Author Topic: Cambrian Series Permanents  (Read 104821 times)

Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #50 on: 02 June, 2014, 09:11:26 am »
Quality of writing matches high quality of riding! Thanks.

CrazyEnglishTriathlete

  • Miles eaten don't satisfy hunger
  • Chartered accountant in 5 different decades
    • CET Ride Reports and Blogs
Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #51 on: 02 June, 2014, 08:38:55 pm »
I can set up a separate Cambrian Series thread if you would like.  I've been thinking about it….
Eddington Numbers 130 (imperial), 182 (metric) 571 (furlongs)  114 (nautical miles)

caerau

  • SR x 3 - PBP fail but 1090 km - hey - not too bad
Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #52 on: 03 June, 2014, 12:02:16 am »
I'm looking at needing a perm for my July RRTY as *shock horror* there doesn't appear to be an appropriate calendar event nearby.  Hmm, hmm, the 2A it might have to be...
It's a reverse Elvis thing.

caerau

  • SR x 3 - PBP fail but 1090 km - hey - not too bad
Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #53 on: 03 June, 2014, 12:02:48 am »
I can set up a separate Cambrian Series thread if you would like.  I've been thinking about it….


This is pretty much that already is it not?
It's a reverse Elvis thing.

Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #54 on: 03 June, 2014, 12:10:13 am »
I can set up a separate Cambrian Series thread if you would like.  I've been thinking about it….


Yes please - might be up for one in the summer

Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #55 on: 03 June, 2014, 07:55:16 am »
Nice write up Jo, and yes I had parked for my start @ L`dod Lake  ;D---hence you getting a bit wayward if you completely followed my GPS track.

Rode the 2H on Saturday another evry good Cambrian series one, enjoyed it and coming DOWN MOD Epynt @ 70kph was fun  ;D. (I hate that climb uphill, avoid like plague)

As with Jo @ 2A I also found it `surprisingly easy` --avg ride speed 23.5 kph plus stops (maybe though slightly `cheated` by A44 / A470 section R`yder > Llani avoiding Twylch HILLS, and avoided Gladestry hills by going via Brilley--but did add about 15 km with these `diversions`) . Maybe BCM has given me new legs---or mindset to these distances :thumbsup:

Perhaps will do short ride report when have time.

And CET def YES to a Cambrian Series thread standalone, and how about `awards` for completing say all Cambs 1s, Cambs 2s etc ???
....after the `tarte de pommes`, and  fortified by a couple of shots of limoncellos,  I flew up the Col de Bavella whilst thunderstorms rolled around the peaks above

Hummers

  • It is all about the taste.
Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #56 on: 03 June, 2014, 07:59:45 am »
James, isn't this thread about the Cambrian series?

Otherwise I can try to split it...

H

caerau

  • SR x 3 - PBP fail but 1090 km - hey - not too bad
Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #57 on: 03 June, 2014, 08:32:47 am »
Why not just adjust the title ???
It's a reverse Elvis thing.

Hummers

  • It is all about the taste.
Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #58 on: 03 June, 2014, 10:11:59 am »
Why not just adjust the title ???

I can do either but saw CET's to create another thread.

Am waiting to hear (via CET) what Rabbit wants to do.

H

caerau

  • SR x 3 - PBP fail but 1090 km - hey - not too bad
Re: Permenants - riding with others (aka the Cambrian Series thread)
« Reply #59 on: 03 June, 2014, 10:47:40 am »
Well this has pretty much been a discussion about the cambrian series rides from the beginning.  I doesn't seem to me that anything needs to be done - less work for everyone - but hey ho I'm easy :)
It's a reverse Elvis thing.

Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #60 on: 03 June, 2014, 11:00:25 am »
I'm happy with whichever option. :)
Does not play well with others

Hummers

  • It is all about the taste.
Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #61 on: 03 June, 2014, 11:07:51 am »
Done  :thumbsup:

H

CrazyEnglishTriathlete

  • Miles eaten don't satisfy hunger
  • Chartered accountant in 5 different decades
    • CET Ride Reports and Blogs
Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #62 on: 03 June, 2014, 08:40:02 pm »
So here is a full list of the Cambrian Series permanents. Some of the climbing figures are conservative.  But that is part of the charm. 

