Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Tomsk on 06 January, 2015, 07:14:49 pm
-
Somewhere for big ideas and cunning plans to build up to the Big French Ride [and to help keep the MEMWNS thread on-topic].
Tippers and I are riding the Willy Warmer in a couple of weeks and also planning on a DIY using the Horsepower 200km route [if I can't get it sorted as a perm. in time] probably on Saturday 31st January. Wingnut otp has expressed an interest in the latter.
Actually it doesn't have to be loads of 200s, I prefer a civilised 100km or thereabouts in winter, as with OD's recent ride, [despite the rain!]
-
Do DIYs count towards PBP entries?
Am I going to have to join the Essex SR series sooner rather than later? I don't want to leave it too late and find it's already oversubscribed.
Can I leave earlier or later than the advertised time for the HP200? Earliest train to Chelmsford means I'll be arriving at Dunmow post start and if I ride from home I'd like to start ASAP rather than get cold.
kthxbai :-*
-
I am fairly certain that in order to be a qualifier it needs to be a BRM which is not possible with a DIY. On the calendar you need to sort on RM only that should give you qualifying events. L
-
Yup, BRM qualifiers, within the specified time slots, though 'Helpers' Rides' a week or two before count [- Del, I'll email you the list].
Essex SR [made up] rulz = one DIY is ok, the rest calendar events, though.
You can start a ride late or early if you want, though I am making the hall available for a sleepover before the Horsepower and Flatlands....and the Flitchbikes 100/200 in Aug, if there is the demand.
Manningtree events are of course very train friendly and then there's the curry before the 300 and breakfast at the Station Buffet before the 400 [and probably 24 hours later] :thumbsup:
-
Just a note. If anyone is interested in the Willy Warmer (17th Jan) I am taking the team car down on the Friday night picking up Tomsk on the way. I have room for up to 2 more
silly sods bad asses
-
I'm considering riding Dick Turpins Day Out on the 18th. January after The Willy Warmer, anyone fancy coming along ?
-
^ I can't do 18th, but the following Saturday [24th] is possible for DTDO.
-
I'll be back over the other side of The North Sea, as I fly out on the 19th, 'tis a shame that.
-
I'm tentatively interested in doing some Essex based DIYs/perms over the coming months, although ice and/or heavy rain would most likely keep me in bed. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see what you guys end up arranging.
I'm also booked to ride the Willy Warmer on the 17th (and am hoping to ride to the start from North London - although this might well be the death of me), so may well meet some of you then. :thumbsup:
-
Entry forms all printed for another Essex SR ready to be handed to Tomsk this evening :thumbsup:
-
DIY entry sent off for 200 on the Horsepower route. 31st of the month is looking like the preferred date still, 07:30 start, though later would be ok if necessary. I don't mind a late finish if anyone wants more time to get over here first thing.
Approval granted for a permanent version - I'll get some cards next and promote it a bit - should interest CC Sudbury Audaxers and others in East Anglia.
Edit: Should get cards in time for the end of the month...
-
Somewhere for big ideas and cunning plans to build up to the Big French Ride [and to help keep the MEMWNS thread on-topic].
Tippers and I are riding the Willy Warmer in a couple of weeks and also planning on a DIY using the Horsepower 200km route [if I can't get it sorted as a perm. in time] probably on Saturday 31st January. Wingnut otp has expressed an interest in the latter.
Actually it doesn't have to be loads of 200s, I prefer a civilised 100km or thereabouts in winter, as with OD's recent ride, [despite the rain!]
-
Disregard my above entry: computer numpty operator error.
Tomsk: I have entered all yr BRM rides ( 200, 300, 400 & 600 )
Ketchup soon :)
-
Saturday 31st still on for 200km 'Horses for Courses', weather dependant, of course....basic plan=Lavenham and Snetterton for café stops, Golden Lion [Wetherspoons] in Newmarket and drinkies/food at the Angel and Harp afterwards. So: possibly a full value ride [12+ hours?] but a civilised pace and a decent amount of down time.
07:00 start, or would later suit?
Roll call so far: Tomsk, Tippers_kiwi, Wilkyboy, Wingnut?
-
07:00 start, or would later suit?
7 is good for me but will work in with others.
-
Waiting for a pass from SWMBO, but I'm keen to ride on the 31st if I get the required permission... Happy to fit around other people for start times as well - will I be able to enter it as a perm via the AUK website by then, do you know?
I had to dash off to catch a train right after the Willy Warmer Arrivee, otherwise I'd have tried to locate you guys and introduce myself. I rode with a chap from Colchester between Kingsclere and a little way after Winnersh, and we had a chat whilst shovelling down snack food in Winnersh Sainsburys - not sure if was one of you guys?
-
07:00 start, or would later suit?
Roll call so far: Tomsk, Tippers_kiwi, Wilkyboy, Wingnut?
I'm awaiting permission, but I would ride down from Cambridge (55km) and so would prefer a 7.30 start, if possible, else I'll have to catch you up at one of the café stops.
-
Lets go for a later start then, to give everyone more time to assemble: 08:30?
I'm awaiting the cards, but I might get round to streamlining the entry procedure - otherwise just bring a form and pay on the day.
-
Would this be doubling as the helpers ride? Or is that on another date?
-
^ Helpers' rides should be within 2 weeks before or 1 after the event - sorry - this is PBP training!! Helpers' ride for The Horsepower planned for 28th Feb.
-
8:30, how civilised, I like it
-
Thanks Tom, that's smashing :thumbsup: Not quite such a red-eye start now.
-
^ Helpers' rides should be within 2 weeks before or 1 after the event - sorry - this is PBP training!! Helpers' ride for The Horsepower planned for 28th Feb.
Thanks for clarifying, I'll e-mail you nearer the time and have fun tomorrow week.
-
Rather generously I've been allowed out unsupervised for the day. I'd like to join you guys if that's Ok. Whereabouts are you meeting?
-
I had to dash off to catch a train right after the Willy Warmer Arrivee, otherwise I'd have tried to locate you guys and introduce myself. I rode with a chap from Colchester between Kingsclere and a little way after Winnersh, and we had a chat whilst shovelling down snack food in Winnersh Sainsburys - not sure if was one of you guys?
[/quote]
That was probably me. You guys were cracking along at a good pace. I couldn't keep up.
I've got a pass for this ride, hope you have too. See you Saturday.
-
I think I would have been happier to ride at your pace Carlos, the guy I was riding with was on a bit of a mission by that stage, and it was all I could do to keep on his back wheel. I've got the required permission for the 31st, so I'll be there unless the weather looks awful - looking forward to riding with you again at a slightly more leisurely pace :thumbsup:
-
Meet at my house by 08:30 next Saturday [full address on AUKweb].
If you want breakfast I can provide that...before 08:00 would be about right. I can do bacon sarnies if you'd like, otherwise the usual toast n'cereal. Send in your requests.
So far we have: Tomsk, Tippers-Kiwi, Carlosfandango, Bernster, with Wingnut and Wilkyboy possible too....?
