Dragon Ride

Unknown · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by SteveR_100Milers

Was that you then at the end with your arm in a sling shouting well done as I rode back to the car park?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Nope - I was stuck at Morriston Hospital - my mate had to drive 30 miles the wrong way to come and get me!

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">
There was also someone sat on the side of the road between glyneath and neath with an ambulance nearby. He looked ok, but his bike was some distance away in the ditch...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That was me - knew as soon as I hit the deck what I'd done. Amazingly, from the brief inspection I've done, my bike survived without a scratch. The guy I hit must have had a very soft rectum.[}:)] If you are reading this chap, I apologise for unleashing a torrent of filfth from my mouth - wasn't really aimed at you, just so pi55ed off at busting a bone. Apreciate you apologising to me before I was carted off - these things happen and I'm sure you didn't want to hit the deck any more than I did.

Respect to the St Johns crew that scraped me up - only had to wait a few mins for the ambulance as it was right near the feed. Thanks to the other riders that stopped and called for help as well. Great camaraderie at these events.

My mate went on to finish just over 7 hours even though he stopped with me for 10 mins while the ambulance sorted me out - gutted that I missed out on a near cert sub-7 ride.

Oldwelshman, you are a legend mate. Managed to stay with your (very) fast group when you caught me and my mate, even had the legs to do a few turns, but you left me for dead again on the next slope. You have a habit of doing that![:D]

Just so as you know, you beat another couple of our crew by a few mins..........both of them are really decent riders, one a very successful 2nd cat, although to be fair this was the longest ride he's done for a while. The other guy, nicknamed The Gavinator, is one of the strongest in our club and rides Vets MTB enduros with top 5 placings regular as clockwork.

Obviously, I won't be there to keep you company (however briefly) at this weekends Dave Ryan RR but I hope you get up there at the finish to unleash those tattooed legs on the youngsters![:D] PS see you had another placing at the track Friday - respect!

oldwelshman · June 2007

Just checked results and sorted into excell, I was 66th out of 913 ( I counted the no start times and dnf's [:D] looks better) add that to equal 2nd in cotswalds last week and I am happy with how I am going in first year back after 23 years [8D] roll on next year.
Oi Steve was you referring to me about the 6 months prep? [8D]
Bt he way where's all the young guys, theres so many vets high up in the times also in races, TT and track.
I see Shane Sutton posted a good time also another oldie [8D]

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SteveR_100Milers · June 2007

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

Just checked results and sorted into excell, I was 66th out of 913 ( I counted the no start times and dnf's [:D] looks better) add that to equal 2nd in cotswalds last week and I am happy with how I am going in first year back after 23 years [8D] roll on next year.
Oi Steve was you referring to me about the 6 months prep? [8D]
Bt he way where's all the young guys, theres so many vets high up in the times also in races, TT and track.
I see Shane Sutton posted a good time also another oldie [8D]

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

I count the 23 years, you dont lose an elite cat ability if you stay fit. I'm just sensible enough to realise the folly of even attempting to catch you and Jim's wheel as you passed me at Hirwaun. I now know what wrecked me on the last climb...it was those horrific Luton CC strips sailing past me put me off my stroke [:D]

Time! Time! It's always too long and there's never enough!

oldwelshman · June 2007

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

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by SteveR_100Milers

Was that you then at the end with your arm in a sling shouting well done as I rode back to the car park?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Nope - I was stuck at Morriston Hospital - my mate had to drive 30 miles the wrong way to come and get me!

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">
There was also someone sat on the side of the road between glyneath and neath with an ambulance nearby. He looked ok, but his bike was some distance away in the ditch...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That was me - knew as soon as I hit the deck what I'd done. Amazingly, from the brief inspection I've done, my bike survived without a scratch. The guy I hit must have had a very soft rectum.[}:)] If you are reading this chap, I apologise for unleashing a torrent of filfth from my mouth - wasn't really aimed at you, just so pi55ed off at busting a bone. Apreciate you apologising to me before I was carted off - these things happen and I'm sure you didn't want to hit the deck any more than I did.

