Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Manotea on 30 September, 2018, 05:17:27 pm

Title: BBC London
Post by: Manotea on 30 September, 2018, 05:17:27 pm
(http://bbc.paudax.com/BBC_London_Flyer.jpg) (http://bbc.paudax.com)
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: quixoticgeek on 30 September, 2018, 07:10:30 pm

BR, or BRM?


J
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 30 September, 2018, 07:13:39 pm

BR, or BRM?


J

well as it's post coital probably BR
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Neil C on 30 September, 2018, 07:37:00 pm
If you look at the AUK website you can see that BBC London is not part of the World Service.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: αdαmsκι on 30 September, 2018, 07:37:19 pm
Website says BR

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/19-236/
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: bairn again on 30 September, 2018, 07:56:16 pm
that looks fab!
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Huff n Puff on 01 October, 2018, 04:09:59 am
You must have had some fun naming that! Starting from Chalfont, CBBC perhaps? Or BBC-6 even? After all the PBP 600 qualifiers it could be 1 Xtra.

How about a 400 to the coast....Channel 4?

Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Bianchi Boy on 01 October, 2018, 07:12:35 am
You must have had some fun naming that! Starting from Chalfont, CBBC perhaps? Or BBC-6 even? After all the PBP 600 qualifiers it could be 1 Xtra.

How about a 400 to the coast....Channel 4?
I feel I must bring you back to the diversity and inclusion topics there was such a constructive discussion on. How can Audax expect to grow with such a bizarre naming convention where no one expect the privileged few can understand the naming and abbreviations used. So far in this thread we have had BM, BRM, BBC, CBBC. Also only locals know where Chalfont is so only hardcore Audaxers will bother with it. It needs a relocation of the start so that people who live inside London will know where it starts. Then Buxton, Boston and Chatteris are quite small places and Boston is confusing because everyone knows that is in America. Now if you used the term 'northern' everyone has a concept of travelling north, but minorities might be out off because we all know people in the north voted for Brexit and are all bigots, so the northern bit might have to be dropped. The start time is a bit anti-social and something more like 10am will be more accommodating. The distance and time allowed are also a bit harsh and not very inclusive and people will need to have lights and expensive bikes to even consider entering. I was brought up in the north and know from raw experience that vegetarian and vegan options are few and far between Vegitarian riders will be restricted to a diet of Greggs Cheese and onion pasties and god knows what vegans will eat as even the chips will be fried in dripping.

So like many rides in the Audax calendar this ride looks like it is restricted to dedicated, fit people who can navigate at night and have an understanding of the geography of the UK and can manage with the food on offer. If only there was a glossy web site to advertise the ride!

BB   
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: mattc on 01 October, 2018, 03:19:28 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: FifeingEejit on 01 October, 2018, 05:22:00 pm
Just added it to my "thinking about" calendar;

It looks like a decent trip round parts of england I would otherwise not get round to seeing; not too hilly, and quiet a varied route. I even note 100km of near total flatness, an alien concept, the 264m of climbing in that 100m being almost as much as the lowest amount I can find in 20km

The only thing stopping me for actually entering is that if I've done PBP, then there's the danger I'll still be suffering the trauma of that.
Oh and because I'm still working out my annual leave; no chance of travelling that far south on a Friday afterwork, or getting to work on the Monday morning.

I trust if I do scrape together the princely sum of twelve quid from my fifer standard issue wallet (money sits just out of reach), that will go someway to meeting diversity quotas by scoring the Nae fae roond here, "Scotch", disney speak the lingo and almost albino criteria. Although I'm afraid I'm not ginger so you can't get that one.


Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Manotea on 03 October, 2018, 02:50:58 pm
When I look at the map, I immediately think, "Once I had a farm in Afrika..."

If the name wasn't already set it might have been The African Dream.
An homage to another group of intrepid travellers battling against the odds. How audax is that?

(http://www.gstatic.com/tv/thumb/v22vodart/4105/p4105_v_v8_aa.jpg)

Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Phil W on 03 October, 2018, 05:41:24 pm
If you look at the AUK website you can see that BBC London is not part of the World Service.

Oh very good.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 03 October, 2018, 06:09:29 pm
Love it.  Can i ride sooner as a perm, starting oop north, duck?
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Manotea on 03 October, 2018, 11:08:37 pm
I expect so. Lots of route checking to be done. :)
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: bludger on 03 October, 2018, 11:19:47 pm
Looks good! really enjoyed the orbital and with nary a ferry in sight hopefully I will be back in safely in time for last orders.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 04 October, 2018, 04:32:42 am
very nice, hope this becomes a regular, after PBP (and the qualifying SR series) and an easter arrow (hopefully completed this time) I fear this may be moving into taking the p*** territory domestically.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: whosatthewheel on 04 October, 2018, 06:57:08 am
I expect so. Lots of route checking to be done. :)

B road north of Uttoxeter going to Rochester is very busy with fast traffic, there is a side road on the left, which allows to avoid most of it at no extra cost... worth using it in my opinion.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 04 October, 2018, 08:09:58 am
It may have changed as i have not ridden it this year but I do not usually find it that bad.  It has clear sight lines as it is very straight and the carriageways are wide enough to allow cars to pass.  They are doing a lot of work round there at the moment so will be worth checking.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Manotea on 04 October, 2018, 09:44:39 am
I expect so. Lots of route checking to be done. :)

B road north of Uttoxeter going to Rochester is very busy with fast traffic, there is a side road on the left, which allows to avoid most of it at no extra cost... worth using it in my opinion.
Thanks, taken that - as a rule of thumb, l try and avoid long straight roads for a host of reasons.

