Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: iddu on 25 February, 2018, 08:06:36 pm

Title: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 25 February, 2018, 08:06:36 pm
Righto, let's see what you make of this..  :)

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-70/

Wouldn't ask anybody to do something I won't, so testing next month...
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: Graeme on 25 February, 2018, 09:30:13 pm
I've already entered the new border raid in July.. but this looks like a hoot. So 2019?
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: drgannet on 25 February, 2018, 10:02:47 pm
I've already entered the new border raid in July.. but this looks like a hoot. So 2019?

But that's on 14th (I'll see you there)...
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: zakalwe on 26 February, 2018, 02:52:26 pm
It goes right past my house at exactly the half-way point... that's gonna be hard :(
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: mattc on 26 February, 2018, 03:02:13 pm
It goes right past my house at exactly the half-way point... that's gonna be hard :(
that's why I recommend you help me at the Oxford night stop instead :)
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: Rod Marton on 26 February, 2018, 04:30:37 pm
Having had a quick look at the route map can I make a couple of suggestions? Near Coggeshall it looks like you are using the A12 and A120: I would not ride on these roads. You can avoid the A12 by going through Maldon, this wouldn't change the distance by much. Avoiding the A120 is more difficult, most obvious is to go up through Halstead but this would probably need an info. Alternatively you could go to St John's Abbey in Colchester and this would avoid both.

South of Didcot it looks like you use a bit of the A38, you probably have better local knowledge than me (I always go through Didcot east-west) but it doesn't look inviting. Don't know what the alternative is, though.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: jiberjaber on 26 February, 2018, 05:37:54 pm
Having had a quick look at the route map can I make a couple of suggestions? Near Coggeshall it looks like you are using the A12 and A120: I would not ride on these roads. You can avoid the A12 by going through Maldon, this wouldn't change the distance by much. Avoiding the A120 is more difficult, most obvious is to go up through Halstead but this would probably need an info. Alternatively you could go to St John's Abbey in Colchester and this would avoid both.

South of Didcot it looks like you use a bit of the A38, you probably have better local knowledge than me (I always go through Didcot east-west) but it doesn't look inviting. Don't know what the alternative is, though.

Or... could be using Boreham Road (runs parallel to A12 from Chelmsford to Hatfield Peverel) and A12 cycle path which runs all the way to Kelvedon, then up the B1024 to Coggeshall.  From Coggeshall there are routes to Bishop Stortford without the A120, Cuthedge Lane and a few others in to Braintree, then B1256 (Dunmow Road) for example, which runs parallel to the A120 for quite a lot of that run. 

I'd be more worried about cycle route 13 from Tilbury round the coast past the fort! ;)

It's a bit hard to see the exact route from the outline map though :)
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 27 February, 2018, 01:06:09 am
Thanks both - don't worry, I certainly don't chose the dual c/way's.

Villages/lanes south of A12, to cross at Kelvedon, and indeed the B1256 to parallel the A120...

A38?  Not unless you're very off-route  ;)  A34 - yes, it could be used, be an early Sun am run, so should be light traffic.  Boring as hell tho'...
Dogleg via Wantage to Newbury to Whitchurch to Winchester via lanes.

NCR 13 - Industrial wasteland, no thanks.


Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: Somnolent on 27 February, 2018, 07:14:29 am
A34 - yes, it could be used, be an early Sun am run, so should be light traffic. 

Light traffic, maybe.  But travelling at motorway speeds.  NOT recommended.
Fortunately there are pleasant alternatives - but whichever way you go between sleep stop and breakfast at Winchester you are cutting across the grain of the country so it's all quite scenic.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 27 February, 2018, 09:25:12 am
"I see no hills" ;D
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: zakalwe on 27 February, 2018, 10:41:07 pm
A34 - yes, it could be used, be an early Sun am run, so should be light traffic. 

Light traffic, maybe.  But travelling at motorway speeds.  NOT recommended.
Fortunately there are pleasant alternatives - but whichever way you go between sleep stop and breakfast at Winchester you are cutting across the grain of the country so it's all quite scenic.

