At last, here comes the long awaited 300k climax ride of our assiduous training so far this year.
The crazy challenge Ian and I fantasised about last year to ride a 300k for the first time will finally reach its moment of truth.
We'll go south via Worcester all the way to admire Tintern abbey then cross the Severn bridge and make our way back north via Gloucester, Tewksbury and Evesham.
The ride will take place on a Saturday to allow for easier coffee breaks and stores stops at the end of the afternoon.
306 km / 190 mi https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38006962.
Bearing in mind it's supposed to be reasonably flat overall I expect the average speed to be 14 mph (but then again will depends on overall fitness of the group, wind, temperature...)
Like last week the hilly part of the ride is in the first half (between 50 and 76 miles) so that we tackled it when we're still fresh so that the flatter end is a piece of cake
or as George said, several pieces of cakes.And cakes there will be plenty (or for Keith who has a cake exemption some savoury/salty alternative):
- something around the 75k/45miles mark (probably Coop in Newent as cannot seem to find any café round there?)
- the filling station café at Tintern (118km/73 miles into the ride)
- Somewhere in Gloucester (195k/121miles)
- Greggs/Herbies in Evesham (244k/151)
Not really a list of café set in stone. We'll do more but shorter stops as this seems to work better for most riders in terms or rest and refuelling and to have a lesser impact on non-riding time. Also not having a set list allows for more flex and allows to have a stop earlier than planned if legs requires it.
Always best anyway to bring tons of cereal/chocolate bars/jelly babies/gels/EPO/Nandrolone ... and electrolytes tablets.
Meeting at the BH for a 6:00 departure.
I know, it's early, trust me i'd rather be in bed at that time, but if we want to target a return ETA of no later than 22:00 we should not procrastinate too much (and that's without accounting for f***s or mechanical or period where some of us would run out of steam for a bit)
Important tips:
1- Due to the length of it and the unpredictable nature of the weather, a windproof jacket might be wise if you have one in order not to get too cold towards the end of the ride. Sun cream might be welcome too.
2- As usual but even more due to the length of the ride, make sure your bike is roadworthy and check tyres and brakes pads before. Make sure that you have spares tubes... There will be option to cut the ride short (like train back from Gloucester) but would be sad if it is because of preventable technical issue rather than because of failing legs.
3- Last but certainly not least, please make sure you have some lights (rear and front) for the end of the ride where the visibility of the group will be especially important because of the incoming dusk. If you intend to run you rear light during the day, HAVE A SPARE. I want everyone to have at least a rear light for the end of the ride for our overall group safety
Sorry if these tips sounds patronising or obvious to most, but I really would like this last ride of our challenge to be a success and not end like Waterloo, or is it Austerlitz?
See you all there for a lot of fun on our challenge crowning piece.
More experience riders are welcome too, but remember this is a '300k for newbies' ride and therefore won't be faster than a C+.
Ced. G.
Ian Gannon
Keith Adcock
Naomi Bell
A special thought too for Mark who joined for the initial trio for 300k but whose knee is unfortunately letting down this year. We'll think of you.
Please note that due to medical reasons I use a handle-bar extender, a bit like TT-bars. I use this to relief the pain of NHS diagnosed trapped nerves in my wrists and elbow. I do NOT use these to ride like a TT racer, to draft behind others or similar performance seeking stunts.
Every bike ride, be it commute, ride alone or in group, entails its share of risks (bad road surface, motorised traffic, natural elements, our or other riders' mistakes or inattentions...). This is common knowledge and we all ride at our own risk. Nevertheless if my use of this extender this makes you feel uncomfortable, please do not join my rides.
. I’m in
) but also for your dedication on all the previous rides leading to this one 
