Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Freewheeling => Racing => Topic started by: Scrantaj on 16 April, 2018, 09:46:27 am
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So I've been talked into entering this year.
I've managed to find some details on the course but very little about how its organised. Can anyone point me to any info on organisation, good places for supporters to park up / make camp etc? Training is going ok but any general advice would be gratefully received!
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CTT (https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/)
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There are various threads on here, have a look through the racing section and you should be able to dig out a few.
Here's My report from last time I did it (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=77089.msg1579301#msg1579301).
The course has changed a bit in recent years, so don't set too much store by any maps or reports you read online. Here (https://www.strava.com/activities/1102183091) is the women's winner's Strava from last year, which is the most up to date course.
The current version of the course:
Start at Wrexham
Ride to Prees Heath
Do laps going Prees - Battlefield - Prees - Tern Hill - Prees
During the morning and evening you will be put on a circuit that does 13 mile laps of some lanes around Prees, instead of the main Battlefield / Tern Hill drag.
Ride back to Wrexham
Do laps of the finishing circuit around Wrexham until you run out of time.
The best place for supporters is Prees. Go early to bag a good spot! There's usually a cafe that is open 24 hours, but I was suporting a friend last year and the cafe shut at night - hopefully it will be open again this year as I got rather cold outside in the rain! Lots of people bring a gazebo if they have one.
At Prees you will see your rider either every 20-30 miles or every 13 miles. When they get directed to the finishing circuit, up sticks and drive to Wrexham where you will then see them every 8-10 miles.
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A tented village forms on this area of grass next to the Prees Heath roundabout. This obscures the sightlines at the junction of the A49 and the A41, at the point where traffic is turning into the Raven Cafe. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.9370275,-2.6602492,3a,75y,247.56h,87.5t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svdov7zGpeFIbPuWQXTD_bg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
Sunday morning is the busy time there. With wagons arriving for breakfast, and motorcyclists congregating. I've never been entirely happy seeing riders picking up bottles close to the roundabout, and sorting them out as they cross the busiest part of the junction.
Handing up here gives the riders time to sort themselves out before the roundabout. https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@52.9345745,-2.6607899,3a,75y,205.27h,63.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sF31xgD9u4mEj7PojmcFvAQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en
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Thanks guys, all useful stuff!
Great write up from last year Karla, this will be my first time out on a 24 so really not sure what to expect. Your training plan sounds much like mine, short fast sessions the turbo trainer with the occasional long Audax thrown in.
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Exit Stage Left has done a series of films about the MR24, which you can find on Youtube and Vimeo. Here's one of them here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeRBvJ4cMZk&t=407s). Watch as many as you can and you should get a good feel for the event.
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I'd forgotten what a lot of effort we put into that film, mainly as a rehearsal for filming PBP 2015.
Sadly, Sam Williamson, Michael Broadwith's team leader, passed away in February, after a short battle with prostate cancer. I remember meeting him on a previous occasion, when he rode the 24.
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The course and HQ used in 2017:
REVISED COURSE DETAILS MERSEY ROADS 24 HOUR
Start from The Club House Wrexham, Wrexham Industrial Estate, Oak Rd, Wrexham LL13 9RG
SECTION 1 (to Prees Heath RAB) 25.93 miles
GPX Link:https://www.plotaroute.com/route/445163
(https://www.plotaroute.com/route/445163)
SECTION 2 (2x Battlefield Church) (by the end of this you will have completed a total of 123.17 miles)
GPX link: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/445001 (https://www.plotaroute.com/route/445001)
SECTION 3: Quina Brook Circuit (each circuit is 12.62 miles - you complete up to 7 laps, if you do all 7 you will have completed a total of 211.47 miles by the end)
GPX link: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/406312 (https://www.plotaroute.com/route/406312)
SECTION 4: Prees Heath Espley Prees Heath (NIGHT CIRCUIT) each circuit is 20.65 miles - you complete up to 7 laps, if you do all 7 you will have completed a total of 356.02 miles by the end
GPX link: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/449078 (https://www.plotaroute.com/route/449078)
SECTION 5: Quina Brook circuit (see section 3 above for GPX link), this time you will complete up to 6 laps (12.62 miles each), if you do all 6 you will have completed a total of 431.70 miles by the end
SECTION 6: finishing circuit (and transition to it)
Each lap of the finishing circuit is 8.56 miles long
The transition is 10.95 miles
GPX link: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/445166 (https://www.plotaroute.com/route/445166)
On the Prees Heath - Espley - Prees Heath laps most people do hand ups at the Prees Heath RAB. I much prefer to do so at Espley. There is a nice section of grass on the left hand side just as you exit the RAB on the way back from Espley towards Prees Heath.
On the Quina Brook laps again most people do hand ups at Prees Heath RAB. I much prefer doing so on the back of the circuit in Tilstock. There is a section where the road inclines a little. Supporters can take Tilstock Lane to cut through from Prees Heath to Tilstock.
On the Battlefield Church Laps I guess again most people do hand ups at Prees Heath RAB, but is a very lap stretch to Battlefield Church. You may want supporters to do a hand up somewhere half way. There is a good layby on the left on the return from Battlefield Church RAB on the A49. Cars can parks up. Riders can even ride in and out of quite quickly if they prefer. Sorry cannot give exact details, but you will see it when you drive the route.
On the finish circuit, there are various options for handups. All just depends on what you find most comfortable. I would avoid the grassy area near the HQ as there are a lot of supporters on there and visibility may not be as good.
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I’m too nice to my helpers, stationing them near food, drink and toilets.
The unmentioned benefit of being at Prees for approx 21hrs is that the marshalls will let you know when each section closes and when you are being moved on.
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There are various threads on here, have a look through the racing section and you should be able to dig out a few.
Here's My report from last time I did it (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=77089.msg1579301#msg1579301).
That's a great write up, I really enjoyed reading it :thumbsup:
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Wow, high praise indeed!
Hey Scrantaj, you've now got not one but two winners of this event on the thread, they must like you :thumbsup:
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Here[/url] is the women's winner's Strava from last year, which is the most up to date course.
And here is my write up: https://duracellbunnyonabike.com/2017/08/03/national-24hr-tt-win/ (https://duracellbunnyonabike.com/2017/08/03/national-24hr-tt-win/) WHich incorporates images of the various course sections.
