Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Delph Cyclist on 19 March, 2015, 11:38:26 am
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Good new, bad news
The Good News is that there will be a mid-ride ZZZ control on the Pair of Kirtons 600. Thanks to having interest from more riders than originally anticipated, I've been able to book Corby Glen Village Hall which replaces Colsterworth 24 hour petrol station (which is a dismal place at 2 in the morning). Corby Glen is at 350km so with a 6am start should be ideally placed for a midnight-ish arrival and a departure before 6am in order to reach the next control within the time limits. I should be able to deploy food, drink, airbeds and blankets
The Bad News is that I re-counted the parking spaces at our start/finish control yesterday and I will be strictly applying a limit of 100 entries for this PBP qualifier. Entries are likely to be closing soon, so you should take action immediately. The Pair of Kirtons 600 is still an X-rated ride, with no facilities at the start/finish, and commercial controls throughout (except at Corby Glen).
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That Good News is Good News indeed, because the Travelodge at Colsterworth (we stayed there when this was the To Holl and Back) is no more.
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That Good News is Good News indeed, because the Travelodge at Colsterworth (we stayed there when this was the To Holl and Back) is no more.
That's a surprise because when I passed there some months ago - it must have been in September while travelling to the Fenlands 600 - they were refitting the rooms. And on checking, they are still taking bookings. I'll have to check this out, as the plan for my own ride the week before is to use Colsterworth, and I suggest it for Perm riders.
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Having booked the Village Hall at Corby Glen it now occurs to be that I would appreciate some help running this control. I've got the hall booked from 6pm Saturday 6th June until 9am the following morning, and expecting cyclists to come through between 9pm until 5am.
There will be food to prepare, the kettle to keep topped up, air beds to inflate, cyclist to tuck up in bed and to wake up. Anyone wanting to lend a hand and to see what long distance cycling is all about will be most welcome.
I might even let you have a lie down yourself when we've tidied up, and then pop over to Colsterworth services for a Little Chef breakfast. (Hmm, I must check whether this is still open).
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That Good News is Good News indeed, because the Travelodge at Colsterworth (we stayed there when this was the To Holl and Back) is no more.
That's a surprise because when I passed there some months ago - it must have been in September while travelling to the Fenlands 600 - they were refitting the rooms. And on checking, they are still taking bookings. I'll have to check this out, as the plan for my own ride the week before is to use Colsterworth, and I suggest it for Perm riders.
Ah well, in fairness it was our assumption based on the fact that it was boarded up when we went past - so maybe that was due to the refit.
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I'll check the calendar on this one and see if I can help. Its a nice 100k from my house to Corby Glen and ISTR that I owe you a favour from a poorly planned Llanfair 400. I could also use a little experience in running controls with my aims to bump up from running X-rated events.
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Although I *very* *much* appreciated the horsebox control, what's now proposed sounds like looxury ;D
The chances of me getting there with enough time to be able to take advantage of the sleeping facilities are, of course, slim.
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I have been given a pass to come and help and Mrs TSK is threatening to come down and pitch in as well.
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Am pleased with this good news indeed, no need to take my bivvi now!
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That Good News is Good News indeed, because the Travelodge at Colsterworth (we stayed there when this was the To Holl and Back) is no more.
That's a surprise because when I passed there some months ago - it must have been in September while travelling to the Fenlands 600 - they were refitting the rooms. And on checking, they are still taking bookings. I'll have to check this out, as the plan for my own ride the week before is to use Colsterworth, and I suggest it for Perm riders.
I've booked a room and it still appears online. I'll check again nearer the time.
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Am pleased with this good news indeed, no need to take my bivvi now!
Just pause a moment while you consider the relative merits of napping in a village hall full of snoring Audaxers, as opposed to sleeping outside in a bivvi.
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This cannot be over-emphasised.
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I have been given a pass to come and help and Mrs TSK is threatening to come down and pitch in as well.
I've sent you a PM with the details as I know them as of now, but that would be a great help. That would make 3 of us, but if anyone else wants to join the party then we'll certainly keep you entertained and occupied at Corby Glen on the night of Saturday 6th June
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I have been given a pass to come and help and Mrs TSK is threatening to come down and pitch in as well.
I've sent you a PM with the details as I know them as of now, but that would be a great help. That would make 3 of us, but if anyone else wants to join the party then we'll certainly keep you entertained and occupied at Corby Glen on the night of Saturday 6th June
Mike, I'll ring you anyway, but in all probablility I should be able to come. Any chance we could travel down together? Not essential, though. I'll ring when you've dried out, maybe tomorrow!
Peter
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I have been given a pass to come and help and Mrs TSK is threatening to come down and pitch in as well.
I've sent you a PM with the details as I know them as of now, but that would be a great help. That would make 3 of us, but if anyone else wants to join the party then we'll certainly keep you entertained and occupied at Corby Glen on the night of Saturday 6th June
Mike, I'll ring you anyway, but in all probablility I should be able to come. Any chance we could travel down together? Not essential, though. I'll ring when you've dried out, maybe tomorrow!
Peter
That sounds good to me.
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The Pair of Kirtons 600 gets better all the time, for an X-rated BRM at least.
As well as a sleep stop at 355km (Corby Glen Village Hall), I've now secured a church hall for the start. This will be available from the Friday evening so you should be able to be ready for the 6am start on Saturday 6th June. Accommodation (at both Poynton and Corby Glen) will be on the LEL airbeds and blankets, so we're talking real Audax luxury here.
I've reopened the Kirtons 600 for a few more entries, but I can only take about another 20.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Out of interest.
Is the title of this ride a pun?
As in the answer to "What do artists draw before they go to bed"
If it is, it's a good pun (but not, I'm afraid, as good as my "Around Weald Expedition").
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The Pair of Kirtons 600 gets better all the time, for an X-rated BRM at least.
As well as a sleep stop at 355km (Corby Glen Village Hall), I've now secured a church hall for the start. This will be available from the Friday evening so you should be able to be ready for the 6am start on Saturday 6th June. Accommodation (at both Poynton and Corby Glen) will be on the LEL airbeds and blankets, so we're talking real Audax luxury here.
I've reopened the Kirtons 600 for a few more entries, but I can only take about another 20.
Hurrah. Entered.
Cheap(ish) rail tickets from That London secured as well - I just need to make sure I'm quick enough to get to Stockport for 9pm on the Sunday. Pity whoever is booked into the seat next to a snoring, farting, dribbling, unshowered audaxer. In lycra.
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Out of interest.
Is the title of this ride a pun?
As in the answer to "What do artists draw before they go to bed"
If it is, it's a good pun (but not, I'm afraid, as good as my "Around Weald Expedition").
I'm taking it to be reference to the presence of two Kirtons in Lincolnshire, one of which was a control on LEL. The other being Kirton in Lindsey.
Lincolnshire's a funny place, it's got three Parts, Lindsey, Holland and Kesteven. Lindsey is divided into three Ridings, as is Yorkshire.
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Is the title of this ride a pun?
Yes we visit Kirton in Lindsey and Kirton near Boston.
As I reached the last but one control on LEL for the second time, I was reminded of those wise words of Paul Anka, as made famous by Frank Sinatra: "and now the end is near and so I face the final Kirton"
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"and now the end is near and so I face the final Kirton"
;D
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Hurrah. Entered.
Cheap(ish) rail tickets from That London secured as well - I just need to make sure I'm quick enough to get to Stockport for 9pm on the Sunday. Pity whoever is booked into the seat next to a snoring, farting, dribbling, unshowered audaxer. In lycra.
There is a 7:55 from Stockport to Poynton you can take your bike on without booking. (Northern Rail)
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I'll be driving to the start Friday afternoon/evening from Worcester. Will have room for an extra bike if anyone along the M5/M6 corridor wants a lift.
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I've now updated the route sheet and this can be downloaded from www.DelphCyclist.info/Kirtons.html (http://www.DelphCyclist.info/Kirtons.html). I've added some notes about the Friday night arrangements, and for the mid-ride break at Corby Glen. (How long does it take to inflate 100 air beds?). There are also instructions of how to find the finish controller, who will be in the Costa Coffee from midday on Sunday.
The plan is that I'll ride next weekend just to check there are no problems but I'm not expecting major changes.
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This ride has the most bizarre hill profile of any I'm likely to ever ride.
The 5km up to the Moor has more climbing than the 40km stage after Goole.
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you never been to Lincolnshire Lee? ;D
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you never been to Lincolnshire Lee? ;D
Never, I'm very interested to ride through it though, I'm really not used to the flat at all.
I just got back from the Asparagus & Strawberries 400 in Norfolk & Suffolk. That seems positively Alpine by comparison.
(There are NO contour lines around Boston at all... what happened to my OS map? It actually is quite a long ride to the next contour line... WTF? I have to see this.)
Despite living in NW Hampshire for 25 years I was born 4km from the start of this 600k and my Father in Law still lives close by.
My cycling back then was all around the Peak District and I thought Cheshire roads were flat.
This makes it a very convenient 600 as far as family life is concerned, no driving, no Travelodge and a 20 minute pootle to Poynton.
It also has the benefit that I'm not climbing over Snowdonia in a hailstorm to get my qualifier, for a change.
Hoping for no headwinds and a sunny day in the Fens. Can't wait for the descent into Holmfirth after that initial slog.
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It's my understanding that A Pair of Kirtons is the reincarnation of the Holl and Back 600?
Here's our ride report from LEL year: http://www.ourmrsmith.com/whoseideawasthis/holl-and-back-600km-2930th-june/
It's really, very very flat. Except where it's not.
Alan Smith came out and took our picture, on the Sunday - and provided us with Marj Cake. Sigh... I may need a moment...
ETA: "Boston is grim, and full of a) Eastern Europeans b) fat people and c) cabbages. " - Hehe - never a truer word spoken.
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It's my understanding that A Pair of Kirtons is the reincarnation of the Holl and Back 600?
Yes
That was a great write-up and I might put a link to it from the Peak Audax event page unless you would rather I didn't.
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It's my understanding that A Pair of Kirtons is the reincarnation of the Holl and Back 600?
Yes
That was a great write-up and I might put a link to it from the Peak Audax event page unless you would rather I didn't.
That's fine - go ahead!
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It's my understanding that A Pair of Kirtons is the reincarnation of the Holl and Back 600?
Here's our ride report from LEL year: http://www.ourmrsmith.com/whoseideawasthis/holl-and-back-600km-2930th-june/
It's really, very very flat. Except where it's not.
Alan Smith came out and took our picture, on the Sunday - and provided us with Marj Cake. Sigh... I may need a moment...
ETA: "Boston is grim, and full of a) Eastern Europeans b) fat people and c) cabbages. " - Hehe - never a truer word spoken.
I'd not read your ride report before. But this photo surely begs a caption contest...
(http://www.ourmrsmith.com/whoseideawasthis/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1030296.jpg)
Christ, I look happy. And that's before the start!
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Maybe you're thinking about having to haul all the way up over the moor with that teeny weeny cyclist standing on your rack pack :)
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He was my lucky mascot. However he buggered off within a few Kms of the start.
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It's my understanding that A Pair of Kirtons is the reincarnation of the Holl and Back 600?
Here's our ride report from LEL year: http://www.ourmrsmith.com/whoseideawasthis/holl-and-back-600km-2930th-june/
It's really, very very flat. Except where it's not.
Alan Smith came out and took our picture, on the Sunday - and provided us with Marj Cake. Sigh... I may need a moment...
ETA: "Boston is grim, and full of a) Eastern Europeans b) fat people and c) cabbages. " - Hehe - never a truer word spoken.
I'd not read your ride report before. But this photo surely begs a caption contest...
(http://www.ourmrsmith.com/whoseideawasthis/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/P1030296.jpg)
Christ, I look happy. And that's before the start!
I hadn't seen this before and I am wondering what the hell I was looking at.... I mean I have such a look of concentration on my face....
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We turned onto the last road before the control but the 11km seemed to take forever. A hill announced “12%” and Chris muttered “thanks Mike” a little insincerely.
I don't remember this? On the run-in to Colsterworth? Anyway, where I live we don't count 12% as a hill (that's not true by the way). The hills on this ride are deliberately near the beginning (Saddleworth Moor, and to the Sovereign crossroads) although I always find the bit from Uttoxeter to Stone is unpleasantly lumpy.
The first few k are punctuated by a succession of traffic lights, which helped to spread us out. I was glad to be getting this section of urban sprawl out of the way before most of the world was up.
This was originally a ride from Saddleworth (because that's where live) but when it evolved into a full Calendar event I decided to start from Poynton to get this bit of tricky navigation out of the way while still fresh, perhaps while still riding in groups, and while the roads are still quiet. Coping with all those traffic lights at 580km would be a much different experience.
A grim aspect of this ride is that it passes through my birth town of Hyde (Shipman) and goes over Saddleworth Moor (Hindley and Brady).
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Christ, I look happy. And that's before the start!
I got a happier picture of you:
(http://www.16inchwheels.uk/content/images/2015/02/9185102571_5dfda08c71-1.jpg) (http://www.16inchwheels.uk/2013/06/30/holl-and-back-2013/)
:thumbsup:
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I hadn't seen this before and I am wondering what the hell I was looking at.... I mean I have such a look of concentration on my face....
Yes, it's a weird photo indeed.
We turned onto the last road before the control but the 11km seemed to take forever. A hill announced “12%” and Chris muttered “thanks Mike” a little insincerely.
I don't remember this? On the run-in to Colsterworth?
Although I don't recall seeing a "12%" sign, the hills just before Colsterworth always seem large to me because they come after appox 200 pancake flat miles!
