I think in 2011 it started off at 0 deg C and went up to about 25. I remember keep stopping about 5 times on the way to shobdon to remove layers.
Hopefully will have rebuilt rear wheel ready in time so we can use the tandem. I'm instructed not to attempt the Devil's Staircase.
Simon, how close to the actual "killer climb" is the control? I was wondering whether eating anything more than a banana there might be, shall we say, counter-productive? I remember the first time I attempted Fleet Moss, I had a meal in Hawes at the foot of the climb. The meal won the last 200 yards hands down!
Simon, how close to the actual "killer climb" is the control? I was wondering whether eating anything more than a banana there might be, shall we say, counter-productive? I remember the first time I attempted Fleet Moss, I had a meal in Hawes at the foot of the climb. The meal won the last 200 yards hands down!
I did that last year, on one of Dave Atkinson's perms which rather cruelly has Kettlewell as a control just before Park Rash; the pint of Copper Dragon at the pub did not make the climb any easier.
The checkpoint is right at the foot of the Staircase. Just cakes & squash on offer. In years gone by it used to be at the top but it's very exposed up there and yes, the tent has blown away in the past.
I did find it's easier to push your bike up a snowy hill than cycle up it.
Did the Autumn Epic sportive four times, which I think went up some of the same climbs, using my ally bike with low gears. If I do this, I'd be too tempted to shun the full mudguard steel bikes!
Lets hope it warms up a bit, there's still a good covering of snow on the Long Mynd. The real killer will be the headwind on the way back if this weather keeps up though.
A BMX...fair play to that :o TG what sort of fixed gearing might you recommend for the route?
You are doing a bike ride, not a ldwa event (http://www.ldwa.org.uk/). MTFU and ride up the staircase ;). And the climb after Dolgoch. And the Pont-rhyd-y-groes climb. And.... And..... And....
Cheers chaps I'll stick with my standard 67" then, don't want to go lower and spin out on the descents too much.
Cheers chaps I'll stick with my standard 67" then, don't want to go lower and spin out on the descents too much.
Is anyone willing to take an extra sleepy bag and let me use it in the hall (both nights)? I would rather not have to load up with panniers. I am aiming to arrive by about 3am and promise to tip-toe in ever so quietly at which point I will fall asleep and wake you all up with my teeth-grinding. I was planning on a full value ride and having a bit of a lie in on Sunday.
Might be appreciated if you were to pack your tent as well and avail yourself of the field
Both tandems made it up the Devil's Staircase (so all those prevaricating over it - MTFU) although the presence of that couple handing out cake from their car boot was missed.
I'm about 80km into my homeward 200 DIY, and the legs still work...
I never had enough clothing so froze for the first leg, and I also had two completely wet feet. Reaching the airfield I decided to strip down to bare feet, and I stayed there for one hour and three seconds.. About the last to leave!!!
I ripped through the next leg, meeting (in passing) quite a few that I hardly ever see, which was good. Apologies for sprinting up a steep bit past a couple of riders, going too fast to say more than "hi"...
For a while in the middle I was not too cold and took off my boil in a bag to climb the staircase - bit of an anti climax to tell the truth - but made my heart rate soar...
Wheelwrights a success - I was down a bit and someone passing said "apple crumble and custard at the next control". I flew...
Finished quite early and chatted for hours.
Next year I will be sweltering with too much clothing!!!
But I'll be back
Well, after an hour on the phone it does not actually appear to be possible to book bike reservations on any remotely useful services, and my experience of those services is that they're usually rammed. I'm not willing to risk it for £70.
The easiest thing (in one way) if to just factor-in a round trip from Bristol I guess :facepalm:
...
and down again.
That's a lot more...umm...interesting when you find your brakes aren't working as they should be :facepalm:...
and down again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7v0WboSskQ
I've got 23 signed in for the snoreathon in the hall - getting cosy now so if anyone else wants in let me know asap.
Thanks, Undulates. I shall probably arrive by 11pm and so will try hard not to wake any happy campers as I pitch my tent. Is obvious where to park and pitch?
Just seen the weather forecast - it's going to be an AFD in waterproofs ride!yr.no is currently less pessimistic, so there's still some hope isn't there? ....... please?
...it's going to be an AFD in waterproofs ride!Forgive my naivety, but I'm guessing AFD means "all day" ??? Thankfully I've asked Amazon to deliver me a waterproof today (I don't have one). :-[
Is anyone willing to take an extra sleepy bag and let me use it in the hall (both nights)?I've packed a spare sleeping bag but see above ref saturday night.
