Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: BlackSheep on 05 December, 2014, 05:56:13 pm
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Spend a day at the sales, whilst out on your bike. Route specifically chosen for potential winter conditions. Hot & cold food/drink available at all controls, just in case the day's a bit on the chilly side.
The first stage heads north from Tewkesbury along Worcestershire lanes for a breakfast stop at Rowberry's Nursery. Then quiet rural roads through 'Shakespear's County' and lunch at M40 services (Warwick South). The rest of the ride is spent in the Cotswolds with an afternoon stop at The Old Mill Cafe in Chipping Norton. after a few more undulations the final part of enjoying The Cotswolds is descending Soudley hill to Winchcombe - The ancient capital of Mercia. The final dozen kilometers are a gentle traverse across The Severn Vale back to Tha Royal Hop Pole in Tewkesbury, where Mr. Pickwick drank too much ale.
For consistancey routesheet/track files supplied on this event page.
Paypal entry available.
I don't know how so much cycling entertainment can be crammed-into one ride for only a pound.
if you use GPS - route/track files supplied. Routesheet also supplied electronicly (MS Xls) - so no need for route-return SAE.
The controls are aware of - and are looking forward to your visit, so please support them by buying something, because without their support - events would not happen.
At this time of year, the temperature a likely to be quite low - so please do not compromise yourself by not eating. The controls are fairly evenly spaced - and on some stages you're unlikely to find establishments to buy snacks between controls. This ride probably requires cyclists to snack at the controls, rather than eat huge ammounts at the first - and then bounce every control aftrwards. Cyclists have tried this, and afterwards commented that they made a mistake in adopting this option. You have been made aware.
The ride is due to start promptly at 7:00 a.m. from the Gloucester Road carpark,
We're now in GMT, you will probably need lights for the first half hour (or so) of the ride, and again for the latter part of the day.
As for B&Bs in the area, it is probably best that you use Google to search for your requirements, Or try Tewkesbury Tourist information centrehttp://www.outofthehat.org.uk/,
There's both Premier Innhttp://www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/TEWBRE/tewkesburyand Travelodgehttp://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/401/Tewkesbury-hotel both about a mile from the start, (both on M5J9),
The JD Wetherspoon (also the arrivee) in the centre of Tewkesbury is also a hotelhttp://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/hotels/the-royal-hop-pole
For the campers, there's a camp site 10 - 15 minutes from the start, quite a few cyclists have used it in the past - and have rated quite highly.http://www.croftfarmleisure.co.uk/ Please be aware that we're well into the winter season, so although they will be open, the site may look a little derelict.
Good weather has once again been ordered for the day, hopefully this will enable us all to take-in the marvelous views throughout the day,
For the technophiles amongst us the event page athttp://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-395/ has zipped "gpx routes" of the ride. 20111210a, b,c,d & e (.GPX) are the individual stages of the ride. And 20111210.gpx is the entire route. These files are the same as last year's - and have last year's date reference, but please don't panic - the route is the same as last year's.
Please note these has been generated with maximum definition for profiling purposes. And as such probably has too many track points for most GPS units, it is a relatively simple task to reduce this to a number suitable for your unit. First of all, save the file attached to your hard drive. You then need to go to the Bikehike website (other sites may also offer this service). And once on the create route page, upload the file. Once uploaded, click on the options box, and enter the number of points you wish to reduce to. Then click reduce, you can then down load this file to your hard drive and then to your GPS, I don't think it's possible to download direct to your GPS from the web site with some of the older GPS units - as for the modern units, I can't comment.
The bikehike site also has features which enables :- Simultaneous course creation on Google and Ordnance Survey maps. Upload and download of routes to and from GPS units (GPX, TCX, KML and TRL formats). Upload & download directly to a Garmin GPS unit using the Garmin Communicator Plugin. Interactive elevation profile - hover or click on the elevation graph to see corresponding route point. Toggle between elevation and gradient view on elevation graph. UK postcode and place name search. Auto routing on the Google map. Add coursepoints to aid navigation. Add points of interest to add information to routes. Distance and elevation data continuously calculated for your route. Course editing facilities - including Google style route dragging. Printable courses on both Google and OS maps.
The event pagealso hosts a copy of the route sheet, this is also zipped and is a MS Excel file, please be sure to print-off all sheets.
If you're going to utilise them, please use the files that best suit your machine, and I leave you to make that decision.
Please note - the A438 between Tewkesbury and Ledbury (bridge under the M50) is closed to motorised traffic, but it is passable to pedestrians. So you will need to dismount and push your bicycle. Thank you to all that have brought this to my attention, I've been using a divert through Longdon Marsh - as it makes very little difference to my journey times.
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I shall be there ;D
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I will be there too. :thumbsup: Such a Sale I could not resist
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Is this the one where there's an incredibly long stretch on the A361 into Chipping Norton?
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Ah yes! Really enjoyed this last year, so will be entering & leaving the Poor Student for an anti-clockwise summer DIY :thumbsup:
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Is this the one where there's an incredibly long stretch on the A361 into Chipping Norton?
Er ...If your idea of "an incredibly long stretch along the A361 to Chipping Norton" is more than 1 km, then - yes, this is the one.
If not, then no - isn't.
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This is the one with the gurt big puddles. I'll be there.
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Is this the one where there's an incredibly long stretch on the A361 into Chipping Norton?
Er ...If your idea of "an incredibly long stretch along the A361 to Chipping Norton" is more than 1 km, then - yes, this is the one.
If not, then no - isn't.
that would be the Upper Thames. But even then, 3km seems likes about 10 at that point!
(all routes to ChippingN seem endless. Fact.)
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This event is just plain weird! Or at least it seems that way to me.
It leaves Tewkesbury and heads (what is for me) straight back home, stopping at Rowberry’s not too far from where I live. Then heads to Warwick passing within a couple of miles of my Mother-in-law’s home where my wife spends Saturdays caring for her.
Mind you on the upside this is one of the best (if not the best) planned routes for winter riding, plotting a pleasant course but for the most part on gritted and quiet B roads.
Not to mention the only genuine January sale I would have anything to do with.
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I'll be there, I hope (considering my current string of DNSs :-[ ). Weather permitting and if I can still move after Xmas at mum's...
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Not sure about this one yet, the last section from Chipping Norton always batters me.
Still not happy with my brakes, on a descent like the one into Winchcombe I'd have the stopping distance of a container ship.
I usually enter anyway cos it's only a quid to burn off some turkey and booze.
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Still not happy with my brakes, on a descent like the one into Winchcombe I'd have the stopping distance of a container ship.
Rob I must confess I had very much the same concerns particularly at this time of year but since switching to a disc brake setup for winter rides all those concerns have been ended.
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I'm using disc brakes.
PM'd you!
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I'm using disc brakes.
PM'd you!
Replied (I think) I got attacked by my daft Golden retriever while replying.
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That'll teach you to buy disco brakes at Aldi.
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Hey Maud, those Aldi ones sound like they might worth a shot, do they have flashing lights?
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D-I-S-C-O!
You get one of they sparkly balls....... For your ceiling.
Special Non Stop Disco brakes.
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Still not happy with my brakes, on a descent like the one into Winchcombe I'd have the stopping distance of a container ship.
A very apt comparison
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Thanks. (I think?)