I got a happier picture of you:
(http://www.16inchwheels.uk/content/images/2015/02/9185102571_5dfda08c71-1.jpg) (http://www.16inchwheels.uk/2013/06/30/holl-and-back-2013/)
:thumbsup:
Yikes! I'm clearly going way tooo fast so am on the brakes already ;D
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I rode the event this weekend and there will be updates to the route sheet in due course. I was reminded of the self-imposed rule I like to apply when riding Audax - and which I broke as I thought I knew the area well enough: always take a map.
The section of road though Corby Glen was closed as police were responding to an illegal rave (I thought they were an 80s phenomenon) at Twyford Woods. There were dozens of police cars and a helicopter monitoring the proceedings, with police drawn in in from surrounding counties (so of no use in suggesting alternatives routes).
After explaining my business I was allowed to proceed, with the warning to take caution. One difficulty was the crossing of the A1 at Colsterworth. The bridge over was closed as a "crime scene" as it appears that a policeman had been run over by one of the ravers, and I was unsure of my alternatives. In the end I crossed the A1 itself, lifting my bike over the central barriers, with police approval.
The slightly alarming aspect of this tale is that I used Twyford Woods as the control last time I ran this event, setting up camp in the visitor car park with the horse box, letting out the awning, setting up a couple of tents, and serving hot food and drinks. This could have gone two ways: I could have got there before everything had kicked off, to be joined by ravers and police, or I could have been unable to reach my spot, leaving my riders control-less, and potentially route-less.
Take a map!
And I'm sure you will be pleased to know that I completed my ride, within time, so that's PBP definitely on the cards.
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Well done.
Hopefully if the rave happened this weekend we should be OK for a couple more without interruption. Looking at a map it does seem that there are a few easy diversions from Corby Glen if it happens again.
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Well done.
Hopefully if the rave happened this weekend we should be OK for a couple more without interruption. Looking at a map it does seem that there are a few easy diversions from Corby Glen if it happens again.
The police didn't think this will be a problem as they are not expecting this rave, which was a random one-off event, to occur again. Then again, they weren't expecting this one either. I doubt it does much good to their budgets.
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I see that we clash with Askern Town Gala, and that should all be happening at about the time we’ll be passing through. I’ve already made the control an info (a notice board just inside the Cemetery before you reach the town itself and just after the leisure centre) so the admin of the control itself is easy, but it might make your attempts to sit and eat a little trying. I wish these people would coordinate with our Calendar of Events.
If you are not in a hurry, the Pool Cafe could still be entertaining as you will have the raft race to watch. The other cafes might be a touch quieter. The Co-op will have sandwiches. There is a petrol station with a coffee machine. The scooter centre café seems to be no more. There is a roadside snack bar at Barnsdale Bar (A1) before Askern, but the next dining opportunity after Askern is probably Rawcliffe or McDonalds at Airmyn, some 20-25km further on.
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The café at Gainsborough Morrisons shuts at 6pm, and I only just made it in time. I passed a pub called the Lincolnshire Otter about 1km before Morrisons, so I would suggest that as a better alternative if you are watching the clock, or if you fancy a beer.
The Coop at Wragby now stays open until 22:00. I had pie and chips from the chippy just before it closed.
There are some options at Donington services. I stopped at the lay-by diner just before the services and they will sign your cards – they open at 6am. Otherwise, in the services, the Cornish Pasty shop does bacon and sausage sandwiches from 6:30 (I had one of those too!) and Harvester is open from 7am ( I had a breakfast from there last time I rode this and it was delicious). Otherwise, you have the 24 hour Costa, WH Smiths, and the petrol station.
The dual carriageway approaching Donington services will get busy as the morning progresses. There is a cycleway just before you emerge onto the dual carriageway, with a “Cyclists Dismount” sign, but as there is no “Cyclists Remount”, nor even a “Cycling not allowed” sign you’ll have to figure this out yourself.
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Hi, I just entered this - can we leave a bag at the start?
Having just DNF'd the BCM the sight of a mere one major hill on this is certainly appealing ;D
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see the Route sheet on http://www.delphcyclist.info/Kirtons.html (http://www.delphcyclist.info/Kirtons.html) for info about the event
There will be no facility to leave any luggage, nor
can I offer a bag drop on the ride.
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Hi, I just entered this - can we leave a bag at the start?
Having just DNF'd the BCM the sight of a mere one major hill on this is certainly appealing ;D
How do you plan getting there? Train/riding?
After the mind numbing blandness of the flat terrain you'll be soooo glad of a hill or two. Flat rides are not easy, especially when compared with the compulsory wind that is ever present in this part of this country.
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I find the occasional low level threat of Travelodge sexual molestation usually livens things up and certainly quickens the pace on the flatter rides.
In an unrelated matter, have your nipples grown back yet Veloman?
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see the Route sheet on http://www.delphcyclist.info/Kirtons.html (http://www.delphcyclist.info/Kirtons.html) for info about the event
There will be no facility to leave any luggage, nor
can I offer a bag drop on the ride.
Ah yes, I've currently yet to read the routesheet -apologies.
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Hi, I just entered this - can we leave a bag at the start?
Having just DNF'd the BCM the sight of a mere one major hill on this is certainly appealing ;D
How do you plan getting there? Train/riding?
After the mind numbing blandness of the flat terrain you'll be soooo glad of a hill or two. Flat rides are not easy, especially when compared with the compulsory wind that is ever present in this part of this country.
I know what you mean, but living in Wales and starting to get tired of endless grimping when it doesn't suit me this does look more appealing than the remaining Welsh 600 which I definitely will not be able to do.
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Hi, I just entered this - can we leave a bag at the start?
Having just DNF'd the BCM the sight of a mere one major hill on this is certainly appealing ;D
How do you plan getting there? Train/riding?
Not done anything but booked a Travelodge for the Sunday yet - I still managed 400 km this weekend so I'm recovering - but I shall be getting the train.
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The rave near Colsterworth has gone now and the A1 flyover open :thumbsup:
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Having just DNF'd the BCM the sight of a mere one major hill on this is certainly appealing ;D
Ah. I would suggest you leave something in the tank for the bit after Uttoxeter. There is a succession of rises, small by BCM standards, but they were doing my head in on Sunday. You seem to climb forever, then there is a steep drop and then you have to climb it all over again. Just keep plodding along and the job gets done.
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Oh I'll be alright, I've done the BCM before - the climbing did get to me this year but after 900 hilly km just this month it was a step to far I think.
Looking at the climbing figure it'll be as flat a ride as I've ever done, maybe, I guess Two Battles isn't hilly and in 2013 I 'won' that. The defining - and ride completing factor for me this year seems to be seeking new worlds and new destinations, to boldy cycle, where no Caerau has cycled before ;D Looking forward to it :)
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Oh I'll be alright, I've done the BCM before - the climbing did get to me this year but after 900 hilly km just this month it was a step to far I think.
Looking at the climbing figure it'll be as flat a ride as I've ever done, maybe, I guess Two Battles isn't hilly and in 2013 I 'won' that. The defining - and ride completing factor for me this year seems to be seeking new worlds and new destinations, to boldy cycle, where no Caerau has cycled before ;D Looking forward to it :)
Have you ever ridden in Fenland?
You've seen Deliverance, right?
Saturday, on The Flatlands 600, somewhere in The Cabbage Stores1, we were close-passed (some might say, "punishment passed") by a moton.
fboab: "Oh FFS!"
Me: "His sixth finger probably got caught in the steering wheel..."
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1Lincolnshire
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I grew up in East Anglia-ish (Bedford) - I am familiar with that end of the country :thumbsup:
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....... Bedford
As I'm sure Chis S will agree, a galaxy away from the Fenlands!
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Yes I know, but we got taken on many school trips out there and I've holidayed out there too. They loved taking us to rural Nooorfaalk and Cambridgeshire in my young days.
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Is the May 15 Ride-with-GPS track the most current?
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7903669 (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7903669)
I'm going to start my GPS prep.
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Mike rode it last weekend 24th May so expect a few tweaks this week
The GPX file won't change. There will be some tweaks to the route sheet, but mainly adding some café suggestions. There will also be an additional "not" thanks to sharp-eyed proof reader John Jackson.
"Please ensure you are thoroughly rested before driving home; the police, your insurers, and Audax UK will not take kindly if you are involved in an incident while driving without sufficient sleep, even if it’s not your fault."
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Just catching up on this thread; I'm rather disappointed there is now no longer to be a rave en route >:(
I could have brought my Saturday Night Fever LP...
Edit: stupid typo. "not no longer" should be "now no longer"
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Just catching up on this thread; I'm rather disappointed there is not no longer to be a rave en route >:(
I could have brought my Saturday Night Fever LP...
Hmmmm, the thought of you in your 'disco' kit riding the Pashley into a rave; now that is fun!
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Just catching up on this thread; I'm rather disappointed there is not no longer to be a rave en route >:(
Who is to say there won't be? The police didn't know this one was going to happen so you just never know.
But this has just reminded me of my very first 600, the South and North 600 in 2002 when we got caught up in a traffic jam of people attending a concert in Belvoir Castle by some bloke from Houghton Wheelers. You might be interested to know that he gave his old cycling club a gold disc which they still award as the "Bryan Ferry Award", see http://houghtoncc.com/hall-of-fame/
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In case anyone hadn't noticed and they want something to do on the weekend of 6th-7th June, but the Pair of Kirtons is still open for entries.
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Just catching up on this thread; I'm rather disappointed there is not no longer to be a rave en route >:(
I could have brought my Saturday Night Fever LP...
You should have done the BCM, you missed a right rave halfway up Pen y pas ;D :P
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I have now updated the route sheet at www.DelphCyclist.info/Kirtons.html, click on Route Sheet (updated). There is also a slight correction to the GPX files (thanks John Jackson) to remove a couple of trivial quirks.
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Don't forget to wave to all the nice Man United and Man City players on the final 15km through Alderley Edge and Dean Row.
You can also wave to some of my old houses on the first 10km (as it passes through less salubrious areas I used to live in).
Headwinds permitting I'm hoping to get to Corby Glen just before midnight for a drink and some food then head to the Travelodge down the road.
In all my years of Audaxing I've never been fast enough to sleep during the "grim hours" between 1am and 5am. This could be my one chance to turn a 600 into 2 day-rides.
(It's my own fault, I always did the BCM600 so it was always getting light again by the time I'd slogged my way to Kings YHA).
Setting off from my old stomping ground will feel strange, as will the first 10km along "local" roads.
I've ridden through Cheshire to Stockport several times so I know the lay of the (benign) land around there.
Gentle Northerly on Saturday turning to a gentle Southerly on Sunday please, and 20degC would be nice.
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OK, Lee, I'll see if my wife can arrange it.
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You can also wave to some of my old houses on the first 10km (as it passes through less salubrious areas I used to live in).
Sadly we don't *quite* pass the house I lived in until I was 4: if you see me take a small diversion between about km 26 and 27, you'll know what I'm going to look at.
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While updating the route sheet I was reminded that there are more sets of traffic lights encountered in that first section than there are contour lines in sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
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...and that's a bad thing?
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...and that's a bad thing?
I am curious...Is it true that light are programmed to turn green when they sense a Pashley approaching?
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At the risk of prosecution under the Official Secrets Act 1989 I shall say only that Traffic Lights were synchronised to the UK Early Warning System... 8)
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I've been asked if the riders will be able to use the power at Corby Glen.
The best answer is "no". I won't see the layout of the hall until the day itself, so can't guarantee anything. I might need all the available sockets for my kettles and toasters anyway, and I'll unplug anything that might be in my way. I'd also be wary of the security of your gadgets as I can't keep an eye on them for you.
I suppose this goes for the Poynton Friday night hall too.
This is still an x-rated event despite the nap-stop, so you should plan accordingly. Similarly there is to be no luggage storage at the start/finish nor a bag drop. Would-be PBP riders will appreciate rising to these logistics challenges.
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I'm quite concerned about my ability to get to the church hall at the start at a reasonable hour.
I have a train booked that should arrive in Macclesfield at 10.10 pm which gives me plenty of time to get there before the lights out.
However this rail strike is due to end only 1 hr 45 min before my train is due to leave Cardiff :-\ so I'm a bit concerned that the train won't even be there at the start and that despite having a bike reservation it's going to be busy busy busy and that all bookings are not necessarily going to be honoured.
Perhaps I'm worrying unnecessarily but if I were to get there late is it going to be open so I can get in?
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I have similar concerns re the strike ...
Hoping either that it's suspended/cancelled, or that given I'm coming up from London, they'll have parked a good few trains near Euston before it all starts.
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A timetable of what will be running and when won't appear until Wednesday according to Network Rail.
I'd hire a car but I don't have my photoID driving license currently as I 'lost' my wallet a few weeks back with everything like that in it. Only got round to ordering a new one a couple of days ago. :facepalm:
Don't suppose anyone is driving up there along the M5 corridor *grovels* :(
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I have a train booked that should arrive in Macclesfield at 10.10 pm which gives me plenty of time to get there before the lights out ... if I were to get there late is it going to be open so I can get in?
Yes of course but do come in quietly. I suggested a lights out between 11pm and 4:30 because we have just the one big room and I'm assuming riders will want a good night's sleep before the 600 (and that most certainly includes me as I don't anticipate getting any sleep on Saturday night/Sunday morning). It's why I strongly recommend eye mask and ear plugs.
I hadn't anticipated being open throughout the night so I appreciate you timing your arrival accordingly, but I am sympathetic to best laid schemes coming up against strike action, as I believe R Burns was trying to say.
