Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Tomsk on 08 June, 2017, 07:57:57 pm

Title: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Tomsk on 08 June, 2017, 07:57:57 pm
This is going to be a big weekend...

Hereward the Wake was already planned and BRM'd, then I was approached to tack some Audaxes onto the Essex Bike Bicentenary Festival at Good Easter - the core of which will be a Veteran CC event [Penny Farthing racing, bike displays] and also BMX...I have devised new routes for 200miles [a well over-distance 300km], 200, 100 and 50kms, which will go onto AUKweb soon. We're using the sports pavilion as a base - bar, bbq etc during both days of the Bike Fest. and village fete. The 200miles has a 9pm Saturday start, lots of 24 hour facilities through the night and then a loop of 120km up to Lavenham, Two loops of around 100km for the 200, the second loop is also the 100km route, down to the coast and the 50km is a lovely little run up to the Blue Egg. The latter three also take in the Compasses at Littley Green on their way back.

If anyone wants to do Hereward as a helpers' ride the week [Fri 7th] before then that's ok [Saxons is a fortnight before] - though it's planned as Bivvy Night by Oscar's Dad...and there's the DunRun the following night. I might just take Tuesday 4rd off and ride it then, though.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Tomsk on 09 June, 2017, 12:19:06 pm
The Baron’s Rides Information Sheet

Part of the Essex Bike Bicentenary Festival at Good Easter Sports Field, 15/16th July 2017, celebrating Baron Karl Von Drais’ Laufmaschine of 1817. All sorts of cycling related events, including BMX, Penny-Farthing racing and vintage bike displays. Also all the usual village fete stalls, BBQ, bar etc.

Car parking available in the village – look out for the signs and marshalls.

Food at the Sports Field: barbecue, bar, ice-creams and other refreshments available during normal village fete hours; basic refreshments included in the entry fee. All controls elsewhere on the route are ‘free’ ie any receipt with the correct time, date and place are acceptable. In the event of no ‘proof-of-passage’ being available, a selfie in front of an identifiable building or sign will do.

A special Bike Bicentenary medal will be available for £5, along with Audax Club Mid-Essex jerseys and caps.

200 Miles [324km] Brevet de Randonneur starts 21:00 Saturday 15th July. Two loops comprising 203km through the night to Barton Mills Services – 24 hour garage shop and McDonalds, and then 121km to Lavenham and back via a few info controls. Finish by 18:36 Sunday.

200km Brevet de Randonneur starts 08:00 Sunday 16th July. Two loops: up just into Suffolk at Clare, back to Good Easter at 107km then down to the coast at Maldon and Woodrolfe Quay, returning via Witham and Audax Club Mid-Essex’s spiritual home, the lovely Compasses, Littley Green. Finish by 21:20.

100km Brevet Populaire starts 09:00 Sunday 16th July. To the Essex coast at Maldon then to Woodrolfe Quay and back via Witham and the Compasses Littley Green. Finish by 17:14.

50km Brevet Populaire starts 10:00 Sunday 16th July. To the legendary cyclists’ café, the ‘Blue Egg’ at Great Bardfield, returning via a control at the Compasses, Littley Green. Finish at 14:14.

The first three route sheets are now on AUKweb, 50km to follow soon. No GPS, not my thing you know, so if anyone feels like it...

Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: jiberjaber on 09 June, 2017, 05:12:12 pm
The Baron’s Rides Information Sheet

Part of the Essex Bike Bicentenary Festival at Good Easter Sports Field, 15/16th July 2017, celebrating Baron Karl Von Drais’ Laufmaschine of 1817. All sorts of cycling related events, including BMX, Penny-Farthing racing and vintage bike displays. Also all the usual village fete stalls, BBQ, bar etc.

Car parking available in the village – look out for the signs and marshalls.

Food at the Sports Field: barbecue, bar, ice-creams and other refreshments available during normal village fete hours; basic refreshments included in the entry fee. All controls elsewhere on the route are ‘free’ ie any receipt with the correct time, date and place are acceptable. In the event of no ‘proof-of-passage’ being available, a selfie in front of an identifiable building or sign will do.

A special Bike Bicentenary medal will be available for £5, along with Audax Club Mid-Essex jerseys and caps.