100s
CS1A:   (AAA 2.25, 2,240m)   Llandrindod Wells – Beulah – Tregaron – Rhayader – Llandrindod Wells (113k)
CS1B:     (AAA 1.50, 1,580m)   Llandrindod Wells – Clun – Newtown – Llandrindod Wells
CS1C:     (AAA 0.00, 1,760m)   Llandrindod Wells – Llanidloes – Machynlleth – Llanidloes – Llandrindod Wells (129k)
CS1D:     (AAA 1.50, 1,560m)   Bala – Llanfyllin – Mallwyd - Bala.
CS1E:     (AAA 1.75, 1,650m)   Cardigan – Haverfordwest – Newcastle Emlyn – Cardigan (109k)
200s
CS2A:   (AAA 3.25, 3,200m)   Monmouth - Hay - Llandrindod Wells - Llanwrtyd Wells - Brecon - Abergavenny - Monmouth.
CS2B:     (AAA 1.50, 2,320m)   Monmouth - Chepstow - Abergavenny - Brecon - Builth Wells - Hay-on-Wye - Monmouth. (1500 in 100km stretch)
CS2C:     (AAA 3.25, 3,240m)   New Quay - Newcastle Emlyn - Fishguard - Carmarthen - Llandeilo - Lampeter - New Quay.
CS2D:     (AAA 3.50, 3,540m)   New Quay - Tregaron - Rhayader - Llandrindod Wells - Builth Wells - Llanwrtyd Wells - Tregaron - Lampeter - New Quay.
CS2E:     (AAA 3.75, 3,820m)   Bala - Llanidloes - Knighton - Newtown - Bala.
CS2F:    (AAA 3.00, 3,110m)   Bala - Machynlleth - Llanidloes - Llanfyllin - Llangollen - Bala.
CS2G:    (AAA 2.75, 2,800m)   Bala - Festiniog - Conwy - Mold – Ruthin - Llangollen - Bala.
CS2H:    (AAA 3.25, 3,315m)   Hay-on-Wye - Knighton - Llanidloes - Llandrindod Wells - Llanwrtyd Wells – Brecon – Hay-on-Wye.
CS2J   :       (AAA 3.75, 3,650m)   Dolgellau – Machynlleth – Llanidloes – Knighton – Clun – Dolgellau
300s
CS3A:    (AAA 4.25, 4,230m)   Monmouth - Chepstow - Abergavenny - Brecon - Llanwrtyd Wells - Tregaron - Rhayader - Hay-on-Wye - Monmouth.
CS3B:    (AAA 4.75, 4,800m)   New Quay - Newcastle Emlyn - Fishguard - Carmarthen - Llandeilo - Brecon - Llanwrtyd Wells - Lampeter -New Quay.
CS3C:    (AAA 4.50, 4,500m)   Aberystwyth - Tregaron - LLanwrtyd Wells - Hay-on-Wye - Knighton - Newtown - Machynlleth - Llanidloes - Aberystwyth.
CS3D:    (AAA 0.00, 3,285m)   Bala - Pwllheli - Bethesda - Llanrwst - Conwy - Mold – Prestatyn - Bala.
CS3E:    (AAA 4.50, 4,620m)   Bala - Llanfyllin - Llanidloes - Machynlleth - Bala - Ffestiniog - Betws-y-Coed - Denbigh - Bala.
400s
CS4A:    (AAA 5.50, 5,400m)   Llangollen - Prestatyn - Mold - Conwy - Ffestiniog - Bala - Llanidloes - Machynlleth - Llangollen.
CS4B:    (AAA 5.50, 5,515m)   Monmouth - Chepstow - Hay-on-Wye – Llanwrtyd Wells - Tregaron - Lampeter - New Quay - Llandeilo - Brecon -  Monmouth.
CS4C:    (AAA 7.00, 7,055m)   Knighton - Brecon - Llanwrtyd Wells - Tregaron - Aberystwyth - Llanidloes – Bala - Llangollen – Llanfyllin - Llanidloes – Knighton (434km)
CS4D:    (AAA 5.75, 5,805m)   Monmouth - Hay-on-Wye - Tregaron - Fishguard - Llandeilo - Brecon - Monmouth.
CS4E:    (AAA 6.00, 6,000m)   Brecon - Knighton - Welshpool - Bala - Machynlleth - Rhayader - Tregaron - Hay-on-Wye- Brecon
CS4F   :       (AAA 6.75, 6,800m)   Aberdare – Hay-on-Wye – Knighton – Llanidloes – Devils Bridge – Builth Wells – Aberaeron – Llandeilo – Aberdare
CS4G   (AAA 6.75, 6,670m)   Llanidloes – Bala  - Montgomery – Corwen – Llansannan – Llanberis – Machynlleth - Llanidloes
600s
CS6A:    (AAA 9.50, 9,425m)   Monmouth - Llandeilo - Fishguard - Tregaron - Llanfyllin - Bala - Rhayader - Monmouth.
CS6B:    (AAA 0.00, 6,575m)   Chepstow - Hay-on-Wye - Montgomery - Mold - Conwy - Ffestiniog - Montgomery – Llanwrtyd Wells – Hay-on-Wye - Chepstow.
800
CS8A:    (AAA 13.75, 13,670m)   Llanidloes – Devils Bridge – Builth Wells – Aberaeron – Llandeilo – Aberdare – Hay-on-Wye – Knighton – Llanidloes – Bala – Montgomery – Corwen – Llansannan – Llanberis – Machynlleth - Llanidloes
PLus the mighty C10A (Details on Application)
Eddington Numbers 130 (imperial), 182 (metric) 571 (furlongs)  114 (nautical miles)

