Who wants to do a Wessex SR in 2012 ?

[border-rider]

Andy, how the hell have you managed to sucker convince all of these people?!

Make no mistake, a Wessex SR is a tough ask. In the year I did it I also rode the Mille Cymru and a 19AAA 1300, and I would rate the Hellfire harder than doing the other two back to back.

I'll probably join in on the hardboiled & porkers though

I can remember when I'd been audaxing just a couple of years, various hardened AUKs recounting, ashen-faced, tales of being broken by the Crackpot

[Ray 6701]

Is the crackpot still available as It's not listed in the auk perms 

[Hummers]

Is the crackpot still available as It's not listed in the auk perms 

Sadly not.

There is still a route though.

But let's not get in front of ourselves.

The Crackpot is not part of the SR and there is plenty of fun to be had with what is listed as perms/calendar events.

Plus there is Toby's 1000k SW perm in the making....

H

[Euan Uzami]

I would probably be interested but would be keen to know if since they are perms they can be engineered to start from a location near a major train station? I did the 3d calendar this year for my goal of a AAA all england sr, really enjoyed it but it took bloody ages to drive there, I don't think I could cope with that x4...

[AndyH]

Apart from the Dorset Coast calendar event (the 200) they all start from Poole, which does indeed have a main line station. The Dorset coast perm starts from Poole as well.

[Billy Weir]

I might do it, depending on how much I enjoy the 200 and 300 I plan to do down that neck of the woods.  Dorset Coast, natch.  And the 3D 300, which is a fine ride, assuming it is run.  I've always been intruiged by tales of the Wessex permanent events and the claims that they are amongst the finest (and hardest) in the land.

[marcusjb]

Sticking my head above the parapet of post-PBP sloth to express interest in joining some of the rides. I am not sure I am able to commit to the SR, but certainly a shot at 1 or 2 of the rides may well fit in with my other plans and goals for the year.

I know the title is who wants to do the SR, but is there the option of joining you for 1 or 2 of the rides?

[Paul D]

Maybe it would be wrong for me to attempt this.

is there the option of joining you for 1 or 2 of the rides?

My suggestion would be ride the Dorset Coast 200 in April, then we'll sort out a group assault on the Hardboiled 300 perm. These give you an insight into the terrain and you can then decide if you wish to carry on to greater things.

The thing about Wessex rides is the perverse-ness of the routes. It's not just a lot of short, steep climbs. Things that stick out in my minds are:

- The Bridport to Axminster lanes on the Coast 200; the climb to Raymond Hill only has one chevron on an OS map but seems to start at about 20% then as you round the blind corner gets even steeper.
- A descent between Crediton and Dawlish on the 3D, on which you had the choice between riding on a 2ft wide pile of sand down the middle or running through nettles on each side that had grown out to the sand.
- Salcombe Hill out of Sidmouth on the 3D; the only climb in years I've needed to stop half way up and consider whether I'm going to keep hold of my lunch (I did by the way).
- The double-chevroned climb into Seaborough on the Wu'ze 400, on which I couldn't ride any faster than Pete Loakes was walking behind me. Ridden at midnight so you couldn't see whether it went on forever.
- The amazing inclines around Bradford on Avon on the Hellfire 600, that people actually live on! I couldn't understand how cars were able to park on the side of the road without toppling end over end; maybe an indication of my mental state by Sunday morning.
- Best / worst of all (and I've mentioned this to Shawn), the Brimstone (calendar 600) had Drew Buck's house as an overnight control. The Hellfire perm doesn't. Hence 130k night stage from the (bleak) Taunton Deane services via Cheddar Gorge to Malmesbury with nothing open on the way. I can only say I'm glad it wasn't raining.

Luckily on the Hellfire we had our very own Wessex Yoda

[Somnolent]

Maybe it would be wrong for me to attempt this.

is there the option of joining you for 1 or 2 of the rides?

My suggestion would be ride the Dorset Coast 200 in April, then we'll sort out a group assault on the Hardboiled 300 perm. These give you an insight into the terrain and you can then decide if you wish to carry on to greater things.

Having read Hummers' accounts I shall probably find myself unavailable for all dates thereafter !

[AndyH]

I can remember when I'd been audaxing just a couple of years, various hardened AUKs recounting, ashen-faced, tales of being broken by the Crackpot

For me any reincarnation of the crackpot, be it by GPS or whatever, will wait for another time, after reading this, and this, and this as well
The SR is challenge enough, and one I've planned for some time.

I am keen to do these as much as possible as group perms, but there will doubtless be some very quickly off the front. You know who you are. Maybe Toby could ride it and man the controls as well As far as joining just a few of the rides (Marcus), no problem, the more the merrier. I'd assume the DC would be the calendar event, but that too is available as a perm.

Hummer's plan is a good one, especially for those of us who live in Dorset, but the "essential" rides are the ones in Bold

The Primrose Path (if held - Feb - not part of the SR but a fine ride)
Dorset Delight (perm - March - not part of the SR but a fine ride)
Dorset Coast (April)
Hardboiled (perm - April)
Dorset 3D (if held - May)
Porkers (perm - May)
Hellfire (perm - early June)

Andy, how the hell have you managed to sucker convince all of these people?!

