http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Audax + sportives 2016 en Tue, 26 May 2026 08:04:57 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-236991 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 22:30:57 +0000 morepathsplease 236991@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Completed the Cumbrian Cracker 100km Sportive today (Grasmere). Almost perfect weather, just a little on the cold side, and a very nice route - no major climbs although my legs would take issue with this statement.</p> <p>Organisation seemed a bit chaotic though. The forecast temperature was consistent for a number of days beforehand yet the organisers did not seem to have any contingency for the black ice that was present at the start time of 7:30 and they ended up putting that back to 9am (letting us know around 7:45). The knock-on meant a long slow-moving queue in near zero temperatures waiting to get to the start. The route was altered as a result of the ice so I don't know what the final distance was - still awaiting my time. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-235228 Tue, 01 Nov 2016 16:34:34 +0000 DaveC 235228@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Have you every wondered what goes through those crazy Audax riders minds when they go off on their ~24 hours rides?</p> <p>Listen to this then.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nocturnepodcast.org/ep-23-proof-passage/" rel="nofollow">http://www.nocturnepodcast.org/ep-23-proof-passage/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-230457 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:53:19 +0000 panyagua 230457@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes, the gnome garden - how could I have missed that off the highlights list? The Co-op in Wooler was in my sights at that point, so I wasn't tempted to stop... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-230455 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:40:12 +0000 amir 230455@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Congrats Panyagua. That's a great achivement.</p> <p>I'm glad you noticed the villages near the end! You obviously didn't get lured into the infamous gnome garden (<a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2052651)" rel="nofollow">http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2052651)</a>. Worryingly each gnome one has a name - allegedly the names of lone cyclists tempted in with cake, never to be seen again. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-230446 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 11:47:49 +0000 DaveC 230446@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well done Panyaqua, next time ride with me, from home. I had all of 6 hours in bed on my DIY 600! :D</p> <p>Dave C </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-230439 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 11:31:06 +0000 panyagua 230439@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Subject to verification, that's my Super Randonneur finally complete for this season. Rode the Borderlands Late Season Explorer 600km over the weekend. Three 'there and back' rides centred on Galashiels: Alston and Back, then Johnstonebridge and back (with the luxury of a bed for 3 hours at the motel), and finally Wooler and back.</p> <p>Good company on day one, but solo on day 2 thanks to my determination to have a good kip. Knowing that the last leg was 'just' 100 miles, and I had all day to do it, saw me through. Pretty good weather on the whole, although a mite breezy on the second day, and an excellent route despite having to ride between Gala and Selkirk six times.</p> <p>Highlights:<br /> - the lovely ride through Eskdale and the superb Eskdalemuir hub café<br /> - a pair of barn owls in Ettrickdale<br /> - the incredible night sky in the remote area around Grey Mare's Tail<br /> - attractive villages on day 2 - Ancrum, Nisbet, Yetholm </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-230127 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 23:29:00 +0000 acsimpson 230127@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well done. Sleeping in your own bed on an audax does seem a pretty attractive idea. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-229708 Mon, 05 Sep 2016 10:48:33 +0000 DaveC 229708@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've finally (providing confirmation) completed my 4th Audax Series Randonneur. I rode a solo DIY 600 this weekend from home returning for Sat night and going out again on Sunday. Now I can relax until next summer before I have to go out and ride a 300+ cycle ride. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-229101 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 21:38:26 +0000 Frenchy 229101@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks - I found it here: <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/5499028" rel="nofollow">https://ridewithgps.com/routes/5499028</a></p> <p>Strongly considering this, but first train to Galashiels doesn't get in till 10:03, so not sure on some practical issues.</p> <p>EDIT: I see Melrose are playing at home on the Saturday, could make a weekend of it... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-229068 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 20:39:16 +0000 amir 229068@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I did it a couple of years ago (hailing if I remember correctly). Then it went by Melrose over the east side of the Eildons round to Lilliesleaf then onto Roberton (over a pass) up to the Gordon Arms. Over to Traquair and back along the Tweed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-229031 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 18:18:08 +0000 Frenchy 229031@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Anyone know the rough route of the Ride of the Valkyries? