First time doing the event, although no stranger to the odd road century or night ride, looking forward to it.
As training for a bigger event I/we will be doing the double, probably leaving from Cramond early afternoon, hoping to reach Carlisle 8-9pm then head back up the road, hoping to try and average 25km/h. Still dubious about the effect a poke of chips in Moffat before the Devil's Beeftub climb though!
Anyone else?
Did it last year. We rode to Cramond, camped then rode back next morning.
It's a quick route, I think Tom and I averaged 25km/h on the outward leg.
Great event. Hoping to be back again this year.
Was that 25km/h WITH camping gear?
Aye I figured the Carlisle Cramond leg looked relatively flat, and I seem to recall the Devil's Beeftub climb being gradual A-road rather than some punchy hill road, so shouldn't be too bad.
We've plotted quite a hilly route down to Carlisle though, through Innerliethen/Ettrick/Bailiehill then some very minor roads into Gretna. Should be very much a ride of two halves!
Did it 2 years ago on a sturmey archer 2 speed, the Moffat climb was fine just long (and I am a weak climber). Planning to go this year on the same bike though it has a 5 speed hub now.
Signed up with another couple of club riders. Slow and steady is the plan. Might find it tricky after 70 miles when I am only 3 miles from my bed!
Did it last year and it was one of the highlights of the year for me. We ended up with several hours to kill before catching the train home so we did another 30 miles or so along the coast on a perfect summer morning. I'm currently laid up with a separated shoulder but I'm hoping to be back this year.
I'm in. The friend I'm doing it with is also doing both days of the Moffet car show, so very little sleep for him that weekend.
Struggling to get the miles in but I'm sure we'll be fine. This will be our first road century but we both completed the Kielder 100(mile).
Fingers crossed for fine weather and a tailwind!
Did anyone have issues getting to Carlisle?
I've a couple of mates who might be up for it but not riding to Carlisle first, am assuming the train bike spaces get booked up pretty fast?
BUGGER
Crashed and snapped my collarbone yesterday, someone had built a rogue, unsigned, unlined speedbump on a wee countryroad, was in the shadow of a tree as well so just cruised straight over the top of it at 20mph...
Ride to the Sun 2019 anyone?
Eek! Get well soon. I must admit I thought my riding was over for the summer when I came off two weeks back. Fortunately it's just torn ligaments so I'm hopeful I'll make it. Bad luck.
Well it's this weekend! Just getting the bike ready. Forecast looks dry but I'm unsure of what to wear? If it's not too warm probably my Gore Phantom, at least I can start with the arms removed.
Any tips from past RttS veterans?
My shoulder hasn't healed sufficiently so I won't make this year Gutted TBH.
Tip 1. Get a wriggle on when you're in striking distance of Moffat. We must have jumped 50 places in the queue for the chippy 😀
Tip 2. Don't stop at the top of the devils beeftub. The midges were fierce up there.
Tip 3. Edinburgh roads are no better than most other British cities. Some of the potholes were huge and the drunks staggering in the road made things interesting too.
Enjoy it. I'm quite jealous.
Large number coming over from Newcastle. Friend runs a biking bus company so they are doing logisitcs. I was planning on riding over to Carlisle on Sat afternoon then up to Crammond with everyone else.
Apparently the midges are on good form so worth considering covering up.
Useful tips, especially for the chippy!
It's looking dry so that's something. Looking forward to it, hopefully my lights will last ok, some of the batteries haven't been used for quite some time!
Hey gurs, thanks for the post and the interest - Fraser here, one of the organisers. Great that more STW folk are riding!
The weather is looking good, but much cooler than last year - 17-18 degree high at the start, but as low as 9 in the night i.e. descent of the Tweed Valley. So we sent our final email today and really recommend that you've got something relatively warm on. Might keep the midges away though! They were bad last year in Moffat and at the Crook Inn.
Think we're all set - Linda at the Moffat chippy is all sorted, a wee surprise at the top of the Devil's Beef Tub, bigger / better lights and lasers at the Crook Inn, and more grub at the kirk hall at the finish.
Really hope you all enjoy it - and please come and say hello at Carlisle before you head off. All the best and many thanks. Fraser
Devils Beeftub climb is steady away, nowt for a regular to worry about.
This is my first RttS, really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a 135 miler for me.
Thanks Fraser (and Gary) for organising it.
Whole ride is steady away. Never done an easier century. Last couple of years has been a tailwind mind - looks like we might get a crosswind this year. Cover up for midges. Atmosphere is great with long lines of twinkling lights through the Scottish borders.
Especially gutted I can't make it now, had got a few friends together for the double century attempt as well, would have been great.
Enjoy everyone, I'll see you next year : (
I'm in and looking forward to it! Currently sat glaring at a couple of batteries that don't seem to want to charge though. Had hoped to get a few from my club or a mate or two to come along with me but without any joy, so if you see a Billy-no-mates in Holmfirth colours. say hello!
Gutted I can't do it this year. My only tip is that the petrol station in Lockerbie is probably the last place you can get suppliers other that at the chippy in Moffat or bananas at the Crook Inn (60 odd miles). I prefer a BLT at 30-odd miles rather than chips at Moffat.
Wear glasses with clear lenses and keep your mouth shut!
'Keep your mouth shut' - ha ha, someone described the descent of the Devil's Beef Tub last year as 'having a high protein meal'!
Not this time.Doing the Lang Way Doon at the end of the month.
Did the double last year and it was near perfect,great weather and a wee tailwind back.
I'd really like to do this, but logistics (living in Gloucestershire) make it a bit of a nightmare. Probably need to work it into seeing a mate in Edinburgh.
Just got back home. What a brilliant event! Something a bit surreal about that many cyclists riding through the night
Few lessons learnt-
Cross bike would of been better for me as there is some rough tarmac heading up there, only beaten by the state of the roads in Edinburgh!
Don't have chips, as nice as they were lasagna would of been enough.
Have a better plan for getting through Edinburgh!
Midge repellent would of been nice.
We didn't stay for the sunrise as we quickly realised we wouldn't make our pick up point, shame really but there you go.
Great event, I recommend to all. And thanks to the guys that organised it 👍
My buddy rode the double without me, just to rub it in : (
Fasthaggis, are you starting in Tongue? Our plans, now twice postponed, were to start at Coldstream and finish in Tongue. Means having to get there for 9:30am to catch the bike bus to the train station though...
13floorsup..Aye,starting in Tongue as my Auntie stays in Coldstream so I can collapse at the end.
Breadcrumb..What a cracking night you got for the ride,it's a great route.
Have a better plan for getting through Edinburgh!
Aye, recall this from doing it 2 years ago, took us quite a while to find ou way to Crammond!
Thanks for the thanks and kind words. Any constructive feedback (route through Edinburgh etc) we'll happily listen to.
All the best, Fraser
Really enjoyed my night out. Didn't manage to convince any of my clubmates to come along, but it is such a friendly event I didn't struggle to find people to chat with.
I enjoyed the route through Edinburgh, i liked the buzz of it all at 3 in the morning after the peace of the previous few miles, I wouldn't change it.