Clifton CC

Just been reading about the Scotton 100 on the main website. Looks very exciting, and definitely something I'd like to do. I had a couple of questions.

Firstly is this usually oversubscribed? I'd love to have it as something to aim for but family duties might make it hard to give it full preparation.

Also is the route available? And are the paths freely accessible? I'd really like to try it out in my own time.

Funnily enough was just talking about this event on Sunday (and commented the year before last was about the worst i have ever felt on a bike!)

Last year was a dream though. All depends on your condition, conditions and how much you eat

afaik the event includes some paths which are only open with permission on the day; so definitely not up for recce beforehand.

I think for this reason Dave does not publish the route on main page http://www.cliftoncc.org/static.php?content=scotton_100

If no one else comes along i could probably point you towards some bridleways which are always open.

To get a feel for event people ride a mixture of road and cross bikes plus full sus and hard tail mtb. I have ridden my mountain bike with 1.5 trail type tyres. Served me ok.

We set off in 3 groups and can guarantee a Clifton grupetto will form up and make sure everyone gets round regardless of puncture count.

I would say go for it and get your entry in early. That way there is no going back and its all in a good cause. Clifton organize a number of rides between now and then which will build confidence.

Going on from what Mark said about punctures. You will be lucky if you get round without one. The area seems to excel in huge thorns that will go through kevlar tyres. So either trust to luck, lots of patches or some goo in your innertubes. I have done it the last two years and choice of bike/tyres is always interesting. Obviously a cyclocross bike is the ideal but I have done it on my non suspended MTB with road/cyclocross tyres. The sand section is interesting but I will leave that for you to experience.

Thanks for the advice. My main bike is a cyclocross bike which I bought for its versatility and I have become more and more interested in using it off road since I've owned it. I've built up quite an array of tyre choices so I should be prepared whatever the weather. If there are any preparation rides planned then I definitely want to come along.

Not sure if there will be any official preparation rides. I would says its equivalent to about a 75/80 mile road ride, as there is not that much height gain. Main thing is the weather as its early in the year. Last year it was dry and sunny. The year before it was cold and very wet. One of the competitors had to retire that year as his hands got so cold he could not repair a puncture.