Post by: huggy on 20 October, 2017, 09:02:23 am
Last year saw an average of 85 riders on each of these events with a tremendously successful 333 validated brevets across the four of them. So if you didn't join us last winter you can be sure that there will be plenty to ride with this year! Full ride details are on AUKweb where a handy clicky button to enter your ECE also lurks on the calendar page.
Links to the 2017/18 rides on AUKweb
November 4th: Essex 3R's (http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/17-340/)
December 2nd: The Stansted Airport Express (http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/17-342/)
January 13th: Kelvedon Oyster (http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-245/)
February 3rd: Knights Templar Compasses and Cross (http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-204/)
Post by: Tomsk on 20 October, 2017, 08:33:54 pm
Plan B, sleep in, just ride the calendar 100 if the weather is miserable.
Plan C, weather beyond a joke: go for breakfast to the pub, stay a rather long while...must be going soft to even consider this.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 21 October, 2017, 07:26:43 am
Post by: psyclist on 24 October, 2017, 04:59:17 pm
I'm looking forward to the start of the winter series, albeit it doesn't feel like winter quite yet.
Post by: Charlie Polecat on 24 October, 2017, 05:31:36 pm
We bought a house in Silver End opposite the then Green Man pub and across the road from the pig farm. There was a lovely lane going through the fields to a small copse - probably torn down for housing by this time. Racing along the narrow road to get the London train at Witham was always a pleasure - except finding space to park near the station. It would be nice to ride the roads, although sadly - or not - I am too far away now to do that.
Silver End was a factory built village making windows -Critalls (sp?) as I recall with the main plant being in Braintree. A small half round catholic church was built there while we lived in the village paid for by the owner of the factory.
The Green Man was run by an old gentleman who kept it as a prefect roadside village pub and kept a shire horse in his garden and an antique Bugatti in his barn. Before we left the village, the old chap died and some yob took it over and introduced a juke box and slots, it was awful after that, so we moved away.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 October, 2017, 07:14:48 pm
Post by: mmmmartin on 24 October, 2017, 10:12:16 pm
80 miles from home to Witham. :( not ECEing that.Surely that's exactly the right distance? ride there, do 100k, go to hostelry with Jiberjaber & Oscar's Dad, rehydrate, eat chips, train home. Ideal day out IMHO.
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 October, 2017, 10:56:58 pm
Wouldn't 63 miles be the ideal distance for that? 130km would take at least 5 hours probably closer to 6.80 miles from home to Witham. :( not ECEing that.Surely that's exactly the right distance? ride there, do 100k, go to hostelry with Jiberjaber & Oscar's Dad, rehydrate, eat chips, train home. Ideal day out IMHO.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 25 October, 2017, 09:43:04 am
Post by: huggy on 29 October, 2017, 04:11:32 pm
All entrants so far will have received their joining email this afternoon. If you haven't entered yet the closing date is Friday, or on-the-line if you smile nicely Saturday morning.
Looking forward to kicking off the ACME Anvil Winter Series off :thumbsup:
Post by: Oscar's dad on 30 October, 2017, 09:48:21 am
Post by: huggy on 30 October, 2017, 09:57:41 am
Is is 0830hrs that 'spoons start serving beer?Nooo, breakfast solids, soft drinks and coffee are available from 8am. Essex Energy Drinks(TM) are usually available in Wetherspoons from 9am (you will have a 5 minute warning of this by the queue starting to form at the larger pumps).
The Battesford Court Wetherspoons doors will open at 8am, no point getting there earlier. Although, if you are well ahead of schedule on your ECE there may be other cafés in Witham open earlier or I am reliably informed that the waiting room at the railway station is warm at 5am.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 30 October, 2017, 10:12:13 am
Post by: psyclist on 30 October, 2017, 10:19:33 am
Post by: jiberjaber on 30 October, 2017, 12:55:42 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 30 October, 2017, 01:10:23 pm
I think it covers 'standard' beverages, but proper Essex Energy DrinksTM have to be ordered at the bar iirc
This is true.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 30 October, 2017, 09:49:58 pm
My student son had his local 'spoons app on his phone when we visited, and was well used to it! I got to order beer on it, but I don't know if the app showed a limited choice, as I didn't see what was on offer at the bar.I think it covers 'standard' beverages, but proper Essex Energy DrinksTM have to be ordered at the bar iirc
This is true.
Just entered the 3R's, and hope to cycle to the start in time to enjoy brekky!
Post by: psyclist on 31 October, 2017, 05:01:23 am
My student son had his local 'spoons app on his phone when we visited, and was well used to it! I got to order beer on it, but I don't know if the app showed a limited choice, as I didn't see what was on offer at the bar.I think it covers 'standard' beverages, but proper Essex Energy DrinksTM have to be ordered at the bar iirc
This is true.
The app lets you order the standard beers and lagers, including craft and world beers. It doesn’t have guest beers, which are the ones you need to order at the bar.
Post by: ElyDave on 31 October, 2017, 09:29:14 pm
Home Friday, so will take a look at the weather and decide if recumbent friendly or not.
Will be good to put a few names to faces etc
Post by: Oscar's dad on 01 November, 2017, 06:00:15 am
Post by: drossall on 01 November, 2017, 11:21:30 pm
Hopefully will be on the others though :thumbsup:
Post by: Carlosfandango on 02 November, 2017, 02:53:08 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 02 November, 2017, 04:09:05 pm
It's looking to be a bit damp at Audax o clock for an ECE. :-\
I was thinking the same as well.... :facepalm:
Perhaps I should just ride the 100 and save the 200 for next weekend, it's been a run of 200's each weekend for a while and I'm starting to lose the love for the bike a bit which is a sure sign that I wont enjoy damp at Audax o clock very much at all.... :-\
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 02 November, 2017, 05:50:14 pm
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 02 November, 2017, 06:09:26 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 02 November, 2017, 06:13:16 pm
Don't go putting me off ECE-ing with all this talk of rain 😕
I'm still ECEing...got too much on in Nov to sort another 200
Looks like it's only going to be drizzle circa 4-5mm over 6 hours so probably just "damp" rather than rain. (does that help? :thumbsup:)
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 02 November, 2017, 06:16:44 pm
Post by: Carlosfandango on 02 November, 2017, 06:29:23 pm
And if I'm gonna get wet anyway.......
......... it'll make the first pint at the Arrive taste even better.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 02 November, 2017, 06:44:18 pm
Cycling to my local 'spoons CTC curry night soon, before they run out of veggie curry!
Post by: jiberjaber on 02 November, 2017, 06:57:16 pm
https://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Chelmsford/
Any how - ECE route tweaked and almost ready to go...
Post by: psyclist on 03 November, 2017, 03:27:43 pm
Post by: Carlosfandango on 03 November, 2017, 03:34:26 pm
I hope that you all enjoy the Essex 3Rs tomorrow, and your ECEs for those doing the additional distances. The good news with the weather is that air pollution will be very low.
Thanks for your positive thoughts. Will you be out tomorrow taking advantage of the clean air? Upper Thames perhaps?
Post by: psyclist on 03 November, 2017, 03:52:12 pm
I hope that you all enjoy the Essex 3Rs tomorrow, and your ECEs for those doing the additional distances. The good news with the weather is that air pollution will be very low.
Thanks for your positive thoughts. Will you be out tomorrow taking advantage of the clean air? Upper Thames perhaps?
Travelling tomorrow, but hoping to go for a little ride on Sunday in sunny Florida. 26 degrees C forecast. Thank you for asking :)
Post by: Oscar's dad on 03 November, 2017, 04:08:13 pm
Travelling tomorrow, but hoping to go for a little ride on Sunday in sunny Florida. 26 degrees C forecast. Thank you for asking :)
Have fun...
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/38141564701_06f8be4045_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/217rumv)
;D :-*
Post by: ElyDave on 03 November, 2017, 06:12:22 pm
I'm going conventional tomorrow, don't fancy 4 hours of spray in my face and sitting in a pool of water
Post by: jiberjaber on 03 November, 2017, 06:47:33 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 04 November, 2017, 07:35:42 pm
I'm putting the rest of the series in my diary, hope I can make them.
Post by: αdαmsκι on 05 November, 2017, 11:03:28 am
I was riding with a work colleague and this would be his first audax, inspired after having helped at Pocklington on LEL. Paul arrived and we set off in the dry, chatting along before having to stop after 12 kilometers to put on my waterproof. It was pretty bleak, misty and wet for 15 km or so but the rain abated and my waterproof went back in the bag when we were at Latchingdon.
The lanes around Hanningfield were, as always, beautiful. We stopped at the cafe in Stoke were the service was slow. We were there for over 50 minutes in order to get hot drinks, two sandwiches & some cake.
I felt guilty going into the final control in Danbury to get a stamp from the Tea on the Green cafe without spending any money, but they were more quite happy to just stamp the card. Thanks guys. I then zoomed down North Hill, spinning like a fool and managing to avoid feathering the brakes. I do like that descent ;D.
We were back in Witham at about 4pm. I avoided the lure of the beer and instead rode to Upminster to get the train home. I noticed I had a slow rear puncture but managed to avoid changing the tyre by pumping it up twice during that 40 ish kilometer stretch.
All in an decent day, although if the weather had been like it is today it would have been even better.
Paul's now talking about doing the December The Stansted Airport Express so I guess he had a good day.
https://www.relive.cc/view/g15337383399
Post by: Tomsk on 05 November, 2017, 05:36:28 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 05 November, 2017, 05:42:40 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 05 November, 2017, 06:14:53 pm
I think I'll probably be up for that as it uncomplcates the weekend before I head 'more east than we are'
Excellent! Any more takers?
I'm reckoning on a good cafe stop halfway at Thremhall Park, but otherwise cracking on. I'm thinking of inviting Mrs Tomsk to the 'spoons afterwards - any WAGs coming along to keep her company?
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 06 November, 2017, 09:21:24 am
Post by: jiberjaber on 06 November, 2017, 10:08:53 am
Post by: huggy on 13 November, 2017, 11:24:17 am
There were 79 entries for the first of this season's Winter Anvil Winter Series.
54 validated brevets, no doubt a good number of ECE's in there.
24 DNS's, most probably discouraged by the inclement weather forecast which cleared up nicely in time for the finish.
One DNF due to an attack of CBA so not even a fixed wheel challenge point ticked off.
In all a successful day with lots of smiles on return to Weatherspoons :thumbsup:
Onwards to Tomsk's Stansted Airport Express on the 2nd December!
Post by: Oscar's dad on 13 November, 2017, 11:31:03 am
One DNF due to an attack of CBA so not even a fixed wheel challenge point ticked off.
;D Guilty as charged!
I will see if I can start but not finish all the rides - don't worry, I will provide my own badge and award. I'm not sure what I will do for the Stansted Express, perhaps get on an EasyJet to somewhere, but the plan for the Kelvedon Oyster is for The Current Mrs R to join me for lunch at The Oyster Bar and then she can transport me home in the horseless carriage.
Since I did all the rides last year I fancy doing something a bit different this year.
Post by: telstarbox on 13 November, 2017, 07:15:52 pm
Post by: psyclist on 13 November, 2017, 07:42:32 pm
Sadly no trains from London for the Knights Templar one.
Trains are running from Ingastone, which is 40km from Liverpool Street. Witham is 70km from Liverpool Street. So a number of options possible to create a 100km ECE, and the 20 mins on the train from Ingastone to Witham would be like a quick cafe stop if you purchased a coffee and cake before boarding.
Post by: telstarbox on 13 November, 2017, 07:58:53 pm
Post by: alotronic on 13 November, 2017, 08:59:37 pm
One DNF due to an attack of CBA so not even a fixed wheel challenge point ticked off.
;D Guilty as charged!
I will see if I can start but not finish all the rides - don't worry, I will provide my own badge and award. I'm not sure what I will do for the Stansted Express, perhaps get on an EasyJet to somewhere, but the plan for the Kelvedon Oyster is for The Current Mrs R to join me for lunch at The Oyster Bar and then she can transport me home in the horseless carriage.
Since I did all the rides last year I fancy doing something a bit different this year.
You could do an antiECE, ride there and neither start nor finish, just sit around and eat and drink :thumbsup:
Post by: Oscar's dad on 14 November, 2017, 06:01:23 am
Post by: jiberjaber on 15 November, 2017, 04:17:22 pm
I think I'll probably be up for that as it uncomplcates the weekend before I head 'more east than we are'
Excellent! Any more takers?
I'm reckoning on a good cafe stop halfway at Thremhall Park, but otherwise cracking on. I'm thinking of inviting Mrs Tomsk to the 'spoons afterwards - any WAGs coming along to keep her company?
I'll have to do this as a DIY as new rule clarification is that I can't ECE the route check in the month before the event..( ECE has to be the same month as RTTY). do you have a route sheet or is it the same as last years route (though I rode the helpers last year also!)
Post by: mmmmartin on 15 November, 2017, 06:18:57 pm
Afterwards I would probably need to ride home at once - but will certainly fall prey to temptation and drink beer with Jiberjaber, necessitating use of the railway.
I'll look at the others in the series.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 16 November, 2017, 12:11:35 am
Post by: jiberjaber on 16 November, 2017, 12:21:15 am
Hmm. This Stansted thingy, unfortunately I will be ensconced in a Norfolk lovenest with The Present Mrs Mmmmartin, but after much faffing with the interwebs, I realise I can do 100k to the start of these ACME Winter Series, and the Tilbury passenger ferry starts at 5.40am on a Saturday.That would be smashing! :)
Afterwards I would probably need to ride home at once - but will certainly fall prey to temptation and drink beer with Jiberjaber, necessitating use of the railway.
I'll look at the others in the series.
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 November, 2017, 01:03:37 am
I think I'll probably be up for that as it uncomplcates the weekend before I head 'more east than we are'
Excellent! Any more takers?
I'm reckoning on a good cafe stop halfway at Thremhall Park, but otherwise cracking on. I'm thinking of inviting Mrs Tomsk to the 'spoons afterwards - any WAGs coming along to keep her company?
I'll have to do this as a DIY as new rule clarification is that I can't ECE the route check in the month before the event..( ECE has to be the same month as RTTY). do you have a route sheet or is it the same as last years route (though I rode the helpers last year also!)
I read that to be "ideally", not "compulsory". I've ECE'ed quite a few helpers' rides two weeks before the event, but in the preceding month. I just declare them as appropriate to bhoot for RRTY purposes, i.e. in the month I actually rode it. I don't recall whether the ECE was necessary for the RRTY claim — I suspect not, as I always ride 200+s before adding on the ECE for route-check purposes. I don't think there is any issue at all ECE'ing a route check in the previous month, it just makes it slightly more tortuous claiming for RRTY afterwards, but only slightly.
Post by: bhoot on 16 November, 2017, 11:45:35 am
Not really any more tortuous....the ECE part shows ditto marks in my download as it is the same date as the calendar event. So if you say you rode the calendar event on a different date I will set the ECE (which carries the points for a 100+100) to the same date, job done.
I read that to be "ideally", not "compulsory". I've ECE'ed quite a few helpers' rides two weeks before the event, but in the preceding month. I just declare them as appropriate to bhoot for RRTY purposes, i.e. in the month I actually rode it. I don't recall whether the ECE was necessary for the RRTY claim — I suspect not, as I always ride 200+s before adding on the ECE for route-check purposes. I don't think there is any issue at all ECE'ing a route check in the previous month, it just makes it slightly more tortuous claiming for RRTY afterwards, but only slightly.
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 17 November, 2017, 07:20:16 pm
Helpers' Ride and Route Check for the Stansted Airport Express on Saturday 25th November - starting at 10:00 from the Battesford Court. I'll probably be ece-ing 100km beforehand again, aiming to get to the 'spoons by 09:00.
I'm planning to join you on the helpers ride. Leaving home at 0500 to be at the pub for 0915-30 if it runs as last time. Hopefully that leaves time for a quick bite before the next 100K
Post by: ElyDave on 17 November, 2017, 07:41:40 pm
I should be free again, inbetween Hammerfest and Alingsas
Post by: psyclist on 17 November, 2017, 08:29:49 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 23 November, 2017, 09:31:51 am
Post by: jiberjaber on 23 November, 2017, 10:43:37 am
Just to repeat the invitation to ACME WAGS and HABS for post-Helpers' Ride drinks and food this Saturday. Mrs T will be at the 'spoons [with team car] late afternoon.
Do we have an ETA in numbers, 16:00, 17:00? (free parking doesn't start till after 18:00 iirc)
Post by: Tomsk on 23 November, 2017, 11:33:19 am
The car park at the bottom of Newland Street by the mini-rbt is the logical choice for the 'spoons?
BTW, I've updated the route sheet and info on AUKweb, to include the lanesy route via Ranks Green and Fairstead rather than the Notley Road. I did find a typo on re-reading the sheet before starting on changes. Of course the gps track will need updating too, if we could use one from Saturday?
Post by: jiberjaber on 23 November, 2017, 12:11:04 pm
Post by: huggy on 24 November, 2017, 09:17:03 am
BTW, I've updated the route sheet and info on AUKweb, to include the lanesy route via Ranks Green and Fairstead rather than the Notley Road. I did find a typo on re-reading the sheet before starting on changes. Of course the gps track will need updating too, if we could use one from Saturday?This route (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17776100) is a combination of my as-ridden 2016 SAE track with (no COR) alternative route back from Braintree via the NCN16 through Ranks Green & Fairstead, if anyone would like to try it out on the Helpers' ride.
Post by: Tomsk on 24 November, 2017, 07:19:07 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 24 November, 2017, 07:28:03 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 27 November, 2017, 11:43:06 am
Post by: Tomsk on 27 November, 2017, 06:50:02 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 01 December, 2017, 08:16:26 pm
We froze for your benefit last week, [-4 degrees] on the helpers' ride.
With various requests for EOLs, we are up to about 90 entries :thumbsup:
See you all tomorrow in the Battesford Court. I'll be there from 08:00.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 02 December, 2017, 02:19:57 am
Post by: Charlie Polecat on 02 December, 2017, 03:00:52 pm
I'm up and on the Americano. 2 degrees forecast for the ride over, and I'm hoping there isn't a long queue for brekky!
I feel your pain, it's a coolish 82 degrees here today.
Post by: dme on 02 December, 2017, 06:34:49 pm
Post by: drossall on 02 December, 2017, 09:44:29 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 02 December, 2017, 11:04:07 pm
Nice to put a few more names to faces as well
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 03 December, 2017, 12:17:18 am
Post by: alotronic on 03 December, 2017, 12:54:33 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 03 December, 2017, 03:08:49 pm
I was feeling cold, though, as we pootled — slowly — through the outskirts of Witham, and when a few quicker riders leapt off the front, I chased them down and stuck to Hugh's wheel, just to keep warm!
Some chap I don't know sat just dangling off the front for 45 minutes or so, so I did the honourable and took a turn. It must've been downhill or I had a private tailwind to High Easter, because by the time someone else rode by we'd somehow dropped the Orange Tandem! Buggered me up for the rest of the ride though, and it wasn't long before David, a 9.30 starter, called out as we passed and I was happy to drop off for a chat.
I hadn't had any breakfast before starting and nothing to eat on the way down, so the final 10km into the café were a bit of grovelling on David's wheel. And we were passed by the tandem.
The café were well organised as last year and from ordering to eating was about three minutes. Soup and a ham sandwich — I really should remember to avoid pork when I'm riding, as I had indigestion for the next few hours! It's a family thing ... however, nice to have some breakfast at last.
Rode from the café solo and a rider caught me just before Brick End and the right-left by the Prince of Wales — when I indicated right, he shouted "no, left!", to which I told him he could go left if he wanted, I was going right. Mike followed and explained that he was using the RideWithGPS app and spoken instructions in his ear, and they had been a bit iffy all day.
Every Essex audax goes to Thaxted! While that's not even vaguely true, Thaxted does feature on a LOT of events (including one of mine).
In Thaxted RWGPS told Mike to carry on up the hill — when I called him back, he stuck with me then as far as the Blue Egg, after which I couldn't maintain his pace. I caught up with him at arrivée and he said it had sent him all around Witham before guiding him to where he'd intended to go — another double-plus for the humble routesheet, methinks.
After the Blue Egg, I came across another fixed-gear rider — Richie Phipps, Mr Fixed-Gear himself! :thumbsup: Oh, the honour ;D Not quite as quick as me, as I was still pushing on to keep warm, so a few minutes' chat before carrying on.
As we got closer to arrivée, my speed increased again — partly because I was managing to drink more, and partly because the stomach was less painful. But also because I tend to raise my pace when the end is in sight. I caught and passed a couple of slower groups — probably 9.30 starters — and arrived back in Witham by the new back-lanes route in just over five hours, suffering from winter-pace. Right outside the door of the Battesford Court PH I managed to slash my rear sidewall open on some glass in the road. After an amateurish first attempted fix, and deflation, I went back out into the cold again and did it properly.
I spent way longer chatting with Tomsk + family and other riders than I had intended, plus fixing the p*nkt!re, so was stopped there for three whole hours, before finally venturing out to start the return ECE leg of 72km. I had so little energy I could barely turn the pedals up the hills. TBH I think it's dehydration, because I hardly drank anything all day and yet was working quite hard at times. The road seemed to go up all the way to Castle Camps and then a fast descent to Linton, followed by the sharp up-and-over the Gogs and then Cambridge. As always, once the end was in sight, my pace went up.
All in all a good day on the bike, but tough in places. It was nice to be out with other riders on the main event — I do a lot of solo riding, checking and re-checking routes, so it's a novelty to have people to chat to, not that I was that chatty yesterday. I'm not sure I'll ever get to love a winter ECE to Witham — in places it's a glorious, quiet, lanes with big views, and in others it's Braintree.
Thanks to Tomsk for organising, helpers for helping, riders for their company, and the 'Spoons for providing somewhere to hide from the cold :thumbsup:
Post by: ElyDave on 03 December, 2017, 05:12:32 pm
That was you with the camera wasn't it?
Post by: wilkyboy on 03 December, 2017, 06:39:57 pm
That was me out front once my garmin had started giving me proper directions. I was glad you appeared when you did as I was due a rest and none of the bunch behind looked like helping.
That was you with the camera wasn't it?
Ah, good to meet you Dave :thumbsup:
I think you did the biggest turn, although after I petered out then Martin did take a turn and Hugh later on too.
Yes, I did take some pics a-wheel, although I think I fumbled most of the photos — it's easy taking pics in dry, grippy conditions, unlike yesterday — and the camera has several great qualities (shockproof, waterproof, iceproof), but capturing picture quality isn't one of them. Here are a few ...
Chasing ElyDave in order to warm up shortly after leaving Witham:
(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/the-stansted-airport-express-100-2017/DSCN7198.jpg) (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/the-stansted-airport-express-100-2017/DSCN7199.jpg)
The groupetto allowing ElyDave to dangle off the front on his own:
(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/the-stansted-airport-express-100-2017/DSCN7203.jpg) (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/the-stansted-airport-express-100-2017/DSCN7204.jpg)
(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/the-stansted-airport-express-100-2017/DSCN7208.jpg)
Giving ElyDave a breather from just after Littley Green, a wheel to follow:
(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/the-stansted-airport-express-100-2017/DSCN7213-2.jpg) (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/the-stansted-airport-express-100-2017/DSCN7218.jpg)
(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/the-stansted-airport-express-100-2017/DSCN7228.jpg)
Post by: drossall on 03 December, 2017, 06:54:24 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 03 December, 2017, 07:02:10 pm
So how many fixed riders were there? I was on the green Pompino.
A few — you, me, Richie Phipps, defo. I spotted a smart black machine at the café. I didn't see what Oaky was riding? He was on fixed last year. I'm sure there were others.
Post by: ElyDave on 03 December, 2017, 07:10:12 pm
Post by: tedshred on 04 December, 2017, 09:23:34 am
AndyC33333333 and I were both on fixed. Tippers and Oaky had their excuses for bringing gears (dog ate spanner and hit by meteorite respectively).So how many fixed riders were there? I was on the green Pompino.
A few — you, me, Richie Phipps, defo. I spotted a smart black machine at the café. I didn't see what Oaky was riding? He was on fixed last year. I'm sure there were others.
The last few kms were much improved on last year's racetrack and it is a great route overall. Thank you team Tomsk and Jiber, I assume Jiber had been asked to drink beer and take selfies as his contribution to the day.
I did notice there were quite a few EOLs - when will people realise that Mid-Essex has its own perfect micro climate so there is no need to hang back for the weather (Note: this does not apply to helpers' rides which are subject to interesting weather).
I rode the outward leg with the famous ACME B Peloton. I assume Bikeability Man thought he had joined the A Peloton and so couldn't quite understand the sociable pace and prolonged lunch stop. For my part, it was hard enough just to hold on so while Oaky and Huggy were squabbling over whether to have the Montrachet or the Chablis with their starter at Thremhall, I set off alone for Thaxted at my own pace. The second part of the ride was glorious in the winter sun and the roads were unusually quiet so it was a pleasant meander back to Witham.
Next month it's the Kelvedon Oyster...
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Post by: psyclist on 04 December, 2017, 09:45:37 am
I was early at the start, and was treated to table service whilst I ate my breakfast ... being asked what time I would like to start the ride, and then shortly afterwards my brevet card was delivered to the table. Great to see the service economy being taken on so heartedly.
My winter legs still prevail, but it is joyful to have such fine weather at this time of year, the company of so many riders out to enjoy the day, and a destination that serves fine beverages before the ride home.
Post by: Oaky on 04 December, 2017, 09:52:06 am
So how many fixed riders were there? I was on the green Pompino.
A few — you, me, Richie Phipps, defo. I spotted a smart black machine at the café. I didn't see what Oaky was riding? He was on fixed last year. I'm sure there were others.
My fixed had
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 04 December, 2017, 10:16:07 am
Post by: Tomsk on 04 December, 2017, 08:18:11 pm
So how many fixed riders were there? I was on the green Pompino.
Helpers' Ride for me on 72" fixed :thumbsup: With the hour-plus lunch stop and sociable pace, we would have been the ACME 'C' Peloton. Below BRM pace, but Brrrrr, it's winter: if we'd gone faster we'd've sweated too much [at -4] and got chilled.
Post by: Phixie on 06 December, 2017, 09:58:03 pm
So how many fixed riders were there? I was on the green Pompino.
A few — you, me, Richie Phipps, defo. I spotted a smart black machine at the café. I didn't see what Oaky was riding? He was on fixed last year. I'm sure there were others.
Good to see you again Wilkyboy and I've just caught up with his thread.
Another fixer was Mick Bates (not OTP, I believe) and someone who reached the control with me, but whose name I have never known. He was on a green (re?)painted fixie.
Regards,
RP
Post by: Tomsk on 11 December, 2017, 08:31:40 pm
I went in to the Cafe at Thremhall Park last week [on my birthday]: my treat - lime and courgette cake [very moist], and unlimited coffee :thumbsup: :thumbsup:... I wanted to give my thanks in person and to pass on the positive comment that many of you made, plus an AUK certificate for their notice board [last year's still there proudly displayed]. Both they and I were very pleased with how well it went. A very special Tomsk Thumbs Up :thumbsup:
72 starters, 70 finishers [two EOLs went AWOL], plus the 3 helpers the week before of course.
Post by: psyclist on 11 December, 2017, 08:36:43 pm
72 starters, 70 finishers [two EOLs went AWOL], plus the 3 helpers the week before of course.
That's a very high success rate, and a testament to the routing, choice of controls, and nice weather. :thumbsup:
Hopefully 1st December 2018 will be equally fair.
Post by: tedshred on 02 January, 2018, 05:52:13 pm
The ride doesn't start in Witham 'Spoons but it does start in a pub - The Railway Tavern in Kelvedon.
It also looks as if I have been able to arrange for no significant engineering works on Greater Anglia again, (most people from that London seemed to ECE it anyway but I thought I'd mention it). There is also parking nearby and plenty of room for bikes in the pub beer garden.
Arrangements are in hand for the traditional seafood surprise at the West Mersea control. It may not be native oysters this year due to technical difficulties but it will be something and, once again, the Bank of ACME will be issuing its famous currency - the One Tomsk note, exchangeable for said seafood.
EOL will be available but why not show some optimism about the weather and book in advance :thumbsup:
Post by: drossall on 03 January, 2018, 08:34:28 pm
It also looks as if I have been able to arrange for no significant engineering works on Greater Anglia again, (most people from that London seemed to ECE it anyway but I thought I'd mention it).Helps me. I'm coming from north of that London, and have no plans to ECE that distance :thumbsup:
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 03 January, 2018, 08:54:21 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 03 January, 2018, 11:17:18 pm
Post by: grams on 03 January, 2018, 11:27:32 pm
There's a chance I'll be a few minutes late to the start. Are you going to be around or rushing off?
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 04 January, 2018, 01:24:09 pm
Post by: tedshred on 04 January, 2018, 01:32:08 pm
What's the rate of inflation on a Tomsk note?
It's been a rollercoaster year for the Tomsk, a bit like other virtual currencies. I am hopeful that One Tomsk = One native oyster but that is still subject to confirmation.
The West Mersea Oyster Bar is closed for its annual deep clean. They have offered to host us at their chip shop in the village but they don't serve oysters there :( I have an alternative but they have been closed over Xmas and were not around this morning.
Fortunately. the good people at the Railway Tavern in Kelvedon are looking forward to seeing us all again. The landlord is at his son's wedding in Singapore that week but has put arrangements in place especially for us :thumbsup: Make sure you make it his worth his while...(yes Tippers, I'm looking at you ;D).
The event had to be moved back a week this year as the tide would have been over the road exactly when we were coming through if we had stuck with the 20th.
Post by: psyclist on 04 January, 2018, 02:00:20 pm
The event had to be moved back a week this year as the tide would have been over the road exactly when we were coming through if we had stuck with the 20th.
Hopefully you meant 'brought forward by a week', as I have it down as the 13th Jan.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 04 January, 2018, 02:01:07 pm
Guess I better explain to Mrs Tipper why I need to ride a 200 later in the month then :-)What's the rate of inflation on a Tomsk note?
Fortunately. the good people at the Railway Tavern in Kelvedon are looking forward to seeing us all again. The landlord is at his son's wedding in Singapore that week but has put arrangements in place especially for us :thumbsup: Make sure you make it his worth his while...(yes Tippers, I'm looking at you ;D).
Post by: tedshred on 04 January, 2018, 02:27:18 pm
Hopefully you meant 'brought forward by a week', as I have it down as the 13th Jan.
Whichever way around it is, the event is happening on the 13th :thumbsup:
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 January, 2018, 06:08:24 pm
Already signed up for the next two :thumbsup:
I think I'm in for The Oyster -- I just got a permission slip. Obviously I'll ECE it.
I think I'll to a 50/50 or a 75/25 again. An extra couple of hours in bed was much appreciated last time even if the last 50 did turn into a bit of a chore after too many beers....
The extra couple of hours sounds nice ... although my ECE is nearly 75km each way ::-) Still, riding with others beats a cold, lonely winter solo-DIY :thumbsup: (although some would say 150km of solo-ECE amounts to the same thing)
Unfortunately, I haven't ridden further than the shops since The Stansted Express, so I'm probably NOT going to be hanging onto ElyDave's wheel this time.
Just gotta find a tyre before committing, to replace the one I sliced open outside arrivée last time out ...
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 10 January, 2018, 06:23:40 pm
Post by: huggy on 10 January, 2018, 06:41:33 pm
I'm in. Not done a Kelvedon start yet (not sure if I've been through it on an Audax either).The Knight Templar Compasses & Cross 100k (the February ACME ride) goes through but doesn't stop in Kelvedon.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 10 January, 2018, 07:31:41 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 January, 2018, 08:59:30 pm
Looks like I face a headwind to the start, so my usual lateness leaving home won't do.
But a nice tailwind home again — I'm banking on that! ;)
Post by: tedshred on 10 January, 2018, 09:04:45 pm
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 10 January, 2018, 09:19:28 pm
Breaking news: We have Oysters available at West Mersea in exchange for a one Tomsk note ☺:thumbsup:
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
That should keep me at a good tempo from Pebmarsh
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 10 January, 2018, 10:49:56 pm
Breaking news: We have Oysters available at West Mersea in exchange for a one Tomsk note ☺:thumbsup:
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Post by: jiberjaber on 11 January, 2018, 12:22:58 am
Breaking news: We have Oysters available at West Mersea in exchange for a one Tomsk note ☺
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
:sick: LOL :thumbsup:
Post by: Oaky on 11 January, 2018, 12:45:00 am
Breaking news: We have Oysters available at West Mersea in exchange for a one Tomsk note ☺
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
:sick:
Post by: Andy C33 on 11 January, 2018, 12:58:41 am
Post by: tedshred on 11 January, 2018, 07:04:20 am
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Post by: Andy C33 on 11 January, 2018, 07:25:16 am
Post by: cgg on 11 January, 2018, 11:46:38 am
Post by: bhoot on 11 January, 2018, 02:34:42 pm
Breaking news: We have Oysters available at West Mersea in exchange for a one Tomsk note ☺Oh no - I was rather hoping there would be an alternative (sorry but I am not an oyster fan - a view reinforced on a sailing trip across the English Channel when only the small number of non oyster eaters in the crew were actually in a fit state to sail the boat back to the UK!)
So anyone who arrives at the same time as me can get a bonus oyster :)
Post by: jiberjaber on 11 January, 2018, 03:08:32 pm
Breaking news: We have Oysters available at West Mersea in exchange for a one Tomsk note ☺Oh no - I was rather hoping there would be an alternative (sorry but I am not an oyster fan - a view reinforced on a sailing trip across the English Channel when only the small number of non oyster eaters in the crew were actually in a fit state to sail the boat back to the UK!)
So anyone who arrives at the same time as me can get a bonus oyster :)
:thumbsup:
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 11 January, 2018, 11:07:58 pm
Beans on toast and tea/coffee.As I'm already thinking of cycling over via the B1053 into Braintree, I've noted there's a 'spoons pub there, so a veggie brekky 7miles from the start is a tempting thought (I DNS'd the Jan Sale last Sat so missed out on a 'spoons brekky then!).
Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Post by: ElyDave on 11 January, 2018, 11:29:30 pm
Cooked oysters :thumbsup:
What does a Tomsk buy?
I may have to do with a nut/fruit bar of some description
Post by: jiberjaber on 11 January, 2018, 11:47:14 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 12 January, 2018, 08:49:45 am
As I'm already thinking of cycling over via the B1053 into Braintree, I've noted there's a 'spoons pub there, so a veggie brekky 7miles from the start is a tempting thought (I DNS'd the Jan Sale last Sat so missed out on a 'spoons brekky then!).
Just to say: there's a lack of suitable cycleparking at the Braintree 'spoons, just the odd lamp post...
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 12 January, 2018, 09:24:20 am
Post by: psyclist on 12 January, 2018, 02:23:11 pm
Post by: huggy on 12 January, 2018, 02:35:40 pm
@tedshred, what time will the Railway Tavern be open tomorrow morning for the 9:30 starters? A nice relaxed breakfast would go down very well.I'm reliably informed by the addressee of this enquiry that the Railway Tavern will be open from 9am
Post by: psyclist on 12 January, 2018, 02:54:48 pm
I'm reliably informed by the addressee of this enquiry that the Railway Tavern will be open from 9am
Thanks Huggy
Post by: tedshred on 12 January, 2018, 03:26:45 pm
They are aware of the unexpected popularity of this event and are planning accordingly. Dukes Seafood in West Mersea (this year's venue for the free oyster) have also ordered in some extra supplies and will have other seafood as well as tea, coffee and caik to purchase at their waterfront venue - directions on the back of the One Tomsk note but you can't miss it if you follow the route. Please support both venues as they have been most excellent today when I rang them to let them know that we were heading for double last year's numbers.
With approaching 140 entrants and EOLs to follow, it is going to be busy tomorrow morning so please bear with us and don't be surprised if your brevet card looks suspiciously like one from last year with a photocopied insert. Multiple start times will be on offer from 9.30 onwards.
The weather is set fair so no excuses for not riding :thumbsup:
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 12 January, 2018, 03:47:15 pm
9am is correct but if you turn up looking hungry at 8.45 you might be in luck.140 entries.....holy sh*t.....I best re-ink my star stamp!
They are aware of the unexpected popularity of this event and are planning accordingly. Dukes Seafood in West Mersea (this year's venue for the free oyster) have also ordered in some extra supplies and will have other seafood as well as tea, coffee and caik to purchase at their waterfront venue - directions on the back of the One Tomsk note but you can't miss it if you follow the route. Please support both venues as they have been most excellent today when I rang them to let them know that we were heading for double last year's numbers.
