Post by: Kev Sp8 on 07 August, 2017, 07:07:06 pm
Post by: How Far on 07 August, 2017, 11:56:19 pm
Post by: mr ben on 14 August, 2017, 01:56:32 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 14 August, 2017, 05:07:51 pm
Event website here: http://burnleyccevents.com/blackpool-glasgow-blackpool-600-22-septe
Andy Corless
Post by: Malmesbury Monk on 14 August, 2017, 06:58:31 pm
Post by: ramchip on 15 August, 2017, 04:33:42 pm
Post by: markram on 15 August, 2017, 06:25:49 pm
Post by: Deano on 15 August, 2017, 06:38:35 pm
Anyone have a gpx file of the route?
Andy will send out a routesheet to entrants a week or two before the event. But looking at the controls, it won't be at all complicated...
Post by: markram on 15 August, 2017, 07:27:22 pm
Andy will send out a routesheet to entrants a week or two before the event. But looking at the controls, it won't be at all complicated...Mmm. OK. I like to see how knee-crunching a route is before entering an event.
Post by: Veloman on 15 August, 2017, 07:50:20 pm
Andy will send out a routesheet to entrants a week or two before the event. But looking at the controls, it won't be at all complicated...Mmm. OK. I like to see how knee-crunching a route is before entering an event.
Quick plot on ridewithgps between controls should give an easy indication of the challenge. The out and back nature makes life even easier!
Post by: Zed43 on 16 August, 2017, 10:18:49 am
Looking at the controls, how does one validate at Shap? Don't think there's anything still open after 02:00 and I can't find an ATM either.
Post by: MAC on 19 August, 2017, 02:33:17 pm
Looking at the controls, how does one validate at Shap? Don't think there's anything still open after 02:00 and I can't find an ATM either.There might be a controller there to stamp your card?
Post by: LMT on 19 August, 2017, 04:30:10 pm
Tempted by this, it's just that getting to Blackpool is a hassle/costly (flying to Manchester etc).
Looking at the controls, how does one validate at Shap? Don't think there's anything still open after 02:00 and I can't find an ATM either.
Selfie at the top where the summit sign is?
Not riding this but can recommend as a decent 600 ideal for the time of the year. Having ridden these roads when I done LEJOG the A6 is a good road at night, nice burn on the same LEL B road to Abingdon services and follow the main road to Paisley - simples - ish.
Post by: mr ben on 20 August, 2017, 07:21:32 pm
50 - 100 entries (and we're likely to get that!) will see at least one manned control offering food etc en-route. 100+ entries will see 2 controls, possibly including sleeping. There's about 20 entries so far!
Im in. Get entering you bastards!
Post by: Clemo on 24 August, 2017, 06:35:18 pm
Post by: Stu Bailey on 27 August, 2017, 06:11:11 pm
Post by: Deano on 27 August, 2017, 06:38:52 pm
Post by: mattc on 27 August, 2017, 06:40:22 pm
In this case you have 100km to make up the time, which allows for a slight lie-in. Assuming my recollection of the rules is correct!
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 August, 2017, 08:33:34 am
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 28 August, 2017, 12:27:56 pm
Control times are more for the convenience of the organisers, or they'd be stuck there forever. Historically the lower speed limit was rarely significant, but many now take it as the norm. That's happened as courses have become hiller and more laney.
A course from Blackpool to Glasgow and back is a bit of a throwback, so should be achievable, wind and weather permitting.
Post by: smuttiesmith on 28 August, 2017, 02:21:36 pm
I live on the route (Kendal), where do I stand on nipping home for a brew and a biscuit?
Post by: Zed43 on 28 August, 2017, 03:20:27 pm
IIRC, on *BRM* events (such as this), you can be late at any ONE control.
Not in Norway you can, and from talking to them they follow the ACP rules to the letter.
If there really is such a rule by the ACP then I'd love to see a reference. My first 1000km was not validated because I arrived one hour late at one of the controls (but finished in time). Just a beginners mistake, I had not paid any consideration to the control times as they all were of the "get a ticket from a gas station/ATM/etc)" kind of control.
And on topic: in a momentary lapse of reason I got myself a ticket to fly over to ride BGB ;D
(edit: fixed dangling quote)
Post by: mattc on 28 August, 2017, 04:37:17 pm
There are various allowances for helping fellow riders and other worthy reasons. Many AUKs tend to be relaxed about intermediate time limits.
there is no hope of me finding a reference - I find all the ACP/LRM stuff most opaque, sorry!
Of course there is bound to be some grey areas in such rules. There will be events where if you submit your receipts with a convincing tale of woe, you'll be ok - but don't submit them with a note saying
"MattC said this would be alright."
I think if I was riding a UK600 and looking at booking accomodation, I would try sounding out the organiser on his views. Unless I didn't give a monkey's about the points.
There are certainly many of us in AUK who have had long brevets validated despite finishing (or controlling) out of time. In the UK and abroad. C'est la vie!
Post by: mr ben on 28 August, 2017, 04:40:27 pm
Quote from: smuttiesmith
I live on the route (Kendal), where do I stand on nipping home for a brew and a biscuit?
No different to stopping at a cafe.
I'm considering diverting from the route southbound between Abington and Carlisle to sleep on my parents sofa. Wondering if I should mention it to them or just take my spare key...any strange noises can be blamed on the cat.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 August, 2017, 05:10:31 pm
"Overall time limits vary for each brevet according to the distance. These are: (in hours and minutes, HH:MM) 13:30 for 200 KM, 20:00 for 300 KM, 27:00 for 400 KM, 40:00 for 600 KM, and 75:00 for 1000 KM. Additionally, riders must arrive at each checkpoint between the opening and closing time for the checkpoint. These times are noted on the brevet card with the information for the checkpoints."
RUSA is one of the more purist randonneuring organisations. Note the 'must'.
Section 10(3) of https://www.audax.org.au/public/images/stories/Documents/rideruleswebversion.pdf shows a similar intent. The brevet 'may' be validated if the reason is acceptable and not within the rider's control.
http://www.audax-club-parisien.com/EN/322%20-%20Rules%20of%20BRM%20Worldwide.html is the English translation on the ACP website and very similar to the RUSA rules.
http://www.audax-club-parisien.com/FR/322%20-%20Réglement%20des%20BRM%20Monde.html (http://www.audax-club-parisien.com/FR/322%20-%20Réglement%20des%20BRM%20Monde.html) is the French original and is basically identical to the translation.
Check with ACP directly for the straight dope. Actually, don't. Get your ACP representative to ask the question, but you might not like the answer and it might restrict future brevet organiser discretion in your country.
The basis for intermediate control opening and closing times has nothing to do with organiser convenience. Randonneur brevets grew out of UAF brevets and the UAF targets maintaining a published schedule all the way round the brevet. Randonneuring wanted optional average speeds faster than UAF schedules (minimum is basically the same) and the ability to ride solo by choice but still valued maintaining steady progress round the course. Arriving at all controls between the opening and closing times largely achieves those aims.
Post by: Zed43 on 28 August, 2017, 06:18:50 pm
Note that the closing times are not based on the average speed of the brevet. For a 1000km brevet you are allowed 75 hours to finish, meaning an average of 13.3kph minimum. However, closing times of any controls within the first 600km are calculated using the regular minimum speed of 15kph. The RUSA website has a nice article on closing times (https://rusa.org/octime_alg.html), in case you want to do some planning when you don't have your brevet card yet.
There's also a very convenient (and free) app Randonneur Control Close Calculator (https://apps.garmin.com/en-IE/apps/dffac81c-f7b7-42e7-bd9d-1875db9a6d1a) for recent Garmin models that shows you the time in hand during your ride.
Post by: mattc on 28 August, 2017, 07:15:16 pm
Check with ACP directly for the straight dope. Actually, don't. Get your ACP representative to ask the question, but you might not like the answer and it might restrict future brevet organiser discretion in your country.
;D
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 August, 2017, 07:33:34 pm
Note that the closing times are not based on the average speed of the brevet. For a 1000km brevet you are allowed 75 hours to finish, meaning an average of 13.3kph minimum. However, closing times of any controls within the first 600km are calculated using the regular minimum speed of 15kph. The RUSA website has a nice article on closing times (https://rusa.org/octime_alg.html), in case you want to do some planning when you don't have your brevet card yet.
The majority of BRM countries use different limits to that calculator e.g. most top out at 30kph. A 1200 using that calculator theoretically starts fast, has a slow section and speeds up a bit, which is a bit stupid. Very few countries actually do that. PBP doesn't match those speeds and PBP controls often have 'adjustments' that don't match any simple calculation.
Post by: Stu Bailey on 29 August, 2017, 04:15:25 pm
Post by: smuttiesmith on 29 August, 2017, 09:51:30 pm
Struggling as well to find a suitable location to kip for a couple of hours :-\
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 29 August, 2017, 10:06:30 pm
Post by: paulworthington53 on 30 August, 2017, 12:48:03 pm
Post by: Bairn Again on 30 August, 2017, 01:49:13 pm
Note that the closing times are not based on the average speed of the brevet. For a 1000km brevet you are allowed 75 hours to finish, meaning an average of 13.3kph minimum. However, closing times of any controls within the first 600km are calculated using the regular minimum speed of 15kph. The RUSA website has a nice article on closing times (https://rusa.org/octime_alg.html), in case you want to do some planning when you don't have your brevet card yet.
The majority of BRM countries use different limits to that calculator e.g. most top out at 30kph. A 1200 using that calculator theoretically starts fast, has a slow section and speeds up a bit, which is a bit stupid. Very few countries actually do that. PBP doesn't match those speeds and PBP controls often have 'adjustments' that don't match any simple calculation.
being a bit of an anorak, I tried to reconcile the control closing times at the 2015 PBP for the 90 hr group. I no longer have the spreadsheet but I recall getting to within a couple of minutes by using a minimum speed of 15.375 kph up to 600 and 13.633kph thereafter.
These differ from the standard 15 kph / 13.33 kph only in that theres an adjustment throughout for the overdistance ie applying a multiplier of 1230/1200.
Once I thought about it, the approach made sense otherwise the time allowance on the final leg would have been be somewhat compressed ie Dreux is at 1166km where the time allowance at 13.3kph is just under 87 and a half hours, but if that happened there would be only 2 and a half hours left to finish the final 64km, so the extra speed required for the overdistance is spread over the whole event.
or something.
Post by: madcow on 30 August, 2017, 01:58:52 pm
I'd look at truck stops. There's also the motorway services at Gretna, and the very obscure Todhills Rest Area.
I don't think that Todhills is accessible by bike .
The Shell garage on the old A6 in Penrith-Victoria Road -is open 24/7. It has a coffee machine.
Post by: Deano on 30 August, 2017, 02:02:41 pm
Or if you went the back road between Penrith and Carlisle, you could get into Southwaite Services.
Post by: Si S on 30 August, 2017, 02:28:49 pm
I'd look at truck stops. There's also the motorway services at Gretna, and the very obscure Todhills Rest Area.
I don't think that Todhills is accessible by bike.
Sort of is and isn't (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@54.9510368,-2.9813837,3a,31.5y,54.38h,85.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sGhPTN9jAM54oHO1eZkNqmA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en) you'll need to dismount and follow the fence round to the right. Given I've seen people reversing back up this slip I reckon you'd be reet.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 31 August, 2017, 06:19:39 am
being a bit of an anorak, I tried to reconcile the control closing times at the 2015 PBP for the 90 hr group. I no longer have the spreadsheet but I recall getting to within a couple of minutes by using a minimum speed of 15.375 kph up to 600 and 13.633kph thereafter.
These differ from the standard 15 kph / 13.33 kph only in that theres an adjustment throughout for the overdistance ie applying a multiplier of 1230/1200.
If you tried doing the same thing for some previous PBPs, you'd have found more variation of control closing times from linear formulas.
Post by: simonp on 31 August, 2017, 02:06:16 pm
I was coming down with a cold during the final day, and somewhat toured back, having a few roadside kips, so it took me about 13h for the final 200km in the end.
Post by: igauk on 02 September, 2017, 10:24:21 pm
Post by: Pingu on 06 September, 2017, 08:53:32 am
Tempted by this, it's just that getting to Blackpool is a hassle/costly (flying to Manchester etc).
Looking at the controls, how does one validate at Shap? Don't think there's anything still open after 02:00 and I can't find an ATM either.
Group photo in the disabled toilets.
