Now, bivvy bag or B&Bs...
What about that 600 you mentioned?
What about that 600 you mentioned?
Best you keep the 21/22 june 2014 free. There's already the perm on the system at http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/MR13/ . This perm ride's in the 10/10 category. However the cal event will be12/10
ESCA 24hr TT Clashes
Definitely interested in this one, is there going to be a limit and when can you enter?
An epic adventure
the ride is Audax at it's most litteral and exciting
Hmm. Inspiration. :) Is this what was in the pipeline when you relinquished custody of the BCM, Mr Sheep?
Entry up-take has been quite brisk, not many spaces left :o
Entry up-take has been quite brisk, not many spaces left :oWill you be holding a waiting list for when the first 20, who realise they've bitten off more than they can chew, drop out in March?
There seems to be a slight error - you have forgotten to put a control in Applecross :demon: :P
No way I could make the last Oban => Craignure ferry starting at 11:15am and the Lochranza => Kintyre ferry will not be running at midnight either. How is the use of these ferries intended to work given the constrained timetable? As far as I can see, I would be too late for the last ferry from Oban, and would be out of time by the time the next one sailed at 0745 I’d be well out of time.That's exactly what i wondered upthread, you'd get to oban 10pm-midnight, you could then sleep till the next ferry in the morning which wouldn't be too bad but it have to be mostly a bivvy bag job from then on as by that point you still would've then taken ~21 hours to do 200k. :-\
Yebbut you (and the likes of Bianchi Boy) can put 4 hours into me over a day. You'll have much less to worry about.
If SimonP is worried, I need to be. (Admittedly he's a worrier, but it reads like he's actually done the numbers in this case!)
That's the last ferry for 900km - so once you've hit that, you're back in control of your own schedule completely.
No way I could make the last Oban => Craignure ferry starting at 11:15am and the Lochranza => Kintyre ferry will not be running at midnight either. How is the use of these ferries intended to work given the constrained timetable? As far as I can see, I would be too late for the last ferry from Oban, and would be out of time by the time the next one sailed at 0745 I’d be well out of time.
I agree that making the control at Campbell Town before 16:30 looks a bit tightI've got 1701 for that control. But my formulae are highly suspect ... !
The road is very lumpy and it's 44km in 2.5 hours
But after that it's not so difficult
On 12kph minimum speed, Tobermory control closes at 7.40am, by my quick calculation.
The alternative is that you are allowed to be out of time at these intermediate controls because of the delays introduced by the ferries, but this still leaves you on the back foot for the following 1000km having to be done faster to make up time.I'd be quite happy with that solution. I think you'll struggle through OK :thumbsup:
It is possible if there are alternatives to those ferries (BlackSheep suggested in a PM that the timetables aren’t all they seem so I’ll be interested to hear from anyone who knows better).
Guys, do you really think Mr. Blacksheep will be setting up a ride that means everyone will be out of time by the end of Day 1 due to the ferry timetables? Why not wait, oh I don't know, say ten months, and then see what has been put in place, rather than worrying about it at the moment? Alternatively, carry on panicking & I'll carry on giggling to myself!
Guys, do you really think Mr. Blacksheep will be setting up a ride that means everyone will be out of time by the end of Day 1 due to the ferry timetables? Why not wait, oh I don't know, say ten months, and then see what has been put in place, rather than worrying about it at the moment? Alternatively, carry on panicking & I'll carry on giggling to myself!
good point i 'spose. 8)
Will worry about the logistics in 10 months’ time.
Guys, do you really think Mr. Blacksheep will be setting up a ride that means everyone will be out of time by the end of Day 1 due to the ferry timetables? Why not wait, oh I don't know, say ten months, and then see what has been put in place, rather than worrying about it at the moment? Alternatively, carry on panicking & I'll carry on giggling to myself!
Well, if riding on fixed I'll be sure to get more than one 200k in on fixed during the spring, that's for sure. :facepalm:
Nearly full.Blimey!!
Don't worry, I'll direct them onto your ferry when they want their cards stamped. 7 hours on The Minch should sort out those too fast riders.
Just a small point but - 'The Highlands, Glens and Western Isles' doesn't actually visit the Western Isles ::-)You can see them though
Quote from: windy link=topic=74722.msg1538 :D257#msg1538257 date=1375885174Just a small point but - 'The Highlands, Glens and Western Isles' doesn't actually visit the Western Isles ::-)You can see them though
Just spotted this, looks great.
C. is on late shift so can't discuss it until tomorrow :facepalm:
What's the longest ECE that's ever done? :P
Just spotted this, looks great.
C. is on late shift so can't discuss it until tomorrow :facepalm:
What's the longest ECE that's ever done? :P
ECE?
We've entered! ;D
We will worry about the minor details such as annual leave, ferry's and accommodation later!
Looks like it will be 600k DIY's to Scotland and back.
I've just entered!
I'd been eyeing up the perm version of this and wondering whether I could ever have found the time to do it, so having it in the calender is excellent!
Who know's what will happen over the next year though, I imagine when entry details for the Hamburg-Berlin-Koln-Hamburg 2014 are put out I'll have a better idea as to how the next year will look in terms of long rides!
Hillbilly, ECSA 24 is on 21 JUNE, so you can do both.QuoteESCA 24hr TT Clashes
Buggeration. I had been thinking of the (local for me) ESCA 24hr TT (and no doubt there will some fancy pants foreign adventure for me to be tempted by. Choices choices)
We've entered! ;D(having worked out who you are, bit slow, sorry ... )
We will worry about the minor details such as annual leave, ferry's and accommodation later!
Looks like it will be 600k DIY's to Scotland and back.
Under ECE rules the 1300 still has to be done at 12kph, though. So you have to ride a 600k, ride a 1300k at BRM pace, and then ride another 600k. The two 600s can be ridden very slowly but it seems tough to me.
I've entered, I hope there are still places left.
Under ECE rules the 1300 still has to be done at 12kph, though. So you have to ride a 600k, ride a 1300k at BRM pace, and then ride another 600k. The two 600s can be ridden very slowly but it seems tough to me.
So there may be an advantage of doing one or both of the 600km's as an ECE, then the lower speed kicks in. ;D
EDIT: A more sensible approach would be 3 x 200km on the way up, a day or two rest before the 1300km, then a 600km ECE home.
Greenbank's gone and done it now - working it out shows that the 600s can be done at a very easy pace. 95h to ride a 600k is just ridiculously easy. Though on the way back, I suspect it won't seem quite that way.
I think it is:+1 !
- DNF ECE, can still get recognised for calendar event if you finish it
- DNF calendar event, you automatically DNF the ECE
regardless of whether the ECE is in relation to extension before or after the event.
Of course, every time riders take advantage of this loophole, a kitten dies in order to maintain balance in the universe. Two kittens if a tandem is involved. The spirit of audax is an elemental force that runs through the cosmos.
sorry I don't know the answer but would like to echo the question for the "200km per day" time limit obtained on >2500km - is it 200km per day average or >200km every day. (Have asked before I think but don't think there was a definitive answer.)
It must be >200km per day, or you wouldn't get your 2 points per day.
Keith
In terms of going over 2500km, does it state anywhere that this is available for ECEs? (The ECE FAQ on here only states the 10kph up to 2499km, I think).
And even if it does, my understanding is that it would be 200km on every day of the ride, not 200km/day average over the period of the ride:sorry I don't know the answer but would like to echo the question for the "200km per day" time limit obtained on >2500km - is it 200km per day average or >200km every day. (Have asked before I think but don't think there was a definitive answer.)
It must be >200km per day, or you wouldn't get your 2 points per day.
Keith
If it is 200/day, you may also need extra PoP, e.g first controls are at 69km and 249km (Tobermory), so if you only got to Oban on day 1 (210km) you'd presumably need PoP there for the ECE but not the Cal. ???Yes. Which would be ridiculous, IMO!
I see the route avoids Comrie..... but makes up for it by passing along Loch Eck 8)And about time too. :thumbsup:
I'm also not entirely happy with the 200/day min every day interpretation.That isn't the correct interpretation. Any more than you have to do 15km in every hour of a BRM 200, say.
I'm also not entirely happy with the 200/day min every day interpretation.That isn't the correct interpretation. Any more than you have to do 15km in every hour of a BRM 200, say.
see http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=68736.5 <- I've been reliably informed by DIY org that this discussion is correct.
<snip>
600+1300 gives you the magic 1900 and 10kph from the start of the 600.
The 1300 has a 12kph min average speed so that's fixed at 108h20m.
But 1900 at 10kph = 190 hours.
So you'd have 81h40m to do the 600 up to the start. That's more than enough time to do a leisurely 50 hour 600 and then have a day and a bit (31h40m) to rest before the start of the 1300.
Gets even better if you do 600+1300+600 as you'll have 12.5 days (300 hours at 200km per day) to do the whole thing. A fixed 108h20m for the 1300km calendar portion leaves 95h50m to do each 600 either side of it.
So, reading through the posts I think we have established that 200km per day is an average not a minimum per day so 'rest' days are allowed within the time limits at the controls. I'm considering one of these strategies...
I'm in :thumbsup:
Note:
I have been asked to trim this thread by the originator and ask that subsequent posts are related to this event only.
If there are queries about other events and rides (e.g. the Grand Triangle) or general distance and time I suggest you PM the person involved or create another thread title.
If this thread wanders off topic, I have been asked to get the gardening fork out out turn it over.
You have been warned.
H
Hmm. Inspiration. :)
Dare I ask what the Grand Triangle is?
Possibly me if there's any places left next month when I have some money again.
@skint.dotcom :(
This will be an absolute knee buster for me, but I've paid, I await to see if I've secured the last place!
This will be an absolute knee buster for me, but I've paid, I await to see if I've secured the last place!
Depends what your name is, PM me and your anxiety will be over (or just starting)
This will be an absolute knee buster for me, but I've paid, I await to see if I've secured the last place!
:o
That's going to be quite a trip in an orange blob!
Check the rider email from him.
Day 1 210 km - Sleep in Oban
Day 2 277 km - Gairloch
Day 3 322 km - Sleep in the Trantlebeg lodge that I understand Mr Blacksheep has booked.
Day 4 303 km - Glencoe - SYHA with recpetion open untim 10:30pm
Day 5 186km - To finish
QuoteDay 1 210 km - Sleep in Oban
Day 2 277 km - Gairloch
Day 3 322 km - Sleep in the Trantlebeg lodge that I understand Mr Blacksheep has booked.
Day 4 303 km - Glencoe - SYHA with recpetion open untim 10:30pm
Day 5 186km - To finish
Had worked out the same plan last night. Looks like there could be a fair number of people looking to the same little places to stay. ;)
Scottish hedges don't need to be booked thanks to the right to roam.
(I have a year to convince xxxxxxxx_xxxxx to support me with his campervan, though I doubt he'll go for it).
(I have a year to convince xxxxxxxx_xxxxx to support me with his campervan, though I doubt he'll go for it).
Support?! Who are you, and what have you done with Deano?
Scottish hedges don't need to be booked thanks to the right to roam.
That is because hedges don't exist in that part of the world. ;)
I have started planning some route options and .....................................................
I intend to ride this as a tour rather than a non-stop Audax and try to rest every night. ........................................
Day 1 210 km - Sleep in Oban
Day 2 277 km - Gairloch
Day 3 322 km - Sleep in the Trantlebeg lodge that I understand Mr Blacksheep has booked.
Day 4 303 km - Glencoe - SYHA with recpetion open untim 10:30pm
Day 5 186km - To finish on the Friday.
No way I could make the last Oban => Craignure ferry starting at 11:15am and the Lochranza => Kintyre ferry will not be running at midnight either. How is the use of these ferries intended to work given the constrained timetable? As far as I can see, I would be too late for the last ferry from Oban, and would be out of time by the time the next one sailed at 0745 I’d be well out of time.
Well, I've heard that the Most Secret And Noble Order of Audax Ecosse may have boatmen available at their beck and call at all the necessary crossings.This ride gets better and better.
