LEL

[Andrew G]

I saw this on [url=http://yacf.co.uk/forum/]yacf[/url]. Whether, and how soon, places will become tight I don't know (my place reserved by deposit ages ago) but thought I'd pass it on.

[quote]"The problem has been that the organiser Melitta Luxton took on another job this summer organising the CTC Birthday Rides in the Cotswolds and effectively placed the LEL on the back burner. Also her Mum died and she is currently retraining as a Nurse so she has had a busy time this year. I spoke to the Melitta last week and she is now actively managing entries again. She tells me that is likely to reach the maximum entry of 500 sooner rather than later. She has now allowed for 550 places to allow for dropouts. Interestingly there was a block booking of 70 Italians entered last week. Anyone who wants to ride should probably enter ASAP."

[Dominic]

Thanks for that Andrew, I wish they would make up their mind about this. The last I heard was that there wouldn't be a problem as it didn't fill up until a couple of months before the last time.

It will be interesting to see how the drop out system works. How much notice will you get I wonder if you are on the reserve list?

[Andrew G]

Yeah last I'd heard places weren't going to be a problem. acf seems to have been quiet lately but I stumbled on to yacf and it seems more active on this.

Whether there were some entries backed up unprocessed as Melita was otherwise tied up or maybe it's the flurry of recent bookings from foreign groups, I guess they are doing block bookings through some kind of national association like AudaxUK or CTC, but if you've got 50-70 blocks entering then it'll soon change the numbers.

I would imagine / and hope that the reserve system would be first come first served but as for notice period it could be in the lap of the Gods.

[Andrew G]

If anyone else is thinking of doing this then latest from yacf someone said...
[quote]on: September 25, 2008, »
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I have phoned the organiser and she said the spaces available were going quickly due to foreign riders entering en block.She said that its best to enter within 3 weeks

[Grahame]

London-Edinburgh-London, an Audax ride. Probably used as a qualifier by those wanting to do PBP (Paris-Brest-Paris).

[huw williams]

No that's RAM or is it PDF?

[Andrew G]

I thought you lot liked your acronyms .

Apart from Grahame's voice of sanity, for Sean et al...

LEL is an Audax ride (i.e. clock never stops and you have to check in at various points on route to get your card checked off) from London to Edinburgh and back to London = 1,400km - you get from 26th to 31st July to do it (roughly 6 days so 233kms/145miles a day - I think).
Unlike PBP (Paris-Brest-Paris) which is 1,200km, you don't have to do any qualifying rides for LEL - it's just up to you to be able to do it and sign a waiver so that no-one can have a go at the organiser if you drop dead on the way, that's your responsibility. I have Dominic to thank for putting me on to this.

It appealed to me as a good way to see the country and an interesting challenge. I might not get the chance again as it's only run every 4 years, unlike PBP which is every year - I also couldn't be bothered to do the qualifying rides for PBP so being able to do this as a one off is handy.

The sales pitch is:
[quote]You are invited to take part in the premier British long distance endurance bicycle ride and join us in the experience of a lifetime. The ride is a test of endurance, self-sufficiency and bicycle riding skills. You will travel through amazing cycling friendly countryside between London and Edinburgh and back, a total distance of 1400 kilometres (875 miles). We guarantee that your life will be enriched by the experience.
Riders will follow a designated but unmarked route passing through check-point controls where food and drink will be available as well as opportunities to rest and recuperate before the next stage of the route. Mechanical assistance will be available if required.
Riders must complete the entire course within a specified time period and arrive at each control by a specified time. These time limits, while challenging, still allow the ride to be completed at a comfortable and enjoyable pace. The event is not a race and maximum average speed limits discourage riders from cycling at racing pace. There will always be someone to cycle along with as you wend your way to Scotland and back.
The event is truly a global event attracting riders from around the world which goes to make the event even more exciting to ride. You may even learn to speak another language whilst riding with fellow cyclists from other continents. Successful riders will go home with the satisfaction of having been part of a wonderful and unique experience and of having risen to the challenge that we have in store for you.

[Dominic]

I am still interested but they won't be getting my money this side of Christmas I am afraid. I will just have to risk that not all of the people who put deposits last year will be doing it

[Andrew G]

I only paid a deposit (whenever that way, many moons ago it seems) so I'll be getting a call for the rest post Christmas.

[huw williams]

You have to pay for this torture?

[Jon H]

If you work out the £/mile rate, it's quite good value for money.

[huw williams]

Never thought of that

PBP must be a bargain then - they're practically giving away pain and suffering

[Andrew G]

£125 Huw, but as Jon says that's pretty good vfm on a pence per mile basis .

Aside from the T-shirt, medal stuff I'd say that you get a lot for your money if you look down the list, and I can eat quite a fair amount of porridge and rice pudding :
[quote]
An official LEL T shirt
Two sets of ear plugs
Two energy bars
A recovery drink
LEL Water Bottle
Finishers Medal upon completion

[size=150]All food during the event. You will be provided with a range of food at the controls including full meals, snacks eg beans on toast, egg on toast, bacon butties, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, cakes, biscuits and a range of breakfast items such as cereal, toast and porridge. You will be provided with a snack meal and a recovery drink on completion of the event. [/size]

A Brevet card and a rider number which must be clearly displayed at all times. 2 Bag drops (see below)

A Sag Wagon to return unusual or mechanically impaired machines back to the start if either the rider or the machine are unable to continue. Riders will be taken to the nearest mainline train station and expected to return to London under their own steam. British trains do not accept tricycles, tandems or recumbents. Normal bicycles can be taken on trains. We do not have room on the sag wagon for passengers unless they are unable to travel due to injury but we will always try to help you to make your journey to return home easier.

A detailed route sheet (cue sheet)and route information sent to all riders before the event listing all controls and the facilities available at controls.

[size=150]Full shower and towel facilities at nominated control points. Sleeping space at all controls [/size](this may be basic from sleeping on wooden floors to beds at Youth Hostels)

[size=150]The services of a motorbike crew during the event. The motorbikes will carry a limited set of spares and details of local bicycle shops. They will also carry a first aid kit. [/size]

Some sleeping accommodation at the end of the event at the youth hostel (this will be time limited to 4 hours per rider, subject to availability)

[size=150]First aid at all controls [/size]including upset stomach remedies.

[huw williams]

That's a reasonably priced full-board holiday

Shame to spoil it by riding to Edinburgh but I guess you have to keep up with the food wagon

[Tim Coales]

PBP is every four years too! A bit like some international football competetions, they run alternatively 2 years apart. I think Matt Day did the last (2007) PBP.

Andrew, Tim Wainright, ex ACC, and editor of Arrivee (AUK Mag) has done this (probably several times) and could probably give some good advice, I could put interested parties in touch, or maybe he'd be willing to meet those interested at the clubroom. Matt would be good for advice too.