The forecast is looking better windwise (atm) for Biggar and Moffat than Edinburgh - "only" 20mph wind ave.
I've got Merse and Moors in mind so I'm keen to start even if I end up doing a shorter ride.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.
Audax + sportives 2015
(298 posts)-
Posted 9 years ago #
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"only" 20mph wind ave
Gusting to 40mph and that's in the valley. What's Wanlockhead going to be like?
Posted 9 years ago # -
I decided not to do this after a final check on the forecast last night.
Posted 9 years ago # -
That was grim/great. More news when I can keep my eyes open
Posted 9 years ago # -
Just up dated the information on the two new Audax rides as part of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 2015: the Honest Toun Dawdle (50Km) and the Honest Toun Daunder (100Km).
These are aimed at new riders who have never tried Audax before and want to have a try.
Posted 9 years ago # -
@kim when will details about entry for these events be available?
Posted 9 years ago # -
In retrospect I really enjoyed the More Passes than Mastermind audax. It was certainly good training! And this year the views were much clearer - it's a beautiful route.
After much needed tea early in the morning we relunctantly set out from Symington. It was pouring with rain but the wind wasn't too bad but than changed after rounding Tinto. Near Abington the road went sharply upwards and the group broke up. It was hard going against the wind to Sanquhar but by then the rain had disappeared to be replaced by very brief light showers.
The Mennock pass was steep in places but wind assisted. The next control was Crawford - not the most inspiring of places.
Then the truly grim stage came into the Dalveen pass and onto Thornhill. The wind was really strong, mostly straight on, and I was riding solo. Every now and then I was almost blown off the road and despite by nearly flat I was down to the lowest gear with my 3x8 setup. At this stage 6 gave up. Nevertheless with gritted teeth I edged my way to the top of the pass only to be disappointed that there was to be no freewheel down. In fact I was pedaling down a 5% gradient at about 12 mph. Fortunately the wind eventually laid off and we had a good if exhausted ride into Thornhill.
At Thornhill there was mild panic when we saw about 50 motorbikes outside the cafe. Fortunately they we leaving so we had good service. The next stretch to Lochmaben was delightful going over the the Forest of Ae and wind-assisted. Despite a double puncture suffered by my companion the ascent was easy and followed by a nice flowing descent through the forest.
After Lochmaben there was a grind to Moffat and then the wind unfortunately did not help us up Beeftubs. After the long freewheel to Broughton, the last stretch to base nearly killed me. It was less the killer climb south of Biggar then the insistent wind. On arriving back, I enjoyed the fellowship of audax - that feeling that everyone has suffered the same, everyone has the thousand yard stares and everyone is struggling to eat their soup and cake.
Yes - I did enjoy it - just not sure why
Posted 9 years ago # -
Big respect to @amir. We (the Dalgety Bay crew) talked ourselves out of it the day before. Managed to do 100 km yesterday by way of small consolation - need to keep laying down the miles to be in shape for Merse and Moors next month...
Posted 9 years ago # -
Well done amir and thanks for the write-up. I rode out to Elmscleuch and it was good fun returning into the headwind. At the Brunt the noise was like an aircraft going over and branches were snapping off the trees.
Posted 9 years ago # -
It's the Merse and Moors this weekend! It's a tough one but good training for POP
Posted 9 years ago # -
I'll not be going but I should be well enough to manage PoP. See you there.
Posted 9 years ago # -
I'll be heading on the merse and moores. Likely to be taking it reasonably slowly I think as I've not ridden more than my commute in 3 weeks... However it'll soon get me back into it! Want a riding partner Amir?
Posted 9 years ago # -
@ARobComp - certainly, but I will be pacing it carefully. I expect to get around 15mph rolling av (perhaps less?) and aim for 2 to 2.5 hours stops.
Posted 9 years ago # -
No fewer than four of Dalgety Bay's finest will be there.
@cyclingmollie - shame you're missing this one; hope you're better in good time for the Southern Uplands!
Posted 9 years ago # -
Sounds good to me mate. I'm feeling pretty nervous and need to take it easy this year!
Posted 9 years ago # -
@panyagua Thanks, I'm sure I'll be back on form by then.