Make no mistake, a Wessex SR is a tough ask. In the year I did it I also rode the Mille Cymru and a 19AAA 1300, and I would rate the Hellfire harder than doing the other two back to back.

I'll probably join in on the hardboiled & porkers though

Hopefully nobody will be suckered Paul. If it was easy it wouldn't have the same attraction - I thought I'd have a crack at the K&SW this year before attempting the Hellfire. I just want one of these, I'm jealous of yours. And the Wessex list is one I quite fancy seeing my name on as well.


Finally, I'm pretty sure that LadyVet will be monitoring this thread and reporting back to Mr Shaw. 
 

[AndyH]

- Best / worst of all (and I've mentioned this to Shawn), the Brimstone (calendar 600) had Drew Buck's house as an overnight control. The Hellfire perm doesn't. Hence 130k night stage from the (bleak) Taunton Deane services via Cheddar Gorge to Malmesbury with nothing open on the way. I can only say I'm glad it wasn't raining.

Ah - I asked Mr Buck about this in Paris. There may be a possibility that something could be arranged. This was before the start though, so our minds were on other things.

[Greenbank]

A Wessex SR is on my list of stupid Audax shit to do, some of which is almost certainly out of reach (at least currently), however it's years away regardless. Enjoy!

[border-rider]

Here's a promise: if I lose 2 stone I'll join you, and ride it on fixed

<now where are those pies>

[chillmoister]

Mr H has been tempting me with this legend of an SR series for a couple of years now and is definitely on my list to be on the list.  I rode the Wu'ze, currently the hardest ride I've ever ridden,  and I also rode the Dorset Coast as a perm this year so I have a good idea of what would be instore.  However at the moment I am deeply in debt wrt time away from the family following this years PBP campaign.  So a Wessex SR for me next year looks pretty doubtful ....we shall see but it may have to be a longer term goal than 2012.

[Hummers]

Mr H has been tempting me with this legend of an SR series for a couple of years now and is definitely on my list to be on the list.  I rode the Wu'ze, currently the hardest ride I've ever ridden,  and I also rode the Dorset Coast as a perm this year so I have a good idea of what would be instore.  However at the moment I am deeply in debt wrt time away from the family following this years PBP campaign.  So a Wessex SR for me next year looks pretty doubtful ....we shall see but it may have to be a longer term goal than 2012.

It's only 4 rides!

 

H

[Hummers]

- Best / worst of all (and I've mentioned this to Shawn), the Brimstone (calendar 600) had Drew Buck's house as an overnight control. The Hellfire perm doesn't. Hence 130k night stage from the (bleak) Taunton Deane services via Cheddar Gorge to Malmesbury with nothing open on the way. I can only say I'm glad it wasn't raining.

Ah - I asked Mr Buck about this in Paris. There may be a possibility that something could be arranged. This was before the start though, so our minds were on other things.

I think you are looking at this section the wrong way and I feel that to introduce some level of home comfort into this stretch would be to violate a very lovely and tranquil part of the Hellfire.

Perhaps it helps if you consider it in the same vein as that first 140k of PBP to Mountane aux Pish; without the unnecessary motor cycle escort, bothersome crowds waving supporting slogans (and water bottles), tedious direction arrows and a that self-indulgent slap up meal to look forward to at the end but about 300k of hills in your legs.

Really quite lovely.

H

[Hummers]

I can remember when I'd been audaxing just a couple of years, various hardened AUKs recounting, ashen-faced, tales of being broken by the Crackpot

For me any reincarnation of the crackpot, be it by GPS or whatever, will wait for another time, after reading this, and this, and this as well
<snip>

Funny, those accounts just make me want to do the Crackpot all the more.

Toothfairy and I did briefly discuss this about two years ago after I had completed the SR and was all fired up to take on the world.

Then other things got in the way and it all fizzled out..... until now.

H

[LadyVet]

Hopefully nobody will be suckered Paul. If it was easy it wouldn't have the same attraction - I thought I'd have a crack at the K&SW this year before attempting the Hellfire. I just want one of these, I'm jealous of yours. And the Wessex list is one I quite fancy seeing my name on as well.


Finally, I'm pretty sure that LadyVet will be monitoring this thread and reporting back to Mr Shaw. 
[/quote]
Hi Andy - I'm pretty sure that Mr Shaw is monitoring this thread himself actually! 
BUT you are making me really green with envy etc etc; having ridden the Dorset Delight each month of the year (and it's a delight whatever the month), the Dorset Coast solo, the Hardboiled 3 times solo, and the Porkers (attempted solo - success with a companion Ray Haswell  , my dream (like yours) was to earn one of these famous badges. Sadly, I had to turn for home from Taunton Deane ending with 288 miles ridden. Mr Shaw wouldn't give me a badge with a chunk cut out! 
I wish you all well and - if only I were younger / stronger  Good luck all, LadyVet

[Somnolent]

Perhaps it helps if you consider it in the same vein as that first 140k of PBP to Mountane aux Pish; without the unnecessary motor cycle escort, bothersome crowds waving supporting slogans (and water bottles), tedious direction arrows and a that self-indulgent slap up meal to look forward to at the end but about 300k of hills in your legs.