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R Burns would almost certainly have been in favour of strike action!
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Quiet as a mouse - looks like I can hire a car if i need to so I should be OK.
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Don't suppose anyone is driving up there along the M5 corridor *grovels* :(
I'll be driving up from Worcester Friday evening which, unless I get very lost, should be along the M5 corridor.
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Unless the strike situation changes I expect to be driving up from South West London I have some space for riders/bikes if this trns out to be the case. I do not plan to return until the Monday howeverL
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Don't suppose anyone is driving up there along the M5 corridor *grovels* :(
I'll be driving up from Worcester Friday evening which, unless I get very lost, should be along the M5 corridor.
Thanks but that's rather a lot further up the M5 than I require, a kind offer though thanks :-)
As it turns out I've asked Enterprise rental if I can turn up with a passport, counterpart driving license and proof of address and they've said that's OK although I suspect it may involve a fee as they can contact the DVLA on my behalf - they have contingencies for people in situations such as me (mostly people just leaving their license at home apparently). I'm getting pretty tempted just to hire a car anyway to be honest, it means it's feasible to bring a change of clothes. Fellow rail passengers won't then get inflicted with a very smelly Caerau in their carriage as happened last week from Shrewsbury when I bailed on the BCM :demon:
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Don't suppose anyone is driving up there along the M5 corridor *grovels* :(
I'll be driving up from Worcester Friday evening which, unless I get very lost, should be along the M5 corridor.
Thanks but that's rather a lot further up the M5 than I require, a kind offer though thanks :-)
As it turns out I've asked Enterprise rental if I can turn up with a passport, counterpart driving license and proof of address and they've said that's OK although I suspect it may involve a fee as they can contact the DVLA on my behalf - they have contingencies for people in situations such as me (mostly people just leaving their license at home apparently). I'm getting pretty tempted just to hire a car anyway to be honest, it means it's feasible to bring a change of clothes. Fellow rail passengers won't then get inflicted with a very smelly Caerau in their carriage as happened last week from Shrewsbury when I bailed on the BCM :demon:
I did notice on returning from Alfreton by train that in a crowded compartment no one seemed to need to sit next to me ???
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Hello Cycling Daddy - I'd like to take you up on your offer - I live in Harringay and could easily get to you - what time will you be leaving on Friday?
Jonah
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One for those getting the train to the area on Friday: RMT strike action suspended.
http://www.northernrail.org/news/7691 (http://www.northernrail.org/news/7691)
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Oh good. Thanks for that update.
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Cool, phew.
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I believe that the inconvenience caused to riders on the Kirton 600 was a major factor that came up during the ACAS discussions. As it is, National Rail cause enough disruption, with countless level crossings encountered on the 600, including the East Coast Main line after Askern (fast and frequent trains so it's a good bet you will be stopped) and an oblique crossing just after Brigg needing a cautious approach.
Ken Wilson of Audax UK and VC167 drives on the East Coast Mainline, so give him a wave.
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;D
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As it is, National Rail cause enough disruption, with countless level crossings encountered on the 600, including the East Coast Main line after Askern (fast and frequent trains so it's a good bet you will be stopped) and an oblique crossing just after Brigg needing a cautious approach.
I am sure that any groups will not take the Paris-Roubaix (https://youtu.be/xz6JXmPlBpc)approach and we will wait patiently, eating flapjack ;D
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Can I sleep in the Church Hall on Sunday night?
Sorry, I've only booked it for the Friday night. My budget didn't stretch to two nights. It didn't really stretch to one night as this was originally a shoe-string X-rated event but there will be a box for voluntary donations to cover the cost, and I'll send any excess to help support Steve Abrahams
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As it is, National Rail cause enough disruption, with countless level crossings encountered on the 600, including the East Coast Main line after Askern (fast and frequent trains so it's a good bet you will be stopped) and an oblique crossing just after Brigg needing a cautious approach.
I am sure that any groups will not take the Paris-Roubaix (https://youtu.be/xz6JXmPlBpc)approach and we will wait patiently, eating flapjack ;D
Yes, anyone getting that wrong will not be posthumously validated for a 100km ride as the level crossing is at about 95km. And my apologies, but the rest of the ride doesn't come up to Paris-Roubaix standards either, as the off-road sections are short and benign
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FYI. Fletchers Garden Centre, just before Eccleshall town centre opens at 10:30 on Sundays (not 9am).
According to their web site anyway. I'm not sure if this will affect anyone's plans
http://www.fletchersgardencentre.com/186914198 (http://www.fletchersgardencentre.com/186914198)
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Is there a 6-digit BRM Brevet number available for this?
I'd like to start registering for PBP.
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Is there a 6-digit BRM Brevet number available for this?
I'd like to start registering for PBP.
You have to ride it first before you can have it homologated
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Is there a 6-digit BRM Brevet number available for this?
I'd like to start registering for PBP.
You have to ride it first before you can have it homologated
Damn
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Is there a 6-digit BRM Brevet number available for this?
I'd like to start registering for PBP.
You can register as soon as you have ridden 3 qualifying distances. Just leave the 600 blank. If you do not have the Brevet number for your 400km enter the event details. Instructions on the form
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Probably been asked/answered already but is the route (or at least the controls) the same as the last time it was run as Holl and back?
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Probably been asked/answered already but is the route (or at least the controls) the same as the last time it was run as Holl and back?
It is exactly the same except for Corby Glen control which replaces Colsterworth/Twyford Woods. The Village Hall is just a few metres off the original route
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Ta
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As I recall it was a very nice ride, (though called To Holl and Back), and if my crap memory is not deceiving me, the Colsterworth Woods was where the horse box was parked, with an impressive feast to boot.....
edit - Now in the middle of pre-ride check up, and I am delighted to see that my memory was correct - does not often happen!!
Enjoy :thumbsup:
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Unless the strike situation changes I expect to be driving up from South West London I have some space for riders/bikes if this trns out to be the case. I do not plan to return until the Monday howeverL
Hi Cycling Daddy,
I would like to hitch a ride too if their is space available.
I live in Lewisham so can join you anywhere in London any time you see fit.
Thanks so much for offering at all!
Cheers,
Hing
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I see that we clash with Askern Town Gala, and that should all be happening at about the time we’ll be passing through. I’ve already made the control an info (a notice board just inside the Cemetery before you reach the town itself and just after the leisure centre) so the admin of the control itself is easy, but it might make your attempts to sit and eat a little trying. I wish these people would coordinate with our Calendar of Events.
If you are not in a hurry, the Pool Cafe could still be entertaining as you will have the raft race to watch. The other cafes might be a touch quieter. The Co-op will have sandwiches. There is a petrol station with a coffee machine. The scooter centre café seems to be no more. There is a roadside snack bar at Barnsdale Bar (A1) before Askern, but the next dining opportunity after Askern is probably Rawcliffe or McDonalds at Airmyn, some 20-25km further on.
Les also adds
I was in Askern yesterday and found that the Askern Gala and 30 year commemoration of the miners strike is being held on Saturday.
Askern will be very busy and in particular around the Lake and Cafe. An alternative control point could be the Jet Garage which is 100m up the A19 towards Selby. (i.e. TL at A19 and control on left at Jet Garage) ATM shop and Costa Express.
So you have been warned! My main concern if it's a hot day would be that there is nowhere to stop for food and drink after Askern until Rawcliffe, more than 20km further.
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I listened to this (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05vy6ps) last night, and it reminded me of the frustration of riding through Melton Mowbray in 2013 when all the pie shops were shut. :'(
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I always think it's quite fun when you cycle through somewhere having a festival.
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... and more information thanks to John Jackson ...
More holdups in Askern from http://www.askernaircadets.co.uk/1384/index.php/news-and-events/56-news-and-events/141-askern-gala-6th-june-2015
This year Askern Moss road and Sutton Road School's will also be parading. Anyone can join in the parade if they wish to do so. Sheffield Air Cadets Marching band will be once again setting the pace of the parade.
This year Askern Air cadets and Royal British Legion will be fetching there banner's.
The route this year will be , Start at Norbreck road DN60PE For around 09:30, onto Rushymoor lane, then onto Moss Road, Up to the A19, and towards the lake, Turning onto the path between the woodyard and lake.
Again this year The Air Cadets will try and get in a parade around the lake.
One can only despair at what they might teach about apostrophes at "Askern Moss road and Sutton Road School's"
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One can only despair at what they might teach about apostrophes at "Askern Moss road and Sutton Road School's"
Perhaps greater emphasis is given to practical skills including "fetching there banner's".
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For those less enthused about trying to ride through the middle of a gala/parade, Turn left at the A19, R on to Norton Common Road, R onto Fenwick Lane and L onto Moss Road to resume on the route. Probably another 1km in that. Does also avoid all of the shops though.
If it does all seem a little too crazy then you could avoid the lot by heading north up the A19 and over to Rawcliffe via Pollington and Snaith. Takes you past the Crown Garden Centre on the A19 which ISTR was nice although that was about 4 years ago.
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Just looked at Askern on Google Earth. Seems like a tiny place, I doubt it will get all that crazy.
Even getting off and walking won't add that much time and I'll probably make use of the CooP or the convenience store at the far end of town to stock up a bit.
I don't mind riding through a festival. I seem to remember negotiating my way through a Morris-Dancer festival a few years ago. If all else fails start singing about Arthur Scargill and join the back of the parade.
Askern is 92km so I'm expecting to be there just before 12pm, hopefully before the "Whack the Ferret" fun starts.
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Askern is 92km so I'm expecting to be there just before 12pm, hopefully before the "Whack the Ferret" fun starts.
It kicks off before then. The raft race starts at 11am which I reckon is just exactly when we'll be coming through. Here's a map of TSK's suggested divesion
(http://www.delphcyclist.info/askern.png)
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That's useful,thanks :thumbsup:
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Here is a reminder that anyone finishing before noon on Sunday (at 30 hours) will be there before my controllers. It is YOUR responsibility to get your brevet card to me in time for the ACP validation.
- Take your time and finish Sunday afternoon
- Finish early by all means, but have a rest until my controller arrives at Costa at midday
- Finish early, get a timed receipt from somewhere, and post it to me to arrive before Friday 12th June
Any I receive after the 12th will only get a Perm validation (and will not qualify for PBP).
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Norton Common Road appears to be more of a track than a proper road but looks ridable on Google maps
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Good point.
Mind you, I wouldn't underestimate some bored local police officer recognising a threat to public health and safety that they can mitigate as you're half way down the parade route. Askern is small but I think the gala is a bit of a draw with all the local cadets and the like getting in on the marching etc. It'll also be the first nice properly nice weather weekend we'll have had in a long time.
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Here is a reminder that anyone finishing before noon on Sunday (at 30 hours) will be there before my controllers. It is YOUR responsibility to get your brevet card to me in time for the ACP validation.
- Take your time and finish Sunday afternoon
- Finish early by all means, but have a rest until my controller arrives at Costa at midday
- Finish early, get a timed receipt from somewhere, and post it to me to arrive before Friday 12th June
Any I receive after the 12th will only get a Perm validation (and will not qualify for PBP).
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You have been warned !
There have been a couple of occasions already this year on postal finish events where riders have stuffed up their PBP qualification by failing to produce a properly completed brevet card with sufficient P-o-P in a timely manner.
Note that this close to the deadline the organiser can allow you less than a week to get you card in, not the usual 14 days.
The first two options are preferable.... because if the organiser does not get your card before he sends the packet off to the validators you will not get an ACP brevet number. No amount of special pleading to organiser/validator/recorder :facepalm: or anyone else will help.
[/rant]
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Good point.
Mind you, I wouldn't underestimate some bored local police officer recognising a threat to public health and safety that they can mitigate as you're half way down the parade route. Askern is small but I think the gala is a bit of a draw with all the local cadets and the like getting in on the marching etc. It'll also be the first nice properly nice weather weekend we'll have had in a long time.
In similar situations I've been in - Wem festival on the Wem we get there ride and in er... somewhere in Somerset (Taunton or Yeovil iirc on the National 400 a couple of years ago) it was simple just to wheel the bike along the parade route. Askern doesn't look very big so it's not a great convenience.
It was rather fun walking along with the Parade in Wem :)
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Still too early to rely totally on weather forecasts I suppose but, across several weather sites, it's looking distinctly like;
A decent push east from the start.
Noticeable crosswinds all the way down to Boston.
Light headwinds to Corby Glen.
Light headwinds/crosswinds all day Sunday as we head west then north..
Highs and lows of 17degC and 8degC.
Dry.
Since my customary 600 qualifier is the BCM600 in May I will definitely take this forecast over what passes for early summer in Snowdonia.
There's no mention of horizontal hail, wringing out my "waterproof" gloves, shivering under a tree whilst trying to change out of a sopping wet base-layer or a 1:4 forest lane to my bunk at 4am.
If it stays like this then I can bring my Waterproof-ish, but very light, jacket rather than a full Waterproof.
Can I say I'm really looking forward to this Eastern adventure?
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It was rather fun walking along with the Parade in Wem :)
We ended up walking with, erm, a crucifix and followers on Good Friday at Malmesbury. Less fun.
Taunton on the National 400 we were sworn at quite forcefully walking the tandem through their festivities.
Somewhere else in 2011 I met one on a solo bike on the West & Midland 400 and that one was fun.
Check your parades.
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I imagine you gave as good as you got fboab ;)
The Taunton one as I recall coincided with a large downpour of rain just as I was going through - I expect they were too busy diving for cover rather than worrying about myself and bike mikey wandering through at that moment.
