Wiggle Dragon Ride 2013

nunowoolmez

On the same day? Not sure. However, i am going to sign up for the Evans Ride It King Of The Downs which features some nice riding & touch climbs. Did it last year & it was great. 2nd June. At the end of the month there is the Wiggle 'Long One' which is £28. Lots & lots of climbing in South Downs/Hampshire. It's 127m & similar amount of climbing. Also that weekend is the AMR Peak 100. Held in the Peaks it is a bloomin tough ride (100m) but varied.

dodgy

friso wrote:

Pissed off I didn't get in via the ballott. All my riding mates paid the extra and got places but I won't have a gun held against my head to guarantee that the more affluent get in

I have done the last three and always sung its praises even though in recent years the organisation has been dreadful

Not any more and I won't be back in future years

Anyone recommend an alternative?

Just ride it anyway! I don't understand why you wouldn't? You tried to pay, you have mates who have paid, as long as you don't eat the food, I wouldn't have a problem knowing you had turned up and rode without paying if you told me.

sub55

friso wrote:

Pissed off I didn't get in via the ballott. All my riding mates paid the extra and got places but I won't have a gun held against my head to guarantee that the more affluent get in

I have done the last three and always sung its praises even though in recent years the organisation has been dreadful

Not any more and I won't be back in future years

Anyone recommend an alternative?

an alternative, try this one http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/13-195/ a real challenge. the sort of thing you'll remember forever

djm501

friso wrote:

Anyone recommend an alternative?

I'm doing the Tour of Pembrokeshire as an alternative ( for £20 - http://www.tourofpembrokeshire.co.uk/ ). I'm a newb at this (only cycling seriously since May) and the Dragon Ride was to be my first big sportive. Didn't realise how expensive it was compared to others and although disappointed to not make the ballot I am much happier with my bank balance having got the refund through today.

Tour of Pembrokeshire is 100 miles (if you want) features only slightly less climbing and means I'll actually have to go stay in St. Davids. This will actually make it more expensive than the Dragon Ride for me as I live in Cardiff and was just going to drive down on the day but we'll make a weekend of it and stay a few days as an Easter(ish) break.

Other than that I'm doing an Audax in January which is 200 km - same length as Dragon Ride and is £6 and starts where I live. I think I'll train myself up a bit more before I try an epic audax such as the one linked to above!

Plenty of good alternatives I think.

bernithebiker

To those that didn't get in to this, maybe consider something more exotic.....

A short hop across the Channel and you arrive in a totally different environment.

At the end of June is a huge event in Callac, Brittany which had almost 8000 riders last year, and this year will be 130km.

Not only is it only 25 Euros to enter with tons of freebies, food, etc. but ALL of the profits go to a charity fighting cystic fibrosis.

(Amazingly, you can also claim a tax credit of 19.80E which means you end up only paying 5 Euros).

Ferries to Roscoff or St Malo with Brittany Ferries are excellent and cheap if you don't bring a car.

http://www.laplbmuco.org/index.php?opti ... &Itemid=64

billysan

Does anyone have a Grand Fondo place they can no longer commit to since registering?

If so please pm me.

Thanks

dmclite-3.0

Hello, just looking on the ride site and found this out.




We will not be supplying and items such as energy bars or gels in wrappers that would cause a litter issue on the route of the event.


So, a bonus from last year, loads of energy bars and gels not being supplied and you pay £55 ? Seems the organiser is not finished with the goal posts. :roll:

rusty nuts

This isn't anything new the message has been on the website for some years, the organisers should be aplauded for trying to reduce the litter dropped by many inconsiderate riders.

dmclite-3.0

rusty nuts wrote:

This isn't anything new the message has been on the website for some years, the organisers should be aplauded for trying to reduce the litter dropped by many inconsiderate riders.

Can't see the message being on years, we had Zipvit bars and gels at all 3 feedstops when I rode the Dragonride last year ?

dodgy

Don't know how long the message has been on there, don't care tbh. But I'm glad that these clueless sportive riders aren't being preloaded with litter to scatter around the countryside.

dmclite-3.0

dodgy wrote:

Don't know how long the message has been on there, don't care tbh. But I'm glad that these clueless sportive riders aren't being preloaded with litter to scatter around the countryside.

I'm not clueless, just saying, sniff

533

I have two places available for transfer if anyone is looking for some (despite the mixed opinions of the event on this forum). Let me know via PM.

pdw

I've got a place going spare as a mate has gone and organised his wedding for the day before.

After last year's ride, where the organisers really seemed to have got their act together, I'm very disappointed to be missing this year.

Drop me a PM if you're interested.

ackoslash

I have a space going, PM me if interested.

red_eye5

Anyone know what the standards are for this years ride?

Last years timings were way to strict Bronze cut off was 8hr 20 (grand route) most people did not get that. I think everyone who finishes should have got at least a bronze.

Grill

What's the point of having a standard if you give it to everyone? It's not a difficult route- Exmoor Beast is tougher.

dmclite-3.0

Grill wrote:

What's the point of having a standard if you give it to everyone? It's not a difficult route- Exmoor Beast is tougher.

