Dragon Ride Wales 2009
Comments
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what's with this Garmin stuff?
how on earth did people get around before them?
or make appointments without mobile phones?
what :?:
'just fine' you say?
follow the signs and watch the road not your new toy :roll:
bet I go off course now...Stumpjumper FSR Comp
Eddy Merckx Strada
Gios Compact KK
Raleigh Dynatech Diablo
Canyon CF CLX / Record
Charge Plug 3
Kinesis GF Ti disc - WIP...0 -
agnello wrote:what's with this Garmin stuff?
how on earth did people get around before them?
or make appointments without mobile phones?
what :?:
'just fine' you say?
follow the signs and watch the road not your new toy :roll:
bet I go off course now...
The man has a point...;-)0 -
You can convert the MMO file from the Dragonride.co.uk website to GPX here:
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/gpsbabel/0 -
Looks 100% correct to my eyes.
A few things about this new route.
Why Brynna? Yet another hill at the start (albeit little) and we have to go through a junction. Routing us through Llanharran would have been much more sensible to avoid having to stop groups of riders at junctions.
This whole longer route was apparently as a result of that red light incident last year. personally I feel that there are many more potential incidents on the first 15 miles or so now.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
agnello wrote:what's with this Garmin stuff?
how on earth did people get around before them?
or make appointments without mobile phones?
what :?:
'just fine' you say?
follow the signs and watch the road not your new toy :roll:
bet I go off course now...
I wanted to the course not to follow, but to use to see how my pace is matching a 9 hour taget time, to see how far is left, where on a climb I am etc.
(But in reality it's just to satisfy the techno geeks amongst us
)
Anyway - I've plotted a course on GPSies and it looks lovely! I'll post the link here later0 -
GPS on the bike is good as
1. Makes it less likely you'll go wrong. I know someone that missed a turn in the Dragon Ride last year and it ruined their time. Likewise for me in the Southern sportive.
2. It's handy to gauge the severity of bends on fast descents that you don't know
3. You can preview the upcoming climb profile
4. You can get accurate figures on how far to go, etc
5. If some local wag decides to switch the direction of the arrows it's pretty handy too
Of course I don't *need* the Garmin to finish the ride. Any more than I *need* 20 gears. Or *need* a carbon frame. Or that I *need* any number of other things that help me enjoy riding my bike.
In addition it's terrific if you're going away to an area you're unfamiliar with. You can download routes from a website (eg bikely), pop them on the Garmin and you're away.
Cheers
Paul
PS Route here http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Dr ... 2009-188km and zipped tcx file here http://www.paulnixon.org/uploads/dragon09.zip0 -
And here's a question for a newbie..
What's the best way to attached your chip?
Ta0 -
I've based this route on the Bikely imported .mmo and mapped it using GPSies which is usually pretty accurate.
As far as I'm aware the finish isn't back at the Sony car park area but at Pencoed college so have ended my route there.
Hopefully someone with a bit of inside info will be able to verify just how accurate this route is.
http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=ihxepnfffxigbqjt
Rik0 -
sampras38 wrote:And here's a question for a newbie..
What's the best way to attached your chip?
Ta
I'm in the same boat so I'd assume remove QR, pop chip holder onto skewer then reattach QR? Seems the only sensible way to me!0 -
wastelander wrote:sampras38 wrote:And here's a question for a newbie..
What's the best way to attached your chip?
Ta
I'm in the same boat so I'd assume remove QR, pop chip holder onto skewer then reattach QR? Seems the only sensible way to me!
Skewer?0 -
Skewer - wheel axle. My thinking is release QR lever then unscrew QR head, pop holder on and retighten QR head0
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pauln99 wrote:GPS on the bike is good as
1. Makes it less likely you'll go wrong. I know someone that missed a turn in the Dragon Ride last year and it ruined their time. Likewise for me in the Southern sportive.
fairy nuff.
2. It's handy to gauge the severity of bends on fast descents that you don't know
hmmm
3. You can preview the upcoming climb profile
no thanks!
4. You can get accurate figures on how far to go, etc
no thanks! unless I know there is only a few left. my speedo can do that providing my maths is still functioning
5. If some local wag decides to switch the direction of the arrows it's pretty handy too
can you shoot people with it?
