Etape Caledonia

13567…10

Comments

  • bompington
    bompington Posts: 7,674
    thecrofter wrote:
    BigG67 wrote:
    On times (again depending on climbing ability and weather) you might find you're out a bit. I was 4:30 for the 2008 Etape and 3:25 for the 2009 Bealach Beag.

    I was working on the theory that even if the climb takes an hour, which going on last years times seems reasonable, then the descent takes, conservatively, 15 mins. The other 32 miles are do-able in a couple of hours. SIMPLES!!
    Last year I was 4:20 (excluding puncture repairs!) for the Etape and 3:05 for the Beag route (with 1 friend, not a big bunch), but I was having a rough day that day (throwing up in the morning, hip injury starting to make itself felt) and I'd like to think that I could have done it a good 15 mins faster on a better day: you couldn't call me a great climber.
    Don't underestimate the "other 32 miles", the climbs on the headlands in the second half are fairly short but it feels like there are about 50 of them.

    Or put another way, the obvious big spike is the first thing you see in the profile - but don't underestimate the sawtooth second half.
    4577791001_68cb2a6c6d.jpg
  • aberdeen_lune
    aberdeen_lune Posts: 547
    Crofter dont write the Bealach sportive off as easy after Applecross. The route back round to Sheildaig is lumpy. It all depends on weather and how good you are on the hills but i would equate a 4 hour EC to a 2hr45 BB roughly.
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    I was remembering that once you turn the corner at Kenmore there a quite a few short sharp climbs, I wouldn't be surprised if it is fifty, I'll try to remember and count them :) . I'm not looking forward to a headwind, as is forecast, all the way up from Applecros either, it's pretty exposed out there.
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    Aberdeen_lune wrote:
    Crofter dont write the Bealach sportive off as easy after Applecross. The route back round to Sheildaig is lumpy. It all depends on weather and how good you are on the hills but i would equate a 4 hour EC to a 2hr45 BB roughly.

    I'll report back on Monday with my time (no hiding place), from what you're saying it may be more realistic to target 3 1/2 hrs as a goal, rather than 3.
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • cframe
    cframe Posts: 171
    I did pretty much the exact same prep as a lot of you last year - Bealach and then into Caledonia.

    I can only second what others have said, the second half of the Bealach is pretty damn tough, I came off the top in pretty rough shape after freezing to bits on the descent - it was actually snowing a bit on the way up! The second half beasted me pretty bad, it's just all up and down, hard to get into a rhythm.

    As for the Etape, yeah the Logierait corner is always funny watching folk scrabble for the right gear as they suddenly see the incline round the corner. If you're in a group it's a good shout to move your way up to the front just before that turn to keep out of harms way ;)
    How's that for a slice of fried gold?
  • bompington
    bompington Posts: 7,674
    Met office forecast for the weekend of the race, sorry, ride:
    During and after the following weekend, unsettled conditions with bright spells and showery outbreaks of rain are likely to continue, and still with below normal temperatures for many

    Been below -2 overnight a couple of times in the last week round here, forecast is for generally chilly weather, could be a bit fresh...
    If the wind direction is anywhere from North round to East, and I'm guessing it could be, it makes everything after the Fortingall loop quite hard work.
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    bompington wrote:
    and still with below normal temperatures for many

    If the wind direction is anywhere from North round to East, and I'm guessing it could be, it makes everything after the Fortingall loop quite hard work.

    Below normal tempratures is the clue, definately means North or East wind, bugger!
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • BigG67
    BigG67 Posts: 582
    thecrofter wrote:
    Aberdeen_lune wrote:
    Crofter dont write the Bealach sportive off as easy after Applecross. The route back round to Sheildaig is lumpy. It all depends on weather and how good you are on the hills but i would equate a 4 hour EC to a 2hr45 BB roughly.

    I'll report back on Monday with my time (no hiding place), from what you're saying it may be more realistic to target 3 1/2 hrs as a goal, rather than 3.

    Or that you'llbe a lot faster at the Etape C than you think :wink: . I remember that the 1st year a few who'd recce'd it were anything up to 30 mins faster on the day 'cos of the excitment and the drafting.
  • dexradio
    dexradio Posts: 54
    Long term forecast looks like it might be an interesting day out :shock:

    http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/14days.asp?zipcode=pitlochry

    My first ever Sporive, carrying a lot of "extra" weight, and those hills have me worried as it gets closer.

    Still looking forward to a good day out.

    Dex
  • daviesee
    daviesee Posts: 6,386
    dexradio wrote:
    Long term forecast looks like it might be an interesting day out :shock:

    http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/14days.asp?zipcode=pitlochry

    My first ever Sporive, carrying a lot of "extra" weight, and those hills have me worried as it gets closer.

    Still looking forward to a good day out.

