[Other Sport] Cycling geeks

[Stat Brother]

That run in is too long from the top of he Cauberg, it almost negates the climb.

They were going so unbelievably fast before turning left.
Then a proper wheat from the chaff selection up the climb, but that's followed by a km of 'poker'.

 

[Indurain's Lungs]

That run in is too long from the top of he Cauberg, it almost negates the climb.

They were going so unbelievably fast before turning left.
Then a proper wheat from the chaff selection up the climb, but that's followed by a km of 'poker'.

I agree, they only changed it so they can sell grandstand tickets in the centre of valkenburg for the finish.

 

[wakeytom]

I agree, they only changed it so they can sell grandstand tickets in the centre of valkenburg for the finish.

Got to admit though as a new follower of the sport I found that fun to watch at the end although can understand that the finish at the top would be better for a purist

 

[1066familyman]

That run in is too long from the top of he Cauberg, it almost negates the climb.

They were going so unbelievably fast before turning left.
Then a proper wheat from the chaff selection up the climb, but that's followed by a km of 'poker'.

Agreed. Made for a pretty dull race. The best thing that could have happened to that race was if just a couple of more strong riders could have come over to the Nibs group and see that attack stick.

Another 50p e/w betting loss to join the others so far this season. Fabio Felline unfortunately turned out to be chaff

On the plus side - RTL Luxembourgish coverage had a fantastic buffer free quality stream and the commentator wasn't Carlton Kirby I've a day off for Fleche Wallonne on Wednesday so hopefully I can find another non Carlton Kirby stream then as well.

 

[1066familyman]

Got to admit though as a new follower of the sport I found that fun to watch at the end although can understand that the finish at the top would be better for a purist

If you found that fun to watch at the end then you've got yourself a right result and a new sport to follow There's much much much better than that on offer in other races.

 

[Pantani]

Agreed. Made for a pretty dull race. The best thing that could have happened to that race was if just a couple of more strong riders could have come over to the Nibs group and see that attack stick.

Another 50p e/w betting loss to join the others so far this season. Fabio Felline unfortunately turned out to be chaff

On the plus side - RTL Luxembourgish coverage had a fantastic buffer free quality stream and the commentator wasn't Carlton Kirby I've a day off for Fleche Wallonne on Wednesday so hopefully I can find another non Carlton Kirby stream then as well.

Sadly for me I will miss Fleche Wallonne as I am on a day trip to the Long Man brewery brewing beer. Yes, I am showing off. Finally rid of my illness as of yesterday too so some early week rides to look forward to as well.

Back to Amstel Gold, I quite like the finish there, Fleche is the hill sprint race, I like the fact that this one is a bit more like a Worlds style finish. You cannot just use all the energy you have on the Cauberg, though maybe a half way house finish would be better.

 

[Stat Brother]

Sadly for me I will miss Fleche Wallonne as I am on a day trip to the Long Man brewery brewing beer. Yes, I am showing off. Finally rid of my illness as of yesterday too so some early week rides to look forward to as well.

Back to Amstel Gold, I quite like the finish there, Fleche is the hill sprint race, I like the fact that this one is a bit more like a Worlds style finish. You cannot just use all the energy you have on the Cauberg, though maybe a half way house finish would be better.

Nice one.


Half way may well be good.
This year there seemed to be no incentive to try and crush the Cauberg, if anything doing so was detrimental to winning.

There ought to be something in it for the riders that take on the signature climb.

 

[sten_super]

Is it a premium feature?, because I can't seem to see it anywhere.

Nice bit of sunshine today but that headwind was vicious, especially on your favourite Birling Gap to Beachy Head bit.

It's been hidden in the Labs for ages, but available for all to use (you don't even have to log in).

http://labs.strava.com/flyby/

On an unrelated note - I'm doing my first imperial century ride this Friday. Have booked the day off to cycle from Cambridge to Stratford-upon-Avon (where my folks live). 105 miles and c4,000 ft of climbing. My previous best is 60 miles and 2,000 ft (not the same ride). The plan is to take a very steady pace (aiming for 15mph average) and take at least a couple of proper breaks, including one for lunch, and make a bit of a day of it. I'll be taking plenty of fuel (two bottles plus food supplies, and will stop to refill along the way). Any advice or definite dos/don'ts from the geeks?

 

[Pogue Mahone]

It's been hidden in the Labs for ages, but available for all to use (you don't even have to log in).

http://labs.strava.com/flyby/

On an unrelated note - I'm doing my first imperial century ride this Friday. Have booked the day off to cycle from Cambridge to Stratford-upon-Avon (where my folks live). 105 miles and c4,000 ft of climbing. My previous best is 60 miles and 2,000 ft (not the same ride). The plan is to take a very steady pace (aiming for 15mph average) and take at least a couple of proper breaks, including one for lunch, and make a bit of a day of it. I'll be taking plenty of fuel (two bottles plus food supplies, and will stop to refill along the way). Any advice or definite dos/don'ts from the geeks?

Well...have you checked the weather? South-Westerly wind, and quite heavy rain is expected for Friday, so my first bit of advice might be to choose another day.

