Gridiron 100

[oldgreyandslow]

Having enjoyed the new forest the other week I found out about this late autumn ride

http://www.wessexctc.org/grdetail.htm

I know 100km is not a lot to most of you but it will be a first for me.

Anyone done this before or considering it?

 

[Garz]

Sounds like a nice notch in the places to do one! Shall bare this in mind for next years event list.

 

[BigAndyH]

I've have done this a couple of times, but not last year as the weather was terrible. Its a nice ride, no long climbs but a good few ups and downs and attracts a mixture of competitive club riders, CTCers, and the more occasional cyclists of the type you would normally see on a charity ride. Apart from all the cattle grids the other major hazard are the New Forest Ponies (and donkeys and cows) who will stand blocking the road and refuse to move unless you get really close and shout and wave your arms about like a lunatic.

 

[Ian H]

I've done it once. Loadsa cyclists, some quite new to it, so be careful in the first rush out of the start. Good fun though. Say hello to Keith.

 

[Bollo]

Not done this, but the new forest is one of my favourite haunts for rides. The riding is quite varied and the roads should be clearer than high summer. I've got a horrible feeling there's an in-law thing going on that weekend. If not, I might try and make it.

I wouldn't call the Ponies a hazard as such, they're just the most chilled-out animals on earth. They make sloths look 'bothered'.

 

[UKPhil]

Thinking of this tomorrow as a last minute thing, anyone got details of the route? What gradient are the hills?

 

[oldgreyandslow]

I sent off for the route, no idea of the gradients, I think there may be one 25% hill but not certain. It's Boldre memorail hall in Pilley to Hyde for CP1 the Hyde to Colbury for CP 2 and then back to Boldre weather looks OK, well no rain anyway, so go for it

 

[oldgreyandslow]

Just completed it and despite the weather being changeable, I really enjoyed it. There was a bit of a wait at the checkpoints, but all in all a nice way to spend a few hours. Taking out the checkpoint stops I did it in 4 hrs 5 mins, which I'm pleased with. Adding the checkpoint stops, which included the necessary “comfort breaks”, made it 4hrs 40mins. Definitely on the list of ones to do next year.

 

[UKPhil]

I thought it was great fun, 5 hrs 26 but an hour of that was taken up with the stops and a rear puncture. My first ever ride over 50 miles so pleased with that! we were very luck with the weather, judging by what I just drove back in. I thought most of the hills weren't bad, certainly easier than the IOW I did last month (unless I'm just getting stronger legs!)

 

[CotterPin]

I was amongst yesterday's starters and finishers. The weather left a bit to be desired but at least it didn't do anything above drizzle (and at the end of the afternoon the sun began to creep out). I took it at a very gentle pace, taking full advantage of the facilities at the controls (and one pub!). I also stopped outside Bucklers Hard to pick some sloeberries for sloe gin. So, all in all I did the whole thing in something like six and a half hours. A nicely relaxed and friendly ride.

 

[Bollo]

I didn't do this in the end due to some time-trading with the Doris. Instead, I managed to get out to the New Forest on Saturday for a tidy 70 miler and probably had the better of the weather.

 

[Keith M]

Photos of the 2009 Gridiron

This year's Gridiron photos can be seen on:

http://s682.photobucket.com/albums/vv188/NewForestGridiron/

 

[oldgreyandslow]

Well, just found myself, riding along with a guy dressed as a French onion seller on an old two speed 1920's bike, and he'd done the PBP. Put me to shame! RESPECT.

 

[Ian H]

Well, just found myself, riding along with a guy dressed as a French onion seller on an old two speed 1920's bike, and he'd done the PBP. Put me to shame! RESPECT.

Mr B really is milking that for all its worth.
(did you notice that using the lower gear involves pedalling backwards?)

 

[oldgreyandslow]

Mr B really is milking that for all its worth.
(did you notice that using the lower gear involves pedalling backwards?)

I did notice that, which I would guess makes riding any distance with hills a bit of a challenge!