Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Redlight on 27 June, 2017, 08:14:19 am

Title: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Redlight on 27 June, 2017, 08:14:19 am
OK, not a buzzard, but equally intimidating...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-40412209/cyclist-repeatedly-attacked-by-staffordshire-bird-of-prey (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-40412209/cyclist-repeatedly-attacked-by-staffordshire-bird-of-prey)
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 27 June, 2017, 12:49:14 pm
"RSPCA confirmed it is a buzzard".

The Devon one is long gone.  It met its match trying to intimidate a van.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Redlight on 27 June, 2017, 12:59:12 pm
Aha.  (That piece has been updated since I posted it)
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: SoreTween on 27 June, 2017, 06:33:11 pm
I was expecting to read about a popular ride back on the calendar.  #Disappointed.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 27 June, 2017, 06:56:47 pm
I was expecting to read about a popular ride back on the calendar.  #Disappointed.

It's not been away.  60 something entries so far.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: ian.r.mcdonald on 28 June, 2017, 07:38:52 am
OK, not a buzzard, but equally intimidating...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-40412209/cyclist-repeatedly-attacked-by-staffordshire-bird-of-prey (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-40412209/cyclist-repeatedly-attacked-by-staffordshire-bird-of-prey)

Cromer Hill going into Milwich. Stop for a calming drink in tbe Green Man if you survive!
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: T42 on 28 June, 2017, 08:15:33 am
That has happened here to a couple of blokes I know. One of them had to do battle with his pump. Fortunately he's a traditionalist and uses a full-length frame pump.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: essexian on 28 June, 2017, 08:24:44 am
Given the "speed" I go up that hill, I think I am best staying away from the area or I am likely to become bird food! :o

Do we know if the bird hangs out before or after the farm on the left as you go up hill: I could not tell from the film?

Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: ian.r.mcdonald on 30 June, 2017, 05:08:00 pm
Given the "speed" I go up that hill, I think I am best staying away from the area or I am likely to become bird food! :o

Do we know if the bird hangs out before or after the farm on the left as you go up hill: I could not tell from the film?

after the farm.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Dominic on 03 July, 2017, 07:46:55 am
Anybody tell me what the parking situation around Leighton Buzzard trains station is like please?
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 03 July, 2017, 09:05:11 am
Anybody tell me what the parking situation around Leighton Buzzard trains station is like please?

There's long-stay at the station.  This app suggests £11.60.
https://www.londonmidlandparking.com/consumer/find-and-book/carparks/leightonbuzzard
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Bus Shelter Bertie on 03 July, 2017, 02:49:44 pm
Anybody tell me what the parking situation around Leighton Buzzard trains station is like please?

Dominic, I'm thinking it might be better to cycle to the event. There's a space on my driveway if you'd like to join me. It's 28 miles to the start from Northampton.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 03 July, 2017, 03:29:12 pm
Anybody tell me what the parking situation around Leighton Buzzard trains station is like please?

Dominic, I'm thinking it might be better to cycle to the event. There's a space on my driveway if you'd like to join me. It's 28 miles to the start from Northampton.

Agreed.  It's always better to warm-up before a big event.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 03 July, 2017, 04:26:55 pm
I'll be cycling from MK. Not far enough to ece 100km unless I do a loop. Only done this ride once, on my birthday (hint!) as my second 600 for LEL 2013, when I struggled to eat (dehydrated?). Hoping to enjoy it more this time!
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: the straggler on 03 July, 2017, 09:23:54 pm
Sorry Ritchie, I just read the buzzard forum and noticed you are planning doing the Buzzard this weekend also.  See you at LB station this Saturday and discuss the flat liner perm further.
Raymond
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 03 July, 2017, 09:45:25 pm
Buzzard forum?
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: the straggler on 03 July, 2017, 10:13:51 pm
Buzzard forum?
Yep, my error. Too much audaxing......not enough sense.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Dominic on 04 July, 2017, 07:06:22 am

Dominic, I'm thinking it might be better to cycle to the event. There's a space on my driveway if you'd like to join me. It's 28 miles to the start from Northampton.
[/quote]

