Velo South 2018

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Comments

  • Bottom briquettes
    Bottom briquettes Posts: 198
    Whether the organisers pull it or not, I’m riding the full course, come what may, they can’t stop anyone doing it ‘off of their own bat’ so to speak.
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    Bottom briquettes wrote:
    Whether the organisers pull it or not, I’m riding the full course, come what may, they can’t stop anyone doing it ‘off of their own bat’ so to speak.
    er - mind the oneway system - and goodluck getting through Goodwood Estate ... ;)

    Most of it can be ridden - but there are a couple of points where you cannot (legally) ride.
  • kingstongraham
    kingstongraham Posts: 28,183
    Just taken a look at the StopVeloSouth page - this is incredible:
    Today, Louise Goldsmith, leader of cash-strapped West Sussex County Council instructed a London-based law firm Sharpe Pritchard, to fight the legal action that residents have mounted against Velo South.




    At a time when the council faces immense economic pressure and looming cuts to critical housing and care budgets it has prioritised spending funds on lawyers to fight residents over a cycle race.




    Not only will the London lawyers eat up vast amounts of tax payers money, fighting an indefensible action, but Velo South itself - if it goes ahead - will cost the County’s economy and businesses along the route dearly, in addition to wasting the time of countless Council employees, who are working with CSM Active (the profit making business holding the race) to put on the event in the teeth of residents’ and local business’ anger.




    “If Louise Goldsmith really wants to save money, she should withdraw the Council’s support for this hugely divisive, hugely disruptive, hugely expensive race, immediately a” said Chris Matthews, one of the residents in the Stop Velo South campaign.
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    yes - please council, don't waste our money on defending a solicitors motion to stop the event ... it's ok for us to waste money and disrupt the plans of >15k people with very little notice, but not for you to agree to an event that brings in significant tourist activity & spending on an otherwise dull late september weekend...
  • Bottom briquettes
    Bottom briquettes Posts: 198
    Slowbike wrote:
    Bottom briquettes wrote:
    Whether the organisers pull it or not, I’m riding the full course, come what may, they can’t stop anyone doing it ‘off of their own bat’ so to speak.
    er - mind the oneway system - and goodluck getting through Goodwood Estate ... ;)

    Most of it can be ridden - but there are a couple of points where you cannot (legally) ride.

    The Goodwood estate bit won’t be an issue, if needs be I’ll just stick to the road that leads up to Halnaker without going through the estate. I’ve got a diversion route on my Strava already, so the ( very short ) stretch of private road won’t be a problem either.
  • Tashman
    Tashman Posts: 3,496
    https://www.stopvelo.com/blog/demonstrations-registered-and-agreed-with-the-police

    Police response to the proposed protests
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    So looks like we'll have a "walking protest" to deal with - but they shouldn't stop or slow traffic on the highway (although is it a highway if it's closed road?)
    If they stick to that peaceful protest then fine - that's their prerogative - I just hope it doesn't spill over into any argy bargy as that's when tempers will be lost.... and it'll spoil the day for many more.
  • Bottom briquettes
    Bottom briquettes Posts: 198
    Slowbike wrote:
    So looks like we'll have a "walking protest" to deal with - but they shouldn't stop or slow traffic on the highway (although is it a highway if it's closed road?)
    If they stick to that peaceful protest then fine - that's their prerogative - I just hope it doesn't spill over into any argy bargy as that's when tempers will be lost.... and it'll spoil the day for many more.
    Much as I’d love to just ‘lose concentration’ momentarily, should I get distracted by the ‘protest’ I think there will be a lot of camera phones on the go.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,318
    you would think that these tory southeners with their half a million semis and their Discovery SUVs would run out of steam when it actually comes to get up early for a protest... certainly not before Cafe Nero opens!
    I suspect it's a lot of internet talk, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty they'll be a pretty small bunch and rather harmless
    left the forum March 2023
  • Bottom briquettes
    Bottom briquettes Posts: 198
    ugo.santalucia wrote:
    you would think that these tory southeners with their half a million semis and their Discovery SUVs would run out of steam when it actually comes to get up early for a protest... certainly not before Cafe Nero opens!
    I suspect it's a lot of internet talk, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty they'll be a pretty small bunch and rather harmless


