Post by: TigaSefi on 18 August, 2016, 09:23:34 am
Fully signed up and got an overnight place in Epworth (Thanks fboab!) Who else is in?
Here's to good weather and tailwind all the way round....
Post by: Whitedown Man on 18 August, 2016, 10:30:06 am
In terms of accommodation I'm in the "Stansted Great Dunmow" TL on the Friday and Goole Premier Inn on the Saturday.
Post by: LMT on 18 August, 2016, 01:56:40 pm
For the fast riders I'd say book in at the Sleaford travel inn on the A16 around 440k ish, breaks up the ride nicely and you can control at the Little chef in the morning.
Post by: Jack_P on 18 August, 2016, 02:13:35 pm
hoping for kind winds
Post by: Jethro on 18 August, 2016, 02:17:24 pm
But does anyone use the Premier Inn at Lincoln even though it is at the top of a hill?
Post by: rob on 18 August, 2016, 02:26:04 pm
Would like to do this one day (but definitely not this year).
But does anyone use the Premier Inn at Lincoln even though it is at the top of a hill?
There's a new shiny one in the middle of town now.
Post by: TigaSefi on 18 August, 2016, 02:40:14 pm
Dunno yet, depending on the weather and a couple of other things might be up for this.
For the fast riders I'd say book in at the Sleaford travel inn on the A16 around 440k ish, breaks up the ride nicely and you can control at the Little chef in the morning.
440K is a lot for me in one go... so I am stopping a little earlier and getting more sleep... good to hear that epworth to Lincoln is fast though ;)
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 18 August, 2016, 02:46:59 pm
the real question is Fixed or Gears....hmmmm
Post by: trekker12 on 18 August, 2016, 03:22:24 pm
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 18 August, 2016, 03:27:21 pm
How big is your carradice if you can bivvy in it?Ever seen Dr Who? ;D
Post by: Phil W on 18 August, 2016, 03:30:42 pm
How big is your carradice if you can bivvy in it?Ever seen Dr Who? ;D
Well if you can travel backwards in time and space sounds like you might get the full 8 hours sleep and still spend the full 40 hours pedalling. Even better you just spend your time in the pub and then get in your saddlebag and turn up at the control locations at the required time according to your schedule.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 18 August, 2016, 04:16:24 pm
Post by: ChillyPanda on 18 August, 2016, 11:02:20 pm
No accommodation booked but for some flexibility I'm taking an Alpkit Hunka bivvy bag along with my first attempt at a MYOG synthetic quilt. So hopefully there are some nice secluded spots enroute to bivvy, else it will probably be in a ditch somewhere.
I consider myself a very full value rider and, depending how I feel, plan to grab some kip at the 350-400km point, wherever that turns out to be.
Looking forward to it ... sort of ;D
Post by: bloomers100 on 19 August, 2016, 11:39:31 am
How big is your carradice if you can bivvy in it?Ever seen Dr Who? ;D
Good job you're built like a jockey, like me
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 19 August, 2016, 03:02:59 pm
I know...don't know how these big blokes manage! ???How big is your carradice if you can bivvy in it?Ever seen Dr Who? ;D
Good job you're built like a jockey, like me
Post by: HK on 19 August, 2016, 08:54:33 pm
Will be my third edition of this event but this time with the impeccably behaved Little Miss Trykit rather than the evil ShelaghT
Post by: Fidgetbuzz on 19 August, 2016, 09:14:22 pm
Post by: TigaSefi on 20 August, 2016, 08:11:11 pm
Are we using the same files for this year's route ? It won't have changed?
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 20 August, 2016, 09:31:01 pm
My name is down too. All being well this will be the tenth year of SRs .. starting when I was 65.... unusual.. certainly ...... unique .. maybe
Chapeau
Post by: merlinator on 21 August, 2016, 12:26:15 am
Post by: wilkyboy on 22 August, 2016, 10:24:29 pm
http://www.camaudax.uk/rides/flatlands-600/
Are we using the same files for this year's route ? It won't have changed?
I haven't heard of any changes to the route, so these should still be correct. If I hear of any changes from the route-check this weekend (?) then I'll update the GPS tracks straight away.
I'm not planning on riding it this year, having ridden either Flatlands or Flatliner the past three years, but I'll be seeing everyone at Red Lodge again on the day for a bit of card-stamping :) But for the record, Tippers, I'd definitely be riding it fixed if I was riding it at all ;)
Post by: TigaSefi on 22 August, 2016, 10:25:34 pm
Post by: tedshred on 22 August, 2016, 11:45:47 pm
Post by: Andy C33 on 23 August, 2016, 08:33:46 am
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 23 August, 2016, 10:41:50 am
But for the record, Tippers, I'd definitely be riding it fixed if I was riding it at all ;);D best I fit my Mudflaps!
Post by: HK on 23 August, 2016, 12:28:48 pm
My name is down too. All being well this will be the tenth year of SRs .. starting when I was 65.... unusual.. certainly ...... unique .. maybe
Stone the crows. I never think of you as anything more than 70. It will be an honour to be on the same event as you score you're 10th SR.
Can't think of many riding a SR at 65 years old plus 10 of SRs.
Post by: Lee Killestein on 23 August, 2016, 01:40:59 pm
Post by: Phil W on 23 August, 2016, 02:29:18 pm
First year of Audaxing and going for my SR by completing this one...hopefully. Torn on the accommodation question though. Recently did the National 400k and felt reasonably Ok at the end. Was thinking I could have a small nap at the roadside (maybe a couple of naps) to see me through. Any advice from old hands on this? I'm not a fast rider so not sure I'd get my money's worth from a TL booking :P
I have yet to manage to cycle without sleep on a 600. I was going to try it on the Windsor Chester Windsor 600 last year but when the heavy rain started I just decided to get my head down for a few hours at a control. I always cycle straight through on a 400 with a small amount of dozies right at the end. I've come to the conclusion that 3 hours sleep is about optimum for me on 600's and above. It gives a good balance between being rested and keeping a good time buffer for the subsequent day ahead.
If it were me I'd book the hotel. The chance to take my cycling kit off, grab a shower, then jump into bed for a few quality hours is good value for money in my opinion. Others may advise taking a silver foil blanket (I carry one of those anyway) or riding straight through. Both equally valid it really depends on how the lack of sleep plus all day riding affects you, which you aren't likely to have a full handle on yet. I'm crap without my sleep.
Post by: simonp on 23 August, 2016, 02:37:17 pm
I'll still need a 400k though, and no I'm not riding the Old 240.
Post by: alotronic on 23 August, 2016, 07:30:50 pm
First year of Audaxing and going for my SR by completing this one...hopefully. Torn on the accommodation question though. Recently did the National 400k and felt reasonably Ok at the end. Was thinking I could have a small nap at the roadside (maybe a couple of naps) to see me through. Any advice from old hands on this? I'm not a fast rider so not sure I'd get my money's worth from a TL booking :P
Possible to do without much sleep but it's a bit miserable - Booking a hotel is a good back up. Some with more experience than me take a bivvy bag and a light sleeping wrap of some kind. If you're used to that sort of thing it could be fun I guess :-) There are several good bus shelters on the ridge on the way into Lincoln for such an adventure. Some Irish guys last year just unwrapped their bags and lay on the grass at Gainsborough. Me, I rode though on a 20min and 30min nap but it was HARD to stay in the enjoyment zone. Unless you are really trying to explore the outer limits of your sleep-ability then for a first 600 I would give yourself a break.
Tricky bit is which hotel to book! Prem at Google is quite early, then another at Lincoln is too late. For full value riders the Travel Lodge at Scunthorpe halfway between is a good bet (HK and LWaB chose that route last year and looked very fresh at the end.) That would be my best bet. Having said that I am taking a bivvy bag and have a spot already selected for my kip in a well located cricket stadium. I am not saying where :P
And don't worry about the 3/4 hours thing, it's a very good three hours!
Post by: merlinator on 23 August, 2016, 08:57:22 pm
Post by: Slimline Saxon on 24 August, 2016, 07:37:22 pm
Post by: huggy on 24 August, 2016, 08:38:50 pm
First year of Audaxing and going for my SR by completing this one...hopefully. Torn on the accommodation question though. Recently did the National 400k and felt reasonably Ok at the end. Was thinking I could have a small nap at the roadside (maybe a couple of naps) to see me through. Any advice from old hands on this? I'm not a fast rider so not sure I'd get my money's worth from a TL booking :PI'm not riding this year, the first time since it started, however each time I have ridden the plan has been the same - find a bus shelter at around 400k at about 3am. That plan has had mixed results of accommodation but always fundamentally achieved. There are obviously more desirable Audax hotels than others but the first one you see unoccupied when you feel the need is probably the one to go for. I usually take a light sleeping bag and maybe bivvy too if the forecast is slightly cooler.
I've survived on an hour to 90 minutes of sleep on the concrete floor of a bus shelter. You cannot overestimate how comfortable concrete can be when you're that tired or underestimate how refreshing an hour's sleep can be. Then wake up to dawn on the ridge before Lincoln where you have the climb out to warm you up.
Any more detail than that will just spoil you ;)
Post by: Cold Snail on 24 August, 2016, 09:40:13 pm
New B17 fitted, but not broken in as yet, but it should be by the time I'm done.
I've just got to rummage around to find some sort of side of the road accommodation, and maybe give it a test run in the garden.
Post by: Lee Killestein on 24 August, 2016, 10:21:43 pm
First year of Audaxing and going for my SR by completing this one...hopefully. Torn on the accommodation question though. Recently did the National 400k and felt reasonably Ok at the end. Was thinking I could have a small nap at the roadside (maybe a couple of naps) to see me through. Any advice from old hands on this? I'm not a fast rider so not sure I'd get my money's worth from a TL booking :P
I have yet to manage to cycle without sleep on a 600. I was going to try it on the Windsor Chester Windsor 600 last year but when the heavy rain started I just decided to get my head down for a few hours at a control. I always cycle straight through on a 400 with a small amount of dozies right at the end. I've come to the conclusion that 3 hours sleep is about optimum for me on 600's and above. It gives a good balance between being rested and keeping a good time buffer for the subsequent day ahead.
If it were me I'd book the hotel. The chance to take my cycling kit off, grab a shower, then jump into bed for a few quality hours is good value for money in my opinion. Others may advise taking a silver foil blanket (I carry one of those anyway) or riding straight through. Both equally valid it really depends on how the lack of sleep plus all day riding affects you, which you aren't likely to have a full handle on yet. I'm crap without my sleep.
Rather than leave it to chance I've booked the Premier Inn at Goole. Thanks Phil, just the thought of a hot shower, a bite to eat and a couple of hours in a real bed was enough to convince me! Now I need to get enough time in hand on the northbound leg to take advantage of my booking ::-)
Post by: simonp on 24 August, 2016, 10:30:31 pm
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 24 August, 2016, 10:45:39 pm
Post by: Von Broad on 24 August, 2016, 10:53:48 pm
My name is down too. All being well this will be the tenth year of SRs .. starting when I was 65.... unusual.. certainly ...... unique .. maybe
Well.....I'm 57, and since PBP, have never worked so hard, never tranquilized myself with so much beer, never eaten so much crap food and never operated on so little sleep, I feel a complete mess....but I'm actually enjoying every single moment of it too in a decadent kind of way.
But in the back of my mind I'll be looking for a way back sooner or later, I'll not be wanting to stay here in this place for that long, but it's not going to be so easy to come back next time.
So for me, you're an inspiration.
Big Respect. Seriously.
Have a good ride.
Post by: cgg on 25 August, 2016, 09:22:56 am
More pondering required.
Post by: simonp on 25 August, 2016, 10:38:33 am
Post by: simonp on 25 August, 2016, 10:50:05 am
Post by: LMT on 25 August, 2016, 10:56:42 am
What are the best hotel options between 350k and 400k?
Lincoln travelodge, I stayed at the one at Thorpe on the hill, you miss out going through Lincoln and you rejoin the route south of Lincoln or hightail it down the 15 to Sleaford and rejoin the route there.
Post by: L CC on 25 August, 2016, 11:58:46 am
What are the best hotel options between 350k and 400k?Red Lion Epworth.
I'm never doing this ride again (thank dog)
Last year it was my punishment for being fat. I'm still fat but I'd rather use a dremel for 24 hours on my lardy arse cheeks while watching paint dry with a slow hairdryer on my face. It's pretty much the same experience.
(Sorry Tom! The reception at the end is great, but not worth another visit to Boston)
Post by: Tomsk on 25 August, 2016, 12:29:34 pm
What are the best hotel options between 350k and 400k?Red Lion Epworth.
I'm never doing this ride again (thank dog)
Last year it was my punishment for being fat. I'm still fat but I'd rather use a dremel for 24 hours on my lardy arse cheeks while watching paint dry with a slow hairdryer on my face. It's pretty much the same experience.
(Sorry Tom! The reception at the end is great, but not worth another visit to Boston)
;D ;D ;D
Riding it in good company [the ACME Peloton, of course] helps those flat miles pass. We have a strong tendency towards maximum Wetherspoons and full value. We spread ourselves around the bus shelters of Lincolnshire, then re-group for breakfast at either Sleaford or Spalding 'spoons, depending on how things are going.
Post by: Von Broad on 25 August, 2016, 09:47:10 pm
What are the best hotel options between 350k and 400k?Red Lion Epworth.
I'm never doing this ride again (thank dog)
Last year it was my punishment for being fat. I'm still fat but I'd rather use a dremel for 24 hours on my lardy arse cheeks while watching paint dry with a slow hairdryer on my face. It's pretty much the same experience.
(Sorry Tom! The reception at the end is great, but not worth another visit to Boston)
How perception can vary so much.
Have to say my experience of Boston was quite the opposite, very positive indeed.
On approach to the town the idler gear on the recumbent was falling to bits, so luck would have it I dived into this HomeDepot-style hardware place [meaning was very clean and organized] and bought a roll of monster tape to sort the problem. Getting into town for grub, I wandered into KFC, but it was really packed, looked round and saw a half eaten meal on a table, grabbed that, wandered out, scoffed it, put the monster tape on and carried on.
Happy Days :-)
Post by: Mr Green on 26 August, 2016, 08:26:26 pm
This will be SR number two if successful - only eight left to go then
It will be my first go at bivi bagging. I have a feeling it will either be a revelation, or utter misery.
Arthur :smug:
Post by: rob on 26 August, 2016, 08:47:18 pm
What are the best hotel options between 350k and 400k?Red Lion Epworth.
I'm never doing this ride again (thank dog)
Last year it was my punishment for being fat. I'm still fat but I'd rather use a dremel for 24 hours on my lardy arse cheeks while watching paint dry with a slow hairdryer on my face. It's pretty much the same experience.
(Sorry Tom! The reception at the end is great, but not worth another visit to Boston)
How perception can vary so much.
Have to say my experience of Boston was quite the opposite, very positive indeed.
On approach to the town the idler gear on the recumbent was falling to bits, so luck would have it I dived into this HomeDepot-style hardware place [meaning was very clean and organized] and bought a roll of monster tape to sort the problem. Getting into town for grub, I wandered into KFC, but it was really packed, looked round and saw a half eaten meal on a table, grabbed that, wandered out, scoffed it, put the monster tape on and carried on.
Happy Days :-)
Was Boston on the way North ? Think I went into Greggs so only stopped for about 10 mins.
There is a small chance I'll enter but I have a 12hr TT on the 4th and these usually break me for a couple of weeks.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 August, 2016, 01:51:33 am
Post by: tonyh on 28 August, 2016, 06:51:58 am
Post by: αdαmsκι on 28 August, 2016, 06:55:59 am
Post by: Redlight on 28 August, 2016, 10:43:30 am
Hope you get sorted and home quickly, Dave.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 29 August, 2016, 08:52:18 pm
Pretty sure I'm out, given that instead of packing my bike to fly back to Auld Blighty this afternoon, I'm in a Bangkok hospital bed with a cracked pelvis. Still, I'll get more time off work, so not all bad.
