The Horsepower 200 & 100km

[rob]

Back for another go.   Probably on gears this time round.

[Phil W]

I'm on the 200.  Done the 100 a couple of times. Once on the helpers ride with Tomsk and Richard Ellis, and once on main event since.  Never been to Snetterton so that'll be something different.  Should be my fourth 200 of this season hopefully.  I'm not doing RRTY but I am at the start of a streak (two in a row, wow) at the moment.

Will be on (not so) new recumbent with it's more robust tyres fitted for winter at the moment.  Lanes are super skoggy this winter and I'd rather not fix P***s this time of year.

[arabella]

I've signed up.  I need to book my place on the pyjama express.  It's possible I may have a (gulp) motor vehicle with me (anyone want a one-way lift from Ips or towards Pbo?) so I go on to collect the little dear from uni as it's in the same direction.  But I haven't entirely convinced myself I want to drive though I'm tempted logistically since I'll be going more or less that way anyway.

[Tomsk]

Re: Horsepower 200km Helpers' ride on 7th March - any requests for a different to start time?

07:00 as per the calendar ride is ok by me, but 8 or even 9 is ok [though more night riding in the latter stages would inevitably occur]. We're likely to ride as a club-run full-value kind of thing; if previous form is anything to go by it will feature a cafe stop in Lavenham, McDonalds at Snetterton for lunch and apple crumble at Newmarket Wetherspoons. We may well end up at the Angel and Harp in Churchend ...

[drossall]

Entered the 100.

[rob]

Did the 200 always start at 7am ?   I don't recall getting up that early.

We're making a weekend of it so I will be riding over from Birchanger way.   I might arrive just as everyone goes off.

[peter simplex]

No, it was 7.30.    The only quick way to get to Stortford from London in time for a ride over to Dunmow is the  5.29 ex-Stratford.  Perhaps if the housing development around Dunmow gathers pace  , the old railway line to might be relaid     The Stansted Express, which does stop at Stortford bans unfolded bikes 

[Redlight]

The Stansted Express, which does stop at Stortford bans unfolded bikes 

I wouldn't want to rely on it, but I have taken my bike on the Stansted Express to the airport, to ride on to Dunmow, several times.  I think they tend to turn a blind eye if the train's not too busy.

[rob]

No, it was 7.30.    The only quick way to get to Stortford from London in time for a ride over to Dunmow is the  5.29 ex-Stratford.  Perhaps if the housing development around Dunmow gathers pace  , the old railway line to might be relaid     The Stansted Express, which does stop at Stortford bans unfolded bikes 

It's alright, I'm coming up the previous evening and also staying Saturday night.   Just means an early alarm at the hotel on Saturday.

[GavinC]

I wouldn't want to rely on it, but I have taken my bike on the Stansted Express to the airport, to ride on to Dunmow, several times.  I think they tend to turn a blind eye if the train's not too busy.

That's been my experience too.

[bhoot]

Based on plenty of trips via Bishops Storford - never any problem southbound, just get on first London train whatever it is. Northbound they can stop you at Liverpool Street, although we have done it early in the morning without any problem.

[psyclist]

No, it was 7.30.    The only quick way to get to Stortford from London in time for a ride over to Dunmow is the  5.29 ex-Stratford. 

Or from Liverpool Street, the 5:10, 5:25 or even the 5:40.

[peter simplex]

Or from Liverpool Street, the 5:10, 5:25 or even the 5:40.

Er, those are Stansted Express services, hence my original enquiry...   but bhoot thinks it's doable despite the cycle ban.

[Tomsk]

If you miss your train or have jobsworth interference on the Stansted Express, just let me know you're running late and you can have your card marked with a later start time. You've got all day. 

The way the wind has been this winter you'll probably have a tailwind from Stortford/Stansted Airport, but, oh no, a headwind all the way back from Snetterton ...

Don't forget we have floor space for about 12 in St Mary's Centre, for a pyjama party. If there's a massive demand I can get the use of St Mary's Room across the road by the pub.

[Deano4]

Re: Horsepower 200km Helpers' ride on 7th March - any requests for a different to start time?