With approaching 140 entrants and EOLs to follow, it is going to be busy tomorrow morning so please bear with us and don't be surprised if your brevet card looks suspiciously like one from last year with a photocopied insert. Multiple start times will be on offer from 9.30 onwards.
The weather is set fair so no excuses for not riding :thumbsup:
Post by: tedshred on 12 January, 2018, 04:08:41 pm
140 entries.....holy sh*t.....I best re-ink my star stamp!
Huggy has kindly offered to relieve you from your lonely vigil at Pebmarsh when he arrives there :thumbsup:
Post by: huggy on 12 January, 2018, 04:16:56 pm
The ACME stamps are also in the Controller Care Pack I passed over to ted, if you want to use one of those, entirely up to you :)140 entries.....holy sh*t.....I best re-ink my star stamp!
Huggy has kindly offered to relieve you from your lonely vigil at Pebmarsh when he arrives there :thumbsup:
If you would like me to relieve you of stamping duties sometime around 10:15 let me know and I'll leave the nice warm pub breakfast early to sprint up to Pebmarsh .
Post by: jiberjaber on 12 January, 2018, 04:19:56 pm
https://twitter.com/essexhighways/status/951805866310819840
Looking forward to tomorrow :)
Post by: the straggler on 13 January, 2018, 02:05:15 pm
I wonder if that goes down as the fastest Acme Winter Series event retirement. I did not even have the heart to attempt to finish the event at Kelvedon and catch the train home afterwards.
Called Tedshred to inform him of my situation, but only received an unsympathetic reply 'Perhaps you should go out and ride more often'. :thumbsup:
Poor showing, my 1st abandonment at a 100km event through no illness or injury. :(
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 13 January, 2018, 11:46:14 pm
Hope you feel better soon. Drink some Whiskey and get some rest!
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 14 January, 2018, 12:59:53 am
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 14 January, 2018, 09:24:35 am
Post by: cgg on 14 January, 2018, 10:03:56 am
I'm signed up for the Knights Templar Compasses and Cross, with which I'll complete the series after having started it last year :thumbsup:
Post by: wilkyboy on 14 January, 2018, 11:53:35 am
The 75km ECE straight into that wind, and no riding for six weeks previous, I struggled to get to the start — absolutely no power in the legs! I usually ride the first 100km fasted, but today I popped the seal at about 70km, I was feeling it that bad. Although there were still riders at the start, by the time I had got my brevet and refilled my bottles, I was last away.
The headwind had become a tailwind and I caught and passed The Straggler, who was clearly having a bad day, and caught the main ACME peloton-splinter at the first control — AndyC33, Carlosfandango, Huggy, Bikeabilityman, Jan, probably other ACMEs, and a couple of waifs and strays, including one first-timer who didn't have the routesheet and so was being led, but wasn't very quick either :facepalm: Lots of steady riding with Andy, as we were both on fixed, followed by standing around waiting for the less-steady-riding others to catch up at the tops of hills.
Tippers caught us just before the next control, having spent a couple of hours stamping brevets at the first control, and, rather than stand around in the cold drinking milkshake, decided to push on to keep warm, so after a frantic chase for a kilometre or so, I hung onto his wheel — he's not slow, and punches a nice big hole in the air, so I took full advantage and rode for a while slightly above my usual pace, instead of well below it.
The oyster in Mersea was ... different, which I guess was a nice variation on the ubiquitous garage forecourt. The ladies were chatty and seemed to be enjoying the constant passage of
I rode with Tippers until we were just a couple of kms from the first info, but my legs were starting to give worrying signs of blowing up, so I eased off and let him go. After that control, I stuck to the back wheel of a Maldon group, who were taking it easy. Not a lot of chatting, due to the windy nature of the main road we were on, and steady stream of cars. We hit a small incline and the inevitable happened: they all started clicking down the gears trying to find a position of constant power, but that was dropping me off my gear, so I did what fixers do and rode off the front. Clearly my legs weren't doing too badly after all.
At the second info I passed Tomsk and JiberJaber just leaving, as well as Denice and James — I made a quick note of the answer and caught up with Denice and James, and rode with — as it turned out James is one of my local riders in Cambridge. We avoided the (probably) muddy canal towpath and diverted onto the main road, navigating by map-on-GPS, nearly making several false turns before rejoining the route. Shortly after, the road started to go up and my legs gave a wheeze and stopped working. I gurned up the long (-ish), huge (not) climb to Gt Braxted on my own, being passed a few times, urgh! But height-gained meant a downhill all the way to the finish, and that couldn't've come soon enough.
Hung around in arrivée chatting for a couple of hours before heading out to ride 70-odd km home. At least now I should have a tailwind! :thumbsup:
Rode with Tomsk for the first 10 until our routes diverged and then it was a long, steady climb all the way back up to Castle Camps and a fast downhill to the Cambridgeshire plain for a flat run home. The uphill bits made a significant hole in my averages, with still not much power, but once I hit the flat, I was rolling steady at high-20s, making it home by about 9pm — 260km in 14h44, with a couple of hours to spare.
That's my January RRTY done. Time to start on a programme of lots of short, punchy, high-cadence training rides and get my fitness back up, methinks!
Post by: Deano4 on 14 January, 2018, 05:04:35 pm
Rode 33 miles to the start from Harlow and arrived around 9:15 with frozen hands and toes thinking it would be a long day! There was a big queue to collect my card which meant that my hands had a chance to warm up by the time I got to the front. I decided on the 10:00am start to give me a chance to warm up have some more breakfast in the form of a sausage sandwich and two cups of tea! I said hello to ACME peloton and made my way out expecting them to catch me up sooner or later.
My main bike has been out of action since Monday with a broken bottom bracket so the mountain bike has been called into service. This meant I had to break the no mud guard rule this time, so apologies to anyone following behind me. I overtook a few people on the way to Pebmarsh and then they caught up with me at the control and then overtook while I was changing page on the route sheet.
Surprisingly it wasn’t as cold as the ride there, either that or I had just got used to it. I fancied some cake at Rowhedge and was looking for the cafe but must cycled past it and I bumped into a couple of familiar faces from the Horsepower 100km last year, I couldn’t remember their names (sorry) but they remembered mine. They said the cafe was pretty full, so we went into ‘The Olde Albion’ pub which didn’t serve food but did serve tea and coffee. So one cup of tea later and I was back on the road to Mersea looking for lunch.
The legs were still strong but I could feel the prangs of hunger making themselves known and I knew I would need something more filling than an Oyster. That said though, I still went down to the sea front and the nice lady in the hut stamped my card. I then climbed back up the hill and found a kebab shop and had some fish and chips.
The next two stages were relatively short, I cycled right past the info control at Tollesbury despite everyone calling me over, so had to back track. Then on the way to Heybridge Basin fatigue meant that I was looking for a T Junction on the route sheet which I had already past and then missed the sign for the basin, again despite everyone calling me over! More backtracking and I was at the last info control.
The canal path was built for my mountain bike though and zoomed down it... without falling in the water amazingly. According to my Strava there was a big hill at the end or at least more climbing before the downhill but I didn’t notice and got back to arrive at 16:30.
Great day out, looking forward to the next one.
Post by: pieeater on 15 January, 2018, 12:29:47 pm
On the strength of this enjoyable ride, I've entered the Knight's Templar, see you all soon !
Post by: grams on 15 January, 2018, 12:39:51 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 15 January, 2018, 02:22:31 pm
Heading up the hill before the turn to Mersea, he disappeared from my mirror for a good 20 minutes or so to then reappear at the end of a train of club cyclists as if nothing had happened. His trip computer had pinged off its mount on the preceding downhill section it seems.
I really wish we could have had a bit of sun though as by the time I got to Mersea I was wishing I'd gone for the full winter regalia instead of only the halfway house I had adopted. It was definitely not living up to the forecasts. Also met up with Jane at the Mersea Co-op (eschewing the oyster, not a good time to try my first raw one), but she was dithering and opted to hang around a bit longer. The two of us set off back again, with a few route checks as we went, but mostly OK, taking the canal path option away from the last info control. We thought about stopping for a coffee but by then were both so cold we decided to press on and keep moving. At that point as we pushed up the final hill, he drifted off the back and I didn't want to wait as I was getting very cold now, so pushed on back to the pub for a coffee and a beer, where my compatriot appeared just as was walking into the pub.
After an hours drive home, alternating my hands in front of the blower I could finally feel the tips of all my fingers again, but my toes didn't thaw until after a nice warm shower.
Thanks to the organisers and I'll see you in Feb.
Post by: huggy on 15 January, 2018, 05:26:43 pm
Thoughts now turn to the Knights Templar Compasses & Cross 105km (http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-204/) and last in the Anvil Winter Series rides for this season - 3rd February. The route is slightly amended from last year to make it a bit more pleasant traffic wise, and does need to be checked with a Helpers' Ride for route sheet gremlins. I'm planning on an 8am start on the 27th Jan (ok, 9am will be considered if there is enough dissent), for a standard ride round with pen in hand, if anyone is interested in helping. There will be helping opportunities on the day too, so you will be able to have the full helper experience, especially if we have a similar excellent turn out.
Post by: psyclist on 15 January, 2018, 05:50:33 pm
There will be helping opportunities on the day too
I can't ride the event on the 3rd Feb, but I'm happy to help on the 'desk' at the start.
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 15 January, 2018, 07:10:52 pm
A big thanks to Huggy and Andy C33 for towing me round the event and the ece before. I have never been so grateful for an energy gel :o
Lesson learnt - doing back to back 200's in the winter is not as good idea as it first seems. :facepalm:
Post by: drossall on 15 January, 2018, 10:13:21 pm
I don't know that part of Essex especially well so, last year, while I enjoyed the Oyster, I was just following the GPS with no real sense of where I was. This year, I had a proper mental picture of the route, and that added something for me.
After a leisurely second breakfast and 10am start, I rode most of the way alone, except for a section where another rider followed me at a respectful distance. I thought I was going OK to West Mersea, and hoping to get the wind behind me for a 4pm finish. Half-way there from Rowhedge, I broke a spoke in my back wheel for no obvious reason, but that was no real problem.
I struggled into Tollesbury. In the end, I decided to go down to the marina cafes for a sandwich and cup of tea. That revived me, but I was well behind time now and needed lights already for the last few km into Heybridge. Familiarity helps, and the leg to Beacon Hill didn't seem nearly as long as last year.
Just after the turning at the top of the last descent into Kelvedon, the oddest thing happened. It was now fully dark, and it felt for all the world as though the bike was pulling left. I ended up crashing into the soft verge. No harm done, and the bike, on inspection, was fine and steering normally. I've really no idea what caused it. Embarrassing though.
A rider whom I had passed on the way across from Great Braxted stopped and checked I was OK, then kindly escorted me down the hill, making sure I steered properly at the corners :-[
It was a good ride though.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 15 January, 2018, 10:32:31 pm
Post by: drossall on 15 January, 2018, 10:48:29 pm
Shame, as it would be fun!
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 15 January, 2018, 10:58:29 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 15 January, 2018, 11:26:21 pm
That's kind but, given the pace at which I went around on Saturday after letting the train take the strain, I don't think that more than doubling the distance is a good option for me.
Shame, as it would be fun!
could you get yourself to stansted airport by train? I'll be passing there on my way with a Landrover Discovery, plenty of room for a second bike
Post by: drossall on 15 January, 2018, 11:32:13 pm
Drat! You coulda given me a tow if it's a headwind again.Only if you want to get there in time to watch the last finisher.
could you get yourself to stansted airport by train? I'll be passing there on my way with a Landrover Discovery, plenty of room for a second bikeOoh, that sounds possible. There's a train via Cambridge that would have me at Stansted by around 8.40am. What time are you thinking of? Offer appreciated.
(Fair warning, I won't be an early finisher. Hope you're not in a hurry to get back?)
Edit: is anyone else getting 404s when trying to collect the GPX and route sheet from the links on the ACME site?
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 January, 2018, 01:20:56 am
Edit: is anyone else getting 404s when trying to collect the GPX and route sheet from the links on the ACME site?
Yup, me too. Try this for the GPX — https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26629391 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26629391).
Post by: jiberjaber on 16 January, 2018, 08:24:48 am
Post by: ElyDave on 16 January, 2018, 08:40:23 am
Drat! You coulda given me a tow if it's a headwind again.Only if you want to get there in time to watch the last finisher.could you get yourself to stansted airport by train? I'll be passing there on my way with a Landrover Discovery, plenty of room for a second bikeOoh, that sounds possible. There's a train via Cambridge that would have me at Stansted by around 8.40am. What time are you thinking of? Offer appreciated.
(Fair warning, I won't be an early finisher. Hope you're not in a hurry to get back?)
Edit: is anyone else getting 404s when trying to collect the GPX and route sheet from the links on the ACME site?
0840 around Stansted would be about on target for me. When you say slow...
I'm typically a 4:30-5-hour ish elapsed time on a 100, how much longer would you normally be?
Post by: cgg on 16 January, 2018, 10:36:09 am
Post by: psyclist on 16 January, 2018, 10:44:02 am
Ah, good catch about the engineering works, thanks :thumbsup: I'll fallback to Stansted to get the train back to London, Basildon was enough just once.
Bikes are not allowed on the Stansted Express unless they are fully folded.
An alternative would be Bishop's Stortford, where the Cambridge to London train can be caught.
In practice I have carried my bike on the Stansted Express when joining at Bishop's Stortford, but I have been barred from boarding at Liverpool Street.
EDIT: assumes you meant the airport, rather than Stansted Mountfitchet
Post by: telstarbox on 16 January, 2018, 10:57:56 am
Quote
could you get yourself to stansted airport by train? I'll be passing there on my way with a Landrover Discovery, plenty of room for a second bikeOoh, that sounds possible. There's a train via Cambridge that would have me at Stansted by around 8.40am. What time are you thinking of? Offer appreciated.
(Fair warning, I won't be an early finisher. Hope you're not in a hurry to get back?)
Edit: is anyone else getting 404s when trying to collect the GPX and route sheet from the links on the ACME site?
FYI, officially you can't take bikes on trains into Stansted (but in practice you might be OK).
Post by: cgg on 16 January, 2018, 11:10:28 am
At worst Bishop's Stortford or Stansted Mountfitchet aren't very far away.
Post by: drossall on 16 January, 2018, 07:57:01 pm
0840 around Stansted would be about on target for me. When you say slow...For the Oyster, I took 07:30 :-[
I'm typically a 4:30-5-hour ish elapsed time on a 100, how much longer would you normally be?
I think asking you to sit around for 3 hours might be a bit much...
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 16 January, 2018, 08:27:13 pm
Post by: drossall on 16 January, 2018, 09:32:33 pm
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 16 January, 2018, 09:36:28 pm
Edit: is anyone else getting 404s when trying to collect the GPX and route sheet from the links on the ACME site?
Yup, me too. Try this for the GPX — https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26629391 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26629391).
Fixed now, just waiting for a route sheet :thumbsup:
Post by: huggy on 16 January, 2018, 09:46:14 pm
GPX and route sheet are in draft only due to changes in the route this year. Final docs will not be ready until the 28th Jan, after the helpers’ ride, as per standard AUK process. Any files shared before, including the GPX linked above and AUKweb, to be used at your own risk and should only be used for high level planning.Fixed now, just waiting for a route sheet :thumbsup:Edit: is anyone else getting 404s when trying to collect the GPX and route sheet from the links on the ACME site?
Yup, me too. Try this for the GPX — https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26629391 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26629391).
Post by: drossall on 16 January, 2018, 09:53:31 pm
Post by: Martin on 16 January, 2018, 09:59:15 pm
Post by: huggy on 16 January, 2018, 10:13:07 pm
ECE overdrive selected; thanks for all your entries hope I can keep upYou turned my validation around from Saturday pretty damn quickly :thumbsup:
You're welcome for the extra work load ACME is throwing at you!!
Post by: bhoot on 21 January, 2018, 08:08:29 pm
Post by: huggy on 21 January, 2018, 08:22:21 pm
OK ECE planning time......eg Bishops Stortford, needs to be at least 38km!How about the first 46k-ish of this route, obviously diverting to your favourite train station somewhere from it:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26718017
Post by: huggy on 21 January, 2018, 08:28:15 pm
Helpers’ ride for final validation of route sheet instructions planned for the 27th
Post by: huggy on 25 January, 2018, 10:37:22 am
Post by: Jem on 25 January, 2018, 11:30:17 am
I've had my pickled egg so despite still riding in foreign colours, is that enough to qualify as ACME member?
Jane
Post by: jiberjaber on 25 January, 2018, 11:44:43 am
Post by: alotronic on 26 January, 2018, 01:09:06 pm
Have a nice ride y'all...
Post by: huggy on 26 January, 2018, 04:37:00 pm
I will heading out to do the helpers’ ride route check Saturday morning if any ACME members wish to join me. A 9am or earlier start from outside the ‘spoons.
Tempted.... might be my only chance at fish 'n chips afterwards without the gannets getting in first. :)
I've had my pickled egg so despite still riding in foreign colours, is that enough to qualify as ACME member?
Jane
That's 2 of us on the Helpers' ride, setting off at 8:30 with the optimistic intention of avoiding the afternoon rain :thumbsup:
Post by: Tomsk on 26 January, 2018, 08:18:25 pm
Our probable scenario on DTDO tomorrow: First 100km dry, with little help from a slight tailwind; turn into the strengthening wind and some rain for the return. Happy days.
At least the Straggler will be finished by Sudbury...
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 26 January, 2018, 10:33:21 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 26 January, 2018, 10:44:53 pm
Post by: the straggler on 27 January, 2018, 08:24:20 pm
Have a good ride :thumbsup:
Our probable scenario on DTDO tomorrow: First 100km dry, with little help from a slight tailwind; turn into the strengthening wind and some rain for the return. Happy days.
At least the Straggler will be finished by Sudbury...
Just completed my favorite perm with Tomsk as my pilot, and am now well spent having finding myself being dropped on every incline and trying to get back onto his wheel. Would not liked to endure another 40km to finish but am pleased how things went. I would grade my own performance as C+ myself but think Tomsk would view it as grade U himself considering I held him back and would normally be 2hrs quicker. I drew the short straw and find myself provisionally in Tomsk's ACME Easter Arrows team. Need to improve my fitness and speed before then.
Post by: psyclist on 28 January, 2018, 10:12:38 am
Have a good ride :thumbsup:
Our probable scenario on DTDO tomorrow: First 100km dry, with little help from a slight tailwind; turn into the strengthening wind and some rain for the return. Happy days.
At least the Straggler will be finished by Sudbury...
Just completed my favorite perm with Tomsk as my pilot, and am now well spent having finding myself being dropped on every incline and trying to get back onto his wheel. Would not liked to endure another 40km to finish but am pleased how things went. I would grade my own performance as C+ myself but think Tomsk would view it as grade U himself considering I held him back and would normally be 2hrs quicker. I drew the short straw and find myself provisionally in Tomsk's ACME Easter Arrows team. Need to improve my fitness and speed before then.
No doubt Tomsk was riding fixed, so you'd expect he'd be pushing up the hills. Winter miles can be more about getting the miles in the legs, building up the endurance. At least you were out there on the road ... my riding partner yesterday (who shall remain nameless) didn't even head out, having apparently sabotaged his bike the night before.
Post by: Jem on 28 January, 2018, 11:13:17 am
Details for privacy of wed night but have lovely imprint of my handlebars on left thigh from the resultant off.
Lovely route though and the lemon drizzle cake - with custard - was wonderful. Perfect antidote to wet n windy.
Post by: huggy on 28 January, 2018, 01:23:26 pm
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 28 January, 2018, 03:49:55 pm
Or you could join Ian's Suffolk team. Plenty of McD stops on his Arrow last Easter.Have a good ride :thumbsup:I drew the short straw and find myself provisionally in Tomsk's ACME Easter Arrows team. Need to improve my fitness and speed before then.
Our probable scenario on DTDO tomorrow: First 100km dry, with little help from a slight tailwind; turn into the strengthening wind and some rain for the return. Happy days.
At least the Straggler will be finished by Sudbury...
Post by: Tomsk on 28 January, 2018, 05:36:35 pm
I drew the short straw and find myself provisionally in Tomsk's ACME Easter Arrows team. Need to improve my fitness and speed before then.
I think you were only running out of steam after turning at Debenham [& the headwind was pretty horrible]. Despite the McD refuelling in Sudbury, I felt I slowed more on the last leg. Still there's time to build speed and fitness...
I don't think I'd bank on faster than 14mph on an Arrow, at least without a good tailwind. In the past, a NW headwind has pegged speeds to around 12mph, which has resulted in shorter than desirable stops and on one occasion less than the planned 400+km.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 29 January, 2018, 10:00:55 am
Looks like my RRtY will be hanging on an ECE of the Braziers run.
Post by: huggy on 29 January, 2018, 10:39:05 am
Following on from recent form it looks unlikely I'm going to make it out on Saturday. I'll be out for a morning spin and back before lunch to be a responsible adult at home. :( :'(:'(
Looks like my RRtY will be hanging on an ECE of the Braziers run.
ECE’ing the Braziers Run 100k will be my 12/12 RRtY (the RRtY that I’m obviously not doing!)
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 29 January, 2018, 12:08:40 pm
It'll be 48/48 for me....not that I'm in anyway working to any kind of plan....Following on from recent form it looks unlikely I'm going to make it out on Saturday. I'll be out for a morning spin and back before lunch to be a responsible adult at home. :( :'(:'(
Looks like my RRtY will be hanging on an ECE of the Braziers run.
ECE’ing the Braziers Run 100k will be my 12/12 RRtY (the RRtY that I’m obviously not doing!)
Post by: Carlosfandango on 29 January, 2018, 07:48:28 pm
Have a good ride :thumbsup:
Our probable scenario on DTDO tomorrow: First 100km dry, with little help from a slight tailwind; turn into the strengthening wind and some rain for the return. Happy days.
At least the Straggler will be finished by Sudbury...
Just completed my favorite perm with Tomsk as my pilot, and am now well spent having finding myself being dropped on every incline and trying to get back onto his wheel. Would not liked to endure another 40km to finish but am pleased how things went. I would grade my own performance as C+ myself but think Tomsk would view it as grade U himself considering I held him back and would normally be 2hrs quicker. I drew the short straw and find myself provisionally in Tomsk's ACME Easter Arrows team. Need to improve my fitness and speed before then.
No doubt Tomsk was riding fixed, so you'd expect he'd be pushing up the hills. Winter miles can be more about getting the miles in the legs, building up the endurance. At least you were out there on the road ... my riding partner yesterday (who shall remain nameless) didn't even head out, having apparently sabotaged his bike the night before.
Unfortunately my mechanical competence has improved to tedshred standard. I "repaired" my bike so well it was unrideable :facepalm:
On Sunday I struggled around a flat 200, sorry psyclist, but I wouldn`t have finished the Hills and Mills.
Post by: psyclist on 29 January, 2018, 08:14:56 pm
On Sunday I struggled around a flat 200, sorry psyclist, but I wouldn`t have finished the Hills and Mills.
Not a problem. I met some interesting folk along the way, including a TCR rider who had his steed built by the same frame builder as my next bike.
I think that I had a schedule that would have got you round Hills & Mills, but given your lack of recent riding you were probably better off sticking to a flatter ride.
Post by: Carlosfandango on 30 January, 2018, 02:41:10 pm
On Sunday I struggled around a flat 200, sorry psyclist, but I wouldn`t have finished the Hills and Mills.
Not a problem. I met some interesting folk along the way, including a TCR rider who had his steed built by the same frame builder as my next bike.
Reilly? You've got to appreciate his optimism, expecting to complete the TCR riding one of those cut price, Ted in a shed built jobs.
Post by: Deano4 on 04 February, 2018, 02:31:43 pm
I left home at just gone 6am aiming to cycle the 30ish miles from Harlow to Witham in about 3 hours giving myself an hour for second breakfast and to wait for my friend Charlotte to arrive (who I had somehow managed to convince to cycle 100km with me in February!) I must have found some speed or had a tail wind behind me as I arrived at the Wetherspoons at around 8:30!
Charlotte arrived about an hour later and after some faffing and comfort breaks we were ready to go at 10am. Charlotte informed me that she hadn’t done any cycling since the Stansted Airport Express in December so we started off slow, maybe a little bit too slow! We got the (wo)manned control at Margaretting at 12:56 with 9 minutes to spare. We decided we had better up the pace if we were to get to Coggeshall before 17:05 when that control closed and we wanted to stop for cake somewhere too!
We pedalled a bit faster then and regained some time (I think) but then disaster struck descending down the hill in Danbury as Charlotte got a puncture in her front tyre. Luckily there was a nice grass area nearby which we used to replace the tube. Twenty minutes later and some brute strength to get the tyre back over the rim and we were on our way again trying to make up the time we lost with puncture.
By now it was approaching lunch and we were both hungry but also mindful that we still were behind time. I had promised Charlotte cake on this Audax so didn’t want to let her down, we made a plan to stop at the Lordship tea room in Writtle for cake and then skip lunch to try and get a bit of time in hand. The tea and scones were nice and put the hunger at bay for the time being! But fate and the puncture pixie had decided we weren’t going to make up our time and about 7km away from the compasses Charlotte was struck with another puncture. We replaced the tube again but in our haste we pinched it and we were now out of tubes for Charlotte’s bike. My tyres were bigger than hers but we tried putting one of my tubes in but I don’t know if we pinched that too or if the tube was broken, either way the tube wouldn’t inflate. We decided we would put the tube with the smallest hole back in and then limp to the Compasses and decide what to do next.
Just then a man came out of his (big!) house and asked if we needed any help.
“Not sure there is much you can do unless you have an inner tube!” We said.
As luck would have it, he went back into his garage and came back with one. It was a little smaller than the original but we tried to fit it and finally luck was smiling on us, it fit and stayed inflated! We thanked the man graciously and then headed on to the Compasses to figure out how we would proceed from here know that we had wasted a lot of time stopped.
The staff at the Compasses kindly let us sit inside and warm up even though we didn’t buy anything. We worked out that we were never going to make it to Coggeshall before the control closed but we had come this far and there was only about 25 miles to go, so we might as well finish the distance and carry on following the route sheet even though we wouldn’t be validated.
As soon as the sun came down it got really cold, especially on the face on the descents. The Co-op at Coggeshall was a blessing with its hot chocolate machine! Around this time Charlotte checked her phone and saw that Grant had text and called us wondering where we were! We figured that he and some of the ACME guys would still be at the finish by the time we got there, so we pushed on!
Amazingly and thankfully Charlotte’s new tube held up and we made it to the end. We found Grant and some of the other ACME guys and told them our tale of woe! Despite not finishing in time, it was still a good day although I’m not sure Charlotte would agree!
Thanks again to Grant for organising.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 04 February, 2018, 05:19:42 pm
Shunned the 9:30 start to let the food go down, and rode with team Tomsk, when the Straggler had stopped faffing. The six of us rode mostly as one pack, four on fixed (great when on the front as they ensure a group steady pace). I was introduced to the Castle (posh?) pub for lunch (I ride by it on my way to/from Witham), enjoying a lovely mushroom soup (with two delicate quarters of bread) and their own beer. We finished just after 4, not my fastest 100, but it wasn't a race, and I couldn't fault the company (just the lack of flaps 😉).
After a leisurely (the Straggler ate quicker than me) veggie burger meal deal with a pint, I left just after 5:30, on the same route home. The Essex lanes aren't as nice in the dark. A different route I took to Kelvedon has better roads but I think is slightly longer and hillier. Got to the Buntingford garage at 9:45 (roughly 1/2 hour slower), so shunned a stop, as I was hoping to be home by midnight. More traffic on the A507 than in the morning, and the fact there's more climbing, makes this section a chore. I stopped a few times to rest, cheering up when I could see the M1 traffic (still over 10 miles left, but it feels like I'm nearly home). A front puncture on the MK roads about three miles from home put me on a downer, as I didn't want to fix it or walk. I managed to ride upto about 1/2 mile away, then walked, arriving just before midnight. Teethgrinder wouldn't be happy doing 223 miles in 21 hours, but then I assume he isn"t having leisurely pub stops.
Ran a hot bath, and had a nice sleep in it. Eventually went to bed at 2am.
Great route, Huggy (nice it's slightly altered from last year), and the company wasn't too bad ☺
Post by: Tomsk on 04 February, 2018, 05:36:17 pm
100km ECE front-loaded has worked well for me this year: earlier starts of course, but only one session of 5 hours in the freezer [SAE helpers' ride, November], sociable second 100, more beer at the end, what's not to like! :thumbsup:
Huge chapeau to Deano_44 & Charlotte for keeping going in trying circumstances - ACME now have 'Lanterne Rouge of the Year 2018' award contenders...If it's any consolation, I had my only 'visitation' of the winter by She Who Must Not Be Named, in Braintree on my way in yesterday. Seems there were lots of flint arrowheads about.
Post by: bhoot on 04 February, 2018, 06:30:00 pm
Thanks Huggy and Team for yesterday's event. :thumbsup:Seconded... Much preferred this year's route to last, good to lose the Maldon main road, and also enjoyed the road across to Coogeshall which was new. I think it was the longest stretch between route directions (4.8km).
100km ECE front-loaded has worked well for me this year: earlier starts of course, but only one session of 5 hours in the freezer [SAE helpers' ride, November], sociable second 100, more beer at the end, what's not to like! :thumbsup:No real point for us in front loading as with no trains we had a minimum 35 km ride to a station, so might as well make those kms count! Opted for the same route across to Harlow as last year via Terling, Great Waltham, Good Easter, Matching and finished in Old Harlow with a curry. It was actually a great ride - weather pretty much perfect for a winter evening/night with light wind, dry until the last mile, light traffic - one of those times when I really enjoy riding in the dark.
Post by: drossall on 04 February, 2018, 08:01:10 pm
I tend to think of it as the Coggeshall desert, but that's maybe putting things a bit strongly :P
Post by: jiberjaber on 04 February, 2018, 09:55:22 pm
Bishop Stortford appears to be like Saffron Walden but on steroids. Grabbed a few veloviewer squares as the rain started to fall, whilst -1C it was just rain still.
Over to Dunmow and then through Barnston where I started to feel the rim of the rear wheel bottoming out on the road. after pumping up the wheel 3 times and inserting a tyre worm it was truly shagged, no sealant left. Thankfully I was fixing my bike on the driveway of a chap called Paul who let me use his track pump to inflate the inner tube I ended up fitting. After that I had to average 28kph all the way from High Easter to get to the start in time and complete my ECE... so much for getting up and setting off 15 mins earlier! I rolled in to the start with 15 mins to spare!
Food eaten and out for the main event with Jef and Jan. weather remained mostly damp for the rest of the day. After pulling out on to Woodhill Road about to descend I noticed a bus coming up the road so shouted back to warn them behind about to come out the same junction.... it was at this point I managed to steer over the road edge in to a sharp gully resulting in two sidewall punctures this was my first experience of the Garmin incident detection which was insistent on sending my emergency contact a message to say I had crashed... took a while to cancel the message and the accompanying sirens from the mobile phone! So puncture no 2 and after it not sealing, inner tube number 2!
Further down the road, I was experiencing sealant squirting out the side wall... after removing the tyre, I found a thorn which had sealed but also punctured the inner tube, the air having nowhere to go, used the earlier puncture hole... puncture '3, inner tube #3.
We pressed on, and eventually enjoyed a huffer and pint at The Compasses and the onwards to finish the ride at Witham 'spoons. Not wanting to risk another visitation with no tubes or team car available I opted for the train home and I was in bed asleep before I knew it!
A grand day out and thanks to both Jef & Jan for providing my with spare tubes and also well done Jef on his first Audax.
I have spent most of today cleaning accumulated tubeless sealant out of tyres and patching them on the inside. After repairing the front tire I ended up replacing it… perhaps I should have done that earlier and saved myself a couple of hours of work!
Another winter series draws to an end, 4 of 4 completed and this time with a 100 before each which I think is a far better way of doing it because you can then relax a bit more at the end :)
Thanks guys :thumbsup:
Post by: ElyDave on 04 February, 2018, 10:56:29 pm
I must admit that this was the hardest one to get out of the house for with a very busy and stressful week last week, and more next week, but that's also an good reason to do it. The drizzle turned into proper rain as I neared Stansted, and the temperature probe was not giving good news. Those conditions are when the furnace of a LandRover heating, a fleece, and a cup of coffee are very welcome.
Not so much stepping out of the car at the labour club carpark, not least because in attempting to clean my glasses, I re-broke the prescription insert at the superglued joint from my repair a few weeks ago, but have been too busy to replace. Having signed on, it was a quick trip across the road to the hardware store and make running repairs while watching the 9:30s depart. Having done that it was back out to appraise the weather - start with the waterproof I thought. As I was out there JibberJabber appeared with his tales of woe, looking flustered.
The ride itself was great, drying nicely by the first control where I made the decision to take the waterproof off, which lost contact with my erstwhile riding partner on the Roberts, who wanted to keep moving in the cold. No complaints from me as we seemed to be leapfrogging each other for the next 50km or so until I finally went past him stood by the side of the road, asked if he was OK, but nothing adverse in response. I think I upset a 9:30 starter at Margaretting when she assumed I was the same, sorry about that whoever you were.
Best strategy for me was keep moving, to keep warm, only stopping for blood glucose checks at controls and just eating to my usual pattern inbetween, particularly on the long, exposed sections into a now chilly north easterly towards the end. The co-op was blessed relief for a sneaky half a dark bounty and then a quick run-in to the end. A tidy 4hr 11 riding time for me, so happy with that for a winter trek. A nice coffee and energy drink back at the pub before rewarming in the LandRover furnace on the way home
My only issue apart from cold feet and hands was a headache from about 85km and growing discomfort across the neck and between the shoulder blades. That tells me I must get the last bits of fettling done to the recumbent, only the bottle cages left to sort out now - all 4 of these winter series would have been recumbentable. The hills in Maldon and Danbury would be nasty but do-able, and I've done similar around Newmarket, so no excuse really.
Post by: TimC on 07 February, 2018, 12:31:55 am
This is home territory for me, but I loved the fact that we travelled some roads I've never seen before and got a look at RAF Rivenhall (almost unbelievably the only airfield on a route in Essex that we passed), and I had the chance to show the lad the playground in Coggeshall he played in when he was 2 or 3 years old!
All too soon (honestly!) it was over. The boy buggered off to a pissup in Colchester before returning to his barracks, and I came home for a pint in my local, very happy after a day well spent,
Thanks Huggy!
Post by: huggy on 30 September, 2018, 09:33:49 pm
Everyone who has been eagerly waiting for the ACME Anvil Winter Series Grand Slam [not]shiny badge will need wait no longer than the first event - Essex 3Rs on 3rd November, same day as the ACME awards evening at the Compasses. The data mining has been completed and a list of the entitled compiled.
Some fun facts about validated rides for the last 2 seasons are:
277 individuals rode at least one of the rides
29 rode all the 2017 season winter series events
23 rode all the 2018 season winter series events
12 have ridden every winter series event so far
46 are entitled to the Grand Slam badge*
I will be honoured to present you with your badge if I see you at one of this season's events, if I don't get to hand it over in person it'll be put in the post some time in the new year (just to give postie a break over yuletide).
* To qualify for the ACME Anvil Winter Series Grand Slam badge you need to have successfully completed each of the 4 events within a 2 year rolling period.
Post by: Phil W on 01 October, 2018, 05:53:28 pm
Post by: bhoot on 01 October, 2018, 06:06:57 pm
Puts paid to the idea of a nice civilised train to the start, then a potter round the 100km and a short ride down to Littley Green
Post by: huggy on 01 October, 2018, 06:16:08 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 23 October, 2018, 12:25:24 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 29 October, 2018, 06:26:48 am
Weather is looking sh!t for Saturday though.
Post by: psyclist on 29 October, 2018, 07:09:57 am
Post by: ElyDave on 29 October, 2018, 08:27:15 am
Post by: huggy on 29 October, 2018, 08:52:55 am
... Luckily entries close Friday allowing a late decision.Entry OTL possible too ;)
Post by: jiberjaber on 29 October, 2018, 09:29:22 am
Enjoyed all of these last year, and have them in the plan again.
Weather is looking sh!t for Saturday though.
It's a bit far out at the moment so still time to change, but it looks dry with a strong SSW wind - so might not be too bad (hopefully!) :thumbsup:
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 29 October, 2018, 10:00:28 am
Looking forward to catching up with folk, feels like I haven't been out with anyone for AGES!
