2012-09-08 Tour of Britain Stage 1 sportive

For those of you who have entered and received paperwork, what does it says about helmets? One part of the website says they must be worn and another doesn't.

Haven't seen the paperwork yet, but either way I'm not wearing one.

Haven't had my paperwork yet but the ride manual says you have to if you're under 18, over 18 they just suggest that you do.

The ride manual has just been published and both profiles are practically flat.

Damn, the start for the 200km course is 0630, I thought it was going to be 0800. Now I'll have to get up at arse o-clock in the morning.

edit: this is not true, it's an 8am start

"Aim to finish breakfast two hours before you start the ride..."

Early night then.

Bleurgh. I'm coming up from London to Norwich on Friday, got the day off, then I'm getting the early train on Saturday. Breakfast will be a shit bacon roll and muddy double espresso from one of those horrid rip-off stalls at Norwich station. Chances of making it all 127 miles to Norwich: evens.

There's a cafe in Norwich station that does non-shit coffee! I can't remember it's name but it is on the far-right (if you walk into the station from the main entrance).

That's all.

There's a cafe in Norwich station that does non-shit coffee! I can't remember it's name but it is on the far-right (if you walk into the station from the main entrance).

That's all.

I've tried them all. I live in London, GF lives in Norwich. Over last ten years I've done that trip hundreds and hundreds of times. I've never found good coffee. Ever. And I'm only a moderate coffee snob - get those anal retentives from the coffee appreciation thread in there and they'd throw a shit-fit.

Or jdp...

Bleurgh. I'm coming up from London to Norwich on Friday, got the day off, then I'm getting the early train on Saturday. Breakfast will be a shit bacon roll and muddy double espresso from one of those horrid rip-off stalls at Norwich station. Chances of making it all 127 miles to Norwich: evens.

I live two minutes from the start and you're welcome to doss at mine Friday night: I do live in abject squalor though.

What time does your train get in? Equally you can kill time at mine in the morning.

Anyone in Ipswich fancy an ill-advised pre-ride beer Friday night? I've coughed-up for the shuttle coach back and will be up for post-ride beer too.

I live two minutes from the start and you're welcome to doss at mine Friday night.

Ears prick up...

I do live in abject squalor though.

Hmm...

Thanks buddy, but I'm going with a group and we've all booked tickets. Otherwise I'd take you up on the offer. Are we all meeting up for a pint after? If we can still stand...

Where's the nearest pub? They've only said that the coach leaves when it's full, so I can't go far.

There's a bag drop though, so I'll stick a couple of bottles in mine at least.

Ah, yeah, I forgot that it wasn't finishing in the city. Odd decision, that - would be great for the spectators on the Sunday if it went through Norwich. I might see if I can convince the better half to bring some cold tins and meet me at the finish line. Or we could limp a mile or two to the UEA and their bar. Depends how soon you need to get on the coach.

Or jdp...

You called.....

Actually miro isn't far off. The AMT stall is passable for espresso at a push but not sure about their milk based drinks.

I'd take some cold brew with you and then ask for some hot water on the train.

Cheers for helmet info btw.

"You have been booked on the afternoon coach from Norwich to the Pro Ride Start in Ipswich.
Your coach will depart from the area immediately after the finish zone.
Departure is scheduled for 17.45 but may be delayed if necessary to allow everyone to finish."

Hope this leaves time for post-ride beers: will put some cold ones in my drop-bag just to be sure...

I think I'm getting the 6.30am train from Norwich, so my start time must be somewhere around 8am. I'm thinking the ride will take me around 6 1/2 or 7 hours of moving time.

Living so close, I'm aiming for the earliest start possible, which should mean you'll catch me by the end...

Mate, I'm not fast. I'm just hoping to get tucked in behind some roadies doing ~20mph and hold out for six or seven hours. We'll see...

I can comfortably ride 100km at an average of 28km/h, so I figure 25km/h for 200km is a sensible target.

Damn, the start for the 200km course is 0630, I thought it was going to be 0800. Now I'll have to get up at arse o-clock in the morning.

False alarm, they've updated the ride manual and it's an 8am start. Now I'm a happy cyclist.

I'm riding to Southwold that morning, leaving town at midnight. I expect you'll all have gone through by the time my route meets the sportive route near Snape, so there'll just be the friendly twinkle of gel wrappers in the hedgerows to show that you've passed that way.

I'm riding to Southwold that morning, leaving town at midnight. I expect you'll all have gone through by the time my route meets the sportive route near Snape, so there'll just be the friendly twinkle of gel wrappers in the hedgerows to show that you've passed that way.

Not from me: people who throw gel wrappers on the floor rather than sticking them in a jersey pocket are scoundrels.

Indeed, I didn't mean to cast any nasturtiums in your direction sparky.

Well, plants are biodegradable, so that's not too bad, but I'd find it distracting while riding...