No waiting for ferries required.
The facilities may be available to others on receipt of a small consideration.
One of our concerns is arriving at accomidation too late due to lack of speed or delays on route. Our experience on the LEL is that we only need 4 to 5 hrs sleep per night so a full night accomidation may not be necessary every night. We are considering camping with an ultra lightweight tent such as...
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-spares/all-tents/laser-photon-2-tent/ (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-spares/all-tents/laser-photon-2-tent/)
... does anyone have any experience or advice regarding such a stratergy on a ride like this please?
Well, I've heard that the Most Secret And Noble Order of Audax Ecosse may have boatmen available at their beck and call at all the necessary crossings.This ride gets better and better.
No waiting for ferries required.
The facilities may be available to others on receipt of a small consideration.
(Will the boatmen accept English banknotes? )
:o
That's going to be quite a trip in an orange blob!
I hope I survive to regret this very day!
Can he not just make the bodyshell watertight and hoist sail (ana pirate flag, natch)You'll probably make that last Oban ferry ;D:o
That's going to be quite a trip in an orange blob!
I hope I survive to regret this very day!
One of our concerns is arriving at accomidation too late due to lack of speed or delays on route. Our experience on the LEL is that we only need 4 to 5 hrs sleep per night so a full night accomidation may not be necessary every night. We are considering camping with an ultra lightweight tent such as...
http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-spares/all-tents/laser-photon-2-tent/ (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-spares/all-tents/laser-photon-2-tent/)
... does anyone have any experience or advice regarding such a stratergy on a ride like this please?
Take plenty of midge repellant ;)
I simply don't know enough of the terrain and facilites on this route to judge right now.
Anyhoo ... i'm in a similar position. I'm just not fast enough to get 5-6 hours every night on this ride, so would consider roughing it (not for long, just cat-napping really) on perhaps 1 night.
I simply don't know enough of the terrain and facilites on this route to judge right now.
There will probably be sheep to sleep amongst for warmth and provide an evening's "entertainment". Just find a quiet bothy in a secluded spot. Provided you can fight your way through the locals (not so much dogging, as sheepdogging). Oh, wait, this is on the west coast...
You've not lived till you've encountered West Coast late July Midges. Indescribable.Tell us all about them Kev.
You've not lived till you've encountered West Coast late July Midges. Indescribable.
Stop for a pee. Better pee quickly...
I remember TTTing on the Mull of Kintyre 600 a couple of years ago, not to avoid the wind but to get shelter from the midges :demon:
I remember TTTing on the Mull of Kintyre 600 a couple of years ago, not to avoid the wind but to get shelter from the midges :demon:
I remember your photo from the C+ Torridon hostel weekend :(
Are Midges a Problem?
Midges can be a problem at certain times of year, usually from June until August. The culprits are the pregnant females seeking blood in order to produce their eggs. You should carry a midge repellant with you just in case.
I have started planning some route options and there is some issues with overnight sleeping.The problem with sleeping options for my planned schedule is at the end of day 2. Gairloch has some options and some options between there and Ullapool - but not many. The real constraint on the route is the ferry from Oban. http://www.calmac.co.uk/timetables/summer-timetables.htm?id=summer-mull--oban-craignure.png (http://www.calmac.co.uk/timetables/summer-timetables.htm?id=summer-mull--oban-craignure.png) shows the last ferry at 18:00 and the first the following morning at 07:45. Then there is 600 km to the lodge that Mr Blacksheep has booked.
I intend to ride this as a tour rather than a non-stop Audax and try to rest every night. The distances are long between watering holes in that part of the world and there is an almost total lack of 24 services of any kind. Riding through the night would involve filling water bottles as late as possible and buying food and been self sufficient until somewhere was found for breakfast.
Day 1 210 km - Sleep in Oban
Day 2 277 km - Gairloch
Day 3 322 km - Sleep in the Trantlebeg lodge that I understand Mr Blacksheep has booked.
Day 4 303 km - Glencoe - SYHA with recpetion open untim 10:30pm
Day 5 186km - To finish
This is just what I have sketched out at the moment and is very much an initial idea. The 186 km on the last day leaves plenty of time to finish in 108 hours as this is 23:15 on the Friday.
Oh I am getting all excited
BB
I remember TTTing on the Mull of Kintyre 600 a couple of years ago, not to avoid the wind but to get shelter from the midges :demon:
I remember your photo from the C+ Torridon hostel weekend :(
(http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4054/4341204339_57fd3b0cec_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/4341204339/)
IMG_0044 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/4341204339/) by The Pingus (http://www.flickr.com/people/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Day 4 - 3645m of climbing
(http://napalmgram.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Image3.png)
Day 5 - 1807m of climbing
(http://napalmgram.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Image4.png)
Profiles from GoogleMap Cuesheet so probably not perfect. But the overall amount of climbing works out very close to the advertised figure
Profiles from GoogleMap Cuesheeter ... from what?
............. (Google keep adding stuff behind my back ... )
Day 4 - 3645m of climbing
(http://napalmgram.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Image3.png)
Profiles from GoogleMap Cuesheet so probably not perfect. But the overall amount of climbing works out very close to the advertised figure
Sorry, yes 25,000
I've just read the rules and it says you have to ride a 13,000K (I did PBP last time and have the Arrow and a 1,000 in the bag)
Do you mean the Brevet 25,000?
If so, then AIUI it could count as the 1300, 1000 part of one of the SRs, or the other points towards the 250 total. In other words, it isn't PBP, LEL or an Arrow! (As it's an AUK award, longer rides than the nominated distances can be used)
[Edit: originally typed 1200 instead of 1300]
Day 4 - 3645m of climbing
(http://napalmgram.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Image3.png)
Profiles from GoogleMap Cuesheet so probably not perfect. But the overall amount of climbing works out very close to the advertised figure
for one brief moment I was worried about what I'd signed up for, then i realised that the metres were feet :facepalm:
Aye - that's the problem - there aren't many routes that go from Dingwall to Tyndrum. One safer alternative would be the road south of Loch Ness, and to go round the coast from Ballachullish to Taynuilt rather than over Rannoch Moor.
Just been looking at the the route for this one. Not really sure that riding along the A82 for long stretches in daylight during peak silly season is the best idea. What are people's thoughts on alternative routes or riding that section at night?The A82 north of Spean Bridge isnt one Id seek out but isn't a no-no in my view. The addition of summer holiday traffic may actually help as the danger imho is oncoming overtaking vehicles - many stretches are old school A road and arent wide enough for 2 vehicles and a bike.
Have they published their 2014 summer timetables yet?
Have they published their 2014 summer timetables yet?
No, I checked yesterday
Surely that would impact on height climbed and therefore AAA points.
Quote from: VelomanSurely that would impact on height climbed and therefore AAA points.
No, The Route is measured in distance and in height using the shortest (google set to walking?) route from control to control. As the current Audax Rules state 'Allez Libre', we're free to chose our own route between controls. But if we differ from the authorised route, it is likely to be longer.
Will you be partaking in this event Velo man?
Quote from: VelomanSurely that would impact on height climbed and therefore AAA points.
No, The Route is measured in distance and in height using the shortest (google set to walking?) route from control to control. As the current Audax Rules state 'Allez Libre', we're free to chose our own route between controls. But if we differ from the authorised route, it is likely to be longer.
Agreed and that's why I'm seeking out a hill between A and B that will gain AAA points and then doing it by a Traditional DIY but going a slightly longer distance (Via C) that excludes the AAA section but will enable me to claim the AAA points as no proof of ever going over the climb is required! Just need proof I was at A and arrived at B. I amass a load of points that way without ever going over a hill.
Now, I'm not suggesting I would do that, but if you can change the route (Allez Libre) to miss climbing, and I assume Rannock Moor does contribute to the AAA, then surely this defeats the object of AAA and is outwith the spirit of the event.
........... and is run by the goodwill of volunteers don't forget.
@BB: There are two of us going up from DPCC. Current plan is to car/van share, although we haven't planned any more than that, and it may well change. Just FYI etc etc ...I have relatives that live quite close to the finish and plan on sleeping then catching the train from there. It is about 30 miles from the finish so hope my legs are fine.
[If i was Billy no-mates, I'd be tempted by a ride like yours, then train home from the finish. Although Carlisle-Broddick looks like about 200km; so those 2 days are probably a bit much for my little legs. Perhaps a 3-day version!]
Does anyone have a gpx yet?
I know that it is a long way off but I have been doing some planning on the route up. Starting on Monday I could not resist some weekend riding. I live in Reading and needed to take a jump up north. I have planed a route starting from Darlington and going to Carlisle, then up to Kilmarnock for the Sunday night leaving a short ride to catch the ferry in time for the start.
I was wondering if anyone would be up for a weekend ride? The route from Darlington allows for train connections from London and the south and from the north as well. If the summer timetable is the same as last year there will be a direct train that will get me there for 11am to midday on the Saturday. Leaving time enough for a 100 mile ride over to Carlisle.
Just a idea at the moment. But one that I think could work and not leave me too tired for the 1300 km ride that will follow.
BB
I know the route west of the A76 is better but there would be the 1300km Audax to complete afterwards, also my in-laws live close to the road and I would be popping in for cake.I know that it is a long way off but I have been doing some planning on the route up. Starting on Monday I could not resist some weekend riding. I live in Reading and needed to take a jump up north. I have planed a route starting from Darlington and going to Carlisle, then up to Kilmarnock for the Sunday night leaving a short ride to catch the ferry in time for the start.
I was wondering if anyone would be up for a weekend ride? The route from Darlington allows for train connections from London and the south and from the north as well. If the summer timetable is the same as last year there will be a direct train that will get me there for 11am to midday on the Saturday. Leaving time enough for a 100 mile ride over to Carlisle.
Just a idea at the moment. But one that I think could work and not leave me too tired for the 1300 km ride that will follow.
BB
I live in Darlo - but I haven't given much thought to getting there yet. Probably a train to Glasgow and another one out to the coast the day before, and maybe a wee dawdle around Arran on the Sunday.
If I do decide to ride up, I'll keep an eye out for you. Not sure I really fancy the A76 mind, I've ridden along it a few times, and never really enjoyed it. Some fairly fast-moving traffic (though infrequent), and some really shit towns. I'd be looking into swinging a bit further west, through Dalmellington and St John's Town of Dairy.
Does anyone have a gpx yet?
Have you had a look on the calendar page for the event?
Looking at the route sheet, this won't be a navigation challenging event.
... as they were in August, when this thing was announced.
Did you not get your planning done then? ::-)
Hoping to get my name on the waiting list. Would be nice to meet you all on this jaunt.Is it the Audax or Scotland that has you attracted?
May I suggest a hashtag for the twitter users amongst us.Sorreeeeeee - I've already sent about 80 with #1300hgwi
#Hgwi1300
May I suggest a hashtag for the twitter users amongst us.Sorreeeeeee - I've already sent about 80 with #1300hgwi
#Hgwi1300
My bad!
Are you really sure you want to go to Kilmarnock? :oI think I said I would go and catch a train. Would I stop on the way through? I have relatives in Auchinleck, might try to ride there on Friday but I fear the pull of beer when (if?) I complete this ride.
Talking with LWaB last night and he is concerned that the ride will need a turn of pace to make certain ferries (he isn't riding, but did study it). Personally, I think there are only a couple of stages where there is a minor concern - and it is minor. Hit the ferries and the stages between them only need a bottom speed of 15-16kph to make the next one - famous last words, but shouldn't cause too many dramas.
We will all arrive at Craignure @ 08:30 on Tuesday morning (unless anyone convinces a fisherman to take them across the night before). We will all be out of time at the Tobermory control but, whatever.
The next ferry is at Tobermory - 35 km away. There is a ferry @ 11:00 - sure, it isn't flat (roughly 400m of ascent in the 35km) and it often takes a few minutes to disembark etc., but that is still over 2 hours to ride 35km. So, I don't think it should cause any dramas - missing this ferry would probably start to put the next stage out of reach though (2 hours until next ferry).
