Etape Caledonia possible 100 mile route for 2018

thegreatdivide
thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
edited July 2018 in Sportives/audaxes/training rides
The organisers have seemingly applied for a 20 mile extension so they can offer three routes for 2018. The 100 mile route is planned to take in the Ben Lawers climb and part of Loch Tay. I would presume they’ll do the Bridge of Balgie to Loch Tay side (a bit easier). However it looks like the ‘new’ locals are putting up a fight...

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/lo ... e-economy/

Comments

  • rollemynot
    rollemynot Posts: 436
    edited October 2017
    Having given this year a miss, I registered for next year on the thought of it being mixed up a bit...

    My fear is they will charge 50% more for a 25% distance increase.
  • bill_gates
    bill_gates Posts: 469
    When did registration open? I'm signed up showing interest but not had any communication it can be booked yet.

    "I like riding in my car, it's not quite a Jaguar."
  • rollemynot
    rollemynot Posts: 436
    Bill Gates wrote:
    When did registration open? I'm signed up showing interest but not had any communication it can be booked yet.

    Sorry I mean registered for interest/priority booking
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    An update. If the new route goes ahead it'll be limited to 400 riders for a trial year. The usual pish from the locals though:

    https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/lo ... rganisers/
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    The 100 mile route has been rejected. I reckon 2018 will be the last EC.
  • bill_gates
    bill_gates Posts: 469
    That is a shame if it does cease, it is always an enjoyable event even although I"m a multiple time entrant.

    "I like riding in my car, it's not quite a Jaguar."
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    So they've added an extra 4 miles to the route with a longer and steeper climb coming in about the 20km mark, straight after the up and down to Queens View. This should shake it up a bit. Trinafour is a great wee climb:

    Length 3km
    Average gradient 7.1%
    Ascent 212 m
  • bill_gates
    bill_gates Posts: 469
    I've had a recce of the new section they have added which is up past 'Over Bohespic' and the road might be called General Wade's Military Road looking at some Forestry Commission maps online.

    It's a bit of a long drag but certainly a manageable gradient and takes you up above the tree line.

    "I like riding in my car, it's not quite a Jaguar."
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    I road up it on Tuesday for a recon too. That short downhill to the T-junction is going to catch a few folk out - I don't like that sudden drop of a few feet as you turn. I'm hoping they have it signed.

    The council were out doing some very suspect surface dressing patches on the way up and down (and on the run in too after Queens View, especially on one tight downhill corner). If they don't get the sweeper out to clean off the excess there's going to be issues for sure!
  • bill_gates
    bill_gates Posts: 469
    They were doing some road patching when I was out also. I did notice lots of excess gravel on the route in general.

    "I like riding in my car, it's not quite a Jaguar."
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,334
    The problem with a Sportive is that the benefit to local economies is limited to the start/end location.

    In an event with an Audax format like Paris-Brest-Paris, riders stop several times along the route to buy food and drinks and there is therefore more distribution of revenue.

    I can understand why locals only see the drawbacks, as in practice there is no benefit at all to them.

    The model needs to change for these events to be welcome, feeding zones should be more and organised for the benefit of local towns and villages. Food should not be included but available to purchase from local vendors' stalls.
    left the forum March 2023
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    That's a good idea. I'd buy local cake..

    I'm sure it'd be of benefit to the local area- I've often done races and liked it so much I've gone back to the area for holidays.
  • bill_gates
    bill_gates Posts: 469
    Weather for the weekend ahead looks promising so far.

    "I like riding in my car, it's not quite a Jaguar."
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    I'm saying nothing.
  • djrikki
    djrikki Posts: 83
    Hello new member here, I plan to follow the Etape Caledonia route at the end of August during my holidays.

    Does anyone have a Strava activity link they can share please? Already found the 2017 one... who did the 2018 edition? Please share the activity I would like to ride it. Thank you :)

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