Manchester - Llandudno: Saturday May 13

[nickyboy]

Yeah I can see @wanda2010 going for that.

Yeah....the descent onto Llandudno promenade is nice but not really fair compensation for that stiff climb at 95 miles. They should build a tunnel

 

[wanda2010]

Jump on at Shotton and off at Colwyn Bay and you still get to ride around Rhos on Sea bay and over the hill down into Llandudno ,

Er, thank you sweetie but that's a firm 'no' from me. The words "over the hill" = and brings back memories I'm trying to bury

 

[ColinJ]

I'm looking forward to this ride, especially because I have had to pull out of 2 of my own forum rides and the Tour de Yorkshire sportive in the run up to Llandudno.

I still haven't fully recovered from the offending cold but I am fairly sure that I will be well enough to tackle this one on the 13th. If I find that I am not up to the lumpier variation then I will just stick to the flatter route.

 

[si_c]

I'm looking forward to this ride, especially because I have had to pull out of 2 of my own forum rides and the Tour de Yorkshire sportive in the run up to Llandudno.

I still haven't fully recovered from the offending cold but I am fairly sure that I will be well enough to tackle this one on the 13th. If I find that I am not up to the lumpier variation then I will just stick to the flatter route.

Still planning on using the single speed?

 

[ColinJ]

Still planning on using the single speed?

I am, but I think I will check the wind forecast the day before. If monster headwinds were predicted then I would probably take my Cannondale instead. I could do without a toxic combination of wobbly legs, spluttery lungs, overgearing and a wall of wind!

 

[tommaguzzi]

Plus one. I am definitely having a weather check before selecting my ride for the weekend.

 

[Freds Dad]

Yeah....the descent onto Llandudno promenade is nice but not really fair compensation for that stiff climb at 95 miles. They should build a tunnel

Is there no way to avoid the climb at 95 miles?

 

[si_c]

Is there no way to avoid the climb at 95 miles?

You can ride around it, adds about another 2 miles to the ride, and only saves about 40ft of climbing, that being said it is a lot less steep. There is a good footpath on the right hand side, so if you're unsure, you can ride up that, and if needed walk it. It's only about 400m total.

 

[nickyboy]

Is there no way to avoid the climb at 95 miles?

The climb is actually a cyclepath/footpath (there is a busy road nearby that we avoid) so I would ride up as much as you can then walk to the top. It's about 300m @10% if I remember correctly.

What you do get in return is a fast, sweeping descent to Llandudno promenade

But if you really want to avoid it, as @si_c says, you need to plan a diversion onto Gloddaeth Lane

 

[Sam1992]

Do we have a copy of the route I can look at?

 

[nickyboy]

Do we have a copy of the route I can look at?

I'm out today doing the final route recce. There are indicative GPS routes upthread. Can someone point out the relevant link please?

 

[Crackle]

Do we have a copy of the route I can look at?

This is last year's flatter route

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18498304

The official 2017 flatter route isn't released yet but it is very likely to be the same as this

This is the proposed hillier route for 2017. It may need a little work on it but gives you a good idea

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18472318

Basically they're exactly the same except the Flatter option takes the A548 from Flint to Prestatyn whereas the Hillier option goes inland onto quieter but lumpier roads. There is one real climb from Flint to Pentre Halkyn which is 800ft over 4 miles. Once up there you roll along and then drop down back to the coast

 

[nickyboy]

Back home having done 102 miles of recce on a really nice day of sunshine and tailwinds

I'll need to make a small change to the route as the seafront at Rhos on Sea is closed for about half a mile. I'll publish the final routes this weekend. I'll also get the ride notes out too

There is also a sandy section immediately after the Bike Hub in Rhyl. It's only about 50m where I had to get off and push so it's not such a big deal

Having done the climb out of Flint it is definitely better than last year's climb. There are some 12% short ramps but generally it was pretty steady

Some photos to whet your appetite

Budworth Mere

Prestatyn

Beautiful Rhyl

Sandy section immediately after Bike Hub

Llandudno in the distance

Post ride recovery food

 

[tommaguzzi]

Good one Nick thanks for the recce.
I bet that was the easiest century you have ever done with the monster easterlies
Are you sure you booked them for the correct date?

 

[nickyboy]

FINAL ROUTES

Here are the links to the final routes

Hillier
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18472318

Flatter
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18498304

Everyone must have a means to navigate the route. That can be the gpx file, cuesheet or even a map. But please don't turn up hoping to follow others. We will split into smaller groups in the second half so there may not be anyone to follow

If you're not familiar with Ridewithgps there is an "Export" button in the top right. If you click that it will allow you to download a tcx/gpx file or the cuesheet

If you're not doing the full route that is no problem. Just download the full route. If you load it to a Garmin, on the day it will ask you "Do you want to Navigate to the beginning of the Course Y/N". Select "N". That way you can hop on the route part way through