Modesty personified.

The route may be difficult to a lot of riders, its just a matter of ability and perception, something you seem to lack. Glad you won't be there.

Grill

dmclite-3.0 wrote:

Grill wrote:

What's the point of having a standard if you give it to everyone? It's not a difficult route- Exmoor Beast is tougher.

Modesty personified.

The route may be difficult to a lot of riders, its just a matter of ability and perception, something you seem to lack. Glad you won't be there.

Devil's Elbow is the only climb that should give anyone trouble, and even then it's not that bad. Rhigos and Bwlch are both easy and not remotely steep, so the only thing to worry about is the choppers on the decents. It would be incredibly easy to make that ride 5x as hard given the area.

This sportive is in my backyard so there's no way I'd pay to ride it, but chances are I'll tag along the route as long as I don't have a TT that weekend. Let me know if you need a push up the hills

red_eye5

1757 finishers on grand route in 2012 only 317 managed to get a medal. Bit harsh IMO.

dmclite-3.0

Grill wrote:

dmclite-3.0 wrote:

Grill wrote:

What's the point of having a standard if you give it to everyone? It's not a difficult route- Exmoor Beast is tougher.

Modesty personified.

The route may be difficult to a lot of riders, its just a matter of ability and perception, something you seem to lack. Glad you won't be there.

Devil's Elbow is the only climb that should give anyone trouble, and even then it's not that bad. Rhigos and Bwlch are both easy and not remotely steep, so the only thing to worry about is the choppers on the decents. It would be incredibly easy to make that ride 5x as hard given the area.

This sportive is in my backyard so there's no way I'd pay to ride it, but chances are I'll tag along the route as long as I don't have a TT that weekend. Let me know if you need a push up the hills

Yeah, ok you can be my domestique. Tag-a-long local though, nice, do you shoplift locally too ?

Grill

dmclite-3.0 wrote:

Grill wrote:

dmclite-3.0 wrote:

Grill wrote:

What's the point of having a standard if you give it to everyone? It's not a difficult route- Exmoor Beast is tougher.

Modesty personified.

The route may be difficult to a lot of riders, its just a matter of ability and perception, something you seem to lack. Glad you won't be there.

Devil's Elbow is the only climb that should give anyone trouble, and even then it's not that bad. Rhigos and Bwlch are both easy and not remotely steep, so the only thing to worry about is the choppers on the decents. It would be incredibly easy to make that ride 5x as hard given the area.

This sportive is in my backyard so there's no way I'd pay to ride it, but chances are I'll tag along the route as long as I don't have a TT that weekend. Let me know if you need a push up the hills

Yeah, ok you can be my domestique. Tag-a-long local though, nice, do you shoplift locally too ?

Oh you! Now you're just being silly. There's no reason to stop for that ride as 2 bottles and a few dates is plenty to get through. I hate stopping on rides, and the fact that my diet doesn't allow me to eat anything that they have on sportive stops, means I'm not stealing from anyone.

Put hey, you go ahead and feel smug about paying 60 quid to ride my backyard. You're welcome. :P

I'll pay to ride audaxes or TTs. Sportives are a waste of money and filled with people who ride bikes as opposed to cyclists. Case in point- complaining about not getting a medal... :roll:

silkypedals

Does anyone know from previous rides if all the feed stations are equal quality and equally stocked? I'm anticipating making 1 or 2 stops and was planning to ride through the first station (except maybe for water), and use station 2 and possibly 4. Bars in the jersey pocket are ok, but I love a nice chunk of cheese !

ransos1

Grill wrote:

dmclite-3.0 wrote:

Grill wrote:

What's the point of having a standard if you give it to everyone? It's not a difficult route- Exmoor Beast is tougher.

Modesty personified.

The route may be difficult to a lot of riders, its just a matter of ability and perception, something you seem to lack. Glad you won't be there.

Devil's Elbow is the only climb that should give anyone trouble, and even then it's not that bad. Rhigos and Bwlch are both easy and not remotely steep, so the only thing to worry about is the choppers on the decents. It would be incredibly easy to make that ride 5x as hard given the area.

This sportive is in my backyard so there's no way I'd pay to ride it, but chances are I'll tag along the route as long as I don't have a TT that weekend. Let me know if you need a push up the hills

Rhigos and Bwlch are not steep, but they're pretty long, and a rider with plenty of miles already in their legs will find them difficult. Devil's Elbow is (IIRC) 1:5 at one point, which is a test for most.

Could you post up a route of similar length that's "5x as hard"?

Grill

I can't be bothered with actually mapping a route, but there are loads of climbs in the area that are far more difficult that Devil's Elbow. Whether it be The Tumble, Maerdy (from Aberdare), Mountain Rd (Cwmbran), Pentre Cottages, Penrhys, Penheol, Castle Coch, Caerphilly Mountain, Gospel Pass, etc.