I've revised the route north, now routing via Alton but avoids the approach roads to Alton Towers.

Further south, swapped out Burton-on-Trent and Rugby for Market Bosworth. Have to add 'Battlefields' to the list of attractions. :)
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 04 October, 2018, 10:52:27 am
not updated on RWGPS yet
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: whosatthewheel on 04 October, 2018, 11:36:28 am
The approach road to Alton towers is actually not too bad, but I have never done it on a weekend.

That said, I have the feeling riders will get there late afternoon/evening, so there might not be any traffic at all
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: hillbilly on 04 October, 2018, 12:23:58 pm
Looks great.  Wonderful to have a 600km event in the South East that is more than a Hampshire/Wilthshire route with an alternative start location.  This and the round London 300 are a definite do for me if I'm free.

Particularly like that it gives non-PBP members like me a feasible option for a 600 given the PBP locusts seem to be munching up pre-July 600 entries faster than I want to commit to them.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: pdm on 04 October, 2018, 01:08:13 pm
2p of Local Knowledge.

* Coming into the southern Peaks, you could consider the Tissington Trail from Ashbourn as an alternative, (a no brainer for navigation and less lumpy than the existing route; downside is a compacted earth surface rather than tarmac) to Parsley Hay. Then cross the A515 onto The Rake and go over the small hump to Monyash (The Old Smithy cafe there is very good if you are passing in the daytime). From there use the lanes via Flagg to Brierlow Bar.
Coming into Buxton, the A515 is OK but it is straight with fast motons so I usually keep left at Brierlow Bar on Brierlow Lane and rejoin the A515 in Buxton at the Hospital (0.5km longer with ~20m extra ascent).
* The A6 from Buxton to the top of the Monsal Trail at the Wyedale car park is horrible - fast traffic on a windy road. It is fairly short and flattish, however, so do-able but I personally avoid it. Unfortunately the alternative is rather scenic with about 100m extra climbing and 2km extra distance (via Waterswallows road and Wormhill, joining the trail at Miller's Dale) so perhaps 5km of suffering on the A6 has to be the best option on a 600.
* Hassop station to Baslow: An alternative route is to go right at the roundabout outside the station onto the A6020 and then go right on the B6048 followed by a left through Pilsley and down a nice little lane to Baslow. 1.5k shorter and a few 10s of m less uphill.

Good Luck.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: rob on 04 October, 2018, 01:18:36 pm
This really suits me as it starts not all that far from home and I have access to a very convenient overnight about 2/3rs distance.

Next year looks a little bit full, though so I suspect I will be either knackered or short of weekend passes by then.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 04 October, 2018, 01:28:03 pm
I would not want to do the Tissington trail.  it is relatively narrow, used by dog walkers, children, etc who do not expect to see fast moving road bikes.  I would consider the use of this trail for an audax to be extremely risky
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Kim on 04 October, 2018, 01:46:54 pm
I would not want to do the Tissington trail.  it is relatively narrow, used by dog walkers, children, etc who do not expect to see fast moving road bikes.  I would consider the use of this trail for an audax to be extremely risky

Depends on the time of day, but by my back-of-the-envelope calculations most riders would get there around the evening dog-emptying peak.  How many muggle cyclists, walkers, children etc. are about will mostly depend on the weather (which could go either way mid-September).  The surface is probably okay on road tyres (I've only ever done it on touring tyres), but can get quite puddly on the upper section, which leads to conflict with other users if you don't want to get your feet wet.

On the other hand, this is a 600, not a 100.  It won't be an enormous field, and should be decently spread out by that point.  I'd also hope that audaxers would have the sense to ride appropriately for the conditions, secure in the knowledge that the consistent gentle gradient and lack of junctions would give them a decent overall average speed on that section.

What I certainly wouldn't want to do is use the Tissington (or the other trails) in the downhill direction.  Too easy to pick up speed.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: essexian on 04 October, 2018, 02:08:55 pm
I've been up the Tissington trail several times on my road bike with 25mm tyres. Its okay if a little rutted in places (the main cutting in the lower half of the ride and then after the signal box).  I do think a good pad is required however.

As to dog emptiers, they tend to stay within a mile or two of the "stations" so once you are beyond the one by the huge curve on the embankment (I forget what it is called), you will be on your own for a few miles. You will however, come across people who have hired bikes and aren't used to riding so its best to give them plenty of warning when passing!

