Etape Cymru

[frayBentos59]

has anybody actually signed up and survived this? Is this solely for the fittest of the fit? I have eyes on this for next year, I've absolutely no chance of completing it this year.

http://www.etape-cymru.co.uk/

 

[DCLane]

I'm seriously considering it.

But then I also need some commonsense.

 

[dodgy]

It got some pretty dire reviews and opinions last time round, I hear there are new organisers for this one though. I ride those roads every weekend so won't bother signing up. Great place to ride.

 

[frayBentos59]

thanks for the input guys I may see what the verdict is after this years event and plan for next year. Bit of training might be wise.
seen some of the pictures dodgy, must be incredible to be able to get out on those roads so regularly (jealous).

 

[oldfatfool]

I have downloaded the route and plan to pop over one weekend, I figure the roads with cars on will be as safe if not safer than the roads without cars but with 2,500+ wannabees chasing a timing chip.

 

[dodgy]

I figure the roads with cars on will be as safe if not safer than the roads without cars but with 2,500+ wannabees chasing a timing chip.

There were a few comments about last year's that might surprise you. Some felt the roads were more dangerous as the road closures weren't effective in all places, meaning cyclists tearing around 'closed' roads to be met with a car coming the other way.

If I was going to ride this route, I'd just forget about the road being closed. In fact, these roads are so quiet all the time anyway.

 

[oldfatfool]

There were a few comments about last year's that might surprise you. Some felt the roads were more dangerous as the road closures weren't effective in all places, meaning cyclists tearing around 'closed' roads to be met with a car coming the other way.

If I was going to ride this route, I'd just forget about the road being closed. In fact, these roads are so quiet all the time anyway.

No I read the comments from last year. I can imagine it was horrendous thinking a road should be clear to find a 4x4 coming at you at 60mph. But with several 'ooo cyclists all on one narrow section of welsh road at the same time, if the pros can crash in the Peloton when someone brakes or pulls out then imagine the possible carnage when inexperienced wannabees hit the road.

 

[AdamT]

Hi guys,

I hope you don't mind me chipping in. I work with the new organisers of the event, Human Race and saw the thread.

The company have taken over the running of the Etape Cymru for 2012 and are experienced event organisers, they've just organised the Wiggle Dragon Ride which went very well. The team behind the event were formerly at the company which organised the Etape Hibernia, Etape Caledonia, London Triathlon etc so are very experienced in terms of road closures to ensure no repeat of some of the issues last year.

Dodgy - you're lucky to live close enough to ride the roads every weekend, I'd love to! This is not as well known of area as it should be so hopefully the event will bring lots of people to North Wales and take in the scenery.

FrayBentos - love to have you at the event either this year or next year. It's tough but achievable - thanks for the interest.

Adam

 

[dodgy]

to CycleChat Adam, hope that's not your first and last post

Sounds like you're bringing some much needed expertise to the Etape Cymru, hope it all goes off well.

 

[PpPete]

Clash of dates for me....

thinks....

£55 (+cost of travel to N. Wales, and accomodation)

• fully closed 90-mile (circa) route with comprehensive signage
• Marshalling on all main junctions
• Mechanical support
• Medical support
• Sweep vehicle for those who cannot complete the route
• Energy drinks, bars and gels provided at feed stations
• Electronic chip timing system with online results available from event day and texted to mobile phones after completing the route
• Free Parking at Tetra-Pak’s headquarters

or £8 and ride from home to "Le Tour de Didling"

• maybe 20, possibly 30 riders on the quietest country lanes in W Sussex and Hampshire
• excellent route sheet
• no visual pollution of the countryside with lots of superflous dayglo arrows
• tea, coffee, biccies, bananas at the start, and THREE visits to the El Supremo mobile catering emporium.... unlimited real food, including some from the oven, not a gel or energy bar in sight
• No marshals to make patronising "Weill done, nearly there" comments
• No medical support - carry a first aid kit
• No mechanical support - carry own tools & spare inner tubes
• No timing - you've got a watch havn't you ?
• Free parking at home
• Can ECE from home as my September 200km for RRTY

Nothing against your event Adam (and Welcome too BTW)
But can you guess which one I'm going to choose?

 

[dodgy]

Why did you go to all the effort writing that? It's up to you to ride whatever event you want. Big deal, you choose to ride an event close to your home, so would I.

 

[Norry1]

I did the etape cymru this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Organisation was good and the closed roads made for some great cornering in the lanes. May do it again next year if the dates work.

 

[Angus444]

Having read some good feedback from the 2012 event, I'm signing up for it..... Plan on doing a few English sportives in 2013. There seems to be an abundance of good events around the Derbyshire, Cheshire, Lancs area, and with friends in Macclesfield accommodation isn't a problem.

 

[deadhead1971]

This year's Etape Cymru (2012) was awesome. Very well organised.
I just finished editing some gopro footage, and would love to know what you all think.

http://www.scarletfire.co.uk/2012/09/etape-cymru-2012-the-movie/

 

[Angus444]

Excellent footage, Alan. Very good vid!

It looks similar to the Etape Caledonia, rural roads, great scenery......looking forward to Sept 2013!