GWS. Mend soon. Geraint Thomas managed the TdF on a cracked pelvis, but I guess he had access to better painkillers and physio than the rest of us.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 29 August, 2016, 09:04:33 pm
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 29 August, 2016, 09:13:18 pm
Post by: simonp on 29 August, 2016, 09:14:55 pm
Heal well.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 30 August, 2016, 01:36:12 am
Post by: HK on 30 August, 2016, 05:26:03 am
Bone breaks are very variable. Both Liz Creese and Nev Channin both fell like you did and broke pelvi and couldn't ride any further.
Post by: Aunt Maud on 30 August, 2016, 06:54:26 am
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 30 August, 2016, 02:58:07 pm
I've done the stupid stuff and ridden 300km of a 600 on a very damaged Achilles. Your body refusing to play ball is a bit of an up side as it is long term damage limitation unlike my stupid anticks that could have had major long term implications.
Bone breaks are very variable. Both Liz Creese and Nev Channin both fell like you did and broke pelvi and couldn't ride any further.
You make feel better that I gave up the Tan Hill 600 at 445km when an annoying pain in the knee turned into an agonising pain in the knee. Stopping there and three weeks light duties had me climbing mountains again a month later whereas if I'd carried on I might still be hobbling from physiotherapist to knee surgeon. But there is always the what if....
On the positive side it does mean I will be riding the Flatlands which wouldn't have been on my agenda if I'd finished the Tan Hill :thumbsup:
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 30 August, 2016, 04:23:41 pm
Maybe you can get some work done while there, I hear they can to amazing things in those Bangkok hospitals! :facepalm:
Hope they aren't going to be adding to the already rather impressive list of titanium parts in your body!
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 30 August, 2016, 05:31:02 pm
While others might prefer some work done to soft tissues in Thai hospitals, I'll stick with what I've got, thanks. The radiologist obviously decided that I wasn't going to have more kids and didn't use lead underpants for my pelvic X-rays. I hadn't appreciated that soft tissue shows up in X-rays to that extent. The hospital air conditioning was obviously colder than it seemed at the time...
Post by: HK on 30 August, 2016, 08:43:48 pm
No titanium in me. I'm full of your good, honest (if a little heavy) stainless steel.
While others might prefer some work done to soft tissues in Thai hospitals, I'll stick with what I've got, thanks. The radiologist obviously decided that I wasn't going to have more kids and didn't use lead underpants for my pelvic X-rays. I hadn't appreciated that soft tissue shows up in X-rays to that extent. The hospital air conditioning was obviously colder than it seemed at the time...
Sorry to disappoint but unless you are pink and pregnant modern x-rays do not affect fertility.
I am though still being amused by the thought of Superman in lead Y-Fronts over tights.
Post by: Smeth on 30 August, 2016, 08:53:21 pm
Post by: Redlight on 30 August, 2016, 09:10:39 pm
Any advice on train transport to start/finish (from London)?? I'm coming from Hampshire. Stanstead Express obviously no go. Braintree policy ambiguous to me. Aiming to miss peak times of course.
I've used the Stansted Express to get to Tomsk's Gt Dunmow rides. I don't think it's supposed to take bikes but no one has ever challenged me. It's about a 10 minute ride from the airport. If there is a problem, it's only a half hour flat ride from Bishop's Stortford, which is the previous station, in any case.
I presume you are going up the night before and staying locally as there is nothing that will get there for 6am so far as I know.
Post by: Smeth on 30 August, 2016, 09:17:50 pm
Any advice on train transport to start/finish (from London)?? I'm coming from Hampshire. Stanstead Express obviously no go. Braintree policy ambiguous to me. Aiming to miss peak times of course.
I've used the Stansted Express to get to Tomsk's Gt Dunmow rides. I don't think it's supposed to take bikes but no one has ever challenged me. It's about a 10 minute ride from the airport. If there is a problem, it's only a half hour flat ride from Bishop's Stortford, which is the previous station, in any case.
I presume you are going up the night before and staying locally as there is nothing that will get there for 6am so far as I know.
Thanks for that, Yeah - night before. I've worked out if I cant get on the Stanstead Express at Liverpool Street I can get to Chelmsford only 14 miles to the start/digs whatever. Also from Liverpool Street. Any more tips appreciated. Just the fun of riding Waterloo to Liverpool Street :)
Post by: bobb on 30 August, 2016, 09:54:01 pm
....Braintree policy ambiguous to me...
You'll be fine with your bike on trains out of Liverpool St on the Norwich line. I know their blurb says stuff about max number of bikes etc but I've never had any problems* (I live in Chelmsford)
*Apart from leaving London at rush hour which I'm guesing you won't be doing anyway.
Post by: Smeth on 30 August, 2016, 09:56:13 pm
....Braintree policy ambiguous to me...
You'll be fine with your bike on trains out of Liverpool St on the Norwich line. I know their blurb says stuff about max number of bikes etc but I've never had any problems* (I live in Chelmsford)
*Apart from leaving London at rush hour which I'm guesing you won't be doing anyway.
Thanks, I'll definitely be leaving it later. Cheers
Post by: ChillyPanda on 30 August, 2016, 10:57:22 pm
Thanks for that, Yeah - night before. I've worked out if I cant get on the Stanstead Express at Liverpool Street I can get to Chelmsford only 14 miles to the start/digs whatever. Also from Liverpool Street. Any more tips appreciated. Just the fun of riding Waterloo to Liverpool Street :)
Alterntive to the Stansted Express is to get the Cambridge train from Liverpool Street. Doesn't have any bike restrictions outside peak times (Mon-Fri). Get off either at Bishop's Stortford or Stansted Mountfitchet. Then cycle to Great Dunmow along the B-road - about 40mins at a leisurely pace.
I've recently noticed new signage at Liverpool Street saying that bikes (except folders) are not allowed on Stansted Express services at any time. So much for an integrated transport system ::-)
Post by: Smeth on 30 August, 2016, 11:01:57 pm
Great. I reckon if I get to Liverpool street there are three viable possibilities you've all suggested. Try the Express, if not either Bishop's Stortford or Chelmsford on different lines. Thanks allThanks for that, Yeah - night before. I've worked out if I cant get on the Stanstead Express at Liverpool Street I can get to Chelmsford only 14 miles to the start/digs whatever. Also from Liverpool Street. Any more tips appreciated. Just the fun of riding Waterloo to Liverpool Street :)
Alterntive to the Stansted Express is to get the Cambridge train from Liverpool Street. Doesn't have any bike restrictions outside peak times (Mon-Fri). Get off either at Bishop's Stortford or Stansted Mountfitchet. Then cycle to Great Dunmow along the B-road - about 40mins at a leisurely pace.
I've recently noticed new signage at Liverpool Street saying that bikes (except folders) are not allowed on Stansted Express services at any time. So much for an integrated transport system ::-)
Post by: wilkyboy on 31 August, 2016, 08:12:27 am
* in as much as anywhere in oh-so-flat Cambridgeshire looks down on anywhere much ::-)
Post by: wilkyboy on 31 August, 2016, 08:46:55 am
The GPX and mini-routesheet for the quiet-roads final leg via Duxford are also available from the bottom of that page (http://www.camaudax.uk/rides/flatlands-600/#newport).
Post by: Tomsk on 31 August, 2016, 09:40:47 am
The official missive with lots of extra information, revised route sheet and gps links will be going out very soon. I've got an option on the larger church hall for the sleepover, so riders will be in there, with my helpers over in St Mary's Centre [they'll be up earlier to get breakfast organised...and riding too, setting off late after clearing up - ACME HEROES :thumbsup:]
Post by: merlinator on 31 August, 2016, 12:25:55 pm
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 31 August, 2016, 05:15:36 pm
Post by: alotronic on 03 September, 2016, 08:26:10 am
Cheers Wilkyboy! :thumbsup:
The official missive with lots of extra information, revised route sheet and gps links will be going out very soon. I've got an option on the larger church hall for the sleepover, so riders will be in there, with my helpers over in St Mary's Centre [they'll be up earlier to get breakfast organised...and riding too, setting off late after clearing up - ACME HEROES :thumbsup:]
Oh good, nice to know there will be some good company bringing up the rear.
Post by: TigaSefi on 03 September, 2016, 09:05:04 am
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 03 September, 2016, 05:31:47 pm
I just read the info sheet, Tomsk specifies in heavy type (and probably in flashing red accompanied by a siren, if he could) "Mudguards mandatory". You may have to lurk about out of sight at the start if your wheels are going naked ;D
Thanks for pointing this out. I should have read the small print on the entry form.
So I'll have to take the slow bike. Does anyone want a Travelodge in Sleaford as I won't make this any more, will be the bus shelter option, otherwise will cancel the booking. :demon:
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 03 September, 2016, 06:43:35 pm
I just read the info sheet, Tomsk specifies in heavy type (and probably in flashing red accompanied by a siren, if he could) "Mudguards mandatory". You may have to lurk about out of sight at the start if your wheels are going naked ;D
Thanks for pointing this out. I should have read the small print on the entry form.
So I'll have to take the slow bike. Does anyone want a Travelodge in Sleaford as I won't make this any more, will be the bus shelter option, otherwise will cancel the booking. :demon:
Stick on clip ons for your fast bike.
I have a new set of Crud RoadRacer Mk2 Mudguards which I can let go for what I paid for them (£16, unfortunately, they don't fit my Rose) - you'd need to allow some time to fit them as there appears to be a whole load of options ! :)
I'm not riding Flatlands as I am touring to Germanlands instead - I'm in London (Euston) some point during Wednesday daytime and a pub in Chelmsford Wednesday night....
Does that help anyone? ???
Thank you for the kiind offer but will be in my caravan in Selsey and then a manic Thursday. Also my experience with fettling clip on mudguards isn't pleasant. (Probably due to my hopeless fettling skills)
I might just hope for a tailwind up and dropping when I reach the turn. Lincoln Travelodge is at potty prices (I've stayed in 5* hotels for less - which is why I think I booked Sleaford in the first place)
And it is my fault for not reading the entry properly in my hurry to try to rescue my SR series.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 03 September, 2016, 06:46:39 pm
Post by: tonyh on 03 September, 2016, 08:09:40 pm
Was thinking I could have a small nap at the roadside (maybe a couple of naps) to see me through. Any advice...
I had about seven of them during the 2013 edition. All fairly blissful.
Post by: Feanor on 03 September, 2016, 08:14:05 pm
Lincoln Travelodge is at potty prices (I've stayed in 5* hotels for less
My recent 600 DIY cost me £350 in accommodation.
2 nights at South Queensferry.
Different hotels for before and after ( there is close to zero availability of accommodation within a 50 mile radius of Edinburgh in August ).
Wed night before depart: Premiere Inn concrete block with views of A90 intersection: £160.
Fri night after finishing: Dakota Edinburgh, views of Ferrymuir Retail PArk and Tesco: £190.
The Corran Bunkhouse ( mid-way through the ride on Thurs night ) which I preferred to either of the above was something like £24.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 04 September, 2016, 07:30:55 am
Longest to date on the fixed was a 200 DIY so I suspect that there will be a bit of 'learning' to do along the way. Personally pacing myself whilst riding with others is the thing that I am most cautious about. Starting at the back with the ACME helpers should at least avoid the potential urge to dash off too fast.
Edit: Still planning on skipping sleep but hopefully the sun comes out on Sunday and I might grab a few minutes at the side of the road somewhere.
Post by: ChillyPanda on 04 September, 2016, 08:01:29 am
Think I'll need to cut down on stuff but most of the space is taken by the sleeping mat, bivvy bag and sleeping quilt.
Post by: TigaSefi on 04 September, 2016, 05:39:54 pm
Post by: jiberjaber on 04 September, 2016, 05:57:36 pm
I'll ask the mods if the bitching about mudguards can be put into a separate thread.
:thumbsup:
Post by: Bairn Again on 04 September, 2016, 06:20:44 pm
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=map+of+how+britain+voted+in+the+eu+referendum&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#imgrc=rVUvWTXSojIU7M%3A
"It woz Flatlands wot won it"
Post by: wilkyboy on 04 September, 2016, 06:35:35 pm
I'm all set to get this done on the fixed now. So not sure how my no sleep strategy will work out. To be honest I am actually really looking forward to finding out a few things about where my riding is.
Longest to date on the fixed was a 200 DIY so I suspect that there will be a bit of 'learning' to do along the way. Personally pacing myself whilst riding with others is the thing that I am most cautious about. Starting at the back with the ACME helpers should at least avoid the potential urge to dash off too fast.
Edit: Still planning on skipping sleep but hopefully the sun comes out on Sunday and I might grab a few minutes at the side of the road somewhere.
Good on yer! :thumbsup:
Tomsk usually rides Flatlands fixed, so just sit on his wheel and let him set the pace. FWIW, he usually rides a gear about 72-inches, from my estimation — I would say 68 to 72 inches would be about right, me preferring 72, but if you like spinning then 68. When we rode the Easter Arrow, I found my 72-inch fixed pace was by-and-by on a par with your geared pace, certainly on the flat bits. Geared riders slow down up hills — on Flatlands that accounts for a bit of the first 70km and almost none of the final 500km. Climbing into and out of Lincoln would be the only places on the route where I'd take a run up.
I'm tempted to throw my hand in and ride it with you, but I have other plans next weekend — I'll see you all at Red Lodge, though ;)
Post by: Oscar's dad on 04 September, 2016, 06:42:21 pm
In fairness though the Flatlands is very much the Tour de Brexit. With mudguards.
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=map+of+how+britain+voted+in+the+eu+referendum&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-gb&client=safari#imgrc=rVUvWTXSojIU7M%3A
"It woz Flatlands wot won it"
;D
Post by: Tomsk on 04 September, 2016, 06:46:21 pm
Good on yer! :thumbsup:
Tomsk usually rides Flatlands fixed, so just sit on his wheel and let him set the pace. FWIW, he usually rides a gear about 72-inches, from my estimation — I would say 68 to 72 inches would be about right, me preferring 72, but if you like spinning then 68.
I'm currently on 72", having geared down from a max. of 75" on 'Bernardette' and 85" on 'Poppy' this summer. I'll probably stick with 72" through the winter as I did last year: gearing down to 68" or 65" only for hillier rides, [but as I decided this wasn't going to be a Fixed Year, I've used gears a lot more recently]. Anything less than 72" is a bit too twiddly for the Fens.
Post by: Cold Snail on 04 September, 2016, 06:58:22 pm
I've just dug out the German army sleeping bag, last used at a motorcycle rally 8 years ago.
I think the Tour de Fer will have to wear its front rack just to spread the load.
See you next weekend.
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 04 September, 2016, 07:17:12 pm
:thumbsup:Good on yer! :thumbsup:
Tomsk usually rides Flatlands fixed, so just sit on his wheel and let him set the pace. FWIW, he usually rides a gear about 72-inches, from my estimation — I would say 68 to 72 inches would be about right, me preferring 72, but if you like spinning then 68.
I'm currently on 72", having geared down from a max. of 75" on 'Bernardette' and 85" on 'Poppy' this summer. I'll probably stick with 72" through the winter as I did last year: gearing down to 68" or 65" only for hillier rides, [but as I decided this wasn't going to be a Fixed Year, I've used gears a lot more recently]. Anything less than 72" is a bit too twiddly for the Fens.
I am currently on just below 74 which I feel quite comfortable with. I've gone out to ride up a few hills and all seems good. I must admit I'm not much for 'attacking' the hills but I seem to be able to keep things nice and steady and considering my 'tonnage' that is good enough for me.
Looking forward to the challenge!
Post by: Tomsk on 04 September, 2016, 08:01:08 pm
(http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y387/Tomskinessex/ba168d2f-a949-474c-a393-a7aee8b23dcc_zpsdtemcowj.jpg) (http://s1272.photobucket.com/user/Tomskinessex/media/ba168d2f-a949-474c-a393-a7aee8b23dcc_zpsdtemcowj.jpg.html)
Post by: TigaSefi on 05 September, 2016, 12:20:14 pm
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 05 September, 2016, 06:30:45 pm
By the way... Dry start, wet from Peterborough to top and then dry all day Sunday.... that overnight stop looking good for me....
