BB200 2020

[ScotRoutes]

View from Scotland...

Prior to F&M, when the draft Land Reform Bill was published it included restrictions on evening access. Post F&M, when it was actually being debated, it was pointed out that the more legitimate folk there were around, the less opportunity there was for burglary and animal theft.

On a more general point, every one of these interactions I read of - angry farmer, locked gates etc - just makes me want to avoid coming to Wales to walk or ride. In some ways, I'm surprised that the route should include any contentious areas but then as it changes every year, and Stu can't be expected to ride it all (at all times) before route setting, then perhaps it's almost unavoidable.

[sean_iow]

I think part of it might be because it's this year. I've encountered more tied up gates, locked or held shut with cable ties locally than all the previous years combined, not to mention home made signs saying the right of way is closed because of Covid or that you can only go through it once a day

[Bearbonesnorm]

On a more general point, every one of these interactions I read of - angry farmer, locked gates etc - just makes me want to avoid coming to Wales to walk or ride. In some ways, I'm surprised that the route should include any contentious areas but then as it changes every year, and Stu can't be expected to ride it all (at all times) before route setting, then perhaps it's almost unavoidable.

It's not really that areas are contentious as such. It's far more that some people don't fully appreciate the RoW system or choose to ignore it. I think some people have also become overly scared at present and are wary of anything out of the ordinary.

Edit: Sean kind of beat me to it.

[Cheeky Monkey]

Thanks folks. I'd got turned around somehow about who was responsible for the cost and maintenance of "furniture"

I can only imagine the fun of explaining / pointing this out to any grumpy landowner (particularly the bit in bold - my emphasis):

Lawful stiles and gates

A stile or gate, although on a public right of way, is not a part of it. Such structures are for the advantage of the landowner, to permit enclosure of the land and to control the movement of livestock, rather than for the benefit of the public.

[redefined_cycles]

Personally, I think the issue of locked gates or badly maintained track is generally down to a lack of use. Mid-wales doesn't see anywhere near the same number of visitors most parts of the UK does and people can be unaccustomed to visitors. However, that is no excuse to be rude or aggressive towards people who do happen to use them. By all means, ask people what they're doing and if you don't like the answer, go inside pull a face and stamp your feet but no one should ever try and deny access.

People talk about expanding the RoW network in Wales but until we can properly look after those we have, then there's probably little point.

Just saying that... It's always so nice that Sir Bear Bones Norm always manages to see things from both perspectives. I often thought about this (both sides the story) when I used to do buses. Was it the grumpy bus driver that caused grumpy passengers or the other way round. Conclusion was, 'a bit of both' and its a vicious circle (is it not)... I got out of there whilst I was still ungrumpy.

Anyway, I'm certainly gonna use the one bypass that Stu has provided just to make life easier. I imagine that there farmer is only gonna become slowly more stressed/obstructive as the weeks go on! Hopefully someone from the HA will get word and have a word!

[redefined_cycles]

Thanks folks. I'd got turned around somehow about who was responsible for the cost and maintenance of "furniture"

I can only imagine the fun of explaining / pointing this out to any grumpy landowner (particularly the bit in bold - my emphasis):

Lawful stiles and gates A stile or gat ... ublic[/b].

That link is shown as 'forbidden' and 'for the benefit of landowners'..

[ScotRoutes]

I think part of it might be because it's this year. I've encountered more tied up gates, locked or held shut with cable ties locally than all the previous years combined, not to mention home made signs saying the right of way is closed because of Covid or that you can only go through it once a day

Ah yes. Covid is a thing too.

[Charliecres]

I’m aiming to head for Hay on Friday evening and start Saturday morning. All my digits are crossed.

300 this year?

God, no. I’m not brave or foolish enough to think I’m in that league.

[JohnClimber]

Well that's me out, the new Liverpool lockdown says to "avoid non-essential travel".

Now to plan a 200km loop around
Liverpool
Knowsley
Wirral
St Helens
Sefton
Halton

I can be sure the climbing will be a little easier than in Wales.

It's only going to get worse across the whole country, so get your ride in sooner rather than later as this situation will change every week for us all.

[ScotRoutes]

Well that's me out, the new Liverpool lockdown says to "avoid non-essential travel".

Now to plan a 200km loop around
Liverpool
Knowsley
Wirral
St Helens
Sefton
Halton

I've not read the latest update but surely heading out to cycle a 200km loop for pleasure would be "non-essential travel" - or does it just rule out travelling to another county?

[JohnClimber]

I've not read the latest update but surely heading out to cycle a 200km loop for pleasure would be "non-essential travel" - or does it just rule out travelling to another county?

From Wednesday we can only leave the area for work and school.... I might be able to sneak over the border from Sefton into West Lancs on a couple of off road lanes.

Reading between the lines, it's non-essential travel out of and in to the area.

But everything, like everything this government it's always woolly around the edges and open to interpretation in a Dominic Cummings type of way

[ScotRoutes]

I've not read the latest update but surely heading out to cycle a 200km loop for pleasure would be "non-essential travel" - or does it just rule out travelling to another county?

Reading between the lines, it's non-essential travel out of and in to the area.

But everything like everything this government is always woolly around the edges and open to interpretation in a Dominic Cummings type of way

Ah. Up here, the rules in the most affected areas are "do not travel out of your local health board".

[RIP]

Well that's me out, the new Liverpool lockdown says to "avoid non-essential travel".

Commiserations JC . Very galling after getting yourself psyched up ready.

[burty]

your prayers have been answered john

[JohnClimber]

Well that's me out, the new Liverpool lockdown says to "avoid non-essential travel".

Commiserations JC . Very galling after getting yourself psyched up ready.

I'm thinking of a 3 day trip around it between Christmas and New Year or a Spring pre WRT ride when this might be over in some form or other.

[JohnClimber]

your prayers have been answered john

Shut the feck up..........

[Richard G]

God, no. I’m not brave or foolish enough to think I’m in that league.

Based on your time last year you definitely are! When you easily black badge this one you'll know.

[Charliecres]

You’re mixing me up with someone else, Richard. But I’m taking it and using it as a confidence boost anyway

[Richard G]

[Richard G]

So I've not been keeping track... are we at something like:

1 Orange
0 Black
1 Blue
1 Green

7 DNF?

[stevewaters]

Just catching up on the debate about farmers. - Some great discussion there.

I just wanted to clarify that although I was challenged by two different farmers in the dark hours, I wouldn't describe either as angry. The first appeared genuinely concerned about his cows and the second wondered what I was doing and intercepted me when I got to the road. Neither insisted that I get off their land etc.

As many have said - I got the impression that these bridleways are rarely used !

The gates were a pain. - I recon I hefted my bike over about 15 of them in all.

[In Reverse]

So I've not been keeping track... are we at something like:

1 Orange
0 Black
1 Blue
1 Green

7 DNF?

There were four green finishers that I'm aware of at the Fforest on Sunday evening not counting myself.

My 28:01 includes a bit of overlap at the end where I didn't turn it off so I might be very tight on the blue/green divide. Haven't done anything with the GPS/bike/clothes/self yet.

[Richard G]

The gates were a pain. - I recon I hefted my bike over about 15 of them in all.

I'll definitely be stripping my bike to be as light as possible then!

There were four green finishers that I'm aware of at the Fforest on Sunday evening not counting myself.

Fair enough, not everyone posts about it I guess.

[psling]

I'll definitely be stripping my bike to be as light as possible then!

You could always remove the brake levers; reduced weight and less to go wrong
What could possibly go wrong

[Bearbonesnorm]

I've found out today that we've had out first female* finisher too.



*actual female, not just a big girl.