    Dex

    Looks like my October run was perfect training for the conditions :shock:

    Wrap up warm for the hanging around at the start and wear layers.
    None of the above should be taken seriously, and certainly not personally.
  • fungus_the_muffin_man
    fungus_the_muffin_man Posts: 1,608
    themightyw wrote:
    Was feeling pessimistic when I signed up, so put myself down for a slow speed. Did a recce ride a couple of weeks ago and was about 45 mins faster than I thought, but I'll be leaving with the last bunch on the day.

    I did email the organisers to see if I can move but they've said they're not able to - which is kind of fair enough. I can just imagine the floodgates that would open if they allowed people to jump up and down groups.

    At least I'll be able to pretend I'm Wiggo as I power past complete beginners giving them The Look.

    I'm fairly sure that even at the back I'll be able to settle down with a reasonable group to work with.

    If you wanna be like wiggo I know someone who has some straightfrom the man himself Garmin socks and I have a garmin top you can wear :wink:
    Bianchi. There are no alternatives only compromises!
    I RIDE A KONA CADABRA -would you like to come and have a play with my magic link?
  • BigG67
    BigG67 Posts: 582
    daviesee wrote:
    dexradio wrote:
    Long term forecast looks like it might be an interesting day out :shock:

    http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/14days.asp?zipcode=pitlochry

    My first ever Sporive, carrying a lot of "extra" weight, and those hills have me worried as it gets closer.

    Still looking forward to a good day out.

    Dex

    Looks like my October run was perfect training for the conditions :shock:

    Wrap up warm for the hanging around at the start and wear layers.

    Way too early to make weather guesses I'd say. Metcheck always seems to have AWFUL weather predicted and then it gets better and better......and let's be homest this is Scotland, looking outside in the morning isn't even a great predictor of the day ahead :wink:
  • Skiddypants
    Skiddypants Posts: 55
    First ride for me this year, start time is 07.46 so I should be with some of you guys at the back of the field.

    Riding a Bianchi (of course), white Giro helmet, dont know what gear I will be wearing untill the day itself - god, I hope its a decent day!!!!
    Skinny Git on a Bianchi.
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    dexradio wrote:
    My first ever Sporive, carrying a lot of "extra" weight, and those hills have me worried as it gets closer.

    Still looking forward to a good day out.

    Dex

    Don't worry about the hills, there's only one bit of the Schiehallion climb that's steep and calls for the smallest chainring on my three, it only lasts about three or four hundred yards. Other than that it's mostly just undulations and with a decent wind you can get along at a cracking pace. Do try and save a wee bit in the legs for the last five miles on the road from Logierait into Pitlochry though, couple of very short (100mtrs)but quite sharp wee hills there.

    It'll only be my second sportive, my first is this weekend at the Bealach, now that's a hill!!
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • bompington
    bompington Posts: 7,674
    Here they go again
    I particularly like the bit about
    "the necessary closure of miles of Perthshire roads which, it is claimed, effectively leaves residents locked in their homes throughout the weekend"
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    bompington wrote:
    "the necessary closure of miles of Perthshire roads which, it is claimed, effectively leaves residents locked in their homes throughout the weekend"

    Very obviously biased reporting, no challenging of the overstatement of the facts that the road is closed in stages for a maximum of four hours. No prizes for guessing which side of the fence D.C. Thomson & Co. sit.

    I'll be cancelling my Sunday Post.

    Oh, wait a minute, I never buy the Sunday Post, ah well.
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • extreme88
    extreme88 Posts: 1
    http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2010 ... 8020t0.asp

    It looks like this guy is trying to make trouble,he was on the local radio at lunchtime saying he was going to take action about the abuse the cyclists give the protesters at the roadside.

    his rant is on this site,and his issues

    http://www.commentonline.co.uk/general/ ... tation.htm

    he may be on the local news at 6pm,ill keep you posted
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    Check out Peter Hounam on Wiki

    He's a journalist. He lives in Grandtully which has alternative roads in and out, so he is not as badly affected as say someone living at Bridge of Gaur or in Killichonan.

    People I know who live by Loch Rannoch are looking forward to the event
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • brin
    brin Posts: 1,122
    There is a posting on another forum informing of a secret meeting/press conference by ACRE on monday 10th may,10.30 am at the Royal George Hotel in Perth. an e-mail has been circulated advising concerned cyclists to turn up on their bikes to voice their opinions.
    Obviously for whatever reason, they are once again going to try their utmost to stop/disrupt this event going ahead. IMO i think the organisers should consider relocating the event for next year, then perhaps the protesters can explain the loss of much needed revenue and economic benefits to the businesses in and around Perth.
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    brin wrote:
    IMO i think the organisers should consider relocating the event for next year,

    Might be obvious to say it but, It's the location that makes this event what it is. The depth of feeling in the area is very supportive. It's a pity that this journalist, who knows how to make a big noise, is getting all this attention. He obviously has a friend who is a lawyer as well.