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Don't thank me :demon:
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This was the scene on the River Isbourne earlier, near to where castle street / High Street junction. Now you know why the traffic's grid-locked in Winchcombe.
http://youtu.be/Ufx5x1ZLmec
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This was the scene on the River Isbourne earlier, near to where castle street / High Street junction. Now you know why the traffic's grid-locked in Winchcombe.
http://youtu.be/Ufx5x1ZLmec
arrivé ???
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This was the scene on the River Isbourne earlier, near to where castle street / High Street junction. Now you know why the traffic's grid-locked in Winchcombe.
http://youtu.be/Ufx5x1ZLmec
arrivé ???
Possibly, but generally finishers tend to make a bit more noise, a bit like this Turkish Delight http://youtu.be/POdyvGTlkaQ ;D
BAIRDY, get yer brakes sorted - this could soon get you a reputation. ;)
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BAIRDY, get yer brakes sorted - this could soon get you a reputation. ;)
Brian recons that they stick on when I'm going uphill...some cheeky bastards round here.
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I am in.which means Mark will have to endure a long evening in the hop pole waiting for me to bring the lantern rouge in
The sacrifices made by organizers knows no bounds :-)
PS 36 hours is up and the hostages still not released.
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BTW Is the weather guaranteed??
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BTW Is the weather guaranteed??
As always :thumbsup:
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How I would love to cycle this event.
Would it really be wrong for me to participate despite knowing my wife could give birth at any point?!
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How I would love to cycle this event.
Would it really be wrong for me to participate despite knowing my wife could give birth at any point?!
I havent heard of anyone giving birth at a control point but Im sure it could be arranged.:-)
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How I would love to cycle this event.
Would it really be wrong for me to participate despite knowing my wife could give birth at any point?!
I havent heard of anyone giving birth at a control point but Im sure it could be arranged.:-)
I expect she will be stoker on the back of a tricycle tandem then? ;D
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Hmm. In a moment of drunkeness I've entered.
A 200? In January? I mean, is that really humanly possible?
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Humanly? Yes.
Humanely? ....
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Mmm. Unfinished business on this one. No TG for company if I enter and cycle to the start again.
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Hmm. In a moment of drunkeness I've entered.
A 200? In January? I mean, is that really humanly possible?
Time to break out the heavy weight tweeds and Deerstalker...goes well with a Pashley what?
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This ride ought to be renamed as it doesn't actually go to Sale.
Get the geography right, Mark ;D
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How I would love to cycle this event.
Would it really be wrong for me to participate despite knowing my wife could give birth at any point?!
How close will she be?
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How I would love to cycle this event.
Would it really be wrong for me to participate despite knowing my wife could give birth at any point?!
How close will she be?
Studley - which is only a few minutes away from the first control ;D
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This ride ought to be renamed as it doesn't actually go to Sale.
Get the geography right, Mark ;D
;D
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DO you get extra time for attending a birth???
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Mmm. Unfinished business on this one. No TG for company if I enter and cycle to the start again.
No, so you'd better make sure you're using good tyres this time and that your cranks are tight.
:)
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Entered :thumbsup:
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is an 0800 start offered on this 200 as well as the 0700 ? Or does this depend on number entered
(although am I not correct that being a BRM I can start later than official start time but coudl lose that hour?)
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As this ride is likely to be in the depth of the winter's conditions, I think (what a tease ....I know( the start is at 08:00 from Ihe Royal Hop Pole.
Hang-on I'll just go and check ........
Oh bugger, the door's just slammed shut, its very foggy out here........never mind - there seems to be an archway with an a strange address above it.
It's dark in here, seems like some form of construction site ..........it is!!!!!
I think I might move-in.
I must sit down, there seems to be some blood stains on the floor - Oh my God I'm bleeding from my shoulder blade, must be the result of some bastards sticking-the-knife-in.
Freinds (you know who you are), will always be welcome,
F ......
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I've been out riding a lot and missed the last few days...
Pity some other people weren't out riding their bikes more.... That's what Audax is all about really :D
But I did find time to enter this excellent ride, cos it's always been great.
See you in the New Year, Mark, and I think you deserve a pint or two !!
:thumbsup:
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I've been out riding a lot and missed the last few days...
Pity some other people weren't out riding their bikes more.... That's what Audax is all about really :D
But I did find time to enter this excellent ride, cos it's always been great.
See you in the New Year, Mark, and I think you deserve a pint or two !!
:thumbsup:
+1 did think cabin fever virus was at large off on a little commute today.
L
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thanks Mark.
ah yes read route info now !!! :facepalm: :facepalm:
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Oh bugger, the door's just slammed shut, its very foggy out here........never mind - there seems to be an archway with an a strange address above it.
Are you in a maze of twisty passages, all alike?
The key word is PLUGH unless my memory fails me.
(So I'm a geek. Google "Colossal Cave", ok?)
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Dear Mr Blacksheep
No doubt this will be a superb event, as it is organised by you.
I have paid my entry fee. I have absolutely no intention of turning up or of riding: please just trouser the entry fee and spend it on Mrs Blacksheep. What with one thing and another, you deserve this and much more for all you have done recently for the cause of audax.
There's a letter in the post, as well.
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I very much intend and hope to turn up, thus breaking my `duck` of blacksheep / RHP rides. I have looked at the route sheet and am happy that it will proceed gracefully (weather guaranteed :D --jetstream where will you be on Jan 3rd ??) into pleasant and interesting areas of land --not withstanding avoiding Sale (Manchester I believe)
Thank you Mark for all of your efforts as an organiser of this and greater events too-- :thumbsup:
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Dear Mr Blacksheep
Greatly looking forward to the first of your events I have managed to get to. Many thanks for all that you have done as an org. of legendary rides.
L
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I'm in. New tyres will be on, and the crank checked for any play!
Anyone cycling west to the start?
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Wow! I'm away for a few days and all hell breaks lose.
Mark I'll be there as you know. After all the Black sheep 200's are the events that I prioritise.
I really don’t know how you do it. Your dedication and enthusiasm truly amaze me.
I know I couldn’t do it, certainly not at the level you do.
You have my total respect and gratitude.
Er.. any chance of a discount on next month’s event?
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Well that's it. I'm in. Looks like a really good route so let's hope the weather is kind and a grand day out is had by all.
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As the ground is fairly well saturated, I've re-routed slightly mid-way throuh the first stage. This will cut-out the potential mud bath after Crowle Green. It will also cut-out the bottleneck at the level-crossing shortly afterwards.
Route sheets and GPS files have been amended and up-loaded to the event page http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-330/
Entry will close in the next day or two.
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Entry will close in the next day or two.
I am trying to convince the other half out for this one. Will torture him tonight until he gives in and agrees... :thumbsup:
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Entry will close in the next day or two.
I am trying to convince the other half out for this one. Will torture him tonight until he gives in and agrees... :thumbsup:
You fancy coming down here and 'encouraging' me, too ? :demon:
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Go for it BM you know you will have earned it by then :thumbsup:
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Go for it BM you know you will have earned it by then :thumbsup:
You know I studied Don Quixote for my Spanish A level, way back in 1970....
Little known facts - at the Grammar School, my Spanish Master's surname really, no kidding, was "Bates" (think about it...)
He had a little girl who he said had a stuffed donkey called hotay.. (think about that too...)
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As the ground is fairly well saturated, I've re-routed slightly mid-way throuh the first stage. This will cut-out the potential mud bath after Crowle Green. It will also cut-out the bottleneck at the level-crossing shortly afterwards.
Route sheets and GPS files have been amended and up-loaded to the event page http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-330/
Entry will close in the next day or two.
Any other potential mud baths ?