Post by: Jay_70_One on 12 September, 2017, 03:29:06 pm
Post by: Lee Killestein on 14 September, 2017, 06:59:10 pm
Post by: smuttiesmith on 14 September, 2017, 09:16:19 pm
Post by: Lee Killestein on 14 September, 2017, 09:30:06 pm
Post by: igauk on 18 September, 2017, 12:04:22 am
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 18 September, 2017, 12:30:16 am
Post by: Lee Killestein on 18 September, 2017, 10:31:56 am
Do you really need one? Head North on the A6 and the B7076 for 300km, turn round and ride South on the B7076 and A6 for 300km.
600km and only two roads to follow? Sounds like a perfect route for me, I won't even need my Garmin! 8) :P
Post by: simonp on 18 September, 2017, 12:25:58 pm
Post by: Jay_70_One on 18 September, 2017, 01:26:35 pm
Post by: Andy Corless on 18 September, 2017, 05:04:54 pm
Andy Corless
Post by: igauk on 18 September, 2017, 06:09:53 pm
Post by: Clemo on 18 September, 2017, 06:15:18 pm
The route-sheet is more or less ready but I've had to change the route in and out of Glasgow. I wanted to re-check the route before posting the route sheet out. Better to wait a few more days than e-mail one that will need replacing a few days later.Thanks Andy :thumbsup:
Andy Corless
Post by: Zed43 on 18 September, 2017, 06:20:48 pm
Post by: Jay_70_One on 20 September, 2017, 01:57:25 pm
Do you really need one? Head North on the A6 and the B7076 for 300km, turn round and ride South on the B7076 and A6 for 300km.
tried that, best i could get was 787km?
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 20 September, 2017, 06:09:07 pm
PLEASE NOTE!
I have just thrown this together as quick as poss on a break at work, please please please don't blame me if it's not quite 100% yet!
Post by: Veloman on 20 September, 2017, 06:15:00 pm
Do you really need one? Head North on the A6 and the B7076 for 300km, turn round and ride South on the B7076 and A6 for 300km.
tried that, best i could get was 787km?
Not bad for a 600km event!
Post by: Zed43 on 21 September, 2017, 08:41:48 pm
I took Kev's hard work, split it into segments from one control to the next and duplicated it for the way back. This is the resulting GPX (https://www.dropbox.com/s/81o3o85zzda2qsv/Blackpool600-2017-09-22.gpx?dl=0). I used the BP tankstation as the control in Carnforth; the opening hours are fairly lenient, from 7am to 11pm. As an alternative there is a 24h truck stop / Esso station a few miles North of Carnforth.
It will have to do, I'll be on my way to Blackpool early tomorrow morning.
Post by: Jay_70_One on 22 September, 2017, 11:55:55 am
So, judging by the North bound route-sheet, Shap is no longer a control. Good solution ;)great this thanks, I have it and look forward to seeing you all tonight. Does the spirit extend to riding this together for the group, or is it every man for himself :D :D :D
I took Kev's hard work, split it into segments from one control to the next and duplicated it for the way back. This is the resulting GPX (https://www.dropbox.com/s/81o3o85zzda2qsv/Blackpool600-2017-09-22.gpx?dl=0). I used the BP tankstation as the control in Carnforth; the opening hours are fairly lenient, from 7am to 11pm. As an alternative there is a 24h truck stop / Esso station a few miles North of Carnforth.
It will have to do, I'll be on my way to Blackpool early tomorrow morning.
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 22 September, 2017, 05:47:52 pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/25497218
Includes the Longtown control on the return leg.
Post by: Clemo on 25 September, 2017, 07:48:57 pm
The weather just about played ball although it did rain from time to time but nothing too horrendous, The climb of Shap fell was interesting on the out bound leg as visibility at the top was about 10 feet!! :o infact it was so bad I hadn't realised I had reached the top until I thought hang on I need the big ring. The guy in the petrol station in Penrith was super friendly we met him twice and was a good laugh. Carlisle was interesting on the way out with a full on riot on the main strip, seeing fist fights I took a diversion down a side street to avoid and then a cycle path through a park to re-emerge on route. Asda's was a sight for sore eyes and after filling up it was off and into Scotland, quick photo stop and onwards. Daylight broke around Lockerbie,the road surface through the Dumfries forest gave m y mind something to moan about. There was a cycle path along side and I quickly took to it as the surface was smoother, in fact it was great, the services at Abington was next with the least appetizing fried breakfast ever seen, the Bacon needed longer in the fryer as it was still oinking.
The stretch afterwards was great as well with another excellent cycle path with great views then started the populated bit, the first bit was great as there were some more excellent cycle paths and I really enjoyed them, through a lot of traffic lights and soon at the turn Toryglen Asda.
We took it in turn to look after the bikes whilst others went in and got food, I got split from the small group through the populated bit so just rode my own thing stopping at Blackwood for a costa in a filling station before tackling the rather strong headwind out of town. It was at the next climb that I came across the most energy sapping road surface I have ever come across, the climb was quite steep any way but this road surface sapped any forward momentum that you had with no smoother part to find, it wasn't pot holed more like a negative of a golf ball rolled flat it was horrible.
Afternoon tea was a Burger king at Abington before setting off into the headwind again, I found Jason with his bike upside down just outside Beatock having had a twin puncture (show off) he was concerned as he had used his two spare inner tubes and wasn't convinced he had properly fixed one of them, he was going to keep pumping it up, I said that perhaps he should fix the one now before it got dark and made the process harder, I gave him a pack of glueless patches which allowed him to fix the puncture and as far as I know he was ok after that. Whilst sorting out Jason a small group arrived and we all left together and rode at a good pace, I at this point started to feel a bit rough so left them at their pace and I slowed meeting them again in Longtown the next control, after a bit of food I left the group bedding down to sleep for a couple of hours, I wanted to get a bit further into the ride before doing the same, looking back I should have stayed there. The lure of the golden arches lured me in at Carlisle and after a good hearty (sic) meal I rode through Carlisle without incident, the A6 out of Carlisle seemed to be nothing but uphill and into a headwind so I got to a place called High Hesket or something like that, although at the time I didn't know its name, I found a field with my name on so took my sleep stop there in a field. About an hour or so later the group I ad been with cycled past no knowing I was there so I decided it was time to get up as I wasn't really sleeping anyway, in the process of packing up I managed to lose my phone and no amount of searching would produce said phone. So i resigned myself to losing the phone in the dark and continued to Penrith and another costa at the filling station (those machines are great). Conversation at this control centered around the monster that is Shap Fell, I tried not to dwell on it whilst drinking my coffee and eating my sarnie. I carried on away from Penrith and it seemed to climb constantly never having a flat bit to rest before the climb, in fact at one point I saw a sign that said Shap (the village) the start of the climb was 2 miles away and I swear those two miles were all up hill before the climb had even started. Once on the climb I got into a good rhythm and it didn't feel too bad, I just told myself that once at the top I had cracked the ride.
The crossing of the summit this time was clear I could see the milky way above and Kendal and surrounding villages below along with the group that had started away from the control just before me, they were enjoying the descent with their red lights creating a great effect as they zoomed down. I was soon zooming down the descent myself and it gradually got colder and colder to the point I wished I had been wearing full fingered gloves, just as my already battered legs got cold there was a small rise on the descent I found that really hard to get them going again, I had heard that the south side of Shap Fell is 9 miles and I think that cant be far off as I was descending for quite a while, losing all of the altitude that I had seemed to be gaining from Carlisle.
I don't really remember much about the next section to Carnforth but I was glad to reach the truck stop for another coffee and yet another sarnie, I sat outside as the warmth of the shop was making me sleepy which must have made me look anti social to the group sat inside, but I just needed to stay awake for one last 50km section. The group set off just ahead as by this time I just wanted to plod back to the finish with plenty of time in hand it didn't feel right to rush, the group took the wrong turn out of the truck stop and headed in the wrong direction heading north and not south it was only after looking at Strava flybys that I found this out, but I made a navigational error in Lancaster and bumped into them again in the lanes near the finish. All in all a great event.
Edit: I nearly forgot to say, after the event I decided to go back and see if I could find my phone (80 miles away) I drove back up the M6 to Penrith and back along the A6 to where I had slept and the field I went back to where I had led down and there in the grass facing down was my phone :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: mr ben on 25 September, 2017, 07:59:10 pm
Made it back to Blackpool just after 3 pm (an hour late) having 'toured' from Penrith after the dozies and a flat (requiring tyre boot) put me out of time. So glad I continued rather than taking the train home though, going back over Shap in the light was wonderful. Also had my first hallucination, so that's something to celebrate.
Thanks to Andy for an excellent early autumn ride, it's probably an 'easy' 600 km (all relative of course) with straightforward navigation and clever use of daylight. Great routesheet instructions through the complicated bits (town centres). Possibly could be renamed 'ride of the traffic lights' after the Weegie section? ;)
Post by: mr ben on 25 September, 2017, 10:06:14 pm
Post by: igauk on 26 September, 2017, 12:09:10 am
Post by: Zed43 on 26 September, 2017, 11:00:41 am
We did take a two hour nap in Longtown, a cosy spot behind the municipality center (recommended by the friendly lady at the tank station) where i was envied by the rest of the group for bringing a sleeping bag and air mattress. Needless to say I slept like a baby. We did worry a bit about climbing Shap hill, the fast descend still in our memories, but this turned out to be easier than expected. In fact, the climbing between Carlisle and Penrith felt harder, as was descending Shap hill. While the temperature was a fairly decent seven degrees, the humidity and strong head winds made the descend a truly shivering affair.
Oh, and that wrong turn after leaving the truck stop at Carnforth? That was actually a cunning strategy to make sure I would end up with 600+km on Strava ;D (mission accomplished: 602km)
Post by: Clemo on 26 September, 2017, 07:16:26 pm
Really enjoyed reading your ride report Richard, thanks for the detailed account! Slightly bummed I missed that riot in Carlisle, would have made a great story back home :DAhh small world :thumbsup:
We did take a two hour nap in Longtown, a cosy spot behind the municipality center (recommended by the friendly lady at the tank station) where i was envied by the rest of the group for bringing a sleeping bag and air mattress. Needless to say I slept like a baby. We did worry a bit about climbing Shap hill, the fast descend still in our memories, but this turned out to be easier than expected. In fact, the climbing between Carlisle and Penrith felt harder, as was descending Shap hill. While the temperature was a fairly decent seven degrees, the humidity and strong head winds made the descend a truly shivering affair.
Oh, and that wrong turn after leaving the truck stop at Carnforth? That was actually a cunning strategy to make sure I would end up with 600+km on Strava ;D (mission accomplished: 602km)
Your bivi set up really did make a lasting impression on Jason as he was after a similar set up on the Bike and Bivi facebook page last night ;D he didn't realize I was a member also.
Post by: yoav on 27 September, 2017, 07:33:36 am
Quote
Carlisle was interesting on the way out with a full on riot on the main strip, seeing fist fights
Ah yes, another typical Friday night down Botchergate. :thumbsup:
Post by: Lee Killestein on 27 September, 2017, 03:46:43 pm
So, see you all again on 21st September 2018, if not sooner! 8)
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 28 September, 2017, 04:38:35 am
I saw this ride in the calendar way back in June, shortly after discovering the joys of Audaxing. I figured it to be a birthday treat, coinciding as it did with the 35th anniversary of my emergence into the world.
With my folks living just down the road in Inskip and offering free use of their sofa, I opted to travel up late on Thursday and try to sleep as late as possible on the Friday. In reality, this meant me arriving at about 3am and sleeping (fitfully) until 8am, with too much nervous excitement to get any cat naps in before the start. Oh well, at least I was in a relaxed environment and able to keep well fed and hydrated, unlike my riding partner, who battled north from Swindon through 6 hours of heavy traffic, to arrive in Lancashire around 5pm.
After a good feed of pasta, we drove to Bispham to meet our fellow riders. There was definitely an air of nervous tension, but everyone seemed in good spirits and its always fun to marvel at the variety of bike on display. Of particular interest were people's lighting set ups. I, rather rashly, risked only a single front light (Fenix BC30 with spare cells) and 3 rears. Most had at least one back up and some had enough to floodlight Wembley!
Our timing was excellent, as the soft rain died away just before the start, leaving us only with damp roads to contend with. The temperature was positively balmy, but I still opted for leg warmers and a long sleeved jersey plus gilet, as the relaxed pace kept my body temperature modest at best.
The group stuck more or less together until we hit the A6 after Lancaster, then began to slowly string out as people stopped for a pee/food and the odd climb appeared. I was really quite enjoying myself, nibbling Revels from my top tube bag and swigging lemon electrolytes from my bidons. Despite the lack of sleep, the yawns were kept at bay for the time being.