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 29 October, 2018, 10:05:18 am
Post by: wilkyboy on 29 October, 2018, 02:44:34 pm
Post by: huggy on 29 October, 2018, 02:47:25 pm
I'm in. ECEing it.Finishing your ECE at ACME's spiritual home, The Compasses @ Littley Green, for the Awards Presentation?
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 29 October, 2018, 03:11:50 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 29 October, 2018, 04:26:50 pm
I can't come to the Compasses either. Catherine and Little Tippers are in London watching some Harry Potter show so I am in charge (or something that may resemble it) on Saturday evening, damn it!
We need an ACME babysitting service or creche!
Post by: tedshred on 29 October, 2018, 04:52:23 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 29 October, 2018, 04:57:33 pm
We already look after you and the Straggler :facepalm:
Rude!
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 29 October, 2018, 05:07:44 pm
Post by: psyclist on 29 October, 2018, 05:56:00 pm
Is there a free pint if I wear my ACME jersey
Nothing in life is free. But if you would like to see this happen, just slip me a fiver and I'll see what I can do.
As I'm sure many will do, I am ECEing. 85km up front, so I'll be aiming to hit the Wetherspoons for a hearty second breakfast before the start at 10am.
Post by: wilkyboy on 29 October, 2018, 05:58:11 pm
I'm in. ECEing it.Finishing your ECE at ACME's spiritual home, The Compasses @ Littley Green, for the Awards Presentation?
Nope.
Pausing briefly to partake of sustenance and listen to tall tales of derring-do a-wheel, and to pick up my sixth Essex SR badge, yes — and then getting back on the trusty steed to complete a 100 + 200km ECE :)
Post by: wilkyboy on 29 October, 2018, 06:02:55 pm
As I'm sure many will do, I am ECEing. 85km up front, so I'll be aiming to hit the Wetherspoons for a hearty second breakfast before the start at 10am.
Second breakfast?! 85km isn't even far enough to earn a first breakfast around these parts ::-)
When you see me lying in a quivering heap somewhere near the info control then you'll know I've overestimated my fasted-riding ability ... :facepalm:
Post by: Tomsk on 29 October, 2018, 06:48:31 pm
Route out is all B roads, nice and simple: Dunmow, Saffron Walden, Sible Hedingham and Earls Colne to Witham - see some of you on the road no doubt. No McDonalds [A505] unlike last time, but the S. Hedingham garage will be open for hot drinks.
Post by: ElyDave on 29 October, 2018, 07:28:26 pm
Post by: Nik's Nick on 29 October, 2018, 11:05:04 pm
Post by: the straggler on 29 October, 2018, 11:08:32 pm
We already look after you and the Straggler :facepalm:
Rude!
+1
I'm pondering whether to ece the event as I will be attending the ACME awards afterwards and then camp overnight at the compasses. Don't fancy lugging camping gear around all day with forecast strong winds...
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 29 October, 2018, 11:13:44 pm
Post by: psyclist on 30 October, 2018, 06:49:19 am
Don't fancy lugging camping gear around all day with forecast strong winds...
Plan your ECE route to drop the camping gear off early, then enjoy a lighter setup for the rest of the day?
Post by: the straggler on 30 October, 2018, 01:22:17 pm
Don't fancy lugging camping gear around all day with forecast strong winds...
Plan your ECE route to drop the camping gear off early, then enjoy a lighter setup for the rest of the day?
That's a smart idea. I will lug the camping gear around till the event start in Witham and quietly drop it off onto your rear rack! Sorted. Saves at least 100km. Much appreciated. ;)
Camping in November is not too bad. Pitched up separate tents with Calvin (current Acme award holder) few years back after awards presentation.
Post by: tedshred on 30 October, 2018, 02:12:40 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 30 October, 2018, 02:21:34 pm
Failure to stop at a roundabout. Left hand side took the impact quite sore elbow and left groin/ hip.
Post by: jiberjaber on 30 October, 2018, 03:22:26 pm
Decision taken out of my hands. Currently sat in Bury St Edmunds a&e having been SMIDSY’d on this mornings ride.
Failure to stop at a roundabout. Left hand side took the impact quite sore elbow and left groin/ hip.
Sorry to hear this Dave... GWS
Post by: alotronic on 30 October, 2018, 04:52:21 pm
I can't come to the Compasses either. Catherine and Little Tippers are in London watching some Harry Potter show so I am in charge (or something that may resemble it) on Saturday evening, damn it!
Just be glad to know that seeing Harry Potter contributes a very small amount to my wife's income as she works for the theatre group that owns the theatre, so you are doing good work. Does that help swallow the cost of the tix?! No, I didn't think so ;-)
Post by: ElyDave on 30 October, 2018, 07:00:36 pm
Stable, weight bearing fracture of the pelvis. Hips and spine OK luckily.
Loads of bruising from left hip to knee.
various damage to front half of the cruzbike.
I have a stick, can hobble, but it effin' hurts. I asked how long to get back on the bike, pointing out Saturday. I was told physically probably OK, but pain likely to be the barrier, 6-8 weeks recovery estimate.
Post by: Tomsk on 30 October, 2018, 07:10:27 pm
Post by: drossall on 31 October, 2018, 11:19:28 pm
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 01 November, 2018, 09:44:28 am
Post by: alotronic on 01 November, 2018, 10:25:49 am
Post by: jiberjaber on 01 November, 2018, 10:56:45 am
https://www.essexhighways.org/interactive-maps-and-live-travel-information/future-roadworks-map.aspx
(https://images2.imgbox.com/97/32/uK6Eyptj_o.jpg) (http://imgbox.com/uK6Eyptj)
Post by: alotronic on 01 November, 2018, 11:26:53 am
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 01 November, 2018, 02:38:15 pm
It makes me feel better but then, Mrs Tippers shelled out from her winnings so I didn't really mind before ;DI can't come to the Compasses either. Catherine and Little Tippers are in London watching some Harry Potter show so I am in charge (or something that may resemble it) on Saturday evening, damn it!
Just be glad to know that seeing Harry Potter contributes a very small amount to my wife's income as she works for the theatre group that owns the theatre, so you are doing good work. Does that help swallow the cost of the tix?! No, I didn't think so ;-)
I'm still looking likely to make the Compasses now although it will be a motorised manner after dropping teenagers off at various locations in the county.
Post by: alotronic on 01 November, 2018, 03:55:39 pm
It makes me feel better but then, Mrs Tippers shelled out from her winnings so I didn't really mind before ;DI can't come to the Compasses either. Catherine and Little Tippers are in London watching some Harry Potter show so I am in charge (or something that may resemble it) on Saturday evening, damn it!
Just be glad to know that seeing Harry Potter contributes a very small amount to my wife's income as she works for the theatre group that owns the theatre, so you are doing good work. Does that help swallow the cost of the tix?! No, I didn't think so ;-)
I'm still looking likely to make the Compasses now although it will be a motorised manner after dropping teenagers off at various locations in the county.
Not uberdad, but Daduber - cool, see you there.
Post by: psyclist on 01 November, 2018, 06:17:41 pm
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 02 November, 2018, 09:11:40 am
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 02 November, 2018, 09:54:54 am
Depending on whether I actually get any sleep tonight, I've got a 105 mile loop to Witham via Cambridge, then a more direct route back, to ECE it to 400, if I get the timings right! Witham is 82 miles away, so I'm always doing about 350 km anyway.Having had a quiet year and being particularly short on miles more recently I'm back at the point where this kind of plan sounds absolutely bonkers....that however is what I love about Audax, the fact that someone is will to just churn out the miles and sees an extra 50k in the dark on top of 350 is a 'might as well' :thumbsup:
See you tomorrow!
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 02 November, 2018, 10:02:07 am
Post by: ElyDave on 02 November, 2018, 10:32:37 am
Post by: wilkyboy on 02 November, 2018, 03:24:05 pm
Depending on whether I actually get any sleep tonight, I've got a 105 mile loop to Witham via Cambridge ...
I'll keep an eye out for you on my way down :thumbsup:
Post by: wilkyboy on 02 November, 2018, 03:25:36 pm
Have "fun" tomorrow guys
GWS, Dave — very sorry to hear of your misadventure.
Post by: jiberjaber on 02 November, 2018, 06:17:04 pm
Post by: huggy on 02 November, 2018, 06:31:11 pm
Going to be busy at the Départ - 96 entries so far with a few more online before midnight and OTL in the morning expected. A fine weather forecast should ensure a good turn out :thumbsup:
Post by: Nik's Nick on 02 November, 2018, 06:35:34 pm
And buy an ACME gillet..
Post by: Shugg McGraw on 03 November, 2018, 10:47:34 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 04 November, 2018, 09:51:32 am
Reserving the back room in the 'spoons was a good move, cheers Huggy.
Helpers' Ride for the Stansted Airport Express on 17th November anyone? And anyone up for helping on the day at the start or finish?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 04 November, 2018, 10:12:40 am
Post by: wilkyboy on 04 November, 2018, 11:13:01 am
6.30am start for a three hour ride to the start. Just over five hours on the event itself, including a brief time when I was part of a four-fixie peloton :)
Then off into the badlands south of Dunmow to bag some explorer squares and boost my ECE distance before the awards ceremony at The Compasses — I think it was a fab idea to align the two and a lot of riders ended their ECEs there :thumbsup:
Not me, though. After the Compasses rendezvous, I set off for the run back to Cambridge for a three-pointer, but built in some more square-bagging and additional over-distance for a nice, but chilly, double-century :smug:
EDIT: write-up and a few pics on Strava here — https://www.strava.com/activities/1945266299 (https://www.strava.com/activities/1945266299)
A mere ride in the park compared to Bikeability Man — he was out for a four-pointer yesterday, chapeau! :thumbsup:
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 04 November, 2018, 12:34:53 pm
I was pleased to see team mate Big Saxon, and his Audax sidekick the Straggler, in the pub, as I don’t get to ride with them much. We had a gentle pace around the beautiful route, and enjoyed sit down refreshments at a cafe. We arrived back at the ‘spoons a bit later than planned, but I still had time to enjoy my fave veggie burger, chips and pint meal deal. It was also very nice when Huggy presented me with the badge for doing all four events. Only in Essex!
I had a lonely, dark ride to the Compasses (what’s new!), but watched the firework displays on the meandering 11 mile journey, arriving bang on 7 to a packed green room, where I sat chatting to Wilkyboy and others (does BTwin Dean go on here?), and sipping the one pint I was allowing myself there. It was good to get another Essex SR, and I enjoyed watching the awards.
I reluctantly left after 9, but needed to as I’d started to yawn, and steadily made my way onto the B roads to Dunmow and Stortford, then the A120. I felt like I had a lot of energy, and had bursts of riding fast, and out of the saddle efforts (to stretch the legs), but I had bags of time in hand, so took most of it steady. The A507 was still a chore, even though I hadn’t used it on the outward leg. There are almost as many roundabouts on it as in MK.
Anyway, I got home at 2:30, put the remaining choccy milk and unopened sarnie (bought for control receipts) in the fridge (just had them now, along with the crisps the Straggler gave me), had a bath, fell asleep in it, woke up 4ish, then went to bed.
Thanks Huggy, and the ACME team for all that you do to tempt this Milton Keynie over!
The end.
Post by: wilkyboy on 04 November, 2018, 12:47:56 pm
... had a bath, fell asleep in it, woke up 4ish, then went to bed.
Didn't you tell us in the pub you intended NOT to do just that?! ;D
Good to see you out yesterday and to chat at the pub :thumbsup:
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 04 November, 2018, 12:56:19 pm
I feel ashamed that I’m not a organiser, when Wilkyboy joined the year before I did, and is so accomplished (still dreaming of the butternut squash soup).
Post by: Deano4 on 04 November, 2018, 01:19:29 pm
(does BTwin Dean go on here?),
Yes, I am on here.
Was nice to meet you, very pleasant evening at the compasses. Will put a ride report up later when I have time :o).
Congrats on your epic ride, very impressive.
Best wishes
Dean
Post by: wilkyboy on 04 November, 2018, 01:22:08 pm
I feel ashamed that I’m not a organiser, when Wilkyboy joined the year before I did, and is so accomplished (still dreaming of the butternut squash soup).
Don't be — there are over 6000 members and 150 or so active organisers (I think). Not every member needs to be an organiser.
ps. Mrs WB's the accomplished one in the hospitality department; I just run the events.
Post by: alotronic on 05 November, 2018, 02:50:52 pm
For those of you who didn't know who Darren Franks was, sitting quietly in the corner, then read his LEL blog for a start - one of the best. Also note he started riding FOUR years ago and has a TCR, most of a Trans Am and the LEL to his credit already. While his writing is very entertaining and self deprecating in person you got a glimpse of the steely determination underneath. When I asked him what his physical base was if it wasn't cycling he did admit to be a semi-pro Kung Fu dude in his 20 doing 40 hours a week.... yikes.... anyway; read on: https://theadventurecapitalist.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/lel-2017-part-1/ (https://theadventurecapitalist.wordpress.com/2017/08/16/lel-2017-part-1/)
A
Post by: rob on 05 November, 2018, 02:57:18 pm
Technically I could still have driven but by the time I got round to checking the traffic there were 90 minute queues at both Dartford and Blackwall. Went to the fireworks down the road instead.
Post by: the straggler on 05 November, 2018, 10:31:14 pm
Made a sensible decision to drop my camping gear off at the Compasses on Friday night by car. Did the 85km early morning ECE stage and crossed paths with Tomsk at Radwinter before arriving at the event. Rode steadily with dynamic duo Team MK riders, Big Saxon and Bikeabilityman during the event. At Latchingdon BP garage control, Bikeabilityman had to make do with a milkshake after having no luck with finding a snack to meet his special dietary requirements. Moments later another arrivee enters the store and returns with a veggie sandwich much to our amusement.
Only had a brief stop at the finish, before joining the Acme group for the last 17km ECE leg to Littley Green. Much enjoyed the evening with good food, fine ales and seeing other riders receiving their well earned awards. Whilst others slowly left after the presentation either to finish their ECEs or to return home into the cold darkness again, I only had to stumble 25 yards to my tent. I managed to stay warm during the night with forecast temp of around 6 degree C.
I joined bhoot tandem for breakfast before repacking the 6.5kg camping gear, tent, sleeping bag and liner and bivvy bag (not used) into a large rucksack before trundling home some 45km. Wearing the rucksack was not as uncomfortable as I had envisaged.
Many thanks to Huggy, Tomsk and Joss for arranging and organising a great day and evening entertainment.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 06 November, 2018, 12:59:01 pm
Post by: Deano4 on 06 November, 2018, 07:05:10 pm
It was a lovely mild day for November and I realised I was wearing too many layers and we very hot. I unzipped my jacket and that seemed to help and spent the time to the control pondering whether to take it off when I got there. I was riding with Jane and Carl, we saw Andy along the way fixing an unexpected deflation.
Once at the control, I jotted down the answer on my brevet and then noticed that everyone had left me. Story of my life, but I could see them in the distance and at the moment the wind wasn't very strong - so upping my pace I was able to catch them as we passed the first reservoir. There was a bit of traffic coming into Maldon (when isn't there?) A driver had stopped their car in the middle of the hill and was just waiting there, very strange. We filtered past it and the other cars and into the Rose and Crown Wetherspoons for some lunch.
A little while later we arrived at the petrol station in Latchingdon, I was still full up from my lunch at the Wetherspoons, so bought some jelly babies for later to get a receipt and then back on the road to the post office at Stock.
This next stage was a bit of a slog against the wind and I think the hills! Eventually though, the Post Office presented itself and I was prepared this time with cash, so I only had to buy a drink for £1 rather than £5 worth of stuff to use my card, like I did on the summer version of this ride.
We had changed direction now for the next stage to Danbury and the wind was behind us which made for easy cycling. Arriving around 15:45 just before they closed I stamped my brevet.
The final leg was fast, following Jason and Jane we went off route missing out Terling and heading down the cycle path along the A12 (Sshh!) to reach the Arrivee before it was dark.
After some refreshments and an ever later leaving time we made our to the Compasses, bumping into Andy along the way. It was a good November night, the smell of bonfire in the air and fireworks lighting up the sky.
The award ceremoney was great, it was nice to see everyone pick up their awards especially Jan for the most points. Pleased I got my Essex SR medal, will aim to get another next year! At around 23:00hrs I figured it was probably time to tackle the last 20 miles home.
Thanks to Grant for organising and the ACME team in general!
-Dean
Post by: Tomsk on 18 November, 2018, 11:51:32 am
Plenty of Essex's finest clay is finding it's way onto the lanes along with partly rotted leaves - CARE NEEDED! The bike is filthy [but I'm not :smug:] - remember those mudguards and flaps folks.
Some tweaks to gps and route sheet needed, lots of missing signs etc. Riders should expect an email and updated stuff on AUKweb later this week.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 19 November, 2018, 10:52:53 am
Post by: Deano4 on 19 November, 2018, 12:24:32 pm
Post by: huggy on 19 November, 2018, 12:35:08 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 19 November, 2018, 12:39:17 pm
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 19 November, 2018, 01:16:51 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 19 November, 2018, 01:21:36 pm
I reckon I'll be repeating my train assisted journey before and after the ride....I'm really liking just doing the 100 even if my fitness is not!
:thumbsup:
I'm at the end of my RTTY so no commitment to maintain a 200km.. perhaps that opens the door for my first fixed audax?
Post by: tedshred on 19 November, 2018, 01:23:56 pm
Perhaps it opens the door to your first fixed RRTY ?
Post by: jiberjaber on 19 November, 2018, 01:29:19 pm
100 miles was tough, I admire you who can knock out 200km / SR on fixed. I was knackered!
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 19 November, 2018, 02:54:17 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 19 November, 2018, 02:55:35 pm
lets see what you are saying in a few months...would be great training for the legs in the winter before PBP
Would be great to ride on PBP, too :thumbsup: :facepalm:
Post by: jiberjaber on 19 November, 2018, 02:57:43 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 19 November, 2018, 03:00:24 pm
Oh FFS!!!! leave it out! (even I was thinking that as I was riding yesterday :facepalm: )
Hang on, you said you were doing the TCR on fixed. If you aren’t we’ll need to change your application film ::-)
Post by: jiberjaber on 19 November, 2018, 04:41:09 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 19 November, 2018, 04:53:39 pm
/thread derailment I thought TCR plan involved clown bikes (outfit optional) ?
That would certainly look good on film ;D
Post by: psyclist on 19 November, 2018, 04:59:02 pm
I'll be repeating my ECE of the SAE and ride 101km from home to 'spoons which should be 2.5km for me :facepalm:
You could always start campaigning for an additional alternative starting venue, perhaps the Wetherspoons in Bishop's Stortford. Ideal distance to split your ECE into a 60 / 40km ride, and that trainline from London is rarely affected by bus replacement services.
I know at least one helper who would be happy to sit there all day stamping brevets ...
Post by: jiberjaber on 19 November, 2018, 05:12:07 pm
I'll be repeating my ECE of the SAE and ride 101km from home to 'spoons which should be 2.5km for me :facepalm:
You could always start campaigning for an additional alternative starting venue, perhaps the Wetherspoons in Bishop's Stortford. Ideal distance to split your ECE into a 60 / 40km ride, and that trainline from London is rarely affected by bus replacement services.
I know at least one helper who would be happy to sit there all day stamping brevets ...
.. but it always[1] rains when an Audax starts from 'spoons in the Western suburb of Takeley [2].
[1] based on empirical evidence of Easter Arrow last year.
[2] incorrectly marked on most maps and known by the locals as Bishop's Stortford
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 19 November, 2018, 05:26:15 pm
Post by: psyclist on 19 November, 2018, 05:29:39 pm
[2] incorrectly marked on most maps and known by the locals as Bishop's Stortford
A bit of digging later, and I think that you are forgetting that "under the Poor Law of 1834, Takeley became part of the Great Dunmow Union".
Even more interestingly (!), the first settlement in Bishop's Stortford was in Roman times, as a staging post between Braughing and Colchester.
Post by: psyclist on 19 November, 2018, 05:32:38 pm
Audax starts from BS ‘spoons? Get’s my vote!
:thumbsup:
Post by: jiberjaber on 19 November, 2018, 06:47:50 pm
[2] incorrectly marked on most maps and known by the locals as Bishop's Stortford
A bit of digging later, and I think that you are forgetting that "under the Poor Law of 1834, Takeley became part of the Great Dunmow Union".
Even more interestingly (!), the first settlement in Bishop's Stortford was in Roman times, as a staging post between Braughing and Colchester.
Is Western Suburb of Colchester stretching it a bit ?
Post by: drossall on 19 November, 2018, 08:21:09 pm
Audax starts from BS ‘spoons? Get’s my vote!Interesting. Might even be achievable as an ECE for me...
There again, the point of this is to start at the westerly end of the course. So, if a BS event were to go west, I could do the same thing again, and start at a Spoons in Stevenage or somewhere...
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 19 November, 2018, 08:29:28 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 20 November, 2018, 09:11:31 am
Post by: Oscar's dad on 20 November, 2018, 10:38:54 am
psyclist, your organising career starts here! An ACME event in the Essex Borders :thumbsup:
I think psyclist needs to get organising. Isn't he the founding (and perhaps only) member of ACHE?
Post by: psyclist on 20 November, 2018, 12:41:38 pm
I'll take a look at options for a more civilised adventure, as there is a lot of potential in the western fringes, both from a routing perspective and in attracting a few new faces, given the ease of getting to Bishop's Stortford.
Post by: Tomsk on 20 November, 2018, 04:22:12 pm
Long ago in my brief BC [Before Children] CTC organising career I put on a 'Hilly 30' [miles] early season reliability ride in E Herts, where all the 2 hour group were out of time and quite a few failed to finish in the 2.5 hour option. Up and down every side road on the chalk hills - mandatory route with surprise checkpoints - one marshall hid in a phone box, for extra shock value, but also perhaps for shelter as it was a showery day and windy too!
This was actually the first time I met [soon to become legendary] Audaxer Jack Eason, recently retired ...heavy steel tourer, massive saddlebag, finished with about a minute in hand and of course had ridden about 30 miles from home!
Post by: psyclist on 20 November, 2018, 06:08:55 pm
Could there be a few checkpoints and infos to get a route approved for a calendar event?
Possible, but it would take quite some rework. I'll consider options once I've ridden the route.
Post by: grams on 26 November, 2018, 09:05:56 pm
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 26 November, 2018, 09:28:12 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 27 November, 2018, 01:33:29 pm
Are on-the-line entries available this weekend? December's snuck up on me rather quickly!
On-line entries will remain open until Thursday midnight. Paper entry forms will be available [or bring your own ready filled in] for entry on the line.
Post by: Tomsk on 29 November, 2018, 09:21:55 am
This season's must-have accessory: Mudguards, generously flapped - apropos of which, I have a new batch of ACME flaps [long] in stock, as well as some extra wide for your gravel/rough stuff bikes.
Plastic bags for covering saddles and chairs at the pub/cafe is a good idea too. I'll see if I can find room in my panniers for a few towels as well.
Post by: Jack on 29 November, 2018, 11:08:42 am
Will I be able to buy a pair of ACME flaps on Saturday in person?
How much?
Post by: Tomsk on 29 November, 2018, 06:27:10 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 30 November, 2018, 07:08:15 pm
Not very many DNS notifications ... yet.
Thremhall Coffee Shop is concerned about numbers being down - I reckon about 30% DNSs for a wet ride, as opposed to 15-20% 'normal', but we have waterproofs don't we?
I'll be at the 'spoons as near to 8 as I can, get everything set up, have breakfast with helpers and be ready to go asap ...
Post by: jiberjaber on 30 November, 2018, 07:29:23 pm
Not quite sure anyone ECE'ing the start will be so lucky though :facepalm:
Post by: ElyDave on 30 November, 2018, 07:44:54 pm
I'm hoping to have some measure of capability (if not fitness) back for January's edition.
Post by: freeflow on 30 November, 2018, 10:50:49 pm
Post by: grams on 01 December, 2018, 12:02:08 am
Post by: psyclist on 01 December, 2018, 05:25:29 am
I think it's not going to be as bad as some might think, forecast was for rain easing off by 10AM in the area of the ride.... so maybe an hour of light rain at the start.
Not quite sure anyone ECE'ing the start will be so lucky though :facepalm:
Dry currently, but the rain radar shows a swathe of rain heading across the country. It’s breaking up a bit though, so might not be too bad by the time it gets to us. The first bit of my ECE will be dry at least, with the first of the light rain hitting in about 1 hour.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 01 December, 2018, 08:22:58 am
Post by: drossall on 01 December, 2018, 07:40:03 pm
I think it's not going to be as bad as some might think, forecast was for rain easing off by 10AM in the area of the ride.... so maybe an hour of light rain at the start.It didn't (ease off). Well not till into the afternoon anyway. And a few times, it eased off then started again.
Post by: jiberjaber on 01 December, 2018, 10:07:47 pm
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181201/8d3534e0af90576985f2c6533b5479ad.jpg)
Post by: grams on 02 December, 2018, 01:01:23 am
After a wet foot experience last weekend I decided to bring my spare shoes and socks on the ride and change into them halfway, which if the weather forecast had held up would have been long after the rain stopped. Alas it was still wet on leaving the café. I gambled on changing at Thaxted because it seemed pretty dry, but not long after the drizzle came again and didn't let up until the finish.
Anyway, I liked the route, and the café was very efficient. Thanks all who organised.
Post by: Shugg McGraw on 02 December, 2018, 12:28:23 pm
Forecast for Saturday is looking 'interesting': damp, very mild, breezy.
"Damp" was perhaps understating it. Still, another well organised and enjoyable ACME event. Thanks to all involved.
My first ECE - assuming I get validated.
Takeaway: Don't assume that because something is dignified by the name "Road" the conditions will be any better than those found in the Somme.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 02 December, 2018, 01:40:16 pm
Now do I do the Kelvedon Oyster again next month, or head west? If I'm reduced to three gears again, Essex it is!
Post by: wilkyboy on 02 December, 2018, 01:47:30 pm
Started cool, but dry in Cambridge, turned to a bit damp around Braintree on the ride down. The start was full-wet, not drying out until the final half hour. The ride home was dry until the final hour or so when the heavens opened and it was proper-wet.
I was well down on power yesterday, for some reason — maybe I've a cold. Not that I'm that powerful usually, but I had to walk a few short, sharp climbs that normally I can ride over :facepalm:
That said, I had 90-odd km in the legs before the start, awarded myself a bonus 10km on the ride, and rode another 110km home again, totally a nice round 200 miles :thumbsup:
Strava report + photos here (https://www.strava.com/activities/1996148116).
It was good to chat with Soupy and Mrs Tomsk at the finish.
Thanks Tom + helpers for another fine day a-wheel :thumbsup:
Post by: Lee Velo on 02 December, 2018, 03:19:14 pm
I did have a minor grumble at the Cafe, although the info sheet did suggest the 'full menu' wouldn't be available, I didn't expect that the only choice would be a bacon roll or sausage roll. Not everyone can/does eat meat, and although I managed to persuade (and thank them for) some beans on toast for full price, I was quite surprised a veggie option wasn't available. The cafe suggested that I should have informed the organiser who would have let them know, but that seems quite overkill?
Post by: Lee Velo on 02 December, 2018, 03:42:09 pm
I was well down on power yesterday, for some reason — maybe I've a cold. Not that I'm that powerful usually, but I had to walk a few short, sharp climbs that normally I can ride over :facepalm:
Sorry I must have missed you at the start, I got bundled into the 0930 start and was cold and wet enough to just think 'bugger it' and started. I too felt down on power yesterday, wasn't great for it!
Post by: drossall on 02 December, 2018, 09:30:29 pm
I decided to grab my card and go after them, making the most of the light, rather than wait for the 10am start. Although it was wet, I was snug in my waterproof, so I rather enjoyed the whole ride. I started to pick up one or two riders in the early miles, although the bulk of the bunch I didn't see again except maybe at lunch.
Approaching High Easter, I made a couple of minor navigational errors, partly because it was hard to read my rain-covered GPS and route sheet with my rain-covered glasses. I spotted the problems quickly, but I think one or two probably went back past me while I was off route. When I turned round to retrace, I discovered that it was raining harder than I had realised.
I had misread the instructions as saying that the return leg was longer than the outward, and that made the return quicker than I had anticipated. In addition, I kept expecting to turn into a strong headwind, but that never quite seemed to happen.
All in all it was a good day out, with roads remarkably quiet except in a few obvious places :thumbsup: And then the trains were good going back - only a couple of minutes' wait at each of Witham and KX - so I made it home in record time :thumbsup:
Post by: Tomsk on 03 December, 2018, 07:51:16 pm
Final tally:
127 entries.
85 validated brevets, including 4 helpers two weeks ago.
No mishaps on the event itself, but one minor 'ouchy' for someone on the ride in.
84 starters on Saturday, with just 3 failing to finish - one totally AWOL, but two did let me know they had been rescued following multiple visitations from the Essex P#nct+r£ Fairy. I heard one rider received help, spare tubes etc from other riders to try and keep him on the road, so a big thanks to them for that.
Several 200km rides with an Extended Calendar Event brevet, one on a 300 - impressive for this dark time of year, 3 weeks before the Winter Solstice and such a very wet day too - chapeau!
Thank you to all my helpers on Saturday: BFC, Deano_44, Soupy and Mrs Tomsk, also to Oscar's Dad for lugging in Huggy's ACME kit for the shop and to Huggy for the Winter Series badges and passing on the car park donations to the Labour Club.
Post by: ElyDave on 09 December, 2018, 07:01:29 pm
20 mins on the turbo today on a road bike, pelvis comfortable enough, lower back not so much. The Kelvedon Oyster will be 11 weeks on from the injury, reasonable target or absolute lunacy?
Clearly I'll not be aiming for any particular time.
Post by: Slimline Saxon on 11 December, 2018, 05:04:39 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 11 December, 2018, 06:05:24 pm
I'll work up over the next 4 weeks though, have an opportunity for 50 on 31st Dec.
I do have history in this sort of thing, I ran a 24mile fell race and was then diagnosed Type 1 diabetic 3 days later, my first question was "can I still do an ultra marathon in 6 weeks?" (that's not meant to sound pompous, just a statement of fact and my possible level of idiocy).
Post by: telstarbox on 17 December, 2018, 01:37:29 pm
Post by: tedshred on 31 December, 2018, 10:36:44 am
To mark the occasion, Greater Anglia have once again promised no service alterations on the London - Norwich line that day. Judging by the first couple of events this season, most of you will be ECEing anyway but I thought I'd share the good news.
There is more good news; this year as well as a Native Oyster at Mersea Island, there will also be a hot drink. Collect your ACME currency with your brevet card to redeem your snack and beverage.
Post by: psyclist on 31 December, 2018, 05:10:15 pm
Post by: telstarbox on 03 January, 2019, 02:31:37 pm
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 03 January, 2019, 05:17:19 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 04 January, 2019, 07:30:58 am
Post by: ElyDave on 07 January, 2019, 02:14:52 pm
Post by: BFC on 07 January, 2019, 02:22:24 pm
The Kelveden Oyster Route takes us past or near a number of pubs on the trail.
Ye Olde Albion @ Rowhedge is on the route.
The Kings Head @ Tollesbury is a few extra yards into Tollesbury.
The Queens Head @ Tolleshunt D'Arcy is a few yards into off route.
Maltsters Arms @ Heybridge is a small detour into Heybridge.
Chequers @ Goldhanger is a detour through Goldhanger or
Swan @ Little Totham is a detour into Little Totham
The prize is free beer tokens at the Maldon beer festival for anyone the gets 20 or more stamps on a card.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 07 January, 2019, 02:51:53 pm
For anyone trying to achieve a "prize" for the Maldon and Dengie CAMRA Real Ale Trail 2019 read on....
The Kelveden Oyster Route takes us past or near a number of pubs on the trail.
Ye Olde Albion @ Rowhedge is on the route.
The Kings Head @ Tollesbury is a few extra yards into Tollesbury.
The Queens Head @ Tolleshunt D'Arcy is a few yards into off route.
Maltsters Arms @ Heybridge is a small detour into Heybridge.
Chequers @ Goldhanger is a detour through Goldhanger or
Swan @ Little Totham is a detour into Little Totham
The prize is free beer tokens at the Maldon beer festival for anyone the gets 20 or more stamps on a card.
Shame on you, trying to turn an innocent audax into a pub crawl. Such behaviour cannot be condoned #goodeffort
Post by: telstarbox on 07 January, 2019, 03:08:29 pm
Post by: BFC on 07 January, 2019, 03:46:54 pm
How busy is the road through Goldhanger? I might go that way for Veloviewer reasons :)
As a single rider or small group Tolleshunt D'Arcy through Goldhanger is OK. The road is effectively "the coast road", and some of the drivers are not sensible about overtaking on blind bends - no different to any other roads, but this road has some long sequences of bends. Summer months are a lot worse with static caravan owners from London in a hurry.
I ride it regularly, including in rush hour on the way home, as a well lit solo rider. Only been taken off by a truck once on a weekday middle of day ride (a few years ago).
Post by: huggy on 07 January, 2019, 05:04:37 pm
It would be the icy conditions route as the road is gritted, but the 'official' route is much nicer to ride for the reasons BFC states :)How busy is the road through Goldhanger? I might go that way for Veloviewer reasons :)
As a single rider or small group Tolleshunt D'Arcy through Goldhanger is OK. The road is effectively "the coast road", and some of the drivers are not sensible about overtaking on blind bends - no different to any other roads, but this road has some long sequences of bends. Summer months are a lot worse with static caravan owners from London in a hurry.
I ride it regularly, including in rush hour on the way home, as a well lit solo rider. Only been taken off by a truck once on a weekday middle of day ride (a few years ago).
Post by: wilkyboy on 11 January, 2019, 02:35:37 pm
How busy is the road through Goldhanger? I might go that way for Veloviewer reasons :)
I might see you there, for the same reason :thumbsup:
Post by: telstarbox on 12 January, 2019, 05:56:42 pm
Did the grumpy Italian who thought the route would be signposted make it back to base?
Post by: drossall on 12 January, 2019, 06:38:02 pm
On the climb out of Earl's Colne, I felt my right pedal move. A quick look showed that the thread in the crank was giving up the ghost. No idea why it happened then - I've had that crankset and pedals since I built the bike up in 2006. Don't think I've ever even taken them apart. Serves me right really - by that point, I'd already passed four or five groups of riders fixing various mechanicals, mainly punctures, and was feeling smug because I'd come out on a nice, reliable tourer with heavier tyres :-[
Thanks to all the riders who asked if I was OK, but there was nothing to do but limp back to the start on one leg, pedalling ever such a little with the other. Just as I reached the pub, the pedal came completely out of the crank, so I literally rode on one leg from Liverpool Street to Kings Cross.
When I got home, I also found the reason for my riding position feeling slightly odd - a broken saddle rail in my Team Professional. So I'm waiting for things to come in threes and something else to go...
Post by: grams on 12 January, 2019, 08:28:06 pm
My first audax on an MTB - I don't think I'd have been much faster on a different bike, and it was perfect for the river path at the end.
The weirdest moment was encountering two women on horses who'd been cornered by a curious escaped dog. Did anyone see how this situation was resolved?
Post by: Slimline Saxon on 13 January, 2019, 11:16:24 am
Arrived just after 5.30pm, Raymond was hungry and decided not to complete the ECE, so we chilled out with food and drink at the pub. The angry Italian was there, came to the Controllers table looking for the free Arrivee magazine, muttered something unintelligible and threw it down, as Italians do.We conceded Lanterne Rouge today, we were about an hour faster than the last man despite our detours.
On the way out of the pub witnessed some drunk locals abusing the landlady, they were drinking their own alcohol in her car park and she asked them to leave. Called her many unacceptable things and threatened to beat her up, hope they get what they deserve one day. The car screamed out of the parking space in reverse towards me, fortunately for them they stopped well short of the Big Saxon.
One Winter Series to go for the next badge, see you all then.
Post by: huggy on 13 January, 2019, 02:51:27 pm
So, now thoughts turn to the ultimate ride in the series - The Knights Templar Compasses - Saturday 2nd February.
There will be a helpers' ride to offer sacrifices to the weather gods on Saturday 26th January, starting 10am from Witham 'spoons. There will probably be breakfast between 9 and 10. If anyone is interested in joining the helpers' ride and able to offer assistance on the 2nd Feb please let me know via the usual communication methods.