So, we should arrive into Kilchoan at 11:35 and the next goal is Mallaig at 95km distance - last ferry at 18:00. Call it 10-15 minutes to disembark - 6 hours and 15 minutes to ride 95km, with around 1800m of ascent. Again, I think we will all be bunched back up and able to make use of group riding - though it is quite hilly. But still - that's 6 hours to ride less than 100km
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/12524013404_ac6536b8eb_c.jpg)
Once we make that Mallaig ferry (340km) that's it for ferries for over 900km.
Am I missing anything?
Sure, there's a million and one other things that might scupper us - but if the ferries run to schedule, I really don't think that anyone need worry overly?
Once ferry stresses are dealt with, we can worry about food and accommodation next.
Seems a sound analysis to me. Obviously, even if anyone does manage to get onto Oban early, either by racing to catch the last ferry or rowing across, there's not much point, as they'd still have a night on Mull before the first ferry off the island. A couple hours' advantage, maybe, but not worth flaying yourself for.
It all looks like good fun.
.. long hot summers in Scotland.
Marcus, I think we could have managed without the stage 1-1 profile ;)
What is interesting from those breakdowns is that not a single stage drops below the 1000m/100km 'average' that I use as a rule-of-thumb for Englandshire rides. Now this reminds us that it's a very hilly ride, but on the plus side the climbing is evenly spread. Surely a good thing? :-\
Is it too late to switch to the MC1K? :(
Is it too late to switch to the MC1K? :(
Marcus, I think we could have managed without the stage 1-1 profile ;)
What is interesting from those breakdowns is that not a single stage drops below the 1000m/100km 'average' that I use as a rule-of-thumb for Englandshire rides. Now this reminds us that it's a very hilly ride, but on the plus side the climbing is evenly spread. Surely a good thing? :-\
If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing properly......In that case, could you please draw them all to the same scale please? Thanks :-*
Marcus, I think we could have managed without the stage 1-1 profile ;)
What is interesting from those breakdowns is that not a single stage drops below the 1000m/100km 'average' that I use as a rule-of-thumb for Englandshire rides. Now this reminds us that it's a very hilly ride, but on the plus side the climbing is evenly spread. Surely a good thing? :-\
If a job is worth doing, it's worth doing properly......
Yep - it certainly appears hilly onpapera computer screen. I'd guess there's reasonable opportunity for some inaccuracy in those calculations with the terrain (rolling through glens etc.); but I'd take the profiles as roughly correct if not the exact climbing figures.
The climbing does look evenly spread - a couple of pretty choppy stages though. There's some flatter stuff when we're alongside lochs etc.
Anyway, we hardly go much above 200 metres - can't be that hilly now can it?
It's going to be an interesting challenge in terms of equipment choice - we're very self-sufficient and will have to carry more than we normally might (particularly those thinking of bivvy bags etc.). One thing is for sure after having checked a few roads out on Streetview, you will want to pack a small camera - it's a bit pretty!
Is it too late to switch to the MC1K? :(
I think part of the genius and appeal for this ride is we are sort of forced toendureenjoy each other's company far more than on a usual ride for at least that first 340km. We will all be on the same ferries so everyone from fast to slow will be back together regularly.
It is going to be a wild tour of some very beautiful parts of the world and I can not wait.
I will follow this topic with a lot of interest. My cyclingmate Richard and I will certainly join you this edition!
We're two Dutchies experiencing the Scottish landscape with you this year.
If it hasnt happened already Id urge contact with CalMac in advance.
Ive found that from experience on the Port Navigation & Mull It Over that it can help greatly. A load of cyclists turning up unexpectedly could see them play hard ball over their published 30 minute check in (they do reserve the right to apply it) and it could mean 90 minutes rather than 2 hours for the 35km to Tobermory.
SYHA latest report on GairlochYH:
Following the storms in December 2013, which damaged the roof of Gairloch Youth Hostel, staff at SYHA Hostelling Scotland have been working hard with our insurers, loss adjusters and local contractors to make sure the building can reopen as soon as possible.
The extent of the damage to the roof and inside the building has now been confirmed and we are looking at a number of solutions. At the current time, we estimate the youth hostel will not reopen until June. We remain optimistic that the repairs can be completed by then and are now taking bookings for 1st July onwards.
Now full - There might be other places and I know there is a YH quite close.Sleeping at Gairloch.
I have booked a small bunkhouse for the exclusive use of riders on this event. There are a total of 5 beds and the organiser will provide food for supper and breakfast (at a cost). We can come and go as we please and there will be no one else to disturb.
I have paid in advance and there are two places up for grabs. Cost will £15 each and we can organise the food between us that the owner will go out and buy.
Please PM me if you are interested.
BB
I really don't want to cart a sleeping bag and bivi round just for one night!
SYHA latest report on GairlochYH:
Following the storms in December 2013, which damaged the roof of Gairloch Youth Hostel, staff at SYHA Hostelling Scotland have been working hard with our insurers, loss adjusters and local contractors to make sure the building can reopen as soon as possible.
The extent of the damage to the roof and inside the building has now been confirmed and we are looking at a number of solutions. At the current time, we estimate the youth hostel will not reopen until June. We remain optimistic that the repairs can be completed by then and are now taking bookings for 1st July onwards.
Oh that's great, I just made a booking for this and been in contact with the manager who suggests it'd probably be ok to arrive late as long as you didn't wake anybody up, anybody else thinking of booking just say you're doing this event and arriving late so he can look to put us all in the same room and avoid disturbing any civilians.
Could be quite a convenient stop off as it's only a couple of miles off the main road.
That's all nights accounted for now then and no need to 'ride through'. :thumbsup:
I really don't want to cart a sleeping bag and bivi round just for one night!
Now there's an excellent suggestion :thumbsup:
Just the damned midgies to contend with but this approach would make it a grand adventure.
H
Whistle Stop Cafe, Kinlochewe
March 1
We are now open for this year.
During March on Mon,Tues & Wed from 9.00am-6.00pm and Thurs, Fri & Sat from 9.00am-9.00pm. From April 1st we will be open 9.00am-9.00pm Monday through to Saturday.
Looking forward to seeing you all again.
In Ullapool the Tesco is hidden away in the middle of the village. It is signed Latheron Centre, and "Free P".
Buy a midgie net or risk being gnawed to a skeleton.
I wondered if anyone had tried rubbing themselves with the spermicidal lubricant that can be found on many a modern condom?
Surely this may help and from my experience, need not require an embarrassing visit to the gents as there are a number of second user implements discarded on the roadside.
Hmmmmm?
H
I think a control experiment is required.
H
Have you had any midges near the saddle on your bike since you performed that series of experiments with condoms?
If not, then I think it is conclusive. Spermicidal lubricant is, indeed, your friend.
I don't think you need to trawl through the entire site, I would suggest you could start with this thread, though the GPS files I have put up are not based on suggested days (and indeed, your planned days are different to mine).I searched through many MJB posts - all entertaining, of course - and couldn't find these!
However I have converted the .kml on the calendar page to .gpx and split it down into sections between controls & the ferry crossings.now when I load northbound into bikehike.co.uk (normally pretty reliable) I get a very mangled route [think Eric Morecambe's "right notes" quote ...]
Northbound is http://sdrv.ms/18ghwFI
Southbound is http://sdrv.ms/18ghIVe
no guarantees expressed or implied that these are correct !
I don't think you need to trawl through the entire site, I would suggest you could start with this thread, though the GPS files I have put up are not based on suggested days (and indeed, your planned days are different to mine).I searched through many MJB posts - all entertaining, of course - and couldn't find these!
Did find this from Ppete:QuoteHowever I have converted the .kml on the calendar page to .gpx and split it down into sections between controls & the ferry crossings.now when I load northbound into bikehike.co.uk (normally pretty reliable) I get a very mangled route [think Eric Morecambe's "right notes" quote ...]
Northbound is http://sdrv.ms/18ghwFI
Southbound is http://sdrv.ms/18ghIVe
no guarantees expressed or implied that these are correct !
Anyone used these OK? Or got a better source?
OR
Is there an easy way to read/convert the official KML file?Perhaps organisers should be required to provide checked GPX files?!?
Ben, does this fit into one handy gpx file for gps'?Yes, right click - Save All to download the GPX file.
Cheers Ben. Looking at your route, looks like its tweeked from std google maps set to walking. For example you go inland from Trantlebeg to Larig instead of taking the main (coast) road. This looks good for me as I prefer more quiet routes over busier more direct routes. Many thanks for sharing I'll pop this into my gps and check the whole route is displayed.
^that is the route as per the route sheet.
Ah, I never got that far. I usually set Google to walking and give a cursery glance for any silly detours or busy roads which can be bypassed.
Whilst working out times, distances, beer stops and general stuff of that sort, I noticed that there was mention of Trantlebeg as a stop-over control on the Wednesday night.
On checking this with Mr Blacksheep, I have found this to be true :thumbsup:
From Msr Blacksheep:
Trantlebeg has been sole-hired for the entire duration that the control is open, this accounts for the lions-share of the entry fees..
Marvelous stuff.
H
I am sure Mark has a plan of some form, so I shall not overly worry about it.
Hi,
I have booked a small bunkhouse at Gairloch and the owner also has a 4 berth caravan. You can book the whole caravan for £65 and the owner will rent sleeping bags and towels. The kitchen facilities in the bunk house can be shared and I am providing a food list for the bunk house and the owner is filling the fridge up on the day.
So if someone wants to organise a group of four to rent the caravan PM me and I will forward the owners email address and you can take it from there.
The facility is less than a km off route.
BB
(*) Hummers, I draw your attention to this fine looking establishment (**), http://www.ben-nevis-inn.co.uk/ - get a wiggle on for the first round...
Is a tent/bivvy a serious option? The cons are extra weight and comfort but the big pro for me is being able to stop where I like. My concern about booking accommodation is whether or not I can get there on time.
It seems that Oban will be a sensible place to sleep on the first night and that's where I have booked accomodation, but on arrival on Mull, if I've worked it out right, everyone sleeping in Oban will be at least about 3 hours 40 down on the 12km/h minimum speed schedule.I thought it was the time you arrived and not when you departed from controls that was important?
For this reason, I can't see much opportunity for a long sleep on the second night. Although Gairloch is reachable between say 9pm and midnight, we would have to leave by 03:55 to stay above the 12km/h minimum speed limit. You could ignore this and sleep later, but you would have to catch the time back up by the next control.
If you could push on a bit further than Gairloch before sleeping, you could sleep until later, but you would obviously also arrive at that point later too. As progress will depend on weather conditions including wind direction, it's a bit of a gamble to work out where you will be when you need sleep or even if you will have time to sleep. That's why I'm not booking anything and am carrying my bivvy bag for the 2nd and 4th nights.
On the 4th night I'll probably have minimal sleep and push on to the finish. I've booked accommodation for a week there and my family are flying up to join me. We're having a further week touring Scotland before heading home.
As progress will depend on weather conditions including wind direction, it's a bit of a gamble to work out where you will be when you need sleep or even if you will have time to sleep. That's why I'm not booking anything and am carrying my bivvy bag for the 2nd and 4th nights.This problem is not unique - it's the same issue on every 1000+. I've ridden (a)PBP, LEL, MC1K and the Herentals1200 with a known schedule (2 of those the orgs booked the sleep stops); they all worked out fine. Having said that I know plenty of folks really hate schedules - it's a broad church [AUK cliche No.129].
The reason I am not bivying is as well as carrying tent & sleeping bag I'll have to carry food and cooker, water etc..
The reason I am not bivying is as well as carrying tent & sleeping bag I'll have to carry food and cooker, water etc..
I don't think carrying water is essential.
I am considering http://www.lifesaversystems.com/lifesaver-products/lifesaver-bottle
635g dry if you look in the technical data. I think that's less than the water weight it could save.
635g dry if you look in the technical data. I think that's less than the water weight it could save.
635g dry if you look in the technical data. I think that's less than the water weight it could save.
