Author Topic: [LEL17] LEL equipment  (Read 68071 times)

border-rider

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #50 on: 30 January, 2009, 01:26:41 pm »

I didn't get the trots however so that was ok

I did. Good job I took my own advice :)

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #51 on: 30 January, 2009, 01:42:38 pm »
It'll also be a novelty riding without a SON wheel as I'm going for maximum daylight riding and using two1 battery powered B&M Ixon IQ lights mounted on a space bracket hanging down from the tri-bars (Like the Solidlights are setup here). Tri-bars, GPS and routesheet holder will be like that too although I've got to get the crosstop levers moved outwards slightly as I can't fit the tri-bars as it stands, easily done when I next get the bar tape done.

Somewhere I've got my nice large flanged System-X hub front wheel that came with the Tempo. I think it's only ever done about 100km.

1. One as a backup and also for long/fast descents.
"Yes please" said Squirrel "biscuits are our favourite things."

scottlington

  • It's short for, erm....Bob!
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #52 on: 30 January, 2009, 05:53:31 pm »
...I'm going for maximum daylight riding and using two1 battery powered B&M Ixon IQ lights mounted on a space bracket...

Amen to that! Still the best battery powered lights for the price I reckon. You can get them for about £70 so great value. I will certainly be purchasing another prior to BCM and giving the dual setup a runout.

I've also picked a couple of those Frog jobbies for front and rear. The only issue I have re the Ixon is lack of a flashing mode. Even at low power it's over the top for city / lit road usage and, given the need to preserve battery life, I'm gonna simply switch it off on lit roads and use the Frog which costs about 6p.  :thumbsup:

LEL

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #53 on: 30 January, 2009, 06:06:28 pm »

If you're thinking about stuff to ban from inside controls I'd add "Loud snoring" and "Droning on about rides from years ago whilst people are trying to sleep."


Last time I asked Mal Volio what items he recommended taking aside from tools/ spares / clothes /food

The two things I remember were immodium and ear plugs

I didn't take either on LEL.  This was a mistake, the first sleep stop was noisey along with it's other faults.
I didn't get the trots however so that was ok
On PBP I took the earplugs and used them to good effect.
I didn't get the trots on PBP either

All riders will get a pair of ear plugs.  ;D 

We know the controls are noisy.  Not much we can do about this.  its all part of the challenge.....

And as for the controls 'other faults',  at least you will now be prepared for them.....

red marley

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #54 on: 30 January, 2009, 06:31:23 pm »
All riders will get a pair of ear plugs.  ;D 

And don't forget, when you leave the control, to hand back your used earplugs so the next riders can use them  :sick:

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #55 on: 30 January, 2009, 06:34:13 pm »
Last time I asked Mal Volio what items he recommended taking aside from tools/ spares / clothes /food

The two things I remember were immodium and ear plugs

Why do you need Immodium when you already have earplugs?  Think multi-purpose, people, and travel light.
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #56 on: 30 January, 2009, 06:37:14 pm »
Last time I asked Mal Volio what items he recommended taking aside from tools/ spares / clothes /food

The two things I remember were immodium and ear plugs

Why do you need Immodium when you already have earplugs?

Because earplugs are really hard to swallow.

</Airplane gag>
"Yes please" said Squirrel "biscuits are our favourite things."

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #57 on: 30 January, 2009, 07:29:17 pm »
It'll also be a novelty riding without a SON wheel ....

What's the reason for not using the Son?  I was under the impression that the additional drag was minimal (especially when off), and would have thought LEL was the perfect ride for a hub dynamo light.
The sound of one pannier flapping

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #58 on: 30 January, 2009, 08:01:38 pm »
It'll also be a novelty riding without a SON wheel ....

What's the reason for not using the Son?  I was under the impression that the additional drag was minimal (especially when off), and would have thought LEL was the perfect ride for a hub dynamo light.

Because I plan on doing a minimal amount of night riding. I can't see much point dragging a SON wheel around for just a few hours where it may be useful. Much easier to carry 4 AA batteries giving you 4 hours of the same quality light.

Daylight in late July will be from about 5.15am to 9pm. That's almost 16 hours of daylight. Enough to do 300km in which is all you need to do a day for LEL (it sounds so easy put like this but it does ignore the fact that the 3rd 300 is pretty hilly).

