Have a look at how similar his schedule is to Steve's, which was published ages ago.
Is it compulsory to upload data to Strava at set intervals?Yeah, or at least nottify UMCA. I think. Check the rules which are posted somewhere here!
Not disclosing distances might be an interesting tactic.
Kurt’s Facebook page mentions that he will be fueling his ride with both Spiz energy
I think that making that great a positional change during the record would be a bad thing.
QuoteKurt’s Facebook page mentions that he will be fueling his ride with both Spiz energy
Where's Captain Kirk? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRXJkWkP328)
I read the other day on another site that Iornox has problems riding over 90 miles per day when it's cold due to damage to his feet from frostbite back in 94 and where he is it's cold at the Mo.
Current positions: Steve Abraham: 1576.98 mi; Kurt Tarzan Searvogel: 968.53 mi; William IronOx Pruett: 123.41 mi; -- at 11:30:03 AM (GMT) 01/10/15
His moving time is shown as 6:15:22 ??? a glitch ? alsoQuoteCurrent positions: Steve Abraham: 1576.98 mi; Kurt Tarzan Searvogel: 968.53 mi; William IronOx Pruett: 123.41 mi; -- at 11:30:03 AM (GMT) 01/10/15
917.27 mi traveled at 5.9 mph
He was going to spend the first month or 2 in Florida.
The trackleaders trace gives hin 1227 miles on day 1 :o ;D
Tarzan clearly has a very different strategy to Steve. 231 miles on his first day is not that different to Steve, but his average speed is way way faster thus meaning significantly less time on the bike. His average heart rate is also way higher (as you'd expect given the effort to go at that speed). This is all well and good but can he vkeep that kind of effort level up for months on end? I personally suspect not. My thoughts are that Steve's approach has a much better chance over the long run.I think you are right.
Silly nickname, all I can think of when I see itis Michael Hesseltine and Norman Tebbit ;D
Silly nickname, all I can think of when I see itis Michael Hesseltine and Norman Tebbit ;D
And that's coming from someone previously known as Windy ;D ;D ;D
But perhaps less danger of other sorts of injury? Fewer hours on the bike...
age is only a number. how you live your life and how you take care of your body matters so much more.
Tarzan is "only" riding 100 miles every 7th day which will bring his average down over the week.
His average speed today looks somewhat lower than yesterday. 93+ Tracker miles in just under 6 hours, so add perhaps 10%.He's slower than Steve today. (could be wind tactics, of course)
His average speed today looks somewhat lower than yesterday. 93+ Tracker miles in just under 6 hours, so add perhaps 10%.He's slower than Steve today. (could be wind tactics, of course)
Also:
- They've fixed his total distance - yay. (but future fossil-fuel based transport may re-break it ... )
- Looking at the map, he and Steve could both ride thru "Buckingham" one day.
He's slower than Steve today. (could be wind tactics, of course)
Ian,
read the comments on Tarzan's tracker page. (don't blame the messenger!)
( I'm not saying it won't happen, but a DQ for accidentally leaving the thing on seems a tad harsh. Just MHO )
It's the likes of being able to change from bike to recumbent and having a year start anywhere in the calendar that I find odd.
age is only a number. how you live your life and how you take care of your body matters so much more.
As does good old-fashioned luck.
age is only a number. how you live your life and how you take care of your body matters so much more.
As does good old-fashioned luck.
and genetic heritage....
age is only a number. how you live your life and how you take care of your body matters so much more.
As does good old-fashioned luck.
and genetic heritage....
and living in an exceptionally privileged country...
And he won't want to be in Florida in the height of summer, or the hurricane season.
And he won't want to be in Florida in the height of summer, or the hurricane season.
When Spring comes, he'll make his way to San Fran 'Bay area' and Silicon Valley where he can ride a 'pan flat' route up and down El Camino Real and round onto the east side of the bay in superb weather every day until Christmas.
#207 on 10:28:59 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (1 minutes ago) 1.65 mi traveled at 9.9 mph
#206 on 10:18:59 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (11 minutes ago) 1.50 mi traveled at 8.1 mph
#205 on 10:07:50 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (22 minutes ago) 2.04 mi traveled at 12.3 mph
#204 on 09:57:54 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (32 minutes ago) 2.51 mi traveled at 15.2 mph
#203 on 09:47:58 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (42 minutes ago) 2.04 mi traveled at 12.3 mph
#202 on 09:38:01 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (52 minutes ago) 1.65 mi traveled at 10.0 mph
#201 on 09:28:04 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (1 hours, 2 minutes ago) 1.32 mi traveled at 9.9 mph
#200 on 09:20:05 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (1 hours, 9 minutes ago) 2.36 mi traveled at 11.9 mph
#199 on 09:08:12 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (1 hours, 21 minutes ago) 1.43 mi traveled at 8.6 mph
#198 on 08:58:16 PM (GMT) 01/12/15 (1 hours, 31 minutes ago) 1.15 mi traveled at 3.5 mph
Judging by his last ten tracker speeds, he could be. He's cycling at my pace!
When Spring comes, he'll make his way to San Fran 'Bay area' and Silicon Valley where he can ride a 'pan flat' route up and down El Camino Real and round onto the east side of the bay in superb weather every day until Christmas.
He doesn't seem to have mustered the same level of interest as Steve. Look at his kudos on Strava compared to Steve's.
Kurt Searvogel
Followers 370
Kudos 195
I'm certainly wishing him luck, as I am anyone who attempts this.
CBA to check myself (lurgied and lazy) - does Tarzan advertise his HR on his rides? Is it possible to get some measure of how hard he's working compared to Steve? We;ve all marveled at Steve's low HR - I suspect my HR is higher than his now, as he rides and I lie in my sick bed!
Is it just me that finds both their heart rates amazing though? I've not bothered with my HRM for a few years but will fit it for a DIY 200 this weekend just to see. Even though my personal resting rate is around 50BPM, it would be impossible for me to ride any distance with an average below 100 like Steve!
Is there another forum in another place where Tarzan's HAM'R attempt is being discussed like Steve's attempt is being discussed here?The answers are
(keeps fingers crossed the answer isn't Facebook...)
This is not some chump swinging through the trees and chomping bananas.
outsprant
Perhaps he has a deal which involves him agreeing to eat a certain amount of their muck on his record attempt. I'm sure I read somewhere, years ago, about someone who ate too many Macdonalds's splutchburgers suffering from malnutrition.
Is Tarzan sponsored by MacDonalds? We should see if we can get TG sponsored by Weatherspoons...
He's moving well today - nearly 100 miles since just after mid day (when his tracker started)
He's moving well today - nearly 100 miles since just after mid day (when his tracker started)
I'm betting he didn't have early ice issues ;)
Plenty of snaps appearing on Kurt's FB page - not sure about that diet tho' :-\
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10407656_1561903674051340_4138072613964825388_n.jpg?oh=59733a86f752be70df958a2585e2c7c6&oe=556C77C8&__gda__=1429292355_b2339c5e0c72fe32f052d714b47e4372)
He's within spitting distance of his first 1000miles :thumbsup:
Wasn't he about 13 miles short at the end of yesterday?
Day | Distance | Cumulative Distance |
1 | 230.7 | 230.7 |
2 | 188.8 | 419.5 |
3 | 183.5 | 603.0 |
4 | 190.0 | 793.1 |
5 | 191.4 | 984.5 |
McD will argue with that. They will explain that they don’t have large men grabbing passers-by and force-feeding those people with an excess number of calories.
I think he's using a faster bike than Steve, i.e. a time trial bike. I wonder how this is going to work for comfort over the course of the year, and how many spare bikes he has available.
Steve is having to tough it out against the elements whilst Tarzan takes it relatively easy.
Steve is having to tough it out against the elements whilst Tarzan takes it relatively easy.
'Relatively' being the operative word there. Having once managed to ride 300km in 11 hours (the Vatternrundan, much of which was in the shelter of a peloton), I struggle to comprehend Tarzan doing that every day so far without a break, knowing that he's got to increase the daily milage for the best part of the year.
To be honest, Tarzan won't get better riding conditions than he's got at the moment pretty well all year in the USA.For me, this is the big unknown. My knowledge of US climate is limited to just a few pockets of land.
There's a strong possiblity that Steve will be the first to break the record in 70 years. Even if he loses it 10 days later, that will feel amazing, and he may gain the more lasting acclaim.
Kurt is doing nothing wrong, as it's all in the rules.I know that.
I don't go with the implication he is somehow not playing the game fairly or is only where he is because he is exploiting advantages. One could also flip it around and say Steve should have come up with a better strategy.
Kurt is doing nothing wrong, as it's all in the rules.
I don't go with the implication he is somehow not playing the game fairly or is only where he is because he is exploiting advantages. One could also flip it around and say Steve should have come up with a better strategy.
Just like my analogy with the road-racers: both strategies are in the rules, but fans will still judge one rider more kindly than the other.
Steve always expected to fall behind Tarzan early on. He is sticking to his strategy and at or slightly ahead of his upper target. 365 days is a long time and Tarzan is only on day 7. Tarzan does not appear to be sticking to his strategy where he previously concluded he needed a rest day to recover.
In my opinion, if Steve is near or ahead of Tommy's year record, he will certainly go on to the 100,000 mile record.
On the one hand, I am cross that they have decided to tackle this at the same time as Steve and (to my mind) seem to be deliberately using him as a pacer for their own ends/glory.
I thought Steve's only concern was with beating Tommy Godwin's year record. Any competition from others was a side-show, as far as he was concerned.
If it comes down to riding continuously for the last month with 20 minutes sleep every 3 days in a bus shelter, I know where my money is...But would Kurt be better equipped with potentially an Rv loaded with bikes, food and support with his track record, and the weather will again be a big factor.
Both Steve and Tarzan appear to have what it takes to fight to the end.
Could this lead to the crazy situation in late December of both riders riding non stop until they drop.
If anything the competition element could make for an amazing December, with all sorts of support options from each riders supporters.
I Hope Steve breaks him before then :thumbsup:
If it comes down to riding continuously for the last month with 20 minutes sleep every 3 days in a bus shelter, I know where my money is...
And the recumbent thing is interesting, because I'd have thought that with careful planning in terms of roads, conditions in the USA, if miles is your main objective, and you can ride where the hell you like, and you're going to ride recumbent at some point, then ride the damn thing from the beginning. My very limited experience switching between the two tells me that the two ways of riding in terms of muscle groups are not perfectly interchangeable. Unless he's looking to ride into a monstrous head wind for a month, then I can't see what advantage he'll gain really by switching like that.
I thought Steve's only concern was with beating Tommy Godwin's year record. Any competition from others was a side-show, as far as he was concerned.
I was thinking just that, reading this thread. For Steve my take is that it's a personal challenge for him to try and beat Godwins record, and it's from that that he will gain his satisfaction.
... I am cross that they have decided to tackle this at the same time as Steve and (to my mind) seem to be deliberately using him as a pacer for their own ends/glory....
When I first looked at this problem I thought why would I be willing to give up a year of my life to do nothing but ride my bike. Then I realized that most of the friends I have ride and I have met more people through riding than anything else I do. So instead of giving up a year of my life to ride - I am dedicating a year of my life to meeting new people, seeing new places and expanding what I believe life is.
To be honest, Tarzan won't get better riding conditions than he's got at the moment pretty well all year in the USA.For me, this is the big unknown. My knowledge of US climate is limited to just a few pockets of land.
Where will be the best riding conditions in July, and how hot will it be?
It's also hard to believe his plan (http://www.tarzanrides.com/the-riding-plan.php) Come on don't kid us! He's just looking at Steve's mileage every day and doing a few more.
I wonder if he knew anything about the year record before Steve 's bandwagon got going?
He is obviously a great athlete, serious contender, playing by the rules etc. and I wish him no ill, but it does leave a slightly bitter taste...
I'm with Hummers as well. It would be a different matter if it had been an impersonal and anonymous "here's a 1-year record and we at the UMCA offer it up for challenges". It wasn't like that: it was Steve's idea, possibly born from a thread on this forum, he did all the hard work negotiating with the UMCA to formulate the rules, it's his ride. As soon as UMCA published a set of rules, a couple of others jumped on the bandwagon.
Quite. I think we're just favouring Teethgrinder because he's a member of the forum, as well as someone who many of us know personally, while Tarzan is effectively some faceless American.In all honesty I'd still be behind TG; he started this whole thing.
I accept that having a crack at Tommy Godwin's record was Teethgrinder's idea, and he put in the effort getting the UMCA to agree a set of rules to adjudicate it under, which they then published. If - to pick a random example - bikey-mikey or some other credible forumite had decided at that point that they fancied having a go at it too, we'd all be 100% behind them. Even if they'd opted for a spring start and a journey to somewhere warm for the second half of the year (which would seem like an eminently sensible strategy). Even if they did it on a funny-shaped bike.
Berkeley, a former elite-level racer, has emerged as a ‘Strava celebrity’ for his monster mileage. The New Zealand native has already ridden more than 25,500km in 2014, consistently registering more than 1,100km a week and amassing nearly 900 hours in the saddle. Berkeley’s exploits have earned him more than 1,800 Strava followers and nearly 15,000 ‘kudos’.
Berkeley is undertaking the challenge on his regular training roads around south west London, Surrey and Berkshire from his base in Roehampton, Richmond.
The seven day distance record is expected to be the first in a series of future attempts on some of cycling’s long-standing distance records – the pinnacle of which is Tommy Godwin’s annual distance record of 75,065 miles (or 205 miles a day) set in 1939.
Read more at http://roadcyclinguk.com/sportive/surrey-cyclist-starts-seven-day-distance-world-record-attempt.html#ATkloUf02FYXK2a8.99
...had to stop early because me night bike was messed up while on the rack.
3 Bike - 3 Flats
This is posted on Alicia Snyders FB page , she's Kurt's crew chief.
Paid for yesterdays tailwinds with some headwinds today. The ride in Big Cypress National Park was great with Alicia Snyder have way to much fun playing with the Gators. There are way to many shopping malls in Southwest Florida - with stop lights in front of all of them.
This is posted on Alicia Snyders FB page , she's Kurt's crew chief.
although all within the rules, but it does look a bit unfair - perfect weather, flat terrain, selection of bikes, food at hand, moral support and no luggage to carry. totally different experience to what Steve is having here in uk.
I thought Steve's only concern was with beating Tommy Godwin's year record. Any competition from others was a side-show, as far as he was concerned.Is that right? That beating Godwin's record is not only his primary goal, but that he won't be bothered if having done so, he loses it again a week later?
It is defintely not an attitude unique to Britain.Anquetil and Poulidor being the obvious example of attitude more popular than success.
Across the world sportsfans judge their heroes on all sorts of attributes other than the raw results. It can be about style (on and off the pitch!).
Some love a passionate clueless tactician. Some love the boring-but-effective robots. Some value how their heroes play the game.
Jens VoigtIt is defintely not an attitude unique to Britain.Anquetil and Poulidor being the obvious example of attitude more popular than success.
Across the world sportsfans judge their heroes on all sorts of attributes other than the raw results. It can be about style (on and off the pitch!).
Some love a passionate clueless tactician. Some love the boring-but-effective robots. Some value how their heroes play the game.
To a lesser extent, Bartali and Coppi. Lots of others, but those are the most obvious.
This is posted on Alicia Snyders FB page , she's Kurt's crew chief.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t31.0-8/10861098_10152966893967591_4338641178034036010_o.jpg)
Of course! Though he doesn't have an obvious (more successful, less popular) rival. Possibly the very best example of attitude over achievement though.Jens VoigtIt is defintely not an attitude unique to Britain.Anquetil and Poulidor being the obvious example of attitude more popular than success.
Across the world sportsfans judge their heroes on all sorts of attributes other than the raw results. It can be about style (on and off the pitch!).
Some love a passionate clueless tactician. Some love the boring-but-effective robots. Some value how their heroes play the game.
To a lesser extent, Bartali and Coppi. Lots of others, but those are the most obvious.
slipstreaming monkey
From a comment on Strava under Tarzan's Friday ride it looks like he is already riding his 'bent for around 20 miles each day, presumably in preparation for longer stretches later on. I guess it also means he has motorised backup.
slipstreaming monkey
Can't we give this guy a break until there's reason to knock?
I used to motorpace quite a bit when I raced on the track. Looking at the back of a vehicle isn't that much of a hardship.
A UMCA bloke (Secrest?) broke Oppy's 24hr motorpaced record (set behind a motorbike on a velodrome) by sitting behind a HGV on a motor racing circuit.
I thought Steve's only concern was with beating Tommy Godwin's year record. Any competition from others was a side-show, as far as he was concerned.Is that right? That beating Godwin's record is not only his primary goal, but that he won't be bothered if having done so, he loses it again a week later?
I was once overtaken by a professional Italian team motorpaced-training behind a large car. The front rider must have been within a metre of the vehicle, doing maybe 50 km/h. Requires extreme concentration I'd have thought, and not something to do for very long stretches.
That video link upthread seems to be about the support van finding Kurt rather than pacing him as such.
slipstreaming monkey
Well, he talks highly of you too, but can you imagine what it might be like to try and sit behind a van all day, and not see what's in front of you?
Can't we give this guy a break until there's reason to knock?
How did autocorrect get from Chandler to Chicken as Nadler? Or was that deliberate?LMAO... DAMN YOU AUTO CORRECT....
slipstreaming monkey
Well, he talks highly of you too, but can you imagine what it might be like to try and sit behind a van all day, and not see what's in front of you?
Can't we give this guy a break until there's reason to knock?
Lol sorry... Couldn't resist the joke, I'm like Chicken as Nadler in the episode of. Friends when he is challenged not to be sarcastic fora day..... impossible ;D
What would piss me off greatly is if I had beaten Tommy only to find that some other guy, albeit a monster cyclist himself, had used my ride as a pacemaker, accelerating in the last couple of weeks of 2015, and thereby depriving me of the record. I'm pretty sure Steve is a better person than I am so he may not be bothered by this.
I was once overtaken by a professional Italian team motorpaced-training behind a large car. The front rider must have been within a metre of the vehicle, doing maybe 50 km/h. Requires extreme concentration I'd have thought, and not something to do for very long stretches.
Jan Ullrich tells a story about that, ISTM. Although wasn't that because his team car had to brake unexpectedly?
slipstreaming monkey
Any evidence he's riding behind the van rather than in front of it? Certainly the sign suggests the van will slipstreaming Kurt rather than the other way around.
slipstreaming monkey
Any evidence he's riding behind the van rather than in front of it? Certainly the sign suggests the van will slipstreaming Kurt rather than the other way around.
No there isn't. From videos on their FB page, it is a support van that catches Kurt at junctions to give him food, support etc.
It's a bit disrespectful to imply that he is slipstreaming a vehicle. This guy may have the weather and terrain, but that doesn't make him a cheat.
Don't agree neccessarily Christian. Both attempts have different challenges that overall equal themselves out. Take that from the Brit that has raced more in the States than any other ever! Weather worse here at the mo 1 day ago
slipstreaming monkey
Any evidence he's riding behind the van rather than in front of it? Certainly the sign suggests the van will slipstreaming Kurt rather than the other way around.
No there isn't. From videos on their FB page, it is a support van that catches Kurt at junctions to give him food, support etc.
It's a bit disrespectful to imply that he is slipstreaming a vehicle. This guy may have the weather and terrain, but that doesn't make him a cheat.
Exactly, it's a support vehicle not a pacing vehicle.
slipstreaming monkeyAny evidence he's riding behind the van rather than in front of it? Certainly the sign suggests the van will slipstreaming Kurt rather than the other way around.
No there isn't. From videos on their FB page, it is a support van that catches Kurt at junctions to give him food, support etc.
It's a bit disrespectful to imply that he is slipstreaming a vehicle. This guy may have the weather and terrain, but that doesn't make him a cheat.
[/q
No disrespect intended ... it was a joke..... I'll fetch my coat ::-)
Dont' worry - when I read it I guffawed.No disrespect intended ... it was a joke..... I'll fetch my coat ::-)slipstreaming monkeyAny evidence he's riding behind the van rather than in front of it? Certainly the sign suggests the van will slipstreaming Kurt rather than the other way around.
No there isn't. From videos on their FB page, it is a support van that catches Kurt at junctions to give him food, support etc.
It's a bit disrespectful to imply that he is slipstreaming a vehicle. This guy may have the weather and terrain, but that doesn't make him a cheat.
Regarding Kurt being a top ten RAAM finisher. How might a very strong Audaxer like Steve do in a race like that?
As far as I've read Steve doesn't race a lot. Good results in 24h British TTs, but a bit off the very top finishers. But
with the ability to crank out long steady rides consistently with what seems like amazingly little rest.
Would Steve be mid-field finisher in RAAM if he'd choose to enter and get a good support team? Just curious since
know very little about ultra racing and the people who tend to excel in them.
Kurt and Steve exchanged various emails before the attempt started. Steve knows enough about him. Kurt was always going to be quicker from the gun.
By the way, there is no UMCA prohibition against drafting for this record. Kurt could spend weeks riding behind his motorhome, a motorbike or a HGV, provided the local police don't notice.
I find it most unlikely Steve will derive any satisfaction from holding the record for a couple of weeks.
Quite the reverse, he will be mightily hacked off to have all that effort effectively wiped out so soon.
What he will think is Tarzan is just another obstacle to overcome.
Of course, it's all supposition.
The only way to find out what Steve thinks is to ask Steve.
I find it most unlikely Steve will derive any satisfaction from holding the record for a couple of weeks.
Quite the reverse, he will be mightily hacked off to have all that effort effectively wiped out so soon.
What he will think is Tarzan is just another obstacle to overcome.
Of course, it's all supposition.
The only way to find out what Steve thinks is to ask Steve.
Interesting. His record wouldn't be "wiped out" - it would still be on the record books, but just as one that has been beaten since.
When someone sets a new record, surely it's the past he's competing against, not the future.
Yes, I was thinking about long-standing records. The most famous for your average sports enthusiast is Perry's Wimbledon one. Murray will for ever be remembered as the guy who broke it. If a whole sequence of British players come along in the future and win Wimbledon, that won't eclipse Murray's achievement as the guy who finally broke through.
Another that's closer to home for me is the British carp record. I used to waste quite a lot of time trying to catch carp and it was well known amongst anglers that Dick Walker's record from 1952 (44lb) was the one to beat. The fact that the fish was in London Zoo added to the frisson - it was my favourite exhibit when I was young. It died in 1971. It took until 1980 for Chris Yates to beat that, with a 51lb fish from the same lake. Since then, it has been broken several times, largely due to the commercialisation of carp fishing and the use of high-protein baits. I was chatting to a guy in our local park the other day and his personal best was a 41lb fish. When I was into carp fishing, that would have been an earth-shattering catch. Hardly anyone ever caught anything over 30lb but such fish are 2 a penny these days but I would imagine that Walker's fish remains the most famous. He was the pioneer (built his own rod out of split cane, which became a commercial success) when most anglers thought the carp was too difficult to waste time on.
I've just googled to find out the current record: 62lb 4oz!
Yes, I was thinking about long-standing records. The most famous for your average sports enthusiast is Perry's Wimbledon one. Murray will for ever be remembered as the guy who broke it. If a whole sequence of British players come along in the future and win Wimbledon, that won't eclipse Murray's achievement as the guy who finally broke through.
Another that's closer to home for me is the British carp record. I used to waste quite a lot of time trying to catch carp and it was well known amongst anglers that Dick Walker's record from 1952 (44lb) was the one to beat. The fact that the fish was in London Zoo added to the frisson - it was my favourite exhibit when I was young. It died in 1971. It took until 1980 for Chris Yates to beat that, with a 51lb fish from the same lake. Since then, it has been broken several times, largely due to the commercialisation of carp fishing and the use of high-protein baits. I was chatting to a guy in our local park the other day and his personal best was a 41lb fish. When I was into carp fishing, that would have been an earth-shattering catch. Hardly anyone ever caught anything over 30lb but such fish are 2 a penny these days but I would imagine that Walker's fish remains the most famous. He was the pioneer (built his own rod out of split cane, which became a commercial success) when most anglers thought the carp was too difficult to waste time on.
I've just googled to find out the current record: 62lb 4oz!
*googles*
In reverse, more like.
From my experience, a disproportionatley large number of anglers are called Terry.
Returning to the numbers, Strava has a nice comparison in it's week schedules, the last 7 rides of Steve and Kurt:
1
Kurt Searvogel 2,221.7 km 7 341.6 km 30.4 km/h 3,216 m
2
Steven Abraham 2,189.1 km 7 371.8 km 23.6 km/h 10,834 m
The difference in kilometers is only 32.6 about 1%. Not something to worry about. Especially if Steve expects to increase his mileage over the summer.
I used to waste quite a lot of time trying to catch carp and it was well known amongst anglers that Dick Walker's record from 1952 (44lb) was the one to beat. The fact that the fish was in London Zoo added to the frissonI'm surprised fishing was allowed in the zoo.
Returning to the numbers, Strava has a nice comparison in it's week schedules, the last 7 rides of Steve and Kurt:
1
Kurt Searvogel 2,221.7 km 7 341.6 km 30.4 km/h 3,216 m
2
Steven Abraham 2,189.1 km 7 371.8 km 23.6 km/h 10,834 m
The difference in kilometers is only 32.6 about 1%. Not something to worry about. Especially if Steve expects to increase his mileage over the summer.
Considering the terrian they're riding, ( The last column being 'elev gain', I presume ) Steve has given more energy.
That's where Steve wins for me.
My simple calcs say Kurt has done 1/7th of a percent uphill, and Steve 1/2 of a percent uphill.
In the 'Cals burned' stakes, Steve is almost 2% ahead.
or during the Blitz :) ).
will the next person, to go for it simply spend 365 days in the velodrome
Kurt appears to have a big competitive streak looking at his 4:30 for the 100 yesterday riding in the fast group , I wonder if this could be his undoing later in the year seeing has he's planning on some races ,it could also be that he's banking miles now to allow recovery after the events ?
Paul
There is plenty of driverless equipment (dump trucks, etc) being driven around minesites courtesy of landbased GPS. You don't need satellites.
There's an aesthetic dimension to this, and other record attempts. That Guy Martin tandem 24 hour record sanctioned by the UMCA was a glaring example of something that looked like a record, but was very iffy underneath.
There's an aesthetic dimension to this, and other record attempts. That Guy Martin tandem 24 hour record sanctioned by the UMCA was a glaring example of something that looked like a record, but was very iffy underneath.
Guy martin retreats to his workshop to build a recumbrant fitted with a teasmaid and a potty and books Silverston for the year to go for the record in 2016.
all very intetesting, but not sure what it has to do with Tarzan's escapades....
At some point I'd like to see a data blackout for a week or so. Kurt has the time difference to respond within, and 10 days at the end, the large amount of information helps Kurt.A nice idea. I guess it would be down to UMCA to agree.
will the next person, to go for it simply spend 365 days in the velodrome
I know a chap who set the HPV 24 hour record on a 250m velodrome. He said it nearly drove him mad.
Subsequent attempts by other riders have been on larger outdoor ovals.
At some point I'd like to see a data blackout for a week or so. Kurt has the time difference to respond within, and 10 days at the end, the large amount of information helps Kurt.
So you're all willing to wait for 10 days until Steve's distance is published? Sod that.
There may be a time when being the 'pacer' is an advantage, a year's a long time and there's still a long way to go.
Did I read it right on his website somewhere that he's been trying out an unfaired carbon recumbent for use later on ... ?
Perfectly Okay in HAMR rules - but it'd be nice to see 2 guys duking it out on normal bikes - leave the recumbents for next years HAMR racers ......
Or reacting to Steve's "short" day yesterday?
From FB he had a bad day today with flats, a crash, and bad drivers. Good mileage all considering. Better luck tomorrow
I confess when I read the posts about how Steve has it so much harder, I thought of (1) Mercan driving/drivers and the roads Kurt is on (2) Florida rain. I still think Steve has the tougher cycle, but each will have their challenges. I just wish them both a safe year cycling.
Everything in the plan is just an estimate since much will depend on the weather and where I can start and stop each day. My goal is to start out riding 10 hours a day the first week on my long rides and then add 10 minutes to the time ridden each week as I get more daylight and better weather. I plan to increase my time on the bike to 14-15 hours during the summer and then taper it back down to about 10 hours a day by the end of 2015. My speed goal for riding is to start out riding my long days at about 17 mph which, for me, is actually a little slow. As my fitness improves, my average speed will get better and by mid year I should be riding at around 20 mph or better and should be able to hold that fitness level for the rest of the year.
There will always be a ‘rivalry element’. The Ryder cup was supposed to be a friendly golf match.Has anyone approached The tea people for support for TG, they seemed to like cycling last year. :thumbsup:
As long as we don’t tax him on the tea he’s drinking. ;)
<...>If he is able to match Steve when he starts cranking out the 20-hour days, 24-hour days or even 36-hour days, as he may well do in the Summer, then he will truly have earned his record. But I fear that Kurt cannot quite know what is going to hit him!
From Kurt's website:
The crew consists of my full time crew chief Alicia Snyder and all of the volunteers that have provided help with routes, places to stay, bike services. If you would like to donate, support, partner or ride with Kurt please Contact us - we would love to have you on board!
Is that his wife/ partner?
You make it sound so easy Wowbagger. He's already exceeding his schedule, but was expecting to go for longer/faster in the summer.QuoteEverything in the plan is just an estimate since much will depend on the weather and where I can start and stop each day. My goal is to start out riding 10 hours a day the first week on my long rides and then add 10 minutes to the time ridden each week as I get more daylight and better weather. I plan to increase my time on the bike to 14-15 hours during the summer and then taper it back down to about 10 hours a day by the end of 2015. My speed goal for riding is to start out riding my long days at about 17 mph which, for me, is actually a little slow. As my fitness improves, my average speed will get better and by mid year I should be riding at around 20 mph or better and should be able to hold that fitness level for the rest of the year.
...and taking a month long vacation to study alternate building methods for constructing harmonious living spaces at Earthship Academy.
Kurt appears to be on the Van Fleet trail (https://www.google.com/maps/@28.53085,-81.9556139,3a,75y,90h,90t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1sF8MwgVqXxpEAAAQfCNIHfA!2e0!3e11) at the moment , zero motor vehicles and arrow straight :o
as ridiculous as it may sound i also think that Steve is just warming up now and building up the momentum
as ridiculous as it may sound i also think that Steve is just warming up now and building up the momentum
Not ridiculous at all. And I believe that Steve holds the same opinion.
It's fun seeing them tussle.
It's fun seeing them tussle.
It's more than that. It's a huge privilege having the nearest possible thing to a ringside seat when two top quality mileage monsters battle it out over an entire year. When Tommy did it, he too had competition, but punters then had to wait a week to buy the paper to see how they are getting on. We have live updates. It's absolutely wonderful.
It's fun seeing them tussle.
It's more than that. It's a huge privilege having the nearest possible thing to a ringside seat when two top quality mileage monsters battle it out over an entire year. When Tommy did it, he too had competition, but punters then had to wait a week to buy the paper to see how they are getting on. We have live updates. It's absolutely wonderful.
Some struggle with the concept of a test match, a sporting event that lasts for five days.
Here we have an event that will last for 365 days! And I'm going to be glued to it and it's going to be glorious.
Admittedly, there is less chance of it ending in a draw than the cricket.
If this doesn't convince you, I'll throw in one more thought: Steve himself was not a man of the internet until he attempted the AUK points record. He found the entirely self-supported long miles socially isolating, especially by end of summer, and if I recall correctly cited joining yacf as a big help in seeing it through to the end.
I would imagine that Tarzan is thinking the same thing about himself. I'll be pleasantly surprised if Steve puts big mileage into Kurt consistently. I do suspect he will be able to chip back 10 miles a day when the conditions in the UK get more favourable. That will see him win, provided Kurt doesn't put the throttle down in Jan/Feb, Nov/Dec.
As someone pointed out below, I would have imagined Kurt might have "made hay whilst the sun shines" and sought to stick 50 miles into Steve every day whilst there is such a huge difference between the conditions he is riding in, and those Steve is overcoming. That he isn't is a tactical blunder in my opinion, but time will tell.
It's fun seeing them tussle.
I would imagine that Tarzan is thinking the same thing about himself. I'll be pleasantly surprised if Steve puts big mileage into Kurt consistently. I do suspect he will be able to chip back 10 miles a day when the conditions in the UK get more favourable. That will see him win, provided Kurt doesn't put the throttle down in Jan/Feb, Nov/Dec.
As someone pointed out below, I would have imagined Kurt might have "made hay whilst the sun shines" and sought to stick 50 miles into Steve every day whilst there is such a huge difference between the conditions he is riding in, and those Steve is overcoming. That he isn't is a tactical blunder in my opinion, but time will tell.
It's fun seeing them tussle.
It could be that if Kurt isn't at least x miles ahead by sometime in March/April then he's doomed.
Some struggle with the concept of a test match, a sporting event that lasts for five days.
Here we have an event that will last for 365 days! And I'm going to be glued to it and it's going to be glorious.
Admittedly, there is less chance of it ending in a draw than the cricket.
I have a fancy in my mind that it would be entirely excellent if both complete the year but decide to wheel across the line hand in virtual hand to get to the exact mileage for both. A fitting end to what would be a monumental achievement, one which very very, very few could emulate. Won't happen like that I know.
Some struggle with the concept of a test match, a sporting event that lasts for five days.
Here we have an event that will last for 365 days! And I'm going to be glued to it and it's going to be glorious.
Admittedly, there is less chance of it ending in a draw than the cricket.
Some struggle with the concept of a test match, a sporting event that lasts for five days.
Here we have an event that will last for 365 days! And I'm going to be glued to it and it's going to be glorious.
Admittedly, there is less chance of it ending in a draw than the cricket.
I have a fancy in my mind that it would be entirely excellent if both complete the year but decide to wheel across the line hand in virtual hand to get to the exact mileage for both. A fitting end to what would be a monumental achievement, one which very very, very few could emulate. Won't happen like that I know.
That would work if they were riding the same course. It was fine for the first London Marathon where, presumably, the athletes knew each other, but it would be much too contrived when they are thousands of miles apart and are incommunicado for about 90% of the time.
Nothing uploaded on Strava for the 21st yet (2:39am his local time at time of writing). Did Kurt have a very long day yesterday or some problem with the track?
That is of course something that Tarzan has to cope with that Steve doesn't - American Drivers. We complain about motorists here, but...
Another 3 Flats Day - Flatted Rear on Giant - Laid the Bent out Flat - and Flatted the front on the Cervelo. Also run off the road twice. All in All I'm happy I was able to get in over 175 miles today and can still walk. .
Kurt's approach, riding at higher speeds in a more aggressive position on a Cervelo TT bike might put him at greater risk of traffic incidents.
today was all about technology issues.
Is it possible to have one thread dedicated to "Teethgrinder speaks" where Steve can post messages, and ANOTHER for reaction to those posts?
Is it possible to have one thread dedicated to "Teethgrinder speaks" where Steve can post messages, and ANOTHER for reaction to those posts?
Not forgetting another translated into Swedish and Swahili
I have not read all the thread.Spot on.
Kurt has realised that I am more capable than he thought and has changed his plan.
He is now a lot more dangerous than he was.
What he is doing is watching what I do and adding a bit on. He is copying me and is known for copying his rivals.
However. He currently has weather on his side. I loseabout 10 miles a day getting dressed for cold weather and am losing speed because of risk of ice.
I will launch an attack when things improve like when I rode to Yorkshire and he had no answer tothat.
I reckon by late Spring Kurt may run out of options and I hope to be catching him back up by then.
his riding conditions aren't going to improve on what he's currently got
Kurt was always intending to increase from his starting pace. If he gets stronger as the year rolls on then he will be a tough nut to crack.
It is far too early to be making predictions based on what we've seen.
Is it possible to have one thread dedicated to "Teethgrinder speaks" where Steve can post messages, and ANOTHER for reaction to those posts?
Go Steve!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Although I do rather like the idea of TEETHGRINDER SPEAKS TO THE NATION being broadcast across all theboardsBBC.
I have not read all the thread.
Kurt has realised that I am more capable than he thought and has changed his plan.
He is now a lot more dangerous than he was.
What he is doing is watching what I do and adding a bit on. He is copying me and is known for copying his rivals.
However. He currently has weather on his side. I loseabout 10 miles a day getting dressed for cold weather and am losing speed because of risk of ice.
I will launch an attack when things improve like when I rode to Yorkshire and he had no answer tothat.
I reckon by late Spring Kurt may run out of options and I hope to be catching him back up by then.
In the meantime, the weather will steadily improve for Steve
Andthe simple soulsthose on the other forum saying he has not got the will power - he holds the two person record for RAAM ffs and UMCA record.
Devils advocate: By TG posting what he posted I think he has given the psychological edge to Tarzan, was first to crack riding beyond his plan and is trying to second guess that he'll have no answer come the Summer like he did when he rode to Yorkshire. Did Tarzan even care? I don't think he did, just consistently banged out high mileage ride after high mileage whilst TG lagged slightly following his exertions up to York.
He's got past Lake Okeechobee without being et by crocogators :thumbsup:
Some people have been making allegation and we are out to catch the alligators!
Andthe simple soulsthose on the other forum saying he has not got the will power - he holds the two person record for RAAM ffs and UMCA record.