Have fun. Mersey 24hr is the best TT of the year. I have been there as a rider and as a supporter, I very much enjoyed the atmosphere each time.
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I would appear to have entered this 🙄
I’m not shaving my legs or buying a skin suit just so we understand each other 😉
It can’t be as bad(Hurt as much)as LEL did last year...... Can it 😳
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Sadly, Sam Williamson, Michael Broadwith's team leader, passed away in February, after a short battle with prostate cancer. I remember meeting him on a previous occasion, when he rode the 24.
That is very sad, my daughter who was supporting me found herself spending quite a lot of time positioned next to Sam and got very excited as Sam explained that the comp record was possible!!
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Sadly, Sam Williamson, Michael Broadwith's team leader, passed away in February, after a short battle with prostate cancer. I remember meeting him on a previous occasion, when he rode the 24.
That is very sad, my daughter who was supporting me found herself spending quite a lot of time positioned next to Sam and got very excited as Sam explained that the comp record was possible!!
I did a fairly long interview with Sam in 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl-1HEL8ieY
He did 444.643 miles, coming 9th. The 24 Hour fellowship have results, including 100 mile times and 12 hour distances.
http://www.24hourfellowship.org.uk/result.php?event=Mersey%20Roads%20Club&eventyear=2012
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Only 3 months until this comes round again, I should really think about getting a long ride in first ;)
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Hmm yes. Well.
I seem to have entered this shenannigans too.
My entry is paid but awaiting aceptance.
Is that nomal?
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Yes...your place is only confirmed when the start sheet is issued.
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Only 3 months until this comes round again, I should really think about getting a long ride in first ;)
Have you set a date or still weather watching?
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Yes...your place is only confirmed when the start sheet is issued.
History suggests it won't be oversubscribed - so basically, you're in :thumbsup:
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Only 3 months until this comes round again, I should really think about getting a long ride in first ;)
Have you set a date or still weather watching?
Any time from April 29th, looking for 2 days of strong southerlies. Fingers crossed that happens in time to get ready for the 24 :thumbsup:
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Wow, high praise indeed!
Hey Scrantaj, you've now got not one but two winners of this event on the thread, they must like you :thumbsup:
I knew I should have come back here sooner!
Thanks again to all who replied. Hopefully see some of you on the course as you go past me :)
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Still in denial. I'll wait to see how my 100 & 12hr go.
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You may glean some useful info from these or you may not.
https://thehippy.net/blog/mersey-roads-24hr-tt-debriefing/
https://thehippy.net/blog/2012-mersey-roads-national-24-hour-timetrial-championships/
https://thehippy.net/blog/2013-mersey-roads-24hr-tt-24-hour-national-championship/
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Did the Anfield 100 yesterday in preparation for the Mersey roads 24 , great event and was a bit of a eye opener as to how hard it was to sustain power over 20mph (road bike with tri bars) I’m now looking longingly at a cheap cannondale slice 🙄and I’m sure I won’t look that bad in a skin suit😳
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Did the Anfield 100 yesterday in preparation for the Mersey roads 24 , great event and was a bit of a eye opener as to how hard it was to sustain power over 20mph (road bike with tri bars) I’m now looking longingly at a cheap cannondale slice 🙄and I’m sure I won’t look that bad in a skin suit😳
I found that hard too - so much so that I didn't manage it! I, however, will not be seen in a skinsuit this year and I am sticking to the tried and trusted steel-framed fixed-gear bike. When I mysteriously get loads of money, I will acquire a really blingy bike and a special helmet. Till then I'll be struggling along - lol!
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Well done Pieman!
If you want free speed on a budget, I'd recommend:
Getting a Bell Javelin or Giro Selector - good aero helmets that can be had pretty cheap these days
Getting a steeper stem if you want to lower your front end
Practicing lots and lots in your tribars so you can stay in them for the duration of the event
Ignoring any advice that says you have to put your saddle massively up and forward to use the tribars
Considering a different saddle if you find your current one uncomfortable in the TT position.
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all the aero tweaks combined make quite a difference, so worth investing in (even if to sell them on afterwards). i did a tt training ride yesterday (150k in 4h) on a tt setup and only needed 225w; similar time/speed on a standard road bike would require ~270w which i would be able to sustain for only a couple of hours max.
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If you want free speed on a budget, I'd recommend:
Getting a Bell Javelin or Giro Selector - good aero helmets that can be had pretty cheap these days
I have two Bell Javelins I'll likely be parting with when I get back from TransAm. One Large that helped win me the National 24hr and one smaller (I presume Med).
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I’m currently using a Cannondale Synapse with tt bars fitted , I did Lel on it last year, I have a giro attack helmet which I picked up cheap but in all honesty I think my old Kask infinity feels more aero .
I was contemplating buying a cannondale slice 105 🙄 as it’s meant to take up to 28mm tyres (not that I would run that on the front) and I think I could get a more comfortable position on it .
Held position at the weekend apart from the odd hill and rise which I stretched out but it’s not exactly comfy hurts my old back a bit.
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Right, so training appears to be going ok. Averaging around 18mph over 3 and 400km Audax rides on the Ti armchair. Yes its got aero bars but it also has a dynamo hub and mudguards and luggage, and the geometry is so relaxed it's practically horizontal. The routes haven't been exactly flat either so feeling optimistic atm.
I'm actually aiming for the Club's national veterans record which is 415 miles. Out for a 400km Audax on Saturday on the "fast" carbon bike with as little kit as I can get away with. Still a bit lumpy (1800m ascent) but some long (80km) flat roads across the fens should let me get a proper feel for the setup and position. We'll see how it goes.
Stretch goal is the Mens overall record at 469 miles but I have a suspicion that may be a bit beyond me. You never know though, on a good day with a fair breeze I might get lucky but I have a feeling I'm too far the wrong side of 40 for a 20mph average to be realistic.
So, question for the guys who know what they are doing. Is it worth going full aero for the ride? The bike is a Ridley Noah SL with TT bars attached so a bit aero but not super slippery. I'll be running on 50mm carbon wheels and I can probably lay my hands on an aero helmet, but beyond that I'm not sure whether I can stretch the budget to a skin suit, disc wheel etc.
