Endurance Cirencester Park 29/30/31st July

Thanks so much for your advice!

I'll try to find a strap to put around the bottle carrier so it doesn't move around!

It's going to be fun...can see Bilto wanting to go home every 2 minutes during the ride though and wondering why we are not "going home"!!!;-)
Hopefully I'll find someone to ride with :-)
 
He wouldn't be the first!

I was manning a checkpoint on Dartmoor & a lady I didn't know asked if we could tighten her girth (she later became a good friend & I had a chance to compete the horse she was riding). Anyway, horse decided this was the gate he went home through when he'd been working on the moor (he was right), so objected to having to go back the other way. Another horse came & he soon followed them as he hates being overtaken.

Ride positive, there will be plenty of other people around just make sure they are in your class before you follow them!
 
pip6 said:
He wouldn't be the first!

I was manning a checkpoint on Dartmoor & a lady I didn't know asked if we could tighten her girth (she later became a good friend & I had a chance to compete the horse she was riding). Anyway, horse decided this was the gate he went home through when he'd been working on the moor (he was right), so objected to having to go back the other way. Another horse came & he soon followed them as he hates being overtaken.

Ride positive, there will be plenty of other people around just make sure they are in your class before you follow them!
Click to expand...

Thank you!:-)
 
Randonneuse said:
Anyone else has received their documents and the route -map- today?:-)
Very little road for the 16k (in fact it's 18.8km) but quite a few stoney/gravel tracks...
Click to expand...

Recieved my stuff for Friday, nothing through for Sunday yet though!

monkeybum13 said:
I may be wrong but I think the bib with your number on is bright orange hi viz anyway :)
Click to expand...

Cirencester's were white last year :)
 
Another question, when you get the map, can you also borrow a map case for it on the day or do you need your own? Where would you get one from if this is the case? Is there anything else you need that isn't bridle/saddle/rider? Sorry, totally clueless!

Massive thank you pip6 for all your helpful pms, so kind of you and a huge help!

Randonneuse - my 15.3hh barefoot mare and I are entered now for the 16km NCR on friday. Am planning on doing it mainly in a marching walk and trotting on the better going and be towards the slower end of things. Never done one before, but my mare us usually sane, so would be happy to ride along with you if you fancy company? Or can plan to meet at the start together and see how our paces match up and then head off individually when we are settled into it if you fancy?
 
The POny, as another novice my dad's work colleague is into endurance and has sent me a really useful email, do you want me to forward it to you?


Practised sloshing yesterday, horse was fine until she shook to excess water off with such force that I nearly fell off! :o
 
monkeybum13 said:
The POny, as another novice my dad's work colleague is into endurance and has sent me a really useful email, do you want me to forward it to you?


Practised sloshing yesterday, horse was fine until she shook to excess water off with such force that I nearly fell off! :o
Click to expand...

Ohh, that would be ace, thankyou! The more info the better!

I don't think I shall bother with slosh bottles etc as it is a usual weekend hack distance for us so just a sponge off at the end as usual! If I did pour water on her on a ride she would prob just decide that a roll would go well with it too, so we shan't go there!!
 
I've just bought a "deluxe map case" in Poundland for.... £1.

Strap to hang around the neck - one big pouch for map and two smaller pouches which would do for timings etc. It then folds into three so isn't large bouncing around on your chest.

Also small collapsible 5 litre water containers also for ... £1. Would be handy as a back up supply maybe for person.
 
Double_choc_lab said:
I've just bought a "deluxe map case" in Poundland for.... £1.

Strap to hang around the neck - one big pouch for map and two smaller pouches which would do for timings etc. It then folds into three so isn't large bouncing around on your chest.

Also small collapsible 5 litre water containers also for ... £1. Would be handy as a back up supply maybe for person.
Click to expand...

Ace, off there tomorrow then (pretty much my fave shop!).
 
If anyone needs a hand at the venue give me a shout - I'll be on the massage stand. I think we're helping out en route early doors but we'll be back at the venue for 11.30 so in good time to help you out when you get back if you need me, Randonneuse.

I generally allow at least half an hour before the vetting time. As you're not a member you may need a fiver for a bib deposit - not all rides ask for one but better to be prepared especially if you've ridden there and don't have backup. You'll need to check the map in the secretary's office as there may be some last minute route changes. You'll also need to trot up without the saddle but everyone's really friendly and if you need someone to keep an eye on it while you trot there will be loads of helpful people around. At Lindum last week we ended up with quite a collection of saddles in the back of our event awning LOL.

The Cirencester organisers are really friendly and helpful, not scary at all, so relax and enjoy :)
 
Another question please!!

Now I have the map I was planning on working out our max and min times between check points so I can be sure we are on the right tracks. We are doing the 16km (18.8 in real life) NCR on Friday, which is the yellow route on the map. If I follow the route it seems that we start, then get to checkpoint 9, then checkpoint 2, then checkpoint 7, then checkpont 6, then finish. Could that be right or have I just got in a total muddle? Are the distances between checkpoints for the different routes published anywhere or do you need to work it out yourself?
Thanks guys!!
 
The Pony - If you go onto the EGB website there is then a link to the Cirencester ride (box of links on left hand side of EGB website. On there you can details of each class and it will give you a list of the checkpoints with the kilometres on there. You just need to do a bit of maths and work out what the minimum and maximum times will be for you. IE for the 30 km non competitive you have to ride between 8km and 12 km per hour.

I then did a little chart with the check point numbers and the 2 times. This will then go in the extra cheapy"deluxe" map holder.

Our first time so don't know if this is what everyone does.
 
fab, thank you!

