Author Topic: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018  (Read 60139 times)

Oaky

  • ACME Fire Safety Officer
  • Audax Club Mid-Essex
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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #25 on: 02 October, 2017, 12:19:18 pm »
Damn.  I seem to have accidentally entered this.

Nine months to get 1000km fit?  What's the worst that can happen?
You are in a maze of twisty flat droves, all alike.

85.4 miles from Marsh Gibbon

Audax Club Mid-Essex Fire Safety Officer
http://acme.bike

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #26 on: 02 October, 2017, 12:48:17 pm »
1000km cycling event starting from Witham, Essex. Controls at Buntingford, St Neots, Towcester, Banbury, Tewkesbury, Chepstow, Pontypridd, Barry, Tonypandy, Llandovery, Neath, Barry, Chepstow, Pershore, Wellesbourne, Towcester, St Neots and Buntingford.

[Essex] to South Wales, taking in the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean and Welsh Valleys. From a base at Barry, loops 200km up the Rhondda and over to Llandovery, back via the Black Mountain. Route returns via Cardiff and Newport, the Forest of Dean and the Vale of Evesham to rejoin the outbound route at Towcester.

Zed: "is this really the route as intended: Chepstow, Pontypridd, Barry, Tonypandy, Llandovery, Neath, Barry, Chepstow. Going from Pontypridd to Barry to Tonypandy seems rather odd."
Rhondda/Black Mountain loop from Barry - see above

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #27 on: 02 October, 2017, 03:03:48 pm »
Damn.  I seem to have accidentally entered this.

Nine months to get 1000km fit?  What's the worst that can happen?
WELL....you might find a pub after about 100 km and turn it into a 500km pub crawl.... ;D

Redlight

  • Enjoying life in the slow lane
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #28 on: 02 October, 2017, 04:02:31 pm »
Am I right in reading 18 controls?  That's a lot of stopping  :)

I'll not be entering - I'm toying with some touring in southern California at the end of that month instead  ;D - but would be happy to come out and help, if any is needed.
Why should anybody steal a watch when they can steal a bicycle?

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #29 on: 02 October, 2017, 04:08:45 pm »
Some info controls would require no stopping or no more stopping than traffic lights would incur.

jiberjaber

  • ... Fancy Pants \o/ ...
  • ACME S&M^2
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #30 on: 02 October, 2017, 04:09:51 pm »
Am I right in reading 18 controls?  That's a lot of stopping  :)

I'll not be entering - I'm toying with some touring in southern California at the end of that month instead  ;D - but would be happy to come out and help, if any is needed.

17 or so on LEL :)
Regards,

Joergen

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #31 on: 02 October, 2017, 05:45:45 pm »
19 stamps on my LEL card excluding start and finish. But 400k longer.

Anyway, organiser decides route and we decide if it tickles our fancy or not. Some will say Yay! and some will say Nay!

mattc

  • n.b. have grown beard since photo taken
    • Didcot Audaxes
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #32 on: 02 October, 2017, 07:18:56 pm »
About one every 56km. That's above average on a 1000km+ ride, but below average for a 100/200km.

Doesn't seem like a big deal - you might be reeeeeally grateful for one of those controls at some point!
Has never ridden RAAM
---------
No.11  Because of the great host of those who dislike the least appearance of "swank " when they travel the roads and lanes. - From Kuklos' 39 Articles

Tomsk

  • Fueled by cake since 1957
    • tomsk.co.uk
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #33 on: 02 October, 2017, 07:39:43 pm »
Zed: "is this really the route as intended: Chepstow, Pontypridd, Barry, Tonypandy, Llandovery, Neath, Barry, Chepstow. Going from Pontypridd to Barry to Tonypandy seems rather odd."
Rhondda/Black Mountain loop from Barry - see above

Or I could give you a clover-leaf shaped event from a base...or anything, really.  ;D

I like Barry, and his Island, it's a good base for a night [or two if you're quick enough], a good choice of eateries, a Premier Inn and B&Bs. Overall it's good, varied route, but then I would say that.

mattc

  • n.b. have grown beard since photo taken
    • Didcot Audaxes
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #34 on: 02 October, 2017, 07:48:10 pm »
Quite excited about Barry Island :P

But won't the leg from there to Chepstow be quite urban?  :-\

It's quite an interesting route from my perspective - lots of places I've been to before, but approached from different angles!
Has never ridden RAAM
---------
No.11  Because of the great host of those who dislike the least appearance of "swank " when they travel the roads and lanes. - From Kuklos' 39 Articles

Wycombewheeler

  • PBP-2019 LEL-2022
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #35 on: 02 October, 2017, 08:24:51 pm »
I haven't seen the route, only the controls list but I estimated barry at about 400km and slightly more than 600km. Even the lightning quick wouldn't be there on the first night anyone sleeping there on the third night would be hard pushed to finish.