As to speed, I won't claim to be the fastest person on this site but from the main car park just outside Ashbourne to the very top takes me on average 90 minutes for the 17 or so miles. There are a couple of sections of climbing (long false flats really) but the real test comes from the wind....once on the great bend, the wind picks up and can blow you sideways! I suppose it could be good practice for the Fens  ;D

With regards to going down the trail...that's the best bit  ;D (My best time of 57 minutes was done at 7am in the morning when I had the trail to myself. I would not go that fast normally).

Finally, I agree about the A6 out of Buxton. Later in the evening may be okay but otherwise it's best to take care. Also, don't miss the entrance to the trail as there is a nasty hill soon afterwards!

Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: whosatthewheel on 04 October, 2018, 02:29:16 pm
Tissington trail is fine. We did it in Eroica Britannia, with over 3,000 cyclists, sharing with walkers... no problem at all
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Greenbank on 04 October, 2018, 03:12:00 pm
Yay! Route design/critique by committee/forum. Always makes a good thread.

(Feedback for the organiser good, but squabbling about individual roads doesn't really add to the thread about an upcoming ride.)
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: hillbilly on 04 October, 2018, 06:19:33 pm
Be careful how you advertise BBC London.  It has a different connotation in less innocent parts of teh interweb. 

For example, don't suggest you have plenty of room for a quick entry or that it is a ride that will leave you sore the day after.

#yacfcorruptedmymind
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Manotea on 04 October, 2018, 07:49:35 pm
Be careful how you advertise BBC London.  It has a different connotation in less innocent parts of teh interweb. 

For example, don't suggest you have plenty of room for a quick entry or that it is a ride that will leave you sore the day after.

#yacfcorruptedmymind

I can honestly say I havent got a clue what youre talking about.
Might have had problems if the route ended in Windsor though...

As noted upthread, my last refresh didn't take for some reason, but its there now. Link on the cal listing.
Aside from aforementioned changes, some unsuitable paths had crept in. Hopefully resolved. (I guess those are what were being discussed upthread). Soz)
As a rule of thumb I'm not averse to counttry lanes or greenways but for (this) 600 they need to be metalled, les than 10% and not have grass running down the middle...
If you like that sort ofthing there are plenty of other Orgs who will oblige.

Yes I know, 'the ambassador is spoiling us' :)
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: dod on 04 October, 2018, 10:38:02 pm
This looks great fun, although you can avoid using the busy A141 between Guyhirn and Chatteris by coming off as soon as possible after Guyhirn and going through March town centre, then taking the road through Wimblington and Doddington to get to Chatteris. Then you even get to pass the door of the famed Green Welly :)
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: BeMoreMike on 05 October, 2018, 10:10:57 am
Further south, swapped out Burton-on-Trent and Rugby for Market Bosworth. Have to add 'Battlefields' to the list of attractions. :)

Oh, Rugby is no more. Your first draft went within 50 meters of my house and possibly a nice fully catered break at 140km's.
It's still a great route though, a definitely maybe, especially if PBP doesn't happen.


FYI, the North West exit from Draycote Water, the NCR41 definitely isn't metalled, does have grass and gravel all over it and can be muddy if we've had a wet summer. But it's only a 500 meter break in the tarmac so might still be feasible.

Also, Priors Marston at 101km, consider continuing down Hellidon Road rather than turning onto Keys Lane. Both are very steep descents, Keys Lane isn't used by traffic as much and can be slippery with leaves if wet and has a very sharp kink at the steepest point. Hellidon Road is much safer and less squeaky bum imo.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: marcusjb on 05 October, 2018, 10:19:44 am
If all goes to plan, I will be located near the Buxton end by the time of the event.  Happy to volunteer my services if you need anything at the top end of the ride.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: LiamFitz on 05 October, 2018, 01:15:08 pm
Be careful how you advertise BBC London.  It has a different connotation in less innocent parts of teh interweb. 

For example, don't suggest you have plenty of room for a quick entry or that it is a ride that will leave you sore the day after.

#yacfcorruptedmymind

Chester Bristol Tonbridge anyone?
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 05 October, 2018, 10:59:30 pm
I see it now goes through Barton under needwood where Adrian Timmis lives. Famous Pro rider in TdF.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Manotea on 05 October, 2018, 11:36:37 pm
I try to avoid the larger towns like Burton on Trent (which to be fair isn't that big by down south standards) as I find urban areas really intrusive once Ive got used to the quiet countryside. Smaller towns that you can be in and out of in five minutes are ok. Originally the 'C' was going to be Cambridge but it didnt work out. Whilst Cambridge makes a great destination for a 200km when you can  take your time, the centre is always busy and on a 600 you want to be in and out quite quickly (and it would have added 10km). The Green Welly at Chatteris looks perfect... the minor road route from Guyhirn to Chatteris is 20km compared with 17km on the A road. I'd take the minor road route any day.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Scrantaj on 09 October, 2018, 08:58:16 am
Oooh, goes right past my front door in Ollerton, (give or take 5 miles).  Happy to help out if you need anything up that way.  Big year planned next year so will almost certainly be too knackered / broken to ride it on the day.  DIY/Perm may be possible another time though.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Manotea on 09 October, 2018, 11:09:35 am
Thanks; Ollerton got the nod because of the 24hr Macdonalds.