Respect to the St Johns crew that scraped me up - only had to wait a few mins for the ambulance as it was right near the feed. Thanks to the other riders that stopped and called for help as well. Great camaraderie at these events.

My mate went on to finish just over 7 hours even though he stopped with me for 10 mins while the ambulance sorted me out - gutted that I missed out on a near cert sub-7 ride.

Oldwelshman, you are a legend mate. Managed to stay with your (very) fast group when you caught me and my mate, even had the legs to do a few turns, but you left me for dead again on the next slope. You have a habit of doing that![:D]

Just so as you know, you beat another couple of our crew by a few mins..........both of them are really decent riders, one a very successful 2nd cat, although to be fair this was the longest ride he's done for a while. The other guy, nicknamed The Gavinator, is one of the strongest in our club and rides Vets MTB enduros with top 5 placings regular as clockwork.

Obviously, I won't be there to keep you company (however briefly) at this weekends Dave Ryan RR but I hope you get up there at the finish to unleash those tattooed legs on the youngsters![:D] PS see you had another placing at the track Friday - respect!

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Ah at least you got to see some sexy radiographers there, I used to work there frequently so know some of them :-)
It's a pity your mate had to come back for you, I was there till quite late with my grease episode and then I was at my mums so could have brought you back as I did not leave until around 7pm.
I passed a couple of your mates, gave one a Pat on the back [:D]
I am doing the race Sunday but to be honest I am about 5% slower on the big climbs, can hold my own on flatter cicuits easily.
When your back on the bike give me a shout and we can get some midweek rides in as I am only in Dunstable.

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oldwelshman · June 2007

I know steve, don't tell bronzie but I was going to join luton then I saw the team kit and thought to myself, I cannot wear a gay shirt like that [:D] so I joined hemel and now wear a slightly (but not much) better orange jersey.
next year trying to get local sponsor so we can get our own jerseys [:D]

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oldwelshman · June 2007

I want to say a big respect to all those who did any of these rides and in doing so achieved something personal.
I saw many riders of all shapes and sizes and some women all putting in hard efforts to get round.
i saw some doing the shorter route struggling like hell up the bwlch 2nd time and still trying. In fact they were putting in more effort than me to be honest so it is not just about the times, thats what I believe makes a sportive and why I enjoy them.
I gave encouragement to a few strugglers on the climbs, just hope they understood me whilst I was gasping and speaking in welsh accent [8D]

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Unknown · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by SteveR_100Milers

...it was those horrific Luton CC strips sailing past me put me off my stroke [:D]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Cheeky bar-steward - now if it's nasty kit you're after check this out:
http://www.pmb-photos.co.uk/vcc/2007eve ... nhilly.htm
Didn't see any Verulam there Sunday, thank God! (Didn't have my welding goggles with me!!)[:o)]

Oldwelshman, I shall hold you to that offer when I'm back on the road. Got your mobile from this thread so I'll give you a shout. My leggies are $hitting themselves already just thinking about it!!!

ed_m · June 2007

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

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

and for reference if anyone else was around at the time.... it was me what fell off at the intermediate timing mat [8)]

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

I saw that... looked painful. And apologies to the guy who I almost knocked off as I swerved around you, then back in again to get over the mat. He was pretty p***ed off and let me know. I was surprised he didn't turn in with me to go over the timing mat. When I asked him why not, he didn't seem to think it was important. I guess he got one of the slower times in the 120K event.

greg

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

yeh sorry [B)]
i was just pleased i'd dropped toward the back of the group having seen the 'timing mat 500m' sign.

ho de hum.

<center>____________________
www.ultrarunner.co.uk
</center>

BlackandBlue · June 2007

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

and for reference if anyone else was around at the time.... it was me what fell off at the intermediate timing mat [8)]

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

Were you the guy with the punctured lung?

