http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Audaxes + sportifs 2013 en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:11:55 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=23#post-131230 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 20:21:17 +0000 crowriver 131230@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Not as far as AUK is concerned. 2014 began on 1 October. (I know...) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=23#post-131229 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 19:42:00 +0000 chdot 131229@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You sure?</p> <p>It's still 2013. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=23#post-131226 Sun, 03 Nov 2013 19:31:37 +0000 crowriver 131226@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oops wrong thread... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=23#post-126511 Mon, 30 Sep 2013 18:54:32 +0000 DrAfternoon 126511@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Great day for the Three Glens 160k yesterday, and a lovely ride, although I got taught a tough lesson late on trying to keep up with the faster lot. I was on the head of a bunch against the wind on the flat somewhere between Bridge of Allan and Skinflats, chaps behind moved up and upped the pace. I didn't work enough to stay close and use the draft, and promptly lost them. Worked hard for a long time to keep them in sight but never caught them again.</p> <p>Probably healthy to get a bit humbled when I'm starting to think I'm getting the hang of this lark. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=23#post-124431 Tue, 10 Sep 2013 10:18:52 +0000 Cyclingmollie 124431@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I should add: that's not a description of my encounter with you Dr Afternoon. It's made up. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=23#post-124412 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 23:41:31 +0000 Cyclingmollie 124412@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dr A: <em>"an Edinburgh RC chap who I suspect might be on here"</em></p> <p>If you were one quarter of the "Forth and Tay Four" then that might have been me.</p> <p>You pass, it feels too close<br /> Your fictive race demands a rival.<br /> I weigh your pace against my breath<br /> burning legs, miles to go, survival.<br /> We've not met, we've never spoken<br /> you're a help and you're a hindrance.<br /> Taking turns without complaint<br /> work together, cover distance.<br /> When I hear the angry wasp inside<br /> your freewheel just behind me<br /> take a rest, have a look<br /> feathered brake before the dog-leg<br /> knee to apex, weight to outside<br /> take a sip, take a gel and I am gone. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=23#post-124385 Mon, 09 Sep 2013 17:02:34 +0000 DrAfternoon 124385@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Had a fantastic ride on the Erit Lass yesterday. Very good weather, although starting to get on the cold side early morning. </p> <p>Fast ride in the peloton across to North Berwick, before the much longer haul down to Innerleithen. Had expected some tough wind resistance, but wasn't bad at all. Worst was on the downhill out of the Granites. The ford was interesting again, was all set to get off after going down last weekend, but the guys ahead were riding through and so I of course had to stay on, and made it through, but there was a crash just behind.</p> <p>BLT at the Whistle Stop in Innerleithen then off east. Mostly new roads to me for this bit, and I followed a couple of the regulars assuming they knew the way and ended up missing the turn off and having to wait till Galashiels to head north. Caught the route again at Stow I think, then the first tough climb, very steep first section then a long haul up and over to Lauder before a long flatish section to Duns. </p> <p>Just caught the last cafe closing, and hung out with a few others in the town square for a proper break before the Lammermuirs climbs. Not as horrid as I was imagining. The first is steep, over to Longformacus. The second is long, and keeps seeming to add bits when you think you're up it. The third isn't too bad, steepish short bits, but not so much of it. But gorgeous up there on a good day. Then the blast down, speed tempered mostly by potentially errant sheep, and the cruise back west to Musselburgh. Makes for a long last section and I was well ready for a stop by the end.</p> <p>Finished alongside an Edinburgh RC chap who I suspect might be on here, then nattered in the church hall for nearly an hour and a half plied with soup, cake and tea by Mr and Mrs Cyclops. Very good day. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=23#post-123898 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 20:47:56 +0000 DaveC 123898@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>DIY 200 last Friday (August RTYR ride) Home - Falkland - St Andrews - Tayport - Newburgh - Auchtarder - Kinkardine - Home. Fast to St Andrews but very slow into the wind from Tayport to Auchterarder, headwind was awfull! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=23#post-123885 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 18:44:11 +0000 Cyclops 123885@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've done Biggar-Innerleithen-Dunbar-North Berwick a few times as a DIY 200. I find the best way from Innerleithen is to follow the Saltire route then loop round the south of Haddington to pass Hailes castle. The rest is fairly obvious although you have the choice from Biggar of going over Dreva or the longer, flatter way via Dawyck. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123882 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 18:27:08 +0000 crowriver 123882@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I started from Abbeyhill, Edinburgh: the ATM at TSB on London Road to exact.</p> <p>If I had known where the Peebles railway path was, I might have tried it. As it was, the road from Peebles to Traquair was nearly deserted and the surface good for the most part. Part of the official bike route it seems as there were wee blue bicycle signs dotted along the way.</p> <p>I don't seem to have the Googol maps route stored in my account, which is a pity. I have a cue sheet which I generated from Googol's turn by turn directions which I can send you, but it's sometimes confusing (hence got lost in East Lothian somewhere south of Haddington) Basically though A701/6094/72 to Biggar; B712/A72 to Innerleithen; B709/7007/6367/6458/A68 then through unclassified roads mostly plus B6371/6369, etc. to Dunbar; Along A199 for a bit then turnoff to Whitekirk and round via Tantallon to North Berwick; The coast road/A198 I suppose most folk know. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123880 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 17:58:37 +0000 amir 123880@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh - and weren't you tempted to use the Peebles-Innerleithen off road route? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123879 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 17:57:40 +0000 amir 123879@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bad luck on the fall, crowriver. Look after your knees and they will look after you. My knees are still burning from the June fall.</p> <p>I'd be interested in your route - I'm looking for DIYs for later this year. Where did you start? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123877 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 17:16:39 +0000 crowriver 123877@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Did a 200k DIY yesterday. Controls: Biggar, Innerleithen, Dunbar, North Berwick. Some bits of the route I borrowed from the Saltire perm. </p> <p>Cool headwind on the way out to Biggar, but a very pleasant run to Innerleithen on minor roads: the sun was out and the roads mainly quiet. Crossed the Tweed several times, going via Traquair to avoid the traffic. </p> <p>After an ice cream, up out of Innerleithen through Glentress. What a contrast to my last trip this way, just over a month ago. Then, headwind and lashing rain; this time, a gentle breeze behind me and the sun beating down. Almost overheated on the main climb. A nice long descent to the A7 cooled me down, and it was turning into a great ride. </p> <p>Soon after, however, disaster struck. I was heading to the ford near Fala Dam, when the bike skidded while cornering on loose gravel on the road. It went out from under me, and I landed on hands and knees. Mitts saved my palms but my left knee took quite a knock. I cleaned up the small gouges the gravel had left in my knees, but my left kneecap was agony whenever there was even a slight hill to contend with. Could barely walk on it either, but seemed okay pedalling on the straight or downhill (thanks to vitamin I). </p> <p>I pressed on, getting a bit lost on the back roads of East Lothian (very ptretty countryside though), stopping to pick some gresh blackberries from the side of the road, and arriving in Dunbar later than I had hoped. My knee seized up after standing around snacking at the Dunbar co-op, so my intended sprint to North Berwick was more trouble than I had bargained for. Cruised by Tantallon castle on the way into town as the sun set. Knee seemed to have loosened up, though looking swollen it functioned well as long as I kept pedalling: which was handy for the run back on the coast road.</p> <p>Hot bath at home washed away most of the aches and pains, still on vitamin I today but feeling okay. A wonderful day for an audax yesterday, maybe only today would have been nicer! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123875 Wed, 04 Sep 2013 16:55:30 +0000 crowriver 123875@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If you fancy tackling some hills, a detour to Neidpath Castle, west of Peebles? Passed by it yesterday: what a location! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123725 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 22:40:41 +0000 amir 123725@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Castles and cake? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123722 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 22:14:54 +0000 Uberuce 123722@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'll hook up the lightning rod and create another thread... