Dragon Ride 2010

[Dombo]

My fourth Dragon. Weather reports had threatened rain, and despite my usual trick of casting about the web until I find a weather report that I actually like, I took all my clothes, along with some factor 15, just in case.
Decided it would be sunny so dressed accordingly, and got to the start to hear the mellifluous tones of our very own Huw as master of ceremonies, intersperesed with the Pirates of the Carribean theme on continuous loop. We set off in groups of 100 riders, zipping along almost effortlessly before the climb to Llantrisant strung us out, the road topography and condition similar to the Surrey Hills. First major climb, Bwlch 1, came at 18 miles and went uneventfully, friendly valley folk waving us on our way. I decided to save my legs and stuck it in the granny, twiddling up in the middle of the cassette. Passed quite a few riders on the way up and the descent was, as ever, great fun as it dumped us at the base of Rhigos for the next climb to the first feedstation. I don't know what people expect at these events, rows of roasting hogs perhaps, but I had no complaints. Scarfed down a banana and topped up my bottles before tearing off for another enjoyable descent to the split point, left for the short route and right for the long. Nice to see Del and Andy on one of the climbs, Rhigos I think.
Having the split at just 38 miles seems odd as all but the most unfit, lardy pie-monkey would still feel good at this point and be tempted into the Brecon Beacons and the full 190kms. Anyway, I swung right and headed into that bleak SAS training ground, unable to catch groups in front and keeping ahead of those behind so pretty much on my tod as I struggled into the headwind.
After another whizzy downhill we went left for the worse climb, up to Cray reservoir, where my hotfoot returned despite my munching twice the recommended dosage of paracetomols and ibuprofens throughout the day. Sped down from Cray with a bunch of London Dynamos but left them as their line discipline and high speed bunch riding skills were a bit off. Also as we were getting into Neath and possible traffic lights I had no intention of getting caught up in their RLJ antics and getting DQ'd.
By this time I was getting passed a lot, popping pills regularly, though I managed a cheery greeting as I passed Steph just outside Neath.
Neath had its steep climb to Cimla and the final feed station where I met Rob Q then it was off for the second climb of Bwlch which was absolute torture. Good descent though and well-earned, then a nasty climb up Llangemoir with a very fast descent through some sharp hairpins where i actually managed to both stay upright and on my side of the road.
With only 20kms to go the temptation is to absolutely cane it so that is what I did, working up to a ridiculous sprint finish with some random guy as we fought for what? 2,500th and 2,501st?
The weather held up - one bloke was riding in full winter kit, even down to neoprene overboots - and the cooling breeze up Bwlch 2 was a nice tailwind to take us home. Got a medal to say I'd finished and some usual cr@p in a placky bag. Ride time was 7:15 at average 15.8mph. Official time 7:35.
All told a fantastic day out.

[Phil H]

Times are up now.

That was hard work. But scenic. The local drivers seemed quite considerate too - even in the face of some provocation. I wish I'd thought of popping painkillers on the way round.

I figured riding to/from the hotel was the best option. I thought "It's only 4.5 miles and it's flat. What more can nature do to me now?" Answer: headwind.

[Amy]

[quote="Phil Hawkes"]The local drivers seemed quite considerate too - even in the face of some provocation

[Phil H]

I didn't see any antics like that, but I did see some riding 7 abreast (I blame their club captain), weaving in and out of cars on descents and at junctions, riding on the wrong side of the road and (pet hate) throwing gel wrappers. I suppose nothing worse than you'd see on a normal sportive but, of course, on a much bigger scale.

[Marek]

When will someone invent biodegradeable gel wrappers?

I did the short route, a combination of 600km in Italy getting back on Friday, an adventure race in Brecon early on Saturday which included a 17km run up the highest mountain in South Wales, a 40km mountain bike ride and a canoe around a bliming great reservoir had me feeling pretty cack on the start line.

After 30km my legs were screaming at me to stop, tapped around the short route in a very poor time. Met a guy from Norwood Paragon who had gone around the long route in about the same time I did the short route, ah well, he didn't have the same non preparation that I'd had.

Great weather though, wish I'd have felt better as those climbs are lovely.

Cheers

Marek....