Just wonder about mudguards / tyre clearance (long story---preferred Ti bike frame cracked i September, replacement 853 frame to similar spec, ie fast and good tyre clearnces.... due last week LOST by TNT :o :o :o :o :o, so may use best Ti but very tight mudguard clearances
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Just invested in a set off SKS full length chrromoplastic mudguards to replace the irritating crud reoadracers I had. Wont need them of course as Blacksheep events have guaranteed weather .
At least I shouldnt be covered in shit when I stagger into the Hop Pole with a minute or two to spare ;D
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I shall grump and whinge and moan, but will put a rear crud guard back on if the weather is yuck.
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I shall grump and whinge and moan, but will put a rear crud guard back on if the weather is yuck.
I have found the Schwalbe Lugano tyres Im using now throw up an incredible amount off muck and spray compared to the usual bald slick type tyres that I normally use. Aas a result a full set of guards front and back are fairly vital for me.
The Luganos seem to have good grip on wet muddy lanes etc so not all bad.
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I shall grump and whinge and moan, .........................................................................
( selective quotation ;D ;D )
no wonder you have to TORTURE o/h to join you on this 200 !!!!!!!!!! ;) ::-) ::-)
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Any other potential mud baths ?
Not that I'm aware of.
EDIT 24/12/2014 4 more places available, then that's it. NO ROOM AT THE iNN, the last place has just gone to a hand delivered entry (I didn't pick the date, it just happened that way)
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Any other potential mud baths ?
Not that I'm aware of.
EDIT 24/15/2014 4 more places available, then that's it. NO ROOM AT THE iNN (I didn't pick the date, it just happened that way)
Maybe room for a few more in the stables ?? ;D
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EDIT 24/12/2014 4 more places available, then that's it. NO ROOM AT THE iNN, the last place has just gone to a hand delivered entry (I didn't pick the date, it just happened that way)
That last entry must have been dropped in by Mr S Claus - look forward to seeing him on the day!
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This ride ought to be renamed as it doesn't actually go to Sale.
Get the geography right, Mark ;D
Not does it go to Pickwick, which is in London
http://www.pickwickhall.co.uk/uk/
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Saturday's weather forecast keeps changing. Currently the BBC weather site and Metcheck have *very* different projections for the wind direction, but both agree there will be a little dampness at the start.
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Northerly to the north of the area, southerly to the south and presumably going straight up in the middle and hence the rain. I guess that it just depends on whereabouts the forecast model places the dividing line.
I suppose that it would be too much to ask for a southerly in the morning changing to a northerly at about lunchtime.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7502/16143076196_fd5eaf28c5_z.jpg)
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Well this is what the BBC web site's currently predicting for Saturday...
(https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Capture2.JPG?_subject_uid=268908259&w=AAC2B8x430UWcXgBW6ii7tZZe7A3vFdIbb5aczl7tzNMog)
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It would be surprising to get a tail wind both ways. Looks like a little mist t the start?
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Looks as though Steve Abraham is having lunch at the Royal Hop Pole at this moment (according to his live tracker)
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And now he's set off again retracing his route.
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I won't have him pulling me along tomorrow then!
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Just trying to work out out how to use cable ties to attach cleats to wellies.. Was going to try to make 7 am but now feel the need for hot food before start. I have jsut been reading the small print...weather is guaranteed...but just noticed that the sort of weather is not specified.
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Well spotted ;D. Forecast shows that the 8am starters should get less rain, so I'm going for that option too - see you there.
Reg
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8am starters will have less rain but more cold later on. Temperatures will drop to freezing around 6pm according to Metcheck.
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This is novel. I'm at home *and* on the January Sale ride at the same time.
Gentle reader, how did I manage that I hear you ask. Well, "stupidity" would be my reply.
If you leave your drinks bottles at home then you'll have to take a damn silly detour to fetch them...
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I'm a DNS yet again, with yet another bug that I didn't want to drag through the rain (not that I enjoy riding in the rain for hours, anyhow). Apologies to anybody who could not get in with me hogging a place. Hope to break my DNS series with the February ride (provided Blacksheep hasn't bumped me off the entry list already :-[). Wishing everybody a good ride - ooh, and a very happy New Year - and that the weather doesn't turn out as wet as predicted.
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I'm a DNS too. No pass due to the Mrs being 39 weeks up the duff. Wonder if I'll get a pass for Sam Wellers.....
Happy cycling all, hope the rain clears soon!
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I was a DNS, but did a club ride in the rain instead. Three and a half hours and my hands were as cold as ice.
Riding for 11 hours in the current weather conditions would have been very uncomfortable indeed.
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I was also a DNS, I emailed Blacksheep early this morning to let him know.
Went back to bed and slipped into a coma, I woke up at midday! (unheard of for me) :-[
I did feel very knackered at 4.45am but didn't realise I was THAT knackered.
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I was DNF
The plan was to get there promptly and ride as fast as possible, with a group and dodging light showers to finish in 11 hours or so.
After driving 100 miles from Devon in heavy rain, starting 40 minutes late, going back to get my wallet that I'd left in the car I finally left Tewkesbury at about 9am
After 20km in heavy rain I was not warming up. In particular my legs weren't. A quick reckoning of my ETA for the Arrivee based on current performance seemed to suggest a 9pm finish. As Wobbly has pointed out up thread the temperature was due to drop drastically as the sun went down, getting to -1 by 9pm. If I couldn't get warm in the "warmer" day then I'd be in trouble at night. So I packed
If I'd have had water proof trousers with me and if I've have got off at 8am it would have been a different outcome. But TBH with perfect foresight I wouldn't have started :D
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Well that was cold! As wet as last year, but a few degrees chiller it seems. Definitely a ride of love-hates.....adore the Cotswolds, great organisation, wonderful controls, some of the earlier lanes...hate the main roads which make up a good deal of the ride at times. Ate pretty much everything I took today which is unusual on a 200 now...definitely need to keep fuelling in this weather! I managed to stay with Brian until just around the beginning of the Cotswolds when, after some encouragement from him, I had to make the decision to go on ahead as I just couldn't keep warm. Really hate having to leave a riding buddy behind but in this weather I felt like there was no choice, or I may not have actually finished. Hypothermia really is a consideration for someone small like me at this time of year when soaked through to the skin, windchill of road-bike speeds, riding without winter gloves (left at home DOH!) and the temperature is dropping rapidly. Grateful to make it back to the RHP before dark and to the welcoming face of Mark Rigby - 200 kms in winter are worth 3 in summer, I understand?
Hope everyone else got back safe and those lanes didn't freeze too quickly after sundown, it was a real worry for me and kept me pushing on to try and ensure I wasn't faced with a black-ice-covered Winchcombe descent.
Good to see Peter Goodings back out on his bike - highlight of the day :thumbsup:
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Tough day at the Sale! As Rabbit said, as wet as last year but definitely colder. I think we rode quite quickly but spent a long time at the controls warming up and squeezing the water from the gloves. I've ridden that last section from Chipping Norton three times now and it's tough with lots of ascending and descending (more of the former). Tough day but as ever praise to the Blacksheep organisational machine for putting together a good day out ... cheers Mark :thumbsup: Thanks to Will and Denise for keeping me company all the way round and good to hook up with RegT for the final section.
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Certainly a ride of 2 halves, those would finished it will know what I mean. Thanks for CF, Andy and Benner for the company and tows.
Many thanks Mark for today, you clearly weren't at your best, however, thanks for putting it on.
