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Post by woody on Oct 11, 2011 13:31:56 GMT
Read loads of criticisms of this event on the web, with many saying they won't come back next year which is a great shame. I suppose if you've coughed up £65 for an event you'll have high expectations regarding organisation and if its not up to scratch then you're going to feel justified in complaining.
The most valid complaint is regarding the feed stations, running out of supplies for tired riders is just shoddy.
The weakest complaints are those about the course being too dangerous/technical. As a mountain biker I can't see that at all and I think they just come from roadies who like riding their blingy carbon bikes on smooth A roads.
As for cars on the course, I never saw any. A lot of the route was country lane where you probably wouldn't get many cars anyway. On the bigger roads traffic seemed to be allowed to flow in one direction only. Saying that if there were any incidents or near misses then that is completely unacceptable and if I'd been involved in one I'd be outraged.
If they learn from their mistakes then this could be a great event right on our doorstep, so lets hope they do.
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Post by thistle on Oct 11, 2011 14:11:40 GMT
The weakest complaints are those about the course being too dangerous/technical. As a mountain biker I can't see that at all and I think they just come from roadies who like riding their blingy carbon bikes on smooth A roads. I think that's part of the problem, most of the riders didn't know the area (and didn't bother to find out in advance) so for some reason expected the mountain tracks to be as smooth as a baby's arse. Steep descents and tight corners aren't anything unusual either. I'm sure some warning signs and hay bales would have been appreciated but you really should be looking where you are going when you are riding
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Post by oldbird on Oct 11, 2011 14:41:17 GMT
Running out at the feed stations is unacceptable, luckily it wasn't a hot day According to The Post there was about 200 no show riders
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Post by woody on Oct 11, 2011 16:53:13 GMT
It's easy to be negative but those complainers should also look at the positives:
Fantastic scenery the equal of anywhere in the UK IMO.
A tough route, completion of which counts as a real achievement.
Best of all the support from locals throughout. People clapping and offering gentle encouragement, some in fancy dress, people ringing cow bells, kids high fiving every rider passing, Welsh flags everywhere.
If the organisers can raise their game for next year then this could become a cracking event. Fingers crossed.
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Post by oldgit on Oct 11, 2011 17:10:08 GMT
What great pics!! and of Bev derriere Easy tiger! ;D Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I'll have to lie down
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Post by thistle on Oct 13, 2011 19:52:14 GMT
I think you two need to get a room or something Or a tandem.... ;D
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Post by BenKMV on Oct 13, 2011 21:46:52 GMT
Well I could'nt resisted reliving one on the Etape climbs so I hit the HSP tonight ;Dand I was pleased with my best time of 22.58.10 for the main 3 mile ascent
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Post by thistle on Oct 14, 2011 8:46:09 GMT
Well I could'nt resisted reliving one on the Etape climbs so I hit the HSP tonight ;Dand I was pleased with my best time of 22.58.10 for the main 3 mile ascent Nice time. I got 24m26s the other week on the way to work but they won't put it on the website with the others We'll have to organise a race ;D
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Post by BenKMV on Oct 14, 2011 12:52:58 GMT
I'm thinking an MBNW Peleton ;D as long as i'm the sprinter
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Post by woody on Oct 14, 2011 21:40:48 GMT
Well I could'nt resisted reliving one on the Etape climbs so I hit the HSP tonight ;Dand I was pleased with my best time of 22.58.10 for the main 3 mile ascent Where do you time yourself from? Is it the same starting point as the Etape?
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Post by thistle on Oct 14, 2011 21:47:18 GMT
The start is here: northwalesmtb.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=gotopost&board=comps&thread=7015&post=76786I assume that's where the timing mat was for the etape. The top is the P sign by the layby opposite the Ponderosa where they had the second timing mat for the etape. There was an A4 sized sign on the signposts at the start and the finish before and during the etape. I don't know if they have taken them down now or not (or if some pikey has stolen them)
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Post by BenKMV on Oct 14, 2011 22:13:54 GMT
Yeah same place woody
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Post by thistle on Oct 22, 2011 10:24:09 GMT
and I was pleased with my best time of 22.58.10 for the main 3 mile ascent 22m55.16s for me this morning ;D The signs are still up if anyone wants a go, although the one at the top has blown around. Can't seem to get much speed up going down any more though. Used to get 50mph, last few times I've struggled to get 40mph
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Post by BenKMV on Oct 22, 2011 13:07:51 GMT
Time for me to do the HSP in daylight i think next week, i normally hit 40-45mph even in the dark but the sheep on the road can be a pain at times.
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Post by woody on Oct 22, 2011 20:54:59 GMT
Anyone signed up for next year?
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