Sounds like a plan, let me know if you decide to.  Message me your details as and when if you do.  Very kind offer.  Not sure I will be thinking that on the way back though!!
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Bus Shelter Bertie on 04 July, 2017, 02:19:21 pm
PM sent Dominic..
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: mr ben on 05 July, 2017, 05:17:15 pm
Regarding this weekend's ride(s), rather than our feathered friends fiends: what are people's sleep plans for Saturday night? I've booked a travelodge near pangbourne but now I've done some proper time calculations it seems rather pointless and very many £ per minute given how long I'll actually be able to spend there...so thinking I may cancel and take a bivvy bag instead.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 05 July, 2017, 05:36:31 pm
In 2013 I rode with someone looking for a haystack, while I wasn't planning on stopping. We ended up resting in a McD in the early hours (can't remember if we nodded off).
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 05 July, 2017, 05:43:29 pm
Last Thursday night–well, Friday morning to be accurate–I stopped at the Holiday Inn on the A4 just before Woolhampton.  I believe that is full, but there's another motel-style place a few 100m before, which might have rooms. 

Obviously this applies to Exe-Buzzard riders only.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: JayBM on 06 July, 2017, 09:50:12 am
We've got a room booked at the Grange Best Western.  It's a couple of k past the left turn in Woolhampton.  They still have rooms I believe.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Genosse Brymbo on 08 July, 2017, 09:51:56 am
Just back from getting a bit of shopping done in Pangbourne where I witnessed several LB starters controlling at the Co-op.  Sun is shining and it's going to be a hot day down to Exeter.  Good luck everyone, and enjoy the ride.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 08 July, 2017, 10:43:03 am
The Exe-Buzzards should be through sometime during the small hours.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: mr ben on 09 July, 2017, 04:43:33 pm
Got as far as Charlbury (Exeter starter), struggling so diverted into the village for coke and crisps on the advice of 'don't pack until you've had a cup of tea and a sit down' and it being the closest option.  The first stage had gone really well and fast (for me), then a couple of minor set-backs; taking the wrong stone arch in Wells, followed by a mud guard breaking as soon as I hit Oxfordshire and crap road surfaces (satisfactorily fixed with duck tape). After Cirencester I'd started to get uncomfortable in both saddle and feet, and was failing to take any enjoyment whatsoever despite the great weather and countryside. If it was a 300 km I could have tolerated it but the thought of so much still to come...

Ended up retracing to Burford where I spent the night in the field behind the car park (that type of accommodation was always planned) then rode to Cheltenham this morning straight down the fairly peaceful A40 and waited for a coffee purveyor to open (Starbucks, 7 am).  Picked up my train route back to Leeds, tried to book my bike on but apparently despite the ticket office opening at 9 am you can't make cycle reservations until at least an hour later, it being 'too early'.

Well it was nice to have some time in Exeter beforehand being an ex-resident, shame not to make LB where I also spent a year; this was one of the reasons I entered this ride.  And Cheltenham is also an old haunt, now I think about it that's where I learnt to ride a bike, along the pavement outside my grandmother's flat.

Hope the rest of you had a more successful ride and look forward to hearing about it.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 10 July, 2017, 05:33:53 am
I'll try and be short. It was great returning to this ride (done once in 2013). Not dug out the old sheet to see if the route is the same (I recognised some bits, but not others). Distances on the sheet were confusing at times, and there were some other hiccups, but I had the gps as a checker (and the gps is my night guide). Thought the Straggler had left before me (only saw one other guy left at the start). Rode fast with Hillingdon Tri Mark looking for him, then deduced he must have been still at the start. Never saw him again. Rode with Mark to the 1st and 2nd controls, where he went for pizza with this other guy (I heard he rode like a rocket after), while I went to the station for a coffee (no receipt) then back tracked to the co-op. Rode the next section mainly on my own, wondering if Salisbury had a 'spoons. It did, and I stopped for their burger, chips and pint deal with the velo top with matching socks bloke (sorry, forgot your name). Fancied a pot of tea during the next bit, so stopped on my own at the tea room (ex pub?), on the bend in Shaftsbury, watching the world (and some audaxers) go by. Rode alone to Sherborne Waitrose (free coffee), where my TMK mate showed up. We rode a bit together, 'til he dropped me (bikepackers!), when I stopped to sort out the sheet. Never saw him again. Enjoyed the downhills, but not the ups, to Exeter, and the night riding on quietish main roads, watching the pubbers/clubbers out and about. Stopped at the Wellington garage where the nice old attendant put the Subway café lights on so I could eat and drnk in there. She was amazed when I showed her the brevet card, and I said we do it for fun. Caught by another audaxer at Wells, and we yo-yo'd most of the rest of the ride. I drank a lot again (clouds not doing their job with the sun). Drank and ate at Brackley Waitrose, then drank more at the co-op, before setting off on the dreaded last section (so easy to head straight home along the last bit). Sprinted from Winslow, when I thought I could finish within the hour, then sat at the station, wondering whether to catch a train, go to 'sppons, or just ride home. I chose the latter.