You can save 600g and £98 with purification tablets
Are there really many 100km stretch of road without a pub...........
Are there really many 100km stretch of road without a pub...........
I hope not :'(
H
I can't wait to find out how all the riders planning on bivvying get on. Sleeping outside in Scotland in the summer? Do make sure you pack the DEET. :thumbsup:
I have slept outside many times. The most important thing is to get below a bush or tree so as the dampness falls from the air it lands on the tree and not on you. There again the wild west does not have many trees.I can't wait to find out how all the riders planning on bivvying get on. Sleeping outside in Scotland in the summer? Do make sure you pack the DEET. :thumbsup:
This is one of my concerns about bivvying although I am looking at bivvys with meshes and hoops etc so there should be some kind of protection.
Tent and sleeping bag have arrived.
Bloody hell they're light.
Tera nova laser ultra 1 tent - about 550g. Sea to summit spark spi sleeping bag - 284g.
Does anyone know the location of the Trantlebeg hostel? I've done a quick google (incl maps search) but not found it.
Tera nova laser ultra 1 tent - about 550g. Sea to summit spark spi sleeping bag - 284g.
Tera nova laser ultra 1 tent - about 550g. Sea to summit spark spi sleeping bag - 284g.
A few of you have asked about the most useful apps for this jaunt, so here goes
A few of you have asked about the most useful apps for this jaunt, so here goes
You need to be aware that 3G signals are few and far between in NW Scotland and most of the time you struggle getting any mobile signal at all.
Tent and sleeping bag have arrived.
Bloody hell they're light.
Er ... at the risk of (further) public embrassmont ... is the routesheet link (on AUKWeb) still working?
I downloaded the xlsx file months ago, but it ain't working for me now ???
(we've got a new PC)
Tent and sleeping bag have arrived.
Bloody hell they're light.
Yeah but, you better start improving your erection techniques, and get the thing up a bit quicker than you did at the week end, or the mossies will have a field day.
Somehow I expect Hummers to make an interjection now .........
Tent and sleeping bag have arrived.
Bloody hell they're light.
Yeah but, you better start improving your erection techniques, and get the thing up a bit quicker than you did at the week end, or the mossies will have a field day.
Somehow I expect Hummers to make an interjection now .........
The erection speed was hampered by:
- some final assembly required which is a one time job
- losing a peg which let go its guy rope when I tightened the opposite one. They are impossible to find in long grass.
I wonder what else is important to know.
BBC Alba
BBC Alba
As an admiring spectator, I look forward to seeing this. Can you ask them to do sub-titles?
BBC Alba
As an admiring spectator, I look forward to seeing this. Can you ask them to do sub-titles?
??? I can generally understand most of what Hummers says.
You seem to have the magic touch H. Works now (that's at the 3rd attempt, same PC!)
No drafting the camera car now ;)
Out of this :( My graduation is on the 23rd July and something tells me I won't be finished by then!Oh I can feel the reserve list been prepared.
Let me guess?Buckie
Irn-Bru ?
Didn't know that was brewed at Buckfast, but seems to qualify on other counts....
I think I would certainly want to run that stuff through simonp's water filtration device before drinking it!
The only deviation to the route was from Lochinvar where we decided to follow the coast road as opposed to retracing the 11 miles and then heading to Durness. Not sure if it was a good decision or not, interesting route between the rocks but some very hilly sections, probably steeper than 1 in 4 on a couple of sections and we only just about managed the stay on the bikes as opposed to pushing. The bikes did weigh approximately one ton each with all the camping palava on board though. Most of the hills were long but not particularly steep.
Now full - There might be other places and I know there is a YH quite close.
Sleeping at Gairloch.
I have booked a small bunkhouse for the exclusive use of riders on this event. There are a total of 5 beds and the organiser will provide food for supper and breakfast (at a cost). We can come and go as we please and there will be no one else to disturb.
:
BB
Now full - There might be other places and I know there is a YH quite close.
Sleeping at Gairloch.
I have booked a small bunkhouse for the exclusive use of riders on this event. There are a total of 5 beds and the organiser will provide food for supper and breakfast (at a cost). We can come and go as we please and there will be no one else to disturb.
:
BB
For RL reasons, I've taken over the handling of this booking, and there is now a place available for the Tues night (22nd Jul) - cost remains at £15 + 1/5th food split.
1st come 1st dibs.
Edit: Now dibbed.
Aye, I took the Drumbeg road on a tour.
Took me three days ;D
I am out of this one too. :-[:hand:
H
It is all about work :hand:
Dreadful turn of events. :facepalm:
H
PS - if you're old enough to remember a classic 1986 documentary The Bike Brothers about Jack, Norman and Ken Taylor, then you might like to know it was made by our executive producer Richard Else who owns Triple Echo. It's also on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALNsQpCL8LY).
Because I'd entered this I hadn't entered the Mille Cymru or that 1000 in France or anything else. Oh well, la de da.(my bold)
I will be up-loading GPS files in the very near future - so please don't go to the trouble of trying to generate your own.
Now full - There might be other places and I know there is a YH quite close.
Sleeping at Gairloch.
I have booked a small bunkhouse for the exclusive use of riders on this event. There are a total of 5 beds and the organiser will provide food for supper and breakfast (at a cost). We can come and go as we please and there will be no one else to disturb.
:
BB
For RL reasons, I've taken over the handling of this booking, and there is now a place available for the Tues night (22nd Jul) - cost remains at £15 + 1/5th food split.
1st come 1st dibs.
Edit: Now dibbed.
Dib.Yours...
???
Armadale
Town in United Kingdom
Armadale is a town within the district of West Lothian in central Scotland.
Two different places in same name shocker!!!yes yes, i get the message ;D
Do we have a preferred Finish Control (aka Pub) yet? It rather seems like all the other slow riders have dropped out, but there's a fair chance this rider will be pushing the 23:37h cutoff. So somewhere open until midnight on a Friday would be ideal.I'm staying in Ardrossan the Saturday and Sunday night in advance, so have time to research the subject.
[with secure-ish courtyard for bikes, even ideallerer!]
Do we have a preferred Finish Control (aka Pub) yet? It rather seems like all the other slow riders have dropped out, but there's a fair chance this rider will be pushing the 23:37h cutoff. So somewhere open until midnight on a Friday would be ideal.
[with secure-ish courtyard for bikes, even ideallerer!]
Noting a fair weather forecast, sunshine and showers and a gentle tailie from Campbelltown to Durness
Well the clock is ticking down now. Batteries on charge. Noting a fair weather forecast, sunshine and showers and a gentle tailie from Campbelltown to Durness, I have greased and taped up my rear lights, which decided to switch themselves on in overnight rain in Ikley during TdF visit. This trip gave the oppo not only to review the LEL route again, cycle over newly resurfaced YadMoss in the rain this time [snow and sun on previous visits], but also to test the midge strength during an overnight at SamyeLing whose campsite was knee high in dockins, nettles, must have been some grass, and the aforesaid. Now equipped with Avon, and have a spare bottle to sell on if anyone wants. Must get on with chain cleaning and valve cap polishing. Good luck everyone and enjoy :). Look forward to seeing you at the start, and hopefully on the occasional ferry.
I've nearly finished building my bike. :thumbsup:
ok, time to get ready :). train tickets booked to arrive sunday afternoon and depart saturday afternoon, hotel rooms in irvine booked for sunday night and friday night. waiting for a midge net, "skin so soft" and a tecknet power bank to arrive by post. next step - to sort out the gpx track (anyone got one already?..).http://www.gpxeditor.co.uk/routes2/users/bentaylor/hgwi1300 << edit - warning: take hover-over distances with pinch of salt
En-route provision planning:
I think most of the route will be OK, assuming the various info posted about shops is true! Some long legs, but that's OK.
I'm a bit concerned about Day2 (which remember we start at 0830!),
getting from Kyle of Lochalsh to Gairloch. 107 hilly km, possibly starting in afternoon heat (!).
Kinlochlewe is at 494k i.e. an 80k leg, but the caff closes at 2100. Could be a close thing.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whistle-Stop-Cafe-Kinlochewe/223096744444313
There are a few tiny villages en-route ... :-\
Weirdly, my map doesn't go to lochinver - but i've only created it by converting the kml on the auk site, that doesn't appear to go there either.
It looks like it is a dead end - I presume it is a control, that we go there and then retrace back the way we've come to the main road?
I was just wondering why it appeared to have 'gained' about 30k between gairloch and durness... :-\
Weirdly, my map doesn't go to lochinver - but i've only created it by converting the kml on the auk site, that doesn't appear to go there either.
It looks like it is a dead end - I presume it is a control, that we go there and then retrace back the way we've come to the main road?
I was just wondering why it appeared to have 'gained' about 30k between gairloch and durness... :-\
Your route is very different to my GPX files (plotted from routesheet). Is that kml just the Google maps shortest distance?
You definitely want to go to Lochinvar, as it is a control!
Looking at the gpx supplied it does not go to Lochinver as stated above. I've now created a new track on ridewithgps but trying to load it into bikehike to converted it to fit (2000 track points) is not working.... Its bally 3.7Mb before reduction.Dave, I've modified my link so it now does go to Lochinver: http://www.gpxeditor.co.uk/routes2/users/bentaylor/hgwi1300
Hmm two panniers full weighing ~8kg and that doesn't include a 500gm sleeping bag and 400gm bivi. Gulp! Might have to start removing stuff, starting with two sets of spares/tools. MSR whisperlite and gaz canister was a late addition. Might have a look at the MSR pocket rocket tomorrow.
There's no right and wrong to anything we doI'm sorry, but that is very wrong.
...
I've even been weighing different clothing options to work out the best combinations!
regarding same pair of shorts on multi-day rides - i don't see a problem (as long as you keep your undercarriage clean). many riders/racers manage just fine. there are more important things to think and worry about :).Yes, there are. Such as:
Incidentally when I sat down and planned in more detail earlier this week, I reckon that apart from hotel meals - which tend to be last order 8:30 pm - there will be no open source of food between Scourie in the far North West and Lairg, a 100km after Trantlebeg, at the times I am likely to be going through there.True - apart from Trantlebeg. I'm getting the impression Mark will feed us there. *
There's no right and wrong to anything we doI'm sorry, but that is very wrong.
...
I've even been weighing different clothing options to work out the best combinations!
au naturel - skin dun't rust. Might need a shitload of midge repellant tho ;)
[but seriously ... its gotta be easier to keep your undercarriage clean if you start each day with a clean undercarriage harness. Surely?! But as they say, Its a Broad Church ...)
Marcus, don't worry about the weight of receipts just eat plenty of roughage
Ardrossan ale? Nope - Nearest in 2014 Good beer guide is in Saltcoats - Salt Cot a Wetherspoons http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-salt-cot open 08:00 to 23:00 daily. Early beers may require you to order 2 meals. No, really
...... I haven't yet worked out the metres climbed to T in order to assess the energy cost :)
...... I haven't yet worked out the metres climbed to T in order to assess the energy cost :)
10 000m to Trantlebeg, 5 000 m after
- ish
Good luck to all those riding.
i'll be on a geared bike, so climbing is not much different from riding on flat (only slower). my main concern is ferry transfers - what to do if you arrive to the port at night? ::-)
Red kite campsite, Glencoe
Red kite campsite, Glencoe
Red Squirrel?
My plan for sleep stops is:
Oban camping and caravan park (about 2.5 miles from the ferry terminal).
Gairloch bunkhouse
Trantlebeg bunkhouse (can maybe camp outside if full)
Red kite campsite, Glencoe
This isn't final, if things don't go to plan it will all change as needed!
Red kite campsite, Glencoe
Red Squirrel?
:facepalm:
No idea why I typed that...
My plan for sleep stops is:
Oban camping and caravan park (about 2.5 miles from the ferry terminal).
Gairloch bunkhouse
Trantlebeg bunkhouse (can maybe camp outside if full)
Red kite campsite, Glencoe
This isn't final, if things don't go to plan it will all change as needed!