07:00 as per the calendar ride is ok by me, but 8 or even 9 is ok [though more night riding in the latter stages would inevitably occur]. We're likely to ride as a club-run full-value kind of thing; if previous form is anything to go by it will feature a cafe stop in Lavenham, McDonalds at Snetterton for lunch and apple crumble at Newmarket Wetherspoons. We may well end up at the Angel and Harp in Churchend ...

Back to the helpers ride, I’m ok with a 7am start, but am flexible if others fancy a later one.

[Tomsk]

Back to the helpers ride, I’m ok with a 7am start, but am flexible if others fancy a later one.

We're all ok with 07:00 - it'll be you, me, tippers, Grey Sheep and BFC - any other takers?

I checked out the 100km route yesterday morning, all ok, but the Newmarket level crossing on the final 200km stage is scheduled for closure this coming weekend so we may need a slight diversion, depending on how closed the road/crossing actually is. Shoudn't add too much to double back to the Cambridge road and take the next left to get us back on track.

[the straggler]

I'm interested in tagging along from Lavenham to Snetterton, but with an intention to retrace straight back home again. I need this training prior to next weekend calender event.

[Tomsk]

I'm interested in tagging along from Lavenham to Snetterton, but with an intention to retrace straight back home again. I need this training prior to next weekend calender event.

Ok, with an 07:00 start, we'll aim to be at "Chili & Chives", Lavenham between 09:30 & 10:00.

[BFC]

Back to the helpers ride, I’m ok with a 7am start, but am flexible if others fancy a later one.

We're all ok with 07:00 - it'll be you, me, tippers, Grey Sheep and BFC - any other takers?

I checked out the 100km route yesterday morning, all ok, but the Newmarket level crossing on the final 200km stage is scheduled for closure this coming weekend so we may need a slight diversion, depending on how closed the road/crossing actually is. Shoudn't add too much to double back to the Cambridge road and take the next left to get us back on track.

I have assumed we are gathering at Tomsk Towers for a 07:00 kick off this Saturday for the helpers ride. I will review weather forecast nearer the time before deciding between driving or riding over to Dunmow!

For the calendar event I will be driving to Dunmow to assist at the start, then heading off to Snetterton with the control paraphernalia - and disappearing into deepest darkest Norfolk after closing the control... I do not plan to return to the arrivee at Dunmow (the same plan as last year but the pothole of doom caused a major change).

[Tomsk]

07:00 start for the Helpers' Ride, get here early if you want a cuppa, toast etc - meeting The Straggler at Chili & Chives, Lavenham, 09:30 - 10:00. Actual Helpers [as opposed to just-along-for-company - nice as that is too] get treated to all food & drink along the way.

The old start time of 07:30 [2015 - 2019] was changed to 07:00 to give a longer break between the 200 & 100km starts. Also to get a bit more daylight riding time - lots of full value riders faced the final, often slow, headwindy, laney 50km in the dark from Newmarket: helpers then fed and watered them, while attempting to clear up and we were lucky to get finished by 22:00. Then there was all the stuff to be unloaded back home and sorted out.

If early trains are an issue, don't forget the Friday Night Pyjama Party.

[Tomsk]

Revised 200km routesheet and information now on AUKweb, following yesterday's Helpers' Ride and route check.

[Sebo]

Looking forward to this! 
My first Audax of this year and a few cobwebs to blow out. 
Having taken up Audax as a replacement for motorbike trackdays, this is somewhat of a bitter-sweet Audax as Snetterton was my most frequent outing.  It'll be nice to see the friendly folks in the cafe though and eat some of their excellent stodge (without the ruinous outpouring of cash on motorbike tyres..) 

[rob]

Well, what do you know.....strong SWly forecast for Saturday.

[drossall]

Unfortunately I'm going to have to drop out of the 100km  My son's house move has finally come through, and it's all hands on deck.

[Tomsk]

Well, what do you know.....strong SWly forecast for Saturday.

Indeed, the typical March scenario - allow 50% longer for the return 100km and have a major re-fuelling at Snetterton and in Newmarket. We went to McDonalds at the A11 services, then 'spoons apple crumble and icecream last week. I think only a NW wind is worse: cross/headwind to Snetterton, pretty much full on against you on the most exposed sections to Newmarket, then too knackered to enjoy the tailwind home! When we had this scenario in the past it included sleet showers in the mix too - at least things are relatively mild currently ...