200 Miles [324km] Brevet de Randonneur starts 21:00 Saturday 15th July. Two loops comprising 203km through the night to Barton Mills Services – 24 hour garage shop and McDonalds, and then 121km to Lavenham and back via a few info controls. Finish by 18:36 Sunday.

200km Brevet de Randonneur starts 08:00 Sunday 16th July. Two loops: up just into Suffolk at Clare, back to Good Easter at 107km then down to the coast at Maldon and Woodrolfe Quay, returning via Witham and Audax Club Mid-Essex’s spiritual home, the lovely Compasses, Littley Green. Finish by 21:20.

100km Brevet Populaire starts 09:00 Sunday 16th July. To the Essex coast at Maldon then to Woodrolfe Quay and back via Witham and the Compasses Littley Green. Finish by 17:14.

50km Brevet Populaire starts 10:00 Sunday 16th July. To the legendary cyclists’ café, the ‘Blue Egg’ at Great Bardfield, returning via a control at the Compasses, Littley Green. Finish at 14:14.

The first three route sheets are now on AUKweb, 50km to follow soon. No GPS, not my thing you know, so if anyone feels like it...


I've knocked up the 100 & 200 in ridewithgps for you to take a look at as I am not sure I managed to fully interpret the route sheets :) I'll send over the link by email....
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 09 June, 2017, 11:29:02 pm
i'm thinking about Hereward the wake.

How tough is riding right through the night? Do people generally rest the previous day to get some sleep in and start fresh? or just rock up after a full day awake and ride through taking short naps as required?

or just cover the first 200km fast enough to get some sleep in, and then finish in the morning?
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Carlosfandango on 10 June, 2017, 11:48:18 am
i'm thinking about Hereward the wake.

How tough is riding right through the night? Do people generally rest the previous day to get some sleep in and start fresh? or just rock up after a full day awake and ride through taking short naps as required?

or just cover the first 200km fast enough to get some sleep in, and then finish in the morning?

Generally speaking, for an overnight 300, most people just ride and sleep when they get back home.

The Hereward has a straightforward and depending on the wind direction a fast route. Riders tend to form up into groups overnight, several pelotons according to rider speed. There`s a certain pleasure in gliding along in the silence whilst the world is asleep. The best bit of the ride is the dawn and early morning. There`s a glow in the sky from 2am onwards.

Try it and see.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Tomsk on 12 June, 2017, 08:14:03 am
How tough is riding right through the night?

...Also it depends what sort of a Friday you've had at work. If you can get a nap in before you set off it's so much better - the beer & curry beforehand, which I'll be taking bookings for at the beginning of July, suits some too, but not all...

The Baron's 50km route sheet is on AUKweb now btw - a neat little run up to the Blue Egg, going back via the Compasses at Littley Green. Ideal for a recovery ride after Hereward and your 'Grand Slam of Essex Shiny'  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 15 June, 2017, 09:09:40 am
How tough is riding right through the night?

...Also it depends what sort of a Friday you've had at work. If you can get a nap in before you set off it's so much better - the beer & curry beforehand, which I'll be taking bookings for at the beginning of July, suits some too, but not all...

The Baron's 50km route sheet is on AUKweb now btw - a neat little run up to the Blue Egg, going back via the Compasses at Littley Green. Ideal for a recovery ride after Hereward and your 'Grand Slam of Essex Shiny'  :thumbsup:
Not much chance of a nap. Work, home, dads taxi service, dinner leave for start.
Signed up anyway, see how it goes.
According to the event page mudguards mandatory, presumably there is only the case if wet/rain forecast?
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Tomsk on 16 June, 2017, 06:08:46 pm
Mudguards means Mudguards!
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: jiberjaber on 16 June, 2017, 10:02:27 pm
Careful else we'll get moved to politics sub board!

Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: BobScarle on 25 June, 2017, 10:55:43 pm
I am intrigued by the Hereward the Wake ride. I have done 300's before, finishing in the dark. But I have never started late evening with a view to riding through the night and finishing by the next afternoon. I have no idea how I am going to cope. Trying to make the necessary arrangements to ride this.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 26 June, 2017, 08:38:25 am
Hereward and The Baron's 50km Entered...looking forward to that weekend after all the madness of moving house.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: BobScarle on 29 June, 2017, 01:44:07 pm
Well it looks very much like I have gone and entered the Hereward the Wake 300 Km ride that starts at 9 o'clock in the evening. That seems really strange.