Breezy, but looks like tail / left cross on the way up and hard work on the way back, so am looking more positive about making Sleaford. The odd drop of rain will just make me ride faster ;D
Post by: alotronic on 05 September, 2016, 10:22:38 pm
:thumbsup:Good on yer! :thumbsup:
Tomsk usually rides Flatlands fixed, so just sit on his wheel and let him set the pace. FWIW, he usually rides a gear about 72-inches, from my estimation — I would say 68 to 72 inches would be about right, me preferring 72, but if you like spinning then 68.
I'm currently on 72", having geared down from a max. of 75" on 'Bernardette' and 85" on 'Poppy' this summer. I'll probably stick with 72" through the winter as I did last year: gearing down to 68" or 65" only for hillier rides, [but as I decided this wasn't going to be a Fixed Year, I've used gears a lot more recently]. Anything less than 72" is a bit too twiddly for the Fens.
I am currently on just below 74 which I feel quite comfortable with. I've gone out to ride up a few hills and all seems good. I must admit I'm not much for 'attacking' the hills but I seem to be able to keep things nice and steady and considering my 'tonnage' that is good enough for me.
Looking forward to the challenge!
I too will be at the back with the ACME massive and twiddling a fixie for (hopefully) my SR fixed. I will be starting on 72 with a 69 as an option on the way back with the winds. I am NOT roughing it though, taking an early TL at scunnie (yes I checked the date this year!) and then will be aiming for Sleaford for 8 well and truly rested. No great desire to repeat last year shivering in tinfoil blanket routine... going all soft I am. This will also mean no carrying extra weight which, given the weight of my Lemond, makes it only as heavy as a tractor. Weather looks - I would rather wind than rain so it suits me fine. See you all there...
Post by: Oaky on 05 September, 2016, 10:34:07 pm
:thumbsup:Good on yer! :thumbsup:
Tomsk usually rides Flatlands fixed, so just sit on his wheel and let him set the pace. FWIW, he usually rides a gear about 72-inches, from my estimation — I would say 68 to 72 inches would be about right, me preferring 72, but if you like spinning then 68.
I'm currently on 72", having geared down from a max. of 75" on 'Bernardette' and 85" on 'Poppy' this summer. I'll probably stick with 72" through the winter as I did last year: gearing down to 68" or 65" only for hillier rides, [but as I decided this wasn't going to be a Fixed Year, I've used gears a lot more recently]. Anything less than 72" is a bit too twiddly for the Fens.
I am currently on just below 74 which I feel quite comfortable with. I've gone out to ride up a few hills and all seems good. I must admit I'm not much for 'attacking' the hills but I seem to be able to keep things nice and steady and considering my 'tonnage' that is good enough for me.
Looking forward to the challenge!
I too will be at the back with the ACME massive and twiddling a fixie for (hopefully) my SR fixed. I will be starting on 72 with a 69 as an option on the way back with the winds. I am NOT roughing it though, taking an early TL at scunnie (yes I checked the date this year!) and then will be aiming for Sleaford for 8 well and truly rested. No great desire to repeat last year shivering in tinfoil blanket routine... going all soft I am. This will also mean no carrying extra weight which, given the weight of my Lemond, makes it only as heavy as a tractor. Weather looks - I would rather wind than rain so it suits me fine. See you all there...
I'll be twiddling away near the back too, on my 70". It'll be my second fixed Flatlands (but my 1st fixed SR, if successful - I didn't have the fixed in time for my 400 the previous time around).
Post by: rob on 06 September, 2016, 06:40:23 am
Hop you all have a good weekend.
Post by: Tomsk on 06 September, 2016, 10:12:18 am
Set off late after clearing up at the start.
Proper breakfast at Red Lodge and a gossip with Wilkyboy. :thumbsup:
Bounce Whittlesey [10 mins at convenience store].
Pub meal at the Moon Under Water in Boston, with what we call Energy Drinks, in Essex. :thumbsup:
Stop at the Co-Op in Bardney to break up the next long stage. Ice cream, probably. :thumbsup:
Kirton: just Co-Op raid/bonk rations and maybe a coffee at the George in the square.
McD's at Goole, bit of a rest. [Getting un-naturally fond of Goole McD's, probably been thinking about it for the preceding 50kms :o]
Quick garage stop in Gainsborough, then as we get sleepy, drop off riders at bus shelters along the way to Lincoln, or afterwards in Branston.
Regroup at The Pack Horse in Sleaford at 08:00-ish for a LARGE BREAKFAST :thumbsup:, [if we have a tailwind both ways, then Spalding, about 2 hours further on]. Set off as soon after 9 as possible, with a generous 13 hours to finish about 170km, allowing for extra power naps on the sofa at the Green Welly in Chatteris, coffee in Cambridge etc...
Back to the Angel and Harp before last orders. :thumbsup:
Post by: TigaSefi on 06 September, 2016, 12:14:32 pm
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 06 September, 2016, 08:25:26 pm
Post by: TigaSefi on 06 September, 2016, 10:07:48 pm
Post by: Frank9755 on 07 September, 2016, 09:22:54 pm
Currently it's saying a very wet day on Saturday then a mild night and dry Sunday. Mostly south winds.
Post by: ChillyPanda on 07 September, 2016, 10:39:07 pm
Reading through previous ride reports there are mixed reports about the busy-ness at some of the controls.
I'd rather sit down for some real food instead of bouncing these controls, but don't want to waste time.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 07 September, 2016, 11:00:58 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 07 September, 2016, 11:35:43 pm
Last time I bounced Red Lodge to ensure I got to the 'spoons in time for their veggie breakfast. I think the first time I just had a coffee, queueing for a bit.
The first year I bounced Red Lodge because of the queue — there was nobody stamping cards in 2013. Veloman did the same and we rode the crosswinds to Whittlesey, where we 'Spooned. It's "only" another couple of hours up the road — checking last year's brevet I am surprised to discover it's more like three hours further on. You pass through several large villages/small towns on the way, the largest being Ramsey, but by then you're nearly in Whittlesey, so it's best to push on.
I've been stamping cards at Red Lodge since the second running in 2014 so riders can bounce it if there's a bit of a queue. This appears to have worked really well, as about half the riders get breakfast without too much of a queue and the other half push on. There's a Co-op about 7km further on as well.
Most riders get to Red Lodge at about 08.30-08.45, so Whittlesey's at about 11.30 to midday and Boston's mid-afternoon. You're forecast a bit of a cross-tailwind, so you may be a bit quicker.
Post by: Tomsk on 08 September, 2016, 08:46:36 am
Or alternatively, start late having helped Team ACME to clear up [I'll mark your card appropriately, usually around 30 minutes], don't rush up to RL, getting there as the main field are leaving.
Make up time by bouncing Whittlesey.
Post by: tonyh on 08 September, 2016, 09:26:21 am
*thanks again Tomsk for signing my card while you were queuing (having already overtaken me and called me back from my attempted wrong turning).
Post by: TigaSefi on 08 September, 2016, 09:55:09 am
Absolute **** of a weather system! :facepalm: Luckily I have a waterproof :demon:
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 08 September, 2016, 11:37:15 am
Hopefully the wind forecast is correct and the temps don't look to bad.
Post by: wilkyboy on 08 September, 2016, 11:57:22 am
Hopefully the wind forecast is correct and the temps don't look to bad.
Too warm to wear a 'proof; too wet not too — it's the annual summer* boil-in-the-bag dilemma ;)
* Apparently autumn doesn't start until the equinox ...
Post by: TigaSefi on 08 September, 2016, 12:00:03 pm
Hopefully the wind forecast is correct and the temps don't look to bad.
Too warm to wear a 'proof; too wet not too — it's the annual summer* boil-in-the-bag dilemma ;)
* Apparently autumn doesn't start until the equinox ...
;D I am going to wear a waterproof with my cycling top zipped only to the lowest possible point before everything falls out from the back pockets!
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 08 September, 2016, 01:38:11 pm
I suspect I could get away with packing nothing more that the Waterproof and just dealing with it...but there is no fun in that!
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 08 September, 2016, 02:15:42 pm
Post by: merlinator on 08 September, 2016, 02:46:15 pm
so i'd like to wish you a wonderful ride and stay safe and keep those wheels rolling
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 08 September, 2016, 03:05:43 pm
its with deep regret ive had to make the decision bout my broken wrist and have withdrawn from doing this ride:( sorry to hear that. Heal well and enjoy listening to the wind and rain from shelter!
so i'd like to wish you a wonderful ride and stay safe and keep those wheels rolling
Ride slow enough not to sweat.I'm slow enough when I sweat! I think not sweating would involve not moving :-D
Post by: simonp on 09 September, 2016, 12:45:14 pm
Think this means my UR medal will have to wait until next season now.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 09 September, 2016, 12:52:52 pm
Post by: Frank9755 on 09 September, 2016, 01:05:09 pm
Post by: TigaSefi on 09 September, 2016, 04:01:47 pm
Post by: Phil W on 09 September, 2016, 10:30:38 pm
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 09 September, 2016, 11:47:13 pm
Post by: Slimline Saxon on 10 September, 2016, 09:11:49 am
Neither a great option, but good luck to everyone who has a go today.
There is always next season to get that Essex SR, how hard can it be to put four rides together in one year?
Post by: Tomsk on 10 September, 2016, 10:18:45 am
There is always next season to get that Essex SR, how hard can it be to put four rides together in one year?
Fixed [short of a 600]/Essex SRs [400 & 600] look very doubtful now, but at least I got an SR done by May this year, it was going to be a non-fixed/more touring sort of year, after all...I'd really rather use any spare time this month for my Ridgeway Rough-Stuff Tour.
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 September, 2016, 12:12:01 pm
The rain pushed everyone inside and it was bedlam as the staff heroically got everyone's orders away, there was crockery piled everywhere at the end, they'd been too busy taking orders and serving to clear as well. But they were delighted with the turnout, and so happy to accommodate us again :)
I'm pleased to say there weren't any arguments about mudguards (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=99266.0). The only 'guard-free pedalos I saw were the two trikes :thumbsup: It's definitely mudflap weather, today!
ACME crew looked resplendent in their new kit (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=97391.0).
And it was good to see Steve Abraham abroad once more — go Steve!
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 10 September, 2016, 12:41:53 pm
Post by: Tomsk on 10 September, 2016, 01:29:23 pm
I imagine that each trike had front mudguards fitted.
It's a brave soul that slipstreams a trike at close quarters ;D, other than, perhaps another trike trying to minimise the effect of the camber...not always the racing line around a corner.
I'm pleased to say there weren't any arguments about mudguards (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=99266.0). The only 'guard-free pedalos I saw were the two trikes :thumbsup: It's definitely mudflap weather, today!
I'd like compulsory mudflaps too [;D semi-seriously], Chemo CTC still insist on it and we'll probably have a recommendation to that effect when Dunmow Velo head into their first winter on skoggy old Essex lanes.
ACME crew looked resplendent in their new kit (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=97391.0).
I felt quite proud as they headed out after helping me clear up :thumbsup: I was too busy to get my camera out, any photos of the ACME Peloton on the road or at controls in their jerseys would be appreciated :thumbsup:
And it was good to see Steve Abraham abroad once more — go Steve!
Go Steve, indeed!
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 September, 2016, 01:48:49 pm
I imagine that each trike had front mudguards fitted.
I suspect you're correct — I only saw the rear of HK's and the other trike, I wasn't looking that closely at the fronts.
Post by: Tomsk on 10 September, 2016, 01:52:20 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 10 September, 2016, 02:04:20 pm
ACME crew looked resplendent in their new kit (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=97391.0).
I felt quite proud as they headed out after helping me clear up :thumbsup: I was too busy to get my camera out, any photos of the ACME Peloton on the road or at controls in their jerseys would be appreciated :thumbsup:
I took a pic of Tippers as he arrived:
(http://www.camaudax.uk/rides/flatlands-600/DSCN5723.jpg)
I didn't think to take a group pic until they were setting off again, having stalled for an hour at Red Lodge hoping — forlornly — that the rain would abate, and then set off in 'proofs, so you don't get a sense of their shirtiness:
(http://www.camaudax.uk/rides/flatlands-600/DSCN5725.jpg)
Post by: Chris S on 10 September, 2016, 02:12:36 pm
Lovely day up here ;D
#grimupnorth.
Have a good ride everyone - esp you Fidgetbuzz on your 10th SR bid.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 10 September, 2016, 02:27:17 pm
It is quite fun to follow a trike with your front tyre gently nudging its rear axle. It also keeps the following rider away from any rear wheel spray. You do have to keep your wits about you in corners though.
Post by: Danu on 10 September, 2016, 02:42:37 pm
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 10 September, 2016, 03:01:05 pm
Post by: marlan on 10 September, 2016, 08:28:10 pm
Then as I heading north back out of Boston towards Lincoln, rode with Dave ( Smethy on here I think) and Chris for about 50k. Great to meet, chat and ride with you guys, after having rear wheel damage due to pot hole, a few close passes and I was getting fed up with the rain, it gave my ride a much needed lift!
Good luck to everybody out there, sorry but I'm going to open up another beer ;)
Oh, and I would have done the event, but it's my daughters 18th tomorrow!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Redlight on 10 September, 2016, 09:47:36 pm
On top of that, once you're through Cambridge, that last stretch to Dunmow has a few stings for the tired rider.
I guess my point is, there's no such thing as an easy 600km ride.
Post by: Tomsk on 11 September, 2016, 08:52:36 am
I guess my point is, there's no such thing as an easy 600km ride.
Kate C checked the route two weeks ago for me. A strong rider, she struggled with headwinds, especially on the way back. Out of time at one control, scraped in at the next and finished with a just-about-comfortable margin. CHAPEAU!
I'll take this weekend's weather over strong SW wind on the return. Christophe and Oaky had the worst Revenge of the Flatlands on the original edition's helpers' ride in 2013.
Post by: zigzag on 11 September, 2016, 09:46:55 am
Post by: Tomsk on 11 September, 2016, 11:15:04 am
I've been expecting some fast rides, as wind-wise it seems to have been just about perfect, short of a tailwind both ways.
Post by: wilkyboy on 11 September, 2016, 12:48:06 pm
Ok, so we don't publish times, but the course record has had 50 minutes taken off it today! :o It was a solo rider [and a fixie too :thumbsup:]: last year four riders worked well together for the fastest time.
I've been expecting some fast rides, as wind-wise it seems to have been just about perfect, short of a tailwind both ways.
He was second to the first control only because his riding buddy was local and knew he could ride the unsurfaced cut-through on 25mm tyres. Both were at the first control a full ten minutes before anyone else. Chapeau :thumbsup:
Post by: Redlight on 11 September, 2016, 12:56:29 pm
May I respectfully remind you all that IT'S NOT A RACE
Honest
Post by: Flatlander on 11 September, 2016, 01:32:45 pm
I agree with Tomsk on the mudflaps. I think many who do not ride with clubs in winter have no idea. Most mudflaps - even full length ones do not have sufficient rear length to protect the rider behind. The only exception is the narrow race guards that do have a sufficuent extension. This can be easily fixed by sawing up a plastic milk bottleor similar and bolting it to the back of a standard mudguards. The problem with not having them is it causes peletons to echelon accross the road because riders do not ride in line to avoid the spray. This doesn't go down well with other road users. Not such a problem for a 2up as an echelon is no worse than riding two abrest. My club only insists on guards when the clocks are on winter time and we don't insist on flaps but flapless riders are stresses up so most do use them. Actually we don't mandate mudguards because we have a guardless run which goes off last but we don't allow clubruns to merge to keep the peleton sizes down - that's different in Audax where every rider makes there own decision.
I did see a few guardless machins at the start and red lodge but they were a tiny portion of the field.
Post by: Chris S on 11 September, 2016, 05:26:16 pm
Blimey, and I thought I did well getting round in a smidge under 23 hours!
Sounds like he wanted to get it over with :)
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 11 September, 2016, 10:04:24 pm
The fens were uniformly grim as Claudia launched her super soaker at us with a steady crosswind on the road to Earith. I passed several riders who had taken a shorter stop, but only one organised group. However, I then caught up with Flatlander and we had a good two-up all the way to Kirton Lindsey. The wind got behind us before Whittlesey and we fairly rattled along, so we just got an ATM receipt and carried on. Then the wind stopped helping us and the rain got properly heavy. A little after Spalding the bonk struck me without warning, perhaps aided by the drenching. I fished in my back pocket for an energy bar which kept me going but I knew that I needed proper food.