You can park a few bikes in our small front garden, right under the bay window, otherwise up the alleyway to the left [if you're facing our front door] for about 160 feet, first gate on the right at the end of the fence, then through the gate on the right with the 'Welcome' sign - that's where the bike shed is...
If anyone is running late and you don't catch up on the road, we'll be heading to the 'Chili and Chives' café in Lavenham for the first control. It's on the left heading up the hill past the Swan.
-
... and Wilkyboy possible too....?
Very probable, unless SWMBO comes up with something I hadn't mitigated against ...
Bacon sarnies, eh? Now we're talking! i am now aiming to be at yours before 8 ;D
-
I wouldn't turn down a bacon Sarnie! I am planning to ride over and leaving Tiptree at 6:30 so timing should work out just about right.
-
The Horses for Courses 200 perm we rode yesterday turned into a slog-fest in the end for me. It had strong similarities with my first ever 200, another of Tomsk's perms: strong winds, significant precipitation, and a feeling for half the ride that I'd be out of time (for the first time ever) ...
I started from Cambridge just after 5.30am for a 25km ride out to my start point on the route (it's a perm), leaving me with another 25km or so to meet up at Tom's. The temperature was -2ºC and the lane outside our house had patches of frost, which were a bit skitty, but the road at the end of our lane was gritted and clear.
The ride from Linton down to Great Dunmow was on a mix of lanes and B roads, most of which should have been gritted. However, the rivers of ground water washing across the road from field to field had removed the salt in places resulting in clear patches of scrunched up ice: there were no black ice surprises, just short sections of extreme crunchy wariness.
After a hard-earned bacon butty — thanks Tom! — we set off, five of us (not sure on all the yacf handles, apart from tippers_kiwi). This is where my troubles started (I believe): I've been riding solo 200s (and a solo 600) for the past five months, which meant that I'd ridden to my own pace, which itself has been gradually slowing down: if I ride a stage above 20kph then I am happy with that. I've always put this down to winter fitness and solo riding. However, riding with Tomsk, who was on something like 64" fixed (judging by my comparative gearing), the pace was rarely below 24kph, only helped by the fact we were still below zero, so mitigating the additional heat build-up for me. I can usually maintain this sort of pace for 100km or so — when I first started this mallarkey in 2012 then 50km was my blow-up point.
The first section of the ride is a classic B-road Essex run to Suffolk — if you've ridden the Dunwich Dynamo then you've ridden most of this leg: Gt Dunmow, Gt Bardfield, Finchingfield, Sible Hedingham, Castle Hedingham, Sudbury, Lavenham. No matter if you've ridden this route before, it's picture-postcard beautiful right the way through. Topped off with a bowl of soup and a slice of caik at Chili & Chives café.
We were unsure whether we'd be able to ride the prescribed route from Lavenham to Snetterton Park (next door to Snetterton circuit), because this section involved quite a number of lanes that were off Suffolk and Norfolk's gritting maps. We'd have to suck it and see … as it turned out, apart from a few field-run-off sections that were visibly crunched up, the roads were all clear. This is a lovely, laney stage across old, abandoned airfields with wide-open vistas in all directions. If the wind's up then it's going to catch you, because the final 25km are there-and-back, so you'll get it one way or the other. For us we got the wind both ways as a nasty, bitterly cold crosswind.
This was the point I blew up: with just 10km to go to the control on a short, gentle incline, I had no power. I bonked, hit the wall, whatever. Four red lights disappeared over the brow of the hill, while I struggled up in bottom gear. 145km of riding and nothing left. The group waited for me a few kms further on, for which I was grateful, but I waved them on, as we were so close to the control: I would only be a few minutes behind them.
After they had left me, it started to rain, and then started to snow, so I stopped to put on a waterproof. This was going to be interesting if the snow stuck! I slowly ground my way past the back end of Snetterton Circuit with the sound of highly tuned street cars (I think) buzzing around the track. I caught up with the others for lunch and we had a decent stop — beef curry, yum :)
While we were sat in the café, the snow turned into a bit of a blizzard, with huge, fluffy flakes falling and everyone crowded up against the window to watch. This looked like it was going to be a tough stage because, apart from the initial 20km of cross wind, we'd be turning into the wind and whatever it was carrying into our faces.
We set off together, but I made it clear I would probably drop off the back and catch them at the next control, or not. I stuck with them for 5km, before failing to develop enough power to stay attached. It was going to be a long and lonely ride back into the wind and the snow. I had 100km to get home, 75km to get to my virtual arrivée. I sat on the bike calculating and re-calculating distances, average speeds, and cut-off times: I figured I would have to bounce the next control and maintain at least the minimum speed to just scrape in, which is much closer than I ever like to be. I had had three long stops where normally I'd pretty much bounce through, so I had almost no time in hand.
The next section is a mostly laney run through the lanes south of Thetford and generally more closed-in by hedges than the previous stage, which provided at least some cover from the ferocious winds, which were 20-25mph slightly-off headwind. And by now the roads were waterlogged with huge puddles extending from side-to-side of the lanes; fortunately the lanes in Norfolk have a significant camber, so the centreline wasn't too deep, but occasionally I'd have to play chicken with on-coming traffic (who were very conscientious). Although I was wearing closed-top shoes, they aren't designed to be waterproof and my toes were damp, although not soaking, but cold, bitterly cold. The temperature had barely broken into positive numbers and was now settling back below zero!
After an hour or so I came around the corner to the sight of four riders, one of whom had an upside-down bike and a wheel in hand: it turned out the puddles had hidden a pot-hole and tippers_kiwi had suffered a double-puncture. In the cold and wet he had proceeded to fix both of them without removing his gloves! I took a welcome break from the solo drudgery for a chat and when we set off again I quickly dropped off the back of the group: we were still 35km from the next control, that's how slowly I was moving by now!
The snow at times was blowing so hard into my face that I had to wear my yacf buff like a mask, as it stung so much. Fortunately the snow was slush when on the ground and melting quickly, so this wasn't a safety issue. My chain was toast, though: the wet and the scrog had got caught up in it and even though I re-oiled it halfway around it got washed off, resulting, inevitably, in immediate wear and stretch. I had known the chain was near end-of-life, but it was now over-life and I lost the ability to change on the derailleur: I was stuck in high range, so hills were even harder. I could've gotten off and forced it onto the bigger sprocket, but I had lost the ability for rational thought and was focused on getting to my virtual arrivée before running out of time.
I had forgotten how hilly the approach into Newmarket is: I've ridden this road once in the opposite direction and it felt fine, but of course it was all downhill then. Now it was all uphill and into a strengthening headwind: I was in bottom gear and struggling to maintain 14.3kph. I was losing time!