I'll be back to ask about parking and eating before the start.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Tomsk on 29 June, 2017, 08:15:32 pm
... starts at 9 o'clock in the evening. That seems really strange.

Audax is strange - whenever you start  ;D
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: jiberjaber on 29 June, 2017, 11:42:14 pm
Hereward and The Baron's 50km Entered...looking forward to that weekend after all the madness of moving house.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: bhoot on 02 July, 2017, 12:03:41 am
Did a route check of the 100km today (en route to helping on the Saxons). Nice ride, mostly good quiet lanes, and a visit to the waterfront at Tollesbury included - most enjoyable. Gave in to temptation at the Compasses at Littley Green and stopped for a pint!
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 02 July, 2017, 10:44:46 am
Well it looks very much like I have gone and entered the Hereward the Wake 300 Km ride that starts at 9 o'clock in the evening. That seems really strange.

I'll be back to ask about parking and eating before the start.

I'm thinking of as practice/trial for longer events which may need riding through the night to stay ahead of control times.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Phil W on 03 July, 2017, 03:42:28 pm
Booked on for the Hereward the Wake.  I'll be ECEing it to 400km as it seems the perfect distance from home for doing that.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 03 July, 2017, 04:30:43 pm
I'd love to do the Wake, but the family have birthday plans (I hope), and it'd be the fourth audax weekend on the trot. People'd mistake me for the Straggler 😉
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Christophe on 03 July, 2017, 05:03:54 pm
Just booked on to Hereward. First calendar event this year. Looking forward to a pre ride curry as well :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Tomsk on 03 July, 2017, 07:44:36 pm
Just booked on to Hereward. First calendar event this year. Looking forward to a pre ride curry as well :thumbsup:

Life n'stuff is pretty hectic at present, so I'll make a provisional curry booking and chase Hereward-ers next week for a definite answer.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Shugg McGraw on 03 July, 2017, 10:01:41 pm
Any news on the gps file for the 200?
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: redfalo on 04 July, 2017, 08:41:50 am
I'm really looking forward to the Baron 200 miler! Will be arriving on Saturday morning on the sleeper train after  a 14 days Scotland trip (mostly bikeless) i, and the Baron shall be my last big ride before LEL.
Will there be a GP. track? I started to plot one based on the route sheet but not really sure if every detail is coordinator...
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Phil W on 04 July, 2017, 08:04:46 pm
Any planned test ride and / or updates to the Hereward route sheet?
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Manotea on 07 July, 2017, 05:55:22 pm
Signed in for Hereward. Looking to ECE to 400 from West London or Stratford East London depending on whether ICBA to ride across London during Friday night rush hour traffic. :)

Anybody got a gpx track or must I RMO?
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: markram on 07 July, 2017, 11:08:43 pm
I also signed up for this, and I found these GPS files/routes from last year:
https://ridewithgps.com/events/22408-hereward-the-wake-300-audax-2016#routes/14967229/preview

Can they be used for 2017 as well? Any changes made to the route?
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Tomsk on 08 July, 2017, 05:37:00 pm
Wilkyboy [Mr Camaudax] will be updating the gps stuff to mark the precise locations of the info controls. It's all on the routesheet, having checked it yesterday and today, as well as updated cafe ino and so on.

Link to the gps tracks are all on camaudax [via AUKweb] and one day will be on ACME.bike...
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: redfalo on 08 July, 2017, 09:56:16 pm
good stuff  :thumbsup:
However, the link to the Barrons 200 mile ride seem to be missing
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: wilkyboy on 08 July, 2017, 10:46:59 pm
Hereward the Wake GPS files are here — http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300 (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300)

The Baron's 200 Miles GPS files are here -- http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/200miles (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/200miles/)

The Baron's 200 Kilometres GPS files are here -- http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/200km (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/200km/)

The Baron's 100 Kilometres GPS files are here -- http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/100km (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/100km/)

The Baron's 50 Kilometres GPS files are here -- http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/50km (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/50km/)
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: wilkyboy on 08 July, 2017, 11:27:20 pm
Booked on for the Hereward the Wake.  I'll be ECEing it to 400km as it seems the perfect distance from home for doing that.