That one wasn't so much fun admittedly. Was just a pain.
I've also ridden through Maerdy in Wales when they were having a street festival and that was great but there wasn't a parade, it was more this sort of thing I was thinking of. A parade really probably ought to be avoided right enough.
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At least you've had warnings. I once rode into a street brawl in Haslingden and my shoulder is still not right. They don't bother to announce the dates anymore.
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Good point.
Mind you, I wouldn't underestimate some bored local police officer recognising a threat to public health and safety that they can mitigate as you're half way down the parade route. Askern is small but I think the gala is a bit of a draw with all the local cadets and the like getting in on the marching etc. It'll also be the first nice properly nice weather weekend we'll have had in a long time.
In similar situations I've been in - Wem festival on the Wem we get there ride and in er... somewhere in Somerset (Taunton or Yeovil iirc on the National 400 a couple of years ago) it was simple just to wheel the bike along the parade route. Askern doesn't look very big so it's not a great convenience.
It was rather fun walking along with the Parade in Wem :)
The Air Cadets followed by a peleton of Audaxers showing off their Nelson Long Flaps?
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Unless the strike situation changes I expect to be driving up from South West London I have some space for riders/bikes if this trns out to be the case. I do not plan to return until the Monday howeverL
Hi Cycling Daddy,
I would like to hitch a ride too if their is space available.
I live in Lewisham so can join you anywhere in London any time you see fit.
Thanks so much for offering at all!
Cheers,
Hing
PM sent
Les
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At least you've had warnings. I once rode into a street brawl in Haslingden and my shoulder is still not right. They don't bother to announce the dates anymore.
I grew up in Haslingden: brawls on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Sometimes Thursday as well.
HTH.
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Black Bull ring a bell?
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Should anyone be interested, I will probably be eating on Friday night at 6pm in the Vernon Arms on London Road South, Poynton.
http://www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk/thevernonarmshotelpoynton/
I've never eaten there before so don't take this as a recommendation, and other options are available in Poynton. There are also takeways (Chineses, Pizza, Indian) within a short distance of our Church Hall.
I plan to get the key and unlock the Church Hall at 8pm and anyone arriving shortly after that can be expected to be put to work inflating the airbeds (no foot-pumping required!)
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I do not think we will get there much before 9.30 maybe nearer 10. Three of us in the car but limited to not leaving until later. Les
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Well that would have made things easier - my spangly new photoID driving license has arrived in time for me to no longer need to hire a car ;D
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Regarding parades in Askern.
I look forward to joining them as a memorable entrant riding along regally on the Pashley.
:)
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Regarding parades in Askern.
I look forward to joining them as a memorable entrant riding along regally on the Pashley.
:)
Have you the full quota of gears this time? If I remember correctly in the National 400 last year some were missing.
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Anyone need a bed for the Sunday night? I have a double room in the Adlington Travel Lodge. It gets mighty lonely after a hard 2-days riding
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Sorry to be obtuse but where *exactly* is the methodist church hall in Poynton? I'm looking at google streetview and it beats me. I can see an osteopathic clinic next to the supermarket but just a bunch of private houses elsewhere.
I don't fancy hunting about for it and then getting there late and disturbing people. Sorry if it's obvious and I've missed it somehow.
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Park at the far end of the car park behind Waitrose (long stay part and away from supermarket) and face supermarket rear and you will see it is on the left.
Or at least that how I remember it during a chat with Mike on the 400 event weekend.
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Cool, I'll be on my bike, but I guess I can put it there ;)
Thanks - so it's actually behind the supermarket then.
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Google 'waitrose poynton' and then look on maps and you will see it highlightrd.
Answer is always on the internet!
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Thanks - so it's actually behind the supermarket then.
Yes. Look for the AUK banners
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Will do, thanks both :thumbsup:
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Google 'waitrose poynton' and then look on maps and you will see it highlightrd.
Answer is always on the internet!
Yes, the supermarket is easy, the Church Hall, not so much. You can see where the Church is on the map too - I'd guessed the Hall was by the Church but was just making sure :thumbsup:
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I'm getting a sudden flurry of interest from Scottish riders which has got me re-checking our weather forecast. We seem to have it fairly benign. I have 16 spare brevet cards ...
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Regarding parades in Askern.
I look forward to joining them as a memorable entrant riding along regally on the Pashley.
:)
Have you the full quota of gears this time? If I remember correctly in the National 400 last year some were missing.
Gears are now totally sorted thanks to some truly exceptional help and customer service from the very chaps that made my Roadster Sovereign at Pashley HQ. Bless them.
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I'm getting a sudden flurry of interest from Scottish riders which has got me re-checking our weather forecast. We seem to have it fairly benign. I have 16 spare brevet cards ...
Somewhat less clement north of the border - or so I'm told.
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Google 'waitrose poynton' and then look on maps and you will see it highlightrd.
Answer is always on the internet!
Yes, the supermarket is easy, the Church Hall, not so much. You can see where the Church is on the map too - I'd guessed the Hall was by the Church but was just making sure :thumbsup:
Poynton has a clear crossroads in the town centre (with a distinct cobbled "shared access" road junction). You are 300 metres away from Waitrose at this point. The Church Hall is behind Waitrose.
So don't panic, if you are on a cobbled-ish crossroads, you are almost there.
I'll be at my Father-in-law's from Friday afternoon, in Stockport. I'll try to pop up there (although the Vernon Arms sounds like a horrendous "Chain-pub"). The Robinson's pub opposite Waitrose, The Farmers arms, seems a better bet (I never drank there) and, if it's still a Robinson's Pub, you'll at least be sampling local Beer.
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I'm getting a sudden flurry of interest from Scottish riders which has got me re-checking our weather forecast. We seem to have it fairly benign. I have 16 spare brevet cards ...
I think that might be me and the boys.. . Looking forward to this ride after Scottish 600 was blown out. Four of us staying at Premier Inn up the road. See you early on Saturday am. Gav, Steve, ian and Russ.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Balmy http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/adebbc94-e371-41d1-9b54-56a621725784 (http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/adebbc94-e371-41d1-9b54-56a621725784)
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I'm getting a sudden flurry of interest from Scottish riders which has got me re-checking our weather forecast. We seem to have it fairly benign. I have 16 spare brevet cards ...
I think that might be me and the boys.. . Looking forward to this ride after Scottish 600 was blown out. Four of us staying at Premier Inn up the road. See you early on Saturday am. Gav, Steve, ian and Russ.
Glad to get a place on this ride at the last minute.
I've just printed out the route sheet. Its slightly longer than I'm use to. I better remember my reading glasses!
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I am no longer riding this event and have a room for Friday night at Travelodge for sale very near the start point. (Macclesfield Adlington).
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Travelodge+Macclesfield+Adlington+Hotel/@53.3330233,-2.1322853,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x487a4b77a74536d7:0x11529c33e0beb8a3 (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Travelodge+Macclesfield+Adlington+Hotel/@53.3330233,-2.1322853,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x487a4b77a74536d7:0x11529c33e0beb8a3)
PM if interested.
Edit: Double room.
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I've just printed out the route sheet. Its slightly longer than I'm use to. I better remember my reading glasses!
It's only 600km!
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Balmy http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/adebbc94-e371-41d1-9b54-56a621725784 (http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/adebbc94-e371-41d1-9b54-56a621725784)
Cross-wind gale on the Humber bridge - that'll be fun !
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I've just printed out the route sheet. Its slightly longer than I'm use to. I better remember my reading glasses!
It's only 600km!
It was the length of the route sheet I was referring to, not the length of the ride ;)
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I've just printed out the route sheet. Its slightly longer than I'm use to. I better remember my reading glasses!
It's only 600km!
It was the length of the route sheet I was referring to, not the length of the ride ;)
You could try ignoring every third line
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This ride comes back to Poynton via Alderley Edge. Anyone new to the area may like to try this:
It's actually possible to walk from Alderley Edge to Poynton using Porsche Cayennes as stepping stones.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Balmy http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/adebbc94-e371-41d1-9b54-56a621725784 (http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/adebbc94-e371-41d1-9b54-56a621725784)
Cross-wind gale on the Humber bridge - that'll be fun !
Just like the Severn Bridge then - I don't think I've ever done that in benign calm weather in 3 years of audaxing - and fully 80% of the south Wales rides must cross that at some point.
I'm rather looking forward to crossing a different bridge for a change ;D
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Use the east side of the bridge. The railings on the Humber Bridge are lower than you might expect.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Balmy http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/adebbc94-e371-41d1-9b54-56a621725784 (http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/adebbc94-e371-41d1-9b54-56a621725784)
Cross-wind gale on the Humber bridge - that'll be fun !
Just like the Severn Bridge then - I don't think I've ever done that in benign calm weather in 3 years of audaxing - and fully 80% of the south Wales rides must cross that at some point.
I'm rather looking forward to crossing a different bridge for a change ;D
... and just like normal conditions on the Forth Road Bridge!
Can I also just say many thanks to Delph Cyclist for accommodating me and the other three riders from Scotland at very short notice. Our event was forecast to enjoy 50 mph head-gales and torrential rain, hence the cancellation and last-minute scrabbling for places here... looking forward to dry and warm-ish conditions, and winds that would pass for light up our way.
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The dedication that is required of an AUK Organiser. I spent yesterday evening in the pub so you don't have to, waiting for Danial to bring a supply of airbeds from WCW, and I'm happy to say that I've counted them and we've got 65, with about 100 blankets. Goodness knows if we've room for all those in Poynton Methodist Church Hall and Corby Glen Village Hall, but we're all close friends, hey? (I think we've also got valves for them all too which is a bonus!).
I've just come back from shopping for Saturday breakfast (toast, butter and jam, and if you want porridge, then bring your own pot of instant for which we'll have boiling water).
This is going to be one heck of a luxurious shoe-string event.
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I had a look at pictures of Corby Glen online and it looks like it has a decent amount of space in it so I reckon we can get a fair number of beds up. As there's a large field attached to the community centre, I'm going to bring a tent so that us controllers can sneak off for a kip between shifts.
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Is there a Twitter hash tag for this ride? If not then I'll be using #Kirtonb600
The dedication that is required of an AUK Organiser. I spent yesterday evening in the pub so you don't have to...
Thanks! I was rather looking forward to a pint or two prior to the event.
Then again, checking the B&B booking I made I appear to be staying *miles* away. That was a bit of a F-up -sigh-
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Is there a Twitter hash tag for this ride?
Not from me there isn't. I'm afraid that the joys of twitter are as yet a mystery to me. I wake up to Tweet of the Day, today being the Red-Throated Diver, which wasn't particularly pleasant
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Entries close at midnight tonight (4th June), so if you know of any disappointed Ballachulish riders, tell them to get a move on
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>40mph winds heading to Hull according to BBC. Will that cause any issue at the Humber bridge?
Good job we're starting early as it seems we'll avoid those winds across Saddelworth Moor (though, knowing the BBC they'll have got that wrong as well).
This now has the potential to be quite a challenge across the fens.
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Dunno about the Humber bridge but the Severn one is nearly always open to cyclists and peds when the road itself is closed. I've never seen it closed to *everything*
It will be interesting if it is closed though :facepalm:
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Looks like a Tailwind until the bridge - predicted to drop at around 4 pm - 10 hours in hmm. Judicious timing should help manage it - if the weather forecast timings are correct of course.
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Dunno about the Humber bridge but the Severn one is nearly always open to cyclists and peds when the road itself is closed. I've never seen it closed to *everything*
It will be interesting if it is closed though :facepalm:
I've plotted a detour to Gainsborough just in case but it's a heck of a diversion....fingers crossed because to retrace the route would involve headwinds that closed the bridge.
Whatever. We'll see.
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Humber bridge ... It will be interesting if it is closed though :facepalm:
I dread to think of that happening! The detour would certainly add a few km onto the plan. Don't forget that there are cyclepaths on both sides of the bridge, and if is not unknown for one or other to be shut but (let's hope) not both. The cyclepath is below road level so that should provide some shelter from a cross wind so it might be better to be on the leeward side (but others may have a more informed view).
I've closed entries at 107.
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Dunno about the Humber bridge but the Severn one is nearly always open to cyclists and peds when the road itself is closed. I've never seen it closed to *everything*
It will be interesting if it is closed though :facepalm:
I've plotted a detour to Gainsborough just in case but it's a heck of a diversion....fingers crossed because to retrace the route would involve headwinds that closed the bridge.
Whatever. We'll see.
One advantage of being a slower rider is meeting the fast lads (and lasses of course) coming back the other way saying "follow us". Which you can't of course, coz they are they are the fast lads (and lasses)
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I'm hoping there will be some groups (of modest speed) to work with on the Sunday.
The wind is forecast to drop somewhat overnight but 180km into 'more than a gentle breeze' will be more bearable with some company.
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I'm hoping there will be some groups (of modest speed) to work with on the Sunday.
The wind is forecast to drop somewhat overnight but 180km into 'more than a gentle breeze' will be more bearable with some company.
I'm definitely up for sharing the load as a wind break if others are around me at the time :thumbsup:
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Should anyone be interested, I will probably be eating on Friday night at 6pm in the Vernon Arms on London Road South, Poynton.
http://www.sizzlingpubs.co.uk/thevernonarmshotelpoynton/
I've never eaten there before so don't take this as a recommendation, and other options are available in Poynton. There are also takeways (Chineses, Pizza, Indian) within a short distance of our Church Hall.
I plan to get the key and unlock the Church Hall at 8pm and anyone arriving shortly after that can be expected to be put to work inflating the airbeds (no foot-pumping required!)
