Porkers is on Landranger maps numbers 195 194 193 183 184 allowing the counting of the Contours.
And it came to pass that he of the crossed eyes and dazed expression spake, saying "I make it 1194 mate!". The sacred scrolls were put up and the table cleared. Quill and parchment next were taken and holy writ proclaimed. A mean of 14.72 m/km to be climbed! The runes were cast, the stones consulted. Visions of flat (@11m/km) melted into thickening solid awareness of rises (@ 20m/km). Tea was made, poured drunk and the leaves read. And the oracle spake, saying, "That's 2 1/4 on the all new singin' dancin' dAAAvy-lewis-III scale!"
There was unease all around. She-who-must-be-obeyed rolled her eyes and glancing heavenward muttered "Oh woe. Woe. I see Merlins hand in this. The new scaling gives only 2.25pts?" But the Great Mother told of the ancient and most holy rites of Hard Boiled for which followers come from all over, times without number to pay homage at the sacred Wessex Heights proclaiming "Yeah verily. So shall it be. Many shall be desirous of the nomenclature 'Porker'.
Hardy's Wessex has much to offer to the wheelman. The Great Heath still stirs the imagination and who could fail to be moved by the sight from Portland Heights (498ft) along the curved tombolo that is Chesil Bank. In our journey we cycle the coastal roads and wheel aside the rivers and the reservoirs; we are sheltered through woodland and dales; exposed to natures whims atop the downs. With each habitat a new flora , a new fauna, a new architecture as we explore out of the way places.
It is paramount that the greatest care is taken to ensure a successful brevet. Read the route sheet in conjunction with the maps. Be aware of where each of the big climbs are and of where the great descents occur. Schedule your ride in accordance with the terrain. One particularly steep breathstopping heartpounding hairpin is on a narrow lane and comes after dark. Be Aware!
It is a mistake to be solely reliant on the routesheet. Include in your pre-event planning a means of escape. Note train stations. Note B&Bs (CTC handbook/YHA). Know when the sun sets and when you can expect daylight to return. Study the weather forcasts after all you are going to be up to the top of your head in it!
Preparation is the key to an enjoyable and successful brevet; the more groundwork you do the easier the ride. Poole Cross Channel Ferry Terminal is well signposted on all major access roads to the town. There is a large car park (a compound really) at the terminal with a 24hr rate. There are many other car parks within the town of Poole. Also at the terminal there is a cafe/eating house, called The Flying Boat set up in a couple of porta cabins next to the terminal building. Cross over the quay and eateries from kiosks to grand restaurants await your attentions.
Good preparation includes wise nourishment and steady digestion. You should not go hungry on the ride but that is just a top up to the nutrients you have consumed prior to setting out.
That leaves luck. Safe journey, enjoy!
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Peter
Marshall writes 1996 /1997