Author Topic: Rural South 300  (Read 15904 times)

JonB

  • Granny Ring ... Yes Please!
Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #50 on: 26 June, 2016, 08:25:21 am »
That was great. Ian does a great job organising this along with the chap who runs the 100 & 200 (sorry, I can't remember the name). I did it 2 years ago and it is a wonderful route that barely touches any kind of urban landscape, it's mostly 300 km of rolling English landscape with picturesque villages and has a very high count of village cricket matches. First section pretty flat but one road caused puncture mayhem, lots of skog and potholes. I had two, frustratingly the second was caused where I'd fitted my spare tyre and not seated it on the rim properly and it went off like a gunshot. There must have been 4 or 5 along that stretch changing tubes. 

Nice breakfast at New Arlesford, and a short section up to the lay-by with great views over Portsmouth. Then the ride through the South Downs which is the toughest. After the first major climb, the heavens opened and torrential rain followed for about an hour, it turned many of the roads into rivers and washed all kinds of skog across them, very tricky riding conditions. Next control is at Fishers Farm which is some kind of kids adventure park, very weird audax control.  The rain started again and quite a party of riders built up there waiting for it to subside, I felt I'd been hanging around too long and set off when there was a short break but it came back with a vengeance. Met up with Alan (Parky) at the final control at Selborne and Mark and we rode a fast final 60k (also joined at some point by a young French guy who was very fast but kept getting lost, maybe called Clement), the sun was shining by this point and the rain only came back for the last 30 mins or so. 

Reckon this is one of the finest 300s on the calendar, it's such a lovely route, it's tough enough, no AAAs but plenty of hills.  A fine day out. 

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #51 on: 26 June, 2016, 10:21:01 am »
Great ride and many thanks to Org Ian + Phil and team back at the control.  Even managed to dodge most (but not all) of the rain.  Thanks David (Crest Ilford CC, on YACF?) for company on the first 1/3 or so, your pace was just to fast for me in the end!!!  Hope the two riders who went down on the manky lane from Ashampstead got home OK, one of you had some pretty nasty grazes :-(

parkysouthlondon

  • PBP (11,15,19,23), 1001Miglia (2021), TCRNo8(2022)
    • SWRC FB
Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #52 on: 26 June, 2016, 11:32:44 am »
That was great. Ian does a great job organising this along with the chap who runs the 100 & 200 (sorry, I can't remember the name). I did it 2 years ago and it is a wonderful route that barely touches any kind of urban landscape, it's mostly 300 km of rolling English landscape with picturesque villages and has a very high count of village cricket matches. First section pretty flat but one road caused puncture mayhem, lots of skog and potholes. I had two, frustratingly the second was caused where I'd fitted my spare tyre and not seated it on the rim properly and it went off like a gunshot. There must have been 4 or 5 along that stretch changing tubes. 

Nice breakfast at New Arlesford, and a short section up to the lay-by with great views over Portsmouth. Then the ride through the South Downs which is the toughest. After the first major climb, the heavens opened and torrential rain followed for about an hour, it turned many of the roads into rivers and washed all kinds of skog across them, very tricky riding conditions. Next control is at Fishers Farm which is some kind of kids adventure park, very weird audax control.  The rain started again and quite a party of riders built up there waiting for it to subside, I felt I'd been hanging around too long and set off when there was a short break but it came back with a vengeance. Met up with Alan (Parky) at the final control at Selborne and Mark and we rode a fast final 60k (also joined at some point by a young French guy who was very fast but kept getting lost, maybe called Clement), the sun was shining by this point and the rain only came back for the last 30 mins or so. 

Reckon this is one of the finest 300s on the calendar, it's such a lovely route, it's tough enough, no AAAs but plenty of hills.  A fine day out.
Have you forgotten to mention about parking your bike under a lean too at Fishers farm only to find the gutter overflowing all over your saddlebag.

I like this event, as this is where my audaxing started back in 2009.
South Western Road Club
2024 events    Tour Divide USA

cgg

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #53 on: 26 June, 2016, 02:23:08 pm »
Yep, I was the young French guy that kept on getting lost... err took a couple of wrong turns :). A proper mapholder (not a ziplock taped to the handlerbars) would help, as well as actually having a look at the route beforehand I guess.

So this was my second 300 (3rd if you count the one I DNFd in France last year) and it felt harder than the 1st (Heart Of England) by some margin. It seems I still have a long way to go in terms of food and effort handling.

I rode along swiss hat (Martin) up to right before the 2nd control, where I realised the breakfast+extra toasts at New Arlesford just wouldn't cut it and I stopped and waited for what seemed like forever for a burger and some chips (at the wrong truck though, the one right before the control :()

Then the South Downs hit me right there, without even mentioning the big shower. So I was feeling all down and moody (and muddy) at the 3rd control (a bit odd this one); left it a bit relinquishing (but the rain was dying and you can handle screaming children only for that long) and then somehow the two sandwiches and the huge bun I got there hit the spot and I thoroughly enjoyed myself for the last 100s of km. Even the last bout of rain didn't feel that bad.