I caught up with the others as they were finishing their stop at the Newmarket control and by now it was pitch dark — it's winter. I bounced through, just getting some happy food for the final run. From here I had some 20-odd km and I had around two hours to do it in: I should be okay, so long as I could maintain an average above the minimum, and without visitations (but since I ride Marathons, these are somewhat rare: one in 10,000km). A quick shufty at the map and Tomsk pointed out an alternative, slightly straighter and much safer route back to my personal arrivée along a good B road: where they turned left, I would head straight on.
I rode out with the others and we clipped along nicely for the first 5km or so, which nicely boosted my average for this stage. As the road started to climb I ran out of low gears and dropped off the back, but to my surprise I still had one of the others behind me, barely catching me, so maybe my winter fitness isn't so bad … it didn't last long, though, and he passed me to latch back onto the group, no names, no pack drill and all that.
I spent the next hour counting down the kilometres: 15, 10 — I though I'd arrived, but I'd forgotten that I passed through Balsham before turning left towards Linton. Bummer! Fortunately the road to Linton felt flat-to-downhill and I maintained a steady speed to R@T and there it was, in all its glory: The Co-Operative (food). I checked the time: about 13 hours, I had managed to salvage an hour in hand in the final 75km, in spite of complete lack of power, result! :thumbsup:
At this point I was still 22km from home. I texted Mrs W to tell her all was well and I was soooo tempted when she offered to pick me up. But, no, in for a penny, in for a pound and all that! She was like, "whatever". I dragged my broken body back over the Gog Magogs towards Cambridge, having to pedal downhill, that's how strong the wind was!! I span along at 18kph in bottom gear, the jump to the next gear up being too great in this blow. I made it home in a disrespectable 75 minutes, averaging a disappointing 16.something kph! But by now I was off the clock and it didn't matter, except to my own pride :facepalm:
Horse for Courses 200 perm — and The Horsepower 200 calendar ride, Sat 7th March — is a good, quick ride … if you have the legs for it, of course. The route is classic Essex for the first 50, wide-open Suffolk for the next 50, Norfolk hedges and lanes for the third 50, and finally a quick B-road run through Thaxted for the final leg to Great Dunmow and arrivée. This is an ideal early season run or a first 200, as it's challenging enough, but the final leg is quick and so favours tiring legs. The scenery is great in the wide-open-skies and rural-hedgy-lanes sense … and of course the classic, pretty, thatched-Essex sense.
Thanks Tom for another "fun" day out on the bike! A little less weather next time, please ;)
Postscript: the others took some photos, hopefully we'll see some here soon. Me, not any for a change.
-
That all sounds horribly grim - well done to all of you!
I was planning to go for a spin yesterday afternoon but the snow put me off. The 2013 Easter Arrow has left me scarred when it comes to winter riding.
-
...Rule #5.....
Actually, I quite enjoyed coping with it all yesterday. Good to have company all the way round, as well as being very relaxed about café time. My average speed was up a bit on the Willy Warmer, though it was a flatter route. I felt a whole lot stronger, with no wibbly moments - got my hydration right and never felt low on energy. The wind was a bit grim when it was blowing snow or cold rain across, but the strong tailwind on the final 50km was great!
Next Saturday [7th] is still possible for a randonnee - maybe Dick Turpin, reversed? Otherwise, I could possibly take a day off in half-term [16-20th Feb].
-
Thoroughly enjoyed riding with you all, and a very enjoyable day out given the conditions - granted I'd rather it was a few degrees warmer, and snowing less (horizontal snow hitting you in the face isn't the best fun you can have on a bike), but completing this ride gives me confidence that I can deal with most weather conditions. Thanks for the write up WilkyBoy, and glad to hear that you made it round in time. You were right behind me on that hill, and I turned round a minute or so later, and you were out of sight - it takes some mental toughness to push on in those conditions on your own!
After a quick pint at the Arivee, I set off to ride back to Bishop's Stortford with a train in mind, but probably not enough time given the strengthening headwind. Rather than accept defeat, I used up all the energy I had left and made it with seconds to spare. It was all I could do to hold myself and my bike upright on the train and eat 3 bags of emergency Haribo!
Finally a big thanks to everyone for their company, and especially to Tomsk for the bacon sandwich and cuppa at the start, organising the ride and for the metronomic tempo that you set that made the last 50k a lot easier than it otherwise would have been... Looking forward to riding with you all again soon :thumbsup:
-
It was indeed a good day out. Thanks to Tomsk for the hospitality in the morning.
I had a bit of a struggle between Snetterton and Newmarket on the long slightly uphill drags and made the mistake of overworking myself to keep up, I think that is part of the reason I hit that pothole as I was just a bit wrecked from working myself and not drinking. Once I settled myself into my own pace again it all came back together and I felt quite comfortable.
On the way out of Newmarket I got caught by the light (with Bernster), I was not going to blow myself up catching the group again as I remember the road out of Newmarket from the A&S last year being a little nasty. I spun my way up and as Wilky confirms I think he was a little surprised how far behind I was. I managed to get back with the others who I can only assume dropped their pace a little for me around the Linton area.
The last section back into Dunmow is that roller coaster from Thaxted and I again dropped off the back but was riding pretty comfortably. I ended up back at the Angel and Harp a couple of minutes behind the others. I felt pretty good but had called for a lift home as I was sick of riding until my hands and feet warmed up for the day. I had ridden the 34k over in the morning so felt that was good enough.
Going by my Garmin I finished in 11h 40m which is pretty much exactly the same as the time on the Willy Warmer a couple of weeks earlier. Although the Willy Warmer had more climbing I do thing the conditions were more testing yesterday.
Thanks to Bernster for the beer at the end, it felt well earned and hopefully I'll have a chance to pay it back soon!
-
Actually, I quite enjoyed coping with it all yesterday ...
^^^ This — it was fun, in a masochistic way. And it was good to check all the kit under extended bad conditions, see what works and what doesn't — as Bernster said, we now have a sense of confidence in the face of adverse weather. It's nice to do it once in a while, and since last winter was soooo mild, it felt we almost deserved it as penance … :facepalm:
As for times: I started part-way between two controls, so ended up with an extra control (breakfast at Tom's), although I bounced Newmarket where you guys stopped. I made it around in 12h50m with a very generous 3hrs stoppage, which was an enjoyable approach to the ride -- I don't think I've spent quite so long off the bike on a 200.
As for the next one: I will probably miss it, as I have a new DIY I need to ride … and then we're back for the same again in the guise of The Horsepower helpers' ride :thumbsup:
-
I'll do my own write up on the blog a bit later but some photos for now....
On the road to Snetterton
(http://thebrunners.com/audax/images/season_14_15/horses_courses/2015_06_01.JPG)
The Russian T55 tank at the Snetterton Cafe. In my Swiss Army days I would have been expected to know this without heistation...I got it wrong havin gone for the T72!
(http://thebrunners.com/audax/images/season_14_15/horses_courses/2015_06_02.JPG)
It all looked a little more white when we came back out. The tank at least looked at home!