I have had an entry request from a 16-year-young lad wanting to dip his toe in to the slippery slope world of Audax. He'll be riding without parental supervision, although permission will be given. My request is to anyone riding to please introduce yourself to him, offer a friendly face, and watch him disappear in to the distance like the racing whippet he probably is. But if he does happen to ride at a similar pace please show him the ropes of Audax.
Post by: jiberjaber on 13 January, 2019, 02:55:59 pm
Well, what an extremely busy and successful 'jewel in the crown' ACME Anvil Winter Series ride that was! Thanks Ted and extended team of AUK notiarieties on the day for your processing of such a large field (mostly with low levels of stress ;D )
So, now thoughts turn to the ultimate ride in the series - The Knights Templar Compasses - Saturday 2nd February.
There will be a helpers' ride to offer sacrifices to the weather gods on Saturday 26th January, starting 10am from Witham 'spoons. There will probably be breakfast between 9 and 10. If anyone is interested in joining the helpers' ride and able to offer assistance on the 2nd Feb please let me know via the usual communication methods.
I have had an entry request from a 16-year-young lad wanting to dip his toe in to the slippery slope world of Audax. He'll be riding without parental supervision, although permission will be given. My request is to anyone riding to please introduce yourself to him, offer a friendly face, and watch him disappear in to the distance like the racing whippet he probably is. But if he does happen to ride at a similar pace please show him the ropes of Audax.
26th Jan helpers solves some logistical issues I have on the event day - so happy to ride and help on the main day :)
Post by: wilkyboy on 13 January, 2019, 07:00:14 pm
Okay, let's be clear — I did enjoy the event, the oyster, chatting with the women in the shack who were there last year, too (owner's daughters, in fact), riding with a few friends, the route (generally), etc. :thumbsup:
But that f!cking wind and my f!cking Christmas Legs put paid to any cycling enjoyment! It was a lot of pain and discomfort, once I'd got the first 100km out of the way. And the complete lack of power in my legs, coupled with that headwind on the return, meant I didn't get home until after 2am! :o
Still, I managed to bag 70 squares and went from 18x18 to 21x21 :smug:
Thanks to Tedshred, Ted's daughter, the honourable Herman Ramsey, and Carlosfandango, [EDIT] and Redlight and J Sabine, too, for running and helping on the event, and to the landlord and their team for looking after us at the end :thumbsup:
Ride report and photos on Strava, here (https://www.strava.com/activities/2076316631).
UPDATE: everything still hurts over 36 hours after I finished, and I can't stop eating, which is not normal for me :(
Post by: Tomsk on 13 January, 2019, 07:29:08 pm
Chapeau to Grey Sheep for continuing after the diesel induced 'off'. Tubeless sealant was helpfully suggested [by someone who shall remain nameless] for stopping the bleeding ...
Good to see Herman, Redlight and jsabine, keeping busy on office duties along with Tedshred of course and Ms Shred too.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 13 January, 2019, 08:05:40 pm
I did not enjoy that :(We had strong headwind in the Cotswolds too, and I didn’t get home until 3:15 (1 1/2 hours at the arrivee ‘spoons played a part in that).
Okay, let's be clear — I did enjoy the event, the oyster, chatting with the women in the shack who were there last year, too (owner's daughters, in fact), riding with a few friends, the route (generally), etc. :thumbsup:
But that f!cking wind and my f!cking Christmas Legs put paid to any cycling enjoyment! It was a lot of pain and discomfort, once I'd got the first 100km out of the way. And the complete lack of power in my legs, coupled with that headwind on the return, meant I didn't get home until after 2am! :o
Still, I managed to bag 70 squares and went from 18x18 to 21x21 :smug:
Thanks to Tedshred, Ted's daughter, the honourable Herman Ramsey, and Carlosfandango for running and helping on the event, and to the landlord and their team for looking after us at the end :thumbsup:
Ride report and photos on Strava, here (https://www.strava.com/activities/2076316631).
Post by: Deano4 on 14 January, 2019, 04:37:08 pm
Third time doing the Kelvedon Oyster for me, coincidently it is also the first Audax I ever did, so it will always be special.
Left the Railway Tavern just after 10 with Tom, Ian, Grant, Andy, Chris and Jan. As usual Jan was straight up the front and gone! The rest of us took a more leisurely pace. Unfortunately though we soon caught up with Jan as there was a disel spillage on the road, thankfully no serious injuries and Jan was abe to continue.
We got to Pebmarsh and Carl stamped our cards and then on the first pub stop at Rowhedge. During this stage we lost Grant and Andy. The wind was with us, which made for easy going and time for the first pub stop at Rowhedge. Whilst there a guy in shorts, a blue jacket and a distinct accent (we though was Polish, but we could be wrong) approached and said he didn't have a route sheet, map or any other navigation and wanted to tag along with us.
As we left we bumped into Andy and Grant, stopped to say hi and lost our new 'friend'. Moving on to Mersea island, I always like the road going to the island and waving to those that have already controlled there and are on their way back. Quick stop at Mersea, I didn't have the oyster but the cup of tea was welcome and I bought a slice of cake to each on the bench in the cold wind!
Next stop was into the wind to the King's Head in Tollesbury, thankfully though it wasn't cold as long as you kept moving. A quick drink and a packet of crisps and we were on our way to Heybridge Basin.
Once there we bumped into our 'Polish' friend and told him to follow us back to base. We were going to go off route and avoid the canal path. Somewhere between there and the arrivee we lost him! Anyway I was looking forward to getting back as I was starving and had spied out the red thai curry on the menu before we left.
Another good ride, so thanks again to the ACME guys, looking forward to the next one.
Post by: ElyDave on 14 January, 2019, 05:30:10 pm
I did not enjoy that :(
Okay, let's be clear — I did enjoy the event, the oyster, chatting with the women in the shack who were there last year, too (owner's daughters, in fact), riding with a few friends, the route (generally), etc. :thumbsup:
But that f!cking wind and my f!cking Christmas Legs put paid to any cycling enjoyment! It was a lot of pain and discomfort, once I'd got the first 100km out of the way. And the complete lack of power in my legs, coupled with that headwind on the return, meant I didn't get home until after 2am! :o
Still, I managed to bag 70 squares and went from 18x18 to 21x21 :smug:
Thanks to Tedshred, Ted's daughter, the honourable Herman Ramsey, and Carlosfandango, [EDIT] and Redlight and J Sabine, too, for running and helping on the event, and to the landlord and their team for looking after us at the end :thumbsup:
Ride report and photos on Strava, here (https://www.strava.com/activities/2076316631).
UPDATE: everything still hurts over 36 hours after I finished, and I can't stop eating, which is not normal for me :(
if it proceeds to "can't stop drinking, can't stop peeing, and losing weight hand over fist", call your doctor. DAHIKT.
Glad it seems to have been a good ride, I seem to remember this as by far the coldest of last year's series. I'm hoping to be ready for the Knight's Templar in three weeks.
Post by: Jem on 16 January, 2019, 11:45:20 am
Well, what an extremely busy and successful 'jewel in the crown' ACME Anvil Winter Series ride that was! Thanks Ted and extended team of AUK notiarieties on the day for your processing of such a large field (mostly with low levels of stress ;D )
So, now thoughts turn to the ultimate ride in the series - The Knights Templar Compasses - Saturday 2nd February.
There will be a helpers' ride to offer sacrifices to the weather gods on Saturday 26th January, starting 10am from Witham 'spoons. There will probably be breakfast between 9 and 10. If anyone is interested in joining the helpers' ride and able to offer assistance on the 2nd Feb please let me know via the usual communication methods.
Carl is off on a Psychlist bootcamp ( Ha! ;D) to do the hills and Mills on the 26th - I am not ready for that much climbing - so I can ride the helpers' ride (avoiding a repeat of last time's "intimate" encounter of wheels by the post box at Littley Green) and help on the actual ride day.
Post by: psyclist on 16 January, 2019, 12:44:43 pm
Carl is off on a Psychlist bootcamp ( Ha! ;D) to do the hills and Mills on the 26th - I am not ready for that much climbing
It's not the climbing that he should be concerned about (even though the ECE I've planned isn't exactly flat), but the extreme cold that is forecast for that weekend. But don't tell him ;D
Post by: Carlosfandango on 16 January, 2019, 01:54:00 pm
Carl is off on a Psychlist bootcamp ( Ha! ;D) to do the hills and Mills on the 26th - I am not ready for that much climbing
It's not the climbing that he should be concerned about (even though the ECE I've planned isn't exactly flat), but the extreme cold that is forecast for that weekend. But don't tell him ;D
Cool is good for me.
Post by: BFC on 18 January, 2019, 06:08:01 pm
Well, what an extremely busy and successful 'jewel in the crown' ACME Anvil Winter Series ride that was! Thanks Ted and extended team of AUK notiarieties on the day for your processing of such a large field (mostly with low levels of stress ;D )
So, now thoughts turn to the ultimate ride in the series - The Knights Templar Compasses - Saturday 2nd February.
There will be a helpers' ride to offer sacrifices to the weather gods on Saturday 26th January, starting 10am from Witham 'spoons. There will probably be breakfast between 9 and 10. If anyone is interested in joining the helpers' ride and able to offer assistance on the 2nd Feb please let me know via the usual communication methods.
I have had an entry request from a 16-year-young lad wanting to dip his toe in to the slippery slope world of Audax. He'll be riding without parental supervision, although permission will be given. My request is to anyone riding to please introduce yourself to him, offer a friendly face, and watch him disappear in to the distance like the racing whippet he probably is. But if he does happen to ride at a similar pace please show him the ropes of Audax.
I'm planning to turn out on the 26th, see you for breakfast at Weatherspoons, happy to assist on the main ride.
Post by: tedshred on 20 January, 2019, 01:08:15 pm
More importantly, 95 oysters were consumed which is a new record for the event.
I have a pair of yellow Btwin gloves and one sealskinz glove in the lost property box.
It looks as if the Knights Templar will be another well supported ride so get your entries in quickly.
Post by: huggy on 22 January, 2019, 09:05:03 am
So, now thoughts turn to the ultimate ride in the series - The Knights Templar Compasses - Saturday 2nd February.Thanks for the received offers of helping on the ride and day. I have these helper riders for this Saturday @ 10am from ‘spoons:
There will be a helpers' ride to offer sacrifices to the weather gods on Saturday 26th January, starting 10am from Witham 'spoons. There willprobablybe breakfast between 9 and 10. If anyone is interested in joining the helpers' ride and able to offer assistance on the 2nd Feb please let me know via the usual communication methods.
Tomsk
Jem
BFC
Bernster
jibbers
The Strangler
There will be usual Depart & Arrivée roles and stamping at Margaretting. I’m also thinking about making the Purleigh control a checkpoint with a stamp rather than an info to ease the flow through there, if anyone fancies manning that location or about an hour.
Post by: jiberjaber on 22 January, 2019, 09:58:14 am
So, now thoughts turn to the ultimate ride in the series - The Knights Templar Compasses - Saturday 2nd February.Thanks for the received offers of helping on the ride and day. I have these helper riders for this Saturday @ 10am from ‘spoons:
There will be a helpers' ride to offer sacrifices to the weather gods on Saturday 26th January, starting 10am from Witham 'spoons. There willprobablybe breakfast between 9 and 10. If anyone is interested in joining the helpers' ride and able to offer assistance on the 2nd Feb please let me know via the usual communication methods.
Tomsk
Jem
BFC
Bernster
jibbers
The Strangler
There will be usual Depart & Arrivée roles and stamping at Margaretting. I’m also thinking about making the Purleigh control a checkpoint with a stamp rather than an info to ease the flow through there, if anyone fancies manning that location or about an hour.
I can prob provide a control subject to closing times, Marg seems the most appropriate as it's closest, but could do Purleigh potentially... LMK closing times when we next meet...(or I suppose I could look back through a brevet card)
Post by: huggy on 22 January, 2019, 01:57:42 pm
Purleigh 17km 10:20 11:25
Margaretting 37km 10:58 13:05
Post by: jiberjaber on 22 January, 2019, 03:06:08 pm
Control 1 & 2 open times, although Purleigh is officially an info on the brevet so there won’t be open/close times noted for that:
Purleigh 17km 10:20 11:25
Margaretting 37km 10:58 13:05
I can probably man Margaretting via brompton or some such (or even car on way South) :thumbsup:
I guess there may be an early wave start so riders from just after 10:00?
Post by: huggy on 22 January, 2019, 03:43:11 pm
I adjusted the control opening times to account for the 9:30 starters already :)Control 1 & 2 open times, although Purleigh is officially an info on the brevet so there won’t be open/close times noted for that:
Purleigh 17km 10:20 11:25
Margaretting 37km 10:58 13:05
I can probably man Margaretting via brompton or some such (or even car on way South) :thumbsup:
I guess there may be an early wave start so riders from just after 10:00?
Post by: jiberjaber on 22 January, 2019, 05:03:02 pm
Post by: psyclist on 22 January, 2019, 05:51:33 pm
I adjusted the control opening times to account for the 9:30 starters already :)
I guess that confirms there will be no surprise 9am start then ... unless you are keeping it as a surprise ...
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 23 January, 2019, 04:28:53 pm
Post by: huggy on 23 January, 2019, 04:37:11 pm
I'm aiming to get along for the Helpers ride this weekend and I am happy to stamp cards on the day at Purleigh if that is still helpful Huggy.Thanks tippers!
Looks like we have our two control stampers
Purleigh 17km 10:20 11:25 tippers
Margaretting 37km 10:58 13:05 jibbers
:thumbsup:
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 23 January, 2019, 04:38:48 pm
Post by: psyclist on 23 January, 2019, 05:32:51 pm
The AUK sign was up on a pole, but I wasn't wearing cycling gear. So my advice would be to make the control more conspicuous in some way. If only we had a caravan to appropriately deck out ...
Post by: jiberjaber on 23 January, 2019, 05:36:12 pm
Re Margaretting, my experience from last year having stood at the crossroads for half the time was that not every rider stopped for a card stamp. Possibly the riders going past were not on the ride, but they looked suspiciously like audaxers.
The AUK sign was up on a pole, but I wasn't wearing cycling gear. So my advice would be to make the control more conspicuous in some way. If only we had a caravan to appropriately deck out ...
lol - I was planning on parking up my brompton and having an AUK sign on teh back. If they don't stop - then they don't get a stamp (or are just passing through - its a popular route through )
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 23 January, 2019, 05:54:48 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 23 January, 2019, 06:05:34 pm
Based on my experiences at Pebmarsh a few will require shouting at and a few will probably miss me. An AUK sign and and ACME Sign will be up I reckon.
I'm planning on being in ACME gear - should be easy enough to spot :)
Post by: BFC on 25 January, 2019, 08:36:14 am
Post by: drossall on 26 January, 2019, 06:02:31 pm
Post by: huggy on 27 January, 2019, 02:45:57 pm
On the Helpers' ride yesterday we decided to try the Maldon bypass road as an option to going through he town centre and climb up Market Hill. It's a bit of drag but perfectly acceptable if you want to avoid the town traffic. Two GPX files are included in the instruction email, choose the one you'd like to follow.
The ACME Spiritual Home Compasses at Littley Green is expecting a lot of you to stop there for lunch and will serve you as quickly as possible; budget for an hour stop. I recommend you order from the quick to prepare huffer menu, fish & chips, chilli or curry, e.g. not something pastry based that takes longer to cook. Other food opportunities are noted on the info sheet if riding past the Compasses as it is not a control point.
Look forward to seeing 120+ of you on Saturday :thumbsup:
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 27 January, 2019, 03:39:58 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 27 January, 2019, 06:51:07 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 27 January, 2019, 06:51:54 pm
Six set off: Organiser Huggy, BFC, The Straggler, jiberjaber, tippers kiwi & myself; tippers nearly made it round, but turned left for an early finish. The usual Essex moton rude/lazy/thoughtless behaviour at times. Tubeless 'incidents': two of tippers requiring a stop for attention and a slowly deflating jibers front tyre just made it back. No plans to retire the Durano Plusses as yet ...
Lots of down time, with an hour for a 'spoons breakfast, about 1h20 at the Compasses for lunch too. So much warmer than last weekend, but still longs and gloves needed. A touch of drizzle at times, but only properly wet for the last hour on my way home.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 29 January, 2019, 02:36:10 pm
This is only the second time I have ridden the route and I mentioned to Huggy a couple of times the changes since the first running (taking out the A414 from Maldon to Danbury) and staying on the South side of the A120 make it a super lovely route.
Post by: jiberjaber on 29 January, 2019, 03:05:19 pm
Happy with my tubeless setup, some sort of puncture within the last 6km took the pressure down from 55 to circa 35psi but still more than enough to see me back to the Arrivee - I didn't bother trying to put any air in as whilst it was soft and bouncy when out of the saddle it was still OK to ride on. When I attended to it on Sunday the pressure was at 20psi, I took a look around the tyre - there's some big slices in there but no evidence of which might be the culprit.... I pumped it up to it's max 70psi and it's held that since :) Interestingly - there is usualy a tell tail latex type covering under the mudguards but that is conspiuous by it's absence!
Post by: tedshred on 29 January, 2019, 03:27:10 pm
Huggy, Tomsk and OD think that tubeless tyres are some sort of witchcraft. Best leave the old timers to their ways.
Post by: psyclist on 29 January, 2019, 03:36:23 pm
This is only the second time I have ridden the route and I mentioned to Huggy a couple of times the changes since the first running (taking out the A414 from Maldon to Danbury) and staying on the South side of the A120 make it a super lovely route.
Likewise I enjoyed the revised route much better.
Weather looking good for Saturday, but need to see how quickly the roads clear after the snow. I might be riding the tank rather than the whippet.
Post by: huggy on 29 January, 2019, 03:39:54 pm
Jiberusing a tube would have been a quicker fix on Saturday, just sayin :P
Huggy, Tomsk and OD think that tubeless tyres are some sort of witchcraft. Best leave the old timers to their ways.
Post by: Tomsk on 29 January, 2019, 07:13:21 pm
Jiber
Huggy, Tomsk and OD think that tubeless tyres are some sort of witchcraft. Best leave the old timers to their ways.
;D Modern 'old school' tyres n'tube [eg anything Schwalbe with 'plus' in the name] are so much better than in the bad old days; I'm just grateful I don't have to faff with double inner tubes, tuffy tape etc [and even then glass, flints etc got through and then abraded the threads from the inside, between the kevlar tape and the tyre]. Michelin World Tour in 27" x 1.25" was nice easy rolling rubber but woefully fragile, so you ended up with a ton of reinforcement to get them to work in the real world.
Post by: ElyDave on 29 January, 2019, 07:43:20 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 29 January, 2019, 08:23:57 pm
Physio says nothing significantly wrong now, all niggles from building back up to where I was. Will take a while, but no reason not to have a bash this weekend.
Thats great news Dave :thumbsup:
Post by: Oscar's dad on 30 January, 2019, 02:56:42 pm
Post by: Jem on 30 January, 2019, 03:24:10 pm
Assuming it isn't icy (forecast looks OK at the moment) I plan to start Saturday's ride. If anyone fancies a slow pootle round you're welcome to provide me with a wheel to follow :thumbsup:
I plan to start.
I do not plan to provide anyone with a wind, rain or snow break.
However, I do plan to put into practice again my newly found Turn Left skill at the first sign of ice, snow, wind, rain or - and more likely - a warm dry cafe or pub. ;D
Post by: Oscar's dad on 30 January, 2019, 03:55:27 pm
Assuming it isn't icy (forecast looks OK at the moment) I plan to start Saturday's ride. If anyone fancies a slow pootle round you're welcome to provide me with a wheel to follow :thumbsup:
I plan to start.
I do not plan to provide anyone with a wind, rain or snow break.
However, I do plan to put into practice again my newly found Turn Left skill at the first sign of ice, snow, wind, rain or - and more likely - a warm dry cafe or pub. ;D
OK, we'll share the wind breaking duties. And if there's any turning left required I'll be right on your wheel.
Post by: Tomsk on 30 January, 2019, 05:45:36 pm
Assuming it isn't icy (forecast looks OK at the moment) I plan to start Saturday's ride. If anyone fancies a slow pootle round you're welcome to provide me with a wheel to follow :thumbsup:
I plan to start.
I do not plan to provide anyone with a wind, rain or snow break.
However, I do plan to put into practice again my newly found Turn Left skill at the first sign of ice, snow, wind, rain or - and more likely - a warm dry cafe or pub. ;D
Hmmm ... Compasses abound on this ride ... ;D
Post by: drossall on 30 January, 2019, 10:43:00 pm
Post by: Jem on 31 January, 2019, 09:05:51 am
Assuming it isn't icy (forecast looks OK at the moment) I plan to start Saturday's ride. If anyone fancies a slow pootle round you're welcome to provide me with a wheel to follow :thumbsup:
I plan to start.
I do not plan to provide anyone with a wind, rain or snow break.
However, I do plan to put into practice again my newly found Turn Left skill at the first sign of ice, snow, wind, rain or - and more likely - a warm dry cafe or pub. ;D
Hmmm ... Compasses abound on this ride ... ;D
I might be making it a dash from one to the other - if I get out of the Spoons.....
Post by: wilkyboy on 31 January, 2019, 09:57:21 am
Although given the temperature this morning I might not! ::-)
Post by: psyclist on 31 January, 2019, 10:24:52 am
I might ECE this :thumbsup:
When I ECE events that are a long way away, I sometimes drive the first bit to get closer and then do a 50+km ride from the car to the calendar event start and back. Given the weather forecast, this might be something that would work for you ... or you could get the train down to Bishop's Stortford or similar and ride from there.
I'll be ECEing this one, sticking to gritted roads. On the proviso that tomorrow's snow has cleared.
Post by: wilkyboy on 31 January, 2019, 10:29:07 am
I might ECE this :thumbsup:
When I ECE events that are a long way away, I sometimes drive the first bit to get closer and then do a 50+km ride from the car to the calendar event start and back. Given the weather forecast, this might be something that would work for you ... or you could get the train down to Bishop's Stortford or similar and ride from there.
I'll be ECEing this one, sticking to gritted roads. On the proviso that tomorrow's snow has cleared.
I always try to leave the car at home for "local" events, seems only fair to those I've left behind.
BS would be workable, but whenever I've looked at the timetables, I always think it would save not as much time as one would've thought, by the time I've connected both ends ::-)
Post by: ElyDave on 31 January, 2019, 06:10:35 pm
I got myself up to 165 for the day in the summer, riding to/from a Mildenhall event, so it's not much further, need to do more fettling of the back first though
Post by: grams on 01 February, 2019, 09:31:01 am
Don't suppose anyone's going from North Herts way? The rail engineering has put a spanner in my wheel. I'll get there anyway, but I'd like to leave the car for my wife if I can.
If you can get yourself to Finsbury Park or thereabouts for 8-ish I can take you.
Post by: drossall on 01 February, 2019, 01:12:08 pm
I'll PM with a mobile in case that helps.
Post by: Nim on 01 February, 2019, 01:35:36 pm
Does anyone have local information on conditions? The forecast's just got a bit better again, I think, so that a couple of degrees above would probably melt anything. Could be a day for fixed...I'm in the same position, wavering on a DNS depending on ice tomorrow morning as I'm doing an ECE starting at early o' clock from east London.
Would be really helpful to have some local mid-Essex knowledge of conditions on the ground. :)
Ps: is it not always a day for fixed?!
Post by: psyclist on 01 February, 2019, 01:50:01 pm
Would be really helpful to have some local mid-Essex knowledge of conditions on the ground. :)
In the west of the mid-Essex area (30km west of Witham), the roads are clear, just damp. The covering of snow on the grass from last night has been melting and not much left.
The big question is what happens tonight and how cold it gets. Some snow is forecast, but temps might hover just above 0. At the moment I'm planning to depart on my ECE just after 6am, sticking to gritted roads all the way to Witham.
Post by: wilkyboy on 01 February, 2019, 02:18:30 pm
At the moment I'm planning to depart on my ECE just after 6am, sticking to gritted roads all the way to Witham.
6.30 départ for me — last time the run from Cambridge to Witham took 2h45, so even a tardy 3h15 would still be 9.45am arrival. Not specifically aiming for gritted roads, although I'll be riding in very straight lines and trying not to lean the bike over at all — it's looking like a day for a delicate feel with the grip.
Ps: is it not always a day for fixed?!
Absolutely :thumbsup:
Post by: jiberjaber on 01 February, 2019, 03:46:38 pm
My recommendation would be if you decide you want to ride in then to use gritted roads. You can see the Essex network of grited routes at the following link:
https://www.essexhighways.org/roads-and-pavements/winter-travel/salting-routes.aspx
The following twitter account is good for general forecasting across the essex area
https://twitter.com/EssexWeather
Gritter updates:
https://twitter.com/essexhighways
And the ACME twitter account (usualy) retweets the local gritter status as well.
https://twitter.com/ACME_Essex
Post by: BFC on 01 February, 2019, 03:51:21 pm
Does anyone have local information on conditions? The forecast's just got a bit better again, I think, so that a couple of degrees above would probably melt anything. Could be a day for fixed...I'm in the same position, wavering on a DNS depending on ice tomorrow morning as I'm doing an ECE starting at early o' clock from east London.
Would be really helpful to have some local mid-Essex knowledge of conditions on the ground. :)
Ps: is it not always a day for fixed?!
Planning to ride home tonight (6 pm depart) from Chelmsford, heading south west , down to Purleigh and back to Witham on the reverse of the route.
Will update sometime after getting home - stopping at a pub on the way is to be expected.
Post by: tedshred on 01 February, 2019, 03:53:49 pm
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 01 February, 2019, 04:42:53 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 01 February, 2019, 04:54:24 pm
... and cursed with a strengthening headwind home again :facepalm:
Post by: Nim on 01 February, 2019, 05:17:04 pm
My ECE is a gritted roads route out to Finchingfield and looping back - will see how things develop. Crying off definitely an option, though hopefully will see you all tomorrow.
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Post by: drossall on 01 February, 2019, 10:02:04 pm
Post by: BFC on 01 February, 2019, 10:25:46 pm
Wet but no signs of ice, snow or slush.
It has stopped raining as well, surplus water on the roads should drain away. Predicted temperature (Metcheck for postcode CM8) does not indicate significant frost risk.
Post by: wilkyboy on 02 February, 2019, 06:12:17 am
On the flip side, I'm sure there are Brownie points to be earned from an unexpected extra day around the house :thumbsup:
Good luck to everyone who's riding — hopefully being closer to the equator means you'll be riding in warmer, safer conditions ;)
Post by: ElyDave on 02 February, 2019, 06:29:08 am
I'm driving, and will judge it when I get there, if it looks iffy I'll not start, don't fancy breaking something again on my first decent ride.
On another note, WB, could I pick you up on the way through?
Post by: wilkyboy on 02 February, 2019, 06:54:20 am
On another note, WB, could I pick you up on the way through?
Thank you for the offer, Dave. I'm already looking forward to going back to bed, so this time I'll pass.
Post by: jiberjaber on 02 February, 2019, 08:58:12 am
Post by: Phil W on 02 February, 2019, 09:17:15 am
Aaargh! It snowed overnight in Cambridge and the temperature is about -4°C, so it has all frozen, even where it melted — I nearly fell over a dozen times just walking up our lane, the entire surface is a skating rink. It's not a day for an ECE for me, my touch isn't quite gentle enough for these conditions, and Mrs WB needs the car, so it looks like I'm out ::-)
On the flip side, I'm sure there are Brownie points to be earned from an unexpected extra day around the house :thumbsup:
Good luck to everyone who's riding — hopefully being closer to the equator means you'll be riding in warmer, safer conditions ;)
Wise choice, especially in a PBP year where you don't want to be missing qualifiers due to injury.
Post by: huggy on 02 February, 2019, 11:16:15 am
(plus 5 helpers from last week who enjoyed just slightly higher temperatures)
Post by: Oscar's dad on 02 February, 2019, 02:05:46 pm
85 brevets counted out on the road, from an entry of 141, look forward to counting 85 back in this afternoon!
(plus 5 helpers from last week who enjoyed just slightly higher temperatures)
You’re moist welcome to count my brevet ;D
Post by: Nik's Nick on 02 February, 2019, 04:35:36 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 02 February, 2019, 05:56:21 pm
It was hard work with a pretty strong wind (not me vicar) and very low temperatures, as low as 0.5 according to Garmin. Feet were numb from about 30km into it, body varying between sweaty as the sun came out to chuffing cold as it disappeared again. I didn't do a pub stop, preferring to just keep riding as it was so cold I wanted to avoid the painful feet of warming up followed by the re-chilling.
As a first long ride in 3 months, it was sub-par by my usual expectations, but fulfilled the "just get round" requirement. Fracture site only complained once when I got out of the saddle on a hill, back was niggly all day, just to be expected, and the hip flexors complained from about 75km. Overall though it was just what I needed mentally, to know I can still do it and to put some of the nervousness to bed.
As usual a great even from ACME, nice clear route and cheerfull checkpoints even in the cold. Thanks very much organising team.
Post by: alotronic on 02 February, 2019, 06:58:42 pm
Special thanks to Nik, Ian and Jason standing around in the fecking cold stamping cards - above and beyond!
Post by: grams on 02 February, 2019, 07:29:24 pm
I was amazed at the size of the 9:30 group I saw leaving when I was driving into town - that must have been more than half the field. The 10:00 start was very quiet in comparison. Maybe I should have got there earlier...
Thanks all organisers and helpers, especially the ones standing out in the cold!
Post by: orejas on 02 February, 2019, 11:50:35 pm
Post by: psyclist on 03 February, 2019, 08:30:17 am
Loopy gritted road ECE via Thaxsted in the morning was good, and informed my decision to shed a layer at Witham, as it wasn’t really that cold. Then it was quick progress round to Margaretting, and a steady plod up to the Compasses for a well earned huffer. The afternoon felt cooler, but some further lovely lanes helped the ride to pass pleasantly back to Witham. The return ECE into the wind was a grind, but temps were still ok, dipping to 0 towards the end, so really it just needed some steady pacing to return home.
Much admiration for tippers, jibers and BFC for stamping duties in rather cool and blowy conditions. Huge thanks for Huggy, Tomsk and mini-Huggy for their desk duties in the warmth and cordial environment of the spoons, and for putting on a ride which has such good lanes despite being suitable for the winter series.
Post by: Deano4 on 03 February, 2019, 11:17:40 am
I didn’t make things easy though, I said I would leave with 09:30 starters as I arrived at the spoons way too early but ended up leaving at 10:00 with Jem, Chris and the usual ACME crew, so I was already half an hour behind time and there was quite a bit of headwind to deal with.
Luckily though the roads were ice free and just a bit wet. Good progress was made past the first three controls, finally got to have a Tippers‘ motorcycle and a busy lunch st The Compasses. There was some talk of cutting the ride short here and heading back to the spoons but the Audax spirit prevailed for most of our group and we continued to follow the route back to the finish.
That said one of group did have a gear cable snap but an adjustment to the limit screws on the derailleur enabled everyone to finish... in time!
Thanks to ACME for organising and standing out in the cold which I’m sure was more difficult than riding.
Post by: the straggler on 04 February, 2019, 10:24:23 pm
Just shouted a quick word of encouragement to/at The Straggler as he passed through Coggeshall...
Nick, cheers for your greeting and for giving way to me and the Big Saxon at the road narrowing :thumbsup:......I nearly mistaken it for something else.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 05 February, 2019, 11:32:59 am
Post by: Bernster on 05 February, 2019, 02:34:46 pm
Looking forward to some warmer weather now, and some more cycling both in Essex and beyond :thumbsup:
Post by: ElyDave on 05 February, 2019, 05:41:03 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 27 May, 2019, 08:46:01 pm
Post by: huggy on 27 May, 2019, 08:49:33 pm
We need to start planning the 2019/20 ACME Anvil Winter Series, folks ...The usual November and February rides have been submitted to the event planner for the first Saturday of the month.
Post by: Tomsk on 28 May, 2019, 07:38:18 am
We need to start planning the 2019/20 ACME Anvil Winter Series, folks ...The usual November and February rides have been submitted to the event planner for the first Saturday of the month.
:thumbsup:
Post by: tedshred on 28 May, 2019, 09:25:07 am
It will still have all the old favourites - the high peaks of Mid-Essex, oysters in Mersea and a pub that isn't a Spoons - but should have less over-distance and a nicer route into Colchester.
Post by: drossall on 28 May, 2019, 06:45:33 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 28 May, 2019, 07:38:34 pm
I am working on a new improved version of the Oyster for January.
It will still have all the old favourites - the high peaks of Mid-Essex, oysters in Mersea and a pub that isn't a Spoons - but should have less over-distance and a nicer route into Colchester.
Sounds good! What sort of weather have you organised?
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 28 May, 2019, 08:06:45 pm
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Post by: tedshred on 29 May, 2019, 12:37:34 pm
Sounds good! What sort of weather have you organised?
Don't be so ridiculous, it's far too far away for that. I won't be able to let you have an accurate forecast until at least the start of July.
Having called in at the wildlife Trust place at fringinghoe, it could make a nice control? It is an opportunity to warm up before a chilled oyster at Mersea.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
If I ever find the time, that might feature on my Gravelly Oyster alternative route as there are some nice bike trails around there. It's just not very far from Mersea.
Post by: psyclist on 29 May, 2019, 12:40:20 pm
that might feature on my Gravelly Oyster alternative route as there are some nice bike trails around there
That sounds very interesting, especially if there's scope for other similar 'excursions' elsewhere on the route
Post by: tedshred on 29 May, 2019, 12:49:03 pm
I just need to get the A&S out of the way and I can get back to exploring the options.
If anyone else knows of any decent (and lawful) off road routes in the vicinity of the ride let me know. So far, I have a bit around Pebmarsh, a nice section between Stanway and (almost) Mersea via Fingringhoe and a few odds and sods. There is also the option of the Maldon rail trail on the way back.
Post by: psyclist on 29 May, 2019, 01:37:26 pm
If anyone else knows of any decent (and lawful) off road routes in the vicinity of the ride let me know. So far, I have a bit around Pebmarsh, a nice section between Stanway and (almost) Mersea via Fingringhoe and a few odds and sods. There is also the option of the Maldon rail trail on the way back.
I presume you're aware of the Essex PRoW interactive map at https://www.essexhighways.org/getting-around/public-rights-of-way/prow-interactive-map.aspx (https://www.essexhighways.org/getting-around/public-rights-of-way/prow-interactive-map.aspx)
I've had a check and apart from one or two short-ish tracks there doesn't seem to be much beyond the places you've identified. But then I'm not hugely familiar with the area, so others might have other suggestions. I do like the idea of having alternative options taking us off the usual route for some adventure.
I'd be happy to check out the proposed off-road sections at some point over the next few months.
Post by: Tomsk on 20 October, 2019, 03:05:03 pm
BFC has already offered to be on bidon-filling duties at Thremhall, as the cafe will be short-staffed - one of the ladies is getting married. I've already negotiated a simplified menu to [I hope] keep things running smoothly. Other cafe options are available and will be detailed in the rider information, of course.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 20 October, 2019, 03:44:34 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 20 October, 2019, 07:52:49 pm
A provisional yes, I’ll know for sure nearer the time.
:thumbsup: Maybe 4 of us on the Helpers' Ride then, BFC, OD, The Other Legendary Jane*, me.
* CC Sudbury Jane
Post by: Oscar's dad on 21 October, 2019, 11:32:55 am
A provisional yes, I’ll know for sure nearer the time.
:thumbsup: Maybe 4 of us on the Helpers' Ride then, BFC, OD, The Other Legendary Jane*, me.
* CC Sudbury Jane
Possibly! Fred is getting some upgrades so some tester rides might be useful.
Post by: huggy on 21 October, 2019, 06:39:39 pm
Due to RL getting in the way, I will be planning to ride the 3R's on the 3rd November.
Post by: ElyDave on 27 October, 2019, 10:09:50 am
have fun chaps!
Post by: psyclist on 27 October, 2019, 12:14:22 pm
Will there be a 9:30 start in addition to the 10:00 start?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 27 October, 2019, 06:02:58 pm
A provisional yes, I’ll know for sure nearer the time.
:thumbsup: Maybe 4 of us on the Helpers' Ride then, BFC, OD, The Other Legendary Jane*, me.
* CC Sudbury Jane
Oh burger. The Mighty Oak are having their free beer extravaganza on Saturday 7th December. I need to attend as we have the MiL coming for Christmas and I shall need to order copious amounts of beer by way of a coping strategy.
Post by: Carlosfandango on 28 October, 2019, 02:20:04 pm
A provisional yes, I’ll know for sure nearer the time.