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123720 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 22:09:51 +0000 amir 123720@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can add some more - e.g. Hailes, Athelstaneford (always wanted to see), Borthwick, Gladhouse ............................................................................................................................................................ </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123719 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 21:35:41 +0000 Uberuce 123719@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm sure there's a castle-based route we could concoct around here. From Googling:</p> <p>Edinburgh -&gt; Craigmillar -&gt; Dirleton -&gt; Tantallon -&gt; Crichton -&gt;Edinburgh.</p> <p>Looks to be ~70 miles. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123687 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 15:05:53 +0000 amir 123687@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Lots of kudos to anyone who did a 200km last weekend. I contented myself with a one way trip to North Berwick.</p> <p>Good luck with the Erit Lass for all those taking part. Be careful with cattle grids!</p> <p>I do think my level of stamina is yet up to a 200km so will miss out on both the Erit Lass and the Dave Harris. The Three Glens is more achievable for me but I think that I'm going on hols. So maybe a DIY if anyone is interested? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123685 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 14:57:07 +0000 DrAfternoon 123685@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Did my first solo 200k on Saturday, basically Mr Martin Foley's Not The Forth and Tay route, with the Dalmeny corner chopped off. </p> <p>Got spoiled early on with a fast ride out to North Berwick, followed by a super tough 80 miles against the wind south west through Haddington to Innerleithen and then across to Biggar and Carnwath via Peebles and Dawyck. Really not enjoying it by that point, but then had a lovely fast ride back up the A70. Even gave a chap a tow on the way into Edinburgh. </p> <p>Almost looking forward to the Erit Lass now :) Although<br /> I can confirm that the ford is wet! (and not wise on 23mm tyres). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123671 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 12:51:00 +0000 Cyclingmollie 123671@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've got my name down for the Erit Lass 200k Audax this weekend. It's a similar route to the one you rode yesterday Uberuce. Avoids the "what if you end up in a ditch and there's no-one there to help you out" concerns of those nearest and dearest to me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123639 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 04:15:32 +0000 Uberuce 123639@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Kicked myself square in the face for eleven hours today.</p> <p>I've been a lazy scumbag for the last month - not been on a non-utility ride at all. Yesterday I helped out at the Beat the Borders charidee event, a 40 mile cycle followed by an 18 mile hike. Beautiful if windy day, and seeing people who really aren't used to distance cycling, and really weren't riding ideal bikes yet were still full of beans to go onto to the walking stage was pretty inspiring. </p> <p>So...I decided to have a look at the abbeys in the area and see the bits of the ride I didn't see yesterday. I looked at the weather and reckoned that, like a stern-bordering-on-abusive parent trying to toughen up his kid, Boy Named Sue style, that if I devised a route that gave me no option but to get home from the likely lowest ebb, then I'd jolt myself from August's torpor.</p> <p>First leg out to Haddington was a gift - blown along the road at an effortless 18mph. Got lost in Haddington and wasted a mile or so trying to find the road to Gifford. While I was there I bumped into a triathlon being held there, saw the event base and pondered, as I did at LEL and yesterday, on how easy bike theft would be if you wore lycra and SPD/road cleats, looked tired and rocked up to the racks and strolled off with something pretty generic. I was minding bikes at both of those events, but basically all I was doing was looking out for fresh-looking people in civvies and normal shoes; really couldn't keep track of whose bike was whose, unless both rider and steed were distinctive.</p> <p>Didn't steal anything, but moved onto Gifford and thence the Lammermuirs. I'd not been on them since the St Abbs ride last May and had forgotten just how bleak and exposed they are. The crosswind was brutal, although thankfully not gusty. </p> <p>That brought me to Duns, and at that point found I was following the Border Loop NCN route, which saved me checking my map every so often. Stopped for a sandwich break and a gander at Hume Castle, which is a funny wee thing but has commanding views of all it surveys.</p> <p>Duns to Kelso was the hardest part, although I was still fairly fresh. Lots of long and exposed straights directly into the headwind.</p> <p>Kelso abbey is pretty spectacular when you consider how small a chunk of it was still standing. From there I joined NCN1 and went on to Newton St. Grange, with the usual doubts as to whether NCN were (*^#ing kidding me as the route went stupid places, and more battering from headwind. Was about a mile past Dryburgh abbey before I realised I'd missed it, but couldn't face doubling back.