tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24412024021445909722024-02-19T09:02:42.958+00:00RideventuresItalian events and European climbsAndy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-3700831526408635642024-02-01T09:31:00.002+00:002024-02-01T09:40:51.847+00:00<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Blastfromthepast#2</span></h4><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;">The Gran Fondo Pinarello 2012 </span></h2><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This was my 2nd go at the big North-East Italy sportive - this time I did the full 105mile route over very serious mountains (9,000ft total climbing)...</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaXDFP8VKBk-xlgNn7hLIIupyzLoGJvBdne8LyLkgojrM-Hp8pXaq-KW6VKl8GIOlM4g0GtTqm8md3n0eoRJNss2FexW53HCIswpP0BWOi8rU9oH0_04VznAMJHhh7GM0-c9XB7A-iM9FjmVryEw3h5BRc8OwOW0wmdlGuAKab4w0fvIN3mqTymNRHqEd/s1302/finish2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1302" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaXDFP8VKBk-xlgNn7hLIIupyzLoGJvBdne8LyLkgojrM-Hp8pXaq-KW6VKl8GIOlM4g0GtTqm8md3n0eoRJNss2FexW53HCIswpP0BWOi8rU9oH0_04VznAMJHhh7GM0-c9XB7A-iM9FjmVryEw3h5BRc8OwOW0wmdlGuAKab4w0fvIN3mqTymNRHqEd/s320/finish2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> Full report on the day<a href="http://rideventures.blogspot.com/2012/07/la-pina-italy-by-andydawson59-at-garmin.html"> here</a>, including a video of the big 6mile climb</span><br /><p></p>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-9747713140986731842023-12-07T18:03:00.008+00:002023-12-07T18:46:49.109+00:00<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> Blastformthepast#1 </span></h4><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><b>The day I climbed the Stelvio</b></span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">From 2012 to 2019 I blogged about UK sportives, European climbs and Italian events - here's one of the most popular posts (1,200 views):</span><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYUEXtV_fzxPhFVI6JEu-zF9Xi6sl7Bi6VlvArV3lUm2xQVreyrtJ4Hof1RG9pEgFsDBo_xdoz8BXKLtrfX6AjQqE7PnBu3AM9_F8s5STWWa7DCiH0QA0MmVivTWkrCcpkkZjJE9mgFth2Ot-DJiSX-ZQJTW-omE6-gBO2ZW_X4unnoangGfegxMK2rIO/s1308/stelvio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Stelvio pass" border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1308" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYUEXtV_fzxPhFVI6JEu-zF9Xi6sl7Bi6VlvArV3lUm2xQVreyrtJ4Hof1RG9pEgFsDBo_xdoz8BXKLtrfX6AjQqE7PnBu3AM9_F8s5STWWa7DCiH0QA0MmVivTWkrCcpkkZjJE9mgFth2Ot-DJiSX-ZQJTW-omE6-gBO2ZW_X4unnoangGfegxMK2rIO/w400-h220/stelvio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Looking down the Stelvio</span><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Top is at 9,000ft, climb is 5,100ft in one go - <a href="http://rideventures.blogspot.com/2015/07/stelvio-pass-italy.html">full report here</a></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-22889535552933339772023-10-20T09:52:00.003+01:002023-12-07T18:47:11.703+00:00<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Hi All,</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I ran this blog from 2012 through to 2019 - covering Italian events and European climbs, and UK sportives. The Maratona, the Novi Colli, the Tourmalet, Alp d'Huiz, the Madeline and more - 200+ posts<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And now I make selections from the archives - this month I'm featuring the famous Novi Colli which ran late this year due to flooding in Italy. Here's my coverage from 2013:</span></span></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJ3GehQymUwZ9Q0ikrlm1GYEUgAJW29_jn1fi-92Z47IA3nP2xrs1b6lEXzQdTNk2q69ENQLHkllnHQ_2JPhzrKpk6YwH5ktFeSt886QNgzpfnONFcp_yK9M9oaVt0Ofv8frhaYh5wquIxX2X9hbUabI8_H3KFJKlX6437Sv_GSbvbi4woHgCLqlf2IBF/s2048/DSCN2198.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJ3GehQymUwZ9Q0ikrlm1GYEUgAJW29_jn1fi-92Z47IA3nP2xrs1b6lEXzQdTNk2q69ENQLHkllnHQ_2JPhzrKpk6YwH5ktFeSt886QNgzpfnONFcp_yK9M9oaVt0Ofv8frhaYh5wquIxX2X9hbUabI8_H3KFJKlX6437Sv_GSbvbi4woHgCLqlf2IBF/w400-h300/DSCN2198.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Just one of the start gates<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://rideventures.blogspot.com/p/novi-coli.html">Link to all the coverage</a></span><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-34930977553207201142022-08-17T10:01:00.002+01:002023-12-07T18:47:48.784+00:00Autumn Epic long route preview<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> For the first time in 17 editions we are going South in '22. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some really quiet lanes and easy rises will take the 100milers way down into Herefordshire with a first food stop coming at mile27.5 - this one is a little off route so easy to miss...</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZC2UijkLAYaGFpUiIPT-tIabfsXNqYoNv2KaTRujlqg4RL4MnOEzIvvWz1mhClYlIpaT5OpN3_QmALtBqccnvHJy4EZykQGoYp31VD45DpmieW9Xt03cqqD-am3zAGhN9DmnVfx0-T-ilYh-GdY3HYqrOxq8VJ-VcaxYZGgOI9Yzv5SFwFBDT81XWA/s4128/20220504_105013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZC2UijkLAYaGFpUiIPT-tIabfsXNqYoNv2KaTRujlqg4RL4MnOEzIvvWz1mhClYlIpaT5OpN3_QmALtBqccnvHJy4EZykQGoYp31VD45DpmieW9Xt03cqqD-am3zAGhN9DmnVfx0-T-ilYh-GdY3HYqrOxq8VJ-VcaxYZGgOI9Yzv5SFwFBDT81XWA/s320/20220504_105013.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Norton Cannon village hall<br /></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After this things get a little more undulating right down to Hay-on-Wye and then in Clyro there's the first significant challenge - 2 related climbs up and past Paincastle:</span></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Climb 1</b> - Clyro to Paincastle - 700ft gain over 2.4miles<br /><a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/2075525">https://www.strava.com/segments/2075525</a><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Climb 2</b> - Up to Painscastle Hill - 500ft gained over 2miles<br /><a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/24088719">https://www.strava.com/segments/24088719</a> </span></span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After this you're up on the remote, scenic moors of mid-Wales for 18miles of virtually car-free riding. There'll be an outdoor food stop around the 50mile mark up on the moors - we have to do an outdoor one because its so remote.<br /></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbLrMY7dtJra7kz8IOfejEyTrfHwn8q-sQ7bzj13XCftFoYcAZ4ZUhekALKZqIgKjZW-t-LkRaETHH98MNA-1D1P7zchpmhTDpqr4cSbZQ-6u6FZT1FIClq4eqxrV_MZttLXSSTDg3bkpb1ChAEHtb41ghXjq5oyz81rEsU5vjiSc-wsYSPCNBZk4sA/s484/outdoorfood2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="484" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbLrMY7dtJra7kz8IOfejEyTrfHwn8q-sQ7bzj13XCftFoYcAZ4ZUhekALKZqIgKjZW-t-LkRaETHH98MNA-1D1P7zchpmhTDpqr4cSbZQ-6u6FZT1FIClq4eqxrV_MZttLXSSTDg3bkpb1ChAEHtb41ghXjq5oyz81rEsU5vjiSc-wsYSPCNBZk4sA/s320/outdoorfood2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Outdoor food stop<br /></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A brief drop to the A44 and then back into the wilderness heading towards Abbey-cwn-Hir (which should be familiar to regular Epicers) - food stop 3 at the Phillips Hall.</span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKo47jkX5Sxm6aUF1Q7S-eN8H4pn-U7gH8RUm4_5i02kpJ6Tdd4V7sgNiMH2VrH3xHxWxOi30xwLj9J85PkHP37aHcjwYUGFmMQQdK-1fWfEo1oFJxt4inDU-3UTF2tzlFS3mYnd-3bfioyweZVW6-0JTokgT82ByMzotYnd9fg8mU_Ue1m7Dj-Dpaw/s318/abbey.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="318" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKo47jkX5Sxm6aUF1Q7S-eN8H4pn-U7gH8RUm4_5i02kpJ6Tdd4V7sgNiMH2VrH3xHxWxOi30xwLj9J85PkHP37aHcjwYUGFmMQQdK-1fWfEo1oFJxt4inDU-3UTF2tzlFS3mYnd-3bfioyweZVW6-0JTokgT82ByMzotYnd9fg8mU_Ue1m7Dj-Dpaw/s1600/abbey.jpg" width="318" /></a></span></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Food 3 at the Phillips Hall<br /></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the food stop the 100ers will ride the reverse of the original Epic route - up to Bwlch-y-Sarnau and then a long descent through David's Well - yet more remote, scenic landscapes typical of the Epic (another 15miles of wilderness riding).<br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Short ride up the A483 and then an easy climb back onto the moors:</span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dolfor to B4355 Cattle Grid - 560ft gained over 2.6miles<br /><a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/3785505">https://www.strava.com/segments/3785505</a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Again, regular Epicers may start to recognize the roads up here - they are from the start of the original Epic. You'll descend the climb on the old course and return to Knighton along the Teme valley.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Stats:</span></span></b></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Distance: 101.7miles (163.7km)<br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Total height gain: 7,520ft (2,292m)<br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ride with GPS: <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37776251">https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37776251</a> <br /></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Event website: <a href="https://rideventures.co.uk/autumnepic/index.html">www.autumnepic.com</a> <br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p></blockquote>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-5743258539237769972021-10-28T10:28:00.008+01:002021-10-28T14:14:26.174+01:00Ride Clwyd 2022 - second 25mile exploration<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">For the 2022 edition of Ride Clwyd I want to go North to explore routes all the way to the coast and then West into the remote parts of North-Central Wales. Very different from 2021. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">First 25miles took me out over the high Halkyn mining and quarry area last week - great scenery relatively near Chester and Broughton - <a href="https://rideventures.blogspot.com/2021/10/ride-clwyd-2022-first-recce-ride.html">see previous post</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The second 25mile was going to be completely unfamiliar:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcZ_-IW_V7o/YXpphNzmRzI/AAAAAAAAD8E/cADmMlOSn8E5tt731EI_-mhqMrrIpKCdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/looking%2Bwest.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="2048" height="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcZ_-IW_V7o/YXpphNzmRzI/AAAAAAAAD8E/cADmMlOSn8E5tt731EI_-mhqMrrIpKCdACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h175/looking%2Bwest.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Looking West<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">South out of Dyserth there are good roads rising up to give great views to the West. There's a flat ride across the top part of the Vale of Clwyd and then it gets back to climbing after Henllan. A long ascent with chunks of 10%+ got me over to Plasisaf - <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/1294510" target="_blank">Strava link</a> (2.7miles long, 1,000ft gained). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The roads were in excellent condition, many sections of new, super-smooth tarmac well up to Formula 1 standards.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBHls56hJ7s/YXpqQywGIqI/AAAAAAAAD8M/YIbyekPg4PMYQoA7lLAFhz2yFGBiG_rsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9353.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBHls56hJ7s/YXpqQywGIqI/AAAAAAAAD8M/YIbyekPg4PMYQoA7lLAFhz2yFGBiG_rsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9353.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">10% climbs out of Henllan</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was after Llansanan that things got properly serious - the climbing went up to 18% very quickly and stayed that way for a good while - <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/5158324" target="_blank">Strava link</a> (2.3miles, 700ft gained). <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LjO7cFwhS0WaDnsWAxz97IVdzI0CcEVNC8-M5Qoj-6K5Wq3njNg5uQcu2UQt3JVhCcJoH1L5tLdoC-PokVz6Z9lcHH3bZCA_TBJdE2z8gu4CtNMGPWDEu58t-g3TcoR2bo0sR1-sKZsP/s2048/DSCN9364.