Comments on: “The PRL Full” Route Details (London)

By: Johnnie Waffles

Johnnie Waffles — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:08:59 +0000

Finally got around to completing the PRL Full two days ago after having done the Half one evening last summer. After both researching the route and reading the comments here, I took the approach of keeping a conservative pace and dismounting every couple of laps to stretch the legs out, refuel, refill water bottles, etc. since this is a 107-mile route. For the first four laps, I felt strong, improving my time up Box Hill and completing the loop. But things became a grind from laps 5-10, despite taking the breaks every 2 laps. There came a point around lap 7 where I didn’t even want to get back on the bike. But soldier on I did, and ironically caught a second wind at the start of Lap 11 to the end of the route, completing it in 7 hours, 30 minutes.

Nutrition: food bursting with carbs: notably Pop Tarts, CLIF bars, PB on multigrain, and water, water, water.

Entertainment: Spotify playlists and binge-watching season 1 of Abbott Elementary…made the time pass more quickly.

I can’t say I’m in a rush to do this one again anytime soon, but would consider redoing the Half.

By: Cody

Cody — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 22:06:58 +0000

Finished the route today during the ZI Epic Ride event. Went with the Scott Addict RC + ENVE 7.8 and have no regrets. Lots of people on Tron bikes, I think it’s probably a wash between the two. Finished just under 6 hours at 5:58. Unfortunately there weren’t a lot of people in the event, but I was able to ride with a group of 7-8 for the first several laps that slowly dwindled down to 3 of us for the last 3 laps or so. As others have said, it may not be a bad idea to do this route on a day when London is available and there are more riders around, but it’s super nice having some riding buddies with you the whole time. I shamelessly used as many coffee stops as I could. I just wanted the route badge, wasn’t really concerned with how I achieved it. Fueled with my homemade high-carb drink mix and a few snacks here and there that came out to 87g carbs/hour. Legs were pretty decent. Biggest issue was definitely the nether region. My setup is comfy but nothing is comfy about sitting on a trainer (and no rocker plate) for six hours. Really glad to have this done and have no plans of ever doing it again!

By: Cody

Cody — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:33:09 +0000

Planning on riding this tomorrow for the Zwift Insider Epic Ride at 7:30am CST. Any suggestions for bike choice? I’m planning on using the go-to all-around setup with the Scott Addict RC and ENVE 7.8 unless someone has insight on a better option.

By: Harry Legs

Harry Legs — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 10:47:50 +0000

In reply to AndyW.

This is good advice in general…

As a potential counterpoint for the PRL Full specifically, though

I do this about once a summer and frequently the big ride ends up with a lot of people just doing a lap or a couple of laps or something and then leaving. I’m not sure why, although it sure seems like a couple of people like to push hard for a KOM or something against a group pacing themselves or maybe they just join from the screen on a whim before the reality hits, but of course with these distances/times you’re always going to have some people that have to drop out as life gets in the way. Not that I mind terribly, of course — it’s still more entertaining than staring at a wall.

So…

My advice instead if you want to have people to chase and talk to is to do it on a ‘London’ day ideally with some buddies and to -not- do it in an event that’s set not to show other riders. The route is busy enough on London days and actually having some variety in the people coming and going on the shorter rides is sort of constantly refreshing.

By: Luke

Luke — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 10:28:49 +0000

In reply to AndyW. Thanks Andy, I will look out for one!

By: AndyW

AndyW — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 22:20:18 +0000

In reply to Luke. Best advise is: look for a big social/group ride, makes it easier.

By: Luke

Luke — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 21:58:48 +0000

In reply to E C. Congratulations on finishing E C. I’m trying to find the courage to give it a go, and you’ve given me some inspiration.

By: Arlyne

Arlyne — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 14:08:54 +0000

In reply to Terry.

By: E C

E C — Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:33:18 +0000

Yesterday’s elevation was 2621 meters, which is pretty close to Zwift’s official 2625.

I aimed for seven hours, and was a bit ahead of schedule for the first seven laps (for the first five laps, each lap was a new PR), but then it got a bit much, so I had three bad laps before a relatively strong finish. Pleased with 7:07, and it’s gonna be awhile until I do that again.

By: Roman

Roman — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:14:35 +0000

In reply to Roman.

Oh, I forgot about the two “medium” routes:
The Pretzel – 2:24
Big Foot Hills (Z2) – 2:01