The Beacon Message Board

My preparation for this event will consist of pumping the tyres up and setting the alarm on Friday night.

Interesting to see the differing approaches to pre ride preparation and nutrition.

Personally, I've been fighting off a cold this week and was in need of a vitamin C boost so I've been eating industrial quantities of Terry's chocolate orange and lemon bon bons. To ensure I get the right amount of protein, I'll probably force down a bar or two of fruit and nut on Friday as well.

To keep energy levels up on the day itself I'll have a kebab on the way home from the pub Friday night (it'll be Guinness only in the pub) but will skip the chilli sauce (I am in training!). I'll also have a box of chocolate chip tracker bars down my jersey on the day. Hydration will be taken care of with a scientific mix of chateau de Severn Trent and Kia Orange orange.

All about the disaggregation of marginal something or other...

Well, I have to say, there have been some disgraceful comments regarding preparation. Les, surely you realise things have moved on considerably since the days of Brew XI and Double Diamond. Any true modern cyclist wouldn't consider a diet of anything other than Banks' Mild, a champions choice.

Doubt I'll have time for breakfast as I'll be coming straight from a lock-in but a couple of esspressos on the way should see me right. If I get really jaded there's always a Fisherman's Friend or two.

Ian, what are you thinking ? Fruit and Nut ?
Oh dear, oh dear....

A TOPIC sir and nothing else !!!!!

laurence_cooley wrote:

Philip Whiteman wrote:Porridge takes too long to prepare and sits heavily in the stomach.

Contrary to Philip, I find that porridge is an ideal pre-cycling breakfast. Plenty of slow-release carbs. I also often eat it before going to bed at night as well, which I tell myself is OK because I once read that that's what Bradley Wiggins does.

Ready brek is your answer then phil I eat it all the time, they even pump in extra vitamins, all you do is boil the kettle an mix, just like instant mashed potatoes, not that anyone here eats them of course!
Surely its better than pumping down a fry up or two before a ride! up to 400 calories a bowl or more now that's a lot of energy!

Good luck tomorrow people! Enjoy!

Les Ladbury wrote:I have been reading with interest the recommended preparation for the forthcoming ride to Weston and back.

In the old days the racing season would finish around the end of Sept or early October. That is except for those who competed in hill climbs or cyclo cross.

This heralded the start of the social season a time to consume as much, what would now be considered "unhealthy" food and it was not unknown for members of this club to cosume copious amounts of Brew XI and also to investigate the properties of DD.
DD or Double Diamond was a beverage which, it was alleged worked wonders and nothing the do with the size of ladies underwear.

Preparation for the Weston and Back consisted of Friday night at the Burnt Cork Club and Sturday night would see a band of dedicated athletes training at The Edward at the back of Halfords near the fire station in Birmingham.

On W&B week-end one would taper off training and forego an evening at The Edward but finalise our training with an evening at The Old Crown in Digbeth.

Midnight on the appointed Saturday in February would a band a cyclists, trained to the peak of athletic perfection would meet at the gents unrinal opposite the Psychiatric Hospital at Rubery to set off.

You will appreciate that recollections are a bit hazy beyond this but all that I can remember is that most of us did get back and that if some of the longer serving members of the Beacon appear to look older than their years would suggest there could be a very good reason for this.

George Huxley used to play at the Burnt Cork Club. His band was still going fairly recently.

A pretty fair appraisal of the build up to the W & B, Les. As I've repeatedly said, you didn't train for it, it WAS training, or at least a 'loosener' before the serious stuff.

Still, it's nice to know that these lads, in their wimpish way are paying tribute to the halcyon days of club life.

Good Luck, everyone.

...With a big stout heart to a long steep hill
We may get there with a smile.
With a good kind thought and a mile end view
We may cut short many a mile.......

....Sir Harry Lauder

Good luck to all Weston riders!

My post last night was a bit flippant, I know. The serious version is that it's too late for training and the pressures of day-to-day life leave relatively little scope for following a professional athlete's tapering programme. I will eat a good carb-rich meal tonight and try to get a good night's sleep, but that's about it. If others are able to more, great ... but I lack the mental energy to impose additional disciplines on myself, on top of those needed to get through the working week.

