 2nd time and a back wheel slide woke me up a bit!!

I reached Canwick (360km) just before midnight, so I was "up" on my target of 20kph overall.  No dramas about taking my bike in the room either which was great.  Phone on charge, job done....zzzz.....press "reset".

However, 240km is a tad longer that Id want on Day 2 so after a wash and a snooze I was away super early at 0430.  I shunned the "booze Britain" McDonalds in favour of the petrol station on the northern outskirts.  Guy in front of me was buying two bottles of wine...at 5am...."just the strongest you've got love...".  I forgot that its possible to buy alcohol at any time of the day in Eng ger land (verboten 2200 - 1000 in Scotland, and not that long ago really that it was banned entirely on a Sunday.)

I wasn't hungry but knew I needed something so fuelled up on milkshakes and frappe.  Large latte and a whole packet of Jaffa cakes in Gainsborough hit the spot and allowed me to keep a pleasingly steady pace to Glews in Goole where I was properly hungry and got the arm and leg warmers off and sun cream on.  At this point I realised my arms were a bit red from the day before which had been mostly overcast!

Nice section north through Howden and Bubwith towards York, though the traffic on the run in to York was annoying.  York is up there with Perth imho for out and out bad driving - my theory is that the driving is worst in medium sized places that aren't close to the largest urban areas.  Folk get used to driving fast and in/around York I find it noticeably anti cyclist - a few close passes had me tetchy.

Anyhow, lunch and ice creams at M&S in York marked the 500km point which was something of a morale booster, and I retraced on the cycle path which was a lovely antidote to the busy run in from the south. Ripon was quite busy, something was taking place at the racecourse and I was glad to be on my way north through Wath to join the road beside the A1M.  This had been very quiet on the way south but was very busy when I joined it though it got quieter after Leeming. 

I had the radio on via my earpiece and listening to the golf helped the kms count down.  At Catterick I knew I was on familiar roads from the Yorkshire Gallop and despite there being a few lumps and bumps it was such a lovely day and I had loads of time in hand so I sunned myself on a grassy bank somewhere near Scorton and reminded myself how well I was doing. 

I really slowed up in the final 20km and the hill up over the railway at Croft on Tees was like the Alpe but I rolled into Darlo around 1745 so just under 36 hrs.  My train back to Edinburgh was after 2100 so I had a wash and a snooze before having a couple of pre train pints in the Quakerhouse.  It appears to be the only decent pub in Darlington which has the added benefit of a courtyard so I can keep an eye on my bike. The guy running the place recognised me from last time, I think I might be classed  "regular" now.  A guy was just finishing his live set indoors, which initially I thought was a mercy but he was actually quite good and I chastised myself for wishing him not to be there when I arrived! 

This was about as straightforward as a 600 is going to get, with molly coddling at 360km and good weather (though it was a tad hot on Sunday if Im being churlish!).  Glad its done.  left foot was a bit numb after 300km, and my hands ache a bit.  Legs are a bit of a mess, not sure if that's insect bites or sweat rash.  However on the inside they feel good enough this morning that Ive got my kit for my regular Monday spin class after work.   Got cramp in the pub so I had a tonic water chaser and salted peanuts with my ahem 2nd pint. 

So, subject to validation, that's my 14th consecutive SR.  One more maybe.....one more eh?                     

     
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 03 August, 2018, 09:37:10 pm
A 400km DIY by GPS consisting of two loops from FurryBootToon.

The first Deeside loop started at 6am. There was a niggly headwind as far as Kirriemuir and then a warm wind assisted ride back home. Lots of sunshine. A couple of cyclists near Braemar waved vigorously and shouted something that sounded like "Sunday!"  ???

After tea was taken Mrs P gently encouraged me on the night time northern loop. It started raining at about half past eight and didn't stop until after midnight. At least it wasn't cold. Turning back was seriously considered, but I never got round to it. I nearly got taken out by a wowbadger on a descent towards Fyvie.

That's the UR done (subject to validation, of course).

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/26240536.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/26240536)



Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 August, 2018, 04:00:03 pm
I rode half a 600 on Saturday. So that's a 300? No! That's not the way audax arithmetic works! My friend Ian (occasionally posting here as IanN) was determined to be certified as a super random nutter. To this end he needed to ride a 600, which is about double anything he's ridden in previous years, so a big step up. He set out on Friday morning and had a pleasant ride to Salisbury then out to Basingstoke, where the attraction is that you can ride on a gravel path across a golf course. Whether this path passes between bunker and green or between 18th and 19th holes I neglected to ask. Cycling, it was fashionable to claim a few years ago, is the new golf, so logically golf must be the old cycling. Ian would be the last person to deny his retro streak, so would he come back converted to putting and chipping, hang up his wheels and ditch the lycra in favour of loud checks? No, he wouldn't. Shimano no longer make golf equipment and he's about to jump for Campagnolo. Instead, he came back with a justified grumble about a lime green Aston Martin.

But that was Friday. On Saturday, having looped home for a shower and at least 45 minutes sleep, he met me at the Banana Bridge (yes, this is a thing) and we looped off for his second loop, my first. He'd actually done 360km on Friday so Saturday was to be only 240km – hence not a 300. We set off in a generally southward direction and immediately outside Long Ashton (twinned with Las Vegas in the audax-verse) saw a man who appeared to hand-scything a field of wheat. Must be for artisanal hand-crafted single-harvester bread, we decided, and this became a theme of the day; the single-bush coffee, single-tree cider (yes, we rode through the Thatcher's orchard in Somerset), and so on, reaching its apogee in the artisanal hand-crafted single-hen scotch egg – which happened to be part of Ian's lunch!

What about all the exciting things before lunch? There was the Flax Bourton Greenway, which is lovely but far too short, and the Somerset Levels, which were full of dragonflies, buzzards, butterflies, pumping stations and even an alpaca. There were the un-level bits around the edges of the Levels, which are not high but surprisingly steep. Then there was Pilton, home of the famous pop festival, past a farmhouse with a big letterbox labelled 'Eavis', and further on some teepee glamping. Then from grey stone to stone so yellow you'd think it had been painted (but it's the natural colour) in Castle Cary (home of the single-hen single-handed egg).

And what better to do after lunch on a scorching hot summer day than visit the English seaside? So we headed off towards Brent Knoll and Bridgwater, where we hoisted our bikes up a set of steps next to a rather rust railway bridge over the River Parrett – or maybe it was the Sedgemoor Drain. But Bridgwater isn't really the seaside so we carried on to Burnham-on-Sea, where the beach pulsed with happy holidaymakers splashing in the warm, clean water and building castles on the golden sand. Actually, all the families and kids had gone home because by now it was after 7 p.m. (I've compressed the timescale a little) and we were in search of sustenance for our continued exploits, so we pressed our way through the throngs of tourists and fishermen that characterise the Somerset coastal towns until we found a small taverna, humble but clean, which served us fish plucked from the nets that day, washed down with scrumpy from the vats of fermenting apples in one of the farms just two miles inland. And all for two shillings. Oh, you're so cynical! Alright, the town was dead. We found a Subway which lured us in with its glowing red lanterne open sign... the door was locked! So we gesticulated at the manager visible inside, indicating to him that the opening hours painted on the window said he should be open till 9, so why wasn't he opening his doors to two hungry, sweaty, tired, wild-eyed cyclists? And lo! he did. Real audax glamour, opens all the right doors.

Which was great but we still had 80-odd km to go. Good bye to the Levels, though we followed the coast a little more, then struck inland through Banwell and up to Wrington, where for some gratuitious reason we rode up this:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/idld.srf?X=347597&Y=163427&A=Y&Z=120&lm=1
Which is okay during the day, but somehow at night, when you can't see the top, feels intimidating. And the ripply surface on the very steepest section (just before the corner at the top) means your front wheel is always on the point of leaving the ground. After that it was pretty much downhill and then just bash along the main road back into the big bad city. And home. Congratulations to Ian on his super random nutter certifiableness, I was knackered having done less than half his distance!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 20 August, 2018, 05:05:55 pm
Begged a 200 DIY gpx file from @Socks and rode the route today as the BBC promised light winds and only 1% chance of rain.
It starts at Heighington, takes a cicuitous route to the SW of Darlo then heads straight down the A167 deep into the Vale of York. The return zig zags back up the county to rejoin the outward route near Croft.

Pretty much flat as a pancake but even so I was pleased to be round in 9 anna nalf hours with stops at Northallerton and Easingwold on the way down then Thirsk on the way back.

The 1% chance of rain manifested itself as an absolute deluge between Piercebridge and Heighington which is about six miles - easily far enough to get soaked to the skin.

The tracklog on the Garmin Edge 200 is showing only 123 miles, even though I did over distance, so I guess it won't be validated. I hate Garmin  >:(
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 20 August, 2018, 05:57:34 pm
Jonjo - that's strange, it recorded on my garmin 500 as 203k last time I did it (beginning of this month).  Do you want to send me the file and I'll see if I can spot anything, or I could send you another copy of the track from my last ride if you want to double check the route?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 20 August, 2018, 06:58:03 pm
@Socks thanks for the offer but managed to look at in Ridewithgps. Nothing wrong with your file. My tracklog is showing a straight line between Northallerton (my first stop) and South Otterington. I've no idea why or how that happened but it would explain the shortfall.
Not too bothered if it doesn't get validated. It took me to some places I've never been before so from that point of view it was a successful ride.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Jamesha on 21 August, 2018, 10:48:30 pm
I rode Paul Worthington's Marchlyn Mawr 100.

Nice tour around Snowdonia National Park. Weather was ok but I was in an actual cloud at the top of the Llanberis pass.

Well worth doing if you are in this neck of the woods.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 22 August, 2018, 12:17:35 am
My tracklog is showing a straight line between Northallerton (my first stop) and South Otterington. I've no idea why or how that happened but it would explain the shortfall.

My guess: you turned it off when you stopped at Northallerton and when you switched it on again, you started riding before it had locked on to the signal.

Quote
Not too bothered if it doesn't get validated. It took me to some places I've never been before so from that point of view it was a successful ride.

I imagine it will be validated. DIY orgs are very reasonable like that.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 August, 2018, 08:52:47 am
I've once or twice known my Etrex turn it itself off in response to the zoom buttons. Which is annoying, but rare.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 22 August, 2018, 09:22:12 am
The Garmin 200 gave me a 'Resume' prompt when I set off from Northallerton so assumed that it would start recording when I pressed to resume. I've found it to be quite flakey but I've got an Etrex 30 for hillwalking so will start carrying that too.

Org has validated the ride  :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: citoyen on 22 August, 2018, 11:27:24 am
The Garmin 200 gave me a 'Resume' prompt when I set off from Northallerton so assumed that it would start recording when I pressed to resume.

It will start recording whether or not it has a GPS signal.

Anyway...

Quote
Org has validated the ride  :)

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 22 August, 2018, 03:12:38 pm
The Garmin 200 gave me a 'Resume' prompt when I set off from Northallerton so assumed that it would start recording when I pressed to resume. I've found it to be quite flakey but I've got an Etrex 30 for hillwalking so will start carrying that too.

Org has validated the ride  :)

 :)   (My worst nightmare would be a garmin malfunction so ride completed but not validated)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chris S on 22 August, 2018, 05:35:51 pm
The Garmin 200 gave me a 'Resume' prompt when I set off from Northallerton so assumed that it would start recording when I pressed to resume. I've found it to be quite flakey but I've got an Etrex 30 for hillwalking so will start carrying that too.

Org has validated the ride  :)

 :)   (My worst nightmare would be a garmin malfunction so ride completed but not validated)

My advice to riders is always this - If validation means a lot to you, don't rely on one method; have a backup. If it doesn't matter that much, don't worry about it - I might still have enough to validate the ride. As Orgs, we're always looking for ways to validate, if we can.

Example backups: receipts, another GPS track.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 22 August, 2018, 05:40:19 pm
The Garmin 200 gave me a 'Resume' prompt when I set off from Northallerton so assumed that it would start recording when I pressed to resume. I've found it to be quite flakey but I've got an Etrex 30 for hillwalking so will start carrying that too.

Org has validated the ride  :)

 :)   (My worst nightmare would be a garmin malfunction so ride completed but not validated)

My advice to riders is always this - If validation means a lot to you, don't rely on one method; have a backup. If it doesn't matter that much, don't worry about it - I might still have enough to validate the ride. As Orgs, we're always looking for ways to validate, if we can.

Example backups: receipts, another GPS track.
Selfies? Snapchat stories? Facebook check-ins?

I've been meaning to buy a cheapo secondhand Edge 200/20 as a backup recorder for a while, must get round to it.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 22 August, 2018, 05:45:23 pm
Depends on the Org.

I've used selfies.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 22 August, 2018, 05:51:03 pm
Depends on the Org.

I've used selfies.
Which filter did you use? I really like that puppy one.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 25 August, 2018, 07:25:12 pm
Another DIY 200, this time from Newburn to Longtown and back for no other reason than it took me along the Clattering Causeway.

No Garmin routing problems today as the route was a list of villages on a piece of paper. It's a cracking route. Very scenic, huge, wide open spaces, plenty of creature features, lots of caffs and quiet roads. This morning there was no traffic at all on the Clattering Causeway. A bit busier this afternoon with two cars and one walker.

As with Monday's ride, the BBC told me I wouldn't get wet. Also, as with Monday's ride I got almost drowned about six miles from the end which was a real pain as I didn't have anything dry to wear in the pub so didn't get my pint of Sunny Daze at the Keelmans.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Paul H on 25 August, 2018, 07:46:01 pm
:)   (My worst nightmare would be a garmin malfunction so ride completed but not validated)
I wish that was my worst nightmare :-\
After a few Garmin failures, some of them might have been my fault, I bought a £25 GPS logger.  Switch it on, stick it in my pocket and forget about it till the end of the ride.  You can change the recording frequency to last up to 60 hours, or plug it into a lipstick power bank an it'll run for days.
This one, though there are others
www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/ce/en/product/373686/GPS-logger-Renkforce-GT-730FL-S-Black? (http://www.conrad-electronic.co.uk/ce/en/product/373686/GPS-logger-Renkforce-GT-730FL-S-Black?)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: halvis on 26 August, 2018, 10:46:10 am
Yesterday I did the Audax Ireland Midlands Meander to complete a hat trick of summer perms. 

Be warned, while it's certainly true the midlands of Ireland is not mountainous, it can certainly be lumpy as this ride has proven.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1797081871
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bairn Again on 28 August, 2018, 01:05:08 pm
I had the English bank holiday yesterday so decided on a 200 on using the quietest roads I could find. 

0522 train from Edinburgh Haymarket - Dunblance and up and away through Comrie, eastwards to Perth, round by Stormontfield and Wolfhill to Collace avoiding the A93/A94, lanes to Coupar Angus and to Meigle for lunch at 105km. 

Id a short stretch on the A94 immediately after lunch where I drafted a 20mph tractor and then a turn right to retrace to Perth via Newtyle, CA and Kinrossie. 

Brief stop for a bidon refill near McDairmid Park and back out my route in to Madderty then back to Dunblane via Auchterarder and Kinbuck.

Id just missed the 1558 train back to Edinburgh so had a pint in the sunshine.   8)

It was wet to start with, but the weather warmed up a bit later on (still arm & leg warmers territory though).

I was riding and climbling quite strongly in the first 100km, but turning back into the SW breeze took its toll and I ran out of puff a bit later on- the dfrag up through and out of Auchterarder was particularly arduous, but I think Ive managed to learn to like the humply road between Gleneagles and Braco now

That (subject to validation) makes 40 points for the season.   
   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 01 September, 2018, 12:09:40 pm
Yep but I started yesterday. For various unimportant reasons, I've not ridden an AUK 200 this month and decided to fit in a later-than-last-gasp perm to keep a RRtY rolling along.

Reader's Digest ride report: Switch off the work computer Friday evening (an hour later than hoped), a Superman change into bike kit and off into the Friday evening traffic on fixed. Kingston to Pangbourne and on to a friend's place in the Vale of the White Horse. A late evening hour spent catching up on each other's doings before I was back out into blackness. A few minutes snacking in a Monks Risborough bus stop before a short walk up to the top of the ridge. Rolling the last kilometres to the arrivee, mostly downhill but with a couple of unwelcome steep pinches. Shower and into bed before dawn arrived - I'll take that.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 09 September, 2018, 11:05:13 pm
Memus 200km DIYxGPS

A well-ventilated and slightly soggy pootle into the wilds of Angus. A late start 'cos I is a fairweather cyclist. Nice tailie home :-)

Spotted: a several of buzzards, a kestrel, heron, partridges, dead deer, dead badger, dead sqrl, live sqrl.

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/27601283.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/27601283)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 22 September, 2018, 09:07:10 pm
I rode Edinburgh - Stonehaven one way today for my final 200km of the season.

I left home at 0515 as Id booked a cheap train back to Edinburgh at 1510.

Very cold and dark for the 1st hour where I was a bit sluggish.  It remained chilly til Perth (70km) where I decided to stop for breakfast, way earlier than Id normally stop. Thankfully it warmed up a bit around Perth Airport and I started to pick up speed helped by the tailwind. 

I went round Forfar avoiding McDs and missed out Montrose in return for a clockwise run round the basin, scoping out an info control for the Auld Alliance on the way.

Quick stop in the sun at Hillside then it was a wee bit tricky heading out to Fettercairn with strong side gusts.  After that it was a block tailwind almost all the way to Stoney where I arrived at 1430.

Quick change, wash, pint, train snooze, and a 6km ride home from Haymarket. 

Very tired after a super early rise.     

42 points for the season - Id have been over 50 were it not for a couple of piss poor DNSs but WFT. Bring on 2019



   

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 06 October, 2018, 10:33:37 pm
A DIYxGPS.

A bit frikkin' cold in the morning, 1°C in Banchory, numb fingers. Otherwise a lovely sunny, autumnal day punctuated with a couple of showers. Some sort of cycle event going on on the south Deeside road from Aboyne, judging bythe number of cyclists. A few new roads to me, some of which I might even cycle again.

I declined to use the public toilet in Fyvie because Trainspotting  :sick:

Spotted: a several of deer, a several of buzzards, a lapwing being bullied by gulls, a kestrel (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=128.msg2331127#msg2331127) sitting on a roadside verge.

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/28476856.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/28476856)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Manotea on 07 October, 2018, 09:37:42 am
Waiting in Burger King , Guildford to meet-up with Mr Malins, 45km in to a 200 round Hampshire.  Lovely day to be out.

Blue skies, soaring above, nothing but blue skies, from now on. :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: j_a_m_e_s_ on 09 October, 2018, 06:07:56 pm
Ditchling Devil Permanent.Entered and exited at Hampton Court Bridge, for my first foray into freewheeling, I thought I'd coast my way to the coast and back.
Having come into Audax, indeed any cycling, on fixed, this was my first ride of any distance coasting. 42/20 singlespeed, incredibly spinny on the flats, but I wasn't sure how I'd climb. As it turns out, I left before the rush hour and made it back in time for the school run(ish), without any real struggle over Ditchling and Coombe Lane.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ivo on 10 October, 2018, 10:55:16 am
Finishing my 3rd RRtY yesterday with a DIY 200. Highlights of the tour were a relatively new nature park on the grounds of the former UK amo depot near RAF Brüggen and the sunset.
The old amo depot is now the Brachter Forst protected area. Some of the old structures are still in tact and are slowly taken over by nature. The old military roads crisscross the area which makes for great cycling:

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9252.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9252.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9253.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9255.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9257.jpg)

Access via small gates so not suited for anything but standard bikes and short recumbents.

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9260.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9263.jpg)

While returning the evening sun was superb

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9277.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9299.jpg)

It was the first DIY 200 of my new audax bike:

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9292.jpg)

(https://fotoalbum.dds.nl/ivo_m/diypermanents/large/IMGP9312.jpg)

On the satalite pics the former amo depot is easy to spot.
https://www.relive.cc/view/1894857842
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 14 October, 2018, 06:22:23 am
Yesterday HK and I trundled down to Lymington via a doglegged 205km route to get to the Gridiron start. A persistent southerly meant I spent a chunk of time on her wheel. Unfortunately, more than three weeks off the bike seems to have demolished most of my summer fitness. Hopefully I'll get most of it back before winter sets in properly.

The heavy and persistent rain this morning means we're having second thoughts about riding the Gridiron today. If we're sufficiently lightweight, perhaps we'll just drift over to Southampton for our train back to the Big Smoke.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 14 October, 2018, 08:01:09 pm
I DNSd yesterdays Gala 200 given the yellow weather warning so instead did a DIY 200 today which doubled as a route check for the first and last 100km  for next years Auld Alliance 400km. 

Cracking autumn day on a bike, not fast but with 11 hrs daylight there was room for much checking, photos, two cafe stops and still got home before dark. 

Much enjoyment and a few tweaks to the route.  Id forgotten that the vast majority of the 60km from Causewayhead to Haymarket in Edinburgh can be ridden on lovely tarmac bike paths. 

Just after the turn, nr Gleneagles, enjoying our famous Scottish sunshine. 

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1917/45319075251_c052c99006.jpg)

Nr Kincardine.  "L sp Fife Coastal Path"

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1913/31445087618_fafd71d8f2.jpg)

Our oldest and loveliest bridge looking majestic in the autumn sun.  The Queensferry crossing was visible (and very shimmery) from as far as Culross about 17km away, but I couldnt get a snap that didnt have pylons in it (ditto The Kelpies at 45km)

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1927/45270581832_999dd52ac6.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Chris S on 14 October, 2018, 08:15:52 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Tomsk on 14 October, 2018, 08:30:35 pm
Boudicca's Revenge 200km yesterday. Weird: Summer temperatures, but with low autumn sun; started and finished needing lights [though not to see by].

Some riders out early in full winter kit, whereas the afternoon wedding party at one village had men in shirt-sleeves and ladies in short summer dresses. There were a few showers [and rainbows] about in the morning: Caught a downpour near Ashwell and goodness me the warm southerly wind was strong all day. Took 2 hours to do the 20 miles back across the Fens from Chatteris to the A14 services. At least there was some shelter after that from hedges and trees. Took the hill-dodgers long-cut down the Cam Valley avoiding the exposed chalk hills. Lack of long miles since the Fenland Friends helpers' ride in August also influenced my decision ...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 15 October, 2018, 06:03:49 pm
Did Socks's 200 DIY from Heighington today - a flat trundle down and back up the Vale of York to Great Ouseburn.

About as easy as a 200 can be but I managed to turn it into a bit of a grueller.

Firstly bad timing. I set off at 20 to 5 so when I got to Northallerton two hours later there was nowhere open for breakfast. Didn't get anything to eat until 50 miles in at Easingwold where I was ready to eat my own fingers. Also need to remember that every pub in North Yorkshire is closed on a Monday and the best you can hope for at dinner time is a brown lettuce & turkey sandwich from the Post Office in Scorton.

Secondly, my bib shorts and bib tights don't work well together. Feel like I've had a cheese wire up my snicket all day.

Nice day though and pleased to have been out all day after the recent bad weather.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 15 October, 2018, 08:07:44 pm
Did Socks's 200 DIY from Heighington today - a flat trundle down and back up the Vale of York to Great Ouseburn.

About as easy as a 200 can be but I managed to turn it into a bit of a grueller.

Firstly bad timing. I set off at 20 to 5 so when I got to Northallerton two hours later there was nowhere open for breakfast. Didn't get anything to eat until 50 miles in at Easingwold where I was ready to eat my own fingers. Also need to remember that every pub in North Yorkshire is closed on a Monday and the best you can hope for at dinner time is a brown lettuce & turkey sandwich from the Post Office in Scorton.

Secondly, my bib shorts and bib tights don't work well together. Feel like I've had a cheese wire up my snicket all day.

Nice day though and pleased to have been out all day after the recent bad weather.

If the timing is right the Oak Tree Inn at Helperby does a fab scrambled eggs on toast - roughly half way round the route.  And a nice parking area otherwise known as the beer garden.  I've called there a few times on winter rides, they seem to be open from about 9.00am for breakfast.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 15 October, 2018, 09:24:17 pm
If the timing is right the Oak Tree Inn at Helperby does a fab scrambled eggs on toast - roughly half way round the route.  And a nice parking area otherwise known as the beer garden.  I've called there a few times on winter rides, they seem to be open from about 9.00am for breakfast.

Thanks, I'll remember that. The Angel at Topcliffe also does a good breakfast from 8 o'clock.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: j_a_m_e_s_ on 24 October, 2018, 11:09:08 am
London Orbital Audax on Monday.

What a great route.
 Despite being during the week, a distinct lack of traffic. (caveat - started at Sunningdale at 0615 and it is half term, so that my have been a factor.)
A couple of lumps, but really nothing of note and I think a good intro to 300s for people.
Being circular, I thoroughly recommend to anybody within a stones throw of the route - GPS can start anywhere. I managed to get the first train out and had loads of time before the last train. I'm not exactly a whippet either. Plenty of oppurtunities to stop around route (from the ferry to Leaden is a bit sparse, but load up before the ferry and you'll be fine. I didn't didn't but found at least 2 shops/garages along the route. Could have been more. I cant count that high though). The weather was nice too, even in Darkest Tilbury.

There's not a great deal to not like about this one.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 October, 2018, 12:01:37 pm
Yesterday was last chance saloon to keep my RRTY going. Well technically that would be today, so let's say yesterday was opening time at the last chance saloon. Up to Gloucester for food at Peppers Cafe, where I bumped into an old randonneur called Alastair, friend of the owner, who asked me if I knew Richard Clements. (Name's familiar but I can't put a face to it – hello if you're reading this!) For some reason RWGPS had routed me on the opposite side of the canal from normal – I'd never even noticed a path there before, and it turned out to be more suitable for walking than cycling, due to mud and sticks. However, the normal towpath was closed – when it reopens it will have a tarmac surface, which I suppose is a nominal improvement but TBH the compressed dust surface was pretty decent. Then on past the airfield and following the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire leisure railway (which was running, to my surprise) before a long but not steep climb on to the top of the Cotswolds. Beautiful feeling up there! Nice descent into Stow, which was busy, but I found a cafe where the lad serving showed remarkable powers of deduction: "Are you cycling?"  ;D Then more up through the Rissingtons and the Barringtons before crossing the A40 and almost forgetting to turn right onto the B4425 (I think) instead of going straight over as I normally do.

Somewhere between here and Cirencester it got dark, so after a bowl of soup and a cup of tea in Ciren I put my waterproof on. This kept me nice and toasty all the way home, apart from my legs. My thighs did get a bit frosty – should probably have worn shorts with another layer over rather than biblongs. Round Grittleton it was supposedly sub-zero. However, there was no frost and the night sky was amazing! I could see the Milky Way, the Pleiades (I think?) and zillions of other stars I cannot name. The only constellation I can reliably identify is the Plough, and I could see that too! Even in Bristol it was only 2 degrees (and I could no longer see the stars – besides, riding in city traffic while looking at the sky is a recipe for disaster!). Got back home and my son said "You look cold." Well, my body was warm enough but my thighs suffered, and I was feeling pretty happy.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 01 November, 2018, 09:50:32 am
...Stow, which was busy...

Stowed out.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 November, 2018, 11:31:03 am
...Stow, which was busy...

Stowed out.

 ;D

Discovered someone from Kelty who didn't know what that meant...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 01 November, 2018, 01:39:02 pm
...Stow, which was busy...

Stowed out.

 ;D

Discovered someone from Kelty who didn't know what that meant...

Ho Chi Minh City is busier. 

<gets coat> 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 03 November, 2018, 11:26:33 am
I was supposed to be doing a 200k from Galashiels today, to complete my RrTY.  However DNS after seeing the forecast for rain and strong winds - not my favourite conditions.  Instead a hastily arranged DIY yesterday, the forecast for Friday in North Yorkshire being a sunny calm day in between the spells of wind and rain.

Unusually busy, with a lot of traffic including HGVs on the A167 between Croft and Northallerton, so either a road diversion elsewhere; or Friday is party time in Northally.  I took it easy for the first hour or so, as it was still frosty and the sun was low in the sky.  Then once it warmed up a bit a lovely day with quieter roads once South of Northallerton.

So, subject to validation, that's my first one completed after starting the sequence in December 2017:

    1   DIY 200k from Sedgefield
    2   DIY 200k, Sedgefield again with a slightly different route
    3   DIY 200k, as above
    4   DIY 200k, found a better start point with quieter roads from Heighington.  My planned calendar event was postponed
         due to dangerous weather.
    5   DIY 200k, Heighington again
    6   As above
    7   One way trip from home to Lincolnshire to visit relatives and attend a wedding.  A bit over distance but a nice trip.
    8   200k calendar event (Tocky 200 - pleasant flat route in North Yorkshire)
    9   200k calendar event (Four Tops - geet hilly in the North Pennines)
   10  Middle Marches 200k.  A lovely route, with lots of climbing and spectacular views in the cloudy, windy weather.
   11 One way trip to Wooler, with a following wind a lot of the way but a strengthening gale against me for the last ten miles.
        An early start (5.30am) to get clear of the busier / urban roads before the traffic got heavy.  Rain in the first section,
        dried out, then got soaked again in the last hour. 

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 03 November, 2018, 12:21:26 pm
Smart work Socks. Congratulations on RRTY.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 03 November, 2018, 07:28:35 pm
I nipped out on the 31st to keep the RRtY dream alive after I bailed on the Peculier Old 200. A train (and tailwind) assisted ride, I got the train down to York, then a flat(ish) route via the highest market town in Britain to the Tyne valley railway line. Nice day for it.

(http://i65.tinypic.com/14b6fya.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/ypea0.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/24blrg6.jpg) (https://www.strava.com/activities/1938418031)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 03 November, 2018, 10:29:05 pm
A chilly and well-ventilated DIYxGPS out to the Northron wastes.

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/29235953.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/29235953)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4898/30747780957_45fc9928d8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NR5q3r)
IMG_2101 (https://flic.kr/p/NR5q3r) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1963/30747777617_5cdd41812d_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NR5p3R)
IMG_2102_01 (https://flic.kr/p/NR5p3R) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4835/43870430420_145796ea58_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29QFqxo)
IMG_2104_01 (https://flic.kr/p/29QFqxo) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 04 November, 2018, 11:11:52 am
Whats with all the wee doglegs north of Ellon?
That looks like tie-in points for an OSM survey, but I'm pretty sure that road was already on there.

ETA: Ahh, tile-bagging, I think.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 04 November, 2018, 11:19:14 am
...ETA: Ahh, tile-bagging, I think.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 04 November, 2018, 12:55:48 pm
I nipped out on the 31st to keep the RRtY dream alive after I bailed on the Peculier Old 200. A train (and tailwind) assisted ride, I got the train down to York, then a flat(ish) route via the highest market town in Britain to the Tyne valley railway line. Nice day for it.

(http://i65.tinypic.com/14b6fya.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/ypea0.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/24blrg6.jpg) (https://www.strava.com/activities/1938418031)

Dale - that's a nice route and an impressive ride, even with the wind assist - how far into the RrTY are you?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 04 November, 2018, 01:34:11 pm
Dale - that's a nice route and an impressive ride, even with the wind assist - how far into the RrTY are you?

Ha, not far. 6 months I think? November is usually my sticking point, so the thinking is if I can definitely do one in November, I should do one as part of the Festive 500 in December, then it's PBP qualifier time, so I should be riding every month until August. Long way to go yet, ha.

The route worked out even nicer than I thought tbh, very little traffic all the way. Finishing where I did meant I could get the train all the way home without having to cycle through the mess that is around Sunderland/Newcastle too.

I bought an open return to York, so I'm thinking I might do the reverse route sometime this month.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 05 November, 2018, 12:25:21 pm
Lovely shots, Dale.  I think I may start a thread for pictures of bikes against the world's greatest bridge!

Peter

PS  Did you notice if the toy trains were running from Slaggyford? 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 06 November, 2018, 08:21:50 am
Yesterday, another Monday, another big ring trundle down the vale of York. An out & back DIY 200 from Darlo to Squires bikers caff near Sherburn in Elmet.

Breakfast at the Angel, Topcliffe was pretty good. Dinner at Squires was exactly what you'd expect at a a bikers caff but tea at the Deli/cafe in Helperby was superb. Poached egg and mushrooms on griddled sourdough sounds mundane but tasted out of this world. Go there if you're passing.

Got back to Darlo two hours earlier than expected so jumped on a train to Durham where I was happy to be stranded in the Waiting Room drinking McColl's Mundo IPA until my original train caught me up.

An audax post mostly about food & drink. Tells you all you need to know about the route. Don't think I'll be doing it again.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: djrikki on 06 November, 2018, 10:33:16 am
Went out on Sunday to do my first Perm, a 200km (240km total), done this plenty of times before this year and despite the SR "status" I am still in my infancy as long distance goes - I recorded a DNF.

Not far into my ride I came off my bike spectacularly flying off by taking a rather sharp bend much too quickly. Post-ride I found out the segment on Strava was called 'Watch Your Wheels' - so just maybe someone else has fallen over on this particular bend in Stainforth, South Yorkshire before?  ::-)

Anyway I bravely continued on for another 160km, my right thumb feeling uncomfortable on the bars no matter what position I rested it.  After feeling every bump and contour of the road and getting out of the saddle proving to be a painful affair --- I decided to cut my ride short - and created a straight line home - direct into a headwind I might add - leaving the ride short of 85km.

So yeah first DNF.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VfpAP1BrXg
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 06 November, 2018, 07:02:29 pm


Lovely shots, Dale.  I think I may start a thread for pictures of bikes against the world's greatest bridge!

Peter
Isn't that this one? (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181106/04c6ac2e4f7c0d701ee9e6e23b769466.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 07 November, 2018, 12:11:40 pm
No, but it has to be in the top two!  (Stirrer!)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 November, 2018, 08:21:44 pm
Regurgitated a route from earlier in the year for today as I really like it.
Though I changed the control points as I knew the Kirkmichael shop would be shut if I had to resort to receipts, forgetting there's two pubs in the village.

Didn't take many photos, only in the Sma' Glen and Smyrna sections.
I could regurgitate old pictures from the Tay Coast, Dunning, Moulin and Glen Brerachan sections if anyone really wants to see them.

Route was Newport out to Auchterarder via the Gauldry Hills and Tay coast before taking the Dunning road from Kintillo (The village at the back of Bridge of Earn); up by Kinky Bridge to the A85 crossing at Fowlis, then up to Buchanty and onto the Sma' Glen road to Amulree then up Glen Cochill and down  to Aberfeldy.  Last time I took the north road but it was quiet so took the south road, then turned up towards pitlochry at Logierait (Have identified that with Kirkmichael as the top control rather than Pitlochry and Alyth that I could have taken the road from Ballinluig and gone up past Edradour)
Onto the Moulin down to Kirkmichael, over to Bleaton Hallet and on up to Smyrna and down into Alyth where it got dark while I was eating my second lunch, back into a more populous area so a bit of traffic around for the first time since Pitlochry! Meigle, Newtyle, over the Muir to Birkhill and then due to low traffic levels opted for route 1, down between Campy and Templeton, over the Kingsway, discovered almost too late that the mini-circle at Dunsinane down and up the lochee bypass, then down lochee road, through the tunnel and into the docks to get onto the bridge back over to Newport.

I'll add photos in a minute or shree : Can't figure it out...
Photo Album possibly available here: https://1drv.ms/a/s!AlB7bV6RdTovhsQAFceGCywDUtUv9w

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2ak055i.jpg)
Between Kinky Bridge and Fowlis

(http://i65.tinypic.com/2wmoxmv.jpg)
Sma' Glen

(http://i63.tinypic.com/30trind.jpg)
Last dig to Amulree

Then the rain started... Camera away...

(http://i64.tinypic.com/mj1z7r.jpg)
Signs of Sunset at High Rannagulzion

(http://i63.tinypic.com/eqazvt.jpg)
The fast route through Dundee drops you at the river here. (The slower route takes you under the railbridge, along the waterfront and through the urban regeneration area but before that you've the tech park and riverside avenue to get lost on)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: RobD62 on 14 November, 2018, 06:16:48 pm
Not today - Monday 200 DIY 2 of 2nd RRtY
Started off a lovely morning, sun, blue skies, and moderate breezes in my favour.  Headed from home (near Chippenham) wriggling through the lanes to outskirts of Cirencester.  Through the Sherborne estate and down the Windrush valley to Burford. A stop for a large pot of tea for two (for one!) and a pastie at 80km
Onwards to Stonesfield and my rear mudguard sheared in half.  20 minutes trying fashion a repair that did not work and another 20 minutes after 6 miles. The next repair, zip tie and adjustment, worked.  This was followed by a pucture and a very  heavy downpour when sorting it.  A stunning rainbow too with reflection.
I had that horrible lull in power at two thirds distance.  It is strange, it ocurrs during any distance ride always at two thirds....all in my head I think!
I like Eynesham where there are many stop options..but not this time. Charney Basset is a pretty village and I seem to have entered and exited it form all directions now....but still could not recognise the info control from last years Upper Thames..... It was dark!
There was lightening in the dark, spectacular. The CoOp stop in Shrivenham was welcome and the Cotswold water park lakes colder and darker than I rember last in the dark.
I am looking forward to the next one but maybe make it a three stop with warm food.  It all fits in with my full value stratergy.
My fastest 200 is still the first 200 in the Flatlands 600 in September but I am sure that was the company I was keeping!  :)   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 16 November, 2018, 09:56:40 am
I followed Dale's example and got the train to York, then a one way ride back home mostly with the breeze behind me.  Zig zags to get up to the required distance so this was a chance to use some of my favourite little lanes.  Lovely autumn colours in the sunshine and hardly any traffic.

The only hazard was hedge trimmings all over the place, it is obviously hedge cutting season and the farmers don't seem to bother about making roads impassable for cyclists.  I only had to walk one section, and had the good fortune to avoid any visitations.

It went a bit tango uniform in the last section.  Dark by then, and a couple of navigation errors meant riding on some horrible busy roads around Shildon and Ferryhill, putting me a few miles over distance but still well within the time limit. 

Hopefully these deviations from the route will be within an acceptable margin of error.  If they are, that's number 1 of my second RRtY attempt sorted.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 17 November, 2018, 04:16:45 pm
One of the best things about DIY by GPX is the spontaneity it affords. Was wide awake early this morning so came downstairs, filled in an entry form, uploaded a pre prepared route and off I went.

Down the A167 in the dark to get the boring bit out of the way and ride the best bits in daylight. Saw more cyclists out than I expected to at that time of day. Got talking to a bloke near Piercebridge and guess what he was up to - a DIY by GPX. I wonder if all the riders I saw were doing the same.

Had a bit of a tour around the Zetland lanes before breakfast at Barton truck stop. Felt good after that so took advantage of the calm conditions to push on a bit knowing that when the wind got up it would be in the SE to help me home.

I was on the way back, just north of Northallerton when the wind began hindering my progress. Just a local zephyr I thought, it will get behind me soon. But the smoke from the tyre fire along the Aislaby road was heading straight into the south and that's where the wind stayed until I got four miles from home.

A lovely day though.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: SR Steve on 17 November, 2018, 11:24:49 pm
I agree about the spontaneity of diy by gps, and it suits me not to have to stop as well.
Today, I rode from home in East Leake, South Nottinghamshire across the Wolds, through the Vale of Belvoir, over the Belvoir ridge and across the fens to Sutterton and back. It’s one of my favourite stock 200km routes, nearly all on pleasant, quiet lanes that were particularly deserted today.
My legs didn’t feel great right from the start as although I’ve been doing plenty of audax rides recently I’ve not been doing any shorter rides in between. The wind was against on the way out too and the last 20km across the fens was pretty tough. It was nothing like LEL though and I was soon enjoying the tailwind on the way back. I only unclipped twice, first to wait for some traffic crossing the A17 and second to switch my rear lights on before it got dark. It was only properly dark for the last five miles or so as there was hardly a cloud in the sky. I only ate three 40g SIS energy bars and drank 750ml of High5 energy drink during the ride.
I was pleased that it was nowhere near as cold as 29th December 2017 when I came off on black ice, rediscovering the law of gravity between two visits to the birth place of Isaac Newton!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: yanto on 18 November, 2018, 07:36:32 am
Completed a 200k (actual 211k) DIY on Friday, cool SE wind, misty and drizzly all day.