Boston centre was crowded with market stalls, random pedestrians and slippery cobbles, but somehow in all the melee I spotted the Tea and Toast cafe, which did an excellent lasagne and chips, fortifying us for the long stage to Kirton. When hills as low as the Lincolnshire Wolds are swathed in cloud you know the weather is properly driesh. But it really helped to have company and we joined up with a couple of other riders. Flatlander was keen on making it back to Cambridge, so he carried on whilst I had another feed. It had stopped raining and I was feeling really positive.
The road to Goole took longer and seemed further than I expected, but I passed the 300km mark in 12 hours and felt confident that I could make my booked Travelodge in Sleaford at not-too-silly an hour. I'd been worried about this before the ride, but transferring my aerobars to the yellow bike had helped me to keep my speed on the flat. I stopped in McDonalds as much so that i could still in the warm whilst I got myself ready for the night stages. The coffee was good there (which made up for the rest of the barely-edible food), especially s it turned out that the coffee machine a the Jet cafe was broken.
The first night stage to Gainsborough seemed longer than the route sheet suggested. At first I enjoyed a tailwind, but this disappeared before Eastoft. At least there was a fine sunset to the west. Gradually, village by village this faded as did my legs. I tend to lose more speed than most at night, and as the miles crept by I doubted that I would get to Sleaford by 1am. My plan, like so many other plans this season, seemed to be a bit ambitious. At the Jet station in Gainsborough I noticed that my rear light was fading and so I decided to buy some more batteries. Brain-fade was clearly fully established. I looked at the old battery, sized it up against the new, and bought AA batteries only to realise that they did not fit and I needed AAAs. Then a guardian angel turned up, in the form of Teethgrinder, who was riding the event as part of his HAM'R month attempt.
He was going well and I was afraid that he would rip my legs off, but the presence of another rider was a huge tonic, and as I picked up pace there were a few less spins of his freewheel as he rode alongside. We made it all the way through Lincoln, partly on a route of his choosing and partly by my knowledge of visiting Lincoln in the late 80s which allowed us to find a route to the east of the Cathedral which was cobble and pedestrian free and easy to navigate. He was booked in the same Sleaford Travelodge as me, so we headed down the A15 as the most direct route. He had to stop to reset his GPS at midnight and suggest that I carry on. As my legs were feeling weary and my stomach empty, I took his invitation. None of the road signs gave any indication of distance, but I took heart when I saw a sign indicating clearway for 12 miles and I hoped that was the distance to the A15/A17 junction.
Steve caught me up just as I reached the services. I stopped at the petrol station to buy some food, with a till receipt timed at 00:50, mission accomplished. The lady on the night shift told me that a couple of other riders had asked to stay at the Travelodge but that it was fully booked. I was glad of my pre-booking! It would have been cold trying to sleep in an Audax Hotel after the soaking we had received. A few minutes later I was under the shower, feeling warm and clean for the first time in my working memory. I sat in the bed thinking about eating my food and had a fantastic catatonic stupor, the food left uneaten on my bedside table.
I woke 3.5 hours later with the creature from the Little Shop of Horrors in my stomach and I tucked into the prawn sandwich, salt-and-vinegar crisps and ribena that I'd bought before (with the Doors Roadhouse Blues ringing in my head - "I woke up this morning and I got myself a beer"). I didn't want to set out in the dark and put my head down again, but sleep wouldn't come, so I just relished being comfortable.
It was a beautiful and peaceful morning. The next stage would be over 90km as I had a short distance before the centre of Sleaford where this stage officially begun. I remembered the road to Threekingham from LEL in 2009 (that had been another wet ride). Today it was bathed in low-angle sunshine. There were cycle tyre tracks after some of the puddles and I longed for company. I met two riders in Sleaford who were the culprits; they had ridden through the night. As we talked a rider went passed and I did not think I would catch him up. However, on the long flat roads through Cowbit and towards Crowland I gradually reeled him in, making the junction just after "Peak Hill", which must be the most ironically named place in Britain.
He picked up speed as we rode through and off to Whittlesey; it's amazing what company can do to a tired rider. I was worried that the pace would wear me out. He stopped in Whittlesey to top up with water and I carried on at a lesser pace through the fens to Chatteris and the Green Welly Cafe. The sun had gathered strength and I began to feel cooked in my night-riding gear. I caught up with a group who'd had a brief sleep in McDonalds in Sleaford and felt both guilty and smug about my luxurious night.
The route through Cambridge was wearisome, the road through Girton had pretty much the most shameful tarmac surface I've seen (the gravel sections on the Old Roads and Drove Roads were smoother) and other sections were busy with tourists looking at the sights and not where they were going, or busy with traffic. However, then there were hills, my normal terrain and I was soon happy again. Finishing at a pub was great. A large Caesar salad full of fresh food was a great anti tide to my diet on the rest of the ride. The aerobars worked perfectly on a bike that had done 49700 miles without them (the 50,000 miles for the frame was reached somewhere near Threekingham). The other piece of kit that worked really well was the kidney warmer that kept my stomach warm in the wet weather and helped me to digest my food well. But the biggest part of the success was being able to ride with Flatlander and Teethgrinder for sections of the route and keep my sanity when the going got tough.
Post by: TigaSefi on 11 September, 2016, 11:13:23 pm
Fricking garmin lost 60-70 miles :(
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 11 September, 2016, 11:35:21 pm
Post by: HK on 12 September, 2016, 12:00:57 am
The splash factor from the rear wheels to anyone sitting behind and amazingly people were is no different to a rear mudguard sans suitable mud flap.
No grit or grime in the shorts of the trikes as the water given off from a trike doesn't hit the backside.
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 12 September, 2016, 12:30:04 am
Post by: Tomsk on 12 September, 2016, 08:42:11 am
10 SRs for his Ultra Randonneur, completed in his 75th year, soon to complete 120 consecutive months for the RRtY. Blimey, that's a lot to live up to for us young'uns...
Thanks for the celebratory drinks all round :thumbsup:
Post by: Jack_P on 12 September, 2016, 08:49:27 am
Post by: Folly on 12 September, 2016, 08:51:26 am
Quote
He was second to the first control only because his riding buddy was local and knew he could ride the unsurfaced cut-through on 25mm tyres. Both were at the first control a full ten minutes before anyone else. Chapeau :thumbsup:
I was second to arrive at Red Lodge, but certainly didn't smash the course record!! Not sure who did though...
Post by: Frank9755 on 12 September, 2016, 09:57:58 am
I was delayed at the start trying to fix my front brake which was rubbing after I put the wheel back in. That meant I missed milling around and chatting to people, and also that I set off 5 or so minutes late. I then passed most of the field by Red Lodge but was overtaken by one rider going very fast who I didn't see again.
I chatted to Chris Philips (don't think he's on here), who I rode the Gospel Pass with outside the shop at Whittlesey - where I wrongly predicted that we had had most of the rain! Then my navigation started to unravel. First, on the way into Boston, my Garmin said it couldn't see satellites. I just followed signs for the town centre, and dived into M&S for food, and to set up my back-up navigation on my phone. This wasn't a problem as I have a waterproof bag that the phone goes in, in a mount on my bars. But the touch-screen doesn't work well with waterlogged fingers, so I struggled to find my way out of Boston with a few wrong turnings.
Eventually I did, and met CET, Flandlander and Burlycross at some lights on the way out of town, just as someone's bag dropped off onto the road. We rode together loosely for a while. [apologies, Flatlander, for my lack of mudflap - the bike was set up for the Transcontinental where there is no drafting and I'd not bothered to put one on for this - however yours was exemplary - there was not a drip when I rode behind you!]. I dropped back when I couldn't close one of my bags after getting an M&S pain aux raisin out! Then I caught up, and just before Kirton Lindsay, I was riding with Burlycross when my phone battery died. The waterproof bag doesn't allow me to plug in a battery pack.
I then committed the cardinal sin of audax navigation - relying on someone else for navigation - and said, 'I'll just follow you to the next control' - which I was expecting to be about 10 minutes, based on our time and quick tailwind-assisted speed - 'and I'll sort out my phone there'. Signs for Kirton came and went. At one point I said 'some vandals have turned that sign round the wrong way' when I saw one pointing backwards. Then there were no more signs. 'How far is it to the control?' and 'This is a long 90km', I said. But still we rode on, enjoying what was, for me, new countryside, chatting away and enjoying a pleasant ride. Eventually, just before 6:15pm, it became clear that he hadn't realised there was a control at Kirton and we were almost at Goole!
My heart sank. What to do: Just ride on and not bother about validation? Plead with Tomsk that I'd done the route just not got the receipt? No - I decided I'd do it properly and ride back. I thought it might be an hour. It was an hour and a half. I waved to all the riders going the right way. The first few I knew: Chris Herbert - riding well after having a nasty shoulder injury a few weeks ago - Flatlander, CET, Chris Philips.... Then loads of others - probably most of the people I'd passed on the first leg to Red Lodge!
I made it Kirton Lindsay at 7:45, as dusk was falling. It turned out we'd actually missed the town out on the way out, so it was good to see it. While eating a sandwich, I was grateful to a couple of riders who kindly indulged me by listening to my story.
I set off back for Goole, now properly in the dark. at 9:30pm I passed the point where I'd been at 6:15 - and was pleased to be, once again, moving forward - but was now seeing the stream of riders passing me in the other direction once more - this time only as lights in the dark.
Next, my phone batteries started to fade again. My phone has become quite picky about which wires it will charge from. I had three battery packs, but only one wire, from which it took charge just a few weeks ago, but it was not having it. I was down to 20% battery, and thought I'd have to buy elastic bands at Goole to strap the route sheet to my arm. However I gave the Garmin another try and, with the now clear sky, it picked up satellites again, and I was back in business. Navigationally at least - there was still a bit of riding to be done!
It was a cold night. My gear wasn't warm enough to sleep out and I was still fresh when I got to Sleaford (and visited the McDonalds, where I saw the guys bedding down on the benches). An hour after Sleaford, though, I started to get sleepy, and started to look for a spot. It was now 5:30am and I reckoned that, if I stopped for an hour or so, the sun would be up when I woke and it would be starting to get warmer, so I would be ok. That worked well (although the benchless bus shelters of Lincolnshire are not up to the standard of ones in Croatia, Macedonia and Greece that I have slept in recently!).
I enjoyed the fens on the way back, with hardly any wind. The stretch back from Chatteris was a highlight as I recalled it from my first 200 - the Flitchbikes in 2010.
The road surfaces either side of Cambridge were awful! On the way out of the City I helped rescue a woman who had come off her bike when some gladioli she was carrying in her basket fell out and went into her front wheel!
The last hilly bit was good fun and I enjoyed attacking the climbs, before getting back to Dunmow just after 2pm.
Post by: TigaSefi on 12 September, 2016, 10:08:22 am
Couple of other things
1) a shower and a complete change of clothes for 2nd day made a lot of difference for me.
2) 5 hours sleep in a comfy bed
3) PROPER food is always the best thing for you. I always felt speediest after a good slap up meal.
4) Every hotel was fully booked so no chance of chancing a room
5) The stars and the moon out of Goole when the fucking rain and clouds finally cleared were a joy to look when you had a moment to look upwards.
6) Double padded pair of bibs = No arse boils or pain today!
Post by: Oscar's dad on 12 September, 2016, 10:10:32 am
... On the way out of the City I helped rescue a woman who had come off her bike when some gladioli she was carrying in her basket fell out and went into her front wheel! ...
I shouldn't have laughed but I did. Poor woman.
Well done to all you Flatlanders :thumbsup:
Post by: Frank9755 on 12 September, 2016, 10:17:59 am
Ok, so we don't publish times, but the course record has had 50 minutes taken off it today! :o It was a solo rider [and a fixie too :thumbsup:]: last year four riders worked well together for the fastest time.
Sounds like that was a good ride - what time did he get back?
I'm also claiming a course record, at 670km. ^^^ Oh, does it not work like that...?
Post by: Oscar's dad on 12 September, 2016, 10:33:14 am
Ok, so we don't publish times, but the course record has had 50 minutes taken off it today! :o It was a solo rider [and a fixie too :thumbsup:]: last year four riders worked well together for the fastest time.
Sounds like that was a good ride - what time did he get back?
I'm also claiming a course record, at 670km. ^^^ Oh, does it not work like that...?
Mate, I think you deserve a medal of some sort ;D
Post by: Smeth on 12 September, 2016, 11:03:27 am
Summary:
Mother nature waters the veg for 10 hours - lovely
Image of the ride - cabbage rows disappearing far away due to curvature of the earth
Thoughts - Sea to land over a thousand years - what a project. Enough head breeze to make us understand how this ride could be.
Sights: Steam traction engines, and their descendant monstrous land machines, classic cars and ice cream at the fair, TG's elbows out over his second 'spoons big breakfast- go man go, Spitfire dogfight over battle of Britain airfield, red jets drawing heart with arrow piercing.
Sounds: Roar of the RR Merlins , cheer of the village hall kids at magic show.
Smells: Onion fields, candy floss, bacon, probably me.
EDIT. Oh yeah, and hilarious Lincoln night life in the early hours. Stilt-walking girls and weaving boys giggling, shouting, singing and generally having a good time - memories of the Arrow.
Platinum medal for broken crank guy. The ride of the weekend whether he made it or not. Saw the mess at Kirton, he passed us with the damage overnight while we had a good kip. We re-passed him near Chittenden. Apparently powered largely by one leg and the other with a gaffer tape lash-up. Anyone know what happened to him?
Post by: wilkyboy on 12 September, 2016, 11:21:13 am
And congratulations to Roger on his hard-earned Ultra SR! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
The road surfaces either side of Cambridge were awful! On the way out of the City I helped rescue a woman who had come off her bike when some gladioli she was carrying in her basket fell out and went into her front wheel!
The route through Cambridge was wearisome, the road through Girton had pretty much the most shameful tarmac surface I've seen (the gravel sections on the Old Roads and Drove Roads were smoother) and other sections were busy with tourists looking at the sights and not where they were going, or busy with traffic.
Interesting comments on the road surface through my home village of Girton — I've never noticed it and was going to defend the village's honour, but Mrs W's just set me straight! Yikes! I'll have to look more closely when I head into town next time ... Trumpington Road after the city centre is far worse, though ... isn't it? </village pride>
I also sniggered at the gladioli incident — shame on me! :-[
UPDATE:
We spotted Flatlander/Chris/Mick? in Cambridge, and he towed us out (can't they resurface the cycle lanes there?).
Now that's DEFINITELY Trumpington :thumbsup: ... IGMC :facepalm:
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 12 September, 2016, 12:23:25 pm
Set off a few minutes behind Raymond, and took about 40 mins to catch him. enjoyed gazing at the scenery until the rain started. Didn't eat at Red Lodge (taste buds were saying "spoons veggie brekky"). Chatted with a fixie guy on way in to Whittlesey (TG passed us just after we had been talking about him, and if he was on the ride)and forgot to turn right for spoons. Saw TG again at a shop. Chatted, then I doubled back to spoons. Sat with Raymond and Mel there, trying to dry off a bit. By now I was fed up with the weather, wishing I'd done a local morning club ride instead (sorry Tomsk).Did most of the rest of the ride with Mel. When he gets on the front and on the tribars, I can't get low enough to take advantage, and his cruds weren't stopping the rain (I have the mark2 add-ons somewhere). Not sure how effective my washing liquid flaps were (I have trimmed them to be more aero). Enjoyed apple crumble with custard and a pint at the 2nd spoons. I don't recall much tailwind heading to Goole, just head. Cheered up when the rain stopped (around 7:45?). We did the Spa shop stop at K-I-L. I fancied chips (although they need time to settle with me, and I was at my hard to chew food stage). Someone offered me chips, and I was surprised I could eat and swallow ok. It was the usual demoralising bit heading to Goole and watching southbound lights heading towards me. Went in McD for a change. Had a choccy doughnut instead of chips. Fancied a kip, but there were no heads on tables at that time. Was surprised to see Bikey Mikey still there, getting dressed for the Arctic.