Doubt anyone is as blind as me, but just incase, here are the distances for the 16km NRC. Shall now get calculating!

Yellow Route

WP1 1.99km

CP9 3.72km

CP2/CrPtB 5.35km

WP2 7.08km

CP7 10.62km

WP4 13.02km

CP6 14.58km

Finish 18.80km
 
Last edited:
Does that mean if we are going too fast until say we've done 15km we can then slow down for the last few km to be between 8 and 12km per hour?

I'm rubbish at maths...18.8km, how long should it take us minimum and maximum please?
Without calculating "properly" it would be between about 1hours35 and 2hours20?(or am I completely wrong!?)

Thanks!
 
Just done the maths, so here we are!

WP1 14.9/9.95
CP9 27.9/18.6
CP2 40.12/26.75
WP2 53.1/35.4
CP7 79.65/53.1
WP4 97.65/65.1
CP6 109.35/72.9
finish 141/94

First time is assuming 8kmph in mins, second time is assuming 12kmph in mins. So max time on course is 2hrs 21 mins, and min time on course is 1hr 34 mins. Pip6 suggested setting your watch to 12, then it is easier to time yourself without needing a stopwatch - I thought it was a genius suggestion!

I am assuming that as long as you cross the finish showing an average speed over the course of between 8-12kmph then all is well?
 
Anytime between those extremes is your aim. Keep an eye on your speeds at the checkpoints where you have worked out your timings. If you are getting close to the maximum time (8kph), go a bit faster, if getting close to the minimum time (12kph) then slow down a bit. If you set out in a good rhythm you will soon settle into a speed. The key is to listen to your horse. Help him over the terrain, aim for the best going (excellent going at ciren). If it is sunny, ride the shady side of the track. Give him plenty of time to drink at waterpoints & don't rush him, let him drink his fill. If you have any problems or questions, ask. If you want help, ask. Anybody will be happy to assist. If you have a helper book a massage from Esther afterwards to stop any stiffness the next day. You wont miss her tent, it's huge. It's a superb day out, enjoy it.

If anyone can give me a lift (not allowed to drive at the mo after surgery), I will happily be their crew for the day, free on friday & sunday.
 
Last edited:
pip6 said:
If you have a helper book a massage from Esther afterwards to stop any stiffness the next day. You wont miss her tent, it's huge.
Click to expand...

That sounds fab, stupid question, but I assume that's a horse massage? Madam would love that after doing some work!

Usually on a hack I wouldn't offer water (as I don't take any!), so long as she isn't puffing and doesn't have a massive drink, would we be ok to carry on just the same? I know if I'm running a marathon and drink too much near the end, I just chuck - don't want my poor mare to feel the same!

Where you you need a lift from? I am sorted for help, but if you are Ciren area then I can give you a lift up there on fri? Unfortunatly not on sun though as OH is dressaging!

Can we ride without a noseband? She has a cavesson to make BD happy, but it doesn't do anything so I usually leave it off for hacks? Don't want to leave it off on fri if we have to wear one though, but equally she is prob a bit happier without it so if I can I would rather leave it off!
 
There are no tack restrictions so go without noseband if she is more comfy. The only rules I can think regarding apparel are no spurs of any kind are allowed, no long whips are allowed, only short ones, no riding in wellies, hats must meet recognised safety standards, no riding in trainers unless you have caged stirrups. Any bits are fine, bitless is fine. There is sure to be a copy of the EGB handbook (which contains the rules) with the secretary.

Horses even doing shorter rides are encouraged to drink, so they form the habit for longer rides. In competative rides horses are checked at every vet check (can be up to 5 in the long rides) for dehydration as well as gait etc. It wont be a problem if you do or dont doing a steady speed over 16km. I would recommend if your horse indicates he does want to drink you allow it, he knows what he needs.

Esther does human massage, although her tent is huge not sure it would accomodate neds. You'd have to ask her if she would do horses as well. Her massage is very popular especially with people riding over several days to keep them supple. If you feel good it will help you sit well on the hack home.

Unfortunately this weekend I am in the Reading area, so not that close. If you know anyone passing, let me know. Gutted I wont be there.
 
Be very careful with your timings, the actual distance is 18.8km but your average speed will be calculated using the advertised distance of 16km! Somebody may have picked that up already in their calculations so I do apologise if that is the case :)
 
MaisieMooandCometToo said:
Be very careful with your timings, the actual distance is 18.8km but your average speed will be calculated using the advertised distance of 16km! Somebody may have picked that up already in their calculations so I do apologise if that is the case :)
Click to expand...

Yikes, didn't realise that, my timings are based on the actual distance between checkpoints and the real-life length of the ride.

What is the point of having a measured ride/distances and stated target times if then you in effect must travel faster?

Is there an online rule book so I can work this out?
 
ThePony said:
Yikes, didn't realise that, my timings are based on the actual distance between checkpoints and the real-life length of the ride.

What is the point of having a measured ride/distances and stated target times if then you in effect must travel faster?

Is there an online rule book so I can work this out?
Click to expand...

Doesn't make sense!!! I agree with you ThePony!
MaisieMooAndCometToo, are you sure???
How are we meant to calculate the speed we need to do then?
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh stressed now!

It's written 18.8km on the paper we received though!
 
Last edited:
Don't stress!

Because I'm only doing the NCR section I'm not fussing over times, I know where I should be and when, roughly but not the the exact nano second ;)

Have a great time everyone, do get lots of pictures!


I'll be on the 16.3 bay mare who will probably be pratting around with excitement and bouncing so she looks about 17.2! Do come and say hi if you spot us :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top