Monday, October 22, 2018

Yes I know it's been a while...

Hi, sorry for the lack of communication, life has been busy - you all know how it is.

I've just spent the weekend on the Peninsular checking on a couple of additions I was hoping to add which haven't turned out to be usable.

So I have revised the map slightly and you can find the route here https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28820323
I have not checked it absolutely - so please DO NOT export this as your final .gpx file. But it will not change much from this so you can confidently use this to plan.
I will send the final .gpx file and cue sheets this week

It is slightly shorter than in the past and the total elevation is also slightly less (but I do find ridewithgps does under estimate the total elevation) so it's 270km and 7350m climbing, all to be ridden in 36 hours, easy eh?

A mate and I rode a big chunk of the first 90kms of the event on Saturday. I can tell you, if it's a hot day you will need plenty of water for the dry section between Pigeon Bay and Little River, it's only 28km but it took us nearly fours hours, with stops!
Pettigrews Rd is steep, freakin' steep but currently it has some very chunky gravel which hinders grip somewhat. Then once your truely heartbroken you begin the Double Fenceline route, a Canterbury classic. There is NO water between Pigeon Bay through to Little River.
Please note there is water available at the last house on Holmes Bay Road just before you turn right onto Pigeon Bay Road. There is a tap on the side of the garage, I spoke to the owners on Saturday and they are happy for participants to fill up here, please be respectful. I'll be "camelling up"here and filling three bottles for the next push through to Little River.

We start at 7am at Hansen Park in Opawa here:
https://www.google.co.nz/maps/place/Hansen+Park,+Opawa,+Christchurch+8023/@-43.5608603,172.658969,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x6d32275bcdf91035:0x4b31447ee2b5f26e!8m2!3d-43.5608308!4d172.6611717

I have set up a Strava "Club" for participants who are on Strava. It is not a requirement in the slightest, so if you aren't on Strava no worries. Let me know if you are and what your Strava handle is and I'll send out a Club invite.

We don't have any form of tracking for the LPB, it's completed on a "gentle persons" agreement, if you short cut the course you're only cheating yourself. Just let me know if you did so when I post finishing times we all know who completed the entire course, and who didn't.

I will flick all who have contacted me so far an email repeating this information. If you have been waiting for more info, or want to "register an interest, want any addition info etc. then please email me on lepetitbrevet@gmail.com

Cheers, Scott