Ride London 2015
Comments
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You can just cycle to Liverpool St and get the train back to Stratford if you don't want to ride all the way. Trains frequent and you can take your bike.Question from a first timer. I'm staying close to the start and debating how best to get back there from the finish.
Anyone here used the Bike Transport Service? I if so what do you think? In particular what is the protection for the bikes like? I don't want my Italian thoroughbred getting damaged?
I guess my only alternative is to ride back to East London. Thanks0 -
Another option - whip off your front wheel and pour you and your bike into a black cab.Question from a first timer. I'm staying close to the start and debating how best to get back there from the finish.
Anyone here used the Bike Transport Service? I if so what do you think? In particular what is the protection for the bikes like? I don't want my Italian thoroughbred getting damaged?
I guess my only alternative is to ride back to East London. Thanks0 -
Seems to be an awful lot of people on this thread who have got the wrong idea.
It's a sportive. "Lesser" riders have the exact same right to be there as anyone else. Either enter a cat4 race or accept it.[urlhttp://veloviewer.com/SigImage.php?a=f3252&r=3&c=5&u=I&g=s&f=abcdefghij&z=a.png]Veloviewer[/url]0 -
It seems most people have merely said that starting in order of ability is the safest way to manage so many riders. Nothing about a race. I'd assume many of the 'lesser' riders will be riding for a time, should they go enter a cat 4 too?0
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The suspicion is that some of the 'lesser' riders haven't done any training and will be walking up Sawyers Hill, let alone Leith, while occupying the entire width of the road and chatting about how much they spent on Rapha. This is reasonably concerning to people who have invested a lot of time and effort into preparing properly and want to ride to the best of their ability.
Paul0 -
It seems most people have merely said that starting in order of ability is the safest way to manage so many riders. Nothing about a race. I'd assume many of the 'lesser' riders will be riding for a time, should they go enter a cat 4 too?
Actually it isn't, it is in fact the most dangerous. If they started everyone off who was capable of 4.5 hours at the same time you would just get a massive peloton of a couple of thousand riders winding it's way along the course which is a recipe for serious injury. Every year in the tour de France there are serious crashes in the peloton and that is with less than 200 riders all of whom are, lets face it, a lot better than the people taking part in ride London. They want a steady stream of riders rather than just huge bunches so will include a number of different abilities in each wave so that it will spread out once it hits the road.
Just as you will have some of the 'lesser' riders walking and blocking up the road you will also get some others that are treating it like a race without a thought for others around them. I lost count last year of the number of chain gangs speeding past me in full on time trial positions even though it was pouring with rain and you could barely see infront of you. And it was not as if I was going slowly, completed with average speed of 19mph.0 -
It seems most people have merely said that starting in order of ability is the safest way to manage so many riders. Nothing about a race. I'd assume many of the 'lesser' riders will be riding for a time, should they go enter a cat 4 too?
Actually it isn't, it is in fact the most dangerous. If they started everyone off who was capable of 4.5 hours at the same time you would just get a massive peloton of a couple of thousand riders winding it's way along the course which is a recipe for serious injury. Every year in the tour de France there are serious crashes in the peloton and that is with less than 200 riders all of whom are, lets face it, a lot better than the people taking part in ride London. They want a steady stream of riders rather than just huge bunches so will include a number of different abilities in each wave so that it will spread out once it hits the road.
Just as you will have some of the 'lesser' riders walking and blocking up the road you will also get some others that are treating it like a race without a thought for others around them. I lost count last year of the number of chain gangs speeding past me in full on time trial positions even though it was pouring with rain and you could barely see infront of you. And it was not as if I was going slowly, completed with average speed of 19mph.
How do the Gran Fondos manage to cope ok with these massive peletons?
You see it didn't work for all the issues you've mentioned at the end. It's one or the other, put the experienced lot with licenses out front (which they have largely done I have to say) and you won't have chain gangs ripping it through.0 -
p.s.chain gangs speeding past me in full on time trial positions even though it was pouring with rain and you could barely see infront of you.
..and boy was it fun!
