Clifton CC

Just 3 weeks away....

Bit of an adventure this and needs some careful planning. If you ride sensibly and the weather is reasonable, then its not as physically hard as you might think.

Itinery: Leave The Square at 1900 on Sturday. Follow traditional Wharfedale route through wetherby, Otley, Ilkley, Bolton Abbey then A59 (quiet by then) to Skipton. Fish and Chip supper before setting off on the night stretch using the A65 through Ingleton and on through Kendal (as the night clubs kick out) and on to Windermere. Pic-nic on park bench at about 2am, then Kirkstone Pass. By Ullswater the sun should be coming up. Penrith (coffee machine in petrol station!) then onto a Little Chef Olympic Breakfast in Appleby. Then Kirkby Stephen, long climb over Garsdale Head, then Wensleydale and home (Hawes, Middleham, Masham...) Last time we were home about 4pm.

There'll be 5.5 hours of darkness, so you'll need some good lights to get through that (and some carrots). Everything will be shut between Ingleton and Penrith (5 or 6 hours) so you'll need fuel for that stretch and some extra clothing. .... so you'll have to think how you are going to carry it. Your bum's going to be sore enough without the extra weight of a rucksack - so some sort of saddlebag maybe?

If you are serious about racing then this ride is not for you - your legs will be heavy for a while after. Its not really one for the teenagers either. But it will be an adventure you'll remember for the rest of your days!

Let me know if you're coming (post here or PM) - it will help me plan.

Rob, it looks like some careful consideration is being put in by potential participants I was initially reluctant to declare my hand too early for this one, it’s obviously a big call …but what the heck, I’m up for it and planning to do it, so if you need someone to help keep you awake on the night, count me in!

Actually, my biggest fear concerns my derriere! Normally my bum feels like it’s been kicked by a couple of Clydesdales after 12 hours in the saddle,…so what’s it going to feel like after 21 hours!! So, if Greg reads this, or for that matter anyone else who’s done an epic ride (Tim R?), I would very much appreciate your top tips for the prevention of sore bums on long rides.

D.

Baby's bum cream! Conotrane is the bran of choice and its tubes are also a handier saddlebag shape than are Sudocrem tubs. Wear shorts with a good pad and make sure your bum's very clean before you set out. You may like to take some wet wipes to wipe away the sweat at halfway before applying fresh cream. Welcome to the low underbelly of cycling

While we're talking about contact points, I think I've found the perfect bar tape for Tony 'Shinyshoes' G!

Anyway, count me in for the ride.

Even though I am currently in France trying to follow some of the Tour I am giving this ride some serious thought. Tomorrow we head down to the Pyrennees so should have the chance to do some serious climbing before the Pros arrive next week. I will be back on the 16th so was thinking of doing the Peter Gray as well. If some altitude training and that ride isn't good enough preparation then I don't know what would be. The only thing I'm worried about is holding you guys ups on the hills.

Jon

Welcome aboard guys.

I confess that I was worried that the enthusiasm of a couple of months ago had faded when faced with the reality.... There were more than a dozen "definitely up for it" at one stage.

I think 4 is the minimum number to make the ride viable - share the load. 6 would be better. Spread the word.

With only a week to go I am still planning on doing this ride. I hope others haven't changed their minds. Can I ask Rob what would you recommend carrying for sustenance? Especially for the night stretch. I was thinking of just sandwiches if your planning on stopping as eating on the move is not my strong point.

Jon

Jon,

You'll need a fair bit of nosh to get through the night. I always reckon that on these long rides you have to have something that you actually want to eat. You can't eat gels and Powerbars for 20 hours... well I can't anyway. I'm taking some sandwiches for the pic-nic in Windermere, but I'm leaving the wicker basket and travel rug behind

Nobody's dropped out. Looking forward to it.

R

OK, final udate.
Being prudent and bringing the start time forward to 6-30 as last time. Would be a shame to miss last orders at the F&C shop... Meet, as usual, in The Square. Anyone wanting a steady evening ride to pace us out for an hour would be very welcome!
See you on Saturday.
R

Time noted, see you Saturday guys. I'm strangely looking forward to it

Jon