Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge 2010

[Fnaar]

It's a long gradual climb, steep in parts. I go up there loads, so I'm used to it, but give it a try beforehand if you can. The run down to Elsdon afterwards makes up for it (though road a bit bumpy on the way down at the mo.)

There's a great cyclist caff at Elsdon too (not the caff that's advertised at top of Billsmoor... that's a new one) but anyway, I won't be stopping there on the day... if you fancy break though, it gets my recommendation.

 

[shaunb]

hello guys sorry to butt in . i will be doing the 63 mile route as my first sportive .the wife has decided she would like to come along and watch some other 40+ men in lycra.after she has dropped me off at the start where do you suggest as a good place to park up. preferably via a route that would not endanger any of us whilst getting there and back . many thanks , ShaunB#1754 i will be riding a Boardman Team unless the new Team Carbon has arrived by then on order from cycle2work.

 

[LizardEye]

The only place I noticed any spectators last year was at the top of 'the Ryals' the two killer climbs just west of the village of Ryal. Most people seemed to be parked up at the side of the road.
I guess the attraction is that everyone is going pretty slow at this point - in some cases barely moving, although I'm not sure I'd want to watch all those red gurning faces go past.
It's about 18 miles from the finish so she'll have plenty of time to get there after waving you off. It's then a couple of miles to the feed station at stamfordham if you're in need of a further pep talk.

 

[Fnaar]

hello guys sorry to butt in . i will be doing the 63 mile route as my first sportive .the wife has decided she would like to come along and watch some other 40+ men in lycra.after she has dropped me off at the start where do you suggest as a good place to park up. preferably via a route that would not endanger any of us whilst getting there and back . many thanks , ShaunB#1754 i will be riding a Boardman Team unless the new Team Carbon has arrived by then on order from cycle2work.

Yes, what LizardEye says is same as what I would recommend too... (I'd quite like it if the Mrs and kids came to watch me grunt up a hill, but they have too many really important things to do )

 

[mr browndog]

wish i had seen this thread/forum weeks ago

im doing the 63 mile ride and this will be my first sportive (took up road cycling this year) and i cant wait, really looking forward to it.
although i think im capable of doing the distance as i usually get 2x 25 milers a week and 40-50 ride on a weekend i am abit aprehensive about the climbs.
could any of you knowledgable lot give me a bit of a heads up on the ride, i have looked at the road map and the altitude/distance graph just wanting to know if anybody can warn me on biggest climbs ect

thanks guys

 

[LizardEye]

The first serious hill is Ritton Bank which comes just after Nunnykirk on the map. It's not very long though, just a bit sudden when it hits you.

After the drop down to Forestburn Gate there's a series of ups and downs till you get to Scots Gap - the ups aren't anything special and the downs easily make up for them, so nothing major to worry about.

From there to the bottom of the triangle it's just a bit lumpy.

Then there's the Ryals. They are about 4 miles in to the bottom leg, just when you're starting to feel knackered. Very steep, you'd feel it just walking up them, but again mercifully short. The basic tactic is to get into the lowest gear you've got, grit your teeth and just grind up them. It'll hurt but it's worth it. After that it's plain sailing.

It's a long way between the first and second feed stations so make sure you take plenty of liquids at the first one.

But most of all, enjoy it.

 

[mr browndog]

cheers, this helps a lot as im not familiar with the route/area, my plan is to get to the last climb (45miles) then sail home as it looks pretty much downhil/flat

Also, i got my Cyclone programme thing through the post last weekend and after reading it states you have to stop at every timing station, as i have never done one of these events before is this just a case of quickly stopping to produce your timing chip and off you go, i was hoping to really push myself and try not to keep stopping, only stopping for water/food if needed

 

[Fnaar]

cheers, this helps a lot as im not familiar with the route/area, my plan is to get to the last climb (45miles) then sail home as it looks pretty much downhil/flat

Also, i got my Cyclone programme thing through the post last weekend and after reading it states you have to stop at every timing station, as i have never done one of these events before is this just a case of quickly stopping to produce your timing chip and off you go, i was hoping to really push myself and try not to keep stopping, only stopping for water/food if needed

At the timing stations (on your ride, they are at start, just after Ritton Bank, Stamfordham and at the end, you get your timing card 'dipped' into electronic thingy (gives you split times, and proves you've done the whole route)... it only takes an instant, only once had to queue (i.e. for 30 seconds)... the in-ride ones also have food (bars, bananas) and sport drinks too, so a good place to take a quick rest if you feel like it. I worked out that during the 102 miler last yr I spent about 20 mins at these places in total.
Good luck, by the way. It's very well organised, and loveley scenery once you're out of town (biased, coz I live here )

 

[mr browndog]

really looking forward to the ride now, my last big ride (40-50miles) on saturday then i think i will just keep my legs ticking over through next week to keep fresh, im hoping to sign up for the 104 mile one next year if i enjoy this ride as much as i think i will.

 

[Armegatron]

I was hoping to sign up for this, but for several reasons Ive had to skip it unfortunatly. Perhaps next year...

 

[abrooks100]

Really looking forward to this next Saturday. I am doing the 104 mile one. Did my first Sportive the Richmond 4 Dale 80 mile just last Saturday as training for this. Just hope it stands me in good stead for getting around this one. Hopefully it will be alot flatter and I can push for a good time.

 

[addictfreak]

Well I'm back on track, chest infection virtually gone. Had done a couple of 25s but was struggling to breathe on the slightest of inclines.
Went out today for a mere 35, and no probs. Short climbs but all ok. Going to try and get a couple of 50s in before Wednesday.
And its all systems go for the cyclone.

 

[Fnaar]

Hopefully it will be a lot flatter and I can push for a good time.

Can't find climbing figure for the 4-dale 80, byt Cyclone 100 has (according to website) 7798 feet of climb. Here's the two profiles:

4-Dale 80/Cyclone 100

 

[mr browndog]

Really looking forward to this next Saturday. I am doing the 104 mile one. Did my first Sportive the Richmond 4 Dale 80 mile just last Saturday as training for this. Just hope it stands me in good stead for getting around this one. Hopefully it will be alot flatter and I can push for a good time.

i was wanting to give this ride a go, but was told it would be too much for me at this stage (my first sportive will be the cyclone 63 miles) the climbs do look quite staggering mind

 

[Fnaar]

Got a last 60 miles in today... felt good apart from stiff knee towards end... a couple of commutes this week (17 miles each way) and I'm sorted...