I have eaten at the Vernon Arms at least four times and never left hungry.
It's worth a visit and not too expensive.
It's the sort of pub where the old folks go for their meals, and the yobs go to watch kickball, and the kids run round and round on occasion.
Menu is extensive and something for everyone - I tend to start with the 'sharing' ice cream deserts, which are the size of a small washing up bowl, though beware because sometimes they include toffee chunks with the capacity to suck the fillings straight out of your teeth... Yep happened to me once...
See you all tomoz - enjoy the ride ;D
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I'm hoping there will be some groups (of modest speed) to work with on the Sunday.
The wind is forecast to drop somewhat overnight but 180km into 'more than a gentle breeze' will be more bearable with some company.
Some rider's speed will be very modest indeed...c'est moi.
L
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I'm definitely up for sharing the load as a wind break if others are around me at the time :thumbsup:
So long as you've mended your shorts :facepalm:
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:P I'm rather pleased that episode managed to get missed in the Guardian article.
Those shorts are thoroughly not on the agenda believe me ;D
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For good beer try the Cask tavern. It is on the right as you head to Waitrose from the roundabouts I normally go to the sister pubs in Macclesfield and Bollington. I think they have food.
http://www.bollingtonbrewing.co.uk/our-pubs/ (http://www.bollingtonbrewing.co.uk/our-pubs/)
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Common sense V's Knee trouble.
Common sense has won for the first time, maybe I am getting old. :'(
I'm another DNS.
Have a great ride and Bon Chance to all, especially if you're riding for your qualifier. :thumbsup:
(Don't forget your sewing kit Caerau ;D)
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One day I'm going to live that down. ::-)
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:P I'm rather pleased that episode managed to get missed in the Guardian article.
Those shorts are thoroughly not on the agenda believe me ;D
Someone's gone and mentioned it in the comments though. :thumbsup:
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You fiend!
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One day I'm going to live that down. ::-)
Ahhhh, as dey say, it's the craic...... To be sure...... It's all about the craic.....
;D ;D ;D
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One day I'm going to live that down. ::-)
Ahhhh, as dey say, it's the craic...... To be sure...... It's all about the craic.....
;D ;D ;D
Arse
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89 riders heading out today with a strong tail wind, expected to drop by the time they need to turn into the wind (at least, that's the hope)
I've just discovered that, just around the corner from our ride start is one of those golden post boxes from the London Olympics, in this case to celebrate Sarah Storey's success. That was for racing for 500m. One wonders how she would enjoy the remaining 599.5km
http://www.poyntonsports.com/news/sarah-storeys-gold-post-box-.shtml
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Good luck to them all. Fingers crossed for favourable winds.
Sarah went to school in Poynton, but she's a Disley lass really. She has a great statue of a bike on the green at Disley (and her husband Barney has a golden postbox there). She's a few years younger than me, but was always the fastest at everything , especially at swimming lessons on Saturday mornings in New Mills.
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Ah New Mills on the way back from Edale to catch the 358 bus back to Stockport. Poynton has changed from the 70'/80's when five ways used to be the landmark for the bus, was it the 192? It's been a while since I moved away.
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Hope everyone is having a good ride! This was my backup ride, in case I could not have started at WCW. Luckily, I can afford mostly doing nothing this weekend.
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Well, I'm knackered! I've just unloaded the van of all those beds, loaded it up for my shift as the finish control and now I'm off to bed for a nap. It really is harder to run an event than ride it (although I didn't have to suffer those winds on Saturday, except to control my van in the crosswinds, and when putting up the AUK banners.
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A really interesting ride.
Finished in a shade over 33 hours, between 3 & 4 this afternoon.
We did get blown right across to the bridge, but we got there too soon, and I ended up walking my bike over the entire length, which took about half an hour, and was my furthest walk for five years...
Today my Achilles on both legs was suffering from that walking. I chose the side that the wind was blowing from, so the worst it could do would be to roll me onto the edge of the roadway.. Others went the other side and made it across riding...
Also got to the 'overnight' stop too early, so carried on riding (and ignored my travelodge booking too)
The ride to Wragby and Boston was into the teeth of the gale, unfortunately... Extremely hard for us thin things.....
As it got light the temperature rose, but I had seen 2.6 degrees on my Garmin, in the early hours as the clear skies leached all the heat away, and I needed many layers!!
Later as I left the Raven Cafe scene (the garage for me), it got into the 18s, and I had no short sleeves..
Thanks to Mike and all the helpers!!!
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Qualified for PBP at last!!!
Now I'm off to bed - at least when ive finshed my curry :thumbsup:
Thanks to Mike and co for the organisation. Curses to mother nature for that wind :sick:
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Qualified for PBP at last!!!
Hoorah!! \o/
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Saw a lone rider coming through Church Minshull on a single speed / fixed Pearson about 15:00. He had a Carradice and routesheet holder and I remembered that this ride was on today (I would have loved to ride it but as It's my daughter's 3rd birthday party there was no way I could do the two). As I came through Worleston I saw a group of about six or seven riders, Trans Pennine Cycling Club rider (Gareth?) on the front just as I was turning into my driveway. It's in the calendar for next year, just got to be able to resist the temptation of turning into the drive at 560km.
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Qualified for PBP at last!!!
See you in Paris
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Qualified for PBP at last!!!
Now I'm off to bed - at least when ive finshed my curry :thumbsup:
Thanks to Mike and co for the organisation. Curses to mother nature for that wind :sick:
Well done Dave :thumbsup:---enjoy the riding up to PBP and maybe see you on another Audax, maybe Rough Diamond is a ride up your street, flat and fast :thumbsup:
re wind Severn Bridge on Sat morning Avalon 400 was `breezy` and `fun` too ::-)
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Family birthday party on day of Rough Diamond unfortunately - a big 40 too so three line whip
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Thanks Chris and LWaB - not bad considering I quit on it twice since early May ;D
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Thanks to Mike and the team of volunteers for organising and supporting the event. Possibly the most luxurious x rated Audax ever organised, with airbeds and food.
The ride itself was definitely characterised by the wind, from the strong tailwind that blew us over the Pennines and its revenge in Lincolnshire. A nice mix of terrain and the highlight for me was on the road and trail along the quiet river Witham in the evening sunshine. Thanks to the fast group that towed me back from the Raven , which was a great way to finish.
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Well a rides of several parts for me but what a lot of organisation by a valiant few. Not easy setting up and running a full control with beds etc. Many thanks a deeply appreciated.
First the ride up to Saddleworth a very kind climb punctuated with some absolutely excellent flapjacks at the first control. Then helped by a tail gale a descent to Holmfirth which must have broken a few rider PBs but I think it might have also broken my back wheel (of which more later) then a very fast spin through the rolling terrain leading to Askern which a was 'en fete'. Onwards with the wind assisted ride towards the East b my tail end became uncertain and even more wobbly than intended. Upon examination the long spiky things that hold rim and hub in position were clearly coming loose. No mechanic me I do not expect wheels laces to come undone. Happily rescued by a VC 167 many thanks and then cycled on to find a bike shop (instead of a lunch) Located the new and excellent Vive le Velo in North Ferriby (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vive-Le-V%C3%A9lo/536906153119991). They tweaked the wheel though said that it had been an excellent fix in the first place. Not only no charge but fed me coffee and camel biscuits as well. Onwards and the Humber Bridge, Impressive powerful gusts around the towers..and onwards on a fairly long section over the Wolds, it was still a mite breezy! Eventually hauled into Gainsborough and then onwards to my dining spot at Wragby (fish and chips). The next section was made by the lovely Water Rail route...wind had by now dropped and speed had upped. To Boston and the delights of McDonalds. The next section was to the sleep control a quiet cool night ride. As I was to find out in the morning I must have dropped something on the way. Arrived at Corby Glen to welcome soup and cake a bed was soon available and three hours of real sleep. Awake and off just after 5 th o find the back wheel again causing spokey problems. Again fixed by fellow riders thanks guys. As I set out it became apparent that my saddle sore problems had become severe, obviously I had dropped the skin to most of my left buttock sometime the night before and sitting in the saddle was less than comfortable. I considered going back and looking for it but decided wither it would have been run over or eaten by crows. I wended my way though the lumps to Donnington, mostly and increasingly having to stand out of the saddle. By the arrival at Donnington it was clear I was not going to be able to knock of another 200 km in the same style so I had to pack and took a gently route along NCR 6 to Derby and thence trains back to Poyton.
I ride of many parts including the most exciting wind assisted descent ever and lots of friends made and met. Of course this was the final Kirton for PBP and probably just as well given my saddle problems. On with the search for a saddle solution and looking forward even more to the National 400...I also have a Frankfurt to Havant ride which I can now do :).
Les
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Saw a lone rider coming through Church Minshull on a single speed / fixed Pearson about 15:00. He had a Carradice and routesheet holder and I remembered that this ride was on today (I would have loved to ride it but as It's my daughter's 3rd birthday party there was no way I could do the two). As I came through Worleston I saw a group of about six or seven riders, Trans Pennine Cycling Club rider (Gareth?) on the front just as I was turning into my driveway. It's in the calendar for next year, just got to be able to resist the temptation of turning into the drive at 560km.
The Trans Pennine rider was Graeme McCulloch, Also in the Group was John Jackson (Macclesfield), two Saddleworth Clarion rides and "tubbycyclist".
Big thank you to Mike for organising and all the control helpers. Qualified for PBP :)
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Of course this was the final Kirton
At least you did it Your Way
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A big thank you Mike and team!
The latest instalment of war and peace. I'll html-ise it later when I've extracted some photos from the video...:
After an unexpected failure at the Bryan Chapman, I needed a 600km ride to qualify for Paris-Brest-Paris. I hadn’t pre-booked a ‘spare’, but luckily a quick bit of investigative work discovered that Mike Wigley’s ‘Pair of Kirtons’ was still accepting entries. I duly entered and started to prepare for the ride. I wanted to do this one a bit faster, so opted for my Carbon S-Works as used on LEL. The bike needed a bit of love having 10,000km of component wear, so I went shopping for new chainrings, cassette, jockey wheels and chain. This is an expensive hobby as I chose to match the existing S-Works/Dura Ace setup, but it’s too nice a bike to downgrade for the sake of a few £££s. Getting top-end 10-speed components is hard to do and it was the Wednesday before the ride when I finally got everything fitted and tested.
In its previous guise of ‘To Holland Back’, I’d tried and failed this ride once already back in 2013. This was my first attempt at riding Audax with a modern Garmin and the default settings had caused lots of problems making me late riding to the start and subsequently taking me off route into the Pennines. Eventually making it to Askern, I’d failed to catch any other riders and un-enthused with the prospect of a full value ride on my own called it a day with a pleasant run to Doncaster station to finish. I’m a lot happier with the Garmin these days, but for the sake of paranoia fitted a map trap and route sheet in case I needed a backup.
The weather was set pretty fair for the ride, with significant westerly wind expected to drop towards the end of Saturday. At 6am on Saturday 6th June, a field of 89 riders rolled out of Poynton in the early morning sunshine. The urban roads at the start of the ride were fairly light in terms of traffic, but moving between sets of lights caused groups to form and break a number of times in the first few km. Things soon got more rural and helped by the wind, I was soon climbing the Pennines to the first control a roadside checkpoint at 30km. Homemade flapjack from the controller was most welcome and in the interests of making progress I ate mine whilst pedalling on up the rest of the climb. There were some stunning vistas climbing up, particularly looking back over reservoirs on the valley floor.
The top of the climb took us past the highest point on the whole ride and the tailwind then really came into its own as the route flattened out and then went down again. I wasn’t trying hard and was easily over 70km/h in places, I suspect the owner of the rather splendid looking Velomobiel was at or near the 3 figure mark. Passing through Holmefirth, the route took a gently rolling path across W Yorkshire, skirting Barnsley and crossing the M1 and A1 in due course. It really didn’t take long at all to arrive at the info control in Askern. I had a quick piece of cake from my rack bag and then pushed on, leaving town just as a marching parade was moving out onto the street.
Pleasant and quiet green lanes followed for a number of km next. Somewhere in the process, my route sheet managed to blow-away and by the time I noticed it wasn’t worth re-tracing my steps. As the terrain is so flat, level crossings are a common feature and I managed to get stopped by trains at 3 in a row. Approaching a short off-road section to the route another couple of riders caught up with me and one asked – ‘haven’t lost a route sheet have you?’ – result! The 3 of us pushed on to Brough, and a ‘free control’. I opted for the basics, so some nice bread and re-fill of water soon had me back out on route.
We weren’t far from the Humber Bridge now and I knew from the forecast that crosswinds would be an issue. As a result, I found the east side path and had a relatively sheltered crossing, although passing around the two towers proved interesting. A glance downstream and Hull was proving the old adage that almost anywhere looks nice from a distance as long as it’s sunny. The route now took a fairly exposed path from Barton to Gainsboro. Riding alone didn’t help, but there was a much stronger southerly element to the wind than I had been expecting. Head down and grind was definitely the order of the day and the wind made sure that even the flat bits felt uphill. Along the way I passed through’ Kirton in Lindsey’, the first of the Kirtons from which the ride name is derived. The speedo numbers were actually pretty good though and I had around 4 hours in hand by then next control.
I was a bit worried that the rest of the ride was going to be more of the same and talking to other riders whilst devouring a fish and chips in the Morrisons café this wasn’t an uncommon opinion. The good news was that rolling out onto the next leg, a slight change in direction made the wind a lot more tolerable. It wasn’t long before I rolled into Wragby, where a quick drink and cake were in order. With 255km in the bag it was then time to head on for Boston.
