Wales : Dyfed Trans Cambrian Route Sat 20th October.

[Crackle]

Still 6 weeks to go, my BB motor should be here by then.

About to gird the loins and head off into the wind and rain.

How long are those steep sections TC?

 

[pubrunner]

I, on the other hand, ackshully rode it the other day (not LD's entire route, but the bit of it between Rhayader and Machynlleth on the way up from Swansea - I had to be in Mach for work at the weekend), and I judge it to be a tough climb.

If you think it's tough, then it's obviously a b*st*rd of a climb. Worrying, given that it's a distance that I've cycled only once in my life and I never train anyway.

What gets to the legs is not only that there are three steep sections in quite close succession, the third of which is the steepest (presumably the 16% you mention), but that after the steep bits it feels like you ought to be at the top, and yet it just keeps dragging relentlessly upwards for miles,

Ouch !!!

a rather inviting looking boozer called The Star at Dylife.

Perhaps LD intends that we stop there

Not that I wish to worry anyone, . . . .

Worried ? Us ?

Oh yes

I will be basing my bike choice on as grannytastic a gear as I can muster.

I'll certainly take heed of that warning !

 

[pubrunner]

Still 6 weeks to go, my BB motor should be here by then.

 

[pubrunner]

How long are those steep sections TC?

Does it really matter ?

Don't you remember how TC 'left us for dead', at the end of the Llandovery Ride ?

If TC found thinks a ride is tough, then it'll be effing tough.

It will be . . . . . . . agony; . . . but incredibly character-building.

 

[Crackle]

Does it really matter ?

Don't you remember how TC 'left us for dead', at the end of the Llandovery Ride ?

If TC found thinks a ride is tough, then it'll be effing tough.

It will be . . . . . . . agony; . . . but incredibly character-building.

I'm trying to decide if I need cleat covers in case I wear mine out walking up them.

 

[pubrunner]

I will be basing my bike choice on as grannytastic a gear as I can muster.

Hmm, I wonder if Doseone will hire out his uber-low geared bike to me ?

. . . . . . . if Crackle hasn't already 'snafffled' it

 

[pubrunner]

Interesting to read the differing & conflicting opinions of the route.

'The Realist'

. . . I judge it to be a tough climb. . .

. . . I would have sold my soul for a granny ring on the mountain road from Llanidloes to Mach.

. . . What gets to the legs is not only that there are three steep sections in quite close succession, the third of which is the steepest (presumably the 16% you mention), but that after the steep bits it feels like you ought to be at the top, and yet it just keeps dragging relentlessly upwards for miles, . . .

. . . Not that I wish to worry anyone, but if I can make this one I will be basing my bike choice on as grannytastic a gear as I can muster.

'The Dreamer'

I recce'd it on Streetview the other day

. . . Looks worse than it actually will be. Max gradient is about 16% and not for long.

. . . Looks fine and a nice downhill stretch for a few miles, to follow

Just which should we believe ?

 

[rich p]

Just how old/young (approx.) is Duck ?

Not under 45, I hope ?

2 digits and the first is a 3.

 

[theclaud]

Still 6 weeks to go, my BB motor should be here by then.

About to gird the loins and head off into the wind and rain.

How long are those steep sections TC?

I'd say each of them is less than half a mile, but they all fall within a 3-and-a-half-mile stretch (by Llyn Clywerdog), and bear in mind that there's a fair bit of climbing between Rhayader and Llanidloes beforehand anyway, so it's difficult to approach them in an attacking mood. Low gears are definitely the way to go. On the plus side, it's very beautfiul, and there's a top-notch excuse-for-a-breather-while-I-admire-the-view spot after the steep bits.

 

[theclaud]

Does it really matter ?

Don't you remember how TC 'left us for dead', at the end of the Llandovery Ride ?

If TC found thinks a ride is tough, then it'll be effing tough.

It will be . . . . . . . agony; . . . but incredibly character-building.

Yebbut that was downhill. I'm a bit of a plodding climber. You are nippier up hills, and a bit of a wuss down them - you'll be fine...

 

[Sittingduck]

Thanks for doing a proper recce TC! Goes to show that Streetview really is optimistic, when it comes to the 'look' of hills I can only hope for rain on the day, as an excuse to bring the Dawes, with mudguards (and a 30x28 lowest available gear).

p.s. Sorry to hear about Ossie and the accident, Rich. Hope he heals up speedily and is able to make it on the ride!

 

[pubrunner]

2 digits

the first is a 3.

So he is young !

He'll be fast then; probably slim & fit too !

I hate him already !

They say that youth is wasted on the young, but not when climbing hills & doing TT's dressed as Abe Lincoln.

 

[Sittingduck]

So he is young !

He'll be fast then; probably slim & fit too !

Prepare to be dissapointed

 

[lukesdad]

FFS MTFU you lot ! Give our regards to Ozzie Rich.

 

[theclaud]

FFS MTFU you lot ! Give our regards to Ozzie Rich.

I'll put money on you bringing the triple.