Many thanks to Ian, and to the fine gentlemen I had the chance to ride with, and Martin and Alan for the lifts.

Quote of the day: "When rain is hammering like that it's good, it means it won't last long!"

JonB

  • Granny Ring ... Yes Please!
Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #54 on: 26 June, 2016, 03:45:43 pm »
Have you forgotten to mention about parking your bike under a lean too at Fishers farm only to find the gutter overflowing all over your saddlebag.

Ah yes, not the best parking spot ... it made my saddlebag light come on and wouldn't turn off again :facepalm:

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #55 on: 28 June, 2016, 10:34:57 am »
And thank you Phil and Ian for staying up so late ... :-[

And also to Alan for your help and moral support along the way. :thumbsup:

My first attempt at this distance (Audax or othewise), limping in at 12:30 it felt like utter madness, but as the man at the finish said, I now find myself looking at the calendar.  Cheddar Gorgeous looks nice ...

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #56 on: 28 June, 2016, 12:26:09 pm »
My first attempt at this distance (Audax or othewise), limping in at 12:30 it felt like utter madness, but as the man at the finish said, I now find myself looking at the calendar.  Cheddar Gorgeous looks nice ...

Well done Huisdean for sticking it out.  My first 300k took a similar time about 18 months ago and it made me a lot more confident afterwards.  The Cheddar Gorgeous (or the Perm at least, I assume it's the same route) is great ride, I'm sure you'll enjoy it  :thumbsup:

mattc

  • n.b. have grown beard since photo taken
    • Didcot Audaxes
Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #57 on: 28 June, 2016, 12:45:54 pm »
The CG may be slightly easier (although all the tough bits are in the middle, which is worth knowing so you don't overcook, or get demoralised by the clock). An equally nice route, with different characteristics.
Has never ridden RAAM
---------
No.11  Because of the great host of those who dislike the least appearance of "swank " when they travel the roads and lanes. - From Kuklos' 39 Articles

arabella

  • عربللا
  • onwendeð wyrda gesceaft weoruld under heofonum
Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #58 on: 28 June, 2016, 12:56:36 pm »
meh, had to retire early so now on the unfinished business list.
tyre gave up after Wisborough Green and with no spare tyre I missed the fine evening. 
I removed the valve from an inner to use as a complete tyre boot but didn't feel comfortable continuing beyond the minimum needed to get me to the nearest station.  Hindsight says better options were available but there you go.
I swapped digits when letting the organiser know so he had to chase me up  :-[
Any fool can admire a mountain.  It takes real discernment to appreciate the fens.

JonB

  • Granny Ring ... Yes Please!
Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #59 on: 28 June, 2016, 04:03:44 pm »
meh, had to retire early so now on the unfinished business list.
tyre gave up after Wisborough Green and with no spare tyre I missed the fine evening. 
I removed the valve from an inner to use as a complete tyre boot but didn't feel comfortable continuing beyond the minimum needed to get me to the nearest station.  Hindsight says better options were available but there you go.
I swapped digits when letting the organiser know so he had to chase me up  :-[

Sorry to hear that Arabella, the roads did take a heavy toll on tyres and tubes. I had to call on my spare tyre 40km into the ride.

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #60 on: 11 June, 2018, 04:03:14 pm »
Just signed up for this on Saturday, first 300 in nearly 2 years - I think i’m Looking forward to it ;)

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #61 on: 17 June, 2018, 09:21:43 am »
I rolled in as a group of 3 making lantern rouge - something like 40 mins in hand.

I set off with a mate, Glenn 20 mins late, and caught up with Nick on his first 300 fairly soon.  We made good progress until ~120k when Glenn’s legs fell off.  He’s done LEL/PBP so the distance wasn’t an issue, but boy did he have a bad day...

On every climb Glenn struggled and dropped right down to 1st gear, and on this ride there are a lot of climbs to tackle.  I rode with him trying to distract, and at the half way point we talked about if a finish was possible.  I rode ahead to Nick, outlining we’d finish but much closer to 2am than planned (telling him it was fine to just ride on when he wanted to).

The views and pretty villages/houses/churches on this ride are outstanding.  Unfortunately I cannot say the same for the quality of the roads!  Gravel trap became a common theme as did the short sections that were basically unsurfaced.

We made a couple of extra stops for Glenn to eat and recover (another pub and a co-op).  The controls are well placed and made nice food, at 180k we were too late for Farm Park, so stopped in the green at a village fate, the guys running the BBQ we’re avid cyclists who couldn’t believe the distances covered on Audax’s.  they pampered to uscwhiskt we chatted.  From here Nick rode on to make up some time.

The route kept rolling, Glenn kept going, i’d try my hardest to give him a wheel to follow - staying in the little ring even on the flats (there are not many flat bits!).  Even so I kept dropping him :( we caught Nick again who’d made a wrong turn.  I told him to push on as I was starting to doubt we’d make it in time.

