Ride London 2014

birdie23

Grantmk wrote:

deswahriff wrote:

Grantmk wrote:

When was that email sent? I've not seen that but with the met advising branches could be brought down it wouldn't surprise me one bit - the organisers wouldn't want to risk someone being hit. If it happens it would be disappointing but understandable imo.

My dilemma is whether to switch from Pro 4's to Gatorskins.

..Gatorskins have a bad reputation in the wet, have a google...... I've swapped my PRO4 SC's for Conti 4 Seasons, and fitted a pair of Koolstop Salmons to the front caliper as my token gestures....

I was more concerned with punctures than grip.

If it's as wet as some people are saying (build your ark) you'll definitely care more about grip tomorrow morning.

KnightOfTheLongTights

ugo.santalucia wrote:

a weather warning which specifically mentions outdoor activities as hazardous

this is the bit I hadn't seen.

It's the getting drenched riding 20 miles to the start in the semi-dark and standing around in the pen that will be the fun bit here I suspect...

I swim with dopings

birdie23 wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

birdie23 wrote:

It's the RideLondon-Surrey 100. Enforcing it to be less than 100 miles makes it pointless imo. That's assuming the diversion doesn't add distance to keep it at 100 miles.

OK, so there is a weather warning, the organisers decide to plough ahead with plan A... three cyclists get severely injured and require assistance from the air ambulance, which cannot fly because of the weather conditions... things turn out badly and the insurance has to dig in their pockets to pay hundreds of thousands in compensation... then of course there is the damage to the reputation of the event...

Injuries don't just happen in the wet. I did the Etape Pennines and at least one person left in an ambulance and several crashed out, cycling carries risks. I don't think the risks on Leith and Box Hill are any different to the rest of the course.

Grantmk wrote:

When was that email sent? I've not seen that but with the met advising branches could be brought down it wouldn't surprise me one bit - the organisers wouldn't want to risk someone being hit. If it happens it would be disappointing but understandable imo.

My dilemma is whether to switch from Pro 4's to Gatorskins.

Stick with the Pro 4's, you'll want grip.

Of course the risks on Leith Hill and Box Hill are greater, how long have you been riding you xxxxx? And you may not think they are 'climbs', bravo you Froomey, but to a lot of people with varying abilities they are climbs and difficult for some. Stop being an arrogant xxx.

Its a well known fact that if riders start losing traction on these hills then it will cause a backlog in seconds. It only takes one or two riders to come off, bail out or walk and theres a 3 mile tailback of riders all walking up. Throw in another twenty odd thousand and its obvious why the organisers would chop the 'climbs' out of the equation, they want to keep things moving because theres a Pro race starting straight afterwards and TV schedules rule. To keep that flowing, they cut the squeeze points that will cause backlog, ie: Leith Hill and Box Hill.

Stop being a xxxx, not everyone doing the ride is a semi-pro on a £10k Pinarello. Im guessing youre the sort that doesnt acknowledge other riders on the road when they say hello because they are riding a bike from Halfords.

birdie23

Thanks dad.

I actually assume the 'risks' they talk about are coming down Leith and Box Hills not going up them.

I don't ride a Pinarello, I'm by no means the fastest but having grown up in East Lancashire I know what a hill looks like.

They will cut out those points for people who aren't going to make the cut off times so your point about TV is moot.

I actually acknowledge all other riders on the road, even those who've just nipped to the shop on their beater wearing flip flops. However, because plenty of southerners are ignorant (insert your choice of word you called me) they don't acknowledge me back.

ugo.santalucia

I swim with dopings wrote:

birdie23 wrote:

ugo.santalucia wrote:

birdie23 wrote:

It's the RideLondon-Surrey 100. Enforcing it to be less than 100 miles makes it pointless imo. That's assuming the diversion doesn't add distance to keep it at 100 miles.

OK, so there is a weather warning, the organisers decide to plough ahead with plan A... three cyclists get severely injured and require assistance from the air ambulance, which cannot fly because of the weather conditions... things turn out badly and the insurance has to dig in their pockets to pay hundreds of thousands in compensation... then of course there is the damage to the reputation of the event...