:thumbsup: Maybe 4 of us on the Helpers' Ride then, BFC, OD, The Other Legendary Jane*, me.
* CC Sudbury Jane
Oh burger. The Mighty Oak are having their free beer extravaganza on Saturday 7th December. I need to attend as we have the MiL coming for Christmas and I shall need to order copious amounts of beer by way of a coping strategy.
Quite understandable, I suspect drinking is the only way she'll cope with seeing you all Christmas, poor Woman.
Post by: huggy on 28 October, 2019, 03:54:00 pm
Before the SAE there is of course the Essex 3R's opportunity for volunteering to route check and sit in 'spoons most of the day on 2nd November. This year there will be an exciting diversion around the Mundon Road closure.Organiser's route check will now be Friday 1st November starting 10am-ish from 'spoons, quite probably after doing some QA on their breakfast menu.
Due to RL getting in the way, I will be planning to ride the 3R's on the3rd November.
Will there be a 9:30 start in addition to the 10:00 start?Yes. The current field will be 60+ riders so worth staggering the start.
Post by: Tomsk on 29 October, 2019, 08:13:51 am
Oh burger. The Mighty Oak are having their free beer extravaganza on Saturday 7th December. I need to attend as we have the MiL coming for Christmas and I shall need to order copious amounts of beer by way of a coping strategy.
So ... join the Helpers' Ride on 30th November? After setting everyone off on 7th Dec, I shall tootle down to Maldon myself for some Christmas beer ordering. :thumbsup:
Post by: wilkyboy on 29 October, 2019, 09:04:54 am
SAE is still a long way off, but the presumption would be that I'll ride that too :thumbsup:
Post by: Oscar's dad on 29 October, 2019, 09:40:32 am
Oh burger. The Mighty Oak are having their free beer extravaganza on Saturday 7th December. I need to attend as we have the MiL coming for Christmas and I shall need to order copious amounts of beer by way of a coping strategy.
So ... join the Helpers' Ride on 30th November? After setting everyone off on 7th Dec, I shall tootle down to Maldon myself for some Christmas beer ordering. :thumbsup:
Yes, maybe. November is starting to look a bit hectic so I will have to confirm nearer the time.
Post by: Martin on 30 October, 2019, 11:19:39 am
Post by: huggy on 30 October, 2019, 11:41:30 am
I'm up for the Stansted Airport Express. Looking at the return ECE is the parallel route to the A12 OK in the evening?The cycle path along the A12 is fine, some places it diverts away to rejoin later such as through Kelvedon. There are a number of junctions to cross and fuel station forecourt entry/exits to be aware of but just apply normal care, don't usually need to stop rolling.
At least going north you'll have the prevailing drag from the traffic to help you along!
Post by: Martin on 30 October, 2019, 11:48:38 am
Ingatestone station looks like a good place to start to make almost 100k back to Clapham Junction
Post by: bhoot on 30 October, 2019, 12:03:21 pm
Post by: Martin on 30 October, 2019, 01:09:31 pm
https://goo.gl/maps/Kyyk9NdHHZxdJnpi6
Post by: psyclist on 30 October, 2019, 06:02:19 pm
actually If I get up early enough I could train out to Goodmayes and do this both ways, any good?
https://goo.gl/maps/Kyyk9NdHHZxdJnpi6
The 17 min slower route looks a lot nicer than the direct route. However, I would suggest going to either Romford or Brentwood/Shenfield, and do a more circuitous route to the south east of your routes, and perhaps north of that route on the way back for variety. Assuming you’ll be using a mandatory route, that would give you options to ride on quieter roads, if that’s your preference.
Post by: wilkyboy on 31 October, 2019, 02:09:12 pm
Post by: Martin on 31 October, 2019, 03:07:57 pm
I'm up for the Stansted Airport Express. Looking at the return ECE is the parallel route to the A12 OK in the evening?The cycle path along the A12 is fine, some places it diverts away to rejoin later such as through Kelvedon. There are a number of junctions to cross and fuel station forecourt entry/exits to be aware of but just apply normal care, don't usually need to stop rolling.
At least going north you'll have the prevailing drag from the traffic to help you along!
I can't see the cyclepath along the A12, which sections does it cover?
Post by: bhoot on 31 October, 2019, 03:56:54 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 31 October, 2019, 06:43:17 pm
Post by: bobb on 31 October, 2019, 07:40:55 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 31 October, 2019, 08:28:25 pm
Post by: huggy on 31 October, 2019, 09:50:14 pm
Route optimisation this way is an option on the 3Rs final run-in to Witham from HP ;) ...Shorter yes, but not as quiet and scenic :P
Post by: wilkyboy on 31 October, 2019, 10:05:52 pm
Route optimisation this way is an option on the 3Rs final run-in to Witham from HP ;) ...Shorter yes, but not as quiet and scenic :P
But explains how Tomsk arrived five minutes earlier than the rest of us last year, even though we'd passed him just before HP ::-)
Post by: phil dubya on 01 November, 2019, 02:20:40 pm
Is it just me, or is it looking windy for Saturday? ::-)For sure, it is. Definitely will require 2 bulldog clips to hold the route sheet tomorrow!
Post by: wilkyboy on 01 November, 2019, 02:39:10 pm
Is it just me, or is it looking windy for Saturday? ::-)For sure, it is. Definitely will require 2 bulldog clips to hold the route sheet tomorrow!
Two — really? One has been more than enough, even in 80mph winds on the tops of Welsh hills (I kid ye not).
Post by: psyclist on 01 November, 2019, 06:27:27 pm
Post by: huggy on 01 November, 2019, 06:36:34 pm
Feels very mild this evening. I've decided that multiple thin layers will be the order of the day tomorrow, not the full winter setup.Rode the route check today, felt very warm all the way round. I was in 3/4 bibs, LS base layer, SS jersey & rain jacket.
Temperatures look similar tomorrow with a character building breeze.
Post by: Tomsk on 01 November, 2019, 07:25:42 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 01 November, 2019, 07:31:47 pm
Mild ... but wet ... and windy ... hmmm. A well stocked saddlebag of alternative layers I think.
And spare, dry socks.
Post by: D on 02 November, 2019, 01:41:55 pm
Post by: bobb on 02 November, 2019, 05:54:15 pm
Mild ... but wet ... and windy ... hmmm. A well stocked saddlebag of alternative layers I think.
And spare, dry socks.
And spare gloves! At the last minute I stuck an extra pair of gloves in my saddle bag before setting off. Good job I did as I stopped for a hedge stop and dropped the gloves I was wearing into a massive puddle absolutely soaking them! No bother, I just whipped out my spares :)
The heavy rain early on was pretty grim, but after that it was fine. An enjoyable ride :thumbsup:
Post by: Tomsk on 03 November, 2019, 05:10:36 pm
A lovely Dunmow Velo club-run in the sunshine this morning, with mahoosive dense and rich slice of fig, hazelnut and chocolate cake at the Blue Egg; it felt very indulgent after the rather spartan gourmet experience yesterday, though if I'd done a luxury cafe stop I probably wouldn't have ventured out again!.
Post by: Martin on 03 November, 2019, 05:45:04 pm
actually If I get up early enough I could train out to Goodmayes and do this both ways, any good?
https://goo.gl/maps/Kyyk9NdHHZxdJnpi6
The 17 min slower route looks a lot nicer than the direct route. However, I would suggest going to either Romford or Brentwood/Shenfield, and do a more circuitous route to the south east of your routes, and perhaps north of that route on the way back for variety. Assuming you’ll be using a mandatory route, that would give you options to ride on quieter roads, if that’s your preference.
as I have 4 hours to get 74k I might as well ride all the way from London; so it will be the most direct route. Sorry but Essex roads in the early morning are probably better than early evening especially in December
Post by: Slimline Saxon on 03 November, 2019, 06:35:24 pm
Cold wet legs to start with, then everything warms up, Market Hill Maldon woke up the legs with the weight of saturated clothes to add to the winter bike . Arrived at Latchingdon on target, hot drink and food then targeted arrival time for Stock, again spot on, the cafe said they were closing at 4pm, the time we had scheduled to leave anyway, so perfect timing and we had tea and cake whilst they swept up around us.
Having found 5p at Latchingdon I picked up £1 at Stock, which bought Raymond a Yorkie Bar at Danbury. Took a leap of faith descending North Hill at speed then back to Wetherspoons for food, drink and stimulating conversation with the ACME group. I have witnesses that I bought Raymond a drink.
Thanks as always to my adopted team for organising the event, Stansted Express next in the Winter Series, but in between I am supporting John Thompson's Waveney Wander 100km on 24th November, so may see others there.
Post by: psyclist on 03 November, 2019, 06:44:09 pm
Raymond and me were among the 25 starters
I think in total there was at least double that number. A few set off in earlier waves, having the pleasure of some dry riding before the deluge struck. It passed by quickly enough, and the ride back from Stock was most enjoyable.
Post by: rob on 03 November, 2019, 07:22:14 pm
actually If I get up early enough I could train out to Goodmayes and do this both ways, any good?
https://goo.gl/maps/Kyyk9NdHHZxdJnpi6
The 17 min slower route looks a lot nicer than the direct route. However, I would suggest going to either Romford or Brentwood/Shenfield, and do a more circuitous route to the south east of your routes, and perhaps north of that route on the way back for variety. Assuming you’ll be using a mandatory route, that would give you options to ride on quieter roads, if that’s your preference.
as I have 4 hours to get 74k I might as well ride all the way from London; so it will be the most direct route. Sorry but Essex roads in the early morning are probably better than early evening especially in December
Thinking of riding from home - circa 80k for me so I might see you somewhere along the route. This might be my first ever ECE.
Post by: Slimline Saxon on 03 November, 2019, 09:05:09 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 25 November, 2019, 03:39:56 pm
Breakfast, lunch and a drink at the finish are on me, for those helping on the 7th - though hangers on, DIY-ers and so on will of course be welcome to ride too.
Post by: jiberjaber on 25 November, 2019, 04:13:22 pm
Helpers' Ride for The Stansted Airport Express, this Saturday, 30th November, starting at 09:30 from the Battesford Court.
Breakfast, lunch and a drink at the finish are on me, for those helping on the 7th - though hangers on, DIY-ers and so on will of course be welcome to ride too.
For some reason I thought you were riding this Friday?
Post by: huggy on 25 November, 2019, 04:29:44 pm
Helpers' Ride for The Stansted Airport Express, this Saturday, 30th November, starting at 09:30 from the Battesford Court.I'll be there for the ride on the 30th and helping on the 7th.
Breakfast, lunch and a drink at the finish are on me, for those helping on the 7th - though hangers on, DIY-ers and so on will of course be welcome to ride too.
For some reason I thought you were riding this Friday?We did the 3R's helpers ride on a Friday, maybe you're remembering that one
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 25 November, 2019, 04:50:16 pm
Helpers' Ride for The Stansted Airport Express, this Saturday, 30th November, starting at 09:30 from the Battesford Court.I'm planning to join you, if this cold ever goes away.
Breakfast, lunch and a drink at the finish are on me, for those helping on the 7th - though hangers on, DIY-ers and so on will of course be welcome to ride too.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Post by: jiberjaber on 25 November, 2019, 04:59:04 pm
Helpers' Ride for The Stansted Airport Express, this Saturday, 30th November, starting at 09:30 from the Battesford Court.I'll be there for the ride on the 30th and helping on the 7th.
Breakfast, lunch and a drink at the finish are on me, for those helping on the 7th - though hangers on, DIY-ers and so on will of course be welcome to ride too.For some reason I thought you were riding this Friday?We did the 3R's helpers ride on a Friday, maybe you're remembering that one
Yes perhaps I'm confused, I was wondering how the transition from OD's winter bivvy to helps ride was going to work :)
Post by: psyclist on 25 November, 2019, 05:12:59 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 25 November, 2019, 06:51:24 pm
Post by: rob on 25 November, 2019, 09:40:38 pm
Post by: BFC on 25 November, 2019, 11:21:02 pm
Helpers' Ride for The Stansted Airport Express, this Saturday, 30th November, starting at 09:30 from the Battesford Court.
Breakfast, lunch and a drink at the finish are on me, for those helping on the 7th - though hangers on, DIY-ers and so on will of course be welcome to ride too.
I'll be riding on the 30th, expecting to drive out to Thremhall Park Cafe on the 7th.
Post by: psyclist on 26 November, 2019, 06:39:09 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 29 November, 2019, 05:40:30 pm
The advantage of the latter, if used for an icy morning on the main event, is that only one checkpoint/receipt is needed, in Finchingfield. Simples. If things haven't thawed by the afternoon, then you can B-road it to Thaxted and back via Bardfield and Braintree for not too many bonus kms.
We'll see what tomorrow brings ...
Post by: BFC on 29 November, 2019, 07:57:31 pm
Temperature dropped to -1.6C in Terling (it's always the coldest bit of my commute) according to the Garmin, which to be fair reads low.
I may roll out tomorrow on the spikey tyres, see how chilly it feels before setting off. I also live near enough for a change of bike or wheels - the spikey tyres are rather noisey for a group ride, and a bloody hard work. Also could do a solo route check for the normal route on the spikes whilst those riding on rubber try an Icy option if it's that bad.
As covered by Tonsk, Dancing Dicks Lane is a mudbath following the sugar beet harvest compiegne, although the trucks seem to have moved on to destroying other roads...
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 29 November, 2019, 08:36:19 pm
As covered by Tomsk, Dancing Dicks Lane is a mudbath following the sugar beet harvest compiegne, although the trucks seem to have moved on to destroying other roads...
Also back from a day out. Dancing Dicks isn't so bad now as most of the mud is on me and my bike :D
However, it has been clear all day, and still very clear tonight and even on top of the hill it just just at freezing. I'm playing it by ear tomorrow, now wishing to repeat last years frozen road experience. I'll drop Tomsk a text in teh morning.
Cheers
Post by: jiberjaber on 29 November, 2019, 09:00:13 pm
Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk
Post by: psyclist on 29 November, 2019, 10:33:21 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 01 December, 2019, 05:10:42 pm
Route sheet and information updated. All updated on AUKweb and also emailed out to riders - currently the start sheet is standing at 68 entries, but I expect that to rise this week, depending on how the forecast goes ...
Post by: BFC on 05 December, 2019, 02:19:57 pm
Most of the crap has been either washed away or carried away on peoples cars. Surface condition is actually quite good now - it is NCN route 16, so being all tarmac it exceeds my expectation of NCN surface standards.
Post by: BFC on 05 December, 2019, 06:40:58 pm
As of tonights commute, planning to do a check on Dancing Dicks, plan changed when I spotted the close encounters light show and a beet truck trundling out of the junction onto Terling Road.
On past evidence avoid using Blunts Hall Road / Dancing Dicks Lane for 1 to 2 weeks depending on weather.
Note that there is also a heap of beet on Terling Road awaiting colection, however this road is a lot wider to avoid the shit and has a lot more traffic volume to clean it up, or just spread it around and carry it away.
Post by: Tomsk on 05 December, 2019, 07:15:02 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 06 December, 2019, 04:58:44 pm
Post by: Martin on 08 December, 2019, 08:39:54 am
Started the ECE in W6 at the crack of sparrows but after the dubious delights of Oxford St Xmas (definitely not Christmas) illuminations it eventually became light between Ilford and Romford. Then the mundane former / actual A12 / A414 to Chelmsford and one nasty fast section before Boreham to arrive at HQ in time for a couple of espresso fortified cappuccinos.
Superb route! quiet flat or gently rolling lanes almost all the way. As Tomsk predicted, an almost unbroken diet of Ryanair 737s at the northern end. Back to the TripAdvisor "Best pub in Essex" for rehydration and some group therapy with my regular ECE
I just have to have one of those Anvil Grand Slam badges so entry just gone in for the Knights Templar
Thanks Tomsk and all your helpers :thumbsup:
Post by: Bernster on 09 December, 2019, 09:31:21 am
Post by: rob on 09 December, 2019, 11:31:57 am
There's something to be said for 100s. Very civilised way to spend a few hours.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 09 December, 2019, 12:24:20 pm
The event can be summarised as follows...
Turn up at Witham ‘spoons about 0830 to 0900hrs. After breakfast we ride to a lunchtime venue. After lunch we ride to The Compasses, Littley Green for dinner. After dinner there is the infamous After Party. After the After Party there’s camping. After camping there’s the Brew Off on Sunday morning followed by cook your own breakfast followed by going home. The format has been carefully honed over the years and allows participants to dip in and out of the itinerary as their tastes and other commitments dictate.
Dressing up one’s self and one’s bike is encouraged, a bit of a giggle is guaranteed.
If you click on THIS LINK (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=109627.175) (refer to post 199 on page eight) you can see more detail and the subsequent posts will keep you informed as the plan unfolds. ted, this year’s organiser, will appreciate you expressing an interest in the luncheon element of the endeavour.
Hope to see you there!
Post by: ElyDave on 09 December, 2019, 04:40:28 pm
Also good to meet the usual suspects, and OD, again - memory of a ferret that one!
Post by: Oscar's dad on 09 December, 2019, 04:57:06 pm
Also good to meet the usual suspects, and OD, again - memory of a ferret that one!
;D :-*
Post by: Martin on 11 December, 2019, 04:34:57 pm
We have used the B1002 lots of times outbound in the morning as an ECE route, but only once or twice inbound as we had a much nicer second leg going across to Harlow and picking up a London train from there. Watch out for Chelmsford, our avoidance route both ways was Galleywood, Great Baddow, Boreham having tried the return along the main road once at end of shopping time (never again)
The A414 was indeed horrible in the morning, will be starting from London Bridge in February which is about 10k shorter so will take that way.
There doesn't seem to be any way of avoiding the short section of A12 between Hatfield Peveril and Witham (not even a cycle path)
Post by: huggy on 11 December, 2019, 04:43:31 pm
There doesn't seem to be any way of avoiding the short section of A12 between Hatfield Peveril and Witham (not even a cycle path)There is a cycle path on both sides of the A12 between Hatfield Perverel and Witham, or you could use the lane route on this Essex 3R's track from 101km - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31272685
Post by: jiberjaber on 11 December, 2019, 04:53:32 pm
We have used the B1002 lots of times outbound in the morning as an ECE route, but only once or twice inbound as we had a much nicer second leg going across to Harlow and picking up a London train from there. Watch out for Chelmsford, our avoidance route both ways was Galleywood, Great Baddow, Boreham having tried the return along the main road once at end of shopping time (never again)
The A414 was indeed horrible in the morning, will be starting from London Bridge in February which is about 10k shorter so will take that way.
There doesn't seem to be any way of avoiding the short section of A12 between Hatfield Peveril and Witham (not even a cycle path)
I did mention the cycle path a while back but perhaps I am on an ignore list...
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=105450.msg2439761#msg2439761
Always happy to help with local info in and around Chelmsford. :thumbsup:
Post by: Martin on 11 December, 2019, 06:11:10 pm
We have used the B1002 lots of times outbound in the morning as an ECE route, but only once or twice inbound as we had a much nicer second leg going across to Harlow and picking up a London train from there. Watch out for Chelmsford, our avoidance route both ways was Galleywood, Great Baddow, Boreham having tried the return along the main road once at end of shopping time (never again)
The A414 was indeed horrible in the morning, will be starting from London Bridge in February which is about 10k shorter so will take that way.
There doesn't seem to be any way of avoiding the short section of A12 between Hatfield Peveril and Witham (not even a cycle path)
I did mention the cycle path a while back but perhaps I am on an ignore list...
No you're not :) it didn't seem very obvious on the way in although it was on the way back, will look harder next time thanks (and will be going back via the event route to make it up to 200)
Post by: jiberjaber on 11 December, 2019, 06:13:41 pm
We have used the B1002 lots of times outbound in the morning as an ECE route, but only once or twice inbound as we had a much nicer second leg going across to Harlow and picking up a London train from there. Watch out for Chelmsford, our avoidance route both ways was Galleywood, Great Baddow, Boreham having tried the return along the main road once at end of shopping time (never again)
The A414 was indeed horrible in the morning, will be starting from London Bridge in February which is about 10k shorter so will take that way.
There doesn't seem to be any way of avoiding the short section of A12 between Hatfield Peveril and Witham (not even a cycle path)
I did mention the cycle path a while back but perhaps I am on an ignore list...
No you're not :) it didn't seem very obvious on the way in although it was on the way back, will look harder next time thanks (and will be going back via the event route to make it up to 200)
:thumbsup:
If you turn on 'bicycling' layer in Google maps you can see the path on both sides, I prefer the London Bound for return from Witham and the coast bound for the journey towards Witham.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 11 December, 2019, 08:28:02 pm
Post by: tedshred on 17 December, 2019, 11:45:13 am
This year, due to the high tide the week before, the ride is a week later than last year. The upside is that it will allow for a helpers' and route check ride on the 11th. The ride on the 11th will need to work around the tide but when we did it the first year we just extended lunch on Mersea.
I have also been exploring a few off road sections along the route and I have an as-ridden GPX for those with gravel bikes that fancy the option of a bit less road. It is a few km longer but shares the same controls so is the same event with a slightly different route. I will share this with the updated GPX for the standard route which has changed slightly this year with an improved route into Colchester.
There will still be the opportunity to sample an oyster with a hot drink in West Mersea, both included with the entry fee.
Post by: drossall on 30 December, 2019, 10:56:31 pm
I didn't even make the first (Pebmarsh) control. Climbing out of the Colne Valley, I ripped my right pedal out of the crank. I wasn't going to make it round like that, so I limped back towards the start on one leg, waving to the later starters. After only a short distance, I realised that I had also broken the frame on my Brooks saddle.
Here's to better luck this year. I have made it round a couple of times previously...
Post by: Nim on 13 January, 2020, 10:17:33 am
@tedshred I think in previous editions of the ride the Railway Tavern has offered breakfast butties etc. at the start - is this the same this year?
Nim
Post by: jiberjaber on 13 January, 2020, 11:42:18 am
Looking forward the Oyster plus my E.C.E. this week. ;D Going to forgo the mollusc treat though, as I've very tragically developed an allergy to them in the past year.
@tedshred I think in previous editions of the ride the Railway Tavern has offered breakfast butties etc. at the start - is this the same this year?
Nim
Yes, scrambled eggs on toast, beans on toast, bacon or sausage butties, tea, coffee were discussed at the end of the route check on Saturday.
The new route into Colchester is lovely hopefully see you all as you come through Pebmarsh!
Post by: Martin on 13 January, 2020, 12:13:36 pm
Post by: tedshred on 13 January, 2020, 12:55:00 pm
The Railway Tavern will be open from 8.30 on Saturday and there will be the usual relaxed post-ride debrief in there at the end.
The Hustler and I had the pleasure of trying to keep up with Jiber "Majorcan training bloc" Jaber on Saturday for the route check. The route was in good condition and the new route into Colchester feels much quieter (and makes the ride about 7k shorter).
Allergies aside, I hope as many people as possible take advantage of the complimentary oyster and hot drink at West Mersea. Spending your ACME currency on slightly unusual Audax food is all part of the experience on this ride.
Post by: ElyDave on 13 January, 2020, 02:38:21 pm
Post by: tedshred on 13 January, 2020, 02:46:35 pm
Post by: Nim on 13 January, 2020, 03:24:56 pm
Yes, Jiber has the catering arrangements correct, he must have been paying more attention than I thought while he sorted out his "socials" in the pub.Awesome, thank you both! Pub debrief with 'Essex energy drinks' sounds ideal.
The Railway Tavern will be open from 8.30 on Saturday and there will be the usual relaxed post-ride debrief in there at the end.
Nim
Post by: drossall on 14 January, 2020, 12:17:31 am
Post by: tedshred on 14 January, 2020, 10:20:57 am
Countess Cross is a hamlet of Pebmarsh. Basically it is the fork in the road before the fork we took previously. JiberJaber will be there stamping cards and ensuring that everyone goes the correct way.
It does make the route a bit more laney, whereas the original intention was to stay on mainly gritted roads. It does, however, avoid the busy road out of Bures and also Fiddlers Hill after Fordham which always felt like a close pass hotspot. We all thought it was an improvement when we rode the route check on Saturday. There is also a slight change after you cross over the A12 into Colchester. The route used to go through a fairly busy roundabout but now follows a cycle route through a housing estate before rejoining the original route on Church Lane, it is slightly more convoluted but much more pleasant on a busy Saturday.
Post by: drossall on 14 January, 2020, 11:39:40 pm
I've updated my route sheet download, and I'll be sure to obey it, my GPS and JiberJaber - not necessarily in that order ;D
Post by: garibaldi on 15 January, 2020, 01:34:29 pm
Post by: psyclist on 16 January, 2020, 12:52:03 pm
Post by: Nik's Nick on 16 January, 2020, 01:02:28 pm
Post by: phydaux on 17 January, 2020, 12:22:10 pm
Does anybody know how seriously this rule is applied? Should I take the car instead to be sure of getting to the start on time?
Post by: bhoot on 17 January, 2020, 12:58:24 pm
I may see you on it, but I will pick it up at Stratford
Post by: psyclist on 17 January, 2020, 01:44:51 pm
Post by: Julian Smith on 17 January, 2020, 06:06:55 pm
No need to book bikes on these trains.
1st one out is the 08.02 from LST then the 08.38.
Post by: jiberjaber on 17 January, 2020, 07:15:25 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 17 January, 2020, 07:24:18 pm
Lots of flooded lanes around the roddings if anyone is ece'ing via the lanes...
Yes indeed - I was out and about yesterday and came back with very wet feet - up to 10 inches deep in places. I shall wear the winter boots and carry some waterproof socks. The arctic mitts will be deployed at 05:00; we'll see the sun all day though. :thumbsup:
Post by: drossall on 17 January, 2020, 07:36:59 pm
I was thinking of getting the 8:38 from Liverpool Street to Kelvedon, but the rules say only 4 bikes, no reservationsSounds good. I'll be bike number 10 ;D
Post by: drossall on 18 January, 2020, 08:50:46 am
Post by: freeflow on 18 January, 2020, 11:05:52 am
If you are a clever fellow and secrete a £20 note in your Audax bag for emergencies, then if you borrow said £20 for an evening of mild debauchery up the pub, do remember to put it back so that when you turn up at an Audax having left your wallet at home, you can still ride.......
Post by: ElyDave on 18 January, 2020, 08:18:13 pm
Bloody cold at times, but a cracking ride to blow away the winter cobwebs adn try to get some semblence of recumbent fitness back again.
Thanks Graham
Post by: Kim on 18 January, 2020, 11:47:00 pm
Lots of flooded lanes around the roddings if anyone is ece'ing via the lanes...
Drain rodding?
Post by: jiberjaber on 19 January, 2020, 10:21:47 am
Lots of flooded lanes around the roddings if anyone is ece'ing via the lanes...
Drain rodding?
High Roding (not sure that's a thing though! LOL)
Post by: Phil W on 19 January, 2020, 07:26:33 pm
thoroughly enjoyed that today depite the Pebmarsh skog, dazzling sun, headwind from Mersea, impatient drivers and all the usual crap.
Bloody cold at times, but a cracking ride to blow away the winter cobwebs adn try to get some semblence of recumbent fitness back again.
Thanks Graham
On the S40 or M5? I’m presuming former if you noticed headwinds.
Post by: huggy on 23 January, 2020, 01:13:21 pm
If you've discussed with me about riding the helpers' ride please note that I have not pre-arranged car parking with the Labour Hall for this weekend.
jibers and BFC have raised their hands for checkpoint stamping on the day, if a 3rd helper wishes to do a checkpoint too it would save an info control stop :thumbsup:
Post by: ElyDave on 26 January, 2020, 08:01:07 am
thoroughly enjoyed that today depite the Pebmarsh skog, dazzling sun, headwind from Mersea, impatient drivers and all the usual crap.
Bloody cold at times, but a cracking ride to blow away the winter cobwebs adn try to get some semblence of recumbent fitness back again.
Thanks Graham
On the S40 or M5? I’m presuming former if you noticed headwinds.
S40, sold the M5 a while ago. It would have been suited to this ride as well though.
You do notice a headwind on the S40 if strong enough, but its a much easier Audax ride overall, especially on the back roads where the surface is not so good. Up on Islay last summer it was blowing a hoolie down past the airport, but I was still better off than the upwrongs, slowly reeling in a pair working quite hard up ahead of me. You still feel it, but just go that bit quicker for the same effort, or get an easier ride at the same speed.
Post by: Nik's Nick on 29 January, 2020, 12:03:36 pm
Huggy - will you be allowing early starts this weekend?
Post by: huggy on 29 January, 2020, 03:38:54 pm
Huggy - will you be allowing early starts this weekend?A 9:30 start will be available
Post by: Nik's Nick on 29 January, 2020, 03:59:14 pm
Post by: Martin on 30 January, 2020, 08:37:20 pm
Plotted an ECE back to Tilbury thence over the ferry to somewhere avoiding the revelling crowds of SE Lahndon / Kent
Post by: bhoot on 30 January, 2020, 10:52:29 pm
I presume I can ride the wrong way down the A12 cyclepath to get to the start (and also from Colchester station) ?You certainly can, we've ridden that A12 path from Marks Tey to Witham a couple of times
Post by: drossall on 31 January, 2020, 08:05:58 am
There's also an incidental question of whether you'll survive :o
Post by: Nik's Nick on 31 January, 2020, 08:26:12 am
Post by: psyclist on 31 January, 2020, 07:17:57 pm
All fair though, and dry, so overall should be a grand day out.
Post by: huggy on 31 January, 2020, 08:05:06 pm
Hopefully the breeze forecast won't put too many off.
Post by: Tomsk on 31 January, 2020, 08:22:26 pm
I'm on escort duties for Deniece: no ECE tomorrow and will schedule for a proper full-value ride, to take some of the time pressure off.
Post by: huggy on 31 January, 2020, 08:23:55 pm
Crosswind, headwind, crosswind, tailwind, crosswind ...Double Tiptree Tea Rooms visit then :thumbsup:
I'm on escort duties for Deniece: no ECE tomorrow and will schedule for a proper full-value ride, to take some of the time pressure off.
Post by: Slimline Saxon on 31 January, 2020, 09:07:30 pm
Post by: Suffolk Born on 01 February, 2020, 03:40:08 pm
Post by: Martin on 01 February, 2020, 09:55:39 pm
Cracking calendar event loved the mystery tour with notes about the KT
Thanks Huggy and team 2 down 2 to go for the shiny :thumbsup:
Post by: Tomsk on 02 February, 2020, 04:20:21 pm
D is well on the comeback trail. :thumbsup: We opted for garage, shop and roadside snack stops, amazingly managed to get back at sunset! I was all psyched-up for the last hour in the dark!
Thank you Huggy, JJ and assorted controllers + helpers.
Post by: jiberjaber on 02 February, 2020, 08:38:22 pm
Post by: Nik's Nick on 03 February, 2020, 08:55:55 am
And Martin, sorry to hear you got a visitation on the much-heralded A12 cycle-route. Obviously not swept by the ACME team recently.
Post by: Martin on 03 February, 2020, 10:09:54 am
http://vulpeculox.net/misc/mystery.htm
Post by: Martin on 20 March, 2020, 11:10:11 am
or even November 2021? :-\
Post by: huggy on 20 March, 2020, 11:40:40 am
Does anyone know the date for the Essex RRRs this November*? Will probably use my aborted Travelodge from this weekend for that insteadIt'll be the first Saturday of November, just duplicated it in the planner for 7th November 2020.
or even November 2021? :-\
Hopefully we'll all be allowed out to play again by then.
Post by: Martin on 20 March, 2020, 11:50:40 am
Post by: Oscar's dad on 20 March, 2020, 12:41:45 pm
Thanks :) will I get another puncture on the A12 psychopath?
It can be arranged at an extra charge!
Post by: telstarbox on 25 October, 2021, 12:52:20 pm
For 3 Rs (on 6 November) will there be an option to start at 09.30?
Thanks
Post by: huggy on 25 October, 2021, 01:24:55 pm
Hello good Essex folk,Grand departs will be at 9:30 and 10am. There will also be a relaxed approach to departure times which will reduce group sizes on the road and accumulations at control points.
For 3 Rs (on 6 November) will there be an option to start at 09.30?
Thanks
Post by: telstarbox on 25 October, 2021, 03:51:31 pm
Post by: Sebo on 25 October, 2021, 04:28:10 pm
Post by: Nik's Nick on 26 October, 2021, 10:40:25 am
Post by: tedshred on 26 October, 2021, 11:24:32 am
Post by: Nik's Nick on 26 October, 2021, 11:27:25 am
Post by: Oscar's dad on 26 October, 2021, 11:29:15 am
15th January but it is an almost completely new route so the unveiling will probably not be until early next week...
Sounds good :thumbsup: I might enter.
Post by: tedshred on 26 October, 2021, 11:31:21 am
The new route only really has the Rowhedge to Mersea section in common with the classic route.
That's enough spoilers before the Grand Reveal.
Post by: ElyDave on 26 October, 2021, 11:38:35 am
Post by: tedshred on 26 October, 2021, 11:48:42 am
is there a Market Hill avoidance route for the 3R's? Steep+wet+FWD recumbent = :facepalm: :demon: :-[
Yes, use the main road (A414). It may even be mentioned on the route sheet. It is a faster road for cars but has two lanes for most of the way and is a much shallower gradient.
Also recommended for fixed riders who want to avoid the possibility of being stuck behind a car or bus as they turn the steep corner on Market Hill and then have to clip out quickly :facepalm:
Post by: jiberjaber on 26 October, 2021, 03:41:18 pm
That road was awful when we test rode one of the events quite a few years back. More fixed friendly would be to follow the NCN and turn left at the bottom of the hill, though not as easy to cover on a route sheet.is there a Market Hill avoidance route for the 3R's? Steep+wet+FWD recumbent = :facepalm: :demon: :-[
Yes, use the main road (A414). It may even be mentioned on the route sheet. It is a faster road for cars but has two lanes for most of the way and is a much shallower gradient.
Also recommended for fixed riders who want to avoid the possibility of being stuck behind a car or bus as they turn the steep corner on Market Hill and then have to clip out quickly :facepalm:
Post by: Tomsk on 26 October, 2021, 04:05:32 pm
Basically: turn L IMM after the bridge over the tidal Blackwater, follow the NCN signs, SO @ Salt Works and then R @ T to bring you up to the High Street; L to continue on the official route out to Mundon and Latchingdon.
Post by: tedshred on 26 October, 2021, 05:03:39 pm
For us mere mortals, the fixie stomp up from the Salt Works is just a straighter version of Market Hill without the bend and traffic.
I have ridden all of them and they all have their issues.
It is a pinch point and no mistake.
Post by: huggy on 26 October, 2021, 05:34:20 pm
Post by: bobb on 26 October, 2021, 05:36:30 pm
It wouldn't be the Kelvedon Oyster without a Kelvedon start and the opportunity to exchange some ACME currency for an oyster in Mersea...
...followed by food poisoning :P
Post by: ElyDave on 26 October, 2021, 07:29:53 pm
I do not do the oyster, at least not raw
Post by: felstedrider on 26 October, 2021, 08:55:41 pm
Post by: GdS on 26 October, 2021, 10:26:00 pm
Post by: psyclist on 27 October, 2021, 05:13:10 am
I’ll be back on fixed next week. There’s a hill you need to avoid in Essex ?
Not really. I’ve been up Market Hill a few times and not been impeded. There is the risk that traffic backing up would necessitate a swift abort, but so far I’ve been ok.
Post by: Carlosfandango on 27 October, 2021, 03:56:07 pm
I’ll be back on fixed next week. There’s a hill you need to avoid in Essex ?
Not really. I’ve been up Market Hill a few times and not been impeded. There is the risk that traffic backing up would necessitate a swift abort, but so far I’ve been ok.
I thought all you trendy hipsters on your fixies could trackstand?
Post by: Tomsk on 27 October, 2021, 05:17:44 pm
I’ll be back on fixed next week. There’s a hill you need to avoid in Essex ?
Not really. I’ve been up Market Hill a few times and not been impeded. There is the risk that traffic backing up would necessitate a swift abort, but so far I’ve been ok.
I believe the steepest section is over 12%. One enforced stop on Market Hill is one too many: mine followed by a face-full of black diesel smoke as the car in front struggled with the hill start ... and then me with gritted teeth doing the same but without the carcinogenic emissions. I'll be taking the tourist route.
Post by: ElyDave on 27 October, 2021, 07:16:46 pm
Post by: felstedrider on 27 October, 2021, 08:57:39 pm
I may ECE depending on how I am building back up my body. Witham is under 20k direct.