Thanks - I should now find it. I'm driving from Amesbury, departing 7pm (possibly earlier), so this is a firm offer of a lift if it might help anyone. 'Not sure if I'll need to camp over on saturday night (or indeed, if that's allowed) as I haven't a clue what to expect on this ride (I've only ever done one 300, and I started that with dysentery so I've no real measure of how long it will take me)....it's going to be an AFD in waterproofs ride!Forgive my naivety, but I'm guessing AFD means "all day" ??? Thankfully I've asked Amazon to deliver me a waterproof today (I don't have one). :-[Is anyone willing to take an extra sleepy bag and let me use it in the hall (both nights)?I've packed a spare sleeping bag but see above ref saturday night.
Thanks - I should now find it. I'm driving from Amesbury, departing 7pm (possibly earlier), so this is a firm offer of a lift if it might help anyone. 'Not sure if I'll need to camp over on saturday night (or indeed, if that's allowed) as I haven't a clue what to expect on this ride (I've only ever done one 300, and I started that with dysentery so I've no real measure of how long it will take me)....it's going to be an AFD in waterproofs ride!Forgive my naivety, but I'm guessing AFD means "all day" ??? Thankfully I've asked Amazon to deliver me a waterproof today (I don't have one). :-[Is anyone willing to take an extra sleepy bag and let me use it in the hall (both nights)?I've packed a spare sleeping bag but see above ref saturday night.
Now looking like we might have a mostly dry morning with a light southerly wind. Some rain looking likely for the afternoon/evening, but the silver lining should be an accompanying strengthening of the wind so the final sections should have a good tailwind.
Dunno whether the route of Yr Elenydd goes the same way, but we used the Little Chef on the roundabout outside Builth, on last year's Cambrian 600.
I notice it’s a free control in Builth Wells. Did anyone use the same cafe as used on The Elenith? I guess they won’t be expecting us so won’t be geared up for numbers. What alternatives would people recommend if that’s looking too busy? I think they have an outside tap, which is very handy.
Dunno whether the route of Yr Elenydd goes the same way, but we used the Little Chef on the roundabout outside Builth, on last year's Cambrian 600.
Yep - good place to control. As Revelinho notes there is a BK for anyone needing a burger.
Dunno whether the route of Yr Elenydd goes the same way, but we used the Little Chef on the roundabout outside Builth, on last year's Cambrian 600.
Yep - good place to control. As Revelinho notes there is a BK for anyone needing a burger.
I'm arriving by train. Has anyone got directions from Shrewsbury station to Upton Magna (by bike!)?Directions from Shrewsbury station...http://goo.gl/maps/03OjU (http://goo.gl/maps/03OjU) Distance is 8.5km
I'm going into this already sleep deprived from night shifts. I hope I get some sleep friday night or its not going to go well!
I'm going into this already sleep deprived from night shifts. I hope I get some sleep friday night or its not going to go well!
All the more reason to take the tandem - you can have a nap at the back when Simon's not looking :)
Is there a lantern rouge competition this year? In previous years, people used to boast about cutting it fine at this event.
I'm riding a Tonka bike this year.Is there a lantern rouge competition this year? In previous years, people used to boast about cutting it fine at this event.
I'll have £10 on Salvatore on last year's form.
I'm going into this already sleep deprived from night shifts. I hope I get some sleep friday night or its not going to go well!Party hardy all night; catnap to Shoden - you'll be reet ;)
WARNING: UNASHAMED ADVERTISING WITH APOLOGIES TO U.N.DULATES
The Kidderminster Killer was born by the same parent as The Elenith. When the illustrious Dave Pountney retired from many years as an organiser, John and I inherited The Elenith and Kidder Killer respectively.
So, if you fancy something gruelling in mid August which is also in the spirit of Yr Elenydd, you are more than welcome to enter the KK. Details at: http://www.beaconrcc.org.uk/audax/killerclee/index.html
Lights will be necessary :demon:
You'll have to find someone else to put your money on. Salvatore DNF :oI'm riding a Tonka bike this year.Is there a lantern rouge competition this year? In previous years, people used to boast about cutting it fine at this event.
I'll have £10 on Salvatore on last year's form.
nothing else
19h45. Hardest I've found a 300k. We walked the Devil's Staircase but nothing else. It's less tandem friendly than the old route which adds to the fun.