Injuries don't just happen in the wet. I did the Etape Pennines and at least one person left in an ambulance and several crashed out, cycling carries risks. I don't think the risks on Leith and Box Hill are any different to the rest of the course.

Grantmk wrote:

When was that email sent? I've not seen that but with the met advising branches could be brought down it wouldn't surprise me one bit - the organisers wouldn't want to risk someone being hit. If it happens it would be disappointing but understandable imo.

My dilemma is whether to switch from Pro 4's to Gatorskins.

Stick with the Pro 4's, you'll want grip.

Of course the risks on Leith Hill and Box Hill are greater, how long have you been riding you nugget? And you may not think they are 'climbs', bravo you Froomey, but to a lot of people with varying abilities they are climbs and difficult for some. Stop being an arrogant shjt.

Its a well known fact that if riders start losing traction on these hills then it will cause a backlog in seconds. It only takes one or two riders to come off, bail out or walk and theres a 3 mile tailback of riders all walking up. Throw in another twenty odd thousand and its obvious why the organisers would chop the 'climbs' out of the equation, they want to keep things moving because theres a Pro race starting straight afterwards and TV schedules rule. To keep that flowing, they cut the squeeze points that will cause backlog, ie: Leith Hill and Box Hill.

Stop being a tw@t, not everyone doing the ride is a semi-pro on a £10k Pinarello. Im guessing youre the sort that doesnt acknowledge other riders on the road when they say hello because they are riding a bike from Halfords.

While you make good points, your language and tone are not acceptable on this forum. There is a pink banner with the rules at the top. It only takes 5 minutes, suggest you read them

paul2718

'Losing traction'?????

The organisers may be right to be concerned about the effect of gales near Leith and Box, and perhaps the descent of Leith in the wet, especially if crap is washed across the road. It will be interesting to read about what happens. (And perhaps they'll raise the entry bar next year, to reduce the density of riders who are unlikely to cope with trickier conditions.)

Anyway the 'squeeze points' aren't relevant to the pro-race timing. The broom wagon will clear the course down the cut-offs on time regardless of the weather.

Paul

ugo.santalucia

paul2718 wrote:

And perhaps they'll raise the entry bar next year, to reduce the density of riders who are unlikely to cope with trickier conditions.

That will never happen... in time you will find fewer and fewer Strava types and more and more people dressed like teddy bears. Joe average at the side of the road rightly struggles to understand why some want to compete in a non competitive event

swj1

ugo.santalucia wrote:

paul2718 wrote:

And perhaps they'll raise the entry bar next year, to reduce the density of riders who are unlikely to cope with trickier conditions.

That will never happen... in time you will find fewer and fewer Strava types and more and more people dressed like teddy bears. Joe average at the side of the road rightly struggles to understand why some want to compete in a non competitive event

This ^^

VmanF3

If they remove the climbs and reduce the distance, my pledge amount will reduce based on donations per mile...so am I now likely to have to stump up the difference to stop the charity debt collectors knocking on the door...?

deswahriff

..at last, one good idea in that last official email.... that old marathon trick, wear a bin bag to keep you warm while hanging about at the start at silly o'clock in the morning..!

birdie23

ugo.santalucia wrote:

What will never happen... in time you will find fewer and fewer Strava types and more and more people dressed like teddy bears. Joe average at the side of the road rightly struggles to understand why some want to compete in a non competitive event

I'd hope so. To be honest it's not an event I anticipate entering again. I want to experience London on a bike on closed roads and once I've done that I'll be happy with my lot.

hatone

I think RL100 should spilt the event into separate classifications.

First group - E/1/2 licence holders (competing in a Nat A or

Second group - 3/4 licence holders (competing in a Reg A)

Third group - fastest non-BC licence holders based info from riders in the ballot (as it currently stands)

Rest of the groups - average Joe and ballot riders

Sunday's Ride Classic being invited/World Tour riders only.

birdie23

deswahriff wrote:

..at last, one good idea in that last official email.... that old marathon trick, wear a bin bag to keep you warm while hanging about at the start at silly o'clock in the morning..!

