A question for the veterans of this event. Whilst I probably won't write a schedule, it's useful to estimate where you'll be and when in order to position helpers.
From the 2015 start sheet I can see a few sections :-
- ride to Prees
- Prees-Prees Circuit
- Quina Brook Circuit
- Prees-Prees Circuit (night)
- Quina Brook Circuit
- Finishing Circuit
Does anyone know what times each circuit opens and closes ?
Thanks
Rob
Hi Rob - this is from memory of three rides from a - relatively speaking - lowly plodder
You will do two loops of Shawbirch in addition to getting there so 95 miles - UNLESS you are a slow-ish late starter in a big field (I got turned back at Epsley on circuit two off a 1420 start one year after having a visitation earlier).
You will then do laps of Quina Brook until about 2130 when you will return to the Shawbirch circuit (this is a good opportunity to get "night timed up".)
I think the switch back to Quina happens about 0700 and then folks start getting directed to the finish circuit about 1000 (ESL or others better versed might correct that)
What it means that the character of your ride is heavily infuenced by your start time.
My best was just over 600km and had a reasonably early start (1315 or suchlike). That allowed me to plan out exactly the first 8 hours or so of the ride - the 95 miles above then 5 laps of Quina Brook which gave me a good base for the night section whenere I prepared myself for three laps of Shawbirch (in the end I got another bonus leg out to Epsley before being turned back). It also meant I spent less time on the finish circuit which struck me as quite lumpy. I liked the circuits of Quina Brook as one hill apart quite suited me and they had the morale boosting effect of returning to Prees every 40 minutes or so. Traffic also much quieter than on the Shawbirch circuit
Thats another feature, you could be turned back at Tern Hill or Epsley on either occasion you are doing the Shawbirch circuits, it could play havoc with supporters calculations if they arent prepared!
Hope it goes well for you.
EDIT - I dont plan to ride this event again (concentrating on shorter TTs now) but could be persuaded to act as support in 2016.