Started scanning for suitable bus shelters on the return. found one at 4am. slept for 30 mins. Thought Mel was asleep, so tried to sleep again, but I was now cold. It was freezing going downhill from there. Hotchoc stop at a garage, then again at the Jet control one (bloke abandoning there called his brother near the start to collect him). Disappointed to be n Sleaford at 7am (last year I'd made Whittlesey). Arduous journey to Whittlesey spoons, not made easy by the festival/carnival/fair there. Veggie brekky, lights recharge, and another attempt to sudacrem my sores away (I won't tell you where it hurts, but the action of cycling really doesn't help). Short stop in Chatteris for drinks, then the long last stage through Cambridge. the busway was heaven to my wrists, elbows and legs after all the bumpy roads (even the buzz from topdressed roads hurts me). We spotted Flatlander/Chris/Mick? in Cambridge, and he towed us out (can't they resurface the cycle lanes there?). Stopped to change Etrex batteries and lost my companions. Caught Mel after a while, and made the Harp pub at 5, 3-3 1/2 hours later than usual. Enjoyed my pint, sweet potato chips and chat.
Left at 6 to post the card at Tom's, then retraced the last 9-10 miles before heading west. Home around 11:20, after 826km. In bath not long after, waking up in tepid bath around 1:15. Poured the beer my wife had put in the fridge for me, found some crisps, then settled down on the sofa to watch the last three Vuelta highlights, falling asleep during the 2nd one, and awaking around 7:30 with super stiff legs.
I'd like to say I enjoyed it, but the wind, rain, and roads (even the patched up bits are getting worse), really got to me, as did the monotonous pedalling (I do actually get bored pedalling on some audaxes).
Was sorry not to see Tom at the pub, and I hope his son mends quick and isn't put off!
Post by: TigaSefi on 12 September, 2016, 05:22:07 pm
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 12 September, 2016, 05:42:18 pm
I forgot the cobbles in Lincoln!! :o Man those descents were STEEP! Good job it wasn't raining!I went down the smooth bit by the kerb, going over the drains (we don't teach that in Bikeability). I think I hit an uneven bit (not the kerb), wobbled onto the cobbles, but remained upright.
Post by: Frank9755 on 12 September, 2016, 06:04:38 pm
Interesting comments on the road surface through my home village of Girton — I've never noticed it and was going to defend the village's honour, but Mrs W's just set me straight! Yikes! I'll have to look more closely when I head into town next time ... Trumpington Road after the city centre is far worse, though ... isn't it? </village pride>
It probably is. I know that bit reasonably well but had not ridden it for maybe three years and it has got a lot worse in that time.
I'd not ridden through Girton before (I'd never been to Girton village before despite having studied at Cambridge and spent a year living in a house on Huntingdon Road - but students don't explore very much!). When I passed, the busway was closed so I went via a back way (NCN 24?), which was nice and quiet, but had a bad surface for about 4 miles. It was either that or the A14 - which is very smooth tarmac but not to my taste so late in the day!
Post by: Greenbank on 12 September, 2016, 07:29:40 pm
Interesting comments on the road surface through my home village of Girton — I've never noticed it and was going to defend the village's honour, but Mrs W's just set me straight!
Just over 20 years ago I did a two week long stint as acting head chef of the Travellers Rest Beefeater in Girton.
Didn't cycle there though. A14, no thanks.
Post by: wilkyboy on 12 September, 2016, 07:33:56 pm
Interesting comments on the road surface through my home village of Girton — I've never noticed it and was going to defend the village's honour, but Mrs W's just set me straight! Yikes! I'll have to look more closely when I head into town next time ... Trumpington Road after the city centre is far worse, though ... isn't it? </village pride>
It probably is. I know that bit reasonably well but had not ridden it for maybe three years and it has got a lot worse in that time. I'd not ridden through Girton before (I'd never been to Girton village before despite having studied at Cambridge and spent a year living in a house on Huntingdon Road - but students don't explore very much!). When I passed, the busway was closed so I went via a back way (NCN 24?), which was nice and quiet, but had a bad surface for about 4 miles. It was either that or the A14 - which is very smooth tarmac but not to my taste so late in the day!
I rode it this afternoon and I think I'm so used to picking a smooth line that I don't notice it any more — having ridden distances on little wheels, I've become very used to picking smooth lines. I also think that after 550km of bouncing on your hands and a*$e then you become especially sensitive.
I've never heard of the busway being closed, not that section, and the alternative uses a limited-access road between Oakington and Longstanton which is definitely under-maintained.
And I would never, ever, ever ride a bike on the A14, ESPECIALLY not that bit!!
Post by: Frank9755 on 12 September, 2016, 09:46:01 pm
However, at least one rider went on the A14 and lived to tell the tale.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 12 September, 2016, 10:26:09 pm
I had a day when lots went wrong which led to me doing an extra 70km over distance, but enough went right for it to work out.
I then committed the cardinal sin of audax navigation - relying on someone else for navigation - and said, 'I'll just follow you to the next control' - which I was expecting to be about 10 minutes, based on our time and quick tailwind-assisted speed - 'and I'll sort out my phone there'. Signs for Kirton came and went. At one point I said 'some vandals have turned that sign round the wrong way' when I saw one pointing backwards. Then there were no more signs. 'How far is it to the control?' and 'This is a long 90km', I said. But still we rode on, enjoying what was, for me, new countryside, chatting away and enjoying a pleasant ride. Eventually, just before 6:15pm, it became clear that he hadn't realised there was a control at Kirton and we were almost at Goole!
My heart sank. What to do: Just ride on and not bother about validation? Plead with Tomsk that I'd done the route just not got the receipt? No - I decided I'd do it properly and ride back. I thought it might be an hour. It was an hour and a half. I waved to all the riders going the right way. The first few I knew: Chris Herbert - riding well after having a nasty shoulder injury a few weeks ago - Flatlander, CET, Chris Philips.... Then loads of others - probably most of the people I'd passed on the first leg to Red Lodge!
The road surfaces either side of Cambridge were awful! On the way out of the City I helped rescue a woman who had come off her bike when some gladioli she was carrying in her basket fell out and went into her front wheel!
The last hilly bit was good fun and I enjoyed attacking the climbs, before getting back to Dunmow just after 2pm.
I did wonder when I saw you riding back towards Kirton, that was an impressive overshoot. You still made Dunmow before me, but I'd had the foresight (as it turned out with the cold night after the rain) to book a room at Sleaford Travelodge. :smug:
Post by: alotronic on 13 September, 2016, 09:16:02 am
I enjoyed the fens on the way back, with hardly any wind. The stretch back from Chatteris was a highlight as I recalled it from my first 200 - the Flitchbikes in 2010.
The last hilly bit was good fun and I enjoyed attacking the climbs, before getting back to Dunmow just after 2pm.
This is why I need to learn to ride faster, or just not stop. Fens at night with no wind.... a lovely fantasy in Flatlands terms!
Post by: Lee Killestein on 13 September, 2016, 09:41:45 am
I made it Kirton Lindsay at 7:45, as dusk was falling. It turned out we'd actually missed the town out on the way out, so it was good to see it. While eating a sandwich, I was grateful to a couple of riders who kindly indulged me by listening to my story.
A pleasure to have met you in Kirton in Lindsey. When we rode on to Goole I kept thinking 'jesus, that guy has had to ride this twice!!' But then to read that you went on to finish by 2pm? I finished with an hour to spare and felt I'd done well! Damn you Premier Inn! :P
Post by: Tomsk on 13 September, 2016, 09:59:34 am
You'll have to do well to beat Huggy otp. We ought to have a special ACME medal.
Post by: Oaky on 13 September, 2016, 10:06:24 am
Forget about times... anybody putting in a claim for the most Wetherspoons feeds? ;D
Just Whittlesey, Boston and Sleaford for me this time around. Poor showing.
Post by: Frank9755 on 13 September, 2016, 10:28:34 am
A pleasure to have met you in Kirton in Lindsey. When we rode on to Goole I kept thinking 'jesus, that guy has had to ride this twice!!' But then to read that you went on to finish by 2pm? I finished with an hour to spare and felt I'd done well! Damn you Premier Inn! :P
You had done well, you'd got round a 600 and paced it just right!
I felt very envious of you guys heading off to your hotel at Goole. I expect you slept better than me, as I ended up on the floor of a benchless bus shelter which was covered with leaves, and a few birds' feathers which had a beetle crawling around them :-(
When I saw that, I almost rode on, but I was just tired enough to stop.
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 13 September, 2016, 10:55:33 am
What's the record?
Post by: Oaky on 13 September, 2016, 04:42:36 pm
TL;DR summary
That was ... err.... epic. Proper Type-II fun (at least one person at Goole had it down as Type-III).
I messed up my feeding and was rescued by Staffordshire oatcakes and cheese.
I had around eight hours off the bike, plenty of rest, but no sleep.
The ride starts: up at Audax o'clock for a ride to Dunmow
I decided to ride to the start on the morning, rather than the night before, on the grounds that I'd probably sleep better at home rather than on the floor of the hall. As it turned out, I only got around 2 hours good sleep anyway which wasn't the ideal start to the ride. I wish I'd thought to reduce or cut out my coffee intake on Friday. :facepalm:
I left the house at 04:30, getting to Dunmow (17 miles away) around 5:45. A few of us (the ACME group) stayed behind to help Tomsk with the cleanup operation, and were finally on the road around 06:20 (or 06:25...).
Red Lodge (stopped time: 53 mins)
The rain kicked in somewhere towards Red Lodge, and was in full flow by the time we got there (but had come in in that stealthy manner which means it never feels quite the right moment to stop and put on waterproofs). We arrived to find wilkyboy sheltering under the canopy outside RL and got our cards stamped. I was undecided whether to eat there or bounce and push on to Whittlesey. In the end I plumped for a (standard) breakfast, but because of the tail end of the bulge, it took a long time arriving (mine was the last to arrive, sometime after the rest of the ACME riders had finished theirs). At one point, the rain looked to be diminishing, but it was a false hope.
We set off around 9:40, donning waterproofs/gilets against the rain (I opted for a gilet at this point). We rode together until Warboys where traffic caused me to be gapped from the group (a car driver overtook then immediately had to stop behind a parked car to allow oncoming traffic through).
I could see them ahead and was working to catch up (one of the few sections where the tailwind really felt helpful) when I noticed a strange road noise. I was thinking to myself that every time the road surface changes to that rougher tarmac, it sounds like I have a puncture. It took a couple of minutes before I realised that I actually did have a puncture. This was 0.75 miles form Whittlesey, where the picnic bench, bike racks and rowboat are. I stopped there, swapped the gilet for a waterproof and started to fix the puncture (a whopper of a sharp flint).
Puncture stop (stopped time: 26 mins)
As I pumped the tyre back up in the rain, I could hear a hiss, and at first thought that one of the seals on my pump (brand new Road Morph) was dodgy. A bit more investigation revealed that it was the spare tube I'd put in -- the previous repair patch was leaking. Tube out, fresh tube in, old tube into the bin and onwards to Whittlesey.
This left me with one spare tube -- the psychological effect of that (going from thinking I had three, down to just one) coupled with the fact that I didn't believe I could get my hands to dry out enough to successfully patch a tube with the puncture repair kit I had on board made me a bit uneasy.
I decided I must be Lanterne Rouge by now, and started to entertain thoughts of packing, but decided to press on for the present, there still being time to consider options.
Whittlesey (stopped time: 39 min)
I went to the George, to get coffee and dry out a bit. HK and the other trike were just leaving as I got there. I didn't feel hungry, so decided to wait until Spalding or Boston for food.
On the way to Boston, not too far after Spalding hunger did finally start to kick in, and I started looking for somewhere to eat. Since I was so wet, I was quite tempted by the Mermaid Inn at Surfleet, but in the end went to a chip shop there (The Cod Squad). Curry and chips; a Fanta and a bottle refill later, I was girding my loins to set off when I saw another rider go past. It was somewhat cheering to know I wasn't the last one out there after all (even if this actually meant that now I was!), and so I headed onwards.
I caught up with him sometime later: a really nice chap called Joseph from Leicestershire who it turns out had also had puncture problems (and an issue with his rim tape). We ended up riding the rest of the way to Goole together. I think the company came at just the right time for me to just about banish thoughts of giving up.
Boston (stopped time: 34 mins)
We got to Boston about 20 to 5, and controlled at the Moon Under Water. I had already eaten at the chippy, so plumped for coffee and a beer (I chose an Elgood's "Indian Summer" for the irony factor). Joseph had the Chicken curry which they had on special offer. By the time I had returned from the bar and loo, it had already arrived - super speedy service!.
My companion had already quizzed the locals for a source of inner tubes, so we detoured a little way to Halfords. I bought a couple of Halfords Essentials inner tubes which eased my concerns about puncturing again.
Control and inner tube stops complete, we set off into the rain towards Kirton in Lindsey.
Joseph, it turns out, has an interest in aviation, and it was along this leg, I think, thatwe spied an airfield/visitor centre to the left with a Lightning jet displayed outside.
Kirton in Lindsey (stopped time: 13 mins)
We got to Kirton in Lindsey at almost exactly 10pm, just as the Spar shop was due to close. The chap there was very helpful, and was wondering if there were any more riders coming through (we thought it likely not since we were fairly confident we were the back markers). A coffee, and a water bottle top up (and I think I might have had some food, but I don't remember what).
We pressed on towards Goole. My plan was to have a longer rest at Goole in the (relative) warmth of the McDonalds whilst Joseph had brought sleeping gear and was going to press on and sleep in an Audax hotel somewhere. On the leg into Goole we started seeing riders coming in the other direction, Strava flyby suggests that the first one of these might have been bikeymikey.
A few miles out From Goole, I lost Joseph (I think he might have had a hedge stop then not caught up again), and passed another couple of riders (one was, I believe, riding a pompino).
Goole (stopped time: 1 hour 49 mins)
I arrived at McDonalds around 00:30, just as the ACME peloton (including carlosfandango, AndyC33 and special guest star The Straggler) were preparing to leave. I settled down with a latte and a quarter pounder and rested, watching the world go by. Joseph arrived perhaps 10 minutes later.
I had at least another latte if not two, whilst Joseph pressed on to find a place to grab some sleep.
I stayed until about 02:15 in the end, steeling myself for the next stage. I didn't feel particularly dozy (or hungry, but with hindsight, given how well the quarter pounder went down, maybe I should have had a second one or some fries).
There were a few groups of customers through during that time: two separate Police patrols, both in for coffees, and a group of young lads who were very interested in what we were doing. By this point, there were about four of us still holed up in McD's: Myself, the chap from Liverpool (dozing in a booth), another rider asleep along a bench and the rider of the other trike.
I finally persuaded myself to leave and headed out onto the road with about two hours in hand by my reckoning (or ~1.5 if you discounted the 20+ minutes clearing up time at the start). I figured that if I kept up as I'd been going, I should be able to take an hour's catnap somewhere if the dozies kicked in and still not be pressed for time.
From Goole to Gainsborough, I sighted a number of sleeping shapes in bus shelters and the like. I got to the Jet garage at Gainsborough at 10 to 5.
Gainsborough (stopped time: 39 mins)
There was one rider already in the garage when I got there, asleep on the floor in front of the counter. I found out later on that he had decided to pack with a fever and his brother arrived with a van to take him and bike home while I was still there.
The guy behind the till there was very helpful and ushered me inside out of the cold and offered me a seat on the stacks of beer boxes in the shop (I stood anyway - my rear was glad of the rest!). Another couple of riders came through and I set off either with them or just behind.
On the way out of Gainsborough, my fixed-gear climbing legs took one look at Foxby hill and said "Nope!". I walked up the hill, and once at the top, resumed my rhythm and was going well on approach to Lincoln, and as I got closer to Lincoln, saw a few getting up and packing away their stuff, including bobb (I'm guessing with AndyC33).
The climb up Tillbridge road (A1500) before the right turn to Burton did take it out of me a bit (I passed a couple of riders on here).
