White Rose Classic

AcademicX · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Steve GT

IMHO Langbar after 100 miles is a far greater challenge than the Cow and Calf was last year.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Bloody Hell ! You weren't wrong about Langbar. There seemed to be more people pushing their bikes up it than riding. I crawled up it in 34x25 and it wasn't a pleasant experience......still, I'll know for next year.

The ride itself was fantastic. Great organisation & signage. This has got to be one of the UK's premier sportives. I'll be back next year for some more punishment.

vermootencp · June 2007

Bah! I slept through my alarm and a phone call 90 minutes later. Bummed. Oh well there's always next year....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I'll do what I can to help y'all. But the game's out there, and it's play or get played. That simple."

cacbyname · June 2007

Well done to the organisers for such a well run event. Lots of food and drink at each stop and brilliantly signed throughout. Langbar after ~100 miles was just nasty...

It was a hot day and I lost count of the water bottles I got through. I ran out between the 2nd & 3rd feed stations (the big gap between them the closest I have to a criticism) but a saint gave me a bottle he had going spare about 10 miles from the 3rd stop that kept me going.

I missed out on a gold time by 10mins with a time of 7:35, I took it a bit too easy for the first half as I wasn't sure how tough it would be and then overdid it a bit in the last half trying to make up time (it will be interesting to see the split times). I thought it would be like the Etape Du Dales and have a fairly flat last 15 miles but I don't think I could have been more wrong [:)]

andrew wheatley · June 2007

Yeah, good feed stations and great signage. Well done to the organisers!

It was so much harder than last year, though, with the addition of the Coal Road and that nasty climb out of Dentdale up to Ribblehead. And I think the time standards were a bit tougher than last year, as well. Last year I missed silver by 1 minute, this year I was 55 minutes adrift! Maybe it was partly because I did almost the whole ride on my own, but mainly I think it was down to not enough time being added to take account not only of the extra distance, but also the extra climbing in this year's ride.

I grovelled round in 9hrs 8 minutes, but at least I didn't walk on any of the climbs, not even Langbar at the end, when I was almost totally knackered.

Andrew

nickwill · June 2007

That was the hardest sportive I've done!
I 'bonked' about half way out of Dentdale, and it was a grim struggle to get round after that. I managed to stay on the bike for all the hills though.
A month ago I got round the Fred Whitton in a 'first class' time of 7 hours 53 minutes. It took me 8 hours 30 to get round the White Rose, and I missed silver by 17 minutes. Even allowing for the fact that I was having a bad day, I reckon that makes the White Rose a bit harder.
I think the Fred Whitton presents you with a series of set piece hard climbs which you can mentally tick off. You then have some undulating in between stretches in which you can improve your average speed/ recover, before the next big climb.
On the White Rose, one hill follows another, and even the brief 'flat' sections have some sharp climbs.According to Memory map, the FW has more climbing. It didn't feel like that yesterday.
Congratulation to Derek and crew for one of the best organised sportives on the calendar. The pre and post event catering, and the free t shirt must make it one of the best value events as well.

You never have the wind with you - either it is against you or you're having a good day. ~Daniel Behrman, The Man Who Loved Bicycles

hugo15 · June 2007

What a day! 11 hrs 32 minutes of sheer pain. The first 50 to Hawes went OK, but then I started to get cramp, which lasted on and off until the finish. Made it up the Coal Road on sheer grit. Also discovered you can get cramp in your shin! Had to push the last little bit on Langbar - it was a case of get off or fall off - I just couldn't keep the pedals turning. The pain is starting to ease now and the sense of achievement is kicking in.

This was my first full distance sportive and it looks like I managed to pick one of the hardest!! I think apart from the first couple of miles I was either climbing or descending. It's making me tired just think about it!

Hats off to Booboo and his team of organisers. The signage was fantastic and feedstops were great, although I think it will be a while before I eat another banana [:)]. Agree with the comment about the gap between the 2nd and 3rd feed station. We were lucky in that one of the guys' had some family following so they sorted us out with water.

Bluemooncp · June 2007

Fantastic day, and superbly organised. I can only echo the sentiments above. The whole event was first class from beginning to end.
The helpers / marshalls / signage / roads were 1st class. if only every event was as proffessional as this.

I really enjoyed the day and made a great time of <7 hours so was doubly pleased.

Once again, well done Derek and team.

hugo15 · June 2007

Bluemoon - <7 hrs! Wow that's impressive!!!

