Wiggle Dragon Ride

BigGar35

Hello all,

Just noticed that entries for the Dragon Ride 2012 open on Wednesday morning at 0900. Will it sell out as quickly as last year?! 50/50 on whether to enter or not after the issues last year. Seem to be better routes this year though.

speshsteve

It'll sell out very quick, I'm looking forward to reading the post ride event comments as if they get it right it has the potential to be a corker (I did it last year and don't currently feel the need to return).

ugo.santalucia

What's the question?

If you enter, you will probably have a good day on your bike, if you don't mind the inevitable long queues.

If you don't enter, you won't probably miss much. This ride never had the wow factor and it's not clear what the fuss is all about

Gazzaputt

ugo.santalucia wrote:

What's the question?

If you enter, you will probably have a good day on your bike, if you don't mind the inevitable long queues.

If you don't enter, you won't probably miss much. This ride never had the wow factor and it's not clear what the fuss is all about

+1

bigpikle

having read the reviews of the last couple of years and had a buddy do it last year, there is NO HOPE I'd even think about giving them any of my hard earned for this... YMMV though

cwm

did 2010,
didnt do 2011
will do 2012,
i mean 'wots my mamil money for'

ugo.santalucia

It has some merit...
it's probably the only challenging but not extreme event with mass participation that one can do without crossing the UK border.
It's a reasonably hilly event, which suits for many riders that don't have the phisique du role or the time to train for the Marmotte or l'Etape.
With a bit more effort in trying to resolve the long going parking issues and the less than mediocre feeding zones (which at that hefty entry fee should instead be excellent), it could be a very good event

marlin151

Anyone received their registration email?

Perhaps they're overwhelmed, but these don't normally take 45mins+, do they??

cwm

had mine in secs dude

proto

Yep, got mine within a couple of minutes. Registered a team of four, all confirmed.

Using it as preparation for l'Etape. Need as many long, hlly(ish) rides as possible.

Thick Tester

proto wrote:

Yep, got mine within a couple of minutes. Registered a team of four, all confirmed.

Using it as preparation for l'Etape. Need as many long, hlly(ish) rides as possible.

But you feel the need to pay £39.50 for one ride?

Rodrego Hernandez

And people wonder why these events continue to thrive when even though it had massive negative comments this year it sells out on the day entries open!

It's possible to do a long hilly ride on any day of the year. Just get in your and drive to some hills or just ride there form your own house.

You blokes convinced you need to ride the Dragon ride to prep for the Etape would be better off paying a coach to give you some proper advice.

vs

"Sorry guaranteed entries are now sold out, 3000 places were filled in just over 2 hours!"

Unbelievable. I rode last year on a 10 quid 'transfer' and still would have liked my money back, it was that bad!

I would not ride it again even if someone paid my entry and petrol money; not that that is going to happen

galatzo

Wonder how many will be up for sale at a profit?
£100 if anybody wants mine as mates didn't sort themselvesout in time as usual

vs

I honestly wouldn't ride it if you paid me £100 to.

proto

Rodrego Hernandez wrote:

And people wonder why these events continue to thrive when even though it had massive negative comments this year it sells out on the day entries open!

It's possible to do a long hilly ride on any day of the year. Just get in your and drive to some hills or just ride there form your own house.

You blokes convinced you need to ride the Dragon ride to prep for the Etape would be better off paying a coach to give you some proper advice.

Yeah, we'll rock up, just ride the Dragaon ride, and we'll be set up for the Etape, no further training required :roll:

proto

Thick Tester wrote:

proto wrote:

Yep, got mine within a couple of minutes. Registered a team of four, all confirmed.

Using it as preparation for l'Etape. Need as many long, hlly(ish) rides as possible.

But you feel the need to pay £39.50 for one ride?

It's not just about the training though, is it? A gang of from our club are riding, a get together, a day out, a bit of fun. I've not ridden it before, but two of my 'team' have ridden it more than once and can't wait to give it another go.

£39.50 is quite expensive, but put it in perspective, a bit more than the cost of a decent tyre. The Etape is going to cost me £500 or so, no doubt it will be brilliant but if you're counting your pennies then I'm not sure it's good value for money. Heck< I could spend a whole fortnight on my own in north Wales for that sort of money. Loads more fun.

friso

I have ridden the Dragon Grand Fondo the last two years and had no problem at all with cues or anything else, apart from the hills :oops:

And just to confirm I am not a Pinarello riding dentist newbie, just an average 40 year old fairly experienced rider on a second hand bike

I know after reading about all the problems other riders had this year with cues and failed timing chips I must of been very lucky but hopefully the 2012 event will be better staged for all after all the feed back