Our first major obstacle came in the form of Shap Fell. The climb was a nice opportunity to generate some body heat, but sadly this was negated by the thick, damp clag surrounding us. With my glasses properly fogged, I was more or less trusting to The Force to stay on the road and away from potholes. Thankfully, the fog was limited to altitude and soon cleared as we descended, although I was struggling with cold after becoming damp through exhertion and the mist.
Our first control was Penrith, where the all night Esso provided temporary refuge. The bloke running the shop seemed to take this bunch of nutters in his stride and was brilliant in allowing us to loiter in the warmth while we snaffled sarnies, coffee, red bull and god knows what other junk to fuel us onwards.
The next leg was short 20 odd mile blast to Carlisle and an all night Asda. We were treated to several kicking out time spectacles in the town centre, including a number of totally comatose revellers and a bit of handbags at (pre) dawn. We did get a few incoherent shouts in our direction, but nothing too threatening. At Asda, i discovered I'd lost/forgotten my chamois cream and bought some Sudocrem, along with some more beige crap to keep the fires burning.
Carlisle marked the end of the A roads for a while, with the B7076 seeing us safely to Gretna Green, where we took the obligatory snaps at the border sign. We now had a pretty long slog to the next control at Abington, with a pretty long uphill slog on some crap road surfaces. My companion started to suffer as dawn broke around us and we slowed pretty much to a crawl. To be honest I was a bit frustrated as I was still feeling strong and was yearning for a dirty fry up at the services at Abington. Still, we stuck together and my mate rallied as the sky got lighter and the climbing abated.
Within a few minutes of our arrival, the lead group were heading back out, but we opted for a leisurely stop and a 20 minute catnap to allow the grease to start working its way through. We could have had longer, were it not for the PAINFULLY slow service! After our snooze, my buddy was just preparing to nip to the loo for a cheeky download when the fire alarm went off! Fortunately we were able to gather all our stuff before being hustled out, but my poor mate still needed to offload before departure. Fortunately, there was a loo in the on site petrol station, but lots of others had the same idea and we lost a good 20 minutes as he queued for the reportedly horrific facilities.
So, onwards to the turnaround point in Glasgow. It was as we left Abington that it became obvious that we were getting a pretty healthy tailwind and were mainly descending the last 50km. I'd be lying if I said the return leg wasn't starting to play on my mind, but enjoyed the fast miles while I could, despite varying quality of the road surface. (Thankfully there were some great cycle paths to be had.) All was going well until Hamilton, where the traffic lights smashed our average speed to pieces! Truth be told, the final few miles to the control were a misery, as was the control itself, where the clientèle seemed to consist mainly of mutants! My bike had also developed a worryingly noisy rear wheel, so after a feed, it was with some trepidation that we began the Southbound leg.
We now faced not only the traffic lights and a more or less relentless climb back to Abington, but a pretty toothsome headwind. Only a few miles into the return journey, my compadre really hit the wall and we were crawling again. I stuck with him for as long as I could bear, but I'll freely admit that I'm a very selfish rider and when he couldn't hold my wheel at 9mph on the flat my frustration took over and I suggested that we split. I'm pretty sure he wasn't delighted at the thought, but we had pre-agreed that we might end up splitting and the thought of the lost time was killing me; I wanted to get back to Abington where I'd booked us a room for a few hours kip and we were hemorrhaging sleep time! Anyway, after waiting at the top of a climb somewhere near Hamilton, he finally told me to push on, which I did, despite a twinge of guilt. I started to really enjoy the ride again, treating the wind, gradient and crap roads as adversaries that I would overcome no matter what. My morale soared as the miles began to tick by again, in spite of the difficulty. Before long, I caught sight of another rider in the distance and made winding him in a target. I caught him about 5 miles before Abington, then eased off and rode with him back into the control, where I gladly checked into the hotel and texted my mate the room details before having a glorious shower and collapsing into bed where I passed out immediately.
Three hours of blissful sleep later, I woke to find my riding partner readying to leave. He'd arrived about an hour after me, and felt a bit better, but wanted to get a head start. I opted for another half an hour in bed, before a quick once over of the bike (still noisy) and a massive plate of Steak Pie with chips and gravy. As I left, the darkness was once again closing in, but I felt fresh and motivated to catch my mate, so set off at a fair old lick, aided by a goodly reduction in the strength of the headwind. Even though I knew he'd be a fair way up the road, as time went on, I began to get more and more annoyed every time I crested a rise or rounded a bend and couldn't see any tail lights. I wouldn't say I hallucinated exactly, but its surprising what you can interpret as a distant cyclist when thats all you want to see! Eventually, I did spot not one set, but probably a dozen in the far distance. With renewed vigour I gave chase and finally caught up near Lockerbie to join a mini peleton who were trundling along with my mate on the front. With spirits once again high, I enjoyed their company for 20 minutes or so, then pushed on again, hoping to get to the next control in Longtown in time to find an open food outlet. In the event, I found a kebab shop in Gretna, where I spent a fair amount of time explaining to the proprietors just what the hell I was up to over cheesy chips with mayo and a coke. I probably spent a good 50 minutes there before pushing on to Longtown, once again catching the group I'd left after Lockerbie, who'd obviously passed while I scoffed.
After a quick ATM control in Longtown, I set off on the short hop to Penrith, where sleep deprivation began to catch up with me, to the point where I actually tried for a room in the Premier Inn. With hindsight, it was probably a good thing that they had none as I might not have got going again, but the miserable sod on the desk wouldn't even let me sit in reception for a snooze. Ah well, our friendly Esso garage attendant saved the day and let me slump inside for a few minutes while I waited for the pro-plus to kick in. To my surprise, the group who I'd imagined to be way out in front then arrived, having slept in a field in Longtown (I think). With the caffeine kicking in though, I bade them farewell as I wanted to get Shap Fell out of the way and ultimately, get this thing finished!
Despite breaking a rear spoke shortly after leaving, I was feeling pretty good up until the descent off Shap, where both temperature and morale plummeted. I threw myself a cracking little one man pity-party as I rode through Kendal, just wanting more than anything to get off this bike which had come to feel like an instrument of torture! (My Brooks Swift Saddle, which previously had been great, was really giving my arse a pasting by now. Is it possible for it to be worn in too much?) Time slowed to a crawl and I resorted to some music for the first time on the ride. A mix of late 90's pop punk (yeah, I know, pathetic) saw me into the truck stop at Carnforth, where the absolute legend of a bloke in the shop found me a chair where I passed out for 20 minutes or so. I doubt he realised just how much he helped me, but I was pathetically grateful for that chair!
With the knowledge that dawn wasn't too far away, plus a flat run back to the finish, I set off like a scalded cat, trying and failing not to obsess about ticking off each mile. Dawn broke shortly before Lancaster, but I was so thoroughly ruined by now that I took little pleasure in the emerging view of the Bowland Fells and the pancake flat run to the coast over the marshlands of the Fylde. My mood only lifted when I finally crossed the River Wyre to roll the final handful of miles into the home control at Bispham. On speaking to Andy, I learned that I was only the 2nd rider home, half an hour or so after the 1st. Andy had been there all night, expecting us to have been trickling in from shortly after midnight! And there was I being delighted with a 33.5 hour finishing time!
A few days later, all the pain has faded sufficiently to view the event for what it was; a thoroughly enjoyable, if gruelling, challenge. Riding through 2 nights on little sleep really pushed me, but I was always able to dig in and find something extra when needed. I learned that I really don't mind headwinds or climbing, but that I need to be able to go at my own pace to avoid building frustration. This would extend to the shoe being on the other foot; I'd much rather faster riders left me to plod through a low patch than feel guilty for holding them back.
Overall, a cracking event for my first 600!
n.b. My mate finished about 2 hours after me. A cracking effort, given that I honestly thought he was going to pack it in on the return journey!
Post by: mr ben on 28 September, 2017, 06:37:55 pm
My post-ride fettle has revealed that I'd threaded my chain incorrectly through the rear derailleur, so I spent the whole fecking 600 km with added unnecessary friction...what an idiot. Ah well, it's something to blame my slowness on!
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 15 July, 2018, 06:30:01 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 July, 2018, 11:16:33 am
As well as wondering how on earth to get my bike on the train down from Dundee, and whether that makes it easier to bail and should I have the car in Bispham so I have to go back for it... The tales of last year reassure me that it's as bonkers an adventure as I was expecting.
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 16 July, 2018, 11:39:13 am
Hi Andy, just wondering if the route will change this year to avoid the hideous traffic light gauntlet run-in to Glasgow?I don't really think there's another way into Glasgow. Where is the control in Glasgow (and where's the one before it?).
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 16 July, 2018, 01:30:12 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 July, 2018, 01:30:46 pm
So from Abington, head to Lesmahagow then head for Stra(th)aven from Lesmahagow, A726 to EK, A727 then back on the A726 into Paisley; avoids Larkhall and Hamilton anyway...
(I've not measured that, there's also yellows on the map from Stra-ven via Eaglesham into Paisley via Barrhead)
As an idea of where the weegieland carnage will be on the Saturday Hamilton are at home to St Mirren; Celtic are away to Killie, and Rangers are at home to St Johsntone.
Edit: Big ASDA, Bing indicates that's at Linwood, so even further west, hm.
Post by: jimmea on 16 July, 2018, 01:34:01 pm
Hi Andy, just wondering if the route will change this year to avoid the hideous traffic light gauntlet run-in to Glasgow?I don't really think there's another way into Glasgow. Where is the control in Glasgow (and where's the one before it?).
There is various options when coming in from Abington, but best way to avoid the crap is via Strathaven then out the other side and round the back of East Kilbride via Auldhouse. Not the shortest but much better than Larkhall, Hamilton etc. What he said above, i use those roads all the time. But wouldn't go via Barrhead, too busy
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 July, 2018, 02:08:12 pm
Hi Andy, just wondering if the route will change this year to avoid the hideous traffic light gauntlet run-in to Glasgow?I don't really think there's another way into Glasgow. Where is the control in Glasgow (and where's the one before it?).
There is various options when coming in from Abington, but best way to avoid the crap is via Strathaven then out the other side and round the back of East Kilbride via Auldhouse. Not the shortest but much better than Larkhall, Hamilton etc. What he said above, i use those roads all the time. But wouldn't go via Barrhead, too busy
ta, had a quick play on google maps, most direct route via Strathaven and clarkston seems to be 200m longer than through Hamilton and Rutherglen; it's like having a choice between Methil and Falkland.
Post by: jimmea on 16 July, 2018, 04:25:03 pm
Hi Andy, just wondering if the route will change this year to avoid the hideous traffic light gauntlet run-in to Glasgow?I don't really think there's another way into Glasgow. Where is the control in Glasgow (and where's the one before it?).
There is various options when coming in from Abington, but best way to avoid the crap is via Strathaven then out the other side and round the back of East Kilbride via Auldhouse. Not the shortest but much better than Larkhall, Hamilton etc. What he said above, i use those roads all the time. But wouldn't go via Barrhead, too busy
ta, had a quick play on google maps, most direct route via Strathaven and clarkston seems to be 200m longer than through Hamilton and Rutherglen; it's like having a choice between Methil and Falkland.
Yes but going via Strathaven, Auldhouse, Eaglesham is much quieter country lanes. Also from Eaglesham there is a 6k descent down to the Clyde and from there a very good a signed flat route to Paisley.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 July, 2018, 04:50:13 pm
Post by: Lee Killestein on 20 July, 2018, 03:10:56 pm
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 21 July, 2018, 12:14:31 am
Post by: jimmea on 21 July, 2018, 04:14:46 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 July, 2018, 10:35:01 am
Last year's route went to the Asda in Toryglen, although the event page did say Paisley was the Glasgow control. Not sure if Andy will keep the same controls this year but a more inspiring turnaround point would be welcome! We just disappeared a sandwich and some crisps and high-tailed it back to Abington!
Last time I was in there was after the SFA cup semi in 2010; it's not the worst place in the world...
Most of the non-hamilton route is still usable then as far as EK or Clarkston;
Queens Park are at home to Edinburgh City; so don't really need to worry about extra football traffic with that fixture!
Any locals able to give advice on the routes down from EK?
NCN 756 straight into Rutherglen looks suitable, but I've cursed Sustrans a lot in the past...