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226265 Wed, 03 Aug 2016 15:32:53 +0000 paddyirish 226265@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@DaveC, @DrAfternoon</p> <p><a href="http://www.transcontinental.cc">a project for next year?</a></p> <p>this is nuts - the leader has covered 2000km in less than 5 days- has been stopped for just over 5hrs in all that time. <a href="http://trackleaders.com/transconrace16i.php?name=Kristof_Allegaert">he is 2 countries ahead of his nearest competitor</a></p> <p><a href="http://trackleaders.com/transconrace16">Dot watching is strangely hypnotic</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226150 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 20:46:45 +0000 Frenchy 226150@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Total for the week 958km give or take...</em></p> <p>As far as I've cycled all summer, give or take. Nice one. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226149 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 20:42:13 +0000 paddyirish 226149@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Fantastic ride DaveC - about 7 times my longest ever...</p> <p>Massive respect to everyone who took part </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226135 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 18:31:45 +0000 crowriver 226135@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Pity about the weather. Well done though! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226126 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 16:29:33 +0000 DaveC 226126@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Total for the week 958km give or take... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226124 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 16:16:49 +0000 amir 226124@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well done DaveC - amazing effort - hope you get over the teeth issue. Remember that audax is just a means to an end - usually involving cake, masochism and getting lost (physically or mentally). Doesn't need a badge at the end to be worthwhile.</p> <p>Oh and well done to DrAfternoon as well! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226122 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:57:43 +0000 panyagua 226122@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>'Binning' sounds terribly negative. I'd prefer to think you <em>re-purposed</em> the ride. Much more sustainable!</p> <p>Chapeau for a great effort in obviously very difficult conditions. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226121 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:53:56 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 226121@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I love the fact you binned it, and yet still did a ride <em>after</em> the binning that would put most people to shame! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226116 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 15:18:15 +0000 gembo 226116@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Dave C still mental </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-226112 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 14:44:33 +0000 DaveC 226112@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Weather 1 - Dave C 0.</p> <p>Started off ok, cycling with a mate, blustery and wet in places. Early to Tobermory off the 06:35 Oban - Craignure ferry, arriving at 9am in Tobermory for the 09:30 Kilchoun ferry. Then fine cycling again but windy again to Mallaig to get the earlier 15:00 (over 15:35) ferry to Armadale. Broadford fine, for ~16:45 and over the Skye Bridge and via Coop. Then through Applcross and onto Loch Carron where it started raining heavy and I found out I'd forgotten 4/5th of the steep climbs. 18:30 at Carron Hotel and then up with a tailwind ish to Achnashean and out to Dingwall for 23:30. Severe tooth ache was the name on my lips Monday due to sentitive teeth. Glumb day. So at middnight we decided against carrying on and kipped at the campsite for a couple of hours in a bivi avoiding the rain.</p> <p>4am Tues rise and shine, 5am left for Laxford Bridge and a bru up at the local comunity centre (closed - using own stove - not to be used again - wasted effort!) Carried on up the coast to Durness for midday and lucnh outside Durness Spar - oh the luxury. On to headwinds south of Loch Horrible (Eribol) and 3pm at Tounge, where we had a cuppa and a cake in a hotel. 19:30 in Melvich for dinner in a local pub and arrived at 21:00 in Trantlebeg. </p> <p>3 hours sleep again and left at 1am for Helmsdale 3am. Through Brora and Golspie and into Lairg for 7am. Shop opened at 7:30 so se kipped on a park bench hoping it would stay dry. Should add I'd forgotten my gloves so my hands were raw as most of my finger prints had worn off. Managed to blag a pair of workers lether gloves off a local and left at 9am headed for Lochinver.</p> <p>10km past Oykelbridge Hotel my mate turns and askes if I fancied turning round and binning it. The weather had been horible rainy - very windy and cold Tuesday. In hindsight I should have chivied him onto Lochinver but his argument was we were climbing into a 25mph head wind - with sheets of rain lashing at us, 6 hours behind our shedual and with any means of trains behind us at Ardguy etc... So we turned round headed for a hot drink at the plesant hgotel in Oykel Bridge and then decided to head to Ardguy for a train. It was 12:30. We could have continued I guess but we returned to Ardguy waited 2.5 hours for a train only for the guard to turn us away. From there we headed for Dingwall arriving at 18:25. As my mate went off to find an ATM and cash I found a train to Kyle of Lochalsh and we abandonned our plan to return via Inverness and the Great Glen. Others we found out after did a similar DNF (Did Not Finish). So while Mrs Dave C phoned and booked the last few beds in the Skye Backpackers hostel we arrived in Kyle and found a curry house. Then 10 hours sleep and a heafty 24km ride in under and hour (due to lack of info) for a 10:35 ferry - we could have cycled easier and made an 11 am ferry from Armadale.