AcademicX · June 2007

For us mere mortals that 'only' did the 132km route I have converted my Garmin Edge305 data into a .kml file that can be loaded into Google Earth. If you want to re-live your agonies in 3D then please feel free to download the file from the Velo Club Beverley (VCB) webite (just click here).

If you don't have Google Earth then the file can also be opened in Google Maps (just type the full URL http://www.veloclubbeverley.org.uk/routes/WRC07R2.kml into the 'Search Maps' dialogue box).

The 3 riders, including myself, from VCB managed to miss the Gold standard by 10 minutes. We maintained a 26km/hr average all the way round until one of my clubmates 'bonked' on the Langbar climb; he was in a bad way and we couldn't leave him. Still, we've got a target for next year.

TomF · June 2007

"you want to re-live your agonies"

Er, no thanks!

that was by far the hardest day I've spent on a bike. However, I echo the sentiments of everyone else: well organised, but a bit of a long gap between feeds 2 and 3.

Not know the area at all, I had no idea what to expect, which was just as weel because if I'd know it ws going to be as tough as it was (right up to the end, as well!) then I'd have though twice about that 5am start....

Tom

PS especial thanks to the helpers/marshalls who offered at every available opportunity to patch up my cuts (after an early off), even though i didn't take you up on it.

Booboocp · June 2007

Thanks for all the feedback on all the forums, but mostly thanks to all the riders who turn up for this event.

I had a fantastic rapport with many of you this year (a few more staff available meant I could 'float' a little more to get feedback!) and this for me is what makes the hard work so worthwhile.

To show you I do take your feedback seriously, I'm thinking of maybe adding an extra time check and feed/water stop on Langbar, which would help with that hard leg.

More later... [:)]

Event Website: http://www.whiteroseclassic.co.uk

Adrian Hunt · June 2007

KEN

Found you! It's Assos Man (Adrian).

Good ride yesterday ...... we worked pretty we worked pretty well together on Sunday.

General consensus at finish was that it was a very hard sportive ...... probably not a good choice for my first one, but things turned out ok.

A bit sunburned [8D] and tired today, but it was great fun (in hindsight).

samoff · June 2007

Rider 512 checking in:
Thanks to everyone who helped me out following my big off (coming down from Stainforth).
I especially want to thank the guy in the black jersey who stopped to check me out and sit me down. What a gent - I hope you still made your target time, mate.
Many thanks also to the support team - the ones who found me and waited with me and those who patched me up and took me to Feed 3. Everyone involved in the event seems to have the perfect balance between professional efficiency and good-natured friendliness,

I went to Harrogate A&E and the bandaged me up to look the partially-visible man. They dug a bit of grit the size of a marrowfat pea out my arm and declared my right hand broken. I'm feeling bloody lucky today, though because all me joints work and me heads ok. btw, I'd recommend Harrogate for all your accidental needs - no waiting at all and lovely people to boot.

The event itself was great, for all of the reasons stated above. I'll definitely be back next year - only this time I'll be doing the long ride rather than the medium one. All the training had paid off and I was actually feeling great just before I came off - 12.7mph - nowhere near a silver but well up on my target of 12.

I've done an awful lot of riding over the years, but this was the first time I've ridden with club riders. You guys don't half move, don't you? It's quite weird having people come by at >15mph on the hill up to Greenhow. There was a good atmosphere, though and everyone seemed to mix in together at feeds - it doesn't matter how fast you go up the hills, we all suffer the same.

allthebest

Simon

"Check your sheds! Check your sheds! I think I've lost my mind" Half Man Half Biscuit

lmrt · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Booboo

To show you I do take your feedback seriously, I'm thinking of maybe adding an extra time check and feed/water stop on Langbar, which would help with that hard leg.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Shurely shome mistake? Not Langbar, there's only a few miles to go then!

All credit to you, Matt, Bob, Pam, Peter, Brian and the score or more other helpers whose name I don't know.

This event was superbly organised, the best feeds, friendly helpers, a great credit to the Yorkshire British Cycling.

The route itself was extremely tough & I found myself unable to keep up with my clubmates as early as the West End climb. Perhaps put a dangerous bend sign on the final West End descent as I saw 3 lads overshoot & end up over the grass. I got up Fleet Moss ok but walked some of Coal Road and some short bits of 2 other climbs. It was a long stretch without water before Malham, a check of the split times shows this, maybe a smaller feed may be apt. halfway along this stretch somewhere. I managed to ride up Langbar despite starting with cramp in my right arm and back (I know, legs were tired but didn't cramp, go figure). Still made gold standard with around 7:16

I didn't enjoy the suffering but I suppose that's what we sign up to!

Many thanks to you all once again.