Agreed – the A34 south of Didcot has blind summits and bends, and people still drive at 70 mph or more.

Going through Wantage would be much more sensible, I think :)  There's also a track that runs across a field along the side of the A34, between the Harwell Science Campus and the Ridgeway, that allows a slightly more direct route from Abingdon.  Might not be to everyone's taste, though.

(https://i.imgur.com/9MqB3lu.png)
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: mattc on 28 February, 2018, 10:32:14 am
Before folks waste too much time on this A34 issue, I can state that Iddu's latest draft goes to WANTAGE, thus completely avoiding the A34. (But he might change that - 5 months of route-tweaking to go!)

OT personal experience of A34;
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 01 April, 2018, 07:59:58 pm
Wouldn't ask anybody to do something I won't, so testing next month...

Mmm, well that wasn't exactly to plan... ;D

Went out to do a check(*).  Because the Greavend-Tilbury ferry fiished at 7pm, and was 300+Km, in, that meant stupid o'clock midnight start, joining the route at Newbury - so scuttled down the valley at 11pm...

It hooned it down until 4am, and there were narrow lanes with floods, to make life 'interesting'.

What was suprising was how fixer friendly(**) it was.  Although nominally crossing the grain of the land heading South, there was no stupid climbs, just long drags, until you got a sudden swoop down, and realised just how much you gradually gained.

Even turning Eastward and riding up and over Portsdown, looking at the twinkly lights of Hummer's gaff, was a delight, all the way to Battle.

Of course, from Battle, you head Northwards, into the High Weald.  There's a clue in the name, and at this point, seeing the 17% I thought, "Hmmm, should've brought Gears."

About 20Km out realised I wasn't gong to make the cut(***), so cut some slack, then trained back home. 

I'll do the 2nd half later.  Shaping up to be a good 'un.  :thumbsup:

(*)    Wouldn't ask y'all to do what I won't
(**)   For small values of...
(***) The multiple vistations ddn't help


Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 26 May, 2018, 01:13:30 am
[DEATH] DARK IN THE LANES, ISN'T IT? [/DEATH]

Yeah, but at least it's not pissing down this time...

Winchester, 47k in.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 26 May, 2018, 03:03:19 am
Ah, 'tis a lovely night to be out.

Titchfield, 80k
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 26 May, 2018, 07:28:09 am
That bit was harder than expected - againsterly for a large chunk, and starting to bonk 'cos there's nowhere selling stuff.

Storrington, 144kk, stuffing me face with a Yougart, Oat, Blueberry & Raisin mix, which looks disgusting, but tastes OK
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: mattc on 26 May, 2018, 09:20:46 am
That bit was harder than expected - againsterly for a largevchunk, and starting to bonk 'cos there's nowhere selling stuff.
What did you expect??

Heavy showers here, but more dry periods than wet ones, so you should have a decent day. Pedal-up!

[I have no idea where Storrington is, and even less idea where you started :P ]
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 26 May, 2018, 12:22:15 pm
Hot, frazzled & tetchy...

Battle, 224k

At least I should make the ferry today...
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 26 May, 2018, 06:19:56 pm
Hurrah, managed to  catch the 6pm ferry, so done with Sarf of the River (for the mo')  :thumbsup:

Still 100k+ 'til sleeps - bah  :(
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 27 May, 2018, 01:59:54 am
Safe but squelchy - there's some wonderful cloud lightning going on, and occasional 5 minute deluges, that you really don' t want .to get caught in.

Nighty night...
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: Somnolent on 27 May, 2018, 10:27:13 am
Hmmm !

iddu + test ride = weather

There's a theme developing here.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 27 May, 2018, 10:40:48 am
It's all about taking one for the players  :P
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 27 May, 2018, 12:36:25 pm
Sunny St. Albans.  Time for BEER  :)
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 29 May, 2018, 11:33:03 pm
Hmmm, that waz f'ard, due to the heat - struggled to find enough to drink all day, ~18L on Sat / ~12L on Sun, and still felt dry.  Hope next w/e's a bit cooler.