If so I came off just after you. Turns out I have a fractured elbow and a fractured wrist so no British Etape for me.

I thought that was the most idiotic location for a timing mat.

jhop · June 2007

I too did the Dragon as part of my Etape training and was very pleased, for me it came closer to the Etape experience than any other UK Sportive I have been able to find.
So many negative comments from forum posters earlier on this thread make me wonder if there are other transponder timed, mass participation rides out there that better fit my need of quiet longish steady climbs that I should know about.
I have been able to find numerous sharper climbed versions throughout the UK most weekends but not ones with Alpinelike gradients which this had.
I had hoped for similar in last weeks Polka Dot Challenge but the climbs were much shorter and far busier and rougher surfaced so for me this fitted my needs well.
Yes the food supplied during and after the ride was limited, the start a bit chaotic, the 'goodie bag' a joke, the town centre finish unpleasant etc so plenty of room for improvement but for me there is no other UK ride that offers what the Dragon gives so I for one will be back.

cjcp · June 2007

The fact that you had to hop up on to hard shoulder was not great in the wet, when you're potentially riding in a group. Would be interesting to know if there's any other way they can record you going through using the championchip method - I think they have these and the mats at triathlons - or if there's anywhere else they can put the mat.

Bronzie - sorry to hear about your fall. I was riding/struggling in a group with two CC Luton guys before I lost them at the feed station and then heard from a clubmate that someone from your club had gone down. I'm not sure if you were in my group or another. All the best for a speed recovery.

oldwelshman · June 2007

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

I too did the Dragon as part of my Etape training and was very pleased, for me it came closer to the Etape experience than any other UK Sportive I have been able to find.
So many negative comments from forum posters earlier on this thread make me wonder if there are other transponder timed, mass participation rides out there that better fit my need of quiet longish steady climbs that I should know about.
I have been able to find numerous sharper climbed versions throughout the UK most weekends but not ones with Alpinelike gradients which this had.
I had hoped for similar in last weeks Polka Dot Challenge but the climbs were much shorter and far busier and rougher surfaced so for me this fitted my needs well.
Yes the food supplied during and after the ride was limited, the start a bit chaotic, the 'goodie bag' a joke, the town centre finish unpleasant etc so plenty of room for improvement but for me there is no other UK ride that offers what the Dragon gives so I for one will be back.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The Cymru Gran Fondo in north wales a few weeks ago is even more suited to the etape as it was also 200km with 4800m of climbing, same as Etape.
The scenary is even more spectacular but the organisation not quite as good as the Dragon though the lack of a roads on the CGF is probably better so if the two organisers got together to share ideas and comments and took some feedback off here you would end up with the best 2 sportives in the UK, IMHO [8D]

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groucho · June 2007

As one of the slower, short route riders it was a great day out. I get just the same buzz at the start as when road running. Its great to compete with those around you, see the superstars and encourage those who are struggling!

Similar length climbs can be found on the Trans Cambrian But it is only 87 of your British miles.

http://www.clivepowell-mtb.co.uk/transc ... detail.php

Did anyone get bitten to pieces at the first feed station, little flies/midges too chunks out on my legs and they oitch like mad now.

Well Lou and everybody else connecteed with the organisation!!

There was a silence between us, an unspoken acknowledgement that I would be paying the bill.

Unknown · June 2007

I was very pleased with the Dragon Ride. It was a welcome change from the "get as many very short steep climbs in to make it hard attitude" that I think is taking over the sportive scene. I know people have concerns over feeding and small things and thats a fair one but I thought on the whole it was an event I would recommend and do again myself.

Unknown · June 2007

Does anyone have the stats of the climbs that we did as I can't remember one bit of detail from the boards and am interested. Cheers.