Oban SYHA,
Poolewe Hotel (after the SYHA closed),
Trantlebegging for a bed,
Glencoe SYHA,
Red Kite? Is that near the Red Squirrel campsite? ;O)
First attempt at rear bag pack (forgot to do up the internal strap, so I am dangling a little) - just over 3Kg with all my clothing and most of the spares and toiletries etc. I will carry and includes over 200g of lock in the top pocket.
:
CTC Ayrshire have very kindly replied to my enquiry about a place to eat Friday evening:
...
Just drank some pond water.
CTC Ayrshire have very kindly replied to my enquiry about a place to eat Friday evening:
...
should we plan to meet at one of these places for sunday night dinner?
Apparently the film crew includes the bloke who filmed the climbing sequences in 'Touching the Void'.
Do those little clicky things work? They seem to work by giving you a little electric shock?
I have a headnet and a bottle of skin so soft.
However, nothing should I get bitten and itchy.
Do those little clicky things work? They seem to work by giving you a little electric shock?
Just drank some pond water.
Are you still with us Simon?
Nearly there. Bottles and flapjack in tri bag and I'll be done.
(http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p86/Dave_Crampton/20140719_170932_zpsdycftvfi.jpg) (http://s126.photobucket.com/user/Dave_Crampton/media/20140719_170932_zpsdycftvfi.jpg.html)
A number of us will aim for the salt cot, Saltcoats, for around 7-7:30 if anyone wants to join for dinner.
Have just been to the Salt Cot (Weatherspoonns) in Saltcoates - unfortunately they've run out of ale on draught (bottles or lager only)...
CTC Ayrshire have very kindly replied to my enquiry about a place to eat Friday evening:
...
should we plan to meet at one of these places for sunday night dinner?
I would be up for some dinner and pre event hydration. The salt cot that tyddles linked to earlier could work? Weatherspoons, so usually dependable and good value for food etc.
I am rooming with Swiss hat in ardrossan on Sunday, I do have to do a short interview with the film crew around 6:30, so certainly should be around for a bit of food by 7:30?
Would that work for people staying in ardrossan/Saltcoats on Sunday night?Apparently the film crew includes the bloke who filmed the climbing sequences in 'Touching the Void'.
For the avoidance of doubt, I would have no qualms about cutting the rope should the situation arise on this ride. ;)
, it seems that a couple made the last ferry to Mull yesterday.
Where is everybody?I'm here, they're there.
Where is everybody?
Where is everybody?
They're spread out over some of the spectacularly scenic roads in the world, in perfect weather conditions, being filmed by four separate crews for a documentary, and you think they care about telling you what they're doing?
Not just saying this cos I'm out but not sure audax pace does the scenery on this ride justice...
There's a mobile phone mast up by the Crask Inn, which is as near to the middle of nowhere as you can get on British roads.Speaking of which, The Crask Inn is up for sale, not sure if it's open - there wasn't much sign of life, but there again, there never is.
There are two shops in Tongue, a cafe and a hotel doing food, then there's Bettyhill....that would have been open at 1a.m.? :-\
If you're in Durness, why not visit the John Lennon Memorial Garden.
Speaking of which, The Crask Inn is up for sale
I missed out on the Portmahomack 400 - similar route round the N coast - a couple of years ago through illness.
Yeah,I think if it hadn't been for the heat and the prospect of two more days of no change then I probably would have been compus mentes/ inclined enough to solve the food challenge before it was too late. The crask inn definitely is a bit dead I agree, the overscaig is better, had lunch there today it was good.Quote from: Exit Stage Left 7There's a mobile phone mast up by the Crask Inn, which is as near to the middle of nowhere as you can get on British roads.Speaking of which, The Crask Inn is up for sale, not sure if it's open - there wasn't much sign of life, but there again, there never is.
I saw a young golden eagle along the side of Loch Naver. Not sure if MattC saw it.
Sorry to hear you packed Ben, the heat claimed a number of scalps.
Potential performance of the week goes to young Mr. P. Richards. He won't .get gold medal for finishing 1st. But he :deserves one, for this is his 1st Audax :o
Same again next year? Prob not, the turn-out was quite poor, and a lot of time was spent answering questions for the no-shows.
Yeah , it was good. 400 kind of just tips the scales of being worth going all the way up there, or when he put on a 3 and a 2, but the 4 was better imho.I missed out on the Portmahomack 400 - similar route round the N coast - a couple of years ago through illness.
That was quite an interesting ride, shame you missed it ;D
Simon is camping tonight at Fort Augustus :)
I've only ever done a 230, 320, 400 and 500 taking in Durness and the North coast. I don't think there's ever been anything further than that. So it's very brave to undertake a ride which goes against the grain of the facilities, which is what will make the ride something of a legend.The Eightsome Reel 1500 perm takes in Durness and the North coast. It also takes in the Mull of Galloway and Berwick-upon-Tweed. :thumbsup:
I'm sorry to hear that guys making such a fantastic effort should fall victim to the abysmally low standard of facilities for tourists in Scotland, particularly in some of the more scenic parts. Shops and cafes can be few and far between and can have early closing (5 or 6 p.m.), lunchtime closing and closing on certain days, even in the short season May to September. I've experienced it often in bike or car (at least in car it's just depressing). The "tourist industry" in Scotland doesn't deserve tourists, especially tourists of the quality they're getting (and getting on film) in this event.
Wallace - I got the impression grampa may have been being ever so slightly sarcastic...personally I think the tourist facilities in north Scotland are excellent for how remote it is, and for me it was absolutely all down to my own poor planning and not the lack of facilities' fault... if anything it was an excuse, like I say if I'd been really inclined I could have made more effort to solve the problem but it had become hardly anything to do with "can I do this" and all about "do I want to".
I'm sorry to hear that guys making such a fantastic effort should fall victim to the abysmally low standard of facilities for tourists in Scotland, particularly in some of the more scenic parts. Shops and cafes can be few and far between and can have early closing (5 or 6 p.m.), lunchtime closing and closing on certain days, even in the short season May to September. I've experienced it often in bike or car (at least in car it's just depressing). The "tourist industry" in Scotland doesn't deserve tourists, especially tourists of the quality they're getting (and getting on film) in this event.
I find your comment, such as " The "tourist industry" in Scotland doesn't deserve tourists, especially tourists of the quality they're getting (and getting on film) in this event." a wee bit crass and biased.
Wallace.
Enthusiasts for the area
i know that you had 50 entries so expect you had 30-35 starters? how many have finished so far
Bonkers and beyond comparison.
A hard ride that will take a few days just to process in my head.
Completely different, very exciting and delivered everything I expected by the boatload. And something I didn't - that heat. Wow.
Just had Feline remove a tick I found on me. :hand:
Is "The Hell of The North" taken?Yep, by the Winchcombe CC
...and will go st.thomas' a&e to get my injuries checked over...
Just had Feline remove a tick I found on me. :hand:
I guess if you're going to get anyone to remove a tick, a vet is the one to ask to do it. ;)
Ah, so it is doable as a perm? :thumbsup:Aye 'tis. And available at BR pace or (probably better) at BP pace. So you can max-outon enjoying not only the scenery during the day, but also the social side during the evenings
9
On the "main" roads it was obvious that the engineers were almost always working to the same maximum grade. (I was usually at the same HR, in the same gear, at the same speed on anything longer than 100m!)I last rode the stretch from Kylesku to Tongue not long after the bridge opened, in 1984. My memory of it then is a road with many more twists and vicious little ramps. So, yes, I think the engineers have been smoothing it all out. Part of me thinks that's a shame. Other bits have enough to recover from without extra lumpiness!
(First?)
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2899/14568936529_d08df0638e_s.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ocpBfR)Image0273 (https://flic.kr/p/ocpBfR)
About 5am Thrusday, @ 740km. The top bit of Scotland.
(Can anyone name that rather nice mountain ??? )
Great to put faces to some YACF names on this ride. Special thanks to Ian of Willesden, who I think is on here somewhere. He probably saved my ride, and I didn't say thank you in the rush at Trantlebeg.
I'm glad Scotland put on a good show. Just our average summer weather, really. ;) I'd love to revisit some or all of the route at more relaxed pace. We passed some good-looking pubs, and I didn't get a Lochinver pie.
Pictures and stuff here: http://raiding.tumblr.com/tagged/highlands/chrono
^ Great stuff there!
(my own write up is progressing)
Just weighed myself - even after a bit of feeding up, I am probably back at a weight I haven't been at since my mid-teens.
I'm no heavy-weight on a normal day, but dropping to 9 stone is a bit of a shock!
That is a ride that has taken a lot out of me - the lack of food and drink options has caused this I think.
I aim to rectify this by heading to the pub for a Sunday roast as penance for abandoning Cass for the week.
I left my white Metz helmet at the pub by the bikes lastnight. It has head torch and rear fastened to it. Did anyone pick it up please? 07...Yup.
Cheers.
I'm glad Scotland put on a good show. Just our average summer weather, really. ;) I'd love to revisit some or all of the route at more relaxed pace. We passed some good-looking pubs, and I didn't get a Lochinver pie.
Pictures and stuff here: http://raiding.tumblr.com/tagged/highlands/chrono
At Durness I realised that 600 was going to take more like 45h*. So, like Ben, I gave up and slept at Durness I.e.500k and about 39 hours in.
In the planning, it seemed like a good idea. If I did a 40-hour 600 km inside the 1300 km ride, I could use the Trantlebeg hostel - the only 24-hour dedicated control - for a few hours sleep between days three and four, and turn the other three days into (comparatively) easy days of c. 240 km,
Enjoy your Sunday roast! It will not make much difference to your body fat but will supply a goodly mix of nutrients.of a few nice tempura mars bars. ;)
If you really want to pile in the calories, go for deep-fried x & syrup like sweet & sour Chinese foods, chips & ketchup, KFC etc, followed by a nice sticky pudding or a chocolatey ice cream...
A few thoughts here:
This event will probably make more space in my memories than pretty much everything else I have done so far. It was very challenging, but was nothing but enjoyment as we experienced some of the best scenery in the UK, if not the world. Magnificent!
I hope to see more events of this nature, that will appeal to the adventurous. I'd love to see even crazier things - no routesheet, maybe even only get given the controls 24 hours in advance etc.
Stay audacious!
Oh chr**t, is there going to be a different one every year??
Well it's funny you should mention that Marcus :thumbsup: , SimonP and I thought-up something at arrivee that fit's the bill perfectly :demon:
The event in this form is to be a one-off, for many reasons,
Sod that, I'd rather do Pbp again ;D
How many of the starters finished in time?
but it will determine the direction AUK takes
but it will determine the direction AUK takes
Does AUK have to go in just one direction?
I like the idea of events at all levels, from solo DIY perms to full on commercially run events, which is where LEL looks to be heading and all that lies inbetween.
It was interesting to follow the front groups on both the Pendle and the Mile Failte. This ride could have gone the way of the Pendle very easily. I did a ride called 'Hudson's Choice' in 2004, where a strong wind came out of the North West at 5 degrees C in mid-June, carrying a stunning amount of rain. Half the field packed at the first control, which was near Laxford Bridge.
The Mile Failte was very like this ride in topography, but organised like the Mille Cymru seems to be. The front group were able to make good time, and to have good sleep stops at the hotel and Youth Hostel controls. The obvious way to control the depredations of a ride in the West and North of Scotland is to throw money at the problem. If you know your own capabilities, and those of companions, you can treat it as a fast tour, akin to a motorcycle or motoring holiday. You can then book hotels at 300 to 320 km intervals, and ask for a continental breakfast for a 5 am start.
There is a strong 'adventure' thread to the narrative, and this was the major component of this ride. But the student of economics and management in me has a cost counter clicking away in the corner of the screen. That cost would be pretty similar in a lot of rides, The National 400 was £30, and you could have done it for that. This sort of bare-bones ride can be very cheap, or very expensive. It would be interesting to see the range of personal expenditures.