If the event proves popular I'd envisage there being a full-on night-time control somewhere around Lincoln (370km). Egmanton Village Hall (350km, south of Tuxford) looks promising, as it comes at a breakpoint in the route between the peaks and the flatlands. Also after tuxford the route to Lincoln is off-road (NCN647) and best ridden in daylight/dawn.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: fimm on 09 October, 2018, 11:14:35 am

I can honestly say I havent got a clue what youre talking about.


Nor have I. Am I the only person for whom the first post is completely blank?
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Scrantaj on 09 October, 2018, 02:07:47 pm
Thanks; Ollerton got the nod because of the 24hr Macdonalds.

If the event proves popular I'd envisage there being a full-on night-time control somewhere around Lincoln (370km). Egmanton Village Hall (350km, south of Tuxford) looks promising, as it comes at a breakpoint in the route between the peaks and the flatlands. Also after tuxford the route to Lincoln is off-road (NCN647) and best ridden in daylight/dawn.

Can also be "interesting" in poor weather, especially on skinny tyres.  There are some sections prone to mud and overgrowth.  The 2nd half into Lincoln is good though once you hit tarmac again.  There is an alternative route via Dunham Bridge and then via back roads to meet the cycle route without riding the off road bits.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: mattc on 09 October, 2018, 02:42:45 pm
@fimm:

The first post has no text - it's just one big graphic. This is the URL:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/rwf4p3qy517dzw8/BBC%20London%20Flyer.jpg?raw=1

MAybe your PC is slow to download it, or display it, or you can't see dropbox files?
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Ben T on 09 October, 2018, 03:09:24 pm
Fimm, are you browsing from work?
Many corporate proxies ban dropbox URLs, mine does.
I see Manotea's OP as just blank as well, but it displays fine at home.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Manotea on 09 October, 2018, 04:07:38 pm
Fimm, are you browsing from work?
Many corporate proxies ban dropbox URLs, mine does.
I see Manotea's OP as just blank as well, but it displays fine at home.
Doh... Have to move it to some private webspace

Howzat?
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: mattc on 22 October, 2018, 12:34:13 pm
Tried out km 100-330ish over the weekend (including the Monsal Trail). Very nice; I was lucky to get dry weather, but mornings were a lot colder than September should be!

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmuheygw

Paul will be updated with details, but I didn't encounter any serious problems  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Peter on 22 October, 2018, 12:56:49 pm
Beautiful Wyedale - thanks, Matt!
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 06 November, 2018, 10:13:44 pm
Oops! not sure what happened but I entered
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Somnolent on 20 May, 2019, 12:51:38 pm
Just looking at this for my SR after a BCM DNF.
Must be something happening in Lincoln that weekend because all the Travelodges are eye-wateringly expensive.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Andy Corless on 20 May, 2019, 05:31:30 pm
"Just looking at this for my SR after a BCM DNF"

Don't know if it's your sort of thing but for information purposes there's still places on my Pendle 600 & Glasgow 600. I've attached website links below:

http://burnleyccevents.com/pendle-600-2/

http://burnleyccevents.com/blackpool-glasgow-blackpool-600-22-septe

Andy Corless
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Somnolent on 20 May, 2019, 07:34:46 pm
Thanks Andy, but both are rather far away from my current abode near the south coast..... and the Pendle is most assuredly NOT my "sort of thing".
Title: Re: BBC London Sept 14th
Post by: Pete Mas on 01 September, 2019, 03:14:04 pm
Who is hoping to ride? it's my last chance to bag a 600 for my SR this year, so I will try to be there. :thumbsup:

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/19-236/
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: parkysouthlondon on 04 September, 2019, 10:16:47 pm
I'm going to ride. See you there
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 09 September, 2019, 10:53:09 am
did a route check this weekend, some cracking places en route

First day  has very quiet roads almost all day and slowly builds up to the challenging Peaks section, second day (for me anyway, we stayed in Chesterfield) starts very lumpy but soon subsides. Great use of cycle paths, especially the Monsal Trail, the quick riders might get the chance to see this iconic bit before dark!

Draycote Water was a great inclusion!

It was nice to see Boston Stump again, it used to feature on Double Dutch when it was a DIY. The "Stump" comes from the fact that it has a square tower rather than a spire, quite rare in UK but very common in Netherlands / Belgium.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: jsabine on 09 September, 2019, 11:51:30 am
The "Stump" comes from the fact that it has a square tower rather than a spire, quite rare in UK but very common in Netherlands / Belgium.

Not that rare - the OS even has a specific symbol for them ...
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 09 September, 2019, 11:59:43 am
The Stump isn't the usual square tower type church, it's a lot more Dutch

(https://live.staticflickr.com/1806/41714208950_a45e9efd16_b.jpg)

and Utrecht (used to be the highest bar in the country with a wooden staircase up the outside but they took it away after a few fatal falls; that's what they tell you on the tour anyway!)