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From what you have said I reckon you'll be fine without worrying about skinsuits and the like. Whatever bike you ride, just make sure it is comfortable. A 400 audax ridden hard is ideal prep/test. To quote an old saying, don't rush too much when you're riding, but go as fast as you can when you're stopped. If you're doing it unsupported, have all your drinks and snacks ready in a plastic crate, watch the weather forecast like a hawk and have your clothing changes planned with a few backup items in case it gets colder than you think. Know in advance what hydration you're going to use (100% electrolyte replacement can be too much and might need alternating) and keep an emergency gel or two on your person. Travel as light as you can be happy with. Some take puncture repair, others don't. You are unlikely to need more than one bottle cage. Fit new batteries to everything, if you fit new tyres, ride them for 200 miles before the event. Use long rides beforehand to find out what your palate likes in these situations, for example I would rather eat my own date/sultana flapjacks, ham & mustard sandwiches and egg custards than energy gels and I like the odd can of Coke every now and then. Get loads of rest the 3 days leading up to it and stay off the booze. Don't stand if you can sit, don't sit if you can lie down, as the old saying goes. Grease up well before you set off and try to have a number 2 before you set off. Be prepared to push yourself in those potentially depressing hours of darkness - don't let your speed drop then. If you overtake me say 'go on lad, you're a hero, you can do it'. I'll be the one on fixed with the Barrow Central Wheelers kit. Then say the same thing to yourself.
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Aero kit will help but you need time to get used to it. I do a load of long rides on the TT bike with full kit as a test - I'm doing a 12hr in a couple of weeks with full race rig. The faster lads are fully aero optimized. Sounds like your current set-up will do. If you can stretch to a skinsuit it's the best bang for buck change that can be made as long as it fits OK - I'm on my 3rd. The club ones were shocking (zip failure) but my Nopinz one is brilliant.
Revellinho's tips on food are all valid. Dr Hutch describes long TTs as eating competitions and he's not far off. Find a diet formula that works for you.
Sounds like you'll be on the Poacher 400 this weekend. Might see you there.
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If you can borrow some race wheels from a club mate, the advantage of them is that they're completely free speed: there's no getting used to them like there is with riding an aggressive position or wearing a skinsuit or aero helmet. Well, maybe there is if you run a 90mm front wheel and get blown sideways, but other than that they just slot in and go.
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Aero kit will help but you need time to get used to it. I do a load of long rides on the TT bike with full kit as a test - I'm doing a 12hr in a couple of weeks with full race rig. The faster lads are fully aero optimized. Sounds like your current set-up will do. If you can stretch to a skinsuit it's the best bang for buck change that can be made as long as it fits OK - I'm on my 3rd. The club ones were shocking (zip failure) but my Nopinz one is brilliant.
Revellinho's tips on food are all valid. Dr Hutch describes long TTs as eating competitions and he's not far off. Find a diet formula that works for you.
Sounds like you'll be on the Poacher 400 this weekend. Might see you there.
Cheers Rob, Good to meet you on the Poacher. Was a good ride in the end despite the occasional attempted drownings from Mother Nature. When did you finish out of interest? I didn't see you again after Burge-le-Marsh and got back to Newark at about 10:30pm.
Food wise I think I know what works from riding Audaxes. I tend to go for dairy based drinks like chocolate milk, or smoothies with smaller amounts of solid food. Having said that I ended up scoffing a couple of Ginsters Pasties on the Poacher that seemed to go down well. The Coop do some really good Granola Squares as well that can be cut in half and wrapped individually. Less sickly than normal energy bars. Isotonic tablets in the eater bottles and a pack of dextrose tablets in the top tube bag for emergencies. I find them easier on the stomach and more refreshing than gels.
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If you can borrow some race wheels from a club mate, the advantage of them is that they're completely free speed: there's no getting used to them like there is with riding an aggressive position or wearing a skinsuit or aero helmet. Well, maybe there is if you run a 90mm front wheel and get blown sideways, but other than that they just slot in and go.
Thanks Karla, I've got a set of Giant carbon deep section wheels (55mm) I'll be using for the TT that I picked up cheap on Facebook. Hopefully they will make a difference.
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Any news on where HQ will be - is it going to be on that industrial estate-type place on the outskirts of Wrexham again?
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Aero kit will help but you need time to get used to it. I do a load of long rides on the TT bike with full kit as a test - I'm doing a 12hr in a couple of weeks with full race rig. The faster lads are fully aero optimized. Sounds like your current set-up will do. If you can stretch to a skinsuit it's the best bang for buck change that can be made as long as it fits OK - I'm on my 3rd. The club ones were shocking (zip failure) but my Nopinz one is brilliant.
Revellinho's tips on food are all valid. Dr Hutch describes long TTs as eating competitions and he's not far off. Find a diet formula that works for you.
Sounds like you'll be on the Poacher 400 this weekend. Might see you there.
Cheers Rob, Good to meet you on the Poacher. Was a good ride in the end despite the occasional attempted drownings from Mother Nature. When did you finish out of interest? I didn't see you again after Burge-le-Marsh and got back to Newark at about 10:30pm.
Food wise I think I know what works from riding Audaxes. I tend to go for dairy based drinks like chocolate milk, or smoothies with smaller amounts of solid food. Having said that I ended up scoffing a couple of Ginsters Pasties on the Poacher that seemed to go down well. The Coop do some really good Granola Squares as well that can be cut in half and wrapped individually. Less sickly than normal energy bars. Isotonic tablets in the eater bottles and a pack of dextrose tablets in the top tube bag for emergencies. I find them easier on the stomach and more refreshing than gels.
You seemed to be ticking along quite well. I stuck to my eat on the move and don’t stop much strategy which seemed to work well. I got really soaked around Boston and just after Spalding where there was absolutely no shelter.
I had a schedule for 16hrs and was about 15mins ahead at Spalding but then felt really drowsy for the last 90 mins which scrubbed a bit of speed off. This isn’t normal for me but I had had a mid-week work trip and got to Lincoln very late Friday night. I finished just before 10pm so pretty happy. I was eating chips in the car just near the station at 10:30 so probably only just missed you.
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You seemed to be ticking along quite well. I stuck to my eat on the move and don’t stop much strategy which seemed to work well. I got really soaked around Boston and just after Spalding where there was absolutely no shelter.
I had a schedule for 16hrs and was about 15mins ahead at Spalding but then felt really drowsy for the last 90 mins which scrubbed a bit of speed off. This isn’t normal for me but I had had a mid-week work trip and got to Lincoln very late Friday night. I finished just before 10pm so pretty happy. I was eating chips in the car just near the station at 10:30 so probably only just missed you.
