Sounds good. If you do decide to go for a calendar event get in touch about controls in the Shrewsbury vicinity. I should be able to do an overnight control at Upton Magna.
The calendar is a bit short on 600s starting in the SE currently, (they're clustered in SW and round Manchester/W Yorks) so there's definitely room.
To begin with, the event will only be a 'permanent' starting/finishing in Windsor with controls (provisionally) at Oxford, Bidford-on-Avon, Kinver, Eccleshall and Chester.
I am encouraged by what I have read so far.
The route does actually go through Belbroughton and I was thinking of hiring the village hall there for a control.
This could also be worth talking to those who hold the purse strings at AUK - this is exactly where the strategy document seemed to suggest that help in the form of a subsidy/underwriting could be offered.
As much as I would like to put this event back on as a full calendar event, sadly I dont think it is going to happen.
The main reason being that there are a lot of 'shoestring' 600's in the calendar that are getting around 20 entries at best and I would need considerably more than that just to cover costs of booking one village hall on the route.
I would have liked to have put this event back on again as a major event in the calendar - along the lines of the BCM which is the only 600 to get a good entry every year. I would also like to think that I could do a deal with Travelodge by booking the whole of Battlefield Travelodge, Shrewsbury for sleeping (370k) and together with a village hall near Chester and another at Belbroughton (160k and 440k) I would need to guarantee at least 80 entries at £20 just to break even.
Perhaps I could try and 'sell it' to riders with a good article in Arrivee or am I just trying too hard with this project?
In the days of the previous Windsor-Chester-Windsor there were just a couple of other 600's (WCW and BCM) so do we have too many 600's now which might be preventing this event from ever getting off the ground?
It will hopefully be available as a 'perm' event by late May though.
As much as I would like to put this event back on as a full calendar event, sadly I dont think it is going to happen.
The main reason being that there are a lot of 'shoestring' 600's in the calendar that are getting around 20 entries at best and I would need considerably more than that just to cover costs of booking one village hall on the route.
I would have liked to have put this event back on again as a major event in the calendar - along the lines of the BCM which is the only 600 to get a good entry every year. I would also like to think that I could do a deal with Travelodge by booking the whole of Battlefield Travelodge, Shrewsbury for sleeping (370k) and together with a village hall near Chester and another at Belbroughton (160k and 440k) I would need to guarantee at least 80 entries at £20 just to break even.
Perhaps I could try and 'sell it' to riders with a good article in Arrivee or am I just trying too hard with this project?
In the days of the previous Windsor-Chester-Windsor there were just a couple of other 600's (WCW and BCM) so do we have too many 600's now which might be preventing this event from ever getting off the ground?
It will hopefully be available as a 'perm' event by late May though.
can you not just take 'expressions of interest' (with payment), and then if you get enough put it on, and if you don't, then those that paid get either a refund or a perm card. Or do the deadlines not allow that...?
JUST DO IT NOW... If numbers are low and do not cover costs next year do not worry
One thing you need to give thought to before resurrecting an old event is why we lost it in the first place - but I think you have already mentioned that increasing traffic on the roads used was a key factor.
If you can organise 2 or 3 separate starts (Marlow-Kidderminster-Northwich) then you will increase your rider numbers without a doubt.
Good luck
If you can organise 2 or 3 separate starts (Marlow-Kidderminster-Northwich) then you will increase your rider numbers without a doubt.
Good luck
Numerous starts require more controls to be open for longer hours which can increase costs (booking a hall for 24 hours or longer instead of just overnight from 9pm to 9am).
However, cunning selection of controls (for an out and back route) and start points can mean that a single control can easily be the sleep stop for 2 different start points. It can be the sleep stop for further starts if you accept that the sleep stop be further from the 370km mark and/or if you adjust the start times for alternative start points.
Generally though I can only imagine extra starts to just mean more work/headaches for organisers. It's pretty easy for perms but not so much for calendar rides.
However, cunning selection of controls (for an out and back route) and start points can mean that a single control can easily be the sleep stop for 2 different start points. It can be the sleep stop for further starts if you accept that the sleep stop be further from the 370km mark and/or if you adjust the start times for alternative start points.
JUST DO IT NOW... If numbers are low and do not cover costs next year do not worry
It's easy to spend other people's money........
I will also need to identify a suitable start/finish point in or near to Windsor that has ample car-parking space so does anyone know of somewhere?
To get the Travelodge at the right price, i would need to book it now for next August.
A few of us Essex boys have entered, anyone else. ....................Gulp. I see from my calendar that in a fit of optimistic enthusiasm last November, I appear to have entered this. :o
Entries received.It's a little bonkers to use bus-shelters when two sleep-stops have been arranged for you (with bag-drops), but no-one will stop you!
There will be camp mats available at Upton Magna (and also at Belbroughton)as used on LEL so all you should need is a sleeping bag which can be handed in at the start as your 'bag drop'. You will then be supplied with a label as to where you would like it sent to.
Riders will be allowed TWO seperate bags.
2 bag drops/sleep stops on a 600 is indeed luxury.
I dug down into the depths of the thread:Entries received.It's a little bonkers to use bus-shelters when two sleep-stops have been arranged for you (with bag-drops), but no-one will stop you!
There will be camp mats available at Upton Magna (and also at Belbroughton)as used on LEL so all you should need is a sleeping bag which can be handed in at the start as your 'bag drop'. You will then be supplied with a label as to where you would like it sent to.
Riders will be allowed TWO seperate bags.
I'm in. :thumbsup:
I'm in. :thumbsup:
Me too......prompted by PBP dates :thumbsup: ;D
I'm in. :thumbsup:
Me too......prompted by PBP dates :thumbsup: ;D
Would you like a tow? ;)
Before the start, each rider will be searched for bungey cords.
I'm in - seems a good well planned outing.
I'm not sure where the start actually is though
I'm in - seems a good well planned outing.
I'm not sure where the start actually is though
Take a look at what the event is called and take a wild guess. :P ;D
Mikey, I was thinking of camping but I might be up for sharing a room if you want to split costs. If not me, then I'm sure someone else will. Hotels in a tourist hotspot in August aren't going to be cheap.
Any more help needed at Belbroughton? PM me if you need help there.
Strangely I mentioned to my wife that there were places left on this ride & she said that if we confirm our holiday plans & we're still here on 9th/10th Aug then I can enter! I almost fell off my chair :D
I just need to hope this does not fill up before 23rd May as that's when we're likely to have the holiday plans agreed with friends :)
Anyone got an opinion to offer about Chipping Campden?
Keith
CC has one (1) ATM, an HSBC, so folk using it need to draw out £10 min.
The Start (and finish) is from the Clewer Scout & Guide HQ which is situated on a private road directly behind the Windsor ambulance station on the Maidenhead Road (A308) accessed from opposite the BP garage.
Windsor central Travelodge is about a 5-minute walk away.
The Start (and finish) is from the Clewer Scout & Guide HQ which is situated on a private road directly behind the Windsor ambulance station on the Maidenhead Road (A308) accessed from opposite the BP garage.
Windsor central Travelodge is about a 5-minute walk away.
Is there any chance of camping at the scout hq Friday night (and Sunday too if poss?)
Need to decide if sleeping with 100 snoring, farting, teeth grinding cyclists is worth saving £40 ??? :hand:
Andrew, I thought the version on the website was the final version... ???
Just try to get round quick. Looks like the worst of the weather won't be on us 'til 08:00 Sunday.You may well be out of luck. It's a funny little town, barely a village really. But you must go through somewhere bigger (after Chipping Campden) that would satisfy min distance, PROVIDED Herr Organiser is amenable.
BTW does anyone know where to get a receipt in Chalgrove before 07:30 on Sunday? There is an ATM, but I think it's inside a store. Not that I am planning to be there quite that early, but just in case there is someone planning to do a quick one.
You may well be out of luck. It's a funny little town, barely a village really. But you must go through somewhere bigger (after Chipping Campden) that would satisfy min distance, PROVIDED Herr Organiser is amenable. [goes to look at routesheet ... ]I think the route sheet says the Chalgrove control is open from just before 02:00 on Sunday :)
So a roll call?
Bikey-Mikey n Bairdy
The routesheet I'm looking at takes you through Watlington, but not Wallingford!Cool. I'll ask the organiser first thing tomorrow, but I suspect someone will beat me to it.
The routesheet I'm looking at takes you through Watlington, but not Wallingford!But looking on Google street view, looks like the ATM may be inside the Co-op in Watlington ???
Looking at the forecast in more detail, I think we on the WCW might miss the worst of it.
is PolePole riding? :)
And good to meet mattc in the flesh at last, especially as it turns out he's even hotter in real life than in his avatar.
We'll Citoyen I've spent many hours in LWaB company particularly at night and good humour isn't what comes to mind.
Please note I didn't ride this event because I wasn't up to riding. It's because of issues that have made me very uncomfortable riding with this particular organisation.
Why weren't women riding, we dont need the probable reasons debated by a bunch of blokes.
There are issues outside of the event, not the event itself.In which case, whinging on this thread, upsetting organiser and controllers in the process, was IMHO 'inappropriate'.
What a great event ;DI second that.
Very well organised, fantastic route and even the biblical storms didn't spoil it.
Thanks Keith, Sue and your helpers for making this a ride to remember :thumbsup:
Cheers!
Peter.
If this event is in the calendar again next year, I will seriously think about entering.
If this event is in the calendar again next year, I will seriously think about entering.
As you were instrumental in resurrecting the ride, I think you are 'duty-bound' to ride it!
If this event is in the calendar again next year, I will seriously think about entering.
As you were instrumental in resurrecting the ride, I think you are 'duty-bound' to ride it!
Just as an aside----I note WCW is alos available as a perm, does anyone know if route is the same ? ie can I make use of calendar .gpx for the perm ?
Would have loved to ride it though, even though it seemed as flat as a pancake! Keep the ride reports coming folks, love to hear all the epic stories!
Would have loved to ride it though, even though it seemed as flat as a pancake! Keep the ride reports coming folks, love to hear all the epic stories!
am thinking about perm version as this sounds a really good ride and is an excellent antidote to them there hilly ::-) type rides (particularly as i will not get 100AAA this year )---Rough Diamond reminded me that flat routes exist ;D ;D and are enjoyable too
Time is running short now it seems--I`ve nominally got Cambs 4F, Montgomery Madness 200 (both somewhat lacking in flatness stakes ::-) ) and a week in Pyrenees (lots T de F col finishes on that so again less than flat ) so can`t see how I could fit in WCW perm ---although 4F may go fwd to next year. Given similar `flatness` to rough Diamond I`d hope for < 30 hours WCW 600 perm ....or am I kidding myself ? ???
I wouldn't be surprised if event has 250 - 300 next year
The limiting factor will be space at the night controls.
In all seriousness, I would be interested in this as a perm too, although I just don't think I can fit in anything else this summer. Maybe next year....or perhaps an Autumn one, if it's not too harsh in exposure terms?
That was a tough day of helping at Windsor! I had to keep checking that the tea bags hadn't gone off, by drinking several cups of tea every hour. With the DNS and DNFs, I had to help eat the cake and baguettes. There were riders that needed chatting to as well.
