The Beacon Message Board

I have suggested the potential of a 500kms club run this summer, i.e. 250kms from the Black Horse to the Welsh Coast one day, and back the next, after a night in the pub. As this has not been rubbished and a few people have encouraged me further, here goes:

Every detail is currently a 'first thought' but earmarked are:

Dates:
Either the weekend of June 24/25 or August 19/20 2017, well away form 300kms club runs or Beacon audaxes (in fact, the June date is the weekend of the cancelled Cotswold Audax - so this is favoured)

Draft Routes:
Westbound - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18431831
Eastbound - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18432491

Both directions are mountainous, out over the Machynlleth mountain road, back via Bwlch-y-Groes and Lake Vyrnwy!

Accommodation and Travel:
Either a bunkhouse or cheap run-down, flea-ridden hotel somewhere near Harlech. This gives the brave the opportunity to climb Britain's steepest road, as a dessert.

It would be great if there was a volunteer driver (free lodging and food?) for the transport of spare clothes etc, and we could even have one driver driving there and one back if two people fancied just doing one day's cycling.

Thoughts and views welcome....

Phil

Sounds like a great Idea, but alas one that I cannot partake in on the 24th/25th. I shall have just returned from the Alps and doubt any further venturing will be allowed by the 'boss'. I'm already booked in on the 20th Aug for a TT on a course that should serve up a PB, so that too is out. I'm sure you'll have no shortage of participants...

Sounds great Phil I'd be well up for that, the August date would probably suit me better.

I'm only interested in KM's when they're multiples of 100, let me at 'em.

This looks interesting, but there isn't a cat in hells chance I'd be able to keep up with you guys! However, there is some good mountain biking in snowdonia ....
I'm very tempted to take everyone's bags to Wales, and going mtb either on the way there, or the way back (or both!).

I also have space for another person and bike if anyone wants to join me!

Phil, this sounds like an exciting challenge. Providing that circumstances enable me to get some good kilometres in over the spring, I think that I could handle the route... but strictly at my own pace. Like Helen, I can't imagine myself keeping up with you... and Stuart will drop me before I've flipped it onto the big ring. Even amongst a group of A-run-standard riders, I suspect that an expedition of that distance, over that kind of terrain, will expose differences. So, the burning question for me is, how will you work around that? Will you try to ride like a club run group? (Potentially frustrating as people flag.) Will you split into better-matched twos and threes? (Possible loss of social dynamic.) If you split up, will you regroup at cafés or just meet at the end?

PS: My personal preference would be for the June date.

Sounds like a great idea and a great route. I will send my apologies for the August date due holiday.

Unfortunately I cannot find any flea ridden bunkhouses in the Harlech area aside from a 56 bedder, so you may need an amended destination unless riders book up alternative accommodation. The castle has prison cells within the keep.

brill Ill be up for this also, sounds like which ever date is finalised it will be epic

Phil, I'd certainly be up for this ride. The August dates would suit me better as the June dates will be on the back of a four day ride I'm doing the week before however, will still have a go if the June dates are favored.

Hi Phil
Myself and Ben would be up for the June date as on hols in august

I would be interested, more likely August than June as I won't have done many long rides by that point - too busy running!

Andy I hope that fits in with your busy racing schedule. Long ground out miles can play havoc with ultimate top speed. I've got you down as favourite to win the 10, 25, 50, and BAR, as well as RR and Crit champs. Hows the FTP, about 290 at the mo?

Craig about time you got a number on your back as well. Talent to spare.

flag me as a possible

You are quite right Andy. The main objective of riding a bike is enjoyment. For me the second is health and third the competitive edge. For some the competition may be the key driving force and the health and enjoyment benefits are a by-product of that.
I just enjoy watching talent develop. Don't take my promptings to go racing too seriously Andy, I am only having a little light hearted fun. Besides which, I would struggle to do the sort of long distances that many of you do these days.

NOT FORGETTING THAT THE BEACON BRECONS 300 on 30th May will provide a good grounding for Phil's ride.

Add both to your diaries or the lads will be coming around in the depths of the night.

Phil
I can drive there and back. It's the only way you will get me doing 500 km in a weekend
Dave

If we've got a luggage van, and if the June date is chosen, I'm keen to come on this trip. If August is chosen, I'll have to wait and see, because of family holiday plans.

However, my plan is to start and finish from home, meeting the outbound route at Shobdon (you're using the café there, presumably?) and peeling off from the return route in Shropshire. That would give me 207km out and 229km back.

Left to my own devices, I would probably average 24-25kph (depending on weather/wind direction, etc). If the main group is moving significantly faster than that, I shan't attempt to keep up, I'll just meet you at the end and possibly at (a) café(s) on the route.