    The best course of action in my book is not to give them any ammunition (ie don't drop litter, don't pee in public and even though the roads are closed try to be courteous) and to let the public see for themselves the benefits this event bring
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • shane515
    shane515 Posts: 139
    brin wrote:
    IMO i think the organisers should consider relocating the event for next year, then perhaps the protesters can explain the loss of much needed revenue and economic benefits to the businesses in and around Perth.
    thecrofter wrote:
    Might be obvious to say it but, It's the location that makes this event what it is

    Agree with Brin 100% here, I dont want to travel up from Kent again this year and have this handful of people wreck it again, if it should happen again the event HAS to be relocated.

    Understand Crofters remarks but there are many many other places on mainland UK that would offer such scenery etc and where the locals would enjoy not only the revenue that this event brings to the area but also the cyclist/cycling.

    Shane
  • bompington
    bompington Posts: 7,674
    shane515 wrote:
    Understand Crofters remarks but there are many many other places on mainland UK that would offer such scenery etc and where the locals would enjoy not only the revenue that this event brings to the area but also the cyclist/cycling.
    Yeah, for example what about a ride round the Applecross peninsula?
  • Uncle B
    Uncle B Posts: 25
    Blimey, if I wasn't worried already!

    Sorry to say my Wife & I will be two of the newbies at the back of the field doing this for the first time! And we know we wont be pretty! We have been cycling for about 3 years now, and have done a few BHF rides, but have only been out on "real" road bikes for a year :oops: !

    We do 40 & 60 mile rides around the Peak District including some of Snake Pass, Froggatt Edge & Baslow to Owler bar as par of our regular run, but have no concept of how this will compare, and clearly haven't learned to ride in a group :oops: We were out for 60 on Bank Holiday Monday, in rain, hail & wind, so hope this will have given us a bit of an idea :lol:

    We know we are not necessarily going to be "on pace" (for anything!), but are, like others have said, just hoping to finish & get "a" time!

    We are also of an age that "should know better", but clearly "don't know enough", so any advice would be good, even if it's "let everyone go first, then start"! Last thing we want is to cause problems for anyone else!
  • bompington
    bompington Posts: 7,674
    Uncle B wrote:
    so any advice would be good
    Here it is, step by step:
    1. Get on bike
    2. Ride in the same direction as everybody else
    3. Keep riding until you find you're back where you started. This will take several hours.

    There you go, simple!
  • Uncle B
    Uncle B Posts: 25
    bompington wrote:
    Uncle B wrote:
    so any advice would be good
    Here it is, step by step:
    1. Get on bike
    2. Ride in the same direction as everybody else
    3. Keep riding until you find you're back where you started. This will take several hours.

    There you go, simple!

    That makes me feel better! We need some one to clear out all the clutter and remind us what it's actually about! :wink:
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    bompington wrote:
    shane515 wrote:
    Understand Crofters remarks but there are many many other places on mainland UK that would offer such scenery etc and where the locals would enjoy not only the revenue that this event brings to the area but also the cyclist/cycling.
    Yeah, for example what about a ride round the Applecross peninsula?

    Where's that Can of Worms graphic of your's?


    I'm just leaving work in half an hour to head up to Applecross for tomorrow, anyone else who's going say hello, I'm on a white/yellow/black Giant Defy and I'll be wearing a green and black Edinburgh Cylce top or a Heart of Midlothian jacket (depending on the weather)
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • bompington
    bompington Posts: 7,674
    thecrofter wrote:
    I'll be wearing a green and black Edinburgh Cylce top or a Heart of Midlothian jacket
    and a hivis...
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    Uncle B,

    Although I don't know the roads your referring to, if your spending that much time in the saddle for training, the roads round Perthshire will be no problem to you. I only got my road bike in Nov and have only been properly training since the start of Feb. Knowing the roads as well as I do I'm pretty confident I'll get round in about five hours, well inside the time limits, and I'm closer to fifty than forty.
    I'm going to be "going for it" and trying to get the best time I can, but I'm sure there will be plenty people just out to enjoy the view and whichever camp your in the roads are not so severe that you won't finish (unless you're not properly prepared, which I would say you are).
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • thecrofter
    thecrofter Posts: 734
    bompington wrote:
    and a hivis...

    I know, but i'm not going to let that spoil my day
    You've no won the Big Cup since 1902!
  • shane515
    shane515 Posts: 139
    Uncle B wrote:
    bompington wrote:
    Uncle B wrote:
    so any advice would be good
    Here it is, step by step:
    1. Get on bike
    2. Ride in the same direction as everybody else
    3. Keep riding until you find you're back where you started. This will take several hours.

    There you go, simple!

    That makes me feel better! We need some one to clear out all the clutter and remind us what it's actually about! :wink:

    and the most important part.......'enjoy the day and keep smiling :D ', its an awesome day and well worth the cold guinness at the end!!!

Categories