Gran E. Gear · June 2007

Originally posted by cj

The fact that you had to hop up on to hard shoulder was not great in the wet, when you're potentially riding in a group. Would be interesting to know if there's any other way they can record you going through using the championchip method - I think they have these and the mats at triathlons - or if there's anywhere else they can put the mat.

I agree that the mat was a bad idea. I was steaming along towards the van, and only made out what the marshall was saying with about five yards left to swing left in front of a gang of riders. Squeeky bum moment.

This might be a mad idea, but it's early in the day, so I'll give it a go:

could they put the timing mat at the entrance to the second feed station? That seemed a much safer place. (I noticed most of the faster, longer-route riders gave the final feed station at the bottom of Bwlch a miss, but imagine everyone stopped at the middle one.)

Unknown · June 2007

I have to say that I nearly came off at the timing mat as my back wheel didn't make it up the slightest of kerbs on the entrance only my circus style balance saved me, although it failed me at the third feed where I did fall off.

big_phil · June 2007

Lots of feedback already but thought would give my opinion.

Enjoyed route (apart from Glyn Neath - too many lights/roundabouts)

Enjoyed climbs - makes a change to have long steady climbs rather that short steeper ones. Am riding Marmotte this year for the first time and this was last event as preparation. Also ridden Cheshire Cat, Etape du Dales, Grand Fondo Cymru, White Rose Classic and the Polka Dot. All of which have offered different challenges regarding distance and climbs.

Enjoyed company of other cyclists - managed to get into a few good groups that worked well and shared riding on the front. I was the big guy in Port Sunlight Wheelers colours (red/white/black) on a white ribble.

Recorded 7:04 total and 6:59 actual riding which I feel is not too bad for a 6'5" and 90+ kg rider...

Route well signposted, lots of marshalls and support vehicles. Understand difficulty with timing mats but a few more signs and count down boards could have given more warning. Only stopped at one feed (60 odd miles) which had plenty when I got there - started in second group at 8:02. Otherwise didn't stop as carry own powder and food.

As with all these events the organisers learn from each one and hopefully take on board positive comments to ensure a better event next year.

oldwelshman · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by guv001

Does anyone have the stats of the climbs that we did as I can't remember one bit of detail from the boards and am interested. Cheers.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
If you mail me I can send you the stats from my garmin which include route, altitude climbed, speeds, and profile and not that your interested calories burnt by me [:D]

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.Wilier. · June 2007

Ive read most of the comments on here, and thought Id leave mine although they seem to go against the flow of most of the comments.

Id have to say that I was fairly dissapointed with the whole thing to be honest.
This was my first experience of a British sportive (although Ive done French ones and LOTS of road.MTB raceing) and if the Dragon is supposed to be the premier ride in the UK, then I fear the worst for the others.
-The starting procedure, whilst good in principal, was pretty much a shambles with no real direction from any marshals as to where to queue, just join the mass of bodies and push in.....
-The route was OK, some decent climbing, but like Mark said, the extra route was just a waste of time. No extra climbs to speak of, just rolling heavy roads.
-The feed stops were hectic to say the least and the fact that the second stop on the big loop was way too far into the ride and had no supplies left was just, well, rubbish to be fair. These riders were doing an extra loop and they werent looked after at all. When wearrived there was just water left, which was running out fast.
-The ride through the town and up the steepest climb of the day was dangerous. All that glorious country-side, and we have to ride through a busy town!!
-riding Blych twice was a little boring, Im sure there are other climbs in the area which would have given just as much of a challenge, and why oh why would you put a feed at the bottom of a climb??
All in all I think for œ23 it was a bit of a rip off. The goody bag was a waste of time, a bottle, some water and de-greaser?? No food or anything, bit pants really.
On the plus side, the marshals, the police and the people working the feed's were brilliant. Most of the riders were very friendly, although it really bugs me when people sit on your wheel for 15 miles, then charge away only to blow 2 minutes up the road.
I was riding with 2 buddies from CC Giro (in the pink and blue if anyone saw us) and even though Ive been fairly critical of the whole thing I did enjoy it in the most part, although like Ive already said, considering this is is supposed to be THE sportive in the UK, it was fairly poor. I was also very annoyed by the second feed and by the fact that basically, I paid œ23 to ride on open roads and got pretty much nothing for it (apart from sore legs)

Dont think I'll bother next year.