Also congrats to those who completed this as their first 600 - Jon B was one - I chatted to another, name lost, but his wife / partner / other half was Louise, I think....
Just as an aside----I note WCW is alos available as a perm, does anyone know if route is the same ? ie can I make use of calendar .gpx for the perm ?
Bikey Mikey has now surpassed my 1996 AUK championship points record.
It is certainly not a pan flat route - whilst there's no real killer climbs (compared with say Welsh rides) it's probably best described as continually rolling and there's actually very little of the route that's really flat.
Here's the sciencey bit:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/561831603
Anyone know if the Zappi rider finished? (They're local to me, and not known for riding Audaxen)
He was riding strongly with me from halfway between Muxston to about 15k before Chester...he needed to get some more fuel in & put warmer clothes on, but once he'd done that I reckon he was making quick progress for his 1st 600 :thumbsup:Anyone know if the Zappi rider finished? (They're local to me, and not known for riding Audaxen)
Steve ? was his name I think. Unless a mechanical befell him, I'd imagine he finished. Saw him leaving Honeybourne looking fit and well and riding comfortably.
In all seriousness, I would be interested in this as a perm too, although I just don't think I can fit in anything else this summer. Maybe next year....or perhaps an Autumn one, if it's not too harsh in exposure terms?
I'd be up for an Autumnal 600.
I think that a sociable ride of the WCW 600 perm would be a good way for Bikey Mikey to end his record breaking year, if this can work for his points chasing season. The last two weekends of September are good for me.
October can be good for 600s, if you don't mind it being a bit cold at night. I'd be up for WCW in October too. It might work out better to start at 200km from one end so that we could book a hotel for 2 nights and leave stuff in the room for the first 400km loop.
Hope this runs again next year - I'd certainly add it to my todo list :)
Here is Rog checking in.
It goes without saying that a S & K ride is ALWAYS going to give the riders GREAT support -- that is what they do. And of course apart from S & K there were all the other volunteers who had willingly given up time to look after us - thx to all of you.
The most distinctive feature of the ride for me -- was having both of my plastic gear shifters sheer off - chain ring shifter went with about 120 kms to go - and cassette shifter went about 20kms later -- not accidents or crashes -- just plastic fatigue. So I am now stuck permanently in granny ring, smallest cog -- BAD chain line. max speed 25kph before I spin out -- and that gear is not the one I would think of using to climb hills -- so I am struggling -- and I really need my lowest gear ( but as i am so tired even that might not have got me up the hills )
Other special thx - are due to Dave ( dont know surname -- but occasional visitor I think) who riding his first 600 - had been with me for a long way to Chester ( quick to there for us --- arrived before 10.00pm ) -- at my suggestion we grabbed 3 1/2hours stop / sleep as we were concerned that the quicker riders might have taken all available beds at Upton Magna. After that Dave was happy to wait at the top of hills for me -- and even on the last leg when I am walking those 2 buggerous final hills -- he is still keeping me company. Riding with company is infinitely preferable to struggling back that last 100kms with no gears -- so Dave if you do read this -- you are a STAR in my eyes.
Finally at last control, jsabine has a full tool kit including pliers - so we cut rear mech cable - lock mech onto about 3 or 4 th ring back - which restricts top speed even more - does make the smaller climbs easier -- but does not help due to my infirmities with the last 2 big climbs. Nice to put face and name together and THX for taking time to help.
Scenery , rain etc - others can speak of -- but no one else broke both their shifters :-[
The kitchen staff were rushed off their feet, forgetting to warm up beans for beans on toast on Sunday afternoon.
Hope this runs again next year - I'd certainly add it to my todo list :)
That rather depends upon whether AUK can find sufficient resources next year to operate the event.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
why AUK ???? was this event run by them????? I thought it was an individual very well managed by Keith sue and a great team. In the days of old it was of course Peter England and daphne roberts and helpers. it was not run by uk
Please do not stop ( unless you really have to) -- you are superb organisers - so that if I am riding I KNOW that you will provide total TLC for all of us.
And if I am working with you --ie LEL -- then you will go not just the extra mile -- but much much further to deliver a great experience for all.
Roger
I gather the Beast from the East is just that. This will be my third 600 and I'm only doing it to qualify for the PBP so there's no need for heroics!
It looks like WCW will be hosting the ElliptiGO team, which I'm really pleased about. They're fun bikes and a nice crowd of riders.
I'm in too, rude not to being such a local start :thumbsup:
I dont really know what "next upline" means :-\PM sent
Are you reversing the Southern section? Is Chalgrove now the first control, or the penultimate?
If its the first, are you coming back via Chipping-Eynsham-Abingdon-ish?
(p.s. is there anyone that actually lives in Oxfordshire on the routesheet commitee? #hint )
I'm in - I assume my paypal receipt saying "You sent a payment of £30.00 GBP to Audax UK - one year time trial" is just because the same email is being used to raise money for Steve?Yes - that's pretty much the perfect timings for us plodders on a 1000 (no offence intended!).
Anyway, inspired by Steve A I'm looking to ECE this up to 1000... any advice out there on ECEing a BRM600 this far?
I'm thinking a slow/flat 200k to the start, aiming to eat & be in a hotel nearby before midnight, after a full value WCW I'd leave myself about 18hours to get some sleep at the arrivée before doing a 200k home...
Anyway, I better look into ECE routes & sleeping plans. I'm sure I read somewhere there is a travel lodge near the start which is probably a good plan :)
I'm in - I assume my paypal receipt saying "You sent a payment of £30.00 GBP to Audax UK - one year time trial" is just because the same email is being used to raise money for Steve?
Anyway, inspired by Steve A I'm looking to ECE this up to 1000... any advice out there on ECEing a BRM600 this far?
I'm thinking a slow/flat 200k to the start, aiming to eat & be in a hotel nearby before midnight, after a full value WCW I'd leave myself about 18hours to get some sleep at the arrivée before doing a 200k home...
Anyway, I better look into ECE routes & sleeping plans. I'm sure I read somewhere there is a travel lodge near the start which is probably a good plan :)
any advice out there on ECEing a BRM600 this far?But this could mushroom into a massive OT diversion, and its really about ECE tactics, not the WCW. IMHO ...
You should check with Martin if the timings for what you suggest is ok. If you ride 200k and then take a break at midnight and
start again at 6am and the first control of the 600 would be at, say 50k you might technically be out of time at the 250k control point of your 1,000. Unless you'd hammer the 200 in 7 hours or so to allow a six hour break. Not sure how strict ECE rules are about intermediate control times.
I've stopped dithering and I've entered. It's been taunting me for months as I live down the road.Hey Lady C, glad to hear you're in too :thumbsup:. You're not doing this as a PBP qualifier yourself, are you? Like others I've entered and only have a paypal receipt as confirmation. Oh, and it's in the rides I've entered on the My calendar section of the AUK website.
600k scares the bejeezus out of me though. I really need to do a 400 first but the PBP factor seems to have hit and a few are full!
<grinds teeth>
to be helpful .....
Datchet's the nearest station
<and breath ... >
Just checking: there is no village hall arrangement at the start of this, is there?
I've also signed up for the 7.30 start.
A question re parking in the area:- Assuming no room to park at the hall and a 7.30 start, is there much parking in the area, and any restrictions (bearing in mind leaving the car for maybe 40 hours??).
I'm also starting to get concerned about parking- I will be on my own so can't get a space in the hall car park. The nearest Travelodge also has no car park :o
I've also got to get home on the Sunday evening as working Monday which I probably should be more worried about!
According to the website, at the Windsor and Eton Riverside Car Park (Railway - SWTrains)
Weekend tickets available after 1000 Fridays at the ticket office £9.00 - this covers Fri, Sat and Sunday. One price for the whole weekend.
According to the website, at the Windsor and Eton Riverside Car Park (Railway - SWTrains)
Weekend tickets available after 1000 Fridays at the ticket office £9.00 - this covers Fri, Sat and Sunday. One price for the whole weekend.
Well found!
(I feel like an idiot. I sat in that station today for 20 minutes, drinking a coffee and drying out while awaiting my friend. Never occurred to me to investigate parking there)
Edit: note that the ticket office is (wo)manned from 6.40 to 20.00, so keep that in mind if using this option.
Thanks very much for your efforts and investigations ;D
I might not arrive before 8pm so does that mean I couldn't park there?
Checking would be useful I may try and negotiate something with a local business this is also close and free at weekends Home Park Windsor SL4 6HX about 2.5 milesI checked this one out yesterday - I'd say this is a good option. Pay & display Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00. Nothing on any of the signs about overnight stays, so should be OK. This parking is used primarily by local sports clubs, so should be empty early on Saturday.
Thanks for checking this should be good thenQuoteChecking would be useful I may try and negotiate something with a local business this is also close and free at weekends Home Park Windsor SL4 6HX about 2.5 milesI checked this one out yesterday - I'd say this is a good option. Pay & display Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00. Nothing on any of the signs about overnight stays, so should be OK. This parking is used primarily by local sports clubs, so should be empty early on Saturday.
BTW The speed bumps on the approach road are numerous and vicious. When the Thames does flood, this is one of the first places to disappear, but it will be fine in May.
I will be riding up and staying nearby on the Friday night should anyone feel the need to carbo-load in advance of the ride the next day.
I downloaded the "WCW2015 route files.zip" linked to in an email I received from the WCW team recently, and I've now started to look at the GPX tracks.
The WCWstage1 track doesn't appear to go anywhere near Chalgrove (control) and Bletchingdon (info), skirting Oxford to the east. Instead it, and the start of the WCWstage2 track skirt Oxford to the west, going through Wallingford and Abingdon, then ending up at Eynsham.
Is this a mistake? Or have I managed to out-do myself by getting lost even before starting the ride this time?
Thanks John. I guess we'll have to wait until Ted Nelson completes Project Xanadu and we have a version-controlled WWW to solve this problem. I'll grab the latest versions and hope there are no further updates.
Hmmm, this is odd. The link is live, so every time update stuff on my laptop, the files you access update.The problem of different versions could be solved by having the version number suffixed to the filename. The download instructions and rider information could point out that later versions may be available and to check before using. I don't have any problem with the early versions being incorrect*, but could have avoided unnecessary work and resulting confusion through a version naming convention. However, this "link is live" sounds like some sort of distributed system synchronisation mechanism which may well defeat that, as I suspect it relies on the filename and extension not changing. I also suspect that Dropbox doesn't do versioning.
But I haven't changed anything major since I published, and other people checked them before I published.
Anyway... all seems OK now. But be aware that these are only draft files and there will be changes.
I downloaded the "WCW2015 route files.zip" linked to in an email I received from the WCW team recently, and I've now started to look at the GPX tracks.
The WCWstage1 track doesn't appear to go anywhere near Chalgrove (control) and Bletchingdon (info), skirting Oxford to the east. Instead it, and the start of the WCWstage2 track skirt Oxford to the west, going through Wallingford and Abingdon, then ending up at Eynsham.
Is this a mistake? Or have I managed to out-do myself by getting lost even before starting the ride this time?