Lars

  • n.b. have shaved off beard since photo taken
Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #63 on: 03 June, 2014, 09:10:17 pm »
What is the history and origin of those rides? The work of one person?

CrazyEnglishTriathlete

  • Miles eaten don't satisfy hunger
  • Chartered accountant in 5 different decades
    • CET Ride Reports and Blogs
Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #64 on: 03 June, 2014, 10:01:08 pm »
Peter Coulson was the originator of the rides.  He was a prolific rider (before my Audax time) in the 80s and 90s and when I joined AUK was the events secretary, dealing single-handedly with all of the organiser (calendar and permanent) and also doing a lot of work to pull all the results together.  In addition to the Cambrian Series he set up the now defunct DIY mesh permanents as well as the Badby permanents and peneperiphery series.  He retired from this quite colossal workload in 2006.

I'd just ridden the magnificent Cambrian 4D and, hearing that he was giving up his permanent rides, felt that they were too good a series to lose (in the words of Victor Kiam - I was so impressed I bought the company).  At Peter's suggestion (and with the incentive of the AUK Reunion being held at Llandrindod Wells) I added the 5 100km rides in 2007.  One rider was looking for a Cambrian equivalent of the Maniac Grimpeur but after a lot of searching for routes, I could only come up with Cambrian 8A and its two component halves, the 4F and the 4G, which has so far had one very impressive completion.  Around about the same time I had an enquiry from an American Audax rider about setting up a ride that started in Dolgellau so he could do an Audax ride when visiting his sister (to my surprise it was one place that wasn't represented) so I set up the 2J (in the event he wasn't able to ride it).  Then, a couple of years ago, in one of those lateral thinking moments I finally worked out how to create the Cambrian equivalent of the Maniac Grimpeur and with extensive searching of Google Maps, backed up by the riding I'd done on the ground on events such as the Bryan Chapman and other Cambrian permanents, the Cambrian 10A, all glorious 1009km and 18km of ascent was born.  THis has had two completions.

