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Paris-Roubaix Challenge – cobbled roads in the UK?

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  • November 28, 2011 at 9:32 am #14544
    David Else

    Last week I accidentally entered the Paris-Roubaix Challenge – a mere 90 miles of mud and cobbles next April.

    So now I’m looking for cobbled roads in the UK to do a bit of training on – and to get a feel for the bumps. Anyone got any suggestions? I’m based in the Southwest, looking in the region roughly bordered by Bristol, Gloucester, Swindon, Salisbury, Shaftsbury, Radstock.

    I know about some of the cobbled hills in central Bristol, the Cobble Wobble hill in Frome, Gold Hill in Shaftsbury, but ideally I’m looking for longish flattish sections of cobbles. (And I know British cobbles aren’t the same as French pave', but you’ve got to start somewhere…)

    Any suggestions for cobbled roads, or maybe just rutted roads that replicate pave', much appreciated. Thanks.

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  • November 28, 2011 at 2:32 pm #658017
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    monty dog

    The only tracks that I know
    The only tracks that I know that are rough enough to simulate P-RX are some of the Southdowns Way where the tracks are essentially fist-sized loose flints – I’ve not found any paved tracks that are rough enough. Blasting around forestry fire roads on my old road bike was good practise for L’Eroica though.
    To develop your strength, try riding a slight gradient whilst seated well back in the saddle on the biggest gear you can muster – focus on getting the power down through the quads whilst gripping the tops of the bars. Most people find the pave hardest on their arms and wrists, followed by their backside – if you develop the quad and arm power you can drive the pedals whilst keeping your ar$e slightly off the saddle and cushion yourself slightly from the pain.
    Also, if you hit potholes square-on, it’ll simulate some of the impact and jarring!

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