Not long into this leg, I caught up with Bikey Mikey. We had a steady ride together through the pretty bits of the fens putting the world to rights and stayed together all of the way to Boston. The golden arches were calling loud and clear and having just passed halfway, why not indeed? There were quite a few riders there, although still easily outnumbered by the hordes of scantily clad children that seem to frequent McDs of an evening these days. Wouldn’t have happened in my day etc.
I gained a couple of layers and headed off onto the next leg with the what was left of the daylight, still feeling good and strong. As the heading was very much Westerly by now, I had worried that the wind would become an issue again, but it actually had eased quite a lot. A little after Boston, I passed through the 2nd of the ‘Kirtons’. Long flat and straight roads across farmland followed and as dusk settled in I stopped to deploy lights. Julian and Steve passed on the tandem whilst I was faffing. I saw lights in front and behind on the rest of this leg, but this was the only bit where I could identify riders.
It had got about as dark as it was going to by the time I rolled into Corby Glen shortly before 11pm. I had a bit of trouble finding the village hall, as my Garmin seemed to think it was in a cul-de-sac, but I took a 50/50 guess on where it might be and got lucky. Mike and team were doing good work in the hall stamping cards, laying on food and providing inflatable mattresses and blankets for sleeping. What’s more it was pretty quiet. I had a bit of a conundrum here as it was a bit early to sleep really and I was a bit worried about wasting a couple of hours. On the other hand it was getting cold and certainly a lot better than rough sleeping, so with earplugs and eye mask I laid down with a 4am alarm call. I slept fitfully, but came-to a little after 2. I got up, donned layers and had a bit of coffee and cake before rolling out again at 2:45.
The numbers had suggested that it shouldn’t get any colder than 7 deg C. This turned out to be a bit optimistic and I actually saw the gauge down to 2.5. A tad cold for mitts and the toes were feeling it too. The route started to roll a little more as I crossed the A1 again and then headed on to Melton Mowbray. I had a mild case of the dozies on this leg and certainly felt low, but managed to keep pedalling. I got to MM at about 4am and there were still a few chavs around the otherwise deserted streets. A few sets of red lights gave opportunity for a bit of people spotting. Highlights included some lads in courtier’s outfits screaming expletives down a speaker phone at their mate for daring to call it a home and a guy walking along with his phone on speaker pumping out some forgettable tune oblivious to the residential area. I wasn’t far different in age to either of these and you do ponder that the average citizen would consider me the odd one for being awheel at that hour… The grey pre-dawn gradually built and a fairly rolling route across to the M1 was gradually followed. Somewhere along the way my route sheet managed to blow away again despite being doubled over and under and elastic band. As it happens I didn’t miss it!
The next control was at Donnington services on the M1. A latte with extra shot and bacon bap restored some humanity and having met with some other riders a group formed. One of them was clearly in the advanced stages of delusion as he said he’d enjoyed my write-up of the Taste of Carolina 1200 in the AUK Arrivée magazine. 4 of us set out into the morning sun. It was still a bit chilly, but my dozies had passed and I was feeling good for a while. We took turns on the front and made good progress across the flatlands near Derby. As we neared Uttoxeter however I began to flag so sat-up and let the group go. I’d read somewhere that there were around 20km of unpleasantly lumpy roads after Uttoxeter and it’s fair to say it didn’t disappoint. I don’t normally use headphones on audax rides, but did here to distract a little. I had a wide range of gears so took it easy.
A little outside of Stone, I passed one of the group fixing a puncture he was fine and commented that he’d hit a stone on the way to Stone. There’s no helping some people. I skimmed across Stone (see what I did there) to the M6 services where our next and penultimate control was to be. I succumbed to a BK large double whopper meal and very welcome it was too.
The next leg wound on into Shropshire. It was still quite rolling, but a lit gentler than the previous leg. As things got a bit flatter, I was starting to encounter roads used in the Mersey Roads 24 hour TT. There were also a few lumpy corner cuts between portions of that route. In the main those Mike had done a good job of avoiding the nastier A-roads in the area which is just as well as the Churches were starting to kick-out. In fairly warm conditions, I made it to the final control at the Raven Café, Prees Island. Nearing lunchtime, it shouldn’t have been surprising to see the place rammed full of motorcyclists, but it was impressive nonetheless to see the massive car park nearly full. I passed the wait for food trying to spot a biker that looked like Jackson Teller or one of the crew from Sons of Anarchy, but they were all older and a lot bigger in the main…
With 72km to go, it was time to put this ride to bed. I had a few comfort issues by now. My palms were quite tender from so many hours gripping the bars and the undercarriage had taken a battering despite my well-worn Brooks B17, a change of shorts at Corby Glen and Assos crème. In hindsight maybe I should have been a bit more liberal in the application of the latter, but you live and learn. The Cheshire roads surfaces were pretty rough and I needed to keep my whits about me to avoid entering any of the trenches. This was made more difficult by the never-ending parade of the Mercedes owners club that grew in number as the stage went on. There were some pleasant spots along the way though and it was all a lot less lumpy than I had feared. Towards the end, I started to use the tactic of comparing what was left to the number of equivalent commutes, but that didn’t help a lot; by now I wanted it to be over.
The route into Poynton was pretty good really and I managed to keep it a non-contact sport despite the efforts of one taxi driver. I rolled into the finish around 4:30 which was dangerously close to the estimate I’d sent to Siobhan the previous night.
Many thanks to Mike and team for all of their efforts in making this ride happen. Whilst it was badged as an ‘x-rated’ event, in reality it was anything but and I don’t think I could have found a better 600 in the circumstances.
Now that’s done, I can start training for PBP!
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Enjoyed may not the best description of this ride but it was enjoyable.
Loved the climb up to Saddleworth. Not as keen on descent as my Alpkit bag tended to make the backend wobble.
Loved the area around Holmfirth very pretty indeed.
Humber bridge was a bit hairy and even tho we crossed on the east side it was a tad scary.
Ate at an excellent pub in Wragby. Fantastic Steak and Ale pie with all the trimmings and a pint for a tenner.
The final stage from Boston to the sleep stop was tough as I remember and was grateful to the tandem team that we hid behind fore a few miles.
After a poor sleep for me Russ and myself from Audax Ecosse left at about 4.45 and never have I wanted a full breakfast so badly before. The whole 60k I had the knock despite eating two energy bars.
Breakfast at Donnington was fab. The journey to Stone was nice as was the stage after with nice wee climbs mixed with delightful villages. The 30k leading to Prees Heath was a bit grim with every Cheshire motorist looking like they had been watching DeathRace 2000. The final stage saw all three of the Audax Ecosse from Fife and Russ from the Borders join up again and we all completed together with a couple of hours in hand.
Very grateful to Mike and his team for fitting us in after the Scottish 600 was scrubbed. The volunteers could not have been kinder or more cheerful despite the hour of day or night.
Also great to meet other riders who haven't come up to Scottish events.
Hope to see folk again at the National 400.
Gav
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Of course this was the final Kirton
At least you did it Your Way
;D
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;D (beaten to it by Andy)
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Pull yourselves together
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Oh yes, very droll. Please can we make that the finial pun.
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Let's draw a line under this. (that's a drawing curains pun)
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Mostly shot on the move, one-handed, so be grateful any came out.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n18MyAclpHc/VXX2GNI5kNI/AAAAAAAAE8w/G5daK6MeyUA/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Ba.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n18MyAclpHc/VXX2GNI5kNI/AAAAAAAAE8w/G5daK6MeyUA/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Ba.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DqLVUZicFk0/VXX2KMDHZdI/AAAAAAAAE88/OZ3xzfFDqHc/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bb.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DqLVUZicFk0/VXX2KMDHZdI/AAAAAAAAE88/OZ3xzfFDqHc/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bb.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZpInCtRODfo/VXX2MoOIVtI/AAAAAAAAE9E/PjqCQ8JCetw/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bc.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZpInCtRODfo/VXX2MoOIVtI/AAAAAAAAE9E/PjqCQ8JCetw/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bc.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--pGjiv0SR_A/VXX2N85fkzI/AAAAAAAAE9M/DFdX4GtpJmM/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bd.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--pGjiv0SR_A/VXX2N85fkzI/AAAAAAAAE9M/DFdX4GtpJmM/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bd.jpg)
This was quite a rush, with huge tailwinds and a 5km straight drop into Holmfirth
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-99ZC66pud_k/VXYawlSiiSI/AAAAAAAAFBI/uRCqOoyQwuM/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bdescent.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-99ZC66pud_k/VXYawlSiiSI/AAAAAAAAFBI/uRCqOoyQwuM/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bdescent.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-at-i7gYOtN0/VXX2OmIqVuI/AAAAAAAAE9U/BGSN1f_Ecm8/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Be.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-at-i7gYOtN0/VXX2OmIqVuI/AAAAAAAAE9U/BGSN1f_Ecm8/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Be.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NJDwLv1r5HQ/VXX2VllEiKI/AAAAAAAAE9g/MW0d1dWlH8w/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bf.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NJDwLv1r5HQ/VXX2VllEiKI/AAAAAAAAE9g/MW0d1dWlH8w/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bf.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pDAClEK2IJ8/VXX2V2fITQI/AAAAAAAAE9k/IBUapciNS3w/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bg.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pDAClEK2IJ8/VXX2V2fITQI/AAAAAAAAE9k/IBUapciNS3w/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bg.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_j6QE2MNicI/VXX2WVU2p_I/AAAAAAAAE9s/fAQeds0J1MI/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bh.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_j6QE2MNicI/VXX2WVU2p_I/AAAAAAAAE9s/fAQeds0J1MI/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bh.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-olRzjJXSIxo/VXX2aZd-7HI/AAAAAAAAE98/rIy_XVFyfYA/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bi.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-olRzjJXSIxo/VXX2aZd-7HI/AAAAAAAAE98/rIy_XVFyfYA/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bi.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Flpji4JM-xQ/VXX2ZQ_8aII/AAAAAAAAE90/BDsFawngXlI/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bj.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Flpji4JM-xQ/VXX2ZQ_8aII/AAAAAAAAE90/BDsFawngXlI/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2Bj.jpg)
Yours Truly
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-trUPcWchbW0/VXX2FzYhUoI/AAAAAAAAE80/l46AhehhMjU/w649-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2B600%2BLee.jpg)
This never happened to me on an Audax before
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wnbxsO-MAx4/VXX5bEEX-XI/AAAAAAAAFAE/WHakw65_Wtk/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2Bk.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WJGwbpT5mVA/VXX5XYaUq7I/AAAAAAAAE_0/_XAWePI4C2U/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2Bl.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WJGwbpT5mVA/VXX5XYaUq7I/AAAAAAAAE_0/_XAWePI4C2U/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2Bl.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Bsm80Rdanq8/VXX5a5gSNpI/AAAAAAAAFAA/abXGJ0Ny7-w/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2Bm.jpg)
Bigger (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Bsm80Rdanq8/VXX5a5gSNpI/AAAAAAAAFAA/abXGJ0Ny7-w/w1538-h865-no/a%2BKirtons%2Bm.jpg)
As for the ride, well it was a lovely ride spoiled by headwinds and crosswinds.
The aim was to qualify for PBP using a nice flat ride, with plenty of sleep and no drama.
The actual story was one of a constant slog once we turned south at the Humber bridge.
I got a decent sleep but arrived cold and 90 minutes behind schedule. I made up for that by sleeping in a bit longer. That put me up against the DNF clock for the two stages to Prees Heath. I just couldn't get my speed much above 21km/hr so I was really one puncture away from a photo-finish.
Boston to Prees Heath control is basically due West and 227km into a stiff westerley wind, that's the longest headwind stretch I ever want to do in my life.
(Of course PBP has the worrying potential to dish out a 600km headwind section, but there are big groups to help out.)
From Prees Heath up through Cheshire was fine and it was never really in doubt.
I won't comment about the edge/verges of Cheshire roads because, quite frankly, they don't have any. Shocking road condition for miles.
Thanks to organisers/Volunteers as usual. I ate my own body-weight in cakes at the Corby Glen control before nipping over to my Travelodge (for the best 4 hours sleep in human history).
I was chilly when I arrived at the hall around 1am but only realised how cold it was when I stepped outside again and got the shakes immediately. Had to don a Jacket for the 6km to my bed.
That now concludes my 2 eastern Adventures (400km Asp & Strw) and this 600. Headwinds beat the life out of my legs on both occasions.
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Some good shots there.
I like the desolation of the top of Saddleworth Moor including the Emley Moor transmitter, and if you look carefully, several of the East Yorkshire power stations to be encountered much later in the ride. The Humber Bridge has to be in there somewhere. The spot you've taken that from has a memorial to Keith Bennett nearby, one of the still unfound Brady/Hindley victims.
I also love the avenue of trees from just after Howden, a foretaste (no doubt) of PBP roads. I'm sure if ESL had been on the ride we'd have had video of that.
Those cooling towers have some interesting weather stains. They possibly won't be standing for future editions of the Kirtons 600, as I notices that the accompanying power station has been levelled
That last one reminds us that, although we think 600km is a long way, there are far longer distances to be considered on this ride.
If anyone has any pictures of the Poynton and Corby Glen sleepers, I'd be interested in those.
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Very nice set of photos and interesting for someone who didn`t do ride and only vaguely knows where Saddleworth and Humber Bridge are --not my neck of the woods at all but maybe next year tempted after pics (but not headwind stories, but hey aren`t all Audaxes into a wind or is that just 2015 ???