(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/dom-tower-st-martin-s-cathedral-utrecht-netherlands-46798153.jpg)

Here's an interesting one, All Saints in North Kensington, it was intended to have a spire but they discovered the ground could not support the weight (or they ran out of money whichever is true)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a0/All_Saints_Church_Tower%2C_Notting_Hill_-_London.jpg/170px-All_Saints_Church_Tower%2C_Notting_Hill_-_London.jpg)
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: markldn on 09 September, 2019, 01:16:05 pm
Weather is looking great.  Will sign up in coming days.  Hopefully legs will be back to normal post-PBP.

Edit: Paid.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 11 September, 2019, 12:14:00 pm
Just wondering; is anyone staying overnight anywhere (other than in McDonalds)?

I stayed in Chesterfield which was a welcome stop but at 295k a bit earlier in the ride than I'd normally prefer, they are usually at the 350-380k mark
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: markldn on 11 September, 2019, 12:23:58 pm
Could bivvy down along the alternative Water Rail Way route between Lincoln and Boston.  There are little alcoves of grass/benches.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 11 September, 2019, 12:39:56 pm
Could bivvy down along the alternative Water Rail Way route between Lincoln and Boston.  There are little alcoves of grass/benches.

yes that looked interesting, I missed it as went up the A15. Does the alternative route go through New York?
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Phil W on 11 September, 2019, 01:59:59 pm
There's a nice open porch of the church at Southrey as well. Don't know how close your BBC route passes to that.  There's also a lovely wide verge of short grass, edge with hedges both sides,  on a road west of Woodhall Spa. Rode along it on our Easter arrow this year, but didn't stop there. Anyway both perfect spots for an undisturbed bivvy..
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 11 September, 2019, 03:20:32 pm
Forecast says down to 9oC in Lincoln Saturday night. There were a few brass monkeys wandering around looking for parts of their anatomy last weekend
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: thisisgrace on 11 September, 2019, 05:39:03 pm
Rode some of the route on Sunday and it was great. This is the view as you drop into Ilam with Thorpe Cloud to your right.

(https://i.imgur.com/woQVue3.jpg)

Then after you've done the mingin' climb out of Ilam, you're rewarded with these mates.

(https://i.imgur.com/KOrIYm3.jpg)

I am unsure whether this route is mandatory or advisory but I took the Tissington Trail out of Ashbourne to Thorpe rather than the A515 which can get a bit hairy at times, though by the time you get to it, it will probably be ok and you're not on it for long anyway.

Enjoy - I'm thinking of doing it starting in the Peak District some time as that's my stomping ground.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 11 September, 2019, 05:44:52 pm
It's not mandatory route, I started doing the Tissington Trail (having eventually found it from the A515) but got a puncture after 2k so went back to the A515 which was horrid, very busy and uppy / downy. The proper route is much nicer.

There's an alternative to the route out of Buxton to the very end of the Monsal Trail but it's not really suitable for road bikes as the bridleway section from the A6 is quite rough. And you just get a couple of extra tunnels.

A shock to the system for me was the A619 to Chesterfield after Hassop; I've driven it many times but it's a real proper col on a bike.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: thisisgrace on 11 September, 2019, 06:33:10 pm
A shock to the system for me was the A619 to Chesterfield after Hassop; I've driven it many times but it's a real proper col on a bike.

Yeah naff road even to drive. Plenty of nice ones on the tops over Curbar if riders are tempted to change it from there.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: markldn on 11 September, 2019, 06:47:50 pm
Could bivvy down along the alternative Water Rail Way route between Lincoln and Boston.  There are little alcoves of grass/benches.

yes that looked interesting, I missed it as went up the A15. Does the alternative route go through New York?

Here is my Strava of Fenland Friends where I take the Water Way between Lincoln and Boston.  Not sure where "New York" is.  If done again I would NOT cross east over Langrick Bridge but rather rejoin the BBC route at Brothertoft.  Reason being the cycle path deteriorates into Boston—wheels have to contend with destroyed asphalt from roots whilst body must avoid overgrown trees—requires a snail's pace.

Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: markldn on 11 September, 2019, 06:50:04 pm
There's a nice open porch of the church at Southrey as well. Don't know how close your BBC route passes to that.  There's also a lovely wide verge of short grass, edge with hedges both sides,  on a road west of Woodhall Spa. Rode along it on our Easter arrow this year, but didn't stop there. Anyway both perfect spots for an undisturbed bivvy..

Thanks for the recommendations Phil!  I will definitely try one of these out for a power nap.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 11 September, 2019, 06:59:15 pm
New York is a proper place with a sign. I've ridden from New York to Boston which sounds cool but it's only about 10k. It's somewhere in that grid of roads around Holland Fen.

There's nothing to remind visitors of its larger namesake but apparently they put flowers on the village sign after 9/11
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: pdm on 11 September, 2019, 09:32:14 pm

A shock to the system for me was the A619 to Chesterfield after Hassop; I've driven it many times but it's a real proper col on a bike.

