Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Freewheeling => Racing => Topic started by: rob on 04 June, 2017, 02:08:20 pm

Title: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 04 June, 2017, 02:08:20 pm
I've not started a thread on this yet as I've been largely in denial, but entered a couple of weeks ago.

My early results this year have been encouraging and I need to find 2 miles more than last year to beat the club record which was set in the 50s.

According to their Facebook page the HQ and start are moving this year, but not very far.   This will also mean a new finishing circuit.  I'm half hoping that this will remove the big lump in the middle of the old one that I struggled winch my way up last year.

First big test of the year is the Newbury 12hr next weekend.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: mattc on 05 June, 2017, 02:32:48 pm
The new start/finish will have a big effect on the character of the event. Could be interesting!

Is the 12 on Saturday on the A31? Rather you than me ... :P
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 05 June, 2017, 03:40:07 pm
Is the 12 on Saturday on the A31? Rather you than me ... :P

Indeed.   Did it 2 years ago and the ruts in the road start to get to you after 7/8hrs - fast road, though.

Looks like pauld is off a few mins behind me.   No other names from round here this year, though.   I note that the record breaking Arctic Tacx team are all out though.   Must go and look up what the 12hr team record is.

*EDIT* Byronius is on there as well
Title: Newbury 12hr this Sunday - help our rob*!
Post by: mattc on 05 June, 2017, 07:18:24 pm
http://www.newburyrc.co.uk/prod/php/getactivity.php?aid=4363

Appears to be on Sunday :P

But more urgently ... they've just put out a call for helpers. I'm blimmin miles away, but if anyone on here fancies giving rob's event a helping hand, contact Rachael Elliot at NewburyRC. It's based at Alton (Hampshire).

Details above :)

*and our Byronius. And PaulD. etc ... etc ...
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Karla on 06 June, 2017, 08:44:36 am
... and JES  :P

The route is indeed up and down the ten mile stretch between Chawton and Farnham though.  Rather Rob than me too!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Paul D on 06 June, 2017, 09:37:28 am
I'm DNSing the Newbury 12 this weekend  :-[  Lots of excuses including too much working / not enough riding in the last 6 weeks, but the final straw was a high-ish speed car crash last week which if nothing else has destroyed my mental focus and my car  :'(.

Still on for the Mersey 24 though. Got former Bronze medallist Toby wasting his weekend handing bottles up so best make a good job of it.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Paul D on 06 June, 2017, 09:42:01 am
On the subject of the 24 course: I'm not a Faceache user so if anyone spots any updates on there, especially course details, can they point 'em out on here please? Ta!

My motivation this year is mainly recce the course / race so that next year (2 weeks after my 40th) I can tick off the club vet record of ~413. The club record of 467 is perhaps a bit bigger project... I'd be very happy with a 400 this year, not unhappy with 380...we'll see.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 06 June, 2017, 10:32:10 am
Sorry to hear you're not starting on Sunday, Paul.   It's still 6 weeks to the 24hr so plenty of time.

The update from the Mersey Roads doesn't have a lot of detail yet.   What they have said is that the new HQ is the clubhouse, Wrexham which I believe is here :-

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/The+Club+House+Wrexham/@53.0541703,-2.9122708,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x487abe403d7e24e3:0x5ff289219fa93eb4!8m2!3d53.0362909!4d-2.9061339?hl=en

This isn't particularly far from the old HQ at Farndon.   The update said there's a new start point (figures) and finishing circuit but the rest looks like it's the same.   Looking at the location of the HQ they could do a few things with the finishing circuit but we'll have to wait and see.    I found the short climb on the old finishing circuit quite a grind towards the end last year.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 26 June, 2017, 12:52:40 pm
Entries close midnight tomorrow, people.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: cygnet on 03 July, 2017, 11:04:05 pm
Start list and course details up on TTF.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 04 July, 2017, 07:35:26 am
Start list and course details up on TTF.

Slightly smaller field than last year.