I left from just north of Melton Mowbray, heading over the Leicestershire Wolds to Bourne, then flatlands to Spalding (Pinchbeck) up to outskirts of Boston then north to clip southern end of the Lincolnshire Wolds via Horncastle where I stopped for Fish and Chips, then across to Bardney, Waddington, then down to Long Bennington and home via evil little Stathern Hill at the 200k mark which by that time with dead legs I crawled up at a magnificent 7-8kph.

I felt like I was riding with wooden legs, although possibly because it was cool and damp and I'd dropped the tyre pressures a little on the Schwalbe Duranos as they have a habit in cool/cold conditions of developing bulges and going BANG!  As luck, bad luck in this case on a fairly rough road there was a BANG, turned out to be a sliced sidewall.  I normally carry a spare tyre, but not this time, so had to use a tyre boot chopped from an old tyre, it held all the way home although the tyre was starting to tear when I checked it at the chippy, it held together ok.

Also doing some of the smaller lanes in rural Lincolnshire I was following the GPS which said turn right then left, but there was no left, it was a field! It only required a couple of Km to divert around though.

What did I learn:
Always carry a spare tyre (in my case 2 as I have 2 different size wheels).
Always thoroughly route check a new trip on street view.
Fish and chips is too much for me to digest, stick with what I know best, grazing on lighter foods and a packet of sweets.

Riding time was 6hr 32m, faffing time including waiting for gaps in traffic at major road crossings 51 minutes.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: SR Steve on 18 November, 2018, 09:47:00 am
Another great ride Yanto. Slightly worrying about the Duranos though as that’s what I have on at the moment. I cut the sidewall of one on the TINAT 600 so changed it, but otherwise no issues. Maybe it’s the speeds you get up to and the weight of your machine that give them a lot more stick than I would. Also missing potholes with all three wheels must be very tricky given the state of the roads.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: j_a_m_e_s_ on 18 November, 2018, 01:37:51 pm
Put in a shift at work, rode home and munched some pasta for dinner, then a lovely night 300 starting at 1900 out through to Lambourn then hooking up with the Dean route to Malmesbury and back.
My first DIYxGPS
Note - from Membury to Malmesbury is deserted in the small hours. There is nowhere to get provisions if you don't already have some. I had stuff in the handlebar bag and made sure I was carrying enough juice until I got back to Theale - what a delight Hackpen Hill was! Only 32000m 3200m of climbing, but the cold easterly on the way back and my added ballast is probably the reason my legs are telling me otherwise.

Ooh - a bonus pre dawn 20min nap in a defribrilator telephone box too.

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: whosatthewheel on 18 November, 2018, 01:47:33 pm
Put in a shift at work, rode home and munched some pasta for dinner, then a lovely night 300 starting at 1900 out through to Lambourn then hooking up with the Dean route to Malmesbury and back.
My first DIYxGPS
Note - from Membury to Malmesbury is deserted in the small hours. There is nowhere to get provisions if you don't already have some. I had stuff in the handlebar bag and made sure I was carrying enough juice until I got back to Theale - what a delight Hackpen Hill was! Only 32000m of climbing, but the cold easterly on the way back and my added ballast is probably the reason my legs are telling me otherwise.

Ooh - a bonus pre dawn 20min nap in a defribrilator telephone box too.

Old fashion hard core cycling...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: mattc on 18 November, 2018, 02:37:44 pm
32000m of climbing is certainly hard-core.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: j_a_m_e_s_ on 18 November, 2018, 03:56:13 pm
32000m of climbing is certainly hard-core.

😳😳😳
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Neil C on 18 November, 2018, 04:36:17 pm
With the mild and sunny forecast for the weekend, and nothing local on the calendar, I decided to do The London Ditchling Devil. And to use a new bike I'd only done a total of 30 miles on.

Leaving home was slightly delayed when I found out that Richmond Park was fully closed until 7.30 due to the deer cull. It was a good day to be on a bike but seemed colder and windier than I was expecting. The journey down to Brighton was made in good time despite the crosswind.

As I came down off Ditchling Beacon I could see a couple of riders with ACME jerseys ahead of me. I thought they could well be on the same ride, and as I was only a mile from the next control expected to see them there. I caught them up at the horrible, noisy, sloping T-junction just before the A27. But they turned left as I turned right and I only managed a few words.

The second half of the ride was more effort than the first and I crawled back to the finish. My legs at fault, not the bike. Back home inside 12 hours. Next audax not until 8 December.

( Just found out from Strava Flyby that the ACME guys were Jan and Andrew riding the Meridian Hills. Twice as hilly as my ride - much respect! Don't know if they lurk here. )
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Whitedown Man on 18 November, 2018, 05:50:32 pm
I also rode the Ditchling Devil Perm today, but didn’t spot anyone else looking like an AUK. Despite the frosty (5am) start and the chilling east wind from mid-afternoon onwards, an absolutely perfect day to be out on the bike - blue skies and sunshine all the way.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: psyclist on 18 November, 2018, 06:08:57 pm
( Just found out from Strava Flyby that the ACME guys were Jan and Andrew riding the Meridian Hills. Twice as hilly as my ride - much respect! Don't know if they lurk here. )

They would be Grey Sheep and myself, Psyclist. We also had carlosfandango with us, but he'd managed to load an old version of the route on his GPS device, and had ended up ahead of us and waiting in Brighton, when we'd been waiting for him in Ditchling.

Lovely day for the Meridian Hills ride, a little fresh at the start and towards the end, but nothing to worry about at this time of year.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: yanto on 18 November, 2018, 08:11:40 pm
Another great ride Yanto. Slightly worrying about the Duranos though as that’s what I have on at the moment. I cut the sidewall of one on the TINAT 600 so changed it, but otherwise no issues. Maybe it’s the speeds you get up to and the weight of your machine that give them a lot more stick than I would. Also missing potholes with all three wheels must be very tricky given the state of the roads.

Thanks Steve, I had a look at your route which I may pinch and modify a bit for my next RRTY ride.

As for the Duranos, yes they are loaded differently when cornering and tend to pick up knocks on the sidewalls on rough ground, and as you've correctly surmised on a rough road it can be a devil of a job picking 3 good lines.

As I understand it the problems with Duranos are peculiar to the 406 (20") size, I've had 4 go bang for no apparent reason!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 18 November, 2018, 08:39:27 pm
I gave up on 406 Duranos on Moultons a few years back but I don't know what would be a better velomobile choice.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: djrikki on 19 November, 2018, 03:40:30 pm
Went out on a DIY yesterday, a hilly 200km in the Lincolnshire Wolds; which included a couple of difficult climbs includng a trip up to Normanby-le-Wold - Lincolnshire's highest village.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1972607805
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 November, 2018, 08:48:32 pm
It's the last week of the month again. Time to get a ride in. I started planning a 200km route up through Monmouthshire into Herefordshire then down through that lovely bit just north of Gloucester, but I couldn't get it to the appropriate distance while going to the places I wanted to go to without also going to places I didn't want or taking wiggles for no point other than making up the distance, which I try to avoid on the whole. So I abandoned that and pulled one out of the archive. Probably just as well, because Herefordshire and Monmouthshire are both quite hilly and right now I'm almost as fit as Mr Blobby on a diet of Doritos.

Yesterday was sunny, dry, no wind. Not warm but not that cold either. Ideal winter riding conditions. Off to Burford I went via Coleshill and back through Cerney Wick. I'm sure I've described the route before, so I'll just comment on the things particular to this ride. Food is high on the list of every audaxer's interests, and the Summer Cafe in Malmesbury has been expanded. The service seems to have got a bit quicker too. Possibly slightly fewer types of cake available, but still a good selection. I seem to have finally found a decent way through Blunsdon on the outskirts of Swindon, avoiding the horrible rumble strips outside the school that spread for a couple of hundred metres in each direction but connecting with the foot and cycle bridge over the A419. Lots more building going on though so it might be different again next time I go that way.

A funny incident in a little cafe in Burford I've been to a few times. I was just tucking into my macaroni cheese when a man walked who was obviously selling something. He goes through his spiel, some sort of accounting system, to the woman there and asks if she's the owner. No, she says. He takes an email address and leaves. "I'd assumed you were the owner," I said when he'd left. "I am, but I wasn't going to tell him that, he'd never leave." It wasn't the tastiest macaroni cheese I've ever eaten but it certainly set me up nicely for the return half.

It was dark when I left Burford and I could feel the cold coming off the Windrush, and see the mist too! Some time later, near Malmesbury again, the moon came up behind me, a great orange ball looking as if there were a major fire on the eastern horizon. Later, at the top of Westerleigh Hill on the road between Tormarton and Bristol, there was a tanker behind me as we approached the lights at the crossroads (left for Pucklechurch, right for Westerleigh village and Yate, I was going straight on down the hill). For some reason, it didn't overtake me on the flat straight bit at the top of the hill but followed me down the hill, which isn't long but is fairly steep and has a couple of nice bends. This was just the incentive to ensure I went down in an aero tuck with no braking for the corners!

The cycle path into the centre of Bristol was somehow devoid of drinkers, glue sniffers, graffiti artists and even dog walkers – too cold for them all? – leaving only cyclists to enjoy the night (some enjoying it to the full by not contributing to light pollution). And then I got home and made a cup of tea.  ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 01 December, 2018, 07:49:13 pm
Thought I'd spotted a weather window between the low pressure systems queueing up in the Atlantic so cadged a lift to the Toon with Mrs. Jonjo and had a ride up to Bamburgh and then back down to Co. Durham.

It was a ride of three halves. The first being a steady but easy ride to Bamburgh, the second a headwind and rain soaked plod to Morpeth (so much for the weather window) and the third a trek through the teatime purgatory of Tyneside Christmas shopping traffic. Thought I'd never get home.

Highlight was the bit between Seahouse and Bamburgh with the view in front being Bamburgh castle and Lindisfarne and over to the right the Farne Islands. Marvellous even on a gloomy day.

Anyroad, could be onto a RRtY attempt. January is looking congested but I'm retiring in early February so will be able to pick easier days to ride.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 01 December, 2018, 10:01:02 pm
I took advantage of reasonable weather to bag a 200.

Id been out for dinner last night so a super early start was out the question.  Managed to leave Edinburgh at 0730 so the first 45 mins or so were in darkness.  Sunnrise didnt add much light as it was quite heavily overcast.  Id not been out much lately so knew it was not going to be a quick un.  Leg 1 of 70km to Perth was completed at 22kph but Id still not established which way the wind was coming from, in reality it was very light.

I set off from Perth after a huge breakfast and it got brighter briefly but I was heading west into very heavy clouds.  The rain started before Crieff and while not heavy it was persistent and added to the big puddles on the road I felt very wet. 

I shunned the right turn to Comrie High Street as I wasnt hungry at all.  The climb over Langside was very slow, lack of fitness really tells on my climbing even if i can still roll on the flat relatively unimpaired.  As I approached Dunblane I knew Id need to buy batteries for my gps so stopped at the shop at Causewayhead, even if I didnt need to eat at Corrieris next door (I told you it was a big breakfast).

Also, it was after 1400 now and I still had 65km to go and less than 2 hours light.  I toyed with going via Airth the slightly faster way but I decided to tour home on the north side cyclepaths.  Rain was coming and going but it wasnt particularly cold. 

It got dark around Culross so 30km to go but it hadnt got that bright at any stage so I was acclimatised.  It felt like a NW tailwaind at this stage which cheered me.  I started feeling a bit queasy so stopped for a banana.  I stopped 5 minutes later then 5 minutes after that had to swap my USB powered front light.  I stopped to put my small digital radio away after that, chuffed that my team had won 3-2 at Inverness with a last minute goal. Faffage deluxe!

A wee pootle through Dalmeny and onto the bike path I was almost home. 

Turning into the house I was a wafer thin 0.1 over 200k and was 10h 30mns

Job done, a hard old slog probably due to my lack of fitness than the wintery conditions.   

No cycling for many weekends now!

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/29925248
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 01 December, 2018, 11:37:42 pm
Yet another DIYxGPS. This time a rather chilly one sarf of the river down into the wilds of Angus. Here be bears or glamorous cyclists or something. Both were equally apparent :-)

Not much wildlife to report: a kestrel, quite a few buzzards and loadsa geese.

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/29923366.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/29923366)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 02 December, 2018, 10:11:08 am
Half a dozen of us did a Continental jaunt yesterday. I nipped down to Portsmouth on the train after work and met up with a few folk riding down. Overnight ferry to St Malo, rolled past Mont St Michel and assorted Normandy and back to Auld Blighty on the Caen overnight ferry. December PRoFS in the bag.

Most of us hit the train back to That London this morning and HK and I are currently on the Metropolitan, so that we can drop stuff at home before sitting down for the Marlboro's Christmas lunch. Such social butterflies!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 December, 2018, 03:12:43 pm
Took on the Kingdom come on Saturday.

Early doors train (0625) north to Stonehaven from Dundee  to meet iroiromono and we were on our way at 0731; visibility improved in front of us as we climbed the Slug with an orange glow over the sea behind.

Into Banchory with no pressing need for a feed, we were offered christmas trees by some peddler who wasn't considering portage options carefully.
Reasonably quiet along the A93 to Ballater and still not hunger so we took the Pass and carried onto the 2nd option of our control at Braemar where breakfast was consumed, i was much disappointed with their failure to sell native meat sausage so stuck with a link, egg and black pudding roll, perhaps excessive given what lay ahead.

GPS devices were on charge already with the battery life significantly reduced with freezing air temperatures, taking the gold course route out of Braemar to Fraser's bridge then finally the summit where we paused for a quick shop at the café and prepared for the first real descent of the day.
A good plunge into Perthshire opting to pass on a chance to visit a mate in Bridge of Cally as our average was a bit low for comfort, stopped in Sainsburys in Blairgowrie for a top up of sweets and down to Perth in the only busy traffic of the day on the A93 to Scone and a petrol station feed/control in Perth as it got dark.

Over "Glenfarg" and into the disconnected part of McDuff's Fife was pretty quiet, and we shot through Kinross taking little notice of the Christmas lights or Central Chip Shop.
Into "Modern" Fife now I missed the first two turns into Kelty but thankfully not the last so missed the chance to take in the sights of Cowdenbeath High Street, past Slim Jim's statute which I'd never seen lit up before (I wouldn't normally have my self in Hill of Beath after dark) and rolled up to the corner store in Crossgates, reminding myself to forget my teachers insistence that the number between Two and Four is Three I guarded the bikes while Robbie obtained a receipt and then swapped roles.

Halbeath McDonalds was calling before picking up the Creiff road in the center of town, possibly a mistake as the number of traffic lights meant slow progress, the Knockhill road was deserted and I don't remember seeing much until we rolled into Auchterarder though that could be due to the mist.

We just caught the Auchterarder Co-Op in time to stock up for the night ahead and opted to take a route through Perth to the next control at Coupar Angus due to the lack of anything open anywhere else particularly at the other control option of Stanley which has no external ATM either.
Forteviot Level Crossing to Perth is a horrid slog, one to remember for the Auld Alliance! and then we made a miss-turn in Perth taking Cavendish Avenue rather than staying on the Glasgow Road, though I note if we'd take 1 junction earlier by mistake we'd have been on "Needless Road"

Kicking out time in Perth had a few drunks staggering around and some in Scone thought they'd be able to run alongside us Tour De France style...

Coupar angus and the feared problem presented itself, the only outside ATM is a Notemachine with an obscure code representing it rather than name and location; photographic proof taken as additional evidence and out into the darkness on a deserted A94 to Forfar McDonalds, and utter carnage as a busload of pissed teenagers just back from the Dundee clubs prevented the hoped for snooze.

The ride out to Montrose and then Stonehaven was punctuated with an occasional need to rest and snooze but finally the sun started to rise over our right sholders as we left Inverbervie, a photogenic orange glow in the clouds unfortunately turned to daylight proper before we reached Dunottar castle or the War Memorial.

We rolled into Stonehaven as the hordes* of Aberdeen fans prepared to set off for the League Cup final in Glasgow, an amazingly I manged to get on the first train where I promptly fell asleep with my head on the bike carrier bar.

Just need a couple of 200s now to keep on target.

* About 50
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 December, 2018, 11:39:19 pm
Back out again today; this time a 200 DIY.
A variation on a route I've started to call "Moulin Rouge"

From Newport-On-Tay along the tay coast to Bridge of Earn then along to Auchterarder before climbing via Kinky (Kinkell) Bridge to Buchanty in Glen Almond on the very edge of the Scottish Lowlands.
Into the Highlands through the Sma' Glen and then up to Amulree, not needing the distance of Glen Quaich it's a down a bit before turning over Griffin to Aberfeldy.

Leaving Aberfeldy a loud bang and lots of clunking presented me with a second broken spoke on my Hunt rear wheel, this time it was drive side (last time disc side) and again the failure was at the nipple, I've no idea where the nipple has gone though, I'll look at it properly tomorrow.
Zip tied the flailing spoke to its neighbour and decided I'd rather not risk messing with the threads of other spokes to give a truer wheel, it wobbled quite far but didn't hit the frame thankfully.

Along to Ballinluig and I bloody hate the Dalcapon road a needless climb and descent; the Pitlochry control is going back in eventhough I think Edradour is a better route onto the Moulin.
Over the moulin and into darkness, went the bridge of Cally way this time and as I had Kirkmichael as a control I didn't have Alyth, I probably should have gone to Meigle via Coupar Angus as the Netherton road is a bit to bitty to Alyth, though I stopped and topped my drinks up there.

Then it's just a blast to Newtyle and the hardly noticeable climb up to Auchterhouse before the descent and reclimb to the start of Dundee at the summit between Templeton and Camperdown woods.
Plunge down to Lochee taking in a few of the "Circles" and avoiding the "Cundies" dundee is famous for before the last plunge down Lochee Road onto the Inner Ring, through the tunnel to the docks and then over the bridge and home.

This route probably best lives up to its name in Autumn when the Perthshire Amber at it's greatest.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 10 December, 2018, 09:37:54 am
A hilly 200k DIY yesterday  (7,000' of climbing).  I set off in the early hours to get through the urban delights of Chester-le-street, Gateshead and Newcastle before the traffic started.  By sunrise I was high up on the military road (built beside, or in some stretches on top, of Hadrian's wall).  A few ups and downs to Corbridge and then Haydon Bridge.  Then the long haul up Allendale and after a much needed cafe stop, the steep climb up the B road and over to Cowshill.

I was struggling to keep within time after walking a few sections because of black ice, fortunately once the sun was up it cleared the roads for the rest of the trip.  Gained some time on the easy run down Weardale, to Durham City.  Then back home.  Some interesting wildlife.  Three deer crossed the road just in front of me.  A barn owl flew alongside for a few minutes, hunting in the verge beside the road.  And the dawn chorus as the birds woke up.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Revolution9 on 10 December, 2018, 11:20:44 am
I thought i'd better get this months RRTY in early, before the festivities take over every weekend in December.

I spent Saturday night at my parents house in S.Lanarkshire, so had a leisurely 08.30 start on Sunday morning.

The plan was to head South down the B7076 'Link Road' to Ecclefechan, about turn and re-trace to Moffat, then Peebles and home.

The forecasted Northerly didn't appear until around 11am, by which point i'd already climbed Beattock summit and had my second breakfast at Johnstone Bridge services, but it was sunny for December.

With the completion of the Clyde Windfarm, there's been lot's of re-surfacing work done on the B7076 between Abington and Greenhillstairs.  Unfortunatley the surface on the rest of the road leaves a lot to be desired.  I wonder what effects this winter will have on it.

A quick stop at the shop in Ecclefechan for some water and I was on my way north again, wishing I had plotted my mandatory route to turn at the roundabout north of the village, rather than suffer the climb back out.  One to remember for the future.

The head wind didn't get much above 10kmph, but i could see my average speed slowly reducing.

By now it was 1pm, so lunch at the Rumblin' Tum in Moffat seemed like a good idea before tackling the Devils Beeftub.  It's not the steepest climb in the area, but at 10km in length it does take a while to reach the sumit.

Fortunately, it's all down hill from there to my turn at Drumelzier and my average speed had crept back above 22kmph.

A quick call to the Mrs at Peebles to tell her i'd be home by 6, and I was on my way again, whishing i'd chosen the A72 rather than the back road.

Home in just under 10hrs, not bad for a winter 200



Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 10 December, 2018, 11:40:18 am

The plan was to head South down the B7076 'Link Road'.


Masochist!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 22 December, 2018, 10:13:39 pm
I decided to take advantage of reasonably benign weather to do a 200k arrow from Edinburgh to Stonehaven.

It was raing as I had breakfast at 7am but it had eased by the time I left.

My optimistic plan featured a 10 hr ride meaning just over an hour in the dark at the finish.  That plan bumped up against the reality of a serious knee injury 6 weeks ago that had enforced rest and corresponding weight gain.  Throw in the cold and its a recipe for a long day out.

The industrial badlands in Fife look the same in colour and black and white and I only ever feel like Im in the country by Kinross around 40km.  The descent of Glenfarg was as cold as ever and I was glad to be out in the watery sunshine by Bridge of Earn. 

Breakfast was enjoyed at Perth and I was on the quiet lanes towards Forfar soon enough.  I started feeling really weary well before Forfar and decided to go via McDs for a feed.  In summer, this would be my 1st and only main stop on a ride like this. 

I felt better after that and made good ground to Montrose and had my left ear tuned into R5L for the football.   I noticed the cars had their headlights on around Marykirk 160km so I stopped to pop my lights on.  I discovered I had something of a problem in that my best front light (USB based) was almost out of juice and my alternative battery light and headtorch weren't brilliant.  At this point I wished Id put my hub front light on the bike.

I started slowing up significantly at this point and realised that a 10hr finish was somewhat optimistic. 

The final 20k is a bit up and down and I grovelled up and and trundled down each one.  The full moon was out now and the road was mint blue and I was absolutely freezing!!

I rolled into Stonehaven about 1750 and made a beeline for The Station Hotel to get changed (Id taken clothes with me) and a quick pint before the train home.  I slept pretty much all the way to Haymarket and on waking up I checked my phone to see that Mrs BA was waiting for me with a lovely warm car.  Boom!

A tough old day on the bike but it should stand me in good stead on other occasions when the going gets tough. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/30362553

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 24 December, 2018, 10:27:40 am
I decided to take advantage of reasonably benign weather to do a 200k arrow from Edinburgh to Stonehaven...

Nice. I rode to Stoney on Saturday as well, but I got home before dark  ;) I walked the last 2km due to a puncture, thobut.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 December, 2018, 11:12:21 am
Was out yesterday,

Been toying with loops of the Ochils but still not quite got one I like so dug out "Aberfoyle and Back"
Riding my heavy 26" touring bike due to being the most suitable of working bikes (usual bike has issues with both wheels... that'll teach me to fix the first broken wheel before I break the other), and the fact that even after a year and a half it still rolled out the stand.

Forecast had been for 5 degrees overnight but I woke to shiny roads and cold crisp air, lumping the bike up out the village onto the Gauldry climb I realized I hadn't set the light up particularly well and I had a great view of the top of my bar bag...
Painfully slow up to Hazleton with the odd bit of wheel slip and my average was below minimum and cautious descending of the coast road still saw me getting all sorts out of shape in places.

Relieved to hit the A912 at Newburgh I had it almost to myself and should have known to just blat into Bridge of Earn but auto pilot had me sideways on the Dron road.  Light finally arrived in the sky and I could now at least see the ice.  Average was picking up as I joined the Dunning road but the sharp bumps catch you out a bit.
Auchterarder was getting busy and I stopped to scoff my first roll at the summit just past the "posh" hotel named after a neighbouring glen on the Braco road.

Finally started to enjoy the ride at Braco, a low cloud sat over Sheriffmuir but the strong sun made a photo difficult, on through Kinbuck and Dunblane, the Main road to Doune was comfortable enough, the road to Thornhill starts lumpy but then eventually gets mostly downhill to help on the small bumps at the end of the Laich, Braeval was hidden by cloud but I could now see my lunch stop. 

Plenty of other cyclists around there and a TT'er even said hi and asked where I was heading!

At Aberfoyle I decided to bump the café and scoffed another roll along with the fruits of a co-op raid.

Back on the road the ride along the Laich back to Doune always seems much faster than outbound despite being uphill, the junction at Doune is always a pain on the return but again nice and quiet into Dunblane.  Slow going up to Kinbuck and Braco and then confused myself as to where I was and started to think I was on my way to Comrie, that would have been half a disaster.

Back at the hotel I stopped to eat the last roll and noticed that someone had put Eagles on their excessive drive gates, perhaps they don't know the neighbouring glen is of the Chapels (Eaglais) not Eagles (Iloaire) before bombing down to Dunning, starting to get dark again and by Kintilo I was back at minimal visibility; decided to attempt a bodge but my head torch isn't bright enough to help much, thankfully the road edges are well defined. Back along the taycoast and finally at Newburgh where the Turkey on the Christmas lights amused me.

Thankfully this side of the climb to Hazelton  is much smoother if a bit more bitty going than the Gauldry side and managed a reasonable pace up the 3 stages of the climb, and finally the descent home, which due to lack of light was a bit of a brake fest.


Just a tad over distance...
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/30381386
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: zigzag on 24 December, 2018, 10:10:15 pm
did the first day of the festive500, a loop from london to oxford, cambridge and back to london, 344km. first time i've ridden through... marsh gibbon!!

need to do a hundred-miler tomorrow and the challenge will be completed.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 25 December, 2018, 03:27:46 pm
Superb stuff zigzag! I have a vague plan of how to achieve a festive 500, but there'll be an element of luck involved as I'm working every day but one between now and new year's day, including today. (sympathy gratefully received!) Lots of commuting and a 200 on my day off might just see me over the line, but the missus will take some cajoling!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: telstarbox on 27 December, 2018, 09:13:31 am
Tell her it will increase your life expectancy which means more joyous years together !
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sg37409 on 27 December, 2018, 09:56:54 am
did the first day of the festive500, a loop from london to oxford, cambridge and back to london, 344km. first time i've ridden through... marsh gibbon!!

need to do a hundred-miler tomorrow and the challenge will be completed.

Wow !!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 December, 2018, 12:06:16 pm
A pleasant, flat 200 to finish the year on Saturday. I even had a following wind half the way round. Rode straight through Malmesbury, resisting the temptations of the Summer Cafe (why is it called that? it's open all year) and up the twisty little hill to Milbourne, where a roe deer was lying dead on the verge of someone's garden. Thought about pushing on to Lechlade but stopped in Cricklade – soup made from various root veg, very seasonal, cake, always good – then using the handy path alongside the slip road to cross the A417, a road which has strangely never had the (M) added to its number. It then feels like ten miles riding along the perimeter of Fairford air base – all the lanes round there are marked with double yellows, presumably to ward off feral plane spotters – before coming to the edge of the Water Park, where there was a "white road" I wanted to try. It turned out to be rather muddy, but fortunately it wasn't claggy mud – I was to have plenty of that later on. Lots of rather smart "waterside living" going up here. In and out of Lechlade in no time, riding out past the house with the Winged Wheel – presumably it used to be a hotel or inn or something. Then along a narrow lane with a weak bridge sign, past an old mill and more flat lanes heading east.

Which brought me to Langford and the lost man. Last time I was here, there had been a box of windfall apples on a garden wall. I had a look as I rode past but they'd all gone. I did notice that the house was called Lime Tree House – would I have been so happy to see windfall limes? I can't remember the name of the pub there, but it seems very busy, always lots of people around it whenever I pass. On this occasion there was a man of I would guess mid-fifties standing outside in maroon trousers, hiking boots with yellow bands round the ankles and blue hair. The lost man was of far more conventional appearance. He was staring at the signpost in the middle of the village, carrying two rucksacks. "Are you lost?" "Yes. I'm looking for – " and he named a place in a bit of a Spanish accent. He spelled it out and I still couldn't make it out, but he had it written down – Ansel's Farm. "I don't know where it is but if it's a farm it's not going to be in the village itself." "I came in a taxi, the GPS said it was here." I advised him to try the pub.

Not long after that I had to cross the A420, which I anticipated could take a while. I was glad to get there while it was still daylight. In fact I didn't even have to stop – no traffic at all! I now started heading more or less west. Half way round, or a bit more – feels good! There was a tower with a curious white light on top visible off to my right. I wondered if it could be something to do with navigation for Fairford or Brize Norton, but it was probably a little hill outside Faringdon called Cromwell's Battery. A civil war battle? Then stopped in Shrivenham at the Co-op for a sandwich and a yogurt, remembering shopping there in the summer when on my way to camping at Uffington.

Mud came back with a vengeance in Blunsdon, real claggy stuff this time and I spent ages trying to dig it out of my mudguards and pedals. Seeing as SPDs were invented for mountain bikers, how come they get jammed by mud so easily? And how come it's the right pedal that jams when my left foot is my putting-down foot?

Having finally cleared all that, all went smoothly until just before Little Somerford, way on the home side of Swindon now. I could see on my Garmin a left turn coming up, then suddenly I'd overshot it. How did I miss it? Retrace and... where is it? Turned out Ride with GPS had routed me through someone's garden! Looking at the OS map now I can see a footpath there and a private drive through Dauntsey Park. I'm not sure which I was meant to take but I couldn't even see the first in the dark, let alone ride it, and the second is private and gated. So I followed the road into Little Somerford and on to rejoin the route in Great Somerford.

Where I met the police! I stopped in the pub there for a cup of tea and a snack – very quiet, only five people there including me at 8pm on a Saturday – when the police drove up, parking in front of my bike in order to guard it. Then they talked to the chef about some incident earlier – I don't know what, so no gory details. They were, of course, ridiculously impressed at the idea of riding to Bristol.

Nothing more happened apart from fog, which was pretty thick especially at the top of Hinton Hill, making the steep, narrow descent quite attention-demanding. Then I got home and there were potatoes and mushrooms out in the kitchen but I didn't feel like eating anything. Woke up the next morning thinking how good those mushrooms would be with scrambled eggs for breakfast – and they were gone! Mrs Cudzo had got up before me (as she almost always does, tbf) and eaten them! Still, there was a very nice banana and walnut cake.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 02 January, 2019, 08:42:08 pm
Another month, another DIYxGPS. A fairly dull route, but it did the job. Up early and out with the gritters  :) A bit ruddy chilly, started at 2°C, ended at -2°C in Netherley. Spotted a dead fox  :( , a several of buzzards, a kestrel and a couple of brown hares.

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/30619266.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/30619266)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: StevieB on 02 January, 2019, 09:38:33 pm
Yesterday's DIY 200 has become my standard to the extent I used the GPS to record the ride but not for navigation. 
Not sure why it is chosen so often (~50%?), probably due to the stunning open spaces and lack of traffic in Wiltshire.

Wondered if others have a preference for the tried and trusted, or are you continually seeking novelty / variety?

I admit I have to distract my mind from the upcoming hill(s), but I am relaxed knowing there are no nasty surprises!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: telstarbox on 02 January, 2019, 10:09:43 pm
I haven't repeated a DIY route yet but they've all been enjoyable in their own way. I always keep my routesheets from DIYs so I'm planning to tweak old ones to pick up some new Veloviewer tiles but end up in the same destination town e.g. Kings Lynn.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 January, 2019, 11:40:12 pm
Was out on Mull on the first.

I had set the controls in a manner that would allow riding up from Craignure to Salen, through the middle road then up the coast, over the hill road then back to Salen on the main road, Giburn rocks, along the Ross and then back to Craignure... except erm that means doing the middle road twice in the same direction baws! Edit: Except Figures of 8 aren't laps so would have been ok; double baws.

Careful checking of the map showed that it was still a doable route without being silly and only 16Km longer than intended.

Quarter to 7 I left the bunkhouse and headed north for Salen, being passed only by the Coastguard's pickup.
Light started to crack in the sky as I rode up Loch Na Keal and by Kilbrennan there was enough light to see by.

I was surprised by the progress I was making along the coast road as it lumps significantly in places and Calgary came faster than I expected.
The climb to Dervaig where I ate my first pre-prepared roll of the day and then up the hill road before descending to the Mishnish Lochs proved to be nowhere near as hard as I was expecting nor was the last dig over to Tobermory where I encountered my 3rd, 4th and 5th cars of the day as well as the only motorbike.
Thankfully I'd set up the control to be the roundabout (the only one on the island) so with a bottle of water and rolls in my bag I didn't need to descend to the harbour and then drag myself back out.

The climbs from Tobermory to Salen always catch me out a bit but proved not too difficult; the lack of boat traffic was also handy as it meant I could handle passing places properly in most cases.

Rolling through Craignure again I felt that horrible deflated feeling from the back wheel and set about resolving the fairy's work on the ramp out of the village after eating the 2nd roll.
The glen more road was a horrible drag, possibly because I could see it, and I felt like it would never end, though eventually it did and I descended to Pen-Y-Gael as rapidly as the traffic, road and wind conditions allowed.

Hitting the Ross I thought my climbing legs would get a rest but there's some sharp ramps on there and Fionnphort felt like it would never arrive, though the quiet village did eventually arrive and I consumed roll number 3. I also realized that I needed something a bit more rapidly metabolized and scoffed most of a bag of jelly babies.

Back along the Ross seemed to be faster as the light dropped and there was quite a bit of traffic and blinding headlights, but Pen-Y-Gael and the climb of Glen More was soon reached.
Once again the climb seemed to be easier in this direction and no headwind this time, can't think why...
The darkness certainly helped avoid seeing the road climbing the glen, and once at the summit the blast down then through Lochdon and back into Cragnure and the finished off the ride with just enough time to titivate myself before sitting down for Steak Pie with the hiking club mates.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 03 January, 2019, 03:20:15 pm
Nice one ^. 

I'm up in the Fort his weekend and had toyed with doing the Fort Navigation but the weather looks like its going to put paid to it.       
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 03 January, 2019, 04:06:37 pm
Nice one ^. 

I'm up in the Fort his weekend and had toyed with doing the Fort Navigation but the weather looks like its going to put paid to it.       

Looking chilly but otherwise not too bad in the forecasts I'm looking at.
I'm hoping to get my 2nd 200 of the year in on Saturday; I need to think of something winter friendly and new from North Fife though, "Aberfoyle and back" and "Moulin Rouge" need some others in the mix.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 03 January, 2019, 05:37:14 pm
I was also out on New Year's Day. Early start from home wasn't quite as early as hoped after a serious argument with my alarm clock! Breakfast was surplus to requirements, having eaten on NYE enough curry for three rugby players and polished off a really nice bottle of Malbec. It quickly became clear that this pre-ride nutrition strategy was not one to lean on in future. Speed and motivation levels were way down. Luckily, I'd arranged to meet my pal, Gaz, in Swindon for company for the 'middle' 100K.
First leg was from Lacock to Swindon, via Sutton Benger and Cricklade. Stopped very briefly in Cricklade to send my buddy an ETA text, but otherwise never had to put a foot down for the first two hours.
The 'Middle 100' was a mini raid into the Cotswolds. We stopped at Lechlade for some sustenance, but I could only just about manage the (much needed!) Red Bull and pocketed the flapjack for later. Unusually for me, I'd planned a great route up to Bourton-on-the-Water on quiet lanes with minimal junctions to negotiate. So benign was the weather that Gaz was in shorts. The Mary's Rest Tea Room welcomed us with open arms and my Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon went down a treat and didn't cost the earth; happy days.
The quiet, pretty lanes continued all the way back to Swindon, where Gaz bade me goodbye and left me to soldier on alone. Quick stop at Sainsbury's for caffeine and a Bounty, then up onto the Marlborough Downs, through Aldbourne and past my in-law's front door in Minal (or Mildenhall, if you're not local). Resisted the temptation to pop in for a warm up and pressed on through Marlborough, along the horrid (traffic wise) A4 to Calne, before threading my way through the lanes to home.
Not my fastest 200, but by no means my slowest which is pleasing given how ropey I felt for much of the ride. If I hadn't been meeting Gaz there's every chance I would've opted for hibernation.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 04 January, 2019, 09:32:37 am
Nice one ^. 

I'm up in the Fort his weekend and had toyed with doing the Fort Navigation but the weather looks like its going to put paid to it.       

Looking chilly but otherwise not too bad in the forecasts I'm looking at.
I'm hoping to get my 2nd 200 of the year in on Saturday; I need to think of something winter friendly and new from North Fife though, "Aberfoyle and back" and "Moulin Rouge" need some others in the mix.
Doesnt look too bad in the west Highlands right enough but I've now been stymied by having an unexpected extra passenger in the car tonight which means no room for the bike. 

Just walking in the hills then this weekend and will keep powder dry for a 200 the weekend after.     
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 04 January, 2019, 08:14:26 pm
A good weather window for a 200k DIY today.  Cloudy overnight so the temperature was just high enough to avoid frost and ice.  Westerly breeze would help on the way back down Weardale and across to the coast.

Early start to get clear of the urban roads before the traffic built up.  My pace was OK (by my standards) and I got to a nice cafe in Corbridge early, but not too early, for breakfast.  Starting to feel a bit dodgy but a feed usually helps.

Then it started to go tango uniform.  I haven't done many miles over the last few weeks because of Christmas, weather, and a winter lurgy.  It seems the effects were catching up with me today.

Long and difficult drag up Allendale then over the big climb to wear head.  Despite another bit of food and flask of coffee at Allendale Town I wasn't feeling any better.

More downhill than uphill from wear head to Stanhope  but no recovery.  Only 40 miles to do, but it might as well have been 400.  Luckily the current Mrs Socks was available to drive to the cafe and give me a lift home.

Disappointing not to finish in such benign weather (for the time of year).  So number 3 of my second RRtY attempt still to do.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 January, 2019, 09:33:54 pm
At least you got out, my plan for #2 of the month  didn't even get submitted as despite the benign weather the last few days I spent most of it asleep or   :hand: :o :facepalm:
Weather for the next week is looking dubious, might need to find a station west of here that I can make use of the forecast strong westerly next weekend.

Also got a 200 mapped out from home to Waverly in case I need it before getting the train to Yorkshire Grit, but that involves the Campsies so also very weather dependent.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 11 January, 2019, 08:47:10 pm
Alarm set for silly o clock for the early train from the capital to Dunblane.  DIY one way 200 to Aberdeen planned...

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29163679

Man & bike booked on 1816 back to Edinburgh.  Hoping to have enough time for at least one pre train panache in Casc. 

@graeme_wyllie
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 January, 2019, 09:05:39 pm
Alarm set for silly o clock for the early train from the capital to Dunblane.  DIY one way 200 to Aberdeen planned...

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29163679

Man & bike booked on 1816 back to Edinburgh.  Hoping to have enough time for at least one pre train panache in Casc. 

@graeme_wyllie

Should be a bit of wind assistance with that!
I've chosen to fight into the wind along the Balcony and then hope that the ochils provide some shelter along the hillfoots before striking out for Doune then off to Creiff and then along the EArn and into the tay valley where I'll hopefully get a big shove up the hill.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29134825

I've been toying with the route for a while and just as I thought I had it and bang on 200k in Google, I discover the total of distance added due to google thinking places should be geomarked in the middle of a neighbouring field (See Thornhill, Stirling as an example) brought the distance down by 3km...
Talking of Thornhill that'd sort it, and the extra distance created by avoiding the Keir Roundabout, but the only reasonable route is the A84, and that just no.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: eckagain on 12 January, 2019, 05:42:23 pm
Alarm set for silly o clock for the early train from the capital to Dunblane.  DIY one way 200 to Aberdeen planned...