Better to turn off the A619 onto the B6050 and go to Chesterfield via Pudding Pie hill and Old Brampton if you really want to go that way... Its a fair bit quieter and no longer. You can also admire the clock on the spire at Old Brampton which has a funny number of minutes (63!) to the hour....
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: markldn on 12 September, 2019, 12:21:35 am
New York is a proper place with a sign. I've ridden from New York to Boston which sounds cool but it's only about 10k. It's somewhere in that grid of roads around Holland Fen.

There's nothing to remind visitors of its larger namesake but apparently they put flowers on the village sign after 9/11

This is class.

Also - looks like i didn’t post my strava. Oh well.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: quixoticgeek on 12 September, 2019, 10:45:38 am
New York is a proper place with a sign. I've ridden from New York to Boston which sounds cool but it's only about 10k. It's somewhere in that grid of roads around Holland Fen.

There's a group of cycle couriers trying to organise a bit of a race from Harlem to Brooklyn. Sorry, autocorrect, Haarlem to Breukelen.

Going via America or Engeland are both too far, being that they are in Limberg and Overijssel respectively...

J
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 16 September, 2019, 10:07:45 pm
how did it go? I appreciate there's more or less nobody left posting here but I don't do faceache  :)
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Pete Mas on 19 September, 2019, 03:42:39 pm
how did it go? I appreciate there's more or less nobody left posting here but I don't do faceache  :)

Well it a great route, and nice weather to be out. I finished - but well out of time!I just discovered that I nearly passed one of my cousin's front door on the way to Ashby. I was progressing OK as far as Buxton, but had just lost my 1 hour up on the clock at that control. Earlier my dynamo light had snapped from the bar bracket, so I had to tie it in place using a spare USB cable as a cable-tie! On the way to Ollerton tiredness kicked in and some navigational errors meant I was 3 hours down by Ollerton. Thoughts of making up some time on the flatter Fenland sections didn't materialise. Couldnt find Paul's number, so sent him an email. Saw a couple of other stragglers who had also had a 'bad night' Dozed a couple of times on the hilly run -in to Chalfont. The traffic on route was horrendous due to diversions caused by an M25 accident, I think? Never seen so many cars in 'the lanes'Finally got back for my longest ever 600km at around 50 hours  :facepalm: Think I will accede to advancing years and take up golf, maybe  :-\...(or at the very least do a bit of 'training'). I appreciate it has been a couple of years since my last AA Ride.
Thanks are due to Paul for the route and Paul and Martin for route-checking.

How did everyone else do? Are the ride stats available? ( Entries,Starters, Finishers,DNF).

Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Manotea on 19 September, 2019, 08:03:07 pm
Hi Pete, Glad you made it back OK! Yes there were two other stragglers out well after midnight so you were not alone. Just to cheer you up, first home was just after 12 (thats pm, not am!) and the next two around 2:30 then it was quiet till about 4pm and riders started drifting in through till about 9:30pm. A quiet night for me with 23 starters and 17 finishers (one mechanical DNF and another couple trained home from Lincoln). I was happy to keep things low key first time round to see how the the route went. I thought it was quite ambitious to set up.. I put a lot of work into trying to thread past various conurbations and keep riders off main roads but it sounds the traffic followed you! And I'm still looking for the mythical flat route for the last few km into Chalfont from the north! I'm planning to run the event next year with a village hall control after Ollerton (325), which I think will be welcome. About half the riders pushed on at least to Lincoln (375) where they found it was Freshers Week at Lincoln Uni which is where the MAcDonalds control was (Oops) so that was a bit busier than usual, but Ollerton is far enough for me on day 1, as thats where all the AAAs are.

Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 19 September, 2019, 09:24:57 pm
being not made of sterner stuff  :-[ all my 8 600s to date have involved a proper overnight Z stop and the route check was no exception,

I think a 325 overnight stop would be brilliant next time :thumbsup:
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Davef on 20 September, 2019, 04:11:30 pm
I thought it was a great 600. I was making a proper mini break holiday staying the night in the premier inn at Canwick and breakfast in Boston. I had heard of them giving away rooms if you were very late checking in. Not being able to get in touch on the phone I went for a bit of a panicky sprint to get there around midnight. my concerns over the off road 20km off road into Lincoln were also completely unfounded. Fab.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190920/ac80eda0596ef27fcfb1b4362260b35c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190920/f585c7518835e860bcc373e6d6c1b9af.jpg)


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Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Martin on 02 January, 2020, 10:49:17 pm
Entered this will be my big ride for 2020 I'm a mere mortal these days :) a proper Z stop appeals but not sure how to get the wherewithall there and what to take?
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Steve Orchard on 15 January, 2020, 07:58:20 pm
Looking forward to this having read the thread.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: jakemcree on 06 July, 2020, 06:13:53 pm
Does anyone have split gpx's for this?

Also, I'm not keen on using the off-road section that goes in to Lincoln at night. Anyone have experience of using the A57 from around Ragnall to Lincoln? Looks like it's only about 15km and I'd imagine I'd be getting on to it around 10pm.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Davef on 06 July, 2020, 07:30:57 pm
Not sure what you mean by split gpxs. I was worried about the off-road bit at night so I fitted an extra light to my helmet, but apart from finding the start which was a challenge, it was one of best parts of the ride.


