CHELTENHAM NEW FLYER 200 +150 & 100KM SAT 18 MAR 17

[3peaker]

I am now in the final phase of organising for Saturday. All Route info now out by email and post; so, if you have not received or have the wrong details, best you let me know. Routes are the same as 2016 so website details should work, though I have sent current data. Would appreciate if Rob Gill could email me as his eddress has been rejected 4 times by my server.

I am looking at the biggest field for many years, so please try to arrive early for probably street parking for the 150 and 100km. Best for local riders to consider cycling to the start.

If the weather turns nasty, we have indoor Controls at Fernham and Burbage and the Stables Tea Room in Lacock.

[Hot Flatus]

Looking forward to it, Steve. The middle two controls are delightful and the route is top class.

[simonp]

Also looking forwards to this despite feeling a bit unfit.

[Cudzoziemiec]

Also looking forwards to this

Me too. 

despite feeling a bit unfit.

Me even more. 

[Bobbinogs]

Well I enjoyed the 100k, although it did feel a bit longer when I was slogging into the wind on some of those drags on the way back.  I wasn't sure I would make this one as it usually follows a grand day out at the races, but by 4am I had slept off the surfeit of Guinness and got up to print the routecard and prep the bike...before going back to bed for another couple of hours kip
Great to see so many cyclists out on the roads.

[simonp]

Wind, was there wind? 

Big win of the day was finding another fixie to ride with. So much better for pacing when sharing the work.

[Hot Flatus]

It was great to see you, Simon, albeit for only a moment. 

I'll say what I say every year about this ride. Steve has adapted the old route into a winning ride: quiet roads, enormously varied landscapes, a few stand out climbs and best of all two absolutely amazing controls. Burbage has to be my favorite (now that the Paramore's have finally stopped hosting the final control on today's Exeter 200).

I've been directing some audax Virgins from my local club towards this ride (well..the 150) and they had a great day out.

[Cudzoziemiec]

Yes, there was wind. There was also sun, about one second of rain and heading home through Cowley there was the remarkable combination of wind and fog at the same time. (I think this is actually reasonable common, despite what people say.) Luckily no fog on the other side, heading down Birdlip Hill.

[simonp]

Re the wind, I got a heap of Strava PRs on the final stage once we turned away from the wind.

Didn't get up the climb out of Ramsbury. Need to be stronger for 17%.

Flatus - it was nice to say hello. No way I was going to catch up, though.

[3peaker]

Sorry about the SW headwind as you 200 riders headed across the Vale Of Pewsey. It did give you more time to enjoy. I rode the Perm on Monday, AC, and enjoyed that wind on my back! Mind you, I was a touch damp when I rolled into Lacock.

Thanks for the positive comments. Just note Sat 17 March 2018 for the next Flyer; control Teams booked.

Anyone missing v large Mitts, a buff, liner glove and Cycling specs? Left by a late 200 rider