I was chasing the weather into Boston so missed the worst of it. Must have just missed you at Spalding, the rain hit just as I was arriving at the control so I sat on the forecourt and waited it out. Don't envy you riding though it, it was positively biblical.
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You seemed to be ticking along quite well. I stuck to my eat on the move and don’t stop much strategy which seemed to work well. I got really soaked around Boston and just after Spalding where there was absolutely no shelter.
I had a schedule for 16hrs and was about 15mins ahead at Spalding but then felt really drowsy for the last 90 mins which scrubbed a bit of speed off. This isn’t normal for me but I had had a mid-week work trip and got to Lincoln very late Friday night. I finished just before 10pm so pretty happy. I was eating chips in the car just near the station at 10:30 so probably only just missed you.
I was chasing the weather into Boston so missed the worst of it. Must have just missed you at Spalding, the rain hit just as I was arriving at the control so I sat on the forecourt and waited it out. Don't envy you riding though it, it was positively biblical.
So, getting back to the 24hr. As a guide I did 461miles 2 years ago - I was about a stone heavier and self-coaching at the time. I have gained over all of the other TT distances since then. Given how close we were in terms of time I'd suggest that your upper target is achievable - just remember to feed and hydrate properly and keep moving as much as possible - I was stopped for just over 12 minutes last time.
Best of luck. I'm going to take a call on riding after the National 12hr champs on the 17th.
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- Say hello to everyone who passes you and everyone you pass, including people watching and cheering - feeding off their energy, camaraderie and positivity will make all the difference.
- Have a massive breakfast, then a bit more food at 11 o clock then at least you're setting off fully fuelled. But start eating and drinking ASAP, within the first hour.
- don't worry about going fast, but try avoid going slow (true for all TTs tbh)
- try to always keep moving, in 2016, Tim Bayley was only stopped for 6 mins.
- stretch regularly, maybe every 20 mins or so to allow yourself to stay as aero as possible for as long as possible
- enjoy the event, it is fab :)
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You seemed to be ticking along quite well. I stuck to my eat on the move and don’t stop much strategy which seemed to work well. I got really soaked around Boston and just after Spalding where there was absolutely no shelter.
I had a schedule for 16hrs and was about 15mins ahead at Spalding but then felt really drowsy for the last 90 mins which scrubbed a bit of speed off. This isn’t normal for me but I had had a mid-week work trip and got to Lincoln very late Friday night. I finished just before 10pm so pretty happy. I was eating chips in the car just near the station at 10:30 so probably only just missed you.
I was chasing the weather into Boston so missed the worst of it. Must have just missed you at Spalding, the rain hit just as I was arriving at the control so I sat on the forecourt and waited it out. Don't envy you riding though it, it was positively biblical.
So, getting back to the 24hr. As a guide I did 461miles 2 years ago - I was about a stone heavier and self-coaching at the time. I have gained over all of the other TT distances since then. Given how close we were in terms of time I'd suggest that your upper target is achievable - just remember to feed and hydrate properly and keep moving as much as possible - I was stopped for just over 12 minutes last time.
Best of luck. I'm going to take a call on riding after the National 12hr champs on the 17th.
Cheers Rob, I'm reasonably confidant about the lower target, still not so sure about the upper but we'll see what happens on the day. I suspect a lot will be down to the course and the weather. Had a look at it on RWGPS and while it's certainly not hilly it's not really pan flat either, certainly not in Holland Fen territory.
Good luck with your 12 and possibly see you on the day.
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- Say hello to everyone who passes you and everyone you pass, including people watching and cheering - feeding off their energy, camaraderie and positivity will make all the difference.
- Have a massive breakfast, then a bit more food at 11 o clock then at least you're setting off fully fuelled. But start eating and drinking ASAP, within the first hour.
- don't worry about going fast, but try avoid going slow (true for all TTs tbh)
- try to always keep moving, in 2016, Tim Bayley was only stopped for 6 mins.
- stretch regularly, maybe every 20 mins or so to allow yourself to stay as aero as possible for as long as possible
- enjoy the event, it is fab :)
Cheers Mike, I'll do my best on the going slowly bit, although it is all relative. Keeping moving is going to be the issue for me I suspect as while I have a couple of folks (my wife and Ian our club chairman) who have offered to come and crew we are still going to be short handed I think so there may be times where I have to stop to refuel etc. We still need to work out a routine for that anyway though so might be able to work around it. Time to brush up on the blackmail material for some of the guys in the club:)
Stretching is something I do anyway as I have neck issues that make getting a really good aero position difficult, my setup is aimed more for comfort than being as aero as possible.
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- Say hello to everyone who passes you and everyone you pass, including people watching and cheering - feeding off their energy, camaraderie and positivity will make all the difference.
As someone who was near the back of the field when I did it a few years ago (maybe I should have trained for it properly) I was very impressed with the fact that nigh on everyone said hello or something encouraging to me every single time I was overtaken (and this was a very regular occurrence). I hope I reciprocated each time...
But, important question, has someone been out to put the single orange glove on the edge of road on the run in to the PH roundabout on the QB circuit?
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Warm up ride; done.
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Warm up ride; done.
;D
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;D ;D ;D
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Warm up ride; done.
Surely this wins post of the year?
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Warm up ride; done.
Gethin went on to do the then fastest British ride at PBP 2003. An absolute record at PBP is problematic, but the current UK fastest is there for the asking, within the 28kph maximum speed.
There are stipulations about road race Elite riders which might cause problems, but Gethin got round them.
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If Carlsberg did warm up rides 🍻😉
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Q regarding permissible kit, if you don't mind.
1) Top-tube bags: I've heard contradictory tales about this. Some of my club members are "Get the lunch boxes off, they are not compliant". But others disagree. I suppose it comes down to what they are compliant *with*.
2) Front wheel rim depth. I've read about requirements that X percent of the wheel is open. Humm. Is that true, and what does it mean in practice? Is a mainstream Zipp 808 clincher OK?
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I’ve used a top tube bag every time I’ve ridden a 12 or 24. No issue.
An 808 is fine. There’s loads of them at TTs. Very few non compliant front wheels out there.
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Thx.
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Warm up ride; done.