I'll definitely be doing this. Not bothered about getting wet once I'm moving but stood still I'd like to keep warmish.

boris54

Can someone who's received this email post content in this thread? I've not got it - and its not on the RideLondon twitter feed either?
Just back from the Freecycle which (for those like me who are based in London) was terrific - a 4 year old towed around on my Aligator-tow-bar and a 5 year old doing the whole circuit and now crashed out asleep. Shame the weather won't be the same tomorrow....
Happy to see some advice from more experienced types ref. clothing - I've got pretty much everything you could want, just not so experienced in riding these conditions to know what to choose!
Good luck to all and see you tomorrow. I'll be wearing a bin bag in the pen at the start!

Snorebens

Tyre dilemma - thoughts welcome !

Have a very new and slick pair of Diamante Pro Lights on the Cervelo that I was hoping to thrash around on tomorrow.
Seems almost foolish now and stores are closed so - can take it easy and back off in these or swap out for old Conti Grand Prix 4000s that I have the winter hack. This seems obvious - but I have paid them little attention from April onwards and they are riddled with cuts and nicks.

So - not much of choice eh - Bambi on ice with the slicks or risks perpetual punctures with the Contis?

birdie23

boris54 wrote:

Can someone who's received this email post content in this thread? I've not got it - and its not on the RideLondon twitter feed either?
Just back from the Freecycle which (for those like me who are based in London) was terrific - a 4 year old towed around on my Aligator-tow-bar and a 5 year old doing the whole circuit and now crashed out asleep. Shame the weather won't be the same tomorrow....
Happy to see some advice from more experienced types ref. clothing - I've got pretty much everything you could want, just not so experienced in riding these conditions to know what to choose!
Good luck to all and see you tomorrow. I'll be wearing a bin bag in the pen at the start!

"Dear Participant,

As I am sure you are aware, accurate weather information is hard to come by ahead of tomorrow’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, so do please read the following information carefully to ensure you’re well prepared for Ride Day.

In wet or windy conditions, please ride appropriately – leave more space between you and your fellow riders and moderate your speed.

Bring extra inner tubes with you as the chance of punctures is much higher when the roads are wet.

Please be aware that one of our contingencies is to shorten the route through one of the diversion points. If the weather is particularly poor, we may use a diversion that removes both Leith Hill and Box Hill from the route for rider safety. It is very important, therefore, that you follow all instructions given to you by our stewards and marshals.

Do ensure that you dress for inclement weather. As you will be in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for 60 minutes or more before you start the sportive, please wear warm and waterproof layers. A plastic poncho – or even a bin liner – will keep you dry prior to your departure.

Reduce your tyre pressures by 10-15psi from the summer norm to improve traction.

Try not to ride over manhole covers or white lines as they are more slippery than tarmac when wet.

Finally, take care when riding over Hammersmith Flyover as there is an uneven surface at one point in the road due to on-going maintenance work. Do ride this small section of the route with extra caution."

There's then some stuff about rider tracking but this is the important bit.

wrayste

A mandatory shortening of the route, while disappointing, is the best decision if the weather is bad. I would think that the removal of Leith Hill was significantly more likely than Box hill, mainly because it is a lot trickier ascent and descent. The biggest problems the organizers have is if a significant number of cyclists for whatever reason get stuck out on the course.

I have to say bravo to the organisers as they appear to be very well organised and communicating well. I'm looking forward to tomorrow, rain or shine.

AK_jnr

Anyone not bothering?

DeVlaeminck

That email seems fairly reasonable but I'd be annoyed if I'd entered and they did shorten the course unless the weather is much worse than forecast. Anyone who is capable of riding safely in a mass participation event should be capable of riding safely in the wet and in the wind - if they aren't I'd not want them riding near me in the dry either.

For those worrying about your tyre choice I wouldn't be concerned - most of us will ride the same tyres all Summer wet or dry - I use Pro4s which are race tyres and well up to a 100 miler in wet weather. Similarly Gatorskins may not be the best grip in wet weather but they are generally used as a Winter or a tough all year tyre - they will be absolutely fine in the wet so long as you don't decide to explore the limits of your bikes handling.

stueyboy

I'd expect them to cut out Leith hill tomorrow to be honest. The descent is narrow and the road surface isn't great. Add into that the trees overhead and low visibility and it's a pretty sketchy stretch of road. Be a shame to miss it out but I'd rather do that than have an accident or see someone else have one.

ugo.santalucia

hatone wrote:

I think RL100 should spilt the event into separate classifications.