He's a deadly serious endurance cyclist, make no mistake.Devils advocate: By TG posting what he posted I think he has given the psychological edge to Tarzan, was first to crack riding beyond his plan and is trying to second guess that he'll have no answer come the Summer like he did when he rode to Yorkshire. Did Tarzan even care? I don't think he did, just consistently banged out high mileage ride after high mileage whilst TG lagged slightly following his exertions up to York.
I must admit, I had a similar feeling. I'd be happy to see TG not post messages like that here. It's a side show. The only thing he needs to devote his entire attention to is riding as far as he possibly, possibly can, holding it all together over the course of a year. That's it. Anything else is a distraction.
Can I present an alternative logic, please? Tarzan's operation looks quite spendy to me, putting fuel in that van all the time. Could it be that a part of his plan is to put big miles in at the beginning to encourage sponsors to come in for the rest of the ride? It's going to cost a whole lot more than RAAM doing a whole year like that!
Just a theory
Andthe simple soulsthose on the other forum saying he has not got the will power - he holds the two person record for RAAM ffs and UMCA record.
He's a deadly serious endurance cyclist, make no mistake.Devils advocate: By TG posting what he posted I think he has given the psychological edge to Tarzan, was first to crack riding beyond his plan and is trying to second guess that he'll have no answer come the Summer like he did when he rode to Yorkshire. Did Tarzan even care? I don't think he did, just consistently banged out high mileage ride after high mileage whilst TG lagged slightly following his exertions up to York.
I must admit, I had a similar feeling. I'd be happy to see TG not post messages like that here. It's a side show. The only thing he needs to devote his entire attention to is riding as far as he possibly, possibly can, holding it all together over the course of a year. That's it. Anything else is a distraction.
Just beware those who think Kurt won't be able to respond, that he's not inexperienced at doing consecutive long distances: -
http://www.arkansasoutside.com/the-race-across-america-tarzan-rides/
Kurt was always intending to increase from his starting pace. If he gets stronger as the year rolls on then he will be a tough nut to crack.
It is far too early to be making predictions based on what we've seen.
This is a battle the like of which has never been seen before.
I thought there was a similar battle in 1939 when 3 riders set out to break the record.
There is some tosh written on forums these days (not necessarily referring to here). Kurt will not 'crack'. Similarly, there are plenty of places he can go in the rest of the year and ride in decent weather; he is not committed to a few months' heat wave, and it's quite possible he could have better weather than Steve all year.
Do not believe anything on Kurt's website about shcedule or tactics; as Steve says, he has changed his strategy. I personally would not be surprised if he didn't domany races this year, or hadmany pre-race recovery days. He has devoted a year of his life to the HAMR and will do everything he can to achieve it. His sole focus will be to ride a few more miles than Steve each day, and if that means not doing RAAM, I wouldn't be surprised to see him give it a miss (although 8 days at 350 miles a day would be pretty handY).
Steve knows what he is doing. He has made a fantastic start, and is in excess of his most optimistic schedule. I have been in awe of his ability for many years and am privaliged to have ridden with him (well OK, mostly behind him) a few times. I sincerely hope he sets a new record which stands for many years.
Just beware those who think Kurt won't be able to respond, that he's not inexperienced at doing consecutive long distances: -
http://www.arkansasoutside.com/the-race-across-america-tarzan-rides/
https://teammooseisloose.wordpress.com/2015/01/22/another-crisis-the-british-are-in-an-uproar/
;D ;D
When did it become a ‘Race’?
https://teammooseisloose.wordpress.com/2015/01/22/another-crisis-the-british-are-in-an-uproar/
;D ;D
OTOH - Steve could just as easily be playing games as giving away tactics here ;)
OTOH - Steve could just as easily be playing games as giving away tactics here ;)
That's what we are all doing. We hate Steve really. All this stuff on here is to lull Tarzan into a false sense of security.
https://teammooseisloose.wordpress.com/2015/01/22/another-crisis-the-british-are-in-an-uproar/
OTOH - Steve could just as easily be playing games as giving away tactics here ;)
That's what we are all doing. We hate Steve really. All this stuff on here is to lull Tarzan into a false sense of security.
https://teammooseisloose.wordpress.com/2015/01/22/another-crisis-the-british-are-in-an-uproar/
Berk.OTOH - Steve could just as easily be playing games as giving away tactics here ;)
That's what we are all doing. We hate Steve really. All this stuff on here is to lull Tarzan into a false sense of security.
Lighten up - I thought it was spot on!
When did it become a ‘Race’?
Lighten up - I thought it was spot on!
Me too. Just a bit of light hearted banter...
Fair enough, but I thought it was unnecessarily puerile and partisan, which is exactly what I haven't seen here, with plenty of support for Kurt (and even for IronOx at times).Lighten up - I thought it was spot on!
Me too. Just a bit of light hearted banter...
If they're going to send James Taylor over, I think we should be sending some of our football lads over with a lot of beer to camp outside Tarzans hotel every night, sing songs to thus induce a hefty dose of sleep deprivation.
Or maybe not.
unnecessarily puerile and partisan, which is exactly what I haven't seen here, with plenty of support for Kurt
I need to lighten up. :(
OTOH - Steve could just as easily be playing games as giving away tactics here ;)
That's what we are all doing. We hate Steve really. All this stuff on here is to lull Tarzan into a false sense of security.
It all depends where the camper with the bikes is... it may not be following him all day long.
Look at his Strava upload for yesterday... there is a clear 1 hour break at256km/160miles which corresponds to what is written on his FB page about losing an hour due to hitting "construction curb".
Kurt is in the right hand lane.
2. How will the riders avoid going insane?
2. How will the riders avoid going insane?
2. How will the riders avoid going insane? On the rare occasions when I've had to spend long periods in the saddle alone, my brain goes into some weird loops and breakaways.
2. How will the riders avoid going insane?
Steve can compose his acceptance speech for when he receives his knighthood.
Some people cope with being alone better than others. Some actually prefer to be alone. I guess you don't become a long distance rider like these guys unless that is part of your personality.
It is too late for them. The riders are demonstrably insane, just for wanting to tackle this record.
BF: Well, someone who liked riding his bike! He was a no-nonsense, hardened rider. Not a chatty man.Steve to a T.
Of course it's a race. First defn from google isWhen did it become a ‘Race’?
Maybe 'race' isn't quite the mot juste but it's most definitely a contest. And all the more exciting for it.
It is too late for them. The riders are demonstrably insane, just for wanting to tackle this record.
Of course it's a race. First defn from google is
" a contest of speed"
... which it most certainly is.
Most time trials have offset start times, usually measured in minutes, and TTs are definitely races.
I may have this wrong, ;) but don't the competitors in TimeTrials start and finish at the SAME two points on the Earth's surface and follow the SAME route between????And next you'll be saying the record won't count unless there's a World War on :facepalm:
"Latest sports news flash. Manchester United scored 234 goals at St James' Park while Chelsea scored 256 goals at Villa Park. That means Chelsea won by 22 goals."
Weren't they supposed to be playing on the same pitch?
"No, that doesn't matter. They were both playing football."
Football pitches can be different sizes.
"That doesn't matter either. I've already said, stupid, they were both playing football."
Calling Kurt and Steve's record attempts a 'race' is a chronic misinterpretation of reality.
I believe there was a race to be the first to reach the South Pole. Hopefully all participants in this particular race will survive the experience.
I believe there was a race to be the first to reach the South Pole. Hopefully all participants in this particular race will survive the experience.
Steve should be OK. I understand he doesn't eat porridge, and therefore doesn't have anything to do with Oates.
I may have this wrong, ;) but don't the competitors in TimeTrials start and finish at the SAME two points on the Earth's surface and follow the SAME route between????
Of course it's a race. First defn from google isWhen did it become a ‘Race’?
Maybe 'race' isn't quite the mot juste but it's most definitely a contest. And all the more exciting for it.
" a contest of speed"
... which it most certainly is.
The only debatable aspect is the offset start times, but that is splitting hairs. It's still about who averages the highest speed over 365 days.
^Yessssssss! ;D ;D ;DOf course it's a race. First defn from google isWhen did it become a ‘Race’?
Maybe 'race' isn't quite the mot juste but it's most definitely a contest. And all the more exciting for it.
" a contest of speed"
... which it most certainly is.
The only debatable aspect is the offset start times, but that is splitting hairs. It's still about who averages the highest speed over 365 days.
....plus note the word 'contest'.
It is a competition, there will only be one winner.
Go Go Go Go STEVE!!
H
2. How will the riders avoid going insane?
Steve can compose his acceptance speech for when he receives his knighthood.
Or BBC Sports Personality of the Year
It's still about who averages the highest speed over 365 days.
It's still about who averages the highest speed over 365 days.
But one of the challenges of OYTT is that it really is the average speed that counts, as measured over every second of the year. There must be tremendous pressure when not riding as the clock is always ticking and there is no letup. Hats off to all three riders and those that have attempted it in the past.Yup - same as any other bike race in fact!
The ape man has a video up showing he snapped his bars of his bike yesterday, fork failed. very fortunate he didn't crash and has backup.
That could have been nasty. I see his left forearm is heavily bandaged - I'm presuming he came off, hopefully not a speed.
It's on Facebook. Search for Kurt searvogel ham'r.
You don't need to be 'on' Facebook to see Kurt's (and Hoppo's) pages:
Kurt:
https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides
Hoppo:
https://www.facebook.com/chris.hoppo.hopkinson
To see the videos, select 'More' and 'Videos'.
Kurt:
https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides
But one of the challenges of OYTT is that it really is the average speed that counts, as measured over every second of the year. There must be tremendous pressure when not riding as the clock is always ticking and there is no letup. Hats off to all three riders and those that have attempted it in the past.Yup - same as any other bike race in fact!
The tourDeF doesn't stop the clock for pee-stops, its just like Audax in that sense. So your pedantry is wrong this time, js :P
But one of the challenges of OYTT is that it really is the average speed that counts, as measured over every second of the year. There must be tremendous pressure when not riding as the clock is always ticking and there is no letup. Hats off to all three riders and those that have attempted it in the past.Yup - same as any other bike race in fact!
The tourDeF doesn't stop the clock for pee-stops, its just like Audax in that sense. So your pedantry is wrong this time, js :PBut the TdF does stop the clock overnight, and determines speeds from the start of one stage to its end, not to the end of the three weeks. No doubt you'll say Steve and Kurt are only riding one stage, mind.
(Now, about these angels and pins ...)
Good point Matt, well made.
I guess I was wrong this time.
The ape man has a video up showing he snapped his bars of his bike yesterday, fork failed. very fortunate he didn't crash and has backup.
He's on the road again - big transfer across Florida overnight.
But one of the challenges of OYTT is that it really is the average speed that counts, as measured over every second of the year. There must be tremendous pressure when not riding as the clock is always ticking and there is no letup. Hats off to all three riders and those that have attempted it in the past.Yup - same as any other bike race in fact!
The tourDeF doesn't stop the clock for pee-stops, its just like Audax in that sense. So your pedantry is wrong this time, js :PBut the TdF does stop the clock overnight, and determines speeds from the start of one stage to its end, not to the end of the three weeks. No doubt you'll say Steve and Kurt are only riding one stage, mind.
(Now, about these angels and pins ...)
Good point Matt, well made.
I guess I was wrong this time.
FTFY
He's on the road again - big transfer across Florida overnight.
That will be to take advantage of the NW wind then.
That was Friday - he got up 2 hrs later.No friday was the fork that snapped, new part today on another bike.
That was Friday - he got up 2 hrs later.No friday was the fork that snapped, new part today on another bike.
I thought he looked a bit testy in one of the videos - the one that the fork didn't snap and he was going on about the 12th day of Christmas!
Tarzan's ride had 40% more climb than Steve yesterday. I look forward to the inevitable comments that claim Kurt is taking unfair advantage from cycling downhill more.
Tarzan's ride had 40% more climb than Steve yesterday. I look forward to the inevitable comments that claim Kurt is taking unfair advantage from cycling downhill more.
Kurt is taking unfair advantage from cycling downhill more.
7. More than double the number of vehicles per road km.
7. More than double the number of vehicles per road km.
The 'drag' from passing vehicles is an advantage in a time trial ;)
Kurt is taking unfair advantage from cycling downhill more.
::-)
;)
The year record could be the new hour record: now that the UCI have stopped demanding you race the hour on a bike from 1970, the UMCA should start insisting you ride the year on a bike from 1940.I think there should be a vintage section of all records.
Yes?
So he now has:
1. A support vehicle [with attractive driver]
2. A recumbent
3. The sunshine
4. Flat terrain
5...and now he has the downhill advantage as well.
as opposed to pour old TG who has
1 No support vehicle [with no attractive driver]
2 Same old heavy crappy steel bikes
3 Rain, cold and frozen bidons
4 Hills all over the place
5 Disadvantage of going up hill all the time
6.....and a back pocket full of squashed slabs of cheese and a dozen pork sasuages !
Those rules need some sorting out.
Video just appeared on FB showing a bust derailleur
Video just appeared on FB showing a bust derailleur
I'm beginning to feel rather sorry for TZ with all his equipment failures. I guess now is the time for the follow vehicle to show how useful it can be. I suspect if TG had those kinds of issues, and mentioned it on yacf, people might appear quite quickly to lend him another bike and fix it.
So he now has:
1. A support vehicle [with attractive driver]
2. A recumbent
3. The sunshine
4. Flat terrain
5...and now he has the downhill advantage as well.
as opposed to pour old TG who has
1 No support vehicle [with no attractive driver]
2 Same old heavy crappy steel bikes
3 Rain, cold and frozen bidons
4 Hills all over the place
5 Disadvantage of going up hill all the time
6.....and a back pocket full of squashed slabs of cheese and a dozen pork sasuages !
Those rules need some sorting out.
It would probably help if Steve's frame broke and had to be repaired in some remote Welsh town ;)
the bike failures are certainly unwelcome, but his attitute is not really helping either.
I wonder how much time he spent researching the appropriate kit for the job in hand?
I guess that's a lot of failures in a short time but over what distance? High end kit may well be more fragile than more basic equipment. Tarzan may well be hard on his bikes as well. He dropped the bike with the broken stem when it was being shown on video.
The value of the support vehicle is reduced by the driver not having (i imagine) any mechanical ability,
I suspect Kurt's bikes have done a fair mileage up till now,
So far this is paying off, but the test will come once Steve's kit reaches the mileage that Kurt's already has on it.
I'd got the impression he was happy to fund it himself from his own business, and perhaps hadn't gone on a quest for sponsors.
Quilled onto parchment, never to be seen on t'internet.The year record could be the new hour record: now that the UCI have stopped demanding you race the hour on a bike from 1970, the UMCA should start insisting you ride the year on a bike from 1940.I think there should be a vintage section of all records.
Yes?
I hope so. It would be a shame if mechanical issues made the difference ultimately.
No good will come of this building of bicycles out of compressed soot, you mark my words.
I'm more concerned about the psychological effects during the attempt than anything else to be honest. I think that could be a big maker or breaker.
I was surprised he was not on fresh bikes from a sponsor. That's kinda sad, as I would have hoped that one of the big US firms would want to get behind the effort.
No good will come of this building of bicycles out of compressed soot, you mark my words.
Don't say that Mr Mayor, I've just set aside a corner of my already appallingly grubby flat for the use of all sorts of basic tools, bits of bin bags, tapes, various bits of paper, liquid foam, SOOT glue, and a fair bit of SOOT fabric! TG has inspired me [seriously] to get off my lazy arse and do what I've been thinking about doing for the last 8 years. And I haven't really got a clue what I'm doing. For better or for worse, it will be done. And, I've decided to stay off the juice until it's done too. I'll let you know :-\ :facepalm:....
Blowing a 20 mph westerly in Florida - Kurt's just done an east to west transfer to take advantage of it (I assume) hope it's not due to another mishap :-\
Blowing a 20 mph westerly in Florida - Kurt's just done an east to west transfer to take advantage of it (I assume) hope it's not due to another mishap :-\
Well, 3pm+ there as we speak, and that journey he's done is only about 50km....heading south now?
Blowing a 20 mph westerly in Florida - Kurt's just done an east to west transfer to take advantage of it (I assume) hope it's not due to another mishap :-\
Well, 3pm+ there as we speak, and that journey he's done is only about 50km....heading south now?
??? I'm seeing 109 miles?
That shift must have taken up about 50 minutes' cycling time. There must be some sort of combination of how strong the wind is/how tired the rider is to see whether that shift is worthwhile. Presumably he multitasked by consuming a couple of thousand calories whilst en route.
I was chatting to another stellar AUK about Steve's attempt the other day; don't think he knew about it. His first reply was "so he's going over to America for a year?"
Looks like he left he forgot to pause his GPS on his bike whilst it he had a 6 mile transfer.
101.8 miles to 107.8 miles @ 60mph and lowest heartrate.
No doubt he's tried to sort that with UMCA but can't "fix" the Strava total.
Leo
Nothing particularly suspicious. He transferred to a vehicle at that point, and while the GPX file directly downloadable from Strava 'joins the dots' to include that transfer, he did switch off the timer on his GPS, so the course file records what looks like the correct distance. The difference between the two is 292.75km (.crs file) and 325.25km (GPX). The summary distance on Strava matches the lower, course file.
His time-distance chart for the day looks reasonable:
(http://gicentre.org/oytt/images/oyttDay26Zoom.jpg)
So, yeah, I think people should carry right on whipping themselves into a right royal frenzy on this one. Letters to MPs would be very appropriate.fair enough ;D
Another vid from Kurt this morning
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1567020506872990&set=vb.1549550211953353&type=2&theater
He's dressed up warm because it's 4 degrees C ("F'ing cold for Florida"). Not quite as cold as -2, he points out.
Says he has no mechanicals planned for today, but he has to watch out for sabotage by us Brits ;-)
Seems like a nice chap to me - I wish him luck!
I have a wax effigy of a bike tyre and a ruddy sharp pin, not sure how to focus these things so watch out for collateral damage :demon:
Places for Steve to avoid in Great Britain.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_in_the_United_Kingdom
Places for Steve to avoid in Great Britain.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_in_the_United_Kingdom
I don't get it?
I don't quite get those "Kurt did this and that in response to what Steve did 10 days earlier comments" whenever
Kurt logs a big distance. Without any balanced commentary about when it was the other way around. Day 17 looks
like Kurt did 40 miles less than Steve did on his day 17 (Steve 227, Kurt 182). No kudos comments to Kurt for being
a gentleman there.
So I'll give him that - well done Kurt for being a nice guy on day 17. :)
Reverse the locations.
Ask yourself how Steve would be faring in pancake-flat, warm Florida. And how Kurt would be faring in an English winter (which has been pretty mild so far) riding through yer actual hills.
Just saying.
Must. Not. Feed. The. Troll....
2. Why isn't recumbent the weapon of choice for this sort of riding?
If only Kurt had his bent legs as well. With the good conditions he has and pan flat roads he'd crank out 250 mile days easy.
If only Kurt had his bent legs as well. With the good conditions he has and pan flat roads he'd crank out 250 mile days easy.
Given that Kurt's Bacchetta has a lower drag profile than his upright, given the conditions and the terrain, then I'd have thought that to be highly possible. Not many of us get to ride bents for any length of time in those kind of conditions - roads normally starts going up at some point :-). Where Kurt is at the moment, it's recumbent paradise out there. Where Steve is ?....nah, not such an obvious choice.
It just goes to show what kind of athlete Kurt is though, because looking at how he was riding that recumbent first of all, he didn't look that great, but he seems to be doing perfectly ok now!
I'd love to see how his heart rates compare between the two bikes.
2. Why isn't recumbent the weapon of choice for this sort of riding?
I'm quite surprised it's allowed when you consider that most USA endurance cycling events (RAAM, and other 500-mile and 24-hour TTs) restrict riders to uprights. I had a look through the UMCA rules for a few of their other events and challenges and those always make a separate class for recumbents. Just not for HAM'R. Perhaps we should introduce Teethgrinder to Mike Burrows :demon:
I had a look this morning at Kurt's ride on Strava, from Polk City, and I've had Polk Salad Annie going round my head most of the day :thumbsup:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fRF24LY5pvw
Intimidating riding. Exactly what he needs to be doing, to try and break Steve's resolve. Steve and his team just need to ride out the storm, focussing on their own plan and ignoring Kurt as much as possible. But by golly, two days of serious intent right there for all to see.
^--- There's friendly rivalry and then there's just mean spirited sniping. 400k in under 13 hours is impressive in any conditions. It's extraordinary after 3 weeks of 300km days with another 49 weeks to go.
^--- There's friendly rivalry and then there's just mean spirited sniping. 400k in under 13 hours is impressive in any conditions. It's extraordinary after 3 weeks of 300km days with another 49 weeks to go.
Bloody right.
I've managed 300k in 13 hours but 400k of any route in that time is very impressive. :o
Chapeau!
H
A chap I knew years ago got his golf handicap down on the ‘gentlest’ course in the area. He bragged about his single figure.
When he played the course my buddies and I played, we blew him out the water.
Think on that, Kurt.
A chap I knew years ago got his golf handicap down on the ‘gentlest’ course in the area. He bragged about his single figure.
When he played the course my buddies and I played, we blew him out the water.
Think on that, Kurt.
+1 The fastest 400k Audax I've been involved in is the first 400k of the Mille Miglia, ridden mostly in chaingangs on pan flat roads, where the only hills were river and motorway bridges. I think the fastest AUKers went got ot the 400k control at 14hr 30. Kurt also got to 400k quicker than I did on my best 24Hr TT. It ain't a shoddy performance.
100bpm? That's rubbish, I averaged 161 on the way to work yesterday and I wasn't even trying!
A chap I knew years ago got his golf handicap down on the ‘gentlest’ course in the area. He bragged about his single figure.
When he played the course my buddies and I played, we blew him out the water.
Think on that, Kurt.
Why should he? He's not playing golf...!
He has some advantages just now, and he's playing to them - as he should. When Florida starts heating up - and it will quite soon - and then later starts chucking enormous thunderstorms at him, Steve will (eventually!) have the advantage of the UK's far more benevolent summer. But, whatever the circumstances, that was a mighty impressive day's ride!
^--- There's friendly rivalry and then there's just mean spirited sniping. 400k in under 13 hours is impressive in any conditions. It's extraordinary after 3 weeks of 300km days with another 49 weeks to go.
What’s his average Wattage?
If this ain’t much, his HR won’t be much.
100bpm? That's rubbish, I averaged 161 on the way to work yesterday and I wasn't even trying!
I'd love to see how his heart rates compare between the two bikes.
Now I have a HR monitor I'm giving this some serious thought comparing the bent to the upright. There's a very nice 1k drag close to me which averages at just under 4%. Going to try and compare going at various speeds and all out. Watch this space...
I'd love to see how his heart rates compare between the two bikes.
Now I have a HR monitor I'm giving this some serious thought comparing the bent to the upright. There's a very nice 1k drag close to me which averages at just under 4%. Going to try and compare going at various speeds and all out. Watch this space...
I'll also be interested to see that. My anecdata is that while my overall performance on recumbent and functionally similar upright is comparable (at standard 1000m/100k hilliness), my heartrate is higher on the upright for the same perceived level of effort. I have to really work to hit 190BPM on a 'bent. Also, I've just started riding a Brompton, which is understandably slower than either and results in horrendously high heartrates without really trying.
Also, I've just started riding a Brompton, which is understandably slower than either and results in horrendously high heartrates without really trying.
Kurt has usually started by now - presumably he's giving himself a lie in after yesterday's exploits.
Freewheel down a known gradient ( through still air ) on the Diamond Frame and note your ‘Equilibrium Velocity’.
Repeat on the recumbent and you’ll find your EV is faster.
This is because the ‘bent has a lower Cd. It will have a lower CdA and therefore require less Watts to maintain a steady speed on the flat.
The Brommie will have a higher Cd again, having a larger X-Section area, cus you’re sat more erect than the Touring DF.
Also, I've just started riding a Brompton, which is understandably slower than either and results in horrendously high heartrates without really trying.
I've still only ever ridden audaxes on a Brompton. Perhaps some day I should try big wheels and see if it's easier...
This, of course illustrates the debate - Is it really worth pushing the boat out one day if you suffer for it the next?
This, of course illustrates the debate - Is it really worth pushing the boat out one day if you suffer for it the next?
Depends what you count as pushing the boat out. I'd say riding for 12 hours at an average heart rate of 94bpm is taking it reasonably easy (notwithstanding that most of us would struggle to cover half the distance at that level of effort).
Still too early to say if there will be any side effects of that ride.
It's the HR average <100 that astounds me.
100bpm? That's rubbish, I averaged 161 on the way to work yesterday and I wasn't even trying!
Pfft! I hit 192 on the 2km between Gartnavel and the Western Infirmary and wasn't trying...
Aye, Vehicle transfer and away.
He has started this late before and still done big mileage
What's interesting that it's subjectively easier to work at a higher power output (assuming that's what the heartrate is reflecting) in a more upright position. Not sure if that's psychological (ie. that I'm trying to maintain a habitual speed and cadence in spite of greater power losses) or biomechanical. Which is why it'll be interesting to see how Kurt gets on.
His ride on the 26 Jan included a (short) transfer - he didn't switch off his GPS device. All he needs to do is trim the ride into two & get rid of that - surprised he hasn't done it yet. I presume he'll have to do that to stay within the UMCA rules anyway
IanG - I don't think it's been trimmed very well. From 164 to 173km (approximately) his heart rate falls to 70bpm, and his speed increases to 90km/h...
On his Garmin page he makes the comment that 101.5-107.5 miles was done in the car (which coincides with 164-173km) - so I assime he's flagged this with UMCA so that they are aware that the strava data is incorrect?
http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/683635058/0?lang=en
He's on the Tamiami Trail, looks like he's done this before flat as a pancake looking at google maps, probably getting the most miles out of his recumbant.
You don't get extra points for sportsmanship.
You don't get extra points for sportsmanship.
You don't get extra points for sportsmanship.
-AND AFAIK Steve seems to be doing the riding in a very true spirited way , I`ve not seen any vehicle transfers to `easier` terrain , instead Steve is slogging it out in some really difficult weather from either MK or a host base. say no more...........
I think they're both riding in the style they're familiar with - it might look like a disadvantage to Teethgrinder to have to ride in grim British weather, but he's close to home, riding roads and routes he knows, returning to home, knowing the limits and where to push it. I don't think that's necessarily a disadvantage.
The simplicity of TG'e approach, and the fact that he's ridden in this way for years, makes it a perfect fit for him.
I do love the grassroots feel of it, too, but I couldn't imagine him riding any other way.
IanG - I don't think it's been trimmed very well. From 164 to 173km (approximately) his heart rate falls to 70bpm, and his speed increases to 90km/h...
Ok, see what your saying - he may have gone 9km in the van and then realised 'shit, I didn't turn off the GPS' then stopped to do it so the rest of the transfer doesn't show in the data, but there was 9km that should have been removed aswell.
Another bike broken, from his FB page "Franken bike is now dead. Rear triangle cracked."
Carbon repair? Rather him than me!
Carbon repair? Rather him than me!
IanG - I don't think it's been trimmed very well. From 164 to 173km (approximately) his heart rate falls to 70bpm, and his speed increases to 90km/h...
Ok, see what your saying - he may have gone 9km in the van and then realised 'shit, I didn't turn off the GPS' then stopped to do it so the rest of the transfer doesn't show in the data, but there was 9km that should have been removed aswell.
Probably depends. When I switch off the GPS and take the train home the small bit from the railway station home starts as a new track on my Etrex.
The problem is, just turning off the Garmin is not enough. You also have to 'reset' (or 'save') the track and start a new one over. Otherwise it will upload to stava as one big track with a gap in the middle (when it was off) and strava "helpfully" connects the dots to fill in the gap. (How they've not fixed that yet is beyond me. another of the reasons I'm slightly skeptical of the decision to use strava as the Source of Truth for this challenge).
I think they're both riding in the style they're familiar with - it might look like a disadvantage to Teethgrinder to have to ride in grim British weather, but he's close to home, riding roads and routes he knows, returning to home, knowing the limits and where to push it. I don't think that's necessarily a disadvantage.
The simplicity of TG'e approach, and the fact that he's ridden in this way for years, makes it a perfect fit for him.
I do love the grassroots feel of it, too, but I couldn't imagine him riding any other way.
Carbon repair? Rather him than me!
If a carbon repair is done properly, the frame is as good as new.
Check out:-
Carbonbikesolutions.co.uk
He mends frames for BC amongst others. He will look at the break and tell you straight away if its mendable.
The problem is, just turning off the Garmin is not enough. You also have to 'reset' (or 'save') the track and start a new one over. Otherwise it will upload to stava as one big track with a gap in the middle (when it was off) and strava "helpfully" connects the dots to fill in the gap. (How they've not fixed that yet is beyond me. another of the reasons I'm slightly skeptical of the decision to use strava as the Source of Truth for this challenge).
But I'm thinking more about climbing, when it's basically weight vs power.
What's interesting that it's subjectively easier to work at a higher power output (assuming that's what the heartrate is reflecting) in a more upright position. Not sure if that's psychological (ie. that I'm trying to maintain a habitual speed and cadence in spite of greater power losses) or biomechanical. Which is why it'll be interesting to see how Kurt gets on.
As a singer I breathe out (in a careful tense steady sort of way) and relax to breathe in, and yes you need to be upright to work this effectively, although sitting up will also work. But then we had a voice session once when we sang crawling on all fours, a sort of pre paleo vision.
But I'm thinking more about climbing, when it's basically weight vs power.
What's interesting that it's subjectively easier to work at a higher power output (assuming that's what the heartrate is reflecting) in a more upright position. Not sure if that's psychological (ie. that I'm trying to maintain a habitual speed and cadence in spite of greater power losses) or biomechanical. Which is why it'll be interesting to see how Kurt gets on.
I think you breathe more efficiently when upright.
Singers mostly perform standing up.
If you have a heavy belly, it must be lifted with every breath whilst lying down.
At least the belly is free when you are on all fours.
Lying flat on your back increases the work of breathing.
The anaesthetists/intensivists in this parish will know more.
Tarzan appears to be swinging round in small circles today - possibly he doesn't want to stray too far from the nearest bike shop :demon:
Hernia Hill is a swine to get to thobut - traffic lights and divers Londonton hazards abound.
Two things strike me after watching his videos on FB:
1. He always seems to be next to a hideously busy and noisy road. Not my image of a peaceful rural Florida at all.
2. He seems to be a really nice chap. Which is a shame :D
Bryn
I think it's cardiovascular rather than breathing. While an upright riding position is certainly good for breathing, a laid-back one is also better than a typical bike-riding crouch.I'm sure I read somewhere that your heart rate drops in a TT or bent position on a bike due to the lower pumping required to get blood to your head. If Kurt and Steves heart rates drop anymore they will turn blue!
(I don't think my belly is particularly heavy, I carry my lard on my arse.)
Another 200+ miles in the bank.
GO TARZAN
I think it's cardiovascular rather than breathing. While an upright riding position is certainly good for breathing, a laid-back one is also better than a typical bike-riding crouch.I'm sure I read somewhere that your heart rate drops in a TT or bent position on a bike due to the lower pumping required to get blood to your head. If Kurt and Steves heart rates drop anymore they will turn blue!
(I don't think my belly is particularly heavy, I carry my lard on my arse.)
Comparing them on Strava - each of Steve's rides typically gets kudos from 1200-1500 people compared with 100-200 for Kurt's.
I've ridden lots with Steve but never heard of Kurt before late last year. I have philosophical preferences as to how some things should be done, regardless of the rules. Who do you think I am going to support?
P.S Who are the Metu tribe?
it will be TG that has caused that surge in the UK heatmap then?Comparing them on Strava - each of Steve's rides typically gets kudos from 1200-1500 people compared with 100-200 for Kurt's.
Strava is very popular in the UK, check out the global heat map
http://labs.strava.com/heatmap/#6/-99.37940/50.51834/blue/bike
Can we move a discussion about what is acceptable language on the forum to a different place so as not to distract from discussion about Kurt's ride please?
Agree
I don't understand? It was the discussion on acceptable language that needed to be split from the thread it was moving off topic - not the discussion on 'Tarzan' ???
I'm sure it was a genuine mistake, made by a newbie mod who isn't familiar with the function, and will be rectified just as soon as they work out what button to press.
I am generally bemused about why Kurt has so few people giving him kudos on Strava or liking his FB updates. It almost feels like the cycling/Strava "community" is no such thing, but simply the Metu tribe who have bought into the notion that Steve is doing this "properly" whilst Kurt is the anti-hero trying to steal the rightful crown. Which is just not a worldview I can agree with.Go Kurt and Steve
ummm...up and running again now, after another quick transit shift by the looks of things - obviously some kind of issue impeding his progress.
ummm...up and running again now, after another quick transit shift by the looks of things - obviously some kind of issue impeding his progress.
I may be wrong but I think the issue was the 18 mph SE wind he was heading into on that road for what would have been nearly 40km. A quick transfer and he's now heading NNW at a fair rate
ummm...up and running again now, after another quick transit shift by the looks of things - obviously some kind of issue impeding his progress.
I may be wrong but I think the issue was the 18 mph SE wind he was heading into on that road for what would have been nearly 40km. A quick transfer and he's now heading NNW at a fair rate
"^^wot 'e said^^ Don't forget Tommy Godwin used trains for the same reason."
I have found no concrete evidence to support this. I think it is anecdotal and I have almost every single clipping covering his attempt from 1939-1940
"^^wot 'e said^^ Don't forget Tommy Godwin used trains for the same reason."
I have found no concrete evidence to support this. I think it is anecdotal and I have almost every single clipping covering his attempt from 1939-1940
Were lorries not speed limited pre war? I seem to remember reading that they were limited to 40mph tops. So drafting, if this is the case, would not be that improbable.
It is a cycling challenge. Not who is the hardest rider.
IMHO it's slightly taking the mickey to use a type of machine which was not used in the original challenge.
Absolutely agree. The rules are flawed as far as I'm concerned.It is a cycling challenge. Not who is the hardest rider.
It is a cycling challenge but it should be entered on as much a like-for-like basis as possible. Granted, both riders live a few thousand miles apart.
I spent a good few miles this morning musing on whether it was an even contest if one rider uses a recumbent to save his legs and backside, while the other grins and bears it and just gets on with the job. I know who has my respect.
As far as I'm aware Godwin didn't ride a recumbent anyway, so IMHO it's slightly taking the mickey to use a type of machine which was not used in the original challenge.
The lorry speed limit was 30mph after 1930. I understood that cyclists were known to linger on hilltops to catch a draft into nasty headwinds.
As far as I'm aware Godwin didn't ride a recumbent anyway, so IMHO it's slightly taking the mickey to use a type of machine which was not used in the original challenge.
Bear in mind that Steve agreed the rules. Flawed they may be, but they are how the challenge has been framed.:-*
Just to get some more practical things about this debate, if Steve decides to ride north after PBP I'm willing to assist in drumming up local support. A ride from Paris to Hoek van Holland and the night ferry back should give him as much miles as flying home directly after PBP.
Whilst I happen to agree about the "worth" of using anything but an upright bicycle, at the end of the day The UMCA permit use of the dark side of the force.
Everyone is free to make a value judgement. But what I see at the moment are a lot of people ragging on Kurt because he isn't Steve.
Kurt is doing better than Steve and at the moment looks favourite to win the UMCA race. I still think Steve can do it, and hope he does, but those 20 miles or so a day that Tarzan is laying into Steve add up. No amount of bleating about relative conditions or values will change what will go in the history books. Only supreme effort and determination, and some good fortune, will.
The lorry speed limit was 30mph after 1930. I understood that cyclists were known to linger on hilltops to catch a draft into nasty headwinds.
A lot of heavily-laden lorries would have had trouble making 30mph back in those days. Casual drafting would have been entirely possible, just from passing traffic.
Hmmm. I think it will be decided by who can keep going. Things like muscles, sores, arguments, man-flu, weather events, crashes etc are likely to have more impact than a period of good mileageYeah, the whole thing forever hangs in the balance for both of them.
It's not the speed of lorries, it's the logistics of tagging on to them along with them sharing your route and plans. I've drafted many things over the years not one of them has consistently gone where I wanted to. The idea that Godwin spent a large proportion of his time behind them is absurd. Maybe the odd few miles when opportunity presents.
Tommy Godwin didn't use clipless pedals either, nor synthetic materials, nor disraeli gears. Down with this sort of thing!
I trust those who think that using a recumbent is Not Cricket are also against the UCI's decision to allow modern-type bicycles for the Hour record ::-)
Tommy Godwin didn't use clipless pedals either, nor synthetic materials, nor disraeli gears. Down with this sort of thing!
I trust those who think that using a recumbent is Not Cricket are also against the UCI's decision to allow modern-type bicycles for the Hour record ::-)
Hmmm. I think it will be decided by who can keep going. Things like muscles, sores, arguments, man-flu, weather events, crashes etc are likely to have more impact than a period of good mileageYeah, the whole thing forever hangs in the balance for both of them.
Tommy Godwin didn't use clipless pedals either, nor synthetic materials, nor disraeli gears. Down with this sort of thing!
I trust those who think that using a recumbent is Not Cricket are also against the UCI's decision to allow modern-type bicycles for the Hour record ::-)
You can use a recumbent to play cricket ??? and what the hell is the UCI? I thought it was a pharmacy in Paris.
My dad, in his racing days (late fifties/early sixties) claims he used to draft wagons at 30 mph+.