Post by: jimmea on 24 July, 2018, 10:55:40 am
Last year's route went to the Asda in Toryglen, although the event page did say Paisley was the Glasgow control. Not sure if Andy will keep the same controls this year but a more inspiring turnaround point would be welcome! We just disappeared a sandwich and some crisps and high-tailed it back to Abington!
Last time I was in there was after the SFA cup semi in 2010; it's not the worst place in the world...
Most of the non-hamilton route is still usable then as far as EK or Clarkston;
Queens Park are at home to Edinburgh City; so don't really need to worry about extra football traffic with that fixture!
Any locals able to give advice on the routes down from EK?
NCN 756 straight into Rutherglen looks suitable, but I've cursed Sustrans a lot in the past...
Avoid EK at all costs, it's not a place for cycling. Go around it if possible.
Post by: Pingu on 24 July, 2018, 11:10:14 am
Last year's route went to the Asda in Toryglen, although the event page did say Paisley was the Glasgow control. Not sure if Andy will keep the same controls this year but a more inspiring turnaround point would be welcome! We just disappeared a sandwich and some crisps and high-tailed it back to Abington!
Last time I was in there was after the SFA cup semi in 2010; it's not the worst place in the world...
Most of the non-hamilton route is still usable then as far as EK or Clarkston;
Queens Park are at home to Edinburgh City; so don't really need to worry about extra football traffic with that fixture!
Any locals able to give advice on the routes down from EK?
NCN 756 straight into Rutherglen looks suitable, but I've cursed Sustrans a lot in the past...
Avoid EK at all costs, it's not a place for cycling. Go around it if possible.
All that needs to be said ;)
Post by: Lee Killestein on 24 July, 2018, 11:16:06 am
Last year's route went to the Asda in Toryglen, although the event page did say Paisley was the Glasgow control. Not sure if Andy will keep the same controls this year but a more inspiring turnaround point would be welcome! We just disappeared a sandwich and some crisps and high-tailed it back to Abington!
Last time I was in there was after the SFA cup semi in 2010; it's not the worst place in the world...
Agreed, as far as Asda stores go, it’s not the worst place in the world. It’s just that I was hoping for something a bit more typically Glaswegian. Not sure what that is but it’s definitely not Asda! :P
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 July, 2018, 01:28:37 pm
Last year's route went to the Asda in Toryglen, although the event page did say Paisley was the Glasgow control. Not sure if Andy will keep the same controls this year but a more inspiring turnaround point would be welcome! We just disappeared a sandwich and some crisps and high-tailed it back to Abington!
Last time I was in there was after the SFA cup semi in 2010; it's not the worst place in the world...
Agreed, as far as Asda stores go, it’s not the worst place in the world. It’s just that I was hoping for something a bit more typically Glaswegian. Not sure what that is but it’s definitely not Asda! :P
I'd rather go to ASDA in Toryglen, or Linwood in fact than "typically Glaswegian" locations; carrying a chib is a waste of load space and unnecessary weight!
Just realized that NCN route goes right through the middle, and there's much more inviting roads that avoid it.
I need to work out transport down and any accommodation ASAP...
Post by: Lee Killestein on 24 July, 2018, 01:42:40 pm
Last year's route went to the Asda in Toryglen, although the event page did say Paisley was the Glasgow control. Not sure if Andy will keep the same controls this year but a more inspiring turnaround point would be welcome! We just disappeared a sandwich and some crisps and high-tailed it back to Abington!
Last time I was in there was after the SFA cup semi in 2010; it's not the worst place in the world...
Agreed, as far as Asda stores go, it’s not the worst place in the world. It’s just that I was hoping for something a bit more typically Glaswegian. Not sure what that is but it’s definitely not Asda! :P
I'd rather go to ASDA in Toryglen, or Linwood in fact than "typically Glaswegian" locations; carrying a chib is a waste of load space and unnecessary weight!
Just realized that NCN route goes right through the middle, and there's much more inviting roads that avoid it.
I need to work out transport down and any accommodation ASAP...
:D :D :D Asda is fine with me!
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 July, 2018, 07:46:54 pm
Bispham PremierInn for 53 quid including breakfast
Right... back to looking for decent priced accommodation for the Galashiels 600 next month, seems I've left that a tad late :'(
Post by: eddum on 06 August, 2018, 12:12:41 pm
I've treated the missus to a weekend in Blackpool.... mostly by herself ;D
Question of the day is.. what's the control in Shap that'll be open between 01:18 & 04:36 ?
(More questions coming soon I'm sure once I get my planning up to speed)
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 August, 2018, 01:13:07 pm
No clue what the roads are like, wrong side of the country for me.
Direct via Hamilton and the land of no green. - 58km, 343m (566 on way back)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28270664
Dodging round Hamilton and Larkhall - 63km, 460m (683 on return)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28270647
Stra(tha)ven, Auldhouse, Castlemilk (avoiding the frying pan by jumping into the fire?) 66km, 464m (689)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28270615
Strathaven, Auldhouse, Eaglesham, Clarkston - 68km 455m (680)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28270586
The traffic lights are possibly worth it.
My bike and kit is Orange so reasonably safe in Larkhall... :sick:
Post by: Wanlock Dod on 06 August, 2018, 01:25:16 pm
If you are going to Strathaven the route that goes through Waterside (~NS785371) from Lesmahagow to join the B road at Kypeside is nice, but might be a bit of a diversion and whilst it would miss out the crap bit of road before Tescos at J10 you won't be able to indulge in their culinary delights either.
You could do a loop out from from Abingdon or Happendon Services through Biggar, Peebles, and Innerleithen and down through Eskdalemuir back to Gretna, it would probably be somewhat more scenic but rather less Glaswegian.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 August, 2018, 01:38:49 pm
Quote
You could do a loop out from from Abingdon or Happendon Services through Biggar, Peebles, and Innerleithen and down through Eskdalemuir back to Gretna, it would probably be somewhat more scenic but rather less Glaswegian.
Not sure mid-ride ECE is a thing :P
I have seen diversions over the castle o'er road being taken on some of the borders Audaxes due to it being nicer.
Post by: eddum on 06 August, 2018, 03:53:53 pm
I've knocked out a few route options to Toryglen ASDA in RwGPS;
No clue what the roads are like, wrong side of the country for me.
Direct via Hamilton and the land of no green. - 58km, 343m (566 on way back)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28270664
Dodging round Hamilton and Larkhall - 63km, 460m (683 on return)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28270647
Stra(tha)ven, Auldhouse, Castlemilk (avoiding the frying pan by jumping into the fire?) 66km, 464m (689)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28270615
Strathaven, Auldhouse, Eaglesham, Clarkston - 68km 455m (680)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28270586
The traffic lights are possibly worth it.
My bike and kit is Orange so reasonably safe in Larkhall... :sick:
That's nice... but aren't we going to Paisley ? :-X
Post by: FifeingEejit on 06 August, 2018, 04:38:59 pm
Also based off what I read avoiding the Hamilton route may be advisable due to traffic lights and generally being busy!
The route to get to the Linwood ASDA aren't a massive alteration of what I've looked at if it does turn out to be Paisley this year.
Of course Andy may throw a curveball and send us to Moscow (Ayrshire).
Edit: Based off the website and google maps walking, none of the numbers add up anyway; Linwood Asda comes out at 313 and Toryglen as 580odd; but I've seen Strava rides from last year and they come in around the stated distance.
Post by: eddum on 07 August, 2018, 02:38:25 pm
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 09 August, 2018, 12:18:13 am
Someone asked about Shap as a control; it was listed as such last year, but Andy changed it to be Penrith due to the lack of anything open in Shap. Perhaps he's got someone willing to sit and stamp cards this year, but I doubt it and imagine it'll be Penrith again.
Post by: igauk on 10 August, 2018, 01:24:01 am
Post by: FifeingEejit on 10 August, 2018, 01:09:19 pm
Unfortunately any southern approach to Glasgow is a traffic light slog with Strathaven, Auldhouse, Eaglesham, Clarkston the least worst option of the above if Toryglen ASDA is still the turn. There's a 24 hour Tesco at Silverburn and another 24 hr ASDA in sunny Govan but that's your lot on the southside. There's a Morrison's in Newlands but it's only open till 10 pm.
Start time is 10pm the previous night, so likely afternoon/early evening in Glasgow perfect for catching the football crowds!
Rangers are at home to St Johnstone not the best time to be in Govan; at least going to Toryglen it's the handful Queens Park and Edinburgh City fans you've got to contend with at the turn.
Probably another reason to avoid Larkhall that day too...
Could be worse, it could be on an Old Firm day.
Post by: jimmea on 10 August, 2018, 01:49:43 pm
Unfortunately any southern approach to Glasgow is a traffic light slog with Strathaven, Auldhouse, Eaglesham, Clarkston the least worst option of the above if Toryglen ASDA is still the turn. There's a 24 hour Tesco at Silverburn and another 24 hr ASDA in sunny Govan but that's your lot on the southside. There's a Morrison's in Newlands but it's only open till 10 pm.
Start time is 10pm the previous night, so likely afternoon/early evening in Glasgow perfect for catching the football crowds!
Rangers are at home to St Johnstone not the best time to be in Govan; at least going to Toryglen it's the handful Queens Park and Edinburgh City fans you've got to contend with at the turn.
Probably another reason to avoid Larkhall that day too...
Could be worse, it could be on anOld Firm day.
There is no old firm, Rangers were liquidated in 2012 :thumbsup: It's now Celtic v RIFC
Post by: FifeingEejit on 10 August, 2018, 03:24:40 pm
There is no old firm, Rangers were liquidated in 2012 :thumbsup: It's now Celtic v RIFC
Good point, well made... but I was avoiding going that far here!
Post by: igauk on 10 August, 2018, 10:59:57 pm
Unfortunately any southern approach to Glasgow is a traffic light slog with Strathaven, Auldhouse, Eaglesham, Clarkston the least worst option of the above if Toryglen ASDA is still the turn. There's a 24 hour Tesco at Silverburn and another 24 hr ASDA in sunny Govan but that's your lot on the southside. There's a Morrison's in Newlands but it's only open till 10 pm.
Start time is 10pm the previous night, so likely afternoon/early evening in Glasgow perfect for catching the football crowds!
Rangers are at home to St Johnstone not the best time to be in Govan; at least going to Toryglen it's the handful Queens Park and Edinburgh City fans you've got to contend with at the turn.
Probably another reason to avoid Larkhall that day too...
Could be worse, it could be on an Old Firm day.
In which case make it the Morrison's in Newlands and then you only have to contend with the massed ranks of Pollok FC fans! This would also have the benefit of being even closer to my house, although last year having a late afternoon kip at home didn't work out as I had a major attack of the dozzies in Cumbria.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 August, 2018, 09:10:17 pm
Costa, KFC, McD's and a Sainsbury's
So that's the previous RWGPS routes wiped out!
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28327642
Post by: jimmea on 12 August, 2018, 10:23:40 pm
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 12 August, 2018, 10:41:47 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 August, 2018, 11:32:43 am
Not so good, there’s the huge Siverburn shopping centre just near there, all roads are very busy as most are going that way. I wouldn’t be cycling round that way on a Sat afternoon. There’s no easy way for that one i’m afraid.
had a look, and changed back to cutting through newton mearns and then through rouken glen park, but can't see a way of avoiding nithshill road, except by hopping onto the pavement, assuming it is a pavement and not a core path or right of way
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28327642
I am of course working on an assumption that the retail park at Darnley Mains is the target and not Silverburn! THere is however also shown a path between Darnley Mains and the Silverburn on OSM
Post by: jimmea on 13 August, 2018, 01:02:39 pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28332404
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 August, 2018, 01:20:26 pm
I'd discounted it on the basis of traffic and those cycle lanes are just painted gutters so generally worse than useless.
Post by: jimmea on 13 August, 2018, 01:25:35 pm
Is the Ayr road usually alright even on a busy day?
I'd discounted it on the basis of traffic and those cycle lanes are just painted gutters so generally worse than useless.
Yes i use it all the time, They've recently made the cycle lane wider too.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 13 August, 2018, 01:34:30 pm
tiem to get back to worrying about the borderlands explorer 600 which is this weekend... :-S
Post by: Revellinho on 21 August, 2018, 02:36:28 pm
Edit - Now seen the updated details on the event website - see calendar page for link.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 22 August, 2018, 02:18:54 pm
Finished around half 8 I think... Got confused at the end of the second leg as it didn't feel like 2 in the afternoon and didn't really want to ride into a 2nd night which I just avoided (and then set off back to the tent around 10pm in the dark...) and really thought I was pushing it to get back in time until someone confirmed to me that it really was 2 in the afternoon!