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In 2013 there was a rollout of a couple of miles from QEOP before the official start mats which were on the A13 (I think, it was a main dual carriageway anyway). I can't see if they are doing that again this year, or if it is full bore from QEOP - anyone know?0
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In 2013 there was a rollout of a couple of miles from QEOP before the official start mats which were on the A13 (I think, it was a main dual carriageway anyway). I can't see if they are doing that again this year, or if it is full bore from QEOP - anyone know?
Yes they did this in 2013 but last year it was just a start and that was in. I was over a mile in before I reset my clock from ride to the start.0 -
6am start alongside Ipete and the other fairly quick folk.
Trainings good and form is excellent. Except uphill as i'm a rouleur not a climber, i'll be pacing the climbs. Leith hill is my target for getting dropped then make it back on the flattish roads to box, and then again towards london.
target time of 4 hours 25 mins is acheivable, i'd say... if the group i'm in works well there is a chance of 4h15.0 -
I have a 6am start. When I registered I was fine for a sub-5 hr ride, but had a knee problem in March and was on crutches for 2 weeks, so my training has been trashed and realistically I am now looking at 5 hrs 45 mins or so.
Not sure whether to just go with my allocated start time or see if I can be moved to a time where I'm more likely to be starting with others going at the same speed.0 -
It appears to be the same as last year - the start is at the start, not a couple of miles along the A12.In 2013 there was a rollout of a couple of miles from QEOP before the official start mats which were on the A13 (I think, it was a main dual carriageway anyway). I can't see if they are doing that again this year, or if it is full bore from QEOP - anyone know?
Yes they did this in 2013 but last year it was just a start and that was in. I was over a mile in before I reset my clock from ride to the start.0 -
I have a 6am start. When I registered I was fine for a sub-5 hr ride, but had a knee problem in March and was on crutches for 2 weeks, so my training has been trashed and realistically I am now looking at 5 hrs 45 mins or so.
Not sure whether to just go with my allocated start time or see if I can be moved to a time where I'm more likely to be starting with others going at the same speed.
I doubt they will change the start to time anyway and I wouldn't worry about it. It takes awhile for groups to form unless clubs have been lucky to all start in the same wave.0 -
Just got around to reading the Ride 100 magazine. Quick question, what the hell is Caffeine Loading!?!
Never heard of it before, anyone here doing it or planning to on the day?Giant Defy Advanced 0 - Best
Planet X London Road - Wet
Montague Fit - Foldy thing that rarely gets used these days0 -
Ok have just booked the first train from Richmond at 548am just need to work out how I'm going to get there now !
I noticed on the booking email that it said if you are going to use this service then use your oyster card to access the station as there will be no staff at the desks, what if you dont have an oyster card ???0 -
Use a proximity debit or credit card .I noticed on the booking email that it said if you are going to use this service then use your oyster card to access the station as there will be no staff at the desks, what if you dont have an oyster card ???0 -
The suspicion is that some of the 'lesser' riders haven't done any training and will be walking up Sawyers Hill, let alone Leith, while occupying the entire width of the road and chatting about how much they spent on Rapha.
Appreciate that a bit of road etiquette applies, but that's for all riders - someone who can't haul themselves up a steep hill is not a lesser being or a lesser person - they paid their fee, they entered and are in. They 'own' the road as much as you do, Mr Froome.This is reasonably concerning to people who have invested a lot of time and effort into preparing properly and want to ride to the best of their ability.
Yeah, 'cos of course all of us non-hardcore types are lazy f**ks who can't cycle 24/7, as we've got jobs, kids, partners, etc. We must be so annoying for you TdeF rejects. I personally can barely ride my bike, having only just taken off the stabilisers.
As someone who will fall into the 'slower' category, this kind of sneering attitude really winds me up. It's my first century and I don't want the day ruined by unhelpful attitudes from the plastic professional riders.
It's just a hill. Get over it.0 -
Take solace.As someone who will fall into the 'slower' category, this kind of sneering attitude really winds me up. It's my first century and I don't want the day ruined by unhelpful attitudes from the plastic professional riders.
I'm 18 stone and turn 60 this year. My target is simply to finish without cardiac arrest.
Yet, somehow, I've been allocated a 06.24hrs start time.