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Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: jakemcree on 06 July, 2020, 08:57:46 pm
Sorry, I meant split into a few files ie. maybe 3 200ks?

O good to know about that bit, might see how I'm doing time-wise.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: marlan on 07 July, 2020, 10:46:04 am
Does anyone have split gpx's for this?

Also, I'm not keen on using the off-road section that goes in to Lincoln at night. Anyone have experience of using the A57 from around Ragnall to Lincoln? Looks like it's only about 15km and I'd imagine I'd be getting on to it around 10pm.
I’m local to the A57, it’s not too bad, fairly wide and a small hard shoulder. The off road section is pretty good now, especially with all the lockdown cycle traffic “brushing” the gravel surface. It’s tarmac from Harby eastwards, I’m sometimes leave the A57, head through Wigsley and then pick up cycle path at Harby (Route 64) and continue into Lincoln, missing the bypass.

It’s a nice way to enter Lincoln on the cycle path, and follow the signs and it’ll take you past a Sainsbury Express!


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Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: jakemcree on 07 July, 2020, 06:10:18 pm
That's really helpful, thanks
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Ben T on 07 July, 2020, 11:24:37 pm
Does anyone have split gpx's for this?

Also, I'm not keen on using the off-road section that goes in to Lincoln at night. Anyone have experience of using the A57 from around Ragnall to Lincoln? Looks like it's only about 15km and I'd imagine I'd be getting on to it around 10pm.
At 10pm it will be quiet traffic wise. I mean it does go right past Drinsey Nook, I'll leave it to  the excellent They Walk Among Us podcast (https://theywalkamonguspodcast.com/new-episodes/2019/3/6/season-3-episode-35) / Google/news site of choice to fill you in on what it's notorious for.  :demon:

Just keep pedaling when you see the "scarp metal" (sic) sign.  :sick:  You are unlikely to have to unclip at the lights.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: GdS on 08 July, 2020, 04:47:43 pm
Is the intention to do this as a DIY? if so I'd agree with avoiding the railway section into Lincoln at night. Not sure about the section after Lincoln as on my route check I avoided the Water Railway cycling route so not sure what that's like.

The Monsal Trail section is fine at night (apart from gate at Hassop station being locked and having to lift bike over unlike the unfortunate car driver not sure how this panned out on the day) but if there was any way of covering this section in daylight (maybe starting somewhere different?) it would make it 1000% more enjoyable  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: jakemcree on 09 July, 2020, 08:41:29 am
Is the intention to do this as a DIY? if so I'd agree with avoiding the railway section into Lincoln at night. Not sure about the section after Lincoln as on my route check I avoided the Water Railway cycling route so not sure what that's like.

The Monsal Trail section is fine at night (apart from gate at Hassop station being locked and having to lift bike over unlike the unfortunate car driver not sure how this panned out on the day) but if there was any way of covering this section in daylight (maybe starting somewhere different?) it would make it 1000% more enjoyable  :thumbsup:

Yep, DIY tomorrow. Think the Monsal trail bit would be fine as I'll be there during daylight (pending any disaster).
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: oggy on 09 July, 2020, 11:27:24 am
Is the intention to do this as a DIY? if so I'd agree with avoiding the railway section into Lincoln at night. Not sure about the section after Lincoln as on my route check I avoided the Water Railway cycling route so not sure what that's like.

The Monsal Trail section is fine at night (apart from gate at Hassop station being locked and having to lift bike over unlike the unfortunate car driver not sure how this panned out on the day) but if there was any way of covering this section in daylight (maybe starting somewhere different?) it would make it 1000% more enjoyable  :thumbsup:

I dont think the Monsal trail closes unless weather is bad but can not say for sure, an alternative is to use the A6 down side is it can be a fast and busy road.

As for the railway section to Lincoln this starts not far from Tuxford and is shorter than the A57 route, I have ridden this westwards at night and it is fine just have good lights and watch out for posts, the water railway out of Lincoln is recommended but the new Lincoln bypass has slight detour which may not be passable if water levels high

I was thinking of doing this ride but will wait for next year
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: GdS on 09 July, 2020, 08:58:37 pm
Is the intention to do this as a DIY? if so I'd agree with avoiding the railway section into Lincoln at night. Not sure about the section after Lincoln as on my route check I avoided the Water Railway cycling route so not sure what that's like.