I will drop Danial an email, but I'm now out of this one as the very unexpected eventuality has happened that villa are in theFA cup final. Not something I thought I would have to consider!!!Most people do not know where Aston Villa is :thumbsup:
I'm not sure the earlier "versions" were incorrect, as I never routed as you described. And since I published all I've done is made small amends to cue instruction.
I suspect the issue is with you.
No need for versions anyway, as these are only drafts. There will be only one version, and I'll let everyone know when it's ready - probably after May Bank Holiday when I've checked the southern sections of the route.
Yes, I've just checked and the .gpx files I have do not match the contents of the original zip. They have names like "WCWstage 1" and the <trk> elements have similar names. I pulled this year's zip to my dowloads folder and left it there a few days before working on the files. When I came to work on the files I must have found the folder with last year's files and believed I'd already extracted the zip contents to there. Sorry for claiming the files were incorrect.I downloaded the "WCW2015 route files.zip" linked to in an email I received from the WCW team recently, and I've now started to look at the GPX tracks.
The WCWstage1 track doesn't appear to go anywhere near Chalgrove (control) and Bletchingdon (info), skirting Oxford to the east. Instead it, and the start of the WCWstage2 track skirt Oxford to the west, going through Wallingford and Abingdon, then ending up at Eynsham.
Is this a mistake? Or have I managed to out-do myself by getting lost even before starting the ride this time?
WCW from 2014 went through Wallingford & Abingdon, with the first control at Eynsham.
It would appear that you were looking at the GPX files from last year, rather than an earlier 'version' from this year.
I'll update the route sheet in the next day or two and email all the riders when everything's finalised.
I'll update the route sheet in the next day or two and email all the riders when everything's finalised.
Did I miss this email, or has mmmmartin been doing his craft project with a non-finalised version of the route sheets?
Yes those are the final version
Obviously this is a crazily long distance and one would not plot as a single route but is it really as simple as follow section 1 to control and then load section 2? Does this interfere with the ride data captured or not?
*However*, I would strongly advise you stop recording ride data at the end of each section, & start a new recording for the next section. It is very easy to join the '.fit' files together once you are back home....
I did WCW last year, used a Garmin Edge 800, & tried to record a single track/data file for the entire ride. Unfortunately it crashed after 450 (ish) km... It turns out this is a known issue with the Garmin Edge 800
It really does depend on which device haffers is using. Recording multiple tracks and joining them together later seems more faff than is necessary if you're using an Edge 510 or 1000.
Both those devices can comfortably hold enough data to record a 600 in a single track (I always clear out old data before the start of a big ride just to be on the safe side).
May I ask which controls will have sleeping facilities?
Just trying to get my head around how I might ride this one.
This is an ideal first 600, with all controls located in village halls. Home cooking at all controls, plus beds and blankets at overnight controls
It's a Garmin 800 - had no issues on 300's but it had problems at 2013 Severn Across. Going to split the ride into the 2 halves I intend to ride it as and see how it copes with recording as a single ride...
cheers
Jim
May I ask which controls will have sleeping facilities?
Marcus:QuoteThis is an ideal first 600, with all controls located in village halls. Home cooking at all controls, plus beds and blankets at overnight controls
I would imagine this relates to the controls at Church Aston and Hartlebury.
H
Don't know what's going on here, but the TinyURL link on the event's page (http://tinyurl.com/n3bgqc) does not lead to the Webspace containing the routesheet and GPX files anymore (it worked fine just yesterday). Instead, I end up here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1421529475/?tag=btee-20 ???You have the wrong URL maybe it was a typo on your part better to copy and paste such links
"Into the fire" may actually be an apt description of what WCW will mean for me, but I still need the GPX file to get going.
It's a Garmin 800 - had no issues on 300's but it had problems at 2013 Severn Across. Going to split the ride into the 2 halves I intend to ride it as and see how it copes with recording as a single ride...
cheers
Jim
Does the 705 have a similar problem or should that be OK for a 600k ?
This link definitely works:
http://tinyurl.com/n3bgqcj
H
You've missed a letter. It's: http://tinyurl.com/n3bgqcj (http://tinyurl.com/n3bgqcj)
Don't know what's going on here, but the TinyURL link on the event's page (http://tinyurl.com/n3bgqc) does not lead to the Webspace containing the routesheet and GPX files anymore (it worked fine just yesterday). Instead, I end up here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1421529475/?tag=btee-20 ???You have the wrong URL maybe it was a typo on your part better to copy and paste such links
"Into the fire" may actually be an apt description of what WCW will mean for me, but I still need the GPX file to get going.
L
in Audaxing, small errors can have big consequences....The biggest error I tend to make is entering the event.
I would imagine this relates to the controls at Church Aston and Hartlebury.
If not, it's a ride through job to finish on Sunday morning :thumbsup:
H
H
Oh, I was going on the route sheet on the link ???
H
I'm guessing it's a "no no" to bag drops, but I would love to hear that isn't the case....
No bag drops. It's only a 600.
This in from one of the controls:
I'd just like to reiterate that the hall is situated in a very rural area and there are a few homes in the area who are used to absolute peace and quiet during the night time and ANY chatting etc within the vicinity will be likely to disturb them. Please convey this to your colleagues. The local residents will have access to a phone that will summon a hall committee member and the hall can be closed abruptly. In our first telephone conversation you mentioned another village hall that also advised this would happen if residents complained so I hope you understand where I am coming from. Perhaps you could mark out a 'no noise zone' on the route before and after the village hall so your people would know when silence is paramount?
I've had a couple of emails like this from controls that we're going to use at night. They're great controls, in beautiful villages, which I'd be very reluctant to lose. So please, please, pretty please, at the risk of nagging you will have to be absolutely silent outside controls.
How many riders?
While I'm sorry I can't make it, I do wonder about the NIMBYism shown by this kind of bollocks. Sure, no-one wants to be unwarrantedly disturbed, but objecting to disturbance and interfering with other people's enjoyment of the countryside don't have to be the same thing. I wonder how they cope with modern life if normal conversation disturbs them so much.
no problem, alwyn. TBH, after the first 50k I'm usually incapable of speech anyway.
ANY chatting etc within the vicinity will be likely to disturb them. Please convey this to your colleagues. The local residents will have access to a phone that will summon a hall committee member and the hall can be closed abruptly.
SNIP
Perhaps you could mark out a 'no noise zone' on the route before and after the village hall so your people would know when silence is paramount?
no problem, alwyn. TBH, after the first 50k I'm usually incapable of speech anyway.+1 ;D
While I'm sorry I can't make it, I do wonder about the NIMBYism shown by this kind of bollocks. Sure, no-one wants to be unwarrantedly disturbed, but objecting to disturbance and interfering with other people's enjoyment of the countryside don't have to be the same thing. I wonder how they cope with modern life if normal conversation disturbs them so much.
If I had [name of 2014 edition rider with air raid siren voice] outside my house at 11pm, calling his mate a cunt while cackling, I don't think I'd be very happy about it either. I'd probably make a complaint, like the handful of (unrelated) complaints I had about riders shouting outside people's houses during LEL.
These are their villages and their communities, and this is how they like things. The alternative is using service station controls which I really don't want to do.
I'm sure I can count on you all to agree to their polite request.
Thanks for all your strenuous efforts, alwyn!
Most AUKs are unlikely to be drunk and disorderly mid-ride.
They might be chatty, but this can be controlled (hopefully) and slamming car doors probably won't be an issue either.
Hopefully things will be as quiet and smooth as a new hub...
May I humbly suggest that all riders with freewheels should be banned to cut down on their infernal racket? :demon:OK, I'll leave the shiny new Hope-hubbed rear wheel until after the event. Also I've practised screaming silently when I got lost on this year's Brevet Cymru within 200m of the Llangattock control and again at the arrivee (note to self - "close" generally implies cul-de-sac).
No - though worded slightly strongly, the request is reasonable and I would hope that all riders have the consideration for those living nearby.
Does anybody know relative sizes of the two start groups? I'm a 7:30 starter myself.
As I'm not doing PBP, do I have a little more time to complete this? (Much less riding than planned this year, and a little concerned about my fitness going into this!) ::-)
As I'm not doing PBP, do I have a little more time to complete this? (Much less riding than planned this year, and a little concerned about my fitness going into this!) ::-)
I've just noticed your nickname on here. This year's edition is a bit hillier, although that extra climbing is mostly in the Cotswolds. Be sure to take that into account if you're tight for time.
Does anybody know relative sizes of the two start groups? I'm a 7:30 starter myself.
About 45 riders have asked to start at 07:30.
Of course, by the time we get to the controls, they will have all been shut down by the rowdy 6am crowd.
:)
Of course, by the time we get to the controls, they will have all been shut down by the rowdy 6am crowd.
:)
I thought you were off to watch V***a lose a football game instead?
My apologies - I was always rubbish with names and wouldn't recognise either of you in the real world.
According to the route sheet there are two info controls. The first is on Leg 2 (Chalgrove to Weston Subedge) and the second on Leg 5 (Lilleshall to Christleton). Yet when I downloaded the gpx track it came complete with waypoints for 4 info controls!
If the waypoints I downloaded are to be believed the Leg 2 info control is is Bletchingdon (marked info control 3). The Leg 5 info control between Sambrook and Ellerton doesn't appear in the gpx download.
What am I missing? I suspect I'm being thick ::-)
we will have OODLES of caik of many varieties.
Does anyone know how 4 infos in 2 places will work? Will you only be told the return questions when you get to the half-way point and have the outbound answers checked?
Does anyone know how 4 infos in 2 places will work? Will you only be told the return questions when you get to the half-way point and have the outbound answers checked?I've never ridden (or helped) on such an event, but based on organising "normal" Infos, I'd say that should work perfectly well.
Yes that is how I imagined it to be. It is easy to organise because there are a lot of fully staffed controls. We will try to remind those leaving Weston on the way back that they have an info control again.Does anyone know how 4 infos in 2 places will work? Will you only be told the return questions when you get to the half-way point and have the outbound answers checked?I've never ridden (or helped) on such an event, but based on organising "normal" Infos, I'd say that should work perfectly well.
Best to write yourself a BIG reminder somewhere to note the Qs - if they are at 300k+ you maaaaaay be tired :)
One of the alternative options was the Coworth Park Dorchester Collection - a mere £640 for a night's stay.
Thanks for all the information so far. The GPX and route sheets look great. :) Just wondering....
Is there a page of general information re the ride and the Village Hall Controls, e.g. exact locations, and which ones have sleep facilities. Could be useful if Garmin decides to packs in for whatever reason, etc, etc?
Full information on its way tonight or tomorrow.
There'll be loads of food at the start. Beans on toast, cereal, buns, tea and coffee.
Full information on its way tonight or tomorrow.
There'll be loads of food at the start. Beans on toast, cereal, buns, tea and coffee.
Full information on its way tonight or tomorrow.
There'll be loads of food at the start. Beans on toast, cereal, buns, tea and coffee.
Each control will have its own 'menu'. At Weston it will be vegetarian stew and cous-cous out and cowboy casserole on return. Other food around this. We are only expecting a handful overnight
I think there is also a possibility that the village bar which is contiguous with the hall will be open :o Not sure how that will end up but it may not be a good thing :facepalm:Each control will have its own 'menu'. At Weston it will be vegetarian stew and cous-cous out and cowboy casserole on return. Other food around this. We are only expecting a handful overnight
Already sounds better than I was expecting :thumbsup:
Probably good that there will only be a few sleeping after eating cowboy casserole or it will be too dangerous for naked flames!
