Richmond 5 Dales Cyclosportive, 29/05/2010

[Deano]

I quite fancy having another go at this.  I rode it a couple of years ago, when it was only a fiver to entry, but now with added technological jiggery-pokery (a timing chip) it costs £15.00.

There are three different routes, but I'll be riding the 100-mile route, which takes in the Stang, Tan Hill, Birkdale Common, Fleet Moss and Park Rash. 

Link here:


   Richmond Cyclosportives - 29 May 2010


Anyone else riding?

[andrew w]

Yes, I'm doing the 100 mile version, I've just put my entry in.  Steve GT is doing it as well, so far as I know.

[Steve GT]

Yep. I will be there. I have some unfinished business with Fleet Moss and Park Rash!

[Deano]

robgul raises an interesting point on another thread: are helmets compulsory?

If so, I'll probably ride in a guerrilla stylee (since it's all on open roads).

By the way, when I rode, loads of people ended up walking up Park Rash.  Turns out, a 42-23 bottom gear didn't quite cut it.

[Steve GT]

robgul raises an interesting point on another thread: are helmets compulsory?

If so, I'll probably ride in a guerrilla stylee (since it's all on open roads).

By the way, when I rode, loads of people ended up walking up Park Rash.  Turns out, a 42-23 bottom gear didn't quite cut it.

I bow down to any man or woman that can climb Park Rash with a 42-23 bottom gear

[Deano]

I didn't see anyone who did - I passed a couple of people with double chainrings who were walking up Park Rash, and a bloke I was chatting to at the end had equally high gearing, and admitted to having walked up Park Rash.  That still means he got up Fleet Moss, though.

[fraz167]

Hi,

I have entered the Richmond 5 Dales this coming May, has anyone done it or doing it this year?

Can't say i am looking forward to ascending Fleets Moss from Hawes...and i understand Park Rash is a bit of a brute as well!

Regards

Fraser

[fraz167]

I am doing it...should i be packing walking boots for Park Rash 

[LindaG]

I'm not but my friends Jonathan and Shyumu will be there.  Sounds like fun for the fit-enough!

[Steve GT]

Linda, there are shorter routes for you to do on the day., a 50 or 80 mile version.

[Deano]

The 50-mile is a shorter version of one of my favourite loops, over the Stang and back to Richmond down Arkengarthdale.

[Deano]

I am doing it...should i be packing walking boots for Park Rash 

I read that the mail coaches between London and Richmond used to go up and down Park Rash 

If anyone fancies a bit of pre-ride training, Dave Atkinson's Mini Dales Tour on 8th May goes over Park Rash:

May 08 - New Road, Richmond, 100 - (AAA 2)

I'm riding the 160 on the same day which sets off an hour earlier and follows the same route as far as Kettlewell - it actually looks an easier rode than the 100.  I do hope no-one on the 100 catches me up 

[hugo15]

I'm in. Done the 50 and the 80 twice. Time to step up to the big one this year.

[Deano]

I'm in. Done the 50 and the 80 twice. Time to step up to the big one this year.

Can you still enter the 100 and then ride the 80 if you're not feeling up to it?

There's a substantial difference between the two rides: not that the 100 is that much harder, but the ascents of Fleet Moss and Park Rash, then the rides down Langstrothdale and Coverdale, and the views on offer, are inspirational.  The ride down Wensleydale on the 80 is quite nice, but you're missing out on a lot.

It was complete carnage down Coverdale when I rode, mind - riders were so shagged out at the top of Park Rash that they seemed to lose all judgement, and I thought I was going to see someone go straight on where the road takes a sharp right after the first steep descent.

[Steve GT]

Yes, you can bail out and do a shorter route. I think you just have to tell them at the finish that you did that.

[Deano]

Hmm, I think I'm going to back out of this now.  I've got quite a full May:

May 1st Wiggy 300
May 8th Dave's Dales Tour 150 km (+ 50km)
May 15th Bryan Chapman 600 km
May 22nd The Lincoln 400 km

Something's gotta give, and I haven't got around to entering the 5 Dales yet, so sod it.  I might just ride the route some other time.