:thumbsup:
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Training still on track, 600km Audax done over the weekend as a non-stop ride (other than mandatory controls). 386 Miles in 24:51 moving time with 5000m of climbing.
OK, next newbie question.
Does anyone have any tips for managing hand ups etc. Bottles are easy, I'm thinking more about solid food. Current idea is an elastic band around the bottle with cereal/energy bars and a gel tucked into it. That's assuming I use a 500ml bottle and replace around the hour mark. If I went up to a 1L bottle I could alternate hand ups between bottles and food packages again wrapped in an elastic band. I'm sure there are better methods out there though.
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That's the method pretty much everyone uses.
A pro tip from Andy Wilkinson on his 'Doing it My Way' videos (YouTube should have them, it the title doesn't bring them up then the author is Quentin Field-Boden): plan on using 500ml bottles and then if it's really hot and you aren't getting enough fluids, switch to 750s.
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That's the method pretty much everyone uses.
A pro tip from Andy Wilkinson on his 'Doing it My Way' videos (YouTube should have them, it the title doesn't bring them up then the author is Quentin Field-Boden): plan on using 500ml bottles and then if it's really hot and you aren't getting enough fluids, switch to 750s.
Thanks Karla, I'll definitely have a look at those.
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They are well worth viewing.
I'd also recommend an interview that wheels of fire did with Jack Thurston last year
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They are well worth viewing.
I'd also recommend an interview that wheels of fire did with Jack Thurston last year
Also excellent, thanks Frank.
These have pretty much help me nail down my feeding strategy. Just need to keep training and pray for good weather.
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In the end I learnt to carry 4hrs worth of carbs in a top tube bag and snack on the move. Then I pick up a 500ml bottle roughly once an hour. At Prees I picked up a large bottle heading to Battlefield as you’re gone over an hour. 500ml bottles the rest of the time.
Get your helper to hold the bottle by the top so that you can grab the bottom at speed. Also pull the stopper up as it gives the bottle some squeeze.
Every 4hrs I’d stop, wee, and have my top tube bag refilled. These opportunities were also used to pick or dispose of extra layers, lights etc. In 2016 I stopped for a total loss of 12 minutes.
Enjoy your ride. I’m out this year - not where I need to be for the longer races at the moment.
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I seem to have had my entry confirmed 😳
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I seem to have had my entry confirmed 😳
Me too, see you there! Legs starting to feel okay - hopefully coming into some form in 2.5 weeks time :)
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I seem to have had my entry confirmed 😳
Me too, see you there! Legs starting to feel okay - hopefully coming into some form in 2.5 weeks time :)
Same here. :o
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I seem to have had my entry confirmed 😳
Me too, see you there! Legs starting to feel okay - hopefully coming into some form in 2.5 weeks time :)
Frankly it’s about time you came into a bit of descent Form 🤔😆👏
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Startsheet - http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?/topic/128419-mersey-roads-24-hour/
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Somewhat surprised not to see Steve Abraham on that list
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Does anyone know if you are allowed a 2nd bike .
I’m thinking in case of mechanicals mainly with my neck/back
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Somewhat surprised not to see Steve Abraham on that list
He pulled a couple of consecutive all-nighters a couple of weeks ago and it's knocked it out of him!
In all seriousness - he had a very bad cough, and is feeling under the weather; I think he has sensibly decided to recuperate properly.
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Does anyone know if you are allowed a 2nd bike .
I’m thinking in case of mechanicals mainly with my neck/back
Yes, you can change bikes in CTT events
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I seem to have had my entry confirmed 😳
Ah, looking at the start list it appears that unfortunately my name is on the list (46).
So now I suppose I have to ride the bloody thing.
I have an enforced 2 week tapering on account of being on a family hollibery, with only recreational cycling involved, so that will probably help!
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Startsheet - http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php?/topic/128419-mersey-roads-24-hour/
Lots of familiar names there - good to see McNasty, of course. And i've heard Steve Fullerton's been training hard.
Good luck, Feanor too :)
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Q regarding permissible kit, if you don't mind.
1) Top-tube bags: I've heard contradictory tales about this. Some of my club members are "Get the lunch boxes off, they are not compliant". But others disagree. I suppose it comes down to what they are compliant *with*.
2) Front wheel rim depth. I've read about requirements that X percent of the wheel is open. Humm. Is that true, and what does it mean in practice? Is a mainstream Zipp 808 clincher OK?
The regs are pretty simple:
https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/articles/view/11
808s fronts are fine, just make sure you can hang onto them when it gets windy. Unless someone tried to claim it was some kind of fairing, bento boxes are fine too.
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Looks like they've added an 10 miles to the Prees-Esply leg from Esply down to Shawbirch. It's a 40 mile round trip now. Need to rethink feeding options.
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That's reverting to the course how it was until 2016. The leg down to Shawbirch is pretty flat but the surface was quite rough in places so not as fast as the section north of Esply.
They had to shorten it as the Shawbirch roundabout was extensively dug up. That should mean that there will be at least a little bit of new tarmac around that bit!
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Looks like they've added an 10 miles to the Prees-Esply leg from Esply down to Shawbirch. It's a 40 mile round trip now. Need to rethink feeding options.
Only during the Saturday afternoon, not at night.
Start to Prees Island is approx 25 miles, then you do approx a further 60 miles before returning to Prees for the second time. This 60 miles is Prees-Epsley-Shawbirch-Epsley-Shawbirch-Epsley-Prees.
Night circuit is still Prees-Epsley-Prees (c 20 miles)
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(https://image.ibb.co/k4QCHT/24_2018.jpg)
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back to the old course then.
If your support has transport, get them down to the Esplay/Hodnet RAB for those laps (overnight usually). It's about halfway between Prees and Shawbirch so feeding plans should not be to affected if you can do this.
Marshalls (when they're not busy obvs) should be able to tell your crew when you are likely to be moved to/from the Quina Brook circuit in the evening/morning
Does that mean they have removed the Battlefield laps at the start?
Edit because too slow
Pick up a bottle at Prees on the way down, send your crew to Shawbirch until you pass them for the second time, then back to Prees. Still similar feeding.
There's a layby on the LHS about 1/2 a mile before you get to Shawbirch
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Looks like they've added an 10 miles to the Prees-Esply leg from Esply down to Shawbirch. It's a 40 mile round trip now. Need to rethink feeding options.