One step closer to Paris....
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Well that was defiantly wet and cold. I made it to Henly-in-Arden before decided I had no desire to ride on. From Henly I could make for the flat Vale of Evsesham and Tewksbury and take 40 miles of the route. Two ill young kids that aren't sleeping are taking their toll and I wasn't feeling 100% myself. However, it was on the way home where I had most adventure. I heard a sound on the roof of the car and glanced in my rear view mirror to watch my bike, my still very new bike, my very new titianium bike bounce in to the middle lane of the North bound M5 just a mile north of the Tewksbury junction. Quick call to the authorities and a painful wait watching cars dodge the bike before the traffic came to a stop on all three lanes. The drivers allowed me to grab the bike. Amazingly I've only scratched a peddle, scuffed the bar tape and marked my saddle, ohh and dented my frame, result of the bike being wrenched out of the bike rack clamp. The traffic officer who turned up some 20 mins after the call was made was happy with my actions and empathised with the damage. So it would seem that if your frozen, a bit ill, sleep deprived and very eager to get in a warm car to get home and forget to strap your wheels down to the rack, your bike will launch of your roof. Not a good day.
Despite that. I strangely enjoyed the weather as it gave me an excuse to deploy very seldom used kit. Enjoyed the route, what I rode of it (I knew the bits I didn't ride). It's always good to see Mark, hope your feeling better and I got to cycle with an old friend.
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Oh bugger :o :facepalm: hopefully you can get the dent & scratches sorted.
I wondered where you went, but you probaby made a good choice if you didn't fancy shivering on the verge of hypothermia at Warwick. It was good to see you for a brief catch up, though :thumbsup:
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I worked out what to wear, but I got it really wrong....
I had a base layer string vest, an Assos winter + level 7 zipped base layer, two baa baa merino long sleeved base layers, a wind proof Endura long sleeve jacket, and a yellow hardshell fluorescent yellow rain jacket to start with....
Almost immediately I was losing heat, no matter how hard I rode... Constant rain soaked through my winter sealskinz gloves, and soaked the liner gloves too, so my hands got colder and colder, till I struggled to feel when my fingers were actually on the brakes, and changing gear was a complete lottery - I guess the water speeds up heat transfer??
Similar issues with my longs - guess who bought Roubaix fabric, water resistant, padless overtights on Friday, and didn't take em? = extra heat loss.
I bounced the first control, it being a bit early to stop, but 27 km from the M40 services I could not stop violent shivering, even sprinting up the hills... I chose to keep up the workload and made it to the services, and sat in Starbucks on the comfy seats that wrap around you, nursing a huge hot latte, and several people came up to me and asked if I was alright, cos they saw me shaking / shivering uncontrollably...after 45 minutes, in a room the garmin said was 19 degrees, I was still in trouble, so I got a second hot latte, and still continued to shiver... I had spread out gloves to dry, having wrung out a huuuge puddle first.. The liner gloves I dried using the warm air drier in the loos.. I left after a one hour 24 minute stop, which I bet is a record for me... Oh and I was still getting the occasional shiver even then...
I had added an Endura boil in the bag long sleeve, and a Rapha long sleeve offset zip, into the mix, but I still shivered.
I think my core temp must have been very low, though I have no idea what is safe and what isn't..
I could not brake safely sometimes, cos when I pulled my fingers they sometimes either slipped off the levers, or were not even on them to start with, so I played it safe, e.g. Descending Winscombe hill at around 15-20 kph, braking constantly, and I lost a lot of time..
Looking on Strava I seem to have very high placing compared to the other ACB members on some of the hills, because instead of doing my usual 60% effort up the hills, I was giving it full gas, to generate heat, though even that stopped once my hands half slipped off the bars, when pulling on them, due again to not having sensation in my fingers.. Damn near reared off the bike like a panicking horse, but someone was smiling down on me..
I should have packed, but as you know, I am completely mad, and I won't give in, even on days like this..
Of course it was all my own fault / my mistake.....
On the plus side, Mark put on a great show, and has managed to use up all his rain that had previously been scheduled to be spread over all his rides until Easter ;D
Now I'm reduced to constantly walking round the house, cos all those full gas efforts have left me with dreadful repeating leg cramps..... F@ck :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
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This all sounds very epic-- BM ---hope you`ve warmed up by now...was DNS as after a ride on Friday felt full of cold, and didn`t want to get worse thro` a thorough soaking. Top marks determination (madness?) to all who rode it though. :thumbsup:
A 30km ride to shops was enough for me and discovered that sealskin gloves leaked, waterproof wasn`t , and DHB water repel tights didn`t so glad that found this out on just a short ride
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This all sounds very epic-- BM ---hope you`ve warmed up by now...was DNS as after a ride on Friday felt full of cold, and didn`t want to get worse thro` a thorough soaking. Top marks determination (madness?) to all who rode it though. :thumbsup:
A 30km ride to shops was enough for me and discovered that sealskin gloves leaked, waterproof wasn`t , and DHB water repel tights didn`t so glad that found this out on just a short ride
Thanks James
I'm warm after a very long shower last night...
My fingers still have a vague tingle though, which I hope will fade... Anyone had that experience before ??
Are there any properly waterproof 'waterproof' gloves??
(Yes the cuffs were up inside my hard shell sleeves - that thing is really good, though you still get some drips down the neck!!
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Having got very many pairs of gloves in an attempt to combat cold fingers in winter I personally have yet to find a single set that are `waterproof` ::-) IF they are truly resistant to water ingress then unless a super breathable material sweat will build up inside and wet the inner>> loss / reduction insulating properties.
eg. I`ve got a set of Lowe Alpine winter `ice gloves` for use in winters in Scotland---up on the mountains where it can be fxxx cold---they are super waterproof, fleece lined and to begin with my hands are warm. But then after a while hands get cold as the inner gets wet due to sweat. So I hardly use them.....
re tingling fingers sounds a bit like chilblains or you`ve got a dose of `frostnip` (ie a precursor to frost bite, can happen quite easily in very cold conditions)
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Gutted to dnf for the first time ever.
Started about 10 minutes late but got to the first control in time for a big breakfast which normally would have fuelled me nicely.
Felt really slow and sluggish was riding with two other chaps one had freezinh numb hands the other was constantly shivvering .I was ok except my feet which were numb.I was the slowest rider the others probably got colder waiting for me a d would not push on without me despite my assurance that I would be fi ne.
Mine seemed to be the only functioning gps then before the second control it packed up.we wasted a lot of time faffing with the gps then cocked up the route doing some extra distance so eventually arrived at the services 30mins after the cut off time. By the time we were ready to leave it would have been a very late arrivee for us so we opted for quite a pleasant ride to leamington rail station and bailed out.
Thanks ti blacksheep for organizing what should have been a great ride if my fitness was better and my gps didnt melt in the rain.
PS hope everyone got back safely and not too hypothermic.
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I really struggled on this one. I knew I would as I had been laid low over Christmas with a bad bout of flu. First time on the bike for a couple of weeks so decided I’d set off very gently and ride around well within myself, probably just as well I did as I was spent over the last 20km.
Felt sorry for Mark who was clearly suffering, looks like he may have what I had over Christmas, nothing for it Mark other than to keep well hydrated and rest/sleep when possible.
As always thanks for another splendid event.
See you all next month.
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What an advnture a great antidote to sitting with my parents in law through the new year. Another HC here. I was running close to control times by the time Chipping Norton was reached. I was slowed because I could not see with my glasses in the rain, and could not see much without. Well that is my excuse, nothing here about Christmas sufeit.