Ay, for me also.  50.8km from my home to the start — it doesn't get much better than that  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: wilkyboy on 08 July, 2017, 11:29:32 pm
I also signed up for this, and I found these GPS files/routes from last year:
https://ridewithgps.com/events/22408-hereward-the-wake-300-audax-2016#routes/14967229/preview

Can they be used for 2017 as well? Any changes made to the route?

I've updated all this with new 2017 routes — the link still works but forwards nicely on to the 2017 page.  I've exported all the GPS files you might need to the page linked above on CamAudax.

FWIW, the route is the same, just changes to info-control locations — if you use the TCX then it will beep at you in the dark when you're close to and at the info controls, as they are easy to miss otherwise.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: redfalo on 09 July, 2017, 07:49:19 am
Hereward the Wake GPS files are here — http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300 (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300)

The Baron's 200 Miles GPS files are here -- http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/200miles (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/200miles/)

The Baron's 200 Kilometres GPS files are here -- http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/200km (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/200km/)

The Baron's 100 Kilometres GPS files are here -- http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/100km (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/100km/)

The Baron's 50 Kilometres GPS files are here -- http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/50km (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/barons-rides-2017/50km/)

good man, thanks 🙏!
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Phil W on 09 July, 2017, 03:18:09 pm
Booked on for the Hereward the Wake.  I'll be ECEing it to 400km as it seems the perfect distance from home for doing that.

Ay, for me also.  50.8km from my home to the start — it doesn't get much better than that  :thumbsup:

My ECE route is 52km , suppose I'd best get that submitted tomorrow. Once I've done a final check to ensure I haven't included any comedy off road.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Carlosfandango on 09 July, 2017, 05:01:46 pm
Booked on for the Hereward the Wake.  I'll be ECEing it to 400km as it seems the perfect distance from home for doing that.

Ay, for me also.  50.8km from my home to the start — it doesn't get much better than that  :thumbsup:

My ECE route is 52km , suppose I'd best get that submitted tomorrow. Once I've done a final check to ensure I haven't included any comedy off road.

You slackers, my route is 108km with comedy off road.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Phil W on 09 July, 2017, 05:07:11 pm
Booked on for the Hereward the Wake.  I'll be ECEing it to 400km as it seems the perfect distance from home for doing that.

Ay, for me also.  50.8km from my home to the start — it doesn't get much better than that  :thumbsup:

My ECE route is 52km , suppose I'd best get that submitted tomorrow. Once I've done a final check to ensure I haven't included any comedy off road.

You slackers, my route is 108km with comedy off road.

You are ECEing to 500km, nice one.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Carlosfandango on 09 July, 2017, 05:19:11 pm
Booked on for the Hereward the Wake.  I'll be ECEing it to 400km as it seems the perfect distance from home for doing that.

Ay, for me also.  50.8km from my home to the start — it doesn't get much better than that  :thumbsup:

My ECE route is 52km , suppose I'd best get that submitted tomorrow. Once I've done a final check to ensure I haven't included any comedy off road.

You slackers, my route is 108km with comedy off road.

You are ECEing to 500km, nice one.

Get lost, I`m too wimpy for that, I`m only riding the 100km + 100km ECE on Sunday. Mind you psyclist has persuaded me to ride the Around Weald Expedition on Saturday, he thinks it`s audacious ::-)

I`m looking forward to an extended Sunday lunch at the Littley Green Compasses.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: wilkyboy on 09 July, 2017, 05:43:21 pm
I`m looking forward to an extended Sunday lunch at the Littley Green Compasses.

That sounds nice.  We get an early breakfast call at Newport Pagnell motorway services instead  :facepalm:  Followed by brunch courtesy of Tomsk  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: psyclist on 09 July, 2017, 07:57:55 pm
Mind you psyclist has persuaded me to ride the Around Weald Expedition on Saturday, he thinks it`s audacious ::-)

I'm sure you'll agree.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Shugg McGraw on 09 July, 2017, 09:21:32 pm
Thank you for the gps files.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 11 July, 2017, 10:29:09 am
Thanks Wilkyboy. Lack of internet at home has led to a bit of sitting outside various Coffee shops to get myself sorted, being my 4th Hereward I would hope I know the route to a certain degree though.

