[Closed] Welsh Ride Thing.....

I just called Tracey at the Aleppo. She says if I could call her on Thursday evening with the food order from their menu they will open up around 11.30 for us and make sure the food will be ready and waiting.

So order here but keep it simple for me.

Lasange x 1

@pistonbroke

Think we might trump you on distance, we're comming down from Leeds.

Quite keen on that lift offer. 2 bod's 'n' bikes if you have room

Oh the Aleppo looks nice, put me down for a lesagne x1 as well. Pretty much on the way for me too 🙂

Space in Car for 1 person / Bike on the way up from Cheltenham area if any one is from down this way 🙂

SSP

Holy crapola

I have just found out that all my route planning and replanning is going to be bloody pointless

I have just packed basic kit onto the bike for the 1st time ever no food and probably not everything else that I will need and then tried to ride it round the cul-de-sac

It steers like a drunk cow and the slight incline felt like a 1 in 4

Pistonbroke, I was surprised by your location, you must do some big rides if you class the WRT area as local

I have just found out that all my route planning and replanning is going to be bloody pointless

Once you are out in the hills it is amazing how little that line on the map matters 🙂

As for the drunk-cow handling...you get used to it and you can always push the bike up the hills (as I do!)

SSP

As for the drunk-cow handling...you get used to it

I hope so, I nearly fell off turning round at the end, all my day dreams
of pelting down Welsh hillsides evaporated in an instant

The Aleppo is a bit of further for me from Brecon, but I wouldn't want to miss out on a good meal and a bit of chit-chat, so count me in 😀

(Large) jacket potato topped with tuna and ham, please.

Definitely count me in for lunch at the Aleppo, I'll go for the Sausages and Mash.

[The Aleppo is a bit of further for me from Brecon ]

IanB I am heading up from the South via Abergavenny, do you fancy a lift?

Hi Chew, No prob on the lift, leaving about 9.00 I'm 10 mins off J37 M1 heading towards Manchester.E Mail me. Just a thought on roofrack, its designed for normal dropouts with front wheel out not these new fangled scaffold pipe things but could get them inside at a pinch.

Sausage & mash and double epo for me please...........

pistonbroke, no email in your profile, but there's one in mine.

Got my highlighter and mug off tea finalising our route.

@alfachippy - many thanks for the offer, but I need to head back on the Sunday as I have a birthday party to go to on Monday...

It steers like a drunk cow

Over active, I know what you mean the 1st time I rode a loaded up bike a couple of weeks ago it felt like I was riding with a flat back tyre all the time.
I have found that it helps a lot if you can get the front to rear weight balance right. I have moved my saddle bag from behind my seat to the front of the frame just behind the head tube, between top and down tube and it made a big difference as firstly the weight of all my tools is removed from the rear and also the pack on my rear rack could move forward quite a long way. Tyre pressures will also need to be increased.... 😉

A picture paints a thousand words.... 😉

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There's a really alarming number of singlespeeds doing this event, do you know it's in Wales?

And this is what the broken rim looked like.....oooer. Best get out to the garage and start swapping my wheels over.

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Somebody stop me I've just finally worked out how to upload photos 😀

pistonbroke - Member
There's a really alarming number of singlespeeds doing this event, do you know it's in Wales?

I was thinking the same, I've got 2 SS's I could use but the full bouncer with gears is coming this weekend.

I can't imagine how difficult climbing out of the saddle will be on a SS what with all that weight on the bike swinging around underneath you

There's a really alarming number of singlespeeds doing this event, do you know it's in Wales?

I know, but I can't resist. And I live here too. It must the all the fresh air...

Ordered a 20t sprocket today though from On-One to "play it safe" 😯

alfachippy - I do like how you've invertered your smaller saddle bag just behind the bars. I might steal that idea if it will fit.

Ahem ... I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know the midges have just hit town half an hour ago!

still s8tannorm - Member
Ahem ... I'm sure you'll all be pleased to know the midges have just hit town half an hour ago!

