The Double Devil containment thread

[Add]

It's a mass start....well 80 en mass anyway...with a police escort normally through Builth Wells. And yes, the first 4 miles, or even I would say more like the first 8 miles is predominantly climbing, with a cheeky little 17% climb a few miles in. I personally would say take the first 30 - 40 miles pretty steady, because you can't get it back once it's gone.
It's not a race, although year 1, Bill refused to believe me, and took off like a scalded cat. Having said that, he came in the top 10, but I wish I had a picture of the dishevelled husk of a man that crossed the finish line. 10 minutes later though, showing true Scottish grit, he was chirpy as, and I do believe, if my memory serves me right, already talking about doing it the following year.
I am already getting excited about hearing the stories of inner demons being conquered in the latter stages.

 

[Add]

Truth be known, I am more than a little disappointed to not be doing it. But having done it before, I know it is no place for the completely unprepared.

 

[Add]

Ooo, it means I'll come in the top 100 whatever

Not quite, "whatever" you will need to finish.

 

[Breedon]

Thanks for sorting out a meal adam.

 

[bobinski]

I am surprised so few are doing it. If I am honest I am quite pleased. I have avoided mass sportives because of the stories of nobbish riding etc. That said it does mean it could be quite a lonely ride if you find yourself alone...

 

[<Tommy>]

I am surprised so few are doing it. If I am honest I am quite pleased. I have avoided mass sportives because of the stories of nobbish riding etc. That said it does mean it could be quite a lonely ride if you find yourself alone...

In space nobody can hear you scream.... or cry!

 

[gbrown]

Not going to come down for the social Geoff? Would be great to meet you?

Tempting, I'm also tempted to give the 60 mile a go, but common sense kicks in and reminds me I can't afford to take any risks, and completely unknown territory in hilly Wales is not a good idea. I'm going to be sensible and continue my very gradual progress over the summer.

I'm probably going to try 64 miles tomorrow for the first time since my second extended Hospital stay, but close to home, I know the terrain (twice round my favoured route) and I can bail at any time.

Will try a few of the local climbs soon, starting with the shortest and easiest, to see if I can get up them with my heart rate below 160. Not keen to spend too long banging on my rev limiter, and at 4-5 mph it takes a long time to get up any decent climb.

I've been working on getting my weight down to help, and my wife now thinks I'm anorexic. I've lost 20 lbs, to just over 11 stone, the last time I was this light was as a teenager, 36 years ago. Stupid BMI formula reckons I could lose another 2 stone before being judged underweight! I'm starting to feel cold all the time, and I'm worried about losing muscle mass.

Really glad the forecast is looking good (touch wood), are most of you doing the 95 then? Who's doing the 60?

Is everyone staying for dinner on the second evening?

Hope all your preparations go well!

Geoff

 

[kipster]

there are quite a few of the Bianchi owners club uk doing the ride, you'll find them drooling over each other's bike, nice guys though.

 

[Breedon]

Tempting, I'm also tempted to give the 60 mile a go, but common sense kicks in and reminds me I can't afford to take any risks, and completely unknown territory in hilly Wales is not a good idea. I'm going to be sensible and continue my very gradual progress over the summer.

I'm probably going to try 64 miles tomorrow for the first time since my second extended Hospital stay, but close to home, I know the terrain (twice round my favoured route) and I can bail at any time.

Will try a few of the local climbs soon, starting with the shortest and easiest, to see if I can get up them with my heart rate below 160. Not keen to spend too long banging on my rev limiter, and at 4-5 mph it takes a long time to get up any decent climb.

I've been working on getting my weight down to help, and my wife now thinks I'm anorexic. I've lost 20 lbs, to just over 11 stone, the last time I was this light was as a teenager, 36 years ago. Stupid BMI formula reckons I could lose another 2 stone before being judged underweight! I'm starting to feel cold all the time, and I'm worried about losing muscle mass.

Really glad the forecast is looking good (touch wood), are most of you doing the 95 then? Who's doing the 60?

Is everyone staying for dinner on the second evening?

Hope all your preparations go well!

Geoff

I think most if not all of us or staying the Sunday night so going home on Monday i am anyway, for debrief with drinks and tales of extreme bravery on the down hills

 

[CXRAndy]

I think most if not all of us or staying the Sunday night so going home on Monday i am anyway, for debrief with drinks and tales of extreme bravery on the down hills

After a little rest I'm up for a good meal a few beers with a JD for night cap Sunday evening

 

[Whorty]

I am surprised so few are doing it. If I am honest I am quite pleased. I have avoided mass sportives because of the stories of nobbish riding etc. That said it does mean it could be quite a lonely ride if you find yourself alone...

The last support car will always stay behind the last rider on the road - should mean I'll have company all day long

 

[Whorty]

After a little rest I'm up for a good meal a few beers with a JD for night cap Sunday evening

I reckon with an 8am start, I won't be finishing much before 6pm. Quick rush back to camp site, shower and change, then head back into town for a beer, food and tall tales

 

[Breedon]

I reckon with an 8am start, I won't be finishing much before 6pm. Quick rush back to camp site, shower and change, then head back into town for a beer, food and tall tales

An excellent day all round i think

 

[CXRAndy]

Hello my DD pals the organising site have this

Ive found these instructions https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/169630b7/files/uploaded/FINAL INSTRUCTIONS.pdf

With all the info we need https://www.county-cycles.com/doubledevil

Hopefully

I like this comment

'Slowest riders on the 121 mile route may take in excess of 14 hours so make sure you have lights with you'

 

[bobinski]

I have just had rear gear cable snap 10m into a 100m ride with 1500m climbing planned. Arghhh! All sorted now - great service as always at Cadence at cryytal palace and a nice flat white and a bakewell while I waited- I know it's getting close to the ride and there is support on the day but if you haven't given your bikes the once over yet might be worth doing so now.