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Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 29 Jul 2019 21:45
by Simon Woodward
Hi Audaxers,
Has anyone ever done this? https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12698177
I'm thinking about converting my AAA SR into an SR Cymru, I'll need a 300 as my Cambrian with ECE won't count.
It's obviously a lumpy ride I'm just wondering whether it's achievable in late Autumn which is probably when I'll be able to find time.
What do you all think?

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 30 Jul 2019 08:20
by Philip Whiteman
That means going up Bwlch-y-groes the hard-way!

Looks tough but in late autumn the colours will be spectacular with rustic ferns on the mountain sides.

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 01 Aug 2019 07:29
by Simon Woodward
Philip Whiteman wrote:
30 Jul 2019 08:20
That means going up Bwlch-y-groes the hard-way!

Looks tough but in late autumn the colours will be spectacular with rustic ferns on the mountain sides.
Cheers Phil,

I've managed to find some space bit earlier in my calendar so have booked the 10th September.

Bwlch y groes and the following climb out of Bala will be tough with tired legs, but we'll see how it goes.

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 12 Sep 2019 22:40
by Simon Woodward
I completed this on Tuesday. A very tough ride which I just managed to complete in time with only 25 minutes to spare. I crawled up Bwlch y Groes averaging less than 3mph!
I've always been a full value Audaxer but thought that my average speed would increase over the last100 km, as that part of the route is much flatter. I hadn't realised however how much the poor visibility at night slows you down on country lanes.

I'd encourage those that like a challenge and also enjoy the hills and the countryside to enter this ride. As with most of John Hamilton's rides it's on great cycling roads and starts out tough but gets easier on the way home. My only caveat would be that whilst it's always difficult to compare Audaxes, it did feel like a significant step up from the Kidderminster Killer.

Enter The Dragon Strava Link

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 14 Sep 2019 14:03
by George
Simon Woodward wrote:
12 Sep 2019 22:40
it did feel like a significant step up from the Kidderminster Killer.
Simon, Simon! Do you realise what you've started?

Congratulations on another epic ride!

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 16 Sep 2019 13:09
by StuartWhite
Sweet, baby Jesus, that looks good/horrific.
That's going on the ever increasing list. Nice one Simon.

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 16 Sep 2019 13:33
by Philip Whiteman
John Hamilton is not nicknamed Undulates for nothing. This looks like another one of his horrors - always a great choice of roads through fantastic scenery but rarely flat.

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 16 Sep 2019 21:47
by Simon Woodward
Philip Whiteman wrote:
16 Sep 2019 13:33
John Hamilton is not nicknamed Undulates for nothing. This looks like another one of his horrors - always a great choice of roads through fantastic scenery but rarely flat.
John Hamilton tells me that only 13 people have completed the ride and only 4 of those finished within 20 hours. As you say, his routes are stunning but could never be described as flat.

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 17 Jan 2020 19:28
by Andy W
Simon Woodward wrote:
29 Jul 2019 21:45
Hi Audaxers,
Has anyone ever done this? https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12698177
I'm thinking about converting my AAA SR into an SR Cymru, I'll need a 300 as my Cambrian with ECE won't count.
It's obviously a lumpy ride I'm just wondering whether it's achievable in late Autumn which is probably when I'll be able to find time.
What do you all think?
That look a bit special I wouldnt mind having a go at this one myself

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 17 Jan 2020 21:23
by Simon Woodward
Andy W wrote:
17 Jan 2020 19:28
Simon Woodward wrote:
29 Jul 2019 21:45
Hi Audaxers,
Has anyone ever done this? https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12698177
I'm thinking about converting my AAA SR into an SR Cymru, I'll need a 300 as my Cambrian with ECE won't count.
It's obviously a lumpy ride I'm just wondering whether it's achievable in late Autumn which is probably when I'll be able to find time.
What do you all think?
That look a bit special I wouldnt mind having a go at this one myself
Andy,

I loved it. It's a permanent but is validate by GPX so you can start anywhere on the route. I camped just outside Llandrindod wells.
Do you reckon you could beat my time? https://www.strava.com/activities/2698879094

Re: Enter the Dragon Permanent

Posted: 18 Jan 2020 14:28
by Andy W
Look who got competitive aha, it's a tad chilly to be going at out normal speed so may have to reign it back