Dartmoor Classic

[Richard Hallett]

If anyone is riding the Dartmoor Classic on May 13th, keep an eye out for me. I'll be wearing an RCUK jersey, so feel free to say hello and give me a bit of shelter on any windy bits.

[yattonite]

Not wearing the usual outfit that featured in so many comics?The cap was cool,not sure about the rest.I'll be there on Colin Lewis's wheel, to make sure i make it into a few mags

[Tom Staniford]

I'm tempted, I have to say. We'll see how the training goes, though.

[Richard Hallett]

Yattonite, of course the RCUK jersey is better-looking than the CW kit...

[Nick Joyce]

I didnt get a place :(

[winepirate]

There will be a good contingent of Reading CC riders down in Devon next weekend - Anyone else going down there? There are about 1000 registered so someone must be going! I am sure it will be pretty tough but as long as it is dry and not blowing a force 8 we should all be ok.Plus don't forget our Kennet Flyer Sportive in August. Course designer extrodinanire John Hollands (Faccombe Haul, Up the Downs..., Wiltshire Workout, Highclere, etc) and I rode the whole 200km route yesterday and it is absolutely marvellous. Tough but great. Get your entries in and support our charities Thames Valley Air Ambulance and the Cyclists'' Defence Fund.See you Sunday.www.readingccsportive.co.uk

[Richard Hallett]

I'll be riding in an RCUK jersey.

[winepirate]

We'll all be resplendent in Reading CC kit!

[yattonite]

What a day!I didnt see you Mr Hallett,were you there?I bottled the 100 miler but did get back first on the 100k.Good effort from anyone who finished,and well done the marshalls!

[Stephen Chmiewliski]

YattoniteYou missed out.. The 100miler was ok, after the climb up to Princetown approx 65miles into the ride the weather cleared slightly, no rain , little wind and the sun even came out for a moment.In general I was happy to have completed the 100miler with only a months training under my belt (approx 680miles). Managed the course in approx 5 hours 45mins ish, waiting for the times to be put up.The event was well planned and organised, also nice to have a little trophy at the end. Just a shame my bib shorts cut into the back of my leg, must have forgot to put enough sudocrem on one side.

[Richard Hallett]

Nice going Stephen. I got round in about 5hr 55, 16th back for the 100miler. Report on RCUK very soon.

[Stephen Chmiewliski]

Hi Richard... Where you the demon desender who rode with us for a while ?? I was wearing my Weston Wheelers kit

[Richard Hallett]

That was me. Were you the taller or shorter of the two of you? And what was your mate's name? Sorry to have had to let you go, but I'm glad I kept something back for the last climb.

[Stephen Chmiewliski]

I was the shorter one, my freind was Russell Bazley

[Ron Keegan]

Jeez! so much to do and so little time.  Here I am laid up with a severed Achilles tendon, and having lots of time to surf the net, when I discover there's this space on the forum for me to make some post event comment. Well O.K. it may be 4 months since the inaugural Dartmoor Classic but hey, better late than never yeh?As the event promoter and one of the Mid-Devon C.C's. 12 man organising committee I can only thank all those who rode and the many who praised our efforts. For our part, we learnt a great deal and are now busy preparing for next year's edition, which will be even bigger and better. If you want to ride the 2008 Dartmoor Classic keep checking the website: www.dartmoorclassic.co.uk where entry details should soon appear. This year's 1200 places sold out a couple of months before the event and we expect the demand to be even greater this time following your positive response to our first effort.Thanks for all your support.CheersRon Keegan 

[Ron Keegan]

Can't believe it's been 18 months since the last posting. Does anybody read this stuff? Is there anybody out there? Anyway, I've got a bit of time on my hands so here's a Dartmoor Classic up-date:-The 2008 event was run off in near tropical conditions and all of the 1300 places on offer were filled weeks ahead of the big day. It all went extremely well and there was loads of positive feedback and constructive suggestions, which we've taken on board in planning the 2009 event.THAT'S THE HISTORY - THIS IS NOW !!!This year's event takes place on Sunday 28th June. It is now on the U.C.I. international fixtures list and has already attracted a significant number of entries from North America and a host of mainland European countries; it's proving paricularly popular with the Belgies. According to your revered editor, "The route is the best bits of 2007 and 2008 put together."    The opening section is an easy 5 miles before the real climbing starts and the final 15 miles are a sportive rider's dream; a 3 mile descent followed by a pan flat mile and then 11 miles along the mostly down hill valley road, which runs alongside the river Teign as it drops towards the sea.  As well as a great route which, as usual, will be well signed and marshalled, the extended 'Depart Village' wil boast a wide variety of attractions including live music, trade exhibitors and three catering choices. Bountifully stocked feeding stations, route cards, trophies for all finishers, time standard medals and comemorative drinks bottles are just a few the attractions of the Mid-Devon C.C. promotion.However, if you want to ride it you'd be wise to enter now; nearly 1700 have already done so.Oh yeh, and just in case you want to know, my Achilles tendon has now been stuck back together and I'm out on the bike again.Cheers, see you on 28th June.

[Tom Staniford]

sounds fantastic, Ron and I'd dearly love to ride it.However, I believe I'm already booked to race on the 28th!

[pic_man]

Me and my bro are signed up - riding to raise money for at least one charity or maybe two.

[Tom Staniford]

I have to say, the choice of Teign valley for the descent into the finish is inspired. If the weatehr holds off, it will certainly be one of the most memorable rides many people will ever have.