Here is a little description of the route in terms of topography.

We start along the gently undulating A38 until Droitwich, after which we hit the more minor roads which have one or two sharp pulls before reaching Tewkesbury. The A38 dual carriageway to Gloucester possesses some gentle gradients. This section can be moderately busy until we reach the Gloucester Ring Road where we shall need to keep our wits about us.

To the south of Gloucester, the wide A38 carriageway quietens down. The road surface is a bit rough in places but fairly easy going. There are no steep sections but this portion of the route is deceptively hilly. To the north of Bristol lies a ridge and the A38 slowly grinds its way to the top before descending towards Avonmouth. It is a long haul either side of the ridge at a gradient guesstimated at 1:30. We loose height after leaving the A38 in Almondsbury, only reascend the ridge again into Henbury.

The steepest climb between Weston and Birmingham is man made; over the Avon Motorway Bridge. This will afford us some fantastic views towards Bristol and the Clifton Gorge, albeit with the thunder of traffic behind us.

The Gordano Valley route uses lanes. There are some short sharp pulls along their length as the lane stubbornly clings to the valley sides with M5 ever present above our heads. This section can be testing with tired legs. Few cars use this lane but they tend to be are driven by nerds and swivel eyed loons. Also, watch out for potholes and horse riders.

Beyond Clevedon, we cross the North Somerset Levels to Yatton before joining the Strawberry Line cycle path. Beyond the Strawberry Line, we will join the busy A371 into Weston. I suggest that we split into groups reduce the hazards created by impatient traffic.

Clearly, those riding north of Bromsgrove will have the toughest section to contend with; having to climb into Birmingham with tired legs.

I will go straight to Speeds so will meet you all there.

Best of luck for tomorrow, concerning your debate on breakfast, this is from team Sky, interesting watch. sound quality could be better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2c6CH5nJ_4

Yep, glad to report that I'm (near enough) good to go after a less than ideal last few days.

Roll on that lovely fish and chips on the sea front tomorrow.

Best of luck everyone. Sunscreen instead of waterproofs by the looks of the forecast!

NW wind on Sunday? Good luck chaps!

Good luck to all particiipating, hope you have a good run there and back.

What's the story with the support van? Can we load a small bag into it and where it's starting from? Was thinking of spare tubes/food/gilet/etc...

dweben wrote:What's the story with the support van? Can we load a small bag into it and where it's starting from? Was thinking of spare tubes/food/gilet/etc...

Support van? It is a case of picking up food and drink en-route.

I didn't realise that you are coming but it is nice to have you along. I have sent out a route card via e-mail to recipients but you will have missed that mailing.

I've been on the list from the start and you did email me all the route stuff... I'm feel unloved.

Ah well ok thought there was a man in a van roaming around the place. I shall just load the bike up then!

dweben wrote: Ah well ok thought there was a man in a van roaming around the place.

Its not a problem, but I did as well, namely Bob in his camper van?

Sorry, I should have clarified the matter with regard to Bob's caravan. Bob had kindly offered at the beginning but as the numbers grew we both realised that his caravan's limited facilities would not cope with 20+ riders, so I suggested that we use shop and cafe stops instead.

When the idea of Weston was mooted, few realised how popular it would become. Hence, I eventually capped the number of participants as the consequence would have become a logistical nightmare and I have enough on my plate with two sets of audaxes and a perm to worry about.

dweben wrote:. I'm feel unloved.

And deservedly so, you scoundrel

Animal wrote:my breakfast consists of a ....... bowel of muesli.....

Too much detail already I think

Inspired by all this talk of beer fuelled rides to far off places, a few of us more sedate members, some of whom possibly have some lefty revolutionary tendencies, started plotting a ride to the Kremlin and hopefully back. More of that another day perhaps, in the meantime bon voyage and bon chance everybody for tomorrow.

"Philip Whiteman"Hence, I eventually capped the number of participants as the consequence would have become a logistical nightmare and I have enough on my plate with two sets of audaxes and a perm to worry about.

You haven't got enough hair to worry about a perm...

Very best of luck to all taking part, it seems you will have the weather on your side for a nice change.