Technically a sub-27 400 + sub-13 200, but DNF because I elected for a 5-hour nap in between, so NUL points...

Some YOU GIT climbs, miles of straight & flat Roman roads, and lots of little insidious 2%'ers that rinse & repeat for Km's...killing you gently with pretty scenery :)

Better correct the destructions for you loverly riders ;D
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: alfapete on 30 May, 2018, 06:40:52 am
I was wondering about you during the radio silence. Well done, and the best of luck to those attempting it.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 15 June, 2018, 01:33:28 am
>Better correct the destructions for you loverly riders

OK, route/gpx up against the event (http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-70/) - I'll do some notes for entrants when I'm back from the Wander Wye...
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: Manotea on 18 June, 2018, 09:18:19 am
Looks an interesting/to-do route... mebbe along but depends on family holiday plans... were you riding fixed?
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 18 June, 2018, 01:47:55 pm
The first check ride, yes...
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 24 June, 2018, 06:04:20 am
Updated route & notes dispatched to entrants...

(https://i.imgur.com/xZu5Vrf.jpg)
A moody Titchfield Abbey, very stupid o'clock...

(https://i.imgur.com/jBM8YJy.jpg)
Bayham Old Abbey, in a lovely setting.

(https://i.imgur.com/C8mju9F.jpg)
Many One river to cross - Ol' Father Thames, Gravesend - Tilsbury

(https://i.imgur.com/nszmEiG.jpg)
Artisan cafes :facepalm: The CLU is in the name - "Eggs ON toast".  N'th breakfast Nom Nom Nom...

(https://i.imgur.com/yN1ghn6.jpg)
The Great Gatehouse, St Albans

(https://i.imgur.com/gKBRewB.jpg)
YarnBikebombing in Chesham

(https://i.imgur.com/N2BmB0k.jpg)
[Fosters]"Small something for the ladies"[/Fosters]
Godstow Nunnery, Oxford

(https://i.imgur.com/VejgjZF.jpg)
Grumping the Ridgeway, my last climb
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: grams on 30 June, 2018, 06:33:48 pm
Interested but it's a bit too far to get to same day, and hotels nearby are dead expensive.

I don't suppose there'll be hall accommodation the night before? Any other bright ideas?
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 30 June, 2018, 09:46:11 pm
> hall accommodation overnight...

Sadly not, it’s not cost effective this time around.  Yes, it’s a grockle honeypot, and thus £££ - I’ve had to decamp 10 miles away...

Best I've seen is scoping out AirBnB for stuff in a 10-mile radius- there's still some singles from £20 / twin-rooms going from £25 (single) / £36 (two people) along the South Coast towns.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 01 July, 2018, 11:17:14 pm
(https://i.imgur.com/2vbv3Dd.jpg)

Ah, see that...that's your sleep stop, that was  ;D

Good job I check again beforehand - they weren't exactly forward about advising :facepalm:

Slight amendment to instructions will be winging its way in due course.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: mattc on 19 July, 2018, 04:57:58 pm
RIDERS! Lend me you ears!

I'd be grateful if anyone reading this (who has entered) could briefly post their main dietary needs. i.e.

Omnivore
Veggie
Vegan
Gluten-free

(I think they're the main categories ...)


Apologies if Uncle Pat has already got this info but failed to pass it on :)

M
p.s. worth noting that the McDon ... Scottish Restaurant in Botley closes at 11pm. You may bring your fries into the control (but may have to share with the controllers).
pp.s. the Botley stop is strictly BOOZE_FREE (by request of the church)
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: JossW on 20 July, 2018, 10:24:35 am
I should be able to offer the use of parents' field for camping night before / Sunday night if of interest. It's in Ashburnham so probably 20 -30 min cycle away but there are some hills. First stretch is a dirt track. PM if there's any interest. Might even throw in somebathroom facilities depending on numbers.

I was hoping to do this inaugural 600 but lack of time  / newborn duties prevents this.