I'll be a wide and slow-moving load going up Leith Hill ......!0 -
Take solace.As someone who will fall into the 'slower' category, this kind of sneering attitude really winds me up. It's my first century and I don't want the day ruined by unhelpful attitudes from the plastic professional riders.
I'm 18 stone and turn 60 this year. My target is simply to finish without cardiac arrest.
Yet, somehow, I've been allocated a 06.24hrs start time.
I'll be a wide and slow-moving load going up Leith Hill ......!
Solace taken. 46 and 90Kg (I've gone metric!)
Start time 8 something.
Utterly, utterly baffled by websites for PRL and TfL on 'getting the the start'. I want to ride from Southwark (office) but seem to have to cross the route. Websites useless. HEELLLLPPPPPPPP!
It's just a hill. Get over it.0 -
Ride upstream and cross the river on Blackfriars Bridge; through the City and pick up the Whitechapel Road/Mile End Road. When you get to the flyover over the A12, go around the roundabout (NOT over the flyover) and follow the signs and other entrants.Solace taken. 46 and 90Kg (I've gone metric!)
Start time 8 something.
Utterly, utterly baffled by websites for PRL and TfL on 'getting the the start'. I want to ride from Southwark (office) but seem to have to cross the route. Websites useless. HEELLLLPPPPPPPP!
You'll cross the route a couple of times, but won't interact with it.0 -
Utterly, utterly baffled by websites for PRL and TfL on 'getting the the start'. I want to ride from Southwark (office) but seem to have to cross the route. Websites useless. HEELLLLPPPPPPPP!
I'm doing much the same. Staying at LSE Bankside in Southwark, walking to the office in Gracechurch St where the car will be parked (office car park) then cycling to Stratford. I don't think this route "interacts" with the RLS100 route at all. And at the time I'm getting there (6.15 start) there won't be any cyclists on the route anyway :-)WyndyMilla Massive Attack | Rourke 953 | Condor Italia 531 Pro | Boardman CX Pro | DT Swiss RR440 Tubeless Wheels
Find me on Strava0 -
Ride upstream and cross the river on Blackfriars Bridge; through the City and pick up the Whitechapel Road/Mile End Road. When you get to the flyover over the A12, go around the roundabout (NOT over the flyover) and follow the signs and other entrants.Solace taken. 46 and 90Kg (I've gone metric!)
Start time 8 something.
Utterly, utterly baffled by websites for PRL and TfL on 'getting the the start'. I want to ride from Southwark (office) but seem to have to cross the route. Websites useless. HEELLLLPPPPPPPP!
You'll cross the route a couple of times, but won't interact with it.
Blackfriars rather than London Bridge? I actually know both, so that's a good start!
It's just a hill. Get over it.0 -
I'm staying in the Waterloo area but can't be bothered with all this cycling malarkey. I'll probably whip off the front wheel and pour the bike and me into a black cab .....0
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Sorry, I had my car head on!Blackfriars rather than London Bridge? I actually know both, so that's a good start!
London Bridge would be fine - but don't take the right into Eastcheap/Great Tower Street - or else we'll meet head-on at the Tower!0 -
What?The suspicion is that some of the 'lesser' riders haven't done any training and will be walking up Sawyers Hill, let alone Leith, while occupying the entire width of the road and chatting about how much they spent on Rapha.
Appreciate that a bit of road etiquette applies, but that's for all riders - someone who can't haul themselves up a steep hill is not a lesser being or a lesser person - they paid their fee, they entered and are in. They 'own' the road as much as you do, Mr Froome.This is reasonably concerning to people who have invested a lot of time and effort into preparing properly and want to ride to the best of their ability.
Yeah, 'cos of course all of us non-hardcore types are lazy f**ks who can't cycle 24/7, as we've got jobs, kids, partners, etc. We must be so annoying for you TdeF rejects. I personally can barely ride my bike, having only just taken off the stabilisers.
As someone who will fall into the 'slower' category, this kind of sneering attitude really winds me up. It's my first century and I don't want the day ruined by unhelpful attitudes from the plastic professional riders.
I was simply outlining why abstract people who are reasonably fit and prepared want early start times. Either you are going to be anti-social and part of the problem, or you are going to be sensitive to others, and therefore not. Your comments are offensive, there will be many riders for whom this is their first century, who have spent time and effort preparing, even those with jobs and families.