I'm quite excited about this weekend. Having not done an Audax ride since my Perm in early June and having all the stresses and annoyances of a house move over the last few weeks I am looking forward to a full weekend of bike riding. And I'll be testing the tubeless 650B set up (hopefully the guards will turn up) to see how it goes.

Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 11 July, 2017, 11:14:51 am
Thanks Wilkyboy. Lack of internet at home has led to a bit of sitting outside various Coffee shops to get myself sorted, being my 4th Hereward I would hope I know the route to a certain degree though.

I'm quite excited about this weekend. Having not done an Audax ride since my Perm in early June and having all the stresses and annoyances of a house move over the last few weeks I am looking forward to a full weekend of bike riding. And I'll be testing the tubeless 650B set up (hopefully the guards will turn up) to see how it goes.
Without wanting to deviate from the thread, I'm interested to know how you'll get on with tubeless. I suffered snakebites recently (both tyres in one hit) which I know isn't a problem for you, but I'd be worried if the seal went and I couldn't sort it out in the sticks.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Phil W on 11 July, 2017, 11:30:22 am
Thanks Wilkyboy

Full 300km track used, filtered from original 12,000 track points to 1600, and good to go.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 11 July, 2017, 12:25:09 pm
Without wanting to deviate from the thread, I'm interested to know how you'll get on with tubeless. I suffered snakebites recently (both tyres in one hit) which I know isn't a problem for you, but I'd be worried if the seal went and I couldn't sort it out in the sticks.
I've not had good experiences in the past but I figured I might as well try again with the larger volume tyres running at much lower pressures. I do still carry a couple of inner tubes so can sort out any issue but I have to say, the way the tyres cling onto the bead anything that unseats them could cause you bigger problems.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 11 July, 2017, 12:52:05 pm
Thanks Wilkyboy. Lack of internet at home has led to a bit of sitting outside various Coffee shops to get myself sorted, being my 4th Hereward I would hope I know the route to a certain degree though.

I'm quite excited about this weekend. Having not done an Audax ride since my Perm in early June and having all the stresses and annoyances of a house move over the last few weeks I am looking forward to a full weekend of bike riding. And I'll be testing the tubeless 650B set up (hopefully the guards will turn up) to see how it goes.
Without wanting to deviate from the thread, I'm interested to know how you'll get on with tubeless. I suffered snakebites recently (both tyres in one hit) which I know isn't a problem for you, but I'd be worried if the seal went and I couldn't sort it out in the sticks.

I've been running timeless for 2000km now without a problem. Still carry tubes in case. There is no way I would be able to reveal a tyre on the road.
2000km through the winter in the chilterns where flints are common.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: markram on 11 July, 2017, 02:18:43 pm

I've updated all this with new 2017 routes — the link still works but forwards nicely on to the 2017 page.  I've exported all the GPS files you might need to the page linked above on CamAudax.

FWIW, the route is the same, just changes to info-control locations — if you use the TCX then it will beep at you in the dark when you're close to and at the info controls, as they are easy to miss otherwise.
Thank-you. I like the ridewithgps routes because I can also download them directly to my Garmin using the IQ app "routecourse". The beeps for the controls are great because I find them difficult to track when my own mileage can vary from the route sheet due to intended and unintended detours.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: αdαmsκι on 11 July, 2017, 08:17:10 pm
On Sunday I'll be ECE-ing the The Baron's 100km into a 200km ride.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 11 July, 2017, 08:21:12 pm
HK and I are on the 200.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: bhoot on 11 July, 2017, 08:46:36 pm
Sadly we are missing all the fun but we did enjoy the 100km route check we did at the beginnng of the month (one day too early for a "helpers" ride). Both the 100km and 200km riders get to go to Tollesbury riverside which is one of my favourite Essex places. The cafe/tearoom down there is open until 2pm on Sundays I think, but it's quite small so probably not super fast if it is busy.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: BobScarle on 11 July, 2017, 09:43:33 pm
I'll be there for the curry (email sent). Anybody help me with parking? Tom's info sheet says that the church car park will be open at 20:00, so any advice on where to park before? I assume that I will park, eat curry, move car and ride in that order.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Phil W on 11 July, 2017, 10:24:09 pm
I'll be there for the curry (email sent). Anybody help me with parking? Tom's info sheet says that the church car park will be open at 20:00, so any advice on where to park before? I assume that I will park, eat curry, move car and ride in that order.