But it is chapeau to Peter Coulson, who dreamed up the original series, with, I presume, a lot of research on the ground, in the days where everything had to be measured by hand.  In my opinion, the 400s in particular are the PhDs of Audaxing - when you think you have done everything that long distance cycling has to offer - pit your wits against 400km of Welsh tarmac, endless hills, and limited time to stop to sleep (even if you can find a spot to sleep).
Eddington Numbers 130 (imperial), 182 (metric) 571 (furlongs)  114 (nautical miles)

Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #65 on: 04 June, 2014, 07:19:08 am »
2H---I`ve had this and 2J cards sitting around a few months now so on Saturday having duly consulted with CET about `proper` route (thanks Colin input here, I`d really got it wrong first time  ::-) set off early from a start point @ Rhayader with aim being back by 6pm.

Being just 7am teh A44 / 470 were quiet---not motor-biker time yet  :thumbsup: On smooth tramac and a sunny and still beautiful late spring morning I made rapid progress to Llanidloes encountering very little traffic and a few errant ewes / lambs on the road. Groups of turquoise clad riders were heading south, with plenty of escort vehicles and flashing lights--soem charity event maybe    ???

Having ATMed @ Llani after an easy ride there the ride started in earnest with a hard 10-15% climb on the B road towards Tylwch. At the top a lane headed off left rolling up and down through valleys and woods to Bwlch Y Sarnau. Although familiar with the MTBing around Red Lion / Abbetcwmhir these lanes were unknown to me and very pleasant riding. Early sun had now disappeared and it was quite a `chilly damp` feel in the air and I was glad to have kept layers on.

On through the lovely Castle Vale and the next challenging climb out of Llanbister a good km + of 15-20% straight up onto the open moor---chapeau though to the young mum who was pushing her pushchair up there with a toddler in it  :o
On reaching Knighton a braaekfast stop was in order --so a full English @ Clock Tower cafe saw me restored after about 70km riding. I wasn`t particularly looking forwards to the next section---I know and have ridden the Gladestry roller coaster hills too often now.

The narrow lane leading up and out of Knighton was damp and graesy and despite using Open Paves (normally good grip tyres) I found the wheel spinning out on the steep 15% climb. On down then to Whitton, up and over Beggars Bush and a swooping run down to Walton. Here I decided that despite extra km I would avoid the Glasdestry set of hills (perhaps not in full spirit of a Cambrian ride... ??? ) and headed towards Hay via Brilley--still a good climb though.

The Hay festival was a `mud fest ` --the town full of welly shod muddy liererates wandering aimlessly across the road everywhere, oblivious to cars and bikes  >:( . No place to stop for long, a bottle of flavoured sparkling water mixed well with zero caffeine electrolyte tablets and some chocolate were my only sustenance.

I`d expected Hay to Brecon to be gentle and easy....initially it was, but turning onto Sustrans 8 after Talgarth onto lovely but very narrow lanes the road reared up at Llanfilo to crest out on a beautiful open lane across open Common land with grazing ponies and wildflowers amass. And great views out and across to the Beacons, Wye valley and mid Wales hills. A little gem of a section  :thumbsup:

I quite enjoy the ride up to Upper Chapel and MOD Epynt, and today was no exception, the warm sunshine made crossing the Epynt very pleasant---I`ve ridden it though a couple of time in rain and wind and `vile ` then describes it. Stunning views from the escarpment north of Wye valley and the Cambrian mountains (maybe the `best view in Wales?? ;D ) before a 70kph descent down to Llanwrtyd.

Just the final hills now over the Beulah - Newbridge road, the steep ups adequately compensated for by fast downs, trying to keep my speed up for the next `up`. After a  slightly tedious detour into L`dod for a control ATM the last 15km passed smoothly to Rhayader and I finished  slightly before my self imposed 6pm deadline.....all ready for a good meal and several  beers out that evening ;D I can highly recommend `my` beer @ The Triangle (Reverend James  ;D ;D )

Next ---2J  :thumbsup:
 
....after the `tarte de pommes`, and  fortified by a couple of shots of limoncellos,  I flew up the Col de Bavella whilst thunderstorms rolled around the peaks above

Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #66 on: 04 June, 2014, 09:41:54 am »
Thanks for posting up the info about how the Series began CET.  Most interesting indeed.  So thanks to Peter and to you for all the work in developing the routes.  :thumbsup:

Great write up about the 2H James.  Sounds like another one for me to pencil in.  I love the area around Llanbister.  Know what you mean about Hay - there were people aimlessly walking around at 8 am on Sunday too.  Bealuh-Newbridge works well.....Newbridge to Bealuh not so much haha.