But with a minimal stop night one it would be possible to check in at Barry early drop a bag complete the hilly Wales loop and then sleep.

Eddington  127miles, 170km

Tomsk

  • Fueled by cake since 1957
    • tomsk.co.uk
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #36 on: 02 October, 2017, 09:58:40 pm »
But won't the leg from there to Chepstow be quite urban?  :-\

Urban, yes: I rode the Cardiff Docks bit the other weekend - lots of re-development and good-ish cycle lanes. A very interesting mix of Victoriana smartened up or decaying, and glitzy new blocks. After a busy bit [bus/cycle lanes] on Newport Road, you could follow the A48, if early/quiet, but I've a nice rural route to Bassaleg which drops you in on the cycle paths from the Transporter Bridge in Newport. The route to Chepstow is parallel with the motorway on quiet-ish A roads.

Loads of places for breakfast if that fits your schedule. I'll get a 'Tomsk Touring' version done and on AUKweb soon...

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #37 on: 02 October, 2017, 10:33:02 pm »
Entered. Looking forward to sharing the suffering experience (steel bike with mudguards).

Tomsk

  • Fueled by cake since 1957
    • tomsk.co.uk
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #38 on: 14 November, 2017, 05:17:58 pm »
List of controls and distances on AUKweb, plus 'Tomsk's Sensible Touring Schedule'. If you're fast, ignore the latter...

Here you go:

The ACME Grand 1000km
Controls – minimum distances, recommended route will be more:


1] Witham                                                         0km

2] Buntingford                                                  57

3] St Neots                                                     100

4] Towcester                                                  165

5] Banbury                                                    194

6] Tewkesbury                                               259

7] Chepstow                                                  324

8] Pontypridd                                                 379

9] Barry                                                        405  =   2,895m ascent

10] Tonypandy                                              436

11] Llandovery                                              507

12] Neath                                                     558

13] Barry                                                      613  =  2,246m

14] Chepstow                                                671

15] Pershore                                                 710

16] Wellesbourne                                          793

17] Towcester                                               843

18] St Neots                                                  907

19] Buntingford                                             950

20] Witham                                                 1007  =  2,410m
                                                                       Total 7,551m ascent
   

Tomsk’s Sensible Touring Schedule:

[Full value: BRM, 75 hours maximum - 13.3kph minimum speed]


11:00 start: allow 24 hours for an overnighter from Witham to Barry. There’s approximately 2,895m of climbing on this section – as much as the Dorset Coast 200, but over twice the distance. Keep it brief at the first two controls, with an evening meal in Towcester, [takeaway or McDonalds?] From Banbury into the Cotswolds at dusk and with a clear sky the full moon later to light the way. Rations may need to be carried – not a lot of opportunities for feeding here…There are a few substantial climbs in the Forest of Dean…The short night may well be over by the time the Welsh border comes at Chepstow, then via a few lumps from Caerphilly to breakfast at Pontypridd ‘spoons [‘The Tumble Inn’, just off the route - opens 08:00]. Down to Barry, where if up on schedule, into town for a feed, or just visit the Co-op and garage on the outskirts. The short out-and-back after crossing the A48 will give a chance to see who’s just ahead, or behind.

Assuming an 11:00 start on the loop into the hills [208km and 2,246m climbing], then I’d allow 13 hours. A few short sharp climbs, but most are steady and long, up the Rhondda, with a cracking hair-pinned descent to the Cynon valley, then a wilder road up Sarn Helen, picking up the A40, not a bad road here, to Llandovery. Turning here and going up the ‘headline’ climb of the Black Mountain, with another fast, smooth descent to Brynamman, then descending to the Tawe at Pontardawe. Another climb up Fforest Goch and over to Neath, with maybe a pub meal or takeaway here. After this the route avoids the min.dist. A48 and the busy industrial coast roads and returns to the outward section through Pontclun to Barry. A few ‘bonus’ kilometres and climbs here, but a much pleasanter route. Lots of late night takeaway options in Barry, which may be quite lively! Aim to get 5-6 hours decent sleep at the Barry Premier Inn, setting off at 06:00 Saturday morning. Lots of alternative hotel, guest house and b&b options in and around Barry Island and Penarth.

A 300km day, schedule: 18 hours. Cardiff and Newport should be fairly quiet first thing, with breakfast options right on the route at McDonalds in both places, or Fanny’s Rest café, near the Transporter Bridge in Newport – opens 06:30, [tested and approved on ‘Gavin & Stacey’ 400km]. There’s also a Travelodge right on the route in Cardiff Docks. Retrace the outbound route through Chepstow and the Forest of Dean to the Severn valley near Tewkesbury, then a gentler route up to Pershore [lunch?] and just into Stratford-upon-Avon to control at Wellesbourne. The outbound route is picked up again approaching Towcester, aiming for a stop for the night at St Neots Premier Inn, just off the route.