</p> <p>In Melrose I popped into the school that had been the base of Beat the Borders to see if anyone was still there, but there was just the janny, who had a good blether with me and then recommended the King's Arms for food. One big plate of fish and chips and one pint of their microbrewed namesake beer later, I was on my way, having decided after a carbon-fibre satnav examination that NCN1 still looked stupid compared to the direct route, but did appear to provide a lot of tree cover against the wind.</p> <p>It did do that in quite a lot of places, so the run to Innerleithen was merely bad. Was pretty banjaxed by this point, mile 98. Stopped there for the last of the sandwiches, brownies and caramel squares I'd brought along, and then tackled to the Granites. This was perhaps the worst bit, since for the first few miles the wind, despite being WSW and me going north, was still a headwind. I really had doubts I could make it at this point, but knew the road did turn west, and gambled that there was some valley cyclonic nonsense happening at the southern end. This proved true, so I did get blown up the climbs, but they remained the Granites, so I wasn't partying. Last time I was there I was 8mph quicker.</p> <p>From there onwards I felt my spirits lifting quite a lot, either second wind or tailwind or both. </p> <p>Woke up with cramps a wee while ago, hence me typing at this ungodly hour while I drink a bucket of water and get salty crisps and bananas in mah belly.</p> <p>Might go back to being lazy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123053 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 08:39:35 +0000 amir 123053@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sounds great. I must try that one day. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-123041 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 19:59:29 +0000 crowriver 123041@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well, a very enjoyable ride yesterday. Almost no wind, so near perfect conditions, and despite low cloud in the hills, a bit of drizzle around Nairn (which gradually turned into real rain) it did not dampen the spirits.</p> <p>The Forres Fpray is a good run, great Highland scenery. Perhaps not as challenging in terms of climbs as some Scottish 200s, but enough to keep it interesting. Lashings of tea, a plate of soup and the odd bit of cake helped with hydration and carbohydrates.</p> <p>All nicely rounded off with a meal at the trucker's cafe which served as bot départ and arrivé. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-122847 Fri, 23 Aug 2013 12:14:39 +0000 crowriver 122847@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Will shortly be heading off to the Highlands for tomorrow's Forres Foray 200. Maybe see a few of you there? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-121530 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 10:36:36 +0000 crowriver 121530@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Darkerside, I only saw one other recumbent which was a chap with a beard and a German flag flapping from the tail of his machine. Pretty sure I saw you: dressed mostly in dark or black clothing? The timing was right anyway given your check-in at Traquair. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-121520 Mon, 12 Aug 2013 09:42:48 +0000 Darkerside 121520@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Belated hello crowriver. Tuesday afternoonish?By that point I was probably one of the furthest back recumbents on the route, so if it was laid down it was probably me! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-121310 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 12:36:50 +0000 Baldcyclist 121310@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I'm in on the Highlands Audax 1302km, for next year!"</p> <p>That looks like a nice drive. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-121306 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 12:31:24 +0000 DaveC 121306@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Me and a mate are entering a DIY on Sat 17th from Dalgety bay railway station. Route is </p> <p>Dalgety Bay, Opp Railway Station on A921<br /> Falkland<br /> South Street, St Andrews<br /> Tayport Post office, Castle Street, Tayport<br /> High Street, Creiff<br /> Dalgety Bay, Opp Railway Station on A921<br /> Total = 204.9km</p> <p>If anyone fancies joining us send a PM as we may be setting off earlier than the usual 8am, and send in an entry to the Scotland Audax Controller via the Audax website.</p> <p>I've booked the weather so I'll be dry, sunny - but not too warm, with a tail wind the WHOLE way round!</p> <p>YAY!!!!! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8639&page=22#post-121305 Fri, 09 Aug 2013 12:27:54 +0000 DaveC 121305@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm in on the Highlands Audax 1302km, for next year! Got my entry in before it filled up. I plan to take the tourer with a panier, bivi, sleeping bag, roll mat, and credit card incase anywhere has B&amp;B accomodation! :O)</p> <p>Dave C </p>