LondonSkaters Speed Team - Speed Skating & Rollerblading Club in London

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

Ignore Ed, Fraser. You go for it. And while you're at it feel free to encourage as many of the other Megas to go with you. I'll be the one who goes laughing past you on your second or third lap with you holding your back and wondering how you ever thought that was sustainable. Very Happy

Suspect you could do one lap that fast then you will be dead. 26 laps is quite a different matter.

I am expecting something closer to the 10 minute per lap mark this year though I may manage something faster early on as last year I averaged sub 9....for only 11 laps. It really depends on the condtions (rain/wind/temperature) and other skaters being able to work with you at that pace.

FYI average 9 minutes equates to a 3h54m Mega. That is about what James thinks he'll manage. I think he can go 20 minutes or so faster so long as he can keep going. Average 10m is 4h20m

ed! · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 12:01 pm Subject:

BTW, my comments were purely based on the the fact that I doubt most people I know taking part would be able to sustain that pace (which seems to be confirmed by Rick's comment).

I make no presumption on your ability as I haven't seen you skate or know your background. If you reckon you can sustain that - go for it and good luck...just that you might be on your own Sad

Just don't finish before me! Smile

lemming · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 693 Location: Reading, UK

My game plan is to try and finish. Given my laps times last year, I had hoped to be able to maintain a 9 minute lap, but given that's what James think he'll do, I may have to drastically adjust to a much slower time.

8:20 for 26 laps though? Best of luck and I'll applaud your first place!

dan_b · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 2428

Given a big enough line to keep the wind off, 4h should be doable for several members - compare with, say, Glenn's 4h12 time for the One-Eleven last year, slightly further on a much hillier course. But skating on your own or in a small group (which is probably more likely), that's another kettle of fish altogether

ed! · Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 1:55 pm Subject:

Ah, but Glenn's a skating machine when it comes to long distances!

Plus I'm sure he didn't see the start / finish line 26 times, which is enough to test anyone's mental will Smile

Christophe · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 1652

Looks like I'm a go-er for Sunday. So in theory, I have up to 3 spare seats in the car, with a pref for people living north of the river. Will confirm tomorrow afternoon/evening.

Monty Dog · Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 52

Whoops - recalculation needed! - I managed to put 29 laps into my lap speed calculation rather than 26, so realise that it's a 9:15 lap to sneak under 4 hours.

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

That's healthier.

Rick · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 5914

OMG the wind forecast looks "interesting" 21mph gusting to 34mph according to met office web site. I do hope they are wrong or the race is going to get blown away.

Always windy at GW but that is often unassisted from the wind conditions in general this could be like 2002 all over again....except without the torrential down pour....fingers crossed.

andyman · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 1945 Location: Suffolk

Metcheck only has it at 17mph gusting to 21mph so not quite as bad.

Anyway, now we are all signed up for it, other than selecting wheels and clothing, best to just not worry about and get on and do it! (soooo glad I am not signed up for Mega Wink

)

lemming · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Posts: 693 Location: Reading, UK

Yeah whatever. Laugh it up. You'll be sorry when you've finsihed and we're still skating around in the wind.

Wait a mo. I might need to rethink that.

andyman · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 1945 Location: Suffolk

andyman · Joined: 05 Apr 2006 Posts: 1945 Location: Suffolk

Can one of you regulars tell me which wheels are best, i.e. how abrasive/rough is the surface? I am thinking of using either Matter Whites or Yellows (or obviously SS if wet) any thoughts?

Gav · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 2:42 pm Subject:

I'd say Yellows. Whites will get a bit chewed up, so unless you want to sacrifice a set away, go with slightly harder.

It's fairly smooth as I remember it (2 years ago?), but a little abrasive.

Christophe · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 1652

I done my hamstring y'day during office move. No skating for me for this coming week probably. Bit gutted! Sad