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29163679

Man & bike booked on 1816 back to Edinburgh.  Hoping to have enough time for at least one pre train panache in Casc. 

@graeme_wyllie

Aye, we saw you about 10.14, at about your 87k mark, yellow bike, red top, unmistakable style. We shouted after you but you were obviously on too important a mission to stop for a blether with us Angus proles.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 12 January, 2019, 09:34:57 pm
Alarm set for silly o clock for the early train from the capital to Dunblane.  DIY one way 200 to Aberdeen planned...

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29163679

Man & bike booked on 1816 back to Edinburgh.  Hoping to have enough time for at least one pre train panache in Casc. 

@graeme_wyllie

Aye, we saw you about 10.14, at about your 87k mark, yellow bike, red top, unmistakable style. We shouted after you but you were obviously on too important a mission to stop for a blether with us Angus proles.

Ah was that you pair with the car close behind you? I thought the car was going to pull out into my path so wasnt really looking, plus my eyesight is like Mr McGoo without my glasses.  sorry. 

I earlier caught up with what I thought was WBM from Coupar Angus and started chatting to a complete stranger. 

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 January, 2019, 11:44:19 pm
Well that was blowy!
Blog Post: https://fifeingeejit.blogspot.com/2019/01/tour-of-ochils-12th-january-2019.html
Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/2074113468/segments/52282501832


Battering into the wind took a fair whack out of me and I stopped to eat at Bridge of Allan rather than Doune as planned and was pretty shelled; did manage to have over 19kmh on the clock till then and was over 21ks at one point.

Tailwind didn't seem to materialize (as usual) after the turn at Doune, but then I was climbing up to Crieff quite well hidden by the hills.
Fantastic push along the Earn and Tay Valleys after Auchterarder though and got back in just over 11 hours.

Rolling Average to Doune: 19.8kmh
Rolling Average back from Doune: 21.4kmh
20m more climb on the return than outbound apparently...

Reckon it's be a pretty quick route on a still day.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Revolution9 on 13 January, 2019, 12:01:40 pm
I did my take on the old Lanark 200, starting from Selkirk to keep the RRTY dream alive.

The first 80k to Lanark were straight into the teeth of a force 5 gale.  When I stopped at the Apple Pie in Carnwath for second breakfast at 80km, i hadn't even averaged 19km/h!

Things got a bit easier after the turn at Lanark.  I de-toured round the west side of Tinto, to pick up a few OCD points and my average had almost reached 20km/h by the next turn at Beattock (140k)

A quick bowl of soup at the Rumblin' Tum in Moffat fuelled me for the last leg up Moffatdale, and down the Yarrow valley.  Gusting cross winds were a bit of a concern as I passed St Mary's loch, and there were a few trees down which I had to avoid.

All in all a tough day on the bike.

Distance - 204.4km
Moving Time - 10:06:23
Elapsed Time - 11:05:05
Elevation - 2,432m
Average Speed - 20.2km/h
OCD - 1318m
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY
Post by: bairn again on 13 January, 2019, 12:15:33 pm
Tale of the day : https://ridewithgps.com/trips/30881324

(I left my GPS running after arrival in Aberdeen but think i was around 9 hrs 45 mins overall).

Dark and damp leaving Dunblane after the 0529 from Edinburgh Park (mandatory provincial revellers heading home made me keep an eye on my bike).  Up the main street the wrong way to doff my cap at Andy Murrays gold post box and out of the street lights and into the dark.  I was using this ride to test out the hub light on my winter bike ahead of Yorkshire Grit next weekend and i made a few tweaks on the fly.

Braco, Gleneagles, Auchetrarder and Dunning still dark but nice sunrise on the bump over to Perth.  Usual shit driving thro Perth so was happy to take the quiet but lumpier Murrayshall Hotel diversion to avoid the A94.  Ditto the right turn at Balbeggie and through Kinrossie and Collace.  I got to Meigle bang on 1000 so shunned the joinery cafe and pressed on to brunch in McForfar.  Rammed as ever but quick and decent covfefe. 

A slam dunk block tailwaind on the Montrose road before a new road for me over to Brechin via Pitkennedy.  Police cones told me that a big game was happening at Glebe Park Brechin and the traffic was irritating on the link road to the A90.  Havent ridden this way through Edzell and Fettercairn for a while and i seemed to be making hard work of the long straight to Edzell, the cross tail had maybe got a bit cross. 

A grand old blast on the road to Auchenblae before the humply road to Stoney at 170k and a petrol station stop.  Draggy exit up through Ury (more A90 link road asshole drivers) and the only hard bit heading NW to Milltimber.  Id had an easy day otherwise so the legs had enough zip to work hard enough for this task.  This bit ran almost parrallel to the new Aberdeen peripherique, what a monstrosity it is, theough the traffic on the B979 was a tad quieter than id expected so its an ill wind.

Lights back on at the top of Milltimber brae and the north deeside road.  Its got a “painted line” cycle path, which was made dangerous by passing traffic encroaching into it to avoid oncoming cars.  Anyhow its only 10k or so into the City centre and i was soon rolling round the corner to the railway station. 

Bike locked, into the bogs to get changed and time for a couple of beers * in Casc before the train home and a picnic from Sainsburys. 

* Weihenstephan wheat beer (pint) and a Rodebach Classic (2/3rds). 

Harder tests to come but a good run out ahead of more serious fare (fayre?)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 January, 2019, 03:28:37 pm
I did my take on the old Lanark 200, starting from Selkirk to keep the RRTY dream alive.

The first 80k to Lanark were straight into the teeth of a force 5 gale.

Force 5 is but a Fresh Breeze!!!!
Gales start at Force 7


Worse today though
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Revolution9 on 13 January, 2019, 03:56:23 pm
I did my take on the old Lanark 200, starting from Selkirk to keep the RRTY dream alive.

The first 80k to Lanark were straight into the teeth of a force 5 gale.

Force 5 is but a Fresh Breeze!!!!
Gales start at Force 7

True, but an unpleasant 5hrs nevertheless
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 January, 2019, 04:05:20 pm
I did my take on the old Lanark 200, starting from Selkirk to keep the RRTY dream alive.

The first 80k to Lanark were straight into the teeth of a force 5 gale.

Force 5 is but a Fresh Breeze!!!!
Gales start at Force 7

True, but an unpleasant 5hrs nevertheless

Aye, ordinarily escaping Glenrothes for the wee country is a pleasure, yesterday it was horrible...
One of the reasons I chose to do the ochils loop I'd been working on was due to the limited amount of North/South travel thus avoiding the strong side gusts I was expecting.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: djrikki on 14 January, 2019, 08:03:26 am
I completed my January 200km on Saturday... it was a very disconcerting, challenging battle against the winds in the final throws of fading light into the early evening.  Unless there is another weekend with similar temperatures, but without "that" wind that may well be my only 200km this January.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tBPWaKnZDU
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: djrikki on 14 January, 2019, 10:59:07 pm
Decided to head back into the wind on Sunday for a nice slice of cake and a cup of coffee with a short stop at Wold Newton village hall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEJUnBDLDzM
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 February, 2019, 02:13:29 pm
Rode Andy Uttley's "Ride around Ben Klibreck" on Saturday with Iroiromono

Conditions changed from bluebird skies and black roads, to blue bird skies and white road, followed by starry sky and black road.

Still preparing a blog post, but photos are available:
https://1drv.ms/a/s!AlB7bV6RdTovhtsZljcGrNDw1CUgqg


Due to a mishap or 6 while fitting the winter tyres we changed plans from Anti-Clockwise to Clockwise so that we went round by Heavens Cycles in Bonar Bridge (I didn't know they had moved from Ardgay so just a minor fleg when I saw the shop was now a tartan outfitters!), though we needn't have worried about the 2 spare tubes to 4 wheels ratio we had before the shop stop.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iroiromono on 04 February, 2019, 02:51:20 pm
Due to a mishap or 6 while fitting the winter tyres we changed plans from Anti-Clockwise to Clockwise so that we went round by Heavens Cycles in Bonar Bridge (I didn't know they had moved from Ardgay so just a minor fleg when I saw the shop was now a tartan outfitters!), though we needn't have worried about the 2 spare tubes to 4 wheels ratio we had before the shop stop.

In a way this was a blessing in disguise. I am glad for the blue sky with white roads rather than starry sky with white roads if we'd gone with the original plan.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 04 February, 2019, 10:21:06 pm
The blog post:
https://fifeingeejit.blogspot.com/2019/02/a-wintery-ride-around-ben-klibreck-2nd.html

As a correction to my previous post: The bike shop in Bonar Bridge is actually called Heaven Bikes.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 07 February, 2019, 09:10:58 am
Yesterday - February 200k as part of my second RRtY.  I have tried a hilly route taking in Allendale and Weardale for my previous two, this time back to the flat North Yorkshire route that I used in some of my 2018 rides. 

The forecast was for overnight temperatures of about 3 degrees, so I thought an early start on the quiet lanes from Heighington would be OK.  As Captain Bertorelli would say, "whadda a mistayka to mayka".  It was wet on Tuesday, and the very cold overnights from two or three days ago meant that the roads were still very cold so it turned out that there was some black ice about.  I had a couple of rear wheel slips, then a slow motion off when I tried to stop for a junction.  Luckily my recumbent bike is closer to the ground than the uprights so not as far to fall and no damage to me or the bike.

After that first stretch it got easier, and gradually brightened and warmed up through the day.  By the time it got dark it was nice and sunny.  With an excellent egg and black pudding sandwich at Bushby Stoop garage from a catering van in the forecourt.

Another bit of excitement on the B road to Piercebridge when three cars and a motorbike nearly had a pile up about 50 yards in front of me, entirely as a result of two of the drivers going too fast and too close.  Luckily they managed to avoid a collision and despite swerving across the road, the motorcyclist wasn't hit.  It could easily have been a nasty 'accident'.

Getting very cold as the sun went down, I finished just as it got dark so hopefully (subject to the usual) that's number 4 of RRtY 2 completed.  All a bit more exciting than planned.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 07 February, 2019, 01:27:52 pm
By the time it got dark it was nice and sunny.

Eh?  ;D

Reminds me of, 'one fine day in the middle of the night'.................
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: mattc on 07 February, 2019, 01:40:06 pm
It's been a hard days night, said Socks, carefully climbing off his steed.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: djrikki on 08 February, 2019, 08:34:47 am
Looking to do a 200km DIY this Saturday in Lincolnshire.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 08 February, 2019, 12:05:35 pm
Can you do 200km in a straight line?  Choose the right direction and you will probably fall foul of the 30kmh rule.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 08 February, 2019, 06:28:16 pm
It's been a hard days night, said Socks, carefully climbing off his steed.

You must have been there Matt   🙂
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: halhorner on 09 February, 2019, 11:00:47 pm
Malborough Connection 200, from Woodstock. Really nice route - N Wessex / Marlborough Downs + Cotswolds. The Downland sections felt tough today due to quite strong head and cross winds, as well as some squally rain/hail storms. That, plus lingering a little too long in the control cafes, plus 3 visitations resulted in a slow round even by my standards (13 hours elapsed). Nice day out on the bike nonetheless and good to get some miles in the legs. Thank you Iddu for keeping it going (would make a great calendar event too  :))
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: djrikki on 11 February, 2019, 09:30:11 pm
My Saturday DIY didn't happen, instead I went out on Sunday which was a much drier, safer day to travel on two wheels and with it being so calm I decided to take my GoPro along with me for some action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUqHqRormxo
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 15 February, 2019, 06:13:50 pm
Yet another 200 DIY in the Vale of York.

Planned a route that mostly stuck to the lanes and that was almost my undoing as there was quite a bit of ice about as I left Darlo. I was heading South East and suddenly realised why today's earworm was 'Destination Venus' as Venus guided me down to Neasham. Went carefully until it was fully light and I could then see and avoid the worst patches of ice which were mostly in the gutters anyway.

Had a cracking creature feature near Scorton when a Barn Owl crossed in front of me and then accompanied me for half a mile as it covered the roadside ditch for voles.

Breakfast was taken at a roadside stile near Yafforth - a glug from the bottle and a couple of hot cross buns from the saddlebag. This was going to be a no faff ride.

The next entertainment was provided by the RAF. A flight of 8 or 9 single seat trainers were practising formation flying. The first time I saw them they were all together and didn't look like any of them would be troubling the Red Arrows. The second time I saw them they were down to a formation of four. They came over low, straight and perfectly steady. Very impressive.

There had been a rising Southerly wind all morning and once I got to the turning point at Beninborough I had it on my back pretty much the whole way home. Stopped at the Coop in Northallerton for some flapjack and then scooted back up to Darlo and walked straight onto a train home.  :) Catching an early train meant no beer though.  :(
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 16 February, 2019, 10:07:31 pm
Rode a DIY that doubled as a route check of the 1st bit of the Auld Alliance.

I was looking forward to dry weather as forecast and a SW wind which would help me after Dunblane c 70k. 

It was overcast leaving Haymarket in Edinburgh and I was enjoying the old school feel of having a hard copy routesheet on my bike.

It got darker and darker as I approached Kirkliston and heavy rain soon started.  Id believed the forecast and while I always carry a jacket Id not brought overshoes and my feet were soon cold and wet.

The rain didnt let up and my routesheet was getting soggy and my glasses misty.  Im recovering from a cold and thought about chucking it but Id made OK time to Causewayhead about 65k and decided to have breakfast first.  It dried out so I pressed on past the point of no return (Dunblane railway station) and started to benefit from the tailwind.

I passed (I think) @fifeingeejit with another rider (Robbie?) at Gleneagles and the sun even came out on the road to Dunning.

Usual shit driving in Perth (one close pass saw a driver with their off side tyres fully inside a 2 foot wide cycle lane all because of oncoming traffic on the A94 was a standstill) which meant I stopped at Scone for a minor refill and decided to get off the A94 even though that's the route for the Auld Alliance (where its a night section Id add). 

I was scudding along with the tailwind now and I figured that from Kinrossie 130km I covered the next 25km in an hour.  The Bogside Rd is lumpier so I slowed up a bit and contemplated a coffee at McDs in Forfar but decided to press on knowing Ive covered the 30km to Montrose in an hour before now.  I had to stop about 15km from the finish to top up with a remaining Star Bar and rolled into Montrose in a little over 9 hrs.

Grand day out and a few tweaks to the first 200 of the Auld Alliance.  Pics on twitter @graeme_wyllie
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 February, 2019, 11:03:30 pm
It was indeed iroromono and myself riding the wrong way for the wind conditions.

Recognized you about 2 seconds too late.

Will write a DIY report next week as there's the small matter of ECEing the tour of East Lothian tomorrow... Assuming I've got the energy to get round it at BR pace...

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 16 February, 2019, 11:11:54 pm
Today's effort was a well-ventilated pootle down into the wilds of Angus. More tile bagging meant lots of new roads :-) The first 100k was a bit of a slog into a headwind, but I got the benefit of a tailie on the return. Mild. There was nice sunrise on the way to Stonehaven. Lunch was taken at Corn Kist.

Heard: skylarks and woodpeckers. Seen: a kestrel, geese, quite a few roe deer, loadsa buzzards (including 3 lined up across a field stalking worms) and 3 red kites near Fettercairn.

11/12 done of this nonsense.

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/31729999.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/31729999)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7865/46202413615_1efbe4bd97_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2doKrUc)
IMG_2493_01 (https://flic.kr/p/2doKrUc) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7845/40151636513_cd554d1e98_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24b4CF4)
IMG_2495_01 (https://flic.kr/p/24b4CF4) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 18 February, 2019, 12:57:49 pm
With the Tour of East Lothian running on Sunday there was nothing else for it but to get a second 200 in for the month on Saturday.
It took a bit of clicking on Google Maps and RWGPS to figure out how to get to Musselburgh from Dundee without being either 2km under or 20km over distance, eventually settling on what should have been an easy route...

Met Iroromono in front of the RRS Discovery and within 2km we'd stopped for a rest at the roll carriage at the end of the esplanade to kill our average speed (If I'd thought about it in advance I could have used this as the start point).
Not to worry the Carse of Gowrie is great for getting speed up as it's the only extensively flat bit of ground in the area, except being a vast expanse of flat in an otherwise steeply sided river valley it's also a nightmare when there's a 30kmh South Westerly blowing.  The shelter of the Balthayock was welcome for once and we were soon getting the views over Perth the climb rewards you with.

Perth was largely uneventful and we took to Necessity Brae and wished we had those horses to help but at least it's sheltered from that wind.  Strathearn was exposed and we struggled into Dunning where we got some shelter from the Ochils, plans for a relaxed lunch in Auchterarder were scrapped in favour of bouncing the Co-Op.

Took me a couple of seconds to clock Bairn Again through Gleneagles village (which isn't in Gleann na h-Eaglais at all, and someone needs to point out to the incomers that it means Glen of the Chapels, nothing to do with Iloaire).  Back out in to open at the top we took the Auchinlay road to get round Dunblane, not sure if it is faster than the convoluted route through the 1 way system or not.

The ride into Doune wasn't too bad at least, and we stopped at the Spar for a quick snack and water top up before heading down the A84 which was thankfully relativley quiet to the Kippen turn off where the road ramped up, this was meant to be the "hard bit" of the ride but it didn't seem too bad in comparison.
A bit of respite on the descent into Fintry (much nicer looking than the Fintry in Dundee) and then it was the "Highlite" of the ride, the Climb over to Lennoxtown on the Crow where we hard our arses handed to us by:
Someone doing hill repeats on a commuter
Two mountain bikers
and a Squirrel

The top was a major relief as we knew we "should" get a tail wind through to Musselburgh after the Gravity assistance down to Lennoxtown, right enough we got a good shove along through Kilsyth and Bonybridge before deciding that having meddled with a deil of a headwind all day we'd visit the Kelpies in Falkirk.  I had thought we'd be here about 2 hours earlier than we were, but we also managed to be early for the Café opening... by a month and a half.

Boring flat route from now through Grangemouth and then Borrowstounness  before climbing up to the back of South Queensferry.
Almost took the A8000 by mistake but corrected it and shot through Edinburgh on the old railway lines with a couple of wrong turns in Drylaw (where we also went wrong on the return ECE) before the blast through Leith and onto the Portobello Prom and the ride into Musselburgh, much later than either planned or expected.

Survived the TOEL getting in with not much BR pace to spare before repeating the blast back through Edinburgh into the wind and getting a great shove through Fife.

TTEL: https://www.strava.com/activities/2154034950
TOEL + ECE: https://www.strava.com/activities/2156780135
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: djrikki on 22 February, 2019, 08:50:53 am
First 300km of 2019 planned for Saturday, it'll be my first "Winter" 300km ride in contrary to the late-Spring like weather looking to prevail this weekend.

Blue skies, plenty of sunshine forecast, leg and arm warmers coming off mid-morning - what more could we ask for at this time of year?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iroiromono on 22 February, 2019, 11:40:08 am
First 300km of 2019 planned for Saturday, it'll be my first "Winter" 300km ride in contrary to the late-Spring like weather looking to prevail this weekend.

Blue skies, plenty of sunshine forecast, leg and arm warmers coming off mid-morning - what more could we ask for at this time of year?

Similar plans for FifeingEejit and me on Saturday. We'll be takling Eck's Snow Road 300 Perm starting in Banchory. Looks like the Wind will be quite interesting for our Southbound Trip over the Lecht!
This is part of our attempt of an SR series of classic Scottish Perms before the Calendar Events start thick and fast.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: djrikki on 22 February, 2019, 09:39:05 pm
Short video showing the route I'll be taking through Lincolnshire and the Wolds.

https://youtu.be/DZwFSQpRCaQ
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bhoot on 24 February, 2019, 11:59:05 am
Having missed Wye Wednesday due to work commitments, we decided to DIY into Kent yesterday, rather than our normal Essex terrain. Start point was Greenwich, first control over the hills at Edenbridge via mostly main roads. Not too much traffic due to 06.15 but lots of fog around. A brief glance of sunshine on the top of the Greensand ridge was followed by more fog as we swooped down to the valley. The second leg was following the "golden corridor" for flatlanders along via Hildenborough, East Peckham, Marden to control at Headcorn. Around Marden the fog finally retreated and at the next stop I reduced to summer plumage....sadly I hadn't chosen sandals, otherwise it would have been the first February sockless day I think! Fhoot however stuck doggedly to his woolly hat and winter gloves.
We headed next for the seaside at Dymchurch for a picnic on the sea wall. A slightly chilly south easterly onshore breeze prompted us not to stay for too long but to turn back, with the wind now nicely behind us. So it was a fast (by our standards) ride back via Bethersden and Marden to our penultimate control at East Peckham Petrol Station/Coop (well equipped for audaxers with a picnic bench outside). On the last short 20km leg we left the flatness behind to climb up via Plaxtol and Ightham Mote and then descend to the finish at Otford, chosen for the likelihood of sneaking the tandem on a London bound train and so avoiding the drag back in through the traffic and over the hills. That gamble paid off well with plenty of space on a Thameslink train to Catford, and then just a short ride home.
It must have been the warmest February ride I have ever done....
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 February, 2019, 12:31:19 pm
Rode the Snow Roads yesterday with Iroromono, not much snow but plenty of wind.

Started at Banchory just after 8am and made reasonable pace to Oyne and Rhynie but the Cabrach showed the previous weekends efforts were still hurting.
Still decent timing at Dufftown so took the chance for a decent lunch break at the Coffee Pot.

The wind hit us on the drag to the lecht turn with our average speed Continuing to plunge the possibility of turning left at Crathie played on my mind.

The Lecht beat me at the same point last summer but the driver behind was a bit more forgiving this time. Surprisingly the descent was sheltered from the wind and we were ready for the BHs.

The sunset as we crossed the gairnshiel bridge and the sky was glowing red. Sadly by the time we were at the summit the fire glow was gone.

Into Braemar and knowing we would likely miss the shops in Kirrie took a reasonable pause to eat before the drag to cairnwell pass.

A mountain hair in its winter white bounded across the road in front of me, it's white hair exposing it to the predators circling in the dark.

The road in glen shea is never as flat or descending as you'd like and Glen isla is the same, pressing on in the darkness a column of fire rose from a garden bonfire and cows stared at us from lit barns while frogs hopped across the road in front of us.

We rolled into Kirrie too late for the knowhead shops so we had little choice but to descend into the town centre, unfortunately we'd missed the town centre shops by minutes so a tour of the cash machines to find the one with receipt paper.

A sharp climb up the roods took us up to Northmuir where we skimmed along to Edzell on roads in sure weren't this lumpy back in May.

We stopped there for a rest and a few minutes snooze before continuing through the Royal arch in my gran's birthplace of Fettercairn.

The first ramp up from clatterin brig beat me within a few meters, and it was a stop start climb to the summit.

Mist down over Angus meant we didn't get the normal amazing night views across to Edinburgh.  The climbs on the plateau hit harder than normal and after crossing the bridge of dye the sharp climb out beat me again.

I missed the AA box for the dark but the lights of Strachan were glimmering ahead. The last drag into Banchory was a major relief and climbed past the car to reach the atm we started at just after 3am.

Detoured to a 24hr McDonald's before collapsing in bed around 5am.

Ow...

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: djrikki on 24 February, 2019, 02:58:56 pm
Completed my 300km ride on Saturday around Lincolnshire.

Weather was really good as expected, what I didn't expect was the fog to linger around for so long which held the temperatures back until gone 1 in the afternoon.  After that it was gorgeous.

My home work paid off with a nice tail wind for much of the way back from Boston to Cleethorpes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZpQPFm7XLM
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 24 February, 2019, 10:12:05 pm
Rode the Snow Roads yesterday with Iroromono, not much snow but plenty of wind.

..........Detoured to a 24hr McDonald's before collapsing in bed around 5am.



Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
top effort  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 24 February, 2019, 11:40:30 pm
Rode the Snow Roads yesterday with Iroromono, not much snow but plenty of wind.

..........Detoured to a 24hr McDonald's before collapsing in bed around 5am.



Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
top effort  :thumbsup:

+1  :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 26 February, 2019, 12:10:08 am
Thanks, it possibly marks the start of an RRTY attempt, however I don't think I'll be using it for a February 2020 finish of that.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 March, 2019, 09:05:49 pm
Iroromono and I attempted the Central Scotland 300 perm starting at Auchterarder last night; made it to Innerleithn via a hairy ride over the Forth Bridge, a long stop at McDonalds, a similarly long stop to try and extract a sliver of metal from my tyre and reinflate,  and then while climbing down the Granites into Innerleithen we decided that was as far as we were going with it.
A first DNF for both of us.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sg37409 on 10 March, 2019, 11:17:49 am
... and then while climbing down the Granites....

Good turn of phrase for how tough descents can be  :)  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 10 March, 2019, 11:58:09 am
A sunny, chilly, well-ventilated pootle out to Braemar. The forecast wind wasn't apparent until the descent to Ballater where it was like hitting a brick wall. Second breakfast was taken at Bean for Coffee :P. The slog to Braemar, including the longest-nine-miles-in-Scotland section from Crathie, was thankfully somewhat protected by the trees. The lady in the Co-Op asked me if I wanted a receipt after asking me where I was going and where I'd come from. She's done this before! After the turnaround I had 110km of tailie back home via Tarland and Queen's View :-)

Spotted: dead badger, dead fox, bullfinch, partridge, roe deer, geese, buzzard, fieldfares and other thrushes, red kite. Heard: skylarks, yellowhammer, drumming woodpecker.

That's the RRTY completed, subject to validation. That's another on of those "I don't have to do that again" things done :-)

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/32326398.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/32326398)

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7870/33460749088_fd7ab4f67c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SYP5X3)
IMG_2524_01 (https://flic.kr/p/SYP5X3) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7819/33460743608_54d95d4439_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SYP4jy)
IMG_2527_01 (https://flic.kr/p/SYP4jy) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 06 April, 2019, 09:23:17 pm
Fboab's got us doing some tour of the Thatchered Coalfields of Co Durham or somesuch. 
He was so enthused by the prospect he stayed home, the git, leaving me to haul my lardy arse solo through the terrifying shell towns of the former coalfields.
If I'd paid more attention in geography (C at A Level) I'd probably have worked out that former coalfields are relentlessly hilly, but I didn't, and RWGPS said there was only 1600m of climbing1 largely in a big fat Woodland Fell from Hamsterley.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190406/338e629cefeeb25a603e1a7e3bbbbcf2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190406/0b7c302fce50bd3914363f0ba6b2b390.jpg)
The slog up from the Wear at Witton was enlivened by a steady stream of cars laden with MTB, and somewhere on another forum a MTB-er is retelling how he stopped during a descent for a fat bird who said 'back' when he asked what was wrong- only to discover it was the body part, not the wheel.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190406/5793911ec92876826a5c683cb1b0f920.jpg)
Luvverly Lunch at the Country Tea Shop was followed rather too soon by a frankly moronic route choice Dent Gate /Penny Hill to Copley. From there through more terrifying empty shell towns (I'm looking at you: Shildon, where even the under 10 in the shop looked at me like she was going to Take Me Out, an array of pikey pony&traps outside Tindale WMC (see 'terror' above as to Why No Pictures) and finally the easy bit home.

New squares and a tiny cluster increase. First solo DIY actually completed since waaaaaaay back in 2016.

1: It lied
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190406/1d4f65990d4429b4537063e26ba70b47.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 April, 2019, 09:39:38 pm
Bam!

Great photos, fboab.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 07 April, 2019, 09:50:43 am
That's a tough route fboab but the countryside round there is beautiful now the pits have gone.

Daughter teaches in one of those former mining towns. They recently had to call the police to subdue a ten year old who, amongst other things, had thrown a chair at a teacher.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 07 April, 2019, 10:19:13 am
I think it was just as beautiful when the mines were active, but in a different way.
I don't know what we should or could have done to save the communities but the "nothing" that actually happened has left a generation bereft. I've flippantly described it as terrifying but it's also very very sad.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 08 April, 2019, 11:30:04 am
There's still a lot of bad feeling among the older generation about the way that the Thatcher governments did nothing while coal mines, shipyards, steelworks, engineering firms closed down in the 1980's.  I'm not sure how many of the young ones know about this history though, as local history doesn't seem to be on the school curriculum anymore.  No doubt they are still affected by the after effects on their local community.

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 18 April, 2019, 07:39:19 pm
Overnight 300 DIY starting at York then taking in the delights of Selby, Knottingley, Thorne and Goole before heading down the Trent to cross at Keadby. Not very pretty but as it was dark it didn't matter.  Up to the Humber Bridge followed by York (again) and a schlep up the Vale to Darlo.

Arranged to doss ina mate's conservatory in Goole but overslept a bit and had to work hard against the wind to get back in time. Also meant I missed the sun coming up as I crossed the bridge but it was foggy anyway so wouldn't have seen it.

First go at a 300 as a stepping stone to the Great North Road 400 next month. Think it would have gone better if I'd done it all in daylight.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 May, 2019, 01:14:30 pm
Decided to knock out an easy 200 on Sunday for one of the RRTYs

Strong Northerly so after a good rest on Saturday morning took the train up to the parents caravan near Pitlochry.
Set off along the north road into the wind along the lochs towards Rannoch Station for a second breakfast although scandalously the sausage was the wrong shape for these pairts.

Wind assisted back off the Muir and onto the South rannoch road before taking on the Schiehallion climb, Braes of Foss was very busy on this sunny, but cold and windy day and I wasn't really trying, however O set a few PBs on the way down to Coshiville particularly in the wide open top section near the deer park.
I decided I need to look up the source of Coshieville as it looks suspiciously Latin.

Took the Dull road to Aberfeldy where I stopped at the Watermill for a baguette before wishing I'd rested longer as I hauled myself up Griffin.
Never realized the descent to Amulree was so long, but Iv'e only been down this way once before, and then was rudely reminded that it's a climb from the junction through the village and then to the top of the Sma' Glen.

The climb from the Sma' Glen to the Buchanty junction is one I always forget and it never looks or feels as steep on the way down it as it does on the way up.
Contemplated the greenness of Glen Almond now I was out of the Highlands and then remembered there's a bit of moorland to climb before the plunge to Kinky bridge via the Fowlis'.
Got a bit worried I was on the wrong road as I'd set Kinky Bridge as a way point and didn't recognize the road going this way, crossed the A9 at Aberuthven and then stopped at the shop in Dunning and realized that I was going to be home around 2 hours earlier than I'd allowed for.
Just a blat along Strathearn to Kintillo and then up the South Tay road to Hazleton from where it's downhill all the way home.

Nice easy day despite the climbing!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 01 June, 2019, 02:18:42 pm
Pinch, punch, first of the month so a good day to bank a 200k DIY to keep an RRtY attempt going.

Woke at 3:40 and it was just about light so I got ready and set off on the dot of four. Down to the coast on the C2C track and through Sunderland before anyone was about. Even Hendon is tolerable when it's deserted.

Worked my way South through the 'Thatchered coal fields' (© Steve S & fboab. See upthread ^^^) to cross the Tees at Yarm. It was still too early for anywhere to be open for breakfast so I had a forecourt buffet at the garage on the Kirklevington road then cut across to Kiplin where I turned my nose for home.

Recrossed the Tees at Winston and crossed over into the Wear catchment through Cockfield and the various Aucklands, which were wick with lunchtime traffic. I'd been going right well up until then but a combination of rough surfaces on the Bishop/Brandon cycle path, rain, a million pedestrians and a squillion flies saw my average speed dropping on what should have been an easy bit.

Got onto the A167 at Durham, dropped onto the tri bars and flogged my way home to upload my tracklog before lunch. That's this month sorted then - I can sit on my backside and drink beer until July which should see the completion of my RRtY.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 02 June, 2019, 10:21:27 am
Pinch, punch, first of the month so a good day to bank a 200k DIY to keep an RRtY attempt going.


I had the same idea, by doing a circuit from Ponteland.  A 5.00am start, heading north west at first along the lanes then across to the coast.  A mapping error meant a bit of COR involving crossing a couple of fields, and three stiles; then a stretch on what turned out to be a private road.  Then along the coastal NCN past Druridge Bay, Howick Haven, to Amble then the road to Seahouses, Bamburgh, Waren Bay.  Lovely views across the beaches and the sea in the sunshine meant that the dodgy surface and a couple of stretches where I had to walk were worthwhile.

It clouded over and a few spots of rain as I slogged my way back down to Ponteland against a cross / headwind.  As a result of this empirical research I can confirm that:

- a recumbent bike (even a relatively light two wheeler) isn't easy to lift over a stile
- high pressure slick tyres aren't ideal for bumpy grass and muddy troughs
- however on the other hand the herd of cattle that followed me across the field seemed interested in the bike.  Or maybe thought that I was going to feed them
- the slightly lower height of the bike made it easier to duck under an electric fence at the end of the private road

Despite the comedy off-road and coastal tracks, an enjoyable day out and I was back well within the time limit.  So subject to the usual, that's the June ride sorted.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 16 June, 2019, 02:58:09 pm
Got a bad case of cabin fever after this week's deluge so got up early and took myself off for breakfast in Topcliffe. Yet another schlep down and back up the Vale of York for a 200 DIY.

Almost hit a deer and a heron but not at the same time. Other than that the only thing of note was being overtaken by someone on the little dig up from the Red Lion at Plawsworth. Mortified to be overtaken by a bloke on a BSO wearing footy shorts and a baggy T shirt. The first thing that sprang to mind was that line from Paul Kimmage's book Rough Ride, 'overtaken by a bloody Fred'. Consoled myself with the thought that he didn't have 200km in his legs and he was forty years younger than me.

Still though, overtaken by a bloody Fred.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: lmm on 29 June, 2019, 07:54:29 am
Just sitting in Luton for my first control stop on my first ever perm. All a bit last minute so I'm hoping the route etc. are compliant with requirements - if not then I was doing the ride anyway so no great loss.

Mostly smooth riding so far after a slightly fiddly start. Unintentionally found myself following a familiar route from The Jetsetter for much of it through some lovely tree-lined lanes. Here's hoping the route stays nice and the threatened heat wave is gentler than predicted.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 07 July, 2019, 10:02:04 am
I enjoyed a lovely one way ride Stonehaven - Edinburgh yesterday for 200km.  https://ridewithgps.com/trips/36918590

My original plan was to ride Edinburgh - Stonehaven Friday but havingm left work later than planned a monsoon in Perth had me heading for the train up.

Ive dusted down the Van Nicholas as Im seriously thinking about using it on PBP on grounds of comfort.  It didnt let me down.  Bit sluggish v carbon at times but smooth as silk.  Overnight 300 DIY planned next Fri/Sat. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 07 July, 2019, 08:07:01 pm
Very nice outing from Glasgow yesterday, 200k DIY route that headed south west then back inland over Wanlockhead. Some lovely new surfaced roads including a large section of the dreaded B7076 up from Abington which was a pleasure to ride on. https://ridewithgps.com/trips/36900423
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 11 July, 2019, 02:42:55 pm
A new part of the country for me with a 200 DIY around some Cheshire lanes. A bit surprised to find it's not all flat with gradients of 12 - 13% in places. Mostly pleasant rolling countryside though and the flat bits still have hedgerows unlike the prairies over in the East.

About a mile of pavé between Lower and Upper Peover wasn't the worst stretch of road and I was left with severe neck pains afterwards. A very pleasant route spoiled by some dreadful road surfaces.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 12 July, 2019, 09:05:12 am
DIY 200k yesterday, starting / finishing at Piercebridge.  A loop to the west taking in Barnard Castle, Whorlton bridge and Richmond so the first thirty five miles were quite hilly but nice roads and lovely scenery.  Then increasingly flat as I went through the Vale of York down to Thirsk, Easingwold and Northallerton.

Nice snack at the Deli and cafe in Brafferton and because of the heat I had to drink some beer to replace the electrolytes.  It got very hot in the afternoon despite a strong breeze but the thunderstorms held off.  A bit hillier than some of my previous DIY's in North Yorkshire but a nicer route and less time on the boring main roads.  There was even a mile or two of off-road near West Harlsey, signed as part of the Coast to Coast long distance walk, however as it was a wide track used for access to some houses I suppose one bicycle wouldn't be a problem.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: IanDG on 12 July, 2019, 11:03:15 pm
Oot tae Carrick 200km perm from Dumfries today. Various events and GPS DIYs completed in the past but this was my first perm.
.
Cracking route through Dumfries and Galloway and Ayrshire. Some dodgy roads in places (where isn't there) but mostly on quiet roads. Nigglin head wind for the first part of the ride but warm and dry
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 21 July, 2019, 12:55:09 pm
After recent mojo loss, I forced myself out on a 200 from home to Stonehaven yesterday.  An early rise was required to have enough time for the pre booked train home at 1510 and my scheduled timekeeping stint at the 24 starting 0230 this morning

I was back on the carbon steed used for PBP qualifiers but with a different saddle and left home at 0430.  After about 1km this nosedived and I had to stop to readjust it.  This involved removing my saddlepack and it was 15 minutes or so before I got going. 

It stayed dry til Dalmeny at 8km when it started to rain steadily.  I had been expecting flooding at DRon but the road was fine.  Usual shit driving was experienced through Perth even though it was still early.  I celebrated getting off the A94 at Collace and had a couple of bananas to keep me going til my scheduled feed stop in McForfar.  The roads between Meigle and Forfar were quite badly flooded and I just had to take pot luck and assume there were no potholes. A biblical downpour looked to be enveloping Forfar and was heading East.

At McDs in Forfar I discovered Id left my bank cards and train tickets at home so breakfast was instead paid for by emergency cash from the town centre machine courtesy of my phone (an all day breakfast with tea - much better than a McBreakfast!) and the sun came out too and all of a sudden it was warm.  A braw hurl to Montrose at 150km was stopped in its tracks around Hillside where my legs started to give up a bit and I started doing the mental arithmetic on my average speed to catch the train. 

I thought I had lots of time but the road between Fettercairn and Auchenblae was seriously flooded in three or four places and a few drivers coming towards me stopped and told me Id not get through it.  The worst bit had my bike in below the axle and even with my feet at "quarter to three" they were submerged, but I could just about still see the white line up the middle of the road.  Id no practical alternative really anyway.

Even with a stop to put my jacket back on just after Auchenblae (yes, heavy rain) and a change of batteries for my GPS I rolled into Stoney at 1445. 

I was delighted to recognise the guard on the LNER service who welcomed me with a "afternoon sir, we were expecting you and a bicycle to Haymarket again" which eased any concerns about not having my ticket though I did have pdfs on my phone just in case. 

Snooze on the train, home, wash, drove down to Whitchurch to do my timekeeping stint on the 24, snooze in the car, drove back and now Im home with a filthy bike to clean!

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/37533547


ps - yes I know I can use a phone to pay stuff and to hold rail tickets, but Id only leave that at home as well and then be totally gubbed. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 July, 2019, 09:35:04 pm
Tried to.
Got a flat after 20km, changed the tube. Inflated with gas. Tube burst after 2km.
Fitted new tube, inflated with pump rode to bike shop bought more tubes, borrowed track pump to top up tube.  Tube burst. Checked tyre and rim carefully no sharp edges, fitted third tube. While inflating noticed it poking out of sidewall.
Fitted new tyre, no more problems, but too much time lost to complete 200km so cut ride down to 100 miles.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sg37409 on 28 July, 2019, 07:16:17 pm
Route checked my audax today, "Riding the Ghost" and a cracking day it was too !  :thumbsup:
https://www.strava.com/activities/2570910326
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: BrianI on 28 July, 2019, 07:22:31 pm
Route checked my audax today, "Riding the Ghost" and a cracking day it was too !  :thumbsup:
https://www.strava.com/activities/2570910326

I was looking forward to that 200km! Will be a DNS for me, sadly, due to recovering from abdominal surgery.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 28 July, 2019, 07:22:57 pm
That looks a lovely route. When's the ride?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sg37409 on 28 July, 2019, 10:12:18 pm
18th August. 
GWS Brian.  I might be heading for a "wee procedure" myself later in the year
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonJo on 04 August, 2019, 11:13:13 am
Thursday to Saturday did a DIY 600. Darlo to Boston and back.