The Monsal Trail section is fine at night (apart from gate at Hassop station being locked and having to lift bike over unlike the unfortunate car driver not sure how this panned out on the day) but if there was any way of covering this section in daylight (maybe starting somewhere different?) it would make it 1000% more enjoyable  :thumbsup:

I dont think the Monsal trail closes unless weather is bad but can not say for sure, an alternative is to use the A6 down side is it can be a fast and busy road.r

The trail never closes unless they are able to lock the tunnels but the exit at Hassop is via the car park of a business that has opened on the station site

here's an excellent programme about the Trail

https://www.my5.tv/walking-britain-s-lost-railways/season-2/7f46939d-d0b4-48da-9486-b64d896763da
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: wajcgac on 09 July, 2020, 10:39:54 pm
If you use the majority of the A57 to Lincoln and want to avoid the A57/A46 roundabout you could go this route which takes you back on to cycle route 64 literally under the bypass. It's a great alternative to the roundabout particuarly at busy times.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33311872 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33311872)

The Water Railway to the east of Lincoln has been closed this week between Lincoln and Washingborough due to the dismantling of one of the temporary bridges that have been put in place for the Eastern Bypass Works.

You can use the B1190 out of Lincoln still - it has been closed for months again for the Eastern Bypass works to vehicular traffic but they have put a temporary path in for cyclists and pedestrians.

You could then rejoin the Water Railway route at Washingborough.

Anyone planning to use the Water Railway east out of Lincoln once this weeks closure is over may find this site useful, as mentioned above the path can get flooded - there is a 50m section of it that is particuarly prone to flooding as they have lowered the path for the  works.

The CCTV picture (updates about once a day) shows the path at it's lowest point - If it's not flooded here then you can be certain that it's not flooded anywhere else.

http://www.leb-sustrans-diversion.co.uk/ (http://www.leb-sustrans-diversion.co.uk/)

Apart from the temporary closure the Water Railway is a good route and perfectly OK on a road bike.


Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Lightning Phil on 06 September, 2020, 12:59:04 pm
I’m contemplating this as a DIY if I decide I am going to try for an SR this year. It passes close to where I live and passes close to where my mother and brother live. So I potentially could do a socially distanced flyby.

For those who’ve ridden it and towards the back of the field. The plan is full value given I’ve done nothing more than 200km rides this year. What kind of time were you hitting the Monsal trail then Buxton? Where does it rely on 24 hr opening if anywhere? Just thinking through logistics, and what start times might work for me. 
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Davef on 06 September, 2020, 01:15:55 pm
I’m contemplating this as a DIY if I decide I am going to try for an SR this year. It passes close to where I live and passes close to where my mother and brother live. So I potentially could do a socially distanced flyby.

For those who’ve ridden it and towards the back of the field. The plan is full value given I’ve done nothing more than 200km rides this year. What kind of time were you hitting the Monsal trail then Buxton? Where does it rely on 24 hr opening if anywhere? Just thinking through logistics, and what start times might work for me.
Unless the route has changed from last year the Monsal trail is after Buxton not before. I hit Buxton about 6pm towards the front of the field. I think it was about 250km (in 12 hours). The last couple of hours were hard. After that it was less than an hour to the monsal trail.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Lightning Phil on 06 September, 2020, 05:24:56 pm
I was thinking of the Tissington trail that runs north from Ashbourne. Monsal of course runs west towards Bakewell.

So the front of field was only averaging a bit under 21 km/h, useful to know.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Davef on 06 September, 2020, 05:33:27 pm
The tissington trail was not on the route, but I would certainly be tempted as it avoids much of the really hilly bit. The route from memory was 3AAA and they all came in about 50km.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: markldn on 07 September, 2020, 07:24:54 pm
Dave and I finished 2nd/3rd in 36 hours (24.1km/hr) > me without sleeping but with generous breaks at the McDs (Dave pulled me the last 200km!).  I think I used Ollerton, Lincoln and Boston 24hr McD's. If McD's aren't open because of Covid might be a supermarket or petrol station open?  My recommendation to Paul the organiser was that it would have been ideal(!) to arrive in Buxton an hour earlier to give enough time to ride the Monsal during daylight hours. You'd obviously need to be front of pack or begin at midnight perhaps.  Can't have it all though.

Wish this was on this year.

Good luck!

EDIT: So as not to waste a post but possibly hijacking this one; does anyone know why the Audax calendar aren't showing any 2021 events?  Have they all been turned off because of Covid?  I guess that makes sense.  But I am starting to get rescheduled wedding/stag/hen dates for 2021 and obviously can't commit to any of them without first checking THE MOST IMPORTANT CALENDAR ;)
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: Lightning Phil on 07 September, 2020, 07:52:37 pm
I was going to jump to the 600 first. But having second thoughts and will likely do them in order. So going to try a 300 next, if that runs ok, try a 400, it ok, try 600. I don’t mind a 600 in mid to late October, clothing will be same as if I was doing one in May.

I do have the advantage of choosing my start time and adjusting route to suit. But I may still opt for something flatter given the lack of distance and (many) hills in legs this year.

As to 2021 events. I had to submit Covid risk assessments and adjustments for my September events before they were open for entry. So I suspect it’s that, and you won’t see them open till organisers have done that and decided if they want to run them.
Title: Re: BBC London
Post by: robhyde on 14 September, 2020, 01:14:02 pm
Rode this as a DIY a few weeks back.

Monsal trail at night (think I went through it around 9pm, I'd begun the ride from South London) was incredible, the long rail tunnels were full of bats.

Never ridden the waterway area around Lincoln before, reminded me of Northern Belgium / Gent.