Posted 9 years ago # -
We picked a good day for the Merse and Moors - lights winds and too hot. In fact pretty parky at the start. This is a tough tough audax but the scenery is lovely. There were some border roads I haven't been on south of Lilliesleaf - gorgeous countryside though rolling would be an understatement. Thanks to Cyclops for organising and the great hospitality at the end.
I was feeling it somewhat on the commute this morning, having unwisely chosen a longer route. However to my relief (?!), I found that I had been running on a rear tyre with pretty low pressure - something to sort at lunchtime.
Posted 9 years ago # -
Massive congrats to those that completed the M+M (and what a brute of a route too! A proper Audax Ecosse classic).
I noticed an issue with my BB at about 100km and nursed it through to 134 and the stop at Elsdon at a fantastically quirky cafe stop. . The hills between there and Alnwick did for the bearings completely, and the Alnwick bike shop was sans mechanic and wouldn't touch it. So limped to Alnmouth and retired at 180km. Pretty gutting as I was counting on this one. However onwards and upwards to the southern uplands in a months time!
Big plus was a brand new saddle (Brooks C17 cambium) was super comfortable.
Posted 9 years ago # -
Bad luck @ARobComp - 'scunner' would be an understatement.
Great to have sunshine and light winds, though it was pretty chilly early and late. The views really are lovely in the sunshine.
I'll add my thanks to Cyclops for organising and providing excellent sustenance at the Arrivee. Looking forward (I think) to the Southern Uplands...
Posted 9 years ago # -
Not enough winter training = Knackered.
Still I have the helpers 600km ride in 2 weeks and the 400km 2 weeks after that. Ho hum. :O(
I rode my Galaxy to work this morning. I had a broken spoke last week, and three more popped on the way in! Train home I guess.
Posted 9 years ago # -
Seat clamp bolt sheared on way back from getting BB sorted... Think that was the last non-new bit!
Posted 9 years ago # -
Who is riding the Auld Alliance 400 in a week? and who is riding the Southern Uplands 400 in ~2 weeks?
I have the Mull of Kintyre 600 organisors ride this Saturday. I'm sure I'm paying for the wonderfull weather I had last time I cycled the MoK but I'm hoping for a) not much rain & b) no wind unless its a tailwind! (Ha!! I hear you laugh).
The route is here if you are interested. We are booked in the the SYHA in Oban at 370km, so at least we get a warm shower and a comfortable bed.
Posted 9 years ago # -
Are there any local 200s in the summer when the weather is nice? Or do organisers start running Properly Long events when the summer comes...?
Posted 9 years ago # -
"in the summer when the weather is nice?"
Mmmm - interesting concept.
There's no 200kms currently running from the Lothians during June - August, but if you're willing to travel to e.g. Forfar or Bridge of Weir.
I am (as always) thinking kind of "organising" some kind of informal 100 miler for CCErs perhaps maybe
Posted 9 years ago # -
I've signed up for the Southern Uplands on 16th May.
Assuming I complete it, and the Mull of Kintyre 600, I'll be looking for a hilly 200 to complete my AAA SR (having DNS'ed More Passes...) Could do Deeside Loop or Erit Lass, but not sure I'll be able to make those dates. Would there be anyone interested in riding the Saltire as a perm, some time before the end of the season?
Posted 9 years ago # -
I've signed up for the Southern Uplands as well. It will be my furthest distance ever. Not nervous or anything.
Posted 9 years ago # -
I *should* be riding A Fyne Cowal in June. First audax for a year if so! Need to get some miles in the legs before then.
There are two Btrevets Populaires running in June from Musselbirgh as part of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling. 21 June I think? 50km or 100km. I'm thinking of taking my son on one of those...
Posted 9 years ago # -
A Fyne Cowal looks nice. Getting to Bridge of Weir might be more of a problem.
I also looked at the EdFoC audaxes; the 100km could be fun. I think they might clash with something else though.
panyagua a local 200 could be interesting though like crowriver I need to get some miles in my legs first.Posted 9 years ago # -
@panyagua I will need to get some 200s in during June and July in prep for the Nat 400
Posted 9 years ago #
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