So I seem to have signed up to this.
Anyone else fancy 24hours cycling 300 miles round D&G in the summer?
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.
South West 300 Cycle Challenge - 16th June 2018
(41 posts)-
Posted 6 years ago #
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Oh and if anyone has any views on the https://www.strava.com/routes/11105986 — SW300">route please let me know.
Looks pretty rolling until Wanlockhead
Posted 6 years ago # -
That link didn't work - this should https://www.strava.com/routes/11105986
It's slightly disappointing that the route seems to mainly be on quite major roads. To me the real joy of cycling in D&G is our huge network of tiny little empty rural roads. It's not always possible to stay away from the bigger roads, especially nearer the coast, but you won't get the best of the region. Of course if you're going for mega miles that may not really matter so much. Maybe I need to put together a wimps' route that avoids any road with a white line down the middle of it ...
Posted 6 years ago # -
Anyone else fancy 24 hours cycling 300 miles round D&G
Have fun, but that's a week's cycling for me. I'm pretty sure my bike would stop in its tracks like a recalcitrant donkey if I tried to ride it for 24 hours.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Have fun, but that's a week's cycling for me.
It's a month's cycling for me.
Maybe one year.
Posted 6 years ago # -
I thought your bike was a recalcitrant donkey?
My bike would be absolutely fine with 300 miles in 24 hours. It's the operator that would have some issues. Not enough scones in Scotland for that I fear.
Posted 6 years ago # -
What's that? Recrystallised monkey? Fond memories.
Posted 6 years ago # -
I've already turned down a friend for this ride, I'm not sure if he's going to ride it alone or not. We might end up compromising on the Ride to the Sun instead.
Posted 6 years ago # -
I've already signed up for a 600 through the area and with probably to the souther Uplands 400 as well. 300 miles in 24 hours looks a good challenge though
Posted 6 years ago # -
I've entered this, feels like a good step up from this year's long distance cycling. Planning to DIY it as a 400 for my 2018 SR attempt.
Posted 6 years ago # -
I was about to say that I've only been through Wanlockhead in the other direction, but I think I have done the climb up from Sanquar - it is just such a long time ago I don't remember! I do remember it having some steep sections on the descent...
EDIT: yes I have, here. That's not very helpful, though.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Done the climb into Wanlockhead a million million years ago on a rigid mtb having spent a few hours messing around in the hills near there.
Posted 6 years ago # -
our huge network of tiny little empty rural roads
Yes, Sallyhinch, we stayed for a week in Garlieston and the cycling was excellent. Loads of recommended routes - all signposted.
For me the problem with that route is that it circumvents the best bits - Glentrool Forest Park and the Queen's Way and then includes a pretty grim linking section through Dalmelington New Cumnock etc.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Thanks all. Helpful as ever.
@Edinburgh87 - I may see you on the start line...
They've said they're limiting to 100 riders which still seems quite a lot if we are expected to ride in a group and keep to 20mins stops...
I did fancy the Long Way Doon which would have more varied scenery but is logistically harder and I can't see any word of a massed attempt at it this year.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Thanks all. Helpful as ever.
Sarcasm? :D
Posted 6 years ago # -
300 miles in one big group of 100 riders? You'll be lucky if the group numbers 10 by the finish as people climb and descend differently, have highs and lows at different points, etc. etc.
There's a reason UAF audax events are limited to about 20 riders and stick to flat routes.
Posted 6 years ago # -
If people want to experience D&G cycling in a completely different fashion, I can highly recommend the KM rally which the local CTC group run every other year, usually at the end of May. 4 days of mostly quite pootling cycling (depending on which rides you choose), plentiful stops for cake, almost all on back roads.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@cyclingmollie / hankchief - must admit the thought of a 3am transit of Girvan per the ride overview sounds 'interesting!'
Posted 6 years ago # -
D&G is pretty good for cycling - however 2 things
1- it can rain
2- some road surfaces leave a lot to be desired as do some cattle grids - so use your 25's (at least)there is plenty of cake stops, and lest we not forget the awesome Cream O Galloway ice cream center.
*THAT* will restore your glycogen levels ;)Posted 6 years ago # -
must admit the thought of a 3am transit of Girvan per the ride overview sounds 'interesting!'
That's the intermediate sprint
Posted 6 years ago # -
Hi,
I’m the guy organising this wee Jolly
Thank’s for the independent feedback, however please allow me to respond and correct some misinformation;-The route is a more cycle friendly version of the South West Coastal 300 Driving Route and uses a variety of roads, where possible minor. Indeed, once past Newton Stewart during the event it is possible we may not be passed by more than about 12 cars in the following 12 hours to New Cumnock. This route has much lighter traffic than the NC500, now so popular with cyclists, that the South West Coastal Driving Route attempts to be D&Gs answer to.
I agree D&G has a huge network of rural roads. I am lucky enough to ride them daily and where appropriate I have incorporated them. The route passes the aforementioned Garlieston however the Queen’s Way and Glentrool are not in the right location to be included. The latter two are indeed very lovely areas (I used to own a holiday home in Glentrool and currently live at the end of the Queen’s Way so know them extremely well) but would not go so far as to describe them as “the best bits” - indeed most of this route I would consider as their equivalent albeit there is great variety in the stunning scenery throughout. I can only put the “grim” reference down to snobbery towards our ex mining communities as the Ayrshire countryside itself is beautiful and the B741 Girvan to New Cumnock reasonably remote (and yes I also know this extremely well as I lived in that county for 17 years). Beautiful countryside, of course, is in the eye of the beholder.