(http://thebrunners.com/audax/images/season_14_15/horses_courses/2015_06_03.JPG)
(http://thebrunners.com/audax/images/season_14_15/horses_courses/2015_06_04.JPG)
(http://thebrunners.com/audax/images/season_14_15/horses_courses/2015_06_05.JPG)
And this is what Wilkyboy refers to Above. It came side on with some velocity at times!
(http://thebrunners.com/audax/images/season_14_15/horses_courses/2015_06_07.JPG)
Being hefty doesn't help with Potholes....other than it didn't bounce me off. It was the few seconds after Impact I thought....wow that was lucky I didn't get a flat, then......BANG!
(http://thebrunners.com/audax/images/season_14_15/horses_courses/2015_06_09.jpg)
-
That sounds like fun.........If you can do the DTDO on the 8th, I'd be up for that.
-
Just FYI for anyone planning perms in Suffolk, they don't grit B roads now, nor bus routes. Just the A14/A11/A12. I've heard tell of gritting on the A134 & A143 but I'm not sure the A1101 gets it, nor the A1068.
There is description and map, here (http://www.suffolk.gov.uk/assets/suffolk.gov.uk/Environment%20and%20Transport/Roads%20and%20Pavements/2014_2015_Winter_Service_Plan_Suffolk.pdf) but it doesn't reflect my experience of what actually happens.
-
Thank you all for a very civilised ride.
The very good company and Tomsk's expert pacing and route finding made it a very relaxed day. Tea and toast at the start courtesy of Tomsk, a lovely rhubarb frangipan tart at Lavenham and a veg curry at Snetterton kept me going. It was a good route for a winter Audax, even the minor blizzard between Snetty and Newmarket couldn't stop us, though I'd lost the feeling in my fingers by Newmarket. (Thank you Bernster for removing my helmet!).
I actually felt warm on the last leg to Dunmow.
That pint in the Angel was good though.
I've ordered a new bottom bracket and given my bike a severe talking too, I'm really not gonna spend any more money on it this year.
-
Great photos Tippers, I'm glad someone managed to capture the horizontal snow. Sorry to see that photo of your wheel though - is the rim rideable, or is it a rebuild job? You certainly hit that flooded pothole hard from the noise made, and I was thankful not to see you on the deck when I looked round.
Carlos, I'm liking the idea of giving your bike a severe talking to - I've got visions of you picking up a roadside tree branch, and threatening to give it a damn good thrashing John Cleese style!
-
Yeah, I think I caught that snow quite well considering. If you were to throw some crushed ice across your face with bare hands it would probably give about the right feeling as well :)
The rim is going to be replaced. Although it looked OK(ish) once I straightened it out I notices that the lump actually shows on the rim beyond the brake track and I thought that might cause some issues to the actual structure. I dropped the guy who built them a mail and he agreed that they should be replaced. Even if they were OK the brakes still made a thudding sound over the area which is not nice and I would really hate for something to fully fail at the wrong time (going fast, in a group, miles from home on an audax). Spokes and Hub can all be reused so it is not crazy money just a little annoying. As you say, it could have been worse, it was a pretty heavy impact (it would be with my weight on the bike though ;D)
Thanks to you all for stopping at that stage, I know the getting cold again was not the best thing but hopefully you all got some entertainment watching me changing tyres refusing to take my gloves off. I reckon I would have lost some skin on that Inflator if I had taken them off.
-
Well done chaps!
I have been dead lazy so far this year, but your winter epic reminds me I have to get back out there... Hopefully will be able to make an Essex ride soon, the mid term day off sounds like an idea!
Tippers - what is it with you and rims?!
A
-
Carlos, I'm liking the idea of giving your bike a severe talking to - I've got visions of you picking up a roadside tree branch, and threatening to give it a damn good thrashing John Cleese style!
I'm very tempted. It's what it deserves.
Tippers, your roadside puncture repairs were impressive, I couldn't have managed that wearing gloves. Pity about the rim though. What about a change to deep section bling like Tomsk? Would that be any stronger?
-
What about a change to deep section bling like Tomsk? Would that be any stronger?
Stiffer overall, but wouldn't make any difference to the sidewalls and tyre well, I wouldn't have thought.
-
What about a change to deep section bling like Tomsk? Would that be any stronger?
Stiffer overall, but wouldn't make any difference to the sidewalls and tyre well, I wouldn't have thought.
Probably more expensive to replace as well and considering.....
Tippers - what is it with you and rims?!
I think I will stick to the Open Pro's for now and leave the deeper section stuff to the more sleek amongst us!
I may however look into setting myself up for some wheel fettling at home....lord knows I have plenty of parts to practice on now.
-
That sounds like fun.........If you can do the DTDO on the 8th, I'd be up for that.
8th Feb might be possible, I'll have to do some negotiating....
-
(http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y387/Tomskinessex/009_zps3dd5a53d.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/Tomskinessex/media/009_zps3dd5a53d.jpg.html)
Heading back through the woods to the Suffolk border...
(http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y387/Tomskinessex/011_zps6c02f13d.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/Tomskinessex/media/011_zps6c02f13d.jpg.html)
...and free roadside entertainment, courtesy of the P#n(t=re Fairy. Impressive job Tippers, with winter gloves on!
-
Sunday 8th is ok :thumbsup:
Anybody else up for this, or is it just me and Aunt Maud?
Start at 08:00 - I think the standard way round works better on a Sunday:
Brunch at Wally's around 11, quick pub stop in Walsham, Co-op in Debenham, McDonald's Sudbury...might still be daylight even?
Keeping an eye on the forecast...again ::-)
-
Okey dokey, I'll let you look at the weather Tomsk as I'm off to Wochma via Tewkesbury on Saturday.
See you Sunday.
-
Well that was a pleasant day out, even though I was a bit worse for wear from the previous days outing.
We were blessed with sun, sun and more sun and even the motons of essexshire were behaving themselves. All in all a good day to be out and about.
Cheers Tomsk for towing me round, till next time.
Aunt Maud.
P.S. McDonalds is still pants though. ;)
-
Tippers and I are bunking off on Wednesday to do a cheeky DTDO 200 permanent, combined with MEMWNS pub ride to The Compasses at Littley Green [ETA 21:00] - anybody fancy joining us?
-
Fancy it but unfortunately it won't be possible for me, hopefully see you at the Compasses, I really must get back on two wheels rather than just spinning one and not going anywhere.
In other news I have got round to booking a cheap F1 hotel room half a mile from the start for the Friday and Saturday nights.
-
In other news I have got round to booking a cheap F1 hotel room half a mile from the start for the Friday and Saturday nights.
Easily get eight riders in there Huggy! ;D
-
In other news I have got round to booking a cheap F1 hotel room half a mile from the start for the Friday and Saturday nights.
Easily get eight riders in there Huggy! ;D
Yep, plenty of room in the 3 berth room for lots of close friends
-
Ah, as tempting as that sounds (and the weather is looking promising for Wednesday), I'm already booked on the Wye Wednesday 200k, so will be riding that all going well. Hopefully catch up with you guys on a ride soon, and if not, on the Horsepower in March.