Whacko - Garlic bread with my Lasange on Saturday then

Ref your food order, please, please, please remember what you've ordered.

I'm not making a note of your names next to what you want.

with 2 of my riding buddies so far I've asked for

4 x Lasagne with salad and garlic bread
3 x Saus n mash
1 x (Large) jacket potato topped with tuna and ham

All this food talk is making me hungry.....

Packed everything up last night. Including food (but not water) I'm at 13lb. Not too bad, think there's one or two things I could lose to make it lighter.

we *may* make it for 12 but chances are slim.

we gotta get from southampton (leaving @ 6)

if anyone would like to PM me with a mobile number - we may give you a call on sat am.

Thom

JC can you put me down for Sausage & Mash if you haven't already, ta.

I have stop trying to confuse me

now i'm down to the 12lb mark but this could become a tad lighter if the weather plays ball.
oooooo the excitement!

😀

http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/2142?&search=rhayader&itemsPerPage=10&region=world&area=Rhayader

light weight water proof?

Still strugling with amount of kit

What does any one think about doing without a sleeping mat? its not that cold anymore and I could find some long grass or bracken

Anyone going with the idea of a cotton liner in a bivi bag? I'm sure it was mentioned earlier in the thread

OAKAF

fekking weather, link says reasonable temp so not sure what to wear now.... gillet and long sleeve, lightweight waterproof sweatbag, etc.... think gillet and long sleeve will win. As long as you keep moving you wont get cold. waterproof 3/4attacks? Hate wet arse crack!

hmmmmmmmmmm ?

I think 4 of us might be coming to the pub for lunch, just waiting for confirmation.

Gear weigh is now 9.86lb without fuel and food 8)

How much does your mat weigh over-active?

knife n fork

If in bivvy you should be ok if you can handle a hard surface, I like a (little) bit of comfort so have a wee airic - depending how big your mat is you might be able to wrap around frame.

[IMG] [/IMG]

Gear weigh is now 9.86lb without fuel and food

Nick would you give us your gear list please

I wont be able to change much if its full of expensive lightweight stuff but may give some ideas

Orangefive, nice bike

Edit sorry Nick missed post, dont know weight but its a Thermorest 3/4 so not that much

I'd tak the mat, a good night's sleep is worth it imo.

I'll be taking in two Alpkit XT 20l dry bags:

In one: (2.5kg inc dry bag)
Alpkit PD400
Home made micro tarp with ti pegs
MoD Goretex Bivvy Bag
Alpkit Wee Airic

In two: (1.98kg inc dry bag)
Alpkit Gamma head torch
Stuff bag with toiletries and insect repellent
Lightweight fleece shirt
Alpkit Mytimug
White Box Stove
Plastic Spork
Flint & Steel firelighter
Nalgene Hip flask (currently empty)
Lifesystems Pocket first aid kit
Mora Woodcraft Knife
Stuff sack containing:
Ron Hill Tracksters
HH underwear
Two pairs of socks
Spare batteries for head torch and gps

Will be taking my normal Endura Waterproof and cycle spares, haven't included them in the above as I would be carrying them anyway.

Will probably bungee some crocs to the rear dry bag for river crossings and wearing in the pub.

Need to print of the maps, 25 pages at 1:25000, so that's a 1/4lb not included above...

Ok I just need to MTFU, Very similar kit list

In bar bag 13ltr

Sleeping bag in Rab bivi bag
Large tarp (for all 3 in group)
Petzl Tikka

In 20ltr rear bag

Thermorest 3/4
MSR pocket rocket
gas
2 pans (again between 3)
pan holder
Rab photon
spare socks
base layer
arm warmers
lighter
maps
cup
spoon
Gecko gps

normal tools to be carried in normal backpack with waterproof

food to go in yet

Will probably bungee some crocs to the rear dry bag for river crossings and wearing in the pub

i wish my crocs weren't radio active orange!! 😕

Nowt up with orange!! 😉

i wish my crocs weren't radio active orange

I'm starting to wish I had some crocs

placky bags over socks for river crossings 😉

Will be taking my normal Endura Waterproof and cycle spares, haven't included them in the above as I would be carrying them anyway.

well if your not counting tools and spares, I'M ULTRALIGHT!!!!
get in there my son. 😀

i wish my crocs weren't radio active orange!!