    Quite right, it’ll boil down to nothing more than a couple of ruddy faced, red corduroy wearing types, saying “boooooooo” and “get orf moy laaaand”.
  • N0bodyOfTheGoat
    N0bodyOfTheGoat Posts: 6,061
    Sounds like you need https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/ ... 7-16-wheel to fight the walking blockades, perhaps with addition water pistols mounted on the handlebars! :lol:
    ================
    2020 Voodoo Marasa
    2017 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2016
    2016 Voodoo Wazoo
  • dannbodge
    dannbodge Posts: 1,152
    Looks like I'm going to have to make a call saturday night as to which wheels to use.
    If it's wet and windy there's no way I'll be using my deep carbon clinchers.
  • Bumo_b
    Bumo_b Posts: 211
    I do wonder how many of the protesters have taken part in the London Marathon etc. Ok to do a closed road event as long as not on your doorstep I guess.
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    Dannbodge wrote:
    Looks like I'm going to have to make a call saturday night as to which wheels to use.
    If it's wet and windy there's no way I'll be using my deep carbon clinchers.

    As I'm not going for a "fast time" I'm not even contemplating putting my best wheels on - right now I'm considering using my winter bike with SPDs and mudguards -it's not much slower (if at all) and for the ride I'm sure it'll be fine.
    I had thought about taking my touring CX with rack - if it's going to be that bad I may do - but it needs a replacement BB ...
  • lettingthedaysgoby
    lettingthedaysgoby Posts: 1,732
    I’m packing my mudguards, just in case :)
  • CptKernow
    CptKernow Posts: 467
    Well, if the weather forecast doesn't improve I don't think I'll be doing it. Getting a good century time was my main goal so I will probably cut my losses.

    If it wasn't a 4hr+ drive each way and an overnight stay I'd be up for it just for the closed roads.

    After my Dartmoor Classic experience this year I've come to the conclusion cyclists are out of favour with the weather gods this year...
  • lettingthedaysgoby
    lettingthedaysgoby Posts: 1,732
    Ah, it’s just water, it won’t kill you!
  • martinperry
    martinperry Posts: 127
    lettingthedaysgoby wrote:
    Ah, it’s just water, it won’t kill you!

    http://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/horsham

    No - But the 60MPH gusts may well :evil:
  • lettingthedaysgoby
    lettingthedaysgoby Posts: 1,732
    martinperry wrote:
    lettingthedaysgoby wrote:
    Ah, it’s just water, it won’t kill you!

    http://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/horsham

    No - But the 60MPH gusts may well :evil:
    Tailwind assisted KOM’s ahoy!
  • dannbodge
    dannbodge Posts: 1,152
    Slowbike wrote:
    Dannbodge wrote:
    Looks like I'm going to have to make a call saturday night as to which wheels to use.
    If it's wet and windy there's no way I'll be using my deep carbon clinchers.

    As I'm not going for a "fast time" I'm not even contemplating putting my best wheels on - right now I'm considering using my winter bike with SPDs and mudguards -it's not much slower (if at all) and for the ride I'm sure it'll be fine.
    I had thought about taking my touring CX with rack - if it's going to be that bad I may do - but it needs a replacement BB ...