I had a good day, finishing in 15 hours 40 mins, so approx 1 hour faster than last year, and well before 10pm. There was a noticeably friendly & helpful atmosphere, with riders happy to let me join their groups and chat / charge / coast / and even drag them along. (Could not find another word beginning with 'C')'Carry' them along?
I had a good day, finishing in 15 hours 40 mins, so approx 1 hour faster than last year, and well before 10pm. There was a noticeably friendly & helpful atmosphere, with riders happy to let me join their groups and chat / charge / coast / and even drag them along. (Could not find another word beginning with 'C')'Carry' them along?
Thx for the company guys and major thx to John and team. Classic and an ece 600 to boot.
Very pleased to get around and in at 22:45 despite my initial forgivings about my ability to complete, having doemn no more than 100k ridess this year (aside note marcusjb thanks for encouraging words on another but not YACF site !!). Really enjoyed my return to Audax after 20 years break...only 2nd 300 in my life, other being Snow Roads.
Kept to plan of keeping steady and less time spent at controls; Elan Valley though was horrid, one of the most difficult crossings from Cwmystyth to Rhayader I`ve done in many years, normally a nice tail wind wafts you through.
Pretty tired at end 20km so just rolled along without trying to push on too much, and very glad of good set disc brakes on the top of descent off Thresholds ----and technology of a GPS to see when next corner was coming up.
Good friendly and helpful atmosphere to whole event, and good food stops too.
For those not liking muddy road at The Warden maybe an alternative route could be Slough Hill> Evenjobb> Kinnerton> New Radnor ??
Playing "dodge the frog" (toad?) helped keep the mind focused on the final leg. Thousands of the little fellows there were. I have been reassured that they let out a blood-curdling death cry, I didn't hear this so karma intact hopefully.
Wilkyboy - 'twas indeed myself and also Peter OTP who were in that finishing group, good to do the last couple of hours in a little bunch for moral support I always think.
Rode with various folk at different times including Dan who was running a marathon today, hat off there.
Thanks to everyone who helped me after my fall. I was in too much pain and embarrassment to get names. And a special thanks to the rider who guided me to the control, as I would not have made that.
A lovely welsh man drove me 20km to Aberystwyth and helped me get my ticket. After a 2 hour train ride and a taxi I was back at the beginning. Gutted I didn't finish. But like Arnie; I'll be back!
Rode with various folk at different times including Dan who was running a marathon today, hat off there.
That'd be Dan Howard. He did that last year too. Was he on fixed again like he was last year?
I remember him when he was a 15 year old riding the Kidderminster Killer in 1994.
One of the riders had a cunning plan and I bumped into him as he exited the Forestry trails at the top of the Staircase having gone up through the forest at half the incline of the staircase :thumbsup: The rest of the climbs over to Tregaron were easy ... no, wait, that's a dream I had: they were bloody hard and I am ashamed to say that I walked nearly all of them :facepalm:
Indeed - there is a Larrington manoeuvre; take the trail forking right, and then just keep bearing left...nicely graded, and just a steady 7-8% drag all the way.
...
There's no shame in 24" gear; I'm amazed at how well you did on that stead - serious respect :thumbsup:
I packed at Builth Wells, I was only 40 minutes in hand there and knew I'd be grovelling after that.
Too fat, too unfit, simply not good enough.
The parts I did (to Builth and I re-joined at Pen Y Bont) were great and the controls and village hall were super. Just my sort of riding (love Welsh lanes). Well done to John and helpers for the organisation top notch.
Rode a little with JayP who is always good company and met Iddu at Shobdon. Saw a lady in a pink yacf top as I was leaving Shobdon and was going to introduce myself to Simon and Feline at a later control but it was not to be, I punctured a bit after that and they went past (so hello anyway to you both).
A further two punctures is karma for packing.
Thanks to everyone who helped me after my fall. I was in too much pain and embarrassment to get names. And a special thanks to the rider who guided me to the control, as I would not have made that.
A lovely welsh man drove me 20km to Aberystwyth and helped me get my ticket. After a 2 hour train ride and a taxi I was back at the beginning. Gutted I didn't finish. But like Arnie; I'll be back!
Chris Wilby came up behind me, with his death-ray dynamo, as I was making my solitary plod through the weaving mists of Wentnor. I hadn't clocked him anywhere thro' the day and he hadn't been at any of the select FVFM gatherings at Rhayader or Little Brampton. Apparently he'd been having a kip somwhere.
iddu, that tyre failure looks unique, never seen it like that beforeIt used to happen to the Armadillos.