Generally, I believe him, though his tale of getting stuck inbetween a wagon and its trailer, and having to hammer on for about ten miles along the A1 with the connecting chain slapping alongside him until he could escape - I always found that a little implausible.
There are recumbent categories in RAAM.
My dad, in his racing days (late fifties/early sixties) claims he used to draft wagons at 30 mph+.
Generally, I believe him, though his tale of getting stuck inbetween a wagon and its trailer, and having to hammer on for about ten miles along the A1 with the connecting chain slapping alongside him until he could escape - I always found that a little implausible.
I used to draft lorries and vans in the 70s. The reasons why TT courses on the A1 ('Boro') was because of the drag from motor vehicles.
There are recumbent categories in RAAM.
My dad, in his racing days (late fifties/early sixties) claims he used to draft wagons at 30 mph+.
Generally, I believe him, though his tale of getting stuck inbetween a wagon and its trailer, and having to hammer on for about ten miles along the A1 with the connecting chain slapping alongside him until he could escape - I always found that a little implausible.
I used to draft lorries and vans in the 70s. The reasons why TT courses on the A1 ('Boro') was because of the drag from motor vehicles.
Aye - I believe that part, it's just the specific tale about getting trapped I'm not sure of.
He has told the tale of a famous TT-er (Alf Engers, I think, who's of an age with my old man) setting off from the top of Stainmore on the A66, and setting such a pace that by the time the officials came to check his progress at Scotch Corner, he was already on his way to Boroughbridge.
My dad, in his racing days (late fifties/early sixties) claims he used to draft wagons at 30 mph+.
Generally, I believe him, though his tale of getting stuck inbetween a wagon and its trailer, and having to hammer on for about ten miles along the A1 with the connecting chain slapping alongside him until he could escape - I always found that a little implausible.
I used to draft lorries and vans in the 70s. The reasons why TT courses on the A1 ('Boro') was because of the drag from motor vehicles.
Aye - I believe that part, it's just the specific tale about getting trapped I'm not sure of.
He has told the tale of a famous TT-er (Alf Engers, I think, who's of an age with my old man) setting off from the top of Stainmore on the A66, and setting such a pace that by the time the officials came to check his progress at Scotch Corner, he was already on his way to Boroughbridge.
Engers was well known for his 'drafting' skills - I learnt a few tricks of my own too ;)
When something this big (https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10426285_10153019121497486_2749497072499463818_n.jpg?oh=2e1c4af66065c686c080aee167959a97&oe=55223D7E) passes, you have to take advantage.
I would imagine banning recumbents was considered impractical, as it would be very difficult to monitor reliably. It surprised me that the UMCA didn't try to do so, however, given they run RAAM and that (aiui) forbids bewheeled hammocks.
I really don't get all this "recumbents aren't bicycles" stuff. Leaving aside that that's very often untrue, why pick out a certain set of geometries for special persecution,
Whilst I happen to agree about the "worth" of using anything but an upright bicycle, at the end of the day The UMCA permit use of the dark side of the force.What I see is a lot of people who take your view about uprights-vs-bents, AND who are enthusiastic Steve fans.
Everyone is free to make a value judgement. But what I see at the moment are a lot of people ragging on Kurt because he isn't Steve.
The main reason that recumbents have a different category of racing is that they have different riding and aerodynamic characteristics. They are hard to climb with because of the muscle groups used and you are not able to use your weight. On the flat they can be much faster because the force of wind resisting a rider is proportional to the square of the speed and the largest factor is the frontal area. This is why tri bars are popular and one of the two reasons why Steve is using them (the other been comfort). Kurt has access to large very flat lands and a recumbent could provide a significant speed advantage. Personally I think it was a mistake to allow recumbents to be included in the record attempt. But I am not on the committee that decided the rules.I really don't get all this "recumbents aren't bicycles" stuff. Leaving aside that that's very often untrue, why pick out a certain set of geometries for special persecution,
It's just continuing the UCI's persecution I think: started in what, the 30s, so there's clearly no reason for it not to continue.
That aside, given the different characteristics of recumbents vs DF bikes, treating them as different classes, as with tandems or trikes, is scarcely unreasonable. But given the UMCA hasn't done so for this record, sniping about Kurt using one is just about as unworthy as sniping about him riding in Florida or using personal support.
Everyone is free to make a value judgement. But what I see at the moment are a lot of people ragging on Kurt because he isn't Steve.
I really don't get all this "recumbents aren't bicycles" stuff. Leaving aside that that's very often untrue, why pick out a certain set of geometries for special persecution, rather than, say, carbon fibre or dérailleur gears or tri-bars or pneumatic tyres, or ...
Whilst I happen to agree about the "worth" of using anything but an upright bicycle, at the end of the day The UMCA permit use of the dark side of the force.What I see is a lot of people who take your view about uprights-vs-bents, AND who are enthusiastic Steve fans.
Everyone is free to make a value judgement. But what I see at the moment are a lot of people ragging on Kurt because he isn't Steve.
And I see YOU ragging on these people purely for the offence of being Steve fans.
During the Second World War, the Raleigh factory in Nottingham was used for the production of fuzes. Bicycle production was reduced to approximately 5% of its peacetime capacity.[15]
In 1939 Raleigh opened a bicycle factory at 6 Hanover Quay, Dublin, Ireland and commenced bicycle production there. The Raleigh (Ireland) business expanded and moved to 8–11 Hanover Quay, Dublin in 1943. The plant produced complete bicycles and Sturmey-Archer hubs, and remained in production until 1976, when the factory burned down. Models produced there latterly were the Chopper and Triumph 20. The head badges changed in the late 1960s, possibly after the passing of the Trade Descriptions Act in the UK. Dublin-made machines no longer had "Nottingham England" on the Heron or Triumph head badge, the panel being left blank instead.
The online extracts of the 'Unsurpassed' book point out that the competing teams called a truce at the end of July over the use of pacers, manufacturers wanted to limit the expense of employing professionals.
Tommy moved to Ireland on the outbreak of war, but didn't like the roads.
Raleigh made fuzes during the war, but bicycle manufacture continued in Ireland.
http://www.mousehold-press.co.uk/detail_tommy_godwin.cfmQuoteDuring the Second World War, the Raleigh factory in Nottingham was used for the production of fuzes. Bicycle production was reduced to approximately 5% of its peacetime capacity.[15]
In 1939 Raleigh opened a bicycle factory at 6 Hanover Quay, Dublin, Ireland and commenced bicycle production there. The Raleigh (Ireland) business expanded and moved to 8–11 Hanover Quay, Dublin in 1943. The plant produced complete bicycles and Sturmey-Archer hubs, and remained in production until 1976, when the factory burned down. Models produced there latterly were the Chopper and Triumph 20. The head badges changed in the late 1960s, possibly after the passing of the Trade Descriptions Act in the UK. Dublin-made machines no longer had "Nottingham England" on the Heron or Triumph head badge, the panel being left blank instead.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raleigh_Bicycle_Company
The main reason that recumbents have a different category of racing is that they have different riding and aerodynamic characteristics. They are hard to climb with because of the muscle groups used and you are not able to use your weight. On the flat they can be much faster because the force of wind resisting a rider is proportional to the square of the speed and the largest factor is the frontal area. This is why tri bars are popular and one of the two reasons why Steve is using them (the other been comfort). Kurt has access to large very flat lands and a recumbent could provide a significant speed advantage. Personally I think it was a mistake to allow recumbents to be included in the record attempt. But I am not on the committee that decided the rules.I really don't get all this "recumbents aren't bicycles" stuff. Leaving aside that that's very often untrue, why pick out a certain set of geometries for special persecution,
It's just continuing the UCI's persecution I think: started in what, the 30s, so there's clearly no reason for it not to continue.
That aside, given the different characteristics of recumbents vs DF bikes, treating them as different classes, as with tandems or trikes, is scarcely unreasonable. But given the UMCA hasn't done so for this record, sniping about Kurt using one is just about as unworthy as sniping about him riding in Florida or using personal support.
Link that explains wind resistance http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/aero/formulas.htm (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/rinard/aero/formulas.htm)
BB
I really don't get all this "recumbents aren't bicycles" stuff. Leaving aside that that's very often untrue, why pick out a certain set of geometries for special persecution,
It's just continuing the UCI's persecution I think: started in what, the 30s, so there's clearly no reason for it not to continue.
That aside, given the different characteristics of recumbents vs DF bikes, treating them as different classes, as with tandems or trikes, is scarcely unreasonable. But given the UMCA hasn't done so for this record, sniping about Kurt using one is just about as unworthy as sniping about him riding in Florida or using personal support.
They are hard to climb with because of the muscle groups used and you are not able to use your weight.
Wrong.
And for whose advocating the 'purist' approach when will I expect to see Steve running a three gear 40lb bike?
They are hard to climb with because of the muscle groups used and you are not able to use your weight.
Wrong.
I thought that was true(ish) if you're coming at it from a DF-rider perspective: different muscles, different techniques, and a fair bit of adaptation needed. 'Course, it might be foolish to try and make the comparison before you've got yourself accustomed ...QuoteAnd for whose advocating the 'purist' approach when will I expect to see Steve running a three gear 40lb bike?
Be fair: he'd be allowed four gears (at least for the latter half of the year), and it was reported as being closer to 30lb than 40 ...
though his tale of getting stuck inbetween a wagon and its trailer, and having to hammer on for about ten miles along the A1 with the connecting chain slapping alongside him until he could escape - I always found that a little implausible.It was known to happen.
though his tale of getting stuck inbetween a wagon and its trailer, and having to hammer on for about ten miles along the A1 with the connecting chain slapping alongside him until he could escape - I always found that a little implausible.It was known to happen.
Plugging away into headwind, lorry starts to overtake, sprint like mad as the back wheels pass and pull across into the slipstream as the back of the lorry goes past, only to find the towbar/chains for the trailer. If the driver pulls back into the edge at this point, having checked his mirror and not seen you, you would be stuck, waiting for a wide side road, layby, or the driver to drift out on a right-hand bend. Either that or just ride off the edge of the road.
They are hard to climb with because of the muscle groups used and you are not able to use your weight.
Wrong.
I thought that was true(ish) if you're coming at it from a DF-rider perspective: different muscles, different techniques, and a fair bit of adaptation needed. 'Course, it might be foolish to try and make the comparison before you've got yourself accustomed ...QuoteAnd for whose advocating the 'purist' approach when will I expect to see Steve running a three gear 40lb bike?
Be fair: he'd be allowed four gears (at least for the latter half of the year), and it was reported as being closer to 30lb than 40 ...
though his tale of getting stuck inbetween a wagon and its trailer, and having to hammer on for about ten miles along the A1 with the connecting chain slapping alongside him until he could escape - I always found that a little implausible.It was known to happen.
Plugging away into headwind, lorry starts to overtake, sprint like mad as the back wheels pass and pull across into the slipstream as the back of the lorry goes past, only to find the towbar/chains for the trailer. If the driver pulls back into the edge at this point, having checked his mirror and not seen you, you would be stuck, waiting for a wide side road, layby, or the driver to drift out on a right-hand bend. Either that or just ride off the edge of the road.
Apologies in advance, but ever since Deano mentioned this yesterday, the only person I can see in this scenario peddling like the clappers to keep up...is Norman Wisdom. In black and white too.
How do you remove images from the mind?
Amusing tale though.
though his tale of getting stuck inbetween a wagon and its trailer, and having to hammer on for about ten miles along the A1 with the connecting chain slapping alongside him until he could escape - I always found that a little implausible.It was known to happen.
Plugging away into headwind, lorry starts to overtake, sprint like mad as the back wheels pass and pull across into the slipstream as the back of the lorry goes past, only to find the towbar/chains for the trailer. If the driver pulls back into the edge at this point, having checked his mirror and not seen you, you would be stuck, waiting for a wide side road, layby, or the driver to drift out on a right-hand bend. Either that or just ride off the edge of the road.
though his tale of getting stuck inbetween a wagon and its trailer, and having to hammer on for about ten miles along the A1 with the connecting chain slapping alongside him until he could escape - I always found that a little implausible.It was known to happen.
Plugging away into headwind, lorry starts to overtake, sprint like mad as the back wheels pass and pull across into the slipstream as the back of the lorry goes past, only to find the towbar/chains for the trailer. If the driver pulls back into the edge at this point, having checked his mirror and not seen you, you would be stuck, waiting for a wide side road, layby, or the driver to drift out on a right-hand bend. Either that or just ride off the edge of the road.
I should probably give him the benefit of the doubt - but his stories do get taller as the years go by :)
In my misspent youth I got a right rollicking from a police officer, after he pulled in the lorry I was draughting behind for doing 42 in a 30 zone. As a callow 19 year old I was 'well chuffed'
Another 200+ day and a sly dig made in the latest fb video.
My impression is it was a dig at his detractors on Strava etc , most days their seem to be comments about how flat Florida is , how warm Florida is and how easy Kurt is having it compared to Steve , as if doing 200+ miles a day is easy ::-) .
Paul
Having ridden the Mille Miglia and quite a few other brevets at 200 miles a day, it isn't particularly difficult but doing it for weeks on end and in discouraging weather certainly is.
https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/events/2015/february/launch-falcon9-dscovr.aspx
What Kurt might arrange to be near. Lucky sod.
Having ridden the Mille Miglia and quite a few other brevets at 200 miles a day, it isn't particularly difficult but doing it for weeks on end and in discouraging weather certainly is.
I fully agree but the negative comments must grate somewhat when you're out every day putting in the miles .
Paul
edit for spelling
My impression is it was a dig at his detractors on Strava etc , most days their seem to be comments about how flat Florida is , how warm Florida is and how easy Kurt is having it compared to Steve , as if doing 200+ miles a day is easy ::-) .
Paul
Well said HMy impression is it was a dig at his detractors on Strava etc , most days their seem to be comments about how flat Florida is , how warm Florida is and how easy Kurt is having it compared to Steve , as if doing 200+ miles a day is easy ::-) .
Paul
If it's that easy, why aren't these detractors having a go at it?
I don't care if Kurt is cycling slightly downhill with a tailwind: >320k a day, every day, is still extraordinary.
With respect to Steve, anyone who has ridden over 100 miles in a day in the current weather will respect what he is doing.
H
That was his second ride of the day - the first was 'only' 80 miles.
According to fb he's had Garmin problems :(
Anyways, go Tarzan. If it carries on like this and he does not get sick it'll be over come the Spring. :demon:Spring is when it all really starts - this is just the prelude ;)
Anyways, go Tarzan. If it carries on like this and he does not get sick it'll be over come the Spring. :demon:
Anyone else see the FB post about Kirk separating from his wife? Looks like it is to do with his record attempt
On another note on his riding schedule he's got down that he is riding the Sebring event which is in a couple of weeks time. He's the overall record holder for the 12hr TT which currently stands at 271 miles. :o. With Sebring being in Florida, it'd be no surprise if he does.
:( I hope this doesn't affect his ride. No point in speculating; it's none of our business. Kurt has chosen to share the information, and that's that.
I think we all hope Steve wins - a lot of us have donated to his cause - but that doesn't mean it's not really sad that Kurt's having marriage problems.
I think we all hope Steve wins - a lot of us have donated to his cause - but that doesn't mean it's not really sad that Kurt's having marriage problems.
Not many other serious sportspeople would put a post like that on Facebook for everyone to see. Got to be honest - it puts me off him. It's a bit amateurish.
As I observed elsewhere looking at Kurt's progress on Jo's graph you can see he is riding consistently, where as you can see when Steve stops for either second breakfast or lunch. Do we know if Kurt is being fed from the RV while on the move / grabbing a muesett and eating while riding. That could prove a significant advantage over the year provided the lack of variety imposed by what can be eaten while riding doesn't drive him mad.
Not many other serious sportspeople would put a post like that on Facebook for everyone to see. Got to be honest - it puts me off him. It's a bit amateurish.
It's on his personal page rather than his HAM'R page, he's not putting it out there as anything to do with his record attempt (though maybe he should be more circumspect about who he accepts as 'friends' on his personal page).
And he's by no means the first sportsman who has had to make a public statement of that sort after speculation surrounding his personal life.
And he's by no means the first sportsman who has had to make a public statement of that sort after speculation surrounding his personal life.
I have seen no speculation about his personal life anywhere ....
He is accepting friend requests on his personal page from anyone who asks - so this did come up on my Facebook feed.
Looking at the videos on Kurt's FB pages, I sort of get the impression that the job of Kurt's support is to drive the van and hold the video camera whilst he sorts out his own problems.
I'm sure this is not the case though!
QuoteHe is accepting friend requests on his personal page from anyone who asks - so this did come up on my Facebook feed.
Whether or not he should accept such requests and the privacy status of his facebook posts are entirely up to him. I have to wonder, though, if you don't know him in real life and you're not interested in his personal life, why did you request to be his 'friend' on his personal facebook page? Everything you need to know about his record attempt is on his HAM'R page.
You can't control the rollercoaster of love.
That sounds hilarious coming from a rabbit!
QuoteHe is accepting friend requests on his personal page from anyone who asks - so this did come up on my Facebook feed.
Whether or not he should accept such requests and the privacy status of his facebook posts are entirely up to him. I have to wonder, though, if you don't know him in real life and you're not interested in his personal life, why did you request to be his 'friend' on his personal facebook page? Everything you need to know about his record attempt is on his HAM'R page.
Why not? Its a page about Kurt the athlete. When I saw his name for the record attempt it's the first link I found. I started following when he started the ride - and found out about the HAMR page from here.
I've also friended Steve Abraham since the ride started and Chris Hopkinson for reasons of progress reports. I've never met either in real life.
Just seen that myself, seems a bit extreme after 25yrs of marriage ???
And he's by no means the first sportsman who has had to make a public statement of that sort after speculation surrounding his personal life.
I'm not on bacefook but if I want to know what Tarzan's up to, his page is where I look.
He appears unaware of FB's privacy settings, but then, lots of folk are.I'm not on bacefook but if I want to know what Tarzan's up to, his page is where I look.
He has two pages, one for personal stuff, one for the record attempt. I'm only interested in the record attempt so I only follow the latter. I guess those who don't use Facebook regularly might not be tuned in to such distinctions, and maybe Kurt himself isn't fully Facebook-savvy or he might be more circumspect about who he allows to be his 'friend' and what he shares there.
In any case, I wouldn't have heard about his relationship troubles if they hadn't been mentioned in this thread.
He appears unaware of FB's privacy settings, but then, lots of folk are.
After 201 miles I doubt that I would have the energy , even if I had the desire and the opportunity.
Ok, I've removed the quote as it seems to be pissing some of you off...
So WTF is bugging everyone?
Ok, I've removed the quote as it seems to be pissing some of you off...
Not pissing me off as such, I just didn't think it was appropriate here.QuoteSo WTF is bugging everyone?
Tbh, it was RedEyeJedi's comment about being amateurish that irked me more than your quote. I don't actually feel that strongly about it, I was just trying to explain why I thought that was wrong. Sorry if it came across as being a bit sanctimonious.
Ok, I've removed the quote as it seems to be pissing some of you off...
Not pissing me off as such, I just didn't think it was appropriate here.QuoteSo WTF is bugging everyone?
Tbh, it was RedEyeJedi's comment about being amateurish that irked me more than your quote. I don't actually feel that strongly about it, I was just trying to explain why I thought that was wrong. Sorry if it came across as being a bit sanctimonious.
How is it not appropriate? He has posted it on Facebook to a load of people that he has just accepted as friends in the last week.... He must know they are there to follow his cycling and do not know him personally.. The fact we are all from the Uk probably gave it away.
I stand by my comment- It's amateurish and a bit odd too. Yes, professional sportsman make these kind of announcements through social media..... No, they do not do it on their personal page and then leave the comments open so we can see all their friends and families views on the subject. I would hazard a guess he will be visited by the normal social media trolls and will end up having to pull the post.
It's a bit naive to think this would clear anything up ... Not knowing him personally it did nothing for me other than making me think he's a bit of a twonk. Giving your marriage up for a bike - seems like a poor excuse to me!
Like it or not these guys are in the spotlight ..their personal circumstances are very relevant in this kind of record attempt and if something is announced in this way then it's up for discussion. What is put out from Steve and tarzan should be moderated as such....in a professional way like Steves team have done.
If Tarzan wins this thing, which it looks like he very well could .... Will he be the man who "gave up his wife for the record"? That is not my view by the way, but I think this announcement harms him personally.
Who gives a hoot who (or if) consorts with whom?
IMHO private lives are, and should remain, PRIVATE.
I think nobody is enriched by this kind of discussion.
No reason you can't start some separate threads, Windy.
Who gives a hoot who (or if) consorts with whom?
IMHO private lives are, and should remain, PRIVATE.
I think nobody is enriched by this kind of discussion.
That was kind of my point and to be honest his personal life isn't being judged by comments here. It's his decision to publically post about that is being discussed. This is a pretty sensible conversation going on - no one is slagging him off here as far as I can see.
Anyway - I've said my bit .... Back to the cycling!
A couple who've grown apart over the years with a mutual separation with a lot of respect between the individuals and a deep respect for each others needs? - He's out on the bike for a year living in a campervan and she's got the house why does it all have to start now?
Perhaps my view is skewed by the fact that it is so f***ing cold at the moment but I reckon that Steve's approach of building up the miles over time is the only viable option for someone going for this challenge in the British isles.
Injury could finish the ride for either of them at any time. It seems to me that Steve is much more self-reliant on a day-to-day basis and Tarzan must be more suscepible than Steve to non-cycling issues. Suppose Jane gets pissed off with life on the road after a few more week/months? Or the van breaks down irreparably? I'm guessing that Tarzan must be a pretty wealthy guy to tackle the ride in the manner that he has, but if he needs a new support vehicle, for example, that's going to take time and, presumably, a fair bit of input from him. The less time he takes getting such stuff right in the first instance, the more it is likely to cost him, in time snd money, later on.
"Swagman, this is Tarzan aka Beast. About your bike racks. I am going to rip off your head, nail it to my shagging wagon, and use its gaping mouth to hold the rear tyre of my steed. Just saying, beyatch."
Steve just needs to stick to his plan. At the absolute worst if he completes, he will be the record breaker and hold the record for 10 days.
Steve just needs to stick to his plan. At the absolute worst if he completes, he will be the record breaker and hold the record for 10 days.
I don't understand all this stuff about Steve holding the record for 10 days? If Kurt were to go past Steve, stay ahead of Steve and go past Tommy, then surely Steve would never hold the record?
Steve just needs to stick to his plan. At the absolute worst if he completes, he will be the record breaker and hold the record for 10 days.
I don't understand all this stuff about Steve holding the record for 10 days? If Kurt were to go past Steve, stay ahead of Steve and go past Tommy, then surely Steve would never hold the record?
you don't win a time trial because you are ahead at an intermediate control. Until the ride is complete and validated than no record has been set by either rider.
The finishing post is 365 daysFor UCMA purposes. But there's also the "in a calendar year" Godwin record - Tarzan could beat that (and Steve) in 2015, even with 10 days of no riding at the beginning.
Depends on whether Kurt breaks Florida next.
I presume it's like audaxing in that only the overall time limit matters, not how much time you actually spend on the bike.That would make sense.
Only 24 miles so far today according to the tracker, and stopped for the last 40 minutes. Late start? Recovery day? Broken bike? Tracker problems?
I think one of his rides is still showing as flagged on Strava, therefore doesn't add into the total.
I could be wrong...
I think one of his rides is still showing as flagged on Strava, therefore doesn't add into the total.
I could be wrong...
I see -another explanation seems to be that Kurt on some days seems to upload multiple rides (iob Feb 2 for instance: https://www.strava.com/activities/249707574 and https://www.strava.com/activities/249706534), so Strava's number of rides does not match the number of days ridden and hence distorts my calculation.
Actually, there is one thing I don't get. According to Strava, Steve has clocked up 10462k in 35 rides this year (299k per ride/day) , while Kurt has done 8554km in 30 rides (285k per ride/day) . This means that on an average day, Steve rides 14k more than Kurt (299 vs - even in this miserable weather. Come longer days, and Steve should be able to extend his lead.
Or am I missing something?
Date | Steve (miles) | Kurt (miles) |
1 Jan | 222.6 | |
2 Jan | 187.0 | |
3 Jan | 187.1 | |
4 Jan | 174.8 | |
5 Jan | 182.2 | |
6 Jan | 178.7 | |
7 Jan | 160.7 | |
8 Jan | 181.3 | |
9 Jan | 180.9 | |
10 Jan | 174.8 | 230.7 |
11 Jan | 185.9 | 188.8 |
12 Jan | 182.4 | 183.5 |
13 Jan | 181.6 | 190.0 |
14 Jan | 157.6 | 191.4 |
15 Jan | 190.1 | 192.3 |
16 Jan | 190.0 | 212.3 |
17 Jan | 227.5 | 200.1 |
18 Jan | 231.0 | 210.8 |
19 Jan | 151.0 | 211.0 |
20 Jan | 183.1 | 179.0 |
21 Jan | 182.9 | 197.6 |
22 Jan | 192.4 | 207.9 |
23 Jan | 191.0 | 189.4 |
24 Jan | 191.9 | 203.1 |
25 Jan | 182.9 | 190.5 |
26 Jan | 193.1 | 181.9 |
27 Jan | 190.6 | 220.0 |
28 Jan | 177.9 | 250.1 |
29 Jan | 190.6 | 158.8 |
30 Jan | 190.5 | 216.0 |
31 Jan | 149.5 | 222.1 |
1 Feb | 188.1 | 205.9 |
2 Feb | 186.7 | 194.1 |
3 Feb | 182.2 | 206.5 |
4 Feb | 200.4 | 196.3 |
Total | 6501.0 | 5230.1 |
Average | 185.7 | 201.2 |
There is the minor discrepancy of 6km of one car transfer recorded in one of the tracks, but otherwise, this looks internally consistent to me.
That sounded like bad news - his last comment was "Now, my arm is frozen" and he didn't mean temperature-wise.
Are the Floridian drivers especially bad? Or is it a US-wide thing?
These are the daily distances as I have been retrieving them from Strava. There is the minor discrepancy of 6km of one car transfer recorded in one of the tracks, but otherwise, this looks internally consistent to me....
Date Steve (miles) Kurt (miles) 1 Jan 222.6
4 Feb 200.4 196.3 Total 6501.0 5230.1 Average 185.7 201.2
Are the Floridian drivers especially bad? Or is it a US-wide thing?
These are the daily distances as I have been retrieving them from Strava. There is the minor discrepancy of 6km of one car transfer recorded in one of the tracks, but otherwise, this looks internally consistent to me....
Date Steve (miles) Kurt (miles) 1 Jan 222.6
4 Feb 200.4 196.3 Total 6501.0 5230.1 Average 185.7 201.2
I notice Steve was 1655.3 miles ahead when Kurt started, and is now 1270.9 miles ahead, an average daily reduction of ~15mls (BMC) - and Steve is having to contend with the British winter. It'll be spring soon...
Go Steve!
If one had 6,000 calories to spend to ride 200 miles, would one spend them at 8 cals/min at 16 mph, or 10 cals/min at 20 mph?
Will the amount of recovery required due to repeated 10 cals/min rides be too much, and lead to eventual exhaustion?
Will 2.5 hours less recovery after 8 cals/min rides be a disadvantage?
Whose strategy will prevail?
Watch out for three things in southern Florida: a mugger with a switchblade, a Cuban with a driver's license and a Yankee towing a U-Haul rental trailer.
Poor Kurt - he looks a bit shaken but ok in the video. At his kind of speeds I don't think I would touch a pavement bike track with a barge pole.
If one had 6,000 calories to spend to ride 200 miles, would one spend them at 8 cals/min at 16 mph, or 10 cals/min at 20 mph?
Will the amount of recovery required due to repeated 10 cals/min rides be too much, and lead to eventual exhaustion?
Will 2.5 hours less recovery after 8 cals/min rides be a disadvantage?
Whose strategy will prevail?
We don't know! That's the fun part :thumbsup:
WRT Tarzan's "frozen" comment, I wasn't 100% sure of his comment but listened several times. I checked the temperature from his map as soon as I heard it - 59°F. That was about 9 pm his time. I wouldn't have thought that he would be feeling cold under those circumstances. He doesn't give the impression of being a delicate flower. ;)On another page he mentions hypothermia in the first 20km.
His body is probably adapted to florida norm temperatures - so 12, 15C will feel cold. If he just chucked on shorts and a thin jersey, it's pretty easy to imagine getting cold.WRT Tarzan's "frozen" comment, I wasn't 100% sure of his comment but listened several times. I checked the temperature from his map as soon as I heard it - 59°F. That was about 9 pm his time. I wouldn't have thought that he would be feeling cold under those circumstances. He doesn't give the impression of being a delicate flower. ;)On another page he mentions hypothermia in the first 20km.
Someone's been sticking pins into models of it.
:-[Someone's been sticking pins into models of it.
OK!...Own up!...Who did it? ;D
I suppose there would be nothing to stop him sending in another entry fee after two months and having concurrent/overlapping attempts? Or do the rules specifically prevent this?I've thought this a couple times and deleted it. Say end of March Steve is going great-guns, feels he's going to go through for the 100,000 record too, he could abandon the current attempt, enroll for a new one starting immediately (basically, running it for the UK tax year). He'd still be right on track to be the first to pass the unofficial Tommy Goodwin calendar year record, and now have 3 additional months to respond to whatever Kurt does in the summer.
Someone's been sticking pins into models of it.
OK!...Own up!...Who did it? ;D
Another vid from Kurt this morning
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1567020506872990&set=vb.1549550211953353&type=2&theater
He's dressed up warm because it's 4 degrees C ("F'ing cold for Florida"). Not quite as cold as -2, he points out.
Says he has no mechanicals planned for today, but he has to watch out for sabotage by us Brits ;-)
Seems like a nice chap to me - I wish him luck!
I have a wax effigy of a bike tyre and a ruddy sharp pin, not sure how to focus these things so watch out for collateral damage :demon:
I've thought this a couple times and deleted it. Say end of March Steve is going great-guns, feels he's going to go through for the 100,000 record too, he could abandon the current attempt, enroll for a new one starting immediately (basically, running it for the UK tax year). He'd still be right on track to be the first to pass the unofficial Tommy Goodwin calendar year record, and now have 3 additional months to respond to whatever Kurt does in the summer.
I've thought this a couple times and deleted it. Say end of March Steve is going great-guns, feels he's going to go through for the 100,000 record too, he could abandon the current attempt, enroll for a new one starting immediately (basically, running it for the UK tax year). He'd still be right on track to be the first to pass the unofficial Tommy Goodwin calendar year record, and now have 3 additional months to respond to whatever Kurt does in the summer.
Obviously, if Steve can do it, Kurt can too it too. In a way, Kurt being on the scene, just pushes Steve to his ultimate limits (formallly on a level playing field as far as UMCA rules are concerned. But in the real wold, Steve's is cycling in much harder conditions. Not just for temperatures, wind and support van - just compare both rider's cumulated climbs on Strava)
You catch that by sitting naked on dirty saddles H ;)
217.7 today! Go Tarzan!It was an impressive ride averaging 20.6 mph. He appeared amazingly fresh after this ride. He is ready for 300+ mile days.
That same foot in an aircast boot was visible in one of the photos inside the support vehicle.
I found it impossible to drive when wearing one of those things.
The challenge isn't just about athleticism; it is also about preparation. Steve put years into the planning, including evaluating kit.He may be a gear-freak with hi-tech gear - but with a setup tested on fully-supported 12H races. And optimised for those events.
That is one area that Tarzan (surprisingly) is behind on. USAnians have a general reputation for being gear-freaks, but in this case Steve has the more high-tech (and tested) approach.
That same foot in an aircast boot was visible in one of the photos inside the support vehicle.
I found it impossible to drive when wearing one of those things.
it usually voids your insurance as well
That same foot in an aircast boot was visible in one of the photos inside the support vehicle.
I found it impossible to drive when wearing one of those things.
it usually voids your insurance as well
You only need one foot for a USAnian Veehickle.
That same foot in an aircast boot was visible in one of the photos inside the support vehicle.
I found it impossible to drive when wearing one of those things.
it usually voids your insurance as well
I think there was a picture of 3 riders and his lady on faceache the other day, showing her (Alicia?) with her foot in a pot!
If that's the case all credit to her for her support, wonder if she is on sick leave :o
There was some mention of him doing a race at Sebring at the weekend. He's a 12 Hour rider.
The CTT record stands at just over 317 miles.
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/wilkinson-smashes-12-hour-time-trial-record-40174
http://www.bikesebring.org/ (http://www.bikesebring.org/)
It will be interesting to see how he approaches it and if it has any after effects. Isn't Hoppo riding it as well?
I'd go with 240 for Kurt in the 12.
It was with some trepidation that I stood on the start line of this uniquely American 12 hour event, along with 180 fellow cyclists. I’d heard about the heat, the strong winds, and the fact that Chris Hopkinson had come to ride this event 5 years ago and finished 5th. All in all I’d started to doubt the reasonableness of the idea of coming to Florida in February (not traditionally our racing season) to visit my father and get some miles in by way of a “quick 12hour event”.
It was some 17 years since I last finished a 12 hour, but I did have the advantage of my supporting team (my father) having ridden and won many 12 and 24 hour events – so he was ready with plenty of bottles, food, and sensible advice.
The event began at 06:30 on Saturday 13th February. Unlike British races it is a bunch start with three laps of the 3.7 mile Sebring racing circuit first. This was mayhem, at 25mph plus lined out in the semi light, as day began, but we were soon off the circuit and onto the 100 mile loop up north into central Florida.
The wind didn’t disappoint with a steady 20 to 25mph wind all day, but the warmth did – at around 10 degrees centigrade most of the morning it was tights and gloves weather. The first 100 miles shot by with attacks going off here and there and being chased down. By the 110 mile point where we rejoined the “pit area” at the track the group was whittled down to 5 riders, with just two of us working hard to get away.
The next 5 or 6 hours were on an 11 mile loop, which meant two stretches with hard cross headwinds, the second with a series of climbs, and a fast return straight with a tailwind. I was drinking a 750ml bottle every 45mins or so, and during the day eating an energy bar every 2 hours, and also had 3 ham sandwiches handed to me, which made a nice change. In addition chocolate and peanut butter cakes also made a tasty appearance twice.
The race was quickly whittled down to myself and my nemesis, a big fellow (like me) from Arkansas. After trailing him for almost an hour, when the gap went up to over a minute I gradually hauled him back in. At about 195 miles I passed him and got away to find myself alone with no other bikes other than the ones I was lapping who would sit in for a while if they could. The long headwind stretches were hard, and the tailwind stretches flat out.
Finally at just over 11 hours we were guided back onto the motor racing circuit for a final few laps of pain. With about 20 minutes to go I caught my nemesis who was now a lap behind and thus 3.7 miles behind me and the final 2 laps were an absolute pleasure, to finish just short of 12 hours with a total of 247 miles.
I had ridden the event on my Planet X road bike, and was as such the only rider in the top few who rode without tri bars which caused some comment in the results hall. Anyway I got to hold up the pride of Britain, and came back with a winners medal and quite some Kudos with the Americans.
I doubt the Sebring will have ever been watched so closely on this side of the pond!
Pete Goodfellow won the 12 hour in 2010.Quote......
my nemesis, a big fellow (like me) from Arkansas.
MALE SOLO 12 HR AGE GROUP: 40 - 44
Place No. Name Age Laps Time Miles
===== ===== ======================= === ==== ======== =====
1 166 Peter Goodfellow 40 17 11:59:37 246.8
2 172 Anthony Parsells 40 12 11:57:31 196.7
3 109 Andrew Holton 43 11 11:54:41 192.9
4 191 Milton Behrens 44 6 09:22:36 158.4
5 187 James Russell 40 3 10:46:52 123.6
6 102 Julian Schafer 44 1 05:18:37 100.4
7 162 Tom Everett 41 1 08:58:47 100.4
MALE SOLO 12 HR AGE GROUP: 45 - 49
Place No. Name Age Laps Time Miles
===== ===== ======================= === ==== ======== =====
1 179 Kurt Searvogel 47 16 12:00:16 243.1
2 194 Darin Crowley 48 10 11:49:59 197.0
3 111 James Young 45 12 11:50:16 196.7
4 156 Steve Bereheiko 49 9 11:39:35 185.4
5 192 Andy Dignam 46 10 11:53:36 181.3
6 181 Duane Ball 49 4 07:25:06 135.2
7 206 Andrea Tosolini 48 2 05:22:06 112.0
8 186 Daniel Christesen 48 1 06:48:06 100.4
9 168 Scott Handley 47 1 10:36:26 100.4
It's a reasonable distance, but it's not really that fast. It wouldn't get you into the top 10 on a typical UK 12-hour.
It sounds like it was on an upright TT bike - probably like he's riding now, but it also says that drafting is allowed
Does draughting always lead to faster times? Could be tactics at play.I was thinking the same thing!
We now know the answer to what happens when Kurt meets hills (the hills of Florida) and rain: He curtails his riding for the day.
At a respectable 181 miles, mind you, but it's rather short of what he's been putting in.
(It sounds quite an odd event - I'd need to read some more accounts to understand the tactics. Also - aero-kit in a mass race sounds very dodgy! )
Easing off on the mileage before Sebring?
I noted that he tagged Steve in that. ;D
truly bizarre that he's carrying a backpack ???
You can pack lots of calories in 3 litres of energy drink (5 or 6 bidons) ....truly bizarre that he's carrying a backpack ???