Free food at Lowther; sounds good as long as it's not us in the lion enclosure!
Oh and the old A74 is much more attocious surface wise when you're 380Km+ in than only 40km in.
Made the mistake of using one of the separate bits of cyclefarcislity though, was like it hadn't been swept since the bike was painted on the tar.
Post by: omash on 23 August, 2018, 09:13:07 pm
Ta
Post by: Clemo on 23 August, 2018, 09:49:50 pm
Does anyone have gpx at all?This is what i used last year, although the far end control has changed but you are welcome to use these.
Ta
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28422560 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28422560)Blackpool 2 Glasgow
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28422535 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28422535)Glasgow to Blackpool
Post by: Andy Corless on 24 August, 2018, 03:39:52 pm
The first control will now be at the village of Lowther (106 km), about 7 km further on than originally planned (Shap was the originally intention). I've reserved the parish hall to use as a food/rest station. The hall has the usual facilities (main hall; kitchen; toilets etc), although no sleeping is planned. You can also use for sleeping if you wish but the control will close shortly after 05:00 am. Use of facilities at this control is of course included in the entry fee!
The route from Abington into Glasgowshire now follows the B7086 through Strathaven before connecting to the A726/A727, turning at the Darnley services just after passing under the M77 (jcn 3), where there's a 24-hour McDonald's! The return uses the same route but the final control is at the Carnforth Truckhaven restaurant (553 km) which I'm being told is now 24-hours!
Both the AUK webpage and event website have been updated accordingly in the last few days.
If anyone would like to help out at the Lowther control please do get in touch (I've 1 volunteer so far). Control opening hours for the Saturday morning are: 01:32 am - 05:04 am. Any/all expenses will of course be reimbursed.
Hope this answers most/all of the questions.
No EoL. Online entry £15.90 and are still open at: http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-111/
Website address here: https://burnleyccevents.com/blackpool-glasgow-blackpool-600-22-september-2017/
Event info' and route-sheet will be sent out the first week of September.
Those who complete the event if the BGB 600 is the only/longest BRM event ridden during 2018, they'll be able to pre-register for next year's PBP as early as 28th January 2019.
Andy Corless
Organiser
Blackpool - Glasgow - Blackpool 600
Post by: Pichy on 24 August, 2018, 11:12:19 pm
Those who complete the event if the BGB 600 is the only/longest BRM event ridden during 2018, they'll be able to register for next year's PBP as early as 28th January 2019.
That’ll be me then... :-\
Post by: Ajax Bay on 26 August, 2018, 06:20:30 pm
The first control will now be at the village of Lowther (106 km), about 7 km further on than . . Shap . . The route from Abington . . . now follows the B7086 through Strathaven before connecting to the A726/A727, turning at the Darnley services [M77/J3]Outbound route something like this?
Andy Corless
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28445833?beta=false
Post by: eddum on 28 August, 2018, 01:24:59 pm
Those who complete the event if the BGB 600 is the only/longest BRM event ridden during 2018, they'll be able to register for next year's PBP as early as 28th January 2019.
That’ll be me then... :-\
+1 O:-)
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 September, 2018, 06:17:47 pm
Post by: jsabine on 05 September, 2018, 07:06:33 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 05 September, 2018, 09:11:05 pm
Post by: Jay_70_One on 09 September, 2018, 12:09:07 pm
Post by: LMT on 09 September, 2018, 02:55:26 pm
Has anyone taken the plunge and created a GPX for the revised route. I would do but I’m generally a pretty useless route pannner and I would have you all lost in a heartbeat. I also recall minus temperatures and a ground frost on the return over Shap last year, have you done anything to address this Andy? 👀
It's pretty much three roads there and three roads back. ;) :thumbsup:
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 September, 2018, 03:12:50 pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557237
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557304
There's also possibly a few errors in there as my distances are out by 3k before the divergance; so the total route I've knocked out is 18k over distance.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 09 September, 2018, 03:30:02 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 09 September, 2018, 04:36:44 pm
The Greyhound bridge is in Google Maps and OSM, but not on OSM Cycle! It's only been part of the road network since 1972...
However...
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/greyhound-bridge-to-reopen-to-traffic-with-new-bus-lane-1-9336960
The SatNav caveat of follow your nose not the beeps that everyone ignores is as important as ever!
Post by: Jay_70_One on 10 September, 2018, 09:53:17 am
Yeah but some details have changed since i rode it last year and I'm an overthinker... ;DHas anyone taken the plunge and created a GPX for the revised route. I would do but I’m generally a pretty useless route pannner and I would have you all lost in a heartbeat. I also recall minus temperatures and a ground frost on the return over Shap last year, have you done anything to address this Andy? 👀
It's pretty much three roads there and three roads back. ;) :thumbsup:
Post by: FifeingEejit on 10 September, 2018, 11:21:03 am
I remember my first encounter with a GPS-directed rider, on Sheila Simpson's North-West 600. They went astray in Penrith, as the one-way system is complex.
Were they demanding cakes in a tea room?
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 10 September, 2018, 11:37:00 am
I remember my first encounter with a GPS-directed rider, on Sheila Simpson's North-West 600. They went astray in Penrith, as the one-way system is complex.
Were they demanding cakes in a tea room?
That ride started at 10pm, so we were in Penrith at about 3am. The only place to get food was Southwaite Services. Rides up and down the M6/M74 are ideal shoestring events, thanks to the motorway services. The North West 600 even started from one, Charnock Richard.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 10 September, 2018, 11:47:33 am
I remember my first encounter with a GPS-directed rider, on Sheila Simpson's North-West 600. They went astray in Penrith, as the one-way system is complex.
Were they demanding cakes in a tea room?
That ride started at 10pm, so we were in Penrith at about 3am. The only place to get food was Southwaite Services. Rides up and down the M6/M74 are ideal shoestring events, thanks to the motorway services. The North West 600 even started from one, Charnock Richard.
Ah so when the proprietor said they were closed, they really were.
although the tea room in that scene is actually in milton keynes.
Post by: Pichy on 10 September, 2018, 10:37:42 pm
This is the route I'd take, assuming you are coming from Abington of course, These are quiet back lanes until you get to the Ayr road which has it's own cycle lane, when you turn left onto the the A727 i'd probably see how busy it was but after crossing the RBT it becomes dual carriageway and very, very busy
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28332404
I've just tried to have a swatch at your workaround but it looks like you've pulled it. Is there any chance you could 'unprivate' it so I could see what you were suggesting about the least worst approach to Darnley from the south?
Many thanks,
Pichy
Post by: S1966W on 11 September, 2018, 07:03:35 am
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28566153?beta=false
Let me know if it doesn't download, I think it is 'public'.
Post by: jimmea on 11 September, 2018, 07:30:20 am
This is the route I'd take, assuming you are coming from Abington of course, These are quiet back lanes until you get to the Ayr road which has it's own cycle lane, when you turn left onto the the A727 i'd probably see how busy it was but after crossing the RBT it becomes dual carriageway and very, very busy
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28332404
I've just tried to have a swatch at your workaround but it looks like you've pulled it. Is there any chance you could 'unprivate' it so I could see what you were suggesting about the least worst approach to Darnley from the south?
Many thanks,
Pichy
Aye here you go, It's the route i would go but the last bit into Darnley will be very busy if getting there Sat afternoon. Also go into Eaglesham following the route, going in the other way involves a 13% climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28573126?beta=false
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 September, 2018, 01:09:36 pm
Seems to be 2k shorter and 25m less climbing
Post by: jimmea on 11 September, 2018, 01:46:49 pm
Any reason to go as far as Kirkmuirhill when there's a corner cutting road between Boghill and Lesmahagow?
Seems to be 2k shorter and 25m less climbing
No reason, it's quite a nice road once clear of Lesmahagow, can be busy there due to a container base which i doubt will be operating on a Sat though.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 September, 2018, 02:18:04 pm
Any reason to go as far as Kirkmuirhill when there's a corner cutting road between Boghill and Lesmahagow?
Seems to be 2k shorter and 25m less climbing
No reason, it's quite a nice road once clear of Lesmahagow, can be busy there due to a container base which i doubt will be operating on a Sat though.
Cool, it was ignored in most peoples route suggestions and the route sheet (no mention of a control in KMH) so was wondering if I was missing something!
Post by: cygnet on 11 September, 2018, 02:20:47 pm
Noticed an interesting discrepancy in Lancaster while making that:
The Greyhound bridge is in Google Maps and OSM, but not on OSM Cycle! It's only been part of the road network since 1972...
However...
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/greyhound-bridge-to-reopen-to-traffic-with-new-bus-lane-1-9336960
The SatNav caveat of follow your nose not the beeps that everyone ignores is as important as ever!
You can cross via the millenium bridge instead (NCN 6):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28574833 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28574833)
Disclaimer - haven't read the routesheet fully yet for the rest of the route.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 11 September, 2018, 02:53:45 pm
Post by: Pichy on 11 September, 2018, 10:16:21 pm
This is the route I'd take, assuming you are coming from Abington of course, These are quiet back lanes until you get to the Ayr road which has it's own cycle lane, when you turn left onto the the A727 i'd probably see how busy it was but after crossing the RBT it becomes dual carriageway and very, very busy
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28332404
I've just tried to have a swatch at your workaround but it looks like you've pulled it. Is there any chance you could 'unprivate' it so I could see what you were suggesting about the least worst approach to Darnley from the south?
Many thanks,
Pichy
Aye here you go, It's the route i would go but the last bit into Darnley will be very busy if getting there Sat afternoon. Also go into Eaglesham following the route, going in the other way involves a 13% climb.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28573126?beta=false
Ta very much. This is my northbound version so far: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28571562.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 12 September, 2018, 12:05:01 am
Inbound and Outbound after riding through the night... erm... nah!
Post by: simonp on 14 September, 2018, 09:23:34 pm
Post by: disgruntled_ewe on 16 September, 2018, 01:52:05 pm
Noticed an interesting discrepancy in Lancaster while making that:
The Greyhound bridge is in Google Maps and OSM, but not on OSM Cycle! It's only been part of the road network since 1972...
However...
https://www.lancasterguardian.co.uk/news/greyhound-bridge-to-reopen-to-traffic-with-new-bus-lane-1-9336960
The SatNav caveat of follow your nose not the beeps that everyone ignores is as important as ever!
You can cross via the millenium bridge instead (NCN 6):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28574833 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28574833)
Disclaimer - haven't read the routesheet fully yet for the rest of the route.
Thanks very much for this - much appreciated! This is my first 600km audax and my first audax without a gpx route file provided by the organiser (this is not a criticism of the organiser, of course) so very helpful indeed.
Post by: Jay_70_One on 16 September, 2018, 06:12:06 pm
Post by: Redlight on 16 September, 2018, 06:44:45 pm
Thanks very much for this - much appreciated! This is my first 600km audax and my first audax without a gpx route file provided by the organiser (this is not a criticism of the organiser, of course) so very helpful indeed.
It's a good choice for a first 600 - looks as though there are going to be a decent number of us so you're unlikely to find yourself on your own for long (unless you want to be!).
I've plotted both outward and return routes but with a few variations from the recommended route, following suggestions elsewhere in this thread. Happy to share links to ride with GPS if anyone would like them, subject to all the usual caveats. (PM me)
One thought - even if you're using someone else's GPX track it's worth reading the route sheet with a map to hand so that you've got a picture of it in your head.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 September, 2018, 10:30:21 pm
North: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557237
South: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557304
To be mildly more helpful I've prepared a Weegie Phrase book for you:
Wa'er - Water
Ginger - Juice
Bevvy - Piss from the Tennents brewery urinals
Piece - Sandwich
Gonnae no dae that - Would you mind not doing whatever it is you're doing that's annoying me
Yea got 50p for the subway - I would like to "borrow" 50p for my Subway fare; I know this is a crap way of begging as everyone knows the subway now costs £1.50 we're no where near a station.
Er yi dingying me - You're ignoring me, why?