After a month of planning everything seems in such a rush. Tonight, two new tyres fitted (tubeless), wash and reproof my waterproof. 20t sprocket turned up nice and promptly, but still need to fit it. The highlight of the evening was Beth finishing my frame bag:

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Tomorrow: pack, clean bike, fit sprocket, adjust chain, sort out maps, buy midge repellant, chocolate coated coffee beans, fill hip flask... can't decide between the 10yr Ardbeg or the 21 yr Glengoyne...

clicky linky for inspiration/humbling

http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/200808/great-divide-bike-race-1.html

Indeed, I believe the GDR was the inspiration for the WRT. Scale is somewhat smaller, but you've got to start somewhere 😉

Talking of the GDR, the movie SSP hoped to view has been delayed bya bout a week due to production problems. Seems like he will be packing listening to Nicky Campbell on the R5 phone-in;-)

Got most of my stuff together but not packed - hope it all goes in! Can't decide on full or light weight watrerproof top. And still keep changing my mind on the route. A couple of controls are on or near the Cambrian Way but my original preferred anti clockwise route took them in reverse i.e. Llangurig control to no 11 in the woods. I know there is a track there but not shown on my 1:25,000. Feel I may stand a chance in the right direction but in reverse could be a lottery.

So much fun to be had with a simple set of maps and some numbers 😀

Final shakedown ride on my commute this morning. Pretty much everything here, excluding tent poles and water filter. 13lb extra weight on the bike.

Handled ok. need an extra stabilisation strap on the front bag, it can bounce around on bigger bumps.

apologies for crap phone pic.

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tent poles

ooooh fancy camping 😉

How many litres is that front dry bag ... looks a whopper 😉

Ready - test ride today and bottle on cross bar didnt work, kept slipping round. 3 litre bladder in bag instead of 2 now. Going to need a new back at the end 😈 See you for dinner or at the start 😀

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So where does the big orange Alpkit dry bag go? On you or the bike?

on my back 😐 Not as much stuff in it as last years C2C probably just over half of the bag full as packed well but a lot of weight with the 3 litre bladder in there.

trying to minimise stuff on my back, hate riding with heavy rucksacks, really knackering.

Yup i'm camping. tent's only single skin though and quite light and new, so must be tested.

Dry bag on the front is a 20l, I suppose I could have manned up and got everything in 2 13l bags, but I've got em now and it's too late. weight is reasonable so should be fine.

's gonna be a great weekend.

😀

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2 bags on the front survived the back garden wheelie test well.
If it doesn't work well I can always put them on my back as the rucksack will only have water and a couple of changes of cycling clothes as the Carradice saddle bag is ace and holds loads

GPS's are cheating aren't they? 😉

Only if you use them to get unlost 😆

They're handy for logging the ride, and I'll be using one in conjunction with paper maps attached to a map board.

--

All these pictures of bikes are doing my head in - I'm stuck at work, the sun is shining and I'm itching to get home to sort all my stuff out!

To those who have ordered food.

On route to tonights ride I'll phone Tracey at the pub on 01686 420210

with the order of

5 Lasange
3 Sausage & Mash
1 Large Jacket spud.

11.30 arrival time.

If you want to join us phone her yourself ;-p

Good work fellas, it's good to see mountain bikes that are about to do just that, ie go into the mountains.

Judging by the pictures Nick at AlpKit shout be made up with the amount of sales he's had 😉

Just come from Alpkit, warehouse is like a desert! Managed to liberate a down gilet that they thought they had sold out of though. Now where do I put that?

