Gran Fondo Cymru Sportive update

[huw williams]

The biggest and quite likely to be the best sportive this year.
May 28th, bank holiday weekend.

Entry so far is 400, with 55 riders (a large percentage of whom should be wearing yellow and black) set to take on the 'Super' challenge distance of 123 miles.

Any more Addiscombe takers?

The event is open to a maximum of 1000 riders and will go close to selling out when the summer arrives so sign up asap. If you need any further encourangement, check out the inspirational pics of the gently rolling hills on their website @ http://www.i-team.co.uk (follow the gran fondo link).

[sylv]

Well, I've got my 12-27 cassette, just need to sort out all the rest now!

Not sure if I'll be driving or taking the train yet, but if driving would be up for teaming up with people.

The same bank holiday weekend is the MTB World Cup in Fort William, so might be pushing up further North to spectate!

I'll be up for some long hilly rides as mentioned by Huw after my ski race early March.

[huw williams]

Should be a few cars going up so we'll organise lift share. I suggest we all try to get accomodation as close as possible to Bala town centre in order to ease dropping people off and picking them up.

I've just transposed the route directions onto a roadmap which I'll make available to any members doing the event. A warning though - ITS BLOODY TERRIFYING when you see it laid out like that! There's hardly any flat sections and based on my experiences of last years hilly events I'd say there's going to be a lot of solo riding or small groups of riders. Much harder than being towed around in a bunch.

Riders with 24hour solo enduro events under their belts will love it. The rest of us should say our prayers!

[sylv]

It's only slightly more than equivalent to a constant 5% gradient climb for 60 miles (assuming there's as much distance of climbing than descending)

[kieran]

well I have signed up for this one, not sure if doing the medium or long, depends if its windy and raining I suppose!

[Graham O]

I'll be driving up, or sharing..Love to see the map huw.

I am down for the easier of the two rides. I am scared enough of this one and would rather not think of the longer ride just now..

We may have to think about some group tactics on the day. If anyones wanting to attenpt a similar time to me, would be happy to group up to avoid beig alone on those lonely Welsh hills..

[huw williams]

When studying the route map - the interesting thing is that you actually complete the shorter route before doing the extra loop which is tacked on at the end.

So I think for a lot of riders it will be a case of seeing how they feel on the day. If you've just finished 108miles could you resist the temptation of the extra loop of Bwlch y Groes, the second toughest climb in the UK, just for the sake of an extra 15 miles?

As for group tactics we could certainly ride as a group although we tried that at the Autumn Epic and Marek ended up in in tears!

I'll do copies of the map for everyone next week

[Tim H (liquigas)]

I am going on a diet to loose the pounds for this one!!!! - wont be much fun trying to get round with my current 86kg's

not long now

[siwickm]

I will have to take an axe to both of my legs to get my weight down for this one. I am mad letting myself in for this pain with lightweight whipper snappers like Huw for company.

Huw, how about racing at Goodwood, I reckon I stand a chance against you on the flats.

Cheers

Marek....

[sylv]

Aodan and I are thinking of travelling together, with the possibility to take a third person in the car.

Haven't looked into the logistics of accomodation yet, but if anyone fancies travelling together, let me know

[Gavin]

Doing this one probably take my car but wouldn't mind going in an addiscombe cycle car convoy!

[huw williams]

Latest entry list shows 594 riders with almost 100 down for the 'super-challenge.' Gonna be MASSIVE!

There's still 400 places left so any other Agreeables fancy it? Looks like we're going to have plenty of transport heading up there.

Time to start planning the psychological approach to the last 12 miles - we're going to be finishing the ride at the registration hut (after about 105 miles) then those of us signed up for the 'super' are going to have to turn right (instead of going left into the hall for tea and cakes) and complete the extra 12 miles over one of the hardest hills in the UK, the imposing Bwlch-y-Groes.

That's not going to be an easy decision with cakes and an end to the pain beckoning!

[sylv]

Will there be food/drink stops or is it a matter of taking all you need on your back?

[huw williams]

No there will be very good back up in that respect - At least three food and drink stops which carry water and energy drink plus basics like fig rolls, bananas and energy bars.

Always carry something for emergencies though - I find it better to have a constant supply of small snacks (Dried fruit etc) rather than eat lots at each stop. Also, if you're in a group which is racing, you might not want to stop at every checkpoint in order to keep your place in the group.

Essentialy, memorise the mile distances where each feed station appears on the route before starting so you always know where you are in relation to a potentially life-saving snack.

[Phil L]

Just registered for the 108 mile ride.

What is everyone doing about accomodation? Is everyone staying in Bala?