Ultracycling

Mass participation non race.

Interesting that you don't see it as a race.

What's that saying?

Sportives are full of people pretending to race
Audax is full of people pretending not to race

As far as I’m aware (happy to be corrected) it’s techically, like all audax, not a race?

It's not a race... but it's definitely a race.

Yep, always take a small cable lock. If it buys me 10 seconds, that enough time for me to drop the shopping and dive out of the supermarket waving my baguette like a madman!!

….by the way folks, not sure if everyone sees the updates for The PanCeltic Race (via Facebook) but entries are open and we have just a couple of the FREE beds left. The first lot of entrants get a free nights accommodation before the race start, at the Race HQ in Inverness. After that, there are more beds but these will be charged at £20 and will be on a first come basis.

Entry includes:

Accommodation at the start (if you're quick)
Bike box, bags, etc transported to the finish
Two Ferry crossings (Scotland - Ireland- Wales)
SPOT Tracker
Staffed Checkpoint at Ullapool
Staffed Checkpoint in Wicklow Mountains with food, beds and rivers of tea and coffee
A proper Party at the finish, live music, food, beer etc
Some really cool cycling apparel (currently in discussion with v. cool brand)
A Genuine Druid to bless all riders and make them Honorary Celts at the start, in readiness for the battle ahead
Authentic Celtic inspired memento

Hope to see some of you at the start in July (and in Wales in the New Year - news to follow on this)

Cheers
Matt
http://www.pancelticrace.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pancelticrace/

As far as I’m aware (happy to be corrected) it’s techically, like all audax, not a race?

It's not officially been a race since the 50s when the pros stopped entering but there is a major race to finish first, there is an official winner and an official record time (now held by Bjorn).
I've not ridden in the front group but, people who have, have said it was more aggressively competitive than elite road racing in other countries.
Here's Bjorn's account of his ride if you've not seen it. Gives a good flavour of what it's like at the sharp end.
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=92653.msg1912980#msg1912980

Anecdotally, people say that the front riders are mainly retired French pros. I don't know if that is actually true so hard to say what the standard is. Can't calibrate it against UK riders as none have got close to the front. Gethin Butler was 5 hours off the pace when he did it, but he missed the front group and had to ride solo so hard to compare.

I have no doubt it’s ridden like a race, my it’s not a race comment was made with jest.

I know it’s got heritage and standing, however as you’ll get it just doesn’t interest me at all.

Have you seen https://www.audax-suisse.ch/ and https://www.audax-suisse.ch/brevets/ ? Not real races apparently, but if you're interested in starting with an audax-style event and don't fancy 1000 km in UK weather. In previous years I think they just did one at each distance for PBP qualifying, but next year they seem to have quite a few of the shorter ones.

I have, and @Cycliste has been eyeing up the Brevet event list with great vigour. Trouble is, a lot of them say gravel, and @Cycliste claims not to do gravel. Even though we did in Iceland and she showed every sign of having enjoyed it. Nonetheless, if it says gravel, then she's not interested. Hoping to do some of the others though.

Any idea what time it’ll start on the 7th? Have best man duties on the 6th in Dorset.
Any compulsory stuff the day before?

Hey @GoatandTricycle, its the usual stuff. Race sign on, collect tracker, safety brief, slaps on the back, nervous bike fettling/ trips to the toilet. It is possible to sort some late arrivals out on the morning of the 7th, but obviously prefer most to be there on the 6th. We can sort you out 7th am no probs :)

Ok, thanks! I really like the sound of your race. I am looking at alternatives because obviously it's less than ideal. If I'm going to enter I'll be in touch again before submitting an application.

Any interest in putting up a Rouleurs list?

@Thrasher Yes, there is work in progress on that. Rouleur is the term adopted by Adrian for the Transatlantic Way (I count myself as one, having ridden it and really enjoyed it this year). However, I feel the word doesn't quite capture how I see the riders in the Pan Celtic Race. Much in the same way Celtic Warriors where regarded as strong, courageous fighters, I see the same qualities in the people who heeded our call and have come forward to battle the elements, the environment and their own inner voice telling them to stop. These people will be known as the Baroudeurs :)

Shit fixie skidders says >>>>>>>>>>>>

:)

http://www.bikepacking.com/event/la-baroudeuse-2018/

I was going to say it's not very celtic sounding :o)

Thanks @Georgel. That's a new one for me. Will check it out. @GoatandTricycle Yep, it's not Celtic sounding at all. I just like the meaning of the word. The rest of the team want a Gaelic or Welsh word.

What about 'list of riders'?
There can be a danger in over thinking these things!

Now now now @frank9755!! Step back! That kind of no-nonsense, straight thinking notion you have going on is gonna get you in to all sorts of mischief!. It's a dangerous game, thinking of an appropriate term for the collective of entrants!. ;)

There's a challenge: I haven't even started yet!
With a new event it inevitably takes a while to get traction. The first TCR only had about 25 riders. But you have a sophisticated as well as plain-speaking audience here and many of us have organised events - mostly on a far smaller scale but the principle is the same. So, while we wish you well in getting what sounds like a great addition to the calendar off the ground, we will assume that you not wanting to publish a list is not because you can't think of the perfect name, but because there aren't many entries yet!

@frank9755...Thanks for the kind words. The truth is, we haven't got around compiling rider lists at this point. Too busy with more meaningful organising stuff. Happy to confirm we have more than the number you mention. I'm also not an advocate of the "Everything Now" culture that's so prevalent nowadays. People want it all, like yesterday. We're here for the long burn. Rider entrants will come in due course. It seems people measure or assume achievement or success through the size of things! Big things have small beginnings (do you know who said that?) Cheers

For those that have or want to ride ultras, this guy has an interesting take on endurance, life and suffering. He's hardcore, would like to see what he could do to some ultra bike races. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvWB7B8tXK8

Besides raceware anyone know who might 3D print stackers for tri bars?