Etape Cymru or Tour of the Pennines iv? - Suggestions

[DCLane]

I'm looking at two events for early September;

Sun 9th - Etape Cymru. It's got different organisers to last year and looks a challenge (!) http://www.etape-cymru.co.uk/ . I'm also doing the Etape Pennines a month later.

or (since I agreed one a month with SWMBO)

Sun 16th - Tour of the Pennines iv. There's only 1 entry for this so far though! http://tourofthepennines4.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/tour-of-pennines-iv.html and https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=729 . I'd opt for the long 75 mile route and this is by far the closest.

Any thoughts?

 

[oldfatfool]

Wales.

Then on the 16th tell swmbo you are just popping out for a paper

 

[oldfatfool]

Don't forget the the Ryedale Rumble on the 2nd of sept http://www.ryedalerumble.co.uk/ long route looks ................. interesting

 

[DCLane]

Don't forget the the Ryedale Rumble on the 2nd of sept http://www.ryedalerumble.co.uk/ long route looks ................. interesting

True - I might get to do that as well if I'm not doing anything in August, which seems to be a quiet month.

 

[Garz]

I rode the pennines one the other year, run by torelli (I think the outfit were called). If this is the same people I would avoid. We experienced to name a few mishaps:

• Really poor road signeage
• No electronic timing (as was stated)
• Thai Curry post meal was cheese salad in a tub
• Finish line was dismantled before all the riders returned as the guys wanted to offski

In light of all this, out of all the sportives I have participated in, they rank the lowest. If I hear or see some positive experiences I may change my stance.
I will finish with a smiley face as I am not a miserable bar-steward in person!

 

[DCLane]

I rode the pennines one the other year, run by torelli (I think the outfit were called). If this is the same people I would avoid.

Yes, Torelli are running it. Thanks - that's probably why only 1 person has entered!

 

[Garz]

Yes, Torelli are running it. Thanks - that's probably why only 1 person has entered!

..and that would be the torelli guy who spams the cycling forums touting how great it is going to be!

 

[oldfatfool]

Having read further the Etape are expecting 2,500 entrants, given the state of some of the riding experienced on smaller sportives I think I will give it a miss.

Much as I would love a closed road ride the idea of being in a bunch with several '00 Lance/Bradley wanabees climbing on a single track lane is not one I care to contemplate. Also it appears they had more than enough problems last year with the route markers being sabotaged and drivers ignoring roadblocks and Marshals, I know it is under new management but all the same...

Might drive over to Wrexham one Sunday and give the route a ride though if anyone fancies it?