I echo the sentiment, lots of hard work done here, sounds amazing, cake racing at its finest :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I have just tried accessing the drop box with the routesheet, gpx files etc. and I am getting a 404 error. Has anyone else had this issue? It worked earlier in the week, when I was able to download the gpx and tcx files.
I have just tried accessing the drop box with the routesheet, gpx files etc. and I am getting a 404 error. Has anyone else had this issue? It worked earlier in the week, when I was able to download the gpx and tcx files.
same here. I assume the GPX and route sheet have not changed since I downloaded the "final" version on May 16?
Suggest you don't print out the route sheets updated this morning yet. I've dropped a note to Daniel, as all the south bound segments are numbered S2.
(the excel one seems ok)
Warning: dumb question time. I wrongly presumed that the sleep station was at the end of leg N5 in Chester and planned by sleeping strategy around that. Its actually at the end of N4/S1 right? In church Aston/lilleshall. Sorry for being dumb but wanted this clarified before I rejig my spreadsheet! ThanksHi this is not my control but they are all halls so there will at least be floor space. Les
Warning: dumb question time. I wrongly presumed that the sleep station was at the end of leg N5 in Chester and planned by sleeping strategy around that. Its actually at the end of N4/S1 right? In church Aston/lilleshall. Sorry for being dumb but wanted this clarified before I rejig my spreadsheet! Thanks
Suggest you don't print out the route sheets updated this morning yet. I've dropped a note to Daniel, as all the south bound segments are numbered S2.
(the excel one seems ok)
The "Control Times" worksheet in the Excel file also still lists Church Aston, rather than Lilleshall, as a control. Will drop email to Damian.
There are beds available at Hartlebury, Lilleshall, Christleton and Sheriffhales (southbound only - not a control).
I was feeling pretty relaxed about this ride until I prepared the spreadsheet at
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qsYqF52l161FBemSECXyPWS_rZpWCR6PvwMegP9rfN8/edit?usp=sharing (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qsYqF52l161FBemSECXyPWS_rZpWCR6PvwMegP9rfN8/edit?usp=sharing)
The right hand column shows the latest time you should be leaving each control if you want to stick to the plan ... the schedule is fairly tight!
very old Nelson Longflap attached (bag not rider)
I was feeling pretty relaxed about this ride until I prepared the spreadsheet at
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qsYqF52l161FBemSECXyPWS_rZpWCR6PvwMegP9rfN8/edit?usp=sharing (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qsYqF52l161FBemSECXyPWS_rZpWCR6PvwMegP9rfN8/edit?usp=sharing)
Helpers:
alwyn
Iddu atChalgrove?Weston sub Edge
Keeff at Chalgrove
Cycling Daddy at Weston Sub Edge
Matthew at Old Windsor (Start Only)
John Jackson at Lilleshall
Can't climb. .. Not sure if showers at the controls but rest assured that SHOWERS galore should be provided between controls. I am sure we shall all get clobbered by rain on Sunday
:sick: :sick: :sick:
Having looked at the forecast, my ride strategy is completely weather dependent - keep going until the rain starts, and then maybe stop, or just push on depending how grouchy it's making me
Having looked at the forecast, my ride strategy is completely weather dependent - keep going until the rain starts, and then maybe stop, or just push on depending how grouchy it's making me
That sounds good to me Ivan. The forecast at this range says heavy rain in the early hours of Sunday; on the whole I'd quite like to be sleeping through it under cover. I completely agree that it's easy to over-plan as there are far too many uncontrolled variables. I prepared the spreadsheet above so I'd know sooner rather than later that the plan was going off piste.
Helpers:
alwyn
Iddu atChalgrove?Weston sub Edge
Keeff at Chalgrove
Cycling Daddy at Weston Sub Edge
alfapete, Mrs alfapete and Wobbly at Hartlebury
Matthew at Old Windsor (Start Only)
John Jackson at Lilleshall
I wondered if Sue and Keith are on control duties this year. last year they did such Stirling work at Belbroughton
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: they were very high up in the LEL team 2013 and am sure that they will be in 2017
:thumbsup:
Riders:Billyam998, titanium genesis equilibrium, sks guards, odd wheels, carradice barley, sleeping bag, kitchen sink, 06:00 start
αdαmsκι (riding a Ti Burls with gold bits)
Can't climb (riding a soot Boardman with tri bars)
jefmcg (sitting beside a red Giant Avail, quietly sobbing)
redfalo (riding a white Specialized Roubaix w/ Ortlieb barbag and Super C saddlebag)
citoyen (probably riding a black & white Trek Domane w/ disc brakes & Barley)
Oscar's dad astride a blue Ribble with a Carradice and possible a Thermarest strapped to me rack
Salvatore on the same red Mercian he used for WCW in 1990 and 1991
Pete Mas on an Enigma Equipe Titanium, with large silvery grey under saddle-pack NB 07.30 start.
marcusjb on an orange Condor Tempo cacking himself about the utter lack of miles this year and how flipping slow he's going
Halloween on Enigma Etape Titanium with large black Carradice SQR
Bunker: Giant Defy, with SuperC carradice (probably). Slow legs
Wilbur: Blue Trek, Barley, fast legs.
Nelson Longflap with Nelson Longflap attached to grey Condor Fratello (07h30 start)
JohnOnABike: Black Trek Madone with black Alpkit luggage accessories
ivan (matte black Dolan FXE with a few red bits and a rackpack)
Feline: moving very slowly on a Sabbath September with black Carradice Barley (7.30 start)
Pedal Castro: Black Pearson (or blue Rourke) with very old Nelson Longflap attached (bag not rider) 6am start
Brymbo: blue Tifosi CK7 with black Barley (7.30 start)
Yukon Boy: Van Nicholas Yukon with yellow bridge street saddlebag (6:00 start)
Haffers: Black Specialized Roubaix with bright yellow Bridge Street bag - 06:00 start. Popping my cherry at this distance :)
I am puzzled by the spreadsheet, I thought we were allowed 40 hours as per the info in the pack ??? ???Correct, we have 40 hours.
Helpers:alwyn Old Windsor
alwyn
Cycling Daddy at Weston Sub Edge
Iddu at Weston sub Edge
Rich F at Weston Sub Edge
Keeff at Chalgrove
alfapete, Mrs alfapete and Wobbly at Hartlebury
Matthew at Old Windsor (Start Only)
John Jackson at Lilleshall
<twitch> this list should be Control Name first </twitch>
Wrong font.
Looking at the forecast i think the twitter tag will be #fookinsoakedYep, looks like the forecast has changed since yesterday - rain is now due to start about 7pm Saturday (in Chester) and continue for the best part of 12 hours. :(
QuoteLooking at the forecast i think the twitter tag will be #fookinsoakedYep, looks like the forecast has changed since yesterday - rain is now due to start about 7pm Saturday (in Chester) and continue for the best part of 12 hours. :(
QuoteLooking at the forecast i think the twitter tag will be #fookinsoakedYep, looks like the forecast has changed since yesterday - rain is now due to start about 7pm Saturday (in Chester) and continue for the best part of 12 hours. :(
Yeah, it's not looking too good. But according to the Norwegians, the rain on Saturday evening and Sunday after 6am will be relatively light (1.1mm to 1.8mm). From midnight to 6 am, it may pour down more heavily (4.6mm)
http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Chester/long.html
QuoteLooking at the forecast i think the twitter tag will be #fookinsoakedYep, looks like the forecast has changed since yesterday - rain is now due to start about 7pm Saturday (in Chester) and continue for the best part of 12 hours. :(
Yeah, it's not looking too good. But according to the Norwegians, the rain on Saturday evening and Sunday after 6am will be relatively light (1.1mm to 1.8mm). From midnight to 6 am, it may pour down more heavily (4.6mm)
http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Chester/long.html
...with a headwind.
This close to the event I've suffered an attack of reality. It all seems so simple now...
With the 07:30 start and (probably) slightly adverse conditions I'll eat at every control and aim to reach Chester by midnight for supper, a wash, sleep and some breakfast, getting back on the road around 04:30. For the return trip I'll have 2.5 hours longer for the same distance. So no need for a spreadsheet, I'll just use my watch to check every 104 km - 5.5 hrs each on the way North, and 6 hrs per 104 km on the way South, making adjustments as appropriate. Any faster will be extra sleep or an earlier finish.
Does that seem like an appropriate level of planning?
QuoteLooking at the forecast i think the twitter tag will be #fookinsoakedYep, looks like the forecast has changed since yesterday - rain is now due to start about 7pm Saturday (in Chester) and continue for the best part of 12 hours. :(
Yeah, it's not looking too good. But according to the Norwegians, the rain on Saturday evening and Sunday after 6am will be relatively light (1.1mm to 1.8mm). From midnight to 6 am, it may pour down more heavily (4.6mm)
http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Chester/long.html
...with a headwind.
I'm still putting hope over adversity. Current wind forecast is a gentle to moderate breeze, and at 11 to 12 degrees, night temperatures are supposed to be relatively mild.
Having said that, I have been incredibly lucky with my RRTY started in Sept 2014 and my previous PBP qualifiers with regard to weather. I'm aware that this streak will break at some point.
Riders:I'd just like to point out that I am on this list but not on subsequent ones. Is my 600k fu disappearing already? I'm still intending to turn up at the start, despite my eradication from the history books............
αdαmsκι (riding a Ti Burls with gold bits)
Can't climb (riding a soot Boardman with tri bars)
jefmcg (sitting beside a red Giant Avail, quietly sobbing)
redfalo (riding a white Specialized Roubaix w/ Ortlieb barbag and Super C saddlebag)
citoyen (probably riding a black & white Trek Domane w/ disc brakes & Barley)
Oscar's dad astride a blue Ribble with a Carradice and possible a Thermarest strapped to me rack
Salvatore on the same red Mercian he used for WCW in 1990 and 1991
Pete Mas on an Enigma Equipe Titanium, with large silvery grey under saddle-pack NB 07.30 start.
marcusjb on an orange Condor Tempo cacking himself about the utter lack of miles this year and how flipping slow he's going
Halloween on Enigma Etape Titanium with large black Carradice SQR
Bunker: Giant Defy, with SuperC carradice (probably). Slow legs
Wilbur: Blue Trek, Barley, fast legs.
Nelson Longflap with Nelson Longflap attached to grey Condor Fratello (07h30 start)
JohnOnABike: Black Trek Madone with black Alpkit luggage accessories
ivan (matte black Dolan FXE with a few red bits and a rackpack)
Feline: moving very slowly on a Sabbath September with black Carradice Barley (7.30 start)
Pedal Castro: Black Pearson (or blue Rourke) with very old Nelson Longflap attached (bag not rider) 6am start
Brymbo: blue Tifosi CK7 with black Barley (7.30 start)
Mmmmartin: blue Giant with aerobars he's never used before, with Carradice and no plans at all apart from rocking up at the start and to pedal. NB 7.30 start.
Will there be a twitter hashtag for the ride? #WCW600 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/wcw600) or something else or nothing?