As for someone commenting on the moaners organising their own rides next year, by my calcs the organisers took approx œ58k from entries alone, take some money out for fees etc.......the Dragon Ride should have been better.

Wilier.

http://www.abyteapart.com

SteveR_100Milers · June 2007

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

Lots of feedback already but thought would give my opinion.

Enjoyed route (apart from Glyn Neath - too many lights/roundabouts)

Enjoyed climbs - makes a change to have long steady climbs rather that short steeper ones. Am riding Marmotte this year for the first time and this was last event as preparation. Also ridden Cheshire Cat, Etape du Dales, Grand Fondo Cymru, White Rose Classic and the Polka Dot. All of which have offered different challenges regarding distance and climbs.

Enjoyed company of other cyclists - managed to get into a few good groups that worked well and shared riding on the front. I was the big guy in Port Sunlight Wheelers colours (red/white/black) on a white ribble. 
Recorded 7:04 total and 6:59 actual riding which I feel is not too bad for a 6'5" and 90+ kg rider...

Route well signposted, lots of marshalls and support vehicles. Understand difficulty with timing mats but a few more signs and count down boards could have given more warning. Only stopped at one feed (60 odd miles) which had plenty when I got there - started in second group at 8:02. Otherwise didn't stop as carry own powder and food.

As with all these events the organisers learn from each one and hopefully take on board positive comments to ensure a better event next year.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I was in your start group (and out, and back in and out) for the first 30 miles or so anyway..[:)]

Time! Time! It's always too long and there's never enough!

oldwelshman · June 2007

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

Ive read most of the comments on here, and thought Id leave mine although they seem to go against the flow of most of the comments.

Id have to say that I was fairly dissapointed with the whole thing to be honest.
This was my first experience of a British sportive (although Ive done French ones and LOTS of road.MTB raceing) and if the Dragon is supposed to be the premier ride in the UK, then I fear the worst for the others.
-The starting procedure, whilst good in principal, was pretty much a shambles with no real direction from any marshals as to where to queue, just join the mass of bodies and push in.....
-The route was OK, some decent climbing, but like Mark said, the extra route was just a waste of time. No extra climbs to speak of, just rolling heavy roads.
-The feed stops were hectic to say the least and the fact that the second stop on the big loop was way too far into the ride and had no supplies left was just, well, rubbish to be fair. These riders were doing an extra loop and they werent looked after at all. When wearrived there was just water left, which was running out fast.
-The ride through the town and up the steepest climb of the day was dangerous. All that glorious country-side, and we have to ride through a busy town!!
-riding Blych twice was a little boring, Im sure there are other climbs in the area which would have given just as much of a challenge, and why oh why would you put a feed at the bottom of a climb??
All in all I think for œ23 it was a bit of a rip off. The goody bag was a waste of time, a bottle, some water and de-greaser?? No food or anything, bit pants really.
On the plus side, the marshals, the police and the people working the feed's were brilliant. Most of the riders were very friendly, although it really bugs me when people sit on your wheel for 15 miles, then charge away only to blow 2 minutes up the road.
I was riding with 2 buddies from CC Giro (in the pink and blue if anyone saw us) and even though Ive been fairly critical of the whole thing I did enjoy it in the most part, although like Ive already said, considering this is is supposed to be THE sportive in the UK, it was fairly poor. I was also very annoyed by the second feed and by the fact that basically, I paid œ23 to ride on open roads and got pretty much nothing for it (apart from sore legs)

Dont think I'll bother next year.