It may seem a very reductive way at looking at these rides, but it will determine the direction AUK takes, especially with the publicity from the film, which might have a life outside Scotland, if it looks as good as I suspect it will.
interesting idea marcus about not being told anything about the route. But what's the advantage apart from not being able to plan?
ACP have already done this which a whole host of rides including the newly created Super Brevet 600.
You should look at emulating this:interesting idea marcus about not being told anything about the route. But what's the advantage apart from not being able to plan?
No advantages really - just a bit of audacity.
There is a strong 'adventure' thread to the narrative, and this was the major component of this ride. But the student of economics and management in me has a cost counter clicking away in the corner of the screen. That cost would be pretty similar in a lot of rides, The National 400 was £30, and you could have done it for that. This sort of bare-bones ride can be very cheap, or very expensive. It would be interesting to see the range of personal expenditures.
it's all relative.
it's all relative.
It's the relative bit that's interesting. You look at the start sheet and think, 'I've seen him do 440 in 24 hours, and he's done 340.' Then you read that someone's taking a tent, and you know that someone else has plenty of money. So the audacity is on a sliding scale. Some will have plenty of time in hand, others will be able to walk into a hotel at midnight, pay £80 and leave at 5am without a moment's hesitation. So there's no absolute to the audacity required. On a fully catered ride the field is more level.
The best thing about this ride is that there is no room for cheating, there's never a faster, flatter alternative with a few more miles.
Ah, but you can't really take into account the ability of the rider in determining how audacious it is. ;D
Whether it's physical or financial or any other ability.
Bit like saying Chris Hoy's got an unfair advantage cos of his big thighs.
A rider might have decided the best strategy is to get an audacious job in order to be able to afford the maximum amount of help that is within the rules :)
I signed up for LEL, then was shamed into joining Audax by a clubmate/Audaxer later and, being one for a bargain, signed up for five years. I like the mix of unsupported to near fully supported; it's just the varying entry fees what puzzles me :-\but it will determine the direction AUK takesLEL is some evidence that the big events are what pulls in the punters, so I know where I'd focus the efforts of AUK for further growth.
Exactly.
Ah, but you can't really take into account the ability of the rider in determining how audacious it is. ;D
Whether it's physical or financial or any other ability.
Bit like saying Chris Hoy's got an unfair advantage cos of his big thighs.
A rider might have decided the best strategy is to get an audacious job in order to be able to afford the maximum amount of help that is within the rules :)
The last time I was up that way was in 2011, on a 400 qualifier. Heather rode it too, and I filmed it. There was an Easterly, so the section from Durness along to the turn South was a bit of a nightmare. Heather turned up while I was still at Tongue, so I helped her across to Strathy. I left her there, because I needed to qualify and she didn't. I rode the rest of the way with 'El Campesino' and finished with a few hours to spare. Heather came in with 4 minutes in hand, to great applause. Hers was a great achievement, I was just knocking out a qualifier.
but it will determine the direction AUK takes
Does AUK have to go in just one direction?
I like the idea of events at all levels, from solo DIY perms to full on commercially run events, which is where LEL looks to be heading and all that lies inbetween.
AUK already does operate on different scales. It tried going the "more events on the calendar" route, which is where X rated evets came from. The idea was to get more riders but what happened was the same riders spread out more thinly. LEL is some evidence that the big events are what pulls in the punters, so I know where I'd focus the efforts of AUK for further growth.
.. some take a longer flatter route, not an option on this ride....
please post reports in Arrivee
Back on topic again - is there a suggested debriefing session planned for those in London Village,?
H
Back on topic again - is there a suggested debriefing session planned for those in London Village,?
H
A wise idea, I would be up for a bit of that. What are your movements into London in the coming weeks? We can work on making you very jealous for missing out.
A wise idea, I would be up for a bit of that. What are your movements into London in the coming weeks? We can work on making you very jealous for missing out.
+1 1 to that!
A wise idea, I would be up for a bit of that. What are your movements into London in the coming weeks? We can work on making you very jealous for missing out.
+1 1 to that!
;D
I am around on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th but if that is too soon I can look at dates later in the month but it is likely to have to be a Monday/Tuesday night.
H
A wise idea, I would be up for a bit of that. What are your movements into London in the coming weeks? We can work on making you very jealous for missing out.
+1 1 to that!
;D
I am around on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th but if that is too soon I can look at dates later in the month but it is likely to have to be a Monday/Tuesday night.
H
Can we setup a Webex? ;O)
I'm not convinced the Ullapool to Lochinver long-cut was faster.
I'm not convinced the Ullapool to Lochinver long-cut was faster. I hated the final 20km or so of the official route, though, it was very choppy terrain. Another long-cut that a couple of others took at Kyle of Lochalsh was clearly slower. I'm not sure I could have brought myself to miss out on Rannoch Moor and Glen Orchy, particularly since having put up with the A82 traffic as far as Ballachulish only to miss out the nice single track road up from Glencoe Village. Although it turned out the worst traffic of the whole ride was on the A83 after Inverary.I loved that 20km! But it was technical and fiddly, so not ideal for a sun-baked Scotsman ;-)
Hi folks
just a big thank you to all those I met on the road on this momentous ride
I am still coming down, slowly, ticks now removed, sensory feeling returning to left hand
PS missing: specs in translucent spec case and hearing aid.
A wise idea, I would be up for a bit of that. What are your movements into London in the coming weeks? We can work on making you very jealous for missing out.
+1 1 to that!
;D
I am around on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th but if that is too soon I can look at dates later in the month but it is likely to have to be a Monday/Tuesday night.
H
debrief after the saturday's straight outta hackney audax? i know quite a few will be riding it
I spend an hour or more here:Stac Pollaidh is the pointy one on its own. I spent a fortnight in 1982 putting up the Northern part of the deer fence in the picture. That new fence is an extension of the exclosure built to protect trees.
http://goo.gl/maps/YXkIe
and when Mark hagger came up (he was the one sleeping by the road side - which had scared two campervan drivers to stop by me to warn him about his dangerous position) he got me to take a photo of him looking at the mountina in the back ground. Apparently its in some poem? or Scottich music song? Looks loke its Stac Pollaidh.
A wise idea, I would be up for a bit of that. What are your movements into London in the coming weeks? We can work on making you very jealous for missing out.
+1 1 to that!
;D
I am around on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th but if that is too soon I can look at dates later in the month but it is likely to have to be a Monday/Tuesday night.
H
Mondays and Tuesdays are generally pretty quiet days in my packed social diary (who am I kidding!).
I guess a few folks will be on holidays etc. through August, but that only means one thing; there would have to be another debrief/end of season recap in the autumn.
Suggest some dates Mr H!
Provisional results are up:
www.aukweb.net/results/archive/2014/listevent/?Ride=14-393
Provisional results are up:
www.aukweb.net/results/archive/2014/listevent/?Ride=14-393
Sorry about the delay guys, but it's been abloody nightmareinteresting challenge going through all the proofs of passage.
I was in touch with Simon, as I'm keen to see this project reflect Audax well.As we all are. But does it not depend on what you mean by "reflect Audax well". How do you know that your idea would be the same as mine? :-\
Some freinds very kindly did a reccy of certain bits last year, and did a short video.But it's still at http://vimeo.com/42826812(click to show/hide)
But this ride's planned with a bit more sunshine, warmth and tea
Provisional results are up:
www.aukweb.net/results/archive/2014/listevent/?Ride=14-393
Sorry about the delay guys, but it's been abloody nightmareinteresting challenge going through all the proofs of passage.
With a few days reflection I still think this is the best audax I have ever done, so once again thank you!
... I had nothing to compare with really so just assumed all rides of this length were that fecking hard!?!?
I was in touch with Simon, as I'm keen to see this project reflect Audax well.As we all are. But does it not depend on what you mean by "reflect Audax well". How do you know that your idea would be the same as mine? :-\
This from one of the riders: "They were thoroughly decent people and tried not to interfere or interrupt our ride. I felt at no time like they were trying to concoct a story about the ride that misrepresents Audax."
Perhaps we should just let them get on with what they do for a living?
It was nice to see Adam on the finish list with all the bike grief he had - I could have sworn someone told me he was forced to pack.
Last time I saw Adam was getting off the Tobermory ferry, heading into a (closed) garage to get his crank fixed.
Did he just limp it round?
So I made it to my booked B&B a few km down the road by just after 10 pm: just over 41 hours on the road, and no sleep. I haven’t done that since the (poorly planned) 600 km ride of my first Super Randonneur series, eight years ago. I wasn’t sure I could do it again, but I dug it out. Back on schedule; and not decrepit yet. On the other hand, clearly not yet fully sane, either.http://raiding.tumblr.com/tagged/highlands/chrono/page/5
Here's a link to some photosNice piccies. But quite an annoying website - I can never see the whole titles :(
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=3BC3BC5AE4115232!997
they are open [I think] so you may do what you want with them.
Thanks again for your company :)
Here's a link to some photosNice piccies. But quite an annoying website - I can never see the whole titles :(
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=3BC3BC5AE4115232!997
they are open [I think] so you may do what you want with them.
Thanks again for your company :)
Nevertheless, I suspect the blurred one called "DaveC..." is of Pat/iddu. Partly cos DaveC wasn't part of the Magnificently Late Seven, and partly cos it looks quite like Pat (it's the rolled-up sleeves. And the small-but-stuffed panniers).
Good evening!
I finally managed to finish a first version of my write-up (lots of pics):
http://www.misc-pictures.de/?p=214#more-214 (http://www.misc-pictures.de/?p=214#more-214)
Have to go to bed now.
Thanks for posting, great read reliving the ride through your words. I was around 6 hours behind you the whole ride, feeling I could have pushed on and maintained your pace but in the end, looking back some of the reported busy stretches of road were ridden by me and Mark at night time on empty roads.
Dave C
...but in the end, looking back some of the reported busy stretches of road were ridden by me and Mark at night time on empty roads.
http://www.misc-pictures.de/?p=214#more-214 (http://www.misc-pictures.de/?p=214#more-214)
...but in the end, looking back some of the reported busy stretches of road were ridden by me and Mark at night time on empty roads.
But then we got an early morning Glencoe valley and Rannoch Moor without any traffic at all. You win some, you lose some.
Weren't you the one right behind me until the A861 junction?
BTW: Does anybody know if the A830 has seen some major rebuilding? I drove the road to Mallaig by car once in 2000 and I remember it to be a lot more single track and by the sea than what I experienced on my way to the ferry.
Busyness was all a matter of timing. Starting the last day from Dingwall, the A82 from Spean Bridge to Ft William and the post-lunch tourist rush for the top half of Glencoe were the two busy bits for me. Everywhere else was agreeably quiet.
Here's a link to some photos
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=3BC3BC5AE4115232!997
they are open [I think] so you may do what you want with them.
Thanks again for your company :)
Stac Pollaidh is like nothing else you've ever seen :)
Err I'm not sure I can place your face or name, as is usual for interfora, sorry.
I and Stuart Allen chased a cyclists along the A861 for most of the way along but lost him (you?) around Glenuig Inn? (along side Loch Ailort) I had the feeling we were annoying the rider in front who kept looking back. As I was having problems keeping pace, I dropped back, only just making the Mallaig ferry. Was this you? Sorry I never made any introductions.
Not so much annoyed but excessively anxious with the Sword of Damocles hanging over my head. Too bad, as a group we might have made better progress. Sorry about that.
EDIT: Just checked the map again. I had no one behind me on the A861, I had some people catch up with me on the B8007 but they dropped back in the climb after we joined the A861.
Good evening!
I finally managed to finish a first version of my write-up (lots of pics):
http://www.misc-pictures.de/?p=214#more-214 (http://www.misc-pictures.de/?p=214#more-214)
Have to go to bed now.
I don't like this one:Yes, a great write-up, with super pics :thumbsup:
(http://euve11021.vserver.de/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/DSC02021.jpg)
Great stuff!