(non-control stop) Lincoln (stopped time: 36 minutes)
By the time I hit the outskirts of Lincoln, it was beginning to warm up a little, and I felt in need of a clothing adjustment and a coffee, so I stopped at the Shell Garage. About 15 minutes later, the ACME peloton (bobb, AndyC33, The straggler and others) arrived.
We hit the road around 7:30. The wrong road (sort of). That's to say it was the road leadign ot the "touristy" cobbled descent through Lincoln, rather than the alternative. I'd done the cobbled bit the last time and swore to myself that this time around, I'd take the other route. Work, however, had impinged on my preparation time and so I just followed the GPX track I'd downloaded from wilkyboy's site without checking where it went through Lincoln.
We negotiated the cobbles together, but when Canwick hill raised its ugly head, I once again employed the 24" gear. I almost caught back up with the group before Ruskington, but then had a sudden blow-up. My energy levels dipped (I think I was not more than about 3 miles from Sleaford when that happened). I rested up a bit and pushed on the last miles, taking mini-breathers every now and then.
Sleaford (stopped time: 1 hour 27 mins)
I arrived at the Pack Horse, Sleaford, at 09:25, absolutely wrecked. I found the ACME peloton (sans carlosfandango) all tucking into their breakfasts, and despite being a Wetherspoon's breakfast fan, I didn't fancy one. I did know that I had been struggling though, so I ordered a bacon roll and a pint of orange juice and lemonade and started half-heartedly eating it. The ACME group left, and I carried on munching, feeling seriously fatigued and wondering if I'd finish in time.
During this time carlosfandango had arrived along with (I think) Jack.
I started packing up my stuff and preparing to leave when I was hit by a sudden bout of light-headedness and blurry vision. I decided that this (and the issue on the last few miles into Sleaford) probably constituted an energy crash/bonk, and that I might feel better if I got some quick calories into me. I broke out the emergency rations, and ate half a bag of wine gums. Around 10 minutes later I was feeling much better, and started to put together a plan for the rest of the ride.
The Staffordshire Oatcake Plan
My mental arithmetic told me it was about 110 miles to Dunmow from here, with Spalding, Chatteris and Cambridge en-route. Also in my emergency rations were four Staffordshire oatcakes, with cheese grilled on them and rolled up. These make excellent saddlebag/jersey pocket food, especially when you're craving a savoury hit, being virtually uncrushable, containing a good mix of fat, complex carbs and salt, and just the right size to eat on the move.
The plan was simple - take things ten miles at a time. Every ten miles or so, find somewhere to sit for 5 minutes and either eat half an oatcake and a handful of wine gums or, if at a Spalding or Chatteris, get something in a shop.
I double checked the plan a couple of times, counted my wine gums, and convinced myself that the ration plan would work (also, as a fall back in case my mental state was that of a knackered, sleep-deprived audaxer after 28.5 hours with no sleep, there were now ample opportunities to buy other stuff if necessary).
I set off at 10:53, so with only 7 minutes or so in hand (not counting any extra for the initial clearing up time). carlos (and Jack?) were still in the 'spoons along with a couple of other folks.
As I rode out of Sleaford, I began to feel better and stronger again. I decided to stick to the plan, though since I didn't want to risk running out of energy. Also, I know how sapping the Fenlands could be with a headwind such as we had.
The first ten miles got me halfway or so to Spalding. The next ten got me to a familiar garage in Spalding (2L of water for bottle top-ups plus a Cadbury's Flake Cornetto as the day had turned out gloriously warm now).
The next ten got me to the middle of nowhere between Crowland and Thorney. It was during this micro-rest that Jack came on by. he reported that carlos was still somewhere behind and struggling a bit. I explained my own situation/plan etc. and he suggested riding together.
We walked through the closed roads in Whittlesey rather than riding round them, enjoying the rest and classic cars on display. As we got through the closed section, just afer we'd started riding again, there was a spectacular flypast by a Lancaster Bomber. My next scheduled micro-break wasn't quite due yet, so we pressed on, eventually finding somewhere between Whittlesey and Benwick for a breather and my appointed rations.
Chatteris (stopped time: 37 minutes)
The next ten mile stint took us to Chatteris where we arrived at 16:20. Our original plan, based on being short of time, was to control at the garage quickly. However, when we got to the Green Welly roundabout, we saw that the garage there was shut down and, not knowing whether there was anything further on (there was, including a garage) we went back to the Welly.
Jack plumped for the Cherry Pie and Custard, whilst I had a Strawberry Cornetto and a Fanta. carlos also arrived at the Welly a little later. We left just before 17:00, again just on the time limit, leaving carlos to his ice cream.
A little way out of Chatteris, we had a short stop, probably hedge-related. During this, carlos turned up and we rode the rest as an ACME grupetto of three.
I could feel my legs coming back to life, and decided to try to pull back some time on the last 50 miles. The thought of ay climbing filled my legs with dread, however, so I persuaded the other two to go with my choice of the "slightly longer, flatter, quieter" route back from Cambridge.
We settled into a rhythm, and, since I was feeling stronger again suggested that we could essentially do the remainder of the ride in quarters (13 mile stints) again proposing micro-breaks in between (i.e. 5-10 minutes off the bike). This seemed to be agreeable to all so off we went. carlos was also feeling strong again after his post Sleaford dip.
The first stop was halfway to Cambridge, in the shade of a (closed?) pub in Willingham; the next took us just past Cambridge to Great Shelford. By now it was clear that, barring problems, we were going to finish in time. ;D :thumbsup:
The next quarter took us to near Audley End, and up to this point I was feeling that the alternative route was working quite nicely. The B1383 had nice gentle slopes and good surfaces. Beyond about Newport, that changed. The lanes over to Henham, Plegdon green etc. were not so pleasant. The last five or six miles seemed to last for ever. I don't thin carlos was best impressed with my route choice ;D.
During this stretch, we caught up with Joseph, and after a quick chat, I went back into "hammer down" mode: sensing the pub and seriously craving the finish beer by now.
At 21:25, we rolled up to the Angel and Harp and were pleased to see Tomsk, wilkyboy and a crowd of successful Flatlanders enjoying a breather at the end.
I was very surprised not to be Lanterne Rouge on this after my earlier issues.
Many thanks to Tomsk for another memorable ride, and to wilkyboy for standing in the rain at Red Lodge to mark people's cards.
Congratulations to all the successful riders and especially to Fidgetbuzz on his 10th SR series!
Epilogue: Doing a Del ;)
Whilst sat in the warmth of the Angel and Harp, enjoying a pint of Ghost Ship and wearing all my layers trying to stave off the shivers. I appear to have fallen fast asleep on a bar stool. Well, "on a bar stool", describes where I fell asleep. The most accurate description of where I woke up would be "on the floor surrounded by concerned folks".
I think it was a combination of the sleep deprivation (If you can remember as far back as the start of this write up, I only got 2 hours sleep on Friday night, then foolishly decided to ride through without a catnap) and the energy dip from the final couple of hours push to the line.
Tomsk, the bar staff and other riders looked afer me very well and after a lemonade, a few glasses of water and a half a bag of sweets (which the lady behind the bar wouldn't let me pay for) later and I was feeling much better (although not very awake, it has to be said!).
Thankfully, carlosfandango was driving home and had space for me plus bike, so I didn't need to ride to Witham.
I gather from Tomsk that the technical term for what happened to be is "doing a Del" after delthebike's similar experience at Goole McDonalds on a previous Flatlands.
Epilogue 2: Comparison with the Revenge of the Flatlands
I'll take this weekend's weather over strong SW wind on the return. Christophe and Oaky had the worst Revenge of the Flatlands on the original edition's helpers' ride in 2013.
With the conditions as they were on this year's ride, on the way back from Goole, two separate folks told me they found The Flatlands harder than the BCM!
I can't decide now if the 2013 Revenge of the Flatlands was worse or better. When I finished this year (in fact already by the time I got to Sleaford) I thought this year was harder, but looking back, I think that the way it felt to me is a balance of three factors and therefore hard to compare: my fitness at the time (much better in 2013); the rain and subsequent overnight chill in 2016; and riding through with no sleep this time around.
I was about 30 mins quicker in 2013, and had perhaps an hour's sleep in a bus shelter in Misterton.
Post by: Fidgetbuzz on 13 September, 2016, 04:59:56 pm
Post by: Smeth on 13 September, 2016, 05:14:04 pm
Post by: TigaSefi on 13 September, 2016, 05:40:59 pm
Post by: Neil C on 13 September, 2016, 05:54:11 pm
I had fanciful ideas of taking part to complete my first SR in my first year. But after scraping in with only 24 minutes to spare on my only 400, and having knee issues ever since, I think I made the sensible decision to leave it for another year.
Congratulations to all who took part.
Post by: Carlosfandango on 13 September, 2016, 07:34:39 pm
Enjoyed reading your write up.. reminded me of the ride .. just when i was trying to forget it !!
I'm sure you'll be pining to ride again soon.
Thank's for the drink at the finish, it went down extremely well, it seemed to finish Oaky off for the evening rather nicely though.
You had sneaked away when I came back outside to celebrate your temporary retirement, so best wishes until the next time.
Post by: Carlosfandango on 13 September, 2016, 07:47:20 pm
Have you forgotton about the near miss with the badger?
You'd clearly given your all as you demonstrated at the finish in the pub, glad you're well enough to enjoy reminiscing about the ride now.
Post by: Oaky on 13 September, 2016, 08:13:31 pm
That was a good ride report Oaky, it sums the spirit of the ride up nicely. Thank you for dragging me back from Chatteris at a good pace and sorry for the wingeing as we neared the finish, I'm used to scampering back from Saffron down the main road when I can smell a beer at the arrivée. The scenic route in the dark seemed interminable.
Have you forgotton about the near miss with the badger?
You'd clearly given your all as you demonstrated at the finish in the pub, glad you're well enough to enjoy reminiscing about the ride now.
I'd completely forgotten the badger!
I'm a bit worried that the ride is already seeming like fun when reminiscing. :o
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 13 September, 2016, 08:18:00 pm
Post by: Carlosfandango on 13 September, 2016, 08:33:37 pm
I'm a bit worried that the ride is already seeming like fun when reminiscing. :o
[/quote]
I know, amazing, it just seems like a pleasant bimble in the countryside now.
Can't wait for the next one :facepalm:
Post by: ChillyPanda on 13 September, 2016, 09:58:20 pm
This was my first 600km. It was hard.
The rain started as a drizzle just as I approached Red Lodge. It turned to proper heavy rain as I left the control after finishing my poached eggs on toast. My body and hands were frozen by the time I arrived at the Boston spoons to the point where I could barely unbuckle my helmet strap. A big plate of Wetherspoons finest lasagne and a mug of hot coffee soon put things right.
I appreciated the company of Jack who chaperoned me from Boston through to the Goole control at McD's, arriving about midnight. His company was a real boost, especially after I'd suffered a puncture. At Goole I really didn't have the appetite for Mcd's food but managed to force down some fries and half a filet-o-fish.
I departed Goole with a small group - Jack, The Straggler, AndyC33 and Bobb (hope I've got the right names!). We were all ready to find accomodation for a quick 40 winks. Jack peeled off before Gainsborough to kip in a park that he'd used last year. The rest of us continued on to the Gainsboorough 24hr garage where we took a break. A very lively and jolly lady arrived from her night out and was interested in who we were and why we were there on bikes at silly o'clock. She wished us well and hoped we'd win! A rider was sprawled out under a black bag next to the counter inside the shop with his bike inside the shop too. I did wonder why he hadn't chosen a more traditional audax hotel, but I've since read on here that he was feeling poorly and had abandoned the event. I hope he's made a good recovery.
Shortly after leaving the garage, either the straggler or Bobb scoped a bus shelter just up on the ridge after Gainsborough. I am a novice at this so was most grateful to them for offering me a space. I think I managed about 10mins sleep but rested the legs for about an hour.
The four of us re-grouped at about 6.30am. Although the weather was great on Sunday, I wasn't feeling strong so was reliant on the other three pulling me all the way to Dunmow. This was interspersed with some coffee and ice-cream breaks. I owe them. Thank you.
Afterthought: yesterday I thought, NEVER again. Today I'm thinking, next year, well maybe!
Thanks to Tomsk, Wilkyboy and all the helpers.
Post by: the straggler on 13 September, 2016, 10:01:31 pm
Post by: wilkyboy on 13 September, 2016, 11:17:49 pm
Badgers, doing a Del, kamikaze rabbits, Septuagenarian ultras, bodies in bags ... and a bit of drizzle — you lot really know how to enjoy yourselves ;) :thumbsup:
I might step up and re-ride it next year, my fourth — I would hope to do a Flatlander and get back to Cambridge in time for a sleep and some breakfast ... but I'm faced with the reality of an audax hotel before Gainsborough and scraping back just inside the time limit :facepalm:
Post by: tippers_kiwi on 14 September, 2016, 10:20:29 am
I had wheel troubles again. The front due to some bad maintenance meant the wheel came loose on one side (luckily no accident though).
My back tyre separated from the bead. This troubled me from Goole to Cambridge where Wilkyboy came to the rescue!
We also had a badger incident not too far south of Goole. A Badger shot out in front of Benster and I. I has some wiggle room but I reckon Bernsters front tyre might have got a bit of a brush from it's tail!
My Race out tour back strategy worked well. I was glad Sunday was a nice day to go steady!
Post by: Fidgetbuzz on 14 September, 2016, 10:38:22 am
My front light, dynamo driven .. failed .. not attempted to work out why yet..but because I had total faith in it .. I was not carrying any other front light system .. other than a tiny head torch ( which would not have been good enough to light the way ) .. I have little doubt that if it had been dark .. I could have waited for someone to come along .. and they would have been prepared to let me tag along behind. Whether I could have sorted it out at Goole .. or borrowed a spare .. who knows .. because i was rescued before dark by Nik, who when I explained my problem .. let me have 1 of his front lights.
the other eff up .. was at my first puncture, rear wheel of course.. slow one.. ( thx Mel for stopping and offering help) .. but I did not reseat the new inner well .. leading to a second snake bite puncture in the dark.. this took me ages to sort .. as having failed to open the brakes I could not get the rear wheel back in place correctly.. battling away in the dark .. brain dead already .. total frustration .
Then there was the Whittlesea carnival .. at the closed road .. I was directed to go right and first left .. so I set off following the purple line on the gpx.. before after about 1kms or so .. it suddenly dawned on me .. HOLD ON this is the outward track .. and will not take me to Chatteris ..turn round .. and walk the through the large party going on.
As I am still battered and aching .. I suppose the summary has to be .. thank goodness .. that is all over .... and Ultra is finished with.
Post by: Bernster on 14 September, 2016, 10:54:31 am
Appreciated the company on the road, initially the ACME peloton to Red Lodge (after we'd helped with the clean up), then Tippers and Paul (first 600k - hope you got round OK) at various stages between Boston and Gainsborough. We were nearly taken out by a suicidal badger at one point, which certainly woke me up for the next hour! I decided to leave the others and have 3 hours kip in an audax hotel on the ridge leading in to Lincoln, but it was fairly fitful sleep as there was enough fast traffic going past to keep waking me up. If I ride again, I would probably do what I did last year and sleep slightly earlier in one of the quieter villages off the main road after Gainsborough. I was certainly glad for my down sleeping bag and ground mat, as it wasn't nearly as warm as forecast, and remained chilly enough for legwarmers until about 10am - although that may just have been due to my slow pace.
Sunday was a stunning day on the bike, and despite the odd bit of headwind, it was a good day to ride in the fens. A large Spoons breakfast and a side of porridge (I didn't manage two of each like Teethgrinder) at Sleaford set me up nicely for the long stage to Chatteris, which I planned to take steadily. Thanks to Smeth and Chris who caught me up at this point, and probably doubled my average speed, providing excellent company all the way back to Dunmow - my legs still haven't fully recovered from the pace you were setting, but I'm sure I'll be stronger for it once they do. Plenty of aerial activity to entertain us around Duxford, then some scenic and slightly lumpy bits after Newport which made up for the fairly busy B road bash and reminded me that I'm definitely better suited to climbing rather than grinding out miles on the flat!
