My Community
General Category => Chain Gang => Topic started by: Dave W on October 16, 2016, 04:52:11 PM
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lets face it the Bridgend industrial estate is not safe to ride in a chaingang in its current state.
too many roads works. Plates across the road in 2 sections which I'm sure is not good for your bikes going over them at 20+mph
confusion of calls and coming off the front when weaving in and out of road works
I won't be riding it in its current condition and I know others have expressed their concerns.
its an accident waiting to happen over the next few weeks.
I understand that Bridgend is central to everyone but looking at peoples times etc it seems most of us are out at 6pm and doing some miles before 7pm. instead just spin down to harbour way in port talbot. We all know the road and it will be a safer ride than the current loop on the estate
sorry if I'm stepping on anyones toes!!
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Can you show us a potential circuit?
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I can see your point Dave but too far for me, I'll keep helping a B group on the current circuit for as long as they want to turn up!
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https://www.strava.com/routes/6808578
here you go :D route for harbour way
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better going to the next roundabout then back! tap it out and onit there on tue
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It would make sense to have the same start time and location and use some different roads if the current one has too many hazards.
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https://www.strava.com/routes/6809420
if you do this barriers are on opposite side, 2.8 miles
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That is the smoother loop
Check out this segment on Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/9330059 — Industrial Estate - the Smoother Loop
It is better but you would have to be care full turning right out of the junction by the banks
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I agree Dave; I test rode the original course solo in the light on Friday. Its too dangerous with quite a sharp ledge on the boards which I think are a blowout waiting to happen, there was also a large gap in two of the boards. This is combined with the narrowing of the road and the need to go on the opposite side twice on the back straight
I think the most reasonable course of action would be to try the smoother route; it will however require a conscious effort to SLOW DOWN and WAIT for any riders at each right turn. The lead rider will need to bear in mind the group behind them and not squeeze out in front of a car; as the rest are likely to follow.
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I think its worth trying the "smoother route" first, lots of turns will require a steady ride, will be there tomorrow.
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https://www.strava.com/routes/6814812
that's the safest lap I reckon
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I should be there tomorrow and happy to try this lap. 7 x around is almost identical distance to 8 of the normal loop. See you there.
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Ok, providing I'm home from work OK i will give this a go. Where will be the Meeting point?
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theres pot holes mind! car park where biomet used to be on kingsway
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Or 12 of these:
https://www.strava.com/routes/6817482
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thought of that, the junction at the end of south road is the busiest on the estate, got to be careful there, fewer times passing it the better
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Thinking about the difference between week 1 and week 2, for me there were two main factors - the overall speed and the group size. There were 5 of us in week 1 and there were zero dodgy moments and a great ride. It was much easier to get past the road works, the corners were well managed with no surges and the overall speed was close to target.
Looking at the different route options, it looks to me that, whilst removing any potential problems with the steel plates, we are introducing more difficult corners & rounabouts ... and net/net it's not a good trade. We would have to be much more disciplined than last week especialy around the start area. Also, North road could be an issue as any cars coming towards us might look to get past the road signs irrespective of where we are on the road. Just my thoughts.
Just to throw out some other options
- keep a manageable group size and make more than 1 group if numbers allow
- more caution / less surging on the corners
- the 2 sets of steel plates are close to each other and the 4 sets of signs are also not that far apart - and so no rotation at the front whilst passing these. This would remove any doubt about pulling out versus change of front rider
- ride at Winter chain gang speed and no regulars to be dropped
I'll be there tonight assuming it's not raining and will go with the flow but just wanted to kick some some thoughts around.
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I agree with all the above, group B had few problems. Avoided changeovers during the obstructions and we're very smooth. I realise we were a couple of mph slower but also less experienced riders
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So 7pm at the usual place and we will make a decision then!
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Ill be able to attend tonight
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Ive been following this thread with interest - Shaun's course is all left turns and only one sharp turn. That is worth a lot for Chaingang. Haydn has a good point about the York road junction though, I always used to be more on guard of vehicles pulling out in front of us there than anywhere else. It's a shame OVW, Forza and say Onit can't get together and book Llandow (Is it floodlit?). BTW Onit were training after Ajax at Maindy last year. I suppose Maindy track is pretty much ideal - No traffic, well lit, rarely icy, no dangerous corners, somewhere to leave your bag, toilet etc etc. But its not free and it's not in Bridgend either! Hope you had a good and safe session this evening.
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Uneventful, steady ride for the B team. Started with 7, lost Lea to a blowout and James ( first chain gang) after 4/5 laps, paying the price for long turns into the wind. He was warned! ;D
Simon, Nick, Nigel and Terry then pulled me around on 'iron horse' to complete well within winter chain gang guideline times
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Would anyone fancy giving Harbour Way a go on Thursday as a one off for starters, we'd need 4 or 5 definites I guess. If you're interested post on here and we can get something organised
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Had a chat with someone who uses Dragon Studios near Llanharan (Closed road)
Unfortunately it is not viable at the moment, due to lack of lighting, but I said I would be in touch again next year.
Fingers crossed that Dragon Studios are still willing to give access.
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sounds interesting on the dragon studios road. I know a few people who just sneak though the fence and ride it.
this is what we need a set of these drones
http://road.cc/content/news/211639-video-fleetlights-personal-drone-lights-your-way
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I spoke to the contractors, Cofton who look after the old open cast site about eight weeks ago. Dragon Studios have no say in using the site as long as filming is not taking place. One member of OVW would be given a key to access the site from the contractors entrance, which is further down the road. The road surface is very good but no lighting. Other club use the road for training already, if someone from the chain gang should call in when passing they could have look at the road and speak to the man in charge. There is also plenty of parking at the contractors entrance. Check the circuit out on Goole Map. Could the road be used on a Saturday? No lighting needed, no other vehicles on the circuit, so it is safer. Will the Police allow you to use Harbour way?