I honestly think £40 is a small price to pay to ride in a mass event like this, the buzz I get riding a demanding route with many other like minded cyclist is something I cannot get riding the same route on my day off alone

As I can't trouble the Tour De France podium the best I can get is the feeling of elation and sense of achievement I personally get from riding these events and crossing the line is well worth the cost

As I live in Norfolk we have to travel distances to ride hills and making this an annual event for our club (Iceni Velo) is an event in its own right

Nothing like our large group of mates on a away weekend to talk about and ride bikes in a different location as to me the going away with my mates is as good as the riding it self

harvoir

friso wrote:

I have ridden the Dragon Grand Fondo the last two years and had no problem at all with cues or anything else, apart from the hills :oops:

And just to confirm I am not a Pinarello riding dentist newbie, just an average 40 year old fairly experienced rider on a second hand bike

I know after reading about all the problems other riders had this year with cues and failed timing chips I must have been very lucky but hopefully the 2012 event will be better staged for all after all the feed back

I honestly think £40 is a small price to pay to ride in a mass event like this, the buzz I get riding a demanding route with many other like minded cyclist is something I cannot get riding the same route on my day off alone

As I can't trouble the Tour De France podium the best I can get is the feeling of elation and sense of achievement I personally get from riding these events and crossing the line is well worth the cost

As I live in Norfolk we have to travel distances to ride hills and making this an annual event for our club (Iceni Velo) is an event in its own right

Nothing like our large group of mates on a away weekend to talk about and ride bikes in a different location as to me the going away with my mates is as good as the riding it self

Well said. I rode it last year and had a great time. there's no denying it's a tough but enjoyable day on the bike, i thought the food stations were adequate especially the last one with roast potatoes and heaps of salt.

As said earlier it's a great feeling riding in big bunches through some truly beautiful mountain / countryside. I managed tosecure my spot for 2012 and am looking forward to it. It'll probably be my last long ride before Marmotte.

Crispyapp

Hi all, just looking for advice on this ride. I have a confirmed entry today. It's the first time I will be riding the event and want some info on the hills? From reading the other posts it's sounds like there are a few people here with experience riding this sportive.

I have ridden the etape du dales now 3 times, each time completing the full route. Can anyone tell me how the Dragon ride compares to the etape? The distance is roughly the same so that's no issue. And the etape climbs are pretty steep, in places there 27%.

Has anyone here ridden both the etape and Dragon?
How do they compare?
Which did you feel was the hardest?
How steep are the climbs on the Dragon?
Is it true the Dragon climbs are more like alpine climbs, ie gradual but long?

Any more advice would be great.

Many thanks
Christian

jackfeeder

Done the old course twice before and enjoyed most of it. This route is better, more scenic and harder. I've done all the climbs but not all together in one ride!
The toughest section will be after The Black Mountain (which is a very long drag but the descent is superb) until Glynneath. Bryn Melyn (Devil's Elbow) is a b#st#rd and the descent down towards Glynneath has a couple of very dangerous bends if taken at too quick a pace.
After that it's a matter of pacing the climbs of Rhigos and Bwlch as once you reach the top of that it's virtually all downhill past Afan Argoed to Port Talbot/Margam.
If you can get over to S.Wales for a couple of rides before to see the climbs that would benefit you.
I didn't do it last year as I got fed up in 2010 with waits and the start venue, done much better smaller events like The Tour Of Pembrokeshire and Merlin Ride (check them out).
I'm hoping with Margam Park being the venue all the issues that people got pissed off with at Pencoed won't apply. If they do it's the last time I'll do it as I can ride these climbs for free anytime. But the chance to do it with 1000's of others and a few mates is something to look forward to.
Roll on June!

Crispyapp

jackfeeder wrote:

Done the old course twice before and enjoyed most of it. This route is better, more scenic and harder. I've done all the climbs but not all together in one ride!
The toughest section will be after The Black Mountain (which is a very long drag but the descent is superb) until Glynneath. Bryn Melyn (Devil's Elbow) is a b#st#rd and the descent down towards Glynneath has a couple of very dangerous bends if taken at too quick a pace.
After that it's a matter of pacing the climbs of Rhigos and Bwlch as once you reach the top of that it's virtually all downhill past Afan Argoed to Port Talbot/Margam.
If you can get over to S.Wales for a couple of rides before to see the climbs that would benefit you.
I didn't do it last year as I got fed up in 2010 with waits and the start venue, done much better smaller events like The Tour Of Pembrokeshire and Merlin Ride (check them out).
I'm hoping with Margam Park being the venue all the issues that people got pissed off with at Pencoed won't apply. If they do it's the last time I'll do it as I can ride these climbs for free anytime. But the chance to do it with 1000's of others and a few mates is something to look forward to.
Roll on June!