For strava users and lovers of heatmaps, here is the heatmap of the Rapharising climbing challenge that way running in the week we were playing in Scotland, I like to think a little bit of that heat up in Northwest Scotland was a bunch of weirdos riding way too far each day:Amusing stuff Marcus :thumbsup: , particularly when zooming-in on the 1300's northernmost controls. Real hot-spots of activity :hand:
http://heatmaps.strava.com/rapharising/
The Facebook group. L
Apart from this forum, and the good folk at Audax UK (who I've also contacted) where else would you suggest we publicise this please?
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fKor53JrOeU/VFD8o8S8f5I/AAAAAAAAEUI/RHF1jKCAiXA/s640/20140723_122728_Android.jpg)
Sadly, I know exactly where that is.
so pretty, that road. i want to repeat the northern part of this audax someday.
For Pete's sake get on with publishing this; I need a good excuse to not ride PBP!so pretty, that road. i want to repeat the northern part of this audax someday.
I now what you mean Rimas, :thumbsup:
I've a route that's about 1200km. Start/finishat Oban (so no ferry excitement), and misses-out the bit along Loch Ness. The route also splits-up the west coast into two, so there's the chance to get a breather from rolling terrain. There's still the best bits, but without the busy southern roads.
Sadly, I know exactly where that is.
so pretty, that road. i want to repeat the northern part of this audax someday.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fKor53JrOeU/VFD8o8S8f5I/AAAAAAAAEUI/RHF1jKCAiXA/s640/20140723_122728_Android.jpg)
Sadly, I know exactly where that is.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@58.1030554,-5.268057,3a,75y,293.65h,76.56t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sN4LqHFdmBfbNieUjEX4rfw!2e0?hl=en
We were in Lochinver at the beginning of this month, no midges then, but we did have some rainy days.
(https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10624794_743790745658538_2037435067394113695_n.jpg?oh=41778ee2dbf026dee7723019960a2e05&oe=54EF87BC)
I've a route that's about 1200km. Start/finishat Oban (so no ferry excitement), and misses-out the bit along Loch Ness. The route also splits-up the west coast into two, so there's the chance to get a breather from rolling terrain. There's still the best bits, but without the busy southern roads.
For Pete's sake get on with publishing this; I need a good excuse to not ride PBP!
[Opened and read!]I've a route that's about 1200km. Start/finishat Oban (so no ferry excitement), and misses-out the bit along Loch Ness. The route also splits-up the west coast into two, so there's the chance to get a breather from rolling terrain. There's still the best bits, but without the busy southern roads.
For Pete's sake get on with publishing this; I need a good excuse to not ride PBP!
Check your mail, your options have just been enhanced :demon:
(http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag442/damonpeacock/MFMainFilm_zps9b13139e.jpg)
Can Blacksheep tell us when we might expect our Brevet cards back please? .........Hi Dave. The cards (24) for this event only came back less than a week ago, the 600 brevet cards (27) came back a week before that and the BC4 cards (100) a week or so before that. So I've been busying myself every evening for a couple of hours non-stop getting through the mountain of cardboard.
......................I understand they have to go to France to be recorded in the big black book?The results are indeed recorded by AUK and LRM, but wether they actually go to France - I'm not sure.
Thanks, Dave C
and the BC4 cards (100) a week or so before that. So I've been busying myself every evening for a couple of hours non-stop getting through the mountain of cardboard.
and the BC4 cards (100) a week or so before that. So I've been busying myself every evening for a couple of hours non-stop getting through the mountain of cardboard.
Happy to pick up the BC card at Kings, Castles etc on the 6th Dec if this is of any help (it may not be), Jon Banks 12120
It is proving very long winded, but I'm on it as a top priority.
Relatively few have actually written their adresses on the brevet cards - despite it being their responsibility, then de-ciphering the artwork is then another challenge.
Sore In The Saddle will be broadcast at 7pm on Tuesday 9th December. It will be screened on BBC-2 Scotland, a channel which outside of Scotland can be found on Sky, Freesat and (I think) Virgin Media.
<snip>
All the best
Simon
Will it be on i-Player?
Should be good. A cycling relative of mine, had an issue with the 'harder than the TdF' assertion, when I showed them the vimeo trailer. ;)
I was on the bike for 60-65 hours. :thumbsup:Softie - even Nibali was out there for nearly 90hours*
159km per day. Compared to ~325km/day for PBP's 90h limit.Except that their minimum speed isn't a per day figure.
Anybody ripped a copy ?
Wise words from MJB.
"Mike Henley, an old hand......". Wise words, who'd know this was only my second SR year. :thumbsup:
I'll have to wait for it to become available on BBC iPlayer - Virgin Media does not have the regional variant of BBC2 Scotland :-(
Don't rely on it Helen, I'd like to be proved wrong - but BBCiplayer also seems to be location dependant.
I've tried to access some other BBC2 Scotland material, but ho joy. Feanor's going to be a busy boy
"Mike Henley, an old hand......". Wise words, who'd know this was only my second SR year. :thumbsup:
did they mention the fact, that for obe rider it was his first ever audax ?
really enjoyed watching the show - superb work by the filming and editing crews! got a fair share of attention, more than i hoped for :thumbsup:. despite the crash, this was my best ride in uk so far and i can see any other ride coming close anytime soon.
What they didn't mention was how many finished (and how many didn't) ... ?
What they didn't mention was how many finished (and how many didn't) ... ?
24 out of 35ish finished. I think the heat would have knocked a few more people out than would have been expected - it certainly added an unforeseen complication to an already challenging event.
really enjoyed watching the show - superb work by the filming and editing crews! got a fair share of attention, more than i hoped for :thumbsup:. despite the crash, this was my best ride in uk so far and i can see any other ride coming close anytime soon.
You were the star of the show :thumbsup: your ijuries looked far worse in realife - and there wasn't even a mention of the thumb nail
The job that Meg and all the boys from Triple Echo did was phenomenal :thumbsup:
hats - off to all to all those that departed Brodick,
note to you Tober otp . Did you like my Scots accent? :facepalm:
I've yet to experience the long audaxes, and this has given me inspiration to consider a long one for 2015.
Great program, I really enjoyed it. What doesn't come across on the program was the lack of footage in the last couple of days.
I tried to work out where the Swedes went wrong. It looked like they didn't turn left at Drumrunie Corner, in order to avoid the choppy riding to Lochinver, but followed their GPS and turned right to Kylesku instead of straight on to Lochinver. It pays to carry a map and check the route-sheet if you're doing that sort of thing.
Hmmm. So there may be riders with an incomplete route on their GPS.
Worth knowing ... <whistles> ...
I've yet to experience the long audaxes, and this has given me inspiration to consider a long one for 2015.
(http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqkaa0cc7Z1r25534o1_500.gif)
(seriously though, you're a good strong rider - if you want to do it, there should be nothing to stop you)
Several riders in front of me took the main road route and dog-legged into Lochinver. However, I am so glad I took the left turn - it was one of the most wonderful bits of cycling I have ever done in my life.
Sometimes being right isn't important. :(
I tried to work out where the Swedes went wrong. It looked like they didn't turn left at Drumrunie Corner, in order to avoid the choppy riding to Lochinver, but followed their GPS and turned right to Kylesku instead of straight on to Lochinver. It pays to carry a map and check the route-sheet if you're doing that sort of thing.Hmmm. So there may be riders with an incomplete route on their GPS.
Worth knowing ... <whistles> ...
Chambers the Oracle called it.
So the left turn to enter the awesome bit is here:
https://goo.gl/maps/V8HJk
If you stayed on the main road, you had to dog-leg into Lochinver here - and then come back to this point to take the road up to the right (which is where I assume the Swedish train went wrong):
https://goo.gl/maps/OPy8y
But really, the awesome bit was, well, awesome. Truly amazing riding. I couldn't recommend that bit any higher to anyone.
So the left turn to enter the awesome bit is here:
https://goo.gl/maps/V8HJk
If you stayed on the main road, you had to dog-leg into Lochinver here - and then come back to this point to take the road up to the right (which is where I assume the Swedish train went wrong):
https://goo.gl/maps/OPy8y
But really, the awesome bit was, well, awesome. Truly amazing riding. I couldn't recommend that bit any higher to anyone.
Was that post made before the invention of Google Maps? (Or other ways to actually show people the route you rode). ;)So the left turn to enter the awesome bit is here:
https://goo.gl/maps/V8HJk
If you stayed on the main road, you had to dog-leg into Lochinver here - and then come back to this point to take the road up to the right (which is where I assume the Swedish train went wrong):
https://goo.gl/maps/OPy8y
But really, the awesome bit was, well, awesome. Truly amazing riding. I couldn't recommend that bit any higher to anyone.
I recommended it here (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=36020.msg677558#msg677558), a few years ago ;)
The second photo pretty much appears in the Adventure Show but at the wrong time.
thanks FF, i didn't have a strategy as such. it turned out that we (with veloboy, swisshat, angstbremser) did all our riding in daylight, and just two hours in the dark. i carried everything i needed (emergency sleeping bag and liner, food enough for 200k if none was available up north, organic protein powder for recovery, three inner tubes and a spare tyre etc). i enjoy riding unladen bike so much more, therefore try to minimise/eliminate unnecessary stuff. i was able to sleep at two prebooked accomodations - thanks to marcusjb, also at hostels in oban and trantlebeg, so never outside. a very civilised ride for me, shower every night, proper meals en route - top holiday! 8)Welcome.
Everyone that appeared on this show were great ambassadors to audax and ought to be proud. You were brilliant.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04v5hhh
We watched the program last night along with a non-cycling friend, who hails from Ardnamurchan. Her reaction was that she must download it from BBC iPlayer to watch again. If this film got wider broadcasting in the UK I think the Scottish Tourist Board would be rubbing there hands with glee.
Is this ride happening again?
Is this ride happening again?Nothing happens in pbp years, so next time will be July 2016.
Are all the Scottish events in the calendar yet? I'm specifically hoping for the Deeside Loop and Amulree for Tea to reappear over May Bank Holiday weekend. :)
I'm also hoping that nice Feanor chap will setup an illicit download site ... :-*
id doubt these events will be on, the 200 could have been a PBP qualifier but the deadline for those was September. Could be a BR event still spose.Are all the Scottish events in the calendar yet? I'm specifically hoping for the Deeside Loop and Amulree for Tea to reappear over May Bank Holiday weekend. :)
I'm waiting for those too...
Well that was pretty fantastic and a reminder of about the best 5 days I have had on a bike. So beautiful and in exceptional weather.5 days of torrential Scottish rain would have told quite a different story!
Beautifully shot and very sympathetic to our understated ways.
I finally caught up with this on i player last night
Inspirational stuff and a very good attempt at getting into the "why do we do it".
As long as Dave_C doesnt pitch up at my next event with his entourage.....or with his top off.
Of course, theres an event coming up next June in Kintyre & Ardnamurchan that covers some of the same roads -
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-3/
Entries open 5th January 2015.
I have no particular reason to post anything, but sometimes my typing stinks:
(LINK REMOVED) 12/12/14 @ 18:00[/b]
This is a .ts file, direct from my PVR box, un-edited. It plays in Win7 media player.
It seems to crash ConvertXtoDVD.
<...>
Rimas (I think you'll read this)! Have your father found the page for the cycling club in Strängnäs? He can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strangnasck/
He does not need to feel nervous about contacting the club. We have cyclist ranging all the way from beginners to not so fast. I'm the only one doing longer distances.
If anyone has the patience/strength to use google translate on a Swedish blog, then you can read my posts about the event beginning here: http://cykelovin.blogspot.se/2014/07/the-highlands-glens-western-islesdag-1.html
I have no particular reason to post anything, but sometimes my typing stinks:
[removed]
This is a .ts file, direct from my PVR box, un-edited. It plays in Win7 media player.
It seems to crash ConvertXtoDVD.
Well that rather fucks-up any point in anyone bothering to produce copies to buy.
I was worried at one point that the iplayer version wasn't obtainable. Hence the naive request for a copy to view in South Midlandshire. The programme was an interesting watch.
It's not in a format which is easily sold, like DVD.