Thanks to everyone who helped me after my fall. I was in too much pain and embarrassment to get names. And a special thanks to the rider who guided me to the control, as I would not have made that.
A lovely welsh man drove me 20km to Aberystwyth and helped me get my ticket. After a 2 hour train ride and a taxi I was back at the beginning. Gutted I didn't finish. But like Arnie; I'll be back!
For those not liking muddy road at The Warden maybe an alternative route could be Slough Hill> Evenjobb> Kinnerton> New Radnor ??Warden road was particularly muddy this year. The farmer's been finally getting his sheep out into the field this week I think - late because of the snow. That would be an alternative, as would continuing via Discoed and then turning L to climb to Beggars Bush on the B road.
I've been inspired by these reports. I shall make this an aim for 2014. :thumbsup:
Next years event is provisionally scheduled for Sat 12th April.
Apparently I burned 9,401 calories climbing 9,658 metres. Henry mentioned earlier my food intake. I checked the little bag where I keep my wrappers and I had four fruesli bars, and about 1.5 litres of Hi Five 4:1, but I forgot to mention I also had a banana, and a Latte from RegT at Rhayader, and a can of full fat coke at the Little Brampton penultimate control...
^^^^^^
Although, or perhaps, because it is late, please can you elaborate on the cling film angle?
Lovely write up.
I make your consumption only around 1300 calories! I eat and drank my way through about 4,500. I'm about 25% heavier so will have used a bit more energy in getting up the hills but, even so, you will have burned a lot more fat than me (and you have more limited supplies!)
Interesting. Perhaps I don't need to eat quite as much. Were your legs still strong at the end on that (low) calorie intake?
... and at least one fixed wheel ...
Next years event is provisionally scheduled for Sat 12th April.
I forgot to mention I also had a bananaNow that's just cheating >:(
Wilkyboy, never again will I diss a Brompton, salute you sir...
Some pictures before bedtime:
Apparently I burned 9,401 calories climbing 5,658 metres. Henry mentioned earlier my food intake. I checked the little bag where I keep my wrappers and I had four fruesli bars, and about 1.5 litres of Hi Five 4:1, but I forgot to mention I also had a banana, and a Latte from RegT at Rhayader, and a can of full fat coke at the Little Brampton penultimate control...
I make your consumption only around 1300 calories! I eat and drank my way through about 4,500. I'm about 25% heavier so will have used a bit more energy in getting up the hills but, even so, you will have burned a lot more fat than me (and you have more limited supplies!)
Interesting. Perhaps I don't need to eat quite as much. Were your legs still strong at the end on that (low) calorie intake?
I have never eaten as much on an Audax as this one. I blame this on Undulate's great choice of controls and the efforts of the many willing helpers, as well as my own pigginess!
Instead of a ride punctuated by stops I found this to be a food-fest divided by a few lumpy bike rides instead.
Donny, it was indeed me in the tent next to you. Nice to meet you. Looking at your photo it's taken me ages to work out why my bike isn't leaning against the tree. Or perhaps someone nicked it and returned it without me knowing.
Cards are off to AUK and provisional results list is on the AUK website http://www.aukweb.net/results/detail/this/listevent/?Ride=13-748 (http://www.aukweb.net/results/detail/this/listevent/?Ride=13-748).
Cards are off to AUK and provisional results list is on the AUK website http://www.aukweb.net/results/detail/this/listevent/?Ride=13-748 (http://www.aukweb.net/results/detail/this/listevent/?Ride=13-748).
Validated Brevet Cards are now in the post to all finishers, along with any badges and/or medals ordered.
Hope to see some of you again next year - Saturday 12th April
Got mine today, too
oooo a French signature :thumbsup:
Hope to see some of you again next year - Saturday 12th April
yes one`s mine coming back again :thumbsup: ---hope still camping at village hall start too, ....and may it not be an east wind down Cwmystwyth valley in 2014 :(No changes planned at all. Will have quite enough to do in 2014 with my other project (watch this space)
yes one`s mine coming back again :thumbsup: ---hope still camping at village hall start too, ....and may it not be an east wind down Cwmystwyth valley in 2014 :(No changes planned at all. Will have quite enough to do in 2014 with my other project (watch this space)
2007: Ride PBP on gears.
2009: Ride LEL on gears.
2010: Ride Mille Cymru on gears.
2011: Ride PBP on fixed.
2013: Ride LEL on fixed.
2014: Ride Mille Cymru (?) on ...?
Arse.