That's an August ride for my next RRtY and a full set for an SR this season assuming DIY counts.

For anyone thinking of going that way you might want to avoid Lincoln until they've got it finished.

Slept in a bus shelter for the first time since I was a teenager. Stillington - highly recommended for it's comfortable bench if not for it's privacy, it being mostly of glass.

Kept falling asleep on Saturday which made me really time pressed to get back to Darlo for the train my bike was booked on. Bust a gut to get there only to find they'd cancelled it. >:(
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 07 August, 2019, 10:47:09 pm
3, 2, 1, back in the room. The audax hiatus has been broken with a DIYxGPS, pretty much the same 400 as I did last year. I got lucky with the weather. Only a couple of brief showers and the night section was warm enough for short sleeves until nearly midnight. Only spotted two other cyclists between Furryboottoon and Kirriemuir!
Spotted a several of buzzards, a couple of brown hares, red deer and roe deer and a fox. One roe deer trotted in front of me on the other side of the road for a couple of hundred meters - I got fed up with it trying to find an escape point and overtook it.
Great control manning by Mrs P who provided food and isotonics :-p

(https://ridewithgps.com/trips/full/38290329.png) (https://ridewithgps.com/trips/38290329)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: telstarbox on 08 August, 2019, 08:07:11 pm
Yes - a 200 to Dedham Vale and the Tendring Peninsula. While hydrating in Harwich Spoons a small boy spotted my bike in the car park. His uncle said to him "that's a proper bike for riding a long way" :))
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 19 August, 2019, 04:17:52 pm
Not today, last Thursday.  We were on holiday in Coldingham Bay for the week, so I took the chance of a 200k DIY on the recumbent.  Dry but windy, and lots of hills with the biggest climbs including the B road past Whiteadder reservoir in the first section.

I stopped for a comfort break behind some trees, and shortly afterwards saw a 'Danger - Adders' sign.  Could have been a nasty accident ....

Looked like a nice cafe in Gifford, called the "Lanterne Rouge" but I didn't have time to stop as I was pushing the time limit all the way round as a result of the on-going hilly / windy conditions.

Lovely long downhill on the way to Innerliethen, then a mix of tailwind assisted fast sections and steep little climbs back across to Coldingham.  The Cote de Chirnside defeated me, had to walk the last steep section but the chipshop at the top was open for a welcome bottle of Barrs Cola to help me along the final few miles.

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 29 December, 2019, 11:04:51 am
Made a spur of the moment decision to ride a 200 DIY yesterday - I was at risk of turning into a Christmas turkey.

An easy tailwind assisted one way ride on my favourite roads up to Stonehaven from Edinburgh.  I left at 0630 in order to try and get all of the riding in the dark out the way at the start.  I thought Id be hungry enough to stop at Perth (70k) but my bodys ahem <reserves> were enough to last until McForfar (120km) - rammed as ever - on only a back pocket banana.

The weather forecast Friday night said that anybody seeing the sun yesterday would be lucky - which I was - the lanes after Marykirk being most enjoyable but it was very noticeable how much crud there was on the roads following weeks of rain, though they did start to dry in the daylight.  The rise on the road approaching Auchenblae had a very fine silt on it which made for slightly slippy riding. 

Id been using my hub front light backed up by a long lasting USB back up and I was glad I did - on the lumpy road between Auchenblae and Stoney I went to employ my hub light and it wasnt working (later identifed that the cable had been severed - Id heard an odd noise earlier in the ride which may explain it - a soldering job beckons today along with a manky bike).

My train home was booked from Aberdeen at 8pm and Id toyed with adding the 25km or so from Stoney to Aberdeen just as extras but I didnt want to tempt fate in the dark given my light troubles, and my 200 was complete by Stoney in any event.

Id made it to the station at Stoney by 1545 so just over 9 hrs (told you I had a tailwind) and hopped on a delayed train to Aberdeen immediately.  My pre booked train home from Aberdeen was non flexible so I went to the Ashvale for a fish tea and then had a couple of beers in Casc near the station.

Navigation was from memory (I used to ride one way to Aberdeen more regularly when daughter #1 was a student there a few years ago and its a ride I love) so I used my phone to record the ride (a first for me) with a supporting battery pack which seemed to work ok. 

Id initially considered doing a 300 by leaving home Friday night and adding in a Stirling dogleg but Im glad I didnt as the roads were very wet and Id have been out in the rain too. 

Nice day out, quite a "spivvy" way to get a 200 done but yesterday was more about me proving to myself that I can still actually ride this distance.  :thumbsup:

   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 January, 2020, 03:56:24 pm
Had planned to grab some 200s for kicking off a couple of RRTYs for the new year, and Continuing them promptly with a hilly neers day ride before riding home on the 3rd.

That I am sitting by the fire as the wind hurtles up loch torridon and whistles through the rafters and rones of the cottage my hiking club have booked for the hogmanay is one failure thankfully not submitted.

The first day was a relatively gentle ride over to Fort William by cutting the corner of the tay from Dundee to Dunkeld and for breakfast part 2 and then following the cycle routes over to Dalwhinnie.

I can Confirm that the resurfaced section on the Highlands side of drummochter is fantastic except for the obstacled cemented in to render progress challenging on an upright with carradice perched high off the seat, trike or panniers problematic.

Stopped at wolftrax for lunch arriving at Glen Nevis hostel in decent time via Banavie to get the distance up to scratch.

Day 2 started well, a good shove north on a near deserted A82 at 8am before encountering more traffic on the A87 presumably off to Skye Holiday homes for the new year.
I routed iver the big lump of the A890 rsther than Plockton and reached strathcarron in daylight.
To get 200km on the hostels doorstep I needed to go up to Achnasheen and this is where it unravelled.
A gentle shove at sea level is all well and good but when you're hurtling up hill at 36kmh near Achnasheen you're in for a fright at the junction.
Driven horizontal rain previously behind me on the climb was now being pushed through the gap of the pass to Loch maree,  leaving the shelter of the trees at the ledgowan promptly informed me of the problem and significant correction was required, once I'd made it to the roundabout I discovered turning the bike up the road was in the realms of impossibility, my first attempt resulting in being returned in the direction I'd approached the circle in, the second, to turn the bike back round failed and I decided I'd be better returning to strathcarron and going via kishorn and Shieldaig.
At this point I started a southward struggle that ended in the back of a van, thankfully full of Mountain bikes and a collie rather than medical equipment.

A longer day than intended by some distance and no 2 points, but at least that was a bonus.l than needed for the rrty.

Bit concerned as to how I'm going to get to Inverness tomorrow though it looks like I'll get a good shove to Achnasheen, and then hopefully the 1320 train.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 06 January, 2020, 10:56:10 am
Yesterday, a full value trundle up and down the Vale of York for my January ride.  I'm entered for Deano's alpine challenge on the 18th but thought I'd better get a DIY in the bag just in case of bad weather and/or not being up to it.

Early start and minor roads meant hardly any traffic as I zig-zagged down to the edge of York.  More traffic there, and on a B road towards Ripon that is obviously used as a rat run by the locals.  A couple of short spells of drizzle, and the wind was getting stronger through the day, but at least by then I was heading back North so mostly behind me.

Getting dark for the last hour or two and colder after mild temperatures earlier in the day, my legs got cold and started to hurt (even more than usual) - should have worn thicker trousers.

(http://[url=https://flic.kr/p/2iaE18B][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49336020761_b14846a7ee_z.jpg)[/url]IMG_20200105_092823 (https://flic.kr/p/2iaE18B) by Dave Sharpe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/143770804@N02/), on Flickr[/img]
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 January, 2020, 12:54:10 pm
Strong winds and lurgy means I've not pedaled a bike all year.
The weekend coming isn't looking promising either, 3 to do this month...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 09 March, 2020, 10:30:29 am
I managed my 1st 200 since 28th December yesterday, my favourite one way ride to Stonehaven from Edinburgh.  Whilst mostly tailwind assisted I did make heavy weather of it through a few schoolboy errors and some pretty poor road conditions. 

With forecast rain I put on a fairly substantial jacket.  Im not a jacket rider and this one had me overheating despite the cold wind.  I was glad to remove it for about 90 minutes mid afternoon between the showers but that just served to expose my wet layers beneath to the cold wind which was a bit meh until they dried out.  At whch point the rain started again.  On Friday both the BBC and MetOffice forecasts had zero rain Sunday and I reckon it rained for around 5 hrs out the 10 I was out. 

I used overshoes that are better suited to cold conditions rather than wet. As a result I had warm wet feet that I knew would start to get cold in the final hour or so.   

I had a big dinner Saturday night but it just made me feel sluggish from the start.  I forced down an otherwise delicious lunch at the half way mark in Meigle but spent most of the 2nd half of the ride feeling very queasy. 

The 30k after Montrose represented the only tricky bit into a cross head wind (other than the bit from home to the Forth Bridge) and my legs had just gone.  I stopped at the top of the climb after Auchenblae to force down a bit of malt loaf.  I think I’d probably been suffering from the dreaded knock without realising it (with hindsight Id probably not taken in enough fluid either what with me baking gently inside a too heavy rain jacket).  I rode briefly with two guys from Stoney without about 15km to go but they were too quick for me - only just mind as I still had them in my sights when they were on the final climb through the farm.   

Using unclassified roads in Perthshire and Aberdeenshire this time of year wasnt a wise move.  Lots of very wet or flooded roads and much crud.  B roads would have been wiser. 

Still, job done, not a "Hollywood" ride by any means but it was all completed in daylight.  Train home and after dodging the booze soaked rugby revellers at Haymarket Station I made the short journey home by a combination of tram then a 2km warm down back home.
 
The highlight of the ride was seeing a red squirrel near Murrayshall Hotel - but the wee fella scurried off before I could get a pic!  Oh and some lovely rainbows while I made my slow motion progress between Marykirk and Auchenblae where I had Mark Shannon’s word ringing in my ears – “there's no such thing as an easy 200”.   

A manky bike awaits me in the garage.  Will probably go for a gentle swim tonight just to be kind to my legs.     

At this time of year I'm normally itching for the days to get long enough to bag a 300.  No' just now Im not!  I suspect this years audax riding may end up being back loaded.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49638510823_fc50bd3972_k.jpg)


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49639034886_eca8f6649c_k.jpg)



Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 20 March, 2020, 03:05:54 pm
Given that events have been suspended I suppose id better provide a quick summary of my DIY 200 last Sunday. 

It was the DIY version of an old event Id put on the calendar before, The Nippy Sweetie with a start / finish at home in West Edinburgh, north to Perth, west to Comrie  :thumbsup:, over Langside to Dunblane via Kinbuck and back to Edinburgh via the West Fife path and Dunfermalino with a final retrace over the Forth Bridge back and Dalmeny back home.

The forecast had a SW wind helping me to Perth where I was scheduled to get soaked in a headwind for the 45km to Comrie where Id be blown all the way home on the NW wind. It didnt quite work out that way as the wind seemed to turn NW well before I got to Perth but it stayed dry for all but a very short period near Clackmannan.  Ying and yang.

the climb over Langside was enjoyed in glorious sunshine and with a tailwind - most enjoyable - though there was still plenty water running off the roads from weeks of rain.

the cycle path between Clackmannan and Dunfermline made for an almost totally off road tarmac return from Causewayhead to home though I did get a bit bored in parts and stopped for a drink just to break the monotony.  the stretch heading west after perth wasnt quite as grim as Id expected it as there were a number of stretches where hedges provided shelter.   

I used ridewithgps on my phone rather than a GPS to record the ride though it added random distance of around 14km when I was stopped but hadnt paused the ride on my phone.  Im assuming that pausing the ride on my phone would fix it (and that if I want to be more accurate I will just use a GPS unit....EDIT - or enable Auto Pause).

Got home in just over 10 hours, not the fastest ever but I had two long stops and was still well within daylight on arrival back at home. 

Wonder when my next one will be? 
       

         
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 06 August, 2020, 09:28:54 pm
On holiday at the in laws in Ft William, I was waiting for the first dry day to get out for a 200 so I was up with the lark to do a Ft William - Kinlocheil - Kinlochleven - Oban - Ballachulish.   The final 110km from Ballachulish to Oban and back was almost all on the dedicated cycle path.  The only exception was the 2km between the south end of the Connel Bridge and Dunbeg. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/53825982

Given that pretty much half the ride was on paths it was never going to be fast I decided to tour it and take a few more pics than normal.

Looking back on Ardgour from the 0840 Corran Ferry


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50195677753_3b2b117c83.jpg)

Velo rouge on said ferry


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50195677568_1db39dab07.jpg)

Can your DIY200 do this?  Mine can. Looking east from the North side of Loch Leven

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50196228221_10b45292b1.jpg)

The cycle path between Ballachulish and Kentallen


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50195876913_8609a27e08.jpg)

Appin

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50196682947_67cb9616c7.jpg)

Lunch in the costa del Oban

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50196681142_937ba6afeb.jpg)

Castle Stalker

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50196683327_7ef53a7042.jpg)

Info control Q.  "How many windmills can you see? 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50195877658_c7c891b7c3.jpg)

Interesting building in Kentallen

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50196663582_abbfede9e5.jpg)

Glencoe mountains behind the bridge the locals call "big ugly"

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50196664907_5fa6ac0b69.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 06 August, 2020, 10:56:34 pm
My dad built that bridge, don't knock it :)

Lovely ride, G. I've not bothered yet, still holding out hope for a late SR. Might bag a 200 on one of my routes next weekend to get the 200 done, mind.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 07 August, 2020, 09:12:26 am
take a few more pics than normal.

<snip>

Git.

 ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 07 August, 2020, 12:29:03 pm
One final bit of praise for the NCN78 route was that it even had a signed diversion (to a short stretch of the A828).  This was a pleasant antidote to those bike routes that just peter out in nothing or confusion - even without temporary diversions! 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50198769002_f146e95004.jpg)

Some stretches arent particularly glamorous, chiefly those that run directly adjacent to the narrowed A828 but it does score highly on

(a) quality of surface : a few rough bits but excellent otherwise and the A828 itself is a bit of a boneshaker
(b) directness : a few meanders but no daft detours that make you wish youd just used the road and
(c) segregation : diversions aside its fully off road for around 50km 

Im a semi regular visitor to the West Highlands and Id not ridden the section between Kentallen and Dalnatrat before (so much so that I missed it southbound and took until Duror to pick it up).  Lots of families and all ages using it too so a big  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:



Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 08 August, 2020, 09:51:53 pm
A last minute decision to try out a DIY today meant a 9am start but I needed to test my recently bought bike and me as It's been a long time since my last 200k. Lovely weather all round as i headed east then north over the FRB through Rosyth then up to Dollar.

Glendevon was a delight with little traffic and i made nice time to the garden center cafe just outside Crieff. Headed west to Comrie then up over the moor road which has been stripped of it's tarmac and is now a gravel mess sadly, used to like that road too. Usual busy bits heading south through Dunblane and Stirling but not too bad.

Kept stops to minimum, petrol stations for water and one cafe stop so I was pleased to be home in under 10 hours for my first 200k in a while. Suffered with hot right foot and 2 numb toes? so will need to check cleat position maybe?

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/53965629
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sg37409 on 14 August, 2020, 05:58:15 pm
...Headed west to Comrie then up over the moor road which has been stripped of it's tarmac and is now a gravel mess sadly, used to like that road too

I came over that road yesterday and its great now the gravels been swept aside by the cars.
It was towards the end of a 300km from home, but my route choice wasn't great. Traffic on the Tyndrum to Crianlarich bit was extremely heavy.  On hearing a big truck behind me for a minute or 2 I pulled over to let him passed.  It was about 10 mins before I could set off again !
Mine couldn't have been a Perm or DIY as I was motor-assisted up the OMR at the tail end of the convoy. While in the truck I heard the walkie-talkies saying to "hold all the traffic as they're sending down stuff from the RabT road"    This meant not a single car passed me until I was near Inveraray !  :thumbsup:
I'd not ridden the Haul Road to Gairlochhead before, and I won't be doing it again.  It was close to start time at the MoD bases and commuter traffic was very heavy and very fast.  Trucks and buses don't want to slow down on the hilly road and lose momentum.  I hated that bit tbh.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 14 August, 2020, 06:14:40 pm
...Headed west to Comrie then up over the moor road which has been stripped of it's tarmac and is now a gravel mess sadly, used to like that road too

I came over that road yesterday and its great now the gravels been swept aside by the cars.
It was towards the end of a 300km from home, but my route choice wasn't great. Traffic on the Tyndrum to Crianlarich bit was extremely heavy.  On hearing a big truck behind me for a minute or 2 I pulled over to let him passed.  It was about 10 mins before I could set off again !
Mine couldn't have been a Perm or DIY as I was motor-assisted up the OMR at the tail end of the convoy. While in the truck I heard the walkie-talkies saying to "hold all the traffic as they're sending down stuff from the RabT road"    This meant not a single car passed me until I was near Inveraray !  :thumbsup:
I'd not ridden the Haul Road to Gairlochhead before, and I won't be doing it again.  It was close to start time at the MoD bases and commuter traffic was very heavy and very fast.  Trucks and buses don't want to slow down on the hilly road and lose momentum.  I hated that bit tbh.

That's the story of the roads on the west coast sadly, lovely roads but almost impossible to ride due to the volume of traffic. I love the RabT road but it's a no go most times of the day, Glen Fruin is a better way to get to Arrochar and beyond. If I can find time i still plan on doing a DIY 300K Bridge of earn/Perth then out to Crianlarich either Via Comrie or the Sma Glen then home down from Crianlarich and Loch Lomond but this will be an afternoon or evening start purely for traffic reasons.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 18 August, 2020, 08:58:32 pm
I'm out at Tummel just now, surprised by how quiet the roads have been here although Glen Ogle and Callander were a shambles on saturday.
Killin managed to confuse me, normally there's the odd person on the falls and a stream of traffic sight seeing the north road but the falls were stowed and it was the south road that was busy with fly campers.
Seems to have totally messed up my ability to judge which road to use when as when I got to Kenmore, there was no traffic coming through either and the Schiehallion road was quiet an aw.
Right enough, it wasn't raining for once.

Returning home via Pitlochry and Dunkeld tomorrow so I'll get a chance to judge midweek traffic, if I can get the distance up without my legs exploding for days afterwards I might use my excess of holidays for midweek diys/perms, although we're being encouraged to use them now before the feared wave 2...


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Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: frankly frankie on 21 August, 2020, 11:37:49 am
A stupid bug had found its way into the DIY (Mandatory) entry process - it should be OK as of now, but because the bug is in the email that gets auto-sent to entrants, it might affect anyone who has entered a DIY(M) in the last 10 days or so.

On submission of the Tracklog, they get a message saying "unable to identify rider - upload blocked".

This problem has been fixed and should gradually go away over the next couple of weeks, but for anyone who is affected there is a way to manually fix the problem before you visit the upload page:

You have a link looking somthing like this (this one is deliberately falsified of course):
Code: [Select]
Tracklog uploader link : (copy the link below and keep it safe)
https://www.aukweb.net/forms/entryformtracklog.php?virtualno=21275&cle=uWLanT&uids=34

If your email has the bug then the 'virtualno' is missing and the link looks like this:
Code: [Select]
https://www.aukweb.net/forms/entryformtracklog.php?virtualno=&cle=uWLanT&uids=34
and that will generate the block.
You can retrieve the missing 5-digit number from higher up in the same email where it is displayed as 'diyeventid=21275'
and insert it (just the 5 digits) into the link (between the 1st = and the &) to repair the damage.  Use the repaired link for the uploader.

I'm sorry for any annoyance this may have caused.

ff
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 21 August, 2020, 11:51:40 am

Thanks FF, you've saved from attempting to look into this, very much appreciated!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 August, 2020, 10:37:32 am
Diy 400 completed over the weekend.  Saturday spin out to avebury, Silbury Hill and then down to Stonehenge 270km Sunday trip to London - Kensington Gardens, the mall, embankment, tower of London, Richmond Park, Hampton Court, Windsor Castle. Home in 26 hours and 59 minutes. 20 minutes lost trying to set up Samsung pay after leaving my cards at home, nearly proved critical.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 24 August, 2020, 01:46:56 pm
Diy 400 completed over the weekend.  Saturday spin out tk avebury, Sidbury Hill and stonehenge 270km Sunday trip to London Kensington Gardens, the mall, embankment, Richmond Park, Hampton Court, Windsor Castle. Home in 26 hours and 59 minutes. 20 minutes lost trying to set up Samsung pay after leaving my cards at home, nearly proved critical.

Wow talk about really pushing the time limits. Well done.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: HeltorChasca on 24 August, 2020, 02:11:42 pm
This was a lot of fun especially having Storm Ellen for company in my face for 200km. The Elan Valley blew my socks off. Slept in a graveyard for 2.5 hours which was peaceful and ate my own body weight in yoghurt. Lovely day and a bit out.

https://strava.app.link/lJ287lPdd9


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Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 August, 2020, 02:30:06 pm
Diy 400 completed over the weekend.  Saturday spin out tk avebury, Sidbury Hill and stonehenge 270km Sunday trip to London Kensington Gardens, the mall, embankment, Richmond Park, Hampton Court, Windsor Castle. Home in 26 hours and 59 minutes. 20 minutes lost trying to set up Samsung pay after leaving my cards at home, nearly proved critical.

Wow talk about really pushing the time limits. Well done.
Yes,  I probably should have slept less and started earlier on Sunday. Or perhaps not removed the saddle bag to save the weight of extra layers used on Saturday. As 10g of the extra weight was my credit card. Was a very nervous finish constantly watching the kms remaining and time tick down.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 24 August, 2020, 03:07:30 pm
As a DIY the minimum speed would have been 14.3 kph so you needn't have worried as you'd have had another hour or so, or longer if the route was overdistance. I do understand wanting to finish within the 27 hours, mind.

I did my own 400 at the weekend with an evening start. Hacked up the A167 (disappointing to see that the Angel wasn't lit up) to cross the Tyne at High Level and west along the valley to Hexham.

I haven't had an overnight ride since PBP, this was all lovely. A star full of skies until the clouds moved over, no traffic, a decent temperature and a tailwind. I arrived at Alnwick (Alnwick and Hexham are about the only 24-hour opportunities in Northumberland) still in shorts and short sleeves, wondering why I'd bothered to drag all those extra layers up the hills.

The weather changes on Saturday - I got a good ducking up on the Otterburn Ranges, and had to have a fair few stops for naps. A final ducking on the Tynedale side of Yad Moss meant I finished the ride wearing all of my layers, at about midnight on Saturday.

Classic Audax of the type I've been missing, really ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 August, 2020, 04:46:05 pm
Well I've just learned something.  Interesting that the limit for a BRM is 27 hours,  but the limit for a BR is based on a minimum speed which could be either 14.3 or 15 as set by the organiser.  Which could be more or less than 27 hours depending on the speed selected.
I can't see anything on the diy entry, or on the diy FAQs that confirms which minimum is applied.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: HeltorChasca on 24 August, 2020, 04:56:17 pm
Well I've just learned something.  Interesting that the limit for a BRM is 27 hours,  but the limit for a BR is based on a minimum speed which could be either 14.3 or 15 as set by the organiser.  Which could be more or less than 27 hours depending on the speed selected.
I can't see anything on the diy entry, or on the diy FAQs that confirms which minimum is applied.
It comes with the link to your virtual brevet on confirmation of your entry.


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Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 25 August, 2020, 12:08:24 pm
I've long believed that the additional time through BR is more valuable on a 400 than any other distance. 

Its only an hour but it seems to have magical powers and much more so than getting 42 hrs v 40 on a 600.   :thumbsup:

 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 25 August, 2020, 12:31:05 pm
I've long believed that the additional time through BR is more valuable on a 400 than any other distance. 

Its only an hour but it seems to have magical powers and much more so than getting 42 hrs v 40 on a 600.   :thumbsup:
Because those extra hours on a 600 are hours you don't want to use.  Stay at 6am finish at 10pm ir finish at midnight.  Whereas the extra hour on a 400 is most likely an hour in daytime.

Had I known I would likely have started an hour earlier on Saturday and avoided all night riding,  and would then have been close to the deadline anyway.

Start Saturday 08:30 12 hours for 270km (after sunset, but not really dark if clear skies) resume 06:00 finish 12:00 with 30 minutes in hand.   I would not plan to finish 600 at 11pm or later  having started at 06:00 the previous day
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: psyclist on 25 August, 2020, 01:20:03 pm
Well I've just learned something.  Interesting that the limit for a BRM is 27 hours,  but the limit for a BR is based on a minimum speed which could be either 14.3 or 15 as set by the organiser.  Which could be more or less than 27 hours depending on the speed selected.
I can't see anything on the diy entry, or on the diy FAQs that confirms which minimum is applied.
It comes with the link to your virtual brevet on confirmation of your entry.

I've not known that. Unfortunately the link in the entry confirmation email no longer works as you need to log in through audax.uk, and I can't find anywhere on that site to preview virtual brevets. Does anybody know where they might reside?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 25 August, 2020, 02:03:19 pm
Well I've just learned something.  Interesting that the limit for a BRM is 27 hours,  but the limit for a BR is based on a minimum speed which could be either 14.3 or 15 as set by the organiser.  Which could be more or less than 27 hours depending on the speed selected.
I can't see anything on the diy entry, or on the diy FAQs that confirms which minimum is applied.
It comes with the link to your virtual brevet on confirmation of your entry.

I've not known that. Unfortunately the link in the entry confirmation email no longer works as you need to log in through audax.uk, and I can't find anywhere on that site to preview virtual brevets. Does anybody know where they might reside?
What's stopping you logging in? If I log in,  then go back and try the link again it works.  I've never opened one of those links before
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: psyclist on 25 August, 2020, 02:38:12 pm
Oh yes! I was trying to log in and then find the virtual brevet once logged in on the new site. Didn't think to log in then just try the link in the email again.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: HeltorChasca on 25 August, 2020, 04:27:55 pm
I think Andy Curran flagged up the time allowance calculator thingy on the AUK site sometimes miscalculates your maximum time. So often best to check yourself.


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Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 25 August, 2020, 05:18:07 pm
Perhaps it's a good time to quote the AUK Regulations:

"9.7.1 The minimum speeds are: 
for events registered as 200 to 600 km – set by the organiser within the range 14.3 to 15 kph*
for events registered as 700 to 1200 km - 13-1/3 kph
for events registered as 1300 to 1800 km - 12 kph
for events registered as 1900 to 2400 km - 10 kph
for events registered as 2500 km and over - 8-1/3 kph."

*For DIYs this is always 14.3kph (from the old idea of "200km in the 14hours between summer sunrise and sunset).
And it's pro-rata for the counting distance; eg for a 214.3km Mandatory Route, the time limit is 15 hours.

For DIYs of less than 200km, the minimum speed is always 10kph.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 25 August, 2020, 05:18:45 pm
This

https://www.aukweb.net/resources/controltimes/
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: frankly frankie on 25 August, 2020, 11:11:58 pm
I've not known that. Unfortunately the link in the entry confirmation email no longer works as you need to log in through audax.uk, and I can't find anywhere on that site to preview virtual brevets. Does anybody know where they might reside?

I've restored that login.  For now.  All (non-admin) logins on aukweb should be disabled eventually, but for now I'll leave these DIY-related ones working.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: HeltorChasca on 26 August, 2020, 08:58:37 am
This

https://www.aukweb.net/resources/controltimes/
Very handy. Thank you.


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Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 26 August, 2020, 11:36:38 am
As a DIY the minimum speed would have been 14.3 kph so you needn't have worried as you'd have had another hour or so, or longer if the route was overdistance. I do understand wanting to finish within the 27 hours, mind.

So nearly 15 hours for my 213km gravel route to avebury and back. Hmmmmmm
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: grimpeur du sudocrem on 26 August, 2020, 02:20:41 pm
AAA Milne for me today. Beautiful day for it with less hindrance from the wind than expected and less storm debris too. That's also the GdS award for 2020 subject to validation, but I'll carry on as I need 3 more months for GdSRtY.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: psyclist on 26 August, 2020, 02:32:30 pm
I've not known that. Unfortunately the link in the entry confirmation email no longer works as you need to log in through audax.uk, and I can't find anywhere on that site to preview virtual brevets. Does anybody know where they might reside?

I've restored that login.  For now.  All (non-admin) logins on aukweb should be disabled eventually, but for now I'll leave these DIY-related ones working.

Thank you  :thumbsup:

So nearly 15 hours for my 213km gravel route to avebury and back. Hmmmmmm

Last year I attempted to ride 40km to Winchester, and then the 160km of the South Downs Way as an Audax ride. I didn't make it in time! Slightly overambitious on what is achievable off-road within 14 hours.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 26 August, 2020, 03:37:54 pm
My understanding is that the South downs way is harder than the ridgeway.  The Kennet and Avon canal towpath on the return leg will certainly be easier,  although it may not be much quicker if crowded.

Looking back over my rides with my gravel bike 18kmh is a minimum moving speed,  which would leave 3 hours for stops/ contingency.

Also it's more audacious if completion is in question.

I've seen someone post 7 hours from avebury to watlington on a mountain bike loaded up for bike packing,  I know it's an hour and a half to watlington from home of road on my gravel bike.

I'll take lights, worst case is I have a hard ride and get home too late for validation, or bail and divert onto roads for the return leg due to lack of time.

Even then it will be useful training,  easy rides don't make you stronger.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: psyclist on 26 August, 2020, 03:56:08 pm
Yes, the South Downs Way is rather brutal, apart from the first bit from Winchester. Not just the ups and downs, it's also the rough chalk escarpments and rocks which slow progress even when going downhill.

I agree with your philosophy, giving it a go is part of the fun, even if the conditions might work against a successful completion from an Audax perspective.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 26 August, 2020, 05:30:11 pm
SDW drops to near enough sea level at least 4 times. I’ve done it over 3 days using yha, and ridgeway over 2 days using yha. Also done ridgeway in a day, as a sunrise to sunset exercise. The ridgeway is way easier, you can keep up a decent pace and no massive climbs or descents or technicalities.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 30 August, 2020, 09:50:35 am
I rode a solo DIY 300 yesterday - a very simple Edinburgh - Perth - Forfar - Montrose - Forfar - Perth - Edinburgh ride, probably about as non hilly  an out and back ride I can think of from home. 

Set off just pre sunrise (0515) and got home in 16 hours.   Given Id not ridden this distance (in one day) for 15 months I set myself an objective to ride steady (20kph) and have two long stops.  It worked out as expected and having the breeze against me on the outward leg and with me on the return worked a treat.

++

Got round in daylight bar the final half hour and I was back on the civilized side of the Forth by then
Amazingly my contact points were all happy at the finish (its normally my feet that complain 1st and Id worn slightly thicker socks on purpose)
I enjoyed it!   

--

Id replaced cassette and chain in the week before the ride and the gears werent properly adjusted.
Lockdown legs have very little zip - ok for rolling along the flat but anything uphill in the final 50km saw me struggle.



I'll keep an eye on the weather for next weekend to see what my next SR move might be
 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 30 August, 2020, 03:43:31 pm
And so it begins. 200k DIY Audax.
What should have been a standard 200k Deeside loop became a bit of a PITA.

Checking the Council's road closures website, there was no mention of the C1K at Carmont still being closed on account of the train crash, so I presumed it had re-opend now. Wrong. Cheers, Aberdeenshire Cooncil! The way was held against me, with a security guard barring the way.

Choices were to divert down to the A90 ( in retrospect, the better option ), or to chance a bit of Comedy Off-Road through Fetteresso Forest on an inappropriate bike.
I had planned to use the improved windfarm access roads, which are pretty smooth. But alas, my gossamer-thin tyres, hand-spun from butterfly-wings were not equal to the task, and let their objections be known in short order.

There then followed a comedy escalating series of technical problems fixing it, which cumulated in the CO2 inflator becoming a permanent fixture on the wheel. It's still there now.
So eventually limped in at 8:30, having taken an epic 11 hours and then some for 238k.

https://www.strava.com/activities/3985111297
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iddu on 31 August, 2020, 11:28:09 am
Spent the w/e checking out the 7C’s&Y 600 in reverse, more elsewhere - maybe give y’all a shot again next year, it’s about time you got to see bits of Wales you never wanted to see  ;)

Ran it down to the wire / closing minutes.

Thanks to mattc for the company.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 31 August, 2020, 08:52:29 pm
Attempted my 200km gravel ride, took 6hrs 20 to avebury along the ridgeway (about 105km)

Making a 200km mistlg off road feasible  however, my return route used lage chunks of towpayh on the kdnbet and avon canal which had several problems

1) not all section that have been used by cyclists are officially open to cyclisys
2) one section that is part of the non route 4 is closed for construction. In fact significantly more clised where I wanted to leave than where I entered. Challdge accepted getting b I kd and my between tree branches as heras fencing effectivrly sealed everything else.
3) just too many walkers, and even though they were all very accomadtingbin letting me pass it was still a PITA having to keep slowing right down.

So if this route is to have legs an alternative return route is required, with a reasonablf amount off off road, and minimal A4 or towpath. Avoiding Reading centre would also be a bonus as the kennet path was strangely difficult to navigate.

Got back in about 12.5 hours for 220km. probably the toughest 200 I have ridden. Might just be pipped by meridian hills perm, but I don't think so.

The ridgeway was excellent even with ty he bits where the 4x4 wheel ruts were so deep riding in them resulted in feet striking sides, while riding out if them risked significant drops. So looking forward to riding king alfreds way, probably next spring/summer.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 01 September, 2020, 11:28:29 am
......

Checking the Council's road closures website, there was no mention of the C1K at Carmont still being closed on account of the train crash, so I presumed it had re-opend now. Wrong. Cheers, Aberdeenshire Cooncil! The way was held against me, with a security guard barring the way.....


Id been looking at this road too, on the assumption that a Edinburgh - Stoney - Edinburgh ride makes for a nice 400km DIY.  I'm assuming that the road wont be open until both (a) the wreckage is removed following the terrible accident and (b) the line reopened.  Last week the latter was being reported as "several weeks" away.

Well done on your 238k Feanor         
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 01 September, 2020, 07:17:19 pm
......

Checking the Council's road closures website, there was no mention of the C1K at Carmont still being closed on account of the train crash, so I presumed it had re-opend now. Wrong. Cheers, Aberdeenshire Cooncil! The way was held against me, with a security guard barring the way.....


Id been looking at this road too, on the assumption that a Edinburgh - Stoney - Edinburgh ride makes for a nice 400km DIY.  I'm assuming that the road wont be open until both (a) the wreckage is removed following the terrible accident and (b) the line reopened.  Last week the latter was being reported as "several weeks" away.

Well done on your 238k Feanor         

So it seems.
Keeping the road closed seems un-necessary to me; the immediate emergency response is long over.
They are doing investigations now, and then there will be recovery and re-reinstatement work.
But that does not require road closure; the incident is half a mile away from the road.

I can see why they want to keep the actual incident scene closed off, but it's half a mile away along temporary access roads put in through a field. That could be the closure point, I'd have thought.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: rob on 02 September, 2020, 05:42:06 pm
Essex R&R 200k today.  Much lovely countryside and views.   Sunny most of the day but a little cloudy at the end.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 04 September, 2020, 05:52:09 pm
A blustery ride round the Snow Roads 300k yesterday.

The Southbound leg from Dufftown to the A93 turnoff was 110k of unrelenting headwind!
My sense of humor was sorely tested.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Frank9755 on 04 September, 2020, 09:00:59 pm
Did my first proper DIY yesterday, where I organised it myself rather than tagged along with someone who was doing it.

Riding in the Chilterns over the years ice kept seeing signs for the Chilterns Cycleway. I always Rodger it would be fun to ride it one day, so I did. The route is about 285km,so I had to add an extra 15km to get it to 300. The track I found on rwgps stated in Henley, which I know is 50 km away, so riding out and back for it up to 400.

Hardest 400 I've ever done, and the slowest. Lots of lanes and ups and downs. Some off road sections, some of which were wet chalk that I had to walk, and some others I detoured. Had hoped to be able to ride all the Chilterns bit in daylight to make the descents easier, but had an hour of dark lanes at the start and two hours at the end.

I enjoyed it, only considered DNFing at one point, after about 140km when things were hurting and still a long way to go.

Slightly disappointing to find that the best bits were mostly bits I already knew. The northern end near Luton was not that great.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: grimpeur du sudocrem on 06 September, 2020, 06:12:10 pm
Sussexy Beast today - a great route but the climbing is mainly steep and always relentless. Weather was very kind, warm but not oppressive and not much wind.

Rated 160k but I rode Brighton-Uckfield and back to join the route which made it 215k in total. Didn't formally EPE it though as I'm just after an AAA ride for AAARtY.

Recommended!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 06 September, 2020, 07:09:07 pm
DIY 200K Today,3rd weekend in a row  :thumbsup: excellent weather all day but some of the road surfaces encountered today  :facepalm: some cooncil's need to get the finger out

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/55682100

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 September, 2020, 08:41:50 pm
DIY 200K Today,3rd weekend in a row  :thumbsup: excellent weather all day but some of the road surfaces encountered today  :facepalm: some cooncil's need to get the finger out

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/55682100

What was traffic like on the A84/85 bit?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 06 September, 2020, 09:47:08 pm
DIY 200K Today,3rd weekend in a row  :thumbsup: excellent weather all day but some of the road surfaces encountered today  :facepalm: some cooncil's need to get the finger out

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/55682100

What was traffic like on the A84/85 bit?

The A84 was full of motorcycles and quite busy in places but we were in the cycle track heading out of Callander the joined it again at Strathyre. The A85 was very quiet today and joy to ride alongside the loch in great weather. Sat outside the cafe at St Fillans.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: RichForrest on 07 September, 2020, 06:24:17 am
Went out on my 1st 300km since Apr 2011 on Friday.
MK down to Pangbourne and Micheldever before crossing the A34 and coming back up through Faccombe, Lambourne and Kidlington back to MK.
Great day for it and managed to get round in under 13hrs  :thumbsup:

Now thinking about whether to get a couple of longer rides in before Nov' for an SR!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 07 September, 2020, 05:23:01 pm
A 13 hour elapsed 300 is very good going indeed. I’ve only managed that once and that was back in 2013.  I have done a 11 hour 300 as part of a 600, but that was going north through the fens with a nice tailwind.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 10 September, 2020, 01:02:32 pm
A 13 hour elapsed 300 is very good going indeed. I’ve only managed that once and that was back in 2013.  I have done a 11 hour 300 as part of a 600, but that was going north through the fens with a nice tailwind.
My quickest '300' was 296km in 11:30 on asparagus and strawberries, then i ate, then i slept so time to 300km was quite a bit longer . Actual 300s vary between 13:30 and 16:00  getting to fougeres on PBP was 13:30 I think getting to menai in 13:06 on BCM was my next best 300km. I could probably do it more often by cutting stops down,  which is probably why first 300 of longer rides tend to be quicker. I'm perfectly happy to finish at 9pm after starting at 6 so no need to rush at controls. While on a 400 I want to get finished and have some sleep.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 11 September, 2020, 01:45:28 pm
DIY 400 yesterday.
Aberdeen-Edinburgh-Aberdeen.

Hillier than it initially seems.

Cairn o' Mount both ways, with the steep side coming after 380k.
Glenfarg Southbound is a grind and a half.
Fife in an endless series of smaller hills.

Cold start, sub 2 degrees out to the first control at Banchory, then sub-zero on the climb up the Cairn.  Took several hours for the temperature to pick up to the forecast temperatures.