After three punctures on three different old tyres within a week, I rode this event on brand new Marathon Plus 25mm's. I felt sluggish uphill, and less confident cornering. I might use them on CTC rides, and go back to 4 seasons for audaxing.

I'm glad I rode this event again, with lots of changes in scenery, and some good company. well done Ian.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Peat on 10 July, 2017, 11:56:33 am
My first 600, completing my first (and only, i expect) SR series.

LB start, ripped a tyre open 18miles in. Patched it up with the old toothpaste tube i have carried for years, but never deployed, until the shops opened so i could replace it. Diverted at Aldermaston to nearby Tadley (PedalOn) to procure said replacement.

Fairly smooth sailing thereafter, met lots of nice folk on my way round. Got a little light-headed at Shaftsbury so stopped for a meal. Made it to Exeter by 2230, then onward to my luxury accommodation in Taunton at 0130. I'm not going to work out the £/hr rate of that kip, but the shower was very welcome.

Bit of breakfast in very busy Wells (Boules tournament), a hill, received a one-fingered salute by a gentleman in a Ford Galaxy, for no reason I can fathom, in Bath, another hill. Welcomed back to my native Oxfordshire with some truly awful road surfacing near Burford. Shortly afterwards, the sun got me. Went all wobbly, had a sit down, made the mistake of falling asleep before i'd had something to drink and woke up 40mins later in another dimension. Had a meal with lashings of salt which saw me right until the finish.

Hell of an experience. Not sure I'd do a 600 again. I'd need to figure out my saddle/bikefit woes before I try it. Very painful last 100 miles - and ever since. OOoooooh.

You lot are mad. Love you all long time.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 10 July, 2017, 12:32:46 pm
Don't forget to post your cards, folks.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 23 May, 2018, 11:07:13 am
I’ve entered this year’s event for my first 600. Really looking forward to it, but don’t mind admitting to being a bit nervous too.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: halhorner on 23 May, 2018, 11:50:50 am
Same here! My first go at a 600 (did my first 400 earlier this month). What's your sleep strategy?
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 23 May, 2018, 02:30:59 pm
Same here! My first go at a 600 (did my first 400 earlier this month). What's your sleep strategy?

Keep going until I need one! I’m hoping to only need maybe 30 mins at some point? As ever, all plans are liabale to change once in contact with the enemy!
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: bludger on 23 May, 2018, 02:44:52 pm
In Australia people wear fake plastic 'eyes' on the backs of ther heads to keep off attacking magpies (yes really), perhaps locals should start doing the same!
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 23 May, 2018, 04:18:21 pm
In Australia people wear fake plastic 'eyes' on the backs of ther heads to keep off attacking magpies (yes really), perhaps locals should start doing the same!

Eyes drawn on the back of a cycling cap didn't deter the Devon buzzard.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 12 June, 2018, 09:14:54 pm
So I’ve been thinking a bit more about how to tackle this. I think I can cycle through without a major stop although I would like a break to maybe have a quick nap. I think I would find it harder to stop completely and get in a bed as I’m not sure I would get out of it again. Stopping at Exeter Services seems obvious but also seems a bit early. Anyone got any recommendations for a place to stop around the 400km point where I could stick my head down on a table and grab a tea? Thanks. Alex
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 12 June, 2018, 09:43:10 pm
I've updated the routesheet & gpx at ukcyclist.co.uk.  Still subject to a routecheck nearer the time.

