Purudential 100 ride times

[45Flipper]

Roll on Sunday, I can't wait 😀

Start Area: Orange
Wave: B
Start Time: 05:56

Heading down tomorrow around lunchtime, I've managed to get the Ibis hotel right outside the excel entrance so hopefully I can get parked without to much hassle.

I did it last year, so I'm going to try to get round a little quicker this year, however, I've had a bloody cold for the last two weeks, so I haven't done much in the way of cycling since coming home from France two weeks ago.

[addey]

Did I spot OKGO finishing 2nd??!! Definitely someone in paceline kit....

[AndStilliRise]

4:45. Same as last year.

Having spent a small fortune on a new bike was hoping to be faster. Was a bit treacherous.

[okgo]

addey said:

Did I spot OKGO finishing 2nd??!! Definitely someone in paceline kit....

lol yes.

3.57 or 58

Quite amusing really, myself and another guy I know went 3 up from Box Hill, dropped the other guy in Kingston and then rode it in to finish about 1 min ahead of the rest of the rabble. Difference between half decent racing cyclist and 99.9% of the people riding is obviously quite evident, chap I finished with is 1st cat road rider I race with a fair bit, but a few familiar faces at the pointy end. Yanto Barker was in there too which was amusing.

Edited by okgo on Sunday 30th July 17:39

[rossw46]

Benmac said:

rossw46 said:

I can't wait, my 1st one, only ever cycled 100 miles once before, last year, was 6hrs and a handful of minutes, if I can beat that I'll be happy.

Orange
Wave J
07:48

Assuming that was on open roads then you'll likely smash that time on Sunday.

It was, and you were right, I bettered it by 40 minutes, over the moon with that ! Well done to all that did it, it was awesome, I was flying for the first 37 miles, then got to the hills at which I'm notoriously crap, but didn't walk any, pushed as hard as I could all the way up them.

Lots of friendly lycra clad people, saw a couple of crashes, and beautiful scenery, all in all a great ride.

[Sandersports]

okgo said:

lol yes.

3.57 or 58

Quite amusing really, myself and another guy I know went 3 up from Box Hill, dropped the other guy in Kingston and then rode it in to finish about 1 min ahead of the rest of the rabble. Difference between half decent racing cyclist and 99.9% of the people riding is obviously quite evident, chap I finished with is 1st cat road rider I race with a fair bit, but a few familiar faces at the pointy end. Yanto Barker was in there too which was amusing.

Edited by okgo on Sunday 30th July 17:39

Any good dramas to report up the pointy end ? I see a few crashes , nothing to serious , worst one was about 25 meters after the finish line on the Mall where a few riders were pulled over chatting, rider next to me is looking down at his Garmin and ploughs straight into them at 15mph ish ... the noise of lots of carbon breaking !!
We killed a bit of time by counting the upside down bikes at the side of the road while the copias amounts of punctures were being fixed . Little brush with 1 car which old bill were onto in a nano second in the Surrey lanes .
Overall good social event and i still love every second of riding on the closed roads in London.. Well worth entering for that . And i laugh at the fellow racers on social media that have the whole issue with it, no one at the front is actually banging on about it being a race or trying to pretend they are Pro's for a day . Most people are just enjoying ripping ti up on closed roads.

Edited by Sandersports on Monday 31st July 09:53

[okgo]

Sandersports said:

Any good dramas to report up the pointy end ? I see a few crashes , nothing to serious , worst one was about 25 meters after the finish line on the Mall where a few riders were pulled over chatting, rider next to me is looking down at his Garmin and ploughs straight into them at 15mph ish ... the noise of lots of carbon breaking !!
We killed a bit of time by counting the upside down bikes at the side of the road while the copias amounts of punctures were being fixed . Little brush with 1 car which old bill were onto in a nano second in the Surrey lanes .
Overall good social event and i still love every second of riding on the closed roads in London.. Well worth entering for that . And i laugh at the fellow racers on social media that have the whole issue with it, no one at the front is actually banging on about it being a race or trying to pretend they are Pro's for a day . Most people are just enjoying ripping ti up on closed roads.

Edited by Sandersports on Monday 31st July 09:53

There were a fair few ex rower types, all quite strong but can't ride for st. Lots of people joined along the way without numbers (I knew a few of them) which was also amusing.

Yanto and some RCC bloke went off on their own at the top of newlands but yanto flatted and the other guy got reeled in by myself and the other guy eventually.

People taking it quite seriously, but they're mostly really quite bad. We basically just wanted to try and get to finish ahead of the rest which made it fun, though I got rolled in the 'sprint' as I'd been towing him for some time as "my back is done, I can't do anything" was the line ha.

Averaged a bit under 27mph as a 2 up from top of box hill to the finish which felt quite nippy, and yes, really enjoyed riding super quick round SW London where I normally am crawling between buses.

