Ride London 100

Xenophobist

Oh, got DASed when I was sat on the Mall, too.

That was me! Was in need of water so couldn't stop, but good to see the forum cap.

I had a decent ride. Just back from a knee injury which has limited my miles until about a month ago, I was looking at a sub 6 hour time to be happy. Ended up doing it in 5. It wasn't a totally solo effort as I'd planned it to be, but only shared the load for the 10 miles before Leith and joined a couple of strong northern club riders doing strong through and off from mile 70-85. Pace was too strong for me though and cramp was well and truly in the post. It hit at mile 92, but fluids helped and it had gone with 3k to go. The run into the Mall was great and my wife and kids managed to see me which was lucky.

I thought the whole thing was well organised really and hats off to the volunteers who did a splendid job with much cheer. The riding was generally better than I'd feared, though I was happy to be riding my own race (#itsnotarace) as there were a fair few instances of people attempting to ride beyond their ability.

Well done to all and I think I'll enter the ballot again.

It was generally well organised- although being sent the wrong way into the North bound Blackwall tunnel straight into oncoming traffic was interesting.

It would appear that the very first group outpaced the marshals.

Did you meet traffic?

Well impressed with some of the times being quoted by people on here. Hats off to anybody doing 5 hours or under. I imagine the closed roads were worth an extra couple of mph average but that's still good going.

Did you meet traffic?

Yes, had to pull a U-turn, then hop over the barriers to get onto the correct carriageway.

In future of course I shall estimate that this inconvenience took around 33 minutes, but in reality it was probably around 3.

Did anybody else favour the right side of the road. It was such a novelty I couldn't help myself. And loved using the full width to apex high speed corners. The commute tomorrow will be so dull.

Yes, had to pull a U-turn, then hop over the barriers to get onto the correct carriageway.

In future of course I shall estimate that this inconvenience took around 33 minutes, but in reality it was probably around 3.

Shit! That could have been the whole thing over before it even began. A lucky escape.

"Wladimiro D’Ascenzo of Italy was first across the line in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, winning a 25-man bunch sprint by a wheel’s width from his countryman Rocco Castellucci."

From the Ride100 site.

A bunch sprint in a ride where everyone started at a different time?

.

I guess, unlike a non-drafting event they were allowed to form bunches. If the bunch was sprinting it's still a bunch sprint innit. Now, answer my cricket question.

At the start it was hilarious hearing the guy on the pa having to continually correct himself every time he called it a race.

Is the marathon a race? (Genuine q)

I don't see that it can be with a staggered start. Is it a time trial with drafting allowed?

Is the marathon a race? (Genuine q)

It is for the pros.

Is the marathon a race? (Genuine q)

For the elite runners it seems to be. But don't they start together just before the charity Saviles set off?

Yep. The pro men, women and wheelies are run separately before the masses of charity runners.

I guess, unlike a non-drafting event they were allowed to form bunches. If the bunch was sprinting it's still a bunch sprint innit. Now, answer my cricket question.

Unless those sprinting started together, then it's a pointless willy-waving exercise.
In fact it's not even willy-waving, it's wanking into a crisp packet whilst locked alone in a dark cupboard sobbing your heart out to REO Speedwagon's greatest hits.

TTM: ha!

I agree about the right hand side of the road, and cornering... I tried to make the most of it, except when a fast (non-racing) train came through. People seemed to stick to the left like glue, though.

You're a bitter, bitter man, RPM. I love it. hugs

Although on the subject of marathons, I was disappointed only to see one pop pom and a set of panda ears. Not a deep sea diving suit in sight.

You're a bitter, bitter man, RPM. I love it. hugs

No bitterness mate, just a bit of amused contempt.

And admiration for Dammit, of course. Because he's so dreamy, like you.

Although on the subject of marathons, I was disappointed only to see one pop pom and a set of panda ears. Not a deep sea diving suit in sight.

Next year me and hippy are doing this on a tandem dressed as deep sea divers.

In!

Trimix ftw

this has to happen