Joss
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: Manotea on 20 July, 2018, 03:26:52 pm
I'm roughing it on a Greek island at the mo, so all I can say is, have a great event everybody!
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: Somnolent on 21 July, 2018, 09:32:42 pm
Winchester control is open for business... But we've yet to hear of anyone leaving Oxford yet  ;D



Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 21 July, 2018, 10:02:32 pm
22 Starters, 3 DNF's so far - nice to see I'm keeping my firm but fair disreputableness :demon:

Bonne route to those still going.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: JossW on 22 July, 2018, 09:49:47 am
Ah it's this weekend! For some reason I thought it was next. My offer of camping would have been v short notice then  :)
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 22 July, 2018, 12:49:54 pm
And we haz a winner ;D

'pect the rest in due course.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: mattc on 22 July, 2018, 06:00:31 pm
Ah it's this weekend! For some reason I thought it was next. My offer of camping would have been v short notice then  :)
The clue is in the thread title :P

A kind offer nevertheless - expect to be contacted in about 10 months time!



Oxford (Botley) control was interesting, and mostly fun. especially multiple patrols out into the streets to fetch lost riders. Luckily none were grumpy with us, in fact an unusually amiable field. Hopefully that's not related to:

Reading this thread confirms there were hardly any (none?) YACF types on the ride. Lots of londoners (including a bulgarian/slovenian duo!). Usual "modern" mix of bike-packing bikes, carradice-carriers, etc etc. Speak-up if there is a parallel discussion on the interwebs somewhere.

Was it warm? Do bears ... etc?? I can't understand how anyone wanted a blanket!! And I still don't understand why rice pudding is so popular, but we bought tins-and-tins of the stuff so everyone seemed happy.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: hellymedic on 22 July, 2018, 07:51:35 pm
Wasn't there  an 'Ambrosia' cycle club?

Rice pudding provides sugar, starch, water and a little protein in an easy-to-swallow combination.

Great if you like it! Otherwise, there's AA Milne...

Quote
What is the matter with Mary Jane?
I've promised her dolls and a daisy-chain,
And a book about animals - all in vain -
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?
She's perfectly well, and she hasn't a pain;
But, look at her, now she's beginning again! -
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?
I've promised her sweets and a ride in the train,
And I've begged her to stop for a bit and explain -
What is the matter with Mary Jane?

What is the matter with Mary Jane?
She's perfectly well and she hasn't a pain,
And it's lovely rice pudding for dinner again!
What is the matter with Mary Jane?
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 22 July, 2018, 08:46:47 pm
Hurrah - 22 out, 22 accounted for :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: Goldcrank on 23 July, 2018, 11:29:31 am
Thank you Iddu. It was an excellent ride.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 23 July, 2018, 11:39:43 pm
Glad you enjoyed - it's what we're here for.

If I run it again, I

a) will substitute for section over Seven Mile Rd, which seemed to be most commented about
b) will probably rotate the start around to Lewes, since Battle seemed to be such a pain for accommodation.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: bhoot on 24 July, 2018, 06:54:07 am
a) will substitute for section over Seven Mile Rd, which seemed to be most commented about
If that's the road from East Peckham up towards Wrotham then I made the mistake of including that on a DIY earlier this year. It looked quite innocuous on the map but it's one of the very rare occasions where I have a) ridden on the pavement where it existed and b) bothered to stop and put on a hi-vis jacket during the day.
And then I encountered Vigo Hill....
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: iddu on 24 July, 2018, 09:24:20 am
Yes, that bit...

Perceptions vary - I didn't think the traffic was bad, but was there late afternoon, rather than early morning; I remember it more for the appalling road surface after pleasant lanes.

But whatever, there is a alternative routing to use.
Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: Goldcrank on 24 July, 2018, 10:14:36 am
Roland (not of this parish) has put a nice write up on the LVCC page.

http://leavalleycc.co.uk/2018/07/23/audax-are-ewe-abbey-yet-roland-karthaus/

(If you ever see this I hope you don’t mind my linking it)

Title: Re: Are EWE Abbey yet? - 21/22-07-18
Post by: tonyh on 24 July, 2018, 10:45:54 am
That's a very nice write-up!