In response to AK there appears to be a 24hr MacDonald's Near the M5 in Taunton, if that's your thing.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 12 June, 2018, 10:00:20 pm
Any port in a storm, Ian. Thank you.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Peat on 13 June, 2018, 08:51:33 am
That McD's was full of boy racers at 1am when I stopped there last year. They all seemed to have 'helpful' advice for me needed to upgrade my method of transport, so it might not be that restful. It's on the outskirts of a business park which looked to have plenty of grassy mounds and shrubbery you could hide in for 40 winks.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 13 June, 2018, 09:55:07 am
I last rode the Buzzard, rather than the Exe-Buzzard, in 2015.  I booked the Premier Inn at Taunton* and had a good night's sleep.

*There are two, one either side of the M5.  I inadvertently booked the one on the south side, which only came to light when they couldn't find my booking at the other.  Not that they're far apart.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 13 June, 2018, 11:21:04 am
I see that there’s a 24 hour Esso garage in Wells, so could fuel up there and then find a place to stop?
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 28 June, 2018, 01:39:13 pm
Just wondering if the route on the Buzzrd website is the final one? Just started putting the route into Garminconnect and was hoping there won’t be too many changes? Ta.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 28 June, 2018, 02:04:26 pm
The gps file won't change.  I'm not riding the route until a couple of days before so any changes to the routesheet will be last-minute.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 28 June, 2018, 02:08:21 pm
Cheers Ian.  Thank you. 👍
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 01 July, 2018, 09:12:57 pm
Emails sent to everyone.

Steve Abraham has kindly offered to deal with the Leighton Buzzard start.  I shall send the Exeter starters off.

Jeremy and I are riding the route Wednesday-Thursday.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: TOBY on 05 July, 2018, 12:16:52 pm
any chance of an alternative control option to Salisbury?
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ajax Bay on 05 July, 2018, 01:12:11 pm
any chance of an alternative control option to Salisbury?
Toby - the organiser is riding the route as I type (about 500k in) so will have controlled through Salisbury (Exe-Buzzard) just now. He'll be back on line (if a touch fatiqued) tonight (Thursday). Route doesn't go through Amesbury.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ben T on 05 July, 2018, 02:37:03 pm
any chance of an alternative control option to Salisbury?

just don't touch or eat anything  :o ;)
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 05 July, 2018, 10:15:20 pm
any chance of an alternative control option to Salisbury?
Toby - the organiser is riding the route as I type (about 500k in) so will have controlled through Salisbury (Exe-Buzzard) just now. He'll be back on line (if a touch fatiqued) tonight (Thursday). Route doesn't go through Amesbury.

There was no sign of anything untoward in Salisbury (apart from a couple of sweaty audaxers).
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: TOBY on 06 July, 2018, 01:22:38 am
any chance of an alternative control option to Salisbury?
Toby - the organiser is riding the route as I type (about 500k in) so will have controlled through Salisbury (Exe-Buzzard) just now. He'll be back on line (if a touch fatiqued) tonight (Thursday). Route doesn't go through Amesbury.

There was no sign of anything untoward in Salisbury (apart from a couple of sweaty audaxers).

The perfect cover!
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 06 July, 2018, 10:25:52 am
If anyone wants them, I've done each section as a Garmin file. Let me know and I'll paste some links here
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 06 July, 2018, 11:06:32 am
If anyone wants them, I've done each section as a Garmin file. Let me know and I'll paste some links here

How would that be different to the supplied gpx file (which opens as separate sections)?
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 06 July, 2018, 11:29:12 am
No difference at all, but I'm a numpty and IT illiterate and find it easier to use Garmin connect :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: halhorner on 06 July, 2018, 02:07:51 pm
so i'm probably being dumb.. but I only see the last stage (brac - Leigh) when I download the GPS files...
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 06 July, 2018, 02:56:55 pm
so i'm probably being dumb.. but I only see the last stage (brac - Leigh) when I download the GPS files...

