The BB 200 Thread

[Bearbonesnorm]

Although the BB 200 is 3 months away I thought I'd start a thread for all those:

A - Considering riding who have questions.

B - Who are riding and have questions.

C - Who have no intention of entering but somehow do after reading this thread.

D - Who have done it before and want to tell people in group A how hard it is.

E - Not riding but who want to laugh and point at all those who are.

For those who don't know, this year is the third BB 200 and the last year we'll use the current route (although it is reversed this time). The record is held by Ian with a time 15h 18m, last year 14 riders finished in under 24h, only two women have ever completed it, 1/3 - 1/2 of riders drop out and best of all the weather's usually quite nice.

Right then ... questions, opinions, etc just fire away.

[tommid]

It will be my first time, but cannot wait. Kit assembled and ready to go.

[didnothingfatal]

When do entries close?

[Bearbonesnorm]

When do entries close?

It'll be end of Sep(ish). I'll make sure there's plenty of warning.

[Ian]

I predict that the route will be faster in reverse.

[Zippy]

What's the biggest hurdle to overcome? (I realise this is based on opinion...and that's what I'm after)

Depending on this answer to this, I might consider it

Also, could I look at the route now?, please.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Also, could I look at the route now?, please.

GPX on it's way via email.

[Chew]

I predict that the route will be faster in reverse.

Any reason?

[Zippy]

Ah yes - and how much is hike a bike?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Ah yes - and how much is hike a bike?

Not that much really. There are some pushes but nothing too extreme or prolonged.

I predict that the route will be faster in reverse.

I agree, down to Rhayader will be pretty fast and going over Carnau should allow more riding / less pushing this way round. The final 20km could be a killer though

[Zippy]

Ah yes - and how much is hike a bike?

Not that much really. There are some pushes but nothing too extreme or prolonged.

That's the correct answer to make me more interested

hmmmmmm

[Ian]

I predict that the route will be faster in reverse.

Any reason?

Several.
Llangurig to rhayader will be substantially quicker.
Gro Hill will be the right way around, and in the light.
Carnau is more rideable north south, plus daylight.
Cwm Berwyn and Twyi Forest will be about the same I guess
Climb out of Pontrhydfendigaid is road, and Claerwen is quicker eastwards.
I can think of one 15 minute push that will become a 3 min descent.

But, as Stu says, last 20 km is tricky. And it'll be dark.

Overall, I think there are more speed gains than losses resulting from difficult pushes.

[Ian]

What's the biggest hurdle to overcome? (I realise this is based on opinion...and that's what I'm after)

Depending on this answer to this, I might consider it

Darkness and falling temperatures for me. Last year was very cold overnight, minus 3 or something.

[numplumz]

Hopefully will make it this year, at least so I can do the original route before it changes.

[Chew]

I can think of one 15 minute push that will become a 3 min descent

I can also think of some 3 min descents what will become 15 minute pushes

Not to put anyone off though. As someone 'average' i managed to get around in ~30 hours (cant find the times). More of a case of pacing yourself and turning out the miles.
There are some write-ups somewhere just cant find them a the moment

Out of curiosity how many are entered at the moment Stu?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Out of curiosity how many are entered at the moment Stu?

Just checked - 35 so far.

[Zippy]

Not to put anyone off though. As someone 'average' i managed to get around in ~30 hours (cant find the times). More of a case of pacing yourself and turning out the miles.

Sounds like you had an overnight stop then?

How many people normally ride straight through, and how many stop for the night?

My biggest un-known is the night nav when knackered...on a bike.

By the sounds of things (I'd quite like to dig up old write-up and times for the BB200) it's quite a bit harder than Kielder 100 plus 28 miles... :?:

[Ian]

My write up is in this thread: http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... 581#p11581

@zippy - pretty sure anyone with a sub 24hr time would have gone straight through.

[ianfitz]

I predict that the route will be faster in reverse.

maybe for you ian! ;- i'd be happy to do it 'just' as quick as you last year*

I do have a question - how much is the total ascent on the route? this will be my first go and don't really know any of the route at all, other than going (in a minibus!) to Ryder and Elan when I was supporting the Dragons Back Race last year

Also, at the risk of sounding like a STW thread - what tyres for the BB200?



*this will not happen!

[didnothingfatal]

Rubber tyres are a good choice

[ianfitz]

Rubber tyres are a good choice

That's a relief as all the ones I have are rubber!

[Bearbonesnorm]

Also, at the risk of sounding like a STW thread - what tyres for the BB200?

I shall be running Conti Race Kings (but I always do). If you're not a Conti fan then anything fast rolling will be fine.

[JohnClimber]

Very tempted.

Please can you email me the gpx over?

email address sent via PM 8-)

[darbeze]

I entered on Thurs/Fri (can't remember exactly when now). Please can you send me the gpx so I can start panicking properly?

Starting to fret already... Will have to start putting some more miles in I think... May be riding home from work over bits of Dartmoor while we have the lighter evenings...

Si

[welshwhit]

I'm really keen to take part in October, more I hear the more I'd like to have a go!

I'm planning on just riding and having fun riding in prep, does anyone do anything more "targeted" in perpetration?

Also is the general consensus to ride with bivvy kit but plan on minimal breaks or do folk plan a strategic rest somewhere? Or is this (more likely!) a personal choice?

Thanks folks

Drew