Turbo Club - Meet Ups / Events

[steverob]

Oh and if you haven't seen the ToC route that I posted in the Sportive threads, then I'll link it here as well: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29252427

That way you can start working out which bits will be affected by the wind (especially in the Fens section) and which won't.

 

[bridgy]

I can kind of cope with a headwind - just tell yourself it's like an uphill - but what I really don't like is fast descents with a crosswind which I find can be really sketchy (particularly with teh deeper section wheels). @TurboTommy do you remember that fast descent on the IOW along the south coast when we pushed on a bit? We had a strong crosswind that day and I ended up having to really back off . I'm probably more cautious than most (which I'm fine with!) so if we get that kind of situation on Sunday I predict I will potentially get left behind by better bike handlers - and the crazy reckless types of which there are many! Again, that's fine with me if it happens - I put self preservation well ahead of anything else!

 

[bobinski]

Let’s all get on the draft!

 

[berty bassett]

Oh and if you haven't seen the ToC route that I posted in the Sportive threads, then I'll link it here as well: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29252427

That way you can start working out which bits will be affected by the wind (especially in the Fens section) and which won't.

is this the actual route ?

 

[theboxers]

is this the actual route ?

It looks like the gps file from the ToC website

 

[steverob]

I drew it up before they released the official GPS file (haven't seen that yet), based on the "rough" zoomed out map they originally released. However this route only had a straight line right through the Alconbury airfield bit, so I did that manually based on the 2016 course, which was the last time they went through the airfield.

Also, given that their official GPS file has had errors in it the last two times I did the ride (one major, one minor), I think I'll stick to my version for now!

 

[<Tommy>]

I can kind of cope with a headwind - just tell yourself it's like an uphill - but what I really don't like is fast descents with a crosswind which I find can be really sketchy (particularly with teh deeper section wheels). @TurboTommy do you remember that fast descent on the IOW along the south coast when we pushed on a bit? We had a strong crosswind that day and I ended up having to really back off . I'm probably more cautious than most (which I'm fine with!) so if we get that kind of situation on Sunday I predict I will potentially get left behind by better bike handlers - and the crazy reckless types of which there are many! Again, that's fine with me if it happens - I put self preservation well ahead of anything else!

I think that cross wind on the Isle of Wight was the worst I’ve ever experienced. Like you say the fact we were on a cliff road which was pretty steep didn’t help at all! I remember you hitting the anchors right the same time I did. And we both gingerly limped down together.

I don’t remember the descents being that long or steep in Cambridge. My tip (which I’m sure you know anyways...) is try and make sure you’re not at the back of the pack either at the start of a climb or the start of a decent. The group naturally gets stretched in either scenario. But if you’re somewhere in the middle and you can pick a good strong wheel it’ll help to rejoin the group.

 

[steverob]

The steepest descents I can see on the course are at 34 miles and 96 miles in and even they don't reach more than 10% at their peak and that's only very briefly (average is probably only 6%). Plus if the wind direction holds as per the current forecast, both of those will not have crosswinds (first tail, second head).

 

[bobinski]

The steepest descents I can see on the course are at 34 miles and 96 miles in and even they don't reach more than 10% at their peak and that's only very briefly (average is probably only 6%). Plus if the wind direction holds as per the current forecast, both of those will not have crosswinds (first tail, second head).

Steve apart from the fact your profile pic is from one of my favourite ever films and puts you in my good books I have to say you being very helpful with info for the ride.

 

[bobinski]

Suggestion elsewhere is to use Alconbury not P’borough for weather and wind

 

[theboxers]

Suggestion elsewhere is to use Alconbury not P’borough for weather and wind
View attachment 468459

Almost perfect weather, we're gonna fry

 

[Whorty]

TOC Weather is ramping up to be hot and windy

Hot I can live with ... windy though Gonna have to sit on TB's wheel

 

[<Tommy>]

All this talk about the weather has reminded me to get some bigger water bottles. Better late than never!

Tonight I’ve changed from climbing mode to flatlands mode (home alone and bored...). Gone are the Lightweights off the bike and replaced with the super wooshey 60mm Zipps. Never sure how much real world difference they make but I definitely feel like I can go faster on them. Swapped the cogs around a bit too and put a new chain on it. Now I’ve just got to start convincing my legs this is going to be fun

Has anyone got recommendations for big bottles?

 

[Whorty]

Oh and if you haven't seen the ToC route that I posted in the Sportive threads, then I'll link it here as well: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29252427

That way you can start working out which bits will be affected by the wind (especially in the Fens section) and which won't.

Looking at this, seems the highest gradients are about 3% ... is this correct? There's me be dragging the SS up steep 6-10% climbs to get used to grinding 3% sections should be fine

 

[Whorty]

All this talk about the weather has reminded me to get some bigger water bottles. Better late than never!

Tonight I’ve changed from climbing mode to flatlands mode (home alone and bored...). Gone are the Lightweights off the bike and replaced with the super wooshey 60mm Zipps. Never sure how much real world difference they make but I definitely feel like I can go faster on them. Swapped the cogs around a bit too and put a new chain on it. Now I’ve just got to start convincing my legs this is going to be fun

Has anyone got recommendations for big bottles?

I went with the 950ml bottles @Norry1 recommended - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00G8QHUV2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 They are monster sized