The Gauntlet

That's me safe in the Hell of Ashdown, then - mind, my Ribble doesn't count as 'expensive'

Is that the VC Meudon monty dog?

If you're really serious about riding that thing, try L'eroica?

I used to turn out for some of our fast club rides on an old Gios Compact that weighed about 22lbs - ride was predominantly E, first and second cats and we'd go for a 90 mile thrash around the Surrey Hills. Always a degree of satisfaction getting to the top of those hills first.

The Dartmoor Classic is not for the feint hearted have done it three times...only once on a carbon. I am happy to give you a prize from the top shelf if you can beat me up any of the hills next year!! But I do like your bike...makes me think I could dust off my rusty Raleigh and try for a gold medal on that Note the big words with months to go...won't be so cocky the night before

plenty of power climbs on the Chiltern 100 - full of home counties carbon

yep Dartmoor Classic, easily the best ive done in the last two years (and better than the Dragon i reckon)...mind you the FoD spring classic was tougher, even though it's got less total meters in climbing the hills are unrelenting (all 18) and all short (ish) and steep-er.

Dunkery Dash audax could be a good 'warm-up'.

Dave - Dartmoor Classic highly recommended. Any plans for a mayhem timed sportive this year?

@ Dave - Innishowen, Causeway Challenge are two that spring to mind both over in Ireland. The causeway challenge has one climb that will make you weep!! At least I did!! Flat out in the Fens - yes it's flat but when the temp hits the 30's and you're trying to maintain a decent cadance and there's a brisk wind that always seems to be in your face, well 'nough said

What about cheap carbon bikes?

Nice that it has 700c wheels. Gives you so many more options, tyre choice etc...

Only other gotcha I can think of is the threaded headset. When I tried, most decent replacements (with cartridge bearings) had too big a stack height, which wouldn't leave enough steerer to thread onto at the top. We had to settle for a cheap replacement.

Lets say bikes under £1000 don't count as expensive.

Then, I don't need to be ashamed when you beat me up the easiest of climbs on every sportive.

Seriously, like Othello, I too would like to know your sportive calendar for next year. Wanna see what the strongman of road.cc is riding

I count the number of carbon bikes I pass on hills during sportives on my Brian Rourke steel frame and then see if I can pass the same amount on the descent as it just fires away downhill given its weight.

Ups and Downs.

Not much room for a motor in the bottom bracket dave Though like othello you'll probably drop me no matter where the retro kit will be a nice touch. Looking forward to following the restoration and bragging

Are those 700c wheels Dave? If they're 27", that would be the most awkward part of the restoration. Unless you plan to keep them.

I thought you were already leaving expensive bikes in you wake on our Genesis Equilibrium.

Can you pubish your calendar for 2012 please Dave, so I can avoid you at every opportunity

I know you would beat my lardy arse up a hill, even if you were on a Raleigh folding shopper!