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3LjO7cFwhS0WaDnsWAxz97IVdzI0CcEVNC8-M5Qoj-6K5Wq3njNg5uQcu2UQt3JVhCcJoH1L5tLdoC-PokVz6Z9lcHH3bZCA_TBJdE2z8gu4CtNMGPWDEu58t-g3TcoR2bo0sR1-sKZsP/w400-h300/DSCN9364.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">18% out of Llansanan<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">More lumps and bumps after that before eventually emerging onto the remote, windswept moors. Here you really are alone in a massive landscape.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This could be a challenging area in poor weather conditions... Easy riding and very little traffic took me over the Aled Isaf reservoir and then onto the bigger Lyn Aled.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiQ0KOPbn8dzCwxS_EJab3fdpMZCUSxHqHCyx5O53yOS2r4BRCZY4sljZuvU16qut-jASt2HMWFxUbdWWXKGiH6LKUXacD5X_U9UBfQC6dGSYInHUe0hB4UJ_TG_JG-Qs2JCejYQ0KVap/s2048/DSCN9386.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiQ0KOPbn8dzCwxS_EJab3fdpMZCUSxHqHCyx5O53yOS2r4BRCZY4sljZuvU16qut-jASt2HMWFxUbdWWXKGiH6LKUXacD5X_U9UBfQC6dGSYInHUe0hB4UJ_TG_JG-Qs2JCejYQ0KVap/w400-h300/DSCN9386.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Approaching the reservoirs<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> For the event we are likely to have a food stop somewhere on the moors so at least there'll be a friendly spot for participants to call in on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Previous post</b> - <a href="https://rideventures.blogspot.com/2021/10/ride-clwyd-2022-first-recce-ride.html">the first 25miles</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Next post</b> - more remote riding before a return to civilization...<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-70526314916490576552021-10-22T10:27:00.008+01:002021-10-28T14:54:26.782+01:00Ride Clwyd 2022 - first recce ride<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;">Here at Rideventures Towers it never stops - already planning next year's Ride Clwyd sportive. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We go North in 2022.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">New route already sketched out, but every mile needs to be ridden to make sure it works. Yesterday (Thurs 21st Oct 2021) I went out riding the <a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37815238" target="_blank">first 25miles</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1li45SzFL3M/YXJ_ZKzPejI/AAAAAAAAD6w/lkdL8sf-TvEG-ZPJAgBw6C9VrTeO__rNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9247.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1li45SzFL3M/YXJ_ZKzPejI/AAAAAAAAD6w/lkdL8sf-TvEG-ZPJAgBw6C9VrTeO__rNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9247.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Mill Rd<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">First 7 miles are the same as the 2018 and 19 editions of Ride Clwyd. Then things change - going straight on at Northop and after a mile taking a left into Middle Mill Rd and starting a long but fairly gentle climb - this is <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/4047963" target="_blank">Middle climb</a> on Strava and popular with local riders - nearly 3miles long and 500ft gained by the top.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This climb starts out on beautiful, wide tarmac and never really </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">deteriorates</span><span> all the way up. It's also very quiet - I didn't see a car throughout the whole climb.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfYE9NdSKUc/YXJ_2r25cGI/AAAAAAAAD64/vVcicdWKBTkAk9NoHrzbsv5cBGMu2vWRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9252.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xfYE9NdSKUc/YXJ_2r25cGI/AAAAAAAAD64/vVcicdWKBTkAk9NoHrzbsv5cBGMu2vWRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9252.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super quiet 3 mile climb<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It brings you out on top - the Halkyn area of high moors, quarries and ex-mines. Great views over towards Liverpool, very exposed but on more wide/clean roads with the occasional smooth cattle grid (plus a few massive quarry lorries but they won't be running on the Sunday of the event). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> All of this bit of the route has been suggested by Ride Clwyd regular Tim Wilkes - he's the one who rides the event with a fire fighters breathing apparatus on his back - <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/timothy-wilkes1" target="_blank">raising money for charity</a>.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4mkPdLHQWM2N64qRBdbxMjpm187PjgyBr4mMTAkCeYL2rd-a77M06oNGqp7SZjrAqpCgWOwuXMDeMYYaoXeB7_erMJ_E74nHhOZAembyQ_Ig6EmH-b3Gb793wG3z-SeKVccGlViaxjmb/s2048/DSCN9266.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4mkPdLHQWM2N64qRBdbxMjpm187PjgyBr4mMTAkCeYL2rd-a77M06oNGqp7SZjrAqpCgWOwuXMDeMYYaoXeB7_erMJ_E74nHhOZAembyQ_Ig6EmH-b3Gb793wG3z-SeKVccGlViaxjmb/w400-h300/DSCN9266.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halkyn and The Catch<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After sliding right past Babel the route drops on a clear, long descent, passes over the A55 and on to Whitford. There a left turn went into the first dirty lane of the route - probably seasonal and leading up to a farm. More good lanes around to picturesque/well-heeled Llanasa with views of the sea ahead and rolling countryside to the left. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pretty soon getting views of Pestatyn whilst descending towards Dyserth. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then disaster - the little lane (Pandy Lane) I'd picked for entering Dyserth was a muddy, leaf/twig strewn downhill slalom not helped by being popular with local dog walkers. Very quiet (no motorist would want to drive it) and leading to a short, stiff climb into the village that finishes ejecting you onto the main road. Sometimes what looks good on Ride with GPS just isn't so...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So now I was into re-planning the route. Exploring another option which turned out to be impossible (a narrow, steep un-sighted descent on gravel) and then finding a much better option - wide, smooth, though 16% downwards and with a mild hairpin that will need judgement. It leads to an unfortunate short busy main road ride and another stiff climb into the village.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEKgl73mbSw/YXKDjyt4G7I/AAAAAAAAD7I/ZiulsSKHN2UTiPLWiSrU97VygoZYYz2zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9284.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEKgl73mbSw/YXKDjyt4G7I/AAAAAAAAD7I/ZiulsSKHN2UTiPLWiSrU97VygoZYYz2zwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">16% descent to Dyserth<br /></div><div> <p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Dyserth is at the 25mile mark so is the ideal point for the first food stop. Unfortunately none of the potential venues in the village are available, and combined with the route difficulties may well lead to a complete re-think of the this bit of the ride - anyone fancy going all the way to the seaside at Prestatyn?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'll hit Ride with GPS soon to see what can be done - on the plus side would mean we could include the notorious "<a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/900998" target="_blank">The Wall</a>" climb after Prestatyn - 16% - suggested by Simon Pike via Facebook.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anyone know any suitable venues in Prestatyn?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next 25mile - <a href="http://rideventures.blogspot.com/2021/10/ride-clwyd-2022-second-25mile.html">click here</a> </span><br /></p></div>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-8274771988605914022021-08-20T09:39:00.005+01:002021-08-20T10:00:43.235+01:00New AE 100mile route preview<p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Preview to the new route - food stops and all 6 big climbs (including Strava links).</span></i><br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Flattish roads to
Bucknell then quiet lanes through Chapel Lawn bring you to the first
climb just outside Clun (mile 12) - 300ft gained at 7% ave. grade - <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/3384592" target="_blank">Strava link</a> </span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>(You don't need to log into Strava to view the climb details)</i><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Big, fast descent into Clun and then left
to follow the valley all the way up to the Anchor. <br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">First food stop is at
Kerry (mile 28) then over to Newtown and out. </span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7F8DciVmcA/YR5ohlIu_QI/AAAAAAAAD4A/wCPk6wn_TV8kir8RwGim5DdvuCBmcpHpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1%2Bkerry%2BFS.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7F8DciVmcA/YR5ohlIu_QI/AAAAAAAAD4A/wCPk6wn_TV8kir8RwGim5DdvuCBmcpHpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1%2Bkerry%2BFS.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Kerry Food Stop<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Look out for an abrupt right
turn in Trefeglwys and then the 2<sup>nd</sup> significant climb of
the day - 500ft gained, 10% ave. grade - <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/1269773" target="_blank">Strava link</a> - gets you to the 2<sup>nd</sup> food stop at Staylittle.<br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYgtaXSl1Gc/YR5pYbMpK5I/AAAAAAAAD4I/kEHDkij_EA8ZglIVh6ZocsXbh_VZapSuACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2%2Bsharp%2Bright%2Bturn.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vYgtaXSl1Gc/YR5pYbMpK5I/AAAAAAAAD4I/kEHDkij_EA8ZglIVh6ZocsXbh_VZapSuACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2%2Bsharp%2Bright%2Bturn.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Easily missed right turn - mile 43<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTanV9ME3BL9rkokptFm0MYVJfXeqvC2WCtDT3b_rgCRRYrqu8rMNukDuW_lM3TSUv7f2JFGWZzvy4TwgTiywYNx_3v-TThnF7TsmJ-Ff1yR-OEPGQa6dpu2JzL_uy13AfeslIiHx9Wy9g/s2048/3climb+to+staylittle.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTanV9ME3BL9rkokptFm0MYVJfXeqvC2WCtDT3b_rgCRRYrqu8rMNukDuW_lM3TSUv7f2JFGWZzvy4TwgTiywYNx_3v-TThnF7TsmJ-Ff1yR-OEPGQa6dpu2JzL_uy13AfeslIiHx9Wy9g/s320/3climb+to+staylittle.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2nd big climb - mile 46<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzxMp1g6m8lakzWRn70gIhxVZNL25yYAXd4N27VD4Gw2yq8ngWkTyXgq7a59FKsNspaEAqGr7GMGfILnmyrVUzGjKuyVyOrXyhPwiNkXUCHrWTSk6KqmfMGTiXNB2n0n_BsNp_KLFz5DD/s2048/4+staylittle+FS.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzxMp1g6m8lakzWRn70gIhxVZNL25yYAXd4N27VD4Gw2yq8ngWkTyXgq7a59FKsNspaEAqGr7GMGfILnmyrVUzGjKuyVyOrXyhPwiNkXUCHrWTSk6KqmfMGTiXNB2n0n_BsNp_KLFz5DD/s320/4+staylittle+FS.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Staylittle food stop</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Big loop of the
reservoir including 2 more big climbs - climb 3 is 300ft gained at 13% ave. grade (<a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/1248736">Strava Link</a>) and climb 4 is 200ft at 6% (<a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/17956957" target="_blank">Strava Link</a>)<br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BSa-JaNdCY/YR5q6Zb4ihI/AAAAAAAAD4c/iO9vjbjSaI09YBLHYvMzKWG-l9v98CJWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5%2Blake%2Bclimb%2B1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BSa-JaNdCY/YR5q6Zb4ihI/AAAAAAAAD4c/iO9vjbjSaI09YBLHYvMzKWG-l9v98CJWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5%2Blake%2Bclimb%2B1.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1st serious lakeside climb - mile 54.5<br /></span></div><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then take a fast drop to Llanidloes for a tricky
right turn, behind the market hall. <br /></span></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtaS1yGnqkQ/YR5rhT6uvuI/AAAAAAAAD4o/S11WUclx-CA6xc4ddT-c5v_suC-7GhQmACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/6%2Bllanidloes%2Bturn.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtaS1yGnqkQ/YR5rhT6uvuI/AAAAAAAAD4o/S11WUclx-CA6xc4ddT-c5v_suC-7GhQmACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6%2Bllanidloes%2Bturn.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Llanidloes turn - go around the market house and then right at the white building<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Further prolonged climbing outside Llanidloes brings you around via a steep descent to Llangurig. Quiet lanes follow the