Just about to start cooking the Bread Pudding for consumption at the Hartlebury control.
Wondering whether I should do my Brandyfied version or the normal version. And if Brandyfied, how much should I add...
Just about to start cooking the Bread Pudding for consumption at the Hartlebury control.
Wondering whether I should do my Brandyfied version or the normal version. And if Brandyfied, how much should I add...
Helpers:
Weston Sub Edge
Cycling Daddy
Iddu
Rich F
Somnolent
Maggie L (Sunday only)
Shu P (Sat only)
Reg.T
I will be parking up at the start and will have my track pump in the car - there may well be one at the start in the hall but if not you're more than welcome to use it.
Will have a bright yellow Farnborough & Camberley Cycling shirt on :)
Just about to start cooking the Bread Pudding for consumption at the Hartlebury control.Oh yummy, yes please ... and keep a stash for us 07:30 starters please :thumbsup:
Wondering whether I should do my Brandyfied version or the normal version. And if Brandyfied, how much should I add...
Just about to start cooking the Bread Pudding for consumption at the Hartlebury control.
Wondering whether I should do my Brandyfied version or the normal version. And if Brandyfied, how much should I add...
Citoyen. hope you are comfortably ensconced in Beaumont Estate Hotel ( it does look nice place) I am sure you will get your £44 worth. think you are a 06.00 starter (very wise) get as much done before the rain descends sat evening! !
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:-
DNF for me....feeling far too tired so early into a 600
Wow. Now we're going to be using a text feed to watch people sleeping. Beats watching grass growing, anyway.
Still waiting for the first rider to arrive at Hartlebury. Just starting to rain outside.
19 riders have arrived at Hartlebury and... er... left. There's no-one here!
Where'd the riders go???
Weston has had 2 riders through and no one here. Maybe there is a black hole between Hartlebury and here. Helpers are working hard to eat all the breakfast19 riders have arrived at Hartlebury and... er... left. There's no-one here!
Where'd the riders go???
Run out of brandy? ;)
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/00000000-Misc/2015-05-31%2014.31.17%201_zpsd2p6f6jj.jpg)Fetch the zip ties :facepalm:
Where's McNasty when you need him?
That won't buff out ;DWinSubs One, Lose One, so far...
Fetch the zip ties :facepalm:
Any news of Javier Gonzales? He broke his femur 9 weeks ago but is nevertheless attempting to qualify for PBP. Completed Flatlands 600 last w/end, WCW is second 600 of three in a row.
He tweeted @ 494 kms that he had about 40 mins in hand
Phenomenal effort whatever happens
Sounds like the reputation of this ride - "Not as easy as you might think" is intact, even before you factor in the weather.
Saturday to bed was ace. Just couldn't get going today. All alone and sleep deprived, my mood dropped and any power I had in the first hour or so from Chistledon evaporated.Ella - I think I am right that you did the Spurn Head ride last weekend. Even for hardened Audax types long rides one week after another takes it's toll. Unless you are confident of your condition I would leave at lease one weekend between rides. You will find you are less tiered and mentally stronger.
Rode with lots of great people yesterday, though seem to currently fall between fast and slow groups and end up riding alone a lot.
ANYWAY great route, lovely controls and kindly volunteers. Thank you Alwyn and co, as well as Rob, Feline and the strange Hackney beasts. Hope to return fitter, lighter and better rested one day.
19 riders have arrived at Hartlebury and... er... left. There's no-one here!
Where'd the riders go???
If you ever think society is knackered, ride or volunteer on a long Audax event. It really does show what we can do when we all come together and you see the very best of people even when they're in the very worst of places.
'Lucky' Salvatore has a tale to tell too. I'll leave that there as a teaser. I'm sure he will tell that tale when he gets home (he's still on the road).
'Lucky' Salvatore has a tale to tell too. I'll leave that there as a teaser. I'm sure he will tell that tale when he gets home (he's still on the road).But first I'm going to get some kip.
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/00000000-Misc/2015-05-31%2014.31.17%201_zpsd2p6f6jj.jpg)
PS - obviously yet another demand on volunteer numbers, but would it be possible to have someone at 601k, perhaps sitting in a car/pub/bus shelter, to stamp cards at the "finish" of a 600k event?I'd be very happy to stamp your card.
This was the sad state of my bike at the Weston control on the way home (500k). Things were not feeling quite right after about the first 50k but I thought it was just a wobbly bottom bracket! It may have been that as well, I had to ride gingerly and couldn't stand (chain kept coming off) so rode 450k slowly...and as things didn't appear to be worsening and I needed to stand up to relieve some pressure on neck and nether regions, I tried on a hill towards Weston whereupon there came the most almighty cracking sound...Pinarello Galileo RIP you served me well over the last 8 years.
... I had felt awfully slow all afternoon, not helped by a dip in the stream / ford. Luckily for me there had been some towels dropped on the roadside a bit further on- clean and dry! I dried off and kept going. ...
I want to run a good event, and want to support riders by offering an interesting route and excellent controls staffed by people who understand their needs. Not having to queue to get food, or wait for it to be cooked, or find a cashpoint for a receipt, saves lots of time. If we offer all that and you can't finish in 40 hours, you probably wouldn't finish PBP either.
... I had felt awfully slow all afternoon, not helped by a dip in the stream / ford. Luckily for me there had been some towels dropped on the roadside a bit further on- clean and dry! I dried off and kept going. ...
Seriously? Was this alfapete's doing?
What I may do is try and move the start to the other side of Windsor to shave off some distance. Whether I use this to make the event shorter or to take out the A44 section remains to be seen.Give a thought to Holyport Memorial Hall. It's a few hundred meters off the current route and would take about 10k off the distance each way.
Give a thought to Holyport Memorial Hall. It's a few hundred meters off the current route and would take about 10k off the distance each way.
that sounds like a good plan :)Give a thought to Holyport Memorial Hall. It's a few hundred meters off the current route and would take about 10k off the distance each way.
Cor, cheers! I'd be keen to get rid of the drag into Old Windsor anyway as the traffic can be heavy and the drivers prone to an inflated sense of entitlement.
Though thinking more about this, the issue isn't so much the distance between controls as the route required to keep off the main road. DelphCyclist offers a choice of route on his events, tailored to the time of day you're passing through. I might do this myself. For example you could have jumped onto the A41 straight after Lilleshall and used it all the way to Christleton and back. I've used this road a few times for back-pocket DIYs but would hesitate to run an event that explicitly used it.
I will be have to settle for coffee & crepe Duties at Paul Rogues stall in la Tanniere (at about 290km & 939km) on this years event, as per 2011.
I will be have to settle for coffee & crepe Duties at Paul Rogues stall in la Tanniere (at about 290km & 939km) on this years event, as per 2011.
Will have to put a waypoint with proximity alarm on the GPS for that !
Sorry you didn't make it.
A DNF for me.
A bitter end to a disappointing month of right Achilles tendon pain that had kept me off the bike since I completed the Auld Alliance 400km. Having seen a Physio for some treatment and dosed up on Ibuprofen & Ibuleve topical gel I decided that I may as well give it a go, but was fairly resigned to the fact that I probably wouldnt complete...
A DNF for me.
'Lucky' Salvatore has a tale to tell too. I'll leave that there as a teaser. I'm sure he will tell that tale when he gets home (he's still on the road).But first I'm going to get some kip.
Did any one else notice that we went along Chester road just north of Kinver, and past the end of Windsor Holloway just south of Kinver? No? Just me then.
What are the chances of that? The only local is not only a cyclist, an audaxer, knows me, lives nearby and has exactly what I need to get going again.
A great ride through some interesting countryside and a fine outing. :thumbsup:
Good to see familiar faces along the way and have the opportunity to chat to people at controls.
Many thanks to Danial and the team for a fine weekend :smug:
H
I love Kinver - so many happy memories from days out there when I was a kid. :thumbsup:
If there's still anyone who hasn't heard it, this is what happened:
I love Kinver - so many happy memories from days out there when I was a kid. :thumbsup:
I will remember Kinver for all the traffic. I looked like a nice place that has been ruined by cars.
At Hartlebury Roy Goodbier told me an anecdote about the 1989 LEL which I knew nothing about. Which was surprising because I had a central role in it. I and 2 policemen.
France has half the population density...oh happy republic. Methinks it is time or a cullI love Kinver - so many happy memories from days out there when I was a kid. :thumbsup:
I will remember Kinver for all the traffic. I looked like a nice place that has been ruined by cars.
My head is full of memories of such places; Burnham Market (Norfolk), Thirsk (Yorkshire), Helmsby (Yorkshire), Rothbury (Northumberland).
Plus pretty much everywhere south and east of a line Severn/Wash.
France doesn't seem to suffer this problem at all - at least, not where we've ridden so far, which is probably why we're heading back there soon.
My story ...
Sorry folks, I really didn't enjoy the experience but no-one is to blame but me.
My story ...
Sorry folks, I really didn't enjoy the experience but no-one is to blame but me.
Is that PBP over then?
A great ride through some interesting countryside and a fine outing. :thumbsup:
Good to see familiar faces along the way and have the opportunity to chat to people at controls.
Many thanks to Danial and the team for a fine weekend :smug:
H
How far did you get before your head cleared on Saturday morning Hummers? you weren't looking your normal ebullient self at the start. ;)
My story ...
Sorry folks, I really didn't enjoy the experience but no-one is to blame but me.
Is that PBP over then?
For 2015 yes. But life goes on and is good. There will be plans :thumbsup:
My story ...
Sorry folks, I really didn't enjoy the experience but no-one is to blame but me.
Is that PBP over then?
For 2015 yes. But life goes on and is good. There will be plans :thumbsup:
Well I think it's eminently sensible not to make cycling into something you don't enjoy.
France has half the population density...oh happy republic. Methinks it is time or a cullI love Kinver - so many happy memories from days out there when I was a kid. :thumbsup:
I will remember Kinver for all the traffic. I looked like a nice place that has been ruined by cars.
My head is full of memories of such places; Burnham Market (Norfolk), Thirsk (Yorkshire), Helmsby (Yorkshire), Rothbury (Northumberland).
Plus pretty much everywhere south and east of a line Severn/Wash.
France doesn't seem to suffer this problem at all - at least, not where we've ridden so far, which is probably why we're heading back there soon.