A start at 06:00 [4h15 in hand] would allow 8 hours for the final 100km to finish by 14:00. Push on to Buntingford [47km] for breakfast, where there are several options. With several hours in hand, there should be time for extra stops if necessary. I’ll need to sort out some of the route details here and there, but a provisional route sheet should appear soon after New Year.

mattc

  • n.b. have grown beard since photo taken
    • Didcot Audaxes
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #39 on: 14 November, 2017, 05:38:24 pm »
Was this mentioned on the One Show?
Has never ridden RAAM
---------
No.11  Because of the great host of those who dislike the least appearance of "swank " when they travel the roads and lanes. - From Kuklos' 39 Articles

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #40 on: 14 November, 2017, 06:45:59 pm »
Towcester's just 12 miles up the A5 from me. Shame it doesn't start there!
Bikes are for riding, not cleaning!

rob

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #41 on: 14 November, 2017, 07:24:36 pm »
Think I'll need to gear down a bit for this one.   Thinking 70".

jiberjaber

  • ... Fancy Pants \o/ ...
  • ACME S&M^2
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #42 on: 14 November, 2017, 07:48:32 pm »
I've got a bonus 65km and 3000m so far from my quick route knock up, but thats without the official route sheet and RWGPS might be picking some none-road routes through them hills...
Regards,

Joergen

wilkyboy

  • "nick" by any other name
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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #43 on: 14 November, 2017, 09:33:31 pm »
Think I'll need to gear down a bit for this one.   Thinking 70".

I'm thinking 72 + 64 on double-fixed.  Flip the wheel in Barry; flip it back in Barry  :thumbsup:   (not that I've entered yet — it's just a few days before I go away with the whooooole family on holiday for Mum's 70th, so I'm yet to even begin to broach the subject ... :facepalm:  ::-))
Lockdown lethargy. RRTY: wot's that? Can't remember if I'm on #8 or #9 ...

wilkyboy

  • "nick" by any other name
    • 16-inch wheels
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #44 on: 14 November, 2017, 09:37:07 pm »
I've got a bonus 65km and 3000m so far from my quick route knock up, but thats without the official route sheet and RWGPS might be picking some none-road routes through them hills...

RWGPS has it at about 1% for the Gavin & Stacey and The Return of Gavin & Stacey routes, so over 8000m in 850km.  And that's not including the Black Mountains 200.  I think RWGPS might be over-estimating somewhere along the route.
Lockdown lethargy. RRTY: wot's that? Can't remember if I'm on #8 or #9 ...

jiberjaber

  • ... Fancy Pants \o/ ...
  • ACME S&M^2
Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #45 on: 14 November, 2017, 10:10:27 pm »
I've got a bonus 65km and 3000m so far from my quick route knock up, but thats without the official route sheet and RWGPS might be picking some none-road routes through them hills...

RWGPS has it at about 1% for the Gavin & Stacey and The Return of Gavin & Stacey routes, so over 8000m in 850km.  And that's not including the Black Mountains 200.  I think RWGPS might be over-estimating somewhere along the route.

I'm at 1,073km with 9,279m but like I said, without the official route sheet it's just general guess work.
Regards,

Joergen

rob

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #46 on: 15 November, 2017, 08:32:40 am »
Think I'll need to gear down a bit for this one.   Thinking 70".

I'm thinking 72 + 64 on double-fixed.  Flip the wheel in Barry; flip it back in Barry  :thumbsup: 

Bit of a faff given my mechanical ineptitude.   I usually ride 79" but this has a few more lumps.

Schedule-wise I was thinking of riding through to Barry Fri night and St Neots Sat night so Tomsk's recommendation looks about right.   I had thoughts of trying to bash round but 1) getting home in time to get a train back from Witham Sat night is a big leap and 2) I probably have a big goal a couple of weeks later so smashing myself up isn't really an option.

All in all should be an enjoyable long weekend.   I probably need to enter.

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #47 on: 15 November, 2017, 02:28:09 pm »
This is sort of tempting, as I could probably manage it with a couple of sleep stops in my own sweet bed. This would add about 30k and a few hills, though it would mean a gruelling second day around Wales (and this is the lumpy bit). The problem is, that although it would be very nice to get into my own bed at 700k, I suspect that getting out of it again would not be such an attractive proposition. So I'm in two minds about this one.

mmmmartin

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Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #48 on: 15 November, 2017, 03:16:46 pm »
i have entered as an insurance against an attack of ICBA to enter the Brussels-Paris-Brussels 600 which is a week later. But this is starting to look easily as attractive.
Besides, it wouldn't be audacious if success were guaranteed.

Re: ACME Grand 1000km 28 June 2018
« Reply #49 on: 15 November, 2017, 03:43:29 pm »
Why are there no AAA points? Without looking in detail, I would have expected sections in Wales to provide the necessary climbing rate.

Eddington: 133 miles    Max square: 43x43