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... a memorial to Keith Bennett nearby, one of the still unfound Brady/Hindley victims.
- always a nice touch when the organiser adds some local colour...
Seriously, a 600 needs a bit of variety, and this ride had that: some post-industrial North, climbing over the (aptly named) Peak District, crossing the Humber Bridge followed by the Fens, back over the Pennines (felt like that) and back through the swanky part of Manchester (can't call it posh if Wayne Ronney lives around there!).
Yes, Sunday's headwind was a bit of a grind, but Saturday's tailwind meant 250k of the first 300k were 'free' so it pretty much balanced out.
Thanks to all the helpers who kept everything running smoothly, and especially to Mike who appeared to be constantly busy, competent, helpful and cheerful - no mean feat!
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OK, so i suppose i've recovered enough for a ride report now.
This was not about a fast time or anything special, this was about qualifying for PBP after I'd managed to DNF a 300, a 400 and a 600 this year already. After chucking toys out of my pram when I DNF'd on Brevet Cyrmu and quitting on PBP I'd decided to HTFU and get it done so put in an extra 300 with Ian Hennessy's Old Roads and then managed to DNF the BCM a couple of weeks later. So in May I did 900 km of audaxing with only 300 km actually counting and still a 600 needed. :facepalm: Fortunately overhearing Andy Cox mentioning the Pair of Kirtons ride as an insurance 600 after the BCM failure got me back on the PBP bandwagon.
So I entered and turned up on Friday to find I had to leave my bike outside and with no lock I was a bit concerned that there were some kids bouncing about on BMX's with a beatbox playing in the car park. Mike however rustled up a cable lock out of someone's bag and locked it up to someone else's bike. Sorted I curled up and slept fitfully as i always do when pooping myself about the distance ahead.
The next morning I awoke to find the guy whose bike mine was locked to kind of demanding it be unlocked. Turned out noone knew whose lock it was, including Mike. :facepalm: Well I asked about a lot with no success almost to the point of making a PA announcement about it only to find that whoever owned the lock had eventually taken it off anonymously. So no need for a trip to B&Q for a bold cutter.
Not one for showing up without *something* being wrong, the lid of one of my bidons had dropped off somewhere en-route from my office in Cardiff and the station. This was displeasing but a very nice VC167 chap (sorry I never did get your name despite bouncing along much of the route with you) lent me a spare bidon - much appreciated and necessary as I got close to running out of water a lot of times during the ride.
So anyway, the ride. This ride I thought would probably suit me as it's largely flat. Except as fboab once said, when it's not. And it wasn't at the start, a long climb up the moor at the start was lovely albeit, me being me, I got dropped by the vast majority of the field. Having a control halfway up it was slightly irking as it made me feel like I hadn't done the climb properly (only a wee bit). I mentioned this to someone and he suggested that I was free to go back to the bottom and start again. ;D I declined on that one ;D
So over the top of the moor it turned into what someone later said to me as free miles - and oh was it so. A very strong tail wind blew us all the way to the Bridge - Askern was a picnic, no parades in sight although I left the wrong way entirely and so ended up with about 5 extra kilometers as my garmin led me straight back to the control again when it finally calculated the route. Doh. Someone said I'd be yearning for hills after a while on the fens - and found it not so. I thoroughly enjoyed the light-speed dash across the easterly part of this route although on a couple of occasions there was a zig-zag like change of direction and one got a little taster of the full malevolence of that wind.
Turning at the Humber bridge I went across with the V167 group and I think they may have been grateful for my wind break as it got very nasty especially at the bridge stanchions where it nearly knocked me off the bike in horrific random-direction wind gusts.
After the bridge we turned into a full on hellish headwind, the wee taster earlier was indeed a warning and the rest of the stage to Gainsborough was about a torrid a section of riding as I've ever done. Just wow. And I'm a heavyweight with more inertia against that than most - full on kudos to the featherweights for managing to slog through that. I had moments of new 'fark PBP, I'm bailing' on this stage. But I cycled on and made it to Gainsborough where I had a nice fish and chips, phoned the wife and told her that the wind was supposed to drop soon but it didn't look like it to me through the window.
Actually by the time I made it outside again (I had about an hour at Gainsborough, I needed the rest) the wind had dropped. Some of the other riders were still complaining that the wind was hard for most of the rest of the ride but I think it dropped to a tolerable extent for me at least. I never let the wind affect my mind again on this ride. I made it to Corby Glen at about 1.20 am or summat and was allowed a free bed ahead of some who got there earlier than me I think - possibly because they were busy chatting whilst I was basically falling asleep in my chair.
Three hours later I was awoken and I left pretty promptly at 5 am. I knew the rest of the ride was a bit lumpier than the day before (the big climb at the beginning excepted) but I now knew that if I kept it steady paced I'd get through the rest in time. I had no ambitions to break any speed records and planned that if I kept it ticking over at 12 mph or so most of the time I'd get round with time to spare.
This was more difficult than it sounded as the leg to Stone was much lumpier than I expected. With tired legs my mind went a bit eventually and I walked a couple of the hills right before Stone. I regretted this later as I found after that I had plenty left in my legs and climbed up the spiky lumps after Stone rather easily as it turned out - it's (nearly) all in the mind. So to Stone with 45 minutes in hand, we then rode to Prees Heath and despite taking it very easy and thinking I was more or less lantern rouge I arrived (after surviving the A41 death race - yeah that road is hell) to encouragingly find plenty of riders still there and some even behind me.
Now I'd been checking average speed all day as I just wanted to make sure I finished in time with no heroics and I'd gradually eaten into the average speed needed to finish on time - 10 mph --> 9 mph --> 8 mph by Prees Heath and this is my psychological death for finishing quickly. I was getting hot foot quite badly by now so I took a lot of side of the road breaks on the second day and many were on the final 45 miles from Prees Heath to Poynton so despite controlling very efficiently at Prees Heath I suspect I ended up Lantern Rouge-ish. Finally rolling in to Poynton at 9.15.
But this was still my fastest 600 km to date and with the most sleep out of the four 600s I've attempted. I know that I could have done it about 3-4 hours quicker with less faffage between controls - but then I enjoy having a sit down for 5 minutes every now and then when it's nice oot.
I rather liked Andy's comment above about counting down the final miles by number of commutes left - I do that too ;D
Nice to meet several people properly for the first time - Wobbly, LEE, John Snook, the VC167 crew, Cycling Daddy (sorry to hear you packed at Donnington, kudos for making no complaints at the time, I had no idea you were suffering) and the Elliptigo rider and some from previous audaxes, Somnolent and the two guys who I met in Ian Hennessy's Kitchen on Old Roads (still didn't get your names sorry).
Random observation...
Wow, Boston is a shithole is it not. Glad we went through in the dark ;)
Stunning views mostly all the way around (except Boston obv :P ), particularly over the Moors, a ride that visits many places and visits many terrains. A great ride, thanks very much to Mike and team again for the organisation, much appreciated as always.
I don't care that I was back of the field - this was, as I said, about getting it done. And it is done. Lots of positives from this. I rode back to Macclesfield the next day and another 5 miles to my house from Cardiff Station at the end - the legs still felt quite strong so PBP-wise this is encouraging that I have more than 2 days cycling in my legs. I could have gone round in several less hours if I'd felt the urge. I have no posterior issues at all - amazingly, and I didn't really use any chamois cream except first thing on Saturday. My hands have no new numbness (still got a bit from the Buckingham Blinder 400 in April but I've replaced with comfy handlebar tape since then) - the only real comfort issue is the hotfoot - this does concern me a bit, not really sure what to do about that as how do you know with new shoes until you've ridden them for several hundred miles? Bit difficult to discern at the shop counter.
But generally I'm as a high as a kite finishing this and finally getting what was an unexpectedly difficult PBP qualification in the bag. All the DNFs seem like good training now. SR series number three complete ;D
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Well done, especially after the year you've had!
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I love reading good ride reports. And, maybe it's just me, but Caerau's (how do you pronounce that???) has a couple of corkers.
Having a control halfway up it was slightly irking as it made me feel like I hadn't done the climb properly (only a wee bit). I mentioned this to someone and he suggested that I was free to go back to the bottom and start again.
...and...
Random observation...
Wow, Boston is a shithole is it not.
;D ;D ;D
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Pronounce it however you like Wobbly ;D
It's the area of Cardiff in which I live. The locals pronounce it Kai-ruh
(Kai as in buy not kay)
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So I entered and turned up on Friday to find I had to leave my bike outside and with no lock I was a bit concerned that there were some kids bouncing about on BMX's with a beatbox playing in the car park. Mike however rustled up a cable lock out of someone's bag and locked it up to someone else's bike. Sorted I curled up and slept fitfully as i always do when pooping myself about the distance ahead.
I didn't find out until Saturday morning that the gate into the playground beyond that fence was actually open so we could have left the bikes in there for the sake of just one padlock. I just assumed the playground gate was locked, so my "doh". That hall was pretty full with 30 sleepers inside. I was surprised that someone would attempt a 600k Audax, which included goodness knows how many cafe stops, with no padlock, or is that just me? Could have been game over with a very long walk home.
But I like this ride. It seems to have everything. I'm not sure if it will run in 2016 as Peak Audax are to run the National 400, which will keep us busy, and I alternate with John Perrin's 3 Steps to Severn, so it's John's turn unless he decides it's too much with the Nat 400 too.
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Random observation...
Wow, Boston is a shithole is it not. Glad we went through in the dark ;)
Oh I dunno. Hive of activity during the day on the Flatlands. Sun was shining. Market stalls, Spoons pub packed with Audaxers at lunchtime, great place :-)
Well done for getting round. And you're right, all the DNFs...it's all time on the bike [until you DNF of course!]
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No worries Mike, it all worked out in the end and sorry for putting everyone out with my mild panic at the beginning, maybe a lightweight lock is not a bad idea. The lock is an interesting one, there was a surveyish type thread on the AUK FB group not long ago and there is a clear split between those who never bother and those who wouldn't dream of being without one, hey ho.
It was me on 1 1/2 of those DNFs von Broad, only the Dean was pure bike and if I'd known about the bike shop in Chepstow it may not have been DNF at all. Weirdly though that turned out well as I entered the Buckingham Blinder 400 as a cover for the missed 300 and managed that. Had I not done this I would likely still have DNF'd the Brevet Cymru anyway and been in need of a cover 400 instead of a cover 300 and I dread to think what I'd have done there instead. Brevet Cymru I ECE'd (without officially entering an ECE) so I'd done almost 200km by the first control and it had already been poor weather and I was suffering from cold, the thought of only worsening weather was too much that day. The BCM I had both bike and body issues but mostly I got rained on for 5 hours at my lowest point. Still managed 400 km of it though.
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A few photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/61638016@N04/sets/72157653919786029 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/61638016@N04/sets/72157653919786029)
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Here's one for you folks who took the Western side of the Humber Bridge.
Turn the volume right up for full effect
Humber Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfgrf_qgdhc)
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It was much worse on the other (wrongly chosen by me) side....
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How do you know? Did you ride back and try the other side too? :demon:
;)
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Your video certainly makes it pretty clear what the wind was like LEE :thumbsup:
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I quite liked that ride, and the pics up there^^^ bring it back, especially the ones over the moors.
As everyone else has said, tailwinds and long, long descents rock (maybe a bit too literally, as I got a speed wobble for the first time heading down to Holmfirth, slowing from 60-odd kph), while headwinds and choppy ascents, um, don't. But the company was good, spending brief periods with Wobbly and Somnolent among others, and a vastly extended chunk (comfortably 400k, plus then a lift back to London) with Mel Kirkland.
Drivers - well, they were largely fine around us too. The A roads around Prees Heath were a little busy, but I only really whinged about a campervan (close pass) and couple of caravans (one whose driver absolutely had to pass at a pinch point immediately before we turned off, just so he could brake hard for a roundabout, and the other who rocked past us in Middlewich, the van swaying alarmingly close to the canal guard rail. I would have smirked slightly1 if it had caught the rail and ended up in the cut ...).
Thanks, obv, to Mike and to everyone who helped him (esp TSK and Mrs TSK), with the possible exception of the *&%!ing sweary %X!*er2 of a crap McNasty impersonator (except that McNasty is much, much nicer and much, much better looking) who was inconsiderate enough to make me laugh like a drain when I really wanted to go to sleep ...
1: This is a LIE. I would have grinned broadly, pointed expansively, rushed to the side of the canal, and pissed myself laughing.
2: I think this may have been Peter. If so, he can *%^! right off again, because I think I may have been too tired to make my point when I said my %!*&ing goodbyes in the morning. Sweary *!&^.
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I aim to please.
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Thanks to Mike and his team for the event last weekend. It was a most enjoyable route, I didn't seem to mind the wind too much and the pre-event tipoff about the lumps near Stone certainly helped me to deal with them.
I'm disappointed to read that Caerau rejected my suggestion of starting the first climb again. I felt it was a most reasonable suggestion to salve his irking ;D
By choice, I rode most of the route on my own. It was my first 600 and I wanted to reduce the risk of blowing up so the plan was to keep myself to myself and to talk like billyo at the controls. I managed that quite nicely and my legs behaved all the way around. I had decent chats with a few folk along the route when our speeds coincided - Steve from Hampshire (first 10k, on the off-road river section and into Gainsborough, Pete (I think) on the run in to Askern and on the road to Wragby, Kevin from Hebden Bridge on the run-in to Boston and for the full leg to Corby Glen and Rob from Wolverhampton on the way up to Donnington, in Donnington and at Prees Heath. Your company was enjoyable and invaluable.
