It's Boyes Drives fault...

[Pure Savage]

I have seen on the hub over the past few years discussions about the addition of Boyes drive to the Argus and the knock on effect to getting that elusive sub 3. I have heard some people going on about the fact that the elites go through the whole boyes drive section at and average of above 36km/h.

 

But this weekend when I ducked off and went down the coast instead over boyes drive my average was close to 35km on my own not pushing myself that hard.

 

My point to my rant, I am sure once the Argus goes down the coast again instead over Boyes drive you are going to be seeing people get sub 3's all the way down to I&J groups.

 

What you guys think

[Tiny K]

That is possible yes, but Boyes makes the Sub3 that much sweeter don't you think?!

[DJR]

I don't think, I (day)dream.

[Meezo]

I agree... maybe we should start a petition or strike that they keep boyes in!

 

It's a good place to drop off the lazies too ie. myself in this years argus :-)

[dev null]

I really think that Boyes drive is a non-issue. I found it quite easy. The difficult part is the fact that it is quite narrow and the curb is quite nasty at some spots. And then there is that one downhill followed by a deceptively steep uphill which caught a first-timer Argus rider like me by surprise (in the wrong bloody gear).

 

Edinburgh drive is tougher as a climb, as well as Suikerbossie.

[ThaStig]

My personal experience is that the front of the bunch splinters on the descent into Kalk bay, because some brave souls push hard when the marshals say slow-down. Then it's a hard chase to close the gap and then you pay for it on the last 500m of Smits. The loss of Boyes should not make a major difference except push up the stress levels as you will have more 'passengers" going into Kalk bay.

[Tiny K]

My personal experience is that the front of the bunch splinters on the descent into Kalk bay, because some brave souls push hard when the marshals say slow-down. Then it's a hard chase to close the gap and then you pay for it on the last 500m of Smits. The loss of Boyes should not make a major difference except push up the stress levels as you will have more 'passengers" going into Kalk bay.

 

That and the fact that there will be a bigger bunch going up Smits and possibly cause more stupid moves from guys trying to get more towards the front.

[Zac.A]

I don't think it really matters...

slows the group down a bit, but that's all.

 

I tried to break it up going up there but no-one followed, didn't impact the race much at all.

[Let's Ride]

It's a hazard. Going onto main road from Boyes is not cool. Very steep hill and loads of hooligans.

[ThaStig]

That and the fact that there will be a bigger bunch going up Smits and possibly cause more stupid moves from guys trying to get more towards the front.

Too true. This year was really hair-raising going up Smits in that massive B-group, I think I expended more nervous energy than energy-to-the-pedals and my nerves were shot at the top plus that case of sinus infection I had going on

[SeanMort]

I don't think it is much of an issue. I was also in B group this year on a tandem, but we didn't have an issue with Boye's drive, or any of the climbs really. I think the out-of-towners have more of an issue with it than the local riders.

[Lucky Luke.]

At least 1 and more likely 2 more years of Boyes so get used to it.

[DJR]

Too true. This year was really hair-raising going up Smits in that massive B-group, I think I expended more nervous energy than energy-to-the-pedals and my nerves were shot at the top plus that case of sinus infection I had going on

 

I'm much further back in the field, so have no idea what it is like, but I would have thought that the fast stretch after Smits would be scarier in a crazy bunch. What on earth do the racing snakes do going UP Smits that make it so dangerous? Please enlighten an old slow dude.

 

Btw, I like Boyes as part of the route.

[Lucky Luke.]

As to what they will do when the roadworks move past Boyes I have no idea. Bottom of Boyes might become T1 so maybe start thinking about where to put your swimming cap and goggles and which stroke is most comfortable whilst dragging your bike.

Edited May 11, 2012 by Lucky Luke.

['Dale]

The harder the route, the better the challenge.

 

Read my new signature quote.

 

[LeTurbo]

Is Boyes Drive an uphill?