However, if there are any others interested in doing the route at roughly the same pace as me, I'd be happy to form an autobus for the shared part of the route. Anyone looking to trim the distance a little is welcome to start and finish at my house. (Simon Turner has already indicated that he may be up for that.)

Thanks everyone, it's reassuring that when these Beacon outings are suggested, a peloton quickly forms. It's great that we also have a couple of volunteers to drive there and back, and enjoy the weekend as well as shifting a few bags 500kms...

Having seen the posts and speaking to a few people yesterday on the club run, I can confirm that the date for this 500km club run will be the weekend of 24/25 June 2017. I wanted to confirm this early so plans can be made or avoided. Apologies to those who preferred August...

The route has been tweaked as suitable accommodation is 7 miles from the original suggestion of Harlech. The accommodation is below and will cost £39.50 each to include: accommodation, 3-course evening meal, full cooked breakfast and packed lunch. A variety of rooms will be booked shortly at different sizes so females wanting to participate won't have to share with hairy-arsed males! So it's important I have numbers over the next few weeks
http://www.cwmpennanthostel.com/

Revised routes to this accommodation are here:
West - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18431831
East - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18432491

Those interested so far include:

Phil Richards
Philip Whiteman
Trev Richards
Stuart White
Andy Wrightson
Neil Orchard
Craig Walmsley
Ben Walmsley
George Barker
Simon Turner
John Williams

Possibles:
Chris Ashford
Barry Evans

Drivers:
Dave Cole
Helen Jamieson - who may yet ride out?

Drop your name onto this post if you're definitely or even possibly interested so I can gauge accommodation needs.

Thanks

Phil

Add my name please

I'm unreliable at checking the message board so only just seen this thread. Count me In!

Possible depending on fitness.

You're all mad. Mad I tell you, mad.

I'm afraid that I am out already due to a diary clash.

Possible depending on fitness

I'm in!!

Add me as well please Phil.

gmac wrote:Possible depending on fitness.

Thinking the same!

It's great to see the summer of strange club rides panning out, in that we now have a 200kms, 300kms, and 500kms ride as well as a midnight ride...excellent work, James, Paul and Phil(s)

An update on the 500kms...I have reserved both a 16-dorm room and 4-dorm room, as well as a 10-dorm room just in case, and will need to make a down payment on this early March, so will need to finalise the bulk of names by end February...albeit, we should be able to add people up to about a month in advance, unless we go over a room size. Females also welcome, given that we have different rooms...

Updated interest at the time of going to press is:

Probables:
Phil Richards
Alan Weaver
Trev Richards
Stuart White
Andy Wrightson
Neil Orchard
Craig Walmsley
Ben Walmsley
George Barker
Simon Turner
John Williams
Carolyn Clegg
Rob Wade

Possibles:
Chris Ashford
Barry Evans
Gary Macintosh
Dale Finnegan
Neil Lynch

Possible Drivers and drug-mules:
Dave Cole
Helen Jamieson - who may yet ride out?

Look at my previous post for accommodation and cost details, but it seems a good price for bed and board!

We'll probably run with two groups given the interest, in much the same way as Phil's 300km ride, but can decide nearer the time...

Thanks

Phil

Hi all,

I have been contacted by the bunkhouse looking for confirmation and booking of rooms, so I'll need to move on this in the next two weeks, i.e. book the rooms and seek payment and commitment from riders. Don't forget, it is only £40 for accommodation, evening meal and breakfast so almost Paul Johnsonny in it's value.

The latest list was as follows:

Probables:
Phil Richards
Alan Weaver
Trev Richards
Stuart White
Andy Wrightson
Neil Orchard
Craig Walmsley
Ben Walmsley
George Barker
Simon Turner
Jon Williams
Carolyn Clegg
Rob Wade
Vince Tennant

Possibles:
Chris Ashford
Barry Evans
Gary Macintosh
Dale Finnegan
Neil Lynch

Possible Drivers and drug-mules:
Dave Cole
Helen Jamieson - who may yet ride out?

So please can people confirm their interest, as at present I will confirm the 16-bed room for males and the 4-bed room for females, so we have space for 2 more females. Of course, potentially having two drivers, may mean that a small number of riders could ride in one direction if that helps and getting a lift in the other direction. Don't forget, riding both directions is a tough proposition in this terrain.

Please confirm below and/or text me on 07803 258902, I'll set up a whatsapp group for further information

Your views on availability/keenness/commitment are wanted!

I'm definitely still interested, Phil, even though my current form makes me think it may be midnight before I get there.

George wrote:I'm definitely still interested, Phil, even though my current form makes me think it may be midnight before I get there.

you and me both George

I'll be a support driver. I'm going to via Llandegla and get some mtb in, but I can take my bike rack so can take 1, and possibly 2 people back on the Sunday if anyone wants/can only do one leg.