Only during the Saturday afternoon, not at night.
Start to Prees Island is approx 25 miles, then you do approx a further 60 miles before returning to Prees for the second time. This 60 miles is Prees-Epsley-Shawbirch-Epsley-Shawbirch-Epsley-Prees.
Night circuit is still Prees-Epsley-Prees (c 20 miles)
OK, I'm getting really confused now.
I thought Quina Brook was the night circuit.
(https://image.ibb.co/k4QCHT/24_2018.jpg)
So we follow the sequence above, lapping Quina brook until night fall, then do reps on Prees-Espley-Prees over night. Then what?
Apologies if I'm being thick, I've not ridden this before and it's making my brain hurt.
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They will switch you back on to Quina Brook c. 5-6am then laps of that until the finishing circuit is open c. 10-11am
(Times approximate based on previous years with the old finish)
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I'll look forward to that. I never seem to get away from Espley before 8am.
It 's always amusing when slow riders get turned at Tern Hill, leaving their support bemused at Espley, or in the Raven getting a bacon butty.
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I thought Quina Brook was the night circuit.
Quina Brook is the slow, laney circuit that they put you on for a change and when the main roads might be a bit busy, ie early Saturday evening and late Sunday morning.
The night circuit is on the main road: Prees-Tern Hill-Epsley-Shawbirch. It's a bit faster and is obviously quieter then.
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I'll look forward to that. I never seem to get away from Espley before 8am.
It 's always amusing when slow riders get turned at Tern Hill, leaving their support bemused at Espley, or in the Raven getting a bacon butty.
:facepalm: I looked up "lap" rather than "next lap"
Add about 1 hr to my times above would match ESL's observation better
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We're always ready to tell supporters where their rider is on the night circuit at Espley. Heather keeps a very good record.
I've never been at Prees during the night, the riders can sneak off in several directions there, so the recorders might not be keen on distractions.
Assuming Sam is present, the sign that riders are about to be turned is a blonde lady in a fluorescent jacket and a fleece hat, looking down the road with an intense expression.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37059003_1796723520365250_3712155661455327232_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=d30cc525014049d63d45e75adb005acd&oe=5BDDE5B4)
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24 Hour Time trialling has been likened to watching paint dry. Someone's got to find that interesting. This is a roughly-cut investigation into those fascinated by the annual spectacle of paint drying.
https://vimeo.com/279929304
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We're always ready to tell supporters where their rider is on the night circuit at Espley. Heather keeps a very good record.
I've never been at Prees during the night, the riders can sneak off in several directions there, so the recorders might not be keen on distractions.
Assuming Sam is present, the sign that riders are about to be turned is a blonde lady in a fluorescent jacket and a fleece hat, looking down the road with an intense expression.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37059003_1796723520365250_3712155661455327232_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=d30cc525014049d63d45e75adb005acd&oe=5BDDE5B4)
Great picture!
(I suspect it's invisible to those not logged-in to Facebook :( )
What an asset that "blonde lady" has been :thumbsup:
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This takes place on the roads around me (I live between Wrexham and Prees) and am planning to come out over the 24 hours to spectate.
Is the start time 13:00 from Wrexham? Is there room at the start to watch without getting in the way, or would a couple of miles along the route be a better place?
What's the attitude towards non-participants riding on the route during the TT? I'll be behind the starters between Wrexham and Prees so no problem there (and would probably take a route via Malpas in any case), but I would ride to the various turning points, and obviously the fastest route to do so is by following the route itself.
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The etiquette is that riders go in the opposite direction on the finish circuit. It's not unusual to see clubs out.
There are shortcuts for key locations, the first is the 100 mile mark, as that is published during the race. Only the very slowest will be diverted before that, so it shows the early form.
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24 Hour Time trialling has been likened to watching paint dry.
As one who puts on a 24 hour time trial event I am likely to agree, cycle racing anyway is only interesting to those who actually do the racing and the only spectators generally are those who are in the pit stop handing out bottles, the rest of the time it is pretty boring even for them. But we stage it so the racers can race and we are happy to do it.
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That film is largely about how information flows around a 24 hour event. Sam, the main character in it was the winner's team boss for two successive years. Unfortunately he passed away last year, so apologies to those who may find it a bit too poignant.
His rider was unknown in '24' circles but known at other distances. The guy we talk to about number 85 being the fastest at 100 miles is Andy Wilkinson, the current UK record holder at 541.17 miles.
I'm still confused by Sam's downcast attitude with 3hrs and 15 mins to go. They might have got the timings wrong. The course is laid out so that the fastest three riders will do all the legs, and slower riders will have sections omitted. No 85 was so fast he did an extra leg. The course isn't a circuit as such, so you've got to be very aware to know what is happening.
The end of the day is on a finish circuit. Once the rider is on that it's just a case of finding out what their mileage was when they entered the circuit, and how fast they are going. There are timekeepers at approx 2 mile intervals around that circuit, and riders have to reach the next timekeeper if they pass one before 24 hours is up.
The finish of the first rider is the important bit to film, but It can be at any of 6 locations, so I need to know a lot about how they are going. We devoted quite a lot of energy to filming the 24 in 2015, as we were testing an approach for filming PBP 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeRBvJ4cMZk
People tend to take things for granted after a while, and seem to think it's merely a question of pointing a camera at the subject. But it involves a lot of mental arithmetic, but so does timing applications of paint, which is when knowing how fast paint dries is a core skill.
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I prefer the 2013 film :)
Actually that was a tense finish - just look at the crews. We were only 4-5min apart for 23hrs...
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There's always material I don't use. In 2013 one of the supporters let slip that they'd been handing up from a moving car. It wasn't connected with the winner, so I didn't view it as significant.
I had seen an unbadged black Chrysler 300 shoot off from the start in a marked manner, so it wasn't a complete surprise to me. It's sometimes best to take results with a tiny pinch of salt.
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Damn right it wasn't connected with the winner (my missus runs faster with a bottle in her hand than any stinking Chrysler).
But what about anyone beaten by them? Someone gunning for a top x finish misses out with someone breaking the rules in front? Should've reported them to the orgs.
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I know what you mean, but it's also an Audax, and I consider myself on a private excursion. The CTT have done their own filming at various times. It's a different story when I'm a marshal.