-
In other news I have got round to booking a cheap F1 hotel room half a mile from the start for the Friday and Saturday nights.
Easily get eight riders in there Huggy! ;D
Yep, plenty of room in the 3 berth room for lots of close friends
I have now added my outbound Eurostar ticket on the Friday 14th Aug at midday. Can cancel my Thursday night hotel room now. Need to work out if I can get my bike packed up in to my bag in 85cm or less to carry on as hand luggage...in a few days the WAGs can book their tickets and few days later we can book the inbound travel...plan coming together nicely.
-
These are my randonnees booked for March:
14th - Yellowbelly Tour 200km
21st - Springtime 200km
28th - Green and Yellow Fields 300km Helpers' Ride
I'll have to try and fit some riding in on the first weekend, perhaps a short ride in the middle of the morning on 'Horsepower' day. Maybe go out on the club run with the CTC on the Sunday, depending on family plans...
I have plans to do a mid-week Boudicca's Revenge 100km: Tuesday 4th is a possibility.
-
Looking forward to 2 weeks of Horsepower riding!
My March is currently looking as follows
7th Horsepower 200km
21st Springtime 200km + 100km worth of ECE
28th Wormingford Dragon 200km
My goal this year is to ride to and from as many events as possible so the above all fit into that category. That lot should have be well prepared for the Arrow in early April, the pressure of a team ride will be something new.
-
To clarify the Helpers' Ride situation: This Saturday you can ride a BRM/PBP qualifying brevet, as a Helpers' Ride/route check, but if you intend riding the calendar event too, on 7th March, you'll need to have a £3 'Horses for Course' perm. card on 28th Feb.
We'll start this Saturday at 07:30 at St Mary's Church/Centre [tea/coffee and snacks available]. Finish at the Angel and Harp - I'll book a table for 19:30 if enough want to eat afterwards, otherwise I'll take pot luck and have a burger/pizza/chips at the bar if there's no room elsewhere.
Soupy is going to get some photos [probably at Finchingfield] and do a write up for Steve's website/local press etc, as it will be the first of many OYTT visits to Essex this year.
-
All the PBP talk and I have finally taken some action...I have booked a B&B for myself and family on the edge of Vernon as I plan to join the riding contingent for the run into Paris, I have promised to accompany the family on the border crossing. I have also booked a hotel in Paris but this is likely to change....seems the F1 places might not be quite so good when you have 3 young ladies to consider...whoops!
Edit 26/02/2015
So both F1's are now cancelled and I have the place in Vernon and Mrs Tippers has found a place about 3km north of the Velodrome National (funnily enough just up the A12).
Euro Tunnel train to book and that will be all the PBP related bits sorted....
-
To clarify the Helpers' Ride situation: This Saturday you can ride a BRM/PBP qualifying brevet, as a Helpers' Ride/route check, but if you intend riding the calendar event too, on 7th March, you'll need to have a £3 'Horses for Course' perm. card on 28th Feb.
We'll start this Saturday at 07:30 at St Mary's Church/Centre [tea/coffee and snacks available]. Finish at the Angel and Harp - I'll book a table for 19:30 if enough want to eat afterwards, otherwise I'll take pot luck and have a burger/pizza/chips at the bar if there's no room elsewhere.
Soupy is going to get some photos [probably at Finchingfield] and do a write up for Steve's website/local press etc, as it will be the first of many OYTT visits to Essex this year.
Send the pics and write to me when done and I can put it on the OYTT website
-
Looking at my riding schedule I have a couple of holes that I need to fill. After the Green and Yellow Fields there are currently 3 weekends free and I really want to ride at least 1 200 in those 3 weekends (if not 2).
Is anyone interested in getting out on the weekend of the 25th/26th April and/or 2nd/3rd May (I am likely to be working the May Bank Holiday Monday)
I am thinking of doing Boudica's Revenge and potentially an overnight DIY on the other weekend.
-
Looking at my riding schedule I have a couple of holes that I need to fill....... the weekend of the 25th/26th April and/or 2nd/3rd May
First weekend is the Asparagus and Strawberries Helpers' Ride; on the family calendar for May Bank Holiday I find "Brilliant! At last a weekend with Tomsk!" written in! ;D
[But I can do the ECCA 100km on the Monday]
-
I'm thinking about the Oasts and Coasts 300k on the 25th if I can get permission, but nothing planned yet for the following weekend. Keep us updated with your plans, I'm not sure I necessarily will be able to join you, but nice to have the option.
-
Noted Bernster, will update here as plans develop.
-
If anyone wants to join the small, select peloton on the Helpers' Ride and route check for the Green and Yellow Fields 300 on 28th March [main event 2 weeks later on 11th April], send off for a permanent brevet card from Herman Ramsey asap...
-
Probably a good place to post about another night ride from Witham as per last November!
I have an approx 100 mile return ride with the halfway mark being those lovely Golden M's at Whittlesford service station (open 24hrs meaning we can sit inside! :thumbsup:) heading out through Wethersfield, Finchingfield, Thaxted & Debden and returning through Newport, Broxted, Lindsell, Stebbing, Dunmow & Felsted.
As per before set off from Witham on the Friday evening for a Saturday morning Spoons breakfast or hopefully if we are quicker a D's diner Peverel fry up.
I know this will likely be best in a few months as you will all be busy with PBP qualifiers maybe once these are out of the way?
-
Folks, I have a pass for a day ride next Saturday (28th March). I am planning to tick off some more previously unvisited Good Beer Guide pubs and Harwich has taken my fancy - not an obvious cycling destination I grant you. Harwich's two entries are within spitting distance of each other - what's not to like?
I was thinking of leaving Witham at a sociable hour, perhaps 08:30am, stopping for coffee along the way and having lunch in Harwich, then home. I am in route planning mode and will post my efforts presently. Anyone fancy joining me?
-
Right then, further to my post above ^^^ here is my proposed route. (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7252755)
The target pubs are the Alma Inn and New Bell Inn. Both appear to do food at lunchtime and have a good write up.
Feel free to saddle up and join in.
-
i work in harwich , two minutes from alma , its the best
-
i work in harwich , two minutes from alma , its the best
Fancy meeting for a pint on Saturday?
-
I think I mentioned somewhere else that I was planning some overnight rides to maintain fitness once PBP qualification was over and done with (hopefully!). Over the last few weeks our family diary has filled up alarming, including a week in Kefalonia from 2nd to 9th August (the hotel has a gym :thumbsup: ), so I thought I had better do some planning. Unfortunately the bulging diary means there are scant opportunities for long rides so this is the best I can manage:
Friday 19th June - leave Witham at about 7:30pm after having dinner, hit a pub for last orders, ride through the night, arrive back in Witham at about 10am on Saturday morning, have a couple of hours sleep, continue with the rest of the weekend as if nothing had happened!
Friday 10th July - same format as above.
Saturday 25th July - daylight ride. Set off after breakfast, get home in time for dinner.
