Sarnhelen sportif 80m or 115m

sameJL

I'm thinking of entering the above sportif, has anyone cycled the 80m route.Does it compare to TOBM last weekend? or the Dragon ride, thanks.

Grifteruk

I live in the area (3 mies from the start) so do a lot of these hills as training rides. However I have not done the exact route before. I also did the 83 mile Dragon route and 102 mile Tour of the Black Mountains last weekend. TOBM was my first 100+ mile ride by the way.

I can tell you that Sarn Helen is probably a bit of a mix of Dragon and Tour of the Black Mountains IMO. I think the Black Mountain towards the end of the Sarn Helen is similar to the first Bwlch in the Dragon and having climbed it regularly, it is a good challenge. However I know that Sarn Helen will have some steeper gradients than the Dragon overall. The hills to Llyn Brianne are proabably going to be the toughest parts.

On balance, I think that the TOBM is probably a better comparison both for likely number of riders on the road and terrain. Having said that, I am probably going to go for the long route for the Sarn Helen as they are roads I know. Hopefully that will give me an edge.

ketsbaia

Looks a great route, that. Will have a bash at it next time I'm down at my mate's gaff in Llangadog.

sameJL

Cheera lads, another tough one then. More training is the order of the day. :twisted:

jackfeeder

How did this go for you all - I couldn't do it, tho I know most of the roads/climbs. Is it worth doing next year for scenic value, tough climbs, foodstops, value for money etc?

sameJL

Great event, fairly well organised but the TOBM was definately tougher. Great foodsstop at halfway in a campsite. Plan to do it again this year.