New finishing circuit is shorter.   Need to take a look and see if it's a bit flatter as that climb was hard work with a bad back last year.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: cygnet on 04 July, 2017, 10:19:34 am
Looks like there's a bit of a stinger on the Wrexham Rd, maybe not as long as Barton but more often? due to the shorter circuit.

Teethgrinder's got himself a (new) team.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 04 July, 2017, 10:57:33 am
Looks like there's a bit of a stinger on the Wrexham Rd, maybe not as long as Barton but more often? due to the shorter circuit.

Teethgrinder's got himself a (new) team.

No real chance to do a proper recce, but will have a drive round when we get up there late Friday pm.   This one is going to be a bit of a family holiday so we're all coming and then heading off to a cottage the following week.   I did have some issues walking after last year's event so I'm hoping for very little in the way of physical activity.

Yeah, Steve was invited to join the Arctic as man 3 for this year's event.  I saw Tim Bayley after the Newbury 12hr and he said he definitely wasn't riding.

I'd have the top 3 as - Mike/Shoobs/Victor.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Frank9755 on 04 July, 2017, 11:25:50 am
Start list and course details up on TTF.

Where? can't find it
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 04 July, 2017, 11:30:20 am
Start list and course details up on TTF.

Where? can't find it

Course here :-

http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?/topic/121757-mersey-roads-24-hour-new-course-details/

Start sheet seems to have disappeared, it was there earlier.   It is on the CTT site :-

https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-entrant-list/15599#anchor
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Frank9755 on 04 July, 2017, 11:34:52 am
Found it on CTT
https://cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-entrant-list/15599#anchor (https://cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-entrant-list/15599#anchor)

Another one to watch is the 2nd last man off, Chris Herbert, who is quick.  He's not a regular time triallist but, if he goes well, he could be near the top.  If he focused on time trials to a greater extent (and stopped smoking!) I think he could be a real contender.

EDIT - just caught up with Chris and he's not on great form since having been rear-ended by a bus a couple of weeks ago (the one that went viral on Twitter with the bus hitting him from behind while stopped at a red light), so not expecting to achieve great things.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 18 July, 2017, 01:53:31 pm
Ah.....The Fear......don't you just love it ?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Paul D on 18 July, 2017, 03:53:21 pm
Slight stress headache today trying to mind-juggle all the things I need to box up in the next couple of days, and a 16 hour day with customer tomorrow. Bloody work getting in the way of important things.

I'm feeling fairly positive about the whole thing though, especially the enormous pile of junk food I'm planning on getting through in 24 hours. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 20 July, 2017, 03:47:58 pm
https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/articles/view/239
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: mattc on 20 July, 2017, 03:51:05 pm
Good luck to rob, Paul and everyone else riding!

https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/articles/view/239

Has Jasmijn Muller got any form in this event? (I know she's done some Ultras, so not lacking in relevant experience!)
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 20 July, 2017, 04:22:47 pm
Good luck to rob, Paul and everyone else riding!

https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/articles/view/239

Has Jasmijn Muller got any form in this event? (I know she's done some Ultras, so not lacking in relevant experience!)

Don't think she rode last year.   She was on the same 12hr as me 6 weeks ago and at the end of last year so has been riding UK TTs in general.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Paul D on 20 July, 2017, 06:48:46 pm
https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/articles/view/239

Congrats on the mention as a significant rival!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 20 July, 2017, 08:18:25 pm
https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/articles/view/239

Congrats on the mention as a significant rival!

"Among the opposition".....I'll take that.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Chris N on 24 July, 2017, 09:38:40 am
Any word from the 24h riders?  Are the results posted anywhere?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Karla on 24 July, 2017, 09:48:41 am
Provisional Results on TTF (http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?/topic/122265-rttc-national-championship-24-hour-results/).  They may go up or down a bit, of course.  I *think* the top ones are all uncontentious but my rider looks a few miles out from what I thought he was on so I'll go back to the logs, check it and may appeal if I can't resolve the difference.  We'll see.