Rhangers or Celik - Which of the two presented football teams do you have a preference for (choose wisely) see also "Chib ye yah bas"
Mind Yer Bike Mister - Would you like us to look after your bike while you're in the shop (Under no circumstances allow it, wait for another rider to arrive or see "Chib ye yah bas")
Mon then - That's fighting talk that it
Chib ye yah bas - It's time for some interval training
Get it right roond ya - This is what you'll here if you're interval training was inadequate and are now waiting for a free lift to the Southern General Hospital Emergency Department
Post by: LMT on 16 September, 2018, 10:39:31 pm
Post by: Jay_70_One on 17 September, 2018, 10:31:23 am
The routes I'll have on my gps:love it. ;D
North: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557237
South: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557304
To be mildly more helpful I've prepared a Weegie Phrase book for you:
Wa'er - Water
Ginger - Juice
Bevvy - Piss from the Tennents brewery urinals
Piece - Sandwich
Gonnae no dae that - Would you mind not doing whatever it is you're doing that's annoying me
Yea got 50p for the subway - I would like to "borrow" 50p for my Subway fare; I know this is a crap way of begging as everyone knows the subway now costs £1.50 we're no where near a station.
Er yi dingying me - You're ignoring me, why?
Rhangers or Celik - Which of the two presented football teams do you have a preference for (choose wisely) see also "Chib ye yah bas"
Mind Yer Bike Mister - Would you like us to look after your bike while you're in the shop (Under no circumstances allow it, wait for another rider to arrive or see "Chib ye yah bas")
Mon then - That's fighting talk that it
Chib ye yah bas - It's time for some interval training
Get it right roond ya - This is what you'll here if you're interval training was inadequate and are now waiting for a free lift to the Southern General Hospital Emergency Department
Post by: Revellinho on 17 September, 2018, 10:44:56 am
For myself, after a week at work, I will need at least a couple of hours kip at Penrith and then ride through till Saturday night, but I won't get to the arrive before I'm falling asleep again. I'll therefore need another kip - probably at Gretna. I'd expect to finish somewhere around 10:00, depending on the wind and how my energy levels are. I'd expect to sleep in the car for a while before attempting to drive.
Interested to know what others are planning. I'm sure many will bash on without sleep through the first night, but I doubt whether I would be rested enough to do that.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 17 September, 2018, 11:21:24 am
I suspect it will have been covered somewhere, but can anyone tell me the logic in starting at 10.00pm? It makes it a 2 night and 1 day ride, rather than the usual 2 days and 1 night. The only time I have ever done something similar was on PBP with a late afternoon start.
For myself, after a week at work, I will need at least a couple of hours kip at Penrith and then ride through till Saturday night, but I won't get to the arrive before I'm falling asleep again. I'll therefore need another kip - probably at Gretna. I'd expect to finish somewhere around 10:00, depending on the wind and how my energy levels are. I'd expect to sleep in the car for a while before attempting to drive.
Interested to know what others are planning. I'm sure many will bash on without sleep through the first night, but I doubt whether I would be rested enough to do that.
What ever Andy's reasons for the friday evening start, one of my reasons for picking it as a second 600 for the year is because of the late start.
I've taken the day off to travel, and have the following week off to vegetate.
Going to see how I feel, Gretna services only has hard seats, not been to Abington in ages so not sure what's there, Johnstonebridge has comfy benches to sleep on but vicious aircon, on the Border Explorer 600 I ended up using my space blanket there, so I've put my bivvy bag in this time.
There's a bit of weather forecast to pass over on Sunday too.
Post by: Jay_70_One on 17 September, 2018, 11:49:44 am
I suspect it will have been covered somewhere, but can anyone tell me the logic in starting at 10.00pm? It makes it a 2 night and 1 day ride, rather than the usual 2 days and 1 night. The only time I have ever done something similar was on PBP with a late afternoon start.I managed an hour sleep last year at the rear of a nice community centre outside Carlisle. this year I intend to ride through but will carry a bivvy just in case. The hallucinations at the end make it all worthwhile. :o
For myself, after a week at work, I will need at least a couple of hours kip at Penrith and then ride through till Saturday night, but I won't get to the arrive before I'm falling asleep again. I'll therefore need another kip - probably at Gretna. I'd expect to finish somewhere around 10:00, depending on the wind and how my energy levels are. I'd expect to sleep in the car for a while before attempting to drive.
Interested to know what others are planning. I'm sure many will bash on without sleep through the first night, but I doubt whether I would be rested enough to do that.
Post by: Jay_70_One on 17 September, 2018, 11:50:42 am
I suspect it will have been covered somewhere, but can anyone tell me the logic in starting at 10.00pm? It makes it a 2 night and 1 day ride, rather than the usual 2 days and 1 night. The only time I have ever done something similar was on PBP with a late afternoon start.'vicious aircon' haha
For myself, after a week at work, I will need at least a couple of hours kip at Penrith and then ride through till Saturday night, but I won't get to the arrive before I'm falling asleep again. I'll therefore need another kip - probably at Gretna. I'd expect to finish somewhere around 10:00, depending on the wind and how my energy levels are. I'd expect to sleep in the car for a while before attempting to drive.
Interested to know what others are planning. I'm sure many will bash on without sleep through the first night, but I doubt whether I would be rested enough to do that.
What ever Andy's reasons for the friday evening start, one of my reasons for picking it as a second 600 for the year is because of the late start.
I've taken the day off to travel, and have the following week off to vegetate.
Going to see how I feel, Gretna services only has hard seats, not been to Abington in ages so not sure what's there, Johnstonebridge has comfy benches to sleep on but vicious aircon, on the Border Explorer 600 I ended up using my space blanket there, so I've put my bivvy bag in this time.
There's a bit of weather forecast to pass over on Sunday too.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 17 September, 2018, 01:51:35 pm
Some others spotted there's another seating area behind McDonald's, less harshly lit and quieter but still with an Arctic blast.
Of course J'bridge isn't a control and anyone planning on a stop around there for any length of time may consider Lockerbie Truck park more appropriate.
If I don't get sleep on the train then I reckon I should be ok until early in the forenoon, but will probably need to stop somewhere for a snooze.
If I do sleep on the train then I'll probably manage until the Sunday morning at which point planting my head on a table will do nicely.
Post by: igauk on 17 September, 2018, 07:10:34 pm
Post by: DCLane on 17 September, 2018, 11:19:13 pm
For any other YACF members I'll be on a blue Ridgeback Platinum, probably in Ravensthorpe CC kit.
Is anyone else up in the area during the day?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 18 September, 2018, 10:48:43 am
For riding plans, right now there's a bit of a storm expected to hit late saturday evening, Sunday morning though it seems to be creeping earlier so might need to spend some time in hiding... again...
That's assuming I don't lose another round of train tickets and bookings due to a cold...
Edit: Oh aye and, I'll be very very ORANGE that's kitwise not trumpwise I'm standard Scottish Peely Wally.
Post by: Redlight on 18 September, 2018, 11:30:19 am
Post by: Robadog on 18 September, 2018, 12:29:50 pm
Post by: eddum on 18 September, 2018, 12:54:21 pm
Part of me just wants to tick the box for the PBP pre-qualifier and not worry about time.. especially as I'm not really at peak bike just now.... of course the monkey at the back of my head wants to get back in good time... hey ho.
As to riding through ?... now you've annoyed the monkey... I've a premier inn booked at Carlisle which is hopefully late Saturday night for the option of a bit of comfort kip... still not sure if i'll use it tho.... seems a cheek stopping 150k from the end.
That aside.... on a Gensis Croix de Fer ti, trying not to put the mudguards back on but might falter on that yet, fresh back tyre has arrived since I've worn through the last.
Arriving Friday afternoon for a kip and feed and leaving the wife at a hotel for the duration.
Feeling tired already.
Post by: Redlight on 18 September, 2018, 01:31:50 pm
Anyone got a gpx file for this yrs please?
Fifeing Eejit has posted these a few posts below:
North: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557237
South: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557304
I have done mine as 8 separate ones to avoid missing any controls - if you'd like links to them, let me know.
Post by: cygnet on 18 September, 2018, 02:03:51 pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623198 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623198)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623369 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623369)
Post by: jimmea on 18 September, 2018, 02:16:30 pm
Lesmahagow to Darnley and back following the routesheet:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623198 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623198)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623369 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623369)
There's no way i would be using that road out of Strathaven, It's a real busy narrow one. Use the route i posted above.
Post by: Redlight on 19 September, 2018, 02:03:26 pm
Lesmahagow to Darnley and back following the routesheet:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623198 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623198)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623369 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623369)
There's no way i would be using that road out of Strathaven, It's a real busy narrow one. Use the route i posted above.
Thanks for that tip. I will tweak my files accordingly.
Post by: disgruntled_ewe on 20 September, 2018, 10:16:20 am
Anyone got a gpx file for this yrs please?
Fifeing Eejit has posted these a few posts below:
North: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557237
South: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28557304
I have done mine as 8 separate ones to avoid missing any controls - if you'd like links to them, let me know.
Thanks for these. Might I cheekily ask for the separate routes for controls?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 20 September, 2018, 04:17:03 pm
Hopefully the trains calm down a bit too...
Post by: cygnet on 20 September, 2018, 08:45:13 pm
Lesmahagow to Darnley and back following the routesheet:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623198 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623198)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623369 (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28623369)
There's no way i would be using that road out of Strathaven, It's a real busy narrow one. Use the route i posted above.
For sure, thanks. My Out and back routes are following your recommendations, just added those for public consumption.
Post by: Chamford Sideplate on 21 September, 2018, 08:50:59 am
Post by: Redlight on 21 September, 2018, 09:27:13 am
Post by: jimmea on 21 September, 2018, 09:33:32 am
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 21 September, 2018, 10:28:06 am
That was in midsummer. We took shelter in the phone box that used to stand at the summit of Shap. Not there now unfortunately. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPyYn0aRrEo
I did toy with the idea of doing this as a pre-qualifier, but I've got a 2015 PBP Brevet card with only a start stamp in it, so I could ride with that, to clear up unfinished business.
Good luck to everyone out there tonight, and beyond.
Post by: Fuzz Kit on 21 September, 2018, 11:41:56 am
Looking forward to the ride, first 600km Audax, should be fun!
I've created a gpx route from the cue sheet provided by Andy, but from reading the above posts, consensus seems to be that Fifeing Eejit's route looks like the one to be on, so I've downloaded that too.
Hope the rain stays away, looks touch and go for tonight, but not too bad thereafter.
Post by: Pingu on 21 September, 2018, 12:15:07 pm
...We took shelter in the phone box that used to stand at the summit of Shap. Not there now unfortunately...
The disabled public toilet in Shap (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=53918.msg1095522#msg1095522) is the audax hotel of choice these days :)
Post by: FifeingEejit on 21 September, 2018, 01:43:17 pm
So... Should be be stopping at Timpson for a radar key before tea?...We took shelter in the phone box that used to stand at the summit of Shap. Not there now unfortunately...
The disabled public toilet in Shap (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=53918.msg1095522#msg1095522) is the audax hotel of choice these days :)
Train I was booked on from Edinburgh to Preston was cancelled so running slightly later, could have had an extra half hour in bed this morning.
Reckon I'll be at Blackpool North Station about 4, perfect time to be hunting for tea but 4hrs to kill after that until the scout hut opens, oh and I believe its wet in blackpool
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: DCLane on 21 September, 2018, 02:26:16 pm
oh and I believe its wet in blackpool.
Not wet, but windy.Sun's out :P
Having lunch in Cleveleys before a snooze nearby.
Edit: VERY windy. The Tepee I'm attempting to sleep in is being blown all over.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 21 September, 2018, 05:01:34 pm
Hiding in a bus stop in Bispham, the ride up from the station was erm... Interesting!oh and I believe its wet in blackpool.
Not wet, but windy.Sun's out
Having lunch in Cleveleys before a snooze nearby.
Edit: VERY windy. The Tepee I'm attempting to sleep in is being blown all over.
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: k_green on 21 September, 2018, 05:02:49 pm
oh and I believe its wet in blackpool.
Not wet, but windy.Sun's out :P
Having lunch in Cleveleys before a snooze nearby.
Edit: VERY windy. The Tepee I'm attempting to sleep in is being blown all over.
looks like a lovely crosswind from the weather forecast. so no respite or advantage to it!
Post by: Kev Sp8 on 22 September, 2018, 04:28:27 am
Best of luck everyone.
Post by: Andy Corless on 23 September, 2018, 12:03:20 am
Andy Corless
Post by: Revellinho on 23 September, 2018, 05:49:23 pm
Post by: DCLane on 23 September, 2018, 05:53:54 pm
Lots of climbing, some very rough roads. The 'alternative' route made it hillier plus an added fallen tree, with a cycle path on the side of the standard route that I used on the return leg was much better for me. https://www.strava.com/activities/1861202551
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 September, 2018, 12:36:06 am
Except for a train cancellation had an easy day before
Tried to snooze in the bivvy bag before the start but it was too cold for that.