Yeh, many of the haters probably have done less actual races than I have, though a lot of it is just banter of course. Thankfully I didn't put my arms in the air like the bloke who crossed line first, that is quite cringe.

[Slaav]

Well I was delighted with my time! Lobbed loads off next best (3rd of three) and that was with a puncture and a 20 min wait at Hampton Court for a mate. Must check my rolling time

I really enjoyed it and met a PH chap in club cycling attire who commented on my PH jersey! Whilst waiting at HC hub. Nice chap and I cannot remember his name I am afraid - and I didn't really introduce myself properly either so apologies if you see this.

I can heartily recommend this ride to absolutely everybody. Brilliant organisation (barring an unnecessary cycle around Olympic Park to get to my start wave and poorly marshalled pens - people didn't push up and the pens overflowed causing chaos at times in Green.)

Brilliant atmosphere. Great day out and unbelievable support all the way around.

Do it !!!

There is a 46 mile detour/cut out which was open when I went passed at HC. You can also easily cut out the main two hills if you don't think you are up to it and are worried about finishing.

IMO, the first 5 miles are effectively 'free' due to adrenaline, excitement and crowds. The next 5 are also free riding through London. In fact all the way to beyond Richmond is a wave of fun and optimism.

The last 10 miles are also 'free' from the top of Wimbledon actually - loads of downhill and then back into Central London. You can get to the top of Wimbledon Hill and you know you will finish - quite emotional to be honest. Riding back along the Embankment and into Parliament Sq is tremendous.

Brilliant!!! 'Just do it' as Adidas might not say

[mackay45]

Definitely a great event! I was happy with my time too after predicting a page or two ago that i'd be round in 7-8 hours, my final time was about 6 hours 10 mins.

I didn't have any issues with the organisation in the morning (Black, C) and found the hubs/drink stops etc. manageable.

I stopped at the Pyrford and Box Hill hubs/water stops for water bottle refills and some snacks, they were busy but not ridiculous and I was probably only in each of them for about 5 minutes before getting going again.

I didn't find the climbs too bad, though Leith Hill I had to uncleat and walk up part of it just due to the congestion. Shortly after uncleating some chap ahead of me couldn't get out of his quickly enough and went clattering down onto the bike next to him taking out another rider. Luckily they were both ok though.

Amazing experience whizzing through London on closed roads, I cycled back to Liverpool Street after through traffic and that journey was a lot less pleasant!

So glad the rain held off too, with the exception of a few drops on the way back into London.

Will stick my name in the ballot again for next year, won't hold my breath for a place though!

[Marcellus]

Back safe and sound, loved the event, started early which I think got the worst of the weather and the road conditions.

I do think that the organisers could have sent a sweeper truck thing along the course to get rid of the muck brought onto the road by the rain, especially through the Surrey Hills and that's what we thought they were going to be doing when they were going on about the blue car with lights.

Still had a great ride and pleased with my time 1hr 15m faster than last year a way off challenging a lot of your for times but for me ok (for now)!

Next year sub 5 hours for sure and hopefully closer to 4 1/2!!

WHen does the Ballot open?

[Slaav]

Marcellus said:

Back safe and sound, loved the event, started early which I think got the worst of the weather and the road conditions.

I do think that the organisers could have sent a sweeper truck thing along the course to get rid of the muck brought onto the road by the rain, especially through the Surrey Hills and that's what we thought they were going to be doing when they were going on about the blue car with lights.

Still had a great ride and pleased with my time 1hr 15m faster than last year a way off challenging a lot of your for times but for me ok (for now)!

Next year sub 5 hours for sure and hopefully closer to 4 1/2!!

WHen does the Ballot open?

You are aiming for 4 and 1/2 next year and are apologising about your times??? I bet you will be doing it dressed as a Giant Panda as well

Well done to all who even attempted it!

Unfortunately, the road manners of some left a little to be desired. The number of club cyclists in full club gear who rode aggressively or ignorantly was a surprise. Surely a 'proper' club cyclist would know courteous riding makes friends? Thankfully, these were the tiny minority and in no way should put anybody off. Maybe as I was (at times) flying along there was an assumption I wouldn't mind a faster train 'brushing' passed me/us? I do notice that clear and obvious 'amateurs' are given (generally) a wider passage

Still an amazingly wonderful day out!!!

[Mannginger]

Was great watching / clapping you guys through Surbiton and Kingston town centre early in the morning yesterday. Got me all inspired so I'm going to try my luck in the ballot (which I think opens next week) for the 2018 event. I'm going to go bold and aim for the 100, only ever done 100km before so I've got a lot of work to do if I get a place!)

Well done all!

