Yep, Grand Fondo for me, haven't done it since 2010 but it's last week of my Base training so good to get an over distance ride in. Hope the weather holds
Last week of base training - ha - this is the last week of my peak training - I think I know who's going to in better racing shape MT.
I am expecting to be custodian of another entrants number which will be handed to me on start line by one of his chums. From past experience, do you know whether the 07:20 - 08:40 start window for Gran Fondo is pretty relaxed? Given that I have some significant distance to travel to get to the gig, I rather like the idea of setting off as late as possible.
I guess that means you're doing the mega, mentally long route Pebble? In which case your opportunity for a varied start time is significantly more limited than the rest:
(following from event website under start times)
07:00 - 07:16 - Devil Route 07:20 - 08:40 - Gran Fondo 08:45 - 09:25 - Medio Fondo 10:30 - 10:45 - Corto/Cycletta
I am (perhaps wrongly) applying the principle adopted by the same organisers at last weekend's Chiltern 100, where they just set people off in 4 minute intervals as they amassed, so long as it was within the allotted band. Hopefully a little bending of the rules should be OK, else my drive from Suffolk's going to start at 2AM!
Yep, all fixed to be typical South Wales valley's weather, so expect a lot of everything.
Me, I'm an eternal optimist so planning on no 'bad' weather. No arm warmers, no jacket, maybe a gilet. But just a base layer and jersey. And a bucket load of MTFU
Agreed. Great weather but course a little bumpier than my native Suffolk and it turns out my maths wasn't too sharp as I headed out expecting to ride 123 miles. Discovered around mile 125, that I had 140 to cover. Bugger.
Saw one pirate in kit setting off as I arrived but clearly wasn't going quick enough to catch and say 'hi'.
8:13hrs of riding for me was enough. Here's hoping legs still function for Hawridge Duathlon tomorrow eve!
Should have done the 300k version, but changed my mind when they up'd the climbing estimate from 3500m to 4900m 2 days before the event! While on the bike, I was feeling good and so was tempted to do the 300k anyway. I was trying to calculate the height gain..... I recon'd that was 2000m in the extra 80k, therefore 2000m climbing in 40k (as you go down and up) == 500m in 10k, 50m in 1k, ie a constant 5% for 40k.
I was obviously slightly sugar depleted
At the split I headed left for 80k straight home I found the last 40k interesting
Said last year its a good event but I would not travel so far for it again. Then I signed up for it as they dangled that 300k carrot.
I won't be back next year, (unless they let me take the tri bike )
I was down for the 186 miles, but decided at the splitting point that I just did not feel like it, so ended up doing the 140 mile option, the last long climb up the Black mountain was a killer into that headwind, and then the heavens opened up just as I was getting back to Margam park, perfect timing
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Last week of base training - ha - this is the last week of my peak training - I think I know who's going to in better racing shape MT.
I am expecting to be custodian of another entrants number which will be handed to me on start line by one of his chums. From past experience, do you know whether the 07:20 - 08:40 start window for Gran Fondo is pretty relaxed? Given that I have some significant distance to travel to get to the gig, I rather like the idea of setting off as late as possible.
Think I've managed to answer my own question by digging through some online reviews.
Hoping the long climbs provide some good practice for IMA.
Not so excited about the logistics of getting to Wales for an early kick-off from the other side of the Country.
Yes, the weather.....
I'm down to start at 07:00, can you start later ??
I guess that means you're doing the mega, mentally long route Pebble? In which case your opportunity for a varied start time is significantly more limited than the rest:
(following from event website under start times)
07:00 - 07:16 - Devil Route
07:20 - 08:40 - Gran Fondo
08:45 - 09:25 - Medio Fondo
10:30 - 10:45 - Corto/Cycletta
Oh well 7:16 it is then
I am (perhaps wrongly) applying the principle adopted by the same organisers at last weekend's Chiltern 100, where they just set people off in 4 minute intervals as they amassed, so long as it was within the allotted band. Hopefully a little bending of the rules should be OK, else my drive from Suffolk's going to start at 2AM!
Me, I'm an eternal optimist so planning on no 'bad' weather. No arm warmers, no jacket, maybe a gilet. But just a base layer and jersey. And a bucket load of MTFU
its lovely and sunny in the valleys this evening
Met Orange Cannon for a few seconds before he rode on.
Endurance is good for IMWales, now to see if I can find some speed.
Saw one pirate in kit setting off as I arrived but clearly wasn't going quick enough to catch and say 'hi'.
8:13hrs of riding for me was enough. Here's hoping legs still function for Hawridge Duathlon tomorrow eve!
I still haven't done this event.well done
Next year Seren?
won't fit in with plans next year either
Definitely not for the medal / wiggle dogtag.
That was fun.....
Should have done the 300k version, but changed my mind when they up'd the climbing estimate from 3500m to 4900m 2 days before the event!
While on the bike, I was feeling good and so was tempted to do the 300k anyway. I was trying to calculate the height gain.....
I recon'd that was 2000m in the extra 80k, therefore 2000m climbing in 40k (as you go down and up) == 500m in 10k, 50m in 1k, ie a constant 5% for 40k.
I was obviously slightly sugar depleted
At the split I headed left for 80k straight home I found the last 40k interesting
Said last year its a good event but I would not travel so far for it again. Then I signed up for it as they dangled that 300k carrot.
I won't be back next year, (unless they let me take the tri bike )
Kept my eyes open for any Castles Relay runners on the Storey Arms leg, but being an early started, I was through there before the runners.
I was down for the 186 miles, but decided at the splitting point that I just did not feel like it, so ended up doing the 140 mile option, the last long climb up the Black mountain was a killer into that headwind, and then the heavens opened up just as I was getting back to Margam park, perfect timing
Enjoyed it, but there was some crazy riding done
Not too bad Still lurking about