There's free parking at the recreation ground.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: wilkyboy on 11 July, 2017, 10:38:44 pm
I'll be there for the curry (email sent). Anybody help me with parking? Tom's info sheet says that the church car park will be open at 20:00, so any advice on where to park before? I assume that I will park, eat curry, move car and ride in that order.

The curry house is at the top of Dunmow.  Churchend is down at the bottom.  It's normal, if you're driving, to drive to the curry house then relocate the car down to the church car park afterwards.

Unfortunately I'll be skipping the curry this time, as it would mean leaving work just a bit too early on a Friday, which is my busy day.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Phil W on 14 July, 2017, 08:35:06 am
Weather looking good for my fair skin.  Dry, mild overnight, but not too hot during the day.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Tomsk on 14 July, 2017, 08:50:58 am
I'll be there for the curry (email sent). Anybody help me with parking? Tom's info sheet says that the church car park will be open at 20:00, so any advice on where to park before? I assume that I will park, eat curry, move car and ride in that order.

Car Park at St Mary's will be ok to use whenever, but I'll be down to open up the Centre at 20:00 and with a Very Tall Marshall to organise car parking.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: αdαmsκι on 15 July, 2017, 05:50:10 pm
Forecast for Baron's 100 km ride: http://www.weatherbagel.com/f/93392549-2bee-4372-92f7-51d12292e17e
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Manotea on 15 July, 2017, 06:53:19 pm
Many thanks to Tom and helpers for a grand day (and night) out.slightly colder than expected overnight and a bit of drizzle in the afternoon, but no problem. I ECE'd to 400, my first for quite some time, braving the London rush hour traffic on the ride out to Dunmow and arrived in good time for a change. I geared down to 82 which worked well. Some of the longer hills later in the event were a bit of a grind but nothing unmanageable; anything shorter would have made the flatter sections that much harder. Excellent!
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: whosatthewheel on 15 July, 2017, 08:53:41 pm
I geared down to 82

Bloody hell, what do you normally ride???!!
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: αdαmsκι on 16 July, 2017, 05:47:18 pm
Thanks Tomsk for the Baron's 100km ride. It turns out Good Easter is pretty much 50km from home, making it a perfect distance to turn into a 200 km ride. It was good to ride some new roads as I've never been to Tollesbury, which considering the amount I've cycled in Essex is a bit of a surprise. It was pretty humid today, and what was up with all the little black flies? They got seriously annoying. However, the sun was out when I finished the 100km loop and it was great to enjoy the sun in Good Easter and chat with people who were finishing the 200 mile option or half way through the 200 km ride.

I've now ridden at least 200 km every Saturday or Sunday for the past seven weekends. Next weekend will be a rest before starting LEL. 

Respect to the people doing the (non audax) events on the penny farthings. I know there was a 200 km option :o

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DE1z8_xWsAA6o7R.jpg)
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 17 July, 2017, 08:04:01 am
The 200 was good fun all round, though there were some comments about the 10% distance bonus. If our Mile Failte reunion group had been about 10 minutes quicker, we'd have been looking through the Compass's windows at the rain shower while enjoying our beers, instead of caping up.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 17 July, 2017, 08:53:26 am
I opted to DNS Hereward after spending most of the day trying not to fall asleep at my desk. I rode over from Witham, had the curry (of course) hoping I would feel better about it but I was still feeling the underlying tiredness and figured grinding out a 300 overnight was not really what I needed, it was the right decision for me.

On Sunday I rode the 50k, out to the Blue Egg with Huggy and Huggy Junior which was great fun and Huggy Jr was setting a very good pace indeed. Good food at the Blue Egg and then onto a good pint at the compasses before getting back and enjoying a couple of Cidres!