Obviously my Garmin decided that not enough had already been thrown my way so elected to not tell me when I went off route. (Normally I use both Garmin nd route sheet but had not got my map holder and could not bothered to dig out my head-torch at that point)
Lesson 1 ensure map holder is somewhere easy to locate: consider fixing head torch to helmet when in the mood)
SO then took a scenic route around the Cotswolds with gratuitous hills, admired the full moon and grateful conditions were not icy. At Winchcombe when I finally got there texted Mark to say not to wait up. Then set of for the last leg. Sadly in the final small straight lane section (not sure where exactly) had to swerve to avoid a rather erratic and speedier that I expected car. The road has a deep drop off the edge which took me over and gave me enough concussion to not be able to stand and me not knowing where I was or why I was there. Car paused briefly and then sped off to my feeble g cries for help. Gradually managed to get myself together and clambered onto my bike hitting upon the notion of following my Garmin in the hopes that I would remember where the car was. The Tewkesbury sign reminded me and memory returned. I contemplated going to A and E but seemed somewhat better and so drove home.
Lesson 2 I was in a tired state, winter adventures need to be planned for and require extra calories and rest.
Lesson 3 These challenging rides are not the best time to try out new maps on the Garmin
Lesson 4 It is worth hacking it in bad conditions...you find out thing about yourself and your kit
Lesson 5 On winter rides consider attaching head-torch to helmet an essential (I would have seen the drop and probably bunny hopped down safely.
Lesson 6 wet clothes can rip the skin off your arse consider suitable protective potions
Lesson 7 If you have just climbed Sc Fell in 'weather' consider not rushing home to do a 200 in equally interesting meteorological conditions.
Many thanks to Mr. Blacksheep an excellent ride that did not disappoint. weather was guaranteed and we certainly got weather. Was it Mrs Blacksheep I saw riding back form the first control??
L
“... he who's down one day can be up the next, unless he really wants to stay in bed, that is...”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote
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What an advnture a great antidote to sitting with my parents in law through the new year. Another HC here. I was running close to control times by the time Chipping Norton was reached. I was slowed because I could not see with my glasses in the rain, and could not see much without. Well that is my excuse, nothing here about Christmas sufeit.
Obviously my Garmin decided that not enough had already been thrown my way so elected to not tell me when I went off route. (Normally I use both Garmin nd route sheet but had not got my map holder and could not bothered to dig out my head-torch at that point)
Lesson 1 ensure map holder is somewhere easy to locate: consider fixing head torch to helmet when in the mood)
SO then took a scenic route around the Cotswolds with gratuitous hills, admired the full moon and grateful conditions were not icy. At Winchcombe when I finally got there texted Mark to say not to wait up. Then set of for the last leg. Sadly in the final small straight lane section (not sure where exactly) had to swerve to avoid a rather erratic and speedier that I expected car. The road has a deep drop off the edge which took me over and gave me enough concussion to not be able to stand and me not knowing where I was or why I was there. Car paused briefly and then sped off to my feeble g cries for help. Gradually managed to get myself together and clambered onto my bike hitting upon the notion of following my Garmin in the hopes that I would remember where the car was. The Tewkesbury sign reminded me and memory returned. I contemplated going to A and E but seemed somewhat better and so drove home.
Lesson 2 I was in a tired state, winter adventures need to be planned for and require extra calories and rest.
Lesson 3 These challenging rides are not the best time to try out new maps on the Garmin
Lesson 4 It is worth hacking it in bad conditions...you find out thing about yourself and your kit
Lesson 5 On winter rides consider attaching head-torch to helmet an essential (I would have seen the drop and probably bunny hopped down safely.
Lesson 6 wet clothes can rip the skin off your arse consider suitable protective potions
Lesson 7 If you have just climbed Sc Fell in 'weather' consider not rushing home to do a 200 in equally interesting meteorological conditions.
Many thanks to Mr. Blacksheep an excellent ride that did not disappoint. weather was guaranteed and we certainly got weather. Was it Mrs Blacksheep I saw riding back form the first control??
L
“... he who's down one day can be up the next, unless he really wants to stay in bed, that is...”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote
OMG you poor soul!! Glad you got home in one piece.
You may know this already, but just in case, I protect my glasses in the rain by wearing a simple cycling cap / casquette... Not huge like a baseball cap, but if you tip your head down you get a clear area at the top...
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This all sounds very epic-- BM ---hope you`ve warmed up by now...was DNS as after a ride on Friday felt full of cold, and didn`t want to get worse thro` a thorough soaking. Top marks determination (madness?) to all who rode it though. :thumbsup:
A 30km ride to shops was enough for me and discovered that sealskin gloves leaked, waterproof wasn`t , and DHB water repel tights didn`t so glad that found this out on just a short ride
Thanks James
I'm warm after a very long shower last night...
My fingers still have a vague tingle though, which I hope will fade... Anyone had that experience before ??
Are there any properly waterproof 'waterproof' gloves??
(Yes the cuffs were up inside my hard shell sleeves - that thing is really good, though you still get some drips down the neck!!
Mike, on that ride I had painfully cold feet up until the second control but hands were mostly fine.
I had some thin liner gloves (random cheap ones from millets, but silk ones are probably better), pearl izumi softshell lobster mitts, and the secret ingredient gore tex over mitts (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/clothing-accessories/all-gloves-mitts/tuff-bags/). The key (and this is important) is to have them inside your jacket (or your outermost jacket in your case ;) ) so the water can't run down inside them. I forgot after the first control and hands got damp quite quickly so I had to stop and rearrange ...
It's a bit of a pain in the arse because you haven't got much manual dexterity with them on, so you have to basically have a sequence of: faff, put gloves on, put jacket on, go outside, set off. Make sure no faffing has to be done outside and don't leave any till you've already got the gloves on or you won't be able to do it without taking the gloves off again, which you might think seems fine, but if you don't also take the jacket off then they will be outside it when you put them back on, and water will run inside them. Easily done, and easy to think it'll be ok, and if you've only got cold to contend with it will but if you get heavy rain it probably won't be.
So when I got to the second control my hands were a bit wet, but I realised I wasn't already wearing the liner gloves which were therefore still dry in my bag, so I put those on and my hands warmed up fast. So a good lesson is to be religious about keeping the overmitts inside the jacket, and also to take spare liner gloves, they're small so don't take up much space.
I do swear by the gore tex overmitts though. You can get gore tex overshoes which I did have some of but lost them, think I might have to get a new pair if there's going to be any more days like yesterday.
The tingle could be chillblains, I get it when I've had cold hands/feet and when they warm up again, on me they normally only last a few minutes but it could be just lack of circulation.
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,,,, but silk ones are probably better
I must be the only person who finds silk liners in gloves useless.
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Good grief! So many horror stories.
Vistaed - so sorry to hear about the bike. Guess the fact it wasn't totally flattened and didn't cause an accident is some consolation, but still, gutting to happen, especially to a new Ti machine.
Cycling Daddy - wow. You were very lucky not to be properly injured or left unconscious by the driver, especially in the bad weather. I always run a good helmet light, even on a 200 where I don't bother with a main bright bar light. Well, I say always, in fact, yesterday morning I had mounted my Leyzne superdrive on the bars for a bit, but the weather kept it dark for a fair time and I was annoyed it wasn't on my helmet as I had to keep flicking the backlight on the GPS to see so you have my sympathy for how difficult it is to manage without one. Mine went on the helmet mount after the last control so I knew I'd be able to flick it on for the steeper Cotswold Descents if I needed it. I have a basic commuter light on the bars unless I know I will be riding for a good few hours in the dark when I'll put a good bright 2000 lumen light on. I find though, that the superdrive alone is enough to ride with unless it's very technical/muddy/potholed lanes.