I'll still be using my SON for all of the rides leading up to LEL, it does make much more sense on 400s or 600s where you can spend an entire night on the road.

And there will also be the psychological boost that I won't have any extra drag (however minimal).
"Yes please" said Squirrel "biscuits are our favourite things."

simonp

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #59 on: 09 February, 2009, 01:29:53 pm »
On PBP I did basically 4 nights on the road.  I'd like to do better than that on LEL, but I think I'll stick with the SON.

LEL

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #60 on: 09 February, 2009, 08:20:24 pm »
Hi, I'm just giving some consideration to LEL with respect to kit etc.Does
> anybody have any idea as to what will be inspected /checked at the
> registration on the  Sat. afternoon.Without stating the obvious basic
> requirements will it be a question of spare bulbs,batteries tool-kit ? Will
> there  be any requirement to wear a reflective tabard after reading about
> the  ankle band?.At least if we have a few months notice of any special
> needs that we would not usally take on a long ride we can prepare.Are there
> any lighting minimum requirements? If nothing it will give us something to
> discuss until the weather improves.

This question was asked on the Audax Yahoo group.

This is my reply - I have also put it under equipment.

There is no bike inspection for LEL - we have the very simple statement that
the bike should be roadworthy and fit for purpose.  Mudguards are not
compulsory though are highly recommended - a cold dry rider is less likely to
quit than a cold wet one.

As for reflective  gear,  we are stating that  all riders must wear something
reflective at night.  LEL will be issuing riders with reflective ankle straps
as a minimum.  Anyone who  is found not wearing these during the hours of
sunset adn sunrise runs the risk of having their brevet card removed and no
longer being a part of the event.

Lighting - sensible lighting which  will last  through the night with
sufficient spares for he  event is recommended.  The AUk website  is the best
source of info for  AUK lighting, including battery power.  All riders must
comply with UK  law regarding lighting.  remember - there are sheep on a unlit
roads in only quarter moonlight.  And it could be cloudy.

RichForrest

  • T'is I, Silverback.
    • Ramblings of a silverback cyclist
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #61 on: 10 February, 2009, 01:32:37 am »
LEL will be issuing riders with reflective ankle straps
as a minimum.  Anyone who  is found not wearing these during the hours of
sunset adn sunrise runs the risk of having their brevet card removed and no longer being a part of the event.

I'll wear these, but on the recumbent they will only be seen from the side, so will be of bugger all use for cars coming from the front or behind ;D

Rich.

Andrij

  • Андрій
  • Ερασιτεχνικός μισάνθρωπος
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #62 on: 10 February, 2009, 07:25:29 am »
LEL will be issuing riders with reflective ankle straps
as a minimum.  Anyone who  is found not wearing these during the hours of
sunset adn sunrise runs the risk of having their brevet card removed and no longer being a part of the event.

I'll wear these, but on the recumbent they will only be seen from the side, so will be of bugger all use for cars coming from the front or behind ;D

Rich.

Don't forget low flying aircraft.  ;)
;D  Andrij.  I pronounce you Complete and Utter GIT   :thumbsup:

frankly frankie

  • I kid you not
    • Fuchsiaphile
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #63 on: 10 February, 2009, 09:53:15 am »
The new chic
when you're dead you're done, so let the good times roll

LEL

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #64 on: 10 February, 2009, 11:17:40 am »
LEL will be issuing riders with reflective ankle straps
as a minimum.  Anyone who  is found not wearing these during the hours of
sunset adn sunrise runs the risk of having their brevet card removed and no longer being a part of the event.

I'll wear these, but on the recumbent they will only be seen from the side, so will be of bugger all use for cars coming from the front or behind ;D

Rich.

Ah, I had quite forgotten the recumbents were different -  we have not yet decided what will happen to you - if you have any (reasonable) suggestions, these would be welcome.

Mel

Mr Larrington

  • A bit ov a lyv wyr by slof standirds
  • Custard Wallah
    • Mr Larrington's Automatic Diary
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #65 on: 10 February, 2009, 11:22:44 am »
LEL will be issuing riders with reflective ankle straps
as a minimum.  Anyone who  is found not wearing these during the hours of
sunset adn sunrise runs the risk of having their brevet card removed and no longer being a part of the event.

I'll wear these, but on the recumbent they will only be seen from the side, so will be of bugger all use for cars coming from the front or behind ;D

Rich.