Wish I was taking part (Really), but I had to bail out a few days ago as I've been laid up with a chest infection and sinusitis. I did 15 miles today, and though I was going to collapse. On the mend now, but a slow process.

dweben wrote:

"Philip Whiteman"Hence, I eventually capped the number of participants as the consequence would have become a logistical nightmare and I have enough on my plate with two sets of audaxes and a perm to worry about.

You haven't got enough hair to worry about a perm...

<@> I see I'll be missing quite a day.

Update to those anxiously awaiting news of the intrepid expeditioners*...

Philip left a message at 2.45pm to say that they were on Weston sea front and about to embark on the return leg, perhaps a little later than hoped, but apparently in good spirits.

*spell-check really doesn't like that word. Curious.

Another update - at 8pm they have reached Gloucester on their return leg. They'll need those lights! No Beacon bail-outs to report, so far...

Well that was a great day out. 208 miles from leaving home at 5:40 this morning & I've just got in the door. Great weather, great company & special thanks to Phil for all his hard work organising it in advance & keeping such good order on the day.

Made it! Huge thanks to Phil in particular, but to everyone.

www.haywoodhouse.net/Resources/Images/Grand_Pier_1.JPG

Why isn't the image code working?

To tired to try to work out what's wrong now. If you want to see the picture, just copy and paste the URL into your address bar.

Massive well done everyone! Amazing! Bang on 16mph average as planned is great going.

Anyone fancy doing it in February to get me fit for next year?!?

Congratulations and Well Done to All.

Many thanks to Phil for his effort over and above the call of duty not only with organising this, but keeping everyone together all day long and a very long day at that!

Congratulations to everyone that finished and thanks for your company. And yes I still have that (very) rather large bag of "Sports" wine gums in my back pocket.

Well done all. I see from the photo that it's still not tropical enough for Matt to take off the gilet!

Congrats to all

Well done to all, a fantastic effort.

What a great day. Huge thanks to Phil for doing such a good job with organising the whole thing, and to all the other riders. Its great to have done a ride so richly steeped in Beacon history

Thanks to Phil for organising what was a really well-planned out day, and everyone for the company. I wasn't quite as organised as Phil, so sorry about my squeaky rear mech and thanks to Roy for the brake cable.

Congratulations to everyone. V impressed. I was thinking of you all yesterday, especially when the (NW?) wind started to pick up.

Very well done, everyone. Nice to see a Beacon tradition restored, albeit at a wimpish time of year.

Plan now for next February !!!

<@> <@> <@>

Lol all afternoon I thought it was me squeaking until I was left on my own and it stopped. Great day big well done to everyone. I know it was a bit stressful for Phil but well done mate.

Congratulations to everyone - well done

Dave

Well done all, great effort

Alan, thanks for 'enabling' the picture. The explanation was clear as daylight this morning, but last night it was obscured by fatigue and alcohol.

AlanW wrote:Many thanks to Phil for his effort over and above the call of duty not only with organising this, but keeping everyone together all day long and a very long day at that!

Hear, hear!

Cheers Phil for sheparding us lot around the place, well organised and good shop knowledge for desperate sarnies! Well done everyone!

Recorded 220 miles by the time I got home so a nice new record for me too

Just to add my thanks to Phil for organising an epic day out, a tremendous effort. Thanks also to everyone else for the company, it was a ride that'll live long in the memory!

Congratulations everyone, what a day.
Couldn't sleep because my legs were still trying to pedal.

Big thanks to everyone for their company (especially Matt and Paul for the drugs....) , what a great bunch of chaps.

Phil, a big, big thank you on behalf of us all for everything you put in to organising 'the big day out' ..... fantasitc.

I hope the Audax honchos sort out those ATM receipts and send you a big medal, thanks again and sorry for all the faffing

Oh, has anyone heard from Gary Mac? He did seem to vanish at the Sainsbury's stop... hope he got home ok !

Paul, Gary Mac has posted his ride on Strava so he seems to have got home o.k.
After yesterday's ride folks don't forget to sign up for the Phil's next epic day out with Kidderminster Killer Audax on August 17th.