In terms of gloves - I have (at home) some neoprene ones which act like a wet suit - hands sweat like mad and they are totally unsuitable for temperatures over about 7 degrees, but ideal for conditions like yesterday. If only I had remembered to bring them :facepalm:
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Rabbit, you're too fast ;). Did you put 'guards on to weigh your bike down?
I packed a bread bag full of old energy bars, gels, drink sachets, two Cadbury's Boost bars, a peanut butter sarnie, two bananas, and a bag with spare gloves, waterproof overtrousers, overshoes, spare socks and a spare base layer, along with the tools and inners. Rackbag weighed a ton (not quite!)
Set off at 1:30am, stopping at 3 when the rain started, to get 'proofed up. Had a banana and coffee stop at the Chipping Norton garage. Arrived at 7, in time for the famous Wetherspoon's veggie breakfast, coughing away (did a DIY 200 on Wednesday, last chance for December RRtY, in the cold and frost).
Set off on my own at the back, not really wanting to pass on any germs. Had a coffee and mince pie at the first stop (couldn't stomach another breakfast). Should have tried to eat more. Cycled with a couple of blokes, on and off, for a while, but slow up the hills (TG knows), so stopped atop one to sit on a bench, eating a now mashed banana, and 1/4 sarnie. Shortly after (85km), BANG, rear tyre burst near the rim, After last year's event, I had started carrying a spare tyre, but not today (why, oh why?). Swapped it to the front, asking passers by if they had a spare tyre. First slither of tyre I carry didn't work, as the inner still buldging out, so in went the second. 'Phoned Mark and my wife for shops info. Set off, and the tyre was okay at low pressure, with the rhythmic thud thud. Decided not to go off course to Banbury bike shop as it would put me out of time at the services (got a receipt with a few minutes to spare). Had a coffee there outside, Billy no mates, eating my last Boost bar. Knew Edgehill was coming (hard ride/walk up it last year with split tyre), so stopped about 15 mins before it for an out of date gel. Rode up the hill all the way, not getting out of the saddle for fear of putting too much pressure on the split. Arrived at Chipping Norton café at 5:30, and again, just had a coffee, as they were meant to be shutting (about 30 mins in hand on control time). There I met Saracen Sean (saw you earlier in the day), who very kindly (Many thanks!), 'phoned his wife to bring a spare tyre to the RHP, to ensure I get home. Cycling Daddy arrived. The three of us set off separately, passing each other along the final stretch. Stopped outside the pub on the climb into Stow (where I abandoned with crank trouble last year) for my last Boost bar, a gel, and to put SIS powder in my water. I hated the white fog before Winchcombe, as I couldn't see well enough ahead, and didn't want to brake for too long on the descents (the split being right by the rim). Arrived back at 9:10, looked around the pub, but couldn't see Mark (forgot his info, and I think the smokers outside shielded his AUK sign when I arrived. Found him, had a chat, recharged computer and front light a bit, and collected tyre from Sean (thanks again).
Left at 10, stopping to put M+ tyre on outside Tewkesbury (took longer than a Conti). Hit white fog somewhere, and it was cold. My three layer weatherproof gloves were wet, and my spare pair weren't up to sub-zero (was it?) temps. Frost everywhere. Stopped in four bus shelters to try to get warm/have a nap. Put spare base layer on (still cold). Ice forming on lights, computers, phone case and maptrap. Stopped at the Chipping Norton garage for a coffee, but the bloke (different bloke to earlier) ignored me and hid in the back (he saw me standing outside when he was sweeping up). Had swig of the energy drink, but it disagreed with me, and I had to keep stopping. Hit ice patches in places, and there was a lot approaching Milton Keynes. Arrived home about 5:10 (100 minutes longer than the outward journey) shivering.
I set out with the intention of making amends for my only (so far) DNF, which I have done, even though it took too long.
Weighed myself when I got up, and the upshot of not eating enough is that I have lost 7 lbs in three days, some of that, understandably, being muscle mass (converted to carbs for the ride?).
Thanks for the event and chat Mark, and the tyre, Sean!
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This was my first BlackSheep ride and I intend to return to see what the area is like when the weather behaves. The bit through the Cotswolds was particularly enjoyable apart from the descent into Winchcombe which I reckon accounted for a significant portion of the brake pad wear that I discovered this morning.
In spite of soaking gloves my hands were coming back up to temperature reasonably quickly provided I worked hard for a short while after each control. My feet were an entirely different matter in spite of overshoes, extra socks, chemical toe warmers etc but they only crossed the threshold into the painful zone for a short while just before the second control. I was fascinated by the fact that I appeared to be 'frothing at the knees' possibly due to some soap residue in the fleecy windstopper fabric on my Ground Effect tights.
Sorry to hear about Vistaed's and Cycling Daddy's problems - do we know how Bikeabilityman got on as it sounded like he was having another one of his adventures... He's alive! Well done that man!
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What an advnture a great antidote to sitting with my parents in law through the new year. Another HC here. I was running close to control times by the time Chipping Norton was reached. I was slowed because I could not see with my glasses in the rain, and could not see much without. Well that is my excuse, nothing here about Christmas sufeit.
Obviously my Garmin decided that not enough had already been thrown my way so elected to not tell me when I went off route. (Normally I use both Garmin nd route sheet but had not got my map holder and could not bothered to dig out my head-torch at that point)
Lesson 1 ensure map holder is somewhere easy to locate: consider fixing head torch to helmet when in the mood)
SO then took a scenic route around the Cotswolds with gratuitous hills, admired the full moon and grateful conditions were not icy. At Winchcombe when I finally got there texted Mark to say not to wait up. Then set of for the last leg. Sadly in the final small straight lane section (not sure where exactly) had to swerve to avoid a rather erratic and speedier that I expected car. The road has a deep drop off the edge which took me over and gave me enough concussion to not be able to stand and me not knowing where I was or why I was there. Car paused briefly and then sped off to my feeble g cries for help. Gradually managed to get myself together and clambered onto my bike hitting upon the notion of following my Garmin in the hopes that I would remember where the car was. The Tewkesbury sign reminded me and memory returned. I contemplated going to A and E but seemed somewhat better and so drove home.
Lesson 2 I was in a tired state, winter adventures need to be planned for and require extra calories and rest.
Lesson 3 These challenging rides are not the best time to try out new maps on the Garmin
Lesson 4 It is worth hacking it in bad conditions...you find out thing about yourself and your kit
Lesson 5 On winter rides consider attaching head-torch to helmet an essential (I would have seen the drop and probably bunny hopped down safely.
Lesson 6 wet clothes can rip the skin off your arse consider suitable protective potions
Lesson 7 If you have just climbed Sc Fell in 'weather' consider not rushing home to do a 200 in equally interesting meteorological conditions.
Many thanks to Mr. Blacksheep an excellent ride that did not disappoint. weather was guaranteed and we certainly got weather. Was it Mrs Blacksheep I saw riding back form the first control??