</p> <p>In Mallaig we collected a fellow DNFer and rode to Fort William for 16:00 dinner and then down the new cycle path 78 - which is most superb to arrive at Oban at 19:30. Finally we dround our sorrows in Whetherspoons before turning in. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-225675 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 20:02:16 +0000 gembo 225675@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dave C has done this before when it was 1500 km and he is up there again now. Hope weather holds fair. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-225673 Wed, 27 Jul 2016 18:48:03 +0000 paddyirish 225673@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dr Afternoon and others doing well- around Poolewe at ~2/3 to 3/4 distance. Nutters... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=6#post-225529 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 08:00:12 +0000 DrAfternoon 225529@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Me on the West Highlands 1200, <a href="http://tinyurl.com/spotdm">http://tinyurl.com/spotdm</a> and a bunch of us, <a href="https://spotwalla.com/locationViewer.php?id=358">SpotWalla WH1200</a>. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=5#post-225353 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 15:40:06 +0000 amir 225353@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Good luck! I hope you have a fun (if mad) adventure </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=5#post-225343 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 13:34:51 +0000 paddyirish 225343@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The best of luck you two. Despite seeing the BBC show and thinking it was a fantastic event, it is one for someone else to do and I'll cheer you on from my keyboard, while sipping some produce from along your route... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=5#post-225341 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 12:59:17 +0000 DrAfternoon 225341@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Me too. Bags not remotely packed, but most of my gear is assembled, to be carried in half Audax/half bike packing type ensemble of Carradice Barley, Ortleib bar bag, Alpkit Stem Cell and small Alpkit frame bag.</p> <p>Mostly the same as two years ago with the addtion of sleep kit, including bivvi bag with midge net, silk liner and Alpkit Numo inflatable mat. May take a compact down jacket depending on how temperatures are looking. </p> <p>Swithering between lighter new shoes and my tried and tested (but no longer remotely waterproof) winter boots. </p> <p>One of the big challenges is going be food. Long stretches in the far north without much to be had, especially after hours when there will still be a lot riding to do. DaveC's Helmsdale/Brora diversion from the inland route might be a good idea. </p> <p>Going to have a Spot tracker hopefully. Will post a link. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=5#post-225331 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 10:09:04 +0000 DaveC 225331@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A week until I set off on the Highlands 1200 audax. My bags are nearly packed, just a few small additions, the bike is prepped and ready and I just need to loose about a stone and a half and get a lot fitter.</p> <p>Monday start for me, and biviing with midge net! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=5#post-224707 Wed, 06 Jul 2016 15:31:22 +0000 DrAfternoon 224707@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I did at least move the stick, in order to make it slightly more comfortable :)</p> <p>Massive well done to amir. I did my first 600 two years ago now, and it really was very emotional when you know you're going to make it. Done a few now, but finishing a 600 is never a given. Bad luck DaveC.</p> <p>It was a much tougher ride than the climbing numbers suggest. A lot of punishing headwind and a couple of long 90km stages made it hard going. I was pretty miserable on the horrid B7076 north from Gretna to Johnsonbridge, even ended up being ill there after trying to get some food down. Involuntarily cleansed body helped though and managed up past Moffat for a sleep stop, my first go with bivvy bag as practise for the West Highlands 1200 later this month where there won't be much choice. Worked pretty well, three hours sleep for a three and a half hour stop. A few midges in the morning (but nothing like the West Highlands). My bag has a net which will hopefully make that bearable. </p> <p>Second day was hard work, and lot of small steep climbs, but much more enjoyable in the better weather. The out and back route is quite mentally tough though. </p> <p>Had a vague plan of one more 600 before the 1200 but I suspect that might deplete enthusiasm. It's going to be all down to the weather now. Hopelessly spoiled by the blazing sunshine on the Highlands 1300 two years ago. </p> <p>I've heard of quite a few folk attempting it this year, likely enthused by the BBC version of events, that don't quite seem to know what they're in for. There will be a few tales of woe. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15383&page=5#post-224703 Wed, 06 Jul 2016 13:59:48 +0000 DaveC 224703@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I Did Not Finish (DNF) and cut the ride short back at Gala. It took us a long time to get round - 25 hours for the 420km to Gala. With no sleep, I was tired and not looking forward to another 200 especially as I had a drive home afterwards. I had a busy day at work on Monday and the prospect of a kip in the car and a night drive back home, was cause enough for me to bail.</p> <p>Still, I'm now trimming down my kit for the 1200 ride and going to go with a bivi instead of sharing a tent with a friend. </p>