river then cross it for a short piece of downhill main road and a
left turn into a nature reserve for climb 5 - 200ft gained at 1.5% (but steeper bits) - <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/1540101" target="_blank">Strava link</a><br /></span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULuDIE1hkgI/YR5r9yt5ubI/AAAAAAAAD4w/lmzvQDakapMKKN1QxpDDWuk-KFRKj8yMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/7%2Bnature%2Breserve%2Bclimb.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULuDIE1hkgI/YR5r9yt5ubI/AAAAAAAAD4w/lmzvQDakapMKKN1QxpDDWuk-KFRKj8yMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7%2Bnature%2Breserve%2Bclimb.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nature reserve climb - mile 73<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcSiU33dk_DJAc6VoCgE7hI8EZUA7G5FMqCKDh3omLrhxuiA4CLaXcxr_4ZmBhVkJeRA-1gnYd4QXyCae6leAlzYYJxQaxZiZ6wxo_qqzE-jp5l8ltyOWT9c9Q0h_MO_mmIfp1-TUci7_/s2048/8+food+stop+3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcSiU33dk_DJAc6VoCgE7hI8EZUA7G5FMqCKDh3omLrhxuiA4CLaXcxr_4ZmBhVkJeRA-1gnYd4QXyCae6leAlzYYJxQaxZiZ6wxo_qqzE-jp5l8ltyOWT9c9Q0h_MO_mmIfp1-TUci7_/s320/8+food+stop+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">3rd food stop - mile 76<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This brings you out at
the 3<sup>rd</sup> food stop at ---- and then its the return via the
Llanbister climb - 6th and final climb - 330ft gained at 9% ave.grade - <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/700877" target="_blank">Strava link</a> - and moorland roads back to Knighton.</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v47Px2kfs-Y/YR5tIU80I3I/AAAAAAAAD5A/5ZnzIB0LXuI4k0eRMU102mGvtpLu8McVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9%2Bllanbister%2Bclimb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v47Px2kfs-Y/YR5tIU80I3I/AAAAAAAAD5A/5ZnzIB0LXuI4k0eRMU102mGvtpLu8McVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/9%2Bllanbister%2Bclimb.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Llanbister climb - mile 85.5<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-78732734448836298252021-07-01T15:46:00.004+01:002021-07-13T11:02:42.558+01:00Ride Clwyd 100 Long route preview<div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjTB1b8dkAm7eY46ayxYWbU6M9LJrgVYx33_Ol2GNZuqyQwDtN0xGjR-SwJO2NZQOBjDl9-bsxWkb7WJn72iICdg1A81H402_15bHbLIeDdkcGj-n36CrwyUyvqo1GWQsWy3W8pjI05eV/s1280/RC100preview.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjTB1b8dkAm7eY46ayxYWbU6M9LJrgVYx33_Ol2GNZuqyQwDtN0xGjR-SwJO2NZQOBjDl9-bsxWkb7WJn72iICdg1A81H402_15bHbLIeDdkcGj-n36CrwyUyvqo1GWQsWy3W8pjI05eV/w400-h268/RC100preview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWFnGYT-jKE/YMxroDrDcEI/AAAAAAAADv4/l8pIPIomESEDHDZQd-MXclUdtOPxu_ZMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN8762.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><p></p><p> We start from a new HQ - just 100ft from the old one, on the same slip road outside the Airbus factory in Broughton. Lots of car parking is available opposite: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeLSj-OtYp0EGeU10bgv3U4qLaUlDjMKdSqt9wrXnqgvgxJ3ZIrNOTUn_XxaS_dNzYe_LlHR_gMbwj1FQLFTPf2a6RF_0WOOpOP7ab-MAIgNhSTZz2RhqmiGH276to2He8R40nTvXawEu/s600/newWingsHQ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeLSj-OtYp0EGeU10bgv3U4qLaUlDjMKdSqt9wrXnqgvgxJ3ZIrNOTUn_XxaS_dNzYe_LlHR_gMbwj1FQLFTPf2a6RF_0WOOpOP7ab-MAIgNhSTZz2RhqmiGH276to2He8R40nTvXawEu/w400-h223/newWingsHQ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /> </p><p>This year we go left out of the slip road (at the traffic lights) and have a great flat ride for the first 5 miles:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4La3Brfy1al42AE8KcpXVDN4KhGkR4oObWYrPJVnx7YQsd-GxI09n-obANDlJN9r5KUrke0oVk7MNQi6xS0fJ2nOC8gMvXBz9Psh_ZrZ-IV_GRlxg4dQb4LRxSeyJizzfroSAyaws8JX/s2048/flat+start.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4La3Brfy1al42AE8KcpXVDN4KhGkR4oObWYrPJVnx7YQsd-GxI09n-obANDlJN9r5KUrke0oVk7MNQi6xS0fJ2nOC8gMvXBz9Psh_ZrZ-IV_GRlxg4dQb4LRxSeyJizzfroSAyaws8JX/w400-h300/flat+start.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> </p><p>Small rises from Hope onwards start to develop into proper hills:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDUoCiXHIZD_Gzp2jY5eWb-oC_lyfOvLR5zPfiBxo6j3u7gxTjL5uOExcQ87KfITeIzxy45zWRR4eeJueuQHVCAvzxDKQhsJ2yp7BLhhw5NnS2BNj7AN8VugYkCCd2DrkYIAcxIWX7IDb/s2048/DSCN9063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDUoCiXHIZD_Gzp2jY5eWb-oC_lyfOvLR5zPfiBxo6j3u7gxTjL5uOExcQ87KfITeIzxy45zWRR4eeJueuQHVCAvzxDKQhsJ2yp7BLhhw5NnS2BNj7AN8VugYkCCd2DrkYIAcxIWX7IDb/w400-h300/DSCN9063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p>1st food stop comes at mile 18 - it's slightly off route so don't ride past thinking you're getting ahead. Once you've had food you need to turn back to regain the route:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrclxCw0TtyuNCTsAGqnQ4-vO0GpLmYVqYHMHnQ4sDIpRvjQ1lhMnp9D73k3uSLLyT30feyBSkR8HczqFW1C_qxQWS-u3mueWUJGdXgEmqnkfDm0Xq-YF4UDD7Tg361HEzGiWat23baDC/s2048/DSCN9114.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrclxCw0TtyuNCTsAGqnQ4-vO0GpLmYVqYHMHnQ4sDIpRvjQ1lhMnp9D73k3uSLLyT30feyBSkR8HczqFW1C_qxQWS-u3mueWUJGdXgEmqnkfDm0Xq-YF4UDD7Tg361HEzGiWat23baDC/w400-h300/DSCN9114.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Next it's around to the Panorama Walk but watch out for the route split - 100s drop left halfway around - descending down a twisting road to a steep set of roads into Llangollen:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHOGqSo0jL4/YMxlxw-DseI/AAAAAAAADvc/J9zTFMZ20ecJPfJmH467KQLn1229PMAFwCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/DSCN9113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHOGqSo0jL4/YMxlxw-DseI/AAAAAAAADvc/J9zTFMZ20ecJPfJmH467KQLn1229PMAFwCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h300/DSCN9113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </div><div>Here's the split - on the day there'll be lots of signs:<br /><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfAwJEUJr4xmSXDapvIeV6YiWq0SRKsi84hxQh6ZVC3KTRDPqeyKoKVdZc3oqvArMpaonzlGrIYJ8Bw-Hsm4rg3hSVxCIXEr20kzrsq9nneYXGCHGaGkRr527PaV2tbwCgx526yTEhieM/s1000/split.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1000" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfAwJEUJr4xmSXDapvIeV6YiWq0SRKsi84hxQh6ZVC3KTRDPqeyKoKVdZc3oqvArMpaonzlGrIYJ8Bw-Hsm4rg3hSVxCIXEr20kzrsq9nneYXGCHGaGkRr527PaV2tbwCgx526yTEhieM/w400-h260/split.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p><br />Get through Llangollen and prepare for Gwernant - your first big challenge - very tough and long:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudeRhA9wau68PTd6qi6KOY58c2dtJ2-1hlTOuy965Yqf3gfkFTD2EtvKIBEUfmVefMSaMUCkvstXDWqBktZgAYzPjOUfvDi-cgPeLeBCiC5CqWpRMlUfjJOibrx9pAUYc5BdpxRdcRaOM/s2048/DSCN9123.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudeRhA9wau68PTd6qi6KOY58c2dtJ2-1hlTOuy965Yqf3gfkFTD2EtvKIBEUfmVefMSaMUCkvstXDWqBktZgAYzPjOUfvDi-cgPeLeBCiC5CqWpRMlUfjJOibrx9pAUYc5BdpxRdcRaOM/w400-h300/DSCN9123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> Once over that you're got a steep descent to Glyn Ceriog (please note this descent is currently being mended by the Council) and then a great rural road with the odd rise all the way around to the 2nd food stop:<br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ADJhTbsdzX4MZewldUv4PlxE_y42bL46_PycB-lZraIWQ9m-RBn8IwjzpTLdck8CxGHiGR9ZogppwDIzC8RSZLpm9XBWtfUIIWJoT58Brae11gZ4WmTiaEzNnsRuxLMScAW0Qf1TwDE7/s2048/climb1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ADJhTbsdzX4MZewldUv4PlxE_y42bL46_PycB-lZraIWQ9m-RBn8IwjzpTLdck8CxGHiGR9ZogppwDIzC8RSZLpm9XBWtfUIIWJoT58Brae11gZ4WmTiaEzNnsRuxLMScAW0Qf1TwDE7/w400-h300/climb1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /> </p><p>2nd food stop is also off route so remember to go back, and prepare for the longest, highest but not very steep climb on the course:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43uTwqnFvRph05W7yqZ9RY6FKXwa-V2RTz7EwPaKzRCDWTSdUS9dTuZL4Y9Mbj7VfY7vRqo1G-hKEse3CK4PC92-LU680vKuAXd9XHsdk0vPTv6igWADeN12coZgAACYII6-lImNuJG1_/s2048/DSCN9142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh43uTwqnFvRph05W7yqZ9RY6FKXwa-V2RTz7EwPaKzRCDWTSdUS9dTuZL4Y9Mbj7VfY7vRqo1G-hKEse3CK4PC92-LU680vKuAXd9XHsdk0vPTv6igWADeN12coZgAACYII6-lImNuJG1_/w400-h300/DSCN9142.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Llangynog climb comes right after the food stop and has 1,000ft of ascent. Once completed you go right and start heading around to Corwen:<br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWFnGYT-jKE/YMxroDrDcEI/AAAAAAAADv4/l8pIPIomESEDHDZQd-MXclUdtOPxu_ZMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN8762.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IWFnGYT-jKE/YMxroDrDcEI/AAAAAAAADv4/l8pIPIomESEDHDZQd-MXclUdtOPxu_ZMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN8762.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> </p><p>Through Corwern and on to quiet lanes brings you to The Grim - your 2nd really significant challenge of the day - steep and long:<br /></p><p></p><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-g7Er1wW74/YNyBCqN-vdI/AAAAAAAADzQ/Hjvo9gyL_zg5B_PP_9rFzEjB2wy9B7rPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9184.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-g7Er1wW74/YNyBCqN-vdI/AAAAAAAADzQ/Hjvo9gyL_zg5B_PP_9rFzEjB2wy9B7rPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9184.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /><p><br />It brings you out, eventually, on to high moors for a remote ride over towards the 3rd and final food stop:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-NfiWxtc5zorz8qpJnayDF6Va2vltqFwspdSGTzjLCaLOLrBzeC8BB828sEEjp3-t3slW9OtgkN4nPvdF1MhvscbZgPK37lKvuCc_vpWVn6QAl-a36E5pL7kcE4Kr7tBu_zn6-y5QVC6/s2048/DSCN9103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-NfiWxtc5zorz8qpJnayDF6Va2vltqFwspdSGTzjLCaLOLrBzeC8BB828sEEjp3-t3slW9OtgkN4nPvdF1MhvscbZgPK37lKvuCc_vpWVn6QAl-a36E5pL7kcE4Kr7tBu_zn6-y5QVC6/w400-h300/DSCN9103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> </p><p>3rd food stop - again off route so remember the go back the way you came. Fuel up as it's Penbarra next:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpjuv00nmE8/YMxjzgx5VVI/AAAAAAAADu4/3nfIKvr4J-IW63lWQ3P3goO6kFDv5KHtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpjuv00nmE8/YMxjzgx5VVI/AAAAAAAADu4/3nfIKvr4J-IW63lWQ3P3goO6kFDv5KHtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p>Penbarra - biggest challenge on the whole course - very long - make sure to reserve plenty of energy for this one and don't go too hard at the beginning:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNMy9wqFS5w/YMxkDkZsQ3I/AAAAAAAADvA/vQPAaRBVwTgvGXX9G7WrGbHSWvls9UuxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNMy9wqFS5w/YMxkDkZsQ3I/AAAAAAAADvA/vQPAaRBVwTgvGXX9G7WrGbHSWvls9UuxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /> </p><p>After that there's no further challenges. You'll be mostly on quiet back roads all the way around Mold:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8D6Nd_VZO8/YMxkOLUH8GI/AAAAAAAADvE/pJ5ON8j2rzsS8SRdj0bkEc91c0JALOO-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/quiet%2Broad%2Beast%2Bof%2Bmold.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8D6Nd_VZO8/YMxkOLUH8GI/AAAAAAAADvE/pJ5ON8j2rzsS8SRdj0bkEc91c0JALOO-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/quiet%2Broad%2Beast%2Bof%2Bmold.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Stats and Maps at <a href="https://rideventures.co.uk/rideclwyd/routes.html#RC100">www.rideclwyd.co.uk</a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.eventrac.co.uk/e/ride-clwyd-2021-6942" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcMI9iiaCio/YN3RndOQXXI/AAAAAAAADzw/bIjXI-bPNSIEez6niKk0WrI7RzUM_pKiQCPcBGAYYCw/s0/enternowRC.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-61794070657816880912021-07-01T15:45:00.006+01:002021-07-13T11:03:14.510+01:00Ride Clwyd 45 Short route preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKCZDUTLeMMksuwyn6vzyt_vwUy5a639b-qhhHlSyTr1Yr2k52BJThdtcHNMmspItHNZWiV1bqqnBBDlg7ldzK-KltM6w5wNEXvELdiQooMBci56VC4Sj13VdgKodT6hxRuT_wkVhQnRM/s1000/RC45preview.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKCZDUTLeMMksuwyn6vzyt_vwUy5a639b-qhhHlSyTr1Yr2k52BJThdtcHNMmspItHNZWiV1bqqnBBDlg7ldzK-KltM6w5wNEXvELdiQooMBci56VC4Sj13VdgKodT6hxRuT_wkVhQnRM/w400-h300/RC45preview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTKPNM9HxMwQLsBV6qN1Q8O35cnOEeXUswJyQng5gP9ooRVZwIkiq-_pBmvzf3WG24IKd_1YGmMpkEuZHnA7vrSNy2VG4DRAejtLKNDYIZ4BXLDsRny-ONNcRtnMFeKGbGALRU5vOOOG0/s2048/DSCN9094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p>We start from a new HQ - just 100ft from the old one, on the same slip
road outside the Airbus factory in Broughton. Lots of car parking is
available opposite:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeLSj-OtYp0EGeU10bgv3U4qLaUlDjMKdSqt9wrXnqgvgxJ3ZIrNOTUn_XxaS_dNzYe_LlHR_gMbwj1FQLFTPf2a6RF_0WOOpOP7ab-MAIgNhSTZz2RhqmiGH276to2He8R40nTvXawEu/s600/newWingsHQ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeLSj-OtYp0EGeU10bgv3U4qLaUlDjMKdSqt9wrXnqgvgxJ3ZIrNOTUn_XxaS_dNzYe_LlHR_gMbwj1FQLFTPf2a6RF_0WOOpOP7ab-MAIgNhSTZz2RhqmiGH276to2He8R40nTvXawEu/w400-h223/newWingsHQ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /> </p><p>This year we go left out of the slip road (at the traffic lights) and have a great flat ride for the first 5 miles:</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4La3Brfy1al42AE8KcpXVDN4KhGkR4oObWYrPJVnx7YQsd-GxI09n-obANDlJN9r5KUrke0oVk7MNQi6xS0fJ2nOC8gMvXBz9Psh_ZrZ-IV_GRlxg4dQb4LRxSeyJizzfroSAyaws8JX/s2048/flat+start.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4La3Brfy1al42AE8KcpXVDN4KhGkR4oObWYrPJVnx7YQsd-GxI09n-obANDlJN9r5KUrke0oVk7MNQi6xS0fJ2nOC8gMvXBz9Psh_ZrZ-IV_GRlxg4dQb4LRxSeyJizzfroSAyaws8JX/w400-h300/flat+start.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br />Watch out for the route split at these traffic lights - 45s slide right whilst 65s and 100s go straight on. Lots of signs will be out on the day:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9pBcWiwMTw/YMxjVqj-srI/AAAAAAAADuk/DcfbSd0j-r8aky_FknobBmElaFIQg6mIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9pBcWiwMTw/YMxjVqj-srI/AAAAAAAADuk/DcfbSd0j-r8aky_FknobBmElaFIQg6mIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9092.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /> </p><p>Straight after the split there are several rises and then quiet country roads towards Ruthin:<br /></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTKPNM9HxMwQLsBV6qN1Q8O35cnOEeXUswJyQng5gP9ooRVZwIkiq-_pBmvzf3WG24IKd_1YGmMpkEuZHnA7vrSNy2VG4DRAejtLKNDYIZ4BXLDsRny-ONNcRtnMFeKGbGALRU5vOOOG0/s2048/DSCN9094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTKPNM9HxMwQLsBV6qN1Q8O35cnOEeXUswJyQng5gP9ooRVZwIkiq-_pBmvzf3WG24IKd_1YGmMpkEuZHnA7vrSNy2VG4DRAejtLKNDYIZ4BXLDsRny-ONNcRtnMFeKGbGALRU5vOOOG0/w400-h300/DSCN9094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Descend down to the only food stop - which is off-course so remember to go back to regain the route:<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpjuv00nmE8/YMxjzgx5VVI/AAAAAAAADu4/3nfIKvr4J-IW63lWQ3P3goO6kFDv5KHtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpjuv00nmE8/YMxjzgx5VVI/AAAAAAAADu4/3nfIKvr4J-IW63lWQ3P3goO6kFDv5KHtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Penbarra - biggest challenge on the whole course - very long - make sure
to reserve plenty of energy for this one and don't go too hard at the
beginning:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNMy9wqFS5w/YMxkDkZsQ3I/AAAAAAAADvA/vQPAaRBVwTgvGXX9G7WrGbHSWvls9UuxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNMy9wqFS5w/YMxkDkZsQ3I/AAAAAAAADvA/vQPAaRBVwTgvGXX9G7WrGbHSWvls9UuxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>After that there's no further challenges. You'll be mostly on quiet back roads all the way around Mold:</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8D6Nd_VZO8/YMxkOLUH8GI/AAAAAAAADvE/pJ5ON8j2rzsS8SRdj0bkEc91c0JALOO-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/quiet%2Broad%2Beast%2Bof%2Bmold.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8D6Nd_VZO8/YMxkOLUH8GI/AAAAAAAADvE/pJ5ON8j2rzsS8SRdj0bkEc91c0JALOO-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/quiet%2Broad%2Beast%2Bof%2Bmold.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Stats and Maps at <a href="https://rideventures.co.uk/rideclwyd/routes.html#RC45">www.rideclwyd.co.uk</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.eventrac.co.uk/e/ride-clwyd-2021-6942" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcMI9iiaCio/YN3RndOQXXI/AAAAAAAADzw/bIjXI-bPNSIEez6niKk0WrI7RzUM_pKiQCPcBGAYYCw/s0/enternowRC.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-32102157389617655452021-07-01T15:45:00.005+01:002021-07-13T11:03:00.701+01:00Ride Clwyd 65 Medium route preview<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwTyR5RLN-c/YN3RLBTF3mI/AAAAAAAADzk/y_dxC1gknZM96hxRahYTMkorYd894dqZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/RC65preview.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwTyR5RLN-c/YN3RLBTF3mI/AAAAAAAADzk/y_dxC1gknZM96hxRahYTMkorYd894dqZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/RC65preview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHOGqSo0jL4/YMxlxw-DseI/AAAAAAAADvY/2oaSuwxOYOcDFLmSmUuuoUQA1zlZeaDagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><p></p><p> </p><p>We start from a new HQ - just 100ft from the old one, on the same slip
road outside the Airbus factory in Broughton. Lots of car parking is
available opposite:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeLSj-OtYp0EGeU10bgv3U4qLaUlDjMKdSqt9wrXnqgvgxJ3ZIrNOTUn_XxaS_dNzYe_LlHR_gMbwj1FQLFTPf2a6RF_0WOOpOP7ab-MAIgNhSTZz2RhqmiGH276to2He8R40nTvXawEu/s600/newWingsHQ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeLSj-OtYp0EGeU10bgv3U4qLaUlDjMKdSqt9wrXnqgvgxJ3ZIrNOTUn_XxaS_dNzYe_LlHR_gMbwj1FQLFTPf2a6RF_0WOOpOP7ab-MAIgNhSTZz2RhqmiGH276to2He8R40nTvXawEu/w400-h223/newWingsHQ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>This year we go left out of the slip road (at the traffic lights) and have a great flat ride for the first 5 miles:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4La3Brfy1al42AE8KcpXVDN4KhGkR4oObWYrPJVnx7YQsd-GxI09n-obANDlJN9r5KUrke0oVk7MNQi6xS0fJ2nOC8gMvXBz9Psh_ZrZ-IV_GRlxg4dQb4LRxSeyJizzfroSAyaws8JX/s2048/flat+start.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4La3Brfy1al42AE8KcpXVDN4KhGkR4oObWYrPJVnx7YQsd-GxI09n-obANDlJN9r5KUrke0oVk7MNQi6xS0fJ2nOC8gMvXBz9Psh_ZrZ-IV_GRlxg4dQb4LRxSeyJizzfroSAyaws8JX/w400-h300/flat+start.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Small rises from Hope onwards start to develop into proper hills:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDUoCiXHIZD_Gzp2jY5eWb-oC_lyfOvLR5zPfiBxo6j3u7gxTjL5uOExcQ87KfITeIzxy45zWRR4eeJueuQHVCAvzxDKQhsJ2yp7BLhhw5NnS2BNj7AN8VugYkCCd2DrkYIAcxIWX7IDb/s2048/DSCN9063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDUoCiXHIZD_Gzp2jY5eWb-oC_lyfOvLR5zPfiBxo6j3u7gxTjL5uOExcQ87KfITeIzxy45zWRR4eeJueuQHVCAvzxDKQhsJ2yp7BLhhw5NnS2BNj7AN8VugYkCCd2DrkYIAcxIWX7IDb/w400-h300/DSCN9063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> </p><p>1st food stop comes at mile 18 - it's slightly off route so don't ride
past thinking you're getting ahead. Once you've had food you need to
turn back to regain the route:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnBt5Cu-GS0/YNyBh2JYIDI/AAAAAAAADzY/tY8OdBt1agg1rbZEy6MB70uyiLTfk0hQACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9114.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XnBt5Cu-GS0/YNyBh2JYIDI/AAAAAAAADzY/tY8OdBt1agg1rbZEy6MB70uyiLTfk0hQACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9114.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Next it's around to the Panorama Walk but watch out for the route split:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHOGqSo0jL4/YMxlxw-DseI/AAAAAAAADvY/2oaSuwxOYOcDFLmSmUuuoUQA1zlZeaDagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHOGqSo0jL4/YMxlxw-DseI/AAAAAAAADvY/2oaSuwxOYOcDFLmSmUuuoUQA1zlZeaDagCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /> </p><p>Here's the split - on the day there'll be lots of signs:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iq2ejsjsLE/YNx-4kF3YpI/AAAAAAAADy8/5l4w0ngL0e4CaIaJobADW5PLwl8EhOzZgCPcBGAYYCw/s1000/split.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="1000" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7iq2ejsjsLE/YNx-4kF3YpI/AAAAAAAADy8/5l4w0ngL0e4CaIaJobADW5PLwl8EhOzZgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h260/split.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>Skirt Llangollen and on to quiet lanes brings you to The Grim - your 2nd
really significant challenge of the day - steep and long:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-g7Er1wW74/YNyBCqN-vdI/AAAAAAAADzU/niA-u8zTW5MWNfG7xcFYmL_issDUUHNcgCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/DSCN9184.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-g7Er1wW74/YNyBCqN-vdI/AAAAAAAADzU/niA-u8zTW5MWNfG7xcFYmL_issDUUHNcgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h300/DSCN9184.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>It brings you out, eventually, on to high moors for a remote ride over towards the 3rd and final food stop:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-NfiWxtc5zorz8qpJnayDF6Va2vltqFwspdSGTzjLCaLOLrBzeC8BB828sEEjp3-t3slW9OtgkN4nPvdF1MhvscbZgPK37lKvuCc_vpWVn6QAl-a36E5pL7kcE4Kr7tBu_zn6-y5QVC6/s2048/DSCN9103.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-NfiWxtc5zorz8qpJnayDF6Va2vltqFwspdSGTzjLCaLOLrBzeC8BB828sEEjp3-t3slW9OtgkN4nPvdF1MhvscbZgPK37lKvuCc_vpWVn6QAl-a36E5pL7kcE4Kr7tBu_zn6-y5QVC6/w400-h300/DSCN9103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>2nd food stop - again off route so remember the go back the way you came. Fuel up as it's Penbarra next:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpjuv00nmE8/YMxjzgx5VVI/AAAAAAAADu4/3nfIKvr4J-IW63lWQ3P3goO6kFDv5KHtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpjuv00nmE8/YMxjzgx5VVI/AAAAAAAADu4/3nfIKvr4J-IW63lWQ3P3goO6kFDv5KHtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9066.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p>Penbarra - biggest challenge on the whole course - very long - make sure
to reserve plenty of energy for this one and don't go too hard at the
beginning:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNMy9wqFS5w/YMxkDkZsQ3I/AAAAAAAADvA/vQPAaRBVwTgvGXX9G7WrGbHSWvls9UuxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNMy9wqFS5w/YMxkDkZsQ3I/AAAAAAAADvA/vQPAaRBVwTgvGXX9G7WrGbHSWvls9UuxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /> </p><p>After that there's no further challenges. You'll be mostly on quiet back roads all the way around Mold:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8D6Nd_VZO8/YMxkOLUH8GI/AAAAAAAADvE/pJ5ON8j2rzsS8SRdj0bkEc91c0JALOO-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/quiet%2Broad%2Beast%2Bof%2Bmold.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8D6Nd_VZO8/YMxkOLUH8GI/AAAAAAAADvE/pJ5ON8j2rzsS8SRdj0bkEc91c0JALOO-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/quiet%2Broad%2Beast%2Bof%2Bmold.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /> </p><p>Maps and stats at <a href="https://rideventures.co.uk/rideclwyd/routes.html#RC65">www.rideclwyd.co.uk</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.eventrac.co.uk/e/ride-clwyd-2021-6942" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="301" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcMI9iiaCio/YN3RndOQXXI/AAAAAAAADzs/X4tooO1HPcgsmT7-bbifRAe4FogzlBSXACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/enternowRC.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-54748702374554194862020-09-30T10:31:00.000+01:002020-09-30T10:31:11.172+01:00New Autumn Epic recce #3 - the 50 mile route<p>Last recce ride to explore the Knighton to Newtown section of the new Autumn Epic. This was about checking out the 2nd half of the new 50 mile route and choosing which way to approach the Anchor:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8OchXfk14g77XTNssM-yCbfzUoup5ARrt-UlyiNdj2lUDfsRw-z6jvx9HRU0YB0GOmaYFb6mgmUMXs0nhpRYwWWyMYscbuRNYW-BfyCJUCnEzNTn28B_6xXYfoWICTjHmpoP3keusAIq/s717/route3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="717" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8OchXfk14g77XTNssM-yCbfzUoup5ARrt-UlyiNdj2lUDfsRw-z6jvx9HRU0YB0GOmaYFb6mgmUMXs0nhpRYwWWyMYscbuRNYW-BfyCJUCnEzNTn28B_6xXYfoWICTjHmpoP3keusAIq/w400-h269/route3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Starting in Newtown I rode the 50 mile route return first - heading up a long hill (the 100 milers will come swooping down this one) and turning right onto a long, gentle climb (5 to 7%) around to Dolfor, and then anther similar climb up onto the wilds.<p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FKQp6FoK80/X3RPFfG70FI/AAAAAAAADQE/9Xyro4j5p6Uyb7TI7v87ZRBkDdRll6s4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FKQp6FoK80/X3RPFfG70FI/AAAAAAAADQE/9Xyro4j5p6Uyb7TI7v87ZRBkDdRll6s4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9032.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its not just in the Alps that you can encounter cows on the road<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p></p><p>The 50 route then descends (via the old Epic's first climb) heads along the flat Wye valley back to Knighton - very car free and good quality tarmac.</p><p></p><p>With that all checked out I turned to sorting out how to get to the Anchor - 2 options:</p><ol style="text-align: left;"><ol><ol><li>Go to Clun and ride along the valley climbing steadily to Anchor</li><li>Stay high about Clun and take the ridge road </li></ol></ol></ol><p>First up I did the ridge road in reverse (I know most of it anyway) and was pleasantly surprised - great views and absolutely empty, straight road. Only problem came at the end where there's a tricky descent on a potholed road.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqX7yfU0J9VDj2Kh79IN7vE5GOl1YYPjtdagVQYpXQTWJyr6L-XW93ycx8h4kY-K2NCUzna6TzhLYtk21DIz2cpjLVQXK3BJmvwB_dswH5ka3D47BNmEzThqzkNjZzqtxLiVb-QXVZblf/s2048/DSCN9034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqX7yfU0J9VDj2Kh79IN7vE5GOl1YYPjtdagVQYpXQTWJyr6L-XW93ycx8h4kY-K2NCUzna6TzhLYtk21DIz2cpjLVQXK3BJmvwB_dswH5ka3D47BNmEzThqzkNjZzqtxLiVb-QXVZblf/w400-h300/DSCN9034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The Clun to Anchor valley road was also good - more sheltered, little bit more traffic and a steady 3% for miles and miles. On balance I felt the high ridge road offers more views and less traffic.</p><p>After the Anchor there's more easy climbing before a fast descent towards Kerry - approaching from a side road than goes past a potential first food stop (only one for the 50s):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdOBAtxsLT4/X3ROocQjjBI/AAAAAAAADP8/hmjmasKSQ7As5lsdGbtnCXFX5D8_jscQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdOBAtxsLT4/X3ROocQjjBI/AAAAAAAADP8/hmjmasKSQ7As5lsdGbtnCXFX5D8_jscQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN9039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>After Kerry the route split will come - 50s going left and starting the steady climb I did at the start of this recce ride, and the 100s zooming down to Newtown and on to Lyn Clewedog.</p><p>This concludes the recce riding for the new Autumn Epic. All roads have been ridden, sometimes several times and alternatives have also been ridden. I'll publish the final draft versions of the route next...<br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-66780519881004123022020-09-26T17:47:00.001+01:002020-09-26T18:03:09.558+01:00New Autumn Epic - recce ride #2<p> Just back from riding another section of the all new Autumn Epic sportive route. I wanted to explore the roads around the spectacular Lyn Clywedog reservoir - looking for a viable sportive route.</p><p>Here was the plan for the recce:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkAeqeHvXo5OYF0wgXSNEDIBPGjqMGEQ7XIUdcxUFsKM8dgpjr-VM1IguaA7s3FtJ9uJxE4phXrgy0NHo4CcCEUFqLz6nCY0B3oOqxSULpRVICHcraWXeaRsF5422K1nwPW1Zyzbk8naG/s1209/Lyn+Clywedog+option.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1209" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkAeqeHvXo5OYF0wgXSNEDIBPGjqMGEQ7XIUdcxUFsKM8dgpjr-VM1IguaA7s3FtJ9uJxE4phXrgy0NHo4CcCEUFqLz6nCY0B3oOqxSULpRVICHcraWXeaRsF5422K1nwPW1Zyzbk8naG/w400-h214/Lyn+Clywedog+option.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>After Newtown and Caersws the route heads to Trefeglwys and there the idea is to turn right up the quiet Trannon valley. Wide road and not much climbing, all looked good but then I came to 3 options out of the valley:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vGSFw7pzSk/X29rkFAXfqI/AAAAAAAADOs/OamfIRJ-vCksrAE_RyWjUyxLUabWAlDHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s829/lyn2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="829" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0vGSFw7pzSk/X29rkFAXfqI/AAAAAAAADOs/OamfIRJ-vCksrAE_RyWjUyxLUabWAlDHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h153/lyn2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>On paper Option A looked the most logical - but in practice it turned out to be super steep (20%) and super long, and very narrow too - if a car came there'd be no where to pass, and once you stop you wouldn't clip back in.<br /></p><p>Option B was similar only with more gravel.</p><p>But Option C turned out much better - wider, smoother and with two or three 15/20% sections mixed in with much easier 10% bits. A proper challenge.<br /></p><p>Climbing out of the valley led to wide open views and a fast drop to Staylittle - where there might bell be a food stop on the event day:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSvl0z1q4Do/X29siWlmG9I/AAAAAAAADO0/5TUnyQHOYdgBSRAUmPF0TnqHsb_eKGG5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/staylittle%2Bhall.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fSvl0z1q4Do/X29siWlmG9I/AAAAAAAADO0/5TUnyQHOYdgBSRAUmPF0TnqHsb_eKGG5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/staylittle%2Bhall.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>After this there was a quick bit on the main road before turning off for the road bordering the Lyn Clywedog. There were many very rough cattle grids throughout this section which will need strong tyres.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDP3ACOzurBDCPp8KFnhwCQ9des4WxTWH-YQzVqG5BumJ__pR4LfPwqEkaLWDX7Nw_APulA41Zbbg197i4doMEQh_SowcCpp2SUbDDl-4c3xlfhonP5txdLKwRtVX74hs2ACE7cc0gqVM/s2048/lynclywedog1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDP3ACOzurBDCPp8KFnhwCQ9des4WxTWH-YQzVqG5BumJ__pR4LfPwqEkaLWDX7Nw_APulA41Zbbg197i4doMEQh_SowcCpp2SUbDDl-4c3xlfhonP5txdLKwRtVX74hs2ACE7cc0gqVM/w400-h300/lynclywedog1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The road around the reservoir started very easy but then got challenging - there's a couple of long, steep climbs before dropping down past the dam and out onto a quiet B road for a long, fast descent to Llanidloes.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_A_H-KCd1GwCdMbc4qcYrjHWEOBU070piH1BL3vUc0ZAjv9hANA1OdUBD72pWIWNloOBv4vTxV2iWdZ-il_81cow8YSiHxWOLLPwyjThNv4D2DYBfgnO0z6JUrL_bQ-AHa1Y1q_WxrCW/s1718/lake2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1167" data-original-width="1718" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_A_H-KCd1GwCdMbc4qcYrjHWEOBU070piH1BL3vUc0ZAjv9hANA1OdUBD72pWIWNloOBv4vTxV2iWdZ-il_81cow8YSiHxWOLLPwyjThNv4D2DYBfgnO0z6JUrL_bQ-AHa1Y1q_WxrCW/w400-h271/lake2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I didn't explore the other road options as the first route was really good - few cars, wide, good tarmac and spectacular views. <br /></p><p>Final bit of checking was to ride a back road over to Caersws to see if it was better than the main road (which is very quiet/easy):</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChnvJbWMOzk/X29uuP3NwuI/AAAAAAAADPQ/4WWUypmOejgrJ2OA9tiQI_gdTJU-mTETgCLcBGAsYHQ/s506/lyn4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="506" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChnvJbWMOzk/X29uuP3NwuI/AAAAAAAADPQ/4WWUypmOejgrJ2OA9tiQI_gdTJU-mTETgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/lyn4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>But the alternative turned out to be too narrow for relaxed cycling, and had a couple of climbs - which we'll not really need.</p><p>That's it for checking this section, next up is the new route out of Knighton - but most of that I'm very familiar with. <br /></p><p>Strava route for today: <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4115029619">https://www.strava.com/activities/4115029619</a> <br /></p>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-18159231259471182232020-09-22T09:50:00.001+01:002020-09-22T09:52:41.485+01:00The new 2021 Autumn Epic <p> I'm starting work on next year's all new Epic sportive. Here's the first draft of a possible route:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7wYi7Egkclo/X2mx2ZDP_JI/AAAAAAAADNs/X1YqRlT8I98_NwPKohsvhSMDslSmIbwAACLcBGAsYHQ/s858/AE2021-1stdraft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1st draft of autumn epic route for 2021" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="858" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7wYi7Egkclo/X2mx2ZDP_JI/AAAAAAAADNs/X1YqRlT8I98_NwPKohsvhSMDslSmIbwAACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h209/AE2021-1stdraft.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34173931" target="_blank">Draft route link here</a> <br /></div><p>Starts as usual Knighton but leaves in opposite direction and climbs to Clun and then again to the Anchor - so completely different. More new roads all around Newtown and Llanidoes before a new approach to Rhayader - and a new exit.</p><p>Yesterday (Mon 21st Sept 2020) I rode the Newtown, Rhayader and Bwlch-y-Sarnu section:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zIXhQPz4-8/X2my5eBtTiI/AAAAAAAADN0/HJNZEodDuMYY20pndxpYlf_udP92MADNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s485/1strecceride.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monday recce ride of route" border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="409" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zIXhQPz4-8/X2my5eBtTiI/AAAAAAAADN0/HJNZEodDuMYY20pndxpYlf_udP92MADNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w338-h400/1strecceride.png" width="338" /></a></div><p> </p><p>Newtown - easy route through the town - logical and probably not needing that many signs to get you on the right road.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlohpYvE-Jw/X2m3Lk0so3I/AAAAAAAADOA/9hOM90c8VVEVFzGXRbwSkxF93-Y2sk1fQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/road%2Bout%2Bof%2Bnewtown%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mlohpYvE-Jw/X2m3Lk0so3I/AAAAAAAADOA/9hOM90c8VVEVFzGXRbwSkxF93-Y2sk1fQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/road%2Bout%2Bof%2Bnewtown%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Good roads after Newtown - wide, good tarmac and not very busy despite being a "B" road.</p><p>After a drop to Caersws the road got a bit boring - but the plan is to turn right and head up towards Staylittle and return via the big reservoir (subject to another recce ride devoted to this bit alone).</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPocF2OCeZc/X2m6Eds7_aI/AAAAAAAADOU/Wz36bq1j1jU0xjiME2kVP8EhtCuMTTsNACLcBGAsYHQ/s827/staylittle%2Boption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="827" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPocF2OCeZc/X2m6Eds7_aI/AAAAAAAADOU/Wz36bq1j1jU0xjiME2kVP8EhtCuMTTsNACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h285/staylittle%2Boption.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possible route around Lyn Clywedog reservoir<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p>After Llanidloes there were a couple of long climbs on very quiet roads before a steep descent to Llangurig. After this it goes very flat following the River Wye, then gets lumpy and also features at least 3 gates you have to open and shut behind you (I'll be asking people what they think of this - makes for a very car free road).</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nm0TUuuf7Mc/X2m3kp3YnWI/AAAAAAAADOI/j51ggw31y-IPX_TcXo_nCIl63-KOJJYDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/gated%2Broad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nm0TUuuf7Mc/X2m3kp3YnWI/AAAAAAAADOI/j51ggw31y-IPX_TcXo_nCIl63-KOJJYDACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/gated%2Broad.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Just before Rhayader the route joins the old Epic route (in reverse and for 2 miles only) - this means there's an optional extra - go around the Elan Valley loop for 15 additional miles, making a total of 120miles! I'll be asking people what they think about offering a 200km sportive...<br /></p><p>Route exits Rhayader up a wide, long hill and eventually turns for Bwlch-y-Sarnu - there's a very steep approach to that hamlet. After that the route goes East to Llanbister but I headed home via Newtown.<br /></p><p>Strava route here - <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/4092884759">https://www.strava.com/activities/4092884759</a> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-6368703796498797462020-06-21T06:00:00.007+01:002020-06-21T06:00:06.868+01:00RVretro#5 - The Devil Ride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following from the success of the Autumn Epic I decided to revive its evil twin - the Devil Ride - in 2017 - in fact it was exactly 3 years ago on Father's Day. This event was another Epic Cycles job from way back that had stopped running recently.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The route was more challenging, and more remote that the Autumn Epic - at its furthest reaches you could almost smell the sea on the Welsh coast.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqII1PO6htKowpstngrDXMfKg3lRAEUcgXK2Py8T-Ftq7EzDhL6LQAaL_a31NASZlqlJUM6kEKXKLpibxkCnNQerNaab5AxXdOjFPhzl5Zk_c0wqT3zGPmt5KG_lpU6aL0ufxyHwv-mgDA/s560/start.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="560" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqII1PO6htKowpstngrDXMfKg3lRAEUcgXK2Py8T-Ftq7EzDhL6LQAaL_a31NASZlqlJUM6kEKXKLpibxkCnNQerNaab5AxXdOjFPhzl5Zk_c0wqT3zGPmt5KG_lpU6aL0ufxyHwv-mgDA/w400-h305/start.jpg" width="400" /><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The start<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqII1PO6htKowpstngrDXMfKg3lRAEUcgXK2Py8T-Ftq7EzDhL6LQAaL_a31NASZlqlJUM6kEKXKLpibxkCnNQerNaab5AxXdOjFPhzl5Zk_c0wqT3zGPmt5KG_lpU6aL0ufxyHwv-mgDA/s560/start.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div>Starting in Llandrindod Wells the route went south first, up to the Sennybridge Training Area - a bit of a spooky, military landscape.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6g0iHSz9p3Q/XuiaQ9FInnI/AAAAAAAADFs/XZppq1ZqfioN7OGV78zTBXbDeVRwo4HMgCK4BGAsYHg/s2061/crop1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1654" data-original-width="2061" height="321" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6g0iHSz9p3Q/XuiaQ9FInnI/AAAAAAAADFs/XZppq1ZqfioN7OGV78zTBXbDeVRwo4HMgCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h321/crop1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Big, main road climb out of Builth Wells<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UF8IrXM328/XuiafVkBU8I/AAAAAAAADF4/y7YxGz3Djo4M1WI9MDJBks9aq4Gnd3wvgCK4BGAsYHg/s1628/devil2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1628" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UF8IrXM328/XuiafVkBU8I/AAAAAAAADF4/y7YxGz3Djo4M1WI9MDJBks9aq4Gnd3wvgCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h330/devil2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Long-shot picture of the whole "Devil's Staircase" - can you sport it snaking up the hill?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The name of the event isn't a casual thing - the route includes the very long, very steep switchbacks of the Devil's Staircase, and then passes through Devil's Bridge for a double dose of satanic influence.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu4k0-ZNNrJw9ITG0OZvf-w5Vlmcf02OFF0eezRo8mRaNtiTfe4KO_Z_uUggnFcgpZVrMwAYo_Mtj4vPoOjUfRB7gVT8oJ1jm14LIxByn7-6hRjrBsSrod0mrb55_TvpC-HknFFSAGjgS/s2816/DSCF4619.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="2816" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSu4k0-ZNNrJw9ITG0OZvf-w5Vlmcf02OFF0eezRo8mRaNtiTfe4KO_Z_uUggnFcgpZVrMwAYo_Mtj4vPoOjUfRB7gVT8oJ1jm14LIxByn7-6hRjrBsSrod0mrb55_TvpC-HknFFSAGjgS/w400-h300/DSCF4619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Road to Tregarron</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lG-pRC3mw68/XuibUUPm1FI/AAAAAAAADGk/Awnzg9nKduwai-__ESera_hZAi3W7QiNgCK4BGAsYHg/s2816/DSCF4688.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="2816" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lG-pRC3mw68/XuibUUPm1FI/AAAAAAAADGk/Awnzg9nKduwai-__ESera_hZAi3W7QiNgCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h300/DSCF4688.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mountain road after Devil's Bridge</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of the route is in utterly remote landscape with very few cars, and very few houses. On the day it was super hot - 35deg cel - and participants returned telling stories of throwing themselves into the roadside streams to cool off.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCFpUinis0M/XuidFSaA1TI/AAAAAAAADHU/RiYM3NYT4f8SohGphx7UbI1734fDBVNkQCK4BGAsYHg/s524/strip5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="524" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TCFpUinis0M/XuidFSaA1TI/AAAAAAAADHU/RiYM3NYT4f8SohGphx7UbI1734fDBVNkQCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h170/strip5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finishline</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm keen to come back to run an event over these roads again - perhaps a hyper-Autumn Epic with a 120mile loop.....</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">#itsallabouttheroute<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-79706187169038588252020-06-18T09:09:00.001+01:002020-06-18T10:24:55.710+01:00The Autumn Epic route<div>Why do people keep coming back to do the Autumn Epic? What is so special about the route?</div><div><br /></div><div>There's a couple of things:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It's well designed <br /></li><li>It's in an unfamiliar but spectacular part of the country</li></ul><div><b>Design</b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ1oiL0i-bvcscLOfj1oLaxs97mwOCku6VjaTWH1T_EV2SJtpYlZC-KZEijyhd6xXqQPmuuy5Z46nbthFZlW4BTztuB_vImBqoQJiuaGy1QEcEsLFvMr5Z6zHoK1dpq8SQM2Rlw1HrFvR/s702/AEclassic-elevation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Epic profile" border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="702" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ1oiL0i-bvcscLOfj1oLaxs97mwOCku6VjaTWH1T_EV2SJtpYlZC-KZEijyhd6xXqQPmuuy5Z46nbthFZlW4BTztuB_vImBqoQJiuaGy1QEcEsLFvMr5Z6zHoK1dpq8SQM2Rlw1HrFvR/w400-h81/AEclassic-elevation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Originally designed by <a href="https://epic-cycles.co.uk/">Epic Cycles</a> of Ludlow it was inspired by Italian Gran Fondos. Being one of the first sportives in the UK they took the time to make it right - after all who knew if this new "sportive" type event would even be popular, back in 2005?</div><div><br /></div><div>In particular they made a route with rhythm - good stretches of flat or easy undulating roads in between the challenges. It wasn't just up and down slogging. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The first 10miles or so was easy - a warm up, and the first couple of hills were OK though long - another characteristic of the Epic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then you came to the Abbey-cwm-Hir climb - very long, not super-steep but definitely a classic mid-Wales challenge - longer and with more height gained than the usual UK hill.</div><div><br /></div><div>After a food stop in Rhayader was the biggest challenge of the day - climbing to the top of the Elan Valley - 3 miles long and 800ft of ascent into remote, uninhabited wilderness. A long descent past the Elan reservoirs and plenty of flatish riding let participants recover.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then came the sharp shocks of super-steep Parkstile Lane and the notorious Glascwm. The latter is particularly challenging as you can see all the steepness from the bottom, and during the event there's usually riders walking it...</div><div><br /></div><div>After this more easy riding and just two further anonymous hills that on a normal ride wouldn't be a problem. But at the end of a day of Welsh hills they can be significant challenges to you getting home.</div><div><br /></div><div>A final, long, fast descent back to the start means all that pain and difficulty is swept away and you have time to relish having "done it" - a good feeling as you are likely to have only recently thought that it would never end and that you wouldn't do it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Terrain</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYnwd3ZHth1_AtHIwbtKS5I7HTledVv_cLF7POnTySjci-HfajIunfSNZvD72ixnN6zSchlpiptrpPgxeYdcJQ6trOqElHVZIk99FIitpXNFxilSgNBxiiBfnGjluExWQIPthpMrCfvPM/s1110/Abbeycwm+climb+summit+views%2528crop%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1110" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYnwd3ZHth1_AtHIwbtKS5I7HTledVv_cLF7POnTySjci-HfajIunfSNZvD72ixnN6zSchlpiptrpPgxeYdcJQ6trOqElHVZIk99FIitpXNFxilSgNBxiiBfnGjluExWQIPthpMrCfvPM/w400-h320/Abbeycwm+climb+summit+views%2528crop%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">View at top of Abbey-cwm-Hir<br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Two aspects here:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>One</b> - much more hilly than England. The hills are longer, go higher and offer bigger vistas at the top. Because the hills are bigger there's also more flat in between them - the hills take care of the respectable climb total - 8,600ft in just 8 chunks. The Chiltern 100 (another big, "original" sportive) can take 20 hills to gain 7,900ft on a ride that slays rather than inspires.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Two</b> - remoteness. Mid-Wales is sparsely populated and takes an hour or more to get to by car. Few riders are familiar with it so most are surprised. I can recall puncturing at the top of the Elan Valley riding the 2009 Epic - I stopped to fix it and realised I was totally alone in an enormous landscape with not a single dwelling for miles around. Another aspect of remoteness - very few cars.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What it adds up to is an area that offers loads of potential for challenging and exciting routes with variation, with rhythm. For 2021 I'm going to be designing a new route for the Epic - first in 15 years, and my challenge will be to produce something as good as the original.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">#itsallabouttheroute<br /></div></div>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-91215035584591525172020-06-16T06:36:00.001+01:002020-06-16T10:13:38.281+01:00RVretro#4 - the full Epic<div>Next big thing for Rideventures was doing a sportive all by itself - no charity partner involved. The Autumn Epic 2016 would rely entirely on my resources - oh, and we were doing hot food for everyone as well, so no pressure...</div><div><br /></div><div>I also wanted to offer a shorter route so people could get a taste of the Epic without having to spend all day out in the wilds of Wales. I recce'd a new 50mile route that went out the same way as the longer ones but turned back before the big Abbey-cwm-Hir climb. The return was almost car free and over the high moorlands for a long final descent straight into Knighton.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B2S6imrgws/XuJEwwBmKfI/AAAAAAAADDQ/GmqmSCEBMDESWzBYRie-T1KqgH0LiIV5QCK4BGAsYHg/s573/AE80km-map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="573" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--B2S6imrgws/XuJEwwBmKfI/AAAAAAAADDQ/GmqmSCEBMDESWzBYRie-T1KqgH0LiIV5QCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h265/AE80km-map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15964969">The new 50mile route</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the day we had great weather, 200 participants and fantastic baked potatoes with veggie chilli at the finish-line.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZ8GKpuCcHlQAP2uTcArrAepwUNuU0-n0cAbNuxuk2jh8j3YmWjrHA67gzyOBXRMVSjchFXIeN79er78JlpsqIxFrx9av7xV_68VKTL-SgtcSqz9BTT1OjLDTz61u3GoXVZ9FHgL2cgOt/s1837/DSCF4273.