I am hoping to fit in the 2E and 1D back to back next time the better half is racing up at Bala.   :thumbsup:
Does not play well with others

Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #67 on: 04 June, 2014, 06:00:02 pm »
Could this excellent thread be used to assist with routing eg what`s thoughts of those who`ve ridden 2J on this potential over kmage route

 http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4927993 Have I missed a shortcut thro`?

many thanks
 :thumbsup:
J
....after the `tarte de pommes`, and  fortified by a couple of shots of limoncellos,  I flew up the Col de Bavella whilst thunderstorms rolled around the peaks above

Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #68 on: 04 June, 2014, 06:13:31 pm »
Magnificent!

(It seems to go over the same bit of road three times just before 200km... went back to find something dropped?)

Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #69 on: 04 June, 2014, 07:12:45 pm »
Magnificent!

(It seems to go over the same bit of road three times just before 200km... went back to find something dropped?)

Thanks Tony--hadn`t noticed that---cuts 10km off  :thumbsup:
....after the `tarte de pommes`, and  fortified by a couple of shots of limoncellos,  I flew up the Col de Bavella whilst thunderstorms rolled around the peaks above

CrazyEnglishTriathlete

  • Miles eaten don't satisfy hunger
  • Chartered accountant in 5 different decades
    • CET Ride Reports and Blogs
Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #70 on: 04 June, 2014, 10:28:43 pm »
Its a bit of doozy this one isn't it.  There have been two previous completions in very good times given the ascents, but knowing one of the riders (a sub 60 hour PBP man) I guess that's not a surprise. 

A couple of thoughts on the route - Turn left in Kerry and you will get into the centre of Newtown.  That will trim a kilometre or two off the route and get you actually into the control town.  The Llanidloes to Knighton section can also been enlivened by crossing Bailey Hill rather than knicking through the valley close to the railway line.  That saves a couple of Km and gives you a nice hill to finish.  I got held up there for a minute or two by a large peloton of sheep last year.

On the Llandod AUK reunion a group of us did the 1B that does Knighton - Clun, probably the biggest set of undulations in the Cambrian Series.  On the Clun to Newtown leg we weren't sure of the left turn to Kerry as it comes onto you quite quick on the descent.  We made the turn anyway and saw a passerby, who got accosted by five mock Oirish accents asking "Is this the way to Kerry"  ;D
Eddington Numbers 130 (imperial), 182 (metric) 571 (furlongs)  114 (nautical miles)

Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #71 on: 05 June, 2014, 06:46:34 am »
 ??? Newtown isn`t shown as a control town on 2J route ? but you refer to it as such above /\
....after the `tarte de pommes`, and  fortified by a couple of shots of limoncellos,  I flew up the Col de Bavella whilst thunderstorms rolled around the peaks above

CrazyEnglishTriathlete

  • Miles eaten don't satisfy hunger
  • Chartered accountant in 5 different decades
    • CET Ride Reports and Blogs
Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #72 on: 05 June, 2014, 03:02:47 pm »
??? Newtown isn`t shown as a control town on 2J route ? but you refer to it as such above /\

Doh!  You are right.  Still, it gave me a chance to tell the story about Kerry  ;D
Eddington Numbers 130 (imperial), 182 (metric) 571 (furlongs)  114 (nautical miles)

Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #73 on: 05 June, 2014, 03:36:42 pm »
I've just tried to put together the route for the 2E, but bikehike has managed to generate it to 249 km.  Anyone else had this problem?
Does not play well with others

Re: Cambrian Series Permanents
« Reply #74 on: 05 June, 2014, 04:27:51 pm »
I've just tried to put together the route for the 2E, but bikehike has managed to generate it to 249 km.  Anyone else had this problem?

Googlemaps gives 210