As for someone commenting on the moaners organising their own rides next year, by my calcs the organisers took approx œ58k from entries alone, take some money out for fees etc.......the Dragon Ride should have been better.

Wilier.

http://www.abyteapart.com
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
While I agree with some of your points you must have rode the extra loop with your eyes closed as I would be surprised if you copuld find nicer scenary than around Brecon and Deffynog?
It is not every bodies cup of tea to do a ride packed with stupidly steep climbs for no reason, some people take in the surrounding scenary.
If it was not so beautiful and I had not been ;looking I reckon I would have done 5:55 mins instead of 6:35 [:D]

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jhop · June 2007

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

Originally posted by jhop

I too did the Dragon as part of my Etape training and was very pleased, for me it came closer to the Etape experience than any other UK Sportive I have been able to find.
So many negative comments from forum posters earlier on this thread make me wonder if there are other transponder timed, mass participation rides out there that better fit my need of quiet longish steady climbs that I should know about.
I have been able to find numerous sharper climbed versions throughout the UK most weekends but not ones with Alpinelike gradients which this had.
I had hoped for similar in last weeks Polka Dot Challenge but the climbs were much shorter and far busier and rougher surfaced so for me this fitted my needs well.
Yes the food supplied during and after the ride was limited, the start a bit chaotic, the 'goodie bag' a joke, the town centre finish unpleasant etc so plenty of room for improvement but for me there is no other UK ride that offers what the Dragon gives so I for one will be back.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The Cymru Gran Fondo in north wales a few weeks ago is even more suited to the etape as it was also 200km with 4800m of climbing, same as Etape.
The scenary is even more spectacular but the organisation not quite as good as the Dragon though the lack of a roads on the CGF is probably better so if the two organisers got together to share ideas and comments and took some feedback off here you would end up with the best 2 sportives in the UK, IMHO [8D]

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Yes the CGF is good, if it is the same route as the one I rode last year, but I didn't feel it had quite the same 'French Mountain Feel' as The Dragon. Also as you say the general organisation did not match up either. For me the Dragon genuinely offered something different and rewarding.

.Wilier. · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">It is not every bodies cup of tea to do a ride packed with stupidly steep climbs for no reason, some people take in the surrounding scenary.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I wasnt suggesting that steep = better, I really enjoyed the long climbs, all I meant was that the extra loop had very little in the way of climbing of any description, although like you said, the scenery was good.

http://www.abyteapart.com

oldwelshman · June 2007

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

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">It is not every bodies cup of tea to do a ride packed with stupidly steep climbs for no reason, some people take in the surrounding scenary.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I wasnt suggesting that steep = better, I really enjoyed the long climbs, all I meant was that the extra loop had very little in the way of climbing of any description, although like you said, the scenery was good.

http://www.abyteapart.com
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
No climbing in extra route? hmm[:D]
What about after descent of rhigos?
climb 650' to 1500'to the beacons and on to storeys arms ?
Next one 870' 1100'deffynog 650' to 1300' by the lake and 450' 850 'by the monkey sanctuary'?
That over 2000' feet climbing? You must be fit if you did not notice those [8D]

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cjcp · June 2007

Wilier makes some good points. I don't necessarily agree with all of them, but they appear to have been made with the benefit of seeing how, for example, the French organise their sportives.

The registration at Flanders this year was chaotic (the goodie bag wasn't great - another water bottle and you also had to pay for the t-shirt and cycling jersey, which I didn't), as was the start and we also had to stop at traffic lights and the sheer number of people taking part (30,000 odd I think) and their attitude to cycling in general compared to the Brits means that we're not yet going to get the benefit of road closures. (Anyone know if the road is closed for IMUK?). Besides, very few roads were closed at Flanders and drivers angrily banged their horns when the cycle-paths were not used.

I also think the UK sportives are always going to struggle to compete against the romance (for want of a better word) of the various French versions when people see the TdF and think, "blimey, I wouldn't mind riding up those Cols".