Of course I don't *need* the Garmin to finish the ride. Any more than I *need* 20 gears. Or *need* a carbon frame. Or that I *need* any number of other things that help me enjoy riding my bike.
ok
In addition it's terrific if you're going away to an area you're unfamiliar with. You can download routes from a website (eg bikely), pop them on the Garmin and you're away.
ok
Cheers
Paul
PS Route here http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Dr ... 2009-188km and zipped tcx file here http://www.paulnixon.org/uploads/dragon09.zipStumpjumper FSR Comp
Eddy Merckx Strada
Gios Compact KK
Raleigh Dynatech Diablo
Canyon CF CLX / Record
Charge Plug 3
Kinesis GF Ti disc - WIP...0 -
wastelander wrote:Skewer - wheel axle. My thinking is release QR lever then unscrew QR head, pop holder on and retighten QR head
ah haaa..
thanks0 -
pauln99 wrote:GPS on the bike is good as
1. Makes it less likely you'll go wrong. I know someone that missed a turn in the Dragon Ride last year and it ruined their time. Likewise for me in the Southern sportive.
2. It's handy to gauge the severity of bends on fast descents that you don't know
3. You can preview the upcoming climb profile
4. You can get accurate figures on how far to go, etc
5. If some local wag decides to switch the direction of the arrows it's pretty handy too
Of course I don't *need* the Garmin to finish the ride. Any more than I *need* 20 gears. Or *need* a carbon frame. Or that I *need* any number of other things that help me enjoy riding my bike.
In addition it's terrific if you're going away to an area you're unfamiliar with. You can download routes from a website (eg bikely), pop them on the Garmin and you're away.
Cheers
Paul
PS Route here http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Dr ... 2009-188km and zipped tcx file here http://www.paulnixon.org/uploads/dragon09.zip
I can verify that. I was at Libanus last year visiting my dad at the residential home, and watched loads of riders go sailing past. For those of you that do not know where Libanus is, Its the village that is at the bottom of the descent from Storey Arms. Instead of turning sharp left for Defynnog they went straight on. How far these riders went before realising they had overshot is anyones guess. But I bet some of them probably reached Brecon!0 -
wastelander wrote:Skewer - wheel axle. My thinking is release QR lever then unscrew QR head, pop holder on and retighten QR head
Sorry to be dense - so it just hangs there? Cheers.
How non-aero.0 -
Timer chip - make sure the projecting part has settled in to the drop-out in the forks or the QR will not do up tight. I know this sounds obvious but I have seen a lot of people struggling with this and wondering why their wheels aren't firmly fixed.I\'m sure I had one of those here somewhere0
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I put my timing chip on to the rear drop out using zip ties. the last thing you need with a puncture is additional hassle of trying to put timing chip back in place......
looks like it may be sunny0 -
big_phil wrote:I put my timing chip on to the rear drop out using zip ties. the last thing you need with a puncture is additional hassle of trying to put timing chip back in place......
looks like it may be sunny
Tried putting mine on tonight with little success so I think I'm gonna use tie-wraps.0 -
sampras38 wrote:big_phil wrote:I put my timing chip on to the rear drop out using zip ties. the last thing you need with a puncture is additional hassle of trying to put timing chip back in place......
looks like it may be sunny
Tried putting mine on tonight with little success so I think I'm gonna use tie-wraps.
Although just found this...
http://www.timingtags.com/default.asp?PageID=16411
and this
http://www.championchip.com/chips/0 -
Just in case some of you want reminding of Sundays full route. Its here! http://www.bikemap.net/route/211217#lt=51.64231&ln=-3.61931&z=10&t=0
Its actually a tad better than the one on the official site0 -
bprice wrote:Just in case some of you want reminding of Sundays full route. Its here! http://www.bikemap.net/route/211217#lt=51.64231&ln=-3.61931&z=10&t=0
Its actually a tad better than the one n the official site
Not quite. Goes through Brynna not Llanharran.
Don't think it does the A4119 either.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
You sure about this? I cant see anywhere on the main site that says it goes through Brynna, or that it doesnt go along the A4119???????bendertherobot wrote:bprice wrote:Just in case some of you want reminding of Sundays full route. Its here! http://www.bikemap.net/route/211217#lt=51.64231&ln=-3.61931&z=10&t=0
Its actually a tad better than the one n the official site
Not quite. Goes through Brynna not Llanharran.
Don't think it does the A4119 either.