L
“... he who's down one day can be up the next, unless he really wants to stay in bed, that is...”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote
Good grief. I've just got around to reading all the reports in full. After passing you for the last time up some hill, I wondered whether I should wait for you, as I assumed you were the last one on the route, but I wanted to carry on, in case I had another tyre burst (both were Conti Hardshell put on in late summer, I know I said I would fit new ones, after last year), and I wanted to arrive before the cut-off. Then you wouldn't have been alone, or what happened Might have been different. Sorry!
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Well done to all who took part, especially my Team MK colleague Bikeabilityman. I am not quite ready physically and mentally so hoping for warmer days.
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What an advnture a great antidote to sitting with my parents in law through the new year. Another HC here. I was running close to control times by the time Chipping Norton was reached. I was slowed because I could not see with my glasses in the rain, and could not see much without. Well that is my excuse, nothing here about Christmas sufeit.
Obviously my Garmin decided that not enough had already been thrown my way so elected to not tell me when I went off route. (Normally I use both Garmin nd route sheet but had not got my map holder and could not bothered to dig out my head-torch at that point)
Lesson 1 ensure map holder is somewhere easy to locate: consider fixing head torch to helmet when in the mood)
SO then took a scenic route around the Cotswolds with gratuitous hills, admired the full moon and grateful conditions were not icy. At Winchcombe when I finally got there texted Mark to say not to wait up. Then set of for the last leg. Sadly in the final small straight lane section (not sure where exactly) had to swerve to avoid a rather erratic and speedier that I expected car. The road has a deep drop off the edge which took me over and gave me enough concussion to not be able to stand and me not knowing where I was or why I was there. Car paused briefly and then sped off to my feeble g cries for help. Gradually managed to get myself together and clambered onto my bike hitting upon the notion of following my Garmin in the hopes that I would remember where the car was. The Tewkesbury sign reminded me and memory returned. I contemplated going to A and E but seemed somewhat better and so drove home.
Lesson 2 I was in a tired state, winter adventures need to be planned for and require extra calories and rest.
Lesson 3 These challenging rides are not the best time to try out new maps on the Garmin
Lesson 4 It is worth hacking it in bad conditions...you find out thing about yourself and your kit
Lesson 5 On winter rides consider attaching head-torch to helmet an essential (I would have seen the drop and probably bunny hopped down safely.
Lesson 6 wet clothes can rip the skin off your arse consider suitable protective potions
Lesson 7 If you have just climbed Sc Fell in 'weather' consider not rushing home to do a 200 in equally interesting meteorological conditions.
Many thanks to Mr. Blacksheep an excellent ride that did not disappoint. weather was guaranteed and we certainly got weather. Was it Mrs Blacksheep I saw riding back form the first control??
L
“... he who's down one day can be up the next, unless he really wants to stay in bed, that is...”
― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote
Wow!
Just read this now.
I'm assuming that this is Les who I spoke to briefly at the Chipping Norton cafe?
If so I knew you were suffering like so many of us and when I passed you just before Stow I tried to give you a little encouragement but was concerned. I mentioned to Mark when I got back that you seemed to be struggling and I was concerned that you wouldn't get back in time.
He told me then that you had phoned him but I had no idea such an ordeal lay in wait for you.
Just glad you are OK today.
There were certainly a few of us who for one reason or another had tougher days than would be normally expected yesterday.
Also glad to know you got home safely Bikeability Man.
You truly are an inspirational character.
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Rabbit, you're too fast ;). Did you put 'guards on to weigh your bike down?
LOL I wish! I am only quick to finish as I don't spend much time stopping and, when riding on my own, I flow better as I can descend pretty quick making up at least some of the upcoming climb with a bit more momentum. I am not a fast rider per se, very much average in speed terms, especially on the shorter distances. I regularly see the fast riders come past on their way to their next extended stop for lunch whilst I am ferretting around in the top tube bag to keep riding + eating! In the summer my overall event times are longer as I am happy to sit and chill at the controls, but in the winter, I just don't warm up when I stop, if anything, the chills set in and then my legs seize and I have a painful 20 mins to get them restarted. The first few miles after the Droitwich control yesterday were hellish. My quads were just not functioning at all with the cold.
I didn't put mudguards on like a BAD rabbit. When I checked the weather at the start of the week it looked dry so thought sod it, I'll risk it. The gamble didn't play off as I didn't have time the day before to get them fitted. Still, I felt less guilty when I realised that every person I followed, except one, was kicking up as much spray with their mudguards on (even, in some cases, with extenders on) as those without, albeit with less muddy arses.
You truly are an inspirational character.
Conker that! :thumbsup:
I really love the epic tales, especially when it all turns out (mostly) ok in the end.
There is no doubt that it's easy to get complacent with the 200 distance after the long warm summer days pootling round and chilling in pubs and cafes. They are a completely different animal in the winter. Nevermind if you then increase the distance by ECE!
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Despite not finishing I am really glad I went yesterday and had a go. I learned more yesterday than I ever learned in the many successful 200s I have done including my one and only RRTY.
In fact I just remembered I did DNF once before after getting violent food poisoning on the ride.(So i dont count that)
I have ridden successfully in freezing weather and ridden successfully in heavy sustained rainfall but never both on the same ride.
Also learned stuff from reading this thread such as maybe my new gloves dont leak like a sieve as I had the cuffs outside my jacket cuffs.(never give it much thought before) . Will also be looking into some goretex sox if such a thing exists.
Congratulations to everyone who turned up yesterday wether you finished or not. :thumbsup:
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Will also be looking into some goretex sox if such a thing exists.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gore-bike-wear-road-thermo-gore-tex-overshoes/
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I should have packed, but as you know, I am completely mad, and I won't give in, even on days like this..
I used to be a bit more "keen". I think once you've done it a few times the novelty wears off. The next time you will think "hang on, I don't have to do this: been there done that"
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I found that a tough day. I'd woken the previous couple of days feeling a bit sub-par (sore throat; slightly achy too on 1st), and had considered a DNS but decided to ride anyway. Had cold fingers at the start of each leg, especially the last, but they warmed up once I got the circulation going. But I seldom got warm enough to want to unzip my coat/vents at all.
I was probably wearing less than most other riders, and maybe not quite enough, but reckon I would've had a lot more issues if it wasn't for my 'waterproof' boots which meant that my feet were only starting to feel damp at the first control, and while thoroughly wet by the end, my toes never felt cold.
The combination of bug and weather meant that I never really got into a good rhythm, and my legs felt tired by half way and got worse in the second half, with sore knees too by the end, so ended up walking part of Edge Hill and the final proper hill.
So overall I found it much harder than the last 2 years, but am glad to have finished without any of the significant issues that others clearly encountered.
Thanks Mark for sorting us all out despite clearly feeling ill yourself (no beer!) :thumbsup:
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Defo not a very happy ride for me, very pleased when I has finish that it was over.
10 mins into ride front light died, so 60 mins of riding in the a dark :(. Know I had charged it so its gong in the bin :(
Forgot glove liners so hands were frozen all day and had shooting pains through them, as a result could not operate the left hand gear lever at all so had to spin all the way around in the small ring.
Dried the gloves out at each control under the toilet dryer which helped a little until they were soaked again. Why didn't I bring spares.....
Had 4 layers on but they were soon soaked leaving me cold and shivering , Why didn't I brng my Gore oxygen jacket.....
Had a puncture 2k from end, no way could change the inner tube as hands were numb so rode in on the flat:(
At 100k discovered brake pads front and rear were totally worn out so braking was via shoe cleats only for last 100k with brakes full on to squeeze a tiny amount of risistance out of them. Less than great in the wet. Why didn't I check them the night before.......