I don't know the limitations of other Garmin devices (I use an Etrex).  Loading the zip file into Ride with GPS (https://ridewithgps.com) or GPX Editor (http://www.gpxeditor.co.uk/) will bring up a separate file for each leg.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: halhorner on 06 July, 2018, 03:51:55 pm
yep using gpx editor worked, ta.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 07 July, 2018, 08:57:31 am
I sent the Exeter starters off at 6 this morning.  Steve Abraham started the Leighton Buzzard lot at 7.  It's still fairly cool down here, but the sun's out.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Ian H on 08 July, 2018, 06:04:37 pm
Three riders have notified that they're packing: two illness/heat, one Garmin malfunction (!).
They have until 10pm, or 11pm for the LB starters. 
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Mr Green on 08 July, 2018, 10:36:02 pm
My first DNF. I managed about 280km before packing. My rear gear cable snapped and the end of the cable jammed in the lever. The thought of the rest of the ride with only one gear wasn't very appealing, but if I'm honest I was quite relived to stop. I was struggling with the oppressive heat, and another day with those temperatures would have been too much (God knows what it's like on the Millie Pennines this year!)So at about 11:30pm I got some kip and in a field, I then watched the sun come up at about 4:30am and cycled in to Taunton for breakfast and then got the train back.

I'll be back to finish this ride some time soon.

Arthur
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: Peat on 09 July, 2018, 08:27:58 am
I bumped into a few of the Exe-Buzzard-ers in Malmsbury. brought back memories of the event last year, which was hot, just not as HOT.

Chapeau to all who made it round.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: AK on 09 July, 2018, 11:44:44 am
Really pleased to finish, getting back to LB at 6pm, with two other riders, without whom I doubt I would have finished. The heat made it hard for me to digest my food so had to keep taking it really steady. We didn’t find the 24hr Macdonalds so after controlling in Wells we ended up having a 2 hour kip in a field at 4am.  After that we had lots of stops to cool down and drink. The heat and sharp climbs were really energy sapping and there was a lot less shade than the first day. I spent a total of 10 hours off the bike, which I think shows how hard the conditions were. Lovely route though, and lovely people. Nice to finish my first 600.
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: vorsprung on 09 July, 2018, 12:35:52 pm
Will do a proper write up but for now, left LB at 21:30, slept in bivvy at Pangborne, finished at 21:20.  Melting tar observed on the A30
Title: Re: The "Buzzard" is back!
Post by: TOBY on 12 July, 2018, 01:01:24 pm
Paperwork done and in the post to you Ian.

Exe-Buzzard

Well it was effing hot!

After double checking I’d forgotten my mitts I Arrived at the depart in good time 05:59 – going wrong from the start as usual where a cursory glance over the route sheet would have helped reduce my instant errors getting away from Eggzegeter.

The run to Wells was great rolling roads in the comparatively cool morning I had 2 x 1L bottles on the go anticipating heat in the daytime and minimal night options and this was enough at this time of day to get me there without stopping.

Onto Cirencester, the sun was increasing its focus and after the hills around Bath I had to refill at Malmesbury as I’d already gone through my bottles, they were near enough empty again when I arrived in Cirencester. Ice Creams, Milkshake and Crisps – bosh!

The roads between Cirencester, Brakley and Leighton Buzzard appeared to have gone on an exchange trip with the surface of the Sun, everywhere was incredibly yellow and there was no shade on any of the roads. I really started to regret not having gloves as my bar tape had become a slippy mess and the hoods were too hot (I see reason for white ones!).

After being cheered by a flag waving crowd of England fans outside a pub (I guessed they’d won) I stopped in Leighton Buzzard for a Chinese take-away and went to find some shade. It was pretty uneventful through Pangbourne and Chandlers Ford although Winchester and Salisbury offered a good range of drunks but the traffic was light and appeared “sensible”.

I’d started fairly tired so stopped for two naps between Salisbury and Sherbourne but once the sun came up things were ok again. Starting the ride I’d considered taking just a tool pack as the forecast was so good however overnight I did need my arm warmers as the high temperatures seemed to create super concentrated frost hollows/cold pockets in the low spots, at sunrise I saw mist spilling/pouring out of a field over the hedge onto the road like a dry ice machine.

Sherbourne to Exeter was suitably hilly – hillier than I remember.

I’d committed to riding straight through well before the weather we had was forecast as the electrification of the Severn Tunnel was going to make a meal of getting trains home to Cardiff on the Sunday. I think it worked out for the best, the thought of another day in that sun and heat did not appeal!

Other than the heat it was an enjoyable ride/route although I’d either underestimated the hills or how overweight I am. Best of all it gave me SR year #10 so subject to validation I got my Ultra Randonneur  :thumbsup:– where have the years gone  :'(