Update...... Just checked the PDF and it doesnt go through Brynna, It looks like the A 4119 is used as well, although a thick felt pen does make it difficult to be totally certain!0 -
bprice wrote:
You sure about this? I cant see anywhere on the main site that says it goes through Brynna, or that it doesnt go along the A4119???????bendertherobot wrote:bprice wrote:Just in case some of you want reminding of Sundays full route. Its here! http://www.bikemap.net/route/211217#lt=51.64231&ln=-3.61931&z=10&t=0
Its actually a tad better than the one n the official site
Not quite. Goes through Brynna not Llanharran.
Don't think it does the A4119 either.
Update...... Just checked the PDF and it doesnt go through Brynna, It looks like the A 4119 is used as well, although a thick felt pen does make it difficult to be totally certain!
It's unclear, I hope your route is right as that makes it a tad easier!
"Depart Eastward on A473 via Brynna, Coedely, Gilfach Goch (A4093) to Blackmill."
Which makes me think THROUGH Brynna and to get to Coedely you don't use the A4119 (big bypass fast road) but use the smaller village road.My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
bendertherobot wrote:bprice wrote:Just in case some of you want reminding of Sundays full route. Its here! http://www.bikemap.net/route/211217#lt=51.64231&ln=-3.61931&z=10&t=0
Its actually a tad better than the one n the official site
Not quite. Goes through Brynna not Llanharran.
Don't think it does the A4119 either.
It's close enough if you ask me, and 2999 other riders I'll just follow them if it goes off course. Thanks for the link.0 -
sampras38 wrote:bendertherobot wrote:bprice wrote:Just in case some of you want reminding of Sundays full route. Its here! http://www.bikemap.net/route/211217#lt=51.64231&ln=-3.61931&z=10&t=0
Its actually a tad better than the one n the official site
Not quite. Goes through Brynna not Llanharran.
Don't think it does the A4119 either.
It's close enough if you ask me, and 2999 other riders I'll just follow them if it goes off course. Thanks for the link.
Well, it's a difference of a major 60 mph bypass A road or a deserted 30 mph village road My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
bendertherobot wrote:sampras38 wrote:bendertherobot wrote:bprice wrote:Just in case some of you want reminding of Sundays full route. Its here! http://www.bikemap.net/route/211217#lt=51.64231&ln=-3.61931&z=10&t=0
Its actually a tad better than the one n the official site
Not quite. Goes through Brynna not Llanharran.
Don't think it does the A4119 either.
It's close enough if you ask me, and 2999 other riders I'll just follow them if it goes off course. Thanks for the link.
Well, it's a difference of a major 60 mph bypass A road or a deserted 30 mph village road
Hummm, really?
Maybe we're probably better off in not having a GPS route to follow at all. What did riders do before Garmins..;-)0 -
:?: ....and to think that I always thought that one of the main advantages of a sportive was the fact that it was signposted.
:roll:
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It's a really simple route, well marshalled. As you say, just follow the other 2999!My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
https://twitter.com/roubaixcc
Facebook? No. Just say no.0 -
Nickwill wrote::?: ....and to think that I always thought that one of the main advantages of a sportive was the fact that it was signposted.
:roll:
lol..yeah. I still think having the route will be useful though, even if it's just to give you an idea of where you are, the climbs etc. This'll be my first Wales Dragon so maybe I'm preparing a bit too much..;-)0 -
bendertherobot wrote:bprice wrote:
You sure about this? I cant see anywhere on the main site that says it goes through Brynna, or that it doesnt go along the A4119???????bendertherobot wrote:bprice wrote:Just in case some of you want reminding of Sundays full route. Its here! http://www.bikemap.net/route/211217#lt=51.64231&ln=-3.61931&z=10&t=0
Its actually a tad better than the one n the official site
Not quite. Goes through Brynna not Llanharran.
Don't think it does the A4119 either.
Update...... Just checked the PDF and it doesnt go through Brynna, It looks like the A 4119 is used as well, although a thick felt pen does make it difficult to be totally certain!
It's unclear, I hope your route is right as that makes it a tad easier!
"Depart Eastward on A473 via Brynna, Coedely, Gilfach Goch (A4093) to Blackmill."
Which makes me think THROUGH Brynna and to get to Coedely you don't use the A4119 (big bypass fast road) but use the smaller village road.
If Im wrong I stand corrected. I usually am! Ask 'er indoors! :roll:0