On the plus side did get back by 4.15pm so missed the dark and the drop in temperature and had a nice chat with Mark while we waited for the next riders to arrive.
Lots of lessons to be learned.
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Still don't have all the feeling back in my left hand today, seems it did not like 9 hours of being frozen, the shooting pains should have been a give away :(
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I didn't put mudguards on like a BAD rabbit. When I checked the weather at the start of the week it looked dry so thought sod it, I'll risk it. The gamble didn't play off as I didn't have time the day before to get them fitted. Still, I felt less guilty when I realised that every person I followed, except one, was kicking up as much spray with their mudguards on (even, in some cases, with extenders on) as those without, albeit with less muddy arses.
My Audax bike came with mudguards, so they are always on (had to change one after a year's use). A few weeks ago I added home made (from 4 pint plastic milk bottles) flaps and, although non-aero, they have made a real difference to the spray.
Hands have thawed, but coughing more now. If I hadn't booked the ECE before leaving home, I'd have been tempted to spend the night at the pub or Travelodge/Premier Inn, have a few pints and a meal. I'm not adventurous, just stubborn!
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Is it me, or is this entire thread just full of audaciousness (aka as stubbornness, or, as my mother would put it "sheer bloodymindedness"?? ;) )
Oliveriles - hope you get the feeling back soon. Hopefully just temporary nerve disruption. :o
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Is it me, or is this entire thread just full of audaciousness (aka as stubbornness, or, as my mother would put it "sheer bloodymindedness"?? ;) )
Oliveriles - hope you get the feeling back soon. Hopefully just temporary nerve disruption. :o
Just at the moment when I thought I was on top of this 200 malarkey along comes Mr Pickwick. Love it absolutely love it...'pig headed' is a phrase that comes to mind. But this from the Urban Dictionary has a ring of truth:
stubborn
A characteristic common in males especially those with a sports paraphernalia obsession. (Lets you off the hook or leaves you out Rabbit)
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Is it me, or is this entire thread just full of audaciousness (aka as stubbornness, or, as my mother would put it "sheer bloodymindedness"?? ;) )
Oliveriles - hope you get the feeling back soon. Hopefully just temporary nerve disruption. :o
No it’s not just you. And I think your mother is spot on with her description.
I do enjoy the company of my fellow Audaxers, a great sense of camaraderie and fellowship.
But the Audax riders who will go out in the most testing of winter conditions either for the hell of it or to keep their RRTY’s alive are an altogether different animal. These are the hardened, determined and focussed riders I like to consider myself one of.
I think there is a mutual respect there that can only come from a shared suffering, or as your mother so succinctly put it “Bloody-mindedness”
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"Suffering" is correct. I suffered more this time around, than on last year's Sale (driven home last year), but I wanted to finish it this time, I wanted my Jan RRtY out of the way, and I wanted my first PBP qualifier, whatever the weather threw at me. Our club has around 550 members, but only several Audaxers, as they think we're mad. Audaxers are well 'ard, and have my respect. I love cycling; it is a way of life for me, but it can be a real challenge at times!
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Lots of newbies in our club (post 'lympics) who have never heard of Audax(ing).
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Having read the epic tales in this thread, I now feel less guilty about my arrival at the RHP 40 minutes after the cut-off time for the 7.00 am starters.
I could see very little in the rain and darkness for the first 45 minutes, I got completely soaked and cold and when I went off route after 30 km for 10 km or so, I was ready to abandon and go home.
Morale at an all-time low, I retraced to the junction where I had gone wrong.
A wodge of 8.00 am starters nipped by and like a fool I got back on the bike and headed after them.
Why sit in the warm and dry when you can spend all day on a bike getting cold and wet?
At the first control I had a chat with Cycling Daddy (I think) and on the way to the Warwick services Saracen Sean remarked that I seemed to leaning ever so slightly to port.
Apart from being unable to distinguish port from starboard, I was puzzled by this comment then realised that he was right.
The cleat on my right shoe has become worn recently and although I am still clipped in, the shoe slips along the pedal so my foot is at a slight angle and I am wasting some of my feeble power output in tipping myself to the right.
Arriving at the services at Warwick I did the same as I did last year (when I finished with only 7 minutes to spare) and raced past the entrance to the services by bowling round the left hand bend and climbing all the way to the main road up that nice series of slopes before realising my mistake and coming back again........
I saw Saracen Sean again at Chipping Norton, he recommended the carrot cake, which was excellent.
I also failed to be of any use to Bikeabilityman there, it was not helpful to tell him that I used to cart a spare tyre around but stopped about five years ago.
The final leg took me much longer than I had expected, lack of fitness, the very thick fog, ancient lights and a slow speed fall on Edge Hill (I should have walked it like I did last year) all contributed to the late arrival, I left the control at 5.30 pm so really should have done better but at least I will remember this ride when many others have faded in the memory.
Thanks to Mark for organising so well, despite being seriously under the weather himself, congratulations to all who managed to get round, next up is Sam Weller's trip to Wochma.
I will have new cycling shoes by then! :)
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Defo not a very happy ride for me, very pleased when I has finish that it was over.
10 mins into ride front light died, so 60 mins of riding in the a dark :(. Know I had charged it so its gong in the bin :(
Forgot glove liners so hands were frozen all day and had shooting pains through them, as a result could not operate the left hand gear lever at all so had to spin all the way around in the small ring.
Dried the gloves out at each control under the toilet dryer which helped a little until they were soaked again. Why didn't I bring spares.....
Had 4 layers on but they were soon soaked leaving me cold and shivering , Why didn't I brng my Gore oxygen jacket.....
Had a puncture 2k from end, no way could change the inner tube as hands were numb so rode in on the flat:(
At 100k discovered brake pads front and rear were totally worn out so braking was via shoe cleats only for last 100k with brakes full on to squeeze a tiny amount of risistance out of them. Less than great in the wet. Why didn't I check them the night before.......
On the plus side did get back by 4.15pm so missed the dark and the drop in temperature and had a nice chat with Mark while we waited for the next riders to arrive.
Lots of lessons to be learned.
I find that trying to do events this time of year often results in a bike problem like a flat tyre as often parts are worn, having been changed months ago, done several winter rides and now being put to the test. I did a "warm up" ride on New Years Day partly to spot these kinds of things on my bike and did swap the rear wheel for one that er, worked before the start of this.
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I do swear by the gore tex overmitts though.
Thanks for the excellent recommendation BenT.
These are on sale at e-outdoor (£27) http://www.e-outdoor.co.uk/2155872/products/extremities_mens_tuff_bag_gtx.aspx (http://www.e-outdoor.co.uk/2155872/products/extremities_mens_tuff_bag_gtx.aspx).
Just ordered myself a pair.
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I do swear by the gore tex overmitts though.
Thanks for the excellent recommendation BenT.
These are on sale at e-outdoor (£27) http://www.e-outdoor.co.uk/2155872/products/extremities_mens_tuff_bag_gtx.aspx (http://www.e-outdoor.co.uk/2155872/products/extremities_mens_tuff_bag_gtx.aspx).
Just ordered myself a pair.
I've had my eye on getting a pair of these for sometime. And as I put my waterproof sealskin gloves in the bin on Saturday after 100km on virtue of them not being very waterproof or warm I need some replacements. And what a great price. Combined with Rab merino liner gloves and montane prism gloves, it should make a good bad weather setup.