RideLondon-Surrey 100 (2016) Anyone?

[zizou]

That doesn't sound like the most sensible of ideas - if riders have an optional short cut at 26 miles (rather than one mandated by time limit) then it sounds like they will be joining the last part of the return route around about the time and place when pretty big groups of riders will be heading back too. There is then quite a potential for accidents in what has in previous years been the safest and calmest part of the route (despite most riders being tired by then)

I realise it's not a race but completing 100 miles is a really big challenge and accomplishment for many that take part, i'm not sure it is particular fair that they could be finishing hours after someone who chose to do half the route!

 

[Dogtrousers]

Velothon Wales has a similar cutout which avoids the big climb up the Blorenge (which incidentally I refuse to call the Tumble, because in the years I lived round there I only ever heard it referred to as The Fiddler's Elbow)

It seems fair enough to me but 26 miles is a bit early in the route to expect people to make the decision.

IIRC the roads on the VW cutout section are not closed.

 

[rugby bloke]

This is a strange one, the first 26 miles is by far the easiest of the course. I accept that there can always be unexpected health problems on the day, however in general if a rider is experiencing fitness issues at this stage you have to question their level of preparation or suitability for the event. There is plenty of information in the pre publicity outing the nature of the event and the capabilities required of the riders.

 

[vickster]

My friend and I skipped Leith Hill as we had late start times and she had never ridden that far. Good job we did as we would have got caught up in the closure and not finished

 

[sleaver]

That doesn't sound like the most sensible of ideas......

It also seems that they are just taking the issue they are trying to solve and moving it to another place that will impact others. By that, I mean they will be opening the roads around Mole Valley earlier, but they will need to close other roads instead and I would guess they would need to be closed for longer. That is unless that part won't be on closed roads until people get back on the main route.

 

[derrick]

They have turned the whole thing into a farce.

 

[rugby bloke]

I think the unfairness is the idea of people starting the ride who are clearly under-prepared, perhaps on ballot places that could have gone to those who would have made better use of them.
If you sign up for the ride it is you obligation to make sure that you put in the training miles so that you know you have every chance of finishing.

 

[EltonFrog]

I wonder if they'll lay on taxis for those that can't run the last six miles of the London Marathon.

 

[jefmcg]

I wonder if they'll lay on taxis for those that can't run the last six miles of the London Marathon.

I assume this is some sort of reductio ad absurdum, but they already do this on RideLondon: it's called the broom wagon.

 

[mjr]

I wonder if they'll lay on taxis for those that can't run the last six miles of the London Marathon.

The difference is that you're allowed to keep running the London Marathon after the broom wagon passes you, although the roads are no longer closed and you're advised to move onto the pavement. ("Slow Runners" page 17 http://london-marathon.s3.amazonaws... Money London Marathon Final Instructions.pdf )

 

[vickster]

I think the unfairness is the idea of people starting the ride who are clearly under-prepared, perhaps on ballot places that could have gone to those who would have made better use of them.
If you sign up for the ride it is you obligation to make sure that you put in the training miles so that you know you have every chance of finishing.

But it's not a race. It's meant to be an enjoyable challenge for those who want to participate, many will still raise money for charity even with a ballot place

If you want to race, just mtfu and race

 

[rb58]

But it's not a race. It's meant to be an enjoyable challenge for those who want to participate, many will still raise money for charity even with a ballot place

If you want to race, just mtfu and race

Completely agree. I saw all sorts doing it last year, not just wannabe racers. We shouldn't be discouraging or criticising those who will find it a challenge from beginning to end, especially if they're riding for charity. More power to them I say.

Ultimately, if it means more people taking to their bikes, we should all be pleased.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I considered going for the cut out on Velo Wales last year when they upped the minimum speed, as I felt that they were putting pressure on me to ride quickly, in an undignified manner.

I didn't need to as it turned out, but if that meant that some people finished ahead of me, having taken the cut-out, well ... that's not really of any interest to me at all. Unfair? Pish.

A friend of mine has a business that's affected by the closures, and I'm sure he'll appreciate them trying to keep these down to a minimum.

 

[rugby bloke]

But it's not a race. It's meant to be an enjoyable challenge for those who want to participate, many will still raise money for charity even with a ballot place

If you want to race, just mtfu and race

I have not stated that it is a race, I do agree with you that it is a challenge, one that I undertook last year. When I started my training I was almost over whelmed by the scale of the challenge but over time and hours and hours on the bike I got my self into a condition to undertake it. I also agree that it is great that RideLondon encourages more people out onto bikes and certainly raises the profile of cycling as a mass participation event.

 

[vickster]

Your post did not convey such sentiment but all good

There may be reasons why people aren't perhaps as prepared as you were. Life, family, illness, injury. I had to pull out in 2014 on medical advice due to a leg injury after being knocked off my bike and did myself more mischief trying to train. I managed the 92 mile route last year (over 100 including getting to the start) but it was touch and go having had more knee surgery in February and carrying a shoulder injury a further legacy from that same accident.

There are many reasons why people may struggle to do the full 100 and not due to laziness in training