Dunwich Dynamo, yes or no?

[j288btown]

Basically, I've been thinking about doing the Dunwich Dynamo with a family member, the problem is I have no idea if I'm fit enough, or can be fit enough in time for it.

The family member used to compete semi-professionally and rode the Dynamo 2 years ago. Me on the other hand... I have never rode more than 25 miles at a time and although I do commute to University this is only a mile down the road MAX!

Has anyone had any experience with this ride? It does sound amazing and I would love to join in, however I am unsure whether 4 months will be enough time to get training especially as I have no idea of my current fitness?

thanks

 

[rb58]

It's a great ride and well worth the preparation. I don't think it's too taxing - it's not a hilly ride - but it is a fair old distance which will need some prep. I guess much depends on your general level of base fitness, but I'd have thought if you're already happy at 25 miles, there would be time to get ready for Dun Run 2011. Also bear on mind it's not a supported ride, so you need to be entirely self sufficient, and make arangements. And getting back needs some consideration. Unless you book well in advance you won't be able to use the local train as it only takes six bikes, so you either have to ride to Ipswich (another 30 miles) to get the mainline or have persuaded some with transport to meet you at Dunwich. Or ride back to London.

 

[Baggy]

If you can finding a longer commuting route and get out for longer rides in the evening and at weekends you should have plenty of time to train. If you can get some rides in of about 75 – 80 miles in June and July you should get round without too much trouble.

The first time I rode it my longest ride had been 75 miles a few weeks before (plus a regular daily 20 mile commute) and I took it slowly and enjoyed it.

As rb58 says, it’s not particularly hilly, but the fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy it. There will probably be points when you question just what the hell you're doing and wonder if you're going to make it, (at about 3am for me!) but then the sun comes up and it gives you a real boost.

And getting back needs some consideration.

In previous years there have been coaches laid on by Southwark/Greenwich Cyclists to get you back to London, which you have to book in advance. You have to hang around on the beach until about 1.00pm or so for the coaches – fine if the weather is ok, but not so much fun if it’s not!

There's usually a fair few Cyclechatters who ride it.

There are some FAQ here that might be helpful:
http://southwarkcyclists.org.uk/content/dunwich-dynamo

 

[j288btown]

Luckily I don't think travel back should be too much of an issue for me as the person I'm riding with has a house in Southwold. Thank's for your feedback it has been much help! I'm beginning my 'training' today, (seeing as the sun is out!).

I do however have another issue, I am currently riding my newly converted fixed wheel bike, so will be riding that in the build up to the ride, however for the ride itself my uncle recommended borrowing his lightweight road bike. I'm under the assumption that it is not wise to train on a fixie, and ride a geared bike for the ride itself? I know it's best to use the same bike in training and the ride itself so you become comfortable with the bike and its handling. Just wondered if anyone had any experience with this fixie experience with training opposed to gears?

 

[rb58]

I've not ridden a fixie myself, but plenty of DunRunners do it fixed - I even rode part way back with one last year.

 

[4F]

I have 2 rides, gearded and fixed. Personally I would do the Dun Run on a geared bike as the 1st 1/2 of the ride seems to be constantly down hill with lots of sections for fast freewheeling. The last 1/3 of the ride has a few short sharp rises / declines (forgetting the big downhills into Sudbury / Needham Market)

I will be doing it this year geared

 

[iZaP]

I wish I hadn't known about this event...but now, I'm so tempted to do it!!!

 

[martint235]

I want to do the Dun Run at some point but unfortunately, as they are both lunar based events I'm told, it always clashes with a FNRttC. I know some people have done the FNRttC and back and then ridden Dun Run and back but that really seems to be pushing the limits (and also probably the limits of what SWMBO will allow!!!).

One year I'll get round to it I'm sure.

 

[frank9755]

I want to do the Dun Run at some point but unfortunately, as they are both lunar based events I'm told, it always clashes with a FNRttC. I know some people have done the FNRttC and back and then ridden Dun Run and back but that really seems to be pushing the limits (and also probably the limits of what SWMBO will allow!!!).

One year I'll get round to it I'm sure.

Martin, I only know of one person who has done Brighton then Dunwich both there and back! But a few of us did both of them as one-way trips, and it made for a decent weekends riding. To be honest, riding back from Dunwich has a lot going for it as the trains are a bit busy. Last year I rode to Ipswich where there was more choice. Adding on the ride from Liverpool St to home, I effectively rode about half way back.

As you say, you would need a full weekend pass!


For the OP, probably the majority of the riders are pretty ordinary commuters for whom it is a far longer ride than they normally do. Some take a long time over it, and many seem to stop for a sleep in a field! If you want to do it, and you do a bit of cycling, I expect you will manage it, at your own pace. One of the great things about it is that it is mainly normal people out on a fun bike ride. It is absolutely not a sportive challenge which only ultra-fit athletes can take part in!

People do it on all sorts of bikes. Last year I remember seeing some families with children riding (don't know if they did the full distance) and there was even one chap carrying a dog in a front basket!

 

[j288btown]

It really does look a great ride and I can imagine it has a great, friendly atmosphere too! I'm still a bit concerned with the transition between training on a fixie only to ride a geared bike on the day/night.


I do feel more confident in joining in the ride after all your stories!

 

[Baggy]

It really does look a great ride and I can imagine it has a great, friendly atmosphere too! I'm still a bit concerned with the transition between training on a fixie only to ride a geared bike on the day/night.

Am not really sure about the pros and cons of fixed training as I don't have a fixie, but personally I'd be wary of riding a bike I've never ridden before over that distance.

If you could have a ride on the bike beforehand to make sure it will fits you well enough to be comfortable that might help - and you can put your own pedals and saddle on it for the ride.

 

[j288btown]

Yea I'm heading back home this Sunday for a size up, fingers crossed I might be able to borrow the bike for training also! Just makes sense to do it all on the same bike. It's SUPER light I hear

 

[Nigel182]

I've done the Dynamo a few times after being a 5 mile a day commuter with occassional longer weekend rides.

1st time got the coach back... but a long wait... ok if you don't need to be back for a certain time.

2nd time Train at Darsham.... bit of a Nightmare Rail Staff not very helpful.....!!!!

3rd Time rode to Lowestoft just over 20 miles to where the Trains started.... IMHO best option for train as you already on it when it starts.

Good Luck with your Dynamo....

This year I'm out as the kids want to go to the "Lovebox" Featival in London........

 

[Aperitif]

I want to do the Dun Run at some point but unfortunately, as they are both lunar based events I'm told, it always clashes with a FNRttC. I know some people have done the FNRttC and back and then ridden Dun Run and back but that really seems to be pushing the limits (and also probably the limits of what SWMBO will allow!!!).

One year I'll get round to it I'm sure.

I did Brighton, then back the 'fast' way, then slept with my head in the dog basket for a couple of hours, then zipped up to London Fields for the inaugural 'CycleChat does Dunwich'. The weather (and I'm sure tiredness + Steve's refreshment waggon) put paid to a return, although the day turned out nicely in the end. And Will1985's Dad, Steven was on hand to transport us to Diss? or somewhere - can't remember now. A good experience - but not for the rear-light-a-phobics... so many flashing red hypnotic rythmns being zapped out on the ups and downs.

Stopping conventionally, at the middle or end is 'hectic' to say the least. Go well laden with grub-u-like.