Hmm I read alot of that before getting mine. Whether mine is different being a LWB or with a full conversion and pop top - but I don’t find it like a car at all.
I’ve changed the suspension, put smaller wheels on, more expensive tyres than I’ve ever specced on a car and its improved handling/comfort considerably - but its still nothing like a car. And thats just the ride - also down on a few creature comforts. Tho I do actually find it less tiring than driving a car.
Its very much a second vehicle for us - not one for popping to the shops. BUT - it is great when travelling - whether we use it as our hotel or just a day vehicle.
Its a bit annoying I neve really had this for racing - other than Costwolds few years back. So much better for the wife and dogs to have somewhere to go back to and relax/sleep.
But they’re a lot nicer to drive then back in the day. Nice high driving position, but you do need to be aware of the fact that you’re taking up more volume on the road vs a car that probably ain’t much shorter or narrower.
Yeah it aint much wider… mines about 5metres long (as the wife found out when she cut a corner and opened the wheel arch up on a rock ).
Blind spots are all bigger, its slow as he11 pulling off in 1st, I find I’ll lane change so much less, I wont be trying to jump a queue - much slower/patient driving (not least cause it cost a fair bit and spent ages getting it how we want it… not really replaceable like for like. So extra care due).
But recent trip was great - 3 days in Northumberland, over to Arran on Ferry… the return journey got cancelled - no panic, we only need somewhere to park for the night and we are sorted. Much more relaxing when you can just hop in the back (like when queued for ferry) - add in the fridge and such and advantages over a car start to add up.
So plenty of upsides… and we are starting to get more use from it.
I’m entered in a local audax tomorrow, well local’ish. It’s from just north of York, fairly short compared to wheezy’s adventures at 100k. Hoping I’m not coming down with something.
I think there’s also a 50k as well. I need to see how the should feels on the roads, might end up turning back but hopefully it will be alright.
Not much in the way of notes though, sent the wrong route but right route card, nothing about the HQ etc., I think that’s on the website though.
I actually made the sensible decision today which was also helped by the wind and tiredness and just did the 55K ride. It was pretty windy at times but equally when it started going across was bearable. The roads were a bit tatty in places but overall weren’t terrible and it was dry.
I started about last, the website said it started at 10:30 but when I got there at 10:15 they were on their way, although they’re laid back events.
The thing I like about them is that they are laid back and you don’t get dragged into racing like you sometimes do on sportives, helped by the fact everyone was in front of me I soon started going past the slower riders.
At the second control point we needed to get a receipt from a cafe or something. I didn’t want to hang around too long and get cold so just went to the Coop and got back on my way. And just trundled my way back before they’d re-opened the HQ.
Had a nice cuppa and some carrot cake I knew there was a reason why I go cycling!
I was glad I took the short route, I was tired at the end and it saved my shoulder another couple of hours of getting bumped around, and the knee.
Looking at a few more in the coming weeks, nothing too long but might get up to 200k during summer.
Nice one, Jeff. Yes, very laid back as well as being stupidly cheap (mostly). I take it you know about the Audax UK website where you can see all the calendar events? They’ve got a pretty good filter function on there.
Spoke to the family financial director today, and I’ve got ground clearance to enter PBP, next year. We’ll see if we can tie it on with a holiday, thinking I could travel out and ride it, then Mrs W follow on so that we could have a holiday in Paris / northern France. Quite excited about entering it, although it does mean I’ve got to not muck up my Bryan Chapman ride in May, as I need that to pre-qualify.
Yes, that’s the website I use to find them and enter. I’ve just entered another from the same place today, only another 100k which is the longer option.
That’s a bonus about PBP, that’s a bit of an epic adventure! Well beyond what I want to do.
I thought there was some nice places in Northern France, some of the beach areas weren’t bad, weather permitting. Best get your distances up for the Chapman ride.
Weather looks absolutely fantastic (NOT!) for a cycle over the country and back over Easter Weekend…
…this has been a PITA to build. Had to give in and give it to Sigma Sports to route the cables and it needed new rear wheel bearings and freehub, on top of the nearly new frame
@Matt_Perks - are you riding the same event as I am this weekend!? And on the same bike, too (but in black and orange) Or is there another Matt Perks …
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I soon started going past the slower riders.
I knew there was a reason why I go cycling!