Thanks for the info. You say devils elbow is bad, what's bad about it, how steep/long is it? Rhigos and Bwich, what are these climbs like, steady or steep? Long or short? How would you grade them

Many thanks

benno68

This event is on my doorstep and yes, I could ride it for free at any time. I rode it last year and was dissapointed with the faulty timing chips, queues etc.

I did the Gran Fondo route last year and despite last years failings I've entered this year with 3 mates (quite a few other club members have also entered). We're going to start training in the New Year and the Dragon Ride will give us something to aim for, I think it's great to meet and cycle with people from different parts of the country and hopefully get into a group of similar ability cyclists and help each other around.

I'm really going to try to lose 1.5 to 2 stone for this, I don't fancy lugging 14 stone around the Gran Fondo route.

Good luck to everyone who has entered. Let's hope the weather is good and that the organisers learn from the feedback from entrants of past events.

Abingdon77

Rodrego Hernandez wrote:

And people wonder why these events continue to thrive when even though it had massive negative comments this year it sells out on the day entries open!

It's possible to do a long hilly ride on any day of the year. Just get in your and drive to some hills or just ride there form your own house.

You blokes convinced you need to ride the Dragon ride to prep for the Etape would be better off paying a coach to give you some proper advice.

That's funny. I'm not quite sure what your credentials are, to judge the 3000 people who've decided they want to take part next year.

Clearly plenty of people enjoyed the day enough to return, or are encouraged by the improvements the organisers have promised. They may deliver, there may be complaints again. Who knows.

I do plenty of long hilly rides, I just enjoy the occasional mass participation event. I look forward to it.

Despite all the problems documented on here at length, everyone I spoke to last year seemed to be having a fantastic day out on their bike. After all, that's what it's all about isn't it?!

BigGar35

Crispyapp wrote:

jackfeeder wrote:

Done the old course twice before and enjoyed most of it. This route is better, more scenic and harder. I've done all the climbs but not all together in one ride!
The toughest section will be after The Black Mountain (which is a very long drag but the descent is superb) until Glynneath. Bryn Melyn (Devil's Elbow) is a b#st#rd and the descent down towards Glynneath has a couple of very dangerous bends if taken at too quick a pace.
After that it's a matter of pacing the climbs of Rhigos and Bwlch as once you reach the top of that it's virtually all downhill past Afan Argoed to Port Talbot/Margam.
If you can get over to S.Wales for a couple of rides before to see the climbs that would benefit you.
I didn't do it last year as I got fed up in 2010 with waits and the start venue, done much better smaller events like The Tour Of Pembrokeshire and Merlin Ride (check them out).
I'm hoping with Margam Park being the venue all the issues that people got pissed off with at Pencoed won't apply. If they do it's the last time I'll do it as I can ride these climbs for free anytime. But the chance to do it with 1000's of others and a few mates is something to look forward to.
Roll on June!

Thanks for the info. You say devils elbow is bad, what's bad about it, how steep/long is it? Rhigos and Bwich, what are these climbs like, steady or steep? Long or short? How would you grade them

Many thanks

Not done the Devil's Elbow. Rhigos and Bwlch are not too steep (guessing about 5 to 6%). Pretty constant gradient. Probably about 3 to 4 miles or so (slightly shorter up this side of Bwlch).The route this year goes up the "easiest" side of the Bwlch. That will be after 100 miles though! Great descent though and the run back to Port Talbot is pretty quick.

jackfeeder

For anyone who hasn't done the Devil's Elbow - you are in for a treat. Scenery fantastic, the climb creeps up on you so you hit the steep mini-hairpin bends before you realise, it's deceptive. But from that point it's almost straight up the hill until another wicked bend and then the last steep grind to the top. Make sure you take in the views, you'll have earned them. Also be careful with the following descent into Ystradefelte, can be a bit tricky. great stretch of riding though!

ugo.santalucia

Crispyapp wrote:

jackfeeder wrote:

Done the old course twice before and enjoyed most of it. This route is better, more scenic and harder. I've done all the climbs but not all together in one ride!
The toughest section will be after The Black Mountain (which is a very long drag but the descent is superb) until Glynneath. Bryn Melyn (Devil's Elbow) is a b#st#rd and the descent down towards Glynneath has a couple of very dangerous bends if taken at too quick a pace.
After that it's a matter of pacing the climbs of Rhigos and Bwlch as once you reach the top of that it's virtually all downhill past Afan Argoed to Port Talbot/Margam.
If you can get over to S.Wales for a couple of rides before to see the climbs that would benefit you.
I didn't do it last year as I got fed up in 2010 with waits and the start venue, done much better smaller events like The Tour Of Pembrokeshire and Merlin Ride (check them out).
I'm hoping with Margam Park being the venue all the issues that people got pissed off with at Pencoed won't apply. If they do it's the last time I'll do it as I can ride these climbs for free anytime. But the chance to do it with 1000's of others and a few mates is something to look forward to.
Roll on June!