Good to chat to Tomsk and some of the finishers at the Angel and Harp to compare stories. No 600k ride is easy, and there were plenty of low points, but overall a fantastic ride, which I'd thoroughly recommend. Anyone who thinks the ride is going to be boring, because it's flat might be pleasantly surprised if they gave it a go.
Oh, and lastly - does anyone know if broken crank guy finished? I saw him labouring on somewhere after Chatteris pedalling mainly with one leg with some kind of gaffer tape setup holding the other crank together, which didn't look remotely fun.
Post by: Jack on 14 September, 2016, 02:23:40 pm
The decisive pace set by the ACME subset on the run back from Chatteris to Dunmow was great to alleviate fears of finishing out of time. I was pretty knackered by that point.
This was my second time riding Flatlands calendar event, and it felt significantly harder than last year (but maybe I've just forgotten!). I upgraded from polythene emergency bivy bag to proper alpkit (numo inflatable and hunka bivy bag) for this year, so my sleep was better, although not much longer. I also lugged a full swedish army trangia kit round just for the purpose of hot coffee and porridge when I woke up. It was great for the 30 minutes I was using it, but at 800g carried for 380 miles, I'm not sure it was worth it!
I'd swear the suicidal badger we intercepted in the lanes not far from Dunmow was actually a fox.
(Two Wetherspoons visited: Boston and Sleaford, so no prizes there)
Post by: Chris F.cc on 14 September, 2016, 05:15:18 pm
I'm an Essex boy living in Wessex. The reason Tom's rides start where they do is so I can visit my 98 year old Granny in Bishop's Stortford for Dunmow or my parents in Harwich for Manningtree. Thanks Tom.
He also does bike marriage counselling. The big ring sulks when I only engage it at the top of Dorset hills just to freewheel the descent before downshifting again. So it was good to spend two days quality time together.
Some random observations:
1.) Really enjoyed riding with Smeth, plus Marlon for some of the Northbound and Alan (Bernster) for most of the Southbound. Three seems the perfect number for sharing the headwind work, for being flexible about hedge and SPAR stops, and for traffic to pass easily. At the back of bigger groups cars are always snarling at your ankles.
2.) Spotting a distant rider in red and deciding to catch him as a distraction from the rainstorm is a nice idea but I went eyeballs out for fen after fen and wasn't getting closer. The red guy looked to be riding within himself, at a slow cadence. Why weren't we catching him? By the time we did I was cream crackered. It was Teethgrinder. 'Riders ahead may be much stronger than they appear.'
3.) Audax hotels are OK in the dry but when you're damp any hotel 'vaut le detour'. A hot shower then rolling your stuff up in towels and walking on it to dry it, followed by a few hours sleep and a 4.30 am cup of tea and hotel biscuits in bed is 7 star luxury. Thank you the Becket Arms east of Gainsborough.
4.) The fens were nowhere near as monotonous as people made out. There were several kinds of cabbage, kale.....
I've now done an Essex SR but over two years. If I aim for one next year can I count LEL (starts and finishes in Essex) as my 600?
Post by: Tomsk on 14 September, 2016, 05:31:13 pm
I've now done an Essex SR but over two years. If I aim for one next year can I count LEL (starts and finishes in Essex) as my 600?
...We had the great LEL/Essex SR debate four years ago! Not an Essex event as such [though it starts in the county in 2017], but spends a bit of time bisecting the county on the way back: the entire field cursing the monster Essex Alps ;D
Hmmm...I suspect folk are looking for an excuse not to ride the Flatlands again! I think I'll have to allow it this time, at least for riders who come all the way from Wessex to be numbered among the legends that are Essex Super Randonneurs. ;D
Post by: Chris F.cc on 14 September, 2016, 05:53:35 pm
Post by: Phil W on 14 September, 2016, 06:12:21 pm
Post by: StevieB on 16 September, 2016, 01:46:38 pm
Epilogue: Doing a Del ;)
Not the full 'Del' but confess I felt a bit faint while walking into the chippy after the finish - probably lack of sleep as much as anything.
Perhaps the event should be rechristened "The Flatliners"
Post by: wilkyboy on 16 September, 2016, 01:53:39 pm
Perhaps the event should be rechristened "The Flatliners"
Tom runs that as a permanent (http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/TD04/) — you get to ride on your own for 42 hours (14.3km min speed) and then flatline it at the end with nobody else watching ;)
Post by: Phil W on 16 September, 2016, 02:50:15 pm
In Flatlands no one hears you scream.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 16 September, 2016, 03:44:03 pm
To misquote a movie.
In Flatlands no one hears you scream.
Or the dull thud as you drop unconscious to the floor ;D
Post by: Folly on 16 September, 2016, 04:23:33 pm
Fast forward a couple of years and I'm back to have another go, this time riding fixed gear. I've got a rough plan this time, no sleep again, so no hotel booked and not carrying any sleeping bag / bivvi either. Just going to ride fast, try not to spend too long off the bike and hopefully I can get round quicker than last time too! I started riding fixed at the end of the last season, seeing it as a new challenge to keep my riding exciting and to get another badge of course! I've been riding a 73" gear for most of this summer, but that's included some fairly hilly excursions, so I changed up to 78" for this ride, the first long ride I'll have done on the higher gear, though it's not a huge step up.
The other change from my last attempt is that I stayed in a local hotel beforehand rather than in the hall. I didn't get a great night's sleep last time and that's definitely not a good way to start a sleepless 600! I felt more rested at the start, though still not as much as I'd like. It'll have to do and I'm still glad I went for the hotel option this time.
So, on to this year's ride. Starting in the middle of the group, I soon worked my way up to the front again, I was hoping to find a similarly paced group to share the work with, but ended up on my own from about 7km. Checking the speed/HR display occasionally and telling myself "slow down, take it easy", the legs had other ideas. Eventually I sighted another rider in the distance and alternate between trying to catch up and trying not to ride to hard. We're approaching Red Lodge now and I've almost caught them as they turn off down a bridleway/track shortcut and I roll on knowing the control isn't even open yet, so there's no rush! The sun is still shining.
Being early to the café means I've got a few minutes to chat to the other rider, Chris, and to Nick before he starts stamping cards. I was planning to bounce Red Lodge and push on. The first few drops of rain fall, we take shelter as best we can under an awning since the café isn't even open yet. Noting that if we continue at this pace, we'll be at Whittlesey before the control opens, I make provisional plans to eat there first and get a second receipt before I leave.
Card stamped, gilet on to keep the worst of the rain off but not overheat and we're away again. Nobody else has arrived at Red Lodge yet so it's just the two of us. We ride together for a bit, comparing luggage options and handlebars. I have bullhorns and aeros on the Pompino, it's a bit of an unusual choice on a ride like this but works well for me. Having broken my wrist earlier in the year, being able to take the weight off my hands is invaluable.
I soon get my head down low and power off into the rain, leaving Chris behind and knowing that there's nobody ahead of me now. Thankfully the wind's mostly behind me and the rain isn't hitting me in the face. I'm glad I fitted my new mudguards, I had a pair of Gilles Berthoud stainless steel 'guards sat in the shed for over a year, just waiting to be fitted. The rain persists mostly, and eases up only as I get to Whittlesey about 10 minutes before the control opens. Really need to slow down a bit and save something for later! I take the chance to stop for a sandwich, then pop back into the shop for some sweets and a valid receipt.
The rain comes and goes as I push on, stopping only briefly in Boston for an ATM receipt. The ride on to Kirton-in-Lindsay seems to take forever, the wind seems to have turned against me now, it's hard work and I start to wish that I'd made a proper stop, but I still end up making good time and quickly refuel in Kirton before pushing on again. The rain has stopped now, the wind has eased and the sky is brightening, so the final stage on up to Goole is rather pleasant and my spirits are certainly lifting as I realise that I'm already over half way round.
I arrive in Goole at 6pm in sunshine. This feels good! ;D I decide to treat myself to a hot meal from McD's as this is what I seem to be craving and have my first coffee since leaving the hotel this morning (though I have been putting caffeinated tablets in my water all day). The staff are very interested to hear where I've ridden from and, realising that I'm part of *that* ride, they make plans to ensure they have lots of staff on later. I pop over to the petrol station for a few provisions before leaving Goole and bump into Chris, who's just arriving. He's seen a couple of riders going the other way as he's come in, so I wish him luck and press on again in the hope of some company for the night stretch.
The legs were a bit stiff after stopping at Goole and I never did catch anyone up. By the time I was approaching Gainsborough, the temperature was starting to drop and I was slowing down. I had a quick stop at Gainsborough to eat a little and put on some extra layers, but soon pressed on for Sleaford before I got any colder from standing around. I'd already planned to ride around the middle of Lincoln to avoid the cobbles and to press on down the A15 taking me straight to the 24h petrol station. The climb out of Lincoln proved a little too much for my now tired legs and this ended up being the only section I had to walk. I wasn't getting any warmer though.
At Sleaford I stopped for a hot coffee and a sandwich in an effort to warm up a bit and try to get myself going again. I put on my waterproof too, to keep the wind out. A new bag of liquorice allsorts in the jersey pocket, extra provisions in the bag for the Chatteris control, and I was ready to go again. Still cold though and the temperature was gradually falling, I was slow and getting sleepy too. I had to stop regularly to stop myself from falling asleep on the bike and I hit a pothole in the dark shortly after Whittlesey that left me with a sudden flat tyre. The break while I fixed it actually seemed to help.
Arriving at Chatteris in the middle of the night, everything was shut. The first cash machine I found wouldn't let me print a balance or mini-statement. The next bank I found had no ATMs. Eventually I found a closed petrol station with an ATM in the forecourt and got a receipt there. Phew. I was really starting to worry that I wouldn't be able to get any proof of passage.
The last stretch is hard work, the guided bus way is shut and I detour around without looking at a map, not wanting to lose time, just hoping I can find the way. I pass a few dead-end signs but the road looks vaguely familiar and I think this is the route I rode two years ago, so I keep going. Terrible road but it gets me back on course, thank goodness. The final drag over the hills into Dunmow is bearable, the sun is coming up and shining in my eyes, which only makes this harder, but at least it's warming up! I finally get into Dunmow and grab an ATM receipt before the Angel & Harp opens.
Finally, I wander around town for a bit, finding a shop for a recovery milkshake and pork pie, then head on down to the Angel & Harp for a proper breakfast. I've done it, completed the Flatlands, and another SR, my first fixed SR, in the process. It's been a bit antisocial this time around and a tough night ride, but I made it!
Post by: Oscar's dad on 16 September, 2016, 04:58:15 pm
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 16 September, 2016, 05:26:39 pm
Blimey! Are you the bloke wot won?Hey! That implies the rest of us lost. Was he the first one back, you mean. I've lost races and time trials (never won), and seen others treat club rides and sportives as races. "If you want to race, enter a race, don't blast the club ride" has been heard many a time :-)
Post by: Oscar's dad on 16 September, 2016, 05:30:45 pm
Blimey! Are you the bloke wot won?Hey! That implies the rest of us lost. Was he the first one back, you mean. I've lost races and time trials (never won), and seen others treat club rides and sportives as races. "If you want to race, enter a race, don't blast the club ride" has been heard many a time :-)
It's entirely possible that I'm being a little mischievous ;D
Post by: Oaky on 16 September, 2016, 05:33:46 pm
Blimey! Are you the bloke wot won?Hey! That implies the rest of us lost. Was he the first one back, you mean. I've lost races and time trials (never won), and seen others treat club rides and sportives as races. "If you want to race, enter a race, don't blast the club ride" has been heard many a time :-)
It's entirely possible that I'm being a little mischievous ;D
see also https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=20501.msg366395#msg366395
Post by: Frank9755 on 16 September, 2016, 06:04:33 pm
I pop over to the petrol station for a few provisions before leaving Goole and bump into Chris, who's just arriving. He's seen a couple of riders going the other way as he's come in, so I wish him luck and press on again in the hope of some company for the night stretch.
The legs were a bit stiff after stopping at Goole and I never did catch anyone up.
I think I can explain that bit - not long after I turned back to go to Kirton Lindsey Chris was the first rider I saw going the other way. He had thought that I'd been to Goole already and was on a flier. Alas not! So I expect you were on the front of the ride as you left Goole, hence there was no-one to catch.
Post by: alotronic on 16 September, 2016, 11:44:24 pm
FFS (Flatlands, fixed, sodden)
As I was browsing in my lunchtime Evans I saw some arm warmers, Endura, water repellant. I know that’s a lie, even with modern materials being as good as they are we all know that water repelling and waterproof mean the same thing - will be good for an hour at most, then you might as well be wearing a cotton shirt.
I bought them anyway. The hollow promise helped me overcome the urge to pack The Flatlands the next day. I could make the start line in my new arm warmers then everything would be ok from there, right?
After some late minute drama with a chain on my fixie I had everything ready to go about 9 on Friday night. As usual I had started with a ‘go light go fast’ packing list carefully fitted into a small rack bag and then, as the reality of what I was about to do kicked in, I dug the large saddlebag out and loaded it up with those extra bits and pieces that accompany a long and rainy ride - an extra pair of socks, a second top, the battery charger plug etc.
And as usual I didn’t get a good sleep. On account of the early start I had been banished to the living room and it’s not-so-comfy sofa. Waking at 4 I wheeled old reliable to the car and drove out into Essex.
I was meant to arrive early and help out at the Arrive but managed to be perfectly on time instead. I had a couple of minutes with a cup of tea, saying hello to my old riding buddies Ian and Jonathan. Turns out their plan was exactly the same as mine (hotel off-route in Scunthorpe). Great middle-aged minds think alike. After the field had set off I stayed behind and helped the ACME crew tidy up and then we formed a small posse rocking the dips to Red Lodge.
The rain stayed off for about an hour, and what a nice hour it was. No one was in a desperate hurry and there were three of us fixies in the bunch of 8, so the pace up and down was sensible. Nik B, out on his fixie for the first time on anything over 200, had packed light and was planning to make it through as best he could. He’s a powerful chap and was pushing a higher gear than me 74 to my 72.
I had, despite all the ‘learnings’ I had acquired last time, set off on my higher gear in the naive belief that there would be a tail wind - as forecast with the rain.
By the time we hit Red Lodge it was raining properly. I had a couple of peanut butter sandwiches made with my precious gluten free bread, and had a half instead of bothering with a breakfast, my plan was to bounce and get to Whittlesey.
Ian and Jonathan had elected for the breakfast and, as chance would have it, were ready to set off at exactly the same time as me. This is how we met and how we keep riding together - we seem to keep a similar pace and schedule on many rides and even if we start at separate times or on a different pace we often end up together. Ian and Jonathan are great company too, entertaining and voluble, a good foil to my often grumpy, long-suffering and silent ‘distance mode’.
This is one of the undiscussed benefits of Audax - riding and slowly befriending people from very different backgrounds who you normally wouldn’t meet. Here we were, about to get soaked to the skin for the next ten hours; me, a web guy from London via NZ, a programme manager for BT living in a the lovely village of Dedham in Essex and a social services manager living in Swaffam. Conversation can veer from the Suffolk drug trade to corporate boardroom power struggles to my pitiful moaning about my own hectic agency job. And because we are all safely middle aged and superfluous to a society based on youth and folly, we can can talk about all manner of silly things without worrying about offending anyone, or being taken seriously.
We did the boring bit from Red Lodge to Whittlesey at a decent pace. It had been wet but a few k out from the village, out on the long straight familiar from the Hareward 300 not so long ago, it really opened up. It’s not often that rain in London actually runs off you like you are being rinsed under a tap, but that’s what is was like.
So we arrived like a comedy act at the cafe. Ian and Jonathan were going to bounce it but were seduced by a cup of tea while I had my breakfast jacket potato. We had a charming waitress who waved us in and pretended to find the sight of three lycra clad dripping wet middle-aged men normal, then proceeded to line us up with a good breakfast. We were so wet after after Ian walked to the toilet she placed a ‘caution wet floor’ sign in his wake.
Roger (fidgetbuzz) joined us at the table before doing that thing he does with time and space where he suddenly disappears and teleports 40k up the road where you overtake him an hour and half later.
Outside the rain kept coming, luckily easing just as we got up and put all out wet layers back on.