Well done on Paul D to getting your 600 km for your SR.  You looked good throughout so with better conditions and a bit less stopping next year, you should smash 400 + quite a bit  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Chris N on 24 July, 2017, 09:56:16 am
Thanks. :thumbsup:

Pretty good for a first 24 from Paul, I hope he's pleased with that.  What happened to Rob?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Karla on 24 July, 2017, 10:01:21 am
Rob packed after the heavy rain in the afternoon, he was very cold, couldn't use his hands properly and decided not to continue.  About half the field made the same decision at some point.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 24 July, 2017, 10:10:06 am
Paul was very cheerful passing us at Espley in the night. I reminded Heather that she'd interviewed Paul 10 years ago on PBP at St Martin des Pres. Only Michael Broadwith was as cheerful. Michael did the full 7 laps from Prees Heath to Espley and return, and was never under the hour for just over 20 miles on that circuit.

The lack of a leg down to Shawbirch meant that we saw few supporters. We only had the riders, disco music and show tunes to keep us company. That's why we were occasionally dancing when the riders passed. 'Singing in the Rain' was the high point of the morning. We had our usual barbecue at 3.30 am. Aberdeen Angus quarter-pounders with brioche buns.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Karla on 24 July, 2017, 12:58:02 pm
I've now updated my photo album (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100904194665664.1073741882.222305309&type=1&l=e5ab67e3fa) of the event with shots from the finishing circuit.

Paul D

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20246164_10100905427315424_5652493088428918036_n.jpg?oh=8ec3be34ff1cb4920c0cdb36d36d640d&oe=5A021391)

TG

(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20265011_10100905426871314_394765989266809917_n.jpg?oh=fb53bede09e7503ff3691b4daecff24f&oe=59FC6A0E)

If I caught you, you are free to download your photo and use it for noncommercial purposes, e.g. on social media, in your club mag or similar.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 24 July, 2017, 01:50:27 pm
Fixed wheel Ti TT bike for sale.   Bit dirty.   One idiot owner.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Peter on 24 July, 2017, 01:59:17 pm
Revellinho 400 miles - absolutely superb.  Well done, Paul!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Veloman on 24 July, 2017, 02:07:49 pm
Love the shot of Steve with his rack on his bike!
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: IanDG on 24 July, 2017, 02:55:21 pm
I see Christina Mackenzie did 380 miles - She was Hebridean CC (now Stirling) and rode the first 2 of my 300km Audax events.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: rob on 24 July, 2017, 08:37:16 pm
We travelled up on Friday and I met my supporters at the hotel.   I ended up having another shocking night's sleep and woke up feeling awful.   Walking around the HQ before setting off I had several 'don't want to do this' thoughts.   I chose to ignore them and put everything together, facing the timekeeper at 13:40.

The weather was warm and sunny for the early miles and I wound the gear up and started to feel good, averaging 23mph at my first bottle pick up at Prees.   I was picking starters off pretty regularly on the Espley leg, returning to Prees still averaging 23s.   As I headed down to Battlebridge there was the first biblical shower and I was soaked through.   It was brief and I could see the sun ahead.  I was dry when I got back to Prees and did another Espley leg, before my first stop at 4hrs.  I had only been caught by one rider at that point, Paul Jackson.

On the return from Battlebridge it started to rain heavily again and I grabbed a cape back at Prees.   

On joining the QB circuit I was averaging 22.5mph but it was then that it really started to rain.   The roads were awash but my speed was OK.   I was getting soaked from above and below and beginning to get cold.   It stayed like this for a couple of laps and then the rain stopped as I started a third circuit.   Unconsciously I had stopped drinking and, when I tried, I couldn't squeeze the bottle to get any fluid out.   At the same time it had got harder to get into my gels and bars as I had lost the feeling in the end of my fingers.

I returned to Prees at 7.5hrs with 161 miles on the clock.   I asked to have my 8hr stop early, putting on my track top and a gilet but I still couldn't feel my hands and was starting to shake.   We cadged a pair of gloves from another team but I couldn't get them on even with help.  At one point I had my hands inside my helpers jacket trying to warm up.   After 20 minutes of this I called the ride off, sat down and had a little cry.   I'd spent the last 9 months building for this and it was over.