First group - E/1/2 licence holders (competing in a Nat A or

Second group - 3/4 licence holders (competing in a Reg A)

Third group - fastest non-BC licence holders based info from riders in the ballot (as it currently stands)

Rest of the groups - average Joe and ballot riders

Sunday's Ride Classic being invited/World Tour riders only.

You make the mistake of thinking that the organisation cares for groups 1/2/3

Omar Little

boris54 wrote:

Can someone who's received this email post content in this thread? I've not got it - and its not on the RideLondon twitter feed either?
Just back from the Freecycle which (for those like me who are based in London) was terrific - a 4 year old towed around on my Aligator-tow-bar and a 5 year old doing the whole circuit and now crashed out asleep. Shame the weather won't be the same tomorrow....
Happy to see some advice from more experienced types ref. clothing - I've got pretty much everything you could want, just not so experienced in riding these conditions to know what to choose!

Its hard to say what to wear because its so much on personal preference. Generally you'll be getting wet whatever you wear if working hard and wearing warerproofs (even breathable ones) your sweat will be the cause rather than the rain. So wear something that will keep you warm and relatively comfortable when wet, but not too hot.

For me that means ill have on a shortsleeve castelli gabba top, light weight baselayer, bib shorts and possibly neoprene shoes covers. If i didnt have the gabba id go short sleeve jersey with a gilet on top. Its going to be relatively mild so i probably wont bother with arm warmers but will decide tomorrow morning

Kryton57

I'm pretty much the same as Omar - bibs, light base and SS jersey with warmers. I'll wear a race cape to the start and seeing as I have an hours ride, that'll give me a chance to adapt as I'll be carry dry clothes in my kitbag for the end.

DHA987S

I have a gabba but think it will likely be too warm with that on, the temperature (ignoring any wind chill) is likely to be 18-19 deg C.

sherer

At the minute I'm thinking lightweight base layer, short sleeve jersey and arm Warmers. Have a rain cape which I will take with me.

Is there a definite path for the storm yet ?

Simon-R7

Slight change of subject, did anyone else feel ripped off at having to pay £15 to park for 15 minutes to pick up their registration pack :shock: Luckily some kind soul gave me their ticket which I then passed on.

I may be forced to use the winter bike with mudguards an GP 4 seasons if it is really wet. Both bikes packed in the car, will decide in the car park in the morning which steed to use :?:

birdie23

I've just got to my London hotel. The weather is so nice it's actually cruel what is to come by tomorrow morning.

ugo.santalucia

Simon-R7 wrote:

Slight change of subject, did anyone else feel ripped off at having to pay £15 to park for 15 minutes to pick up their registration pack :shock:

That's way more than you pay at Heathrow... I thought that was the benchmark for car park rip-offs... :shock:

sherer

birdie23 wrote:

I've just got to my London hotel. The weather is so nice it's actually cruel what is to come by tomorrow morning.

I know still hoping it will pass London and Surrey by

jscl

Simon-R7 wrote:

Slight change of subject, did anyone else feel ripped off at having to pay £15 to park for 15 minutes to pick up their registration pack :shock: Luckily some kind soul gave me their ticket which I then passed on.

I may be forced to use the winter bike with mudguards an GP 4 seasons if it is really wet. Both bikes packed in the car, will decide in the car park in the morning which steed to use :?:

I'm parked at the back of the ExCel for the duration and it's free here, not sure where you parked.

Tomorrow is going to be interesting. My wave is at 6:30 and then I have to get back for the race in the afternoon. Is going to be manic. I've opted to take this less seriously and carb-load on Fosters Gold in the hotel this evening.

It's only dangerous if people, like in previous pages, start talking about race cats and so on. It's a sportive. Putting race cats aside, keep it safe not just for yourself, but everyone. Remember it's 24.000 riders and all of mixed ability.

I look forward to seeing you all out on the road tomorrow.