Feeling it today.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Frank9755 on 12 September, 2020, 09:05:12 pm
200 on Thursday. Hardest 200 I've done, round the lake district with 6 of the main passes and a few other lumps.

First time I've had to think about time limits and risk of missing them.

Got round OK but hardknott is a bastard, as I expected it would be. Got up the first steep bit but the second bit had me so had to walk a bit. Then the descent was scary, too steep to be able to stop.

Everything else was a level down in difficulty. Never imagined getting to a climb and seeing a sign saying 25% and my reaction being 'OK, that's no problem'.

Started the ride from close to where I used to live as a teenager and student (Cockermouth) but back in those days I would never have imagined riding up those hills. But then I never had such low gears in the 80s.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 13 September, 2020, 08:05:05 pm
* edited start time*

Sitting at Exeter Station waiting for my train home having just completed the excellent sw moors super randonee.

Got back to exeter with 45 minutes to spare. Finished just after sunset on the first two days.  Incredible ride across dartmoor and exmoor and surrounding areas.

Friday start 07.30  216km 4800m of climb by my garmin, across dartmoor and exmoor to the north coast before turning into a headwind laden with drizzle, through lynmouth and the valley of the rocks and on to Barnstaple before turning south for dinner and eep at the blue lion lewdown. Great food and let me bring my bike in, but last dinner orders at 20.30

Saturday start at 07:00 203km with 4000m of climbing, head west to tintagel before heading south to bodmin more then turning east tailwind? Through tavistock and up over dartmoor before dropping to buckfastleigh and then crossing dartmoor again going north this time, brief glimpse of the south coast (probably Plymouth?) Before stopping for the night at Duke of york, iddleleigh.

Sunday start 06:30 head north across exmoor to Simonsbath, tantalising glimps of views that could be spectacular through the clearing cloud, the a fast run east to the quantock hills and then south to exeter.

Great views  great weather (mostly) but possibly the hardest ride I have finished. Pack as light as you can, you will regret every surplus kg
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 14 September, 2020, 07:33:19 pm
When did you start on Fri, 1930 doesn’t work with a 0700 Sat start as well?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 14 September, 2020, 10:57:03 pm
When did you start on Fri, 1930 doesn’t work with a 0700 Sat start as well?
You're right 07:30 Friday start. 19:30 would be crazy  3 nights and 2 days instead of vice versa
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 16 September, 2020, 10:46:38 am
A 200k DIY on Monday, taking advantage of increasingly warm and sunny weather.  Light winds were forecast, not altogether accurately.  Start / finish at Stamfordham (near Newcastle) with a loop heading West along the lanes to Hexham then Corbridge.  Back past Stamfordham to do a longer loop East to the coast at Amble, then down to Lynemouth.  A blustery headwind along the exposed Druridge Bay road was a nuisance but once I changed direction and started heading inland it got easier.

I started feeling a bit Egan Bernal on the last stretch, not helped by a section of road near Ponteland with a lot of dangerously impatient commuter traffic.  Once past the rat run route, quieter roads again as I pottered back to the finish.  A lovely day out, despite nearly 6,000' of climbing. I even found a couple of roads that I hadn't used before.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kim on 16 September, 2020, 01:09:45 pm
DIY 200 yesterday in the interests of keeping my Randonneur Once A Year going.  Down through Solihull and along the Kenilworth Greenway (which, like many roads in the area, was suffering from an outbreak of HS2, requiring a minor diversion), then round to Brinklow and up towards Leicster, then Loughborough, Coalville, the excellently named Newton Burgoland[1] to pick up an errant VeloViewer tile, then into Tamworth and back to Brum.

Knee was being low-level annoying for the first 60km or so.  Then it started to get warm.  Much warmer than expected:  The cheese in my sandwich melted.  I'd brought 4 litres of water with me, but didn't manage to drink enough of it during the heat of the day.  It's hard to keep track of consumption when it's just an amorphous bag on the rear rack.

Leicester's Great Central Way is one of those rare actually good pieces of cycle infrastructure.  In a city of traffic lights, it's doubly useful.  Was also able to confirm that barakta's employer is still there, and noted a suspicious absence of geese on both the Soar and the Grand Onion Canal.

Nice flat run out to Loughborough, before the climb up to Coalville.  Which appears to have a coal mine in the middle of it.

Nothing didn't happen at the ford at Ibstock, in spite of the warning to cyclists (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52233.msg2538461#msg2538461).

Noticed that Orton-on-the-Hill has the junction of Sheepy Lane and Main Street[2], which is probably the most Tamworth audax thing ever.

Went past the Pretty Pigs, but didn't stop for a pint of orange and lemonade.  I still had ~40km to go, and it's not the same without Geoff.

Made surprisingly good progress back to Brum.  Traffic was light, and the temperature had dropped to something reasonable.  Got home just as it was getting dark.


[1] I postulated that this is a reference to Isaac Newton, on account of the climbing required.
[2] They're not very imaginative when it comes to road names in Leicestershire.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Frank9755 on 18 September, 2020, 10:25:22 pm
300 yesterday, a loop from London down to the Kent /Sussex coast and back again.

I cunningly reversed the route when I saw the weather forecast was for a stiff North easterly. That meant a bit of unfavorable crosswind for much of the day, but a glorious 40 miles or so along the coast, from New Romney to Pevensey with a full on tail wind.

The coastal section was the highlight, especially going through Hastings abs Bexhill.  Was a sunny day and there were people in the sea.

Most of the day was flat but the route back was a bit lumpy a bit main roady - my lack of care in routing to blame for that.

Early start, just before 4am, meant I could get across London when it was quiet, have Dawn breaking as I got into the country and get home in plenty of time for dinner. That was all according to plan, but on the way back I realised it also meant crossing London to home in rush hour.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 26 September, 2020, 12:03:05 pm
"That'll do, Donkey." - 600k DIYxGPS Audax

Late season compressed SR Series completed.
This marks the end of my 9th consecutive year of this nonsense.

Turned into a bit of a nocturnal safari.

A Badger snuffling around a car-park in Dufftown.

A total of 6 Hoolets, on the road between Grantown and Dufftown and on the Cabrach.
A couple flying in the perephiery of my light,
a couple perched by the roadside, looking directly at me with their Owly faces. Carefully observing Social Distancing, they flew off as I got to within two metres of them, falling silently off their perches and gliding noiselessly into the woods.
And one stood in the middle of the road, clearly intent on business of it's own.
As I approached, it flew off leaving it's 'business' free to scuttle off into the verge as fast as it's little legs could carry it.

The weather was not my friend on this ride.
Day 1 was bitingly cold, with a pervasive cold damp low cloud over the high ground.
Day 2 started with intermittent heavy rain, which continued to the Southern-most point at Glamis.
Here, the rain gave way to a strong Northerly headwind which was to be my travelling companion and adversary for the final 120k.

https://www.strava.com/activities/4112953350
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 27 September, 2020, 09:31:25 am
After a few weeks away from any serious cycling, I decided to try and harness some tailwind and enjoyment by catching the 0530 train up to Montrose and heading back to Auld Reekie but not before a loop round Aberdeenshire. 

Nice quiet roads between Montrose & Arbroath Id not cycled before, slightly meh thereafter until the approach to Dundee which was most enjoyable.  I was studying the menu for the Tay Bridge kiosk cafe when I saw the "cash only" sign  :facepalm: so pushed on. 

Ive not cycled the Col du Gauldry for many years (alas the Kingdom of Fife 200km event is no more) but the reward thereafter was the views along the Firth of Tay - glorious.   I knew I couldnt finish without another stop, so had an al fresco picnic in Auchtermuchty which was grand and provided fortification for the Sanny Road, again another stretch Ive not ridden for a good while.  Standard route home from Kinross through Cowdenbeath and over the Forth Bridge. 

Over 10 hrs despite having a tailwind for most of the way, which confirms that Im definitely not in tip top condition but I knew that before setting off.   My audax mojo definitely doesnt have enough bandwith for a 400 or 600 this season.   

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56766315

Edit - and a recovery tandem 50km ride to the Seaside today.  https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56822592

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 27 September, 2020, 01:13:23 pm
I forgot to report last week due to both knackeredness and busyness.

Having ridden nothing longer than 130km since my last Diy in January, I hit the road at the ungodly hour of 0430ish and took advantage of it being stupid AM to ride through the clinging mists of the A92 to Parbroath before the usual pisshead abuse in Newburgh around 1.5 hours later, I couldn't be arsed shouting back "Wiggins is a prick" but kept on into the lightening morn.
The smell of freshly baked goods lured me into Auchterarder Co-Op where I found precisely 0 baked goods for sale, and settled for sweet treats from the fridge.

Retracing my wheel tracks down to the Hunter Street junction I spied the bakery I should have visited but pressed on; just after Kinky Bridge I eschewed my usual climb up through Fowlis for Glen Almond and stayed on the road to Crieff instead turning off onto the Heilanman Loan, the old drove road to Larbert, but I was taking the return routing.

With the early start he A85 was pretty quite for the short blat down to Gilmerton to pick up the climb over to the Sma Glen, the light was just right to get the best of this sandwich between the Highlands and Lowlands and having only taken lesser routes for the last year and a half a good distraction from the drag to come.

Progress on the Amulree hotel seems to have stalled, and I wasn't bothering with Griffin so the descent to Dunkeld through Strathbraan was in order (this saved a climb of Schiehallion and got me more distance) for what could now feasibly be called Lunch 1.

With the path through the hotel grounds now tarred this proves to be a much quicker bash onto Ballinluig/Logierait than the track beside the A9 and also gives you the Logierait Bridge to cross to, recommended. Dunfallandy however isn't any flatter, but the opposite side route by Tenandry is even hillier and I was looking for my flattest option.

Pitlochry wasn't too bad but the car parks at Garry Bridge were hoaching, I also got a good queue behind me on the last wee sharp git climb to Queens View and lunch 2 was in sight, my phone GPS having not stayed active to tell mither to put the kettle on meant my lunch also wasn't quite as quick as I hoped but I was holding good speed with 140km done. Longest ride since I buggered my leg and I was feeling good.

Next leg was a lap of Loch Rannoch, the hill at Dunalistair is a git heading west, and a total git heading east but they are the only lumps to worry about here.  I stopped at the cafe in Rannoch and soon realized there had been dairy in Lunch 1 and things were about to briefly not-fun, thankfully the toilets were available for use.

Cake and coke polished off and that bloody hill past Dunalistair, I almost think climbing and descending the trinafour triangle might be less painful (and give extra distance); once over that it's just a short gentle climb back to the caravan for Tea 1; something definitely devoid of dairy but epic stomach rumbles going on (and for the rest of the week).
220km done, still feeling good!

Retraced the same route up back to Dunkeld but then struck out for Bankfoot, not ridden this road in a long time nor into Perth via Almondbank and the inch; the flood defence works have made the track round onto the Inch much tidier but it seems to go on forever before dumping you in town where a bunch of pissed teenagers were having a party.

Over the tay and onto the Dundee road, to pick up the cycle track into Walnut Grove and then on the really crap shared use pavement beside the A90; I only go this way when I can't be bothered with Kinoull, and I couldn't be bothered with Kinoull.
The Carse is dull in the dark, but fast, the lights of Dundee were welcome, even more so the bridge lift, amazingly managed to time my crossing of the bridge with another Audax Dundee (mostly Fifers) rider polishing off his 600 but we passed like ships in the night (not the Andrea Doria and Stockholm).

Home with 320km done for Tea 2 by half 10 but the food I had needed more than a few minutes cooking.
Flatness was as you can see a theme here, and I again had looked for the flattest route available, though the problem with Fife is, it isn't flat and the bits that are, aren't very big.

Heading East from home through Newport and round through Tayport to St Mikes and Guardbridge to pick up the cycle path to St Andrews, it was still early enough for there to be traffic otherwise I'd have taken the road.
Town was deserted for midnight on a Saturday with the students under curfew. 
Given my quest for flatness it may have made sense to bounce back the way I came for Cupar but even that's not flat so I climbed Strathkinness Low Road instead, somewhere out here in the deserted Strath as the lights of Blembocraigs or Strathkinness village glinted out of the darkness my back wheel whacked something hole shaped and I found myself pedalling down the hill into Pitscottie.

There was an invisible mist present so I thought I might have a shorting wire on the generator so just battered on and after some braking effort later on it seemed to free off and I hardly felt the resistance on the climb to Craigrothie nor for that matter did I need to pedal down to Springfield.

The Howe of Fife is flat enough to qualify as flat, and by now the Cupar to New Inn road was deserted; tyres skizing on the  damp tarmac, the distance allowed me to avoid the climb to New Inn so I cut off at Kingskettle for Ladybank where I partook in a bus shelter rest next the station. I barely remember the 0230 gyration of Melville Lodges, nor the road until the lights of Parbroath emerged once again from the darkness, there's another bus shelter, I may as well rest.

22 hours into the ride and 15km to go, Luthrie, the long lumpy straight with Rathillet perched onto of it's lump in the distance, I hardly noticed that lump despite it sucking 14kmh off my speed, I knew it was the last, the long descent to Kilmany and then the last few lumps beside the Motray before turning over Newton and into the village.

403km in 22:40 and only 3300m of climbing; not bad after so long.

My next task is to use as much of Strathmore as possible to get a flat 600 in before the end of October.



Ive not cycled the Col du Gauldry for many years (alas the Kingdom of Fife 200km event is no more) but the reward thereafter was the views along the Firth of Tay - glorious.

They are cracking views.
I've submitted a route that uses it for a Perm and have another in mind; also slowly getting round to turning it into a calendar event but trying to buy a house and a certain virus have been getting in the way.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 27 September, 2020, 08:52:52 pm
Great day out on a DIY 200 from Lanark, Bitterly cold start of -3 though had us wondering why we do it though. Stayed cold until Wanlockhead where the climb soon warmed us but the descents were still chilly.

Nice run through the Ae forest until i suffered a double puncture in the village itself after hitting a pothole, the 2 team mechanics chipped in to help though. On to Moffat and over the Beeftub for another warm ascent and cold descent.

Lovely route with very quiet roads.

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/56829067
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 02 October, 2020, 09:07:24 am
A change of plan this week.  I had entered a calendar event, but in view of the awful weather forecast for Saturday did a DIY yesterday instead.  Turned out to be a lovely sunny autumn day.  A few clouds drifting over in the afternoon but it stayed dry.  A fairly flat route from Piercebridge, the first loop heading West to Barnard Castle then back East along a lovely little road and over Whorlton bridge.  Closed to motor traffic but still OK for cyclists and walkers.

Then flatter roads down the Vale of York, to Thirsk, Easingwold and back via Northallerton.  Topped up my water bottle at the churchyard tap in Sessay and I carried my food with me so no visits to shops were necessary.  Most of the route used quiet minor roads, just a couple of main road stretches.  I was a bit earlier heading back up the main road and through Northallerton so avoided the frantic, dangerous rush hour drivers who had made that section so unpleasant when I did a similar route a month ago.  So much more relaxing.

Quite a bit of wildlife about - rabbits, squirrels, buzzards, and a Gorilla.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LB2n2YsvtkFvxNA5otNeE9nUxQXjU9X/view?usp=sharing
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 04 October, 2020, 01:04:11 am
Just like Socks, I had an opportunity to ride on Thurs 1 Oct to start the new AUK year. I had ridden a 200 4 days earlier, but the decent weather window, amid a rotten forecast, gave me the determination to ride one of my perms, Midlands Vale 200, that I have modified to remove 8 miles of Fosse Way N of Moreton in Marsh. Great day on a familiar route and the satisfaction, as I was finishing, that the following day's rain was in the air! Also gave RRTY33 a continuation boost with ride No 10.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 04 October, 2020, 09:57:24 am
New AUK year starts 1st November
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: GdS on 04 October, 2020, 03:04:31 pm
Since August 1 I are be mostly following variations of SeaShore 200 for my RRTY. Yesterday was a one way including the coastal section all the way from Newhaven to Lee on Solent (but avoiding the Ripoff Gosport ferry). That side of the water is a really nice place with generally quieter traffic and great views across to the IoW

Fair play to BBC they got the mid morning to early evening forecast spot on and after a wet first 65k some sunshine and a mild tail / headwind but mostly from the South. There is now a pop-up cycle lane along the main road through Brighton and Hove although it's more frustrating than the cycle path due to all the traffic lights. Sure enough the wall of Storm Alex was poised about 15k before my Southampton finish where it absolutely lashed it down. Arrived at son#2's (also named Alex, apt!) in time for a hot shower rehydration Netflix and a warm bed! was very happy to pay the train fare home this morning,
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ian H on 05 October, 2020, 02:06:36 pm
Two of us rode my Exeter-London 400 at the weekend.  Probably the wettest ride I've ever done.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 05 October, 2020, 04:31:19 pm
Two of us rode my Exeter-London 400 at the weekend.  Probably the wettest ride I've ever done.

Chapeau.  Or EF Education Helmets raised.  I was out for a couple of hours in Hampshire and there were ducks swimming at the top of Farleigh Wallop where lakes and ducks had no business being.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 10 October, 2020, 10:50:06 pm
A 200 today from home to Ballingry - Muckhart - Dunning - Crieff - Comrie - Dunblane - Edinburgh.  Lumpier than Id normally choose for an Autumn 200 but I wanted to catch rural Perthshires Autumn colours.  It was a bit cloudy so that never happened!

Things that always happen on a DIY

- I see the 43 bus in Dalmeny (it must have a service better than the central line)
- I always get stopped at the lights in Crossgates despite no traffic ever coming from Dunfermline

Id not been up the road through scenic Lumphinnans and Lochgelly for a while and the road over from Ballingry to Fruix was a new one on me.  The wind was firmly NW so very much against all the way to a mega breakfast at Dunning.  The road from Yetts o Muckhart to Dunning had a "road closed" sign but I was wise to ignore it as it was nothing worse than a temporary bridge.

The crawl over to Balnagowan from Dunning was punctuated with red squirrel sightings (i counted six) and progress to/through Crieff was in the knowledge that soon Id have the wind behind me most of the way home. 

The turn came at Comrie but of course that meant the lang climb of Langside which was tailwind assisted.  The stretch from Braco to Kinbuck had a crosswind and I was happy to reach Dunblane in the knowledge the wind was right behind me  now.

Corrieris in Caausewayhead was closed as was the Scotmid shop next door (permanently by the looks of it) so I stopped at the BP garage on the Alloa road.  I was very hungry.

GPS unit stopped co-operating with my battery pack near Culross so I switched to phone based recording, certainly no navigation was needed from here.

It was getting dusky so rear light went on at Rosyth and I stopped and took a few pics of the sunset from the FRB. 

Weel kent bike paths and roads home.  Blustery and lumpy, but dry all day.   :thumbsup:

Leg 1 : https://ridewithgps.com/trips/57462717
Leg 2 : https://ridewithgps.com/trips/57460888

I posted some pics via twitter -> https://twitter.com/graeme_wyllie

icba with the flickr based rigmarole to put them on here. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: grimpeur du sudocrem on 11 October, 2020, 07:55:49 pm
Sadly no Mid Sussex Hillier calendar event this year thanks to Covid, so I DIYed the route with my good lady instead, starting from home a few k's off-route and picking up the 2019 version from the top of Ditchling Beacon.

Beautiful day to be out, all the autumn colours that we never got to see last year.

High points were lots and lots of lovely lanes and groads most of the way round, and cheesy chips and sponge cakes to die for at Balcombe Tea Room.
Low points were the usual barrage of lethal drivers near Turners Hill, and the rancid coffee with out of date milk from a shop vending machine in Nutley.

Pending validation and AAA approval, one more month for GdSRtY and AAARtY no.2
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 October, 2020, 09:00:12 pm
A 200 today from home to Ballingry - Muckhart - Dunning - Crieff - Comrie - Dunblane - Edinburgh.  Lumpier than Id normally choose for an Autumn 200 but I wanted to catch rural Perthshires Autumn colours.  It was a bit cloudy so that never happened!


Oaft, no matter which way you went at Ballingry that ride was only ever going to get better from there  :P

The Tee Room in Dunning is one to remember about for me, not that I'm ever there at an appropriate time to consume their produce.

How tricky is it to get across the A9 at Findo Gask? I've never tried it but there's roads around there to bag including an old bit of A9 that is normally clear.

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: postie on 11 October, 2020, 10:49:25 pm
A 200km diy on the isle of wight, amazing weather and great roads. Best road surfaces in the uk, bloody hard day out .
Seems the isle of wight is hilly.
Did my favorite road out of ventnor to shalklin ,great climb and the views around the top were stunning in the llast of the day light.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 12 October, 2020, 02:08:10 am
Yup, a 300 DIY with 200 to Essex and 100 to the Thames Valley. Had to belt the side of a motorised moron near the Essex border. The Chilterns can be nasty if you pick the wrong climb and I did. Parked cars were frosting up quite well after 11 pm (started pretty late) so I’m glad I packed a set of lobster mitts in the Carradice.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 12 October, 2020, 08:55:25 pm
A 200 today from home to Ballingry - Muckhart - Dunning - Crieff - Comrie - Dunblane - Edinburgh.  Lumpier than Id normally choose for an Autumn 200 but I wanted to catch rural Perthshires Autumn colours.  It was a bit cloudy so that never happened!


How tricky is it to get across the A9 at Findo Gask? I've never tried it but there's roads around there to bag including an old bit of A9 that is normally clear.

It was reasonably safe, just a little worse than crossing the A90 dual carriageway around Edzell or Laurencekirk as sight lines as more limited. one to approach with a “proceed with caution” though Id probably not use it for a 50-100 person calendar event mind.   

However thats crossing it going north, doing the same route t’other way as myself and The Braw Stoker did a few weeks ago on the tandem is another kettle of fish due to the left hand curve in the road.  In that scenario visbility is poor (trees obscure a long view) and you are crossing three lanes - the slip road plus two lanes of 70mph traffic the fastest of which you cross last.  Im not sure Id be wanting to do that very often.

If it werent for the Tee Room in Dunning Id not have bothered but its a great audax stop off - audax portions, quick service and a friendly welcome even for sweaty cyclists - an “in and out” via Auchterarder might be a more sensible and less hilly option
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 October, 2020, 09:09:58 pm
A 200 today from home to Ballingry - Muckhart - Dunning - Crieff - Comrie - Dunblane - Edinburgh.  Lumpier than Id normally choose for an Autumn 200 but I wanted to catch rural Perthshires Autumn colours.  It was a bit cloudy so that never happened!


How tricky is it to get across the A9 at Findo Gask? I've never tried it but there's roads around there to bag including an old bit of A9 that is normally clear.

It was reasonably safe, just a little worse than crossing the A90 dual carriageway around Edzell or Laurencekirk as sight lines as more limited. one to approach with a “proceed with caution” though Id probably not use it for a 50-100 person calendar event mind.   

However thats crossing it going north, doing the same route t’other way as myself and The Braw Stoker did a few weeks ago on the tandem is another kettle of fish due to the left hand curve in the road.  In that scenario visbility is poor (trees obscure a long view) and you are crossing three lanes - the slip road plus two lanes of 70mph traffic the fastest of which you cross last.  Im not sure Id be wanting to do that very often.

If it werent for the Tee Room in Dunning Id not have bothered but its a great audax stop off - audax portions, quick service and a friendly welcome even for sweaty cyclists - an “in and out” via Auchterarder might be a more sensible and less hilly option

Ta,
aye, I'd not be sending a huge whack of people on any flat crossing* it's just a handy route onto the Strathearn roads for my road/tile bagging.
The 3 grade separated routes from Dunning into Auchterarder do nicely and it's well placed for a 2nd breakfast, I also discovered last time I was there that the smell of bakery at 7am comes not from the  Co-Op but a small bakery just down the hill; a mistake I won't be making again in a hurry!

* Annoyingly that rules out Sheriffmuir.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: CarlF on 13 October, 2020, 09:40:49 pm
Open Street Map reckons there’s a farm track (on the right coming from Dunning) that runs alongside the A9 from just before where you would cross it, ducks under the dual carriageway at the bridge over the Earn, then joins up to the old A9 just before that crosses the river on the 1930s bridge. Google aerial photos make it look like it’s probably muddy at this time of year but fine in the summer.

It’s on my “to be explored” list, along with the underpass 2/3 of the way up Cairnie Brae.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 October, 2020, 10:01:19 pm
hm, looks MTB territory in Bing aerial and doesn't appear on the OS at all.

Old Cairnie Brae; it's a long time since I hurtled up that in a car on the section from Dalreoch bridge, as I remember it there was usually a blockage just before the house that's occupied up there (Cairnie cottage), suggesting that the field access just down from it was where we turned the cars for the return.  There is no evidence of the blockage on the Aerial photo so it may have been created for the purpose of the test.  There is a change of ownership at that point and the gask side was happy for it to be used, the other wasn't so it could only be run as an out and back, watched the last car (A series 1 military landrover) having it's clutch welded solid while waiting such was the delay.

The tar was still good then but when I think about it that was 2000ish!

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: CarlF on 14 October, 2020, 06:15:49 pm
Given how prone to bursting its banks the Earn is, yes I would imagine it might be a bit muddy- unless it’s been paved or made up with hardcore for maintenance access to the underside of the bridge?

Turns out it’s a core path though- as is the route via the underpass higher up the hill, and the section of old A9 between the two:

 https://www.pkc.gov.uk/media/10981/Core-path-plan-map-57-Aberuthven-and-Dunning/pdf/CPPmap57revKincladie.pdf?m=636102203205770000 (https://www.pkc.gov.uk/media/10981/Core-path-plan-map-57-Aberuthven-and-Dunning/pdf/CPPmap57revKincladie.pdf?m=636102203205770000)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 14 October, 2020, 06:36:47 pm
Ah excellent,

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 17 October, 2020, 02:26:37 am
I'm planning to head out at 6am, can't bloody sleep though.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bhoot on 17 October, 2020, 06:49:53 pm
Hopefully my so far pointless season just got off the starting blocks (and will go no further) with a DIY from Greenwich to Dymchurch in Kent, and back to Otford which neatly makes up the distance and avoids the less than pleasant ride back over the north downs in the traffic. When I first got on the train my bike and I had a whole 4 carriages of an 8 car Thameslink train to ourselves! A few extra now, maybe 6 of us sharing the space.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 17 October, 2020, 06:56:15 pm
I'm planning to head out at 6am, can't bloody sleep though.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Presumably not another attempt at your 600?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Ivo on 17 October, 2020, 08:50:31 pm
Restarted DIY-ing after the lockdown induced shoulder issues of this spring.
The 2nd lockdown overhere resulted in very quiet roads for a late finish of a DIY 200 to Sankt Tönis. Since my grandfather grew up in the Viersen area I've probably ridden over a few roads he cycled on about 100 years ago.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 19 October, 2020, 09:34:47 am
Yesterday, An out and back with Roberto, using his "get it done route" https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=117129.0 An early start to catch the first ferry over the water and on to nice smooth rolling roads down to Lochgilphead and back.

Grey and cold all day and I suffered in the early part with cramp in the thighs again, especially on the long draggy uphill bits. Recently fitted a cadence sensor and got an av of 75RPM so will need to try and get it higher I think. Felt a bit better after the turn so made good time back, Heavy drizzle from Inverary back to the ferry was the only low point in the day. It does make a good get it done route due to the good quality of the roads and no navigation, very little climbing too which suits me fine.

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/57854243
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 19 October, 2020, 11:44:15 am
Recently fitted a cadence sensor and got an av of 75RPM so will need to try and get it higher I think.

There are differing opinions on that..

https://www.bicycling.com/news/a26305270/high-cadence-cycling-not-increase-speed/

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 19 October, 2020, 11:48:44 am
Recently fitted a cadence sensor and got an av of 75RPM so will need to try and get it higher I think.

There are differing opinions on that..

https://www.bicycling.com/news/a26305270/high-cadence-cycling-not-increase-speed/

Yes but I'm not interested in the speed just trying to use my legs a bit better, I always think I'm pushing to hard a gear and end up sore and suffer badly from cramp in the legs.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 October, 2020, 09:09:30 am
Yesterday, a DIY 400, accompanying HK round her DIY 300 to Cambridge and back with an added early morning 100km loop to Reading. The 300 loop was based on a defunct compulsory route brevet but without enough updating for advisory routing and increases in traffic. Day started nicely but the rain kept intensifying through the afternoon till past midnight and the headwind for the near-200km to the finish didn't ease up at night. There were a number of flooded roads after sunset, some with passing vehicles providing an all-over body wash.

Frankly I don't know why I am bothering to work so hard to finish a crappy local 400 perm. For a foreign brevet or a 1200, it is worth putting in some real effort to finish but something meaningless like this doesn't actually bring a lot of joy. Pretty much any fun was over by midway and it was just a slog to the end capped off with two separate punctures in rain and darkness. The first with 40km to go and the last just after midnight and only 5km from home.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 25 October, 2020, 11:08:23 am
A DIY 200 up into Northamptonshire from Hertfordshire yesterday.  A lot of new road further north in my route.  Lots of lovely lanes and almost lockdown levels of traffic. Very very quiet with no cars for long periods. The A428 to Northampton was closed. So had it to myself before once more off into the lanes. Nothing I’d change about my route really enjoyed it.  Could have down without the wind returning south. At least on the recumbent it is not so bad. Plus got home well before sunset and really heavy rain arrived. Total stopped of 45 mins.  Pleased with that as I’m trying low intensity and minimal stopping which seems to be working well for me.  Felt great at end, no aches and no appetite issues.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bagman on 25 October, 2020, 10:07:50 pm
200km DiY.  Route submitted, using Ride with GPS, just over 201km but ride came it @ 200.1km, Wahoo Elemnt Bolt.  Need to plan for rides with a bit more leaway.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 07 November, 2020, 01:19:38 pm
I set off at 0700 on a DIY200, but zero visibility fog curtailed proceedings at the 65km mark.  Was going nicely too on my winter bike but it was a no brainer on safety grounds.



Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 08 November, 2020, 08:40:15 am
A tough day out yesterday, DIY 200K from home. Heavy fog from the off but set out in the hope that the forecast was correct that it would lift later on, (wrong again) met my riding buddy in the mecca of Coatbridge shopping precinct and off eastwards through some shite towns.

A breakfast stop in Tesco SQF let us get out of the cold fog for a bit and warm up slightly before heading north over the FRB and up to Kintillo via Kinross for the midway point. Now heading SW with a slight tailwind there was now the long drag all the way up to Gleneagles but we broke this up by finding the very good cafe in Dunning at the golf course for some more warm food and a nice chat with the ladies who ran it.

Still cold but we pressed on for Doune where we saw the only bit of low winter sun of the day for a brief spell before the fog returned. We were now heading  for the last 40k or so but there was 2 long climbs in that so took it easy due the fog going up to Kippen and the TOTW then a cold freezing descent to Fintry before climbing over the Crow road and another freezing descent down the other side.

A hard finish to the ride but an enjoyable day out and a big chapeau to my riding partner Neil who got round despite being off the bike with a bad back for 4 or 5 weeks !

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/58737161

 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Tomsk on 08 November, 2020, 10:03:49 am
Boudicca's Revenge 200km yesterday. Misty start and the airport perimeter route outbound for a change, which took in the Bamber's Green Scarecrow Festival: https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/how-community-spirit-in-lockdown-gave-rise-to-village-scarecrow-festival-9128420/

Light winds and noticeably less traffic, plus lots of cyclists out and not just 'club' riders - families, old boys on rusty wrecks etc, as per last spring. Saw dod on the winding-and-subsiding fen road to Chatteris - only realised in retrospect after a pm on here! Three shop stops (Potton and Chatteris, plus a quick drink from Saffron Walden Tesco Express) and a coffee takeaway from the A14 services. Judging by the folks walking along the cyclepath from nearby Swavesey, it looks like Cambridge A14 services are the go-to destination for a lockdown family treat ... Did the full-fat final section with no 'hill-dodgers long-cuts': the very choppy saw-toothed section from Chrishall Grange to Thaxted has 248 metres of climbing in 24.7km, the Cam valley route about half the ascent for an extra 5km or so. I'll save the wimpy route for a cold, dark, wet and headwindy day in winter!

Wildlife highlight: five Red Kites perched in a couple of trees in Roe Green, right by the road. More than I've seen together this far east.

Just about done in daylight, though the 'blue hour' was pretty deep by the time I finished.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 08 November, 2020, 10:35:45 am
200km DIY yesterday.  Decided to loop back to home to avoid the need to stop for water and supplies. First 100km was a foggy loop into Wiltshire from Bristol, cycle path to Bath, through the two tunnels and up the hill to Hinton Charterhouse. Familiar lanes to Westbury and then took the B road that skirts the edge of Salisbury plain before heading west and back to Bath with the sun breaking through and a return to Bristol via the cycle path. 
Beans on toast, 2 fried eggs and 2 mugs of tea before setting off for the second half, heading north through the Severn Vale, crossing the M5 and lovely lanes to Uley and Dursley before picking up a section of the Jack and Grace route on the way back to Bristol. 
It's slightly odd coming home at 100km, I've done it a couple of times on longer rides but never a 200km. I could feel myself getting a bit too comfortable at one point, on a bad weather day I'm sure it would be hard to get going again. The other thing is that normally with a 200 you feel like you've been somewhere but using this approach I only ever got about 50km from home and it all felt very local. On the plus side it was a cheap day out ... no cafe bills!
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/58721696
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: GdS on 08 November, 2020, 04:27:32 pm
SeaShore bare bones 200 mandatory DIY yesterday; balmy weather and a slight tailwind all through Brighton where they apparently still haven't heard of Covid but very quiet everywhere else. Lots of cyclists walkers and even river kayakers out!

A few fireworks in peoples' gardens was nice but no substitute for the usual grand show on Upper Thames
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 08 November, 2020, 06:33:00 pm
3am start for a figure of eight 200km DIY today. Warm start but plenty of mist and some light rain. Passed a police car before 4am and wondered if the driver would be interested in a cyclist out that early, but they drove the other way. Memories of the 2014 January Sale and 2015 PBP around 80km in when my left foot started pulsing, followed by the hollowtech 2 crank coming off the axle, and dangling from the pedal still attached to my shoe. Stopped three times, each time with better results at kicking and stoning the crank back on, then tightening the offending bolts. Left foot soft pedalling became the routine until I arrived home for breakfast after around 115km. The bolts were tightened with a much longer allen  key before the second loop. Less than 10km into that, my rear tyre went flat, due to a thorn/piece of hedge the length of my thumbnail. It took a while to push it out the way it came in. Plenty of cyclists went by, the majority asking if I needed help. I worked it out 😁 and there were no more puncture fairy visits. The crank had stayed in place, so I’ll leave it alone until the bb wears out (like after PBP).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 08 November, 2020, 07:31:25 pm
Now heading SW with a slight tailwind there was now the long drag all the way up to Gleneagles but we broke this up by finding the very good cafe in Dunning at the golf course for some more warm food and a nice chat with the ladies who ran it.

Nice one lads.  The Tee Room in Dunning is my favourite audax cafe at the moment.  In fact my aborted 200 on Saturday would have featured it as my half way point of my very simple out and back 200. 

The fog cleared briefly to reveal Bo'ness and all its charms, but settled again by The Kelpies.  By the time I got to Fallin and Stirling it was a genuine pea souper.  I clearly picked the wrong day to be riding up and down the Forth estuary!  I headed home on the north side by Alloa Culross and the bridge for 120km. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Karla on 08 November, 2020, 08:12:55 pm
Not the Brace of Bramleys 200.  I paid for some virtual brevets but never heard back from the DIY organiser so I just rode the route  inna slightly anarchic way.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: SR Steve on 08 November, 2020, 08:47:16 pm
I had planned to start my mandatory DIY 200km at 08:30 yesterday morning but I waited an hour until the ice melted and the fog lifted a bit. It was still cold and misty, but the sun eventually broke through and winds were light so a great day for cycling.
My route zigzagged around the South Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire lanes, keeping well within 10 miles of home at all times. On the map it looks a bit like a flower with petals going off a central loop. At 101km it went past my house before doing the same loop in reverse. It was good to ride on some lanes that I hadn’t ridden for ages and I was surprised how tiring my local wolds are.
The late start meant a couple of hours in the dark and I was glad of my PBP gilet to keep my core warm when the temperature dropped. The worst bit of route was arriving at my home village and then having to ride another 10 mile loop in the cold and dark at the end. I polished this off reasonably quickly on familiar roads and made it home for tea at six o’clock with slightly aching legs.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tonyh on 09 November, 2020, 06:05:16 am
I paid for some virtual brevets but never heard back from the DIY organiser

The DIY organiser could have presumed that you would (and will) go ahead and enter something.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 09 November, 2020, 07:31:00 am
I don't expect anything from my DIY org when I buy brevets?

(Although it is always lovely to hear from him)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 11 November, 2020, 10:17:51 am
A DIY from home yesterday.  I usually drive about 30 miles to start / finish somewhere different to my local roads, thought I'd try a home start as it seems in the spirit of the current restrictions and it's also a while since I did this.

Even at 6.00am it felt mild helped by hardly any wind.  The temperature didn't change much through the day and some nice sunny spells - perfect cycling conditions.  Quiet roads to start with just a few early morning commuters.  It got busier through the morning, the lanes South of Sedgefield are used as rat runs, and I got to Newton Aycliffe in time for the school run.  One stupidly close pass, and one dozy school run Mum.  Then onto quiet roads through North Yorkshire and down to Northallerton.  Zig zag back, including my least liked road through East Durham.  A series of steep ups and downs through former pit villages - hard work as I was quite tired by then, and the villages aren't very scenic.

Still a nice day out though, hopefully that's my Covidian RRtY no.3 completed.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 11 November, 2020, 01:34:30 pm
Not the Brace of Bramleys 200.  I paid for some virtual brevets but never heard back from the DIY organiser so I just rode the route  inna slightly anarchic way.

The purchase of DIY brevets is different to actually entering a DIY. Did you also do the latter?  I’m still using up a batch of DIY brevets I bought a few years back.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 11 November, 2020, 02:12:41 pm
Not the Brace of Bramleys 200.  I paid for some virtual brevets but never heard back from the DIY organiser so I just rode the route  inna slightly anarchic way.

The purchase of DIY brevets is different to actually entering a DIY. Did you also do the latter?  I’m still using up a batch of DIY brevets I bought a few years back.
I’ve got 200 to 600 perm cards going back to 2013 (a 3peaker one) I should have used by now, but they all require travelling to the start.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 11 November, 2020, 02:14:32 pm
Not the Brace of Bramleys 200.  I paid for some virtual brevets but never heard back from the DIY organiser so I just rode the route  inna slightly anarchic way.

The purchase of DIY brevets is different to actually entering a DIY. Did you also do the latter?  I’m still using up a batch of DIY brevets I bought a few years back.

I recall many years ago a local rider who would set off on a DIY ride without having submitted an entry and would collect receipts as he went.  If he felt like continuing would complete a 200 and submit his card for validation. 

His ad hoc arrangement hit the buffers when megajoules expenditure took over DIYs in Scotland and started applying the rules correctly!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 November, 2020, 10:33:25 pm
I don't expect anything from my DIY org when I buy brevets?

(Although it is always lovely to hear from him)

I usually only hear from my one when I cock something up.
Like when I somehow managed to enter 3 DIYs without realizing it and so my count and his were out.

And also when I did something daft on Mull because I believed that "not the same road twice" was actually a rule and not "internet bullshit" and that there had been nothing wrong with my original plan to Figure of 8 the island using the Saline-Gruline road twice Westwards, instead increasing my distance by 20km hand going over Ben More twice... I was slightly late for my Ne'ers day meal.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 12 November, 2020, 11:20:30 am
I don't expect anything from my DIY org when I buy brevets?

(Although it is always lovely to hear from him)

I usually only hear from my one when I cock something up.
Like when I somehow managed to enter 3 DIYs without realizing it and so my count and his were out.