[Rogan]

This was my first Dragon Ride. I was, at times, cursing myself for entering particularly the return ride up Bwlch (no idea how to pronounce it properly)? But, I'm glad I did. I went with my Dad (who enjoyed the new 40km “Corto” route). He spent half the day chatting to folk, getting a free leg rub and looking at bikes. He loved it..!
Got to the event car park and prepared the bikes for the off. Many riders were pondering what to wear as the weather report indicated rain from around 1-2pm. As it turned out the weather was perfect and the Sun was shining as I finished.
Despite having my rear derailleur adjusted for the umpteenth time by LBS I was still getting a lot of chattering from the rear cogs so, with 190k looming I decided to hand the bike over to the Mavic guys. They spent 15 mins tinkering until the mechanic spotted that the hanger was slightly bent. Moments later and the result was silky smooth running (in all but my lowest climbing gear). Apart from no sleep the night before (hotel beds ) things were looking good.
We were funnelled for the start with Huw performing in very pro-like fashion. ‘Huw, I was the one who shouted ‘have you seen any ACC riders yet?’ which didn’t put you off at all...
And so, off we went with our group lead by a few ‘Bike and Run’ riders and within 1km of the start the marshal was sending riders off the wrong exit at roundabout one We did about a mile and turned back to find other bemused cyclist doing U-turns to get back on track. Thankfully we hadn’t climbed any wrong hills. What infuriated most was that the riders who knew the course took the wrong turn with me because they thought that some diversion was in place.
Little time was lost and I was back on the right route which took me initially over some of the best surface I have ridden on. Silky smooth tarmac with gears working properly was a revelation. The pace seemed to pick up before the first climb of the day through Ogmore Forrest (I think)? A little more undulating stuff followed until I hit Bwlch, the first real climb of the day. I seemed to be passing goodly chunks of riders and so slowed to pace myself although by then I was near the top. The descent was also a new experience and great fun but gave wide berth to those riders who insist on assuming ridiculous handlebar positions.
Saw Phil (I think) digging-in up Rhigos and all I could muster was, ‘alright mate?’ as I pushed on. The following descent was interrupted by a red traffic light with motorbike paramedic screaming towards us with sirens going. At the foot of this hill riders take a left for “Medio Fondo” and right for “Gran Fondo” and so I headed right and into the Brecon Beacons and some stinging head wind. I had skipped a feed station earlier on and had a way to go for the next and most remote feed station overlooking Cray Reservoir which came at just the right time as bottles were running low. I didn’t know fairy cakes could taste so nice! Topped up the bottles grabbed two bananas and headed off on what seemed the longest descent of the day.
As the road levelled a small group formed with some familiar Jerseys ‘Kingston Wheelers’ among them. We made good progress until most pulled into the final feed station and others had scattered on the climb to Cimla. By scattered I mean were now ahead of me!
It was at the foot of that second return climb up Bwlch where it started to really hurt and I had to pace myself for a few miles and get some more of that yucky sugary goodness on board. Wind assisted or otherwise that second climb up Bwlch was agony although I made steady progress and it really helped that I thought the summit was in sight – it wasn’t as we swung left and right to face another monstrous slope.
By now the descents were beginning to hurt too as more body parts started complaining. Feet, backside, neck, legs all shouting vigorously. Lots of cameras were positioned not long after this climb presumably to catch the strained expressions of riders. I dug in, pushed for home and apart from Marshal No 1 this was an extremely well organised event and thoroughly enjoyable.
Official Time – 6:40

[Rob Q]

The route has been pretty much covered already . Weather was superb and the ride was a tale of 2 halfs for me, the first half I completely nailed and flew up the Bwlch and the Rhigos (In my own flying type of way ) and felt great heading toward the Cray feed station. Managed to get in a few groups and shared the work load all good .
Got off the bike to stretch the legs and got a sudden pain point in on the outside of my right knee and it got worse has I headed on the final part of the route. Tried to shift my bum a bit further back on the seat which helped for a bit, but by the time I was headed up the Bwlch 2 I was in a lot of pain. (I should have asked the pharmacist Dom for some of his supplies) I love the Bwlch for it scenery, but its a nasty old drag and was glad to see the back of it. Now It should have been hammer down, but the knee was hurting and as much as I wanted to up the pace I just couldn't sustain it for any length of time.
Great day, well organised with feed stations well stocked with cakes, bananas, carb drink, gels and crisps
Official time 7:50 which was an hour faster than last year

[Marek]

Nice one Rob, sorry to hear about your knee, it could be your saddle is a little too low or your cleats are slightly misaligned. I was getting a load of pain in my feet, have spent an hour today trying to re-align them with the help of my computer camera and playback trying to get the legs to stroke straight and have put the wedges I used to have under my look cleats under my Shimano ones. I hope that sorts it.

Cheers

Marek....

[Rob Q]

[quote="Marek"]Nice one Rob, sorry to hear about your knee, it could be your saddle is a little too low or your cleats are slightly misaligned. I was getting a load of pain in my feet, have spent an hour today trying to re-align them with the help of my computer camera and playback trying to get the legs to stroke straight and have put the wedges I used to have under my look cleats under my Shimano ones. I hope that sorts it.

Cheers

Marek....

[Phil H]

Yes, the shoes might be uncomfortable Rob, but they look good and they match the bike.

[Rob Q]

[quote="Phil Hawkes"]Yes, the shoes might be uncomfortable Rob, but they look good and they match the bike.