Really quite lovely.

H

Now you is just taking the ...

[AndyH]

Funny, those accounts just make me want to do the Crackpot all the more.

Toothfairy and I did briefly discuss this about two years ago after I had completed the SR and was all fired up to take on the world.

Well you and Toothfairy are already on the exclusive Wessex list 

As you said, let's not get ahead of ourselves, my plan for next year is simple. Wessex SR. Mille Alba. EDIT and Mersey Roads 24hr

However, would be very interested in the Crackpot at some time in the future 2013

Hi Andy - I'm pretty sure that Mr Shaw is monitoring this thread himself actually! 

I didn't realise Mr Shaw was a resident of these parts  We only met recently and briefly at Sherborne, where my 2012 intentions were mentioned. Suffice it to say that my Audax "career" thus far has been in preparation for this challenge. Started by the Primrose Path in 2010, after which I learned you could do up to 1000k of that stuff 

[bikey-mikey]

Andy's been at me again (in the virtual world) & somehow convinced me that a Wessex SR might turn me from a boy into a man next year.

Having read Hummers reports I have realised several things:-

1)  I really can't write post ride reports for toffee...

2)  I have never ridden for 40 hours without sleep (nor indeed >20 hours without sleep)

3)  I will have to learn to stop and eat occasionally

4)  I may struggle to keep up with my fellow WSR-ees, if I stop and eat with them.

5)  I should probably check my life insurances, and my will, and take clean bib shorts in case I end up in hospital

[Hummers]

Please don't be put off my ride reports - that wasn't my intention.  Read them with a pinch of salt to hand; they are, after all,  the musings of a lardy-arsed middle-aged sloth, relatively new to Audax compared to others on that list (and even newer 2-4 years ago).

For example, my first outing on the 3D was tough but then I wasn't prepared (for hilly rides), was on a badly setup bike and sleep deprived before I even started. When you consider those facts, it is likely that any 300 starting at strewth O clock was going to end in tears. In comparison, the second outing on the 3D was the route check of Pete's new 2010 route (with Plodder) and although I brought my lunch up on the climb up to Salcombe Regis, it was a superb day out, felt nowhere near as hard as the 2007 version and we finished with plenty of time in hand despite dawdling, punctures, route sheet changes and (not unrelated) getting lost more than once.

The Wessex rides have in part gained their legendary status from experiences being retold. They are tough but it is all relative; had my experience of the first 3D been the same as the second, the RR would have looked more like the Hellfire RR; an outline sketch of the route but not a story of an epic ride, propelled onwards by time pressures and qualifying for PBP but challenged constantly by my own inadequacies.

Those considering the SR should not lose sight of the fact that the Wessex CTC organisers have ALL put together some excellent routes and each one has it's own merits. For example, I would recommend the Hardboiled AND the 3D be part of your series as the 3D is a very fine route and the Hardboiled is not only a fine route but is very much part of the 'Wessex experience'. Plus it appears on the SR badge and it will bug you if you haven't done it. There has also been considerable care taken to avoid retracing the same roads on different rides which means that covering off all the rides (i.e. more than is required) means you get to see a lot of new countryside if you are not that familiar with the area. I know that Shawn puts a lot of his knowledge of the history of the countryside into forming the routes and it is worth studying the map beforehand to find out exactly where you are going and what you will see.

H

[Greenbank]

Do they all start/end in Poole?

Not up for the full SR but I may be up for the odd one or two to get a taster. I'm not going into complete Audax hibernation...

[Hummers]

Do they all start/end in Poole?

Nope but all start and finish in the same place.

Of the rides that can be used to make up the series:

The Dorset Coast starts in Wareham.

The 3D starts in West Stafford (SE of Dorchester).

The Hardboiled and Porkers start at a 24 hr BP garage opposite Poole Hospital and I think the Hellfire can be started at a control anywhere on the route but still passes through Poole and uses the BP garage as the Poole control (check this with Shawn). For the 2am Hardboiled and a 6am Poole start for the Hellfire, the BP garage works well as it's the only thing open. For the Porkers, you can use the BP garage as the start control but we went down to the quay for eats as it is quite nice and other than the garage itself, there's not much nearby. Just one note: parking can be a challenge as the streets near the garage are all controlled and it is quite congested. I have often parked off Danecourt Rd which is not far from the garage and have dropped off my Brevet card through Shawn's door at the end.

H

[AndyH]

And for those, like Ben T, thinking about trains - both Wareham & Dorchester have stations on the same line as Poole.

(Free) parking is indeed a challenge in the centre of Poole, but a little bit further out is usually OK.