Then the really boring bit through to Boston. B road boredom and wetness. Passing the usual flatlands comedy moments (the Mountain Rescue depot, Peak Hill). Jonathan was already grumbling about the bloody boring roads. He’d done this before, he knew there was worse to come…
I didn’t see much apart from mudguards and rain dripping from my cap for the next few hours. It wasn’t too cold - though not as warm as expected - and the tailwind provided occasional respite but most of the time we were plugging away at a steady pace. Jonathan would get bored and hare off for a few minutes and Ian and I would sequentially fall off his wheel until he realised he couldn’t keep that pace up for the next 450km and would drift back to us.
Rinse repeat until Weatherspoons at Boston. The spoons has come a long way in a couple of years. they actually have a gluten-free menu and this year had GF apple crumble. Awesome! I had to have some of that. And a curry on rice. I knew this was the last decent meal before breakfast at Sleaford some 14 hours in the future. A quick stop at Holland and Barrett for me to pick up some GF bars and off we went again, this time in a larger group, which Jonathan proceeded to fracture by getting bored and racing off the front. So it wasn’t just Ian and I that he found too slow.
Much nicer roads now, with the rain finally easing. I was still ok on the 72 and peddling steadily. By my count there must have been around 8 fixie riders this year. It is the perfect 600 in some ways. There no no hills to speak of. The downside of that is that you spend a lot of time in your saddle. You don’t get those micro-rests and moments where you can lift your bottom to relieve the pressure. When you add a steady stream of water into your shorts the irritation level rises and even on the trusty Brooks I was already beginning to suffer from saddle discomfort, despite the application of gentleman’s comfort balms.
But what was I going to do, turn back?
No I was not. I had started this ridiculous idea of doing an Essex SR fixed and I really needed to finish it. It’s just a lot harder riding my fixed than my road bike. I suspect that’s because my fixie is an old pig-iron bike with heavy commuting wheels on it. It’s about as fast as my Kinesis ATR, but nowhere near as comfortable. It’s comfortable as my ageing Salsa La Raza with it’s lovely light wheels, but nowhere hear as fast. So it’s the worst of both worlds then!
The good thing about riding fixed is that you pace gets dictated to you. You just have to keep your cadence until otherwise interrupted by a hill or wind. There’s no thinking about backing off, or racing ahead, you just ride.
Perfect for the Flatlands then. A perpetual motion machine for an event where you can often feel like you are totally still and pulling the world beneath your wheels. If Flatlands were a movie it would the boring bit of a western where they ride across a plain, endlessly looped. It it was a book it would be a phonebook. If it were breakfast cereal it would be porridge with a slick of milk on top.
If Flatlands were a moment it would be the existential crisis of realising that you were alone in the world without a god to save you. The challenge of Flatlands is working out what to do with that feeling. Do you just try and go as fast as you can? Do you spend time looking around you and noting the different textures in the fields, becoming an expert in brassica appreciation? Or do you just ‘zen’ it?
This year my strategy evolved with the people I was riding with, and became a dance between resignation, fantasising about the delights of the next control (hard at Kirton, to be sure) and generally trying to keep a sense of humour. Shouting ’scenic attraction’ as you pass over a irrigation canal, ’strava’ as you up and over a railway bridge. On Sunday Ian actually shouted in joy ‘Pumpkins!’. A field with some colour in it.
But we haven’t reached that monumental highlight yet, we’ve still got to get to Goole. The rain, which had been giving us some last friendly cuffs around the head, finally stopped properly and we actually saw the sun for a few minutes as it set. We burrowed into the darkness and made the run into Goole around eleven and, after I collapsed onto a Pig Shake, we took a well-earned breather.
Nik B was there, as was Mike Lane, so our pace must have been ok. At this point I knew that I had taken the right idea my booking a hotel. There was no shame in it, both Steve and Judith were doing the same, so who’s to argue when such riders have the same strategy?
Having botched my hotel booking last year and spent time shivering in a bus shelter last year I was not keen to reproduce the experience - it just made the whole second day a misery for me. So it was with a great deal of happiness that we rolled in at the beige-cladded horror that is Scunthorpe Travel Lodge. I bid Ian and Jonathan good night (they were relieved to discover they had a twin not a double) and wheeled my bike into my room. First thing I did was change gear, down to 69 in readiness for tomorrow, then took a shower, draped clothes over the heater and plugged my cache battery into it’s charger and fell to sleep.
A second later I woke up. No, it was three hours. Ok. I had 20 minutes to get all my stuff back into the saddlebag and get outside to meet the others. The heater, overwhelmed by soggy clothes, had switched itself off and my clothes were no drier. I treated myself to a merino base layer and new socks, then dragged on my shorts, wincing as they settled into old wounds. This was going to be An Issue.
We had a choice of track. Jonathan’s route took us straight down the A road to Gainsborough which is a bit lumpy. As this was the site of my slowest and most miserable hour on a bike this side of the day of my birth, I was keen to avoid it and had lined up a route along the flat riverside road. I won, I think only because my track was right there and my Garmin (unusually) was behaving perfectly.
I struggled on this bit and I&J had to wait for me once or twice. This was my mid ride, dawn time dip. I was hoping it would pass as 20kph all the way home would be pretty tedious.
After a quick stop at Gainsborough we set off on the Lincoln road, where the first challenges for fixie riders lay. In fact having to tackle the hill up onto the Lincoln ridge meant I was up and onto it before I really noticed it. I had definitely picked up and the lovely dawn promised a hot and cloud free day. And maybe a headwind.
After briefly losing Ian in Lincoln because he didn’t want to ride down the cobbled streets (!) and naffing about with selfies we headed on the road to breakfast, arriving at Sleaford at 9:30. Last year I was here on the dot of 8am - but then I hadn’t had three hours sleep and a shower was feeling awful. This time I just felt tired and hungry - the default for a long ride so a good result.
Another win for The Spoons - GF porridge. I felt like a corner had been turned. I would have been better off with an English, but the novelty was too much and I had the porridge - I should have had three bowls though. The usual array of shattered full value riders came and went, all looking grateful for a decent meal and a nice seat and trying to avoid thinking about what lay ahead.
I took off the merino and arm warmers and we headed back out on the road. Everything but my shoes and socks was now dry and the day itself was lovely. The only problem is the route to Chatteris. It’s a long leg, 90km, and you retrace a lot of the previous day’s route before taking in some very long and very dull straights across the Fens. The Fens, home of winds with no barriers to break them, home of the massive agrifarm, home of the road raised above the damp and into the wind. I was in a play once called ‘Fen’ where an angry farmer kills his wife with an axe. It made sense now.
A highlight was being told off by a man for leaning my bike against his wall next to a convenience store. He was so enervated that he could barely summon up the anger to bark at me. He just kind of resignedly told me to get my bike away from his house, as if it was a job, a task he had committed to many years ago and now performed as a chore. What would happen if he stopped doing it? In that moment would he discover that there was no god, that hating cyclists was not enough and maybe he would discover a new and rewarding role in life. I sincerely hope so, for the man was a twisted lump of hatred mixed with a leavening measure of tedium.
The Fens, where the trivial blooms and then rots under the endless cheap plate of sky, where the earth really is flat.
And so we rode on. The gentle headwind was just enough to be irritating and took our speed down a few clicks. Of course we all knew we would make it now, just on 170kms from Sleaford home, but there is that feeling when you just want to be done with it all. And it’s as this feeling kicks in that the challenge of the Flatlands becomes apparent. There might not be hills, but there is a special kind of challenge in riding on endless roads that feel like they were ruled onto landscape by a particularly exacting draughtsman. Their very straightness reveals a kind of illness - it’s like having to live in the mind of a habitual train spotter for a day and being confronted with the kind of consciousness that only sees linear sequences and direct causality. It’s an acidic mix of the perfect chasing the efficient.
And it’s this that makes the field of pumpkins so notable. You are surrounded by nature in The Fens and yet it seems entirely synthetic, almost alien. Seeing something properly organic and colourful is a shock of pleasure.
Meanwhile Jonathan was suffering with ‘The Fendomination’ the most, or at least was being the most vocal about it. He lost a bit of puff on this leg. And to be fair he had been the strongman out of the three of us thus far, so Ian and I took more turns, slowly criss-crossing the fields in towards Chatteris in an unusual silence. It was about here that the inevitable avowals to never again do 600s came into my head. But the truth was I was doing just fine - I found myself remembering my slow deflation on PBP last year and realised that, even in our silence, just sharing the ride with people I know and liked made it so much better. Not that there isn’t a joy in solo epics, but when the going is tough - when the rains kicks in, the night comes on or when you get a case of the negatives - then good company is a winner.
After a leisurely stop in Chatteris we started discussing which route to take back - the short busy horrid road from Saffron Walden, or the longer route via Ugley. I wanted the longer route but quickly gave in - actually what I wanted now was the quickest possible end to the ride, and the ‘correct’ route offered that.
After the busway and then the all to brief scenic distraction of Cambridge we were onto the Saffron Walden road. What a dismal riding experience that was. Tons of cars, people anxious to get home for Bake off or whatever is on TV on a Sunday night, and a twisty lumpy road. After Saffron Walden it got even worse - steeper hills, and even more cars, an endless stream of them.
At least the hills meant I could get off my bum. I’d had to resort to using Voltarol below to ease the pain, but any relief was most welcome. And I almost welcomed the chance to give my legs a good spin out on the downhills.
We got into Dunmow around 7:30. I fully expected Roger to be there, ready to buy a round in celebration of his Ultra. He had set off from Chatteris before us but somehow his time and space trick hadn’t worked and we didn’t see him on the route. Congratulations anyway Roger!
I didn’t hang around for long. I wanted to get home quickly so that the urge for sleep that I knew was coming wouldn’t turn me into a driving danger, so after a quick debrief with Tom I bid the boys goodbye, realising as I did so that I probably wouldn’t see them for a few months. Ian eschews winter and Jonathan has rides to run in Swaffham - I guess we’ll start hatching plans for LEL training in the new year.
Comparing experiences over the last three runnings of the Flatlands I can say that this one was the easiest. Last years lack of sleep made it a very unpleasant solo death march, and the year before that (where my hotel stop worked) I finished about the same time as this year, give or take, but it was my first 600 and I was nervous, not really sure how I would cope and where I would find food.
And fixed? Well it did my undercarriage in but other than that it was a good experience. There is something nice about knowing you’ve done every damn metre of a distance, and the momentum helped me through the dark moments. The hated feeling of being on a hamster wheel which I suffered from in earlier, shorter rides, didn’t catch me out. So yes, a good ride.
Next year? Well no. LEL takes us through a lot of this territory so I have zero desire to do Flatlands proper. Not unless I want to go back into the land of the Red King again - and what, other than curiosity and the masochistic charms of self-loathing, would make me want that?
Post by: wilkyboy on 17 September, 2016, 05:53:07 am
Post by: Tomsk on 17 September, 2016, 09:04:39 am
Post by: alotronic on 17 September, 2016, 10:21:45 am
Alotronic - anyone saying this is an easy 600 will get sent a copy of your report: it perfectly encapsulates that Flatlands Feeling...
I'm going to blog it and link to The Red King (first flatlands) and add photos, that should scare people! https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/the-red-king/ (https://audaxery.wordpress.com/2014/10/02/the-red-king/)
It's nice to see so many reports. I like the reports almost as much as I like the riding, hearing about the contrasting experiences have.
And just read folly's report. Blimey. I think he must have completed his fixed SR in about half the time it took me to get mine, and on a pompino - I am never complaining about having a heavy bike again. Awesome ride. It's the ride I imagine myself doing but will probably never manage - inside we are all 25 right? (I hope folly is under 40?!?!?!)
A
Post by: Phil W on 17 September, 2016, 10:28:35 am
Quote
I was in a play once called ‘Fen’ where an angry farmer kills his wife with an axe. It made sense now.
Love it. As to Rogers time and space trick. Do you think he bears a resemblance to the first Dr Who? Maybe his bike is a Tardis?
After reading the reports I'm of a mind to attempt an Essex SR next year. I like the Green and Yellow 300 and the Asparagus and Strawberry 400 and will be starting with one of Tom's 200's for the first time in a couple of weeks. So add the Flatlands and I'm there.
Post by: alotronic on 17 September, 2016, 10:39:20 am
QuoteI was in a play once called ‘Fen’ where an angry farmer kills his wife with an axe. It made sense now.
Love it. As to Rogers time and space trick. Do you think he bears a resemblance to the first Dr Who? Maybe his bike is a Tardis?
After reading the reports I'm of a mind to attempt an Essex SR next year. I like the Green and Yellow 300 and the Asparagus and Strawberry 400 and will be starting with one of Tom's 200's for the first time in a couple of weeks. So add the Flatlands and I'm there.
It's a handsome medal!
As to the play I had to check that the play was as I remember it (I was 18 at the time) and it was, by Caryl Churchill:
Against the flat, bleak landscape of the Fenlands, men and women are cramped into bitterness by grinding labour and economic oppression.
Fen is composed of brief, fiercely resonant scenes, carving with powerful humanity the desolate lives of the village’s men and women. Three girls sing of being hairdressers or housewives when they grow up. Angela makes her stepdaughter drink water from the kettle. The representative of a City corporation purrs and placates her way to buying a farm that has been in the same family for generations. Ninety-year-old Ivy dreams aloud of union struggles. But the hard spine of the play is Val, a thirty-year-old who finds herself caught between her children and her lover – happy in brief moments, yet tormented past hope.
First performed in 1983 at the University of Essex Theatre, Fen is a flinty, eerie play, haunted by the ghosts of starving field workers and claustrophobic in its condemnation of agrarian and social exploitation.
Post by: Chris F.cc on 17 September, 2016, 12:30:17 pm
You weren't the 'third potato picker' were you Al? That performance still lives in our memory.
Post by: jiberjaber on 17 September, 2016, 02:37:13 pm
Post by: simonp on 17 September, 2016, 07:17:18 pm
Post by: ChrisH on 18 September, 2016, 10:45:59 am
I was initially dreading the prospect of all that rain, but once wet was wet there was little chance of getting less dry, so I just accepted and enjoyed it.
In Boston I controlled at a small chip shop just north of the town centre. The owner was a really nice bloke who made a bit of space for me at the end of the counter where I spent 30 mins filling up on sausage & chips, chatting with the owner & watching athletics on the telly.
I remember seeing the guy with the cracked crank arm at the spar shop in Kirton. For a man whose 6 month old bike had broke nearly 300Km away from where it needed to take him, he was incredibly stoic about the whole affair and just adamant that he really wanted to finish. I saw him again as I was leaving Goole. If he made it all the way back to Dunmow on one leg (I really hope he did) then the man is a hero in my book (and if he didn't then he's still a hero just for trying).
On the southbound leg, the knees were getting a bit creaky, so had no qualms about taking the "walk of shame" up that hill the other side of Lincoln.
Soon after (2-3 am-ish), decided to skip the roadside kip. Slowed down a fair bit after that point, but at least I was moving and keeping warm.
The route sheet wasn't kidding about the wayward pedestrians in Cambridge. Luckily I spotted a local on a shopper bike that I gratefully drafted through the tourist turbulence at a feisty 7 mph.
After arriving back at Dunmow and packing up, on the return trip home, I soon pulled into a layby and set my alarm for a 15 min nap. Next thing I knew it was dark and 3 hrs had flown by (in retrospect it would have been nice if the car had been parked in Branston for this much earlier in the day).
All in all, a great ride, met some great people and really enjoyed the therapeutic solitude of riding through the fens in the glorious sunshine on the Sunday. I'd definitely do it again and recommend it to others.
Thanks to the organisers, thanks to the riders (and chip shop owners) whom I met along the way.
Post by: Folly on 18 September, 2016, 03:40:56 pm
Blimey! Are you the bloke wot won?
I believe I was first back, but is that not as much a result of who else was (or wasn't) riding this year? It's certainly been ridden a lot faster in the past. Finishing at all on fixed wheel and beating my own previous time were far more important to me.
I had a target time in mind this year too, though I didn't achieve it. I'll be back again to have another go at that and then, if I do achieve it and I'm not first back, I'll feel like I am "the bloke wot won" too.
Anyone who says it's not a race is probably lying. It's just a question of who or what we're racing against.