Chaining loads of the shorter sharper climbs is far more difficult and you could still do Rhigos and the Bwlch. I took some folk on this one couple months ago which took in both those climbs after Pentyrch, Ferndale, and Maerdy, and even though none of them were "climbers" and they all hate hills, they still made it through with no problems.
http://app.strava.com/activities/46479254

In regards to the Beast, a buddy made the comment "I've never seen so many people push so many expensive bikes up a hill", and that was only 12 miles in...

ransos1

Grill wrote:

I can't be bothered with actually mapping a route, but there are loads of climbs in the area that are far more difficult that Devil's Elbow. Whether it be The Tumble, Maerdy (from Aberdare), Mountain Rd (Cwmbran), Pentre Cottages, Penrhys, Penheol, Castle Coch, Caerphilly Mountain, Gospel Pass, etc.

Chaining loads of the shorter sharper climbs is far more difficult and you could still do Rhigos and the Bwlch. I took some folk on this one couple months ago which took in both those climbs after Pentyrch, Ferndale, and Maerdy, and even though none of them were "climbers" and they all hate hills, they still made it through with no problems.
http://app.strava.com/activities/46479254

In regards to the Beast, a buddy made the comment "I've never seen so many people push so many expensive bikes up a hill", and that was only 12 miles in...

I'll assume then that a route "5x as hard" in the area doesn't exist. As for shorter, sharper climbs being more difficult, that depends on the individual. Those with good strength but not fitness might prefer them to the longer gradual climbs.

If you want to see lots of people pushing expensive bikes, try Crowcombe Hill on the Somerset Gran Fondo. A mile of straight climbing, steepening from 1:5 at the bottom to 1:4 near the top.

As for the Beast, the finishing times and total gradient don't really support your assertion.

Anyway, I've diverted this thread enough so I'll bow out now.

Grill

I assume you haven't ridden the Beast. 9,000+ ft of climbing regardless of what the brochure states. I made it more difficult for myself by riding it one-legged with no brakes
http://app.strava.com/activities/26331050

If you really want a route just map all the climbs I listed. Considering most of those hit 1:4 (and some 1:3), it's a way more difficult and would end most people. Here's one I did with a few of those climbs. The first 20 miles were flat and then the pain started!
http://app.strava.com/activities/40952980

Long climbs are easier as all they require is the correct rhythm. Once that's sorted it's just a matter of going up. I suppose those climbs can be intimidating to those who haven't done them (I was scared my first time), but now I just link them with a few other climbs for training rides.

Anyway, the point I was making is that it's both silly and highly amusing to complain that the standard is "too difficult" just because you can't achieve it.

djm501

Grill, I'm really going to have to start pinching your routes seeing as you seem to have the same base as me (Cardiff).

Caerphilly mt, Rhigos, Bwlch, Penheol... all too familiar to the old legs.

bendertherobot

Grill wrote:

I assume you haven't ridden the Beast. 9,000+ ft of climbing regardless of what the brochure states. I made it more difficult for myself by riding it one-legged with no brakes
http://app.strava.com/activities/26331050

If you really want a route just map all the climbs I listed. Considering most of those hit 1:4 (and some 1:3), it's a way more difficult and would end most people. Here's one I did with a few of those climbs. The first 20 miles were flat and then the pain started!
http://app.strava.com/activities/40952980

Long climbs are easier as all they require is the correct rhythm. Once that's sorted it's just a matter of going up. I suppose those climbs can be intimidating to those who haven't done them (I was scared my first time), but now I just link them with a few other climbs for training rides.

Anyway, the point I was making is that it's both silly and highly amusing to complain that the standard is "too difficult" just because you can't achieve it.

Um, if Strava is to be believed, I did more than that today.

http://app.strava.com/activities/55109162

But, personally, I don't often believe Strava.

Anyhow, I generally concur with your view of making the Dragon harder. You've actually missed some off there though, Garth 2 and 3 for example. It would, however, be often difficult to link all of these climbs together in a safe manner for the sheer volume on the Dragon. Therein the catch 22. You could make a great Dragon but, really, it would be better just as a route for people to follow.

Grill

Pentyrch = Garth

Your climbing figures are consistent with riding the Wye Valley, but generally I find most climbs round there are quite gentle. I certainly found Exmoor had much harder digs, although if you know where to look you could replicate the feel quite easily.

Naturally elevation data will differ by unit, but those with GPS+barometric sensors do tend to be the closest to actual figures.

bendertherobot

Grill wrote:

Pentyrch = Garth

Your climbing figures are consistent with riding the Wye Valley, but generally I find most climbs round there are quite gentle. I certainly found Exmoor had much harder digs, although if you know where to look you could replicate the feel quite easily.

Naturally elevation data will differ by unit, but those with GPS+barometric sensors do tend to be the closest to actual figures.

Pentyrch = Garth = the easy way

Try this one:
http://app.strava.com/segments/1216734

Or, in the middle of the 3 Garth segments, the one that rises above the Gwaelod Inn.

Top tip, don't stop and get off.

There are many climbs available to the Dragon Ride. But, getting riders easily too them in their thousands is not always a good idea.