215k & nick pulled away again, Glenn tried to insist I left him, but having ridden together for 20years+ our only rule is that you never abandon the other (sure, escort them to a train or similar, but never abandon).  230k we caught Nick again, after that he rode with us until the end - made for good company.  After a swift half at the next control we pushed onwards & upwards , more undulating gravely roads.  It was now dark and with so little traffic we easily rode 3 a-breast thinning out on the rare occasion car lights appeared, or letting Glenn shelter behind us as needed.

Around Basingstoke the hills finally stopped and we had some smooth/wide/downwards roads to make a little speed on.  Slowly but surely the distance left ticked away, we stopped to check 2 separate people who had fallen into the gutter.  Drunk they both got back up and seemed ok...

Finally 2k to go, 1k to go - we’re done.  The ride lives up to its name - it is indeed the rural south, the price you pay for such quiet roads is the poor road surface.  My legs were not taxed just due to the speed we rode, but my hands & wrists hurt!  Well done Nick on his first 300, well done Glenn for a massive effort and finally, thanks to Ian and Phil for looking after us especially at the finish where tea and food was very welcome!

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #62 on: 17 June, 2018, 09:58:27 am »
Second time for me, and have to say it's a great ride. Looking forward to the next one.

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #63 on: 18 June, 2018, 01:38:23 pm »
I rolled in as a group of 3 making lantern rouge - something like 40 mins in hand.

I was glad to see you three roll in before the clock stopped. Was a pleasure to meet and chat to you guys. (I was the chap on the red Equilibrium).

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #64 on: 19 June, 2018, 11:43:21 am »
I rolled in as a group of 3 making lantern rouge - something like 40 mins in hand.

I was glad to see you three roll in before the clock stopped. Was a pleasure to meet and chat to you guys. (I was the chap on the red Equilibrium).

Cool, I was on the Ti Equilibrium

Nice to put a forum name to a face :) esp as we yo-yo’d quite a bit on the road

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #65 on: 26 April, 2019, 09:35:38 pm »
Just to highlight that entries are open for this year’s ride – Saturday 15th June: www.aukweb.net/events/detail/19-246  :)

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #66 on: 06 June, 2019, 10:20:47 pm »
I've now posted the updated route sheet and information - a couple of minor edits, but the route is unchanged.

Not far away now  :)

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #67 on: 07 June, 2022, 09:25:54 pm »
After a few years break, the Rural South is back on this year on Saturday 2nd July: https://www.audax.uk/event-details?eventId=9665&Evno=22-246 :)

JonB

  • Granny Ring ... Yes Please!
Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #68 on: 09 June, 2022, 09:15:58 am »
I've done this ride a couple of times and it's one of my favourite 300s, it's a really nice route through some lovely countryside. Unfortunately, I can't make it this year but hopefully next year.

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #69 on: 26 June, 2022, 09:41:15 pm »
Just to say that I checked the route last week and the updated route sheet / rider information are now on the website https://www.readingctc.co.uk/the-rural-south/

It's next weekend (Saturday 2nd) if you fancy riding it.


Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #70 on: 26 June, 2022, 10:43:16 pm »
Looks a cracking route  :thumbsup:

I'm doing the 200 on the same day - I'm hoping to do a couple of 300's next year and this one really appeals.

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #71 on: 08 May, 2023, 09:16:18 pm »
And that day has come - I'm booked on this years edition.

https://www.audax.uk/event-details/10299-the_rural_south

I can't wait. Especially given the write ups.

I'll be sorry to miss the "Up the Downs" which runs on the same day - that's a brilliant 200km route: One of my favourites from last year.

Given all the comments of gravel and visitations - I'll bring the Elan with its 35mm Marathon tyres. Although I'll pay for its weight on the climbs!

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #72 on: 09 May, 2023, 11:26:16 pm »
And that day has come - I'm booked on this years edition.

https://www.audax.uk/event-details/10299-the_rural_south

I can't wait. Especially given the write ups.

I'll be sorry to miss the "Up the Downs" which runs on the same day - that's a brilliant 200km route: One of my favourites from last year.

Given all the comments of gravel and visitations - I'll bring the Elan with its 35mm Marathon tyres. Although I'll pay for its weight on the climbs!
It’s a superb ride, which I’ve done a few times (DNF’s twice also). I’ve entered it again this year, and really want to do Up Downs too, so will probably do that as a DIY in the summer👍
DJR (Dave Russell) now retired. Carbon Beone parts bin special retired to turbo trainer, Brompton broken, as was I, Whyte Suffolk dismantled and sold. Now have Mason Definition and Orbea M20i.

Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #73 on: 06 June, 2023, 06:18:00 pm »
Just to let everyone know that I've now sent out this year's route. It's also on the website https://www.readingctc.co.uk/the-rural-south/

Look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday  :)

mattc

  • n.b. have grown beard since photo taken
    • Didcot Audaxes
Re: Rural South 300
« Reply #74 on: 06 June, 2023, 11:02:09 pm »
In!

(this is my nearest (33km away?) summer 300. it's been a while ... )
Has never ridden RAAM
---------
No.11  Because of the great host of those who dislike the least appearance of "swank " when they travel the roads and lanes. - From Kuklos' 39 Articles