There are 600s in England that are almost exclusively in areas with a population density less than 100 per square kilometre, as opposed to the 140 or so in France. A huge area of that population density starts about three miles from the railway station at Preston, two hours from London Euston.To find low population density in the UK, you mostly need to head for the hills. In France you can find it on the (relative) flat. That makes a big difference when you're rocking the lard to the extent I am. The UK areas with low population density are served with narrow little unrepaired lanes trafficked by farmers driving too fast. In France you get proper roads, and generally, considerate drivers in much less of a selfish hurry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_districts_by_population_density#Less_than_100_.2F_km.C2.B2
There are 600s in England that are almost exclusively in areas with a population density less than 100 per square kilometre, as opposed to the 140 or so in France. A huge area of that population density starts about three miles from the railway station at Preston, two hours from London Euston.To find low population density in the UK, you mostly need to head for the hills. In France you can find it on the (relative) flat. That makes a big difference when you're rocking the lard to the extent I am. The UK areas with low population density are served with narrow little unrepaired lanes trafficked by farmers driving too fast. In France you get proper roads, and generally, considerate drivers in much less of a selfish hurry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_districts_by_population_density#Less_than_100_.2F_km.C2.B2
<politics on> I blame Thatcher, and latterly, the myth of austerity killing public investment in infrastructure. </politics off>
There are 600s in England that are almost exclusively in areas with a population density less than 100 per square kilometre, as opposed to the 140 or so in France. A huge area of that population density starts about three miles from the railway station at Preston, two hours from London Euston.To find low population density in the UK, you mostly need to head for the hills. In France you can find it on the (relative) flat. That makes a big difference when you're rocking the lard to the extent I am. The UK areas with low population density are served with narrow little unrepaired lanes trafficked by farmers driving too fast. In France you get proper roads, and generally, considerate drivers in much less of a selfish hurry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_districts_by_population_density#Less_than_100_.2F_km.C2.B2
<politics on> I blame Thatcher, and latterly, the myth of austerity killing public investment in infrastructure. </politics off>
I've been to Semaine Federale enough times to know that the terrain the organisers send you around is much the same as around here. Similarly, the PBP takes place on a combination of little lanes and larger roads used by toll-dodging HGVs.
One problem is that the GPS technology that allows many to ride complex, laney routes, also allows motorists to access those old routes that have been neglected.
+1 As GPS has become a standard feature in cars, a lot of the lanes that only a couple of years ago were almost car free have become more and more clogged with traffic. Sadly, can see no way that this situation is likely to change
My story ...You left the sleep stop after me but i took a wrong turning and lost time, then did it again, and so on. Good to see you remain cheerful, as you would do, despite your (and, incidentally, my) DNF. You were good company at the 300k curry and it was always good to meet up with you again on the road on the 400 and this ride. There are, of course, other 600 events, I am pondering the Buzzard but as it has lumps am unsure if it worth the effort going all the way to the west country only to get the train home exhausted - again.
Sorry folks, I really didn't enjoy the experience but no-one is to blame but me.
My story ...You left the sleep stop after me but i took a wrong turning and lost time, then did it again, and so on. Good to see you remain cheerful, as you would do, despite your (and, incidentally, my) DNF. You were good company at the 300k curry and it was always good to meet up with you again on the road on the 400 and this ride. There are, of course, other 600 events, I am pondering the Buzzard but as it has lumps am unsure if it worth the effort going all the way to the west country only to get the train home exhausted - again.
Sorry folks, I really didn't enjoy the experience but no-one is to blame but me.
But thanks for the company on the road.
I rode past Ella sat in a bus shelter on the phone to someone and realised she must have also decided to pack. Sorry to hear this Ella, you were going so well and clearly wanted it badly. I'm sure with easier terrain and less rain you would have been fine. Probably so would I.
I need to spend some quality time riding around eating ice lolliesIt's the way forward :thumbsup:(click to show/hide)
A DNF for me.
A bitter end to a disappointing month of right Achilles tendon pain that had kept me off the bike since I completed the Auld Alliance 400km. Having seen a Physio for some treatment and dosed up on Ibuprofen & Ibuleve topical gel I decided that I may as well give
France has half the population density...oh happy republic. Methinks it is time or a cullI love Kinver - so many happy memories from days out there when I was a kid. :thumbsup:
I will remember Kinver for all the traffic. I looked like a nice place that has been ruined by cars.
My head is full of memories of such places; Burnham Market (Norfolk), Thirsk (Yorkshire), Helmsby (Yorkshire), Rothbury (Northumberland).
Plus pretty much everywhere south and east of a line Severn/Wash.
France doesn't seem to suffer this problem at all - at least, not where we've ridden so far, which is probably why we're heading back there soon.
There are 600s in England that are almost exclusively in areas with a population density less than 100 per square kilometre, as opposed to the 140 or so in France. A huge area of that population density starts about three miles from the railway station at Preston, two hours from London Euston.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English_districts_by_population_density#Less_than_100_.2F_km.C2.B2
I need to spend some quality time riding around eating ice lolliesIt's the way forward :thumbsup:(click to show/hide)(click to show/hide)
I need to spend some quality time riding around eating ice lolliesIt's the way forward :thumbsup:(click to show/hide)(click to show/hide)
Lightweights the lot of you.(click to show/hide)
A DNF for me.
A bitter end to a disappointing month of right Achilles tendon pain that had kept me off the bike since I completed the Auld Alliance 400km. Having seen a Physio for some treatment and dosed up on Ibuprofen & Ibuleve topical gel I decided that I may as well give
Sorry you didn't make it - think I last saw you at at Christleton and was having quite a bad time & not feelign up to speaking much. I decided against stopping there for long as was struggling at that point and knew if I tried to sleep there I'd probably not want to start again with 310k still to go. In the end I attempted to sleep at Sheriffhales and had hoped you'd passed me during the time I was lying down failing to get to sleep there.
Also wanted to say thank you very much to the organisers - this was my first 600 and while it was quite a painful experience in many ways, the controls & volunteers were wonderful. I still can't believe I consumed 9 full meals over the course of the ride.
Aside from the food, one of my best memories of the ride is an owl flying along a lane in front of me for what seemed like ages. Lots of bats as well.
Adrian (Talbot frame, Brixton jersey)
....and dodgy gear/chain somewhere in the Cotswolds/Chilterns?. If so, we were riding along with you for a short while, (and Wilbur provided some oil)
Hi Ben. No idea why I thought of you as a Kevin.
In my opinion you were a superstar at Hartlebury and, along with the Alfapete clan, you did the full 28+ hour stint. Whereas I bailed out after only 21 hours.
PS - obviously yet another demand on volunteer numbers, but would it be possible to have someone at 601k, perhaps sitting in a car/pub/bus shelter, to stamp cards at the "finish" of a 600k event? This would remove 90 minutes of cycling from the route..... :thumbsup: and riders would then pootle to the hall for some tea, TLC, tea, rolls, tea, toilets, tea, flapjacks, tea, and then go home.
(I believe this has been done by Blacksheep on the BCM.)
Aside from the food, one of my best memories of the ride is an owl flying along a lane in front of me for what seemed like ages.
Adrian (Talbot frame, Brixton jersey)
Aside from the food, one of my best memories of the ride is an owl flying along a lane in front of me for what seemed like ages.
Adrian (Talbot frame, Brixton jersey)
It's magic when that happens, isn't it? I've twice had an owl fly in front of me (and to the side) for a considerable distance (once circa 1982, and again 2 years ago). I concluded that they were using the light from my front lamp to aid their search for small mammals (voles etc) in the verge/ditch, and that I was travelling at just the right speed for them. Any owl experts out there who can confirm/refute this?
Aside from the food, one of my best memories of the ride is an owl flying along a lane in front of me for what seemed like ages.
Adrian (Talbot frame, Brixton jersey)
It's magic when that happens, isn't it? I've twice had an owl fly in front of me (and to the side) for a considerable distance (once circa 1982, and again 2 years ago). I concluded that they were using the light from my front lamp to aid their search for small mammals (voles etc) in the verge/ditch, and that I was travelling at just the right speed for them. Any owl experts out there who can confirm/refute this?
The bread pudding (no mere "fruitcake", Sir) was cooked in two batches.Should we infer that the "management" drank the other 3/4 before the chefs could get it off them?!?
Due to a lack of "management oversight" the first batch had about a quarter of a bottle of Asda's cheapest but the second (much larger) batch had no alcohol at all.
Scores on the doors, pending validation are that 137 riders started and 117 finished. About 15 riders bailed and another five rocked up out of time.
That's quite a high DNF rate, though suspect some of this is due to the appalling overnight weather and bad tactics from some riders to cope with it. At least two of those DNFs packed an "easy" 400 recently, suggesting some riders were at the very edge of their current capabilities.
Scores on the doors, pending validation are that 137 riders started and 117 finished. About 15 riders bailed and another five rocked up out of time.
That's quite a high DNF rate, though suspect some of this is due to the appalling overnight weather and bad tactics from some riders to cope with it. At least two of those DNFs packed an "easy" 400 recently, suggesting some riders were at the very edge of their current capabilities.
Aside: I don't think it's a good idea to have "door colour" for an info control if it might be dark.
PS - obviously yet another demand on volunteer numbers, but would it be possible to have someone at 601k, perhaps sitting in a car/pub/bus shelter, to stamp cards at the "finish" of a 600k event? This would remove 90 minutes of cycling from the route..... :thumbsup: and riders would then pootle to the hall for some tea, TLC, tea, rolls, tea, toilets, tea, flapjacks, tea, and then go home.
(I believe this has been done by Blacksheep on the BCM.)
I love this idea. I was OOT, but actually did 600k in time. Sadly meaning I still have to do another 600.
Sad to read the DNF write-ups as usual. Its best to ride another asap. Lots of things can (and do) go wrong on a 600, as its such a long ride.
When I DNF'd on my first 600 in 2007, I immediately booked another (the Daylight 600 in Scotland as I recall), and replaced DNF memories with the elation of successful completion.
The wheels nearly fell off the plan on the way back to the sleep stop though: it seemed to take for ever!. The rain didnt seem as bad as predicted and it wasnt too cold, but the speed was pedestrian. Feelings of inadequacy werent help by Hummers whizzing pass with a cheery 'Alright Chaps?'. I was riding with Wilbur and at one point just had to get him to pause while I hung my head over the bars for 2 minutes eyes-closed time. We got going again but about a minute later Wilbur was jerked awake as his wheels hit the gravel at the side of the road after going straight on at a bend whilst asleep.
We got back to Lilllishall by 4pm, having lost the gained time plus another 30 mins down on plan. I had a greater desire for sleep than food so pushed straight onto the sleep stop. That 7k seemed like 17!. We recalculated timings and asked for a 7pm wakeup. Saw MarcusJB just getting ready to go out again. I think I was asleep before I crawled under the blankets, but woke up at 6.30 worried I had missed my wake up call.
I dont think I will ride the next running of this event....but thats because I want to volunteer as a helper having appreciated the kindness shown to the riders at all controls.
It's magic when that happens, isn't it? I've twice had an owl fly in front of me (and to the side) for a considerable distance (once circa 1982, and again 2 years ago). I concluded that they were using the light from my front lamp to aid their search for small mammals (voles etc) in the verge/ditch, and that I was travelling at just the right speed for them. Any owl experts out there who can confirm/refute this?
A birdy thread here http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=70016 but I think it is your Guardian Angel in disguise keeping you company on the lonley night road (http://hd4desktop.com/images/m/a-cold_lonely_road-409711.jpg)
In relation to DNFs, as a slower rider I was surprised to see how many people were sleeping at Christleton at around midnight. I forced myself out into the rain again as quickly as possible as I felt that it would be too dispiriting to wake up with 310k still to go. It was really hard going for the next few hours, but I think if I'd stopped there I'd have struggled to get the motivation up to finish.
Should I change my forum name to MoanyMinter?
Other countries get their qualifiers within 2% overdistance and their riders finish PBP in worthwhile numbers. AUK delights in much greater overdistance events, which is fine, except for those bouncing against the time limit of BRM events. Largely irrelevant, except in PBP year.