I think it's a Camelbag.
truly bizarre that he's carrying a backpack ???
I think it's a Camelbag.
I think it's a Camelbag.You can pack lots of calories in 3 litres of energy drink (5 or 6 bidons) ....
..... Kurt's modus operandi is not to stop very much so it makes sense for his style of riding - would be uncomfortable on his bent though ...
More than 500 miles up on Steve on a LFL basis. Looking forward to what he can do at Sebring.
We should see the first of Kurt's 'rest days' today, in preparation for Sebring tomorrow (not up yet at time of posting). However, given his phenomenal performance so far, and that his average heart rate is often <100 whilst comfortably turning out 200 miles, maybe it won't be so different to normal!
Any guesses? 100, 150, 200...? I'm assuming he'll try to keep his average across the weekend the same or slightly up on his daily average.
Tarzan moves!
So - what sort of "rest day" awaits... 100 miles? 150 miles? a mere 200?
pain management, medical conditions etc. boils/abscesses, bloody stools etc.
While out yesterday - I was thinking about Tarzan - and the team's expectation that he would not complete the year - pressure getting to him.
BUT - I have a feeling that with his new partner - his thought processes will change and he has a reason to show her - exactly who is king of the jungle --
I am beginning to think that Tarzan will go all year - and the desire to show off to Alicia - is going to give Steve a hell of a challenge.
Roger
As a side note I've noticed Steve taking in a lot more of the Fens over the last few days, it's good that he has taken on board my advice on how he can improve on his strategy for achieving his goal.In the interests of balancing out the contest, I've written to tarzan with an unreserved endorsement of your skills and knowledge, LMT.
If you want me on the team FB, just say. I'd be happy to work pro bono. ;D
As a side note I've noticed Steve taking in a lot more of the Fens over the last few days, it's good that he has taken on board my advice on how he can improve on his strategy for achieving his goal.In the interests of balancing out the contest, I've written to tarzan with an unreserved endorsement of your skills and knowledge, LMT.
If you want me on the team FB, just say. I'd be happy to work pro bono. ;D
I hope he can find space for you in his motor-home - it would make everyone happy.
(Except possibly Alicia ... )
Lots of circuits near Sebring today so presumably he is refreshing his memory of the course. Doesn't seem to have displayed any significant signs of tiredness over the past month.
Have you spotted his weak point? Neither have I :)
Bryn
Lots of circuits near Sebring today so presumably he is refreshing his memory of the course. Doesn't seem to have displayed any significant signs of tiredness over the past month.
Have you spotted his weak point? Neither have I :)
Bryn
That could be true. However, a new relationship is untested and Alicia might wake up one morning and say to herself "What am I doing here?"
Thanks to Wow's comment I now have the Talking Heads song Once In A Lifetime in my head.
Jeez, I thought British local press was badly written...
...and has only two joints in his knees,...
The event that does not allow for drafting is a qualifying event for the Race Across America, in which ultra cyclists travel from one coast to the next.
Same course though, innit?
Average speed over 20mph. Heart rate 20% or so above his usual. So he was going for it.
Will be interesting to see whether these race day efforts are compatible with the year long TT. Ordinarily I'd suggest no, the body needs to rest after stressing it to this extent, but both Kurt and Steve appear to be wired differently to most of us.
Average speed over 20mph. Heart rate 20% or so above his usual. So he was going for it.He wasn't entered in the recumbent category - that's probably his first full on day on his TT bike.
...
Think it's just him showing off that he had a Corvette as a hire car. 2:16pm would be before the start I think
Awesome mileage.
Go Tarzan.
Awesome mileage.
Go Tarzan.
Just seen KS' Sebring Strava, 423km at an average of ~34.5km/h... Good grief.
I'm intrigued to what Tarzan eats. If he's eating on the bike, I expect it will be his sponsors' nutrition bars, and his FB says he eats a large pizza when off the bike. A year of nutrition bars and pizza, vs a year of fry ups and home cooked meals/sausages.
I'm intrigued to what Tarzan eats. If he's eating on the bike, I expect it will be his sponsors' nutrition bars, and his FB says he eats a large pizza when off the bike. A year of nutrition bars and pizza, vs a year of fry ups and home cooked meals/sausages.
I'm intrigued to what Tarzan eats. If he's eating on the bike, I expect it will be his sponsors' nutrition bars, and his FB says he eats a large pizza when off the bike. A year of nutrition bars and pizza, vs a year of fry ups and home cooked meals/sausages.
Aha,, Pizza ia an all round meal.
My German friends can't work out what kind of bird Kurt is.
I think they have been pruned, there was a comment from Hoppo telling people to get their facts straight before criticizing Tarzan
And here was me thinking Steve put in a big ride yesterday, before Kurt posted his track and recalibrated the meaning of big.
It's like a slap across the chops with a wet fish to the thought that Kurt might be frazzled after Sebring.
I'm puzzled by the latest FB comments. Is he temporarily without support?Sounds like Alicia had a day off, doesn't it?
And here was me thinking Steve put in a big ride yesterday, before Kurt posted his track and recalibrated the meaning of big.
It's like a slap across the chops with a wet fish to the thought that Kurt might be frazzled after Sebring.
Average HR still under 100bpm too. Phenomenal.
I'm puzzled by the latest FB comments. Is he temporarily without support?
He would have had to be a very very naughty boy indeed for that. ;DI'm puzzled by the latest FB comments. Is he temporarily without support?
IRTA "temporarily without supper". This strikes me as being a Bad Thing.
Quote from that:
"Many enthusiasts in the United States and the UK, of course, see the challenge as a competition between the two cyclists, and want their native bloke to win. But this challenge should transcend the head-to-head competition. We should cheer and support both cyclists. Both men are riding unfathomable miles with completely different approaches."
:thumbsup:
It's PBP vs RAAM, not UK vs US.
The British vs American thing is not at all interesting but the contest between randonneur and ultra-racer is quite fascinating. There was a quote a few weeks back from someone from RUSA who said that they were behind Steve because they felt he was one of their kind of cyclist.
Oh dear....just watched his latest vid on FB where he admits to having a beer. Hope the UMCA din't react too strongly.
One thing I really like, is that Steve is riding a bike that Halfords is knocking out at £550 (admittedly he has made some alterations).
That looked like a pretty nasty cold sore on Kurt's lip in that video. And as Climberruss mentioned, he has mentioned the dreaded B word.
It's a bloody stupid rule but it will be interesting to see if the UMCA's reaction is as hostile as seems to have been with Steve appearing in a photo with a bottle of wine in the background.
XIV a) The use of alcohol, drugs or controlled substances (except as prescribed by physician) is prohibited. This applies to riders, crew and UMCA officials.
That looked like a pretty nasty cold sore on Kurt's lip in that video. And as Climberruss mentioned, he has mentioned the dreaded B word.
It's a bloody stupid rule but it will be interesting to see if the UMCA's reaction is as hostile as seems to have been with Steve appearing in a photo with a bottle of wine in the background.
<not that interested mode>
Wasn't it just various people on this forum that got hot under the collar rather than UMCA?
</back to sleep>
In one of the interviews at the start, Steve boasted of setting his 24 hour PB on a 500 pound bike ... and then admitted that he'd been borrowing two grand's worth of carbon Campag Bora wheels from LWaB.
That looked like a pretty nasty cold sore on Kurt's lip in that video. And as Climberruss mentioned, he has mentioned the dreaded B word.
It's a bloody stupid rule but it will be interesting to see if the UMCA's reaction is as hostile as seems to have been with Steve appearing in a photo with a bottle of wine in the background.
<not that interested mode>
Wasn't it just various people on this forum that got hot under the collar rather than UMCA?
</back to sleep>
Good. Facebook is crap.
I'll stick with Facebook is crap. YMMV
From the article linked upthread:Yup. there are more Fun Facts here in a week than on Tarzan's FB feed all year.
"Abraham’s attempt at the record is a little harder to follow, as his Facebook page is not as active as Searvogel’s. "
He should come visit here, we seem to know what what cafe or hotel buffet breakfast he is at at anytime.
Tarzan appears to be heading for Key West today :o..... and if he gets a pedalo back across the bay he'll have drawn a parrots head with his tracklog.
I wonder how breezy it is on all those bridges between the Keys?
I wonder how breezy it is on all those bridges between the Keys?
Looks like he's dealing with a +25mph crosswind at the moment. http://hint.fm/wind/ (http://hint.fm/wind/)
IIRC he said a couple days ago there was bad weather forecast in the north of the state so he was heading south.
Tarzan appears to be heading for Key West today :o
He's well on his way back now.
Kurt is currently on F/B on the "Ultracycling" page re his beer at lunchtime
https://www.facebook.com/groups/117819688260926/?fref=nf
He's asking for the rules to be modified to allow alcohol.
Oh, obviously no advantage has been gained. It's just depends on how officious UCMA wants to be about the rules. A ten-mile penalty for his lunchtime beer would be bearable, as long as they agreed that the participants can have an off-the-bike beer when they feel the need. I hope they do; it seems just bloody petty to say they (and their teams) can't have a beer for a year!
Which is why I said this is a can of worms he may wish he hadn't opened. Especially as the conversation had already been had among both participants and spectators a couple of weeks back, so he should have known that alcohol was banned - though I'd be interested to know what was in the email conversation he referred to on Facebook when he said the question had been specifically asked.Oh, obviously no advantage has been gained. It's just depends on how officious UCMA wants to be about the rules. A ten-mile penalty for his lunchtime beer would be bearable, as long as they agreed that the participants can have an off-the-bike beer when they feel the need. I hope they do; it seems just bloody petty to say they (and their teams) can't have a beer for a year!
Petty it may seem, but the rules were in place before the riders started.
Oh, obviously no advantage has been gained. It's just depends on how officious UCMA wants to be about the rules. A ten-mile penalty for his lunchtime beer would be bearable, as long as they agreed that the participants can have an off-the-bike beer when they feel the need. I hope they do; it seems just bloody petty to say they (and their teams) can't have a beer for a year!
As for whether an advantage has been gained: Is a psychological boost an advantage? Has chilling out with a few stubbies improved his state of mind and/or strengthened his resolve? Did he sleep better for it therefore felt better prepared next day? Who knows?
Posted by Tarzan a couple of days ago on the Road.cc facebook page
"I need to raise some extra cash and I heard that alot of brits were trash talking - so I've come up with a little game for all the big talkers - If anyone is will to put up $200 - they can come ride with me for a day. If they can keep up with me for the day they can keep the $200 - if they can't I get to have a great room, dinner and beer on them ;-)."
BEER is food, Lewis!
Not aware of any intention to insult him, and hope that this does not happen here or elsewhere
I hope there isn't partisan trash talking elsewhere on the web, because that's bullshit
Amchair cyclists (he says, from his armchair, with both main bikes off the road, and too ill to ride). Yeah, I hope the idiots don't get his back up. There's a lot of transatlantic support (both ways, I hope), and I don't want Kurt to feel we all want him to fail. His sense of humour is definitely bearing up, though.I hope there isn't partisan trash talking elsewhere on the web, because that's bullshit
There's some in the comments on road.cc and Strava. I find it all a bit tiresome and just ignore it. I like Kurt's response.
As usual on the web, its only a tiny minority being pathetic little dicks. Well done Shu for being the voice of reason:I hope there isn't partisan trash talking elsewhere on the web, because that's bullshit
There's some in the comments on road.cc and Strava. I find it all a bit tiresome and just ignore it. I like Kurt's response.
Shusanah Pillinger
There are also a lot of people defending all the riders.
.... and:
I'm just trying to put some perspective on the situation not defend trolls. But out of a lot of people some will never write pleasant things. I don't disagree with you but nothing will change this internet behaviour.
It's a "sick day"? So that means he'll only be doing 200 miles today instead of 250? ;)
Hmmm, all this British fairness. My position is pretty clear. I suport Steve not Kurt. I am however happy to applaud his achievements. I wish them both well and hope the contest will not be shortened by an incident beyond their control - especially a RTA. I want the rules applied even handedly.Well said :thumbsup:
That covers it I think.
GO STEVE!
I'm sure the Daily Mail could find a furriners stealing a briton's rightful prize by underhand tactics angle. Or something about bloody cyclists anyway.
Frankly, I'm more concerned about electronic accuracy that alcohol. If there are some miles in either the tracker's or Strava's totals which have not been ridden, then they should be clearly flagged. I confess not having involved myself in the minutiae of their electronic recording but it seems to me that if any such discrepancies are not addressed straight away then they could "disappear" and, if left until the end of the year to rectify, are much more likely to lead to disputes.
I'm sure the Daily Mail could find a furriners stealing a briton's rightful prize by underhand tactics angle. Or something about bloody cyclists anyway.
Are you sure that USAnians are forriners? Quite a lot of them look normal.
It's a "sick day"? So that means he'll only be doing 200 miles today instead of 250? ;)
From the tracker it looks like he might be heading out back over the bridges again to Key West. That would be about 130 miles but he's flying at 24mph so probably massively wind assisted now
Endorsement of alcohol has no place in sport, but there's nothing like a cold beer after a long day in the saddle. The rule could be somewhat improved by referring to alcohol levels whilst riding, so as not to restrict an end of day beer quaffed 8 hours before the start of the next day's effort - and in effect restricting binge drinking.Agreed.
I reckon Kurt is just about ready for a beer. He's reaping what he sowed at the moment - 23mph on the way out, slogging back at 14mph.
What kind of organisation would sanction the consumption of alcohol during an endurance event on public roads?One with a sense of perspective. Note that sanctioning is not the same as encouraging. They can't have a rule for every sort of iffy, or unethical behaviour. Stick to keeping the playing field as level as practicable. Be thankful they don't require a daily prayer!
Tough day - Started out sick so got up late then head to Mickey D's to get on the internet and do some work. Started my ride from Mickey D's and was taken down in the first mile by a driver turning into a parking lot. Brushed off the dirt and head down to key west. Had a good wind down but really hard back. Still sick so quick early.
Also note that PBP generally gives away a tin of (fairly weak) beer at the 600km mark (the clock is still running). I found it a boon - I slept like a log for 30mins or so. Set off refreshed and ready to go. If anything it increased my safety.
There was whisky for breakfast on LEL 09 at the secret control
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3462/3924011645_c5a43aa3ab_m.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/6YKzXc)
It's like the champagne for the riders on the last day of the TdF, it's just there for fun, no ones going to get hammered and crash out
Yep, the USAnian artisan breweries are every bit as varied and enticing as the UK real ale scene. And, at last, the UCMA has made a sensible compromise ruling. I guess that there may be a small penalty for Kurt's lunchtime beer, but it'll hopefully be insignificant. The car mileage issue needs to be put to bed now, too. And GWS, Kurt - I never expected this thing to turn out so exciting, and it would be a much duller thing without him.Is this trash talk - are you saying Steve's ride is dull???
Is it trash talking to suggest that Steve has an advantage because our beer is warm and flat?;D
Lots of USAnian beers in spoons at the moment all brewed by Adnams etc though; has anyone tried the real thing and how does it compare?I don't really get on with Adnams beer in pubs, so I'd probably try the Yank option in that situation!
Made me think Florida is not a cool place to be out on a bike, given the number of collisions etc he's reporting.
Made me think Florida is not a cool place to be out on a bike, given the number of collisions etc he's reporting.
It always seems, too, that when talking to camera the sound of traffic whizzing by is really loud. It doesn't sound at all appealing!
It was also another day when he was cut up be a car turning into a car park. Made me think Florida is not a cool place to be out on a bike, given the number of collisions etc he's reporting.
I have to say that his messing about with his camper van's sewage outlet pipe immedately followed by eating a sandwich didn't give a good impression!
The benefit of extra summer daylight will be a lot less the nearer the equator.
He will have to leave the US all together if he is to get a far north as the UK, unless he opts for Alaska, which would carry its own risks.
The benefit of extra summer daylight will be a lot less the nearer the equator.
I was thinking that. Just what exactly is the variation in daylight hours in Miami? Can't be much.QuoteHe will have to leave the US all together if he is to get a far north as the UK, unless he opts for Alaska, which would carry its own risks.
Exit pursued by a polar bear...
Unspecified cleat issues with the 'bent today.Just looked like he was not quite used to it on a recumbent.
Unspecified cleat issues with the 'bent today.Just looked like he was not quite used to it on a recumbent.
Different shoes (sure I caught mention of MTB shoes in the video) and he looked like he was sat back too far to connect them properly.
Once clipped in and riding he had slide forward in the seat.
He will have to leave the US all together if he is to get a far north as the UK, unless he opts for Alaska, which would carry its own risks.
110 mile downhill, wow, great plan
That tactic would kick off a full blown war among the anti Kurt commenters though :o
Unspecified cleat issues with the 'bent today.Just looked like he was not quite used to it on a recumbent.
Different shoes (sure I caught mention of MTB shoes in the video) and he looked like he was sat back too far to connect them properly.
Once clipped in and riding he had slide forward in the seat.
I looked at the videoand thought the same - he was way too far back - he could hardly reach the pedals.
I'm not sure I agree with the sub-point of riding oneself into form and fitness; I reckon that they will both be in a better shape physically right now than they will with another three months' riding in their legs - but I could be wrong on that and I know that Steve makes that point too - but I believe that if it exists at all, it is far less important than the seasonal effect Steve is going to benefit from: longer days and warmer weather.My layman's opinion is that there isn't enough data on ultra-stupid-endurance efforts for us to know; maybe the training effect will outweigh wear-n-tear, maybe not. Sadly I don't think they're collecting the data that future armchair experts will need to settle this argument!
As to where Kurt goes when Florida gets too hot, I don't know. But he's a smart guy and I expect he has some ideas. One strategy that has ocurred to me - so I'm sure it must have ocurred to him - would be to find a long, straight 40-mile downhill on the edge of the Rockies and do seven or eight ski runs down it, with camper van transfer back up, each day.That would make a very productive rest day. And if he can kip in the van on the way up, he might be able to keep that up 24x7. (giving 480mile days)
However, even that would take time. Assuming there is such a hill, and he could get down it at 40mph, it's probably going to take him another hour to put the bike back in the van and drive back up, so he would still be looking at 16 hours to do 320 miles, ie 20mph average speed.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4105/4975537098_44c8dab20e_z.jpg) (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/4975537098/)
Yee-hah! (https://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_larrington/4975537098/)
by Mr Larrington (https://www.flickr.com/people/mr_larrington/), on Flickr
That's just outside Kooskia ID. It's only 77 miles from the top of the Lolo Pass but US-12 follows the river down to Clarkston WA, which is another 75 miles. The temperature in Kooskia ATM is -7 deg. C thobut.
In September 2010 I passed a heavily-laden tourist riding up the pass. It was raining. A lot. Clearly a Chap from the TG mould.
My recollection of (driving round) San Francisco is that it's not exactly flat. That'll come as a shock to Tarzan surely.
I agree with the main thrust of Tim's point: when is Kurt going to be able to do the big mileages if not now?I've had the same thought myself plenty of times over the past few weeks, although I doubt this will be his only visit to Florida throughout the year. November and December could be big gains for him back there again after things cool down a bit. Just when things could get difficult here in the UK. Lots of cycling before then though!
I'm not sure I agree with the sub-point of riding oneself into form and fitness; I reckon that they will both be in a better shape physically right now than they will with another three months' riding in their legs - but I could be wrong on that and I know that Steve makes that point too -I remember Jack Thurston asking Steve when he thought his worse time might be, "Spring, probably.....could start thinking, ah..had enough of all this!". It must be easy for him to see getting through the winter has a challenge in itself, a mini mountain in it's own right - which, I think we'd all agree, is true! I think he was intimating that he could find himself in the bizarre situation where things improve weather wise, but he has a bit of a lull in mood, a kind of tailing off after surviving the first few months. But importantly - and in typical TG style - he's aware that that might happen, so he'll be ready to deal with it best he can.
I'd have thought that the Natchez Trace Parkway might be nice in Spring.
(http://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/photogallery/akr/park/natr/88D843E4-1DD8-B71C-07121FEAA9418B92/88D843E4-1DD8-B71C-07121FEAA9418B92-large.jpg)
I asked Kurt about logistics for the challenge at hand: Won't they be a nightmare compared with riding in one general location?"Traveling will add a degree of difficultly but will keep me sane," he said. "Riding the same roads over and over will drive me crazy." It is Kurt's intention to stay in the flatter states and catch tailwinds as much as possible, but he also wants to participate in as many of the 12-hour races as possible, as well as the Gulf Coast Interstate Relay as a solo participant. He plans to start his quest in Florida, staying in the sunshine state until the Sebring 12-hour race Feb. 14-15. He will then start a trek toward Texas and California to participate in several endurance rides. In most cases he will chart a course and ride his bike toward his intended destination for his daily mileage. We are very likely to see him riding the Natchez Trace in Mississippi as he meanders from state to state.http://www.clarionledger.com/story/go/2015/01/09/cycling-mississippi-kurt-searvogel-endurance-record/21495607/
The Natchez Trace was mentioned in an interview in January.QuoteI asked Kurt about logistics for the challenge at hand: Won't they be a nightmare compared with riding in one general location?"Traveling will add a degree of difficultly but will keep me sane," he said. "Riding the same roads over and over will drive me crazy." It is Kurt's intention to stay in the flatter states and catch tailwinds as much as possible, but he also wants to participate in as many of the 12-hour races as possible, as well as the Gulf Coast Interstate Relay as a solo participant. He plans to start his quest in Florida, staying in the sunshine state until the Sebring 12-hour race Feb. 14-15. He will then start a trek toward Texas and California to participate in several endurance rides. In most cases he will chart a course and ride his bike toward his intended destination for his daily mileage. We are very likely to see him riding the Natchez Trace in Mississippi as he meanders from state to state.http://www.clarionledger.com/story/go/2015/01/09/cycling-mississippi-kurt-searvogel-endurance-record/21495607/
The various Scenic Drives and Parkways might make an interesting change. I've researched a few of them, as a sort of pipe-dream.
They are clearly doing this as expected, Kurt rides fast and spends more time off the bike. Steve is more a slow and steady guy.from dhoff on velocipedesalon (http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/f2/75-065-miles-one-year-39240-6.html#post668233) so pretty much what he's doing now though he probably did more mile's per day during RAAM.
I do not know much about Steve's history, but I do know this about Kurt; he completed the Race Across America in 10 days getting 4-6 hours of sleep in a hotel every night. I am unaware of anyone else who has approached it that way.
Is Steve not considered fast anymore? Or is it just his current avg speed, that's getting him this reputation. Riding audax on an MTB or fixed does mean that you're unlikely to bother the people at the front end of the audax too much.
Is Steve not considered fast anymore? Or is it just his current avg speed, that's getting him this reputation. Riding audax on an MTB or fixed does mean that you're unlikely to bother the people at the front end of the audax too much.
At his current average riding speed, he would be towards the front end of the field on most audaxes, so he's not slow by any normal human standards. It's more that he's riding well within what he's capable of, speed-wise. Riding fixed has never slowed him down either - I've been passed by him a few times on audaxes, cruising along at speed, churning a massive gear without any obvious signs of effort.
As others have said, he will up his speed significantly in the summer months - he'll need to when he's putting in the really big mileage days.
Falling asleep at the helm of mid racer wouldn't be such a good idea.
Kurt's been stopped much longer than usual on his tracker. (1.5hrs) There's a "Subway" there but also some road junctions .....2 hours 37 min stopped .... and counting
Hope he's just eating.
Leo
His tracker's working again
His tracker's working again
Batteries died.
His tracker's working again
Batteries died.
The tracker isn't an official requirement of the rules though, is it? The Garmin GPS track uploaded to Strava is the official record, right?
I stumbled across this on the weekend while watching some RAAM stuff:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSftyHctWGA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSftyHctWGA)
It gives a bit of insight into who Kurt is and what he's about. Comments about sleep dep and climbing are quite interesting. I think he's playing to his strengths at the moment and shouldn't be in a rush to get out of Florida.
As time goes by, I'm coming to the view that I admire both riders equally and can appreciate the strengths of both of their approaches to the HAM'R.
Falling asleep at the helm of mid racer wouldn't be such a good idea.
Indeed - you might wake up in hospital thinking you're the mayor of a small French village.
His tracker's working again
Batteries died.
Poor show.
OK, Steve had some sort of problem this morning, but blat flatteries? That's not clever at all.
His tracker's working again
Batteries died.
Poor show.
OK, Steve had some sort of problem this morning, but blat flatteries? That's not clever at all.
Frost must have got to them. ;D
Latest video they're making fun of the allegations that he's having it easy, ie avoiding hills, headwinds, cold temps etc.
Latest video they're making fun of the allegations that he's having it easy, ie avoiding hills, headwinds, cold temps etc.
I'm liking his sense of humour. His support / g-friend seems quite amusing too.
... Sir Steve ...
Latest video they're making fun of the allegations that he's having it easy, ie avoiding hills, headwinds, cold temps etc.
I'm liking his sense of humour. His support / g-friend seems quite amusing too.
It's really too bad he doesn't have a film crew tagging along. It would make one hell of a documentary.
... Sir Steve ...
Shouldn't that be Lord Teethgrinder of Marsh Gibbon!
Sir Teethgrinder bart. 1st Baronette Steve Abraham of Marsh Gibbon.
Her Majesty the Queen can do this.
That's a bit odd, the Tracker was showing over 230 miles before Kurt stopped last night and it usually under reads, so was there a transfer by car in there somewhere ?? ???
The lordship of the manor is already owned.
“In 1883 it was purchased by Mr. Thomas H. Phipps, in whose family it remains.”
I thought this was the Lord of the Jungle's thread ???
Wonder if anyone will have a go next year!!!???
could be people in the southern hemisphere waiting for summer to end before they start, as it a mega hot country riding through 2 winters is easier than riding through 2 summers
Another 360km. He's landing some body blows at the moment, which whilst they won't land a knockout blow, at least softens up the opponent. 40km differentials against Steve, and heading towards Tommy pace from out the blocks. Maybe he's building up a buffer because he knows Steve will come out swinging within a month or two."Victory"? What the flying fuck are you talking about?
It is also incredible how pan flat Florida is. I did a 30km evening ride which wasn't hunting out hills and that had not far off what he rolled over yesterday. It's a well thought through strategy on his part focussed on victory.
Another 223 miles on the board. I thought Tarzan would be a little Jaded aftet Sebring but it appears not. Well on his way to Victory in this Ham'r race.
GO TARZAN!!
I like people making predictions.Another 223 miles on the board. I thought Tarzan would be a little Jaded aftet Sebring but it appears not. Well on his way to Victory in this Ham'r race.
GO TARZAN!!
That's like making the claim that the yellow jersey on day 3 of the Tour de France is going to be the victor when the race gets to Paris ???
Still more than 300 days to go, Tarzan is only 700 miles up on Steve. 3 days off the bike due to an illness and it's level pegging again.
Let's wait 'til the fat lady sings before making rash claims, eh?
I'm not being huffy, Matt - it might be someones perception (as mentioned in another thread initiated by Basil's comments) - just making a comment as i think it's too early to make any judgement on who's going to go the furthest.
It depends which time trial. CTT bans recumbents. The UMCA doesn't, though they usually have a separate category.
I have a history of TT and pursuit (with some success).You haven't lost the 'race' because your down with 5/6 of the event still to go. Stay calm, stick to your schedule and if needed pull the stops out closer to the finish.
75,065 miles has nothing to do with the UMCA record.
75,065 miles has nothing to do with the UMCA record.
This is true, but it IS the benchmark of the Tommy Godwin record, by which many supporters (and both competitors I believe) are gauging this year's efforts.
No need for people to get huffy about it - if you think England will win the rugger today, you're welcome to say so.
...
his age class record
Both are winners and record holders
The UMCA allready stated that they don't recognise an overall record, only age class records. So it's up to us, the public, to declare who has the overall record.
...
5. An overall record is not certified separately from the age category records. Obviously, if riders in two different age categories each hold a record, the overall record is the one with the most mileage, but it is not certified separately.
...
UMCA Records Chairman
Drew Clark
Edit: OK, Kurt's turned out 6 x 200 miles+ rides in the last 7 days. However, considering average mileage on day 49 he's only doing 14.5 miles/day more than Steve. On day 33 the difference was 16 miles/day - so in 16 days Steve has pulled back 1.5 miles a day - so 154 days from now they'll both be churning out the same daily mileage and then Steve will start to do more miles in a day than Kurt.I think it might. Steve is looking stronger now he did one week in.. Tarzan is looking a bit worn
But it doesn't work like that does it?
Edit: OK, Kurt's turned out 6 x 200 miles+ rides in the last 7 days. However, considering average mileage on day 49 he's only doing 14.5 miles/day more than Steve. On day 33 the difference was 16 miles/day - so in 16 days Steve has pulled back 1.5 miles a day - so 154 days from now they'll both be churning out the same daily mileage and then Steve will start to do more miles in a day than Kurt.I think it might. Steve is looking stronger now he did one week in.. Tarzan is looking a bit worn
But it doesn't work like that does it?
Sorry mate, I think he's determined to do another 300 or so days
300 days, eh? That should give us plenty of time to determine once and for all whether or not this is a time trial.No chance.
What's the website URL for Steves website called again?
Perhaps a mod might excise these sorts of diversions into their own threads.
What interests me most is the meeting of two cultures in supporting the riders. One culture is that of sporting success, they've seen British Cycling pick up medal after medal, Wiggo and Froome win the Tour, and they like scent of victory. Which is fine, that's what sport is about.
For dyed-in-the-wool cyclists it's a bit different. For me, the two high-points of recent years were Wiggo's joke about the raffle on the Tour podium, and the handshake at the end of the Olympic TT with Tony Martin and he and Wiggo sat on the tarmac, leaning on the crowd barriers, recovering.
The film that best illustrates this point is of the 2008 Mersey Roads 24. Steve is in it of course, and lots of members of this forum. I'm in it, handing up sponges, and Kurt's RAAM partner, Joel Sothern, features at the end.
Tarzan has been moaning about Strava on the Ultracycling page on fb:
We have had a problem with strava not report the right miles for HAMR. This isn't the first problem with strava and I don't have the time to mess with strava to make it right.
I have the following questions - why are we loading data strava? Is Strava sponsoring this event? Is Strava paying for the data? I don't see in the rules that we must use strava so can it be eliminated?
If the UMCA wants to continue to use strava - then I suggest the following 1. Strava sign on as a sponsor.
2. Strava provide a email that can be contacted to fix the data as needed.
3. Strava pay each rider for the data the provided. Since it creates web traffic for them.
We have had a problem with strava not report the right miles for HAMR. This isn't the first problem with strava and I don't have the time to mess with strava to make it right.
Tarzan has been moaning about Strava on the Ultracycling page on fb:I saw a comment grumbling about Strava - it seemed to be mainly that his GPS reported more miles than Strava.
We have had a problem with strava not report the right miles for HAMR. This isn't the first problem with strava and I don't have the time to mess with strava to make it right.
I have the following questions - why are we loading data strava? Is Strava sponsoring this event? Is Strava paying for the data?
The garmin file looks like a ride time of about 9 ,hrs 12min so if he's trying to claim that the higher mileage is valid at an average of 23.5 mph for the day then good luck with that.
If you go to the Garmin trace, change the graph from 'Over Time' to 'Over Distance' then hover along the elevation trace it ends up at 178 miles at the end of the ride. Basically the Garmin headline figure is just wrong.
Yes looks like a Garmin Connect problem.
Anyone got a Facebook account to post a message on
https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides (https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides)
to tell him he's messed up and not to try and claim the extra miles. Also remind him that he still hasn't edited out the 10km vehicle transfer from his ride on Jan 26th
IMO Kurt needs to focus on what is important and not try to change the rules wherever he encounters difficulties.
Talking of Strava, I see that Steve is down as winning the February MTS, 48.5km ahead of Kurt. Kurt's actual distance exceeded Steve in Feb (Kurt= 9139km; Steve = 8626km), but if I recall Kurt didn't join the MTS until part way though the month, so perhaps that's the reason. As a competitive rider, he may be kicking himself now for not joining earlier.Joining part way through the month doesn't effect the number of miles recorded for those challenges - you can join on the last day & it takes your whole months mileage.
So is anyone going to rat on him? ;)
Quote from rules
Ride data will be posted daily within 24 hours of the completion of the ride.
So Kurt - where is your data posted by midnight 1st March to validate this higher claim??
Quote from rules
Ride data will be posted daily within 24 hours of the completion of the ride.
So Kurt - where is your data posted by midnight 1st March to validate this higher claim??
When you are 650 miles up on a LFL basis I think he can afford to lose 40 miles.
That would certainly seem reasonable, and consistent with appeals processes in most major sporting events.Quote from rules
Ride data will be posted daily within 24 hours of the completion of the ride.
So Kurt - where is your data posted by midnight 1st March to validate this higher claim??
Don't such things almost have a separate timescale/process when there is a "dispute", as opposed to the normal course of events?
I would imagine that it must be immensely frustrating to have ridden the last 40 miles of a 220 mile day only to find out that for whatever reason it had not been logged. Looking at his daily movement patterns (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=87407.msg1821348#msg1821348) (28th Feb: bottom row in the blue chart), he does appear to have finished unusually early, so I can believe that he may well have put in a further 40 mile ride at the end of the day.Yup.
However, if the data have not been recorded or uploaded (and I see nowhere where it might have been), I think he has to take it on the chin rather than throw accusations around about poor service or value for money from Strava. And I'd have more respect for his position if he or his teammate had put as much effort into disputing his vehicle assisted overestimate as he has done for this possible underestimate.
IIRC Strava have scrapped Steve's fees(or something) as a form of sponsorship.
Did they do similar for Kurt?
IIRC Strava have scrapped Steve's fees(or something) as a form of sponsorship.
Did they do similar for Kurt?
One would hope so.
Take that, yanks!IIRC Strava have scrapped Steve's fees(or something) as a form of sponsorship.
Did they do similar for Kurt?
One would hope so.
Steve is a Premium Member. Kurt is not.
Garmin Edge devices use strange formats where the speed and distance data are recorded in additional fields. If they haven't reset or been reset correctly you can have discrepancies. If the track shows X and the claimed distance shows Y then you have to take the track. It's not a problem with Strava but with a buggy GPS IMO. If he doesn't have a backup GPS then he should sort one out.
If it is the disputed distance for 28th Feb (Strava: 178.2; Garmin Connect: 215.8 miles) that has prompted this complaint, I can't see how this is a Strava problem.That is a very big difference.
<SNIP>My job means I have an affinity with statistics and hypothesis testing.<SNIP>
Bored at work. My job means I have an affinity with statistics and hypothesis testing.
The daily correlation between Kurt's rides and Steve's is between 0 and 0.2, depending on the number of days you offset, so only weakly mirroring each other (a 1 means absolutely mirroring, -1 means doing the opposite, 0 means basically no link).
If I look at whether the ride was more or less than the day before, (so stripping out the overall change in distance) the correlation is around about the same.
So I think the current verdict of Mathematics is "Case not proven".
There are more sophisticated mathematical tests but I am not that bored. Yet. (and also I can't remember where I've filed my actuarial exam notes about what the more sophisticated tests are!)
<SNIP>My job means I have an affinity with statistics and hypothesis testing.<SNIP>
(TFFIC in the following....)
I'd be interested in the correlation between a proclivity for regularly riding long distances on a bike and occupations such as actuary, statistician, mathematician, 'data scientist' and similar. I'd hypothesise that it's 'quite high' and at least 'higher than the overall population norm'.
Hm, I'd be one of the cases against this. Did one SPSS course once, hated it and never bothered with statistics since that first year at uni course.
Hm, I'd be one of the cases against this. Did one SPSS course once, hated it and never bothered with statistics since that first year at uni course.
I found myself in the unlikely situation where the first year statistics course was my favourite module, and promptly changed degree... ;D
...mathematically illiterate populations?
...mathematically illiterate populations?
Got any statistics for that?
I thought statistick was stationary glue.
"Lies, damned lies and,,,,,, "
Don't believe everything you read on the Internet.
Maybe ... but what about the other half, eh?...mathematically illiterate populations?
Got any statistics for that?
Pah! 71.2% of all statistics are made up.
Maybe ... but what about the other half, eh?...mathematically illiterate populations?
Got any statistics for that?
Pah! 71.2% of all statistics are made up.
Exactly! Everyone knows that was Thomas Edison.Quote from: Abraham LincolnDon't believe everything you read on the Internet.
Exactly! Everyone knows that was Thomas Edison.Quote from: Abraham LincolnDon't believe everything you read on the Internet.
He invented the internet, by the way.
And Tunnocks Tea Cakes.
Exactly! Everyone knows that was Thomas Edison.Quote from: Abraham LincolnDon't believe everything you read on the Internet.
He invented the internet, by the way.
And Tunnocks Tea Cakes.
Ah! [lightbulb moment]
Exactly! Everyone knows that was Thomas Edison.Quote from: Abraham LincolnDon't believe everything you read on the Internet.
He invented the internet, by the way.
And Tunnocks Tea Cakes.
Ah! [lightbulb moment]
No.
Henry Ford invented everything.
So we were told when Ford bought Jaguar.
Please could we have a new thread for this?Do you think any of it is worth keeping?!?
Exactly! Everyone knows that was Thomas Edison.Quote from: Abraham LincolnDon't believe everything you read on the Internet.
He invented the internet, by the way.
And Tunnocks Tea Cakes.
Ah! [lightbulb moment]
No.
Henry Ford invented everything.