We didn't have any rain on the way back but we did find the very wet roads which I guess was Karma for me not having mudguards. I can also confirm that the new 47mm tyres grip incredibly well in the dry but I pushed the limit a bit too much in the wet and ended up taking a bit of a slide along the tarmac. Bike and me none the worse off other than a couple of grazes, phew!

Thanks to Tom and helpers for arranging all that riding on the weekend, that must have pushed the organisational skills to the absolute limit.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: Manotea on 17 July, 2017, 09:25:17 am
I geared down to 82

Bloody hell, what do you normally ride???!!

I've been on 92 for a while but it's a training thing really - 2 or 3 laps of Richmond Park and I'm done. :)

Ride Coda: I often find that I enjoy audax events after more than during... during I'm dealing with the inevitable stresses of the ride and generally working pretty hard. Take those away and it's all good.  The route was far lonelier, than I expected. Not a reflection on company on the road but the shape of the event and route... the evening start meant mostly riding in your own  bubble through the featureless fens (which you couldn't see anyway)  and the second half in daylight featured long country lanes through an empty big sky' rolling farmscape. It was great to be on new roads aand outside my usual riding area (and bag a cheeky 400!). #Doubleplusthumbsup.
Title: Re: Hereward the Wake/Baron's Rides 14/15/16th July 2017
Post by: wilkyboy on 25 July, 2017, 09:46:05 pm
A belated thanks to Tom and his helpers — Huggie, Mini-Huggie, Mini-Tomsk — mid-sized Tomsk was working on ITV's Le Tour coverage in London.  I thoroughly enjoyed it — again. 

We had a super quick ride for the first 100 — a cross tail and some lunatic called Matt who wanted to keep riding harder to warm up drove our group northwards at a silly, silly pace.  After the turn at Whittlesey it calmed down a little, but, as I was on fixed-gear, as soon as we hit the hills at the edge of the Cambridgeshire Fens then I was dropped and watched forlornly as the group sped off — a distance group of red lights winking on the far horizon  ::-)  Still, me, my routesheet and a headtorch and I was fine — it's nice to quieten the GPS, put it back in its place, and use the routesheet for navigation instead, which I did for the whole ride.

I rode the rest of the next stage solo in the dark, and it was, as always, a slightly surreal experience.  I kept waiting for a group to catch me from behind, but the catch never came.  In fact I caught Terry before The Pag, as the group had ruthlessly spat him out as well and left him to suffer on his own.  We bumped into them leaving as we turned in.

A quick coffee and scrambled eggs and I was back out within 45 minutes.  Alone.

I paced myself along this final 120km leg.  The sun was just coming up and the roads were quiet — it's one of the reasons I really like this ride.  I kept waiting for the catch and still it never came ...

I always bounce Biggleswade — I'm sure the café's nice enough, but I like long stages, so I paused at the garage for a receipt and got back on it.  Likewise the Silver Ball café — just grab a receipt and push on.

By now I thought I might just scrape back inside 14 hours, which for me would be a good time.  I put my head down and got on with the job.  The route is very familiar to me from here, as this is home-turf, and I barely needed any navigation at all.  I caught and passed one single rider, also dumped out of the quick group, and got back with 10 minutes to spare — absolutely knackered and so clearly I won't be riding at that pace on LEL next week!

A welcome sausage and bacon bap from Tomsk and a cup of tea and then back on the bike for the 50km ride home.  The hill out of Gt Dunmow that I barely noticed at the start of the ride now felt like a mountain!  It was a struggle to maintain any pace, but I did okay, and got home with a 20-hour 400 under my belt — extrapolate that and I'm up for a 70-hour LEL — hahahahaha  :P  ;)

I took a few photos.  They're a bit motion-blurry, because there wasn't much light about at 9pm at the start.

(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6817.jpg)      (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6818.jpg)

(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6819.jpg)      (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6824.jpg)

(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6826.jpg)      (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6831.jpg)

(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6833.jpg)      (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6836.jpg)

(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6843.jpg)      (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6846.jpg)

(http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6852.jpg)      (http://www.camaudax.uk/tom/hereward-the-wake-300-2017/DSCN6854.jpg)