Company on any or all of the above rides would be most welcome. I am not planning on doing these as DIYs as I am not chasing AUK points. But I have no problem with companions doing the rides as a DIY by GPS as I want to maintain audax pace. I will however be using the rides to tick off a few more far flung but as yet unvisited Essex Good Beer Guide pubs. I will post routes nearer the time and endeavor to build in rendezvous with any riders who can get to Witham for a 7:30pm start.
-
I can't make the first two dates [York Rally and Hereward the Wake respectively], but 25th July is ok.
-
including a week in Kefalonia from 2nd to 9th August (the hotel has a gym :thumbsup: )
Cycle up all the hills in Kelfalonia that start at sea level and go up to 600+ m and you'll be ready for PBP!
-
I would hope to join you for both the night rides OD look forward to seeing some routes!
-
including a week in Kefalonia from 2nd to 9th August (the hotel has a gym :thumbsup: )
Cycle up all the hills in Kelfalonia that start at sea level and go up to 600+ m and you'll be ready for PBP!
Nice idea but I suspect the holiday will be bike free.
-
The 25th July could be a decent option if you don't object to me joining you - I'm probably not riding PBP, and I don't live in Essex, but I have ridden with Tomsk and others previously. I especially like the idea of visiting some far flung GBG pubs :thumbsup:
I'd probably not know for sure until a week or so beforehand, so I'll keep an eye on this thread and will be in touch if I'm in.
-
Sounds great!
-
Tempting although I am kinda planning on Hereward the Wake and I
promisedmay have mentioned at home that June would be quiet(ish). The July one sounds like a good call though and does going out overnight on Friday count as being intrusive?
-
Most of us Essex Boys will be pre-registering this weekend - we should give some thought to starting time options, even if we don't plan/end up riding together, it would be good to at least be on the start line at the same time...
17:30 has filled up already with pre-qualifiers over 600km from last year, apparently...although I gather you can change your details, including start time later on?
-
17:30 has filled up already with pre-qualifiers over 600km from last year, apparently...although I gather you can change your details, including start time later on?
They may have reserved some 17:30 places for those 600km and less chaps.
-
If this is anything like the 'Bike Check' scheduling of previous editions, there's acres of bureaucracy which in practice goes out the window under pressure [like if it's raining ;D]. We might get strict start times, mais quand notre amis-cyclos rock up et all pile in together, who knows how they'll police it?
It'll probably all be fine :thumbsup:
-
What start time are you thinking and which group? 80,84,90?
-
90 hours for me, earliest available slot within that. I don't like morning starts so 84 is out and 80 - just no!
Is it worth staying up late to start the pre-reg process or can I leave it until later Sunday morning?
-
they reckon 1,000 places went for the 1,000+ BRM's :o not that I am panicking but I think I will be staying up late, being a virgin and of a nervous disposition ;D
I'm going to listen to all the advise I have had over the previous months form those 'in the know' and go with the 90 hour group, if I ride faster it's OK, if i soak up the atmosphere and come in for an 89:55 all OK!
-
they reckon 1,000 places went for the 1,000+ BRM's
yeas... but don't forget if you've done PBP before, you're more likely to do a 1000+ every year.... which means the repeat offenders are mostly in now...
-
Given France is an hour ahead you might be able to register from 11pm on the Saturday. So on your phone during last orders?
-
they reckon 1,000 places went for the 1,000+ BRM's
yeas... but don't forget if you've done PBP before, you're more likely to do a 1000+ every year.... which means the repeat offenders are mostly in now...
:thumbsup: Good point and agreed. To be fair I should probably be more concerned about finishing my last qualifier as it will only be my second ever 600. Still not convinced the BCM was the wisest choice but I've put a lot of mile in so far this year so much more comfortable about it than I was at the tail end of 2014.
-
... Still not convinced the BCM was the wisest choice but I've put a lot of mile in so far this year so much more comfortable about it than I was at the tail end of 2014.
Given the speed you shot off on the 400 last weekend you should be fine: you'll be back at Kings YH by midnight at the pace you went off, where you'll get a good 4-5 hours' kip and be back out with the dawn for a big climb over Cross Foxes, followed by a long, yawny twiddle to breakfast at Aberhafsp, and the biggest climb of all out of Newtown via Dolfor and an easy roller-coaster ride back to arrivée. It's really just a hilly 400, sleep, medium 200, with about 14 hours to ride that final 200, more if you get back to Kings sooner.
Since you're a Flatlander, it may be worth noting that the steepest climb, as repeated every year, is at the turn up to King's YH -- make sure you're already in granny before you turn left -- and you do this climb twice; but it's not big, just steep. The hardest climb is probably Llancloudy, because it's both steep and reasonably long, and most importantly at about 580km into the ride -- but breaking out the 24" gear is only a minute or so slower than riding it -- PpPete and I did this comparison test in 2013 :facepalm:
BCM is really 200km of riding lumpy land to get to Snowdonia. Snowdonia is then really lovely climbs -- long winching rather than lung-busting ramps -- and spectacular, jaw-dropping scenery for 200km. Then you sleep. Then you have 200km of rolling to get back, starting with one long drag from Dolgellau up past Cross Foxes in the morning -- with possibly the fastest descent you'll do on the entire ride, if there's no traffic and you straightline it between the fences :demon: -- and the loveliest long drag out of Newtown in the middle -- savour it, it's lovely, esp if you get there early enough so the bikers aren't out on the main road yet (you turn off at Dolfor and it becomes most tranquil at any time), and the descent to Knighton is a long downhill cruise with ice cream at the end ;D
Take your time on the climbs, ride your own pace, there's plenty of flat towards the end to make up time -- I managed to make back over an hour on the final stage in 2013, having left Woebly as the control closed, and I looked proper sh@gged well before that point, as has been pointed out to me by other riders since ::-) and you're a lot stronger than me.
-
Thanks wilkyboy, nice to get another take on the ride. I do feel ready for it and after the A&S last week I am pretty happy the miles have been worth the work up to now. I'll only have a double so no real Granny but I'll put the 30t Cassette back on and that should see me through the ride. If I have to walk a couple of time then so be it but these rugby legs have to be good for something!
I'm looking forward to that weekend on a few counts,
1. Due to other commitments for the family I am now heading to Bristol on the train on Friday and then Riding to the in-laws in Llanelli on the Monday so a 600km weekend with a ca. 100 mile ride on the Monday give me a real cycling weekend
2. It will be great to think of all the people out riding their 600's that weekends and seeing the various reports, stories, musings coming in
3. I always find Wales reminds me a lot of NZ (Rugby, Beer, Scenery, Sheep.... :facepalm:) so I'll have that thought that I'm back home as I ride
-
I'll only have a double so no real Granny but I'll put the 30t Cassette back on and that should see me through the ride. If I have to walk a couple of time then so be it but these rugby legs have to be good for something!