Was it the right decision ? Probably.   I may have done some proper damage if I'd carried on.   I talked to another team at the hotel and they described what I looked like when I climbed off.   I have noticed that my weight loss has made me more susceptible to the cold so will need to monitor and plan for this.

What now ?  Don't know.   I'm now on holiday for a week and not racing again this year.   I have the option to pick up with my coach again in November.   I feel like I have it in me to improve on my previous distance, but not sure I can give it all again. 
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: mattc on 24 July, 2017, 10:29:57 pm
Strewth. After 3 goes at this event I was starting to fancy myself as ... well, sort of knowing  what things tend to happen. I'm not so sure now!

Don't know what to say Rob -  I suppose "commiserations" will have to do for now.

Massive chapeau to anyone that did a respectable distance - whether that's in their own eyes, or to the lay trialist  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Revellinho on 25 July, 2017, 12:59:35 am
Revellinho 400 miles - absolutely superb.  Well done, Paul!
Revellinho 400 miles - absolutely superb.  Well done, Paul!
82"
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 25 July, 2017, 11:20:28 pm
I didn't take many pictures.

(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20245372_1418200074884265_5974259679208432099_n.jpg?oh=0b03367e91d8ca4310bb05effd283ed2&oe=5A05D1CC)
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: TOBY on 26 July, 2017, 01:20:32 pm
I took a load of pictures on the finishing circuit that I've stuck on dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4i0iitkgtjlz7vr/AAAVyf05TvkdrYwLVWvwRsUWa?dl=0)

Not the greatest but I was tired and I haven't taken photos for a long time.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: cygnet on 27 July, 2017, 09:19:34 pm
Some photo's from the Dulwich crew:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dockhill/sets/72157684205773733 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dockhill/sets/72157684205773733)

Disappointing for me, but at least I was not alone in 'retiring' and plenty of familiar faces at Prees to lift my spirits, inc Karla and T0BY otp. Commiserations  to all who abandoned along with me, and big respect to everyone who finished.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Nuncio on 27 July, 2017, 10:20:30 pm
Paul was very cheerful passing us at Espley in the night.

Is there more than one PaulD?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: TOBY on 31 July, 2017, 10:00:15 am
Paul was very cheerful passing us at Espley in the night.

Is there more than one PaulD?

There were at least three that weekend.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Nuncio on 31 July, 2017, 12:47:26 pm
Did any of them need cajoling from their helper?
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Delph Cyclist on 18 August, 2017, 02:31:40 pm
Has anyone seen a finish list yet?  I like to look through to identify the Audax UK members who will be wanting their points adding to their AUK totals.  And there is the small matter of the Dave Lewis Trophy to consider.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Revellinho on 19 August, 2017, 08:11:55 am
It's all there on the ctt website https://cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-results/15599#anchor (https://cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-results/15599#anchor) with the tandems on a separate sheet.  Jasmijn Muller for the highest mileage I think - you'll have met her on 'A Pair of Kirtons'.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 19 August, 2017, 09:02:41 am
It's all there on the ctt website https://cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-results/15599#anchor (https://cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/race-results/15599#anchor) with the tandems on a separate sheet.  Jasmijn Muller for the highest mileage I think - you'll have met her on 'A Pair of Kirtons'.

Nice one Paul. I was discussing your provisionaL 399.9999 with Jasmijn when I interviewed her at Loughton. Non TTers don't get the magic barriers thing.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 19 August, 2017, 09:20:30 am
Paul was very cheerful passing us at Espley in the night.

Is there more than one PaulD?

There were at least three that weekend.

Paul Dytham. we first filmed him at St Martin on the 2007 PBP.
Title: Re: Mersey Roads 24hr 2017
Post by: Paul D on 29 August, 2017, 12:17:14 pm
I've been watching my AUK results page as I wanted to confirm the board considered my 376.6 miles enough to net me 6 points.

Noticed today the 'Farndon 360' is up: http://www.aukweb.net/results/archive/2017/listevent/?Ride=17-24TT  :thumbsup: