13 posts tagged “audax”

The organiser stated earlier this week that London-Edinburgh-London is now ful. 600 riders from 30 different nationalities. 5 days max, 1400km.

Mood: Excited and worried.

I have received confirmation that my entry has been processed. For anyone interested in entering, consider doing so sooner than later as places are filling in fast. Also make sure the cheque is addressed to LEL2009 Ltd as opposed to the name of the main organiser Melita Luxton.

Plans are being drafted and redrafted on a constant basis as there is clear need to balance getting fit for riding 1400k in 5 days and family life.

Current plans are as folllow:
April:  Moffat Toffee (200k) on 19 April or The Cambrian (200k) on 11th April + Elenith (300k)
May: Fred Whitton Challenge on 10th May, Brian Chapman Memorial (600k) on 16th May
June: Ardechoise's Meridionale Allier (600k), White Rose Classic TBD
July: London-Edinburgh-London (1400k)
August: Relax... and Cumberland Challenge (I intend carry on riding this one until we get good weather conditions!)
September: May be the three peaks cyclocross...

A challenging event such as London-Edinburgh-London requires a few tricks to avoid wimping out before even seeing the start. One of first tricks to use is to voice your intentions to your friends, family etc... Then you have to enter.

I have now done that on both counts. I have also booked accommodation at the start and finish. I am nervously awaiting confirmation from the organiser Melita Luxton.

Related post: One Silly idea for 2009,

If you could be featured in a magazine which one would you choose?

 Audax UK's Arrivée after riding LEL2009 next year?

I headed to Marple (Near Stockport) for the second audax of the week. The forecast looked bleak so I packed the winter ribble bike and a range of waterproofing clothing items. The journey to Marple was uneventful if a bit slow around the outskirts of Manchester. I arrived with ample time for the 10am start. A 10am start for an audax is slightly unusual and to be honest brilliant. Very relaxed.

I collected my brevet card from the organiser (Winston Powes) as well as a banana and chocolate roll, met Noodley from YACF cycling forum and briefly acknowledged Mike who I had met on the previous Sunday riding the Bowland Audax. At 10am and prompted by strong whistle from WInston, the group of 40-odd cyclists started the ride. I don't know why but there is always a kind of nervous vibe in the first 15-20' of such a ride. I always have trouble keeping track of the routesheet in these early stages. Thankfully with many riders around who know where they are going it isn't much of an issue. No sign of the torrential downpours forecasted by metcheck. Perfect cycling weather. 17 degrees, little wind and overcast.

The first serious climb of the day was Snake Pass. A delight. It's a long by british isles standard and does not contain any of the silly 20-30% gradients one encounters in parts of the Lake district. Beautiful views, moors with heather in full purple blossom. Fantastic. This climb set the scene for the rest of the ride. Gorgeous scenery, climbs to the top of some moors. The two cafe stops were great too. Efficient, good value. For a change I avoided the beans on toast. Tuna and cheese toastie, carrot cake / scoop of ice cream and cups of tea kept me well stocked up and hydrated.

My favorite climb was on the way to Sheldon HERE 

All in all, an excellent audax, one of the best if not the THE best I have ridden in my young and limited audax experience. The Peak district is superb cycling country. And the weather hold out!

Route:

That's one hilly scenic ride around the pennines and the forest of Bowland. Recommended for the scenery, challenge (if you are as challenged by hills as I am) and good company. Well organised by Don Black under the hospice of Audax UK.

London - Edinburgh - London the pinnacle of UK long distance cycling. 1400km in less than 116 hours 40 minutes. The UK's equivalent of Paris-Brest-Paris.

Why should I?
- I love cycling
- I am more of a tortoise than a hare
- Never cycled that far so it is a challenge to aim for
- I am completely enthused by previous editions ride reports
- It's every four years and 09 is LEL's year
- It's bonkers

Why shouldn't I?
- It's a long way
- It starts and finishes in London
- It's slightly bonkers.
- Preparation will be daunting and time consuming
- I really don't know if I can do it. cycling 515k in 3 days on L'Ardechoise last year saw me completely drained on the last day. (yet, LEL is much flatter...)
- I like sleeping

So... end of July 09: LEL
May: Fred Whitton / Dales Grimpeur + one 300
June: The defining / testing ride to LEL: Ardechoise (e.g. La Merdionale-Allier?)
Rest of the year: club runs, longer commutes from April twice a week, Thursday evening training ride (chain gang).

I intend to ride just three fairly local audax rides this year.

• North Lancs Cycleway and Bowland Forest Populaire (15 June) 109k from Caton

• Bowland early August (3rd August) - reputed to be the hilliest 200k in the UK

• Autumn in the Peak (21st September) 120k in the peak district

In other cycling news...
1. I have an entry for the Fred Whitton Challenge. I am both happy and terrified. Let's say that I am looking forward to struggling again on those nasty steep Lake district passes. I think I will be better prepared this year with the weekly club runs.
2. White Rose classic has also been entered. I am looking forward to that one as I have not ridden any of the climb this sportive features. One word: Hilly
3. I probably won't enter the Devil's ride nor the Autumn Epic. I don't doubt these two sportive will be great. Last year's Autumn Epic was superb.
4. I am getting a helmet. Crisis of conscience? Needing a good one for riding the Fred? Who knows...
5. I have joined Lune RCC. Nice chaps and great rides on Sundays.

In other news, this blog is not getting many updates. Yikes.

I am sad to say that I am parting company with two of my lovely bikes ("Thorn" and "Fixie"). A combination of needing the space in the shed for our tandem and the needs for funds to part finance the replacement of our car is pushing me to say bye to them :-(

Interested? Here are the links to the 2 auctions: On-one Il Pompino Fixed Gear bike 51cm (medium) and Thorn Brevet audax / light touring bike 56cm

Back to the old blighty after riding the Ardechoise's Gorges-Ardeche.

Verdict: The best 3 days on a bike I have had. Bring on next year! the organisers are talking of an additional route starting in St Felicien finishing climbing Mont Ventoux

Highlights:

• Beautiful region,
• wonderful welcome from all the villagers,
• Spot on organisation
• Good overnight stays at the Hotel des Chataigners in Privas and then Relais des Brisson just off Rocles
• Great companionship amongst the riders
• wild blueberries on Day one before le Col des 4 Vios
• Picodon from Vernoux
• Hats off to my 81 year old room mate in Privas who was doing the same 471k route.

Down:

• Lack of Food Stops on 3rd day for the first half of ride or food already gobbled up by riders doing the shorter routes and then feeling all empty with 50k to go. Fortunately about 30k of that was downhill of the Mt Gerbier du Jonc.