For reference I managed every climb [slowly] on 34/27 last year (34/50 double with 12-27 cass), which is about 33 inches. I managed all but the very steepest on 34 inches in 2013, but a less-experienced rider (I took a scenic detour that looked good on the map :facepalm: it was my first 600) and a heavier bike.
3. I always find Wales reminds me a lot of NZ (Rugby, Beer, Scenery, Sheep.... :facepalm:) so I'll have that thought that I'm back home as I ride
Having never been to NZ I find Wales always reminds me of, um, Wales, but I know what you mean. Since I grew up in sight of Snowdon (on a clear day) then it still feels like Home. I've never been into rugby, though ...
-
... I've never been into rugby, though ...
What about sheep?
-
They said he was sheep deprived on PBP
-
Looking ahead to the post-qualification period...I need to get my speed up a notch or two.
I wimped out of my first chain-gang of the year today, following a bit of a thrash yesterday on the ECCA 100km. Flitchbikes cancelled it anyway because of the high winds :-[
BUT, I do need a bit of speed - FB wisdom reckon if you can average 18mph solo, you can do a flat-ish chaingang mph in the lower 20s. Yesterday's ride was only a little short of 18s and the route was neither flat [Hagg Hill, Stow Maries, 20%...not to mention Colam's Lane when I nearly lost touch with the Chelmer] nor exactly windless. The return leg was entirely solo as the racers* stopped to eat at 55km - my Audax legs just kept a-goin'. I was not on fixed btw ;D
*Most were racing at the weekend, so the Audax was just a recovery ride for them, I guess?
So: what are the Essex Peloton and Friends doing to turbo-charge the engine that all those winter miles have built?
-
Going to be Saturday Mornings for me between 1 and 4 hours. I guess I'd ideally get to a point where I can do 100m inside 4 hours without stopping (not sure I'll get there though).
Also still considering Tuesday night TT with Maldon CC but still not convinced the after work hammering do me much good.
-
Why is speed becoming a hot topic? Should I be starting to fret?
-
Only thinking that...once you've got the endurance fitness, its relatively quick and easy to gain a bit of speed.
I don't want to be giving up [almost] every weekend to long events, as during the qualification period [ok this is a bit over and above the call of duty in my case, with Helpers' Rides and running the events themselves], and a bit of shorter and faster will both maintain endurance fitness and gain a few extra kph, which will come in handy! I'd make trying to 'podium' on a 200 a goal - Windmill 200 at the end of July, in under 8 hours could be a target - means an average speed of around 30kph, travelling light with minimum stops.
Something to aim for, but I'd be glad of the little bit extra 'top end' on PBP when faced with headwinds, control delays, extra sleep needs/opportunities, unforeseen problems etc etc. The trouble with long distances is that although it build great endurance and digestive efficiency, its inevitable that you settle into your cruising speed [in my case around 23-25kph] on every ride. It can be a bit counter-productive, like overdoing altitude training - this is why Sherpas have incredible resilience at altitude, but have never featured in the Olympics.
Also, I believe shorter and faster is a better stimulus to fat-loss - also I know I find it hard not to over-eat for days after a long brevet.
-
Phew! I can barely manage 100km in 4hrs, let alone tippers_kiwi's 100 MILES in 4! Tom's 30kph is imaginable, but still fast for a long ride. You both sounded scary above!
I live in Cambridge, so my obvious need is hill training: there are a couple of "hills" -- hummocks really -- within 20km and I blast round them once or twice a week. I usually manage to climb up in a decently high gear, Chris Horner-style, fading near the top, and then time trial the rest -- total elevation gain is about 100m on my 20km loop and 200m on my 50, it really is flat around here! The bike's fully loaded for a 600 of course. I still only manage to get around at about 28kph, bleeding sweat from every pore, and I couldn't manage that on anything longer than 50km or so and then I'd be down to 20s or less for the rest of the day. I used to time-trial* the oh-so-smooth Cambridge Guided Busway to St Ives and do a 20-mile there-and-back in an hour as LEL training; perhaps I should try that again. Waiting for the sun, though, and a lack of wind would be nice. I'm still waiting for my audax endurance to arrive, as I fade after 200km on any ride (ask me on Sunday morning how it's going ...).
My weight is lowest the day after I finish a brevet. Then it shoots up by about 2kg the day after that -- eating and fluid restoration being the key factors, I think. Takes a week to get back down to where it started. Still hopeful of sub-70kg weight by PBP.
* On the bike I rode LEL on -- of course -- so "time-trial" might be a misnomer ...
-
So my training by drinking more from a bottle of red wine whilst cycling is not the best approach?
-
So my training by drinking more from a bottle of red wine whilst cycling is not the best approach?
Good training for celebrating post-PBP and then getting up early to ride back to Dieppe ;D
-
So my training by drinking more from a bottle of red wine whilst cycling is not the best approach?
Worked for these guys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3EanUbDJCE
(only TdF video that engages me)
-
Phew! I can barely manage 100km in 4hrs, let alone tippers_kiwi's 100 MILES in 4! Tom's 30kph is imaginable, but still fast for a long ride. You both sounded scary above!
* On the bike I rode LEL on -- of course -- so "time-trial" might be a misnomer ...
Safe to say I missed a K in there....100 Miles in 4 hours.....umm...not me!
If I can get my moving speed up between 25 and 30km/h average I'll be perfectly happy and doing some shorter sharper rides will be good as far as giving some time back to the family. Last weekend I did 30k in an hour before anyone was out of bed at home and then when they were out in the afternoon I did 70km @ 27km/h average before they got home so I need to find more of these opportunities. I find I can push for much longer now then I could last year and I have definitely improved on the hills, if I can get a few more intensity sessions in over the coming weeks I think I'll be a lot more comfortable and I think the BCM will be an ideal testing ground.
-
Tippers, we averaged 27.7 km/h up to Wells next to the sea, on the A+S helpers ride. So that was over 218km. So you can maintain it, you just need the right riding partners. ;D
-
oh yeah! forgot about that...it all felt quite comfortable.....
Ok, 100 miles in 4 hours then ;D
-
oh yeah! forgot about that...it all felt quite comfortable.....
Ok, 100 miles in 4 hours then ;D
Yeah, what's an extra 8mph on your average :facepalm:
-
oh yeah! forgot about that...it all felt quite comfortable.....
Ok, 100 miles in 4 hours then ;D
This was discussed last night. The general concencous was that you're barking mad!
-
oh yeah! forgot about that...it all felt quite comfortable.....
Ok, 100 miles in 4 hours then ;D
This was discussed last night. The general concencous was that you're barking mad!
haha.....I think I stand more chance of taking 4 hours to do 100 meters then I do of 4 hours for 100 miles
-
You will at the end you will at end. Leaving the bar may take more than 4 hours...
-
it often already does!
-
For speed endurance training in short periods as time permits I've found that a couple of 45 minute spinning classes a week at the gym very good for strengthening the legs which really does seem to translate to the road. On the spin bike the computer says that I ride about 35km in the 45 minute session (close to 44km/h average), I think there is some calibration required on their static bikes ::-)
There's less chance of picking up a p*nct*re like I did last night too :facepalm: and the total lack of cooling headwind inside does lead to a soggy mess around me at the end!