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="1837" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlZ8GKpuCcHlQAP2uTcArrAepwUNuU0-n0cAbNuxuk2jh8j3YmWjrHA67gzyOBXRMVSjchFXIeN79er78JlpsqIxFrx9av7xV_68VKTL-SgtcSqz9BTT1OjLDTz61u3GoXVZ9FHgL2cgOt/w400-h305/DSCF4273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">#itsallabouttheroute </div><div><br /></div>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-52651190186049743082020-06-11T09:13:00.002+01:002020-06-11T09:20:32.794+01:00RVretro#3 - Round the Wrekin<div>Autumn 2015 I was contacted by Sue Chance at Compton Hospice. She wanted me to plan and organise a sportive fundraiser for the charity. This was after riders from nearby Wombourne <a href="https://www.fishfacecycles.com/fishface-cycles-race-team/">Fish Face Cycles</a> had been impressed with the <a href="http://rideventures.blogspot.com/2020/06/rvretro1-where-it-all-started.html">Tour sportive</a>.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This led to a massive "Round the Wrekin" sportive with great support from cycling legend <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Porter" target="_blank">Hugh Porter</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmfULpV-vQI/Xt9qqiTAFHI/AAAAAAAADCU/Aui3Cb-6_aoBqH-MEa9Xkf8xLZFUF7XUACK4BGAsYHg/s4471/WREKIN_PORTER_15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2981" data-original-width="4471" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmfULpV-vQI/Xt9qqiTAFHI/AAAAAAAADCU/Aui3Cb-6_aoBqH-MEa9Xkf8xLZFUF7XUACK4BGAsYHg/w400-h266/WREKIN_PORTER_15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Hugh, of course, is a 4 time World Pursuit Champion and for many years the voice of cycling commentary on the BBC. He fundraises for Compton Hospice.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I planned the route - taking Wolverhampton cyclists out to Shropshire and up the Burway. The 100 mile route was super-tough and super-spectacular - over the Long Mynd and then up and down Stiperstones to show participants a truly remote and high part of the West Midlands. Even the 100km option still have some difficult hills and both routes went up and over the Wrekin climb.</div><div><br /></div><div>One unique aspect of the sportive is that it crosses the River Severn twice and that was quite tricky - the bridges tended to be bottle necks heavy with cars.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF0nFlWR08y4bwGb_ngAWoipqRFL7o6MELTbhcWj7XzNBX64QziKxgS7s_kFSDXVR6TlY04PZCS5YpEyOkdco6K-P4sATUE2v-WhI-tGqQLbWL2ctOJESxgElnaXStA-Y7ckKFrlWAisl/s1185/Epic_map.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="1185" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFF0nFlWR08y4bwGb_ngAWoipqRFL7o6MELTbhcWj7XzNBX64QziKxgS7s_kFSDXVR6TlY04PZCS5YpEyOkdco6K-P4sATUE2v-WhI-tGqQLbWL2ctOJESxgElnaXStA-Y7ckKFrlWAisl/w400-h208/Epic_map.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28538416">The Long Route</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>On the day we had 600 riders. The organisation was complex to say the least...</div><div><br /></div><div>#itsallabouttheroute <br /></div><div><br /></div>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-54768594005188138952020-06-10T15:04:00.000+01:002020-06-10T15:04:09.132+01:00RVretro#2 - the Autumn Epic free ride<div>After I'd recovered from the Tour (June 2015) I started looking forward to my favourite sportive - <a href="http://rideventures.co.uk/autumnepic/index.html" target="_blank">the Autumn Epic</a> - which usually happened towards the end of September/early October.</div><div><br /></div><div>Couldn't find any up to date info on it - the website was about 2014 and already one or two online community comments were asking "Is it on?"</div><div><br /></div><div>I contacted the organisers and found out it wasn't. By then it was August and too late to do much so I decided to offer a "free ride" on the day it would have run and open it up to anyone who wanted to come along - just to keep the event alive.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgiHU658rKC9Xcxc10M0fOc-RWLJNWAkMVz9gZXRqb6Ho2I7t7T679lAukNCanWIh_vsUOXra-NT_zsaK0OdN0TczhM9W04p1zTy2FSUdJq9e_4a91arRnq_l7E5gQ8mKtFwvLbvjkbIL/s600/AEdam%2528big%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Autumn Epic" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgiHU658rKC9Xcxc10M0fOc-RWLJNWAkMVz9gZXRqb6Ho2I7t7T679lAukNCanWIh_vsUOXra-NT_zsaK0OdN0TczhM9W04p1zTy2FSUdJq9e_4a91arRnq_l7E5gQ8mKtFwvLbvjkbIL/w400-h200/AEdam%2528big%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A bit of history - the Epic was one of the original sportives - started in 2005 with online entry and chip timing - both innovations at the time. Back then cyclists from all over the country came to Knighton to take part and the event could have 700+ entries.</div><div><br /></div><div>The route was spectacular - taking participants into the wild, remote mid-Wales uplands - unexpectedly desolate and with huge vistas of lakes and dams. The catering at the end was equally legendary - taking a cue from Italian Gran Fondos there was free hot food for all at the finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the 2015 free ride we had none of that catering but even so riders from Manchester and Suffolk came along to maintain their unbroken attendance (several had done 10 years of Epics).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzSAeBQu_kc/Xt9lDfkG0JI/AAAAAAAADB0/dU5Wg5sdCekp6zNpAty1P8WNQdHbE4NuACK4BGAsYHg/s1328/AEFR2015%2B009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1328" height="258" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RzSAeBQu_kc/Xt9lDfkG0JI/AAAAAAAADB0/dU5Wg5sdCekp6zNpAty1P8WNQdHbE4NuACK4BGAsYHg/w400-h258/AEFR2015%2B009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With the free ride successfully completed I went back to the organisers and agreed to take over the running of the Autumn Epic for the next year.<br /></div>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-52664724160712624602020-06-09T10:07:00.002+01:002020-06-09T10:18:51.195+01:00RVretro#1 - Where it all started<div>Here at Rideventures Towers I've had time to sift through the archives to re-visit some past events. First up is the inaugural "Tour d'Arts Alive" sportive in June 2015.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was the first sportive I'd ever organised - ridden lots, including Italian Gran Fondos, so I knew how they should work...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5HKCy7v1itAd0duGgzaSSPNEfMGPzN4NldXbVNI-YZMc2jQ8Rvioopghazev0Io_MzKmeo1qqRUHNZaFSl7wLFVBQCLLiGunIRDkr3YIvmoDPpl9kCqLvMpdXGAbjoXpKOp2TmeqnNdA/s749/startlinebriefing.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tour start - June 2015" border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="749" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5HKCy7v1itAd0duGgzaSSPNEfMGPzN4NldXbVNI-YZMc2jQ8Rvioopghazev0Io_MzKmeo1qqRUHNZaFSl7wLFVBQCLLiGunIRDkr3YIvmoDPpl9kCqLvMpdXGAbjoXpKOp2TmeqnNdA/w400-h285/startlinebriefing.JPG" title="Startline briefing" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>2 routes offered - a very short one and then a 60miler with 3 difficult climbs (including Weston Bank). People returned complimenting the route - very few cars in the lanes and with these significant challenges. Both routes finished with a long, sweeping descent back to the start so people completed with a smile.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWPfeJTWpS4QgJrhA9vgnOUX0VlmKz3tS-OCaU0MZVWNW1e-B6ltVuJiMLwIn8Eqzadg-5TxYdyQp6Ocnbt5ulmYp9NQLouTPdeE3TRC5UtbUp5tlSDh-ee_6glIAps77BpHiVLz5IYGr/s487/clun2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="487" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWPfeJTWpS4QgJrhA9vgnOUX0VlmKz3tS-OCaU0MZVWNW1e-B6ltVuJiMLwIn8Eqzadg-5TxYdyQp6Ocnbt5ulmYp9NQLouTPdeE3TRC5UtbUp5tlSDh-ee_6glIAps77BpHiVLz5IYGr/s320/clun2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'd planned the route after several years of cycling around the area with a group based in Church Stretton - the Thursday Ride. Some of our rides on Thursdays were used to explore parts of the route. It meant I could get their reactions to the conditions and the challenges, and refine the event path further.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32929062" target="_blank">Here's the 60mile route.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Did you do that first Tour? Do you remember the performer we had at the finishline:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwcw61nD1IQ/Xt9T7hA3vfI/AAAAAAAADBA/2V3F1QeEG_Aj1MTobln2NJAu67-O-mCpgCK4BGAsYHg/s1450/cluntallrider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="1420" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwcw61nD1IQ/Xt9T7hA3vfI/AAAAAAAADBA/2V3F1QeEG_Aj1MTobln2NJAu67-O-mCpgCK4BGAsYHg/s320/cluntallrider.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-59072623197388650472020-02-27T06:02:00.000+00:002020-02-28T06:04:37.785+00:00The big climbs on the new 100 mile Ride Clwyd<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gwernant - mile 27</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Gwernant</b> (800ft gained - <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/1319079">Strava link</a>) - first serious climb on the 100. Just outside Llangollen, very long and steep.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Descent to Glyn Ceiriog - mile 29.5</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Watch out for the tricky descent soon after the first climb - some distressed tarmac to begin, then a steep 25% drop to the village.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Climb out of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog - mile 36</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An intermediate climb out of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog keeps things ticking over...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After Llangynog - mile 46</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> After <b>Llangynog</b> there's the longest climb on the route - not steep but 4 miles long (1,000ft gained - <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/5752478">Strava link</a>)
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ0BY4GozxI/XlTsffv6YsI/AAAAAAAAC60/Q31DWmv1QhwBYq9PJdV0bnfgCD6KBK8dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/climb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1180" height="158" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RZ0BY4GozxI/XlTsffv6YsI/AAAAAAAAC60/Q31DWmv1QhwBYq9PJdV0bnfgCD6KBK8dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/climb3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maes y Glyn - mile 69</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Maes y Glyn</b> - new climb added at end of the route planning - a better way up onto the high moors near Moel Morfydd summit (500ft gained - <a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/2956335">Strava link</a>)- better photos to follow.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Penbarra - mile 83</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Climb <b>Penbarra</b> - 1.5miles long and 800ft gained (<a href="https://www.strava.com/segments/6671057">Strava link</a>) - No. 88 in Simon Warren's 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs. Very steep up to the daunting hairpin turn and then a long further climb after.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maps, stats and GPX downloads all at <a href="http://rideventures.co.uk/rideclwyd/maps.html#RC100" target="_blank">www.rideclwyd.co.uk</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That's it. We recommend that you have a go at some of these climbs prior to the big day (May 24th) - send in your photos and stories of how you do - <a href="mailto:andyd2006-rv1@yahoo.com" target="_blank">email Rideventures</a></span></div>
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Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-81080667127774420702020-01-21T09:19:00.000+00:002020-01-21T09:36:26.286+00:00Shortive - the Idea<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffTzXBCNGYhx_EVAdL_ePq6-5uwQn7C6P77pGMnOr0O0Gv9Xr_34sp9t-PfPSB-m3qp680ffZzmBmLgZmkJQmWfACuqKgjmBCWKVPD3EODQDvuo2DE85J7ofrxthPLTDZcbhX7qQBtyMn/s1600/logo200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stretton Shortive logo" border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffTzXBCNGYhx_EVAdL_ePq6-5uwQn7C6P77pGMnOr0O0Gv9Xr_34sp9t-PfPSB-m3qp680ffZzmBmLgZmkJQmWfACuqKgjmBCWKVPD3EODQDvuo2DE85J7ofrxthPLTDZcbhX7qQBtyMn/s1600/logo200.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Rideventures has helped organise a running race for a couple of years. It starts at 10.30am but all the runners warm up first (off the course) and then when they get going its immediately intense. The whole event is over by 12.30pm.</div>