So we were told when Ford bought Jaguar.
Exactly! Everyone knows that was Thomas Edison.Quote from: Abraham LincolnDon't believe everything you read on the Internet.
He invented the internet, by the way.
And Tunnocks Tea Cakes.
Ah! [lightbulb moment]
No.
Henry Ford invented everything.
So we were told when Ford bought Jaguar.
I have certainly encountered USAnians who believe, without a hint of irony, that Henry Ford invented the motorcar.
Back on topic.
Currently running at 213 miles.
Exactly! Everyone knows that was Thomas Edison.Quote from: Abraham LincolnDon't believe everything you read on the Internet.
He invented the internet, by the way.
And Tunnocks Tea Cakes.
Ah! [lightbulb moment]
No.
Henry Ford invented everything.
So we were told when Ford bought Jaguar.
Everything was either invented by the Scots, the Chinese or the ancient Greeks as any fule kno who watches QI.
Please could we have a new thread for this?Do you think any of it is worth keeping?!?
I guess so - currently -3 degC with a low of -9 degC forecast overnight !I can't speak for Kurt but given the option in his situation I would avoid those sorts of temperatures certainly after riding around Florida for a couple of months.
There's a comment on Facebook that he might want to take his time getting back to AK.
Is that likely to relate to weather or something?
Tarzan said he was doing a 12 Hr TT for the HAM'R day later this month so where is that?
FB comment does state "Beginning the trip back toward to Arkansas", look forward to seeing where he goes.
I make it that he is now over 770 miles ahead of TG on days elapsed :o
For the first two months Godwin's mileage lagged 922 mi (1,484 km) behind Nicholson's schedule.
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Godwin_%28cyclist_born_1912%29)QuoteFor the first two months Godwin's mileage lagged 922 mi (1,484 km) behind Nicholson's schedule.
Tarzan said he was doing a 12 Hr TT for the HAM'R day later this month so where is that?
FB comment does state "Beginning the trip back toward to Arkansas", look forward to seeing where he goes.
I make it that he is now over 770 miles ahead of TG on days elapsed :o
Is it possible to post links directly to this stuff rather than us having to actually go onto Facebook to find it?
That's pretty telling. He's got more than 10 months still to go. Over 300 days of doing something he's already fed up with. This is where the test of character really begins. How much does he want this?
That's pretty telling. He's got more than 10 months still to go. Over 300 days of doing something he's already fed up with. This is where the test of character really begins. How much does he want this?
Not telling at all. I am certain all previous and current OYTT riders will have had and will have periods of feeling fed up with the endeavour. It's what comes with devoting almost all of your waking hours to such a physically and mentally gruelling task. St Steve will have similar feelings at times, but will probably not video it and post to FB.
Good luck to both riders and hoping they can climb out of the low points.
Didnt work for me - but I'm proably logged into FB already! I doubt that broke the link, but you never know with FB ...Is it possible to post links directly to this stuff rather than us having to actually go onto Facebook to find it?
This should link to his FB picture page (which you don't need to sign in to FB to see)
https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides/videos?fref=photo (https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides/videos?fref=photo)
Does this work?
https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xfp1/v/t42.1790-2/10991711_1583199435255097_1170706513_n.mp4?rl=541&vabr=301&oh=584465fb56bec425abd2477e18a07b7a&oe=54F8C6CD
Does this work?Yes. Worked well, although was very small in the middle of my large monitor :P
https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xfp1/v/t42.1790-2/10991711_1583199435255097_1170706513_n.mp4?rl=541&vabr=301&oh=584465fb56bec425abd2477e18a07b7a&oe=54F8C6CD
Does this work?
https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xfp1/v/t42.1790-2/10991711_1583199435255097_1170706513_n.mp4?rl=541&vabr=301&oh=584465fb56bec425abd2477e18a07b7a&oe=54F8C6CD
Thanks McShroom - it worked fine. First time I've heard his voice!
The video quality was a bit crappy, or maybe that's just my steam-powered PC.
I reckon it's rather brave of him to have an existential moment on video with the world watching, rather than somewhere more traditional like halfway up a Welsh mountain in the rain.
GO KURT!
Does this work?
https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xfp1/v/t42.1790-2/10991711_1583199435255097_1170706513_n.mp4?rl=541&vabr=301&oh=584465fb56bec425abd2477e18a07b7a&oe=54F8C6CD
Thanks McShroom - it worked fine. First time I've heard his voice!
The video quality was a bit crappy, or maybe that's just my steam-powered PC.
That effect comes from Youtube's stabilisation process, it takes out the shakes, and renders them as wobbles.
'Your rider appears to be shaky, would you like us to stabilise him?'
Kurt won't be working much for a charity (or much else) this year if he intends to take the record.
I may have heard it wrong, but didn't he say something about pulling his kids around on his 4 wheel trailer in the snow?
Thing is, with the best will in the world, riding your bike around for 200 miles a day, day after day, come what may, could easily wear a bit thin and start to feel a bit meaningless if you love your kids, begin to miss them and fancy spending time with them. He also does a lot for work for a local charity to help orphaned children.
As they say over there - go figure.
2) Kurt is quoted as saying that he watched Steve on the first day and cycled a few miles more than him. I've seen it said in lots of places that that's Kurt's tactic, but I've not seen it said by Kurt before.
2) Kurt is quoted as saying that he watched Steve on the first day and cycled a few miles more than him. I've seen it said in lots of places that that's Kurt's tactic, but I've not seen it said by Kurt before.
I read that as "Steve showed he wasn't dicking about, so I decided to show him I wasn't either". Rather than a comment on a general tactic.
Kurt comes across as a decent guy. I'm enjoying following his efforts.
"Does the Nicholson schedule exist somewhere?"
I have it in fact I've done all of the rider's schedules since 1911. Hope to publish them all soon as they are fascinating.
Really good to see some nice comments on FB following Kurt's video where he's on a downer.
Really good to see some nice comments on FB following Kurt's video where he's on a downer.Kudos to Kurt for putting it out there. It brings home the enormity and impact of the challenge. Of course I hope Steve trounces him, but for the right reasons.
Really good to see some nice comments on FB following Kurt's video where he's on a downer.
Staunch supporters of the Teethgrinder we are, but that does not lend itself to dissuading the opposition.
Whilst I would like to see Steve smash the record into absolute bits, the additional interest of protagonists is to be encouraged. Not only because it makes vicarious watching more interesting, but because it may also inspire both of them as the year progresses.
Go Kurt, GO (a little bit further) Steve!
I think he will cross the border tonight.
Pensacola - is that the Thinking Man's Diet Coke?
I'll take that bet. He is currently overlooking one of the whitest sandy beaches on the planet. I bet he stays with friends in P-cola and rides the beach again tomorrow.
I guess Kurt's biggest problem in Alabama is going to be avoiding drunk rednecks in massive pickup trucks :P
And me. I'd never heard of Pensacola before yesterday.
It's a well known secret known as the redneck Riviera, unfortunately word is leaking outWith a name like that, I for one am off to the travel agents tomorrow!
Oh mama!
Seaside resorts popular with Rednecks, oil refineries and backwoods full of supposed racists with allegedly terrible driving skills. If Steve can cope with Essex, then Kurt should be just fine in Alabama.
Oh mama!
I just googled that with reference to Mobile and found a nine-verse ditty by Mr. Dylan.
I have my fingers crossed hoping that while Tarzan does his climbing work today he will conquer Britton Hill. For those not aware Britton Hill is the highest point in Florida.
Blimey 460 ft! Nosebleed territory for you flatlanders :-)
Blimey 460 ft! Nosebleed territory for you flatlanders :-)
That's the Elephant in the room.
Blimey 460 ft! Nosebleed territory for you flatlanders :-)
That's the Elephant in the room.
There's an Elephant in his room! It's no wonder he spends so much time on his bike.
16 miles per day, considering the difference in climatic, topographical and bike aerodynamic conditions is NOT as much as I would have expected.
I await the Strava trolls noting that Kurt is taking unfair advantage because he has increased the amount of down hills on his recent rides.
Kurt is currenlty near York. I do hope they can both be in a place of the same name at the same time at some point in the year :)
Sorry I've got to say something that's irritating me a very little bit: I think Tarzan deserves this thread to be kept for discussions/observations about his attempt - and not so much hing else.
I think we were right to have a new thread each day for Steve [ would be a bit silly for Tarzan though].
It keeps the focus. :)
Steve putting it down on the road enough now for you Hillbilly?
Kurt is currenlty near York. I do hope they can both be in a place of the same name at the same time at some point in the year :)
Yes, for a second I got confused at what tracker page I was looking at.
You know, as he cruises up near that border line between Alabama and Mississippi, he's going through some pretty remote areas actually. There ain't much around where he is at the moment.
Bet the roads are quieter too.
Sorry I've got to say something that's irritating me a very little bit: I think Tarzan deserves this thread to be kept for discussions/observations about his attempt - and not so much hing else.
I think we were right to have a new thread each day for Steve [ would be a bit silly for Tarzan though].
It keeps the focus. :)
Equally, if not more, important is the time in hand Kurt has to play with because he is quicker than Steve.
Looks like Missississississippi didn't appeal.
He's approaching a bridge now. That is one hell of a lot of water.
https://goo.gl/maps/7mCMA
He's approaching a bridge now. That is one hell of a lot of water.
https://goo.gl/maps/7mCMA
Edit: the big tease! He went right and stayed in Alabama.
I hope he's not a 'cling-on'.
Didn't he have a problem with his HR strap in the first couple of weeks of the challenge? It's more likely to be this than anything underhand, I would have thought. Mine sometimes records odd data, particularly when the contact points dry out.
Yesterday was interesting. It was almost like Steve and Kurt swapped their normal routes. Steve was flat and fast. Kurt bumpy and not so fast. Possibly a useful "calibration" of both that allows a modicum of comparison against recent past rides.
My old-skool analogue signal strap/watch would routinely record 200+ when I was in the passenger seat of the car on the way to the gym with mrs_o.
The new BLE / Ant+ strap doesn't pick up that interference.
Polar HRM's were (and maybe still are) useless in the electromagnetic field inside cars.
My old-skool analogue signal strap/watch would routinely record 200+ when I was in the passenger seat of the car on the way to the gym with mrs_o.
I often have interface issues with my Garmin HRM when it underreads or stops reading altogether when the connection to my skin isn't great (being female does not help with HRM positioning anyway) so perhaps this is what happened. If he's not sweating at all and doing a downhill then maybe his skin is too dry to give a good reading.
Tarzan's route selections have me totally befuddled. Since leaving south Florida he has opted to bypass lots of cycle friendly routes for lesser routes. The only constant appears to be tail winds (http://hint.fm/wind/ (http://hint.fm/wind/)). I'm guessing today he simply opted to drive through a weather front and put down where ever that happened to end and then started riding south? Who knows, but you got to give him credit its a true seat of your pants operation. Go Tarzan!
Looks like I might have a trip to North Carolina in August/September. So maybe I will get the chance to ride with both Teethgrinder and Tarzan this year.
<SNIP>Given his current route and that Strava gives Kurt's home town as Sheridan AR, my guess is that he will cross the river at Greenville.
Yesterday, his route wended its way amongst crinkly bits (yet still climbed a moderate amount), and today he's leapt the wrinkles and is back on non-textured map.
The pub I stopped at in Quainton has a very good cafe attached.
Kurt is going to help me improve my geography of the USA no end. Next up on the scheme of work is the geography of Alabama. This is a bit more of a tricky state because it's almost in 3D, tho the highest point is still less than 750 m above sea level.
Latest video shows Kurt facing some Rain.He managed 194 according to his gps - although the video mentioned a shuttle, dunno why.
Those who have been questioning Kurts ability to ride in non-perfect conditions might note his ride yesterday had plenty of hills and rain yet he still maintained a 19+ average.
Those who have been questioning Kurts ability to ride in non-perfect conditions might note his ride yesterday had plenty of hills and rain yet he still maintained a 19+ average.
Not bad for a 200lb 51 year old man...
Kurt is going to help me improve my geography of the USA no end. Next up on the scheme of work is the geography of Alabama. This is a bit more of a tricky state because it's almost in 3D, tho the highest point is still less than 750 m above sea level.
The Arkansas - Mississippi border wonders away from the Mississippi River quite a bit from the river, which seems odd. However, looking more closely made me see the border passes through some oxbow lakes, so I'm guessing the current border traces the route of the Mississippi River from a time before the river was straighten. Quite fascinating from a geography geek point of view.
Those who have been questioning Kurts ability to ride in non-perfect conditions might note his ride yesterday had plenty of hills and rain yet he still maintained a 19+ average.
I make it 187 miles for the day - he had a vehicle transfer to Arkansas and put in late day 30 miler after his main ride.186.7, according to the official spreadsheet (http://ultracycling.com/sections/records/data/hamr/details.php): 152.6+34.1.
Those who have been questioning Kurts ability to ride in non-perfect conditions might note his ride yesterday had plenty of hills and rain yet he still maintained a 19+ average.
Not bad for a 200lb 51 year old man...
The question is, how far can Steve go into sleep dep? It's going to be a huge ask, looking at his schedule beggars belief. Staying with hosts is going to seem more more like a quick F1 pit stop with the passing of each and every week.The details are buried in the mists of another, defunct, forum, but my memory is a very long way indeed.
And a lightweight.Those who have been questioning Kurts ability to ride in non-perfect conditions might note his ride yesterday had plenty of hills and rain yet he still maintained a 19+ average.
Not bad for a 200lb 51 year old man...
A mere youngster.
This does not add up up.I make it 187 miles for the day - he had a vehicle transfer to Arkansas and put in late day 30 miler after his main ride.186.7, according to the official spreadsheet (http://ultracycling.com/sections/records/data/hamr/details.php): 152.6+34.1.
This does not add up up.I make it 187 miles for the day - he had a vehicle transfer to Arkansas and put in late day 30 miler after his main ride.186.7, according to the official spreadsheet (http://ultracycling.com/sections/records/data/hamr/details.php): 152.6+34.1.
His own page says 142.1 plus 34.02. Alicia Snyder called it ".. 170miles plus". His Strava activity has a weird bit in the middle.
I don't understand why Kurt seems to still have so many technological issues. Steve has non as far as I can tell.
What is Kurt doing, right or wrong to make this happen?
If it is the higher one, I feel I need to challenge it (although that makes me feel ick).This does not add up up.I make it 187 miles for the day - he had a vehicle transfer to Arkansas and put in late day 30 miler after his main ride.186.7, according to the official spreadsheet (http://ultracycling.com/sections/records/data/hamr/details.php): 152.6+34.1.
His own page says 142.1 plus 34.02. Alicia Snyder called it ".. 170miles plus". His Strava activity has a weird bit in the middle.
I see what you mean. Strava for Kurt's first 11th March ride shows a total of 152.6, but with an odd ~10 mile jump from 62 to 72 miles. The track on Garmin Connect has the same 10 mile teleport, but doesn't include it in the total, so it reads 142.1.
We'll have to wait and see which total the UMCA decide to use.
It's partly user, partly Strava error. He obviously is pausing his device when hopping onto the van, rather than ending the ride & starting a new one when he starts again. While Garmin doesn't join up the dots between the pause & restart, Strava does, so adds 10 mile straight line onto the route & into the total.Thanks for that explanation. That's obviously what has happened here. Zooming in on his strava map, there is a straight line segment that crosses rivers, flies over an island and sandbanks.
It's partly user, partly Strava error. He obviously is pausing his device when hopping onto the van, rather than ending the ride & starting a new one when he starts again. While Garmin doesn't join up the dots between the pause & restart, Strava does, so adds 10 mile straight line onto the route & into the total.Thanks for that explanation. That's obviously what has happened here. Zooming in on his strava map, there is a straight line segment that crosses rivers, flies over an island and sandbanks.
Prior to knowing this I put a polite query on his facebook page. Going by that page, I'm not sure that either Kurt or Alicia are aware than an extra 10miles has snuck in.
I don't understand why Kurt seems to still have so many technological issues. Steve has non as far as I can tell.
What is Kurt doing, right or wrong to make this happen?
Steve is on new bikes, They are being rotated and serviced. Kurt is riding old bikes and servicing them as and when needed (When something breaks). Add on to this the fact that Kurt, by riding much faster is putting a lot more stress / strain on the bike and we are seeing the results. I would even question whether Kurt had his bikes serviced before the start. With Kurts M.O. for the year, I would expect plenty more minor mechanicals throughout the year.
I don't understand why Kurt seems to still have so many technological issues. Steve has non as far as I can tell.Steve's modus operandi is much simpler. He's had no vehicle transfers, and starts from where he finished the previous night, so everything logged by his Gamins is riding miles.
Kurt's not doing himself any favours by failing to get to grips with the technology. I don't get the impression he's in any way trying to claim unridden miles, but unless he learns to use the GPS kit properly there'll always be questions which unfortunately may overshadow his cycling achievement.
Basically, Kurt and Alicia need to TTFU (tech the f**k up) :)
Golden rules for large projects.
K.I.S.S. Keep it simple stupid.
P.P.P.P.P.P. Proper preparation prevents piss poor performance.
Steve 1 – 0 Kurt.
;D have you seen Steve in the morning, far from simple.
Mount, plug in and start 3 separate Garmin devices, and the spot tracker, Tommy G would be smiling at that I reckon.
QuoteKurt's not doing himself any favours by failing to get to grips with the technology.
Feel that's a bit unfair, he obviously stopped his garmin then did the transfer. Then started it again when he carried on riding. To him the numbers look right on the unit he's looking at and Garmin connect is clever enough to spot the stop. Strava causes the problems by trying to join the dots for any stop period.
He could get round this by saving the file at every stop, but why should he end up with several files to download each day just to satisfy Strava, which I believe is not a UMCA requirement.
On the other hand, Strava is part of his toolchain (as dictated by the UMCA, AIUI),I don't think it is - rides just need to be submitted to UMCA - there hasn't been any dictating that it has to be posted on Strava.
If Kurt is going to take motorised transport half way through a day, he’s got to live with the inconvenience of correctly logging and offering each cycling distance separately to make it as easy as possible for the judges to understand what he’s done.
under-prepared...... normally relies on a lot of other people:....... he had to take time out for visiting bike shops...........
Are we seeing a rest day today? 33 miles by 11AM isn't Kurt's normal pace.
I expect he's had a lot of post to open after over 2 months away from home.
This does not add up up.I make it 187 miles for the day - he had a vehicle transfer to Arkansas and put in late day 30 miler after his main ride.186.7, according to the official spreadsheet (http://ultracycling.com/sections/records/data/hamr/details.php): 152.6+34.1.
His own page says 142.1 plus 34.02. Alicia Snyder called it ".. 170miles plus". His Strava activity has a weird bit in the middle.
I see what you mean. Strava for Kurt's first 11th March ride shows a total of 152.6, but with an odd ~10 mile jump from 62 to 72 miles. The track on Garmin Connect has the same 10 mile teleport, but doesn't include it in the total, so it reads 142.1.
We'll have to wait and see which total the UMCA decide to use.
Maybe, maybe not. The real target isn't what Steve does, it's Tommy's total. OK, he's over 2000 miles ahead of Tommy at the same stage, but as we have been saying ad nauseam, he has had perfect riding conditions and a lot more daylight than either Tommy or Steve has had. Also, he knows what he has to beat. Tommy didn't know, I'm sure, that he was going to have such a fantastic 6 months between May and October. Steve and Kurt know that they have to build a buffer because it's going to be incredibly difficult to keep up with Tommy at the same stage.under-prepared...... normally relies on a lot of other people:....... he had to take time out for visiting bike shops...........
May I suggest you have severely underestimated the advantage of individualism and self sufficiency. Tarzan doesn't need the new bikes or someone else to recharge his GPS, nor to tuck him in bed every night. As helter skelter as it may appear his method has him almost 1000 miles ahead during the first two months. Tarzan is doing just fine.
It's five again now: he changed timezones within the US. It'll be six when the UK moves to summer time in a couple of weeks from now.
No, you are right. Tarzan doesn't have someone following him in a camper van to recharge his GPS, tuck him into bed, cook for him. Oh, wait, he does.under-prepared...... normally relies on a lot of other people:....... he had to take time out for visiting bike shops...........
May I suggest you have severely underestimated the advantage of individualism and self sufficiency. Tarzan doesn't need the new bikes or someone else to recharge his GPS, nor to tuck him in bed every night. As helter skelter as it may appear his method has him almost 1000 miles ahead during the first two months. Tarzan is doing just fine.
under-prepared...... normally relies on a lot of other people:....... he had to take time out for visiting bike shops...........
May I suggest you have severely underestimated the advantage of individualism and self sufficiency.
With so many miles being ridden, there is little time for much else. Without it, I don't think anybody would have a cat in hells chance to be honest.
Are you trolling, because this sort of post sounds awfully like it.With so many miles being ridden, there is little time for much else. Without it, I don't think anybody would have a cat in hells chance to be honest.
When accounting for the lack of preparation, inferior equipment, lack of lodging, age, home turf knowledge, and 50 person support team one has to marvel at the fact that the two person Tarzan team isn't farther behind than they are.
The reason is obvious to some of us though.
With so many miles being ridden, there is little time for much else. Without it, I don't think anybody would have a cat in hells chance to be honest.
When accounting for the lack of preparation, inferior equipment, lack of lodging, age, home turf knowledge, and 50 person support team one has to marvel at the fact that the two person Tarzan team isn't farther behind than they are.
The reason is obvious to some of us though.
Are you trolling, because this sort of post sounds awfully like it.
I obviously feel for Tarzan
I'm here because this board has the best coverage of HAMR.
I'm sorry if my accusation was unjust, I'm feeling extremely grumpy and out of sorts. You've made several oddly veiled hints at times that have seemed like you wanted to provoke a response.Quote from: mrcharly link=topic=87329.msg1828321#msg1828321Are you trolling, because this sort of post sounds awfully like it.
I hope I'm not trolling, I don't mean to be. I'm hooked on this race and wish the very best for both riders. I obviously feel for Tarzan as you do Steve. ( well maybe not as emotional to Kurt as ya'll are Steve. (I'll be OK if Kurt doesn't win). I'm here because this board has the best coverage of HAMR.
I think La Tortue is being given a bit of a hard time here. It has often been commented that Steve has a tougher time of things compared to Kurt due to climate and terrain. But it seems less remarked upon that one of Steve's big advantages over Kurt has been the larger number of people providing moral and actual support. I took the Tortoise's comment as a reminder of that fact.Steve has earned (and nurtured) that support. He also took a leap of faith putting himself into the hands of this happy band. Which I think is really cool :thumbsup:
I never realised that US timezones bisect some states. There must be people who cross timezones to go to work.
You've made several oddly veiled hints at times that have seemed like you wanted to provoke a response.
I think La Tortue is being given a bit of a hard time here.
I'm here because this board has the best coverage of HAMR.
I'm really enjoying Kurt's game-ness, strikes me that it smacks of the spirit of the early days of motor racing where the frightfully nice chaps would drive to the race in the car with their mechanic alongside, tootle around the track at high speed for a while then drive home.
That said, they each knew what they were signing up for, I suppose.
What's up with Kurt today? Am I misreading this http://trackleaders.com/oneyeartimetrial15i.php?name=Kurt_Tarzan_Searvogel (http://trackleaders.com/oneyeartimetrial15i.php?name=Kurt_Tarzan_Searvogel) or does he have two sections where it looks like he's paused and restarted the spot tracker?
This is bloody ridiculous. There's still more than 9 months to go of this and I'm refreshing the screen every few minutes.
This is bloody ridiculous. There's still more than 9 months to go of this and I'm refreshing the screen every few minutes.
Why the hell are you waiting that long?
:D
Tarzan is 6 hours behind us5
Steve has a great support network,
This is bloody ridiculous. There's still more than 9 months to go of this and I'm refreshing the screen every few minutes.
Why the hell are you waiting that long?
:D
I have a browser tab for Steve's tracker and another for Kurt's set to refresh themselves every 3 minutes, 24 hours a day. That way, there's no delay in seeing where either of them has got to at any point :-) This is alarmingly obsession-creating stuff!
Thanks to Arkansas Cycling and Fitness for getting my Giant back to top condition - I just need to add a snorkle and I'll be set.
Steve has a great support network,(click to show/hide)
I saw the (on BbokFace) clip of him riding in the pissing rain :facepalm:He doesn't have a single bike with 'fenders'. Heavy gritty spray into your face every day for a couple of hundred miles would be absolutely miserable.
It's bad enough to have a crap day or even a weekend of foul weather but facing a week or so of shit weather at those milages must be a whole new can of pain.
As they say over there,,,
"Liquid sunshine".
As they say over there,,,
"Liquid sunshine".
I thought red wine was liquid sunshine.
He doesn't have a single bike with 'fenders'. Heavy gritty spray into your face every day for a couple of hundred miles would be absolutely miserable.
He doesn't have a single bike with 'fenders'. Heavy gritty spray into your face every day for a couple of hundred miles would be absolutely miserable.
Not just in your face: getting a wet arse is a huge saddle sore risk!
He might be better off using the recumbent when it rains.
He might be better off using the recumbent when it rains.With local weather stations warning of flash-flooding in Arkansas he'd probably need a snorkel - as he indeed suggested on FB.
Instant fenders is plastic curtain track, wire coathangers and gaffer tape.
He doesn't have a single bike with 'fenders'. Heavy gritty spray into your face every day for a couple of hundred miles would be absolutely miserable.
He doesn't have a single bike with 'fenders'.
If the van, or one of his bikes, was kaput you'd expect him to ride round the block until it was fixed.Yesterday he said "rain. bike repairs, crash - but we kept moving - just in circles"
Given that the tracker exhibited similarly strange behaviour yesterday, my money is on it being a Garmin/Strava glitch.
Given that the tracker exhibited similarly strange behaviour yesterday, my money is on it being a Garmin/Strava glitch.
He's in home territory and his latest video showed him leaving from a house with a car porch. I'd imagine that's most probably Alicia's place.
They both seemed in good spirits.
Keep going Kurt!
My knowledge of US geography is very scant, other than that it gets extremes of pretty well everything weather-wise and that there are some pretty lumpy bits in the middle. OK, Kurt lives in Arkansas, but how good is the terrain for this sort of challenge?
Has anyone compared two Garmins, one with a speed sensor and one without? Can you run them at the same time without both picking up the speed sensor?
I'm not sure what he's on about when he talks about "speed sensor". My Garmin (Etrex Vista HCx) just draws a measured line on the map to represent movement and then records how much time it takes.
Just read this on Kurts page https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides (https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides)QuoteHas anyone compared two Garmins, one with a speed sensor and one without? Can you run them at the same time without both picking up the speed sensor?
I wonder where he's going with this one or just a simple question on GPS operation?
It would give you a much more accurate measurement of maximum speed than any GPS-only device.
Looks like he may be trying to compare the accuracy of a stand alone unit to one paired with a speed sensor. I think he'll find that the one with the speed sensor is much more accurate. It could be costing him a few miles each day if he's not using one.
Looks like he may be trying to compare the accuracy of a stand alone unit to one paired with a speed sensor. I think he'll find that the one with the speed sensor is much more accurate. It could be costing him a few miles each day if he's not using one.
Is the speed sensor calibrated for wheel size by the GPS data or is it subject to whatever inaccuracies you may incur when estimating wheel size ?
My knowledge of US geography is very scant, other than that it gets extremes of pretty well everything weather-wise and that there are some pretty lumpy bits in the middle. OK, Kurt lives in Arkansas, but how good is the terrain for this sort of challenge?
Looks like he may be trying to compare the accuracy of a stand alone unit to one paired with a speed sensor. I think he'll find that the one with the speed sensor is much more accurate. It could be costing him a few miles each day if he's not using one.
Is the speed sensor calibrated for wheel size by the GPS data or is it subject to whatever inaccuracies you may incur when estimating wheel size ?
Garmin's have an "auto calibrate" as well as manual settings for wheel size. I've found the auto calculate to be very accurate, but I've heard some say that using the roll-out method for circumference is even more so. Either way is more accurate than no speed sensor at all.
I can't find Tarzan's total for 13th March. I'm intrigued.
A sealed odometer like Tommys seems not such as bad idea.
Blimey! I hope there's another upload to come, else the SCIENCE somewhere is seriously munted :o
On my Garmin(s) I'm sure the thing auto sets wheel diameter from the GPS data, and not having the sensor attached doesn't affect the distance traveled, just the maximum speed.
It reminds me of tales I've heard of people packing a 600 after 500k because it went past their front door. I would imagine that this is Kurt's first major mental hurdle. Anyway, best of luck to them both.
It reminds me of tales I've heard of people packing a 600 after 500k because it went past their front door. I would imagine that this is Kurt's first major mental hurdle. Anyway, best of luck to them both.
The same thought had occurred to me. Hopefully wrong
I wonder what it is like going home after 2 months in Florida. It reminds me of tales I've heard of people packing a 600 after 500k because it went past their front door. I would imagine that this is Kurt's first major mental hurdle. Anyway, best of luck to them both.
With so many miles being ridden, there is little time for much else. Without it, I don't think anybody would have a cat in hells chance to be honest.
When accounting for the lack of preparation, inferior equipment, lack of lodging, age, home turf knowledge, and 50 person support team one has to marvel at the fact that the two person Tarzan team isn't farther behind than they are.
The reason is obvious to some of us though.
Kurt has dedicated support every day, during the day and before and after every day. Steve's support is certainly not on a daily basis. GO Steve.
Kurt does seem to have a lot of support, and a strategy of skipping from venue to venue. He also has a far wider choice of terrain and weather systems than Steve has. I wouldn't be surprised if a private jet whisked him off to California overnight.
Steve has to start from wherever he finished, with whatever support his friends can manage, and is subject to whatever the Atlantic cares to throw at him.
The playing field isn't exactly level.
However you frame it, they still have to ride an average of more than 205 miles every day for a year. However they approach it that is a ridiculously hard thing to do. Allez Steve & Allez Tarzan!
If it's 2-for-1 you want then places such as Las Vegas, Reno or even Wendover NV will feed you, yea and verily, unto bursting for very little money. There are, however, at least ten zillion good reasons for not going anywhere near such ghastly places.
However you frame it, they still have to ride an average of more than 205 miles every day for a year. However they approach it that is a ridiculously hard thing to do. Allez Steve & Allez Tarzan!
*whose map does Tracker use? It's got a lot more physical detail than googlemaps.
individual tax returns are not due for a month whereas corporate ones are due tomorrow, so are we actually following Tarzan Inc !!
Kurt obviously has had issues, especially over the last few days, which are impacting his distance. His FaceTube quote about only doing 150 mile then off to do his taxes seems odd, individual tax returns are not due for a month whereas corporate ones are due tomorrow, so are we actually following Tarzan Inc !!
My American colleagues seem to fear the IRS more than historically the Spanish Inquisition were feared
...even if "Nobody expects the IRS" doesn't have quite the same ring to it.... ;D
Amongst our weaponry are such diverse elements as sausages, dyhohubs, Brooks saddles, and an almost fanatical devotion to PBP, and nice red cycling tops
Just seen the latest Kurt-vid on FaceTube :-\Great GPS joke from Alicia - I think she's still having fun :)
...
Just seen the latest Kurt-vid on FaceTube :-\
Just seen the latest Kurt-vid on FaceTube :-\It does seem a bit odd. I hope he gets out of the doldrums. Unslumping yourself is not easily done.
Either he's into some very clever reverse-psychology or some-such or he's on a big downer. Seems his only motivation is to beat someone else which sort of flies against the blurb on his website about beating the record.
Also seems a bit weird that his own, hometown, bike shop didn't seem all that interested in what he was doing.
Or I could be reading just too much into it all, though I do find it odd that both Kurt and Alicia seem to have a need to post everything about themselves on FaceTube, I would say its a modern generational thing but hey Kurt's 50+ ???
Just checked Kurts progress on the tracker and he appears to be heading towards England! :thumbsup:
Sadly I don't know how to do this :(If this is the correct link:
Just checked Kurts progress on the tracker and he appears to be heading towards England! :thumbsup:
He has had a dyno fitted on the front, mentioned riding through the night. Hmm should be interesting.
He got into England, turned round and went straight back out! Do you think he didn't like it?
Just seen the latest Kurt-vid on FaceTube :-\
He has had a dyno fitted on the front, mentioned riding through the night. Hmm should be interesting.
He's had the light fitted upside down - it'll have an awful beam pattern ...... only blind drivers - can't see the road.
He has had a dyno fitted on the front, mentioned riding through the night. Hmm should be interesting.
He's had the light fitted upside down - it'll have an awful beam pattern ...... only blind drivers - can't see the road.
It's OK, they drive on the other side of the road.
He has had a dyno fitted on the front, mentioned riding through the night. Hmm should be interesting.
He's had the light fitted upside down - it'll have an awful beam pattern ...... only blind drivers - can't see the road.
Just seen the latest Kurt-vid on FaceTube :-\
No idea what "facetube" means. Or which video you're referring to.
It'd be nice if people would provide links to external content that they are commenting on here so the rest of us could join in the discussion ???
Also seems a bit weird that his own, hometown, bike shop didn't seem all that interested in what he was doing.
It seems Flash Player is needed to view Kurt's videos. So I won't be seeing any of them after all. Because as any fule kno Flash Player is effin' insecure.
If you care about security uninstall Flash. Seriously.
Day | Av Heart rate |
9 Mar | 90 |
10 Mar | 92 |
11 Mar | 92 |
12 Mar | 96 |
13 Mar | 99 |
14 Mar | 101 |
15 Mar | 106 |
222.2 miles today!
Kurt has managed to submit an extra 20 mile GPS track for 13th March - that day when he had GPS problems. Still a big chunk from the middle of the day missing though.
I also notice that his average heart rate for rides in the last week has been steadily climbing:
Day Av Heart rate 9 Mar 90 10 Mar 92 11 Mar 92 12 Mar 96 13 Mar 99 14 Mar 101 15 Mar 106
Kurt has managed to submit an extra 20 mile GPS track for 13th March - that day when he had GPS problems. Still a big chunk from the middle of the day missing though.
I also notice that his average heart rate for rides in the last week has been steadily climbing:
Day Av Heart rate 9 Mar 90 10 Mar 92 11 Mar 92 12 Mar 96 13 Mar 99 14 Mar 101 15 Mar 106
I also notice that his average heart rate for rides in the last week has been steadily climbing:
Does it correlate with metres climbed?
Also seems a bit weird that his own, hometown, bike shop didn't seem all that interested in what he was doing.
..... near the end there's a voice off-camera saying "it's pretty awesome what he's doing" and asking Alicia about her role ....
Kurt obviously has a much smaller following on YACF and it gives the impression that he slogs his way around with hardly anyone about. Are there any other forums his supporters wish him well? Or is YACF the only place where this amazing contest is being celebrated?He has quite a few followers on facebook.
I follow Kurt on facebook, its good to see all of the videos to guage how he is doing, but I suspect there are few places that celebrate this record attempt quite like YACFKurt obviously has a much smaller following on YACF and it gives the impression that he slogs his way around with hardly anyone about. Are there any other forums his supporters wish him well? Or is YACF the only place where this amazing contest is being celebrated?He has quite a few followers on facebook.
Steve tries to read the messages about him/to him but it's time consuming.Distracting as well. I think Steve has the right attitude for him.
The most important thing is riding the miles.
The advantage of actually using Facebook is that you can send him messages or questions. Usually he or Alicia respond pretty quickly.
The advantage of actually using Facebook is that you can send him messages or questions. Usually he or Alicia respond pretty quickly.
They both responded to a video that I'd shared on fb :)
He got into England, turned round and went straight back out! Do you think he didn't like it?
Perhaps he's making some sort of statement? Hasn't lost his sense of humour, it seems.
Zooming in on England, Arkansas, it looks absolutely nothing like the original. The 'rolling English drunkard' took no part in highway construction out there!
And today 'e's been dahn ve East End :thumbsup:
Yes, decidedly fen like.
Yes, decidedly fen like.
Looks like Kurt might be planning a big one today - he's been through England and Stuttgart and is still heading away from home.
Leaving Arkansas.
... except for when he needs a pop tart....
". Yes pop tarts are a specific name brand of crap food ;-)IIRC Kellogs Pop Tarts sponsored the sprinter's jersey in the long defunct Kellogs Tour of Britain. Their version was for popping in the toaster as a breakfast food but was withdrawn after too many scaldings from the superheated jam filling. But that last bit may be an urban legend.
". Yes pop tarts are a specific name brand of crap food ;-)IIRC Kellogs Pop Tarts sponsored the sprinter's jersey in the long defunct Kellogs Tour of Britain. Their version was for popping in the toaster as a breakfast food but was withdrawn after too many scaldings from the superheated jam filling. But that last bit may be an urban legend.
I think over there, a cycllist would need the 'Outdoor John'.Of course, after a good curry, it may be a double john!
I'm stil uneasy about footage taken by the driver of a moving vehicle.
Pretty sure you'd be at risk of prosecution in the UK :(
(Any facebook followers brave enough to ask Alicia about it?)
She could easily have a head-mounted cam.
I'm stil uneasy about footage taken by the driver of a moving vehicle.She needs my "Stevemobile"
Tarzan's in Louisiana, having just crossed the Mississippi.
In the early days of us transporting the tandem our rear wheel dropped out of the drop-outs whilst I was driving along the A12. It was prevented from escaping completely by the chain and gear cables. From that point on I understood that you have to strap the wheels on and not rely on drop-outs.