The arrivee was perfect - cakes, tea, a big seat, lots of chat and fresh air!
I stayed in the South Stockport Premier Inn, a mile from Stockport Station and 4 miles from Poynton. I would highly recommend it to anyone with a bike.
See you in Paris.
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The ride is now showing as "provisional" on the results list. We had 83 finishers, a Peak Audax 600km record. Thank to all my riders
An even bigger thank you to my helpers (in order of appearance) Peter Hammond, Paula Butterworth, Peter Bond with Andrew and Andrea Rodgers, Ella (sorry you had the quiet shift at the finish control) and Becky Burns, and behind the scenes, to Danial for dashing about with your air beds after WCW.
Now I can have a lie down. Never again! (well, maybe)
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Woot - PBP registration here I come. Thanks Mike
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Woot - PBP registration here I come. Thanks Mike
Well done, Man of Steel :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Are you going on the ACB coach? If so, see you there :thumbsup:
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Yep I'm on the coach !!!!
It'll be fun, and the rear of the coach will be seatless !!!
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Indeed :thumbsup:
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Yep I'm on the coach !!!!
It'll be fun, and the rear of the coach will be seatless !!!
Like Caeraus' shorts ;D
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The coach does have a passageway up the middle, but there the similarity ends !!!
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I'm saving my Castelli shorts for next years trip up Mt Kinabalu ;D
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thanks this luxury event disguised as x-rated for easing my way into the realm of 600, no mean logistical feat!
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lYDf8A26eBHqn3FzvhNtuZrzktaHERrVqPNZpAyanW8=w1854-h638-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NtUL7BpIAou8fQKvB-xqVmDZNj_SlWaGpJchI4WkIWM=w1853-h571-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Lqn323gz3z9izMj7Q1cLY4vXvT3cmyNHIg8_QiCuOxA=w1167-h875-no)
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My ACP number has landed for this on the AUK results page.
Time to get my entry for PBP in!
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A slight change in the route for 2017 sees us using the Green Dragon in Welton as a control instead of the Morrisons petrol station.
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I'm in.
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Me too :thumbsup:
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Yep 😎
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Moi aussi.
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I shall be tackling the difficult job of stamping brevet cards at the pub in Welton. That is, when not marrying anyone. The wedding is a lunchtime, but apart from that I'll be at the pub. Green Dragon - I believe.
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Have you ever wondered what Long Distance Cyclists look like at 352km into a 600k? If so, join me at Corby Glen Lincolnshire on Saturday night 3rd June, into Sunday morning. We have about 80 cyclists to feed and bed down, and we'll adjourn to the nearby Little Chef for a Full English once everyone has gone and we've tidied up. Anyone fancy it?
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I hope all these volunteers are security vetted.
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I'll happily turn a blind eye to security vetting and DBS checking just so long as there's a plentiful supply of carbs up for grabs as the FVRs roll into town :thumbsup:
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As there are no calendar 600s in Scotland this year, id have ridden this - were it not for the fact that Im organising a 400 which clashes. :(
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I'm in.
No you're not on my list. PM if you think you should be or you might miss the cut-off
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Here's one for you folks who took the Western side of the Humber Bridge.
Turn the volume right up for full effect
Humber Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfgrf_qgdhc)
A reminder of how it can be.
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I'm in. Now.
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I'm in. Now.
Only just! Rider number 79 (max number will be 80)
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I won't be riding, Mike, if you need to free up spaces?
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I checked out some of the route for the Pair of Kirtons to find that there is a bridge closure between Kegworth and Donington. Not a problem, cyclists can still cross over the M1 then ride alongside the former dual carriageway (A453) to reach Donington Services. This busy road should be quiet at the time of day we'll be there! Harvester starts breakfast from 7am, and before that, it's Costa.
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I've just been looking at the route for this ride and I got to wondering how many counties (old style)it goes through. I counted 7 - Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Staffordshire and Shropshire. Is this a record for a 600?
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Nine Counties (not running this year, but did in 2016) runs through (obvs) nine.
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Given my legendary navigational skills, I'll probably be riding through nine counties...
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Given my legendary navigational skills, I'll probably be riding through nine counties...
I just checked more closely and you can add Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to the list to give us nine. Rutland is just to the south of the route so the chance to make it ten is possible!
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Given my legendary navigational skills, I'll probably be riding through nine counties...
I just checked more closely and you can add Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to the list to give us nine. Rutland is just to the south of the route so the chance to make it ten is possible!
Northern geography wouldn't be my specialist subject on Mastermind :facepalm: but is it possible that the "Yorkshire" in your list actually encompasses more than one county?
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Northern geography wouldn't be my specialist subject on Mastermind :facepalm: but is it possible that the "Yorkshire" in your list actually encompasses more than one county?
If we allow West Riding and East Riding, then there would be justification to also count Lindsey, Kesteven and Holland. So is that 12?
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I have to admit I only looked at historic counties as various local government reorganisations have left me a bit confused as to what constitutes a county nowadays.
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Try living in Bristol, I mean Avon, no, errr it's actually Wessex, well maybe North Somerset, or perhaps South Gloucestershire..... at least this week anyway.....
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Bristol? Is that not Wales?
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I haven't checked in here yet. I'm in. :thumbsup:
Warming-up for 999 Miles of Rome and Southern Italy, albeit on a different bike.
On Saturday I'm on my Enigma Etape Titanium (in disguise as transfers worn out and bike could do with a clean-up after commuting duties. :facepalm:).
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I haven't checked in here yet. I'm in. :thumbsup:
So I'll recognise you from your forum picture then?
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I haven't checked in here yet. I'm in. :thumbsup:
So I'll recognise you from your forum picture then?
No I'm strictly a baldhead these days dreads long gone...
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What an excellent adventure you are all on! While I'm aware that you are still riding... and many of you yet to arrive where the airbeds are; I really enjoyed stamping brevet cards at the Green Dragon. Photos on my journal:
Balancing on two wheels - helping at an audax. (http://balancingontwowheels.com/2017/06/helping-on-an-audax-pair-of-kirtons-600km/)
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Lots of us are in Boston, a long queue in the McDonalds
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Lots of us are in Boston, a long queue in the McDonalds
Oh hell! Has it become that bad?!?
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Lots of us are in Boston, a long queue in the McDonalds
Oh hell! Has it become that bad?!?
I waited just over 10 minutes, it seems longer when stood there. Queue is nearly gone now.
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Massive respect to Mike and the team. That was really well organised and good route sheet.
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Great event. Big thank you to all the staff at the audax Hotel Corby Glen. Also to the controllers at Dovestones and Welton.
Big thank to thd Finsbury Park rider who saved my ride by carring antihistamine. I hit a large insect possily a bubble bee about 2km form the Blacktoft control. It stung my lip twice ]. I opened my mouth to say Oughhhh or other expleative. This was a mistake as the insect when in my mouth and stung my tongue twice. By the time I reached the control lips and tongue were swelling.
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Thanks to all who helped to make this happen , to Mike and his helpers at the start and on route , to Paula and Graeme .
I certainly learnt a few things before LEL and for future 600+ rides , like I enjoy a bit of sleep 😴 and I need a few more layers .
Thanks again Mike , I did not quite make posting my Card by hand on the way home 😴😴😴God was telling me to go to bed (I'm Blaming Graeme)🙃
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Thanks to all who helped to make this happen , to Mike and his helpers at the start and on route , to Paula and Graeme .
I certainly learnt a few things before LEL and for future 600+ rides , like I enjoy a bit of sleep 😴 and I need a few more layers .
Thanks again Mike , I did not quite make posting my Card by hand on the way home 😴😴😴God was telling me to go to bed (I'm Blaming Graeme)🙃
"Team Pie"?
That was an excellent jersey. ;D
Loads of photos in the blog - happy for any to be downloaded. http://balancingontwowheels.com/
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I was unable to "man" the finish control for family reasons, so this was a postal finish. It is always difficult to know how riders went on until you receive (or don't) the brevet cards. I know of one abandon just after Donington, one at Uttoxeter, and a probable abandon before the Humber Bridge. There was also a hospital visit for one rider after an incident at Wem, but the shoulder involved appears to be "OK", although I need to get the full story of that.
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Ah yes, the Humber Bridge. That reminds me that I heard reports that one o the cycle paths was closed, but only at the far end. Someone had to re-cross back to Yorkshire and choose the cycle path on the other side. I believe others may have climbed the gate preventing exit from the bridge but I don't want to know about that.
There are cycle paths on both sides of the bridge, and there was apparently a notice to the effect that one was closed. It evidently wasn't prominent or forbidding enough. I certainly didn't see it the previous week. Good luck for LEL. For LEL 2013 I used westside (northbound) and eastside (southbound) if it helps
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Ah yes, the Humber Bridge. That reminds me that I heard reports that one o the cycle paths was closed, but only at the far end. Someone had to re-cross back to Yorkshire and choose the cycle path on the other side. I believe others may have climbed the gate preventing exit from the bridge but I don't want to know about that.
There are cycle paths on both sides of the bridge, and there was apparently a notice to the effect that one was closed. It evidently wasn't prominent or forbidding enough. I certainly didn't see it the previous week. Good luck for LEL. For LEL 2013 I used westside (northbound) and eastside (southbound) if it helps
In 2013 we (at the Pocklington control) got wind of this issue and put up MASSIVE pictures for southbound riders. Haven't heard of any unfortunate incidents yet. I'm not based oop North this year ...
(I assume you noted our pictures and then made your own checks before crossing the bridge? ;) )
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Will write a ride report when my hands have started working again. Currently have two inoperative claws where my hands used to be.
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Ah yes, the Humber Bridge. That reminds me that I heard reports that one o the cycle paths was closed, but only at the far end. Someone had to re-cross back to Yorkshire and choose the cycle path on the other side. I believe others may have climbed the gate preventing exit from the bridge but I don't want to know about that.
There are cycle paths on both sides of the bridge, and there was apparently a notice to the effect that one was closed. It evidently wasn't prominent or forbidding enough. I certainly didn't see it the previous week. Good luck for LEL. For LEL 2013 I used westside (northbound) and eastside (southbound) if it helps
I did see the bridge path closed notice but it was way too small (maybe 1ft square) and way too low (effectively ground level) - not surprised some riders missed it.
Sorry to hear about the Wem DNF. Saw two riders standing by the side of the road a few kms before Wem but the police were in attendance so in the split second you have to decide I decided to keep riding rather than stop.
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... I know of one abandon just after Donington, one at Uttoxeter, and a probable abandon before the Humber Bridge. There was also a hospital visit for one rider after an incident at Wem, but the shoulder involved appears to be "OK", although I need to get the full story of that.
and I forget to add that there was another DNF near Gainsborough involving nothing more (we hope) than bruised ribs and a sore shoulder. Of course, I say "nothing more" but for the owner of those ribs and shoulder it was probably a bit of a blow.
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and I forget to add that there was another DNF near Gainsborough involving nothing more (we hope) than bruised ribs and a sore shoulder. Of course, I say "nothing more" but for the owner of those ribs and shoulder it was probably a bit of a blow.
Sore enough for me to get the train home!
If I had been into day 2 with less than 200km to go then I would probably have struggled on, however with 400km left or catch a train from a station 5 miles away and get home that evening then it was a no-brainer for me. Took me ten minutes to get from lying flat to sitting upright in bed the following morning but much better this morning.
Nothing broken, an interesting tale to tell and some unfinished business for next year :)
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A superb ride with varied scenery in all the counties visited. We paid for the fast tailwind-assisted initial sections when we reached the later undulating sections with the headwind. So nice to reach Wem and return to wind-assisted mode. Respect, One Love and Thanks due to Mike and all the helpers. Thanks to Rob for pulling me round, especially near the end, so that I could have time to ride to Stockport afterwards to make my 8.30ish train back to London. Nice to ride with Eddie, Rob and Miles, amongst others. I trust you all got round ok? I believe it was all your first times at the 600km distance. Well done from an 'old timer.' Especially to Miles who only started audax in February and only has the use of one good leg! :thumbsup: Pleased to meet Wobbly of this forum and glad that you managed to quickly re-gain access to the B&B so you could start the ride on time!
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What a brilliant ride that was.
Plenty of variety in the scenery. I especially liked the virtually traffic-less section down the canal trail and across those fens.
Although I finished the full 600, my helmet managed to get away with just doing 350.
Thanks to the riders who spotted where I left it at Askern and for passing it on to Mike so we could be repatriated at Corby Glen.
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I especially liked the virtually traffic-less section down the canal trail and across those fens.
Only someone riding a recumbent would say that ;-)
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Thank you for Mike and his well seasoned helpers who did any excellent job.
Great route with vists to East, middle and West of the UK.
Very lucky with the weather, there was various times on the ride we thought we were going to get a soaking, however we didn't.
I hope Mel is not off the road too long.
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I especially liked the virtually traffic-less section down the canal trail and across those fens.
Only someone riding a recumbent would say that ;-)
So the gates weren't a problem?
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The gates were no problem at all.
Obviously had to stand up to open them, but it was a pleasant excuse to stretch the legs......
I spoke to the chap in the Quest velomobile who told me he also went through the gates (but only just managed to squeeze through one of them...).
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Points are up :thumbsup:
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Points are up :thumbsup:
Yes, sorry for the delay, due to my being off in France to do some cycling. It's a good job this wasn't a PBP year, but then again, it wasn't a BRM, due to my not getting calendar approval from Mrs Delph Cyclist in time for the September deadline to register the rides. (I have to coordinate with her non-cycling hobby commitments).