Post by: drossall on 31 October, 2021, 12:44:50 am
You could stay at river level for a while longer and ride along the promenade to the Hythe, exit on to Park Drive and rejoin the route at the roundabout junction with Mundon Road. Less elevation gain but the potential hazard of pedestrians, on the plus side you could get sausage & chips from one of the numerous café takeaways in the park.I was looking at that, which seems to be a cycle route according to Essex Highways (PDF) (https://www.essexhighways.org/Uploads/Files/Maldon.pdf). Might make a nice change.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 31 October, 2021, 09:55:14 am
yes, it's not the 12% in and of itself, it's the high probability of restarting a recumbent on 12%.
Those kind of starts are fine as long as the hill isn’t busy. In case you have an initial wobble as you restart.
Post by: huggy on 31 October, 2021, 01:43:56 pm
We scoped out the Maldon Market Hill and High Street avoidance route which uses a narrow footpath (still NCN1) and Promenade along the river to the Park. I'll provide a GPX for that option but not a route sheet. The pedestrian areas were fairly quiet yesterday but be aware that it is a popular dog walking area.
emails with the usual instructions will be sent out soon.
I plan to be fairly relaxed with start times operating more like a turn up & go system - that will avoid groups on the road and at control locations. There will be group start times at 9:30 and 10am, no need to 'book' a place.
There are over 70 entries received as I write this so there will be a plenty of old faces to catch up with and new ones to meet!
Post by: ElyDave on 31 October, 2021, 08:50:00 pm
yes, it's not the 12% in and of itself, it's the high probability of restarting a recumbent on 12%.
Those kind of starts are fine as long as the hill isn’t busy. In case you have an initial wobble as you restart.
Maybe if you have enough weight on the back wheel of a rwd recumbent, not the case when you have fwd and a lightly loaded front end. BTDTGTTS
Post by: Lightning Phil on 31 October, 2021, 09:28:52 pm
yes, it's not the 12% in and of itself, it's the high probability of restarting a recumbent on 12%.
Those kind of starts are fine as long as the hill isn’t busy. In case you have an initial wobble as you restart.
Maybe if you have enough weight on the back wheel of a rwd recumbent, not the case when you have fwd and a lightly loaded front end. BTDTGTTS
Steepest hill start I’ve had to do is 17% and yes RWD 😁
Post by: Nik's Nick on 02 November, 2021, 09:12:40 am
Post by: huggy on 02 November, 2021, 09:58:10 am
Hi Huggy - I'm trying to persuade a couple of non-Audax folk to come along - are you doing EOLs?Hi Nik, I'd rather not take EOLs. I'm already over subscribed for the 3Rs and the check-in will be busy enough without processing EOLs too. I'll be closing online entry Thursday night so anyone that wants to ride will need to be entered by then.
Post by: Nik's Nick on 02 November, 2021, 10:43:06 am
Post by: tomj on 03 November, 2021, 10:45:41 am
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 05 November, 2021, 05:28:39 pm
70 starters....might skip the blood thinners tonight, that sounds like I might be crossing my 2 pint energy drink limit on the return to Witham. Prepare yourselves folks....I have a whole range of new even more boring stories to tell ;D
Post by: Tomsk on 05 November, 2021, 06:15:12 pm
Stansted Airport Express; is there a cafe stop this year or are we on our own?
Thremhall Cafe (at half-way) is still there, but it's an info control like last year. I haven't been in to see them yet and warn they may have a few more customers ...
On last year's minimalist event some did stop there I believe, but for the helpers' ride a week before we pushed on to Parrishes in Thaxted.
Post by: Nik's Nick on 06 November, 2021, 06:32:39 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 06 November, 2021, 07:33:13 pm
Post by: telstarbox on 06 November, 2021, 08:29:37 pm
Post by: JellyLegs on 07 November, 2021, 05:12:53 pm
Many thanks to the organiser for arranging. I have signed up to the next in the series. Slightly worried this could easily become addictive.
Post by: felstedrider on 07 November, 2021, 05:20:52 pm
Been lurking here for a while but only just joined. Essex 3Rs yesterday was my introduction to this audaxing lark. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, lovely route through a few parts of Essex that I haven't visited before. I think I may have bumped into a regular here at the cafe control.
Many thanks to the organiser for arranging. I have signed up to the next in the series. Slightly worried this could easily become addictive.
:thumbsup:
Post by: Jethro on 07 November, 2021, 09:17:09 pm
Post by: felstedrider on 07 November, 2021, 10:13:00 pm
Is there an event in January?
See upthread. Planned for the 15th but not in the AUK calendar yet.
Post by: Tomsk on 09 November, 2021, 06:04:29 pm
Helpers' Ride the week before, on Saturday 27th November, weather permitting - Sunday is a possibility too.
Post by: jiberjaber on 10 November, 2021, 05:57:39 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 16 November, 2021, 04:58:11 pm
Post by: αdαmsκι on 16 November, 2021, 10:32:57 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 29 November, 2021, 07:40:54 am
The NW headwind didn't seem so bad on the first half, probably because all our attention was taken by our preoccupation with Ice-Peril. Sensors turned up to 11 ...
Post by: drossall on 29 November, 2021, 08:31:08 am
Post by: Tomsk on 30 November, 2021, 10:14:20 am
Stansted Airport Express; is there a cafe stop this year or are we on our own?
Thremhall Cafe (at half-way) is still there, but it's an info control like last year. I haven't been in to see them yet and warn they may have a few more customers ...
On last year's minimalist event some did stop there I believe, but for the helpers' ride a week before we pushed on to Parrishes in Thaxted.
Thremhall are a bit nervous about being overwhelmed: last Sunday, two cakes each there fuelled us round, with a proper lunch back at the 'spoons. But then we left early and were back by 14:00. On a 10:00 start, I'd be inclined to stop for elevenses at the Snug and then push on to Thaxted or the Blue Egg.
Post by: felstedrider on 30 November, 2021, 10:26:14 am
Stansted Airport Express; is there a cafe stop this year or are we on our own?
Thremhall Cafe (at half-way) is still there, but it's an info control like last year. I haven't been in to see them yet and warn they may have a few more customers ...
On last year's minimalist event some did stop there I believe, but for the helpers' ride a week before we pushed on to Parrishes in Thaxted.
Thremhall are a bit nervous about being overwhelmed: last Sunday, two cakes each there fuelled us round, with a proper lunch back at the 'spoons. But then we left early and were back by 14:00. On a 10:00 start, I'd be inclined to stop for elevenses at the Snug and then push on to Thaxted or the Blue Egg.
Shhhh. That was my plan.
Post by: αdαmsκι on 30 November, 2021, 07:52:53 pm
Shhhh. That was my plan.
Mmmm Blue Egg. I've not been for ages. Need some company?!
(Although I need to do cycle commute later this week as a post-COVID trail ride before I fully commit to riding 100 km.)
Post by: felstedrider on 30 November, 2021, 09:18:07 pm
Shhhh. That was my plan.
Mmmm Blue Egg. I've not been for ages. Need some company?!
(Although I need to do cycle commute later this week as a post-COVID trail ride before I fully commit to riding 100 km.)
Let me know at the start. I may ECE but, even if I don’t I’ll go off at 10am.
Post by: psyclist on 03 December, 2021, 09:39:35 am
Warm layers appear to be well advised. I'm looking forward to finishing the calendar ride with a beer and curry, fueling up the headwind slog home again.
Post by: felstedrider on 03 December, 2021, 09:48:57 am
Weather forecast for tomorrow has been all over the show through this week. Currently predicting a bit of rain first thing, but mostly clear through the day. Nice tailwind coming back from Stansted.
Warm layers appear to be well advised. I'm looking forward to finishing the calendar ride with a beer and curry, fueling up the headwind slog home again.
My ECE has got me going all over the shop. Never that far from home, though.
Post by: ElyDave on 03 December, 2021, 10:21:14 am
Post by: drossall on 03 December, 2021, 01:38:53 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 03 December, 2021, 02:04:51 pm
Weather forecast for tomorrow has been all over the show through this week. Currently predicting a bit of rain first thing, but mostly clear through the day. Nice tailwind coming back from Stansted.
Warm layers appear to be well advised. I'm looking forward to finishing the calendar ride with a beer and curry, fueling up the headwind slog home again.
Bit breezy, bit cold, maybe see the big yellow thing in the sky at some point? No two-foot deep floods, or icy start like last year though - and a cosy pub at the finish, not a draughty car park! See you all tomorrow. :thumbsup:
Post by: Tomsk on 03 December, 2021, 02:20:59 pm
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 03 December, 2021, 05:07:56 pm
Post by: drossall on 03 December, 2021, 05:24:29 pm
Post by: GavinC on 03 December, 2021, 08:04:00 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 03 December, 2021, 08:57:44 pm
I’m also going to be a no-show tomorrow as I’m now needed for dad’s cab duties in the morning :(
Daughter's ballet classes this evening, and tomorrow. I said I'd take her this evening.
"What about tomorrow?"
"You also have a mother"
Post by: GavinC on 03 December, 2021, 09:18:15 pm
Daughter's ballet classes this evening, and tomorrow. I said I'd take her this evening.;D
"What about tomorrow?"
"You also have a mother"
Sadly in my case, there are more kids than parents so I don’t always have that option!
Post by: garibaldi on 04 December, 2021, 06:14:30 pm
I found a packed up packable jacket on the road out on the route in the middle of nowhere. May not belong to any of today’s riders but if anyone has lost one then happy to post it to you if you want to get in touch.
Post by: ElyDave on 04 December, 2021, 07:22:21 pm
I may fall asleep on the sofa before I get much guitar practice in tonight
Post by: JellyLegs on 04 December, 2021, 08:03:39 pm
...that was hard work for the first half out there today.
It was even harder repeating the first third of the route to get home. The wind was noticeably stronger and colder.
Post by: JellyLegs on 04 December, 2021, 08:05:43 pm
I found a packed up packable jacket on the road out on the route in the middle of nowhere. May not belong to any of today’s riders but if anyone has lost one then happy to post it to you if you want to get in touch.
Lightweight, red in colour? If so, could be mine.
Post by: ElyDave on 04 December, 2021, 08:19:44 pm
Thanks to the organisers for another well run event with a well designed route....that was hard work for the first half out there today.
It was even harder repeating the first third of the route to get home. The wind was noticeably stronger and colder.
Yes, by the time I'd got home it was definitely stronger
Post by: felstedrider on 04 December, 2021, 08:25:21 pm
Ended up chasing my tail a bit and didn’t eat enough. Quick break at the finish and a push back into the wind which was harder than I thought it would be. Knackered now and I think I will feel it tomorrow.
Thanks to Tomsk and team for organising.
Post by: garibaldi on 04 December, 2021, 09:59:48 pm
I found a packed up packable jacket on the road out on the route in the middle of nowhere. May not belong to any of today’s riders but if anyone has lost one then happy to post it to you if you want to get in touch.
Lightweight, red in colour? If so, could be mine.
Sounds like the one. I’ll drop you a message.
Post by: drossall on 04 December, 2021, 10:21:36 pm
Just after the info control that wasn’t I had a front spoke ping. The wheel still spun and I was 5k from home so a detour ensued to nick a wheel off the other fixed bike and have a quick snack.Glad you got it sorted. I was on the green Pompino fixed and with you when it went.
It was a bit hard for the first third. Good day though - sunny apart from a bit at lunch time. Enjoyed the ride.
Post by: psyclist on 10 January, 2022, 01:09:09 pm
Post by: bhoot on 10 January, 2022, 01:12:22 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 10 January, 2022, 01:14:03 pm
I've got my ECE planned for the Kelvedon Oyster, using gritted roads in the morning. Currently the forecast is looking a bit chilly, but largely dry.
I'm planning on extending the Oyster too. I shall ride between Witham and Kelvedon as opposed to taking the train ;D
Post by: bhoot on 10 January, 2022, 01:15:06 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 10 January, 2022, 01:19:54 pm
I could manage that!
I might not! It'll be a c75 mile day which is more than I have done in a looooooooong time!
Post by: psyclist on 10 January, 2022, 01:34:18 pm
I could manage that!
I might not! It'll be a c75 mile day which is more than I have done in a looooooooong time!
It's less than 7km for you to get to the start. You could do that blindfolded!
Post by: huggy on 10 January, 2022, 01:37:10 pm
Don't encourage him to show off his circus skilz too!!!I could manage that!
I might not! It'll be a c75 mile day which is more than I have done in a looooooooong time!
It's less than 7km for you to get to the start. You could do that blindfolded!
Post by: Oscar's dad on 10 January, 2022, 01:38:22 pm
I could manage that!
I might not! It'll be a c75 mile day which is more than I have done in a looooooooong time!
It's less than 7km for you to get to the start. You could do that blindfolded!
True, it's the bit in the middle that might be a problem!
Post by: felstedrider on 10 January, 2022, 01:41:36 pm
I've got my ECE planned for the Kelvedon Oyster, using gritted roads in the morning. Currently the forecast is looking a bit chilly, but largely dry.
I will ride to and from the event but not ECEing. Probably a century with a loop early on.
Post by: Can’t swim won’t tri on 10 January, 2022, 02:31:39 pm
I’ve just entered the Kelvedon Oyster as my first ever audax, and have a few questions.
Route - there’s a .gpx file on the audax website, but this doesn’t go to the first place named as a control (Pebmarsh) in the text description of the event. Am I using the right .gpx?
Brevet card. Do I get this at the start?
ECE - I live precisely 50k from the start, so could ECE there and back to be a nice round 200. Is the completion of the event itself independent of completing the ECE? I.e. if I’m knackered by the end and get the train home, have I “failed”?
Thanks in eager anticipation, hope to meet some of you in Kelvedon!
Dave
Post by: psyclist on 10 January, 2022, 03:24:15 pm
Afternoon all, I’m new here, and new to audaxing. [waves at computer]
Welcome!
Quote
I’ve just entered the Kelvedon Oyster as my first ever audax, and have a few questions.
Route - there’s a .gpx file on the audax website, but this doesn’t go to the first place named as a control (Pebmarsh) in the text description of the event. Am I using the right .gpx?
Probably. The info control is at Countess Cress, not Pebmarsh itself. Sometimes there is somebody physically stamping cards there, but if not this may be an info control, with the question being on the Brevet card.
Quote
Brevet card. Do I get this at the start?
Yes.
Quote
ECE - I live precisely 50k from the start, so could ECE there and back to be a nice round 200. Is the completion of the event itself independent of completing the ECE? I.e. if I’m knackered by the end and get the train home, have I “failed”?
The 2 are sort of independent. The ECE will only count if you have completed the calendar ride. But if you don't complete the ECE the calendar ride will still be valid if you have ridden that in full.
Post by: telstarbox on 10 January, 2022, 03:41:18 pm
Post by: Can’t swim won’t tri on 10 January, 2022, 04:03:05 pm
I’m confident in judging how long the first 50km to the start will take, so I won’t be late. Thereafter… I guess that’s the fun of it :-)
Next noob question… do most people follow the .gpx route or do many go their own way between controls. I’m trying to workout whether there’s a social aspect to this beyond cake consumption.
Post by: felstedrider on 10 January, 2022, 04:15:21 pm
Thanks @psyclist and @telstarbox!
I’m confident in judging how long the first 50km to the start will take, so I won’t be late. Thereafter… I guess that’s the fun of it :-)
Next noob question… do most people follow the .gpx route or do many go their own way between controls. I’m trying to workout whether there’s a social aspect to this beyond cake consumption.
Route between controls is free.
In practice the majority follow the prescribed route but you'll get the odd local that has a preferred route.
Post by: psyclist on 10 January, 2022, 04:19:11 pm
Thanks @psyclist and @telstarbox!
I’m confident in judging how long the first 50km to the start will take, so I won’t be late. Thereafter… I guess that’s the fun of it :-)
Next noob question… do most people follow the .gpx route or do many go their own way between controls. I’m trying to workout whether there’s a social aspect to this beyond cake consumption.
Most do simply follow the GPX, or the route sheet if that is their preference. Sometimes somebody will deviate from the route, for instance to visit a particular shop, or it might just be their preference on roads they are familiar with. Some people will ride with others for the whole duration, either planned or they just so happened to be riding together on the road. Others will chat for a while if riding at the same pace, and then ride on or slow down. Others might just ride by themselves. There's no set way of riding. But virtually everybody is friendly and will chat at the stops, so if you do find yourself riding alone, you're bound to bump into people further along.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 10 January, 2022, 05:24:17 pm
Next noob question… do most people follow the .gpx route or do many go their own way between controls. I’m trying to workout whether there’s a social aspect to this beyond cake consumption.
Not much point entering a calendar event if you are just going to make your own route up. You might make the odd tweak as above. But otherwise riding a nice route put together by someone else is half the point even if local. You can ride your own routes anytime you want.
Have fun. I’m signed up for the February one.
Post by: drossall on 10 January, 2022, 05:47:08 pm
Route - there’s a .gpx file on the audax website, but this doesn’t go to the first place named as a control (Pebmarsh) in the text description of the event. Am I using the right .gpx?I think you're probably seeing a hangover from the 2020 route change (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=105450.500#msg_2457684) - before then it did go via Pebmarsh, and now it turns a little short.
Post by: Can’t swim won’t tri on 10 January, 2022, 06:18:55 pm
I think you're probably seeing a hangover from the 2020 route change (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=105450.500#msg_2457684) - before then it did go via Pebmarsh, and now it turns a little short.
Thank you, that would explain it!
& thanks all for the rest of the info. Looking forwards to the event.
Post by: drossall on 10 January, 2022, 07:26:08 pm
I'll see you there. Probably on a green Pompino fixed.
Post by: ElyDave on 11 January, 2022, 01:54:19 pm
Post by: huggy on 11 January, 2022, 02:51:08 pm
The route is unchanged from the last edition so any documents you have saved will get you round too.
Post by: tedshred on 11 January, 2022, 05:39:23 pm
Route and information sheets went out by email this afternoon.
Entries closed yesterday. Allowing for some DNSs, it looks like there will be about 100 on the road.
Post by: ElyDave on 11 January, 2022, 05:49:54 pm
Post by: psyclist on 11 January, 2022, 07:18:00 pm
and there it is, an e-mail with all the relevant files sat in my inbox :thumbsup:
Just don’t mention the link to the route doesn’t work. Suspect it’s the addition of a full-stop in the URL. I’m sure not an insurmountable problem for recipients.
But in all other respects, all questions seem to be answered :thumbsup:
Post by: ElyDave on 11 January, 2022, 07:53:31 pm
Anyone want a spare token?
Post by: Lostboy23 on 14 January, 2022, 04:27:34 pm
Post by: psyclist on 14 January, 2022, 04:44:59 pm
I'm having trouble with the .gpx file, when trying to import to Garmin it says file has issues (it does show as 0kb). Is the file from the 2020 event the same as I've already got that on the device?
Yes, the 2020 version is the latest.
Post by: Can’t swim won’t tri on 15 January, 2022, 07:57:42 pm
I joined a peloton early on for a while, and marvelled at the efficiency and smoothness of it all. The lightest pressure on the pedals, and freewheeling down everything. Felt like I was putting no effort in (coz I wasn’t) but looked down and saw we were cruising nicely at 23kph.
Post by: JellyLegs on 15 January, 2022, 07:59:44 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 15 January, 2022, 10:56:25 pm
Post by: bhoot on 15 January, 2022, 11:18:40 pm
Post by: telstarbox on 16 January, 2022, 09:20:46 am
Thanks to Graeme (and anyone else involved in organising the Kelvedon oyster). I really enjoyed it and even managed to complete my ECE arriving home just before it got too dark. Have to admit the choice of cookie vs oyster at the halfway mark wasn’t a hard decision tho…
I joined a peloton early on for a while, and marvelled at the efficiency and smoothness of it all. The lightest pressure on the pedals, and freewheeling down everything. Felt like I was putting no effort in (coz I wasn’t) but looked down and saw we were cruising nicely at 23kph.
Well done, hopefully the first of many :)
Post by: Deano4 on 17 January, 2022, 12:48:04 pm
See you all next Month.
Post by: Owen on 17 January, 2022, 08:57:57 pm
If anyone has a candidate for "rider of the month" photo for the website please send it to webcontent@audax.uk - we haven't featured anything from Essex for a while! (either from this ride or from the Stansted Express in December)
Although I don't have any pics, surely it has to go to young Azur. An 8 year old regularly riding 100's through winter. Fair play
Thanks to go everyone involved in organising a great route and really good day out. Everyone seemed in high spirits.
Thanks
Owen
Post by: Oscar's dad on 22 January, 2022, 10:12:16 am
Post by: Tomsk on 22 January, 2022, 06:06:20 pm
Just entered the Knights Templar on the 12th. Hopefully I will fair better and won't be quite so miserable ;D
:thumbsup: And you can visit the Spiritual Home! I'll probably be helping Huggy on the day though.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 22 January, 2022, 10:37:09 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 04 February, 2022, 06:13:27 pm
Post by: JellyLegs on 12 February, 2022, 08:09:04 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 12 February, 2022, 09:26:19 pm
Post by: psyclist on 13 February, 2022, 09:59:24 am
Many thanks to Huggy and the helpers on the day. Always much appreciated, putting on a fine ride and an opportunity to see a great bunch of eclectic riders.
Post by: GavinC on 13 February, 2022, 01:57:07 pm
Post by: Deano4 on 14 February, 2022, 08:48:36 am
Thanks to Huggy and the ACME Army for organising. Hopefully see some of you at the awards on Saturday.
Post by: huggy on 17 February, 2022, 09:39:31 pm
Judging by the many complimentary comments received at the Controller’s table at the end of the rides you all enjoyed riding through the winter with us, we enjoyed seeing you and putting the events on for you. Hope to see you again for the next series starting in November :)
Post by: Oscar's dad on 18 February, 2022, 07:19:27 am
And that’s a wrap for the 2021/22 ACME Anvil Winter Series with 325 validated rides over the four events, the last two validations being 8 year old Azur and Papa Cedric also completing the Grand Slam in just one season, chapeau!
Judging by the many complimentary comments received at the Controller’s table at the end of the rides you all enjoyed riding through the winter with us, we enjoyed seeing you and putting the events on for you. Hope to see you again for the next series starting in November :)
Well done hugster and team :thumbsup:
Post by: psyclist on 18 October, 2022, 10:35:39 pm
Post by: drossall on 18 October, 2022, 10:49:31 pm
Post by: GdS on 18 October, 2022, 10:57:57 pm
Post by: psyclist on 19 October, 2022, 05:13:06 am
Quote from: GdS link= :thumbsup:topic=105450.msg2760598#msg2760598 date=1666130277
This is a cracking series even more so as an ECE 200 which many (including self) have done. yes ECE FTW and happy to offer free validation :thumbsup:
Thank you, very kind offer :thumbsup:
Post by: psyclist on 04 November, 2022, 08:20:12 am
Ignoring the wind, dampness and chill, it should be a good day out on the first of this year's winter series.
Post by: Tomsk on 04 November, 2022, 08:41:50 am
Post by: huggy on 04 November, 2022, 09:39:44 am
I'm setup for a third attempt at getting eBrevet to work. The past 2 times I have used it the start validates fine, but the distance is way off when I get to the second and subsequent controls, even after checking that the phone knows my location, and giving the eBrevet app a few minutes. I have now changed the security setting to give eBrevet 'Always' access to location services, and not just whilst using the app. Maybe that will help.Have you tried closing/re-opening the e-brevet app when it doesn't know where it is? Some more detailed instructions here, if not already found:
Ignoring the wind, dampness and chill, it should be a good day out on the first of this year's winter series.
https://audax.uk/media/2285/ebriders.pdf
Post by: psyclist on 04 November, 2022, 11:07:56 am
Have you tried closing/re-opening the e-brevet app when it doesn't know where it is?
Not tried that one. Will attempt that if I hit issues again. Thank you :thumbsup:
Hopefully this time all is fine, as everybody else seems to get along with eBrevet just fine.
Post by: tedshred on 04 November, 2022, 01:10:47 pm
The Kelvedon Oyster will soon be open for entries. This year's edition will feature all your favourites; oysters, cakes and coffee but will be a bit later than usual on the 28th January.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 04 November, 2022, 01:43:17 pm
Good luck to everyone who is riding on Saturday.
The Kelvedon Oyster will soon be open for entries. This year's edition will feature all your favourites; oysters, cakes and coffee but will be a bit later than usual on the 28th January.
Terrific! I really enjoyed this year's event.
Post by: psyclist on 04 November, 2022, 01:57:43 pm
Terrific! I really enjoyed this year's event.
You were good at hiding your emotions then ...
But it was a great event, I would agree. As all the ACME winter series rides are.
Post by: JellyLegs on 04 November, 2022, 02:07:09 pm
Post by: JellyLegs on 04 November, 2022, 03:52:11 pm
Post by: huggy on 04 November, 2022, 04:48:07 pm
Probably a bit late to make a difference now, but breaking new is the rail strike planned for tomorrow has been called off.Spammed everyone with the news, thanks JL :thumbsup:
Post by: BFC on 04 November, 2022, 05:05:20 pm
Probably a bit late to make a difference now, but breaking new is the rail strike planned for tomorrow has been called off.Spammed everyone with the news, thanks JL :thumbsup:
But extensive rail disruption is expected tomorrow due to the late calling off of the strike action...
Post by: huggy on 04 November, 2022, 05:09:00 pm
True, and I included that warning by referencing the BBC website (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63510380) and advice to check that services were runningProbably a bit late to make a difference now, but breaking new is the rail strike planned for tomorrow has been called off.Spammed everyone with the news, thanks JL :thumbsup:
But extensive rail disruption is expected tomorrow due to the late calling off of the strike action...
Post by: Nik's Nick on 09 November, 2022, 03:25:10 pm
Post by: GdS on 09 November, 2022, 07:54:35 pm
Post by: Nik's Nick on 09 November, 2022, 08:29:38 pm
Post by: phil dubya on 15 November, 2022, 09:18:33 am
Not ridden one of these (or much else for that matter) in a while. But Grey Sheep has encouraged me to enter the Stansted Express. Someone might have to remind me how it all works. He was even muttering about e-brevets.
E-brevets are what it says on the tin electronic brevet cards. Not all events use them, you will need to check with the event organiser or event details on audax.uk If it's your first time using an ebrevet then I would advise using both ebrevet and a brevet card.
All the details can be found from here https://audax.uk/about-audax/event-types/permanent-events/e-brevet/
I have always used both when available. Hope this helps 😀
Post by: bhoot on 15 November, 2022, 10:41:14 am
Post by: Tomsk on 17 November, 2022, 11:11:15 am
I went to Thremhall on Sunday to check they're happy to host the half-way control. All good, but they'd appreciate a controller or two there, so if any of out trusty team would like to get a ride in, leaving about 10:00 on a more direct route to the cafe that'd be great. On expenses of course!
You could 'do a felstedrider' (Hopstock 200km) and ride the event: leave a bit early, stamp brevets and then chase down the tail end of the field ...
In other news, it's the Mighty Oak Christmas beer tasting on 3rd December in Maldon as per usual, so I'll be riding there with some of the team and then back to the 'spoons by 13:00 for lunch.
Post by: Tomsk on 21 November, 2022, 05:23:42 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 21 November, 2022, 07:46:12 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 25 November, 2022, 06:39:51 pm
Stansted Airport Express Helpers' Ride: Saturday 26/11/22 is looking a little better than Sunday for this, at the moment. I'll be keeping an eye on developments.
Tomorrow it is, leaving 09:30 from the 'spoons.
Post by: huggy on 25 November, 2022, 07:20:28 pm
I’m planning on being in ‘spoons about 8:30 for breakfastStansted Airport Express Helpers' Ride: Saturday 26/11/22 is looking a little better than Sunday for this, at the moment. I'll be keeping an eye on developments.
Tomorrow it is, leaving 09:30 from the 'spoons.
Post by: Tomsk on 27 November, 2022, 04:30:14 pm
Revised route sheet and information sent out to all riders. To be followed-up by missives to later entries, as they come in - I aim to get this done on a daily basis from now to the end of the week.
Post by: Tomsk on 01 December, 2022, 09:01:20 am
Cloudy, 5ºC, moderate easterly breeze, 20% chance of precipitation. Could be worse, but in a word: WINTER.
We now have 76 on the start sheet (after subtracting the helpers from last week and the DNSs that have let me know so far).
Post by: Krad on 02 December, 2022, 11:47:48 am
Warm layers as i'm getting damp riding to work. Hopefully a few good warm cafes stop on the whole ride.
Does anyone know what the cycle track in Chelmsford is like? Coming from Blackmoor ish to the start.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 02 December, 2022, 11:59:27 am
Post by: bobb on 02 December, 2022, 12:07:06 pm
Does anyone know what the cycle track in Chelmsford is like? Coming from Blackmoor ish to the start.
It's probably the easiest way through town if you don't know the area. However, as it's shared use, you will have to dodge dog walkers, phone gazers and errant children...
Post by: psyclist on 02 December, 2022, 12:12:43 pm
The ECE doesn’t have to include the full 65km back. Just include 35km back in your submission. Then you’ll be off the clock for your last 30km home.
I usually find it better to include the full distance and get the extra time.
Post by: felstedrider on 02 December, 2022, 01:12:13 pm
The ECE is definitely out the window but maybe just the 100. It does pass pretty close to home so I can bail if necessary.
Post by: bhoot on 02 December, 2022, 02:16:28 pm
Enter last min last night ECE from London. Just checked 65km to the start and 65km back again. Somehow, I was thinking it was only 50km from London. :facepalmOur preferred ECE approach for Witham rides was all the way up, then a really nice route back to Harlow and train to London. Frequent and tandem friendly including the station lifts
Post by: psyclist on 02 December, 2022, 08:36:07 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 02 December, 2022, 10:01:50 pm
Post by: JellyLegs on 02 December, 2022, 10:48:13 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 03 December, 2022, 05:54:02 pm
Post by: drossall on 03 December, 2022, 06:31:44 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 03 December, 2022, 08:40:06 pm
Post by: Bernster on 05 December, 2022, 09:45:33 am
The wind assisted ride home was going very nicely until Harlow, when my chain decided to disintegrate (suspect the quick link wasn't quite correctly installed, as it's a relatively new chain, but I need to have a closer look when I get some time). I'd somehow managed to bring a chain tool with me, but no replacement links :facepalm: :facepalm:, so rather than walk 18k home, the team car kindly agreed to come out and pick me up.
Looking forward to the next one, hopefully nice dry weather again, but no more mechanicals please!
Post by: tedshred on 23 January, 2023, 07:45:43 pm
Hurry now while places last.
Post by: arabella on 23 January, 2023, 08:19:19 pm
Post by: tedshred on 23 January, 2023, 09:04:22 pm
It is a fairly untended field that website.
I will be sending an updated and as-ridden (by my junior assistant, Huggy) GPX in a couple of days.
Post by: arabella on 24 January, 2023, 09:07:37 am
But next few days is fine.
Post by: tedshred on 24 January, 2023, 09:17:26 am
He's coming on well that junior assistant.
Post by: huggy on 25 January, 2023, 08:06:21 pm
If you prefer your own flavour of GPX/TCX file you can get it from https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41797328
Post by: psyclist on 27 January, 2023, 01:22:48 pm
If you prefer your own flavour of GPX/TCX file you can get it from https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41797328
Big advantage of advising the RidewithGPS link is that the route can be pinned within the app, and it then magically appears on my Wahoo, no messing with downloading GPX files and reuploading somewhere. So thank you for providing the link :thumbsup:
Post by: sparklyfish on 28 January, 2023, 10:25:53 pm
A mostly solitary day for me, which is fine - such a lovely route! A bit of chatting with new people at controls, which was nice. Great weather today, and a nice amount of daylight. I got to Manningtree in good time to get the 18.21 from Ipswich, which had a fair few football people, but not too many. Thanks again for a lovely day out! :)
Post by: psyclist on 29 January, 2023, 12:59:36 pm
I have a couple of ebrevet questions, which should probably be posted elsewhere but when I search yacf I cannot find a more specific thread.
- I forgot to upload my finished ride on the app until I was riding home. I still uploaded within the time limits. For future reference, is the finish control time taken when the final control is registered, or when the file is uploaded?
- I didn't let the organiser know I'd finished as the desk was mobbed, but just scanned the QR code. Is it sufficient to rely on the ebrevet to inform the organiser that I've finished the ride, or should you also let a 'real' person know? Generally this wouldn't be an issue as I'd be speaking to the organiser at the end, but it was quite different at the end of the Oyster.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 29 January, 2023, 01:26:49 pm
Super Kelvedon Oyster once more, made even better with benign weather this year :thumbsup:
I have a couple of ebrevet questions, which should probably be posted elsewhere but when I search yacf I cannot find a more specific thread.
- I forgot to upload my finished ride on the app until I was riding home. I still uploaded within the time limits. For future reference, is the finish control time taken when the final control is registered, or when the file is uploaded?
It’s taken when final control is registered. We get timings for every control. I occasionally get E-Brevet uploaded next morning after an event.
- I didn't let the organiser know I'd finished as the desk was mobbed, but just scanned the QR code. Is it sufficient to rely on the ebrevet to inform the organiser that I've finished the ride, or should you also let a 'real' person know? Generally this wouldn't be an issue as I'd be speaking to the organiser at the end, but it was quite different at the end of the Oyster.
The organiser gets an email whenever an E-Brevet is uploaded. If they have their phone on them with data and it’s turned on they’ll get a ping. Unfortunately the email subject doesn’t include the rider name. I might post on that subject in audax uk forum.
Note that for PBP qualification events you’ll still need to hand over a completed physical brevet card even if using e-brevet. The cards need to go off to the validators after the organiser has checked them all and is satisfied with proof of passage etc.
Post by: Diesel on 29 January, 2023, 01:32:01 pm
Just uploaded now and it has worked. So probably ok I guess.
More importantly, many thanks to the team for a very pleasant day out. 👍👍
Post by: Lightning Phil on 29 January, 2023, 01:55:35 pm
Post by: drossall on 29 January, 2023, 02:06:32 pm
Post by: psyclist on 29 January, 2023, 02:38:34 pm
It’s taken when final control is registered. We get timings for every control. I occasionally get E-Brevet uploaded next morning after an event.
Thank you for confirming :thumbsup:
@tedshred / @huggy ... I have just reread the ebrevet guide and spotted the last sentence. Apologies, I should have announced myself. Rather belatedly, just to let you know, I have finished O:-)
"At the finish show your completed e-brevet to one of the controllers so they can tick you off the arrival list"
Post by: huggy on 29 January, 2023, 02:41:20 pm
At the finish show your completed e-brevet to one of the controllers so they can tick you off the arrival list.
ETA: x-post with psyclist
We were getting very stressed about having unaccounted for riders at finish!! At least, we were stressed until another Essex Energy Drink calmed our nerves.
Note that the e-brevet system is a closed system to itself - it does not cross validate to the Aukweb event finish list. So, apart from it looking pretty on your phone screen and providing a separate e-brevet rider record, you still need to be validated in the main system to have your ride appear on your record.
Yes, a confirmation email is sent to the Org and rider at completed e-brevet upload BUT many of those confirmation emails do not arrive until a significant time after control closure, if not next day, email is not a real-time communication medium.
I'll add another line in the e-brevet getting started instructions about uploading your completed e-brevet, however, those that came to the desk to present their e-brevedence were instructed to upload it then.
There were 152 entries and (I think) 114 riders started yesterday. The ACME Winter Anvil rides continue to provide an excuse to get out on the bike through the winter months :thumbsup:
Post by: Oscar's dad on 30 January, 2023, 07:06:35 am
There were 152 entries and (I think) 114 riders started yesterday. The ACME Winter Anvil rides continue to provide an excuse to get out on the bike through the winter months :thumbsup:
:thumbsup: Good job folks, well done!
Post by: huggy on 02 February, 2023, 07:28:55 am
All files are available for download from the event page at https://audax.uk/event-details/10000-knights_templar_compasses and GPX or TCX of your choice from https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41680788
Post by: jiberjaber on 02 February, 2023, 09:25:44 am
Post by: tomj on 02 February, 2023, 09:34:23 am
Post by: huggy on 02 February, 2023, 10:43:18 am
Will the e-brevet option be available?Yes, it will.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 02 February, 2023, 04:20:09 pm
Post by: telstarbox on 08 February, 2023, 09:46:10 pm
Post by: bhoot on 08 February, 2023, 10:21:05 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 09 February, 2023, 07:05:55 pm
In for the Templar :) Do you get the sticker only for doing all four winter rides in the same season?