If this is happening, enjoy yourself. Eat flapjack regularly, keep the fluids up, and don't stop for too long for lunch. Take jelly beans (brilliant for instant energy, much nicer than gels).

 

[Bold Seagull]

Any advice or definite dos/don'ts from the geeks?

I would echo [MENTION=19321]Pogue Mahone[/MENTION]'s advice plus bananas.

My only advice is don't overthink the distance. It is a long way, but you might find you don't need as many breaks as you think. Rather than lunch, you might want a stop every 30 miles for 10 mins. A longer stop and you might find you stiffen up and find it difficult to get going again. 15mph on your own is a decent pace, let's hope the wind is blowing the right way!

 

[sten_super]

Well...have you checked the weather? South-Westerly wind, and quite heavy rain is expected for Friday, so my first bit of advice might be to choose another day.

The forecasts I have seen have said showers rather than heavy rain, but yes. Unfortunately I have no leeway over the day - so it's either cycle or wuss out and get the train. It's also the only chance I'm going to get at the distance for at least 6 weeks. It's a bugger but unfortunately the one thing I can't control is the weather! Fingers crossed the forecast changes between now and then...

Thanks (to you and [MENTION=16159]Bold Seagull[/MENTION]) for the refuelling advice. I suppose I had visions of a sunny, relaxed ride with a pub lunch stop midway, but that's massively unrealistic (particularly given the forecast!). A few short, sharp breaks are much more sensible. Jelly beans were certainly in my plan.

 

[Stat Brother]

After you've followed the great advise, don't forget to enjoy yourself and be proud of the achievement.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

After you've followed the great advise, don't forget to enjoy yourself and be proud of the achievement.

Too bloody right. It's compulsory to well up when you complete your first 100.

 

[1066familyman]

It's been hidden in the Labs for ages, but available for all to use (you don't even have to log in).

http://labs.strava.com/flyby/

On an unrelated note - I'm doing my first imperial century ride this Friday. Have booked the day off to cycle from Cambridge to Stratford-upon-Avon (where my folks live). 105 miles and c4,000 ft of climbing. My previous best is 60 miles and 2,000 ft (not the same ride). The plan is to take a very steady pace (aiming for 15mph average) and take at least a couple of proper breaks, including one for lunch, and make a bit of a day of it. I'll be taking plenty of fuel (two bottles plus food supplies, and will stop to refill along the way). Any advice or definite dos/don'ts from the geeks?

Thanks, I see it's currently coming up automatically again when I just checked SB's ride.

Good luck on your upcoming debut century. Having recently completed mine, and subsequently got a few 90 milers in too, there's nothing really I can think to add that hasn't already been covered for you by the geeks. Really best not to over think it so I'm not going to rack my brains to try and throw in anything else to complicate matters. Just enjoy yourself and report back here on how it went

 

[Stat Brother]

Just back from Jnr's first Oval Raceway event of the year.
To say he's rather hyped would be an understatement.
He's a couple of shots of the Kirin.

 

[1066familyman]

Is that the track tucked down by the side of the A27, and you can see random flags flying from there when you drive by on said A27? Coming from East to West you'd turn off by Titnore lane but instead carry on over the roundabout as if going to Angmering and it's down there on your right?

You're lucky having that on your doorstep. Little Miss 1066 would love a go at that if she could go along and watch a few times to build her confidence first. Wish we had something similar round our way.

 

[wakeytom]

I just did a 2 hour ride myself which is (I am ashemed to say) the longest ride I have done. I felt tired at parts and was thinking of popping a gel in my pocket for half way through such a ride but do you guys not think they are so good?

 

[Stat Brother]

Yeah it's on a go-kart track, we're probably the most local.
A few jnrs from Brighton clubs were there, as were a couple from Dorking.
It was a good turn out, those photos are of the 'little ones', and there's almost the same again for the older teen races.

On my ride I got passed by a car North of Bognor with 2 x 650 road bikes on the back.
I thought then, 'I wonder if I'll see them in an hour or so', sure enough they were there.

 

[1066familyman]

I just did a 2 hour ride myself which is (I am ashemed to say) the longest ride I have done. I felt tired at parts and was thinking of popping a gel in my pocket for half way through such a ride but do you guys not think they are so good?

No shame in a 2hr ride being your longest. Anytime at all on a bike is better than none. Nice one

I've never actually used gels - 1) because I'd rather go for 'proper' food and I'm not racing. 2) because they seem to cost a lot and I'm a tight git

Fun size bananas with flapjacks or fruit/nut/seed bars or fig rolls for me.

I do however now by these to pop in my water bottles and they work a treat for keeping cramps at bay http://www.wiggle.co.uk/high5-zero-electrolyte-drink-20-tabs/

 

[Stat Brother]

I just did a 2 hour ride myself which is (I am ashemed to say) the longest ride I have done. I felt tired at parts and was thinking of popping a gel in my pocket for half way through such a ride but do you guys not think they are so good?

Funny looking road bike you've got there

Don't be shy, it's about time someone formally introduced themselves on the specific thread in the 'discussion' sub section (directly below our non-existent club badge).

40 members and I know who less than half of them are.