It was only put up for a short while to enable people who can't get iPlayer to grab a copy.
Hi all,
I'm the Swedish guy. Just wanted to say a big thank you to all participants in the event and especially to Mark. All of you, the scenery, the weather, the cycling, my travel companions etc made this the best cycling week I ever had. When we, the Swedes, talk about Scotland we always talk about going back to Scotland. Our goals during the week was to have a good time and cycle fast enough to be able to have brakes for some nice dinners, beers and maybe a couple of glasses of whiskey. I think we managed that well enough. The only regret is that I did not have more time to get to know the other riders, but everyone had their own plan and pace to keep.
As for the Adventure Show program, I think it was brilliant (I know I'm not objective here, but hey, it was brilliant). I feel some relief that they edited away the more stupid things I said in front of the camera. I think it wasn't easy to get questions, and answering them, in a foreign language whilst tired after some cycling. So I'm happy about it.
Rimas (I think you'll read this)! Have your father found the page for the cycling club in Strängnäs? He can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/strangnasck/
He does not need to feel nervous about contacting the club. We have cyclist ranging all the way from beginners to not so fast. I'm the only one doing longer distances.
If anyone has the patience/strength to use google translate on a Swedish blog, then you can read my posts about the event beginning here: http://cykelovin.blogspot.se/2014/07/the-highlands-glens-western-islesdag-1.html
Hopefully I will meet some of you at PBP next year.
All the best
Jan
I finally caught up with this on i player last night
Inspirational stuff and a very good attempt at getting into the "why do we do it".
As long as Dave_C doesnt pitch up at my next event with his entourage.....or with his top off.
Of course, theres an event coming up next June in Kintyre & Ardnamurchan that covers some of the same roads -
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-3/
Entries open 5th January 2015.
That's the one that looks best for me to think about filming. I've never been to Kintyre. Colin and Sonya are coming round tonight, so I'll get some info from Colin.
I was struck by the similarity of many of the shots to those I filmed from the bike on your 300 in 2011. Short film already linked to to a couple of times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdlUNP8MjNY
Hello Jan
When I watched the film in the early part with you showing off your expensive bike I thought lets see how chirpy you are later.
Seeing you sat around enjoying your meals and beer with your friends and laughing and joking as if you had just done a 20 km spin around the park I was completely in awe.
As someone who only does the shorter audaxes I take my hat off to all the riders on such a tough event.
I finally caught up with this on i player last night
Inspirational stuff and a very good attempt at getting into the "why do we do it".
As long as Dave_C doesnt pitch up at my next event with his entourage.....or with his top off.
Of course, theres an event coming up next June in Kintyre & Ardnamurchan that covers some of the same roads -
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-3/
Entries open 5th January 2015.
That's the one that looks best for me to think about filming. I've never been to Kintyre. Colin and Sonya are coming round tonight, so I'll get some info from Colin.
I was struck by the similarity of many of the shots to those I filmed from the bike on your 300 in 2011. Short film already linked to to a couple of times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdlUNP8MjNY
Hi.
I would prefer it if there was no filming of the Mull Of Kintyre 600 on the basis being proposed.
There are many riders that don't like being filmed however they tend to be less vocal than those who get all excited by the presence of a camera.
This event is the only PBP qualifying 600 in Scotland next year and I don't want anything detracting from the main priority.
Thanks
This all seems a little over the top, and rather harsh on Mr Feanor. I feel I need to speak up here:I have no particular reason to post anything, but sometimes my typing stinks:
[removed]
This is a .ts file, direct from my PVR box, un-edited. It plays in Win7 media player.
It seems to crash ConvertXtoDVD.
Well that rather fucks-up any point in anyone bothering to produce copies to buy.
I was worried at one point that the iplayer version wasn't obtainable. Hence the naive request for a copy to view in South Midlandshire. The programme was an interesting watch.
It'll be removed soon, for that reason.
ETA: it's un-shared now ( but still on the server ).
It's not in a format which is easily sold, like DVD.
It was only put up for a short while to enable people who can't get iPlayer to grab a copy.
...I did not like my self...
This all seems a little over the top, and rather harsh on Mr Feanor. I feel I need to speak up here:I have no particular reason to post anything, but sometimes my typing stinks:
[removed]
This is a .ts file, direct from my PVR box, un-edited. It plays in Win7 media player.
It seems to crash ConvertXtoDVD.
Well that rather fucks-up any point in anyone bothering to produce copies to buy.
I was worried at one point that the iplayer version wasn't obtainable. Hence the naive request for a copy to view in South Midlandshire. The programme was an interesting watch.
It'll be removed soon, for that reason.
ETA: it's un-shared now ( but still on the server ).
It's not in a format which is easily sold, like DVD.
It was only put up for a short while to enable people who can't get iPlayer to grab a copy.
I did make some unsubtle enquiries to our Honourable Friend. This may well have been what prompted him to advertise this service. I'm happy to take any flak - he was only trying to help out fellow long distance nutters.
(and it's nice to see a hand extended across the border! ;) )
So give him a brealk - he took the thing down, and there are hundreds of piratical downloaders on YACF alone. If you want to bang on about copyright and piracy, please flame me - but PM/email me, or start a relevant thread.
What I learned from this programme: you don't need to get to controls within the time limits and in fact you don't need to go to controls at all. Have I being doing audax wrong?You could have drawn the same conclusionh from PBP07 or LEL09 - keep up. :)
I finally caught up with this on i player last night
Inspirational stuff and a very good attempt at getting into the "why do we do it".
As long as Dave_C doesnt pitch up at my next event with his entourage.....or with his top off.
Of course, theres an event coming up next June in Kintyre & Ardnamurchan that covers some of the same roads -
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-3/
Entries open 5th January 2015.
That's the one that looks best for me to think about filming. I've never been to Kintyre. Colin and Sonya are coming round tonight, so I'll get some info from Colin.
I was struck by the similarity of many of the shots to those I filmed from the bike on your 300 in 2011. Short film already linked to to a couple of times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdlUNP8MjNY
Hi.
I would prefer it if there was no filming of the Mull Of Kintyre 600 on the basis being proposed.
There are many riders that don't like being filmed however they tend to be less vocal than those who get all excited by the presence of a camera.
This event is the only PBP qualifying 600 in Scotland next year and I don't want anything detracting from the main priority.
Thanks
Awesome.
Here we have by far the biggest exposure for audaxing in the UK, nationally available and from the biggest broadcaster in the land, utterly positive, beautiful and enchanting, not only that but trumping in one fell hand the collective publicity efforts of the entire AUK organisation.....
......and here you all are getting ready to descend into another pointless and petty bickering session over frankly minor aspects.
Apologies for the slight derail. But I wondered if you might want these Marcus? I don't want anything for them. Bought them with some Audax patches at a jumble earlier in the year. Seeing your jersey on the programme reminded me I had them.
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/FullSizeRender_zps98e6824d.jpg)
Awesome.
Here we have by far the biggest exposure for audaxing in the UK, nationally available and from the biggest broadcaster in the land, utterly positive, beautiful and enchanting, not only that but trumping in one fell hand the collective publicity efforts of the entire AUK organisation.....
......and here you all are getting ready to descend into another pointless and petty bickering session over frankly minor aspects.
Hear hear.
I can only comment on the search data to my own blog, but interest in Audax, particularly in Scotland appears to have been knocked out of the park since this broadcast.
Time to put on an SR series and a 1000 Mr. Windy.
And how many times round the Golden road will that take? Lots of rolling hills apart from climb out of Tarbet and back for the rest of the Outer Hebrides
Thing it's about time Audax got its act together, getting to a point where each type of event has its own special rules.
About time all events returned to 15 km min speed for all distances.
Apologies for the slight derail. But I wondered if you might want these Marcus? I don't want anything for them. Bought them with some Audax patches at a jumble earlier in the year. Seeing your jersey on the programme reminded me I had them.
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx77/The-Bonk/FullSizeRender_zps98e6824d.jpg)
Ooh, I would be interested! Would look great on the saddlebag. Very kind. I will drop you a PM.
Awesome.
Here we have by far the biggest exposure for audaxing in the UK, nationally available and from the biggest broadcaster in the land, utterly positive, beautiful and enchanting, not only that but trumping in one fell hand the collective publicity efforts of the entire AUK organisation.....
......and here you all are getting ready to descend into another pointless and petty bickering session over frankly minor aspects.
Apologies for the slight derail. But I wondered if you might want these Marcus? I don't want anything for them. Bought them with some Audax patches at a jumble earlier in the year. Seeing your jersey on the programme reminded me I had them.
Ooh, I would be interested! Would look great on the saddlebag. Very kind. I will drop you a PM.
If I can find them, I might have some of those hiding in a cupboard.
They would be free to a good home...
... but I'd need to find them.
Apologies for the slight derail. But I wondered if you might want these Marcus? I don't want anything for them. Bought them with some Audax patches at a jumble earlier in the year. Seeing your jersey on the programme reminded me I had them.
Ooh, I would be interested! Would look great on the saddlebag. Very kind. I will drop you a PM.
If I can find them, I might have some of those hiding in a cupboard.
They would be free to a good home...
... but I'd need to find them.
The Bonk has very kindly popped them in the post, so I will have to get the sewing kit out!
Normally if you are late at a control an explanation is required. I think in this case it was obvious why people were late at controls - solely because of the ferry at Oban. I'm not sure it is possible to pick a start time that would completely remove this problem as you have to consider the Mallaig ferry and the Dunoon ferry also.
However, the ferries made the ride more challenging, not less, so refusing validation because of being late at some controls would not be in the spirit of Audax IMO. Personally I tried to avoid being late after Tobrrmory but missed the cut-off at Spean Bridge by a matter of minutes. At PBP07 riders were given more leeway at intermediate controls because of the conditions. This is not really a different situation.
It is quite a different situation.
At PBP, the event is set up so that riders are capable of being at every control between their opening and closing times, save for exceptional circumstances for a minority of participants. The Scottish ride is the only event I know of where every single rider arrived at a control (or multiple controls) outside of their opening and closing times. The fastest went too fast and everybody else timed out at intermediate controls.
In most randonneuring countries, brevet cards are taken away from riders who don't reach even a single intermediate control while it is open. It is the major reason for the low finish rate (around 50% DNF) at both editions of Audax Oz's Sydney-Melbourne 1200.
I would like to continue this discussion in a less public area, despite the film crew telling the world that every single person involved with this event failed to follow the rules. I will delete this post later today.
Awesome.
Here we have by far the biggest exposure for audaxing in the UK, nationally available and from the biggest broadcaster in the land, utterly positive, beautiful and enchanting, not only that but trumping in one fell hand the collective publicity efforts of the entire AUK organisation.....
......and here you all are getting ready to descend into another pointless and petty bickering session over frankly minor aspects.
Awesome.
Here we have by far the biggest exposure for audaxing in the UK, nationally available and from the biggest broadcaster in the land, utterly positive, beautiful and enchanting, not only that but trumping in one fell hand the collective publicity efforts of the entire AUK organisation.....
......and here you all are getting ready to descend into another pointless and petty bickering session over frankly minor aspects.
Frankly minor = every single rider was technically a DNF based on the rules of the sport.
You know what they say - no publicity is bad publicity!
We'd never get to 38 pages (that's over a page-per-rider) without the nit-picking and pedantry.
You did the right thing. It was for my own good.You know what they say - no publicity is bad publicity!
We'd never get to 38 pages (that's over a page-per-rider) without the nit-picking and pedantry.
Hate to point out your post is on page 39. Please check your facts next time, these details are important Matt.
You did the right thing. It was for my own good.You know what they say - no publicity is bad publicity!
We'd never get to 38 pages (that's over a page-per-rider) without the nit-picking and pedantry.
Hate to point out your post is on page 39. Please check your facts next time, these details are important Matt.
In future I shall refer to this event as "The Highlands', Glen's & Western Isle's "
That should get us to 100 pages, and probably keep us on the front page until PBP entries open.
Quick someone, delete a post!