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I guess it's also a safety issue - which is the point of the rule. While I can see why you don't want to be an unpaid policeman, there might be an element of protecting themselves from their own stupidity / lack of competence in motorised handups.
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It was something that was said immediately after they finished. People become disinhibited by sleep deprivation, so there's a very direct emotional response. That means that there's an element of voyeurism inherent in the process. Looking at how people behave in a moment of release.
There's quite a lot of footage that I wouldn't use because I feel that it reveals aspects of relationships that should be private. It was interesting to look back at the Mersey Roads 2015/16 footage, as Sam Williamson had passed away, and he reminded me a bit of Dave Brailsford, in his combination of passion and attention to detail. In reviewing the footage, it was interesting to see how the team bounced back from poor prospects after just under 21 hours. That echoed the view of Hippy's team at the beginning.
I do breathe a sigh of relief at the end of all the long-distance rides. The nearest I've come to a fatal incident was in talking to the doctor who was first on the scene of the PBP 2011 accident, he was accompanied by a club-mate who was less used to mortality.
There are aspects that would make a good story, from a human interest angle. but I tend to make films that are readily understood only by the participants. Long distance cycling has become more mainstream, and that has introduced some commercial pressures.
However, there is a feeling that there is integrity in these endeavours, especially in the 'unsupported' movement. I have the luxury of pursuing my own version of integrity, which mainly revolves around a capricious spontaneity. That ensures that I'm recording the event itself, rather than padding it out with sofa footage.
It also means that I have shot stuff I have to make a judgement on. I am just mucking about for my own interest. I was making these films before there were internet platforms to display them on. The first experiment was in 2001. I had a specific emotional motivation for that, but that's one of those private aspects.
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I've been trying to find the definitive route for 2018 without success. Has anyone got sight of the "official" booklet yet, and could you scan it for here?
Is it
- Start to Prees Heath
- Prees Heath to Epsley and back (once)
- Prees Heath to Battlefield and back (once)
- Quina Brook loops
- Prees Heath to Epsley loops
- Quina Brook loops
- Back to Wrexham
Finish loop circuits
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If you download the start list from the CTT website, you will find it's more than a start list.
Its quite a comprehensive document, and includes the routesheet.
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I've been trying to find the definitive route for 2018 without success. Has anyone got sight of the "official" booklet yet, and could you scan it for here?
Is it
- Start to Prees Heath
- Prees Heath to Epsley
* Espley to Shawbirch and back (twice)
* Espley to Prees Heath
- Prees Heath to Battlefield and back (once)
- Quina Brook loops
- Prees Heath to Epsley loops
- Quina Brook loops
- Back to Wrexham
Finish loop circuits
Damn I have got to get fit enough to race again next year.
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I'll see you there. Wanna bet on the result? ;D
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Mersey Roads 2018 Startsheet (from CTT) (https://www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk/documents/download/4343)
:)
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I'll see you there. Wanna bet on the result? ;D
Sure,
(I bet Wheels of Fire and duracellbunny will win) ;D
Good Luck everyone :)
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The forecast certainly suits the current champions more than recent conditions would have. Although I do have an almost religious faith in YR.NO
https://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Prees/
Possibly some cooling arrangements needed on the finish circuit.
https://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/Wales/Wrexham/
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P*ssing down in Wrexham right now. Arse.
Well, we are always guaranteed weather in Welsh Wales, I suppose.
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Best of luck to those riding. Hope you achieve your goals.
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P*ssing down in Wrexham right now. Arse.
Well, we are always guaranteed weather in Welsh Wales, I suppose.
Forecast looks OK, though. Good luck!
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It's worth pointing out that the M56 can be busy on what is the first weekend of the summer holidays.
There can be a lot of traffic heading to North Wales, so it's worth checking on Google traffic. It can be surprisingly easy to arrive with minutes to spare.
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Help.
Anyone on the tt got a di2 charger I can borrow. Battery has died overnight.
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I'm intending to get down for the later starts, but there's a crash on the M6 at Newton-le-Willows, that might be causing anxiety to those coming from the North.
The obvious work-around is M58, M57, new Mersey crossing, M56, but that requires internet access to pay the toll.
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I just heard there's temporary traffic lights on the Tern Hill/Esplay circuit. Night circuits are being moved to Battlefield, which is a bit of a fucker for everyones schedules.
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I just heard there's temporary traffic lights on the Tern Hill/Esplay circuit. Night circuits are being moved to Battlefield, which is a bit of a fucker for everyones schedules.
Looks like loads of laps of QB circuit as well.
As someone who doesn’t handle things like this very well I’m kinda glad I’m not there this year.
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Yeah, I'd hate to flog my guts out for 24 hours just to see who was fastest round the bergs of Battlefield.
I'll see you there. Wanna bet on the result? ;D
Sure,
(I bet Wheels of Fire and duracellbunny will win) ;D
Good Luck everyone :)
I'd actually mentally tipped Jacko ;D
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Jacko was still leading at the half way. I just have the feeling that Mike will pull it back as experience comes in later on.
There’s something up with me as I seem to miss being there.
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I stand corrected.
Jackie 1st, Nick Clarke 2nd, Wheelsoffire 3rd.
Crystal first woman.
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Mike said that he didn't think 5 weeks was long enough after his last epic.
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Mike said that he didn't think 5 weeks was long enough after his last epic.
More importantly. How did you get on ?
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Provisional results are up. :thumbsup:
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Provisional results are up. :thumbsup:
Where are they?
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Timetrialling forum
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Found it! Initial searching on that forum only turned up tandem results, for some reason.
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Congratulations to Feanor on cracking 400 :thumbsup:
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Congratulations to Feanor on cracking 400 :thumbsup:
According to my Garmin I was 411. I think Im missing a lap of the finishing circuit. Will query it.
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Congratulations to Feanor on cracking 400 :thumbsup:
According to my Garmin I was 411. I think Im missing a lap of the finishing circuit. Will query it.
Same for me, provisional distance compared to the Garmin and the calculated distance from my support team is out by the equivalent of one lap of the finish circuit, the distance to the finish circuit on the results board at HQ was correct.
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Probably better that way round. When I last finished I was given a distance that broke the club record by about a mile.
2 days later it was rounded down by 2 miles due to an error in the spreadsheet.
Well done both.
Rob
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Probably better that way round. When I last finished I was given a distance that broke the club record by about a mile.
