Spring Saddle Sportive - Newmarket, 19th April

Spring Saddle Sportive - Newmarket, 19th April

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SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Wednesday 18th March 2015
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One where the challenge will be more distance rather than ascent, though I don't expect it will be a cakewalk if the wind gets up.

Could be a good one for those without many hills in their 2015 legs yet. Also, being in the same part of the country as TdeF Stage 3 and coming three weeks before Team PH re-rides the route, it would make a excellent leg-test/warm-up for Stage 3 riders.

I'm entered. And a couple of other PHers have indicated interest. Would be good to get a few of us riding together.

Details on UK Cycling Events or via Wiggle





Edited by SixPotBelly on Wednesday 18th March 12:22

tjdixon911

1,911 posts

236 months

Wednesday 18th March 2015
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I did this a couple of years ago - may give it a go this year if I get a Road Bike sorted in time.

SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Wednesday 18th March 2015
quotequote all
If I had a spare I'd lend you one!

Take it you enjoyed it? Good route?

tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Wednesday 18th March 2015
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I will be entering the standard route. Looks like it's very close to my dad's house on the return. Which is nice.

tjdixon911

1,911 posts

236 months

Wednesday 18th March 2015
quotequote all
SixPotBelly said:
If I had a spare I'd lend you one!

Take it you enjoyed it? Good route?
Yeah, it was enjoyable, they do find the few hills that exist around the area - I only did the 38mile route which headed out towards Haverhill before looping back - there were a number of places with open fields so the wind can be a factor there.

I'm planning on purchasing a bike next week, I've been looking at so many Direct Sales bikes that are on long lead times (6-8weeks), to impatient to wait that long so I may go to a LBS or take a trip to Planet-X and buy one, at least then I can have a sit on it before purchase.

SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Wednesday 18th March 2015
quotequote all
tobinen said:
I will be entering the standard route. Looks like it's very close to my dad's house on the return. Which is nice.
I've gone Standard too. Perhaps you could get your Dad to hold out a musette for you as you pass, for the authentic pro experience?

SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Wednesday 18th March 2015
quotequote all
tjdixon911 said:
Yeah, it was enjoyable, they do find the few hills that exist around the area - I only did the 38mile route which headed out towards Haverhill before looping back - there were a number of places with open fields so the wind can be a factor there.

I'm planning on purchasing a bike next week, I've been looking at so many Direct Sales bikes that are on long lead times (6-8weeks), to impatient to wait that long so I may go to a LBS or take a trip to Planet-X and buy one, at least then I can have a sit on it before purchase.
Thanks. Hopefully there'll be people to share the wind with but will smile and brave it alone if not!

I hear you re those lead times. I've already made a mental note that, if I'm to change bikes next year as planned, I'll need to get my order in during early Jan to get it in time for Spring. Hope you find something you like available without too long a wait.

Accelebrate

5,244 posts

214 months

Wednesday 18th March 2015
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I'm tempted by the epic, although I might need to find a cheap hotel as it'd be quite an early start.

SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Wednesday 18th March 2015
quotequote all
If it's any consolation, I'm to be at this weekend's Cobbler comfortably before 7am, so will be leaving home just after 5. I really enjoy driving early in the morning though, empty roads are always a treat. smile


Accelebrate

5,244 posts

214 months

Friday 20th March 2015
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I had an early start for the Colchester event, made good time on the way there until I remembered the cameras on the M25 are always operational! hehe

I've signed up for the epic route, and the Birmingham to Oxford ride from Bike Events in July as well.

SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Friday 20th March 2015
quotequote all
Accelebrate said:
I had an early start for the Colchester event, made good time on the way there until I remembered the cameras on the M25 are always operational! hehe

I've signed up for the epic route, and the Birmingham to Oxford ride from Bike Events in July as well.
Yup, hard to make up time on a deserted motorway isn't it? B-roads on the other hand... driving

Will this be the first century of the year?

I like the sound of Brum-Ox. I find rides where you actually go somewhere much more interesting. It's just the logistics of getting back to that start that take the shine off. Cake and eat it chap, me.

SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Monday 23rd March 2015
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BTW, if anyone is unsure of which length route to go for, I found out at the Cobbler that changing routes is entirely possible should you change your mind after signing up. Of course you could always just go the other way at the course split, but if you email ahead or tell the staff at registration on the day then your results will be adjusted accordingly (and the broom wagon will know where to look should you fail to return).


tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
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Not long to go. Paid this morning.

SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Tuesday 7th April 2015
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I was looking at their routes again this morning. There's a choice of 116km or 160km. Ideally I'd like to go a little bit more beyond my longest ride so far (yesterday) of 107km but not do a full 160km century yet (There's stage 3 for that).

I've a germ of an idea to go off-piste for a bit and make up another 15-20km on the standard, or cut 20-30km off the Epic. Only a germ though. A quick dose of anti-biotics might put paid to it.

Accelebrate

5,244 posts

214 months

Saturday 18th April 2015
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Good luck tomorrow byebye

I can't decide if it'll be short sleeves and shorts weather, the forecast looks a bit grey compared to today.

tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Saturday 18th April 2015
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It certainly looks on the cool side though that will be fine once warmed up. Headwind on the return though.

I should be there for a 08.30 kick off. I'll be in a PH winter top or PH summer top under a clear gilet

Spyder5

1,071 posts

164 months

Saturday 18th April 2015
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Long sleeves and tights with a rain cape tucked away will be my choice of clobber tomorrow.

I'll be doing the 70 with a small group, looking forward to it now.

SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Saturday 18th April 2015
quotequote all
6 degrees at the off, 50/50 chance of a few drops between 10-12 o'clock, 10 degrees at maximum.

Thinking leg warmers to start, and a long sleeve top over a thick base layer. I always get my layering wrong, so do something different and you'll be just right smile.

tobinen

9,184 posts

144 months

Saturday 18th April 2015
quotequote all
Yes, it's one of those in-between decisions to be made ref clothing. Normally with 10 degrees I'd go long-sleeve base layer and PH winter top but I've bought a gilet so do I change? I'm thinking summer top with arm warmers and gilet

SixPotBelly

Original Poster:

1,922 posts

219 months

Saturday 18th April 2015
quotequote all
Arm warmers & gilet in the morning would give you more stripability compared to a winter jersey, but only worth it I'd have thought if the 10 degrees max is going to be warm enough for you to wear the summer top alone. Otherwise the winter top would seem the better choice. That's my thinking anyway!