Aside from the food, one of my best memories of the ride is an owl flying along a lane in front of me for what seemed like ages. Lots of bats as well.
Other countries get their qualifiers within 2% overdistance and their riders finish PBP in worthwhile numbers.Isn't that a consequence of free-route-between controls? Compulsory routes can shave distance much more.
I managed to shorten the route in a few places to end up with 614 km.
Article 8 : At the start, each rider will receive a brevet card and a cue sheet indicating the route and the location of the checkpoints. Riders must stay on the route. If a rider leaves the route, they must return to the route at the same point prior to continuing, ie. no shortcuts or detours from the route, unless specified by the organizer. Riders must stop at each checkpoint to have their card stamped. Organizers may also include unannounced checkpoints along the route. This assures that everyone will stay on the prescribed route.
Not having to queue to get food, or wait for it to be cooked, or find a cashpoint for a receipt, saves lots of time. If we offer all that and you can't finish in 40 hours, you probably wouldn't finish PBP either.
Isn't that a consequence of free-route-between controls?
Are you having fun culling riders who could finish PBP, except for having to travel faster than is required in other countries?
Not extra training, culling those who are marginal.
Isn't that a consequence of free-route-between controls?
Not in this case. The difficulty here is that while it's possible to get from Windsor to Chester and back in under 600km, it means using unpleasant roads. To route along roads you'd actually want to cycle racks up the extra distance.
Were you aware of the 40 hour BRM rule, and the (over)length of ride, before you entered?
Aside from the food, one of my best memories of the ride is an owl flying along a lane in front of me for what seemed like ages. Lots of bats as well.
Another rider encountered an owl too. This one flew straight into him though. Clearly they're not always as sharp witted as you might think.
I managed to shorten the route in a few places to end up with 614 km.
I would not boast too much about this if you want to use it as a PBP qualifier. From the BRM rules:QuoteArticle 8 : At the start, each rider will receive a brevet card and a cue sheet indicating the route and the location of the checkpoints. Riders must stay on the route. If a rider leaves the route, they must return to the route at the same point prior to continuing, ie. no shortcuts or detours from the route, unless specified by the organizer. Riders must stop at each checkpoint to have their card stamped. Organizers may also include unannounced checkpoints along the route. This assures that everyone will stay on the prescribed route.
http://www.audax-club-parisien.com/EN/312.html
Not having to queue to get food, or wait for it to be cooked, or find a cashpoint for a receipt, saves lots of time. If we offer all that and you can't finish in 40 hours, you probably wouldn't finish PBP either.
I think Alwyn has a really good point here, while I have to say I was cursing the over-distance as well while being on the ride.
The ride was absolutely fantastic, as I have already expressed on Facebook (detailled report here will follow). Two thoughts:
1) In future PBP years, it may be wise to point out the over-distance and the BRM-oddity of not getting extra time more clearly in the description of the ride. I wasn't really aware when I signed up for it in January and may have chosen a different 600 to be on the safe side for my PBP qualification. (Luckily I did not, as the route, the controls, the food and the volunteers were utterly outstanding - and I did finish with 2 hours in hand.)
2) A real design flaw IMHO are the intermediate control times, which are calculated on an 15kph average rather than the 15.6 kph. Hence the closing times of the controls give you a wrong and misleading sense of security. For 6am starters, the last control closed at 20:12h. Let's assume you are a slowish rider and and had a few punctures, and arrive by 19:00. Your sleep deprived mind may think you still have more than an hour in hand. The truth is you are already out of time, as Arriveé closes at 22:00 (rather than 23:36h, if the required minimum average was 15.6kph), and hence you "lose" 1:36hrs on the last leg. From my point of view, it would make much more sense to calculate the closing times of all controls based on the required minimum average for the entire ride.
Are you having fun culling riders who could finish PBP, except for having to travel faster than is required in other countries?I know myself as a rider who
Not extra training, culling those who are marginal.
Doesn't apply in the UK.
I managed to shorten the route in a few places to end up with 614 km.
I would not boast too much about this if you want to use it as a PBP qualifier. From the BRM rules:QuoteArticle 8 : At the start, each rider will receive a brevet card and a cue sheet indicating the route and the location of the checkpoints. Riders must stay on the route. If a rider leaves the route, they must return to the route at the same point prior to continuing, ie. no shortcuts or detours from the route, unless specified by the organizer. Riders must stop at each checkpoint to have their card stamped. Organizers may also include unannounced checkpoints along the route. This assures that everyone will stay on the prescribed route.
http://www.audax-club-parisien.com/EN/312.html
2) A real design flaw IMHO are the intermediate control times, which are calculated on an 15kph average rather than the 15.6 kph. Hence the closing times of the controls give you a wrong and misleading sense of security. For 6am starters, the last control closed at 20:12h. Let's assume you are a slowish rider and and had a few punctures, and arrive by 19:00. Your sleep deprived mind may think you still have more than an hour in hand. The truth is you are already out of time, as Arriveé closes at 22:00 (rather than 23:36h, if the required minimum average was 15.6kph), and hence you "lose" 1:36hrs on the last leg. From my point of view, it would make much more sense to calculate the closing times of all controls based on the required minimum average for the entire ride.
It's an interesting debate as to whether that is appropriate. Suppose you get a quick rider who overslept along the way and is suddenly very FV... do you DQ them because they were just outside an intermediate control closing time calculated on the higher minimum speed? When they'd have been inside the time if it had been worked out at the nominal 15kph (or whatever) ? And is quick enough to make up the difference by the end?
And that to me means the basic premise of this ride was wrong- you can't get to Chester from Windsor without either a) riding unsuitable roads or b) being significantly over distance.
Aside from the food, one of my best memories of the ride is an owl flying along a lane in front of me for what seemed like ages. Lots of bats as well.
Another rider encountered an owl too. This one flew straight into him though. Clearly they're not always as sharp witted as you might think.
Thick as two short planks, apparently. Those massive eyes take up space that could otherwise be occupied by brains.
It's an interesting debate as to whether that is appropriate. Suppose you get a quick rider who overslept along the way and is suddenly very FV... do you DQ them because they were just outside an intermediate control closing time calculated on the higher minimum speed? When they'd have been inside the time if it had been worked out at the nominal 15kph (or whatever) ? And is quick enough to make up the difference by the end?
It's a longish route at 624km, but fast if you concentrate on your navigation. It's not hilly but it's not flat either, so perfect for a first 600km ride. To qualify for Paris, you'll need a minimum average speed of 15.6kph, so keep an eye on your time if you are expecting to ride at the time limits.
Please note that I have been unable to carry out a final check on the routesheet this week as planned. Apologies for any bugs that are in the routesheet - please keep your wits about you and be sure to look over the route before you start so you know where you going.
Although this isn't a hilly event, there are sections that are pretty hilly. The section between Chalgrove and Weston passes through the Cotswolds, with plenty of short, steep hills to challenge tired legs on the way back.
Where possible, the route avoids main roads and large towns. However this hasn't always been possible. I'd like to draw your attention to two sections in particular:
- Between Kidderminster and the Hartlebury control, the route uses the A449 for about 3km. This road is narrow and winding, and can be busy. There are alternative, longer routes, or you can use the pavement alongside the road.
- Between Glympton and Chipping Norton the route takes the A44. There shouldn't be too much traffic, but that traffic can be quite fast. Again, there are alternative routes if you plan ahead.
No maybe not but I guess we could flag up the effects of over distance. As a full value rider however I would be very aware of of how much time/distance I had left
Isn't that a consequence of free-route-between controls?
Not in this case. The difficulty here is that while it's possible to get from Windsor to Chester and back in under 600km, it means using unpleasant roads. To route along roads you'd actually want to cycle racks up the extra distance. You then rack up extra distance by making the event full service, as you have to route to the controls you can find.
I could have probably brought this in at around 610km if I'd used a bunch of garages as controls, but that isn't the event I wanted to run. If you were committed to riding PBP and were a marginal candidate, you would have gone to Alfreton or Cheadle and ridden something flat and short and well-attended. You wouldn't have ridden, say the Kernow and South West. But for the bulk of riders aiming for Paris, WCW does the job just fine.
Culling riders? Did somebody honk the hyperbole klaxon?
I luckily don't know how strict organisers were with regard to riders arriving out of time, but there obviously is an issue if riders who shortened the route were homolgated while those who stuck to it and arrived out of time due to the OD were disqualified.
I luckily don't know how strict organisers were with regard to riders arriving out of time, but there obviously is an issue if riders who shortened the route were homolgated while those who stuck to it and arrived out of time due to the OD were disqualified.
I have to agree with others about Hartlebury - the food was great at all the controls, but Hartlebury wins the prize. The lentil soup was just what I needed when I got there, and I followed that up with some of Wobbly's most excellent bread pudding. It was really hard to resist the temptation to sample a bit of everything on the table, it all looked so good, but I restricted myself to sticking a bit of flapjack and a couple of those raw chocolate brownies in my pocket for nibbling en route. Those raw chocolate brownies... omg... they were incredible. And not only did they taste amazing, they were like rocket fuel - I ate them about halfway along the next stage and they seemed to put a real zip in my legs. Bloody marvellous!
Re: FAFFING at controls: I may be unqualified to comment, having never gone further than 300km, but the inordinate amount of time spent lounging at the control surprised me greatly, especially by those who were at the tail end of the field on the way north (ie after only 170km). Several must have spent almost an hour with us doing little other than eating O:-) and chatting :facepalm:
If I'm not eating, sleeping or using the loo, I'm wasting time.
Re: FAFFING at controls: I may be unqualified to comment, having never gone further than 300km, but the inordinate amount of time spent lounging at the control surprised me greatly, especially by those who were at the tail end of the field on the way north (ie after only 170km). Several must have spent almost an hour with us doing little other than eating O:-) and chatting :facepalm:
This is the single biggest reason I DNFd LEL.
I still faff far too much, but at least now I've had it drummed into me that if I'm not eating, sleeping or uor sing the loo, I'm wasting time.
To be clear:
Well organised - good, want more of that.
Well supported - great, want that too.
Pretty route - good stuff.
Overly long (for a BRM) - not good, particularly in a PBP year.
Do whatever you like with a BR event, the time limit matches the ride length. Once you are talking BRM, 5% extra gets tough. If you don't think so, trim the time limit by another 5% and see how many marginal folk enjoy that situation. There are several examples of folk finishing PBP and being very marginal to finish BCM in BRM time.
I luckily don't know how strict organisers were with regard to riders arriving out of time, but there obviously is an issue if riders who shortened the route were homolgated while those who stuck to it and arrived out of time due to the OD were disqualified.
How is this a problem when no rules were broken?
There's no fault here. I'm glad I threw myself at this ride and every ride I've attempted and/or completed this year. I'm not going to feel too bad that I mentally and physically struggle with distances over TWO HUNDRED BLOODY MILES.
Ta Da!
Drumroll !
ACP brevet numbers are up.
Super speedy work by organiser and validation team (I claim no credit, my bit only takes 5 minutes anyway)
There did seem to be a perception it was flat or flattish, remove that and set the expectation it ain't and it may ensure people are more certain of what they are undertaking.
despite all the shrieking
despite all the shrieking
Is there just as much freedom to call people names in the other direction?