Ken Night · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by lmrtShurely shome mistake? Not Langbar, there's only a few miles to go then!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Read between the lines-a few riders, who should be named and shamed, went round the bottom...and a checkpoint would end that nonsense (maybe a marshall on the lower road taking pics would be better[}:)])

Yup a great day out-in great cycling country. I was pleased to meet Cap'n Fagor, Adrian, Ossie of last years Etape fame, and many others in the bar afterwards

It was the signing on the route that made all the difference-great to be able to go for it, confident of not getting lost

Well done Derek- well organised.

"I once prayed to God for a bike, but quickly found out he didnt work that way...so I stole a bike and prayed for his forgiveness"

lmrt · June 2007

I was with a couple of Yorkshire Road Club guys, a north road club guy and a Yorkshire Velo (tall) guy for approx the last third of the ride. As we approached the Langbar turn I jokingly said to the Velo guy that we could go straight on and miss the climb. Needless to say, we all turned left and grovelled our way up. We'd only be cheating ourselves. I never really thought that people might cheat. Actually I would tend to agree with you that they should be named & shamed, especially as they would have knocked other riders down the ranking. On the other hand, I think some of the back markers who may have totally blown could be forgiven for carrying straight on. Yes, maybe an observer or an additional control may have to be introduced.

Captain Fagor · June 2007

Firstly, nice to meet you too, Ken! It's a pity I'm not fit enough to ride with you, as I'm sure you'd be great company. Next year perhaps! In my bedraggled state at the end (see below), I forgot to ask if you made the gold standard?

And nice to meet you Booboo. I think you did a great job of organising this event. It's a nice course scenery-wise, and obviously challenging! I suspect the route is on a par with both the FWC, and Spud Riley (my Suunto X6HRM seems to indicate this), although for one reason or another I suffered WAY more on your event. I'd also place your organisation above that of the others.

I finished in 8:53:52. Splits were 1:33, 3:02, 5:51 and 8:53. It could have been a whole lot better, easily half an hour. I'm pretty sure I got sunstroke some time shorty after Malham. Me and one of the other two riders wearing Assos Mumu tops were working together trying top get home, then boom, I was completely screwed. I had goosebumps, was feeling sick, weak and very sleepy - I was yawning and really struggling to concentrate. After langbar, I had to lie down as I wasn't safe for riding for a little while. Anyway, Malham to the finish took me over THREE HOURS! Loads of people I had passed earlier on in the day came piling past me, as I made my decrepit way to the finish, lol. It was a real struggle.

When I got back to the travelodge type hotel, I lifted my rucksack out of the boot, and then came a yawn of another variety. A "technicolour yawn". It came so sudden, I managed to cover both my shoes. Nice. The next few were aimed down a nearby drain. I felt better immediately thereafter, and chuckled to myself as I thought what a horrible sight that must have been to an onlooker (of which, thankfully, there were none - not even pidgeons).

Unfortunately, that wasn't the last of them. I had a shower, and then a warm bath to try and warm up, and then had a lengthy conversation down "the big white telephone". Ended up puking several more times, until it turned into green bile. Nasty! I was gutted that I wouldn't be able to have that jumbo mixed grill that I had been thinking about for the second half of the ride! After a fitfull couple of hours sleep, I went out to a local chippy and had to make do with some sips of flat coke and some buttered bread.

Oh well, it wasn't the best of ends to the ride, but on the positive note, at least I now weigh 73kgs fully clothed! [:D]

Captain Fagor · June 2007

Andrew Wheatley - I see you're from Leeds. This may be a long shot, but were you riding a Cannondale Synapse?

Ken Night · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Captain Fagor

........, and then came a yawn of another variety. A "technicolour yawn". <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I didn't like to say it when we met when you finished, Cap'n. You looked shattered-nay, pale and wan.

I had a good riding companion for much of the route, in the shape of Adrian Hunt. I finished in 7h 07,just inside my target time

"I once prayed to God for a bike, but quickly found out he didnt work that way...so I stole a bike and prayed for his forgiveness"

nf · June 2007

Thought I should add my tuppence worth about yesterday. It was a very well run/organised event, and a big thank you to all the helpers who not only gave up their day but cheered me up when I was feeling low.

Congratulations to Derek on an excellent day out in the dales, I'd only ridden the climb out of dentdale before so the rest of the route was all new.

My particular favourite was the slightly unsurfaced road near the end, riding ultra gatorskin tyres gave me the confidence to blast over. I've a feeling I'll be alone in saying this, but I like the challenge of those type of roads.

Bring on next year, marshalling or riding...