This ride is indeed in groups. The maximum number of riders in a group will be around 30, as agreed with the police, for logistical and safety reasons, with faster and slower groups. There are rest stops every couple of hours to allow stragglers to catch back up and ensure regular fuelling and hydration. I have just over 100 signed up but it is unrealistic to expect all to turn up on the day.
I rode Lang Way Doon last year and I agree it was logistically harder, starting and finishing as it does at opposite ends of the country. I cycled to the start on the North coast and back from the finish on the England border, thereby doing a circuit of Scotland over a week. With the SW300 starting and finishing at the same place at midday it instead takes up only a weekend, allowing the car to be left at the start for return. That is not to say I wouldn’t recommend LWD - quite the opposite. I consider myself very privileged to have done it.
I can also recommend the KM Rally as well as D&GCTC weekly group rides (I used to be D&GCTC Group Secretary, which included promoting these - as well as Cycling Dumfries rides...) which make the most of this beautiful area. They are however all “short” gentle 3 or 4 hour rides as opposed to 24 hour “long distance endurance challenges” and therefore offer a completely different experience to this event. I suspect those commenting above less enthusiastically about SW300 would find these events more suitable. This event is not trying to be all things to all people and is not for the faint hearted - it’s horses for courses.
I agree some D&G road surfaces leave a lot to be desired. 25mm tyres are good advice. That said I rode 16,000 miles last year, mostly in D&G and mostly on 23s
I agree Girvan at 3am sounds “interesting” and I hope it is - all part of life’s experience and part of the fun and memories of the ride.
This is a unique and challenging event and I very much look forward to meeting HankChief and edinburgh87 and everyone else for a free to enter great ride, some great craic and live entertainment along the way, all whilst raising money for C.R.U.K. and C.H.A.S. amongst other charities. https://sw3004.wixsite.com/southwest300
Posted 6 years ago # -
Hi nipper, ta for detail. We did a 100 miler around St. John's town of Dalry, taking castle Douglas and Newton Stewart, my favouiite was gatehouse of fleet. Was quite grim for about two miles after Newton Stewart on main carriageway but then swung in through the forest back to Dalry and it was great though tough.
All the best
Posted 6 years ago # -
The view from the top on the descent into Gatehouse from Lauriston is breathtaking if that's the way you went (you possibly took this road in the other direction?). The SW300 route does go through Gatehouse.
Yes the short section of the A75 is indeed grim, but at least it is short. For those taking a leisurely pootle the NCR7 offers a cycle path alternative along the disused railway line (lovely views across the Solway towards Wigtown) and single track road beside Kirroughtree 7Stanes.Posted 6 years ago # -
Nipper, I'm really looking forward to it. It's not a part of the world I'm that familiar with and whilst the Long Way Down does appeal the logistics are off putting.
I like the idea of a fairly regimented timetable and everyone striving for the same goal.
Just need to get some form of training going again...
Posted 6 years ago # -
Delighted to hear it HankChief. You and many others. It was fully booked out from nothing within a couple of weeks or so and has created quite a buzz. The support I have managed to get from the local community has also been absolutely tremendous. Not only do we have a silver band, a fog horn and African drummers voluntarily performing for us at various points along the way but we even have our very own special brewed commemorative SW300 Challenge Ale getting handed out to all finishers. I confess I am a wee bit looking forward to it myself lol.
I am originally an outsider to this area and moved here simply because I fell in love with it and I would go so far as to stick my neck out and say that on a sunny day it is imo the best cycling area in the U.K.
LWD 2017 was one of the inspirations for this ride and they are similar in a number of ways including the ethos of riding as a team for mutual benefit. I suspect it was a one off event, unless someone else takes on the organisation, as I understand it left the organiser somewhat out of pocket. It was a great event though and I both enjoyed it and am proud of my achievement. It managed to raise £5,000 for C.H.A.S. and as much again for other charities (I personally raised over £1,000 for C.R.U.K. doing it).
It had 55 riders signed up, 22 turn up and, after the Cairngorms, only 12 before 2 rejoined at the next rest stop and 14 finish. I have planned shorter stages, put in more rest stops and avoided the Cairngorms, beautiful as they are, to hopefully improve upon this attrition rate.
The regimented timetable is required to keep things on track to achieve the target of completion within 24 hours.
Yes, some form of training wouldn’t go amiss - it’s too late for me to pull out now....Posted 6 years ago # -
I can only put the “grim” reference down to snobbery towards our ex mining communities
I was born in Forth and spent much of my childhood there. I think I can call ex-mining communities grim if I want to.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Today! <gulp>
Made my train with only seconds to spare, and was busy fitting mudguards at 11oclock last night.
Hopefully I can relax once the ride starts.
Updates on Twitter if you are interested on seeing random shots of D&G during this afternoon, tonight & tomorrow morning...
Posted 6 years ago # -
@hankchief I would pray to St Ninian for fair weather if I was you. Mudguards probably good idea.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Bus replacement from Carlisle to Dumfries. Will my bike get on?
Posted 6 years ago # -
Almost certainly unless there are lots of people with lots of luggage (or using buses rather than coaches), but see if you can find someone to phone...
Posted 6 years ago #
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