And also when I did something daft on Mull because I believed that "not the same road twice" was actually a rule and not "internet bullshit" and that there had been nothing wrong with my original plan to Figure of 8 the island using the Saline-Gruline road twice Westwards, instead increasing my distance by 20km hand going over Ben More twice... I was slightly late for my Ne'ers day meal.

Aye I think the guidance is there to avoid folk blatantly doing laps.  The official wording is "A route may visit a control more than once, but routes consisting of repeated passes over the
same circuit will not normally be approved


An excellent Borders calendar 200km features riding the same short section between The Glen Cafe and Cappercleugh, once as a retrace from the control to the turnoff to Talla, and again on the return to HQ from Moffat.  A similar distance as the bit on Mull.   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: vistaed on 12 November, 2020, 10:06:09 pm
Feel like I'm breaking radio silence. I've just organised my first ever DIY, a mandatory 200 from home heading south into the Cotswolds on the 22nd. I have the same feeling of excitement that normally comes from entering a calendar event.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonBuoy on 14 November, 2020, 11:56:24 am
A couple of weeks ago I plotted a 120k route to tidy up the northern edge of my Veloviewer square.  As the forecast for this weekend wasn't great and Friday looked good (once the early rain had passed through) it seemed like good use of a day of holiday.  To make even better use of the day I trimmed the VV spikes off my route and tacked on an 80k loop around Leicester to make a mandatory DIY route for November's 200k.  This would also allow me to refuel at home and maintain my antisocial distancing.

The VV part of the route started off going though Newstead Abbey and ended up near Southwell.  The only sensible way to the start was through Nottingham and the route that Brouter picked for me seemed pretty decent apart from the flint-based visitation on the outskirts of Hucknall.

Newstead Abbey was impressive and surprisingly busy for a lockdown Friday.  There were a few busy roads that were unavoidable but plenty of pleasant lanes.  The route also cut through a section of Forestry Commision near Blidworth.  I was concerned about the surface after the overnight rain but all the tracks were in excellent condition.

Having finished the tile gathering I crossed the Trent at Gunthorpe and picked up my fairly standard laney route home from there.

I arrived at my pit stop at 3:45pm, the sunshine had now disappeared and it was getting a bit gloomy.  Motivation to get out and finish the DIY was low but the thought of 'wasting' the entry fee and the 120k that I had already done got me back on the road just before 5pm.

The roads seemed a bit quieter than a normal Friday evening rush hour but far busier than during Lockdown #1.  I made steady progress on an anticlockwise loop of Leicester on mostly familiar roads.  I have done hardly any night riding this year and enjoyed existing in the tiny world illuminated by my front light.  I had promised myself that I would pick up a posh Waitrose pizza and some beer on the way home but got there just after their 9pm closing time so had to make do with something not quite so posh from the Co-op.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 17 November, 2020, 07:33:17 pm
2nd Lockdown suggested I search for a ‘Local’ route. So, I designed a route of 2 loops from Cheltenham to stay close and realised the Controls matched my SP45, Glos & Worcs 200, so that is the route I rode. Dull day with some headwinds going South and hints of warm rain throughout; turn after Dursley and a glorious tailwind returning North. Managed 140km in daylight so a coffee in Upton as it was now dark, for a 60km night phase. That is 3x 200 for Nov, with 2 pre-LD.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 23 November, 2020, 09:35:18 am
I managed out for a 200km yesterday. 

A beautiful but chilly day, I started just before 7am and finished in just over 10 hours.  By that time it was still light enough to see, but lights were required. 

I recorded the ride on my phone which was in my pocket so Id no speed or distance measurements other than when I stopped.  It felt very slow, but in reality wasnt too bad especially given that the previous week had been spent doing very little other than eating and drinking too much at my mother in laws while on annual leave, and Im carrying much extra timber.   

Thats 2021 under way, and is now 4 months of at least 1 event of 200km+.  I'll need to be careful!

Edit - a few pics

Jim Baxter looking cheery as well he might.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50638556268_2089057864.jpg)

Rush hour in rural Perthshire (passed Davie Husband amid a gaggle of Angus CC riders just after this).

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50638554623_176ec310bf.jpg)

Time for tellytubbies?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50639302961_a54693d3f6.jpg)

Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50639303471_efe626197f.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 23 November, 2020, 09:54:04 am
Second 200k DIY of the month yesterday.  The first one completed my third RRtY, I've been doing two each month since the re-start in August so this was number 4 of attempt number 4.

More or less the same route from home as the last one, this time on a Sunday so thankfully no sign of the frantic rush hour / school run traffic.  I started quite early so the first two hours were in darkness, but this meant that I got back home just as the sun was setting and before it was fully dark again.  A couple of gritter trucks passed me, suggesting the possibility of slippy surfaces, so I took it easy especially on the downhillls and corners.  No incidents though, I think it was just above the critical temperature.

Once the sun came up it soon turned into a lovely day and felt warm despite a breeze.  Quiet lanes in County Durham / North Yorkshire, and food stops using a flask, water bottles and food that I carried with me so no need to visit any shops.  It was quit cold once I stopped moving, so the stops were short.

Final stretch along the relentlesly undulating roads of East Durham, I was relieved to get home and after a hot shower, re-hydrate with some tasty Weisen beer.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 02 December, 2020, 04:00:51 pm
2nd Lockdown suggested I search for a ‘Local’ route. So, I designed a route of 2 loops from Cheltenham to stay close and realised the Controls matched my SP45, Glos & Worcs 200, so that is the route I rode. Dull day with some headwinds going South and hints of warm rain throughout; turn after Dursley and a glorious tailwind returning North. Managed 140km in daylight so a coffee in Upton as it was now dark, for a 60km night phase. That is 3x 200 for Nov, with 2 pre-LD.
Then Lockdown was due to end on 2nd Dec. The forecast was fine for 1st Dec but crap for 2nd. So, I just repeated the former route; weather was fine (in Winter gear). Bonus was completing RRtY33! Checking gps, rides were within 5 mins and ave speed within 0.1kph. Same bike too.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bairn again on 03 December, 2020, 09:59:34 am
For the first time in my working life, I was granted a free extra days leave as something of a non cash bonus with a proviso that it was taken by the end of December.  I decided to use the day to do a 200k DIY.   Given it was midweek I avoided A and B roads.  It had rained overnight and continued for the first two hours of my ride (6am start) and there was much mud and "Belgian toothpaste" on the roads especially near farms.  I was dreading a puncture but thankfully there were none. Im not sure a bike with disc brakes would have coped.   

Finished in daylight at 15.45 so quite a nice day out after the initial murk. 

That's 5 months in a row, will definitely have to be careful now.   

I know that there are plenty folk who ride DIYs midweek and it dawned on me that quite careful planning is required to avoid roads that are a no-no Mon-Fri, or maybe folk just ride the same or similar route every time.             
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 03 December, 2020, 11:28:46 am

I know that there are plenty folk who ride DIYs midweek and it dawned on me that quite careful planning is required to avoid roads that are a no-no Mon-Fri, or maybe folk just ride the same or similar route every time.             

Reasonable weather forecast for yesterday so I did my December DIY - number 5 of my 4th RRtY.  And yes, planning needed to avoid the worst of the weekday traffic.  Although needing to do a route that started from home and stayed in Tier 3 meant that my choices were limited.  Early start but this meant I got through the urban delights of Sunderland, Gateshead and Newcastle before the traffic built up.  Then quiet rural roads up to Mitford, across to Hexham, and back down the Tyne valley.  The last section was a lot busier, back through urban roads.  Most of the drivers OK, just a couple of close passes.  And quite hilly by my standards (6,000' of climbing) so an even slower time than usual.  Hopefully by January it will be OK for me to drive to a start / finish a bit further away so that I can avoid the busy roads.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 05 December, 2020, 09:11:24 pm
With a northerly forecast, and an urge for a long ride, I dug into my virtual stock of DIY brevets and plotted a route that included most of my Highland Fling route to the Tyne Cycle tunnel (with a detour to check out the old railway path route - it's alright but a bit rough and busy and won't feature in the event), Shiremoor Waggonway, Seaton Burn and the A1 cyclepath past Stannington's palatial bus shelters to Morpeth. It started to hail. I stopped at a (less well-appointed) bus shelter to put my jacket on, and order my Costa via the app. By the time I'd fought my way through Morpeth's mad traffic, it was ready, and I spent probably ten seconds inside, which was the only time I went inside anywhere on the ride.

I had an extra loop out via Pigdon and back to Mitford and Tranwell, where it pissed down. And again after I'd rolled past Kingston Park and across the Town Moor into the city centre. I enjoyed riding down Grey Street, which really is one of the finest streets in the land, but I didn't stop to take any photos. And I think I'm finally getting the hang of Newcastle's cycle lanes, though the lads using the underpass on Dobson Street as a skate park presented a challenge.

Back over the Tyne, then (apart from a slight detour to Sacriston), it was pretty much the A167 all the way home. It's not a great deal of fun once you're past the Angel, but easy enough with a tailwind, and not horrendously busy even though I was an hour or two earlier than I'd expected to be.

Not a bad day out considering the amount of urban riding.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50683241618_50c1755206_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2kdGRXq)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Zed43 on 06 December, 2020, 09:00:10 pm
Third consecutive weekend with a DIY200. It was cold, frost on the fields, in the morning and wet in the afternoon. The new pogies helped. Using these DIY to bag tiles, so a non-trivial amount of riding is on unsurfaced paths, or the path appears to exist only in Garmin's imagination :P Bike came home properly filthy... Managed to get back to the station with less than 5 minutes to spare; which was a good thing as the next train would be in an hour and with all this COVID stuff (no pubs open, no waiting rooms) it would have meant waiting on the platform, shivering.

ps Deano, that is a stunning picture, I love the composition, emphasising those vertical and diagonal lines.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 December, 2020, 09:08:28 pm
Third consecutive weekend with a DIY200. It was cold, frost on the fields, in the morning and wet in the afternoon. The new pogies helped. Using these DIY to bag tiles, so a non-trivial amount of riding is on unsurfaced paths, or the path appears to exist only in Garmin's imagination :P Bike came home properly filthy... Managed to get back to the station with less than 5 minutes to spare; which was a good thing as the next train would be in an hour and with all this COVID stuff (no pubs open, no waiting rooms) it would have meant waiting on the platform, shivering.

ps Deano, that is a stunning picture, I love the composition, emphasising those vertical and diagonal lines.

In February, you commented on the amount of stuff I had on the bike for a simple 200. Part of that was a big fluffy jacket for when I miss the train and have to wait 58 minutes on a cold platform for the next one.

Proper filthy you say...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EofgOJUXUAA7qzE?format=jpg&name=large)

J
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 December, 2020, 09:15:11 pm
I know that there are plenty folk who ride DIYs midweek and it dawned on me that quite careful planning is required to avoid roads that are a no-no Mon-Fri, or maybe folk just ride the same or similar route every time.             

I guess it depends where you are, there's some A and B roads that are pretty quite due to lack of day trippers mid-week out of tourist season.

First time I rode up Glen Ogle was a quiet Wednesday, second an off-season Saturday, third time was summer...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: quixoticgeek on 06 December, 2020, 09:22:24 pm
I guess it depends where you are, there's some A and B roads that are pretty quite due to lack of day trippers mid-week out of tourist season.

First time I rode up Glen Ogle was a quiet Wednesday, second an off-season Saturday, third time was summer...

In a civilised country, it doesn't matter because of sensible cycle infrastructure...

J
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 December, 2020, 09:25:27 pm
There is an MTB track up the railway in Glenogle but...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Zed43 on 07 December, 2020, 08:23:17 am
In February, you commented on the amount of stuff I had on the bike for a simple 200. Part of that was a big fluffy jacket for when I miss the train and have to wait 58 minutes on a cold platform for the next one.
<grin/>
My packing list for this weekend
All of that fitted in this:
(https://berthoudcycles.fr/2516-large_default/handlebar-bag-gb28-all-black.jpg)
COVID meaning riding all in one go, no sit downs for coffee and cake (and warming up...)
Even with a down jacket and an ereader for company spending an hour on a wet and cold train station is best to be avoided IMO.

ps yes, your filth beats mine  :-* the one advantage of riding slicks in these conditions I suppose: the mud doesn't cake on that much  ;D (makes for interesting riding though, slicks on wet mud)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: postie on 14 December, 2020, 08:53:02 am
A very wet 200km diy yesterday,  up to amesbury( first vist this year and didn't stop) over the edge of Salisbury plain and pewsey vale found a nice brick bus shelter for lunch. Back via whitchurch and new alresford .
Picked up a slow flat on the last bit, fortunately it got me home without a change in the dark needed.

Highlight of the day, spending £2.10 on a takeaway tea. First time I've spent any money on a bike ride in 6 weeks,
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 14 December, 2020, 11:04:21 am
206km DIY on Sat around the war memorials of Hertfordshire. That’s my Dec ride done for RRTY. Visited 35 in total. Rain to about 2pm and strong westerly. Met Tomsk going opposite way on his Bricks and Moretaine 200 perm. Some comedy off road up a steep muddy hill in the Chilterns. Fortunately it was possible to gingerly ride down the other side to rejoin the roads.  Some really over the top Christmas light displays after sunset. Didn’t stop at any shops.  Had a flask of hot chocolate with me in addition to my water. Fantastic.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 30 March, 2021, 08:21:04 pm
At last, a 200k DIY.  And for the first time since last Summer, not from home.  Drove to Staindrop and did a nice circuit down to Winston (Whorlton bridge being closed for the foreseeable).  Quiet roads down to Northallerton, then a very badly surfaced stretch of main road to Thirsk with a gusty headwind and some fast traffic. 

Nice to get on the minor roads again zig zagging to make up the distance and bouncing across the increasingly rickety Aldwark bridge.  Back up to Boroughbridge, more lanes and a couple of loops to keep off main roads then through Northallerton again.

Very tired on the last stretch, the longest ride I've done some the beginning of December is only 45 miles.  Or maybe the unaccustomed heat, once the breeze was behind me it felt very warm.  I even took my jacket off.  Loads of daffodils, birds making a lot of noise including some crows who appeared to be working on making the next generation.  And two woodpeckers (heard, but couldn't see them).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 01 May, 2021, 02:17:43 pm
Yesterday, my 11th run around the Snow Roads 300, in consecutive years.
Ridden as a Perm, starting / finishing at Banchory.

Weather not great.
Front light failure had me ride the final hour over the Cairn o' Mount in darkness, with only the residual light in the sky and night-vision to see by.
I'm expecting comments in the local FB page 'Fubar News'!

https://www.strava.com/activities/5221690214

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Tommyp27 on 01 May, 2021, 05:46:40 pm
Did the Devil's Punchbowl 100, plus the ride up and down to Steyning from Worthing. Great little Coffee shop 'cyclist friendly' sticker, just by the control called Cookies. Had an even fancier coffee in Shoreham on the way home, and maybe more cake was consumed...

Had my left pedal seize up (but not unrideably so) about 30k from finish, but still made the time limit, despite the annoying feeling everytime I pushed the left pedal round.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 15 May, 2021, 09:08:08 am
A 200k DIY in North Yorkshire yesterday, taking advantage of a favourable weather forecast which turned out to be accurate - light breeze, cloudy and a bit of drizzle but turning dry and brighter in the afternoon.  Mostly quiet roads and I managed to avoid school run and rush hour on my two visits to Northallerton.

I wimped out of Deano's calendar event '3 Bromptons, a Moulton and a Bickerton' a couple of weeks ago, but on this ride I managed one Moulton, and one Brompton.  (Although I wasn't riding either a Moulton or a Brompton) Shortly after crossing the bumpy Aldwark bridge I saw two cyclists at the side of the road so stopped to check if they were OK.  Turned out to be trying to identify some flowers in the verge.  I was happy to offer my expert knowledge.  "Those are purple ones, the others are yellow ones".  Nice to be able to help.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 31 May, 2021, 07:51:31 pm
This was not the 400 I'd planned to do this year, but changing circumstances forced my hand. I needed something I could do at short notice from the front door.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51215909506_e2432ce025_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m2LVyw)
02:30 on the Cairn o' Mount (https://flic.kr/p/2m2LVyw) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr

An inauspicious start had me riding into dense sea haar for the first few hours, till I was south of Forfar. The Pictish stones at Aberlemno loomed out of the dense mist like some ghostly presence.
The haar burned off as I headed inland towards Perth, and then onwards into the Kingdom of Fife.

I always forget how unrelentingly hilly Fife is. It's like they had some mountains left over after making the West Coast and the Cairngorms. With nowhere suitable to put them, they chopped them into smaller pieces and fly-tipped them all over Fife.

From my vantage point on the top of the Hill of Beath, the vista of the Forth Valley is laid out before me. The valley is deeply enshrouded in more dense haar, clinging to the river estuary. The very tips of the bridge towers emerge above the gloom, their beacons flashing in the clear sky.
As I lose height down to the valley, the temperature drops with every km I move. Tiny water droplets condense out on my bike and clothes, turning my black shorts a light grey. From the bridge, the presence of the other bridges to my left and right could only be guessed at.

Once I put some distance between me and the river, Edinburgh itself is clear and pleasant. The parks are full to bursting with people. I change into my overnight kit, have some food, and set out on the return journey.

It is 2:30am by the time I reach the Cairn o' Mount, and the early glow is in the sky, foretelling the approaching dawn. The dawn chorus begins at this early hour, and the great cacophony of querulous crows debating the forthcoming day follows me for the remainder of the way home.

https://www.strava.com/activities/5387478713
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 31 May, 2021, 07:57:33 pm
A DIY 200 today to salvage my current RRTY series that seems to have been running for 15 years.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: CarlF on 31 May, 2021, 09:48:54 pm
This was not the 400 I'd planned to do this year, […]

The haar burned off as I headed inland towards Perth,



I thought that might have been you going past when I looked out of the window yesterday morning, looks like I was right!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: grimpeur du sudocrem on 31 May, 2021, 09:59:53 pm
Around Weald Expedition for me yesterday.

Vastly better weather than two weeks ago when I aborted after 20km, although I still didn't see the sun until 5 hours in. Probably a good thing as I broke the back of the ride before heating up too much.

Such a beautiful route, I'd done it once before but forgotten just how good the scenery was  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 05 June, 2021, 10:31:42 pm
This 600k DIY ride marks the cumulation of my Audaxing career.
It is the cumulation of 10 consecutive years of SR series (200, 300, 400, 600k in a season), and induction into the Hall of Lunacy that is the Ultra Randonneur.

My journey along the Moray Firth coast is also a journey into my own past.

Approaching Macduff, I pass Tarlair Swimming Pool; a sea-water pool which sported a 5m diving board in the day. It is now in a state of mostly-ruin. Somewhere, there is a black-and-white photo of a teenage Ron diving off this 5m board, into the icy pool. I had been persuaded into this folly For Art, as part of the school photography club we were in. You need to suffer for your art, and apparently, I was the one who needed to do the suffering.

Through Macduff, I pass what was once the newsagents shop my parents ran; the shop is no more, but the flat above it looks unchanged. I glance up at what had once been my bedroom window, with a view over what was then a busy fishing harbour and fishmarket.  Then the boatyard, where my maternal grandfather had worked as a boatbuilder, crafting the wooden boats that plied these costal waters. In his day, there was no boat-shed; it was hard outdoor work all year round.

On through Banff, the place I went to school. I do not have time to stop at my mum's for a chat; for I am against the clock. That will no doubt be Noted on My Card when it comes to it. But hey, it will pale into insignificance against all my other malfeasances!

The back roads to Portsoy and beyond are well-known to me from all those years ago.

I reach Burghead, where I went to primary school. I do not go into the village itself, rather heading towards Kinloss, passing the football pitch where we held the school sports day. This triggers a powerfull memory from long ago, a small Ron laying in the sun with the smell of freshly-cut grass filling his nostrils.  In Roseisle forest, somewhere there is a clearing with three trees, one with my name on it: my parents took us all to plant saplings in this place when we were very small.

Day two is a journey into my more recent past; into the lands around Montrose.

Entering Montrose, I see the derricks of my former workplace still standing; somewhat forlorn and derelict against the sky.  The orange paint is faded and peeling, giving way to the orange of rust and decay beneath.  I was probably the last person to operate these; and as best I could see, the moving parts were exactly where I had left them when I shut them down and turned my back on them and walked away all those years ago.  No longer a source of work or value; just a pair of hulking twins, rusting pieces of industrial archaeology.

No ride report is complete without a cafe recommendation, so today I'm going to go with Joinery cafe in Meigle.  A well-known coffee stop for local riders, it always hits the spot, and today was no exception.

Kirriemuir is of course made entirely of hills, and will cheerfully remind you of this at every opportunity.

"Isn't this where I came in?"
In a curious quirk of fate, the final leg out of Kirrie on this significant-for-me Audax follows in the wheel-tracks of the first leg of my first Audax some 11 years ago; the Snow Roads 300. This is not lost on me.

I reach home, and un-clip on the driveway. I swing a rather stiff leg over the saddle, which fails to clear the rack pack. I go down on the chuckie stones like a sack of tatties, the bike on top of me.
An ignominious end to a glorious ride! That'll learn me.

https://www.strava.com/activities/5419891068

That's all, folks.
Normal service will be resumes as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Pingu on 05 June, 2021, 10:53:01 pm
 :thumbsup:

Yes, which tit decided to build Kirriemuir on top of a hill?  :demon:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 06 June, 2021, 08:29:05 am
Well done Ron and welcome to the club.   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nolongertries on 06 June, 2021, 11:03:43 am
That’s a lovely report of a lovely route. Well done!

I rode a fixed gear 400 on Friday from SW London to Westbury and back. Unexpected rain until Reading and then glorious weather for the rest of the ride. Hungerford to Westbury was very scenic with a number of white horses to be seen. I borrowed from the Kennet 200 to return from Hungerford to Reading via Newbury. Stunning lanes and scenery in the dying light of the day and lots of wildlife about. Note to self- return to do the 200. A quiet overnight ride (fortunate given the fog) was enlivened by the queue for coffee at Marlow 24hr petrol station. Rolled home with the dawn chorus for a grand, if tiring, day out.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 06 June, 2021, 11:19:38 am
I managed a DIY300 yesterday, my first at this distance since September last year.

Once again I doubled up a trip to visit a lady friend to use Darlington as a base for a not very hilly audax. 

I managed to evade the train chaos at Waverley Station by leaving relatively early on Friday.  Did some work on the train and then later al fresco on the boulevards of Darlo.  No need to take days off work with this set up, long may it continue. 

My route was pretty much an out and back to Goole with a different route through/around York.  Id always wanted to ride the Planets bike path south of York and did so both ways.  It was obviously a wee bit slower than the road alternative but it made a nice alternative.  Quite a few tree roots damaging the surface though. 

Even though I set off at 5am it was warm almost immediately and stops were more frequent and longer than would otherwise be the case.  Id enough Factor 30 to ensure that I was not being scorched. 

Traffic was bearable....surprisingly light on the bit between Riccall-Highfield-Goole but disappointly the 10km from Ripon to West Tanfield featured many overtakes while a car was oncoming - in fact there wasnt one car that waited. The bit from Wiggy to York was busier than Id expected but Ive concluded that every road in and out of York is much the same.  I think my detour round York on my way North was a better idea.     

Id aimed to get the first 200 done in 10 hrs including stops and dawdle the rest if needed but my average moving speed only dropped a little in the final 1/3rd so managed to finish in short sleeves n shorts and certainly no need for a front light. 

Ride highlight was near Ripon on the way home when 3 "taps aff" yoofs on mountain bikes each with a can of cider in hand passed me with a resounding and broad "HOW DO".  Gotta love Yorkshire. 

Even had time for a pint in the excellent ORB before last orders. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/68649257

Just a 400 and 600 to plan now.   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: markcjagar on 06 June, 2021, 12:43:53 pm
Set out on a DIY 200 this morning. Sheffield up to North Yorkshire to do Hanging Grimston, would've been 240km. As it was, rear gear cable snapped about 20km in, turned around and limped home, it was raining for the first time in over a week as well so it's probably for the best that I'm now sat on the sofa.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Tynan2 on 06 June, 2021, 03:58:23 pm
North Yorkshire, fixed in my leaky memory of LEL13 is setting off from somewhere, in the dark and the hammering rain to climb a short but steep and unexpected hill, at the top was a sign saying 'North Yorkshire'. Not in the best of spirits, I said to my teammate 'There's a North fucking Yorkshire?'.

After a 7 year break, I will be on a ride in two weeks and will do my best to give a review.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Zed43 on 17 June, 2021, 08:17:09 pm
40 points in 19 DIY rides so far this audax season. I've been an AUK member since December 2016 and before the onset of the plague I had a grand total of two DIYs...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 20 June, 2021, 10:00:08 am
I set off on a 200 yesterday to test my knee, bag some squares and end up at my folks for tea. I front loaded the hills (I thought) and 'enjoyed' the climbing but heading on the A1068 into Amble wondered why /how I hadn't visited Widdrington Station, I had a firm but clearly erroneous memory of adding a dog leg to their co-op. I trundled on, including some spurs down golf course gravel (squares, squares, squares). As I reached the junction at Budle Bay I was struck again that This Wasn't Right, surely I was supposed to turn at Glororum? And where was the field ingress required for the northern end of the Brunton Airfield square? By now I was hot, tired, my back was killing me and it was less than 10km to the promised land of my mams place.

197km. I had ridden a previous iteration, not the submitted route.

Idiot.

Nice day out, thobut.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210620/dbff3cc78fa5845f1e10d4325dfb6d7a.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 20 June, 2021, 11:18:03 am
200k yesterday, setting off from home to 'enjoy' the relentless hilly B road through former pit towns in East Durham before reaching a flatter, more rural, and prosperous North Yorkshire.  Lovely weather, a bit cloudy in the morning and increasingly sunny later on with light breezes.  Mostly quiet roads and sensible drivers.  Just one stupid overtake on a blind bend followed by a quick swerve to avoid oncoming cars; and a couple of drivers near Sedgefield who saw the lack of traffic as a reason to drive at stupid speeds, even on narrow twisty roads.

After my second covid jab I'd felt a bit off for a couple of weeks, resulting in a DNS and a DNF at two previous 200k events.  Felt better last week when I did a 100k from Wigginton (first time in two years) so gave this a go.  Quite a reasonable time by my standards despite nearly 6,000' of climbing and more importantly I enjoyed the day out, even the first / last sections.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iroiromono on 22 June, 2021, 12:00:20 am
To commemorate the solstice this past weekend, I rode George Berwick's Twilight 600 perm. This is a perm version of a route originally put together by Duncan Peat.

To avoid peak tourist traffic on the A82 over Rannoch Moor and to enjoy the West Coast section during the day I started at 9pm Friday by first departing the Edinburgh Area and heading North to Aberfeldy and then West through Crianlarich, past the Green Welly in Tyndrum and then over the Moor to the Coast. Unfortunately there was nowhere to control at 4am in Crianlarich so a selfie at the station was the best I could do. As an aside, long distance perms are becoming increasingly difficult in Scotland with the reducing number of ATMs and 24 hour services. I grabbed a ticket for my control on the Corran Ferry (first time getting proof of passage while afloat) and then onward to the wee filling station in Strontian for my first refuel 230km in. A loop of the through the West Highland Pennisulas of Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamuchan and Moidart requited me with the West Coast Midge especially when stopped at the wee shop in Acharachle for second breakfast. A quick return east to Ft William for lunch before a 50k blast down the coastal road to Barcaldine where some audax friends put on some food and a bed for me, feeling like I wanted to keep moving forward with the light I only managed 30mins of sleep. Come 8pm I was ready to head East again with about 200k to go. Once back at Crianlarich the train station the regular audax hotel (Train Station Waiting Room) was locked due to Covid, so somewhat like Mary and Joseph I was to find shelter in the station's toilet. As public toilets as sleep stops go this one I'd say gets 3.5 stars - Warm, enough room for me and a bike, fairly clean and open 24/7.  After about an hour of dozing in and out of sleep I decided best to push on and road into the few hours of darkness at midnight. By around 2am I was getting towards Callander my next control but suffering from the dozies found the shelter of a covered patio around a locked up tourist info center on Loch Lubnaig. The temperature was down at 6deg so my foil blanket and light down jacket did a good enough job, but when I woke up shivering after about an hour and a half I knew I had to press on to warm up. From there it was a rather uneventful final 75km through Stirling and the Skinflats to S. Queensferry for a celebratory pancake breakfast.

Keen to do this ride again, but perhaps with a central start at Crianlarich with a bunk house, or a morning start and take the risk of hellish traffic on the Moor.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bhoot on 22 June, 2021, 10:01:54 pm
Unfortunately there was nowhere to control at 4am in Crianlarich so a selfie at the station was the best I could do. As an aside, long distance perms are becoming increasingly difficult in Scotland with the reducing number of ATMs and 24 hour services.

E-brevet now provides a useful alternative proof of passage via a phone app without the need to submit a full gps track. It's available on a number of perms now. Any perm organiser wanting to find out more or to make their events available this way can contact Dave (webcontent@audax.uk) for more information, and if necessary help to set up the route, and John Ward for approval.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iroiromono on 23 June, 2021, 08:58:46 am
Unfortunately there was nowhere to control at 4am in Crianlarich so a selfie at the station was the best I could do. As an aside, long distance perms are becoming increasingly difficult in Scotland with the reducing number of ATMs and 24 hour services.

E-brevet now provides a useful alternative proof of passage via a phone app without the need to submit a full gps track. It's available on a number of perms now. Any perm organiser wanting to find out more or to make their events available this way can contact Dave (webcontent@audax.uk) for more information, and if necessary help to set up the route, and John Ward for approval.

Thanks for the heads up on that. I'll look at emailing Dave for my own perm. For the Twilight 600, I'm not sure if digital PoP will ever be a reality, you still have to enter by post and cheque to George :)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 11 July, 2021, 08:48:27 am
Ive just completed a 400km ride for the first time in over two years.

I started from the Audax capital of the UK, Darlington, at 1600 on Friday.  My ride took me south via Ripon and York to Goole where Id booked the Premier Inn knowing Id be here twice - at 150km and 250km on the way back north.  I showered and rested before heading out at midnight for the overnight leg south to Scotter and back.   

The evening had been beautiful but the rain started at Howden just before Goole.  I passed two riders coming towards me just before the Services who looked suspiciously like audax types but the rain prevented anything more than a shouted “hello”.  The rain/mist continued overnight, but It was very warm though.  The McDs in Scunthorpe was closed but the petrol station was open though sadly their hot drinks machine was Hors Service 

Had 40 winks back at Goole, breakfasted at McDs and set off for the final 150km north at 0730.  It was a tad nippy to start with but it had warmed up enough by Ripon to allow short sleeves n shorts.  The east wind was a bit niggly and the “kms to go” really did drag so I chose to stop for 5 mins every  10km just to keep my spirits up.  Finished in just under 25 hrs, very gentlemanly.  I ran out of puff in the final 100km thats for sure but had loads of time in hand. 

Total time per each 100km.   

1st 100km : 4h 20m
2nd 100km : 6h 25m
3rd 100km : 8h 0m
4th 100km : 6h 5m
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jimmea on 11 July, 2021, 09:41:11 am
Managed my first 200k of the year yesterday. Pretty flat route but was glad to make it round using one flat & one SPD pedal due to ongoing issues with balance. Got caught in few heavy downpours but felt good to be out doing longer runs again.

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70934833
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: atk on 15 July, 2021, 12:01:29 pm
Rode the Dark Peak perm yesterday. Forecast was glorious and it seemed wise to test the legs with a few AAA points before the calendar version in a few weeks. To cut a long story short, my legs are garbage (or I'm carrying a little too much lockdown weight), but I made it round. Met a couple of riders on Holme Moss, including the organiser of the East Midlands Forests 200k, casually riding the length of Derbyshire as a route check for something.

Good to see the Bank View Cafe is still open. Mortimer Road has been resurfaced since I was over that way and a delight to ride (the downhill bits anyway). The run down Snake Pass quieter than I'd expected. Almost skipped the Penny Pot Cafe in Edale, but made a late u-turn and was rewarded with a free veggie sausage roll as they were shutting up. Computer recorded highs of 31c. Was very glad to scrub off the sunscreen, dust and squished flies when I got back.

Will be back with a fresh set of brake pads for the calendar event in a couple of weeks.

(https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/files/6b4a646d0c2f84ad065a5cb5e29abff1aa96d4c0.jpg)

(https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/files/281ad25789f1a45d9b019b45bfe7bedf37eafe72.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 13 August, 2021, 09:48:49 am
Our first camping trip in the campervan for two years cos of the plague, to a nice site near Grassington.  The current Mrs Socks drove back home, so that I could do a DIY by riding back.  A few zigzags to get up to full distance.

Nice roads through Burnsall and Appletreewick with a few steep climbs.  As it was at the start of the ride I managed those OK, even a fierce set of hairpins after Appletreewick.  Then over Greenhow, the spectacular view was a bit obscured by the morning mist and the steep downhill to Pateley Bridge even more intersting than usual because of traffic lights halfway down.

Gentler roads in North Yorkshire and my usual stop at Little Sessay to refill water bottles at the graveyard tap.  It was very warm and sunny by the afternoon.  And a nice chat with a couple of local cyclists, exchanging memories of cycling in France.  Then my least favourite section, the haul through familiar roads and hills in East Durham and back home.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: st599 on 16 August, 2021, 08:55:35 pm
Did one yesterday - made the mistake of following an NCN route for part of it - overgrown with 5foot tall stinging nettles, couldn't even see the ground, just the next sign on the route 100m down the path.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: iroiromono on 22 August, 2021, 11:46:19 am
Popped out for a Perm last Sunday with fellow Audax Ecosser Iza.

We did a nice wee figure 8 loop of Scotland on a route called The Eightsome Reel.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kim on 24 August, 2021, 10:24:30 pm
Just did my Randonneur Once A Year...

Veloviewer tiles: 158
Power stations: 2
Velociraptors: 1
Dead badgers: 0
Headwind: lots
Knees: Too many
Ibuprofen: 800mg
Sustrans traps: 1
Giant spiders: 1
Mechanicals: 2
Mycoprotein: 0
Sexual Harassment in Bordesley Green: None (It's safer in the dark?)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 25 August, 2021, 12:39:31 pm


Just did my Randonneur Once A Year...

Veloviewer tiles: 158
Power stations: 2
Velociraptors: 1
Dead badgers: 0
Headwind: lots
Knees: Too many
Ibuprofen: 800mg
Sustrans traps: 1
Giant spiders: 1
Mechanicals: 2
Mycoprotein: 0
Sexual Harassment in Bordesley Green: None (It's safer in the dark?)

Too many knees? Surely it's tougher with less than 2?
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kim on 25 August, 2021, 04:46:26 pm
There was a point where finding that out seemed like a good idea.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 29 August, 2021, 10:56:05 am
A North Yorkshire DIY yesterday.  Misty and cool first thing, it soon warmed up and turned into perfect cycling weather with a light breeze and clear skies.  Flat route with 2,800' of climbing over 200k.  For a change I felt good and was able to keep up a reasonable pace, even in the last section.  Unlike some rides this year where I've been absolutely knackered towards the end.

Saw a hawk of some description sitting on a post at the edge of the road; lots of rabbits; a flock of grouse taking flight as I got close; and a couple of buzzards.  And loads of pigeons taking advantage of grain spilled from the harvest trailers.

Farmers were working hard bringing in grain and hay and as I got back to the start / finish there was a cricket match taking place on the village green. And I was cheered and picture taken by a group of yoofs in a passing car who presumably hadn't seen a recumbent before.  All in all, a perfect late summer day.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: bhoot on 30 August, 2021, 12:45:51 pm
Not today, but on Friday... I devised a "reasonably flat" 200km from home in East London up to Great Shelford (so not quite Cambridge) and back. In my usual full value fashion I managed to fit in some good tea-stops, including at Cara Coffee, a social enteprise at Great Shelford. I had just been planning a quick Co-op provision pickup there, but couldn't resist the opportunity to have a proper cuppa and a really tasty hot sausage roll. As it turned out it was very useful I had found a sit down lunch stop as I then spent the next 20-30 minutes dealing with the printer about Arrivee envelope proofs - the first version had a small error and they had resent that morning and urgently needed my approval in order to get things in the post before the long weekend. By the time I had phoned home and asked my partner to read the proofs on the PC (they wouldn't open on my phone) it was certainly a full value stop!
I took the Lee Valley towpath option for most of the return from Broxbourne south - probably a bit slower than the roads but much nicer and quieter.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 25 September, 2021, 10:28:32 pm
A pleasant one way 200km to Stonehaven to end the season with 15 points (4 *200, 1 * 300, 1 * 400) a season interupted by illness injury and a wheen of domestic travails.   (EDIT - written in the mistaken belief that the season ends on 30th Sep!)

I had no idea how long Id take even with a tailwind so left home bang on 6am with a train home booked at 1930. 

Played Forth Bridge cycle path roulette and lost.  I chose incorrectly and cycled down the u shaped ramp to join the west path.

The smell of sewerage told me I was in Fife - it cant be good to live near that - and it remained very cloudy until after Glenfarg when the sky opened and it really warmed up as I descended into the open terrain near Baiglie.  Mandatory shite and dangerous driving in and around Perth

I was slower than a slug in maple syrup uphill but weirdly was in no way hungry at my first possible breakfast #2 stop at Perth and instead pressed onto the lovely cafe in Meigle at 100km.  I pondered whether the effects of giving blood on Thursday were a factor, aside from my lack of fitness....I felt lacking in zip but in a way Ive never done before. 

I didnt need any devices for navigation merely recording and without a computer Id no idea how fast I was going - town clocks suggested I was just over 21kph moving speed. 

Stopped again at Montrose at 150km to take on more fluid and took stock for  the final bit. 

Once off the A road just after Marykirk I knew it was a laney finish and I just dawdled home in just over 10 hours. 

Some grub in the Station Hotel and home via train tram and a 3km ride. 

Enjoyable way to bookend the season.

      https://ridewithgps.com/trips/75923491

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Socks on 26 September, 2021, 05:18:52 pm
Yesterday, a 200k DIY from Ponteland.  Started at sunrise with a loop South to the Tyne valley then some of my favourite roads to Corbridge then Hexham.  Bit of cycle path and theñ across the river at Warden and up to Morpeth then Amble and Warkworth.  Lovely day and enjoyable riding so far.

The second half got a bit difficult with what felt like the early stages cramp in my right calf.  Not something I usually suffer from, but I had plenty of time in hand so took it easy on the uphills and had regular stops for a bite to eat and a drink.  Sunny and warm though so still a nice day to be out and about.  Back to Ponteland comfortably within the time limit despite most of the hills, including the long drag up the Col du Shilbottle, being in the second half.

And today checking the bike over I noticed that the seat bracket had bent slightly and as a result the seat was skewed slightly to one side.  (It's a recumbent).  So I think that explains the ache in my leg, and increasing creaks when I put pressure on the pedals.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 10 January, 2022, 11:48:10 am
Yesterday, a DIY200 km starting and finishing in Darlington.  Headed south on the train Saturday pm with Mrs S in tow - she went to York for the day and well so did I albeit by different methods of travel!

Very icy to start at 0730 and with the benefit of hinsight I should have taken the A167 or the service road by the side of the A1 rather than the lanes south through Yafforth.  After a couple of hours the ice threat subsided and I was on my round by Overton and a loop round York using the Yorkshire Grit route out to my halfway  stop at Bilborough Services. 

Leaving Bilborough the sun came out briefly making the stretch to Dunsforth most enjoyable.  Bit of a slog into the breeze to Ripon for a final cuppa before the tailwind assisted bit back to base. 

GPS was playing silly beggars (connected only to a Pebble Explorer power bank) and it switched itself off four or five times - the final time it added a random 24km!.  Duly vexed I purchased and connected to AA batteries at Ripon.   