    I'll be on my good bike for starters it's a mile more comfy than my winter one but just not on my good wheels. Being amongst a ton of other riders, I think having good braking is needed.
    Wet carbon and brakes don't work :lol:
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    Dannbodge wrote:
    Being amongst a ton of other riders, I think having good braking is needed.
    Hmm - good point - perhaps I'll not bother with the CX touring bike - the brakes are ... er .... shall we say "not that good in the wet" ...
    I'll sort the winter bike out then - it was ok this morning - just need to sort an annoying tick in the pedal (it's got a new BB so it's not that) - and perhaps the larger saddle bag for some dry gloves & storage of wet weather gear ... :)
  • Philip Whiteman
    Philip Whiteman Posts: 470
    ugo.santalucia wrote:
    GavinBay wrote:

    It was only a few years ago that a big Sportive over the N Downs was cancelled due to the weather (can't remember which one) and I'm sure the organisers will be evaluating this, just hope they don't make the wrong call too early, would really have to be on the day. Tough decision to make either way.

    Bit too much at stake to cancel... mammooth organisation that can't be replicated easily. In case of weather warning they'll probably just curb the route to some very essential and turn it into a non-refundable farse. Could even end up being 20 laps of Goodwood circuit... Slowbike is a sucker for laps :lol::lol:

    Has anyone read the smallprint about event changes/cancellation?

    Whilst the winds will be tough, average winds of 20mph gusting 40mph make for an unpleasant day but are not dangerous. I would see little reason to cancel.

    If cancelled due to weather, CSM could claim Force majeure and not provide refunds, although they might transfer entries to a future event but that would be as useful as chocolate teapot for many entrants.

    I recall the cancellation of Kilotogo's Cheshire Cat due to ice. The cancellation was reasonable but the backlash and hostility and anger expressed by entrants over the no-refund policy was palpable even though transfers were offered. Kilotogo entered insolvency a couple of years later.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,318
    yes, looks like a windy day, but not a dangerous day at the moment.

    Will sort the men from the boys, so to speak and will make for a kudos worthy ride...

    Moral, it's all good stuff
    left the forum March 2023
  • CptKernow
    CptKernow Posts: 467
    ugo.santalucia wrote:
    yes, looks like a windy day, but not a dangerous day at the moment.

    Will sort the men from the boys, so to speak and will make for a kudos worthy ride...

    Moral, it's all good stuff

    If I don't do it I'll probably be doing the Coast and Clay sportive. It's in my neck of the woods and I'd suggest is a more manly event anyway :)
  • CptKernow
    CptKernow Posts: 467
    Here's the weather forecast from one of my websites:
    https://www.weather2visit.com/europe/un ... recast.htm
    GFS based, usually wildly inaccurate, but I think it seems to be in line with other predictions, i.e. couldn't be much worse :(

    No way am I driving for 5hrs to ride in bucket loads of horizontal rain - can do that all winter and only have to step out of the front door!
    Still £80 buys an awful lot of cake and coffee...
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    They've certainly moved back the front that was initially supposed to come through on Saturday ... looks like it's dependent on that low pressure developing off the East Coast of the USA. Let's hope that high pressure over France pushes up a little bit - there's loads of hot air around Europe at the moment ... oops sorry - wrong thread ;)
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Im clutching at straws but the forecasts today don't seem quite as bad.

    I just flown into Birmingham Airport and the pilot has a job landing the plane !!! - and thats with the 25mph winds here today - imagine an extra 10 mph on top of that.

    I have to make a decision tomorrow to get some money back on hotel - but I am leaning towards wimping out - sorry folks...
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,318
    kingrollo wrote:

    I just flown into Birmingham Airport and the pilot has a job landing the plane !!! - and thats with the 25mph winds here today - imagine an extra 10 mph on top of that.

    I seem to recall wind speed is given at a 10 mt height about ground level. Typically it is a lot lower at the level we cycle. If we really had to cycle against a 25-30 mph wind, we wouldn't be able to move at all....

    unless you can cycle faster than 25-30 mph with no wind... :wink:
    left the forum March 2023
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Does anyone know if they have bailout points ? - ie if you need to abandon do you have to wait for the 11mph broomwagon or can you get off at some points and get taken to the end....
  • Bottom briquettes
    Bottom briquettes Posts: 198
    I’ll be using my full on winter bike. It’s built like a tank.

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