So, ultimately, the UK sportive scene is still developing and has a lot to learn. However, if the organisers of all the sportives take on board as far as possible the sensible comments of the sort that appear in this thread, then they'll only improve but they will continue to need as much support as possible to keep the process going so I, for one, hope to be back next year. Besides, I have to beat 7 hrs next time. [:)]

oldwelshman · June 2007

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

Wilier makes some good points. I don't necessarily agree with all of them, but they appear to have been made with the benefit of seeing how, for example, the French organise their sportives.

The registration at Flanders this year was chaotic (the goodie bag wasn't great - another water bottle and you also had to pay for the t-shirt and cycling jersey, which I didn't), as was the start and we also had to stop at traffic lights and the sheer number of people taking part (30,000 odd I think) and their attitude to cycling in general compared to the Brits means that we're not yet going to get the benefit of road closures. (Anyone know if the road is closed for IMUK?). Besides, very few roads were closed at Flanders and drivers angrily banged their horns when the cycle-paths were not used.

I also think the UK sportives are always going to struggle to compete against the romance (for want of a better word) of the various French versions when people see the TdF and think, "blimey, I wouldn't mind riding up those Cols".

So, ultimately, the UK sportive scene is still developing and has a lot to learn. However, if the organisers of all the sportives take on board as far as possible the sensible comments of the sort that appear in this thread, then they'll only improve but they will continue to need as much support as possible to keep the process going so I, for one, hope to be back next year. Besides, I have to beat 7 hrs next time. [:)]

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Actually today I logged onto the dragon site and passed many of the positive and negative comments posted in this post by many pople on to Lou the organiser so we may get better ride next year? [:D]

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Unknown · June 2007

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

The registration at Flanders this year was chaotic<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Flanders (and the Liege-Bastogne-Liege equivalent which I also rode this year), are not true sportifs. They are basically audaxes - you are not timed or given a result/finish position so they can't be compared. Flanders is now so big, it's in jeopardy of turning into London to Brighton (ie chaos if you want a "proper ride").

If you want to sample a true sportif, do the Etape or get yourself to Italy and do a Gran Fondo. The Italian GFs are as much like a pro race opened to amateurs as you can get. They even have ex pros (even disgraced former pros like Rumsas) ride them. The organisation is generally second to none and you will remember the experience for the rest of your life.

I'm afraid the Dragon doesn't compare at all to these.......yet. But always going to struggle in the UK as closed roads are still a big no-no.

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jalapeno · June 2007

just to add.... comparing Dragon to continental sportifs... bear in mind that entry costs here are correspondingly lower, much of the organisation on the continent is done by full-on, full time organisations dedicated to that effort with paid 'employees' with vastly greater sponsorship than in the UK, and they have the benefit of working within an understanding populace with a much greater awareness/appreciation of cycling.
Personally I thought the Dragon was spot on, not perfect but a bloody good effort.

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airegin · June 2007

I enjoyed the Dragon Ride. I'd not done it before so didn't know what to expect. My biggest worry beforehand was getting soaked in the rain. That's why I did the shorter route. Then once I began I was concerned that I'd be overheating ! Still, I'm happy to have done it in just over five and a half hours.

The ambiance was great both among the marshals and the other riders. It was great to have encouragement on the tougher climbs - especially the Bwlch 2nd time around.
I had a good day out.

As for feedback, mine is similar to others - the lack of food at the feed stations. It would also have been good to have something at the finish line.

Maybe it would be difficult to run a race that big through quiet roads, but something needs to be done about the number of traffic lights - maybe a policeman stopping the traffic.
Personally I would rather just be on quieter, more scenic roads.

I understand that this event is meant to become a UCI Golden Bike cyclosportive. That means it would have to give the same offerings and attention to detail as Gran Fondo Felice Gimondi, Tour of Flanders or Cape Argus (which are all golden bike events). I don't know if the Dragon Ride is on par with those events yet.

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