I luckily don't know how strict organisers were with regard to riders arriving out of time, but there obviously is an issue if riders who shortened the route were homolgated while those who stuck to it and arrived out of time due to the OD were disqualified.
How is this a problem when no rules were broken?
I assumed that BRM rides were run subject to ALL ACP rules, but that does not seem to be the case. My bad, sorry! Good to know for future rides.
ACP brevet numbers are up.
Super speedy work by organiser and validation team (I claim no credit, my bit only takes 5 minutes anyway)
This may sound pervy but I enjoyed the lumpy bits.
:smug:
H
It looks like less of a return to tradition from the northern end, as the old WCW had a concurrent Chester-Windsor-Chester. That's not to criticise an excellent event, which couldn't accommodate two starts, at that level of provision.
It looks like less of a return to tradition from the northern end, as the old WCW had a concurrent Chester-Windsor-Chester. That's not to criticise an excellent event, which couldn't accommodate two starts, at that level of provision.There was also a Kidderminster start when I rode it, as well as Northwich and Marlow. Incidentally it also featured a control at a Little Chef (now disappeared) in Thame which refused to serve cyclists.
Devising a route between Windsor and Chester,
The 600 kilometre Windsor-Chester-Windsor was “cobbled together” in a matter of
weeks and, in retrospect, one can only be amazed that controls were set up and participants
found in so short a time.
There were those who were willing to dismiss the first W-C-W as a one-off effort
but the 1977 event saw the entry doubled. In 1978, the W-C-W had more participants than
the national ‘24’ and in the P-B-P year, 1979, the event had more entrants than all 24s.
The Mersey RC had the sense to comprehend that, with the right kind of encouragement,
the hard-riding members of AUK could be converted to the 24 hour scene.
The W-C-W had well over one hundred entries in 1979 and the AUK team for the
P-B-P numbered 58, of whom 54 were successful. Not bad going for just over three years
of effort.
The next quadrennial, leading to the 1983 P-B-P saw more growth with the W-C-W
having over a hundred entrants each year until, in 1983, the entry rose above 150. This
was despite the creation of two further 600 kilometre events.
Ta Da!
Drumroll !
ACP brevet numbers are up.
Super speedy work by organiser and validation team (I claim no credit, my bit only takes 5 minutes anyway)
It looks like less of a return to tradition from the northern end, as the old WCW had a concurrent Chester-Windsor-Chester. That's not to criticise an excellent event, which couldn't accommodate two starts, at that level of provision.
I didn't know that. It might actually be feasible to do too. I'll have a think about that.
I have an ACP Brevet number for WCW but it doesn't seem to work when I try to register.... Is this a problem anyone else is having?
I just picked up a ton of equipment from WCW and handed it over to DelphCyclist ready for A Pair of Kirtons this weekend. Another pallet load has been collected from alfapete and delivered in time for the 9 Counties. I just need to settle up with a couple of controllers and the event is done. :thumbsup:
There were three of the LEL team helping on WCW, as well as our admin man and three controllers. At least two volunteers will run controls at LEL2017 and I'm waiting for the right time to ask a third if he fancies a crack at a control. Running a LEL control is a big job, so I'm keen to keep these people fresh until then. That's why WCW won't run until 2019.
Thank you ever so much for all your praise for this event. I think it brought out the best in the fantastic controllers and their teams of volunteers. We learnt a lot from LEL that we applied to this event, and there are a few lessons for the next LEL.
See you in London!
MJB – thanks for the thumbs up about the route. In all the talk about whether the route was too long (it Moving a couple of the controls, if we can secure bookings in time, could shave 10-20km off the actual route without reducing the minimum distance. It would also save money by using controls with better facilities. I’d like to remove a couple of climbs, but only because they’re long climbs up fairly busy roads. I may decide to use the reduced distance to take out the section of the A44.
I’d like to remove a couple of climbs, but only because they’re long climbs up fairly busy roads.
Totally agree about the infos. They were really crap and did not suit people riding by gps alone.
I have been told it ice had three start points...none of them actually Windsor, used Marlow insteadIt looks like less of a return to tradition from the northern end, as the old WCW had a concurrent Chester-Windsor-Chester. That's not to criticise an excellent event, which couldn't accommodate two starts, at that level of provision.
I didn't know that. It might actually be feasible to do too. I'll have a think about that.
I have been told it ice had three start points...none of them actually Windsor, used Marlow insteadIt looks like less of a return to tradition from the northern end, as the old WCW had a concurrent Chester-Windsor-Chester. That's not to criticise an excellent event, which couldn't accommodate two starts, at that level of provision.
I didn't know that. It might actually be feasible to do too. I'll have a think about that.
I had a couple of little walks, Howe Hill near Stoner being the one I really remember.Howe Hill is the easiest climb out of Watlington; Britwell Hill and Watlington Hill are steeper. So man up and stop moaning, or put your hands in your pockets and buy some gears. Also, stop calling oatcakes "pancakes", or I'll be obliged to re-educate you on our next meeting.
There's oatcake-kebabs, oatcake creole, oatcake gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple oatcake, lemon oatcake, coconut oatcake, pepper oatcake, oatcake soup, oatcake stew, oatcake salad, oatcake and potatoes, oatcake burger, oatcake sandwich.
Can we have a final call on the number of victims the two ford claimed? So far I've counted four swimmers.
Can we have a final call on the number of victims the two ford claimed? So far I've counted four swimmers.
1. Douglas R. heading south https://twitter.com/Dr_AAY/status/604895112099991552
2. Javier: https://twitter.com/biciorejon/status/604718494383542272
3. Adam from Audax Club Hackney https://twitter.com/AudaxHackney/status/604683343742046208
4. billyam998: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=70845.msg1870219#msg1870219
Can we have a final call on the number of victims the two ford claimed? So far I've counted four swimmers.
1. Douglas R. heading south https://twitter.com/Dr_AAY/status/604895112099991552
2. Javier: https://twitter.com/biciorejon/status/604718494383542272
3. Adam from Audax Club Hackney https://twitter.com/AudaxHackney/status/604683343742046208
4. billyam998: https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=70845.msg1870219#msg1870219
My video offering (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddhT7ZJ27HA)
-cough- Modesty forbids me commenting on the exceptionally attractive behatted gentleman at the Hartlebury control.If you look in your settings there is a tab to remove the 'rose tinted' filter!!
The camera was a Garmin Virb, then initial edits and adding gpx info via the garmin virb edit software, and Corel Videostudio Plus for adding soundtrack and final edits.Thanks for that, really enjoyed the video.
The camera was a Garmin Virb, then initial edits and adding gpx info via the garmin virb edit software, and Corel Videostudio Plus for adding soundtrack and final edits.Thanks for that, really enjoyed the video.
I've always felt a bit of a wimp when taking the dry route round fords - this thread has reassured me that its probably the sensible option. :)
I don't get this. If you encounter a ford on a long ride, where you risk wasting all the miles you've already completed or giving yourself a long way to ride with a damaged bike, why would you go for it? It there is additional pressure to complete the ride, whether it be for an SR, an RRTY or a PBP qualifier, even more so would I use caution and discretion. Perhaps that's too cautious for some to be Audax.
I don't get this. If you encounter a ford on a long ride, where you risk wasting all the miles you've already completed or giving yourself a long way to ride with a damaged bike, why would you go for it? It there is additional pressure to complete the ride, whether it be for an SR, an RRTY or a PBP qualifier, even more so would I use caution and discretion. Perhaps that's too cautious for some to be Audax.
I may pass WCW onto someone else, as I've started planning a possible new 1300 for some future year. You know, out 'n' back, averagely difficult, lots of TLCWowzer. Hold on tight, this is going to be exciting.
Just to be clear, the WCW was created by the late and AUK founder John Nicholas in 1976 and revived by myself last year.Aha. Apologies, and I stand corrected,
Any idea which year - I guess as you feel you need to pass on to someone else your creation of the WCW, which is only run in PBP years, then does that mean your new 1,300 will also be in a PBP year?
Yup, deffo enough space for both events. Can't wait untilo 2021 though - pull your finger out!Any idea which year - I guess as you feel you need to pass on to someone else your creation of the WCW, which is only run in PBP years, then does that mean your new 1,300 will also be in a PBP year?
I'm not sure yet. I might do it instead of LEL in 2021, or in the same year as Mark's event. Mark and I run polar opposite events so I doubt there'd be much overlap, and there are more than enough riders around to make both events a riproaring success.
I see LEL as very much a British event, whereas WCW is an English event. This will be Anglo-Scottish.Are you excluding the Welsh, Irish, Cornish ... ? :P
(1300 is my favourite distance by far.)
My piece on WCW is in the new issue of Cyclist, which goes on sale on Wednesday...
(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/smutchin/IMG_3206_zpsszmxsuuu.jpg)
I quickly got bored of Cyclist as it seemed very upmarket, every issue majored on riding some beautifully surfaced far-flung European passes in permanent sunshine, but after seeing this I'll look at it again.
I quickly got bored of Cyclist as it seemed very upmarket, every issue majored on riding some beautifully surfaced far-flung European passes in permanent sunshine, but after seeing this I'll look at it again.
I don't think they've reviewed a bike under £3,500 yet either
Now online too - a really nice read. 8)
I quickly got bored of Cyclist as it seemed very upmarket, every issue majored on riding some beautifully surfaced far-flung European passes in permanent sunshine, but after seeing this I'll look at it again.
Cyclist is the magazine I browse in Sainsburys most often! (keep meaning to order some copies... )I quickly got bored of Cyclist as it seemed very upmarket, every issue majored on riding some beautifully surfaced far-flung European passes in permanent sunshine, but after seeing this I'll look at it again.
I don't think they've reviewed a bike under £3,500 yet either
Do such machines exist?
The far flung stuff is the best part of cyclist. Many ideas for tours and adventures.
My piece on WCW is in the new issue of Cyclist, which goes on sale on Wednesday...
(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k170/smutchin/IMG_3206_zpsszmxsuuu.jpg)
Now online too - a really nice read. 8)
http://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/362/audax-a-long-weekend
I quickly got bored of Cyclist as it seemed very upmarket, every issue majored on riding some beautifully surfaced far-flung European passes in permanent sunshine, but after seeing this I'll look at it again.
I decided against the 1300 in 2018 in the end. I have given up the slot and will help others with their events instead.
WCW is still very much on though for 2019. I've already had one offer to run a control, and will start looking at the route once LEL admin is done. The initial plan is keep the route and controls largely in place, perhaps moving the start from Old Windsor to Windsor and trimming the route by moving the first control.
It will be my typical kind of route - laney and moderately hilly, with full service controls and excellent catering. I'll keep off main roads as much as possible but there will be plenty of options to bash along them if you want to.
As it will be full service it will be probably the priciest 600 in the calendar, but great value for a weekend of cycling and eating.
It will be my typical kind of route - laney and moderately hilly, with full service controls and excellent catering. I'll keep off main roads as much as possible but there will be plenty of options to bash along them if you want to.
As it will be full service it will be probably the priciest 600 in the calendar, but great value for a weekend of cycling and eating.