It looks like a scratched old home movie (Super 8, maybe) scanned!Tarzan's in Louisiana, having just crossed the Mississippi.
Just about here [at 21.13pm] (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@31.321914,-91.608938,3a,75y,205.29h,81.79t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s8heSX7kdW8nNs1wwWbAVdQ!2e0?hl=en)
Hey! Where's the GoogleMapVan you USAians?...we can't make out the infinity of the road ahead - the quality of these images are not what we're used to! :)
;DDo you think he gets anyone else to play with his dingaling?
He could ride a bike just like ringing a bell (at Marsh Gibbon)
I wouldn't mind doing a video sequence including the bridge at the top of the Natchez Trace.
(http://www.jasoncoleman.net/images/natchez.jpg)
I see he's back in Alabama... his big wheels keep on turning...
It only takes a second to get from Louisiana to Alabama. There's only one Mississippi in between them.
I notice Kurt was back on the 'bent. I hope it's been checked over properly. Apologies, but I'm not very confident of Kurt's mechanical prowess, given the issues so far.
I notice on his Day 70 video he has tape appear on his elbow at 18 seconds but on Day 71 video he has tape on both elbow and knee.
Has he had another couple of offs?
Can his body keep taking this damage for a year? He always seems to be doing more than Steve, but he's suffering injuries. I hope he is going to be okay, but I really would like to see jo's chart start to show a narrower gap between TG and Tarzan. 235 miles! I managed the Old 240, 400km event, in 23hrs. I can't imaging studying out 220-240 mile days back to back to back to back...
Tarzan's tracker displaying some oddness today - looks like it fired up accidentally late last night and then scarcely moved as the ACH SCIENCE has him averaging 6.9 km/h in small circles near Bay St Louis MS.
Tarzan's tracker displaying some oddness today - looks like it fired up accidentally late last night and then scarcely moved as the ACH SCIENCE has him averaging 6.9 km/h in small circles near Bay St Louis MS.
M Le Maire, what is the URL for ACH webby science for Tarzan? I have Steve's one, but I can't see a link on the ACH page to the Lord Greystoke.
Bookmarked. Ta.Tarzan's tracker displaying some oddness today - looks like it fired up accidentally late last night and then scarcely moved as the ACH SCIENCE has him averaging 6.9 km/h in small circles near Bay St Louis MS.
M Le Maire, what is the URL for ACH webby science for Tarzan? I have Steve's one, but I can't see a link on the ACH page to the Lord Greystoke.
http://audaxclubhackney.co.uk/tarzan.html (http://audaxclubhackney.co.uk/tarzan.html)
...but I wonder if the total climbing of either Kurt or Steve throughout the year would equate to once around the Old 240.Do you mean that as it reads? Old 240 if I've got the right one on AUK is 6400m. Tuesdays total for Steve was 133086m climbed and for Kurt 55088m from their Strava TYD totals so more than 20x and 8x respectively.
The gentle sloping and curving alignment of the current route closely follows the original foot passage. Its design harkens back to the way the original interweaving trails aligned as an ancient salt-lick-to-grazing-pasture migratory route of the American Bison and other game that moved between grazing the pastures of central and western Mississippi and the salt and other mineral surface deposits of the Cumberland Plateau. The route generally traverses the tops of the low hills and ridges of the watershed divides from northeast to southwest.
Native Americans, following the "traces" of bison and other game, further improved this "walking trail" for foot-borne commerce between major villages located in middle Mississippi and central Tennessee. The route is locally circuitous; however, by traversing this route the bison, and later humans, avoided the endless, energy-taxing climbing and descending of the many hills along the way. Also avoided was the danger to a herd (or groups of human travelers) of being caught en-masse at the bottom of a hollow or valley if attacked by predators. The nature of the route, to this day, affords good all-around visibility for those who travel it.
and hills do not enter in the planning.They surely do for the purpose of avoiding them. Even Kurt who can use his battle bus to get over lumpy bits would be detrimentally affected if he didn't avoid hills due to the load-up & unload time.
The Wiki entry on the Natchez Trace Parkway is interesting.QuoteThe gentle sloping and curving alignment of the current route closely follows the original foot passage. Its design harkens back to the way the original interweaving trails aligned as an ancient salt-lick-to-grazing-pasture migratory route of the American Bison and other game that moved between grazing the pastures of central and western Mississippi and the salt and other mineral surface deposits of the Cumberland Plateau. The route generally traverses the tops of the low hills and ridges of the watershed divides from northeast to southwest.
Native Americans, following the "traces" of bison and other game, further improved this "walking trail" for foot-borne commerce between major villages located in middle Mississippi and central Tennessee. The route is locally circuitous; however, by traversing this route the bison, and later humans, avoided the endless, energy-taxing climbing and descending of the many hills along the way. Also avoided was the danger to a herd (or groups of human travelers) of being caught en-masse at the bottom of a hollow or valley if attacked by predators. The nature of the route, to this day, affords good all-around visibility for those who travel it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_Trace_Parkway
The riders' routes are essentially 'paths of least resistance'. It would be interesting to chart them against ancient trackways.
The area is sparsely settled with the one main settlement of Marsh Gibbon on slightly higher ground in the north. The busy A41 cuts through the lower half of the area in an east west direction. It runs along the course of Akeman Street a Roman road.
Tarzan is less like to be troubled by Downs than Steve is. ;D
I think that one would be in too poor taste even for the Sun.Tarzan is less like to be troubled by Downs than Steve is. ;DContemplates a poor-taste joke but, unusually, shows restraint.
Developing a theory to explain the evidence, or manipulating the evidence to fit a theory?Odd. I see it as a horse, walking from west to east, but without a head.
Nothing to do with water sources, geographical advantages and ancient ley lines.
If you squint, you’ll get an image of a man trying to club a bull, but a mirror image of the one in the sky.
Developing a theory to explain the evidence, or manipulating the evidence to fit a theory?Odd. I see it as a horse, walking from west to east, but without a head.
Nothing to do with water sources, geographical advantages and ancient ley lines.
If you squint, you’ll get an image of a man trying to club a bull, but a mirror image of the one in the sky.
The Natchez Trace is about 440 miles long, so he could do out and back sections of about 110 miles, following the Spring North.
No internet last night and sketchy now through Louisiana.
From Kurt's Facebook a few minutes ago...QuoteNo internet last night and sketchy now through Louisiana.
Are you looking for a long ride on a well maintained road? Do you want to ride where there aren’t any trucks, where any traffic nicely gives you at least three feet or more of space? In fact, do you want a road where the occasional car seems like it’s out of place, like “why is that car on my bike path?” Are you looking for a relatively flat ride where you never have to move out of your large chainring?
I’ve got the ride for you! You need to ride on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Only the UMCA knows, but I'd like to think they are pragmatic enough to flex the Rules.
It would by very cnuty (anag.) to strike out (or seek to have struck out) miles ridden because of this kind of infraction, if reasonable efforts were made to submit the information and it is done as soon as possible once the "barrier" is removed.
It is not unknown for such a pragmatic approach to be followed occasionally in AUK, should (for example) postal returns (e.g. perm brevets) not be submitted within the recommended timescale. But then, AUK is stuffed to the rafters of sensible people.
Why relax the rule? He signed up for it and it isn't THAT difficult to get a phone signal in the USA. He needs to kit himself up to post the track every day, as he is supposed to. Otherwise, the penalty should be applied.I agree with this. Kurt is choosing his routes and while there may be a lack of 4G or similar signals, if there is a phone line, then you can upload.
If he can post a Facebook message that says he's struggling for wifi/signal, then he can post a ride, surely?!
But no rule has been bent or set aside in this case, as I understand it? Since they have 24 hours to upload the data and that hasn't passed.
He's also got a support vehicle and support crew member in attendance. He can presumably make the call whether he'd prefer them to remain in attendance on him, or go off in search of internet access: google suggests there's no shortage of motels with public wifi close(ish) to his route.
Just about any branch of The Scottish Restaurant has wi-fi these days.
Just about any branch of The Scottish Restaurant has wi-fi these days.
THERE is NOTHING SCOTTISH about that particular chain >:( >:( >:(. And I would walk a 500 miles to avoid that golden arch...and I would walk 500 more. No McHaggis, neeps and tatties or a bridie in sight.
#storminateacup
Rides public. And decent mileage too (but not compared to Steve's massive turn yesterday. Huzzah).
Pedants can now commence poring over whether they were submitted within 24 hours of the stipulated time.
Just about any branch of The Scottish Restaurant has wi-fi these days.
THERE is NOTHING SCOTTISH about that particular chain >:( >:( >:(. And I would walk a 500 miles to avoid that golden arch...and I would walk 500 more. No McHaggis, neeps and tatties or a bridie in sight.
it isn't THAT difficult to get a phone signal in the USAYou might be surprised. Outside of urban areas it certainly still can be. Have a look here - http://opensignal.com/networks/usa/verizon-coverage (http://opensignal.com/networks/usa/verizon-coverage) - zoom in a bit and see the holes expand. And I linked to the Verizon map because they're arguably regarded as having the best coverage, nationwide.
Perhaps I should have written phone, rather than signal. Land lines work. If a native USA-ian is travelling in his own country and needs to connect to the internet each day, he needs to do whatever needs to be done to ensure that happens.
#storminateacup
Rides public. And decent mileage too (but not compared to Steve's massive turn yesterday. Huzzah).
Pedants can now commence poring over whether they were submitted within 24 hours of the stipulated time.
Thank you - and if you had posted with the mileage and the time it was posted at it would perhaps have been greatly appreciated. Do I have to sign up to Strava to find that out? (Which makes little sense since I have no intention of posting my rides to Strava or even logging them digitally).
My word. I recall using an acoustic coupler to connect the teletype in our "computer lab" at school to the mainframes at Leicester University (CDC Cyber 72) and County Hall (Univac 1100) in 1978.
Makes I feel very old...
245.6mi @19.8mph with over 6k of climbing. A very strong day.
Indeed. It's why he chose to start 10 days behind Steve, and what he has to do.
Steve's last 7 days have returned 1488.3 miles, which is pretty much exactly what he needs to keep up for the rest of the year as an average. In the same period, Kurt has done 1558.6, 10 miles a day more. At that rate, Kurt would overtake Steve on 12th July or thereabouts.
Go Steve!
I'm afraid Steve's pride in spending 6 hours riding 50 miles in a 30mph headwind has come back to haunt him.
I'm afraid Steve's pride in spending 6 hours riding 50 miles in a 30mph headwind has come back to haunt him.
This is conjecture. In the circumstances, neither appropriate nor welcome. Let's wait and see.
I'm afraid Steve's pride in spending 6 hours riding 50 miles in a 30mph headwind has come back to haunt him.
GO TARZAN
I'm afraid Steve's pride in spending 6 hours riding 50 miles in a 30mph headwind has come back to haunt him.
GO TARZAN
I hope this is not the case and he'll be back on the bike again shortly... That said, I do have to question the logic of riding headlong into the wind for 15 hours straight. It seems the better option would be to ride loops on such days.
Perhaps I should have written phone, rather than signal. Land lines work. If a native USA-ian is travelling in his own country and needs to connect to the internet each day, he needs to do whatever needs to be done to ensure that happens.
Indeed. Given the availability of a support person and motor vehicle, a satellite phone is probably overkill, but it doesn't seem unreasonable to have a POTS modem and dialup account on standby just in case. (I'm vaguely aware that vast swathes of the rural US are broadband-impaired, also).
LMT isn't trolling, just pointing out some facts,
Steve's pride in spending 6 hours riding 50 miles in a 30mph headwind has come back to haunt him.is fact rather than speculation. "An incident on the A38" could mean many things.
LMT,
I don't understand why you post such negative and inflammatory stuff. You are one of a very very small minority who is clearly not supporting and applauding the efforts of both riders, but instead have nailed your colours to the mast and will troll away regardless. It's really quite unpleasant and spoils what is otherwise an amicable and pleasant internet place to be.
Please be more thoughtful when posting in the future.
To some extent, LMT is correct in this instance.
Anyone who uses "could of have got" should be on an ignore list anyway ;D
Anyone who uses "could of have got" should be on an ignore list anyway ;D
And those that feel the need to point out typo's to make a point should be banned.
Anyone who uses "could of have got" should be on an ignore list anyway ;D
And those that feel the need to point out typo's to make a point should be banned.
That was unfortunate ...
</pedant>
To some extent, LMT is correct in this instance.
With respect, that was posted yesterday.... I'm afraid Steve's pride in spending 6 hours riding 50 miles in a 30mph headwind has come back to haunt him. ...
Feeling smug now? ::-)
With respect, that was posted yesterday.... I'm afraid Steve's pride in spending 6 hours riding 50 miles in a 30mph headwind has come back to haunt him. ...
Feeling smug now? ::-)
It's terrible what has happened to Steve today. I'm sure we all wish him the best.
Lets just hope that Kurt (and any other riders) stay accident free out there.
If I was him, I would be looking to press home the advantage to make myself totally out of reach by the time Steve might return.
If I was him, I would be looking to press home the advantage to make myself totally out of reach by the time Steve might return.
I would expect that Kurt, being a competitive sort by all accounts, will try to set a benchmark that Miles will struggle to overtake. It must be a strange situation for him, given his racing background. Or not. Time will tell.
... a donkey-felching baboon...
I may have to borrow that...
... a donkey-felching baboon...
I may have to borrow that...
But under no circumstances change it to Gibbon! >:( ;)
there are also cretins over on Strava making completely unwarranted digs against Steve.
This from Kurts' FB page:-
"A sad day for our British rider in the HAM'R attempt. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Steven Abraham for a speedy recovery."
What a nice bloke!
211 miles from Tarzan yesterday, awesome riding.
211 miles from Tarzan yesterday, awesome riding.
Looking back at his last fortnight, it looks par rather than awesome.
The 234 and 245 days were awesome.
AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!
Used the awesome word ;DAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!
¿que? ???
Classy new photo on Kurt's FB homepage :thumbsup:
It's not just a photo, it's his Facebook page banner (i.e. the photo that goes along the top). Really nice gesture.
This gesture, as well as things I've seen over the last 3 months, hasjustmade me click the like button on Kurt's page.
Now, let's all be nice to one another.
Almost four hundred clicks. That's truly fearsome.
Almost four hundred clicks. That's truly fearsome.
Almost four hundred clicks. That's truly fearsome.
I heard 'Nutbush City Limits' on the radio, and wondered how you'd get to 'Highway Number 19' from Little Rock. Probably via Memphis, as the Mississippi has relatively few crossings.
It's interesting to connect the fragments of geography that I know through popular song into a coherent view of a region.
215.8 miles for Tarzan yesterday mainly around Little Rock .
he's probably kicking back a bit now there's no pressure from Steve...good luck to him he seems a good blokeMad isn't it, metronomic turns of ~210 then on a fair day 219 miles does seem like he's kicked back. Keep it up Kurt, only your lousy luck to beat now.
but it's hard to stay interested now :'(Only 8 days to Miles starts, that should help with the interest 'till Steve is all patched up.
This will be the hardest part mentally I'd think for Kurt. He doesn't have a pacemaker to give a short term aim, he's well ahead of Tommy Godwin's progress, but still has most of the year to go.
Hopefully he'll keep churning out the distances though :)
Perfect conditions for Kurt yesterday - a bit surprised he didn't clock even more miles.
Strong tailwind all day and very flat.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/735694686 (https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/735694686)
Perfect conditions for Kurt yesterday - a bit surprised he didn't clock even more miles.
Strong tailwind all day and very flat.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/735694686 (https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/735694686)
Video up on Facebook, a day of issues it seems,
Great Tailwind ride to MO State Line.
Anyone else looking at this every so often and shaking their head in disbelief of what Kurt is achieving?
Hats off to him.
H
His average speeds are breathtaking.
Refers to the fact Steve is getting a trike and therefore Kurt is feeling left out :D
I took it to be a light-hearted piss take of Steve's plans.
H
No comments about Kurt's ride yesterday?
He did 240 miles at an average speed of 20.1 mph with an average heartrate of 86 bpm. Even if wind was involved, that is a hugely impressive bit of athleticism squeezed in after 89 days of riding.
As they like to say over on Strava: Kudos.
London ( Tower Bridge ) to Bristol ( Clifton Suspension Bridge ) and back at evens :o F**KING HELL.
Have I got this right?
The 12hr velodrome TT WR is 286 miles?
Kurt is 4/5 of this ON THE ROAD, after a ride of over 200 mile yesterday, with the prospect of another 200+ miles ride tomorrow.
My hat is well and truly off.
My average HR for a flattish 20-mile 17mph ride is around 150. How the hell does Kurt do this at 86? I get more than that walking to the kitchen for another beer.
Oh.
Although part of it will presumably be sensible use of weather conditions (tailwind
Clearly he is using prevailing conditions to best advantage. Something Steve also takes into account no doubt.
He's just passed through the delightfully named "Bald Knob"???
It was once known as the leading strawberry producer in the world.
sorry to point out that he does between 5 and 6 times the distance.. phenominal athlete indeed!
A "viral and parasitic infection" - sounds serious.... Hope Kurt's ok!!
Not what you want to see happen!!
Mopeds, viruses... let's hope Miles Smith at least can get through a year without mishap.
Mopeds, viruses... let's hope Miles Smith at least can get through a year without mishap.
Taken from Tarzan's facebook "4 easy loops on the river trail as I start to recover - 1/2 way back to full distance day."
He is still recovering so only rode 101 MILES! This man is a monster. Pretty much in bed for two days due to horrendous virus and then straight back out to ride 100 miles...
Mopeds, viruses... let's hope Miles Smith at least can get through a year without mishap.
Mopeds, viruses... let's hope Miles Smith at least can get through a year without mishap.
Australia = Snakes, spiders, scorpions and a whole host of other things that kill people!! ::-)
Mopeds, viruses... let's hope Miles Smith at least can get through a year without mishap.
Australia = Snakes, spiders, scorpions and a whole host of other things that kill people!! ::-)
So you'd think, but the biggest hazard in Melbourne is the European wasp, which doesn't die off over winter so is becoming worse every summer.
He's at no danger from spiders, snakes, scorpions or drop bears on his chosen route. And the last shark fatality was 1956 - and you have to be in the water for that.
He has to watch out for bogans in utes though.
Looks like it's all be fairly well answered. Except "Orstrilian" is the old pronunciation, it's more correctly spelt 'Straylin.
Might have more to do with the French colonisation of that part of USAnia?
Looks like Kurt's back on it. 201.9 miles yesterday.
Well, we wanted to find out why "Kansas" is pronounced "kan-sas" while "Arkansas" is pronounced "ar-kan-saw", so we asked the local Indians. They told us:So we think they don't know either.
- not to call them "Indians", and
- to piss off
All I have is 3/4 of a day in me right now
enlarged lymph gland (maybe or something else growing) below the right cheek (size of baseball) has made riding a little pain and slow - moved to the bent today to relieve pressure maybe it will get better.
I think a basketball would envelope his whole head.
Having said that, it's unclear which cheek Jochta was referring to.
I think there are lymph glands in various places. I have been known to be wrong about such things.
For men's cricket, the ball must weigh between 5 1/2 and 5 3/4 ounces (155.9 and 163.0 g) and measure between 8 13/16 and 9 in (224 and 229 mm) in circumference.
The ball features a rubber or cork center, wrapped in yarn and covered, in the words of the Official Baseball Rules "with two strips of white horsehide or cowhide, tightly stitched together." It is 9.00–9.25 inches (228.60–234.95 mm) in circumference (2.86–2.94 in or 72.64–74.68 mm in diameter) and masses from 5.00 to 5.25 ounces (141.75 to 148.83 g)
220 miles yesterday.
Looks like he's feeling a bit beat up going by his post on FB
"Another 12 hours on the bent - getting saddle sores in all new places along with back problems. Headed toward L.R.tomorrow Alicia Snyder say I have to go to the clinic to have the growth evaluated :( "
The danger with being forced to trust yourself to physicians when involved in this sort of massive endurance event is that they are likely to tell you to stop being so bloody stupid.
I lost the impetus to follow with Kurt ever since Steve got knocked down
A yacf top would look good on kurt !!!That's a very good idea.
I lost the impetus to follow with Kurt ever since Steve got knocked down, but just checking back in every now and then, he continues to put in some consistently impressive performances.
I am surprised that the american bike industrial , have not got behind kurt. A few tops & shorts would be very cheap advertising . I have a nos audax uk top sitting in the draw . Might send it out when my skin & blister returns to the USA . I don't need it my hands in plaster . A yacf top would look good on kurt !!!Nice idea. I reckon AUK could afford a jersey or two.
consistently impressive performances.consistently knocking out rides well over 300km and dropping in the occasional 400km+ monster day. Great stuff.
Awesome riding, said it from day one, wind or no wind, to bang out sub 12hr 200+ ride after ride after...is awesome sauce.
Alicia and Kurt make a great team, I think. Their constant good humour and gentle ribbing of each other is a delight, and makes light of what is, by any human standard, an incredible challenge. I really, really hope Kurt can make it through the rest of the year without the kind of upsets that Steve and Miles have suffered.
Alicia and Kurt make a great team, I think. Their constant good humour and gentle ribbing of each other is a delight, and makes light of what is, by any human standard, an incredible challenge. I really, really hope Kurt can make it through the rest of the year without the kind of upsets that Steve and Miles have suffered.Too late - Kurt has already had a bout of serious illness.
I'm aware of the lump issue which forced him into riding the 'bent for a few days, but he only lost a couple of days' full-distance efforts as far as I knew. Was there something else?Alicia and Kurt make a great team, I think. Their constant good humour and gentle ribbing of each other is a delight, and makes light of what is, by any human standard, an incredible challenge. I really, really hope Kurt can make it through the rest of the year without the kind of upsets that Steve and Miles have suffered.Too late - Kurt has already had a bout of serious illness.
He rode through it, was multiple days of vomiting and diarrhoea.I'm aware of the lump issue which forced him into riding the 'bent for a few days, but he only lost a couple of days' full-distance efforts as far as I knew. Was there something else?Alicia and Kurt make a great team, I think. Their constant good humour and gentle ribbing of each other is a delight, and makes light of what is, by any human standard, an incredible challenge. I really, really hope Kurt can make it through the rest of the year without the kind of upsets that Steve and Miles have suffered.Too late - Kurt has already had a bout of serious illness.
Yes, I remember now you mention it. Nasty, but perhaps not as debilitating as a broken ankle or collapsed lung! Let's hope he gets no worse in the remaining 7 months.He rode through it, was multiple days of vomiting and diarrhoea.I'm aware of the lump issue which forced him into riding the 'bent for a few days, but he only lost a couple of days' full-distance efforts as far as I knew. Was there something else?Alicia and Kurt make a great team, I think. Their constant good humour and gentle ribbing of each other is a delight, and makes light of what is, by any human standard, an incredible challenge. I really, really hope Kurt can make it through the rest of the year without the kind of upsets that Steve and Miles have suffered.Too late - Kurt has already had a bout of serious illness.
How to end your OYTT attempt early (don't worry, no harm done):
Tour du Rock (https://video-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xpa1/v/t43.1792-2/10291024_1622757314632642_497638255_n.mp4?oh=7aa92de5a24a38b2974a2bb0b55e8690&oe=557612CA) (see 4m:05s)
A Crazy Ivan...
Nothing on Tarzan for over a week?
As per Jo's ever informative thread, Kurt is now above the Godwin Pace Line.
I think that deserves as woohoo. So. Woohoo.
As per Jo's ever informative thread, Kurt is now above the Godwin Pace Line.
I think that deserves as woohoo. So. Woohoo.
Kurt is at risk of being the forgotten man in this.According to jo's summary thread, Kurt has posted no rides/data for the whole weekend.
Kurt is at risk of being the forgotten man in this.According to jo's summary thread, Kurt has posted no rides/data for the whole weekend.
Any news around that hasn't made it to YACF-land? :-\
just watched the latest FB vid.
Has anyne actually seen Kurt on a road that wasnt PAN-flat?!?
organisinghelping with / riding the flattest 200 in the AUK calendar
just watched the latest FB vid.
Has anyne actually seen Kurt on a road that wasnt PAN-flat?!?
just watched the latest FB vid.
Has anyne actually seen Kurt on a road that wasnt PAN-flat?!?
I can only assume there's something in TEH ROOLZ about not starting each day from the highest peak you can find and freewheeling as far as the mountain will take you.
Assumptions are dangerous things.I can only assume there's something in TEH ROOLZ about not starting each day from the highest peak you can find and freewheeling as far as the mountain will take you.
Nope; both Tarzan and Miles have used motorised means to get between segments of their riding. As long as the SCIENCE doesn't record it as distance ridden.
Quoteorganisinghelping with / riding the flattest 200 in the AUK calendar
big thumbs up to Kurt. :thumbsup:
It must be a big psycological boost crossing the line.
re riding flat roads why shouldn't he? On such a huge challenge it seems crazy to me to make it any tougher than it needs to be.
I really don't think its appropriate to be having a dig at any of the riders for their individual approach providing it's covered by the letter & spirit of the UMCA rules.Let me know if that happens, won't you? :thumbsup:
Let me know if that happens, won't you? :thumbsup:
I saw that as a remark admiring his planning.
yes, ive followed his data extensively, and clearly a lot of days do include enough climbing to be ... visible.just watched the latest FB vid.
Has anyne actually seen Kurt on a road that wasnt PAN-flat?!?
their roads do have the impression of flat but having ridden up a falr bit (400k of it) not far away I can assure you they are not;
his GC rides all have climbing figures
I can only assume there's something in TEH ROOLZ about not starting each day from the highest peak you can find and freewheeling as far as the mountain will take you.
Nope; both Tarzan and Miles have used motorised means to get between segments of their riding. As long as the SCIENCE doesn't record it as distance ridden.
I reckon US-12 in Idaho is 173 miles mostly downhill from the summit of Lolo Pass to Lewiston and the former is "only" about 5300' above sea level - much higher roads are available in Colorado.
yes, ive followed his data extensively, and clearly a lot of days do include enough climbing to be ... visible.just watched the latest FB vid.
Has anyne actually seen Kurt on a road that wasnt PAN-flat?!?
their roads do have the impression of flat but having ridden up a falr bit (400k of it) not far away I can assure you they are not;
his GC rides all have climbing figures
So I am surprised that every vid I've watched really is on pan-flat tarmac, usually stretching into the distance with no sign of change. Perhaps the climby bits are also on more technical roads i.e. its harder to film from the van safely*
Dunno.
Anyway - Kurt fans are free to make any assumptions they like about my thoughts and intentions (and about the rules!)
*I'm not going to open THAT can of worms again here ...
yes, ive followed his data extensively, and clearly a lot of days do include enough climbing to be ... visible.
So I am surprised that every vid I've watched really is on pan-flat tarmac, usually stretching into the distance with no sign of change. Perhaps the climby bits are also on more technical roads i.e. its harder to film from the van safely*
Dunno.
Kurt is currently heading east on about the straightest road I've ever seen marked on a map. It's about 20 miles without deviation. I bet he hasn't got a headwind.
Maybe not, but you can bet he's working a lot harder than Tommy Godwin was when he was drafting behind his team of pacers.
Kurt is currently heading east on about the straightest road I've ever seen marked on a map. It's about 20 miles without deviation. I bet he hasn't got a headwind.
Coming on to 19:30 bst. No movement from Kurt yet. Is he saying anything on faceache, faceachers?
272 miles or 437km. Averages 30km/hr for almost 14hrs.
Just awesome.
272 miles or 437km. Averages 30km/hr for almost 14hrs.
Just awesome.
He does admit to having had a stonking tailwind (presumably for the whole day). Just shows what a difference that can make!
Over half way and Tarzan keeps knocking out the long rides - awesome riding.
This morning Kurt was having trouble breathing when riding the recumbent again. We thought it might be congestion or a lung infection. I had him quit early so that he could be seen. His X-ray showed that in his right lung he has a hemi-elevated diaphragm. What that means, we don't know until he sees a pulmonologist. We already know he has a large heart and now less space in his lungs? Blood work shows he's a bit anemic too. Yet, he keeps HAM'Ring on!!! - Alicia
Heard a garbeled message 'Kurt is hurt' (one of the two US of A competitors). Hope its not serious and he's back on the treadmill asap, drafting that RV of his.
Kind words from Miles on Facebook!Up to the last five words, yes.QuoteHeard a garbeled message 'Kurt is hurt' (one of the two US of A competitors). Hope its not serious and he's back on the treadmill asap, drafting that RV of his.
I'm surprised that in today's analysis post, jo didnt mention Kurt's line creeping above the x-axis.Are you looking at Godwin's 1939 line? Kurt's line crept over the x-axis (meaning that he's got a daily target of less than 1 Godwin) several weeks ago.
Kurt has had this annoying cough and chest irritation going on for a while now. He tried the recumbent yesterday, but that didn't last long. He has an appointment to see a doctor on Wednesday. His motivation, energy and spirits were low yesterday. I had to help him get out of this funk. So, I told him to find an area I could park the van and we both could ride. We cruised around Fox Lake enjoying the scenery like tourists. His spirits lifted and he was off again. Yeah! He wanted to end his ride at this outdoor pub/restaurant we had passed so many times (we NEVER have time to eat out or go to dinner). I was to jump ahead and meet him there, but it was packed with a long wait. Oh well... I'm really proud of him for staying on his bike. It was a long day and he got through it. He did it... again. ~ Alicia
Steve is indeed inspirational and it is such a massive shame that his initial effort was cut short by a piss-head. I wonder where he would have been now if he hadn't been injured.
But starting again must take a determination which is impossible for most of us to comprehend.
But eight months and tens of thousands of miles in, I don't think anyone has any lingering suspicions that Kurt is anything other than an outstanding sportsman and a hell of a cyclist.
I think there was a degree of suspicion about Kurt at the outset. Steve was hacking unsupported through an icy British Winter - often in darkness and mostly alone and frequently in challenging terrain whereas Kurt was under a Florida sun on pancake flat roads with a support vehicle. And, to cap it off, Kurt seemed to be mirroring Steve's distances each day. Icy British Winter hills are something we're familiar with in a cycling context -whereas Florida is where people go on holiday for sun. A lazy association but understandable.
But eight months and tens of thousands of miles in, I don't think anyone has any lingering suspicions that Kurt is anything other than an outstanding sportsman and a hell of a cyclist.
The terrain and conditions are different,Exactly. This is indisputable plain fact.
I wouldn't have thought that Steve's mileages are very relevant to Kurt any more, unless he and Alicia feel they're a motivation simply on a daily basis. I suspect it's simply coincidence; after all, they're both aiming for roughly the same mpd anyway. But Alicia's support, and the RV, are worth their weight in gold!Looks like 3 days of identical mileages in under a week. that's a heck of a coincidence!
I wouldn't have thought that Steve's mileages are very relevant to Kurt any more, unless he and Alicia feel they're a motivation simply on a daily basis. I suspect it's simply coincidence; after all, they're both aiming for roughly the same mpd anyway. But Alicia's support, and the RV, are worth their weight in gold!Looks like 3 days of identical mileages in under a week. that's a heck of a coincidence!
I wouldn't have thought that Steve's mileages are very relevant to Kurt any more, unless he and Alicia feel they're a motivation simply on a daily basis.
Where does that info come from? According to his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides) he was just feeling tired yesterday in windy conditions. He completed 142 miles in total.
Where does that info come from? According to his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides) he was just feeling tired yesterday in windy conditions. He completed 142 miles in total.
First ride of the day - started late - rode 2 hours - took a nap - the rode again - felt like I had no power - I was a sleaking front tire - fixed it - still had no power so I called it and took another nap
Reading Kurt's FB pages it looks to me as though he is struggling more than at any other stage. Yesterday "had nothing to give". Previous day "felt like I had no power".
I haven't followed this so avidly as I did before - partly down to the interest having been taken out of it by Steve's injury and partly because I have spent quite a bit of the summer doing other stuff. Reading Kurt's FB pages it looks to me as though he is struggling more than at any other stage. Yesterday "had nothing to give". Previous day "felt like I had no power".
I'm far more concerned about Steve, who looks like he's going to be posting 8 sub-200 mile rides in the last 9 days in his re-load. Considering this is one of the "good" months, that is worrying.This.
Unfortunately I agree. Jo's charts and daily updates are informative, but do not convey how much this drop in summer miles is impacting Steve's chances.Absolutely. Looking at the schedule, it appears that Steve's lower schedule has, at this time of year, about the same gradient as the maximum Godwin gradient. Really, Steve needs to be putting in days of nearly 300 miles in order to make hay while the sun is shining. Is he paying for not having really had a proper rest in July before his reboot?
Unfortunately I agree. Jo's charts and daily updates are informative, but do not convey how much this drop in summer miles is impacting Steve's chances.Absolutely. Looking at the schedule, it appears that Steve's lower schedule has, at this time of year, about the same gradient as the maximum Godwin gradient. Really, Steve needs to be putting in days of nearly 300 miles in order to make hay while the sun is shining. Is he paying for not having really had a proper rest in July before his reboot?
I also suspect he might have his eye on eventually holding the record for the lifetime number of Mersey 24s and PBPs.
Bahh :( I've become a Facebook infidel can't view his page any more
must....resist......
Bahh :( I've become a Facebook infidel can't view his page any more
must....resist......
The more Zuckerperson makes it difficult to look in from the outside, the less I want to join up.
I wonder how many of their claimed 1.5bn users are mysteriously named "Lance Myboyle" or some such,
Yes, I don't think that there is much to be gained by mixing organised events into the plans.
Steve didn't add any real mileage by doing PBP, and the days around the Mersey Roads were rather ordinary (by his standard). Of course, Steve will have enjoyed the change in routine and the chance to ride in company for a change.
1st garmin marked by detours. The rest of the day would be worse. National Burn Your Trash Day in northeast arkansas added more smoke to an already hot and hazy day. P2 broke shifter cable - everything need to be moved to the giant. Giant hadn't been ridden for a while so obviously it had a flat rear tire that had to be changed before I could start. Giant's rear derailyer went into crash mode when I worked on the tire so I had to reset it. Finally I'm cruising along on some great roads with Giant riding great. Get to Gas station for next hop with some fried orka - things are looking up as we drive toward LR. Around Cabot things take another turn. A driver pulls up along side to tell me that a bike is dragging. Envie rear Rim destroyed (Can anyone help with that). I ride into little rock from Jacksonville and head into the house. About 2 miles from the house city of L.R. has decided to fuck up so my roads in the neighbor. I hit lip of ground payment and break the handle bars on the giant. That is 3 bikes out of commission so when I get home I have to start building the titanium bike frame up. As I'm doing this I go to load my garmin for the day but alas my computer has decide it going to crash too. So this morning I'm on my old computer getting ready to ride a bike that is opitimized for being on the comuputrainer. Alicia Snyder will be see a lot of bike shops today. We are looking for a new or used 4 bike rack to replace what we currently using. Its time to go ride or at least try.
Very much so.https://youtu.be/iQRyKMsp3pY
"One more lap around the world to go" reminds me of an absolutely dreadful song in the BBC children's hymn book, which, many years ago, it was my excruciating duty to have to teach to the little buggers. I would imagine that several of our younger members used to sing it.
ADULT BABYSITTER WANTED! - must be able to ride 20 mph and escort around old guy who is tired - apply at the big white van parked by 2RB anytime of the day or night. Simple 10 mile loop. :) Groups and longer rides will be considered. Seriously I'll take all the help I can get over then next couple of months in AR. That is the way the record was set so I think I'll have to employ those tactics to insure we succeed!
I am appaled.
ENsure, for pitys sake!
Kurt has put an appeal out on Facebook for pacing support.
:thumbsup:
I've got a book covering all of this coming out next month called "The Year".
:thumbsup:
I've got a book covering all of this coming out next month called "The Year".
Where do I pre-order?
it's really puzzling how TG was able to but in those incredible consecutive daily distances
Kurt has put an appeal out on Facebook for pacing support.
I read that earlier but though it was more a bit of fun at his own expense than a serious plan. Let's face it, what are the chances of getting anything like a steady stream of elite riders who have the time/inclination to spend days on the roads of Arkansas doing loops around Little Rock.
Yesterday was a good day! Tarzan put down some sizzling miles despite the miserable humid heat in the high 90's (van registered over 100 degrees and heat index 110 - ouch). Local superstar Greg Eberdt caught up with Kurt and gave him a good pull dragging me along too. If you're out riding give him a wave, cheer him on, or turn around and ride with him! Give him a pull or just ride as long as you can, anything helps the cause. He loves the company, it boosts his moral and you will be part of history in the making!!! Thanks ~ The Crew
Brilliant, thanks for taking the time out to post an update, Steve. :thumbsup:
We are all gunning for you, even though it is you doing all the work. And giving your best.
Thanks for putting the record straight CF. Not sure where I got the misinformation from ??? That really does make TG's effort staggering.
However, the two men refused to be deterred by these hardships. Egged on by each other and their sponsors, their monthly figures quickly began to dwarf those set by Nicholson. Bennett took the honours between March and June, consistently riding further than Godwin each month and clawing back Godwin’s advantage.
In July 1939, Godwin rode a massive 8,583 miles in response, barely pausing for sleep, as both riders were being paced by other riders or their sponsors setting mileage objectives. It had got out of hand, and by mutual consent the pacing ceased, leaving the riders to complete the year riding solo.