Ah, I had quite forgotten teh recumbents were different -  we have not yet decided what wll happen to you - if you have any s(reasonable) suggestions, these would be welcome.

ACP took no account of this chiz in spite of my tailbox being plastered with reflective Stuffs :(  Though the Sam Brown was actually quite useful as I could tuck the pouch containing route sheet & brevet card under it instead of having it flapping in the breeze.
External Transparent Wall Inspection Operative & Mayor of Mortagne-au-Perche
Satisfying the Bloodlust of the Masses in Peacetime

frankly frankie

  • I kid you not
    • Fuchsiaphile
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #66 on: 10 February, 2009, 01:09:26 pm »
Ah, I had quite forgotten the recumbents were different

How could you - the words "vocal" and "minority" spring all too readily to mind  :demon:
when you're dead you're done, so let the good times roll

vorsprung

  • Opposites Attract
    • Audaxing
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #67 on: 10 February, 2009, 04:20:51 pm »
Ah, I had quite forgotten the recumbents were different

How could you - the words "vocal" and "minority" spring all too readily to mind  :demon:

1) never look down
2) put on a bit of pace uphill

Fixedwheelnut

  • "If it ain't fixed it's broken"
    • My photos
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #68 on: 10 February, 2009, 10:06:28 pm »
 Lord Larrington I can get you some blank number plate reflective sheets if you want that can be attatched to the back of the bike, yellow or white.
"Don't stop pedalling"

LEL

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #69 on: 11 February, 2009, 03:11:39 pm »
Ah, I had quite forgotten the recumbents were different

How could you - the words "vocal" and "minority" spring all too readily to mind  :demon:

Good point.... ;D

However, if Fixed Wheel Nut (or other forum HPV owners) can suggest a practical alternative and possible supply for around 15 HPV machines, so much the better.

Ankle straps were chosen as they are highly visible, do not require removal like a Sam Browne when donning additional layers and have the least irritation/impact on rider factor.

Fixedwheelnut

  • "If it ain't fixed it's broken"
    • My photos
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #70 on: 11 February, 2009, 07:41:20 pm »
 How about a piece of number plate, reflective as well.




 That bike is fixed now but the mudguard still resides on another bike  :)

 that is the sort of thing it looks like, I can quite easily cut smaller strips off old number plates we change at work, if the recumbent guys let me know what size and where they can fit bits let me know and I will see what I can do.
cheers
 Steve
"Don't stop pedalling"

RichForrest

  • T'is I, Silverback.
    • Ramblings of a silverback cyclist
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #71 on: 12 February, 2009, 01:22:24 am »
I've not really got any suggestions of what to do with reflectives on the bike.
Mine hasn't really got anything to stick stuff on at the back.
Mudguard can have stuff stuck on but I suppose the ankle straps are used because they move and catch your eye.
When viewed from behind there are no moving parts to be seen, you can only see the bag on the seat and my head and shoulders (not the shampoo I don't need that  ;))
Arms are held forwards so the straps would not be much use there either.

Rich.


mikewigley

Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #72 on: 12 February, 2009, 09:08:30 am »

Ankle straps were chosen as they are highly visible, do not require removal like a Sam Browne when donning additional layers and have the least irritation/impact on rider factor.


They are a good idea.  The Highway Code requires that "At night your cycle must have ... amber pedal reflectors if manufactured after 1/10/85", which is just about impossible to comply with, but ankle reflectors at least meet the spirit of this rule

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #73 on: 12 February, 2009, 09:13:27 am »

Ankle straps were chosen as they are highly visible, do not require removal like a Sam Browne when donning additional layers and have the least irritation/impact on rider factor.


They are compulsory for RUSA events and recommended for Audax Oz events.  I'd prefer them to our compulsory reflective vests.  Audax Oz justifies vests for recumbenters by asking "But what about when they are off the bike?"
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

Mr Larrington

  • A bit ov a lyv wyr by slof standirds
  • Custard Wallah
    • Mr Larrington's Automatic Diary
Re: LEL equipment
« Reply #74 on: 12 February, 2009, 11:10:13 am »
Reflective ankle doofers on recumbents are this: bloody annoying ???
External Transparent Wall Inspection Operative & Mayor of Mortagne-au-Perche
Satisfying the Bloodlust of the Masses in Peacetime