Ryedaleman · June 2007

Great event, only very small complaint was lack of tie ons for numbers. But what the hell.
Great helpers too, espcially guy at Malham who filled my water bottle for me as I downed one. Also thanks to the guys with the contol checks and the whizz kid with the computer at the HQ who corrected my age standard.

I went really well until... Langbar what a B...stard, broke a spoke with the effort! Until then I was thinking I should have upped from the 133kms to the longer ride, very glad I didnt! Got back with a few minutes to spare for a gold and very pleased with myself.
Also thanks to the 2 guys and girl from Aberdeen for their company for the last half.

Look forward to next year.

Jokull · June 2007

Well, I suffered like a dog from about half way round - I cramped going up the climb out of Cowgill, and really struggled for the next 20 miles or so. Am I the only person who got to the Hawes feed station to find that they'd run out of water and were rationing the SIS to one cup per person - this did NOT help! In the end, I have to be satisfied with my 8hrs 27, but I'm disappointed I didn't run into anybody off the forum!

andrew wheatley · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Captain Fagor

Andrew Wheatley - I see you're from Leeds. This may be a long shot, but were you riding a Cannondale Synapse?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

No, I was on a blue Trek Pilot, wearing my new red/yellow/black TI Raleigh Creda jersey. Nice jersey, though it clashes with the bike a bit[:)]

Andrew

hugo15 · June 2007

I've made the BC website!!

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/lei/News2007/20070610_white_rose_classic.asp

Top left is my mate Malc in the blue and my uncle (in what is possibly the worst top I have every seen).

I am in the middle left picture in the black and silver top.

thetrotter · June 2007

Like everyone else I thought that it was a great event, extremely well organised, very friendly and well signed (obviously the locals in the Dales don't get their amusement by removing signs/turning them round etc). Putting the finish outside the town was a great idea and prevented people racing through the streets. The lack of zip ties at the start was an irritation but my one complaint was that like Jokull I couldn't get any water at Hawes. Given the distance to Malham I was thoroughly dehyrdated by the time I got there and never really recovered. Even allowing for that, the last thirty miles were much harder than I expected with constant little climbs and Langbar an unexpected sting in the tail. Overall, a harder route than the Etape du Dales (largely because of the last section).

Ken Night · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jokull

......but I'm disappointed I didn't run into anybody off the forum!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

sorry not to meet you at 8.30-I was queueing in the clubhouse.........I did hang around til nearly 6pm in the kit I mentioned above, though.

"I once prayed to God for a bike, but quickly found out he didnt work that way...so I stole a bike and prayed for his forgiveness"

lmrt · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by thetrotter
well signed (obviously the locals in the Dales don't get their amusement by removing signs/turning them round etc<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I was talking to Matt, one of the organisers, after the event about this. Apparently the local lags (can you have chavs in the countryside?), had removed a lot of the signs. The organisation had someone go out in a car at 6:30 on the morning of the ride to check all the signs, and replace those that had been removed!

All credit to the organisation.

Hugh_P · June 2007

I did the 133km route with a mate who was much slower than me. This gave me the opportunities to take some photos which you can see here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8708027@N04/sets/72157600337114853/

Great day out and faultless organisation. Nice to have the warning signs about the trickier descents as well.

Captain Fagor · June 2007

Ken - that's an impressive time, I bet you're chuffed! Was your riding buddy for the day the guy on the colnago? And you were right - that climb you passed me on was a pig as you said!

When you passed me, I was complaining (again!) about my lack of big gears. By quirk of fate, perhaps ten miles before Malham I remembered seeing a rider earlier in the day climbing off his bike to fill his water bottle from a pretty ropey looking stream (it was not long after the big descent from the day's high point, during the valley stretch and just before the route turned left under the masonry railway viaduct). Anyway, "there was a chap not thinking clearly" I thought to myself - and made a personal note to think clearly myself. Then eureka! I had forgotten about my STI cable adjusters, and was able to add tension to stop the front triple derailleur from rubbing on any gear taller than 39x17. Having these taller gears back gave me a real mental boost, and I thought it'd be plain sailing from there on. How wrong I was!

Lastly, I'd also like to add my thanks to the person that must have scraped their pedal (or something of similar height) along the right hand side of my car, right down to the primer. I only bought the car a few weeks ago, so you really made my day. With people like you around, perhaps I should have stuck to my seventeen year old Honda civic. [:(!][:(!]

Ryedaleman · June 2007

Hugh P
Thanks for posting the pics , thats me on the flourecent orange Kona just before I broke the spoke!

Pete

White Rose Classic

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