Transcontinental Race (London - Istanbul) - #TCRNo4

I forgot to give a mention to Lionel Bobb #44 who is closing in on the ferry terminal at Ancona.

His twitter is good. Comes across as a happy well rounded sort. [Gareth Baines]

Audax is a good introduction to riding with minimal social interaction as you can choose to make that a lonely activity. I personally love all that time alone to think, I've done several 600km rides with less than an hour riding with anyone else, but you do get the benefit of talking to people at various controls. Riding alone is easier (especially as I ride most things on fixed) as you don't have to worry about holding back, or being held back by, a riding partner.

Most of my longer rides are alone as I get dropped. I enjoy going 10 hours or so in a bubble meditating and cogitating. 10 days or more....

Do it.

Nothing like a hilly 300 to find out Clive. You have 20h time as well!

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/15-91/

And just think, if you enter with Ludwig, you can use that as motivation to practice riding alone.

@skinny - may I ask, did you take your bike into shops when restocking? Also, how did you pay mostly - cash or card? Any hiccups?

I smell a future contender..

@hippy I would love to follow your dot.

Left it outside or just inside supermarkets. Never locked it but was always fast.
I use a Halifax clarity card a lot when I can as it's got no charges. Otherwise cash.

how did you go about cash for different countries? exchange when you needed or had some ready beforehand?

I don't know why but TransCon doesn't appeal as much as TransAm. I've got TransAm in the back of my mind at the moment. It's like RAAM, but unsupported and about 25,000USD cheaper.

Some people from the Lloyd's Cycling Club are planning a four man RAAM next year. Others are going in support. Estimated cost £35k.

They reckon to ride in four hour shifts of two riders, 7 miles/20 minutes each and average 20mph.

I see significant lack of sleep issues, issues over injury, etc etc.

I am not participating or supporting.

A 200 mile audax does sound interesting. Next year. Need miles for now. Am really behind.

My fantasy - and it is literally that - is to do a spectacular ride a year after retirement. Say London to Helsinki. I will be 71 or 72 and have 14 or 15 years to prepare (and/or simply fantasise about it while riding)

Audax is in km cliveo... embrace the kay, embrace it!

Only has euros. Exchanged money with locals, paid euros or took cash out in a town.

You don't need to worry.

That would mean learning to change settings in my Garmin.

Will I also need mudguards? A beard?

And a bumbag. Audax essential wear.

Don't forget your SPD sandals.

don't think this has been posted @48s
chapeau to all those who took up the challenge and respect to those who competed x

https://youtu.be/TKxXOHL6Sq0

Bumbag?

Fucking hell, it's ALWAYS about his arse.

These sound like pre-excuses. I'd move on to the next victim candidate.

Looks like Gareth finished about 20mins ago! 6th place I think - amazing work :)

Gareth Baines now arriving to claim 8th(?) position...