A slow puncture was identified at Barton but I was in no mood to stop with 8km to go so I persevered with it and even once on its last legs (2km to go) I simply honked / freewheeled to a standstill my way to the finish.  Was a bit wrecked and only managed a pint and a half in the Quakerhouse after, where me and Mrs S were the only customers.  I know how to treat a girl.    :D

My 1st 200km since the end of October and tough despite the lack of hills.  Last 90 minutes in the dark made for slow going.  Still, job done, and now heading back home to civilization in Edinburgh.   

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/81225251
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 10 January, 2022, 12:22:45 pm
That's got shades of Audax Ecosse Easter Arrow all over it, doesn't it!

Good effort.
I need to pick my game up a bit starting now-ish if I'm going to stand a chance of achieving my rather ambitious goals this year!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JellyLegs on 30 January, 2022, 09:57:24 pm
A beautiful blue sky, cold, crisp and sunny with not too much of a breeze gave me near perfect conditions for a trip round one of Tomsk’s perms - Boudicca’s Revenge 200.  My first 200 to boot.  A good run out to St Ives, the old part of town was very picturesque in the sun, and then on to Chatteris which was surprisingly quiet with very few eateries open.  The whole day was full value for wildlife spotting with the list including two kestrels, numerous red kites, several buzzards, two separate herds of fallow deer, and a solitary muntjac.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: alfapete on 31 January, 2022, 08:40:52 am
A beautiful blue sky, cold, crisp and sunny with not too much of a breeze gave me near perfect conditions for a trip round one of Tomsk’s perms - Boudicca’s Revenge 200.  My first 200 to boot. 
Congrats on becoming a randonneur! It's quite a landmark.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JellyLegs on 31 January, 2022, 05:16:50 pm
A beautiful blue sky, cold, crisp and sunny with not too much of a breeze gave me near perfect conditions for a trip round one of Tomsk’s perms - Boudicca’s Revenge 200.  My first 200 to boot. 
Congrats on becoming a randonneur! It's quite a landmark.

Thanks.  Numbers two and three were already entered for March and April prior to yesterday’s ride.  I think I might have to ECE February’s planned 100 just in case I catch the bug (no not THAT bug but the RrtY bug).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: psyclist on 31 January, 2022, 06:00:11 pm
I think I might have to ECE February’s planned 100 just in case I catch the bug (no not THAT bug but the RrtY bug).

The start/finish for that event is not so far for you. My recommendation is always to front load the ECE a bit, eg 60 or 70km to the start. It makes the return journey then just a formality.

Also stick to gritted roads if the temperature is likely to dip. https://www.essexhighways.org/roads-and-pavements/winter-travel/track-the-gritting-lorries (https://www.essexhighways.org/roads-and-pavements/winter-travel/track-the-gritting-lorries)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 31 January, 2022, 06:09:57 pm
A beautiful blue sky, cold, crisp and sunny with not too much of a breeze gave me near perfect conditions for a trip round one of Tomsk’s perms - Boudicca’s Revenge 200.  My first 200 to boot.  A good run out to St Ives, the old part of town was very picturesque in the sun, and then on to Chatteris which was surprisingly quiet with very few eateries open.  The whole day was full value for wildlife spotting with the list including two kestrels, numerous red kites, several buzzards, two separate herds of fallow deer, and a solitary muntjac.

Well done. There were a few of us out on that on same day in August 2020 as a “group” perm.

I’m debating adding a DIY 200 into end of Feb. Already have a Jan 200 and the rest of the months up to August will supply me with the min 200 per month.  Then just need to keep going Sept through Dec to get RRTY 4.  I usually take a break after each RRTY.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JellyLegs on 02 February, 2022, 01:31:36 pm
Thanks to both of you for the comments and advice, all very useful and encouraging.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: felstedrider on 02 February, 2022, 02:15:41 pm
A beautiful blue sky, cold, crisp and sunny with not too much of a breeze gave me near perfect conditions for a trip round one of Tomsk’s perms - Boudicca’s Revenge 200.  My first 200 to boot.  A good run out to St Ives, the old part of town was very picturesque in the sun, and then on to Chatteris which was surprisingly quiet with very few eateries open.  The whole day was full value for wildlife spotting with the list including two kestrels, numerous red kites, several buzzards, two separate herds of fallow deer, and a solitary muntjac.

Well done.   I do like Boudicca's Revenge.   Must head out that way again soon.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 11 February, 2022, 09:01:08 pm
200 km loop including the Khyber Pass ;D

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 18 March, 2022, 09:29:19 pm
Took a day off work today and used it to do a 200 arrow, Stirling - Stonehaven via Comrie.  Train from home to Stirling at audax o clock breakfast at McDs while I surveyed the conditions

Very cold all day, was contemplating a DNF up right up to Comrie at 40km due to ice but after that it improved a bit.

Strowan Rd officially closed but passable ditto the road after Kirton of Collace

Chose a weekday route on quiet roads but more lumpy than the alternative. 

Nice day out but definitely a winter 200.

 https://ridewithgps.com/trips/85093221
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sg37409 on 19 March, 2022, 09:08:53 pm
A 200 from home which also used bits of the Strowan road, but not the closed bit.  A fantastic day out on the bike, including some decent local climbs (Dukes, Sherrifmuir, Comrie Moor, Crow). It was a much climbier 2nd 100 - I seem to do that (finishing over the Crow) and not sure its a very good idea.
On the main road section up the side of Loch Lubnaig I joined 3 young lads also out on a long one.  One of them had a ipod or phone or something playing music in his 'bar bag.  I really enjoyed it  ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jdsnape on 20 March, 2022, 09:17:20 pm
I did a 200K DIY yesterday, from near Diss out to Ely via Newmarket and back via Wymondham.

Going out was lovely, but the ~100k from Ely to Wymondham was a grind into a much stronger headwind than I expected! I often worry that I don't get enough hill riding in but that felt like a proper climb!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JellyLegs on 20 March, 2022, 09:30:09 pm
Subject to the usual validation, a trip around another of Tomsk’s perms - Dick Turpin’s Day Out.  Beautiful spring weather, blue sky, sun and hardly a breeze to start although it clouded over later and it seemed as if the temperature dropped rapidly after about 2pm so that I soon felt the chill whenever I stopped.  The route starts on quiet but gritted roads local to me so the first 50km was familiar stuff but after Lavenham it got into some gorgeous Suffolk lanes and very picturesque villages before heading back into Essex on gritted roads again.  Thanks Tomsk, a route I will be revisiting I am sure.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 02 April, 2022, 12:29:09 pm
Rode the Turra coo perm yesterday, a bitterly cold day but no surface ice thankfully, good fast blat along the northeast riviera to Banff from Nairn (2 languages to get the hang of there, one of the few bits of Scotland where standard English is spoken Into the area whereone of the oldest forms of angelic languages extant is spoken), then up to Turra and Huntly before even more up via Dufftown to Tomintoul, was a decent dump of snow from Dufftown onwards and I spent some time warming up in the lounge of the Richmond eating soup.

Icy plunge to bridge of brown where I must admit I took to 2 paw drive not having the will to force myself up the hill, the descent to Aviemore saw the snow stop and I just got into the beepee intime for some warmth the next visitor got directed to the night hatch, snow returned o  the last elg up slochd and then it was Downhill in the snow before turning back east to Co tour down into Nairn.

Recovering today by doing as close to bugger all as possible as its the Eilean Dubh on Sunday, I'm hoping to scope out the stsrt location by catching Nairn counties match against Lossiemouth.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sg37409 on 02 April, 2022, 06:06:59 pm
That sounds pretty epic
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 10 April, 2022, 09:48:11 am
A 200km yesterday - a familiarisation exercise ahead of next weeks Easter audax York based fun.

Tailwind assisted first 100km and the reverse on the return.  Unexpected showers didnt detract from the enjoyment. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/86708404

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 17 April, 2022, 11:24:14 am
Yesterday I rode the Dean as a perm, following my omnishambles attempt to ride it on the calendar event.

I used the ebrevet app, which was great, open the app, give it a minute for the gps to settle, and click the control, after the last control, click submit, immediately receive an automated email that the ride has been completed. Time in hand at each control is given as you check in. All good. No messing around with bits of paper, no pulling soggy reciepts out of pockets and finding them illegible, or losing them.
What I should have done was use the app to control at Membury services and then roll down the hill to the co-op in Lambourn instead of buying food at the services shell garage with extortionate prices. (and the worst toilets I have ever seen). In fact this is one of the big benefits of the app, eat when you want to eat, instead of when the route tells you a receipt is needed.

I was a beautiful day for riding, with the only difficulty being my form. I hadn't turned a pedal since gentley bentley on 20th March, and had covid until about 5 days ago. Whether it was form, or lack of fuelling or lack of sleep I felt very drained by the end of the forest of dean, and unsure if I could finish. But with my riding partner suggesting train cycle spaces would be fully booked if I attempted to divert to Bristol and take the train back. But the next leg to Malmesbury left me feeling more confident. The somerset monument climb was tough, but the monument climb is always tough, and I didn't have to walk.

Overall my time was not my best time on the Dean, but only an hour worse, and I have been slower, which felt all right all things considered.

Which now leaves me wondering about my entry on Brevet Cymru in two weeks. If I had abandoned, I would have scratched from the start list, but getting round in a reasonable time leaves me thinking it might be possible.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 18 April, 2022, 08:37:21 pm
DeeLechtable 200k Perm Audax

This is my first Audax, and first proper hilly ride since getting back on the horse. I had entered this ride when it ran as a cal event last year, but circumstances changed that, and the card has been glowering at me ever since. (The org kindly swapped my cal entry for a perm card.)

It was as hard as I'd expected, but no harder, which is a plus. The sun came out as I turned off Deeside heading towards Gairnsheil and the Lecht, and that set the tone for the rest of the day.

The Great Plague has not been kind to Dufftown. The few remaining places which are not boarded up are closed on a Monday! It had an air of dereliction about it. The Cabrach, however, was looking much cheerier than I've seen it in recent years. The new windfarm has brought some kind of community funding which has been used to renovate several of the cottages which had been falling into ruin. This seems to have given the place a renewed sense of life.

Two fire engines came haring past me on the climb. I found it hard to believe that there was anything dry enough anywhere on the Cabrach to actually burn.
The lambs on the Cabrach were very small; they looked to be only a few weeks old at most. At least they seemed to be happy soaking up the sun rather than shivering under a depth of snow taller than them, which I've seen here before.

I had a decision to make at the top: either continue down to Rhynie, and then go over Suie to get to Alford; or turn down towards Lumsden and go to Alford avoiding Suie. The hill is on the advisory route sheet, but there are no control points before Alford, so both ways are technically OK. It was an easy decision. You don't choose to ride a lumpy 200k event, and then try to short-cut and avoid the hills when you are on the road. Why would you do that.

The Rumble of Doom on a fast descent was the result of a visit from the Puncture Fairy, but I was able to slow and stop before Anything Bad happened.

In Alford, my last control point, I headed to the convenience store to pick up a receipt. But the smell from the chip shop around the corner went round my heart like a hairy worm. It was no good, I had to give in. Thus fuelled, I made my way back home along familiar roads with the sun on my back and my shadow clear in front of me.

https://www.strava.com/activities/7003660798
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 18 April, 2022, 09:35:55 pm
Back in the saddle again - nice one Feanor.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 18 April, 2022, 11:06:36 pm
Nice one sir.

Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 09 May, 2022, 11:36:15 am
Snow Roads 300k Perm

With a companion, Anne, who was on PBP with me.
112k of grinding headwinds on the Southbound hilly section from Dufftown was a bit testing.
This lost us a lot of time, and it took almost 18 hours to get round, a record for me!

https://www.strava.com/activities/7112283037
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 09 May, 2022, 07:04:27 pm
Snow Roads 300k Perm

With a companion, Anne, who was on PBP with me.
112k of grinding headwinds on the Southbound hilly section from Dufftown was a bit testing.
This lost us a lot of time, and it took almost 18 hours to get round, a record for me!

https://www.strava.com/activities/7112283037

NIce one.  Ive pencilled in 21 May to ride the Snow Roads as a DIY.   Id be delighted with 18 hours though by that stage civil  twilight will be around 2230.   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 15 May, 2022, 12:55:06 pm
A very pleasant 300 yesterday one way (the long way) from home in Edinburgh to Stonehaven via Stirling - Dunning - Comrie  :thumbsup: - Perth (UK) - Forfar - Montrose - Fettercairn. 

Wind was stronger than expected - against me to Dunblane and in my favour til Montrose when it turned into an easterly.  By that stage however it was at last glorious cycling conditions up through Fettercairn and Auchenblae to Stoney.  It made up for the gloomy conditions for the first 8 hours or so though I did set off at 0430. 

I arrived in Stoney too late for the last train home so instead jumped on the train north to Aberdeen, stayed the night and have just arrived home. 

Thats a 300 and a 400 added to a number of 200s this season.  I'll figure out my next move over a beer and a rest later today. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/90187039
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 21 May, 2022, 06:18:56 pm
I have had 2 fun weekends.  Last weekend I did the dam buster addax 200 with 3300m of climb which tested my legs, especially the 15% climbs out of the villages in the latter stages.

Then this weekend I did my first 300 for a while.  I took the train to Chepstow and then used a bodged together route to get back to just outside Burton.  I took the coming back section of Bran Chapman and reversed it so I retraced it up to New Town and then headed off towards Shrewsbury.  I ended up on some fairly nice cycle trails, NCN55 and 5 for quite a while which took me to Abbots Bromley, Newborough, Anslow and home.

I started at 5pm when the train got in and had a lovely ride up Wales with a blustery side, front wind as I rode west, northwest.  Then the wind seemed to die and it was plain sailing home. I got hungry in Llandridnod wells so stopped for a Doner kebab.  Then New Town as I tried to leave, getting very lost, I found a McDonalds open 24hours on Friday and Saturday so had 45 minutes there with coffee.

A further coffee on the outskirts of Telford kept me going until I got home along with pork pies, hot cross buns, dairy milk chocolate and cookies.
Home in 13:45 riding time. DIYtrack uploaded.

Interestingly two Tesco petrol stations which said 24hr on Google maps were closed.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 28 May, 2022, 10:07:31 pm
A very relaxed 200km DIY today.  Edina - Dunblane - Dunning - Dunblane - Edina.

Light swirly winds neither one thing or tother

Lovely brunch at my fave cafe The Tee Room in Dunning.  Hunners of golfers had been through so my breakfast had no haggis or black pudding as they had run out.  I told them that situation  was awful. 

Drinks stop at the Cambus petrol Station c 135 due to bacon based  thirst (not heat tho never got above 14 deg) and then just a twiddle home.

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/91498641

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 29 May, 2022, 01:37:12 pm
DIY 400 from home to the flat in Embra, and back.
Not hassle-free.

400k is often regarded as the hardest distance; because you ride it straight through. Longer rides will usually have sleep stops. This was no exception.

The outbound section down to Edinburgh was unremarkable enough, an early start with a bitingly cold wind initially. I was almost 100k in at Kirrie before the day warmed up. But warm up it did, and the remainder of the ride was pleasant, enough even for some Isotonic Refreshment in Perth!

Crossing the Cowie Water on the Swanley road, you come across some old WW2 tank defences, and wonder what they are all about. They were part of the Cowie Stop Line, a defensive line against invasion from occupied Norway onto the poorly defended beaches of NE Scotland. A defensive line was drawn up along the mountain barrier, all the way from Glenshee, the CoM, and the Slug road to slow advances south into the rest of the UK. The coastal section where the hills peter out was defended by a line along the modest Cowie Water, which is steeply-banked in many places. Plans were in place to blow up the bridges in case of an invasion!

The return was marred with a series of technical problems.
Firstly, a puncture about 5k short of Coupar Angus. Failed to spot a massive pot-hole till too late, and my bunny-hop was too feeble for the rear wheel to clear it. These are new 28mm tyres, and corresponding tubes. In a schoolboy error, I'd packed the new replacement tubes on the bike without nipping up the valve cores. This means that my Leyzene screw-on pump and CO2 inflators simply unscrew the core when you attempt to remove them. Bodge-around is to leave the CO2 inflator attached to the wheel, don't even attempt to remove it. However, this arrangement was leaking slowly, and I was rumbling on a very soft tyre into Coupar Angus. Fortunately, I know a (former) Audaxer in Coupar Angus, and was able to borrow a proper pump to get everything back in order. I'm considering retiring the Lezeyne stuff now.

Then the Garmin started playing up. I keep it topped up with electrons from a USB battery pack on longer rides. It started taking umbridge at this, with a variety of errors about 'unsupported device', and crashing. On one occasion, it re-booted into a diagnostics mode which I've never seen before, and it took about 15 mins to re-start it in normal mode. At least it picked up from where it left off each time. This is a 10-year old Edge 800, perhaps it needs retired too. Google suggests the cause of this is drowning, and it certainly did get very wet on Tuesday's 200k.

All this delayed proceedings muchly, and it was after 4am before I got home.

However, you get to experience the dawn of a new day: the world transitioning from monochrome through subdued under-saturated colours to full colour. The dawn chorus, each of the birds waking up at slightly different times. And that, in part, makes up for the hassly ride.

https://www.strava.com/activities/7219955630
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: jdsnape on 29 May, 2022, 08:47:22 pm
DIY 300 from Chesterfield back home

I discovered that there is a train from Norwich to Manchester (and maybe Liverpool sometimes?) which makes it fairly hassle free to get up to the Sheffield area. This gave me a chance to get some hills in, although overall climbing was then undone by a long slog across the fens from just after Stamford across to Downham Market.

I hopped on the train after work on Friday, arriving home about midday on Saturday. Sunset in the Derbyshire dales was pretty special, mostly while I was going along the high peak trail which was a better surface than I expected, but with a few gates which was a slight annoyance. I was going through a slightly wooded section though when two hooded people suddenly emerged from the gloom, walking along without lights they hadn't been visible until I was almost upon them and for some reason it scared the sh*t out of me! Not sure why but I was fully creeped out - I guess just because I wasn't expecting to see anyone that late! I hope I didn't startle them as much as they startled me :)

The second scary occurrence was approaching a level crossing where for some reason my brain decided to ponder what would happen if the barriers were to break. As I crossed I looked to see a large train + lights immediately to my left! It then slowly filtered into my brain that the train was stopped, there were red lights on the track to stop it moving and they were clearly doing some engineering work on the line. Still, not what I was expecting and in my sleep deprived state wasn't appreciated!

The sunrise as I crossed the fens was beautiful, and apart from some poor routing in the large 100k which made it a bit of a slog on busy Saturday morning roads I enjoyed the ride. A good first outing for my new Spa Elan 725, and confirmed I was right to go for the lower gear options!

https://www.strava.com/activities/7218005938/
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 30 May, 2022, 12:20:48 pm
Then the Garmin started playing up.

Well done on the 400 Feanor.  I too have experienced some issues when using a Garmin (etrex30 - old skool) with a Veho Pebble battery pack.  After about 100k it would show a "external power lost do you want to switch off?" type message with "Yes" being the default.  This would happen repeatedly every couple of minutes once started, causing much tetchiness.   

My workaround has been to disconnect it when I'm stopped and off the bike (rarely more than 50km or so on a ride) and having adopted this approach its not happened again.   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Feanor on 30 May, 2022, 01:07:16 pm
I'd noticed it playing up the day before.
Whenever I connect anything to the USB port, even just a dumb power source, it seems to detect a 'device'.
It then says 'Unsupported Device Detected', or 'Device connected to wrong interface'.
If you OK these, it then worked normally.

I don't charge over USB on-the-move any more, if I can avoid it.  Particularly if it's wet.
Just at cafe stops, etc.
This is to avoid vibration issues on the USB connector, and wet getting in.
But even so, on the wet 200 it seems there has been some water damage to the USB connector which is the root cause.

On the 400, I needed to top up some charge for the last 50k or so, and when I plugged it in, it re-booted into a diagnostic mode.
It took multiple attempts to re-start it into normal mode, even with the battery pack disconnected.
I was able to connect to the PC and get the tracklogs when I got home, but it did complain a lot.

I've bought a replacement 830, which has the hotfoot charging pads on the bottom.

I may repair the 800 if and when I have time.

I think what's happening with your etrex is that once the battery is fully charged, it draws so little current from the battery pack that it decides to shut off, this is normal behaviour for battery packs. The stupid behaviour is for the garmin to shut down on loss of external power, with no option to change this behaviour.  So you need to notice the countdown warning and tell it to stay on.  At least the edge didn't do that, it just said 'external power lost', and carried on.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: JonB on 30 May, 2022, 04:24:08 pm
In a schoolboy error, I'd packed the new replacement tubes on the bike without nipping up the valve cores. This means that my Leyzene screw-on pump and CO2 inflators simply unscrew the core when you attempt to remove them. Bodge-around is to leave the CO2 inflator attached to the wheel, don't even attempt to remove it. However, this arrangement was leaking slowly, and I was rumbling on a very soft tyre into Couper Angus. Fortunately, I know a (former) Audaxer in Couper Angus, and was able to borrow a proper pump to get everything back in order. I'm considering retiring the Lezeyne stuff now.

So frustrating! I had this several years ago and went right off Leyzne pumps. I did buy another a couple of years ago to go with a new bike, what swung it was the newer ones have a built in tool that can be used to do the valve core up. However, I soon realised that I prefer frame fitting pumps and non-threaded pump fittings.
Well done on the 400!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 04 June, 2022, 10:31:28 pm
I managed out for a 200 today after plans for a longer ride on Thu/Fri fell at the first hurdle due to ongoing gut/diet issues that have dogged me since 2019.

Anyhow having bailed after 35km of aplanned 600 DIY on Thu/Fri I set off from home at 0630 this morning and repeated my 200 of last Saturday - up the Forth valley to Stirling on the south side then up to Dunning to meet a friend who has moved there recently over brunch then a retrace back via Stirling and the north side of the Forth.

It was very cold to start with but was soon very very warm.  The 40km from Dunning to my petrol startion stop at Cambus was ridden with the jersey zip fully undone and the final 120km was all in short sleeves n shorts (though the final 30km had a biting east wind)

I was on Jubilee bunting watch throughout the ride.  Some towns and villages looked to have combined their annual gala day with the long weekend.  Bo'ness had one house totally bedecked but it was oasis in a desert.  Grangemouth had nothing (in so many ways), Airth and Fallin didn't let me down with multiple house bling.  Stirling with its aspirations as a poor mans Edinburgh was more ambivalent.  Dunblane was more sure footed with a lot of muted bunting.  Dunning had clearly cut loose and the majority of houses had made an effort.  Fife cldearly loved HM The Queen and much effort had been made in Clackmannan which scored bonus points for a street party.  Things predictably got more po faced as Edinburgh approached though a dedicated street party in Dalmeny did buck the trend. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/92233272   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sg37409 on 18 June, 2022, 10:54:43 pm
Did an overnighter last night on my standard local 200 loop around Crieff and Comrie. Not much of my riding has been very audacious in last couple of years, enjoying more tandem runs, cafe  rides etc. I just fancied doing something a bit more challenging - so I set off about 8:30 pm. I aborted a rest stop in Aberfoyle, the midges were horrific. It stayed light till about Kilmahog about 11PM. The traffic evaporated then too. The ride wasn't very challenging physically, the mental challenge was definitely a lot more for me between about 2:30 and 4ish.  A lot of wildlife, the highlight was seeing a pine marten on the shore of Lochearn.
Home at 5:30, showered, cup of tea and in bed by 6.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: trundle on 21 August, 2022, 10:27:15 pm
Went out yesterday for my Aug 200km. This was my first DIY. The route was Reading, Salisbury across the plain's to Hungerford and back to Reading.

(https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/www.komoot.de/1g/1g1re5lt0m51wjt7riep69yjg4a7zvj17-p277568072-full)

https://www.strava.com/activities/7671568115 (https://www.strava.com/activities/7671568115)

I planned with cycle.travel (http://cycle.travel) and only made a couple of tweaks to avoid a crap road between Thatcham and Reading: That introduced the steep Sulham hill in the last 9km - which seems to be the pattern for all of my audax rides so far: A little kick in the tail.

It was bloody awesome - I started quite late because of the train strike (I got on the first Liz line) - but the weather was ace: Headwind down to Salisbury, and glorious tail wind across the open plain.

The section from Amesbury to Great Bedwyn is my idea of cycling heaven - rolling chalk downs, with views to the horizon: Dappled shadows from the cotton wool summer clouds and empty roads with excellent tarmac.

A fantastic day awheel.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 21 August, 2022, 10:36:26 pm
yep.  200km Edinburgh - Stonehaven. 

Lovey day

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/100541120

Edit. Having grown a bit scunnered with the direct route between Montrose and Hillside I chose an alternative route 155.2km -> 158.3km above.  The direct route has a laughable cycle path (effectively the pavement) to one side which seems to cause poorer driving.   

My deviation is a gravel path after the bridge pictured below (Im about to head down the ramp and onto the footway on the left heading broadly NW).  Even after a sustained dry spell the "road" below the walkway was still a bit grotty and to be avoided.  The walkway has a perfectly sized metal grille that tramlined my front wheel which gave me a bit of a shock but I was going about 2mph anyway. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52303325590_685e5d88bf_k.jpg)

The pic below is looking back from the end of the gravel stretch ie approaching Hillside looking SW.  It had sections with chunky stones on it but nothing you'd not encounter on an ad hoc basis through roadworks and the the like. 

Id probably take this slightly longer but nicer route again. 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52303104104_da7ad2881e_k.jpg)



https://twitter.com/graeme_wyllie/status/1561377939228327939
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tyrelever on 23 August, 2022, 08:49:26 am
Went out yesterday for my Aug 200km. This was my first DIY. The route was Reading, Salisbury across the plain's to Hungerford and back to Reading.

(https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/www.komoot.de/1g/1g1re5lt0m51wjt7riep69yjg4a7zvj17-p277568072-full)

https://www.strava.com/activities/7671568115 (https://www.strava.com/activities/7671568115)

I planned with cycle.travel (http://cycle.travel) and only made a couple of tweaks to avoid a crap road between Thatcham and Reading: That introduced the steep Sulham hill in the last 9km - which seems to be the pattern for all of my audax rides so far: A little kick in the tail.

It was bloody awesome - I started quite late because of the train strike (I got on the first Liz line) - but the weather was ace: Headwind down to Salisbury, and glorious tail wind across the open plain.

The section from Amesbury to Great Bedwyn is my idea of cycling heaven - rolling chalk downs, with views to the horizon: Dappled shadows from the cotton wool summer clouds and empty roads with excellent tarmac.

A fantastic day awheel.

That road across Wexcombe Down is in fact a delight, use to be part of the Winton 200 which then became part of the Hungerford rides organised by Scampi OTP, both now no longer calendar events.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: trundle on 24 August, 2022, 07:51:47 pm
That road across Wexcombe Down is in fact a delight, use to be part of the Winton 200 which then became part of the Hungerford rides organised by Scampi OTP, both now no longer calendar events.

Thanks for mentioning the Winton 200 - I've found an old copy on ridewithgps so I can explore!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27569443 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27569443)

I'm new to exploring cycle routes in West Berkshire and the Salisbury Plain - and what I have found so far has been fantastic. Just my type of riding.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: tyrelever on 25 August, 2022, 08:34:59 am
The Winton 200 was the basis for the Hungerford Hurrah, you may also be able to find a route for that online.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: trundle on 25 August, 2022, 04:48:11 pm
The Winton 200 was the basis for the Hungerford Hurrah, you may also be able to find a route for that online.

Thank you again - I did find a copy of that route online:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/22278624 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/22278624)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 29 August, 2022, 01:17:00 pm
I completed a 600km at the weekend.

Given the residual effects of Covid (mainly lack of fitness but also a slight wheeze) the order of the day was a Gentelman’s 600 – flat, a 350/250 split Sat/Sun and a hotel for wash and sleeps Saturday night.  My route was Peterborough - Leeming - Peterborough

Highs

My 1st 600 since 2019

The lovely quiet road by the Trent between West Stockwith and Swinefleet.  I even took the road by Whitgift for a bit Id not ridden before.  Virtually traffic free.
 
The cracking evening/night 120km from York to Leeming and back.  Id planned to get back to York by 1am so when I managed to catch the tail end of Match of the Day after a shower I was feeling good.  On Sunday it was very misty and cool until I reached Goole around 0730 and was glad Id brought some extra layers just in case 

Lows

Leeming McDs and their drive thru only policy.  I was really looking forward to a sit down and a cup of tea.

My “new” way through Lincoln out through Skellingthorpe.  On the way south I reverted to the Burton Road (though I took a laney option to avoid Till Bridge Lane between Sturton and the viewpoint

The driving, especially bad south of Sleaford.  The empty roads Id enjoyed early on Saturday seemed over represented by pricks in Audis and BMWs.  Lost count of the number of passes under 1.5m.     

------------------------------------------

Anhyhow, job done and my ageing frame isn't suffering too much today and even managed out for a pizza in Peterborough last night.  Bank holiday for me today so Im now enjoying a Hop on Board on the LNER back to civilisation.   

Edit

L1 - https://ridewithgps.com/trips/101272576
L2 - https://ridewithgps.com/trips/101272419
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 11 September, 2022, 09:18:31 am
Finally finished my SR with a decent 400 last week.

I started in York as I was staying over after a gig, a fun loop around the Wolds with some comedy offroad (I got chased away by a gamekeeper who kindly pointed out that the lovely estate track wasn’t a right of way and I had to hoik my bike up the steep side of the dene), then called in at Glew’s and had some very flat stuff around Drax.

Saw one dude who was riding the ACME Grand thing trying to get some kip at McD's in Goole, the pissheads kept banging on the window to wake him up.

And rode back along the A1 Service Road so I had a few places to sit down eat/sleep. The only problem was that the A1 northbound was shut between Bramham and Wetherby, and the traffic seemed to forget that it wasn't on a motorway any more. It was a bit disconcerting having even 3 am traffic thundering past me at M-Way speeds. Still, they had the whole other lane to use, and they did (mostly).

Back home for 11 am and a snooze. 11 SRs in different seasons and counting, so that's the first step towards my second Ultra SR ;D
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Bobby on 11 September, 2022, 07:39:30 pm
I decided to do a DIY route down to Windsor Castle & Buckingham Palace for obvious reasons... https://www.strava.com/activities/7785181810 (https://www.strava.com/activities/7785181810)

Made for a nice day out albeit with some London Traffic fun thrown in.  Windsor was much more pleasant at 7am than 1pm, and Bucking Palace/The Mall was just bonkers with crowds.

The day was only spoilt by an incomplete train service getting home, so I had to bail off the train & ride a few more miles when I really didn't want to!   ::-)

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/ZhBxNzhRyOOguO8_MtmgtadvXP-YMzrPOYSqBexwWvE-2048x1536.jpg)
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/gw1h1aprtacOPh-0pcrobABxSI3h2LkHDG6hXL_OLiA-2048x1536.jpg)
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/ydybrJyhRaLp7IrHWqm9hCsVaKO119PUibQxvpX4DiE-1536x2048.jpg)
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/0uUI_oUgMYjwtB3vM8-9MqCvR1vykIwtWbhNptAaPa8-2048x1536.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: felstedrider on 11 September, 2022, 07:56:36 pm
Finally finished my SR with a decent 400 last week.

I started in York as I was staying over after a gig, a fun loop around the Wolds with some comedy offroad (I got chased away by a gamekeeper who kindly pointed out that the lovely estate track wasn’t a right of way and I had to hoik my bike up the steep side of the dene), then called in at Glew’s and had some very flat stuff around Drax.

Saw one dude who was riding the ACME Grand thing trying to get some kip at McD's in Goole, the pissheads kept banging on the window to wake him up.

And rode back along the A1 Service Road so I had a few places to sit down eat/sleep. The only problem was that the A1 northbound was shut between Bramham and Wetherby, and the traffic seemed to forget that it wasn't on a motorway any more. It was a bit disconcerting having even 3 am traffic thundering past me at M-Way speeds. Still, they had the whole other lane to use, and they did (mostly).

Back home for 11 am and a snooze. 11 SRs in different seasons and counting, so that's the first step towards my second Ultra SR ;D

Well done on another SR.  It gets a bit addictive.

I’m always a bit disappointed when you find out someone was nearby and you don’t meet up.  I was crashed out in the Premier Inn when you were at Glews.   Left just before 5am on the Sat.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 17 September, 2022, 06:57:39 pm
A 200km today reprising an old calendar event (The Nippy Sweetie) that I might put on again. 

A Very simple Edinburgh - Bridge of Earn - Auchterarder - Comrie  :thumbsup: - Dunblane - Culross - Edinburgh.

Legs and knees were not in tip top order following an ill advised tandem pairing on Wednesday (a stubborn 17 stone stoker on a lumpy 40k ride made for trouble of all sorts) so I just decided to climb very slowly.  Its the only way to climb Langside anyway. 

Top top breakfast at the Tee Room Dunning joined by a couple of chaps that Id been playing leapfrog with since Baiglie anna second stop at the petrol station in Cambus for a macaroni peh and some sweets. 

Cool wind and low temps, definitely more Autumn than summer.   

I think that makes 699 lifetime points, 700 next weekend I hope. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/103215298

Going Forth into the morning

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52364668894_51faa5b92c_k.jpg)

Rural Perthshire entry into Audax Hotel of the Year

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52364678344_ec46ab4c20_k.jpg)

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 17 September, 2022, 08:39:36 pm
Ah yes forteviot bus shelter

Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: IanDG on 18 September, 2022, 12:12:58 pm
Not me, personally, because of health issues. Today happens to be exactly 8 years since I did my first DIY 600km, now it's a struggle to get over 30km. Two club mates did do a 200km DIY yesterday using one of my planned routes for my return to organising and feedback is good :)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37809633
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 19 September, 2022, 09:34:25 am
Not me, personally, because of health issues. It's 8 years ago since I did my first DIY 600km, now it's a struggle to get over 30km. Two club mates did do a 200km DIY yesterday using one of my planned routes for a return to organising and feedback is good :)

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37809633

That looks an excellent ride Ian.  My forays into D&G have only been on 400s or 600s so this looks the bees knees. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 19 September, 2022, 09:47:53 am
Aye it looks a belter.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Revolution9 on 19 September, 2022, 09:56:45 am
Aye it looks a belter.

I see what you did there  ;)

Looking forward to this one Ian
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Deano on 19 September, 2022, 10:31:31 pm
Couldn't resist ;D

Anyway, it seemed a good day to get out so I had a DIY 200 back from Berwick through the lanes and bagged some tiles along the way.

Quote of the day, when I turned left at a junction and briefly greeted a bunch of cyclists at the junction. One of them said to the group: "he's not going up there, is he?" (it was this hill (https://www.streetmap.co.uk/map?x=407015&y=624775&z=120&sv=407015,624775&st=4&ar=y&mapp=map&searchp=ids&dn=631&ax=407015&ay=624775&lm=0)).

Reader, I did, and it was lovely. The whole thing was, really, not much traffic even coming back through the Toon.

Strava link for those who use the thing: https://www.strava.com/activities/7835042165

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52370082971_8ffd68a5d2_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nMLn82)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52370316608_30128d50eb_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nMMyzf)

(I wore black, mainly cos of the washing cycle, I did want to wear my PBP jersey in le tricolore with the fucking Eiffel Tower on the front, but it's in the wash).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 20 September, 2022, 01:26:25 am
Chillingham Bull wins Italian Championships - that'll be a first!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: L CC on 20 September, 2022, 06:32:46 am


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52370316608_30128d50eb_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nMMyzf)
I've never stopped to take that picture as it's mid-descent.
Sorry Peter, it's not a Chillingham bull, despite the location. It's a Charolais or maybe a Piedmontese.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Peter on 20 September, 2022, 10:29:53 am
Ah!  I was making assumptions because of Dean's route.  I've actually seen the Chillingham herd years ago when we stayed at a farm in East Ditchburn.  At best, the model is notional!   It would certainly make more sense for a Piedmontese to win the Italian champs.!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: nobrakes on 20 September, 2022, 12:57:18 pm
I did my first dip of the toe in the audax pool on Sunday. I've been riding recumbents for the past 6 years but have moved back to standard bikes due to a couple of unsolveable problems on the recumbents. Still working out various newbie audax issues on the road bikes, the main one being a suitable bike. I have one  on the way but it's not yet built so used my Tarmac on Sunday. A 150 round East Lothian and the Borders. Hillier than it looked when I planned the route but ain't that always the case :) I used the strategy of finding the thinnest and dodgiest looking back roads on Google Street View which worked out as a really nice route with very little traffic. Lots of right angles round the farm fields of East Lothian.

Had my brand new Super C Audax bag and Bagman rack on trial which worked nicely. Found that even with the QR bagman model as far back as it will go on the seat rails, if I really stuffed the bag the backs of my legs were just brushing the top of bag which would get annoying. I thought I would be well clear of the bag but maybe I just need to pack it better. The Tarmac is a bit sucky as a long distance platform though, reach is a bit too long and the drop to the bars a bit too high. It's great for high speed sportive fun-fests but beats you up a bit on long rides on poor roads (which is most of them round here). It's an older model with rim brakes so max tyre clearance of 25c. I did once fit 28c tyres on it which technically fit, but got a stone jammed between the tyre and the brake caliper at high speed one day resulting in a wheel lock up, so got them off them again pretty quick.

I had expected to feel a bit sore by the end and I did, still got a lot of work to do to get used to longer rides. The new bike should be a bit more comfortable though and will take much wider tyres.

Hoping to try a 200 this weekend down via Eskdale, although we'll see what the weather's like. No clearance for proper mudguards on the Tarmac. I've stuck a crud guard on the back which is a good temp solution but nothing on the front. Happy to ride in downpours with full length mudguards but I'll be wussing-out until I have a bike that can actually fit them. SKS Longboards at the ready. Just waiting on the bike!

Was a lovely day out.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: trundle on 26 September, 2022, 01:01:39 pm
I did my first dip of the toe in the audax pool on Sunday. I've been riding recumbents for the past 6 years but have moved back to standard bikes due to a couple of unsolveable problems on the recumbents. Still working out various newbie audax issues on the road bikes, the main one being a suitable bike. I have one  on the way but it's not yet built so used my Tarmac on Sunday. A 150 round East Lothian and the Borders. Hillier than it looked when I planned the route but ain't that always the case :) I used the strategy of finding the thinnest and dodgiest looking back roads on Google Street View which worked out as a really nice route with very little traffic. Lots of right angles round the farm fields of East Lothian.

Had my brand new Super C Audax bag and Bagman rack on trial which worked nicely. Found that even with the QR bagman model as far back as it will go on the seat rails, if I really stuffed the bag the backs of my legs were just brushing the top of bag which would get annoying. I thought I would be well clear of the bag but maybe I just need to pack it better. The Tarmac is a bit sucky as a long distance platform though, reach is a bit too long and the drop to the bars a bit too high. It's great for high speed sportive fun-fests but beats you up a bit on long rides on poor roads (which is most of them round here). It's an older model with rim brakes so max tyre clearance of 25c. I did once fit 28c tyres on it which technically fit, but got a stone jammed between the tyre and the brake caliper at high speed one day resulting in a wheel lock up, so got them off them again pretty quick.

I had expected to feel a bit sore by the end and I did, still got a lot of work to do to get used to longer rides. The new bike should be a bit more comfortable though and will take much wider tyres.

Hoping to try a 200 this weekend down via Eskdale, although we'll see what the weather's like. No clearance for proper mudguards on the Tarmac. I've stuck a crud guard on the back which is a good temp solution but nothing on the front. Happy to ride in downpours with full length mudguards but I'll be wussing-out until I have a bike that can actually fit them. SKS Longboards at the ready. Just waiting on the bike!

Was a lovely day out.

Sounds like a lovely ride - and you are well on your way with your line of reasoning!