2 days later it was rounded down by 2 miles due to an error in the spreadsheet.
Well done both.
Rob
Cheers Rob, hopefully it will go in my favour as it would mean I cracked the National Clarion Veterans 24 hour record (414.7) which has stood since 1983.
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Aye, cheers Rob.
In the meantime, here's a couple of photos of /that/ tandem, taken by Phil, my support man at the start:
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/915/43592406581_145f3d685e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29q7tJV)
20180721_133104 (https://flic.kr/p/29q7tJV) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/921/43545111832_f9fd0299a5_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29kW5Ed)
20180721_133106 (https://flic.kr/p/29kW5Ed) by Ron Lowe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62966413@N04/), on Flickr
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A bit of a fragmented experience for us. I filmed the late starters, came home, and then we returned to marshal on the Quina Brook circuit from about 1am to 5.30 am.
We'd arrived at the usual time, but knew about the course revisions. So we had a bit of a light time of it. It was nice to take in the festival atmosphere that is Prees Heath.
It was nice to meet Feanor at daybreak, and to be useful to a collapsing finisher. We were left with a somewhat crusty pillow, from the concentrated saliva of said dehydration victim.
I felt that Jon and Sam did a fantastic job in the face of short-notice roadworks. We went to look at the obstruction, and it caused some head-scratching. There was a newly-dug trench, with some new-looking blue alkathene pipe in it. This on a trunk road. It made no sense to me, as it looked like the sort of emergency job that should have taken 3 or 4 hours to complete.
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Congratulations to Feanor on cracking 400 :thumbsup:
According to my Garmin I was 411. I think Im missing a lap of the finishing circuit. Will query it.
Just had a response that my query has been upheld, and :
"After further checking we now have your mileage as 410.45. "
Happy with that.
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Just had a response that my query has been upheld, and :
"After further checking we now have your mileage as 410.45. "
Happy with that.
Same here, 418.61, I'll take that as a first attempt :)
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Just been confirmed to 425-92 very happy
Was nice to meet wheels on fire always gave encouragement as he went by , thanks to all who gave advice and helped on the event.
I wonder if I could go a little faster next year 😳🔫
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Well done guys - all further than I managed on my first attempt (and my only finish so far)!
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Wow. Those are serious distances - congrats to all of you!
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Just been confirmed to 425-92 very happy
Was nice to meet wheels on fire always gave encouragement as he went by , thanks to all who gave advice and helped on the event.
I wonder if I could go a little faster next year 😳🔫
This ^^
Thanks again to all who posted advice and encouragement and everyone involved in the event. It was quite unlike any other cycling event I've ever been involved with!
Getting encouragement from riders passing you and passing it on to those you passed made a big difference and made the whole thing feel much more inclusive. Although I think DuracellBunnyOnABike may have got fed up of the sight of me as we leapfrogged each other at least half a dozen times in the space of a couple of hours I think.
When I finished I was sure I'd never do it again, now I've had a couple of days to recover I'm starting to wonder if I could go a bit faster!
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398 miles for me an now I'm wondering what would be possible with a tt bike and those plastic wheels the big kids were using ... 🙄
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398 miles for me an now I'm wondering what would be possible with a tt bike and those plastic wheels the big kids were using ... 🙄
399?
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A rough initial treatment of the first 12 hours. There's probably an hour film in that and the End to End.
https://vimeo.com/281448553
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398 miles for me an now I'm wondering what would be possible with a tt bike and those plastic wheels the big kids were using ... 🙄
399?
388 provisionally now corrected to 398
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398 miles for me an now I'm wondering what would be possible with a tt bike and those plastic wheels the big kids were using ... 🙄
Possibly some serious neck pain!
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Part 2 of the film, it needs tidying up, it's 20 minutes at the moment.
https://vimeo.com/281949940
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A nice little results booklet and a glossy photo just arrived in the post!
I wasn't expecting that.
A nice little touch.
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A nice little results booklet and a glossy photo just arrived in the post!
I wasn't expecting that.
A nice little touch.
Yes I agree a very nice touch
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A nice little results booklet and a glossy photo just arrived in the post!
I wasn't expecting that.
A nice little touch.
It is of course a National Championship event.
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I was interested to see the women listed separately in the results. I think that's a first, as Jasmijn was third overall last year.
I was reminded of the little trophies we used to get for completing the Mersey Roads. Everyone got one, with their name, club and distance. I might get the clock working as a tribute to that level of attention, it certainly inspired loyalty to the event.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/42278874_1917231624981105_7464951274128015360_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=0c3baac847b3835a2783e599fe9d49cc&oe=5C275704)
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I was interested to see the women listed separately in the results. I think that's a first, as Jasmijn was third overall last year.
I was reminded of the little trophies we used to get for completing the Mersey Roads. Everyone got one, with their name, club and distance. I might get the clock working as a tribute to that level of attention, it certainly inspired loyalty to the event.
(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/42278874_1917231624981105_7464951274128015360_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=0c3baac847b3835a2783e599fe9d49cc&oe=5C275704)
That clock trophy is so cool!
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I've been down to Poundstretcher and got 30 watch batteries of various sizes for 69p. The clock works, but I'm having trouble setting the time, so I'll wait until it's the time it says on the clock, and refit the battery.
I don't know who made the trophies, we've got several from various years. There were all manner of little traditions associated with the 24. Frank Mumford used to report on the types of bike used, he'd have a field day with the variety used today.
Clubs from a wide area used to send helpers, and I'd always assumed that the Mersey Roads was an association which put on events on behalf of clubs in the Liverpool area, but it's essentially run by the Williams family. I meet Jon Williams in some odd places, most recently in a lay-by near Dunkeld, officiating on Jasmijn's LEJOG. I've even managed to get some footage of him on the Broadwith record, which is a real rarity.
Rod Goodfellow will be missed, as he's been a feature for so long.
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Closing Date: 27-Jun-19 23:59 !!!
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You know you all want to do it 😆
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And if you don't wish to ride, but you're free then, please volunteer to marshal. Great atmosphere and thoroughly worthwhile.
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If you're not riding or volunteering, then you can still help by subscribing.
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Got my acceptance e-mail this morning
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Im not riding this year but am delighted to be marshalling overnight details tbc.
I believe that this might be George Berwicks 60th 24 which would be something of a landmark.
Graeme