Menu of epic rides.

[Exit Stage Left]

I was up walking in Scotland a month ago, and lots of people were doing the North Coast 500. There's a growing infrastructure for it. May would be the best time, as the weather is more stable, and the midges aren't out.

http://www.northcoast500.com

[Pete Mas]

I think all of the Italian long brevets deserve a place here. The newest is the 999 Miles ride See June's thread for lots of information:-

https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=6huaol5bou4gjjc2ualpm8uji1&topic=100128.0

A challenging ride with beautiful scenery, with 150 hr or 168 hr time-limits. It was my choice for a testing ride on reaching my 60th year!

[JustinF]

I am going to circle back to the original post on this thread. Like Morbihan in 2015, I just turned 49, and I want some sort of epic bike adventure for my 50th, next summer. I have convinced SWMBO that an epic bike adventure will be cheaper and healthier than a sports car.  Since PBP 2015 I have done minimal riding, and I want to put something on the calendar now so that I have motivation get my saggy arse back on the bike and get myself back into shape.    I would love a multi-day adventure, not necessarily a 1200k randonnee, but something challenging.  I don't mind sleeping in the occasional bus shelter, but I don't want to ride a fully loaded touring bike. Heavy bikes just aren't that much fun. 

I would love to hear any suggestions that you kind folks have to offer. Randonnees, raids, tours, self-imposed challenges--anything that sounds interesting and challenging.

http://torino-nice.weebly.com/

700km 20,000m half on gravel half on tarmac, many many amazing memories from last year.

[Datameister]

I can thoroughly recommend the Raid Pyrenean Touriste (the 10 day version, but you don't have to take that long).

However, it might be worth planning it for next year now since, just 14 days after crossing the Tourmalet in 30+ degrees, it's snowed up there last weekend.

[willpom gwraudax]

Spot of self promotion & I'd really like others to give this a go. One day it may be a calendar. I thought it was pretty epic from start to finish.

The BGB Challenge aka Bristol-Glasgow-Bristol 1600 or Big Gert Buttocks. Awarded 22.5AAA

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/20523487?privacy_code=RtEh8DiTLusucdQZ

Vilas Silverton gave it a go a month after me, chapeau! Here's his write up https://cycling.srichinmoyraces.org/bristol-glasgow-bristol-1635km-ride

[CrazyEnglishTriathlete]

1000 du Sud.

https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/home

It now has a guaranteed 20,000m of ascent and has photographic proof of passage. The route changes each year and I'm planning on riding it as a PBP alternative (due to family commitments in the PBP week).  it feels like the back to basics self-sufficiency that will be good for me rather than the hustle and bustle of a huge event.  Expect the scenery - Provence & Southern Alps on roads selected by people that really know them - to be stunning

[ianrobo]

1000 du Sud.

https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/home

It now has a guaranteed 20,000m of ascent and has photographic proof of passage. The route changes each year and I'm planning on riding it as a PBP alternative (due to family commitments in the PBP week).  it feels like the back to basics self-sufficiency that will be good for me rather than the hustle and bustle of a huge event.  Expect the scenery - Provence & Southern Alps on roads selected by people that really know them - to be stunning

Thanks for that, I think I have just found my 2020 target, combines all I love, the alps, the chance to do Ventoux and of course an Audax !

[CrazyEnglishTriathlete]

Thanks for that, I think I have just found my 2020 target, combines all I love, the alps, the chance to do Ventoux and of course an Audax !

I'm not sure its technically an Audax - it has a minimum speed of 10kph. I'm certainly not banking on it for my SR series, and it doesn't detract from the ride.

I got an invite for this...

https://www.pancelticrace.com/?utm_source=Enigma%20Bicycle%20Works%20Newsletter&utm_campaign=5743e75488-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_21_02_46&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e86584768e-5743e75488-175404621&mc_cid=5743e75488&mc_eid=c5b24e44d2

... but it's the week of CET Junior finishing school, with a whole lot of events, so I can't do it.

[ianrobo]

To be fair that’s even less an Audax than the one I mentioned !

[mzjo]

1000 du Sud.

https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/home

It now has a guaranteed 20,000m of ascent and has photographic proof of passage. The route changes each year and I'm planning on riding it as a PBP alternative (due to family commitments in the PBP week).  it feels like the back to basics self-sufficiency that will be good for me rather than the hustle and bustle of a huge event.  Expect the scenery - Provence & Southern Alps on roads selected by people that really know them - to be stunning

It's a cool ride that I might one day aspire to attempting. It does not qualify as a BRM under ACP rules because Sophie has a longer time delay - but that's because of the amount of climbing. However it is still tough enough for experienced audaxers to DNF. And it's total autonomy as well. It probably should be high on any climbing audaxer's hit list.

[ianrobo]

Exactly why as soon as I saw it it was on my list !!

[DavidS]

I've (at last) got round to writing something about my experiences on the 2018 MduS in case it's of interest.

[Shell]

I've (at last) got round to writing something about my experiences on the 2018 MduS in case it's of interest.

 

I'm interested, do you have a link?

[DavidS]

Lots of photos and accounts of the various rides on here although quite a few are in French or German.

https://sites.google.com/site/le1000dusud/archives

[Xander]

I can also recommend  "De 100 cols tocht" I did this with a big group organised, comfortably  riding from Hotel tot Hotel. It was in 3-years time with 28 stages. (1999/2001)
https://www.100cols.nl/en/home/