[Slaav]

I would also recommend the Free Cycled on the Saturday around Central London. I did a lap on the Saturday as my bike was at the office and I had to pick it up.

What a wonderful atmosphere and so many families doing stuff outdoors and together. It reminded me of London during the Olympics in 2012.

[Marcellus]

Slaav said:

You are aiming for 4 and 1/2 next year and are apologising about your times??? I bet you will be doing it dressed as a Giant Panda as well

Well done to all who even attempted it!

Unfortunately, the road manners of some left a little to be desired. The number of club cyclists in full club gear who rode aggressively or ignorantly was a surprise. Surely a 'proper' club cyclist would know courteous riding makes friends? Thankfully, these were the tiny minority and in no way should put anybody off. Maybe as I was (at times) flying along there was an assumption I wouldn't mind a faster train 'brushing' passed me/us? I do notice that clear and obvious 'amateurs' are given (generally) a wider passage

Still an amazingly wonderful day out!!!

Wasn't apologising for it, I'm a slightly overweight 50 year old bloke who enjoys a pedal!!

I think the earlier you were the better the "manners" certainly where I was in the timings it was very much keep left, but then at that time it was easier as there weren't that many people on the route, whereas later when there's 20,000 in the way it's harder to keep left as there's more likely to be slower cars..... just like the difference on motorways between night time and rush our!

[Maxf]

Some amazing times being posted here - well done to all!

We could only get a place on the 46 and enjoyed it (after the herd thinned out a bit). We did see the aftermath of a horrendous crash where it looks like a pedestrian or two and their dog tried to get over the road in Wimbledon and were hit - on a pretty fast flat section. Hopefully all make a speedy recovery.

Roll on the 100 next year, ballot allowing!

[alolympic]

Mannginger said:

Was great watching / clapping you guys through Surbiton and Kingston town centre early in the morning yesterday. Got me all inspired so I'm going to try my luck in the ballot (which I think opens next week) for the 2018 event. I'm going to go bold and aim for the 100, only ever done 100km before so I've got a lot of work to do if I get a place!)

Well done all!

First time for me this year, in fact only got a road bike a few months ago.
The support going along the route made a massive difference to me, and I loved it. Thank you for being part of that.
I think you are probably starting from a much better position than you think. I hadn't even done 100km in training and still did this one in less than 6 hours (in fact moving time was 5:10, but we kept waiting for a friend who was suffering with a bad knee). It really is the easiest situation to go fast. Get your name down!

[clonmult]

One of my mates (who is more of an indoor rower) was there, but he's transitioning more to cycling. Related to that, he's had some involvement in Bradley Wiggins transition to rowing and was there riding the 100 with Wiggins - both Wiggins and his Mrs didn't finish, apparently down to punctures (and not taking it too seriously).

He finished in 4h45, not bad for a "rower".

I'm tempted to enter next year, but the 100 would require more training than I'm willing to put in - it really would take over my life.

[clonmult]

okgo said:

There were a fair few ex rower types, all quite strong but can't ride for st

Most serious rowers can make for decent riders. And from recent experience, it works equally well the other way too.

[okgo]

Yes. Many of the front group were an ex rowing cycling club (most of them had photocopied their mates number so were riding unofficially too), many of them have rowed at world level and a few olympic I think, they're all fit enough guys, but their riding is poor.

The thing with comparing times is that unless you're in the front pen, you'll never get a 'good time' as you need the strongest people to pull the group along at a decent pace - to put it in perspective, many of the front guys finishing in around 4 hours would get dropped in any slightly difficult 2/3 category road race.

I think you're making it harder in your mind than it is, a couple of months and nearly anyone could do the 100 I would have said.

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 2nd August 15:12

[clonmult]

okgo said:

Yes. Many of the front group were an ex rowing cycling club (most of them had photocopied their mates number so were riding unofficially too), many of them have rowed at world level and a few olympic I think, they're all fit enough guys, but their riding is poor.

The thing with comparing times is that unless you're in the front pen, you'll never get a 'good time' as you need the strongest people to pull the group along at a decent pace - to put it in perspective, many of the front guys finishing in around 4 hours would get dropped in any slightly difficult 2/3 category road race.

I think you're making it harder in your mind than it is, a couple of months and nearly anyone could do the 100 I would have said.

Edited by okgo on Wednesday 2nd August 15:12

No idea where Lloyd started, but after Wiggo dropped out he was virtually riding solo. Makes it rather hard. The main problem is weight - they're typically 100+kg, which is a hindrance on a bike. And it would be a problem for me too - although I do need to lose a little weight as I'm planning a half marathon.

I'd only need a month or two decent training to prepare; I did a 65 mile route with only two weeks training. But in order to do justice to the 100, I'd want to train more. And it really would take over my life for that month or two.