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So we thought "Why not do that for cyclists?"</div>
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Lets make it short so people can do it in the morning and then get on with their Sunday. Lets tell them to warm up before the start. Lets make it super-intense - so they don't miss out on all the usual sportive "pleasure".</div>
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Somebody said, "Call it a Shortive" so we did.</div>
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When we started talking to people the response was great. Loads of people really like the idea of it being over quickly - you can do it and still do other things on the Sunday. One comment was about how a regular sportive can get boring by the afternoon as you slog around completing the miles. Others just love the hills...</div>
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Our first go is in Church Stretton this April.</div>
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We added in an extra wrinkle - bail outs. Because the Stretton course is a multiple figure of 8 cyclists will keep coming back to near the Start/Finish line as they go around. This means they can bail out and finish early if they've had enough - we'll have signs asking "Had Enough?" and showing them how to take the easy way back.<br />
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<a href="http://rideventures.co.uk/shortive/index.html" target="_blank">Stretton Shortive 2020</a><br />
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Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-90846196076010481762020-01-15T14:56:00.001+00:002021-01-28T09:11:11.448+00:00Event Timing<b>To time or not to time, that is the question.</b><br />
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Rideventures has been asking participants about event timing recently. And the results have been surprising.<br />
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A survey for the upcoming Ride Clywd got 44% wanting timing, but then 56% didn't want it or weren't bothered. Another poll on Facebook was more negative - 55% didn't want electronic timing, 17% weren't bothered (so 72% total) , and just 28% wanted it.<br />
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<b>Timing is usually a big thing, isn't it?</b> <br />
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Its long been that sportives are electronic timed. You get a chip, you put it on your bike or helmet, you set off going past/over the timing point. And when you come back you go over/past the same point and you get a time. All the results are published online.<br />
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<b>That's the way, isn't it?</b><br />
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Least it was the way things started out 15 years ago - individual times and being like a proper continental sportive was the way for an event to be.<br />
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<b>How come less than half the participants want it now-a-days?</b><br />
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Garmin, Strava, apps on your phone, GPS tracking services - people can have so much information - their path, their heart-rate, their power, how they did on particular hills. Much more info than a mere "time". If you are into performance and knowing how you went then you'll have a device and be tracking all this info. <b>Won't you?</b><br />
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I guess, one thing that's missing from all this individual tracking is<b> online results</b>. Without event timing there'd be no published list of times. Some people see that as a good thing - they don't want their times published.<br />
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For Ride Clwyd we're heading towards what feels like a radical change - <u>no timing</u>. <b>What do you think? </b><br />
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<br />Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-42664087882369876062018-10-19T07:00:00.000+01:002018-10-19T07:11:01.779+01:00Ride Clwyd recon<h2>
Lets go 100</h2>
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Been out reconnoitering a new addition to the <a href="http://www.rideventures.co.uk/rideclwyd/index.html" target="_blank">Ride Clwyd sportive</a> - a 100 mile route option. This would come after Denbigh and means riders will get to "enjoy" the full version of the Road to Hell - all 6 miles of it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road to Hell starts with a hairpin</td></tr>
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80 mile riders will do half the "Road" then turn left and head to Ruthin. The 100 mile riders will carry on towards the wind farm:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2iZixbkO6mo/W8i77JsPb7I/AAAAAAAACgI/4xFP05zQx-ASh74lGIe9WHXcI5pOq3IrACLcBGAs/s1600/road%2Bto%2Bhell%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2iZixbkO6mo/W8i77JsPb7I/AAAAAAAACgI/4xFP05zQx-ASh74lGIe9WHXcI5pOq3IrACLcBGAs/s400/road%2Bto%2Bhell%2B2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second half of the "Road"</td></tr>
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The top comes with a wide view of the desolate landscape around Lyn Brenig - this is half way around the whole 100 mile route:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2RXt0xkyE92kF9TpVY0W98tXQ0mreCBVqfv_j_E_oPfV7fNP_Eoyh-TNLFGBgFfANQCk3uw3mXelN44fSlzhyphenhyphenwqkBWGNZBXJga5FI7Q8ufkg-pnoQyRD2xv6NfFgJHsYXj8ENgR52KlD/s1600/RTH3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2RXt0xkyE92kF9TpVY0W98tXQ0mreCBVqfv_j_E_oPfV7fNP_Eoyh-TNLFGBgFfANQCk3uw3mXelN44fSlzhyphenhyphenwqkBWGNZBXJga5FI7Q8ufkg-pnoQyRD2xv6NfFgJHsYXj8ENgR52KlD/s400/RTH3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyn Brenig</td></tr>
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There's a long descent after this and then a sharp left turn - the start of coming back. </div>
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The route will divert off this to take in a new climb for Ride Clwyd - Melin-y-Wig. This is a tough one - just under a mile long and consistently steep for a total of 300ft of gain:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the bridge and up the hill - Melin-y-Wig</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very twisty climb on good quality tarmac</td></tr>
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After this challenge 100ers will head over towards Ruthin - rejoining the 80 and 70 milers.</div>
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Roads were in great condition, hardly any gravel or muck and usually on super-smooth tarmac.</div>
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Total climbing is just in excess of 8,000ft so this is a tough one...<br />
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Ride Clwyd will open for entries in December. </div>
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Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-1561308119552003722018-10-14T17:56:00.000+01:002018-10-14T18:05:28.075+01:00Evans Ride It Cannock 2018Good weather forecast for Sunday turned sour on Saturday night - this was going to be wet, wet, wet.<br />
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Packed the car in the rain. Drove an hour in the rain. Assembled the bike and registered in the rain. Set off in the rain. Rode all the way around in the rain. Finished in the rain. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Got home, rain stopped.</i></span></div>
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The organisers had already cut out the Long Route option - 80miles+ in rain just wouldn't be fun. I switched to the 30 mile Short option to keep my exposure down to a couple of hours.<br />
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Event HQ was in a forest, down a track which meant the first/last 200metres of the course was on forest gravel track. Well jacketed up I had a brief briefing and then sent on my way - just about the last one to leave but caught up various soggy participants pretty soon.<br />
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Have I mentioned the rain? Not cold, not windy but after a while it got to me - you kind of shrivel up inside your rain jacket and "cope". Unfortunately that means you aren't going very fast and that means you start to get cold. <br />
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Luckily the food stop arrived just in time (about an hour in) and re-energised with jelly beans I resolved to "push on" in an attempt to generate some internal warmth, and finish the event off as quickly as possible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XFuB5tTz9AtCqMThj-LiywSMt9FU4A6NHFgD7AQ0xCjs388SxFwODZYCQR1sYRwxKqVmqZWT60PI-aL049cQq3adCSsx9J449QzO3hONUc9uIslG-YSbQGk26PCdrivcJ1w4XjV-pO7l/s1600/cannock18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1180" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XFuB5tTz9AtCqMThj-LiywSMt9FU4A6NHFgD7AQ0xCjs388SxFwODZYCQR1sYRwxKqVmqZWT60PI-aL049cQq3adCSsx9J449QzO3hONUc9uIslG-YSbQGk26PCdrivcJ1w4XjV-pO7l/s320/cannock18.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another soggy rider completes</td></tr>
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Managed to pass quite a few pairs of riders on this more determined leg of my ride and found a single easy climb back up on to the Chase to give me confidence that I was nearing the end. One disturbing thing I noticed - my leggings were oozing soap. Clearly the last washing machine rinse had been less effective than the current "rinsing" I was getting on the ride. <i> </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I'd have got less wet inside a washing machine.</i></span></div>
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Pretty low key end was fine and Evans had set up a rough changing room so it was possible to get dry. Immediately on finishing I experienced the only pleasure such a ride affords - the pleasure of it being over - "I'm glad that's over" and then once changed the intense pleasure of having dry socks and a hot cup of coffee - life made simple, forget your worries, you've got dry socks and that's enough for now.<br />
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Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2441202402144590972.post-53432559953326943252018-07-27T13:06:00.003+01:002023-12-07T18:48:59.527+00:00Big climbs in France and ItalyHere's a round up of blog posts from climbs I've done:<br />
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Stelvio</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7DzD7DxJej5Gh1Dz2pFWrpAqPsuxLJ9kXpNKSLo3KTIt-8UvkIb5uFDoDsNR9e7TXVX-A5QAmQndZSpyQ9NcxjEHnRZORRKDke8jbxZdWjlhwCTWYrs4O4H7JgpDzz5divm7aU9Ks5YE/s1600/DSCN6246-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7DzD7DxJej5Gh1Dz2pFWrpAqPsuxLJ9kXpNKSLo3KTIt-8UvkIb5uFDoDsNR9e7TXVX-A5QAmQndZSpyQ9NcxjEHnRZORRKDke8jbxZdWjlhwCTWYrs4O4H7JgpDzz5divm7aU9Ks5YE/s320/DSCN6246-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This big Italian one - be prepared for the village at the top - <a href="https://rideventures.blogspot.com/2015/07/stelvio-pass-italy.html">link</a><br />
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Agnello</h2>
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You may not have heard of this one but it's 2,000m+ of climbing so how could I resist?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi6WWOJqK27VNERJTSyo-K3ivbFrXJJf-lKlhD_0U6iCzx3h9lisME0nT-JE3t5vwGrZbu0CIj5GvqmBKZWMx7sCfzBk9QT1GSc1L3D8-guibTijBFp6n3YqXWdaJfFier5sIBfyIIfjk/s1600/highmeadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="857" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwi6WWOJqK27VNERJTSyo-K3ivbFrXJJf-lKlhD_0U6iCzx3h9lisME0nT-JE3t5vwGrZbu0CIj5GvqmBKZWMx7sCfzBk9QT1GSc1L3D8-guibTijBFp6n3YqXWdaJfFier5sIBfyIIfjk/s320/highmeadow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://rideventures.blogspot.com/2015/11/agnello.html">Link</a></div>
<h2>
Maratonna climbs</h2>
I did 'em all so here's a series of posts on this spectacular area:<br />
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<a href="http://rideventures.blogspot.com/2013/06/maratona-dles-dolomites-recce.html">Link</a></div>
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<br />Andy Dawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309146400051602947noreply@blogger.com