RetroRoadRide Series Rd 1: Cheddar Gorge ~ 08/03/14

[bobbinogs]

Buglos, I think you should go back to basics and replan the whole route. At the moment it looks like a hill rep training session which means that we will spend all the time either on a white knuckle descent or at threshold on a tough climb.

Why not try to come up with a simple 50 miler that has some nice flat sections so that we can chat to each other, some undulations to keep the ticker up every now and then and then cap the ride with a queen climb. Cafe should be after about 30 miles and we could all stay together until the queen climb when we all have a chuckle and gurn a mo'.

Thoughts?

 

[fluroforks]

Re: the extra 40km If its alright with you I'll see how I feel on the day. I'd like to do it just for the adventure but it will make a very long day for me by the time I get home. My mate will no doubt be up for it too but it will depend on his plans for that evening.

 

[bugloss]

Well I might have to re-plan it a bit and you don't have to do both parts either

 

[bugloss]

Bobbinogs,
The ascent of Cheddar and the descent of the gorge are a must because it's so atmospheric and not such a tough climb after all.
There are no easy climbs around Priddy that are on small roads and it's more of an alpine type day out that I had in mind, but I don't mind changing it. It's not going to make it any more inclusive as most of the climbs around there are cat3 and short but steep and not like around Stow.

I came up with what really are two different rides on the same day to try and get some more interest, as people could make a choice to do one or the other depending on their ability.

 

[bugloss]

Ok
After some deliberation and navel gazing I've decided to keep things as they are. It's steep and a bit of a hair raiser but it's doable on an old bike with a small gear.

We can take a vote after the first loop if we want to lop off a bit, but the Mendips are steep all over unless you want to wrestle with lots of traffic. There is a breather at the top after the first climb and across and around Butcombe with a cafe stop at 45 km in Cheddar.

It's no race or macho test, just a fun day out and a big barrel of laughs and hopefully a day to remember as being a bit of a mad thing to do on a rusty old bike with a bunch of like minded loons.

 

[daj]

Sounds good to me!! Looking forward to it

 

[elPedro666]

Absolutely, man up and get on with it, sure at least a few will make it back to tell the tale and the rest will be remembered as heroes!

Unfortunately I'm at a family do a long way away. Which in no way influenced the big talk, absolutely not, oh no sir...

 

[grumpycommuter]

Nearly prepared...

Effeminate gears fitted - check
Aerodynamically inefficient beard removed - check
Passport - check
Motivational phrases for Dave - check

 

[bugloss]

Sunnies ? 'coz Robin wants to wear shorts.

 

[daj]

Adam!!

If there is only a few of us can we have a little later start? Thinking of grumpycommuter as it currently stands I will be leaving for robin at 7am which means grumps will be leaving home at 5am to get to me!! :shock:

Cheers

Dave