Read more at http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/cycling-weekly/tommy-godwin-75065-miles-in-a-year-45701#myzfHCBz5htzz44I.99
I'm Spartacus!:thumbsup:
I've got a book covering all of this coming out next month called "The Year".
Where do I pre-order?
And me!
:thumbsup:
I've got a book covering all of this coming out next month called "The Year".
Where do I pre-order?
Yesterday was a good day! Tarzan put down some sizzling miles despite the miserable humid heat in the high 90's (van registered over 100 degrees and heat index 110 - ouch). Local superstar Greg Eberdt caught up with Kurt and gave him a good pull dragging me along too. If you're out riding give him a wave, cheer him on, or turn around and ride with him! Give him a pull or just ride as long as you can, anything helps the cause. He loves the company, it boosts his moral and you will be part of history in the making!!! Thanks ~ The Crew
I did wonder whether AUK could give Kurt some sort of "merit" recognition for the interest he has generated in long distance cycling.
Thanks for putting the record straight CF. Not sure where I got the misinformation from ??? That really does make TG's effort staggering.
Possibly from the Cycling Weekly articles about the record. Cycling Weekly being the successor to 'Cycling'. Somehow the story has mutated to 'Plucky Brit against the odds'.
We're not sure, as a team, whether or not I can do the 300 mile days or if that is the best way to go about it.Thanks for taking the time to post, Steve. Dealing with lack of sleep is a real problem - take it from someone who does it for a a living! People react in very different ways - I'm lucky, after 40-odd years of it I can function quite well on repeated days of very little sleep, and continue doing it indefinitely (though Dog knows what it's doing to my health in the long term...). The important thing is to work within your own limits, and don't push them too far while you're engaged in the OYTT. The consequences of chronic fatigue will have at least as bad an effect on your progress as a broken ankle!!
The real headscratcher is how Tommy got by on so little sleep.
I have to keep an open mind on how to tackle it and as much as I like the idea of the 300 mile days, I have to do whatever works best for me. We don't know if Tommy had any special differences to me that enabled him to do what I cannot.
However, I remain hopeful of the 300 mile days even though I accept that they may not happen.
Hoppo may have put me on to something that may enable me to thrive on less sleep.
I have my theories about how it could work but it's early days.
The schedule is pretty much out the window. I am only really picking up from where I left off before the broken ankle so I am expecting the miles to increase until the weather knocks it down.
Kurt has proven that I don't need to do consecutive 300 milers but I will do whatever I can and give it my best.
Thanks for putting the record straight CF. Not sure where I got the misinformation from ??? That really does make TG's effort staggering.
Possibly from the Cycling Weekly articles about the record. Cycling Weekly being the successor to 'Cycling'. Somehow the story has mutated to 'Plucky Brit against the odds'.
Ah - thanks for that. I knew I'd read somewhere earlier in the year about Godwin being paced. I suspect we'll never know exactly what went on in those summer months, although CF's book should be as close to definitive as we're ever likely to get, by the sounds of it. Looking forward to reading it. :)
Spending up to 18 hours a day in the saddle, Godwin's best day's run was an amazing 361 miles on 21 June 1939. After six months, he had ridden 34,610 miles. July saw the most miles, 8,581, chalked up (an average of 277 a day) and that month Godwin stopped riding with pacers and the rest of his record was accomplished solo. The 50,000-mile mark was reached on 29 August and with two months to spare, he broke the previous record riding into Trafalgar Square on 26 October completing 62,658 miles. By year's end Godwin had notched up 75,065 miles (averaging 205.6 miles a day), riding through the appalling winter of 1939-40 and despite wartime blackout restrictions and rationing. He reached the remarkable mark of 100,000 miles before finally halting on 14 May 1940 after an incredible 499 days awheel. These records remain unbroken to this day.
“The splendid performance of S.H. Ferris, latest recruit to the ranks of Nottingham’s ‘star’ cyclists, in beating (subject to EEA confirmation) in the early hours of this morning the national Edinburgh-London record for unpaced road riding is expected to bring a new phase of prosperity to the works of Messrs. Sturmey-Archer Gears Ltd. Ferris, who is riding professionally for this Nottingham concern, is expected to attach further records next year. His object is to emphasise the greater efficiency of the product of the British gear industry against many foreign types of chain gears which have invaded the country in recent years” Nottingham Post, 14 October 1936
I think the story about Tommy Godwin being drafted is probably quite old and Citizenfish tells us that his research indicates that it isn't true. It probably needs to be filed alongside the story that the Dun Run was started by a load of couriers who didn't know when to stop.
When this all started at the beginning of the year, I thought Kurt was a bit of a tart with the deep rims and recumbent and everything, however as time has gone on I really have warmed to him he really presents himself well. I enjoy the facebook videos which quite often show how much of a strain the record is having on him and Alicia both physically and mentally not to mention the wear and tear on the hardware.
I like the fact its a warts and all account, open and honest much kudos to Alicia for that.
I think as long as fate doesn't intervene then I think Kurt will get the record.
Kurt's 233 mile day yesterday brought his mpd target to 199.25. More storming days like that and the light will start to appear at the end the tunnel.
I am not known for hanging about on Audax events ...
...nothing short of astonishing.
I am not known for hanging about on Audax events ...
...nothing short of astonishing.
I think that even if you are the fastest of the fast in audax terms, there is a gulf between elite cyclists and the rest.
I know that there is no utility in comparing the fastest etape riders with regular TdF riders. They are different animals. Kurt is not known as the Beast for nothing.
I was musing about Kurt's objective now he is approaching the 3/4 stage. On current pace he will break the record and add just over 1,000k to it.
QuoteI was musing about Kurt's objective now he is approaching the 3/4 stage. On current pace he will break the record and add just over 1,000k to it.
so that gives him the record with around 3 days to spare
even a hail mary of riding for 3 days straight wouldn't add a great deal on the basis of the record
Did a big loop out east then rode with lots of people in the afternoon. Adam Xaysuda, Greg Eberdt, Lisa Longinotti and many more!
Reading the thread on FB, there seems to be at least one medically-qualified commenter willing to help out, and he has been told that he needn't change anything he does while he carries the medical heart recording device (though I wonder if he told them at the heart hospital that he was riding 220 mpd?!). Hopefully the condition can be managed while he continues to ride.
He may do that, but let's say he breaks the record with a week to go.
TARZAN UPDATE: Kurt was out the door before 5:AM heading east then south/southwest. BDB is today and he was planning on riding, but he's had enough excitement for the week. We hope everyone understands and has a great ride today. Yesterday, the cardiologist was encouraging and said, "Don't give up!" So, he is good to go. Although, he does need to get his hypothyroid under control and see an endocrinologist asap. And yes, I'll be dragging his stubborn butt in to see whoever he needs to see to make sure he is healthy enough to continue. I expected this last lap around the earth to be the most difficult with unexpected road blocks and challenges. We have both taken big hits, yet there is no stopping us. This is just what we were meant to do. Thank you for all of your well wishes and support. ~ Alicia
He had a car trip between two periods of riding, so I think the tracker would have given a misleading impression. There's also an 8 mile stretch at around 10:30am where he appears to have hopped in the car. So I make it around 205 miles for the day.
Day 263 says 211 miles
That video about not breathing says day 199?
Yesterday was rough. Kurt rode about 164 miles. We found a stretch of 50 miles along a highway that had a great shoulder with a rumble strip next to the white line. His energy was very low and he was complaining about being very tired. In an effort to maximize road and wind conditions of 10 to 15 mph, I would shuttle him back to the starting point giving him a chance to rest or nap. This worked for a while, but he just didn't have it in him. By the time we got home last night I had driven 480 miles. We are both pooped. He's gotten up a few times only to go back to bed, then I thought he was leaving when I found him curled up in the overstuffed chair. Kurt is currently laying on his yoga mat wrapped up in a blanket... oh yea, it's gonna be a big miles day. ~ Alicia
I'm surprised that there aren't more days like that for all three riders and for Alicia. I am in awe of them all in not letting the tired days derail the whole venture. Interestingly though, despite the fatigue, he did manage one of his fastest days yet (10th fastest since the start). Or more likely the fatigue is partly a result of the speed he was riding.... or maybe the speed was due to entirely flat tail-wind riding?
I agree. In a year for which 164 miles is a massive disappointment, the resilience of all athletes & crew is incredible.Nail on the head from Mr Clarion :thumbsup:
Kurt was just plain tired yesterday and I was down after a reaction from a dental procedure, so that didn't help. If I go down, he goes down. He asked me, "Is this were we fell off the mountain?" I said, "No, we fell into a crevasse and now we are dangling by our ropes. If the rope breaks we fall into the dark cold abyss below. We need to find a way to climb out or wait to be rescued." Boys and girls, it's getting tough. There was a Wounded Warriors riding event this morning and he planned to ride with Ben. This got him to climb back into the saddle. His motivation lowers in the evening and that's when I need to get out there. To the cyclists in the Little Rock area, you have no idea how encouraging it is for Kurt that you show up, turn around on your own training, ask him to join your group ride, etc... know that you've come to the rescue. Thank you. ~ Alicia
Alicia here with just another day...
Do you ever get so mad at yourself for doing something so stupid?
Well, I am officially an idiot. Major blunder racing around in a hurry early yesterday morning. I went to the gas station to fill the Sprinter van with diesel and the pump wasn't working. Then I realized the gas station wasn't open yet. Really? I thought most gas stations were open 24 hrs. Ok, fine I drove to another one that was open. Great, I'm already running late. It was still dark out but looking in the rear view mirror I noticed the curtains were closed in the back of the van. When I stopped at the gas station, I jumped in the back to open the shades. My cell rang and I jumped to the front, grabbed my phone and hopped out of the van. It was Kurt so I answered the call and started to proceed with the pay-at-the-pump routine and started filling up with fuel. As I'm going over plans with Kurt I am horrified when I see that what I am fueling the van with is unleaded gas and not diesel. This is a diesel engine. "No! I just put in 25 dollars worth of unleaded gas in the van!!!"
In grim shock we both said it at the same time, "We're F#*@%ed."
I wanted to scream and cry, but I couldn't. My bike was on the rack, so I put what riding cloths I had on and rode back to the house to get the minivan. It was at the most five miles all uphill, dark and cold. It helped that I froze my anger and frustration off, but not the best way to start the day.
Now, the joy of getting the Spinter towed and flushed. I dread to find how much this will cost. I was beating myself up all day about it, but Kurt never got mad at me. When I asked him, "Why aren't you mad?" He said, "We all do stupid stuff, but won't admit it." Then he proceeded to tell me one of his major blunders.
Well, ok, even though it's not ok...
Either the tracker's also b0rked today, or it will be another short one (36 miles currently showing).
IMHO there's a notable lack of cyclists encouraging Steve on the road. Just saying.
when your tired, you can catastrophise the little things quite easily
Congratulations to the newlyweds.
Getting married obviously took time away from his riding. Does this man have any dedication to the task in hand!!
Getting married obviously took time away from his riding. Does this man have any dedication to the task in hand!!
He'll probably stick in a long one today to make up for it!
Perhaps next time Jo publishes his 'hours on the bike' chart, he will mark the wedding slot.
Tommy Godwin took time out to see the King. Tarzan takes time out to get married.Godwin's diary entry for that day (28 October) says "Prince of Wales". But there wasn't a Prince of Wales in 1939 between Edward VIII taking to the throne in 1936 and the birth of Prince Charles in 1948. It is thought that TG's reference is to a pub or restaurant where he may have met with other cyclists on that date - not a royal audience!
Compared with a UK winter that's positively balmy.
Another relatively poor day for Kurt, who's complaining about the wind, rain & cold. I checked his local forecast and it's not really that bad - 12-18c, 15mph winds gusting to 25 (which he often drives into to turn into a tailwind anyway) and intermittent rain for a couple of days. Compared with a UK winter that's positively balmy.Indeed. When they asked on facebook for tips on riding in the cold-n-wet, I had to bite my tongue: I wanted to post
I think this is more to do with the accumulated mental and physical strain of the challenge and it could drag him below the required rate quite quickly. I think he needs to get to Florida soon to try and break up the current mindset.Probably true. Hopefully this is just a brief mental trough, following the .. er ... "honeymoon" period! He can afford a week of short days if it gets him back into a good mindset. Or maybe one afternoon/evening off so they can go have some fun somewhere.
I checked his local forecast and it's not really that bad - 12-18c, 15mph winds gusting to 25 (which he often drives into to turn into a tailwind anyway)
I think this is more to do with the accumulated mental and physical strain of the challenge and it could drag him below the required rate quite quickly. I think he needs to get to Florida soon to try and break up the current mindset.
I checked his local forecast and it's not really that bad - 12-18c, 15mph winds gusting to 25 (which he often drives into to turn into a tailwind anyway)
Temperature is okay, but a 15 mph wind is pretty hard work on the bike!
True. And what's scary is that he is still likely to be in that position of not knowing which of two futures he has come January 1st, when the final week's riding will determine the outcome.
isn't comparable to doing it in the UK with our ridiculous roads, junctions, traffic, variable climate and drunk-moped-riders.while in many ways I agree with you, Kurt has been run off the road or clipped on multiple occasions. He's definitely faced challenges on the roads.
Congratulations Kurt
60,000 miles in a year !!!!
Another really slow start to the day for Kurt and a Facebook plea from Alicia for people to ride with him - says he is "zapped". This seems to be getting quite desperate now. Mentions of plans to head south at the weekend?
Alicia's post prompted someone called Stuart Lee * to chirp in with: "YACF.. full of autistic keyboard warriors with stammers, facial twitches and socialist leanings, most of who have never ridden 100km and certainly not in the rain..."
Alicia's post prompted someone called Stuart Lee to chirp in with: "YACF.. full of autistic keyboard warriors with stammers, facial twitches and socialist leanings, most of who have never ridden 100km and certainly not in the rain..."
Assuming it's trike riding Stue, he's great to ride with and good company, if a bit abrasive for some people's tastes. And he's no slouch when it comes to riding. Did several PBP qualifiers with him and bits of PBP in years past.A fair summary! (and he did some "proper" racing as a youngster. Probably on 2 wheels, but I could be wrong.)
A strange Facebook post from Alicia today: "Ah, if we need a good laugh I read Kurt comments from the YACF forum or Strava!"
Now I don't read Strava so I'm not sure if/how it's moderated, but I don't remember any anti-Kurt posting here, certainly recently. On the contrary I think everyone's been generally incredibly supportive.
Alicia's post prompted someone called Stuart Lee to chirp in with: "YACF.. full of autistic keyboard warriors with stammers, facial twitches and socialist leanings, most of who have never ridden 100km and certainly not in the rain..."
A strange Facebook post from Alicia today: "Ah, if we need a good laugh I read Kurt comments from the YACF forum or Strava!"
Now I don't read Strava so I'm not sure if/how it's moderated, but I don't remember any anti-Kurt posting here, certainly recently. On the contrary I think everyone's been generally incredibly supportive.
Alicia's post prompted someone called Stuart Lee to chirp in with: "YACF.. full of autistic keyboard warriors with stammers, facial twitches and socialist leanings, most of who have never ridden 100km and certainly not in the rain..."
? Just look at the start of this thread and the thread started by the ex treasurer of Steve's record attempt fund. It has to be said, a select, partisan to steve bunch of wankers knocking Searvogels startegy of obtaining the record. When essentially all he was doing was going about this record attempt the ''easy'' way. Where as Steve learned the hard way...
I don't remember reading any negative posts about Kurt or his tactics for months. Even those that questioned his approach in the early days seem to have been won over by his determination.Include me in that list. I've said as much to Alicia and Kurt (via Facebook) and had positive responses from them.
There must be an infinitesimally small number of people on the planet who have what it takes to put in a realistic attempt at Godwin's record.
... does deserve a massive pat on the back for that alone.
Kurt's finally headed back to FLA where it all began
Looping around on the Mississippi coast W of Gulfport (how did they think of that name?) where IIRC it is as flat as the sides of David Coulthard's head.
I'd like to see that odometer reading click over
It's been mentioned elsewhere. But NO American has ever ridden this far in a single calendar year. I can find references to 42k years but nothing beyond. Kurt really does deserve a massive pat on the back for that alone.
I agree. I really want to see Kurt get this. And I do hope that, in doing so, he provides the spur to motivate Steve to go on to top Kurt. But, whatever the outcome, they are both amazing.
I agree. I really want to see Kurt get this. And I do hope that, in doing so, he provides the spur to motivate Steve to go on to top Kurt. But, whatever the outcome, they are both amazing.
Absolutely this, in every respect.
Just to say, though: Even if Steve does more miles than Kurt, Tarzan will still hold the record, because of the age categories.
This might be a good point to mention that Kurt passed Ossie Nicholson's '37 record yesterday, so has earned himself a WR podium position, regardless of age (and let's not forget that the current record hold was little more than half his age).Don't know what to say other than, bloody lazy lay abouts, only third place after nearly a year on the saddle, a wedding and a "paper cut" or two - tck tck - shakes head in amazement :) Well don't you two \o/
Congratulations Kurt and Alicia!
No matter who "wins" this I don't see any way any of the contenders can be regarding as having lost.
I'd like to see that odometer reading click over
Does a Garmin have enough digits??
This might be a good point to mention that Kurt passed Ossie Nicholson's '37 record yesterday, so has earned himself a WR podium position, regardless of age (and let's not forget that the current record hold was little more than half his age).
Congratulations Kurt and Alicia!
Bit gutting if it just rolled over to 00000!
This might be a good point to mention that Kurt passed Ossie Nicholson's '37 record yesterday, so has earned himself a WR podium position, regardless of age (and let's not forget that the current record hold was little more than half his age).Don't know what to say other than, bloody lazy lay abouts, only third place after nearly a year on the saddle, a wedding and a "paper cut" or two - tck tck - shakes head in amazement :) Well don't you two \o/
Congratulations Kurt and Alicia!
No matter who "wins" this I don't see any way any of the contenders can be regarding as having lost.
Yes, it would be a travesty if history remembered one and not the other.
Kurt's imperial Eddington number for this year is now above one Godwin: 206.
I see Kurt has finally reached Florida again...
I see Kurt has finally reached Florida again ...
:sick:
I imagine both Kurt and Alicia are on tenterhooks these days as with no real time in hand so to speak an incident that kept Kurt of the bike could be catastrophic for the record , I for one have all my fingers a toes crossed that Kurt keep's on keeping on and breaks the record .
Paul
I think we're about to have a Gibbon
I think we're about to have a Gibbon
From Kurt??! :o
Damn, top work!!
;D ;DI think we're about to have a Gibbon
From Kurt??! :o
Damn, top work!!
;D Doh :facepalm: See other HAMR thread - the right one.
We have been notified by a number of individuals that some Brits fear that Tommy's record is about to be broken so they want to change history by changing the rules and picking what dates he counted toward his record. Sorry but that don't fly. Tommy started his attempt on January 1st - that's when he annouced - he finished on December 31st. I started my attempt on January 10th and will finish on January 9th and do hope to break his record of 75065 miles.
i guess thats where the comment on Facebook came from?QuoteWe have been notified by a number of individuals that some Brits fear that Tommy's record is about to be broken so they want to change history by changing the rules and picking what dates he counted toward his record. Sorry but that don't fly. Tommy started his attempt on January 1st - that's when he annouced - he finished on December 31st. I started my attempt on January 10th and will finish on January 9th and do hope to break his record of 75065 miles.
i guess thats where the comment on Facebook came from?QuoteWe have been notified by a number of individuals that some Brits fear that Tommy's record is about to be broken so they want to change history by changing the rules and picking what dates he counted toward his record. Sorry but that don't fly. Tommy started his attempt on January 1st - that's when he annouced - he finished on December 31st. I started my attempt on January 10th and will finish on January 9th and do hope to break his record of 75065 miles.
I can't see anything on FB or Strava that suggests Adam Day is responsible for that particular gripe. Paranoia is getting the better of me though and I do hope it is not "The Year" book that is causing team Searvogel to think 'the Brits want to change the rules'. My version of the OYTT chart in that book includes all the historical record holders as well as Steve and Kurt with an assumed start of 1st Jan (many of the historical attempts actually started later than the 1st and so "lost" distance). There was good reason to do this when considering the historical context, but do hope it isn't being inferred that I think Kurt's HAMR attempt should be adjusted for a Jan 1st start.
i guess thats where the comment on Facebook came from?QuoteWe have been notified by a number of individuals that some Brits fear that Tommy's record is about to be broken so they want to change history by changing the rules and picking what dates he counted toward his record. Sorry but that don't fly. Tommy started his attempt on January 1st - that's when he annouced - he finished on December 31st. I started my attempt on January 10th and will finish on January 9th and do hope to break his record of 75065 miles.
I can't see anything on FB or Strava that suggests Adam Day is responsible for that particular gripe. Paranoia is getting the better of me though and I do hope it is not "The Year" book that is causing team Searvogel to think 'the Brits want to change the rules'. My version of the OYTT chart in that book includes all the historical record holders as well as Steve and Kurt with an assumed start of 1st Jan (many of the historical attempts actually started later than the 1st and so "lost" distance). There was good reason to do this when considering the historical context, but do hope it isn't being inferred that I think Kurt's HAMR attempt should be adjusted for a Jan 1st start.
Tommy's record will almost certainly be broken by Kurt, and well done to him and Alicia in doing so. :thumbsup:Couldn't agree more.
I state quite clearly in the book that the record Godwin went for and got was (and always was) a calendar year.
I state quite clearly in the book that the record Godwin went for and got was (and always was) a calendar year.
Of course I preface this with all the due awe one owes these competitors.
But ...
If you look at the world of sport, there are many grand slams that by tradition take place in a calendar year. When Serena won her "Selena Slam" it was titled this precisely because it did not take place in a single year. Kurt - IMO - will deserve the WR, but it does not have the same aesthetic ring to it as if it had taken place in a Western tradition year. It was a shame he did not start on the same day as Steve.
What if Kurt surpasses Tommy's total before close of play on December 31st?
Semantics IMO; there is no "Tommy Godwin record" to break, the HAMR is what the remaining 2 participants are attempting which is a straight 365 day period starting any day
and best of luck to them both :thumbsup:
Yes. But I don't know which as I don't have a record of Tommy's daily distances between days 366-500.
You wouldn't take your 10 mile time trial PB as the best 10 miles of a particularly fast 25. Usain Bolt's 100m record isn't the second 100m (or any other 100m snippet) of his 200m record. Declaring beforehand is the important issue here, not the 'single calendar year' aspect.
Kurt's progress in recent days has been very impressive. Forza Kurt!
Incidentally my fastest 50 miles was done somewhere on a 100 mile TT but my 50 mile TT best remains the one I did in a 50 mile TT.
Incidentally my fastest 50 miles was done somewhere on a 100 mile TT but my 50 mile TT best remains the one I did in a 50 mile TT.
My fastest 50 miles was done somewhere on a (sadly now annulled) 100 mile TT and my fastest 10 miles was done somewhere on a 50 mile TT. Thinking about it, my fastest 25 miles may have been done on that 100 too.
Back on topic, arguments about records for stated years that start on January 1st rather than say Feb 9th or Jun 16th are IMO very petty indeed. It reminds me of whichever hour record contender it was who spent his twilight years doing hour records at sea level, on a traditional bike, with one leg etc etc. As Mcshroom says, both Kurt and Steve still have to ride on every day of the year, no matter which one they use as a start date.
Equally petty though is the argument that they aren't breaking Tommy's record, just the HAMR. Whatever the UMCA say, everyone knows that the furthest anyone has ridden in a year is 75,065 miles and that it was Tommy Godwin wot did it.
TG had no reason to suppose that the second winter would be better than the first.
TG had no reason to suppose that the second winter would be better than the first.
It wasn't it was just as bad!
To add to the list, I think my fastest 200km of Audaxing was actually during a 400 :)
Semantics IMO; there is no "Tommy Godwin record" to break, the HAMR is what the remaining 2 participants are attempting which is a straight 365 day period starting any day
and best of luck to them both :thumbsup:
Absolutely. In fact I see this whole challenge as more of a setting of individual benchmarks, pushing the realms of what is possible ever further, rather than beating a fixed record. The UMCA have given us a modern framework for this and I for one applaud them and Steve/Kurt/Miles for bringing it back to life. Remember that Tommy never beat the "one armed" record of Walter Greaves...
To add to the list, I think my fastest 200km of Audaxing was actually during a 400 :)
It happens a lot. Our fastest 400 on the tandem was Day 1 of LEL2013 (although a hyoooge tailwind might have helped).
His average over the last 28 days has been 198.7 mpd. If he were to continue that for the remains of the challenge, he will hit the Godwin line on the very last day of his year (9th Jan 2016). Maybe his average will go up as he hits the Florida home straight, but unless something [even more] remarkable happens, he will be hitting the Godwin line in the last day or two of the challenge. Even if he managed an incredible 220 mpd for the next two months, he still be in the last week when he crosses the Godwin line.
Bernard Bennett only has a few hours left as second place in the annual mileage hall of fame, as Kurt only needs 4 more miles to overhaul the 1939 total. Kurt also as less than 10,000 miles to go (a casual comment tossed away by someone whose never managed 10,000 miles in an entire year). He's also had 11 straight 200 mile plus days - his best since mid-September. Does feel like that home stretch is beckoning. Again, if you can imagine 10,000 miles as being "nearly there".
Vikas Kirola (Siddhant) - Pls delete the activity... this is very demoralising for the real hard working riders
I keep wondering if he's banking a few miles to have a day off over Christmas
Kurt's target is down to 191mpd - the lowest its ever been. Just the average 300km Audax to go for another 46 days. How many of us have knocked out 46 300s in a lifetime, let alone a year? Or even done a RTTY comprising of 300s. And this is the 'end is almost in sight' phase. Astonishing. He's still got more than my best annual mileage to do.
I keep wondering if he's banking a few miles to have a day off over Christmas
I doubt it, he only took a few hours off for his wedding
This statement is well off the mark. Thanksgiving basically marks the start of the Christmas season. Christmas is actually a month or more of celebrating.
Nor for Thanksgiving, which in the US is usually a bigger celebration then Christmas.
This statement is well off the mark. Thanksgiving basically marks the start of the Christmas season. Christmas is actually a month or more of celebrating.
Nor for Thanksgiving, which in the US is usually a bigger celebration then Christmas.
If you work in retail it probably won't be long before you're expected in the store in the evening on Christmas Day so the entitlement brigade of consumers don't have to struggle through a whole 24 hours without buying some Chinese crap they don't need.
Currently at 200 miles, :o. Another couple of hours to go for a 240+ ride?
6000 miles to go. Walk in the park - seems quite literally - if he's got riders to tow him around circuits. it seems like he's got some local momentum now - probably easy to get people out to take a turn - knowing that they are likely to be helping someone to a successful record attempt. At 200mpd he'd have 4 days in hand. That's the equivalent of breaking the 100m sprint by 0.12 of a second.
2nd Rider in history to pass 70,000 miles in a yearNow why would anyone do something so
Congratulations Kurt
2nd Rider in history to pass 70,000 miles in a year
Congratulations Kurt
His total on Strava is 112814km= 70099mi 650.1944yd so we are in a grey area...
Don't forget that he started on 10 January, and the Strava total is from 1 January (he did a few long rides before the "official" start).
Bloody impressive.
If you work in retail it probably won't be long before you're expected in the store in the evening on Christmas Day so the entitlement brigade of consumers don't have to struggle through a whole 24 hours without buying some Chinese crap they don't need.
and food; it amazes me how most peeps seems to get through an entire trolley full of stuff that they purchased on Dec 24th by the time the shops open again on the 27th :-\
I suppose we ought to open a book on when he will break the record. He seems to be in marvellous form at the moment. The last time he had a day in which he rode less than a Godwin was 8th November. He has ridden 5995 miles in the last 28 days. If he does the same over the next 28, that will be 4th or 5th Jan to exceed 75065.
..... and how could you face the embarrassment if Great Aunt Maude asked for picked squid eyes and you didn't have any?
Just seen the latest video on Kurts Facebook page showing him riding round Flatwood Park
https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides (https://www.facebook.com/tarzanrides) - no account required.
Looks ideal for racking up the miles. He has company as well to help motivation and someone to draft at times.
Tuesday and Thursday he is apparently riding with the Schlitters who are big recumbent riders and have ridden with him before. He'll probably be on his recumbent as well that day. I'm anticipating big miles and a high average speed, as was the case when they rode with him before.
You've got to admire the bloke, after all this time and effort he's sprinting towards the finish line.
Well, there's normally one reason or another to break open the whisky.
I notice that yesterday Kurt notched up 399k. That's as near as dammit to 250 miles. He wants this thing finished.
Agree simonp, he wants the maximum distance he can get and make things as tough as possible for the next person to attempt this.
Tenuous claim to fame part 394 - I had dinner with John Schlitter, or at least sat at the opposite end of the same (rather long) table ;D
Tenuous claim to fame part 394 - I had dinner with John Schlitter, or at least sat at the opposite end of the same (rather long) table ;D
Is that your tenuous claim to fame or his?
I have a feeling that I'm probably supposed to know who John Schlitter is.
Another 407km yesterday. At this rate he will increase the record to about 77000 miles. That will require >211 miles per day for any future challenger.
I tend not to use the word "awesome" because it has become so devalued by over-use, but it's hard to think of a more suitable adjective to describe Kurt's efforts. I am filled with awe.
Not sure if this article has been linked too
https://www.outsideonline.com/2039276/hello-i-must-be-going
Getting Paid to ride your bike by your ex-wife, the guy is a genius ;D
Not sure if this article has been linked tooIf it was linked I missed it so thanks anyway, a very good read.
https://www.outsideonline.com/2039276/hello-i-must-be-going
Getting Paid to ride your bike by your ex-wife, the guy is a genius ;D
Yes indeed, a good piece. And not once did he use that terrible phrase "pedal power". :thumbsup:Not sure if this article has been linked tooIf it was linked I missed it so thanks anyway, a very good read.
https://www.outsideonline.com/2039276/hello-i-must-be-going
Getting Paid to ride your bike by your ex-wife, the guy is a genius ;D
Not sure if this article has been linked too
https://www.outsideonline.com/2039276/hello-i-must-be-going
Getting Paid to ride your bike by your ex-wife, the guy is a genius ;D
- What will you do if you get the record and it gets beaten? "I will never ever try this again."
- What will you do if you get the record and it gets beaten? "I will never ever try this again."
;D
How about a book, lectures or seminars about motivation? "Not interested."
How about a book, lectures or seminars about motivation? "Not interested."
That's interesting; he comes across very well on his videos
- What will you do if you get the record and it gets beaten? "I will never ever try this again."
;D
Good to see his mental health is still in good shape :)
In the US, such celebrity is fleeting, it's much better to have a successful business providing software for car dealers. I'm very much in favour of Kurt going back to work, and not preaching some spurious gospel of self-actualisation through cycling to bond dealers.
Tracker turned on. 250 miles today? :thumbsup:
Go Tarzan, go.
I don't think Kurt's and Tommy Godwin's efforts are comparable for a number of reasons, but in any case it's worth noting that based on his records Godwin did at least 76,600 miles in his best consecutive 365 days which is the HAMR criterion.
I don't think Kurt's and Tommy Godwin's efforts are comparable for a number of reasons, but in any case it's worth noting that based on his records Godwin did at least 76,600 miles in his best consecutive 365 days which is the HAMR ciriterion. See Ian Dow's comment on Steve Abraham's official website. Kurt needs to speed up to exceed that mileage by end of 9 Jan.
I don't think Kurt's and Tommy Godwin's efforts are comparable for a number of reasons, but in any case it's worth noting that based on his records Godwin did at least 76,600 miles in his best consecutive 365 days which is the HAMR ciriterion. See Ian Dow's comment on Steve Abraham's official website. Kurt needs to speed up to exceed that mileage by end of 9 Jan.
BY my reckoning Kurt has just 3000 miles to go. And 19 days.I thought it was 20 days and about 3290. 22nd today, which he has yet to ride, then up to the end of 10th Jan.
The question is, will he ride right up to midnight on 9th Jan? He could finish with a 300 mile day if he did.
The question is, will he ride right up to midnight on 9th Jan? He could finish with a 300 mile day if he did.
The answer is, he'll do whatever Alicia wants him to do. No doubt in my mind that she's the reason that he's piling up the miles here towards the end.
I reckon he might struggle once he's got past the mark. It will be like going past the checkerboard on a time trial, the legs will suddenly want to stop turning.
I get the impression he's really enjoying this final run-in, and that he really appreciates and responds to the social benefits of riding in a group with like-minded (and fast and fit) riders. I think he'll, if anything, up the pace a bit as the end approaches and he doesn't need to leave anything in the tank.
people have asked me what it would take for me to go from the 100,000 mile records. Its simple $$$. If you can find someone to pay my expenses which will be about 100K and acceptable salary of 100K which is base salary of pro rider (non of whom could do this) plus a 200K bonus if I beat the 500 day mark. So if some can find me this sponsor I'm in otherwise I have to go back to work.
According to farcebook - Kurt is up for having a go at the 100.000 mark if there is money in the pot :)Quotepeople have asked me what it would take for me to go from the 100,000 mile records. Its simple $$$. If you can find someone to pay my expenses which will be about 100K and acceptable salary of 100K which is base salary of pro rider (non of whom could do this) plus a 200K bonus if I beat the 500 day mark. So if some can find me this sponsor I'm in otherwise I have to go back to work.
Quite. Whatever the state of his knee, that looked like another 225 mile day yesterday. It's looking as though he will be adding about 5 days' riding to the record, so another 1100 or so on top. The question is, will he ride right up to midnight on 9th Jan? He could finish with a 300 mile day if he did.
So $400000. There are plenty of rich US types for whom that sort of cash is pocket money. It just takes one of them to bite...
Facebook says 228.7.
A very happy birthday, Alicia.
Your contribution over the past year has been awesome.
:thumbsup:
Closing in on TS 35 - Mississippi River - We Still have 1020 miles to go and 10 days to get there. The target is break the record in 5 days in Flatwoods Park. (Alicia won't let me leave until I break the record).
Started out with 50 miles solo before meeting up with Amanda Coker and Chris Miller before lunch. Alicia Searvogel, Phil, Kim Rowe, Rubin Randel where working it for afternoon. Amanda PR 145 miles and Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.
smart move
Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.I saw that. She's no slouch, is she?
Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.I saw that. She's no slouch, is she?
from FacebookQuoteStarted out with 50 miles solo before meeting up with Amanda Coker and Chris Miller before lunch. Alicia Searvogel, Phil, Kim Rowe, Rubin Randel where working it for afternoon. Amanda PR 145 miles and Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.
... Well done Steve you are such an inspiration and I genuinely can't believe how you have continued to ride massive distances daily with everything that has happened on the illness, injury and weather fronts. You will be talked about for years and decades to come and you have reawakened the interest in the HAMR. It's been amazing to watch from the sidelines.Meanwhile there is now at least as much cash coming in (via SOs) as on Jan 1st.
I would imagine that they are good cyclists from the UMCA or other top local cyclists.
Paul,
There are dozens of support messages posted for Steve this week here and on FB. Quick example (from an AUK trophy winner):... Well done Steve you are such an inspiration and I genuinely can't believe how you have continued to ride massive distances daily with everything that has happened on the illness, injury and weather fronts. You will be talked about for years and decades to come and you have reawakened the interest in the HAMR. It's been amazing to watch from the sidelines.Meanwhile there is now at least as much cash coming in (via SOs) as on Jan 1st.
I'll let you analyse how much Kurt's support has increased, and why that might be ... ;)
I would imagine that they are good cyclists from the UMCA or other top local cyclists.
... told largely on Facebook, has generated much interest and warmth towards them both, and widespread admiration ...
Is he nearly there yet?
... told largely on Facebook, has generated much interest and warmth towards them both, and widespread admiration ...
They genuinely come across as likable people.
Wishing them success in their marriage.
Does he plan a ride up to the White House on 9th Jan, to meet Mr. President?
Or, as a resident of Arkansas, would it be more likely that he will enjoy his cigar with ex-president Clinton?
It's been good fun following their adventure and watching the Facebook feeds over the year!So will I. Given Alicia's recent demonstration of form how about returning the favor in 2017 eh Kurt?
Will miss following Kurt's daily progress!
It's been good fun following their adventure and watching the Facebook feeds over the year!So will I. Given Alicia's recent demonstration of form how about returning the favor in 2017 eh Kurt?
Will miss following Kurt's daily progress!
from FacebookQuoteStarted out with 50 miles solo before meeting up with Amanda Coker and Chris Miller before lunch. Alicia Searvogel, Phil, Kim Rowe, Rubin Randel where working it for afternoon. Amanda PR 145 miles and Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.
Does anyone know who these people are? With the speeds/distances they're riding, I have a hard time believing they're just random riders that Kurt is latching onto.
Does he plan a ride up to the White House on 9th Jan, to meet Mr. President?
Or, as a resident of Arkansas, would it be more likely that he will enjoy his cigar with ex-president Clinton?
Good god, yACF has changed. Cigar. Clinton. And nobody alluded to *that* incident.
I bet those aren't set by a 53-year-old.from FacebookQuoteStarted out with 50 miles solo before meeting up with Amanda Coker and Chris Miller before lunch. Alicia Searvogel, Phil, Kim Rowe, Rubin Randel where working it for afternoon. Amanda PR 145 miles and Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.
Does anyone know who these people are? With the speeds/distances they're riding, I have a hard time believing they're just random riders that Kurt is latching onto.