The cloth badge is for all four in a two-year period. The anvil medals are for any of the series.
Post by: huggy on 10 February, 2023, 11:08:58 am
Please take note of lack of train service to/from the west though and give yourself a reason to ECE the Knights Templar :thumbsup:
Post by: drossall on 10 February, 2023, 01:36:01 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 14 February, 2023, 05:44:43 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 15 February, 2023, 08:08:28 am
Post by: psyclist on 17 February, 2023, 11:27:35 am
Post by: Lightning Phil on 17 February, 2023, 11:55:10 am
Post by: JellyLegs on 17 February, 2023, 06:17:33 pm
With the current weather, it feels like Knight's Templar is the first of the ACME Spring Series. Half tempted by bibshorts, but know it'll be a mistake.
You do know how to tempt fate! It will probably be hit by unexpected blizzard conditions now.
Post by: telstarbox on 18 February, 2023, 06:51:31 pm
Post by: JellyLegs on 18 February, 2023, 07:31:37 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 18 February, 2023, 07:41:37 pm
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/R7kbwwmD_QuBVi8gJ8U-vvpWg2VyPlLRSAB6Mhx0gsM-1536x2048.jpg)
Post by: GavinC on 18 February, 2023, 08:50:14 pm
GPS threw wobbly at start
I did call out to you when you took a right (wrong!) turn just after we left the pub this morning but you were already speeding away!
Great day out - thanks Huggy and helpers :)
Post by: Lightning Phil on 18 February, 2023, 09:10:10 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 19 February, 2023, 09:28:29 am
The café 'Something Scrummy' was excellent too.
A weird Ladybird books worm-hole to go down: https://ladybirdflyawayhome.com/the-strange-tale-of-the-missing-father-of-khong-guan/ From Helen Day's website (Ladybird book collector and curator of the exhibition).
Post by: phil dubya on 01 September, 2023, 10:45:23 am
Post by: Snotty Gilbert on 01 September, 2023, 02:28:43 pm
Can some tell me the first event for 23/24 ACME Anvil please?
Post by: phil dubya on 01 September, 2023, 05:41:12 pm
https://acme.bike/winter-anvil-series/
Perfect, thank you.
Post by: tedshred on 17 September, 2023, 04:39:44 pm
Sat 4th November - Essex 3 Rs - Witham
Sat 2nd December - Stansted Airport Express - Witham
Sat 20th January - Kelvedon Oyster - Kelvedon
Sat 10th February - Knights Templar Compasses - Witham
The events start at 10am to provide an opportunity either to miss the early morning frost or fit in an ECE.
They also start and finish in pubs, making them a sociable way to keep riding through the winter.
As if that wasn't reason enough, there is a shiny available if you ride all 4 events within a two year period.
Post by: huggy on 27 October, 2023, 08:57:07 am
Post by: ElyDave on 29 October, 2023, 10:51:05 pm
Post by: alfapete on 30 October, 2023, 08:27:45 am
My money has been sent for the first two, looking forward to them. Not sure why but SAE is something of a favourite for me, Kelvedon Oyster always a challenge at that time of year.Thought you were harking back to the discussion about postal entries there for a moment
Post by: drossall on 30 October, 2023, 05:56:26 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 30 October, 2023, 06:42:51 pm
Post by: drossall on 02 November, 2023, 06:47:54 pm
Post by: BFC on 02 November, 2023, 07:26:33 pm
Let's hope the trains are running!
Post by: Tomsk on 02 November, 2023, 08:06:12 pm
Huggy may have some organiser's wisdom to impart. Just reading through the route sheet I can't see any potential issues for Saturday's ride, apart from the Chelmer at the foot of North Hill, at Papermill Lock. If the river is very high a section of the road does get flooded (there's a depth gauge alongside the road after the bridge). From there it's only 10km to the finish, so wet feet might be more bearable! If it's as wet as forecast, there will certainly be some big puddles - I'll be going top-to-toe waterproof coverage including long waterproof socks!
Post by: Lightning Phil on 02 November, 2023, 08:11:44 pm
Post by: huggy on 02 November, 2023, 08:50:04 pm
The problem is that if Papermill Lock is flooded the neighbouring crossings of the Chelmer will also be flooded so the only dry route from Danbury to Witham will be via Maldon and Langford. Not too lengthy a diversion but would need to be guided by GPX if not familiar with the area.
Of course, by the time you get to the foot of North Hill to possibly find it flooded the wet feet avoidance plan is to retrace up TMNH to head over to Maldon. A dilemma of braving the wet feet or going back up. The good news is that I don’t recall a hazardous road surface in the area so hopefully no submerged pot holes.
Post by: drossall on 02 November, 2023, 10:32:57 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 03 November, 2023, 07:07:40 am
Looking at the forecast definitely a case of break out the winter kit. Doesn't look overly cold, but sogginess looks on the cards.
Post by: psyclist on 03 November, 2023, 07:57:13 am
There are variations, depending on your preference for by-pass or hill in Maldon.
I've not had an email yet, but since I entered quite late I'm not expecting one.
Post by: huggy on 03 November, 2023, 08:16:09 am
There may be yet another variation for flooded Chelmer River avoidance, that will be sent later if considered necessary.
Post by: ElyDave on 03 November, 2023, 08:38:34 am
The bulk email was sent out Monday, just sent to entries received in last couple of days (and resent to ED's hotmail address (if I have correctly identified you)).
There may be yet another variation for flooded Chelmer River avoidance, that will be sent later if considered necessary.
Cheers, yes, that HM address - in my inbox now.
Post by: GdS on 03 November, 2023, 09:48:10 am
Post by: huggy on 03 November, 2023, 10:30:44 am
RwGPS event page with all routes listed
https://ridewithgps.com/events/163196-essex-3r-s-routes
Individual route options
Essex 3R's (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37906707) 107.0 km +784 m
Essex 3R's - Flood avoidance (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44899702) 109.5 km +790 m
Essex 3R's - Mkt Hill + Flood avd. (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44899727) 109.9 km +773 m
Essex 3R's - Mkt Hill avoidance (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37905631) 107.4 km +767 m
It has not yet been confirmed there is or is not a flood at Papermill Lock, so choose your preferred route option based on your own willingness to embrace the unknown!!
Post by: Lightning Phil on 03 November, 2023, 10:43:29 am
I’ll load a flood avoidance route anyway just in case reality doesn’t match online.
Post by: bobb on 03 November, 2023, 11:18:16 am
Post by: trundle on 03 November, 2023, 02:22:48 pm
... including long waterproof socks!
Random question - do you recommend any make of these?
I'm trying short waterproof socks on another audax tomorrow - but I suspect they'll just fill up from the top on the first flooded road!
Post by: Lightning Phil on 03 November, 2023, 04:21:10 pm
I am currently on the bridge at paper mill. No flooding. Just some puddles. River is very full though...
Has Bobb been seen or heard from since?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 03 November, 2023, 04:35:58 pm
Post by: drossall on 03 November, 2023, 05:20:18 pm
Has Bobb been seen or heard from since?Surely that's a question for the nominative determinism thread?
Post by: howdee on 03 November, 2023, 05:21:28 pm
Chain lubed for all the good it will do tomorrow morning 😆
Will that be on the recumbent? If so, hopefully you won't need waterproof pants!
Post by: Tomsk on 03 November, 2023, 05:25:56 pm
... including long waterproof socks!
Random question - do you recommend any make of these?
I'm trying short waterproof socks on another audax tomorrow - but I suspect they'll just fill up from the top on the first flooded road!
I've got a pair of long (mid-calf) sealskins socks - I've only used them for some wet walks this year but will be trialling them with winter boots and overtrousers tomorrow, the latter at least for the ride in when the rain is expected to be heaviest. Later on in the morning through to afternoon it may just be showery. I'll probably find room in the saddlebag for spare gloves and socks though.
Post by: bobb on 03 November, 2023, 05:56:07 pm
I am currently on the bridge at paper mill. No flooding. Just some puddles. River is very full though...
Has Bobb been seen or heard from since?
I made it home! ;D
Post by: trundle on 03 November, 2023, 06:12:38 pm
I've got a pair of long (mid-calf) sealskins socks - I've only used them for some wet walks this year but will be trialling them with winter boots and overtrousers tomorrow, the latter at least for the ride in when the rain is expected to be heaviest. Later on in the morning through to afternoon it may just be showery. I'll probably find room in the saddlebag for spare gloves and socks though.
Thanks and snap!
I think I bought the same, or similar from Decathlon today. And I'll have spare socks/gloves too - there are bound to be flooded lanes on the Upper Thames tomorrow. Nothing nicer than changing into dry socks and gloves mid ride!
Post by: Lightning Phil on 03 November, 2023, 06:18:04 pm
Chain lubed for all the good it will do tomorrow morning 😆
Will that be on the recumbent? If so, hopefully you won't need waterproof pants!
Yes, on recumbent, though I don’t wear waterproofs on the bike even in weather forecast like tomorrow’s.
I’m also less gung-ho about floods after I rode into one in Winter 2021, it came up over seat and didn’t do dynamo bearings much good either.
Post by: JellyLegs on 03 November, 2023, 10:28:38 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 03 November, 2023, 10:29:48 pm
This is even more addictive than checking weather forecasts !
2023-11-03T18:30:00Z 0.545
2023-11-03T18:45:00Z 0.548
2023-11-03T19:00:00Z 0.55
2023-11-03T19:15:00Z 0.552
2023-11-03T19:30:00Z 0.557
2023-11-03T19:45:00Z 0.558
2023-11-03T20:00:00Z 0.562
2023-11-03T20:15:00Z 0.566
2023-11-03T20:30:00Z 0.567
2023-11-03T20:45:00Z 0.573
2023-11-03T21:00:00Z 0.575
2023-11-03T21:15:00Z 0.578
2023-11-03T21:30:00Z 0.583
2023-11-03T21:45:00Z 0.586
2023-11-03T22:00:00Z 0.59
Post by: Lightning Phil on 03 November, 2023, 10:31:01 pm
Dry sack with spare gloves, socks and top packed. Winter boots readied for use. Mrs JellyLegs is questioning my sanity having seen the forecast.
Wouldn’t be audax without some level of insanity.
Post by: drossall on 03 November, 2023, 11:01:43 pm
okay, here are the route options if you are following a GPS device, I'm not doing a route sheet for all the options. They all go through all the controls.Just to say thanks for all the short-notice work on these - much appreciated. I've got the flood avoidance route loaded. Does sound as though it might be needed!
Post by: Lightning Phil on 04 November, 2023, 07:55:11 am
Post by: bhoot on 04 November, 2023, 08:05:26 am
Post by: JellyLegs on 04 November, 2023, 04:21:06 pm
Dry sack with spare gloves, socks and top packed. Winter boots readied for use. Mrs JellyLegs is questioning my sanity having seen the forecast.
Wouldn’t be audax without some level of insanity.
No, it wouldn’t though today was up there on the my personal charts, not helped by me deciding to ride to the start and then further deciding if I was doing 170km then I might as well ECE to 200km. It really wasn’t the day for that, especially after 2 months off the bike with a bug I couldn’t shift. I was soaked to the skin and shivering before I even got to the start at 65 personal km and when my boots had refilled by the first control, I decided to catch a train home and dry out. Ironically the sky had turned blue in patches and there were glimpses of the sun before I reached Marks Tey station but I think I made the right decision for me. Hope you had a good ride, you shot past me at Little Totham before you then took a curious detour and passed me again as our routes converged.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 04 November, 2023, 07:24:20 pm
The rain did ease then stop by 1pm, there were indeed blue skies and some sun later on. Nice to finish in the dry and I didn’t need to change into my spare layers in the dry bag (in my seat bag).
If you do get cold and wet, even when moving, that can be miserable. I think you made the right choice for you, if you couldn’t keep warm, and were shivering.
Post by: drossall on 04 November, 2023, 08:21:04 pm
Thanks again to all concerned :thumbsup:
Post by: GavinC on 04 November, 2023, 09:35:07 pm
Thanks Huggy and helpers :)
Post by: psyclist on 05 November, 2023, 08:53:21 am
The winter series rides really are an ideal format for 200km rides at this time of year. My route across varies according to the conditions, I get a chance for a second breakfast at the spoons enjoying familiar company, and then get to ride with a great bunch of people on the event. A meal and a pint at the finish then make the ride home a straightforward little jaunt.
Oh, and e-brevet makes the validation so straightforward, and avoids unnecessary shop purchases.
Thanks Huggy and your merry band of helpers.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 05 November, 2023, 09:57:37 am
Probably preferable to get the rain first and the sunshine later, rather than the other way around in last week's Emitremmus (sorry Phil).
I agree, better to finish in the dry as it’s when you stop that you cool down. Though last few years I’ve opted for a mesh base layer if it’s raining. I find that works great at keeping any moisture away from your skin, and thus much warmer even if outer layers have some moisture in them. I stayed comfortable all day yesterday, and that oft determines what type of fun you have.
Post by: arabella on 05 November, 2023, 05:46:55 pm
Generally, though, we had a nice jaunt around Rs and Rs :-)
I can confirm that, as ever, wet woolly socks stay warm, even if I had to wring out a lot of water at the end.
Thanks Huggy and helpers :-)
Post by: ElyDave on 06 November, 2023, 07:37:24 pm
I was just following the flood avoidance route which diverged from the main route as I found a couple of times. I don’t think there was any material difference in distance between the choices, though some may have run faster than others. All good, and total distance 109.40km returning via Maldon from Danbury, which was fine. Plus I didn’t hit the Papermill flood, confirmed to be present by other riders.
The rain did ease then stop by 1pm, there were indeed blue skies and some sun later on. Nice to finish in the dry and I didn’t need to change into my spare layers in the dry bag (in my seat bag).
If you do get cold and wet, even when moving, that can be miserable. I think you made the right choice for you, if you couldn’t keep warm, and were shivering.
Was that your P38 parked opposit my Faran when I left? You must have sat down opposite me at the table - I was in the lightweight green wind/showerproof. Decided not to ride the S40 as I haven't managed to work out how I can fit full mudguards yet, only managed RaceBlades so far.
I was chatting with Huggy about how nice the alternative route from Danbury was, and suggested that it become a permanent option.
There were definitely moments of type 2 fun today but on the whole it was an enjoyable day :thumbsup:
Thanks Huggy and helpers :)
Definitely, I went for a 9am start, so an extra hour of rain. It was OK up to the first control, but a pretty hard slog past Abberton and then from Maldon to Latchingdon, by which point the rain had stopped and i was starting to overheat, so put the heavy waterproof back in the bag, only to then put the light windproof on at Stock.
Overall, I probably spent less time on the aerobars than any other recent ride, as the pads were absolutely soaked, and I was just getting soggy and cold elbows.
Post by: Tomsk on 06 November, 2023, 08:09:48 pm
For those helpers at the start/finish, note it's the Mighty Oak Brewery Christmas Beer tasting again in Maldon, so I'll have a spin down there after setting everyone off.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 06 November, 2023, 08:40:52 pm
Was that your P38 parked opposit my Faran when I left? You must have sat down opposite me at the table - I was in the lightweight green wind/showerproof.
I was chatting with Huggy about how nice the alternative route from Danbury was, and suggested that it become a permanent option.
I didn’t pay much attention to parked up bikes when I returned, but yes my bike was the P38. I was also wearing lightweight green windproof, plus cycling cap (with smiley faces and hearts with eye on the side).
I started a little after 10am, and found out about the 9am start once on the road. No doubt 9am start mentioned somewhere in Huggy’s ride info.
Agree Danbury flood avoidance was a nice route, slow through Maldon, but also more options for hot food if you need it on the final leg.
Maybe see you at the Stansted Airport Express if you’re riding that one? Hopefully under winter sun.
Post by: Tomsk on 14 November, 2023, 08:16:35 am
Starting at 09:30 from the Battesford Court.
Post by: drossall on 14 November, 2023, 06:33:11 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 14 November, 2023, 09:29:49 pm
Post by: peter simplex on 14 November, 2023, 09:35:10 pm
Stansted Airport Express helpers' ride on Saturday 25th November - keeping the Sunday free, in case of weather: especially if it's got a name, since we've had three named storms in the past month ...Unfortunately, on the big day, Dec 2, the Greater Anglia Express gets no further than Ingatestone on the main line out of Lazytown. :-( But that will no doubt delight the ECE community in the metropolis.
Starting at 09:30 from the Battesford Court.
Post by: drossall on 14 November, 2023, 10:54:50 pm
Post by: tandemaniac on 15 November, 2023, 05:22:32 pm
Stansted Airport Express helpers' ride on Saturday 25th November - keeping the Sunday free, in case of weather: especially if it's got a name, since we've had three named storms in the past month ...
Starting at 09:30 from the Battesford Court.
I could be up for that, since I will be in sunny Devon on the day of the event.
Post by: ElyDave on 15 November, 2023, 10:32:25 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 16 November, 2023, 08:14:05 pm
Is the description of a car park start / finish just a leftover from the pandemic years. I’m presuming it starts Battlesfield Court same as others in series?
:facepalm: Yup! Now corrected!
e-brevet available? I might fancy giving it a try, assuming I'm not otherwise engaged by current domestic shennanigans.
Huggy the e-brevet-meister is on the case. :thumbsup:
Unfortunately, on the big day, Dec 2, the Greater Anglia Express gets no further than Ingatestone on the main line out of Lazytown. :-( But that will no doubt delight the ECE community in the metropolis.
::-) Makes a change though - it's usually Huggy's events that get the Greater Angrier treatment.
Post by: huggy on 17 November, 2023, 01:49:15 pm
There will be QR codes to scan at the Start, Thremhall and Finish.
Post by: Tomsk on 17 November, 2023, 05:58:52 pm
e-brevet is ready to go for the SAE, event number 23-342
There will be QR codes to scan at the Start, Thremhall and Finish.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Top marks and three cheers for Huggy!
Post by: psyclist on 17 November, 2023, 06:12:40 pm
e-brevet is ready to go for the SAE, event number 23-342
There will be QR codes to scan at the Start, Thremhall and Finish.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Top marks and three cheers for Huggy!
Indeed, let’s all buy him a pint at the ACME awards ceremony tomorrow night … if we all chip in it’ll be about 5p each ;D
But seriously, thanks Huggy. These e-brevets are making Audax rides more efficient for us riders.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 17 November, 2023, 07:22:55 pm
But seriously, thanks Huggy. These e-brevets are making Audax rides more efficient for us riders.
Well not at the first control on 3Rs where John Jackson sailed by calling out the info answer (without stopping) as a few of us struggled with touch screens in the wet 😂
Post by: ElyDave on 17 November, 2023, 11:00:35 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 18 November, 2023, 10:29:12 am
Well not at the first control on 3Rs where John Jackson sailed by calling out the info answer (without stopping) as a few of us struggled with touch screens in the wet 😂
;D I too couldn't help but notice the 'struggling with phones and wet gloves thing' as I rolled by ...
Post by: huggy on 18 November, 2023, 10:35:53 am
It's even more inconvenient when group riding the route check with the Organiser and needing to stop for verifying the e-brevet as the 'tech expert' while everyone else merrily rolls on through the info controls ::-)Well not at the first control on 3Rs where John Jackson sailed by calling out the info answer (without stopping) as a few of us struggled with touch screens in the wet 😂
;D I too couldn't help but notice the 'struggling with phones and wet gloves thing' as I rolled by ...
Post by: drossall on 19 November, 2023, 08:43:24 pm
Unfortunately, on the big day, Dec 2, the Greater Anglia Express gets no further than Ingatestone on the main line out of Lazytown. :-( But that will no doubt delight the ECE community in the metropolis.What's the local-knowledge route advice from Ingatestone to Witham? Chelmsford looks like a bit of a blot on the landscape (sorry, Chelmsfordians) in terms of through cycling, with little serious consideration to getting riders in and out of town? I'm wondering whether I'd be better adding a few miles and going round to the south east through Sandon than bothering successively with the lack of a serious alternative to the A414, then the town centre, and then the A12/A130 junction? I know from previous events how to do the last leg from Hatfield Peverel, even if the prospect is not particularly inviting.
Post by: psyclist on 20 November, 2023, 04:44:05 am
What's the local-knowledge route advice from Ingatestone to Witham?
Are you looking to minimise the distance, or is a pleasant route the objective? Or both?
If you are looking for a direct route, then there is a pleasant route into Chelmsford using the cycle path that runs past Writtle College. That takes you through Central Park. The only advisory on that is that if there’s been a lot of rain, parts are prone to flooding.
I’m not so familiar with routes out of Chelmsford the other side, except using the Boreham Road. Others will be able to advise better.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 20 November, 2023, 06:06:07 am
The other option would be to cut through channels new housing estate and work your way in via Terling. I can probably link you to a strava where I have done that if interested
Post by: bhoot on 20 November, 2023, 09:19:26 am
Post by: drossall on 20 November, 2023, 07:50:28 pm
I do see the B1137 as the obvious way on the Witham end, even if Terling would be more pleasant. I take it that I join it at the Lion Inn because I come off the cycle paths, rather than because I appear from some side route?
I'm comfortable on fairly busy roads, and nor am I a conscientious objector to cycle paths. I just want a fairly direct route that doesn't suffer from the usual problems in unfamiliar areas:
- Cycle routes that stop suddenly because it hadn't occurred to their designers that you might want to go through, rather than to, the town centre, leaving you a bit lost
- Mammothly-slow give-way-at-every-turning-on-loads-of-roundabouts cycle diversions
- Routes only fit for serious mountain bikes
- Missing out on the really-good route that all the local riders know
May as well take the best route available, as I may never need to do it again. And I like maps, so I rather enjoy planning these things out in advance ;D
So Galleywood it is, I think, though not actually Papermill Lock, as the straight run into Boreham goes west of that?
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 20 November, 2023, 08:06:30 pm
Post by: bhoot on 20 November, 2023, 11:43:15 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 22 November, 2023, 04:04:58 pm
Helpers can pick another day to ride if they can't make Saturday.
Post by: Tomsk on 26 November, 2023, 04:17:15 pm
The long range forecast for Saturday is looking similar to yesterday: cold and sunny ... we'll see.
And ... it's Witham's Christmas Fayre from 3pm with lights switch-on at 6pm: Newland Street will be closed to motor vehicles, but you'll be able to walk through to the Battesford Court - which will be busier than usual!
Post by: Lightning Phil on 26 November, 2023, 05:12:17 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 28 November, 2023, 07:26:18 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 29 November, 2023, 08:03:17 am
Now looking to be starting around 0C and max 2C. Are the opening lanes gritted?
Short answer, no! If you reverse the inbound, Spa Road route and continue to Terling, that is gritted, but not onwards to Great Leighs. On Saturday morning, I'll ride in on the first section of the route and report on the state of the roads. (I'll be on Marathon Winters, just in case, as it will be at about 07:30!)
Post by: Lightning Phil on 29 November, 2023, 12:39:11 pm
It’s a shame my rear winter tyre doesn’t fit if I leave mudguard on. Maybe one day they’ll do it in 32mm.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 30 November, 2023, 01:08:09 pm
I found some marathon winters (they do 622 in 30mm :-) ) and ordered them last night paying for express delivery. Hopefully arrive today or tomorrow. Not sure I want to risk an off (even though it'll hurt less from a recumbent), in lanes that aren't gritted (beyond first 6km if use alternate to Terling).
Pleasantly surprised at how cheap marathon winters are, thought they'd cost a lot more.
I've got some non studded (lamellar tread, cold weather compound) winter tyres already but they'd break the mudguard rule if I fitted rear one (37mm).
Post by: Lightning Phil on 30 November, 2023, 05:58:59 pm
Post by: bobb on 30 November, 2023, 08:19:06 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 30 November, 2023, 09:16:55 pm
Post by: drossall on 30 November, 2023, 10:38:38 pm
Hmmmm... it's not looking good. There were a few icy spots today when I went out and that was midday. Plus we've got another couple of nights of sub-zero temperatures to come. Have to wait and see I guess....Thanks. Watching with interest for any more updates. I've got some studded Marathons from when I commuted between towns (now it's mostly in London, where it rarely freezes), but I hadn't planned to fit them. I think, if it is going to be significantly icy, I might end up giving it a miss :(
Post by: ElyDave on 01 December, 2023, 06:46:48 am
Post by: Lightning Phil on 01 December, 2023, 08:41:15 am
Coldest I’ve commuted in was -11C and that did feel cold! My winter boots, recently retired, did a good job that day.
Foggy and frosty here at the moment in north east Herts.
My Winters were last seen Hatfield depot at 6am. Now awaiting a text / email of expected delivery window.
Post by: Tomsk on 01 December, 2023, 09:02:17 am
(The long-range forecast for a week's time says 8ºC and wet ...)
Post by: bhoot on 01 December, 2023, 09:07:23 am
Post by: GavinC on 01 December, 2023, 09:46:19 am
I'm considering the options for re-scheduling to the following Saturday, 9th December and still running it tomorrow for those (at their own risk) with Marathon Winter tyres ... I've been in touch with the relevant AUK events team.I’m happy to stamp cards at Thremhall next week as well as tomorrow :thumbsup:
(The long-range forecast for a week's time says 8ºC and wet ...)
Post by: felstedrider on 01 December, 2023, 09:49:02 am
I'm free next Saturday, though, so could ride.
Post by: ElyDave on 01 December, 2023, 10:03:36 am
Wonder whether the logistics would work?
Post by: Lightning Phil on 01 December, 2023, 10:47:07 am
Post by: Owen on 01 December, 2023, 11:47:12 am
I'm considering the options for re-scheduling to the following Saturday, 9th December and still running it tomorrow for those (at their own risk) with Marathon Winter tyres ... I've been in touch with the relevant AUK events team.I’m happy to stamp cards at Thremhall next week as well as tomorrow :thumbsup:
(The long-range forecast for a week's time says 8ºC and wet ...)
Same here. Happy to do both Saturdays.
Owen
Post by: Tomsk on 01 December, 2023, 01:52:42 pm
Helpers - thank you for your kind offers to help both days, much appreciated.
Post by: phil dubya on 01 December, 2023, 02:00:12 pm
Post by: psyclist on 01 December, 2023, 02:05:12 pm
Post by: bobb on 01 December, 2023, 02:17:28 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 01 December, 2023, 02:43:34 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 01 December, 2023, 04:49:14 pm
See you tomorrow. It will be a case of steady as she goes,
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 01 December, 2023, 04:58:45 pm
It is Mrs Tippers birthday on the 9th but luckily she will be in New York so I have been released!
Post by: Deano4 on 01 December, 2023, 07:28:40 pm
Put me down for 9th.
Post by: JellyLegs on 01 December, 2023, 07:47:20 pm
Edit - the lure of extra hour in a warm bed won hands down after it got foggy as well. I will start being extra nice to the family and hopefully see you next week.
Post by: howdee on 01 December, 2023, 08:33:51 pm
Post by: drossall on 01 December, 2023, 08:47:35 pm
Post by: sparklyfish on 02 December, 2023, 07:40:23 am
I can't see Sat 9 Dec on the AUK website, and it's now too late to enter today's event online - any guidance? Would be ECEing as usual. My December audax is the last before I can send off for my RRTY x5 badge. ;D
I hope those who do go out today have fun! Me and some buddies are doing some guerilla gardening on a local path this morning (the cycle path between Whittlesford and Sawston, known as the Spicers path because the stationery factory used to be nextdoor), and then it's Christmas dinner with my work colleagues this evening.
Post by: huggy on 02 December, 2023, 09:01:18 am
I can't see Sat 9 Dec on the AUK website, and it's now too late to enter today's event online - any guidance?Date changed to the 9th to enable new online entries
Post by: sparklyfish on 02 December, 2023, 03:31:05 pm
I can't see Sat 9 Dec on the AUK website, and it's now too late to enter today's event online - any guidance?Date changed to the 9th to enable new online entries
Duly entered, thanks Mr H. :thumbsup: see you all next week!
Post by: Lightning Phil on 02 December, 2023, 08:03:10 pm
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ADCreHepVmp_HqkpXoiLGSAw6q2hEBmRZECoq2d6WjnPT8mzHJ7bQYbk9LRpuxcZ3IHywbFsT_Yhtbv0O8Z7cm0eteL0gDBEsLemScQE7z57p9nWCZV0Pn4=w2400)
Set off with Adrian Boswood , on the icy sections I took the lead then he leap frogged on the dry bits. He was on fixed, I on my usual recumbent. Once past the initial icy lanes and on to gritted for a while, Adrian pulled away.
I was enjoying riding in the freezing fog, all sounds muffled. I needed frequent wiping of my glasses to stop them icing up.
After a while I remembered there was an early control and stopped check where it was. Ah Great Leigh, about 3km up the road. Whilst stopped Aron passed. I soon caught him up and we rode together a while. He exclaimed that his feet were cold and he needed to push on to warm them up. I was once more alone in the fog.
The roads varied between dry and frosty, wet and icy, and wet and gritted. On my winter tyres I just pedalled on at a steady effort and wasn’t troubled by any of the surfaces. Clearly slower than usual, but most importantly staying upright whilst laid back.
Matching Tye was the second control and I guessed I was there when some houses appeared out the fog. E-Brevet done it was time to get to the half way cafe control at Thremhall for some hot food and drink to warm myself for the second leg. On a sharp right in a dip there was flooding but nothing too deep.
On the way to Takeley it lightly snowed and I took a picture of it settling on my beanie. At the cafe were Gavin Clark and Owen (manning) plus Aron the other rider I’d seen. The cafe was warm.
I wanted something hot, no baked potatoes but they could do me a full English. Full English it was with a hot chocolate. I undid my shoes to allow them to warm, cold foot instead of hot foot. I found out there were five of us on the road with one rider DNF.
After a pleasant 40 mins or so it was time to head out on the second leg back to Witham. The cold hit like a sledgehammer back outside. It really hadn’t warmed up all day. Still freezing fog. But first to Thaxted the fourth control. The roads along here were drier than earlier though the fog was still about, a bit of a pea souper at Broxted.
A short stop in Thaxted then onwards through Great Bardfield and on to Great Notley. About 11km from Witham there was flooding and slush about 4 inches deep. Then final leg and a walk along high street to the finish due to a fair and Christmas lights.
A beer (Giddy Goose) and burger chatting with Tomsk at finish then time to head home. The last two riders came in whilst I was there. All riders who finished back before dark.
GPS recorded average temperature of -2C and minimum -3C. Mesh base, winter weight merino, Rab alpha flash jacket, Rab green windproof. Buffalo fibre pile mitts. Ron Hill winter legs. Beanie for head. I took cap and buff for the promised sun that never came. Above combination kept me comfortable in conditions.
Had a flask of hot chocolate and custard donuts to consume during ride. Water bottles were more like slush puppies and the water ice cold but it didn’t completely freeze up and drinking possible all the way round.
A good day out and enjoyed an event / route that is new to me.
Post by: drossall on 02 December, 2023, 09:11:56 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 03 December, 2023, 08:20:23 am
Today looking equally grim
Post by: GdS on 03 December, 2023, 11:47:29 am
Post by: Tomsk on 04 December, 2023, 07:35:24 pm
Deferred ECEs from yesterday will be fine for next Saturday :)
:thumbsup: Thanks! Two of last Saturday's famous five were on ECEs. Rather them than me - though I did manage to clock up 52 miles riding to/from Witham, plus the trip down to Maldon's Mighty Oak brewery.
Post by: Owen on 05 December, 2023, 09:16:22 am
Gavin and I spent and a lovely (read as warm) few hours there last Saturday, however the owner is very precious about her floor so please could people give there feet a good wipe on the way in.
She did also suggest that if too many people all turn up at the same time she wouldn't be able to do hot food, only drinks / cake / rolls / sandwich's.
See you Saturday
Owen
Post by: howdee on 06 December, 2023, 12:19:29 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 06 December, 2023, 12:21:45 pm
Post by: psyclist on 08 December, 2023, 10:55:47 am
Post by: felstedrider on 08 December, 2023, 11:32:52 am
Post by: Flatlander on 08 December, 2023, 11:38:21 am
Oh well, may be a little bit of warm rain in the morning, but it brightens up in the afternoon. I'd take that over conditions last Saturday.
And 40mph wind in the afternoon, guaranteed no freezing fog. At least ungritted road were dry last weekend.
Post by: psyclist on 08 December, 2023, 11:49:11 am
Oh well, may be a little bit of warm rain in the morning, but it brightens up in the afternoon. I'd take that over conditions last Saturday.
And 40mph wind in the afternoon, guaranteed no freezing fog. At least ungritted road were dry last weekend.
But the wind is a westerly in the afternoon, so another bonus to get us all back to Witham in good time!
Post by: huggy on 08 December, 2023, 12:09:50 pm
Southerly in the morning turning SW for arrival at Thremhall and then pushed back with a cross/tail wind from Thaxted. Looks set fare for a rapid SAE time, even more Express than just the name!Oh well, may be a little bit of warm rain in the morning, but it brightens up in the afternoon. I'd take that over conditions last Saturday.
And 40mph wind in the afternoon, guaranteed no freezing fog. At least ungritted road were dry last weekend.
But the wind is a westerly in the afternoon, so another bonus to get us all back to Witham in good time!
(Don't envy any ECEs returning West though :facepalm: )
Post by: Lightning Phil on 08 December, 2023, 12:26:43 pm
Oh well, may be a little bit of warm rain in the morning, but it brightens up in the afternoon. I'd take that over conditions last Saturday.
And 40mph wind in the afternoon, guaranteed no freezing fog. At least ungritted road were dry last weekend.
Plenty of the SAE ungritted roads were wet and icy last Sat. Mostly first half and some in the last 15km or so.
Post by: psyclist on 08 December, 2023, 12:28:05 pm
(Don't envy any ECEs returning West though :facepalm: )
Tropical wind though, it'll be fine!
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 08 December, 2023, 06:28:27 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 08 December, 2023, 10:59:07 pm
Post by: JellyLegs on 08 December, 2023, 11:06:12 pm
Hmmmm. I don’t think I can do the 9th without some serious grovelling….
I don’t think sufficient grovelling has been done. Looks like I am still down for taxi duties tomorrow.
Edit: And having opened the curtains this morning to find ver large puddles on the gravel drive and it bucketing it down, I am actually glad I am on taxi duty. Chapeau to those have the impetus to ride in this weather.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 09 December, 2023, 08:05:29 am
I will ride, I will Ride....my whole thing this year is conditions will not stop me getting out....a lot of time spent in a warm gym is testing this mindset tonight....I WILL see you all in the morning, I shall be on fixed at a very fixed friendly pace...I will save myself for the tailwind promised above ;DOK, so as much as I said it....I have to face the fact that I'm not quite ready to be dealing with Type II fun from the off....I did get ready and I did get out the door...and roughly a whole 2km down the road before I became aware that my mental strength for riding in tougher conditions needs some work ;-)
Have fund to those who ride, and I hope me deciding to stay in means the rain stops and the sun comes out sooner!
Post by: bobb on 09 December, 2023, 08:50:18 am
Post by: ElyDave on 09 December, 2023, 09:36:51 am
Post by: bhoot on 09 December, 2023, 11:16:41 am
Post by: felstedrider on 09 December, 2023, 12:38:04 pm
Just an FYI for anyone planning on stopping at Tremhall Park.
Gavin and I spent and a lovely (read as warm) few hours there last Saturday, however the owner is very precious about her floor so please could people give there feet a good wipe on the way in.
She did also suggest that if too many people all turn up at the same time she wouldn't be able to do hot food, only drinks / cake / rolls / sandwich's.
See you Saturday
Owen
How much anti-cyclist vitriol would you like with your breakfast, sir ? I can do you 15 mins but if you have an extra coffee I can make it 30.
Post by: psyclist on 09 December, 2023, 07:31:53 pm
It's stopped raining in London now, making me wish I had entered ( but maybe it's still wetter up in Essex). Anyway I am sorting the direct debit membership renewals today...
It had stopped around 11:15 in Essex too. Whilst it was raining, it varied in intensity from light to medium rain, nothing too heavy. But even though I had wet feet, head and hands, it was warm enough not to be a problem.
As for Tippers, he was only saying yesterday how all this gym work is making him effectively into a fair weather cyclist …
Post by: Lightning Phil on 10 December, 2023, 09:00:19 am
I think he just convinced himself that he wouldn’t enjoy it. Rather than get to start to enjoy a second breakfast with all the other enthused nutters. Then rediscover what it was that he enjoyed about audax. The weather really wasn’t as bad as forecast, the right clothing will keep you comfortable, and indeed some brief sun around lunchtime.