I'm a big fan of comfort on audax and for me that starts with wider tyres and mudguards. Although for bikes with little tyres - I can highly recommend redshift or similar shock stems: They give all the sensations of fitting a modestly wider front tyre and the bars still feel normal. They make my 28mm bike feel like a 32mm bike. And my 35mm bike feel like 40mm!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 03 October, 2022, 02:20:34 pm
well not today, but on Saturday, taken a while to recover.
With a required trip to Durham for the start of the university term, I decided it was time to get on with my planned coast to coast ride.
Plan, drive up and get the train across one day, ride back on the second day and drive home on the third day.

Train strike on Saturday meant it could not be the train day, so Saturday was riding day, regardless of the forecast.

Friday afternoon - drive to Newcastle, lashing down with rain for the last two hours of the journey, stopped raining just as I reached Newcastle and the sky cleared. Nice no need to get way the day before the ride. parked in Newcastle central station car park, plenty of spaces, and a low rate for an all weekend stay. Onto the platform to find three other bikes, a couple who had just completed coast to coast and someone doing something else, then three more cyclists arrived. Hmm, no reservations required for bikes on northern rail now looked sketchy. Train comes in the guard is insistent that only two bikes get on, lucky for me the only other solo cyclist was there first and got on the train first, so I go the remaining space.

Saturday morning, woke up, had breakfast and made the short journey to Whitehaven, not as early as I would have liked, before riding through many fords and stream on the roads resulting from Friday night's rain, arrived at Keswick to find my wallet was not in my pocket, quick call to the hotel and they had it, I asked them to ;post it as I didn't want to ride back from Keswick. Everything today would not be pay by google pay with my phone.

Reached the top of Hartside after a little over 6 hours, everything was going well, half the distance and more than half the climbing, foolishly didn't refuel in Alston. resulting in slow going by the time I reached Consett just as it was getting dark. After conset and onto cycleways I was much less impressed by as the surface was a constantly changing field of tarmac, good quality fine gravel and mud. Everything as signed up as NCN, but we know that is no guarantee of quality. I just wish there was consistency along stretches between roads, so you know what you are signing up for, and that tarmac does no suddenly shift to mud halfway along a 3km stretch.

Then came Newcastle and the navigational problems of urban cycle ways, (oh I shouldn't have taken that subway, but the bridge 50m further on) stopping to check into the travelodge as I rode along beside the tyne and deposit my stuff, before riding to the coast at Tynemouth. Then the metro back to the city centre, where I found the station car park was locked and i could not recover my bag of clothes from the car. Lucky I was carrying friday nights clothes and I didn't need to venture out into late night Newcastle kin my cycling gear in order to find food.

A long day in the saddle, but the weather was kind for October, just a few tweaks I would have made to the route if I were to do it again.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Flite on 03 October, 2022, 03:18:13 pm
Congrats on completing the C2C in a day.
The excellent quality of the C2C in Cumbria always amazes me.
I think it deludes riders into thinking it will all be like that, but East of the Pennines some of the off-road bits are proper tough. At least you were better prepared than a lot of the "challenge" riders we see go past.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wobbly on 05 October, 2022, 12:28:37 pm
A DIY 400 couple of weekends ago.

The idea was to set off from Worcester at night and have breakfast in Biggleswade the next morning. Then ride back.

I buggered that up by arriving in Biggleswade at 5.30am.

Biggleswade is deserted at 5.30am...
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 19 October, 2022, 12:32:52 pm
With the AUK year-end approaching, I used a super Oct weather window to rack up my 100 points in year with a 4th October 200km on 18th. Even time for a 5th (?) to kick-start RRtY Series 42? How many super-Vets have achieved the Randonneur 10,000? (Only age 75).
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 19 October, 2022, 08:02:10 pm
With the AUK year-end approaching, I used a super Oct weather window to rack up my 100 points in year with a 4th October 200km on 18th. Even time for a 5th (?) to kick-start RRtY Series 42? How many super-Vets have achieved the Randonneur 10,000? (Only 75).

That's a tremendous effort Steve - chapeau. 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 October, 2022, 12:45:28 pm
Despite deciding my season was over at the start of the month following the Moulin Muirs org ride I was convinced to try out a bargain basement approach for next year due to really wanting the new badges.

So I drew up a 4 legged 200 with my house as basecamp, lopped one leg off and battered it out with Joe (doing the full 200 for points not badges), it worked surprizingly well for me and i felt less knackered.

Leg 1 - Round and over West Lomond, From Freuchie via Falkland to Strathmiglow to pick up the Dryside road to Wester Balgeddie, Milnathort then down to Fruix before turning for Auchmuir bridge and Leslie and the nice long stiff climb back over for Beans on Toast.

Leg 2 - Ceres butchers and back, up Kettlehill and along the Balcony to Chance Inn before rolling down to Ceres where a Bridie and Pie were purchased for the lunch stop, up the Ainster Road then backdown the hill to Pitscottie before riding back to Ceres and picking up the outward route and reversing it, pie and bridie consumed, but the beans had been used on the toast.

Leg 3 - Glenfarg via Lindores Loch and the Tay Coast Road, back via the Dryside and the stirfry I had sitting in the fridge.

Joe then went and did a 4th leg home to get the remaining 40k home. (He starts 10k up on me)

Gentle enough to not be too hard on me and critically easily adaptable to be made winter friendly and I've got it set up to be 4 actual loops clover like.
I did blow 15 quid in the petrol station stocking up for it though, so cost around 20 quid.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 29 October, 2022, 08:19:03 pm
I managed out today for a DIY200. 

My route was from home West Edinburgh NW up the Forth Valley to Dunblane then NE to Dunning and the half way mark.  Return route was back to Dunblane and home on the north side of the Forth. 

Light N wind to start with turning into a rising Easterly with heavy rain around Alloa. 

Lovely late cooked breakfast at the Tee Room in Dunning (they know my order now) and a stop to fill the bottles and layer up at Cambus 142km.   

Had a chuckle at the masses of traffic trying to get onto the Queensferry crossing at Ferry Toll Rd and the al fresco Halloween party in Crombie (at least I think thats what it was, you can never be totally sure in Fife it has many ghoulish characters all year round). 

Rain and wind made it tough but thanks to the rail strike I had no option but to batter on. 

very slow - https://ridewithgps.com/trips/106695206


 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 04 November, 2022, 05:02:27 pm
Yep, 102 points for 2022 season. And now 2023 kick-started on 1 Nov with a wet and windy Perm 200. Project Return (soon-to-be-invalid) SAEs is underway to ride my Perms which pass close to AUKs who entered a Perm (or a few) when they sent 2x SAEs (most now use PayPal) and they did not ride the event. Have to plan for daylight, as finding an address in the dark is time-wasteful. Almost overshot the timing on Tues by finishing on the max time limit, having "Toured the Malverns" earlier to search out a couple addresses.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: alfapete on 04 November, 2022, 06:43:46 pm
Project Return (soon-to-be-invalid) SAEs is underway to ride my Perms which pass close to AUKs who entered a Perm (or a few) when they sent 2x SAEs (most now use PayPal) and they did not ride the event. s.
I very much admire your resolve to do this, Steve - it may only be a few pennies, but I hate to see any waste, and the PO cashing in on it (they already have the money in their coffers!). And a detour on a Perm adds interest, too.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: He’s off again on 05 November, 2022, 11:48:23 am
Did a DIY 200 yesterday around East Yorkshire, North Lincs.  Cold start and cold finish.  Hopefully keep the RRTY going through the year and keep enough fitness for an SR next year,
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 07 November, 2022, 09:58:42 pm
Yep, 102 points for 2022 season. And now 2023 kick-started on 1 Nov with a wet and windy Perm 200. Project Return (soon-to-be-invalid) SAEs is underway to ride my Perms which pass close to AUKs who entered a Perm (or a few) when they sent 2x SAEs (most now use PayPal) and they did not ride the event. Have to plan for daylight, as finding an address in the dark is time-wasteful. Almost overshot the timing on Tues by finishing on the max time limit, having "Toured the Malverns" earlier to search out a couple addresses.
Oh that reminds me I've still to reattempt the central scotland 300.

Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: trundle on 20 November, 2022, 08:46:19 pm
200km DIY from London down into Wiltshire finishing at Reading.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8141239616/overview (https://www.strava.com/activities/8141239616/overview)

Utterly exhausting on account of 4 weeks of non-covid bug knocking me for six. The weather was beautiful at times, although very cold (mostly freezing in the last 90 mins). But it was just a game of survival - and convincing myself to keep turning the pedals and ignore the fact it is such hard work for such a slow speed. (In figures - normally 180W = 150bpm. but today 80W = 150bpm).

It keeps the RRTY alive (2 more needed to finish) - but not an experience I am in a rush to repeat!
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 20 November, 2022, 10:22:14 pm
trip from High Wycombe, via Windsor, and Richmond to the Olympic park at Stratford, the home again, passing the following
Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace, Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, and riding through the royal parks - Richmond Park, Green Park, Hyde Park and Windsor Great Park.

Overlapped the route of Trundle above at Maidenhead, but there at very different times.

Making good progress until London traffic had a say.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Southy on 21 November, 2022, 10:30:20 am
Did a 200k with three others from my cycle club yesterday. The ride was entitled "Tour de Spoons" on account of stopping at nine of the eleven Wetherspoons in Norfolk.

Had rain for first four hours, which was expected so stopped at the Fakenham Spoons to warm up and take advantage of unlimited hot drinks and then lunch at King's Lynn Spoons. Got out to find I had a puncture but was quickly fixed.

Personally flagged a lot across the Fens even though it was mainly a cross wind, but a coffee in Thetford (McDonalds, not Spoons) gave me a second wind that got me back to Norwich in what felt like much colder weather than has been the case lately.

Was a good route as had plenty of stopping options reasonably well spaced and knew we could get food/drink and because in towns, we had access to shops as well.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 21 November, 2022, 10:54:36 am
Did a 200k with three others from my cycle club yesterday. The ride was entitled "Tour de Spoons" on account of stopping at nine of the eleven Wetherspoons in Norfolk.

Had rain for first four hours, which was expected so stopped at the Fakenham Spoons to warm up and take advantage of unlimited hot drinks and then lunch at King's Lynn Spoons. Got out to find I had a puncture but was quickly fixed.

Personally flagged a lot across the Fens even though it was mainly a cross wind, but a coffee in Thetford (McDonalds, not Spoons) gave me a second wind that got me back to Norwich in what felt like much colder weather than has been the case lately.

Was a good route as had plenty of stopping options reasonably well spaced and knew we could get food/drink and because in towns, we had access to shops as well.

9 stops in a 200 !  :o assuming one at the start and one at the finish, that's 7 sections of ~30km between each spoons
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Kangaroocourt on 21 November, 2022, 12:26:58 pm
Did the Boat Ride 200 Perm on Saturday, for I think the 22nd time.  It was my first proper outing for nearly two months after C19 and was tougher than I recall but great fun.  The Chilterns looked gorgeous.  Need a December ride now to get RrTY No.7
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Southy on 21 November, 2022, 01:43:11 pm

9 stops in a 200 !  :o assuming one at the start and one at the finish, that's 7 sections of ~30km between each spoons

For seven of them we just had a picture, only stopped four times. Twice at spoons with one to warm up and one for lunch, quick convenience store stockup and a coffee at McD's for the final push.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 26 November, 2022, 10:33:33 am
I had a day off work yesterday so bagged a 200 up to Stonehaven.

Given that it was a weekday I wanted to get out into the country quickly and maximise the use of lanes (in hindshight the latter was something of a mistake given the residual effects of flooding)

I took the train to Cowdenbeath and made up the 20km or so from home in Edinburgh that Id chopped off by adding in some extra wiggles -> https://ridewithgps.com/trips/108487602

A lot of roads were flooded but passable, however the 5k north of the A94 (from 78km on my route) was completely impassable – I took a peek down the lane after the “Road Closed” sign and Id have needed a boat. 

I had about 90 minutes heavy rain, roughly between Forfar and Brechin, and at one point it turned to horizontal hailstones.  My mind turned to thoughts of quietly expiring at one stage.  However after Brechin the sun came out on the road over to Logie Pert (good name for a tartan clad Drag Queen!) and the section to Fettercairn was beautiful. 

The road out by Careston, “roon the back” of Auchenblae by the golf club and onwards to Drumlithie and Tannachie were all new to me.  Slightly longer than the traditional route by Tipperty but less climbing.  Definiitely worth it though I really di want to ride this bit in daylight however Id slowed up a lot by this stage given a foolish attempt to do a November 200 on one food stop in Meigle.  I had to stop to wolf down some emergency rations with about 10km to go.  This is what I was like 20 years ago on the Dave Harris, you'd think Id have learned.  Stupid boy. 

Rolled into Stoney shortly after 1730.  Not quick despite mostly a tailwind but crud and flood and poor fitness do not make for swift progress.  Couple of panaches and the train / tram home. 

Still that’s the 2023 SR under way!

EDIT - thats a 200km or more every month of 2022 so far (11).   :o 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 December, 2022, 11:47:10 pm
Bagging decembers RRTY ride before the weather turned by riding to a christmas party.
Up before dawn and off to Auchterarder by Glen Tarkie before taking the Tullybardine route to Kinky bridge instead of Hunter Street for a change, more new roads followed as I cut up to Methven and then to Luncarty to investigate the NMU beside the new bit of the A9, it's pretty bloody good, though there is a ridiculously placed pole advertising the fact it's a cycle track on one of the over bridges...

Used the path from the Birnham junction to Dunkeld station for lunch fae the burger van, opting for a chicken burger as there was nothing I could easily read on the menu for which "nae cheese pleeze" made sense.
Balnaguard route to the Strathtay roads and I used the Grandtully (Grantly) bridge bagging that, north road all the way to Fearnan though not claiming as much new road there as I'd thought before getting the North loch road in a near deserted, tourist free state to the Ben Lawers junction in the bag too.

In the dark I think bagging the back road out of killin was a mistake as the A85 was also pretty quiet from Lix Toll from what I could see and made a fairly unharassed ride into Crianlarich where I expected things to hot up on the A82, rode up the old Glasgow road to descend to the new roundabout as another silly little bit of bagging to end that lark for the day.

It wasn't too bad on the 82 and the big laybys were devoid of the usual pile of hillwakers cars for tea at Tyndrum where some mates met up with me on their way to the party.
Dispatched the climb from there to Bridge of Orchy and the Ski Lodge in the woods where I finished in just over 12 hours with 4 leisurely stops, pretty happy with that.

Not on the Audax clock, but on Sunday I set off from the Ski Lodge and bagged Glen Orchy then the Stronmilchan and Glen Lonan roads on my way to Oban, I would have been faster riding home but instead put my faith (and the hope of delay repay returning my 23 quid fare) in Scotrail for a 3 connection journey, sadly for my 23 quid, they get to keep it.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 17 December, 2022, 07:38:27 pm
Tried to complete a DIY today,  but after 140km decided enough was enough (dark and getting colder again by this point) headed for home with only an imperial century.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: trundle on 25 December, 2022, 10:41:09 am
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/Ulk4i7UAZ3n7Akf9_KpkLX5I7piY0Fw0u4Sp6OQH0PM-2048x1536.jpg)

Out on the Elan yesterday for an Xmas eve 200km.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8287372853/overview (https://www.strava.com/activities/8287372853/overview)

Much safer conditions than the same time last week. Cold though, 1 degree through the Chilterns and the Aylesbury Vale in the morning. No ice, just low mist. Flooded roads added some swash buckling adventure in Rickmansworth, Padbury and Latimer. The view from Wing down to the vale is stunning - I love that view. And the night riding was full of big deer crossing the lanes.

As with all long winter rides, the Elan looks like it's been a plaything in a pig pen.

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 February, 2023, 07:08:08 pm
Got February's RRTY in early, though I've got the org ride of ToTo to do the last weekend of the month too so might be #8 starting
Testing out a possible local 100 with the possible organizer for Halloween.

Set off around 11 because I'd been out the night before (don't drink but still)
Met him at Ladybank and set off by the Golden Loch to Abdie Morthouse, from there we were along the Fife coast road to Balmerino for the Abbey, then the haunted old kirk of Forgan to Tentsmuir.
A temporary abatement of spooky stuff along the Eden to St Andrews where we lost count of potentially spooky stuff and of cafés on route.
Down to Crail then along the hill top via Haloween obsessed New Gilston then sundered near Craigrothie due to a mechanical requiring a bike swap for him and tea being imminent at respective houses.

Good long stop and I was back out again on the edge of darkness, by Strathmiglo it went wrong for him and I was on my own for the last 75km, round loch leven and out to crook of devon at Gairneybank to do a bit of road bagging on the way, and way back. Roads blissfully empty made the A977 no bad, must remember for bagging a few more meters of it.

A fair whack of wigglnig around Kinross to get distance up then back to Ladybank along the A91 and Dunshelt road before home.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 20 February, 2023, 10:05:27 am
A lovely 200km clockwise loop yesterday starting . finishing in Darlo.  Id been off work Thu/Fri so chose Sunday as the best day for this.

Wet roads and sun to start but the wind got up later and it clouded over too so a tad cool all day.  The bits heading west especially around Tockwith were a bit tricky. 

One sit down stop at Bilborough Top Maccy Ds (the glamour) and just a back pocket feed other than that. 

Almost all on familiar roads but the only new bit (through Marton & Grafton heading to Boroughbridge to avoid the B6265) was fab.   

Block tailwind after Leeming though made for a swanky finish. 

Back to Edinburgh on a late train - got in just after 2330 so the trams and local trains had stopped running.  That meant I had the chance to perfect my "cycling with a trolley bag" technique. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/113795766

Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 13 March, 2023, 08:06:24 am
after bailing on the Dean on saturday due to the low temperatures -2C at the start, not going above 5, I rode a DIY on sunday. I had though about doing the dean perm, but decided riding from home is better financially and environmentally.

Use my 300 trip to the new forest, based on the 4 down.

temperatures between 7 and 10 all day meant I didn't have to carry layers, set off at 06:30 ( the drawback of perms over calendar events is not having a deadline to get out of bed, and had a very pleasant day on mostly quiet roads. The test valley in particular was great with more than twice as many cyclists as drivers as I passed through, then on to the new forest and on the moorland sections the southwesterley wind came into play, couldn't wait to turn for hom, and for once the wind was noticable as a tailwind, cruising along nicely at 30kmh with little effort from lymmington to beauliea and on to southhampton, where the bridge over the Test footpath was closed to pedestrians and cyclists leading to a diversion onto the north side of the main road. Not very well signed.

On to new Alresford where the rain started fo fall, no cafes open so I found somewhere to shelter while eating my tesco provisions, riding solo it was notable how quiet the roads after new Alresford really are and finally back onto more familiar roads, happy when I reached Aborfield and I knew the remaining route was all pretty much flat and I could make good progress with the wind still behind me. rain didn't really stop for the last 4 hours but it was mostly light drizzle so no big issue other than the dazzle from lights on the rain on my glasses.

stopped time 1hr 12 minutes allowed me to get round in less than 15 hours despite less than impressive average speed

 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 March, 2023, 02:12:03 pm
With the TotO org ride counting for February I was in need of a DIY this weekend having been to knackered from running TotO to get out last weekend.

Saturdays forecast didn't inspire me much with a sub-zero morning and snow mid-evening so I banked on the warmer, windier and wetter looking sunday.
Couldn't be arsed when I woke up but had submitted a route based on the 1am forecast and by the time I was ready just after 10 the sun was out.

A bit of resistance out to Falkland and then a definite side wind as I approached Glen Tarkie, all in the plan though.
I hit the Fife coast road at a decent wind assisted pace and saw myself in St Andrews eating a Fisher and Donaldsons Fudge Doughnut about an hour earlier than I'd allowed for, also the wind hadn't dropped as forecast, this was a problem.
A hard slog up Strathkinness High Road and then down Nydie dispirited me for was to come, a good rest from the wind as I climbed up through Dura Den and back into the wind for the Craigrothie slog
More shelter on the Balcony and a routing error in the Howe saw me dog leg to Freuchie Mill before stopping for lunch.

A decent break and I was back out, the wind with still blowing but the gusts were below 40mph at last.
Another routing error saw me on the A91 a bit earlier in the evening than I'd like between Muchty and Strath and then onto the Dryside, the wind was dropping as evidenced by the speed of the wind turbine at John Knox and the sidewind didn't slow me down too much to the Ballingry road junction.
Into the shelter of Benarty and crossing the footbridge at Fruix for the first time I was relieved to feel much less wind at last.

A stop to check out the books at Cleish phonebox before the night loop, but still earlier than hoped for!
The A977 was thankfully no where near as bad as I feared just after 6 and I curved back towards Cleish from Crook of devon before bagging a few roads near Balado.
Into Kinross and a stop at Giaccomos for an Empire Biscuit (I didn't route by Greens for a Fisher and Donaldson) and a final blast down the A91 and the Dunshelt road hame.

With next weekend blocked out by other stuff I'm not sure i'll manage to make last month the start of RRTY 8
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 20 March, 2023, 09:23:38 am
I completed a one way 200 Edinburgh to Stonehaven yesterday

Hard going in a very cold cross head wind, flooded roads, heavy winter bike and with a month off.  I was way too ambitious planning to ride through from breakfast in Perth at 65km and a 2nd stop in Edzell at 150km.   

The bit from Auchenblae to Stonehaven is that which will be used by riders on my 600 in mid June.  I'm still not sure if its easier than going via Mains of Glenfarquhar or not. 

The level crossing gates at Newmill were again closed to road traffic and it appears (sample size = 2) that they are closed by default, and are opened manually from the signal box.  It was only 30 seconds or so but it struck me as unusual and maybe an issue for an event with 50+ riders.   


https://ridewithgps.com/trips/115831753   
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 26 March, 2023, 11:17:48 pm
More abuse of the low roads of Fife and Kinross.
Over Lindores to the coast and along the usual way via Tentsmuir to St Andrews for a fudge doughnut and sausage roll, climbed to Brownhill and turned in land for once, thankfully as there was something on at Crail.
Pelted by hail stones on Kingsbarns Station road but Bagged the Kingsbarns beach road at last and finished off a few more of the East Neuck villages
Over Largo Law and got snowed on my way into Ceres!
Balcony and a bit of swearing as I realized I hasn't sent the route down the cadgers but along the main road to Freuchie Mill Road from Kettle.

Tea then back out, along the dryside where I encountered more hail stones, an into Kinross over the motorway at Fruix and the flatlands of Cleish to just East of the Crook of Devon late enough for the A977 to be comfortable back into Kinross via the old road through Balado.
A stop in Milnathort for an Empirebiscuit from Giacopazzis then an easy but knackered ride home along the A91 and Dunshelt road.

Nice and easy but
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: trundle on 09 April, 2023, 09:40:51 pm
An utterly glorious ride yesterday in the North Wessex downs. A couple of route tweaks from last time, and I would make one more next time. Weather was amazing and people were full of the joy of spring.

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/pGsfBAg8Z-dgSc57DpNdc5T2xtAGvtIk9ArUuBKkEX0-1536x2048.jpg)

Lots of little highlights made for a wonderful day awheel.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8855864841 (https://www.strava.com/activities/8855864841)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 25 April, 2023, 02:56:55 pm
Following failure on the org ride of my 300 due to illness (I'll leave the detail level at that) I planned something easy

just before midday start and into the East North Easterly along the how to Cupar facing the contents of fields being windborne before climbing to Pitscottie and on to St Andrews, a good shove took me along the coast to Newburgh and back over Lindores to the house in comfortable time, a leisurley break and then onto my now common abuse of the flat lands of Kinross and Clackmannan, this time south to F---ing Kelty then along to Saline then the dying light to Dollar, I was mentally set on climbing to the Yetts o Muckhart but my Wahoo pointed me down Golf Course road, where I soft pedals and wrote something, darkness encroached as I approached Cleish and turned north for Milnathort with the wind now either gone or sheltered by the Ochil Massive (That so sounds like it should be a scheme gang) from there it was the A91 to Rossie and then across the Howe home.

Was pretty happy to get home well before midnight.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 13 May, 2023, 07:18:45 pm
Yep.  Up with the lark to catch the train to Dunblane and a lovely  200km loop up to Glamis and back. 

Misty til lunchtime, lovely and warm thereafter.

My 1st sub 10 hour 200 in ages.  Praise be! 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/120984901
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 30 May, 2023, 11:58:32 am
I rode a DIY 200 yesterday, chiefly to do a final in person eyeball of three info controls for my 600 next month before the card order based point of no return. 

Given it was a working day in Scotland the Stirling start (a la my 600) helped me avoid busier roads. 

Stirling - Auchterarder - Perth- Meigle - Kirrie - Edzell - Lkirk - Stoney via some Howe of the Mearns jinks & zig zags to check road signs & the like. 

East wind made it a little tricky though only a bit.  Average moving speed 21kph - really struggling to get the dial much above 20kph just now.

Lovely sunny day though, short sleeves n shorts after 10am. 

Edit to add pics

The Allan Water taken from the road between Dunblane and Auchenlay specially built to allow me to have an info control  :thumbsup:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52937772764_f5ac809b74_k.jpg)

The view to the North from near Careston

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52938083093_62648a077b_k.jpg)

Mandatory bike pic under the Fettercairn Arch

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52938013665_01b840e763_k.jpg)





https://ridewithgps.com/trips/122864986
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 03 June, 2023, 11:11:45 am
I wasnt working yesterday and am attending the Scottish Cup final today so bagged a 200. 

Tried to design it to avoid weekday traffic so from Edinburgh -> Dunblane -> Perth -> Kinrossie then back to Bridge of Allan via St David's for 200

Warm sun but cool wind. 

Usual poor driving in Perth, gave a bus driver a mouthful after he'd tried to overtake then immediately block me in, but I was wise to it. 

New top dressing has appeared on stretch of my upcoming 600 - its downhill with a few hairpins of course  :facepalm:

Slightly lumpier than expected too. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/123239132
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 16 July, 2023, 08:43:55 pm
Having bailed on yesterdays darlo 300 I changed my train north to civilisation to Sunday evening and did a lovely 200 today

Fairly windy but still very enjoyable.  Slow puncture identified at Boroughbridge but a reflation at Leeming was enough

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/128250672
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 07 August, 2023, 02:23:05 pm
200km and 3000m yesterday in the Chilterns, on a route largely following the route of the old Chiltern hundred sportive. Lots of arrows had conveniently been left out for me at my turns. So either there had been a sportive there recently, or there will be on soon.

Mostly dry and some blue sky even broke out a the end.  Ice cream at Ivinghoe Beacon. Could be a regular ride as I seek to keep AAArty going.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 07 August, 2023, 03:01:48 pm
Got back home from a cycling holiday in France on Saturday night having concluded that it didn't feature enough cycling (Sem Fed in Pont a Mousson was great but the week after saw foul weather and only one ride) so yesterday I headed out for my default 200 from West Edinburgh to Dunning via Dunblane using the south of the Forth out and north of the Forth back. 

Early start (6am) to avoid the worst of the rain but I still got a drenching at 195km.   

I found myself riding back along the route used by another better publicised event around Culross as evidenced by the upside down messages on the tarmac.  400km on the tandem at Sem Fed has improved my climbing so I was happy to go via Wharry Bridge both out and back. 

PBP bike is under assembly just now so I used my Van nick zephyr which is very comfortable but fairly sluggish.   

a joy to just jump on a bike and ride. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/130500188
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: trundle on 29 August, 2023, 11:29:59 am
An over-distance 100km on fixed to have a natter, curry and cake.

I rather like the fact you can get fixed challenge points with 100km rides... and BP timings leave loads of time to ride somewhere and stop for a couple of hours.

The byways were in excellent condition - so no trouble on 28mm tyres. Lovely weather all day and a new (to me) path along the Windsor Railway into Eton Wick from Slough.

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/mS4MlQgabXnJSuiQYGMrX9A64ZqxU7olDe-1fBdsBoE-1536x2048.jpg)

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/ekJmU0YxYdjPVZv3mj7wVLJwkA6xv2qqM8gCXxxDY7g-1536x2048.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 04 September, 2023, 09:19:12 am
Wall to wall sunshine for a one way 200 from Edinburgh - Stonehaven.

Legs were good enough to last 122km for lunch in McForfar but the heat was rising sufficiently to warrant a stop for a milkshake and ice cream at Montrose some 30km later (though I had covered that distance in just over an hour!)

More of a touring pace for the remaining 50km and very enjoyable.  Watched the football and had dinner at The Station Hotel before an unusually busy Sunday evening train back to Haymarket.  Still warm enough for short sleeves and shorts for the 5km ride home even at 10pm. 

That's 40 points this season so far and 740 lifetime so progress being made and goes a little way to assuage the recent let down of a DNF on PBP. 

 https://ridewithgps.com/trips/133494741

 
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: vorsprung on 04 September, 2023, 12:19:37 pm
Went to Bruton and back yesterday, 200k

It was a bit hot later on

My front mudguard is still squeaky
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sparklyfish on 05 September, 2023, 09:45:04 pm
Squeaked a DIY into August on Wednesday last week, which was rather lucky. Got lots of lovely veloviewer squares and visited Holme Fen, the lowest point in UK:

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/A14enqel17TFppwiSXJF0uOI6mG8ZXSymC-QPucvVmM-2048x1536.jpg)
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/oRrl8zbyuuZs9IK8d9helKtKm03wDq1xyVDu0Klo6IA-1536x2048.jpg)
The posts are weird in a slightly scary way, but Holme Fen is really very lovely.

Top bag of crisps at the village shop in Great Gidding:
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/POVYZNhD6n1W6PFdHlhQrLMKOQ6rte15J0ptmtjtv_s-1536x2048.jpg)

I have not done LEL. But bizarrely, on my way home through St Ives, Garmin started telling me I should visit the LEL St Ives control on my way to Loughton.
Am guessing either:
a. Garmin is more optimistic about my capabilities than me, or
b. my partner (with whom I share this Garmin) has been inadvertently pinning LEL controls.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: sparklyfish on 11 September, 2023, 09:34:39 pm
September audax today, to visit the Trinity Bridge in Crowland.
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/YmQ_KngSx-Yymwo0odafvIygXhxsLmoXOLoYOezPw58-2048x1536.jpg)

Passed the world's most well-bollarded water pump:
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/rp18ZpNQZ1mvGAuTDb8A2COFVus9sck85-czMpFc4Sw-2048x1536.jpg)

and some graffiti that my offspring tell me is meme-worthy:
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/RVEvALrLLCczOTNhgIfKvCGRgZ1YhT0C0Q0F0q9HN-U-2048x1536.jpg)
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 09 October, 2023, 10:04:48 am
Took advantage of the incredible weather for a late season perm ride of the Dean. It was of course as lovely as always except for some sort of horse event going on at badminton and the typically dangerous driving by the horsists who insist that THEY should be passed at no more than 10mph and at least 5m away, but they will pass other vulnerable road users at speed as close as possible. Had to dive for the verge at one point as some tool who should not be allowed to tow a trailer showed absolutely no understanding of the fact the trailer was wider than their car when they passed me at less than two feet. (luckily oncoming on a single track road so I could see the trailer heading for me.) >:(

Almost all of the worst passes and near misses I have had have been from these people moving their animals around.

Anyway the ride was lovely, started at 8 (lazy) and finished at 23:00, for my fastest ever completion of the course. Including a leisurely lunch of two courses at my favourite weatherspoons in Chepstow, sat outside of course because it was lush.

Services closed at Pear tree at the finish, so no food, and my local McDonalds (desperate) which officially closes at 2am every day but was inexplicably closed at 11:45.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 14 October, 2023, 06:58:17 pm
A very cold and well ventilated 200km today.

Anti clockwise loop from Edinburgh - Bridge of Earn - Comrie - Dunblane - Edinburgh

Tough to Bridge of Earn - very tough after that until Comrie

The magic carpet tailwind helped after Comrie but not before the lang climb of Langside. 

Tried an alternative way through Stirling and got a bit lost (was tracking ride via my phone which was in my pocket given I "knew" the way  :o). 

Bo'ness and Winchburgh have expanded greatly in recent years and made for unpleasant cycling - Bo'ness especially had traffic flying towards it from Grangemouth - there is no conceivable reason to rush towards Bo'ness.  Id have been better coming back on the north side of the Forth. 

A few other twiddles made for 209km on the day which was plenty thanks. 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/137309010
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: 3peaker on 16 October, 2023, 03:21:57 pm
POTHOLE-PUNCTURE AND LOST IN PORTISHEAD

I write a note after most of my RRtY rides. Here is the last of AUK season 2023:

15 Oct 2023: AUK Glos, Wilts & Mendips 200 Perm: Trek. Super weather forecast but one supporting that Autumn has been restored. A 2nd Oct 200 to maintain my RRtY long-term ambitions? I had arranged to visit school friend Jill (we go back to 1958), so my route starts in Stroud to enjoy a Mendips traverse. Late start from Stroud through Nailsworth, Tetbury and Malmesbury, then Chippenham, Lacock and Melksham. A clever bus/bike route after Melksham avoids main roads to cross the Canal. Then, with sun in my eyes I did not spot potholes before traffic-calming bollards. Many stopped to confirm I needed no help. The P* stop cost 40 mins and resulted in very oily hands to release a jammed chain; job for dry leaves and grass. On, over the canal, to Trowbridge and the Mendips traverse to Radstock and the Greenway (ex-rail line) to Midsomer Norton. I called at Tesco to clean/wash off the hard grease, phoned Jill with timing update and continued past Paulton and Farrington Gurney to join the A37. At Jill’s I borrowed track pump to restore high pressure and enjoyed tea and cakes, together with a chat. With the P* and break, I had taken over 7hrs for 100km, on the max time limit with ave now at 13.3kph. Need to minimise stops, with still more lumpy Mendips through Blagdon! It was lights from Clevedon and through Portishead I took a wrong L turn and ended near the marina; lots of water on my Garmin screen! A resident advised a route to return to find Sheepway; that 20min off-route wander could prove costly, as I was on minimise stops. Sheepway found and now on familiar ground for the M5 bridge cycle path for Avonmouth, A430 to Pilning and lanes to Thornbury. I sensed time was critical, so made for the A38, for a faster (?) ride to the Dursley turn and crawl up Taits Hill. From Dursley, and knowing I would struggle (with exercise induced asthma, I have to keep HR low) up Crawley Hill, I opted for a Stroud route via Frocester round the base of the Cotswolds, a few Km longer but safe. I sensed (confirmed by gps) a tight finale after Dursley. It was - my Tesco ATM recorded 00:17 after a start ATM at 10:18 – phew! And, as the air chilled to zero deg, I could not afford the time to put on my Goretex and thicker gloves. Just managed to stay warm. Back at the car a quick bite to eat and drive home to arrive at 01:00. After a light meal (HM carrot soup, scrambled egg), I wrote my ride notes, and to bed at 05:00! Slept till noon.

Think I will end my 2023 Audax season at that and enjoy a couple weeks of Club riding; and let my whiplash (accident on 23 Sep where I wrote off another helmet as I landed after a driver drove out of his drive and blocked my path!) neck heal!

Distance: 209.97 km (Off distance 202km)
Timing: 13:57:50; Time 10:54:24 Moving Time 13:57:50 Elapsed Time (ATM time 13h 59m)
Elevation: 1,760.0 m Total Ascent
Pace Speed: 15.0 kph Avg Speed: 19.3 kph; Avg Mov Speed; 54.9 kph Max Speed
Temperature: 6.4 °C Avg Temp; 0.0 °C Min Temp; 24.0 °C Max Temp
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: BobScarle on 18 October, 2023, 04:16:12 pm
A little late writing this but still. I rode Mark Rigby's excellent Hay in a Day in September and following that thought I would once more try some more DIYs. I haven't ridden any for a few years. I chose a route from Worcestershire, through Warwickshire and into Leicestershire. If anybody is interested, https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28088702 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28088702) I have ridden several times from home to Great Barr and my Mother in Law's house so the first 50 miles or so were well known to me.

So it was that on Saturday 7th October I set out on a 200km DIY from my home in Redditch. Good weather was promised so I was hopeful of a grand day out. Out into the lanes of Warwickshire, through Ullenhall and Balsall Common to Meriden. This is a favourite stopping point, a bench on the green by the cyclist memorial. It is a quick coffee and flapjack stop from the cafe just behind.

Coffee time over it was onwards towards Arley and bypassing Nuneaton. For reasons that I cannot quite remember I changed to route to miss out Atherstone and head for the A5 via Hartshill. That was a poor decision! Very urban and very busy. I shall go back to Atherstone in future. Crossing the A5 was fine, only had about 25 metres to ride on it. Soon back into the countryside, now largely flat and heading for Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and the cafe. They do a lovely bacon sandwich there. That and a pot of tea and ready to roll again.

Now on unknown roads I went round the north side of Mallory Park racing circuit, couldn't hear any thing going on, to Earl Shilton then turned south. I was heading for Lutterworth where my sister lives. She promised cups of tea so I had to really. She also insisted on feeding me cream sponge. I did put up a fight but resistance was futile.

The town of Lutterworth was busy and I was pleased to get back out into the countryside. I thought that this might be the worst part but it turned out to be quite easy. I headed towards Rugby, passing through the outskirts on the east. Got past without really noticing. A Co-op stop in Long Itchington provided some needed sustenance, coffee, crisps and cake, sat on a bench in the church yard opposite.

Off again. Past Chesterton Windmill, a 17th century corn mill, back onto local (ish) roads. Heading towards home now, up that nasty little climb the other side of the Fosse Way roundabout heading towards Ashorne. Through Barford and Norton Lindsey then home. No, can't go the direct way. Remembered in time that I had to add a little to make the route over 200k. Those extra bits felt hard. Sat on a bench for 5 minutes in Aston Cantlow putting warmer, reflective clothing on as it was dark by now. Familiar roads but different without the daylight. Got home about 8:30 after 9 hours riding time but 12:45 total time. I really must cut the faffing down, and probably the tea drinking as well. Great day out.

I have entered another of Mark Rigby's rides in November so that will be a third 200. I might just be catching the audax bug once more. It's been a while but I have missed them.
Title: Re: Have you been out today on a Perm or DIY?
Post by: John Stonebridge on 02 February, 2024, 10:17:21 am
Been having a bit of a crappy time at work recently so decided to treat myself to a short notice day off and get a 200km done yesterday. 

I've ridden Edinburgh - Stonehaven dozens of times but a weekday demanded a quieter route so I caught an early train to scenic Cowdenbeath and tried to stick to lanes where possible.   Recent floods meant I was almost certainly not going to be able to ride the route exactly as planned and so it turned out.  The road at Stormontfield north of Perth was closed (though it looked to be as a result of roadworks - no harm, just a couple more km on the A93 was actually quite pleasant) and the bike path between Montrose and Hillside was a complete nono.  The minor road off the A932 at Pitmuies had a "road closed" sign but it was just a short bit through bottom bracket deep water so I chanced it and was fine. 

The long term closure of the bridge at Marykirk meant I had to cross the North Esk at North Water Bridge - my legs started protesting on the climb after Hillside and I regretted not having stopped to refuel in Montrose (my lovely breakfast in Meigle now being a distant memory).  I really hit a wall and realised that Id not get to Stonehaven without sustenance in the interim.  Thankfully the Fettery Shoppe was open so i wolfed down some sweets and a full fat cola in a most undignified fashion.  That made the final leg a bit more palatable but the laney route to Auchenblae was a crud fest. 

The rain started around the final climb past the farm so i just ploughed on and arrived in Stoney just after it had got properly dark about 17.30.

Despite the tailwind most of the way I found it tough - winter levels of fitness and poor planning on refuelling made it a slog at times.  Still, nice watery sunshine at times and that's me got points on the board for 2024 (and hopefully the first piece of the jigsaw for my 18th SR) 

https://ridewithgps.com/trips/144488880