Hope you got my message JohnClimber with two lasange?

Not finished plotting yet, no matter packing! Sure it will all come together!

Map? Packing?

I've just spent this evening rebuilding my rear wheel after the hub failed, and Lukes been busy servicing his forks.

I'm sure it'll all come together tomorrow night. See you all there.

OK, I'm ready now 🙂

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The bike and gear weighs 30.2lbs all up. Bike weighs about 20.5-21lbs on it's own. Rucksack has a few bits of food, waterproof, camera, water.

No Alpkit stuff though, sorry.

The bike and gear weighs 30.2lbs all up

i'm sorry but stu needs to add some ballast to obsessive freaks like you. 😯

Yes trio

I've just emailed them the following

7 x Lasagne with salad and garlic bread
3 x Saus n mash
1 x (Large) jacket potato topped with tuna and ham

Please make sure you turn up around 11.30am on Saturday
Please make sure you remember what you ordered.
Please make sure you pay for your own food.
Please turn up as the rest of us don't want to pay for your food.

See you on Saturday in the pub.

PS Should we just stop there until Monday?

This time tomorrow most of us will be on route to the start.

Must double check my stuff

Ian - that's a beautifully neat set up. Very impressed. very nice bike as well.

after the comments yesterday about the size of my front bag, I completely repacked last night, removed a few items I now think are unnecessary so now running the 13l on the front and a half full 20l on the rear... My wife thinks i've gone all OCD about it...... 😉

Slightly worried that IanB seems to have one of those flip over calenders on his bars. Or is it a book to read whilst pushing 😳 It is only 3 days isn't it? I'm just taking OS 147 & 135 and a good memory.

My wife thinks i've gone all OCD about it......

I've printed all the maps out in landscape, then found that I can't fit them on my bars with my gps, so will have to reprint 20 pages of route again tonight in portrait, still it gives me a backup set in case the first lot get wet...

just fold them in half

I had thought of that, could make a smaller map board too, think a spare set of maps might still be a good idea

If you've got the room then spares might not be a bad idea ... it's a big area to get lost in.

Even I'm starting to get a little excited now, which is odd because;

1- I'm not going.

2- I don't do excited.

Still thinking about the route - maps are great though... And which waterproof.

And to quote the Pointer Sisters (possibly a first on the forum) 'I'm so excited'

Ian - that's a beautifully neat set up. Very impressed. very nice bike as well...[snip]...My wife thinks i've gone all OCD about it...

Thanks. OCD? Remember the 5 P's - proper preparation prevents pi$$ poor performance.

Slightly worried that IanB seems to have one of those flip over calenders on his bars. Or is it a book to read whilst pushing It is only 3 days isn't it? I'm just taking OS 147 135 and a good memory.

I have 5x A5 laminated maps, double-sided. I must admit, they look bigger on the bike than I thought they would be. There are sections I'll be able to do without the map, namely the Doethie section, Twyi Forest, Claerwen and up to Nant Rhys, but I still need to take them just in case. I originally printed the maps in Tracklogs, landscape at 1:60000 scale, but I might redo them A6 to stop them from flapping about on the map board..

It is only 3 days isn't it?

that's 6 Ps

That illustrates my point perfectly - you try and do something in a hurry and look what happens... 🙄

I am gutted because I've had pull out due to illness. I had been looking forward to this all year, according to Stuart I was first to reply with the entry form, so really p!$$ed I am going miss it. Oh well there is always next year.
Hope all of you doing the event have a great time and hopefully may be we may meet next year.

I'm going now before the tears start filling the keyboard up.

Rob

Rob, don't know you but sorry to see you are missing out at the last minute.

Last year I could not do it on the weekend because I was already booked to be somewhere else - so I went a couple of months later and did it on my own. Still a great experience - saw hardly a soul - not even other smelly bikers!