Post by: Tomsk on 10 December, 2023, 04:06:37 pm
The roads seemed exceptionally busy with Christmas shoppers - the only time I remember the SAE this busy was a covid edition, either just before a lockdown, or just after as everyone went a bit crazy. (I just went up to the Wilkins Jam factory for a bit of shopping myself. By bike of course.)
I have a cunning plan to run the route reversed next year, just for a change. I'll get onto that once I've dealt with the results data this evening.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 10 December, 2023, 05:08:44 pm
Post by: sparklyfish on 10 December, 2023, 09:04:15 pm
Longer story:
No photos today: rain instead...
Full waterproofs on leaving at 6am. The rain didn't really start until I got to Walden.
Much new technology for me today. Impending death of phone has caused me to get a new phone; new phone not having an ordinary headphone jack caused my husband to get me new Bluetooth bone-conducting headphones [old ones up for grabs if anyone wants to try them]; my old music player doesn't do bluetooth, causing me to rely on Spotify and BBC Sounds today. First up is a terrific podcast featuring Emily Chappell: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hECPK9fPJibLL3sr0RoZf
When she talks about doing audax it is as though she is speaking directly to me. Swoon.
Rain picks up just before Braintree. I really don't like Braintree but am pleased to see it on this occasion. They Might Be Giants on to perk me up. I arrive in Witham just in time to wave to the 9.30am depart. Into the pub; cup of tea and a quick sit-down before leaving at 10am. Already soaked through, and the prospect of more rain for another hour; I stay togged up.
Not long after leaving, I am caught by James. James is relatively new to audax, but is clearly taking to it like a duck to water (literally today) and I'm sure he'll be fine for his first SR next year. One of the audaxes he has done is the Richard Ellis; I've never been tempted, as I couldn't bear to cycle down to Dunmow then back up to Grantchester. Plus the queue at The Orchards is always so long. I tell James that my husband and I got married at The Orchards. "Oh!" he exclaims. "Me and my wife used to call in there quite often, and we always said what a nice place it would be to get married!". In our case, it rained cats and dogs and we were outside for an hour or two before it was too cold. In August. Ho hum. James and I have children the same age, and spend some time swapping notes. He mentions that there is a ford near Hatfield Forest that is mentioned on the routesheet. What, I don't remember that! He is glad to ride together when we get to the first info control: thanks to a conversation at the start, I already knew that the answer was (still) missing. So there's no point stopping. A great advantage of ye olde paper brevets over e-brevets on these shorter audaxes; no need to stop and fumble with a phone in the rain, especially when you already know the answer.
It is lovely to chat but I already had 40 miles in my legs before the start and am tired from the rain, so it isn't long before I drop off on a slight incline.
On the A1060, the route has us do a left-then-right jig. All clear on approach, I turn onto the road. As I indicate right, I can hear a lorry coming up behind me, too fast to slow down for me. Very very much too fast. There's no choice: the lorry driver has me riding on the white lines in the centre of the road, and squeezes through on my left, with cars going the opposite way on my right. I turn right and stop to gather myself. What do these people think? Awful.
Near Hatfield Broad Oak, I stick on the B road rather than go past Hatfield Forest and potentially impassable ford. Saves a bit of time but means longer on the old A120, sad. It's such a horrible road. With all the concrete traffic islands, there's no choice but to take the lane - if you don't, then obesotron SUV drivers push their way through. But if you do take the lane, you have to put up with honking and incomprehensible shouts. One lowers his window to shout "Ar!" at me. Bit late for talk-like-a-pirate day, surely? No idea.
At the cafe, the sun is shining! Yay, I'll be able to take off stupid swishy waterproof trousers - which are now covered in chain lube, and have been basting my bottles for the last 40 miles. Inside, I sit down with James, and then spy Lottie! Owen is stamping cards. Owen brings up the subject of squares, ahhh... I go all doe-eyed until Owen asks about the Epping Upland square. Everyone else laughs at the solution: just hop over the PRIVATE NO ENTRY gate on the corner opposite some houses, down the concrete track for 100 metres to the sewage treatment plant - no problemo, you're in and out inside five minutes.
I set off at the same time as Phil. We don't think we've met before, but must have done the same audaxes. His Garmin is playing up, so I lead while it has a little think. Our kids are similar ages, so another lovely chat about kids and families and the trials and tribulations of a house of teenagers.
No need to stop in Thaxted; the info control answer is easily visible and we are both doing paper brevets. We pick up James: his navigation is on the blink too, so we ride together all the way to Witham. I am very glad to be in a group; the shelter from the wind is nice, but I'm mainly glad of being with other audaxers at the point where I'm closest to home. I am no good on the front and don't even offer, but am useful in Great Notley where I'm a bit more sure of navigation and can even remember the little bit of cycle path worth using to bypass a big roundabout.
We pass Lottie on her Brompton. Hellooo! The roads have been fairly wet, but not too bad. Near Fairstead, I regret taking off the waterproof trousers, as we have to ride through about 200m of flooded road. Aaaargh! It's a lovely lane, but next time there's been this much rain I'll divert to the Notleys instead. I think about Lottie on her little wheels, and hope that she's okay. It is a glorious evening though, and we all enjoy the sunset.
Witham, yay! I stop to get some money out to buy an ACME buff - just the thing, as my soggy AUK buff is making my chin sore. Small dinner, tea and chat with ACME people. Phone on charge: it hasn't coped very well with being a music player all day. Lottie pulls in, and receives the 2023 ACME Lanterne Rouge award. I set off again about 5pm.
Getting home is a bit of a drag; tired and into a strong gusty wind. I stop every half hour to change track. The BBC Sounds series I am listening to is excellent though, and really spurs me on - it's about witches, both the wicca-type stuff (which doesn't hugely interest me) but also the witch-hunts and theories about why they happened. Did you know King James - he of Bible-translating fame - blamed a storm on witches and wrote a book about demons which stirred up witch-hunt enthusiasm? There are interesting sections tying up enclosures (another thing which makes me angry, as it resonates today and makes our lives as cycle campaigners blooming hard) with witch-hunts; there's pieces about women decried as witches because they were midwives who carried out abortions, and the church didn't like that. North Essex villages are treated to strings of expletives. Serve them and their Matthew Hopkins right, hah.
I get home at 9pm. 230km in December wind and water in 15 hours, happy with that!
This marks the end of RRTYx5 and, once validated, can send off for my NEW BADGE! Whoop yeah. :-D
Post by: ElyDave on 11 December, 2023, 11:37:47 am
I managed to get our yesterday in the dry, returning home like a drowned rat in a deluge. Jacket hung up over a washing up bowl to avoid drippage onto the floor. New Lake boots kept the feet toasty warm, though not entirely dry as I had my legs tucked inside rather than over the top.
Post by: huggy on 08 January, 2024, 09:16:56 am
Ted's PA here. If anyone is thinking of riding the Kelvedon Oyster helpers' route check this coming weekend then please feel free to do so. Unfortunately, I have work stuff on Saturday 13th but I could probably get out on Sunday 14th to roll round.
Entries for the 20th are totting up nicely and with the long range forecast looking favourable I expect there will be over 100 entries for this 3rd event in the ACME Anvil Winter Series for 2023/24.
Post by: psyclist on 08 January, 2024, 12:51:53 pm
Ted's PA here
He must pay well for you to still be fulfilling that role ...
Post by: huggy on 08 January, 2024, 12:54:21 pm
he's a very generous man!Ted's PA here
He must pay well for you to still be fulfilling that role ...
Post by: tedshred on 08 January, 2024, 01:03:36 pm
he's a very generous man!Ted's PA here
He must pay well for you to still be fulfilling that role ...
You're mixing me up with someone else.
I was thinking of rolling round on Sunday - very slowly though :facepalm:
Post by: Owen on 16 January, 2024, 12:25:16 pm
Thanks
Owen
Post by: felstedrider on 16 January, 2024, 12:32:20 pm
Any news on when the route etc will be sent out ?
Thanks
Owen
Files on the event page were updated yesterday so I have assumed these are 'final'.
Post by: Owen on 16 January, 2024, 01:15:01 pm
Post by: tedshred on 16 January, 2024, 01:23:21 pm
Any news on when the route etc will be sent out ?
Thanks
Owen
The route sheet and GPX on the event page are final. Tandemaniac (solo) did the route check on Saturday. Huggy and I thought about doing one on Sunday :-[
Holding off from sending the email for as long as possible because; entries are still arriving apace and want to see how the weather is looking. Expect to receive an email tomorrow afternoon.
Entries close at noon on Friday, if anyone is still wondering what to do on Saturday.
Post by: felstedrider on 16 January, 2024, 01:27:35 pm
Post by: huggy on 16 January, 2024, 01:38:47 pm
Huggy and I thought about doing one on Sunday :-[it is the thought that counts, after all! I have also thought about taking a day away from the keyboard and riding the route on Friday, but that is highly likely to remain a thought.
Post by: Owen on 16 January, 2024, 01:55:38 pm
Any news on when the route etc will be sent out ?
Thanks
Owen
The route sheet and GPX on the event page are final. Tandemaniac (solo) did the route check on Saturday. Huggy and I thought about doing one on Sunday :-[
Holding off from sending the email for as long as possible because; entries are still arriving apace and want to see how the weather is looking. Expect to receive an email tomorrow afternoon.
Entries close at noon on Friday, if anyone is still wondering what to do on Saturday.
Thank you.
Plotting a short detour on the Island as there's 3 or 4 tiles I can pick up.
I also have a few little tile bagging detours planned ;D
Assuming my studded tyres arrive by then :facepalm:
Post by: tedshred on 16 January, 2024, 02:47:54 pm
Huggy and I thought about doing one on Sunday :-[it is the thought that counts, after all! I have also thought about taking a day away from the keyboard and riding the route on Friday, but that is highly likely to remain a thought.
Checks weather forecast; bracing but doable. Let me ponder.
Saturday looks positively tropical - if a little breezy.
Post by: Tomsk on 16 January, 2024, 05:22:30 pm
Post by: Owen on 17 January, 2024, 02:17:35 pm
That should ensure there is no ice. :demon:
Post by: sparklyfish on 17 January, 2024, 03:42:11 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 18 January, 2024, 04:43:58 pm
Post by: GavinC on 18 January, 2024, 04:59:01 pm
could somebody point me at the gpx file please?It’s on the event page on the AUK website: https://www.audax.uk/event-details/10947-the_kelvedon_oyster (https://www.audax.uk/event-details/10947-the_kelvedon_oyster)
Post by: ElyDave on 18 January, 2024, 07:22:25 pm
could somebody point me at the gpx file please?It’s on the event page on the AUK website: https://www.audax.uk/event-details/10947-the_kelvedon_oyster (https://www.audax.uk/event-details/10947-the_kelvedon_oyster)
Ta
Post by: Tomsk on 19 January, 2024, 03:21:33 pm
Have fun tomorrow everyone - stay upright!
Post by: drossall on 19 January, 2024, 05:05:21 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 20 January, 2024, 07:54:56 pm
Post by: phil dubya on 21 January, 2024, 08:17:15 am
Thank you to the ACME team for putting on another fantastic ride, your efforts are very much appreciated.
Post by: sparklyfish on 21 January, 2024, 12:38:54 pm
Darkness for the first half hour. Then a glorious hour and a half of sunrise. I cannot believe my luck; I am out here, it's not below zero, riding into this sunrise. Pity for those stuck inside the car, to not be experiencing this joy. The sun peeks over the horizon, and another half an hour of watching it winch into the sky. It's a good day for birds too; fieldfare dash about the lanes, and sit in bushes watching me pass, munching bright red rosehips.
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/mo8xUvv2bGud8L6mlF8f8axtrt-7WdCYOcR1nWzeY-U-2048x1537.jpg)
I am using my normal gritted route towards Witham, but then a new town-centre-avoidance route through Braintree, which is a success. But I come unstuck on the road to Kelvedon: yup, that road is definitely closed. Humble pie after a week of enjoying tales of the Turn Of Shame on the bypass.
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/FgbBCQKTQKJ2g8JRc-LALMG4DuCLsgfFf81uqx8HVHA-2048x1537.jpg)
Back to the main road towards Witham - not a nice road, but at least it is ice-free. I arrive in Kelvedon just as the 9.30am group are departing. Too hungry to chase them down, I sit for second breakfast with Lightning Phil.
Lightning Phil has kindly invited me to join his Easter Arrow team this year, and he explains the rules; a 24-hour ride to York, as a team. I am a big fan of Phil's routes and am looking forward to this and his 600km Gospel Pass event this year. The Gospel Pass sounds terrific - I signed up ages ago. Then he mentions a Herts SR badge...
I surprise myself by wolfing down my second breakfast. Getting food and drink right is a strange beast; normally I wouldn't get through an entire bottle on my way to a winter Essex start and second breakfast is usually only a normal meal on tour, never audax for me. But learning your own body is part of the joy of audax, isn't it? What can I do; where can I go; what am I capable of; how does the landscape fit together; where are the edges?
In the car park, we pick up Phil Dubya; we are some of the last to set off. Up to Countess Cross, then back to the A road to avoid ice. Under the viaduct at Wakes Colne, lovely. Then I think we can peel off left to pick up the original route and avoid the last busy bit of road - but no, that would get us back on the icy bit. Doh; a second turn of shame in one day. Oops. Still, knowing the way across Colchester is handy and it's not long before we're at Rowhedge. Phil Dubya and I are both on ordinary brevets while Lightning Phil is on e-brevet; I ask for a receipt, but the shop keeper is already offering it. "You already know the drill!" I say. "Yes, every year! Every year we look forward to you all coming in".
This year's route takes us through Rowhedge, with lovely views across the Colne to Wivenhoe, before winching up to Fingringhoe. Must come back in the spring or summer: there are squares to be had at the nature reserve. On my earlier January audax, I was fascinated by the Barnack limestone quarry called Hills and Holes and this led me to a tremendous blog called Building London: https://buildinglondon.blog/home/ (https://buildinglondon.blog/home/) and it's got me looking at buildings in a new light. Fingringhoe church has some gorgeous stripes and chequer patterns going on: surely that much flint isn't native to this part of Essex? It'll be good to come back on a DIY and have a little poke about. It's not long before we are onto The Strood, the tidal causeway out to Mersea Island. Dunlins poke about in the squelch and slurp; a curlew picks about not far away. Samphire dots the edges. This estuary and tidal causeway astonishes me; is it water, is it land, is it a road, is it sea? Like a magic trick, it's all and none. I feel pity for the drivers stuck into their mindset of rushing through this landscape as quick as they can. But the hill up onto the island is hard after a battering from the wind; Lightning Phil pulls away. We wave and ping our bells at riders leaving the island. Owen is pulling a train of half a dozen riders, and sits up with a big cheery wave.
Lightning Phil waits for us outside a bakery/cafe. I had planned on eating my sandwiches at the control, but am glad to be indoors for a bit, so we all have a light lunch. Daniella is already inside, and orders a lovely big cream cake just after I order a sausage roll and flapjack. Cream cake envy is instant; what was I thinking? We all scoff our lunch - the flapjack is nicer than expected - and set off again, with me leading to the control. Shouts of joy on the Coast Road; "I can see the sea!". Bradwell power station's impressive bulk watches us. At Dukes, we park up, stamp, and I rush off to admire the estuary. Lightning Phil and I take each other's photos; big grins from inland dwellers, excited about riding to the sea.
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/-kom2LJhJs-rnN6nuSqnmTFE6x2he1P0t1MuRcYUE3k-2048x1537.jpg)
Time to press on; down off the island, back across the magic causeway. But the road is so busy; it's a relief to peel off to Peldon.
I don't feel very strong, but we can't be doing too badly as we pass other audaxers occaionally. At Tollesbury, me and Phil Dubya get to feel smug about being on ordinary brevets; the answer is easy to see on our way past, but we pull over for Lightning Phil to do his e-brevet tick.
Phil Dubya spots the "Lightning" sticker on Lightning Phil's recumbent frame and inspires discussion about YACF usernames. We roll through Tolleshunt D'Arcy, and someone comments what a poncy name it is. D'Arcy, arsey, hur hur hur. We turn the corner towards Heybridge Basin, and I tell Phil Dubya about the Building London blog - there is a disused quay near here which is made of the old old London Bridge: https://buildinglondon.blog/2022/02/25/32-stones-of-old-london-bridge-at-beaumont-quay/ (https://buildinglondon.blog/2022/02/25/32-stones-of-old-london-bridge-at-beaumont-quay/) and, my fave blog: https://silvermud.wordpress.com/tag/beaumont-quay/ (https://silvermud.wordpress.com/tag/beaumont-quay/)
At Heybridge Basin, I charge up and sit on the seawall. It would be a shame to come all this way and not take in the fantastic view. A curlew pokes about in the mud below, and then shares its beautiful curly call.
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/ucN2L3soQhg2pZG4gMQpNt5TTVcZ20IqgK-Z43OZgMQ-2048x1537.jpg)
Further off towards Northey Island, a great cloud of birds take off. Too big for starlings. Half a mile away, it takes time for their cry to make it over to us: brent geese, easily 200 or 300 of them. Woaaah. Then it's along the canal to Heybridge. Ducks poke about the canal; we laugh as a moorhen comes into land and slips on the ice, tumbling head over heels. We catch up with Lotty, who honks her duck bike bell at the ducks. Busier roads to Wickham Bishops; we time the awkward fiveways crossing just right, and scoot over to quiet roads. We pass several people out riding their horses; one horse wears a funny high vis hat, another is quite skittish at us passing. I tell the Phils about calling out "hello horses!" etc one time in the Netherlands: it was clearly not the done thing, as even the horse gave us a look like we'd all grown an extra head. Lightning Phil's route turns off left but me and Phil Dubya have straight on, bizarre. There is some ice through the woods on the hill, and we all slow down and call back: "ice! Ice!" "Baby!". Dropping down into Kelvedon, Phil Dubya and I admire the bridge over the river and the mill building. Wouldn't it be lovely to have a huge lovely house like that? Nah, think of all the work that would need doing, too much responsibility.
Back at the pub, it is nice to see all the other audaxers. A shared day out. I order a cup of tea and a bowl of chips. Jason comes over to chat to Lightning Phil. Huggy asks if I had an oyster; no thank you, not for me - especially not after that year when everyone who had an oyster after 12.30pm got ill. Turns out he had two that year, bleaurgh. Chips done (surprised I managed that many), I bid everyone farewell. I hardly ever ride with the same people all day - by chance and love of RRTY rather than through choice - and have really enjoyed riding with the Phils today.
I gingerly retrace my route to Cressing Temple, but any lingering ice that was here earlier is long gone. Getting onto the B road is difficult, and the driver behind beeps when I don't chance a risky right turn. But eventually there's a gap, and smooth rolling to Braintree. I mean to use the cycle way under the A120 but don't spot the tiny turning in time and end up hollering my way round the horrible big roundabout. The wind gently presses me onto Wethersfield, where I stop for a quick snack. The wind turns slightly and I have a headwind to Radwinter, so I lose myself in my radio drama - Comet in Moominland. The actors are just brilliant, and add so much to an already excellent story; I particularly enjoy the noises from the man-eating Angostura shrub. Hahaha!
In Walden, I've routed the wrong way round the one-way system, oops. Must update that on my Saw-Kelv route. Quick pause to swap over to a new drama by Sebastian Backiewicz: it's good, but a bit odd and not as absorbing as his Pilgrim dramas. In fact, I realise the thing I really like about Pilgrim is the music. But it passes the time perfectly, and finishes just as I arrive in Sawston.
Chris and our youngest one have saved me a dinner; their specialty, fajitas. Lovely. Our middle one comes downstairs and we listen to recordings of curlews. Lovely.
Post by: sparklyfish on 21 January, 2024, 12:56:19 pm
Post by: phil dubya on 21 January, 2024, 02:37:21 pm
Phil Dubya - it was lovely to ride with you again! Glad you liked the Building London blog - it's fascinating stuff. (https://buildinglondon.blog/home/)
It was good to ride with you too sparklyfish, somewhat drier than our last outing!!! Building London Blog is fascinating stuff and quite distracting from work! I feel this would make a good theme for an Audax!?
Great write up, thanks - I had forgotten our short lived smugness! ;D
Post by: jiberjaber on 21 January, 2024, 06:41:49 pm
Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk
Post by: Lightning Phil on 21 January, 2024, 06:48:05 pm
Post by: JellyLegs on 21 January, 2024, 07:50:49 pm
I really enjoy the Kelvedon Oyster, thanks so much team! Another lovely day out. Here's an overly long ride report for those who like such things:
Darkness for the first half hour. Then a glorious hour and a half of sunrise. I cannot believe my luck; I am out here, it's not below zero, riding into this sunrise. Pity for those stuck inside the car, to not be experiencing this joy. The sun peeks over the horizon, and another half an hour of watching it winch into the sky. It's a good day for birds too; fieldfare dash about the lanes, and sit in bushes watching me pass, munching bright red rosehips.
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/mo8xUvv2bGud8L6mlF8f8axtrt-7WdCYOcR1nWzeY-U-2048x1537.jpg)
I am using my normal gritted route towards Witham, but then a new town-centre-avoidance route through Braintree, which is a success. But I come unstuck on the road to Kelvedon: yup, that road is definitely closed. Humble pie after a week of enjoying tales of the Turn Of Shame on the bypass.
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/FgbBCQKTQKJ2g8JRc-LALMG4DuCLsgfFf81uqx8HVHA-2048x1537.jpg)
Back to the main road towards Witham - not a nice road, but at least it is ice-free. I arrive in Kelvedon just as the 9.30am group are departing. Too hungry to chase them down, I sit for second breakfast with Lightning Phil.
Lightning Phil has kindly invited me to join his Easter Arrow team this year, and he explains the rules; a 24-hour ride to York, as a team. I am a big fan of Phil's routes and am looking forward to this and his 600km Gospel Pass event this year. The Gospel Pass sounds terrific - I signed up ages ago. Then he mentions a Herts SR badge...
I surprise myself by wolfing down my second breakfast. Getting food and drink right is a strange beast; normally I wouldn't get through an entire bottle on my way to a winter Essex start and second breakfast is usually only a normal meal on tour, never audax for me. But learning your own body is part of the joy of audax, isn't it? What can I do; where can I go; what am I capable of; how does the landscape fit together; where are the edges?
In the car park, we pick up Phil Dubya; we are some of the last to set off. Up to Countess Cross, then back to the A road to avoid ice. Under the viaduct at Wakes Colne, lovely. Then I think we can peel off left to pick up the original route and avoid the last busy bit of road - but no, that would get us back on the icy bit. Doh; a second turn of shame in one day. Oops. Still, knowing the way across Colchester is handy and it's not long before we're at Rowhedge. Phil Dubya and I are both on ordinary brevets while Lightning Phil is on e-brevet; I ask for a receipt, but the shop keeper is already offering it. "You already know the drill!" I say. "Yes, every year! Every year we look forward to you all coming in".
This year's route takes us through Rowhedge, with lovely views across the Colne to Wivenhoe, before winching up to Fingringhoe. Must come back in the spring or summer: there are squares to be had at the nature reserve. On my earlier January audax, I was fascinated by the Barnack limestone quarry called Hills and Holes and this led me to a tremendous blog called Building London: https://buildinglondon.blog/home/ (https://buildinglondon.blog/home/) and it's got me looking at buildings in a new light. Fingringhoe church has some gorgeous stripes and chequer patterns going on: surely that much flint isn't native to this part of Essex? It'll be good to come back on a DIY and have a little poke about. It's not long before we are onto The Strood, the tidal causeway out to Mersea Island. Dunlins poke about in the squelch and slurp; a curlew picks about not far away. Samphire dots the edges. This estuary and tidal causeway astonishes me; is it water, is it land, is it a road, is it sea? Like a magic trick, it's all and none. I feel pity for the drivers stuck into their mindset of rushing through this landscape as quick as they can. But the hill up onto the island is hard after a battering from the wind; Lightning Phil pulls away. We wave and ping our bells at riders leaving the island. Owen is pulling a train of half a dozen riders, and sits up with a big cheery wave.
Lightning Phil waits for us outside a bakery/cafe. I had planned on eating my sandwiches at the control, but am glad to be indoors for a bit, so we all have a light lunch. Daniella is already inside, and orders a lovely big cream cake just after I order a sausage roll and flapjack. Cream cake envy is instant; what was I thinking? We all scoff our lunch - the flapjack is nicer than expected - and set off again, with me leading to the control. Shouts of joy on the Coast Road; "I can see the sea!". Bradwell power station's impressive bulk watches us. At Dukes, we park up, stamp, and I rush off to admire the estuary. Lightning Phil and I take each other's photos; big grins from inland dwellers, excited about riding to the sea.
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/-kom2LJhJs-rnN6nuSqnmTFE6x2he1P0t1MuRcYUE3k-2048x1537.jpg)
Time to press on; down off the island, back across the magic causeway. But the road is so busy; it's a relief to peel off to Peldon.
I don't feel very strong, but we can't be doing too badly as we pass other audaxers occaionally. At Tollesbury, me and Phil Dubya get to feel smug about being on ordinary brevets; the answer is easy to see on our way past, but we pull over for Lightning Phil to do his e-brevet tick.
Phil Dubya spots the "Lightning" sticker on Lightning Phil's recumbent frame and inspires discussion about YACF usernames. We roll through Tolleshunt D'Arcy, and someone comments what a poncy name it is. D'Arcy, arsey, hur hur hur. We turn the corner towards Heybridge Basin, and I tell Phil Dubya about the Building London blog - there is a disused quay near here which is made of the old old London Bridge: https://buildinglondon.blog/2022/02/25/32-stones-of-old-london-bridge-at-beaumont-quay/ (https://buildinglondon.blog/2022/02/25/32-stones-of-old-london-bridge-at-beaumont-quay/) and, my fave blog: https://silvermud.wordpress.com/tag/beaumont-quay/ (https://silvermud.wordpress.com/tag/beaumont-quay/)
At Heybridge Basin, I charge up and sit on the seawall. It would be a shame to come all this way and not take in the fantastic view. A curlew pokes about in the mud below, and then shares its beautiful curly call.
(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/ucN2L3soQhg2pZG4gMQpNt5TTVcZ20IqgK-Z43OZgMQ-2048x1537.jpg)
Further off towards Northey Island, a great cloud of birds take off. Too big for starlings. Half a mile away, it takes time for their cry to make it over to us: brent geese, easily 200 or 300 of them. Woaaah. Then it's along the canal to Heybridge. Ducks poke about the canal; we laugh as a moorhen comes into land and slips on the ice, tumbling head over heels. We catch up with Lotty, who honks her duck bike bell at the ducks. Busier roads to Wickham Bishops; we time the awkward fiveways crossing just right, and scoot over to quiet roads. We pass several people out riding their horses; one horse wears a funny high vis hat, another is quite skittish at us passing. I tell the Phils about calling out "hello horses!" etc one time in the Netherlands: it was clearly not the done thing, as even the horse gave us a look like we'd all grown an extra head. Lightning Phil's route turns off left but me and Phil Dubya have straight on, bizarre. There is some ice through the woods on the hill, and we all slow down and call back: "ice! Ice!" "Baby!". Dropping down into Kelvedon, Phil Dubya and I admire the bridge over the river and the mill building. Wouldn't it be lovely to have a huge lovely house like that? Nah, think of all the work that would need doing, too much responsibility.
Back at the pub, it is nice to see all the other audaxers. A shared day out. I order a cup of tea and a bowl of chips. Jason comes over to chat to Lightning Phil. Huggy asks if I had an oyster; no thank you, not for me - especially not after that year when everyone who had an oyster after 12.30pm got ill. Turns out he had two that year, bleaurgh. Chips done (surprised I managed that many), I bid everyone farewell. I hardly ever ride with the same people all day - by chance and love of RRTY rather than through choice - and have really enjoyed riding with the Phils today.
I gingerly retrace my route to Cressing Temple, but any lingering ice that was here earlier is long gone. Getting onto the B road is difficult, and the driver behind beeps when I don't chance a risky right turn. But eventually there's a gap, and smooth rolling to Braintree. I mean to use the cycle way under the A120 but don't spot the tiny turning in time and end up hollering my way round the horrible big roundabout. The wind gently presses me onto Wethersfield, where I stop for a quick snack. The wind turns slightly and I have a headwind to Radwinter, so I lose myself in my radio drama - Comet in Moominland. The actors are just brilliant, and add so much to an already excellent story; I particularly enjoy the noises from the man-eating Angostura shrub. Hahaha!
In Walden, I've routed the wrong way round the one-way system, oops. Must update that on my Saw-Kelv route. Quick pause to swap over to a new drama by Sebastian Backiewicz: it's good, but a bit odd and not as absorbing as his Pilgrim dramas. In fact, I realise the thing I really like about Pilgrim is the music. But it passes the time perfectly, and finishes just as I arrive in Sawston.
Chris and our youngest one have saved me a dinner; their specialty, fajitas. Lovely. Our middle one comes downstairs and we listen to recordings of curlews. Lovely.
Nice write up. Thanks for the words of encouragement as your little train passed me having ‘a slow day out’ not long after leaving the island.
Post by: P0LLY on 22 January, 2024, 08:15:49 am
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Owen on 23 January, 2024, 11:50:08 am
Really enjoyed the ride this Saturday, but Mark and I have both been really sick since Sunday evening I suspect it was the oyster. Anyone else?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hope you and Mark are feeling better. I always avoid the oysters.
Owen
Post by: P0LLY on 23 January, 2024, 01:36:25 pm
Think we’ll be opting for the 
next time! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Lightning Phil on 23 January, 2024, 10:46:03 pm
Post by: dod on 24 January, 2024, 11:20:50 pm
Really enjoyed the ride this Saturday, but Mark and I have both been really sick since Sunday evening I suspect it was the oyster. Anyone else?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I also had 48 hours of bad stomach from Sunday night, it might have been the oyster but we've had a similar bug doing the rounds in our office. As weight loss programs go it's pretty effective.
Post by: huggy on 26 January, 2024, 12:29:57 pm
No upper speed records will be broken, quite possibly a lower speed record will be.
Post by: drossall on 02 February, 2024, 11:01:42 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 07 February, 2024, 06:17:40 pm
Post by: huggy on 07 February, 2024, 06:21:14 pm
Fourth and final one to earn the free Winter Series Sweatshirt,🤔
Post by: Lightning Phil on 07 February, 2024, 06:28:45 pm
Fourth and final one to earn the free Winter Series Sweatshirt,🤔
If you can bring a medium one to the finish, that’d be great.
Post by: JossW on 08 February, 2024, 08:11:58 pm
Hmm Knights Templar is looking difficult with no trains from London, and I'm not driving at present. Anyone come up with any solutions? Don't think I can manage riding from a line that is running, as nowhere is within about 30 miles.
Argh, just seen what you mean! I’m on the back end of having a lurgy so don’t think I’m quite up to ECE’ing it either :(
Post by: Lightning Phil on 09 February, 2024, 08:08:43 pm
Post by: drossall on 09 February, 2024, 08:16:03 pm
I've been offered a lift, so I'm OK on transport :thumbsup: Hope you recover soon. Lurgy's taken me out of at least one event in this series.Hmm Knights Templar is looking difficult with no trains from London, and I'm not driving at present. Anyone come up with any solutions? Don't think I can manage riding from a line that is running, as nowhere is within about 30 miles.
Argh, just seen what you mean! I’m on the back end of having a lurgy so don’t think I’m quite up to ECE’ing it either :(
Looking at some flooding looking at latest flood alert map.Any specific points of concern? I've just looked at the map and seen one or two warnings in the area, but nothing that jumped out as affecting our actual route.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 09 February, 2024, 08:58:59 pm
Post by: bhoot on 10 February, 2024, 08:35:28 am
Post by: phil dubya on 10 February, 2024, 02:39:36 pm
Sadly missing the Templar due to illness, and the weather looks so mild for Feb too ::-)
Post by: freeflow on 10 February, 2024, 07:00:21 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 10 February, 2024, 07:36:49 pm
Post by: ElyDave on 10 February, 2024, 07:49:17 pm
God day for a ride but it was a p** fairy fest. I counted 10 poor souls as I rode round
I was one of those unplanned depressurisations, on the steep downhill before Margaretting. Too big to plug, and I broke the tubeless valve as well, so shoved in a tube and tried to catch back up with the pack.
Some great early sunshine, followed by several road/stream hybrids, including one that sent water up my right shin that then dripped into my boot giving me one soggy foot for the last 30 or so km.
Great ride though, and home in time for a very iffy game of rugby.
Post by: Owen on 10 February, 2024, 09:14:23 pm
Spoilt mildly by the 50km of rain on the ECE home.
Another Anvil completed. Sort of.
Essex 3R's - Volunteered at the start, intended to ride but had a mechanical so got a lift back and helped in the pub all afternoon.
Stanstead Airport Express - Stamping duties at Thremhall park
Kelvedon Oyster - Rode it
Knights Templar Compasses - Rode it
Thanks to every one who organised, rode, and chatted with me it makes these events so enjoyable.
The Anvil has a special place in my heart as the Stanstead Airport express was the first Calendar event I rode.
See you all in November ;D
Post by: Tomsk on 11 February, 2024, 09:09:06 am
Passed a few victims of She Who Must Not Be Named, survived intact (hooray for Durano Plusses - all winter on this new-ish set with no issues), despite debris-strewn roads, especially on the wet ride home. Quite a brisk pace by my standards for a winter ride and much faster than last weekend's bimble round Dick Turpin's Day Out 200.
The after-party was fun, but I made my excuses and left shortly after Oscar's Dad got stuck into the weird coloured cocktails ...
Post by: ElyDave on 11 February, 2024, 09:55:34 am
Post by: huggy on 11 February, 2024, 11:25:27 am
Tomsk's Stansted Airport Express was worst weather affected with it being run over two weekends, although the Helpers enjoyed a very pleasant day out the week before. 75 entries with 32 validations :)
The Essex 3R's also wet weather influenced with some late rerouting offered for flood avoidance which will probably become the new route for future editions. 84 entries with 44 validations :thumbsup:
Ted's Kelvedon Oyster is always the pearl in the shell. It also had some rerouting instructions barked out at the pre-departure briefing due to an icy downhill section, most reported no issues and high levels of enjoyment. 140 entries with 98 validations :smug:
The Knights Templar Compasses completed the set, the notable challenge this time being the perennial absence of train service from London. Fortunately, despite heavy rain in previous few days the roads were not too submerged, except for one report of local knowledge taking our first rider back along a Writtle cycle track which was knee deep :facepalm: , the ACME Arrivée Sock DryerTM worked well for more than one finisher! 118 entries, 94 validations :thumbsup:
Thanks all for coming out to support our Winter events and the (usually) complimentary comments and reports of enjoying them. Judging by the number of Grand Slam shiny badges awarded this year they truly are coveted and valued when earned.
Post by: drossall on 11 February, 2024, 06:30:50 pm
Phil was right about the possibility of flooding, but happily it mostly only came half-way across the road, or else was very shallow. Weather only really closed in in the last hour.
Post by: Lightning Phil on 12 February, 2024, 08:19:33 am
Post by: sparklyfish on 12 February, 2024, 11:40:32 am
It's just following the NCN really (hah, an NCN that doesn't take you over an unnecessary hill!). A little bit of walking is usually necessary - near the quayside there's a little bit of footpath that is too narrow to politely cycle. You get to see the river, which I like. Then on the way out of Maldon it's the quieter road towards Mundon/Latchingdon.
No verbose ride report from me due to laptop sadness! Lovely day out, thanks for organising team ACME and great to ride together L Phil. Like Owen, I got rather soggy on my way home... suspect I'll be in my old winter boots all week! But kept a decent pace and was home just before 8pm.
Post by: arabella on 12 February, 2024, 12:54:34 pm
Nice to see everybody twice and even 3x in some cases as we kept popping up at controls.
Post by: sparklyfish on 12 February, 2024, 02:04:40 pm
Post by: drossall on 12 February, 2024, 05:14:20 pm
Drossall, here's the market hill avoidance route that me and Phil used: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45543171 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45543171)Thanks. I did that one on a previous event, but decided not to this time because, in Maldon, it runs into one-way systems when you're trying to get back onto the more westerly route for the Knights Templar. Didn't consider going out of town before cutting across.
Then I missed the roundabout turn for the western bypass...
No great issue though. We got round just fine, with a little walking on the hill for me ;D
Post by: Lightning Phil on 12 February, 2024, 05:24:50 pm