While good, it's worth pointing out that a 21 mph 50 isn't exceptional pro-level performance either, more the sort of thing you'd expect to find in the racing section of any decent club.
FYI, the British 50 mile TT records are 31.7 and 28.1 mph for men and women respectively, both set by amateur riders.
I bet a UK 53yo has ridden closer to 31mph than to 21.I bet those aren't set by a 53-year-old.from FacebookQuoteStarted out with 50 miles solo before meeting up with Amanda Coker and Chris Miller before lunch. Alicia Searvogel, Phil, Kim Rowe, Rubin Randel where working it for afternoon. Amanda PR 145 miles and Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.
Does anyone know who these people are? With the speeds/distances they're riding, I have a hard time believing they're just random riders that Kurt is latching onto.
While good, it's worth pointing out that a 21 mph 50 isn't exceptional pro-level performance either, more the sort of thing you'd expect to find in the racing section of any decent club.
FYI, the British 50 mile TT records are 31.7 and 28.1 mph for men and women respectively, both set by amateur riders.
I bet a UK 53yo has ridden closer to 31mph than to 21.I bet those aren't set by a 53-year-old.from FacebookQuoteStarted out with 50 miles solo before meeting up with Amanda Coker and Chris Miller before lunch. Alicia Searvogel, Phil, Kim Rowe, Rubin Randel where working it for afternoon. Amanda PR 145 miles and Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.
Does anyone know who these people are? With the speeds/distances they're riding, I have a hard time believing they're just random riders that Kurt is latching onto.
While good, it's worth pointing out that a 21 mph 50 isn't exceptional pro-level performance either, more the sort of thing you'd expect to find in the racing section of any decent club.
FYI, the British 50 mile TT records are 31.7 and 28.1 mph for men and women respectively, both set by amateur riders.
<LMT posts something>
from FacebookQuoteStarted out with 50 miles solo before meeting up with Amanda Coker and Chris Miller before lunch. Alicia Searvogel, Phil, Kim Rowe, Rubin Randel where working it for afternoon. Amanda PR 145 miles and Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.
Does anyone know who these people are? With the speeds/distances they're riding, I have a hard time believing they're just random riders that Kurt is latching onto.
While good, it's worth pointing out that a 21 mph 50 isn't exceptional pro-level performance either, more the sort of thing you'd expect to find in the racing section of any decent club.
FYI, the British 50 mile TT records are 31.7 and 28.1 mph for men and women respectively, both set by amateur riders.
<LMT posts something>
Who cares?
Go Kurt/Steve!
I bet those aren't set by a 53-year-old.from FacebookQuoteStarted out with 50 miles solo before meeting up with Amanda Coker and Chris Miller before lunch. Alicia Searvogel, Phil, Kim Rowe, Rubin Randel where working it for afternoon. Amanda PR 145 miles and Alicia had a pr of 21mph average for 50 miles.
Does anyone know who these people are? With the speeds/distances they're riding, I have a hard time believing they're just random riders that Kurt is latching onto.
While good, it's worth pointing out that a 21 mph 50 isn't exceptional pro-level performance either, more the sort of thing you'd expect to find in the racing section of any decent club.
FYI, the British 50 mile TT records are 31.7 and 28.1 mph for men and women respectively, both set by amateur riders.
386.6km yesterday. A quick mental calculation puts that just over 240 miles. I think that makes it just possible for him to break the record today, but I still think it will be tomorrow..
He HAS invited everyone to meet him for a slap-up on Monday, the record breaking day
Thinks....
He HAS invited everyone to meet him for a slap-up on Monday, the record breaking day
Thinks....
Doesn't TimC sometimes drive his Airbus in that direction?
(Pictures minibus full of BRITISH oaves, louts and oiks turning up and telling him where he went wrong and complaining about the BEER)
He HAS invited everyone to meet him for a slap-up on Monday, the record breaking day
Thinks....
Doesn't TimC sometimes drive his Airbus in that direction?
(Pictures minibus full of BRITISH oaves, louts and oiks turning up and telling him where he went wrong and complaining about the BEER)
Looks like Kurt has done fewer that 75065 miles in 2015, will do more than that but fewer than 76600 in 365 consecutive days to 9 Jan 2016. (76600 being roughly Godwin's total in the 365 consecutive days ending with his 100000 miles record). So Kurt will set the initial UMCA HAMRecord (as he's already ahead of Steve A) but since Godwin wasn't riding to UMCA rules and (probably) will have a higher 365 day total, could it then reasonably be claimed that Godwin's record will have been exceeded? What fun ...
His Facething says he plans to break the record between 4-5.30pm on Monday, followed by beer(s).
So strictly speaking he won't be breaking any record on Monday (his HAMR will not be ratified until after 9th Jan, his calendar year total is less than Tommy, and he won't have got to Tommy's 365 consecutive day total).
He'll havecalculatedtaken the record for a pre-stated year, rather than a year chosen in retrospect.
[silly autocorrect]
What miles did Tommy do between the dates that Kurt is using for his HAMR record?
Tarzan clearly has a very different strategy to Steve. 231 miles on his first day is not that different to Steve, but his average speed is way way faster thus meaning significantly less time on the bike. His average heart rate is also way higher (as you'd expect given the effort to go at that speed). This is all well and good but can he vkeep that kind of effort level up for months on end? I personally suspect not. My thoughts are that Steve's approach has a much better chance over the long run.
I currently have Kurt at 74815.7 miles at the end of 03/01/2016 , putting him 249.3 behind Tommy's 75065 miles. See https://goo.gl/RBHtiS for details.
That's based on UMCA data to 08/12/2015, and Strava data since then. The UMCA has been losing about .2 of a mile a day for the Strava distances.
I'd be interested to see exactly where the difference is though.
Excellent. A year ago, I thought anyone calling himself Tarzan must be a grade A nobber but no, he just seems to be another average Joe (and he's no spring chicken either). Chapeau that man!
And Kurt is 52. To those the south side of 50....that's inspirational. It really is.
A quick glance at: http://ultracycling.com/sections/records/data/hamr/spreadsheet.php
nice to see YACF get a mention
Ham organised the celebratory cake and a drink behind the bar on behalf of YACF
Ham organised the celebratory cake and a drink behind the bar on behalf of YACF
Ham organised the celebratory cake and a drink behind the bar on behalf of YACF
Ham organised the celebratory cake and a drink behind the bar on behalf of YACF
Yeah, and just to make sure Kurt knew who to thank, he got his name put up in lights behind it too.
Ham organised the celebratory cake and a drink behind the bar on behalf of YACF
Yeah, and just to make sure Kurt knew who to thank, he got his name put up in lights behind it too.
Ham organised the celebratory cake and a drink behind the bar on behalf of YACF
Yeah, and just to make sure Kurt knew who to thank, he got his name put up in lights behind it too.
People here will take you seriously ....
Nice one HAM :thumbsup:
It was just a small, low-key thing done in the collective yacf sense
He posted 269.9km. That's about 168 miles. Will he get to 76000?
He posted 269.9km. That's about 168 miles. Will he get to 76000?
IIRC on one of his vids he does say that Alicia wanted him to get to 76 and something thousand miles so I presume so.
Really good article from Bicycling magazine on Kurt, and the final daysThanks for the link, thats very interesting.
http://www.bicycling.com/rides/people/kurt-searvogel-breaks-the-year-mileage-record
The UMCA HAMR rules (https://ultracycling.com/sections/records/max-mileage.php) don't make it clear but I would guess that since he would have had to have nominated a start date then each day will be midnight to midnight (local time).Yeah, Rule 22 suggests that it runs until midnight.
Ah yes, didn't spot that bit.
While Kurt tried to remain focused on riding, Alicia bore the brunt of the stress. Her teeth cracked from nighttime grinding, and her hair began to fall out.
Justin!QuoteWhile Kurt tried to remain focused on riding, Alicia bore the brunt of the stress. Her teeth cracked from nighttime grinding, and her hair began to fall out.
The article implies that at least some of that stress emanated from here
QuoteWhile Kurt tried to remain focused on riding, Alicia bore the brunt of the stress. Her teeth cracked from nighttime grinding, and her hair began to fall out.
The article implies that at least some of that stress emanated from here
QuoteWhile Kurt tried to remain focused on riding, Alicia bore the brunt of the stress. Her teeth cracked from nighttime grinding, and her hair began to fall out.
The article implies that at least some of that stress emanated from here
He was getting a lot of shit thrown at him from UK Strava users, and some here moaned about his flatter routes and long tailwind days. I found the use of a recumbent difficult to accept at the start, but soon came round.
QuoteWhile Kurt tried to remain focused on riding, Alicia bore the brunt of the stress. Her teeth cracked from nighttime grinding, and her hair began to fall out.
The article implies that at least some of that stress emanated from here
He was getting a lot of shit thrown at him from UK Strava users, and some here moaned about his flatter routes and long tailwind days. I found the use of a recumbent difficult to accept at the start, but soon came round.
I came around pretty quick when I realised Steve had a hand in setting up the rules, and was happy to condone their use.
Some people are so stupid as to believe it's always been a British record from the outset.
I can't stand that anti-USA bile.
Still. All that's history now anyway.
I found the use of a recumbent difficult to accept at the start, but soon came round.
I found the use of a recumbent difficult to accept at the start, but soon came round.
Good to see some sense blowing into the Western Isles ;D
I came across this article in Cycling Weekly via Twitter, which I've since retweeted, but there may be some yacf posters who should read the article as well.
Comment: Why I [Nigel Wynn] think Kurt Searvogel’s annual cycling record deserves our respect (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/comment-why-i-think-kurt-searvogels-annual-cycling-record-deserves-our-respect-205758)
TBH the very nature and title of the article offends me. Why does one need to put forward their opinion on why Kurt's record should be respected?
The article is a classic case of never read the bottom half of the internet.+1 couldnt agree more :thumbsup:
There are some very sad, bitter folk out there.
Reading the comments to that article. There really are some sad, mean spirited bastards on the Internet.
In my view the tragedy of the Year Record has always been the lack of recognition and reward for its endeavours. Without exception this happened to all riders throughout history and I sincerely hope the trend stops right here.I think you are spot on there :thumbsup:
The article is a classic case of never read the bottom half of the internet.
There are some very sad, bitter folk out there.
My 'Steve-Bias' was such at the start that I didn't think Kurt could do it. I thought he was a racer with no concept of the day-in day-out slog required.
He's grown on me. How can anyone not be impressed by what they've achieved?
All these authors follow Steinhöwel in interpreting the fable as an example of envy, but later on the dog's behaviour is seen as malicious, a reading made very clear in Roger L'Estrange's pithy version: 'A churlish envious Cur was gotten into a manger, and there lay growling and snarling to keep the Provender. The Dog eat none himself, and yet rather ventur’d the starving his own Carcase than he would suffer any Thing to be the better for’t. THE MORAL. Envy pretends to no other Happiness than what it derives from the Misery of other People, and will rather eat nothing itself than not to starve those that would.'[9] Samuel Croxall echoes L'Estrange's observation in Fables of Aesop and Others (1722). 'The stronger the passion is, the greater torment he endures; and subjects himself to a continual real pain, by only wishing ill to others.'[10] It is with this understanding that the idiom of 'a dog in a manger' is most often used currently. However, a recent study has noted that it seems to be falling out of use, in America at least, concluding that 'the majority of [respondents] do not know it or even recall ever having heard it'.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dog_in_the_Manger
I said Kurt should save the beers until after 365 days are up. It does look like he's switched off a bit now that it's in the bag. "Only" 160-odd miles yesterday.
I said Kurt should save the beers until after 365 days are up. It does look like he's switched off a bit now that it's in the bag. "Only" 160-odd miles yesterday.
Can't begin to imagine how he's feeling right now, but he must have mixed emotions at the prospect of getting out of bed and going out on the bike when he wakes up in the morning.
I wonder if he would pop over in this thread after he finished his year. That would certainly be interesting.
That is planned.
My 'Steve-Bias' was such at the start that I didn't think Kurt could do it. I thought he was a racer with no concept of the day-in day-out slog required.Exactly what I thought.
He's grown on me. How can anyone not be impressed by what they've achieved?
He's really motoring! 140 miles in 8 hours.
#48959 on 08:16:36 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (8 minutes ago) 1.74 mi traveled at 21.0 mphIsn't he? That makes for very impressive reading.
#48958 on 08:11:38 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (13 minutes ago) 1.70 mi traveled at 20.4 mph
#48957 on 08:06:39 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (18 minutes ago) 1.78 mi traveled at 21.6 mph
#48956 on 08:01:41 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (23 minutes ago) 1.79 mi traveled at 21.5 mph
#48955 on 07:56:41 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (28 minutes ago) 1.23 mi traveled at 14.7 mph
#48954 on 07:51:41 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (33 minutes ago) 2.13 mi traveled at 26.3 mph
#48953 on 07:46:49 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (38 minutes ago) 1.78 mi traveled at 21.6 mph
#48952 on 07:41:52 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (43 minutes ago) 1.42 mi traveled at 17.3 mph
#48951 on 07:36:55 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (48 minutes ago) 1.71 mi traveled at 20.7 mph
#48950 on 07:31:58 PM (GMT) 01/08/16 (53 minutes ago) 1.70 mi traveled at 20.4 mph
Emptying the tank I reckon
Emptying the tank I reckon
Today's pace is roughly what he's done all year.
If you were in Kurt's saddle, with mission accomplished in some style, what would you do with your last day?
If you were in Kurt's saddle, with mission accomplished in some style, what would you do with your last day?
76,066 OR BUST!!!! Tarzan needs to ride 223 miles to up the record by 1,000 miles. I'm PUSHING HIM to do it. He him-haws that 76,000 is good enough. No! He's done but he's not done. I'm not riding in the brevet so he can ride from Jupiter to St Augustine. This is it. 223 MILES TODAY!!!! ~ "The Whip" aka Alicia
Perhaps we underestimate how close to the edge both physically and mentally riders have to go to have a chance at the record.
I too was slightly surprised given how driven Kurt and Alicia appear to be. Perhaps we underestimate how close to the edge both physically and mentally riders have to go to have a chance at the record.
I too was slightly surprised given how driven Kurt and Alicia appear to be. Perhaps we underestimate how close to the edge both physically and mentally riders have to go to have a chance at the record.
Perhaps we underestimate how close to the edge both physically and mentally riders have to go to have a chance at the record.
Indeed.
Easy for we armchair enthusiasts to pontificate. Meanwhile, those riders are doing amazing things we can only wonder at.
So he's away. Tracker fires up for the last time for Kurt.
I certainly don't blame him for easing off. He's had a big year :)
Any rider (especially a RAAM veteran) who REALLY cared about putting 1000miles onto the total would have spent a lot less time in bed over the last week.
(and that's got nothing to do with Steve.)
By an awful long way the wrong day to make that comparison IMO
Florida of course was purchased from the Spanish in the 1820s, Arkansas from the French in 1803. I do wonder if Kurt rode in any of the 13 Colonies, Georgia perhaps?
Florida was BRITISH in 1776,
Florida declined to send delegates to the Continental Congress. The majority of Floridians were Loyalists, grateful to the Crown, that remained loyal to Britain. Many actually helped lead raids on the American South. One disastrous attempt on the part of the American Forces to invade East Florida occurred in Nassau County. It was led on May 17, 1777. American Colonel John Baker surrendered to the British.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Florida#British_rule_.281763.E2.80.931783.29
Florida of course was purchased from the Spanish in the 1820s, Arkansas from the French in 1803. I do wonder if Kurt rode in any of the 13 Colonies, Georgia perhaps?
Florida of course was purchased from the Spanish in the 1820s, Arkansas from the French in 1803. I do wonder if Kurt rode in any of the 13 Colonies, Georgia perhaps?
Chapeau!Catch up with YACF?
How the heck do you wind down after that?
As well as taking the record (and I do hope UMCA credit him with 76076 even if their calculations vary by a mile or two), Kurt is one of only three record holders to ride every day of the year (Ossie Nicholson in 1933 and Billie Dovey in 1938 being the other two).+1 to all that especially the part about Alicia. 16th of April was the day my support for Kurt became 100% and unshakable - such grit.
I also hope that both Kurt and Alicia are remembered together for the record. We wouldn't be looking at a new record without the pair of them.
It appears that we finished this endeavor just in time. There is a cold front moving in that will hit tonight that will drop the temps down into the 30's. Today we are off to walk the beach and then check out history of st augustine before heading to Vite Bikes tomorrow to pick up a bent for Alicia. If she is going to go after the women's record she will need the right tool. Then it is back to Arkansas for work and to preperations.
I'd put money on them flipping places now, with Kurt supporting an Alicia attempt on the Women's record.
I'd put money on them flipping places now, with Kurt supporting an Alicia attempt on the Women's record.
I'd put money on them flipping places now, with Kurt supporting an Alicia attempt on the Women's record.
That would just be so extraordinary were she to succeed and for a husband and wife team to be both the record holders.
I'm wondering though, whether Kurt now needs to get his life back 'on track'. ie earning some money. That year has cost him a fortune. (I assume)
That would just be so extraordinary were she to succeed and for a husband and wife team to be both the record holders.
Not sure if it has been linked elsewhere, interview with Kurt and some British idiot here, text and audio format.Great stuff.
http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2016/01/09/hamr-year-record-godwin-searvogel
Amazing so Alicia is going for the ladies record ;D :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Just seen on Facebook that Kurt's dad died in his sleep last night.
A mind boggling achievement.g
How on earth do you revert to Real Life after that?
Incredible.
H
Just seen on Facebook that Kurt's dad died in his sleep last night.
With a decent decent beer or three! !
With a decent decent beer or three! !
That's a good point. I couldn't be Kurt; doing all that, just to finish in time for Dry January :hand:
I was going through my notes and came across something that is important for anyone trying to go after this record.
It was during the summer in Wisconsin when Kurt was battling a cough (not knowing it was asthma or an elevated diaphragm) and also his energy was depleting since he had run out of SPIZ (his main nutrition and fuel). We were getting up very early to drive west so that he could take advantage of the strong winds blowing towards Lake Michigan. After a few days of less and less sleep, he was becoming weak and the screws started coming loose and he wasn't himself. Kurt didn't recognize it, but I did. Insisting he let me take him to Urgent Care, making him rest and getting him the nutrition he needed was something I had to almost forcefully do. This happened only few times along our journey, but I know he would have been in bad shape if he wasn't immediately taken care of. That is just one of many reasons why a support crew is essential.
Also, there was a day in Florida where I had to be away from Kurt for a few hours getting bikes repaired and go grocery shopping. We lost contact since our cell phones were not working in the area. It was a miserably hot day and he was riding out on remote and unfamiliar rural roads. I knew he had to be out of food and water. Hours and hours passed. I couldn't find him. If it wasn't for the SPOT tracker finally picking him up, I don't know how I would have found him. He was broiled (not to mention mad) by the time I did find him. It was awful. He was literally out in the middle of nowhere. His saving grace was that he told me he was able to scavenge some oranges he found on the ground. "Oh ok, so you survived on wild oranges?" ~ Alicia
Right, numpty Q here.
The spreadsheet on the UMCA HAM'R site shows Kurt as achieving 76155.6 miles, more than the 76076 that was publicised.
What's the timeline on the process for validation, tick boxing on their numbers? Still subject to review or is 76155 the new world record?
That's what I'm doing - writing the book!Not quite sure what that was a response to but it seems pretty clear anyway.
Are you taking all your notes and videao and photos to a documentarian to make this adventure into a film?
1 · 20 January at 13:33
In the process of writing the book and going through all the footage I took. We'll see!
3 · 20 January at 13:36
Steve and Kurt have now had their rides officially recognised by HAMR. see http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/f2/75-065-miles-one-year-39240-14.html
Great stuff :thumbsup:
So all this talk about Guinness would not ratify it because of pacing was crap then?
Great stuff :thumbsup:
So all this talk that Guinness would not ratify it because of pacing was crap then?
Great stuff :thumbsup:
So all this talk that Guinness would not ratify it because of pacing was crap then?
Well, their rules are down in black and white! But I imagine Guinness were prepared to accept UMCA's assurance that everything was done properly, and that therefore there was no need to apply further conditions retrospectively.
Great stuff :thumbsup:
So all this talk that Guinness would not ratify it because of pacing was crap then?
Well, their rules are down in black and white! But I imagine Guinness were prepared to accept UMCA's assurance that everything was done properly, and that therefore there was no need to apply further conditions retrospectively.
There's stuff on the VelocipedeSalon thread linked up there^^^ somewhere, a post from Drew Clark of the UMCA saying that they were talking to Guinness about UMCA records being recognised by the Big G.
One of the sticking points was, he said, that the UMCA wanted assurances that Guinness would not subsequently accept submissions of higher mileages which had not been independently verified.
Great stuff :thumbsup:
So all this talk that Guinness would not ratify it because of pacing was crap then?
Well, their rules are down in black and white! But I imagine Guinness were prepared to accept UMCA's assurance that everything was done properly, and that therefore there was no need to apply further conditions retrospectively.
There's stuff on the VelocipedeSalon thread linked up there^^^ somewhere, a post from Drew Clark of the UMCA saying that they were talking to Guinness about UMCA records being recognised by the Big G.
One of the sticking points was, he said, that the UMCA wanted assurances that Guinness would not subsequently accept submissions of higher mileages which had not been independently verified.
So Guinness Records are all a bag of bollox and money talks?
Great stuff :thumbsup:
So all this talk that Guinness would not ratify it because of pacing was crap then?
Well, their rules are down in black and white! But I imagine Guinness were prepared to accept UMCA's assurance that everything was done properly, and that therefore there was no need to apply further conditions retrospectively.
There's stuff on the VelocipedeSalon thread linked up there^^^ somewhere, a post from Drew Clark of the UMCA saying that they were talking to Guinness about UMCA records being recognised by the Big G.
One of the sticking points was, he said, that the UMCA wanted assurances that Guinness would not subsequently accept submissions of higher mileages which had not been independently verified.
So Guinness Records are all a bag of bollox and money talks?
I doubt that UMCA have loadsamoney to throw at Guinness. I think it's more to do with credibility; if Guinness don't recognise an obvious record, how can they claim to be a proper reference?
I understand that - but why does that have to be the future benchmark?
'Money' was figurative speaking- The problem I have ismy perception of UMCA trying to get a stranglehold on the year record. Who ratifies the 7 day, month, round the world records? Why aren't they subjected to the same scrutiny UMCA are suggesting is needed for a year record?
I understand that - but why does that have to be the future benchmark?
Same hymn-sheet and all that I suppose. If someone has created a record, you might want to have a go at that one rather than another vaguely similar.
Guinness have cycling records (unpaced) listed on their websites. Others without.
What does that suggest to you?
... All I can say is: it wasn't easy! ...
Hello YACFers!
Thank you for all the support you've given Kurt and I. What a year, huh. I wish I had the words to describe it in short, although, I believe Jo's graph does a good job from a different perspective (one I haven't seen yet even though I was in the thuck of it). All I can say is: it wasn't easy! No matter how you look at it, over 200 miles on ANY bike day after day after day after day after day after day, etc..... is not easy.
I would like to say something on behalf of the UMCA. It was a surprise to us that they approached Guinness. We are thrilled that they did. Kurt deserves this record title. There will always be controversy about the way this record is handled, that's the historic nature of this sport and the opinions of so many. What I do know is that UMCA was asked to become the officiating body. They are all volunteers who are ultra cyclists themselves, most are highly educated professionals. What I've experienced is that the UMCA is here to advance, support and organize a framework for ultracycling not monopolize it. Anyways, I have a great respect for them and the efforts that they go to for the love of their sport.
As we all know, this is not about fame and glory. It's about human ability and how far we can push it individually. The critics, haters, trolls and douchbags will always be out there, haha. It takes a lot to ride right through it. However, anyone who chooses to take this challenge on, be smart and make it count.
It's been fun and entertaining to read the comments. It's not difficult to spot the heart of the true endurance cyclists.
Ride on!
You-know-who ;D
Hello YACFers!
ETA - is your forum name a clue to the Seekrit Weapon that got Kurt round?
Hello YACFers!
Thank you for all the support you've given Kurt and I. What a year, huh. I wish I had the words to describe it in short, although, I believe Jo's graph does a good job from a different perspective (one I haven't seen yet even though I was in the thuck of it). All I can say is: it wasn't easy! No matter how you look at it, over 200 miles on ANY bike day after day after day after day after day after day, etc..... is not easy.
I would like to say something on behalf of the UMCA. It was a surprise to us that they approached Guinness. We are thrilled that they did. Kurt deserves this record title. There will always be controversy about the way this record is handled, that's the historic nature of this sport and the opinions of so many. What I do know is that UMCA was asked to become the officiating body. They are all volunteers who are ultra cyclists themselves, most are highly educated professionals. What I've experienced is that the UMCA is here to advance, support and organize a framework for ultracycling not monopolize it. Anyways, I have a great respect for them and the efforts that they go to for the love of their sport.
As we all know, this is not about fame and glory. It's about human ability and how far we can push it individually. The critics, haters, trolls and douchbags will always be out there, haha. It takes a lot to ride right through it. However, anyone who chooses to take this challenge on, be smart and make it count.
It's been fun and entertaining to read the comments. It's not difficult to spot the heart of the true endurance cyclists.
Ride on!
You-know-who ;D
Ride on!
You-know-who ;D
Hello YACFers!Hello Alicia, and congratulations to you both. Having done a 223 mile day I certainly didn't feel like doing the same again right afterwards. Let alone a whole year of that. Awesome, awesome job.
Thank you for all the support you've given Kurt and I. What a year, huh. I wish I had the words to describe it in short, although, I believe Jo's graph does a good job from a different perspective (one I haven't seen yet even though I was in the thuck of it). All I can say is: it wasn't easy! No matter how you look at it, over 200 miles on ANY bike day after day after day after day after day after day, etc..... is not easy.
I would like to say something on behalf of the UMCA. It was a surprise to us that they approached Guinness. We are thrilled that they did. Kurt deserves this record title. There will always be controversy about the way this record is handled, that's the historic nature of this sport and the opinions of so many. What I do know is that UMCA was asked to become the officiating body. They are all volunteers who are ultra cyclists themselves, most are highly educated professionals. What I've experienced is that the UMCA is here to advance, support and organize a framework for ultracycling not monopolize it. Anyways, I have a great respect for them and the efforts that they go to for the love of their sport.
As we all know, this is not about fame and glory. It's about human ability and how far we can push it individually. The critics, haters, trolls and douchbags will always be out there, haha. It takes a lot to ride right through it. However, anyone who chooses to take this challenge on, be smart and make it count.
It's been fun and entertaining to read the comments. It's not difficult to spot the heart of the true endurance cyclists.
Ride on!
You-know-who ;D
It's been fun and entertaining to read the comments. It's not difficult to spot the heart of the true endurance cyclists.
Ride on!
You-know-who ;D
Ride on!
You-know-who ;D
Well, Kurt couldn't have done it without you that's for sure.
What an achievement and what a cracking ride it was.
Take care.
Hello YACFers!
Thank you for all the support you've given Kurt and I. What a year, huh. I wish I had the words to describe it in short, although, I believe Jo's graph does a good job from a different perspective (one I haven't seen yet even though I was in the thuck of it). All I can say is: it wasn't easy! No matter how you look at it, over 200 miles on ANY bike day after day after day after day after day after day, etc..... is not easy.
I would like to say something on behalf of the UMCA. It was a surprise to us that they approached Guinness. We are thrilled that they did. Kurt deserves this record title. There will always be controversy about the way this record is handled, that's the historic nature of this sport and the opinions of so many. What I do know is that UMCA was asked to become the officiating body. They are all volunteers who are ultra cyclists themselves, most are highly educated professionals. What I've experienced is that the UMCA is here to advance, support and organize a framework for ultracycling not monopolize it. Anyways, I have a great respect for them and the efforts that they go to for the love of their sport.
As we all know, this is not about fame and glory. It's about human ability and how far we can push it individually. The critics, haters, trolls and douchbags will always be out there, haha. It takes a lot to ride right through it. However, anyone who chooses to take this challenge on, be smart and make it count.
It's been fun and entertaining to read the comments. It's not difficult to spot the heart of the true endurance cyclists.
Ride on!
You-know-who ;D
"I have an interest in diet and what Kurt had to eat on a daily basis. There was some funny YouTube pictures of Kurt eating junk food, but I for one always thought there was some keen eyed individual watching what he ate."
Kurt ate dessert and fast food... according to the media. :o And, I'm guilty of having fun with showing him eating donuts and hamburgers too.
His main fuel on the bike was SPIZ meal replacement. Six to eight bottles a day, 500 calories each.
Two breakfasts, two lunches, pre dinner and then dinner. These were regular healthy average meals that most people eat. When we were on the road he did get more fast food for lunch and pre dinner. He snacked constantly. It's all about shoveling the calories and an iron gut. He was always eating and it was rare that he sat down to eat.
Beans on toast? :facepalm:
Beans on toast? :facepalm:
Beans on toast? :facepalm:Food of the gods!!! :thumbsup:
Beans on toast? :facepalm:Food of the gods!!! :thumbsup:
Beans on toast? :facepalm:
Beans on toast? :facepalm:
Here seen in its natural habitat, note the other Randonneur tucking into 2 croissants with strawberry jam, clearly something of a metrosexual.
There's a couple of cultural references to baffle Alicia.
There's a couple of cultural references to baffle Alicia.
You can Google anything nowadays. There are no more mysteries.
No mysteries, just misinformation.
You can Google anything nowadays. There are no more mysteries.
That's how I found out about Steve's visits to the Lake District and Cornwall during the One Year Time Trial.
In 1950, at the age of 18, John took up boxing in Buxton, and earned a total of £17 at prize-fights in his local Town Hall.[2] He did not much enjoy boxing, but found during his training that he had a talent for long-distance running. Accordingly, he gave up boxing the following year and turned his sights to training for the marathon, hoping to compete at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy.
In 1952 John applied to join the Salford Harriers in order to register with the Amateur Athletic Association of England. On being asked whether he had ever played sport for money, he chose to answer honestly and declared his brief career in prize-fighting. Due to the strict amateur code enforced at the time, he was immediately banned from competition for life.[2]
Despite this setback, he continued to train, and (with the assistance of his brother Victor) began to gatecrash races to which he was officially refused entry, often out-performing recognised champions of the day. Nicknamed "The Ghost Runner" by the Press, his popularity eventually led to a relaxation of the ban against him: From 1958 he was permitted to compete nationally, but would remain ineligible to be selected for his country, and hence never did compete at the Olympic Games.
In the 1960s he turned to ultra-marathons, and set world records for 40-mile and 100-mile distances.[3] In 1967 he became the first man ever to win the season's grand slam in Britain's four principal ultra-marathons (the London-to-Brighton, Isle of Man, Exeter-to-Plymouth, and Liverpool-to-Blackpool).
Such a contrast to Steve's improved model diet. A sort of Desperate Dan meets Alf Tupper, Tough of the Track.
There's a couple of cultural references to baffle Alicia.
It's probably inevitable that Steve's ride will become harder in legend, while Kurt's becomes easier. From a British standpoint.
I never found a proper chippy whenever I've been to the USA. Not sure whether you can get baked beans over there either,
Tarzan and Whip would do well to come over to the UK, do some rides and enjoy some British stuff like fish, chips, beer in pubs and other stuff.
Four flavors of its new HomeStyle Beans, a name that borrows from the company's HomeStyle Gravy line, are rolling out in grocery stores around the country, after successful tests last fall in several markets including Pittsburgh.
These are not the same beans that Brits have served on toast as a comfort food since 1901. The U.K. label and recipe are different. Theirs are white navy beans in a simple tomato sauce.
For U.S. customers, Heinz officials tapped the expertise of the company's Canadian operation, which is also big into the baked beans business and offered up 12 to 14 recipes to choose from, said Noel Geoffroy, vice president, Heinz Brands/U.S. Consumer Products.
"We tweaked them as appropriate for the U.S. consumer," said Ms. Geoffroy, who has years of experience marketing brands from Folgers and Pringles to Heinz ketchup.
Customers here will choose from traditional combinations such as brown sugar and bacon; molasses and pork; and maple flavor, as well as the trendier Chipotle BBQ Style.
I never found a proper chippy whenever I've been to the USA. Not sure whether you can get baked beans over there either,
Tarzan and Whip would do well to come over to the UK, do some rides and enjoy some British stuff like fish, chips, beer in pubs and other stuff.
Have a holiday in Milton Keynes!
I never found a proper chippy whenever I've been to the USA. Not sure whether you can get baked beans over there either,
Tarzan and Whip would do well to come over to the UK, do some rides and enjoy some British stuff like fish, chips, beer in pubs and other stuff.Have a holiday in Milton Keynes!
This is getting weirder and weirder: Britain as a gastronomic destination, and visit MK for your holidays.
Is fish'n'chips even a thing in USAnia? :o
I never found a proper chippy whenever I've been to the USA. Not sure whether you can get baked beans over there either,
Tarzan and Whip would do well to come over to the UK, do some rides and enjoy some British stuff like fish, chips, beer in pubs and other stuff.
I agree TG! I think if you mentioned it to Tarzan... ;D :thumbsup: ;D :thumbsup: ;D Mention food and beer, that helps! ;D
Besides, this getting back to normal life seems weird, out of sorts, can't put my finger on it... Don't you think?
This is getting weirder and weirder: Britain as a gastronomic destination, and visit MK for your holidays.
[...]people do come to Milton Keynes for a holiday, and return. It wouldn't be my first choice either but an American might feel more at home here with the grid road system and shopping centres.
Scotland is also very popular and I would definitely recommend it for cycling and food. Especially Fiddlers in Drumnodrochit on the banks of Loch Ness. Very good food, all fortified with whisky and probably every possible Scotch whisky available. Also worth touring Wales.
Really how can Kurt set a cycling record without the help of the cycling staples of fish n chips, beer and beans. Really these dam yanks!
Alf Tupper, that's a funny one! Kurt does like fish-n-chips... not to mention beer!!! :thumbsup:
Still haven't tried beans on toast... will attempt to try and let you know... ???
Not sure whether you can get baked beans over there either,
Scotland is also very popular and I would definitely recommend it for cycling and food. Especially Fiddlers in Drumnodrochit on the banks of Loch Ness. Very good food, all fortified with whisky and probably every possible Scotch whisky available. Also worth touring Wales.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Can't disagree with Scotland as a destination for cyclists. Except maybe for the weather and the midgies! ;D
May/June or September/early October are the best times to avoid the latter. As for the former, it's pot luck I'm afraid. ::-)
And people do come to Milton Keynes for a holiday, and return. It wouldn't be my first choice either but an American might feel more at home here with the grid road system and shopping centres. Plus it's handy for a lot of nice places to visit.
Is fish'n'chips even a thing in USAnia? :o
It has been attempted - on at least one occasion.
My grandfather was Editor-in-Chief of a local newspaper group in Nottingham and as I recall the story they printed a special edition 'front-page' with spoof Robin-Hoodery to be exported to a new start up somewhere in USA that wanted to create the 'proper' fish & chips in newspaper experience.
How often does it turn out to be fish'n'crisps, thobut?
No problem getting UK style real ales there when I lived there
I never found a proper chippy whenever I've been to the USA. Not sure whether you can get baked beans over there either,
Tarzan and Whip would do well to come over to the UK, do some rides and enjoy some British stuff like fish, chips, beer in pubs and other stuff.
Yebbut... American beer? Yeuch!
I never found a proper chippy whenever I've been to the USA. Not sure whether you can get baked beans over there either,
Tarzan and Whip would do well to come over to the UK, do some rides and enjoy some British stuff like fish, chips, beer in pubs and other stuff.
Aye, as with much else all over the globe, the American palate has evolved.
I quite enjoyed this beer during a visit to California a few years ago:
(https://azdisciplenc.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/fattire.jpg)
I never found a proper chippy whenever I've been to the USA. Not sure whether you can get baked beans over there either,
Tarzan and Whip would do well to come over to the UK, do some rides and enjoy some British stuff like fish, chips, beer in pubs and other stuff.
I don't believe this !
The 'baked bean' meal was brought to Europe from Eastern US / Canada. Baking beans was done by the Native First Nation People.
The first can of beans to come to the UK was only 130 years ago.
Have you never watched 'Blazing saddles' by Mel Brooks?
This post seems to have tripped our work firewall
Beer. Whisky. Cigars. Hand rolling tobacco. Lee Enfield rifle.Good job no one is riding a BSA bike.
There, will that do?
;D
FYI, he's finally contemplating a trip to England this summer. :o
Kurt does love rugby, but not a cricket fan.
FYI, he's finally contemplating a trip to England this summer. :o
people do come to Milton Keynes for a holiday ... it's handy for a lot of nice places to visit.
Giving this topic a huge kick
Both Alicia and Kurt show themselves from a different angle regarding the death of George Flloyd and the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, judging by their posts on Facebook framing the protests.
Just because somebody rides a bike, does not make them a friend. I like to think there is more chance of them becoming a friend but that is about as good as it gets.
I made the same mistake. He's a bit of a knob isn't he?Giving this topic a huge kick
Both Alicia and Kurt show themselves from a different angle regarding the death of George Flloyd and the Black Lives Matter demonstrations, judging by their posts on Facebook framing the protests.
I went and had a look after you posted a link on Facebook. Had to stop fairly quickly.
Can we keep politics to POBI, please?
Can we keep politics to POBI, please?
Can we keep politics to POBI, please?
What's "POBI" mean?