Or if anyone wants to come to degla with me, they're more than welcome. It's all rollable! ðŸ˜￾

I'm still in Phil. Out of form at moment but even if that's still the case by June I'm fine with cycling at my own pace and rejoining the group later.

I'd love to do this, but alas I cannot. I will have just have got back from a week in the Alps and must pay for my absence with child minding duties whilst my better half has a well deserved break herself.

Hi Phil
Me and Ben are up for it

Hi Phil
I'm still happy to drive there and carry the luggage

Dave

Alas, I am on a European, Radiohead, Tour d France cycle adventure commencing the Monday.
I have been unable to bolt an additional 2 days onto the beginning of my already 10 day boys adventure.
She can be so unreasonable sometimes :-/

Does anyone fancy only riding there, and then doing the snowdonia zip wire on the Sunday?

Hi all,

All systems go!

I've paid the deposit now for the 16-bed dorm and the 8-bed dorm, so please can people text me on 07803 258902 to confirm your places. I'll set up a whatsapp group and tell everyone the next steps

Confirmed are:
Me, Trev Richards, Gary Mac, Craig and Ben Walmsley (can one of you please text me!), Jon Williams, Neil Orchard and Andy Wrightson

In addition, Dave Cole and Helen are driving there, so if you want to ride one way only, you may be able to do it if you get in quick. So we have spaces for 7 males and up to 7 females.

Confirm your place by texting me if you haven't already done so. There's a yoga group booked in the same night as us, so some stretching may be available

Thanks

Phil

Just noticed this thread. As an ex-Shropshire lad you've picked some nice old familiar roads.

I used to ride to Bala via Hirnant & Vwyrnwy and back over Berwyns and back to Shrewsbury as Etape training. And as a schoolboy we used to ride to the YHA in Borth one day and return the next. Jumpers for goalposts.

As Noel Coward says in The Italian Job: Good Luck.

I'm up for this.

I'll ride the hills at my own pace and catch up somewhere along the route (or maybe at the bunkhouse...)

Also up for the Snowdonia zipwire on the Sunday.

Excellent stuff, Fenella...riding one way is fine and getting a lift back doesn't sound a bad idea in hindsight.

Still half a dozen spaces still available for Beacon members...post here or text me (number above) to grab this pleasurable weekend opportunity....with added hills and distance, plenty of distance.

Just bumping this thread as I do need to confirm numbers in the next 3-4 weeks, as I've paid the deposit and need to pay the balance by third week in May.

Details are in the posts above, and confirmed so far are:

Me, Trev Richards, Gary Mac, Craig and Ben Walmsley, Jon Williams, Neil Orchard, Andy Wrightson, Chris Ashford, Vince Tennant, Fenella Brown

In addition, Dave Cole and Helen are driving there and back, so if you want to ride one way only, speak up now.

If you're interested to ride into the wilderness, text me on 07803 258902 to join the whatsapp group

Good Day,

What time are you planning on departing for this one? I may try and cover a bit of the ride with you all and then turn back if that's OK.

FINAL CALL: Boarding now at Gate 37...

I need to finally finalise numbers for this as I have to pay the balance for the accommodation on Saturday. We have space for one or two females and two or three males. There are 14 riders and two drivers committed and paid so far, namely:

Riders:
Phil Richards, Trev Richards, Craig Walmlsey, Ben Walmsley, Alex Hill, Adam Green, Andy Wrightson, Neil Orchard, Jon Williams, Gary MacIntosh, Vince Tennant, Chris Ashford, Leonie Balter, Fenella Brown

Drivers and team captains:
Dave Cole and Helen Jamieson

Riders will need to get overnight bags, Sunday kit, beer/whisky/EPO etc to Dave or Helen before the 24th June, as we're leaving the Black Horse at 06:00 on Saturday 24 June and back around 7pm on Sunday 25 June...I've tweaked the routes a little, so please load up these flat, easy (!) routes if riding.

Saturday Wales-bound - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18431831
Sunday England-bound - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18432491

Overnight meal/accommodation is £39.50 and details are in earlier post.

Text me on 07803 258902 (and I'll add you to the whatsapp group) if you want to come along...just like the DFS sale...must end Saturday!

Final routes posted here...

Saturday Wales-bound: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18431831
Stops at
- Ludlow - 65kms (41 miles)
- Bwlch-y-Sarnau (Glyndwr Café) - 130kms (82 miles)
- Machynlleth - 177kms (111 miles)
- Trawsfynyedd shop - 224kms (140 miles)
- Finish at 252kms (158 miles)

Sunday England Bound: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18432491
Stops at
- Lake Vyrnwy - 76kms (48 miles)
- Dinky's Dinahs famous roadside café - 127kms (76 miles)
- Bridgnorth - 200kms (125miles)
- Finish at 246kms (154 miles)

3 stops on the return as route is a lot flatter (once you get back into England!)

Really sorry to be missing this. Have a great time, everyone!