Decent paced start in a big group up to lowther
Stayed too long, knew a snooze wasn't going to happen but still tried, set off alone and rode with people on and off.
Riding through a junction on the way into Carlisle a rider next to me spotted glass just as we rode through it. Back tyre went soft at the bottom of the hill as I approached a bus stop with adjacent street light, handy!
Extended stop at Gretna as I again tried for a snooze I knew wouldn't come then out into the morning sun for the climb up beattock... Know the section up to beattock village from the borders Randonnee but only know the climb up to abington from driving the m'way, well Its boring in a car and just awful on the bike, deciding which bit of "tar" to ride and when seems to be the trick, stuck to the road and the gutter lanes on the way up.
Less extended stop at abington, discovered why kirkmuir hill was the better option for getting on to the Strathaven road as I weaved through Lesmahagow, SP networks were making up for the route change by placing 6 sets of lights on that road.
Not sure about the less direct route I took (the one in the rwgps I made), came across a tree on the road, wasted a minute or so first attempting to get through and then attempting to get unstuck, diverted to auldhouse then down to Newton Mearns, easy enough run into darnley in traffic and careful use of the cycle path and lack of demarcation of where it turned into a pavement.
Returned via kirkmuir Hill and on the way up beattock discovered the cycle track on the old west carriageway of the Old a74 was not only clean but surprisingly well surfaced leading to quite a nice ride in.
Hung around a bit but not dozzy in the slightest, so set off for the tar slalom down to johnstonebridge, decided not to stop there and the dozzies started to hit at Lockerbie, had it been warm the bivvy would have been out but it was baltic.
Gretna and a few people I'd earlier been playing leep frog with arrived, set an alarm for an hour but woke up 10 before that, even more had arrived but none looked ready to go so set off solo.
Another attack of the dozzies at lowther but the bus stop was rubbish and I'm not sure how you're meant to get the AED out the phone box as the door of the cabinet points at a wall and there's only just room between the two for me to slide into. Remembered seeing a proper stone shelter somewhere so carried on until I spotted it at shap, 15 mins set on the timer but I woke after 10 feeling much better.
Sun rose as I summited Shap so could see well enough for a decent paced descent, started to get very hungry so dived into a petrol station oddly owned by a company called Auk, then onto the truck stop.
Went in and got a breakfast roll surprised no one else was in until I found the leep froggers at the fuel station as I left.
Picked up two other riders at Lancaster for the roll into Blackpool, horrible traffic that made the Weegie standard of driving look fantastic.
Surprised to discover we weren't even 20th back with only a couple of hours to spare, another breakfast, faff and a snooze on an air bed until the noise of many more arriving woke me up.
Meant to go and do something this evening but I've just woken up, ach it was only trams and lights.
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: Redlight on 24 September, 2018, 11:43:57 am
I missed the mass start as my Garmin was playing up and, due to said technical woes, took a much longer route out of the Blackpool area than had been planned. I'd caught and passed a few riders when, somewhere out on the northern reaches of the Fylde, I heard that lovely rolling on the rims sound from the rear wheel. I wasted a bit of time trying to find the source - unsuccessfully - before sticking in another tube and getting on my way. By this stage, as lots of people had streamed past me, I was pretty sure I must be last on the road.
The climb over Shap Fell was a bit of a slog but only because it was getting very cold. The descent really froze me and by the time I got to the first control, about an hour later than I would have anticipated, I had the shivers. I stayed more than an hour, eating and drinking but couldn't shake them off. A clutch of other riders were still there, at least one having already decided to pack. I was still within time when I did leave, but I think my heart wasn't in it and my legs followed suit.
By Carlisle, I realised that I was going to be running up against control times all day unless I could magically find a way of getting some energy and getting warmer. I spent almost two hours in a Mcdonalds, eating three breakfasts, and still felt cold. So I decided not to try to get to Glasgow, but simply to ride north until about 2pm and then turn back. In the end, I got just past Lockerbie and, as the road started to deteriorate, called time there. On the way back, I had a very nice pub lunch in Ecclefechan, where the landlord commented on my LEL Jersey and mentioned that next time he might put out food and drink for the riders heading north, and then rode straight through to Kendal, crossing Shap Fell in daylight, which was a bonus.
The next control was a petrol station in Carnforth so I decided to have a proper dinner in Kendal, partly because, once again, I had got the shivers after coming down Shap. I called in at the Carnforth services at about 12.15, only to encounter the first rider on the road - I think his name was Wayne - just leaving. After a coffee, I too headed off, taking the last 48km at a leisurely pace and getting into the Arrivee just before 2.30. A few hours dozing on one of the air beds that Andy had thoughtfully provided and I was off for the 08.00 train back to London. By that stage, I think only three or four others had arrived.
So, not a great performance on my part but at least I did get a decent day out on the bike. And the curry before the ride on Friday night was good too.
Oh, and I still have the shivers today. Can't shake them.
Post by: Jay_70_One on 24 September, 2018, 02:20:27 pm
:-[
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 September, 2018, 02:47:36 pm
Then slept until just before my alarm went off at 7 for my first proper meal since the fish supper on Friday afternoon.
Physically I feel no where near as knackered as after the borderlands explorer 600 just over a month ago, a decent bed afterwards possibly helped but also the terrain was nicer...
The big challenge was ignoring the fact I didn't need another 600 for either PBP qualification or SR purposes which would have made packing easier, this also made it harder to manage thinking "why am I doing this", which I was thinking almost all the way to Glasgow.
I also spent a lot of time riding in "the gap" so rarely had anyone to talk to, to distract myself. One of the things I was thinking was bail out plans so I worked out how to deal with packing and getting back to Blackpool to collect my bag!
From Glasgow back it was much easier and even more so after Gretna as by that point I could get on a train to Blackpool...
Anyway fought those demons and got back, unlike the 'puffer I went to bed during, twice... A handy one to remember for when the heids no in it 100%
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Post by: igauk on 24 September, 2018, 08:47:01 pm
I always find the climb up Beattock a drag and this was no exception, even trying to ride just on the white line didn't offer much of a distraction. Plenty of other riders passed me and I was down to an hour in hand by Abington and I was no longer leapfrogging anyone. Burger Kings finest failed to revive me and I grovelled into Glasgow via East Kilbride, having already fallen asleep on the bike and hit the deck, fortunately on a bike path. I saw plenty of other riders heading back in EK, most of whom must have had a good hour in hand.
As I live in Glasgow I'd been thinking of bailing out and when my front mudguard broke and locked my front wheel sweeping down into Busby my mind was made up.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 September, 2018, 10:56:41 pm
Well I hope the tail of the field got back OK. I had to pack at Abington due to a disintegrating bottom bracket. It was bloody cold as night fell. I’m sure that warm sun was welcome in the morning. Chapeau to all finishers. The logistics of a double night ride are certainly a challenge.
Was that at one of the
If not then that was someone else!
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 September, 2018, 11:22:44 pm
Basically Core Paths are designated paths that the Scottish land access laws require councils to both have and publish.
This also means that any path that looks like it may be a pavement provided under the Roads acts are not in fact pavements provided as a pedestrian refuge, but are usable if you meet the land access requirements (so any non-motorised vehicle); same applies to any section of pavement that is a Right of Way (Green Scotways signs)
The core paths maps are considerably more reliable than the OSM Outdoors and Cycling layers where paths are either missing or like one round by me so badly routed that they send you for a drowning in the local sand quarry.
South Lanarkshire is here and as you can see the main roads have Core Paths designated on the adjacent "pavement"
https://southlanarkshire.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ea777bba61f94767a4a801f2f1d65e8b
All that said... Avoiding Scotland's New Towns is sound advice that I was happy enough to stick to,
I've been riding with an MTB club in Glenrothes for a few years on and off and I still have no orientation in that newtown!
The best bit was on descending to Newton Mearns, the realization that the climb back over to Stra-ven and (mostly down) to Gretna wasn't going to be as tough as it had been all the way up there.
Although I then rolled into a massive "bombhole" in Jenny Lind and didn't have the momentum to avoid crawling out of it at 5k
Post by: Pingu on 25 September, 2018, 08:38:43 am
...The core paths maps are considerably more reliable than the OSM Outdoors and Cycling layers where paths are either missing or like one round by me so badly routed that they send you for a drowning in the local sand quarry...
Perhaps someone with the appropriate information could update OSM, then?
Post by: FifeingEejit on 25 September, 2018, 10:01:09 am
...The core paths maps are considerably more reliable than the OSM Outdoors and Cycling layers where paths are either missing or like one round by me so badly routed that they send you for a drowning in the local sand quarry...
Perhaps someone with the appropriate information could update OSM, then?
I could... the sand pit inaccuracy was reported but nothings come of that; and I've got better things to do than argue with moderators of online things as was the case when it took 6 attempts and a photograph to get a fault on google maps fixed.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 September, 2018, 10:22:58 am
HK and I have ridden Moultons for most of our long brevets over many years, mostly for the improved comfort but also ease of transport. This year's longest Moulton brevets were a UAF1000 to Ventoux and the 1500km HBKH.
Post by: Pingu on 25 September, 2018, 10:28:37 am
...The core paths maps are considerably more reliable than the OSM Outdoors and Cycling layers where paths are either missing or like one round by me so badly routed that they send you for a drowning in the local sand quarry...
Perhaps someone with the appropriate information could update OSM, then?
I could... the sand pit inaccuracy was reported but nothings come of that; and I've got better things to do than argue with moderators of online things as was the case when it took 6 attempts and a photograph to get a fault on google maps fixed.
OSM can be edited by users. There is no need to report anything.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 25 September, 2018, 11:43:03 am
...The core paths maps are considerably more reliable than the OSM Outdoors and Cycling layers where paths are either missing or like one round by me so badly routed that they send you for a drowning in the local sand quarry...
Perhaps someone with the appropriate information could update OSM, then?
I could... the sand pit inaccuracy was reported but nothings come of that; and I've got better things to do than argue with moderators of online things as was the case when it took 6 attempts and a photograph to get a fault on google maps fixed.
OSM can be edited by users. There is no need to report anything.
Had a proper look at OSM's editing tools; the environment looks considerably more user friendly and less adversarial Moderator based than Google's tools...
Have put the edit in, the source of the initial error is the Fife Council mapping.
Post by: Revellinho on 25 September, 2018, 11:51:59 am
Well I hope the tail of the field got back OK. I had to pack at Abington due to a disintegrating bottom bracket. It was bloody cold as night fell. I’m sure that warm sun was welcome in the morning. Chapeau to all finishers. The logistics of a double night ride are certainly a challenge.
Was that at one of thecirclesroundabouts (I can't remember where), if so I think I rolled past as there was two other riders with you at the time who told me about your problem when they caught me.
If not then that was someone else!
yep - that was me. the cranks were rolling all over the place, but it was possible to pedal gently, so I managed to get to Abington. I know realise that the bottom bracket threads have been stripped out. It was not wise to continue!
Post by: Pingu on 25 September, 2018, 11:53:22 am
...The core paths maps are considerably more reliable than the OSM Outdoors and Cycling layers where paths are either missing or like one round by me so badly routed that they send you for a drowning in the local sand quarry...
Perhaps someone with the appropriate information could update OSM, then?
I could... the sand pit inaccuracy was reported but nothings come of that; and I've got better things to do than argue with moderators of online things as was the case when it took 6 attempts and a photograph to get a fault on google maps fixed.
OSM can be edited by users. There is no need to report anything.
Had a proper look at OSM's editing tools; the environment looks considerably more user friendly and less adversarial Moderator based than Google's tools...
Have put the edit in, the source of the initial error is the Fife Council mapping.
:thumbsup:
Post by: eddum on 25 September, 2018, 12:18:54 pm
Not sure what is gonna be written here... got a bit late in my plans to put my own GPX together so reviewed and took the eejit route.
Thinking of a more detailed write up at some point to alleviate the mental trauma but here's a quick brain dump.
Steady blast into Lancaster with the bunch, chased back down after a pee stop after Carnforth. Steady and relatively strong up Shap so ended up alone. A great illustration that although you can feel out on your own and not see anyone for hours there can be dozens of people in a few km of you, being able to see a string of flashing tail lights ahead and a similar string of headlamps behind.
Still pleased to get my beans on toast. Rear light had died when I left requiring a quick unpack, battery change & repack in the cold before setting off.
Solo again now so kept it steady to Penrith (24hr garage mentally noted) and rolling to Carlisle and finally Gretna having been passed by a faster small group who were still at the petrol station. Set off ahead of them (leaving them huddled round the costa machine).