Thanks for the info. You say devils elbow is bad, what's bad about it, how steep/long is it? Rhigos and Bwich, what are these climbs like, steady or steep? Long or short? How would you grade them

Many thanks

I wouldn't worry about Bwlch and Rhigos, by any standard they are easy climbs... say 4 miles at 5-6% average, pretty constant gradient with the odd steeper bit... nothing compared with the Dales you did in the past. You will enjoy overtaking hundreds of riders up the slopes...

sampras38

I've entered the long route this year after missing last years (from what I've heard it was a bit of a shambles with the queues and timing chip issues), but I've done the long route a couple of times before and loved it. Family commitments stop me from riding with a club at the moment so alot of my training is with 1 or 2 other guys, and I really enjoy the bigger group riding on the Dragon. Also doing the Marmotte this year.

cwm

Chapeau to those taking part.

Bog off to the detractors.

ps-it is all on my doorstep but its the craic for me.

on-yer-bike

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Crispyapp wrote:

jackfeeder wrote:

Done the old course twice before and enjoyed most of it. This route is better, more scenic and harder. I've done all the climbs but not all together in one ride!
The toughest section will be after The Black Mountain (which is a very long drag but the descent is superb) until Glynneath. Bryn Melyn (Devil's Elbow) is a b#st#rd and the descent down towards Glynneath has a couple of very dangerous bends if taken at too quick a pace.
After that it's a matter of pacing the climbs of Rhigos and Bwlch as once you reach the top of that it's virtually all downhill past Afan Argoed to Port Talbot/Margam.
If you can get over to S.Wales for a couple of rides before to see the climbs that would benefit you.
I didn't do it last year as I got fed up in 2010 with waits and the start venue, done much better smaller events like The Tour Of Pembrokeshire and Merlin Ride (check them out).
I'm hoping with Margam Park being the venue all the issues that people got pissed off with at Pencoed won't apply. If they do it's the last time I'll do it as I can ride these climbs for free anytime. But the chance to do it with 1000's of others and a few mates is something to look forward to.
Roll on June!

Thanks for the info. You say devils elbow is bad, what's bad about it, how steep/long is it? Rhigos and Bwich, what are these climbs like, steady or steep? Long or short? How would you grade them

Many thanks

I wouldn't worry about Bwlch and Rhigos, by any standard they are easy climbs... say 4 miles at 5-6% average, pretty constant gradient with the odd steeper bit... nothing compared with the Dales you did in the past. You will enjoy overtaking hundreds of riders up the slopes...

Its not the steepness of the Bwlch that is the problem, its the fact that it came after about 95 tough miles and is very long.

Crispyapp

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Crispyapp wrote:

jackfeeder wrote:

Done the old course twice before and enjoyed most of it. This route is better, more scenic and harder. I've done all the climbs but not all together in one ride!
The toughest section will be after The Black Mountain (which is a very long drag but the descent is superb) until Glynneath. Bryn Melyn (Devil's Elbow) is a b#st#rd and the descent down towards Glynneath has a couple of very dangerous bends if taken at too quick a pace.
After that it's a matter of pacing the climbs of Rhigos and Bwlch as once you reach the top of that it's virtually all downhill past Afan Argoed to Port Talbot/Margam.
If you can get over to S.Wales for a couple of rides before to see the climbs that would benefit you.
I didn't do it last year as I got fed up in 2010 with waits and the start venue, done much better smaller events like The Tour Of Pembrokeshire and Merlin Ride (check them out).
I'm hoping with Margam Park being the venue all the issues that people got pissed off with at Pencoed won't apply. If they do it's the last time I'll do it as I can ride these climbs for free anytime. But the chance to do it with 1000's of others and a few mates is something to look forward to.
Roll on June!

Thanks for the info. You say devils elbow is bad, what's bad about it, how steep/long is it? Rhigos and Bwich, what are these climbs like, steady or steep? Long or short? How would you grade them

Many thanks

I wouldn't worry about Bwlch and Rhigos, by any standard they are easy climbs... say 4 miles at 5-6% average, pretty constant gradient with the odd steeper bit... nothing compared with the Dales you did in the past. You will enjoy overtaking hundreds of riders up the slopes...

Well this is it, I live in Leeds and do all my riding in the dales as I'm on the doorstep, so I'm pretty used to steep ish hills, but I think Wales, and automatically think mountains.... I'm hoping the climbs are long but steady, that would be ideal for me. If the odd hill is steep then so be it, will takle each one in its own merit.