Speaking for myself, if I have a puncture, or fall off, or somebody else falls off and I get held up behind the emergency services, then that's just life. It happens, hope everybody recovers. But if were trying to ride up Leith and the road was blocked by people who both haven't made the effort to prepare for a known challenge and then ignore others who have, I would be annoyed. Perhaps you don't care about anybody else.
Anyway enjoy your ride.
Paul0 -
<<Lots of angry words directed at each other, probably through misunderstanding rather than anger>>
Anyway enjoy your ride.
Paul
Likewise.
PS: I won't be walking up ANY hills :twisted:
It's just a hill. Get over it.0 -
I'm staying in the Waterloo area but can't be bothered with all this cycling malarkey. I'll probably whip off the front wheel and pour the bike and me into a black cab .....
I would not rely on hailing one on the street0 -
Prepared or not, there will be people out there with a massive range of abilities.
What?The suspicion is that some of the 'lesser' riders haven't done any training and will be walking up Sawyers Hill, let alone Leith, while occupying the entire width of the road and chatting about how much they spent on Rapha.
Appreciate that a bit of road etiquette applies, but that's for all riders - someone who can't haul themselves up a steep hill is not a lesser being or a lesser person - they paid their fee, they entered and are in. They 'own' the road as much as you do, Mr Froome.This is reasonably concerning to people who have invested a lot of time and effort into preparing properly and want to ride to the best of their ability.
Yeah, 'cos of course all of us non-hardcore types are lazy f**ks who can't cycle 24/7, as we've got jobs, kids, partners, etc. We must be so annoying for you TdeF rejects. I personally can barely ride my bike, having only just taken off the stabilisers.
As someone who will fall into the 'slower' category, this kind of sneering attitude really winds me up. It's my first century and I don't want the day ruined by unhelpful attitudes from the plastic professional riders.
I was simply outlining why abstract people who are reasonably fit and prepared want early start times. Either you are going to be anti-social and part of the problem, or you are going to be sensitive to others, and therefore not. Your comments are offensive, there will be many riders for whom this is their first century, who have spent time and effort preparing, even those with jobs and families.
Speaking for myself, if I have a puncture, or fall off, or somebody else falls off and I get held up behind the emergency services, then that's just life. It happens, hope everybody recovers. But if were trying to ride up Leith and the road was blocked by people who both haven't made the effort to prepare for a known challenge and then ignore others who have, I would be annoyed. Perhaps you don't care about anybody else.
Anyway enjoy your ride.
Paul
Last year my time put me in the top one-third of all finishers - I was very pleased with that (for an old overweight fart like me)!
Like every other evening, I'll be out on my bike tonight to ensure that I'm as prepared as I can be and I'll prep my bike as well as I can to ensure that it's fit for this event - I have a new 12-30 cassette sitting on my desk right now and am debating whether to swap it for the 11-28 that's currently on my bike simply to give me best chance of riding up Leith Hill.
So I'm doing my bit.
But this year's event will be very different.
The course will be rammed with 25,000 riders - getting on for double the number of 2013.
Last year there were massive hold-ups in Richmond Park. Leith Hill will be a pinch-point for sure - it's narrow; rough as old boots; fecking steep (for me at least!) and narrow. There will be people walking up on both sides of the road and others who, like me, will ride up at about walking pace. I'll do my best not to hold anybody up and, if I do, I'll be as sorry as they.
I genuinely don't know why I've got a 06.24hrs start. Maybe I put 2½ hours down when I entered.
I will try not to get in the way of faster riders but, in return, late-starting chain-gangs should respect less experienced and able riders for whom this event may be a big step into the unknown. Given them a bit of space!
Ride safely and enjoy the day.0 -
Excellent!<<Lots of angry words directed at each other, probably through misunderstanding rather than anger>>
Anyway enjoy your ride.
Paul
Likewise.
PS: I won't be walking up ANY hills :twisted:
I've at last persuaded them to send me my email, 6.06 start confirmed. So I guess that means there will only be 800 wheels to sit on.
Paul0
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