A short way out getting a serious case of the dozies, willing the sun to come up soon, had to stop in the brightly lit underpass, stare at the lights and take one of the caffeine mint chews i'd brought to try out. Just aiming to get to each town along the road thinking I can stop and close my eyes for 5minutes and then it will be daylight, looking over my shoulder I could see the light coming and luckily never needed to stop for that shuteye.
That section I know from LEL and was pleased to make the Moffat turn after that the long drag up to Abington... felt truly awful and slow until I realised the trio of poor surface, steady incline, steady headwind was taking it's toll.. as soon as one of those went away things felt much better.
My first coffee of the rid & bacon roll i'd been promising myself then back to the rough road to Darnley.. bit of a drag but got there in okay shape, despite a momentary lapse in concentration on a short descent putting me into the gutter and on the deck, no major damage.
Back out was also a bit of a drag and not looking forward to the road surface. Abington 2nd time for a big stock up on supplies, knowing that the 80km to Gretna felt long on the way out !
Luckily the steady incline and steady headwind actually paid back and made really good time to Gretna despite getting a bit moanie through to Lockerbie. Brief stop at Gretna to pack away some food shoot on to Carlisle where I had a room booked.
My vague plan had me arriving between 10pm and midnight but to my surprise I was there for 9:15. Struggled to eat my sandwich but gave myself the luxury of time to set out my fresh kit for tomorrow, shower & repack before 4 hours solid kip. Waking at 2 and on the road for half past.
Sleep felt like it had no effect as the constant a-road gradient drags up & down through to Penrith were depressing, I was also nursing the last of my main light battery knowing i'd want it for descending shap. The noted 24hr garage at Penrith for a coffee/milk drink and tub of pineapple was a welcome respite from the cold weather, the chap there had some come through around midnight and some at about 2am.
Not much recollection of descending shap so didn't know quite how this climb would be, I was moving so that's okay.
The dozies were coming back, again just trying to get back through to daylight I had the presence of mind to take another of the chews to make sure I had some concentration on the descent.
Ironically pleased that it was still too early for anywhere to be open for breakfast at Kendal although a well travelled & squashed cheese bagel saved the day.
Slow and iffy through to Carnforth which took an age to arrive, feeling nauseous so just took a can of coke there (should have used the loo too in hindsight).
Good run in to Lancaster and then just trying to keep myself focused.. counting down the km and doing the mental maths on times. The wind was kind here and I enjoyed the scenery we'd missed on the way out. Unpleasant coming back into Bispham and of course missed the left right to the scout hut first time.
Back maybe half ten... was all rather quiet but Andy reckoned 2/3 of the starters still out there.
Even made it back to the hotel for breakfast :)
I'm sure more random thoughts will come back to me later.... thanks to all those I chatted & rode with... a bit of a thankless route from a to b to a for the sake of it... but a 600 with the boxes ticked nevertheless !
(I clocked 615km around 36hrs and 27hrs riding time)
https://www.strava.com/activities/1863243872
Post by: eddum on 25 September, 2018, 12:19:54 pm
Post by: igauk on 25 September, 2018, 01:09:08 pm
The first two riders on the road have already passed through the final control at Carnforth at 554 km.
Andy Corless
Surprised this hasn't been commented on, they must have been averaging about 40kmh! Impressive stuff.
Post by: igauk on 25 September, 2018, 01:20:02 pm
Regarding Moultons and brevets, pick the fastest rolling tyres you can find, even at the expense of some more flats. Small wheels have somewhat higher rolling resistance than big wheels and the effects of different tyre construction are magnified. On the other hand, wind drag is noticeably lower.My comment was in jest, I chose a Moulton specifically for its comfort over longer brevets and I know the bike isn't the limiting factor (even if others think so!). I've experimented a bit with tyres and settled on Panaracer Minits Lite PT for the time being. Still playing about with tyre pressures but about 90 psi seems to work well. I've noticed the bike handling is noticeably less affected by wind (and drafts from trucks) but I'm not sure about the overall aero. Although the frontal area is less the spaceframe seems to be optimised for turbulance. I've yet to hit the top speeds on long decents achieved on my conventional bike (about the same weight) but this could be any number of other factors, tyres, slightly different position...
HK and I have ridden Moultons for most of our long brevets over many years, mostly for the improved comfort but also ease of transport. This year's longest Moulton brevets were a UAF1000 to Ventoux and the 1500km HBKH.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 25 September, 2018, 02:33:24 pm
The first two riders on the road have already passed through the final control at Carnforth at 554 km.
Andy Corless
Surprised this hasn't been commented on, they must have been averaging about 40kmh! Impressive stuff.
Couldn't think of what to say about that!
26 hours based on the time of Andy's post?
Just over 21kmh overall?
Just looking over my stats; coldest I've recorded is -2; at Harthope on the Beattock descent; also dissapointed to see my average speed was only 24kmh between Beattock Summit and Ecclefechan although I appear to have taken 3 pee stops during it...
Edit:
Just uploaded the continuous recording from my Lezyne onto RWGPS (On longer rides I use the Wahoo for navigation and Leg recordings, but I keep the Lezyne running constantly, basically it's a way of making sure I get the record on the Wahoo with all the data feeders attached, and a display of the overall average on the Lezyne; keep that above 15k and I'm happy enough!)
Moving Average of 23.2
37hrs 46m recorded (I started it slightly before 10pm)
11 hours 1min and 27 seconds stopped...
44 mins at Lowther, 29 mins in the bus stop at Carlisle fixing the puncture, 44mins at Gretna, 4min pee, 10min Johnstonebridge Meerkat and photo stop, 3m pee, 42m Abington, 42m Darnley, 48m Abington, 2m pee, 8m pee and WTF am I doing at Lockerbie, 1h 24m Gretna, 2m just out of Carlisle and another verge watering for 6m at High Heskett and yet another 2m at Plumpton, 12m sitting in the bus stop at lowther and seeing if I could wedge myself between the AED box and phonebox side for a sleep (I couldn't but then remembered clocking a decent stone bus shelter somewhere on the roll into Lowther the previous night; another 2m stop then 14m in the Shap bus stop (had I remembered this earlier I could have had longer snoozing), 5m near Garth Row, 20m at the shell across from the Kendal Travellodge at AUK services to deal with the hunger that appeared on Shap once the sun came up, 38 minutes at Truckhaven for a breakfast roll.
Which is 7 and a half hours worth of the stops; the rest appear to be where RWGPS thinks I'm too slow to count as moving and junction stops.
What I find I get really confused with is timings; part of this is due to me using the Lezyne to display both time of day and ride duration one above the other; on first arrival at Abington I looked at it, saw I'd been riding for 14hrs and thought; "crap I've only got 45 mins in hand" which of course I didn't I had 2 hours! Unless you start at midnight ride duration is a useless metric to have displayed so I'll be getting that off the screen!
I also had time related confusion on the Borderlands 600; I was convinced I set off on the final leg at 1400, not 1000 and was rather confused to get to Wooler before 1600
Pretty happy to manage to keep 2hrs in hand most of the way though and generally build that up to just short of 3 before each control stop on the way back.
I may also need to reduce my reliance on energy drinks during the night and in winter, I was carrying 10 gels and didn't use a single one so was drinking to get energy in rather than because I needed to drink.
Post by: Redlight on 25 September, 2018, 03:18:47 pm
The first two riders on the road have already passed through the final control at Carnforth at 554 km.
Andy Corless
Surprised this hasn't been commented on, they must have been averaging about 40kmh! Impressive stuff.
Things are not quite as they seem. One of them was me :-[ (see above). I had arrived just as the first man back was getting ready to go and we spoke briefly about the state of the roads up around Moffat. I reckon his total time, including stops, must have been about 27 hours. About ten minutes later I was in the service station having a coffee and chatting with the man behind the till when Andy rang to warn him that there might be bunch of cyclists coming through during the night. He then responded that one had just left and another one was there, hence Andy's assumption that we were both on our way back from Glasgow.
The rider ahead had overtaken me about 10 miles up the road. I remember thinking at the time that he was steaming along pretty impressively for someone with more than 500km already in the bag.
Post by: FifeingEejit on 25 September, 2018, 07:56:09 pm
https://www.strava.com/activities/1859459758
Only 2 hours stopped!
Post by: simonp on 26 September, 2018, 08:39:28 am
Post by: eddum on 26 September, 2018, 11:39:51 am
Only 2 hours stopped!
:o
Got me musing and analysing...
- Hackthorpe 27mins
- Gretna 11mins
- Abington 26mins
- Darnley 30mins
[Other stoppage time on way out 19mins]
- Abington 35mins
- Gretna 9mins
[Carlisle sleep stop 5hrs24]
[Other stoppage time to Carlisle 11mins]
[Penrith Garage Stop ~10mins]
[Kendal emergency bagel ~10mins]
- Carnforth 9mins
[Other stoppage time to end 20mins]
Total time 36hrs22
Moving time 27hrs 32
Stoppage time 8hrs50
- Controls 2hrs27
- Sleep 5hrs24
- Other 1hr20
Sleep was needed and the need to partake of social niceties when checking in and their system not taking my card was a bit of a drag. Given the temperature and I'd already decided I had nothing to prove apart from finishing I allowed myself some luxury there.
Increasingly a victim of the phantom wee stop on the way back.... either an effect of being in the saddle so long or just my body's excuse to stop for a couple of minutes ;D
Post by: simonp on 26 September, 2018, 03:04:20 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 26 September, 2018, 03:16:00 pm
I think when road cycling temperature and road vibrations have an impact on when they come; there's also the case of what else are you drinking; it's night time, you're probably drinking coffee, coke, red bull or 2:1 with Caffeine in it at controls if not on the way too.
Caffeine is a diuretic so you're going to need to pee more.
The temperature is also lower which I certainly find results in more pee time needed, this is particularly a problem when you're trying to work on a bike out in a cold garage working on oily things without gloves and you're constantly having to dash into the house and Swarfega your hands before there's an accident.
And then you're bladder (and prostate) are being battered around by the saddle vibrations
During MTB 24hr rides I found I regularly stopped at the same place; on the Strathpuffer course (up to this year when they changed this section) there was a straight in the trees after the climb up from the "Bridge of Thighs"; think I stopped there 4 laps in a row one year.
At Nevis Range during Relentless24 I would always find myself stopping at the bottom of the Haggis Trap; almost like my bladder had some muscle memory; fast descent into slow rocky section, better empty!
I stuck to my 1.5L from my bottles per 100km baseline without trying to; but I had 3 cans of Red Bull during the second night (I had accidentally used one of the 2 packs of 2:1 with Caffeine I had packed during the day). So I was drinking more than normal, while adding a Diuretic in sub-zero temperatures.
However even just being a bit more regimented at the controls at taking 30m instead of 45m ish at all but Gretna I'd have had another hour and a half to play with. Take out the puncture and that's 2 hours, so "would have had" over 4 hours in hand at the end. But then if I had that I could have taken 2 hours sleep at gretna instead of 1 hour, wouldn't have needed the Shap bus shelter sleep; if I'd eaten more at Gretna I wouldn't have had the 20m stop at Auk, and so on; it all built up!
Lots of little things to improve in my time management which I'll need on longer rides so I can get a bit more sleep in.
Post by: eddum on 27 September, 2018, 08:30:35 am
I was decaffed for 3 weeks before this one, and apart from a cup of tea at the scout hut was pleased that my first caffeine (caffeine bullet chewy mint thing) was just before sunrise on Saturday, coffee at Abington & espresso at Darnley, coffee milk thing back at Abington then nothing Carlisle (after sleeping cos I didn't want to impact on that!).
I was a little frustrated that a lot of wee stops came shortly after a stop for another reason, like getting back in the saddle triggered it and I'd stop again half a mile down the road.
Final wee related anecdote... I had a similar muscle memory thing on lapped course round Snowdon in double IM where I pretty much stopped and pee'd in the same (national trust) gateway every lap overnight ::-)
As to time improvements, still happy that I followed my vague plan/expectations. I'm sure I could have gotten away with a lot less sleep (a couple of 1 hr stints maybe) and maybe saved myself 3hrs.. but where and what the quality would have been in those conditions I'm uncertain.
Post by: Andy Corless on 25 June, 2019, 11:35:55 pm
There'll be another running of the event over the weekend of 20-22 September 2019. See event websites for further details. Links below:
http://burnleyccevents.com/blackpool-glasgow-blackpool-600-22-septe
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/19-111a/
Andy Corless