-
I agree with Huggy's comments about spinning.
-
I must need my head examining post PBP qualification but I'm giving consideration to doing The 3 Coasts 600k starting on Saturday 20th June, just for training fun and seeing a different part of the world other than East Anglia. Anyone else OTP interested?
I'd probably drive the team van with any of the options:
a) Just me, my bike and air bed in the back.
b) +1 other with bike (+2 may be a bit cosy for a long road trip but willing to give it a go, I'll have my own seat!).
c) Bike transport for as many as can fit in the back, riders can make their way to the start unencumbered by bike.
As a thoughtfully designed route to do a 383k loop back to base for rest and then continuing on for another 224k there is the opportunity to bail on the first return to base, not that I'd be going in to it with that intention!
Most likely drive up some time on the Friday and return on Monday after suitable amount of sleep.
Any thoughts??
-
I could be up for that! I feel I should prove to myself that the Flatlands 600 wasn't a fluke by doing another one!
I could drive if van space is at a premium....
-
Any thoughts??
Yes, I had plenty of the same earlier on this evening.
I've unfinished business of the 3 Coasts from 2007, and although a bit of a trek...I could do with the miles.
I'd probably take my own Astra Estate Hotel though, as I don't do hall 'night befores' at all.
I think it's terrific that Chris is offering this last minute option for those in need of a last minute 600.
-
I'm already booked for the York Rally on the 20th/21st weekend and their mighty 100km BP ;D [But I'm riding there on a Dart and back on a DIY. With camping gear]
Windmill 200 is the following weekend - anybody up for this?
-
Ok, bobb talked me in to entering The 3 Coasts 600k, he will now do the same ;)
My plan is to drive the team van to Mytholmroyd on Friday afternoon hopefully avoiding the usual traffic. bobb will be riding shotgun and bikes will be in the back. An early-ish departure to return home on Monday morning.
Given the nature of the event being a long loop back to base for sleep and refreshment followed by a shorter loop there won't be any need to carry lots of luggage, so the usual 300k kit will be sufficient making the moderate climbing a little easier :thumbsup:
The Windmill the following weekend isn't an option at present due to little person visiting.
-
k;D [But I'm riding there on a Dart and back on a DIY. With camping gear]
Windmill 200 is the following weekend - anybody up for this?
I am intending on doing the Windmill albeit a number of kilometres behind you and your podium posse :P
-
I am intending on doing the Windmill albeit a number of kilometres behind you and your podium posse :P
Aims: 1]Catch a few 100km riders [who start an hour and a half later] at the Victoria CC 'Ut at about 160km.
2] Get on the podium - this has been done in the past - average speed of over 17mph needed, in my experience. Could be an outing for a mudguardless machine :facepalm: Last time, on fixed and with mudguards [it was wet at times] i cycle and I were about 1mph too slow and had to be content with joint 4th.
Needless to say this means bouncing the Newmarket café stop in favour of [inevitably] the garage and hoovering up food at the 'Ut in double quick time. I remember the year the freezer broke and the strawberries & icecream was mush, but it went down a treat! The 100km riders seem always to get through all the puddings - only the first few 200 riders get any :(
-
The team van passenger seats are booked for the journey to & from The 3 Coasts, we scoop up Lars on the way past Cambridge :thumbsup:
-
It's looking like the weekend of 18/19th July is the only possible one for a Flatliner 600 [evening start on 17th a possibility]. All the other weekends are busy, or too near PBP.
I'm up for yet another 600 in September for those who just need it for their SR - 600 #4 in my 'Hyper Randonneur' plan.
-
It's looking like the weekend of 18/19th July is the only possible one for a Flatliner 600 [evening start on 17th a possibility]. All the other weekends are busy, or too near PBP.
I'm up for yet another 600 in September for those who just need it for their SR - 600 #4 in my 'Hyper Randonneur' plan.
That fits with my calendar commitments, subject to Home Office approval. It could be my 3rd 600 of the year, tantalisingly close to a Hyper :facepalm:
-
The team van passenger seats are booked for the journey to & from The 3 Coasts, we scoop up Lars on the way past Cambridge :thumbsup:
Did it last year, it's a good outing.
-
It's looking like the weekend of 18/19th July is the only possible one for a Flatliner 600 [evening start on 17th a possibility]. All the other weekends are busy, or too near PBP.
I'm up for yet another 600 in September for those who just need it for their SR - 600 #4 in my 'Hyper Randonneur' plan.
A Fri evening start Flatliner on that date sounds interesting. Been thinking of doing some kind of early-ish evening start 600 perm
in July to emulate the PBP start time to get some feel for how that might be like.
-
A Fri evening start Flatliner on that date sounds interesting. Been thinking of doing some kind of early-ish evening start 600 perm
in July to emulate the PBP start time to get some feel for how that might be like.
Reversed route would work well for you, with a mid/late evening passage through Cambridge en-route for Chatteris - need to carry food for this section - then McD's, Sleaford, daylight run up to Goole and down to Boston. Only snag would be hitting Red Lodge when the pub and café are shut, early Sunday morning. Barton Mills garage being the obvious [bonus kms] alternative control.
-
It's looking like the weekend of 18/19th July is the only possible one for a Flatliner 600 [evening start on 17th a possibility].
Evening start on 17th is no go for me - Soupy's graduation...so Saturday 18th start and reversed route.
-
I'm still free that weekend for whatever fits :thumbsup:
-
Looking at that night section on a reversed Flatliner, it's hardly any further to go to Boston from Kirton via Lincoln, Metheringham, Billinghay and Holland Fen. Much easier navigation on A/B roads, mostly, and usefully there's the 24 hour garage on the Burton Road roundabout in Lincoln [since there will have been nothing but an atm for p-o-p in Kirton]...Got to climb Canwick Hill though - hmm thought a reverse route got us out of that!
Then McD's in Boston and the choice of Spalding or Whittlesey for a 'spoons breakfast [or both - Huggy I'm looking at you - can you beat your record from this year's Flatlands?]
-
Then McD's in Boston and the choice of Spalding or Whittlesey for a 'spoons breakfast [or both - Huggy I'm looking at you - can you beat your record from this year's Flatlands?]
The only Wetherspoons opportunity that Ted and me missed out on with our 4 'spoons visits was a morning coffee at the Ivy Wall in Spalding, maybe that one could make up for the curry not being available in Kirton this time around ::-)
-
Huggy and I are on for a reversed Flatliner this weekend, 06:00 start Saturday. Being a perm. we could hook up with other riders en route...
-
Bonne Route et Bon Courage to all the Essex Boys.
See you at the bike check/start/finish or somewhere on the road to/from Brest. The Newhaven-Dieppe group will be somewhere in the fleshpots of St Quentin on Friday and Saturday evenings - we may be able to meet up...