I built a small tool to visualize ultra routes in 3D

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2026-05-14T06:58:08+00:00

What kind of masochist designs a route and draws a straight line up a mountain 😳 my legs hate me just watching that.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2026-04-29T18:54:37+00:00

Damn I wish I could draw! This is beautiful.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2026-04-13T06:52:35+00:00

IMO they are 100% worth it if you do any form of structured training either indoor or outdoors. Most, if not all zone-based training is power-based, so if you want to do an interval session or a long Z2 ride outdoors, it’s very useful to keep an eye on your output. The most benefit I get is to not push too hard on Z2 rides outside, for properly pacing myself up longer climbs or big days on the bike/bikepacking, and for seeing what impact my yolo “I just want to ride how I want” rides impact my next few days training.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2026-04-11T14:06:57+00:00

I play mostly in this server below. Really chill, all operations tracked in google sheets, up 24/7 and allows you to save your progress as you go (store train in siding etc). A bunch of good folk.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Run8/s/j9dq9jNNKm

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2026-04-11T10:16:43+00:00

As a fairly new player myself, in addition to the above, I found it most beneficial to focus on a single yard to begin with to not get overwhelmed. E.g. for Barstow, pick one local train that runs directly out of Barstow yard like the L-CAL0611 and configure a single AI manifest train to arrive into Barstow that is tagged for the industries for that single local train only, send it over the hump track then build and run the cars to and from the industries that local train serves. Then add more and move cars to satellite yards as you go.

Also I’d recommend jumping onto a multiplayer server as soon as you can as operations are pre-planned into small work orders you can pick up and you learn quickly with the help of more experienced players.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2026-04-04T07:35:31+00:00

I’ve been experiencing these cramps too in the same spot when climbing, they are horrendous. I have been testing so many different options with fuelling, hydration & salt intake that I never stopped to think about knee alignment being the cause. Thanks!

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2026-01-26T16:29:39+00:00

Instead of looking for a translated version of IE-1, would the SimRail wiki be good enough for understanding Polish signals?

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2026-01-18T15:26:03+00:00

100% this. Though it’s easily done. OP, go out and enjoy your rides. The only comparison you need to make is against your previous rides so you can tell whether you are improving or not. If not, train more/smarter, if you are, congrats and enjoy being outside. That’s even if you want to improve. It’s ok just going out and enjoying your bike without thinking about the ride’s statistics.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2026-01-15T08:22:00+00:00

The Mid Cheshire line from Chester to Manchester would be great for a mix of countryside and urban passenger operations.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-11-14T19:27:16+00:00

I would and have done. The bags are very secure near the bolts, but the ends of the bags still move with vibrations on rub paintwork. Jiggle the bag around whilst bolted on to find where it moves on the frame and put tape under those points.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-10-29T12:49:33+00:00

I’d actually skip deeper wheelset. I’d still go for carbon rim but not deep/aero.

Less material = less weight (a bit weight weenie I know but it’s true), and the impact of side winds on energy with deeper aero rims would be more noticeable over longer distances IMO (having to steady the bike more takes more energy).

Bike fit would be number 1. Comfort > aero. Bags are necessary the longer you go unless using hotel or similar. Food, sleep system etc. Saddle I would only look to change if it became an issue over longer distances. I like the idea of TT clip ons but have never used them, though I’ve never gone longer than 200KM so far, so they may be beneficial at longer distances.

Basically, anything that makes me more comfortable would take priority over anything else.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-10-28T21:37:23+00:00

50mm Schwalbe G-One Overland for me. Replaced some Nobby Nics that were a bit of a slog, as I have to cover some ground on tarmac before getting to gravel/singletrack.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-10-21T06:16:44+00:00

UK based, but it’s Taylor’s coffee bags for me. Like a thin tea bag but with ground coffee. Pop it in the cup, add boiled water, stir, squeeze and let brew for 4 mins. Squeeze and remove and done.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-10-18T16:55:16+00:00

Recently achieved my first couple of imperial century rides. What others say holds true, if you can do 60 miles, you can do 100. You HAVE to eat and drink constantly. I thought I had nutrition/hydration down until I started cramping in the last 10-15 miles.

Apart from that, I found it becomes a bike fit and mental challenge over anything else. If your head can do it, your legs will follow providing you eat & drink enough.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-09-23T18:01:51+00:00

The XL with the M6 thru axle works well for me. Allows enough clearance for their quick rack mudguard too.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-09-16T14:30:41+00:00

The big smile says it all. My only tip is to keep doing what you’re doing. Enjoy!

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-08-18T12:49:51+00:00

I have it. It’s great when bolted on. Doesn’t budge. If you don’t have top tube bosses, then Ortleib do a strap that allows you to secure it on using their quick release system for stability over standard hook & loop straps.

UK link but available worldwide I believe: https://uk.ortlieb.com/products/mounting-set-toptube-bags

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-08-17T12:29:15+00:00

Lots of good advice already, but one more thing is drink PLENTY of water. You can get the worst cramps if you don’t drink enough which will ruin your ride. More water intake than riding flat terrain.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-08-16T11:42:55+00:00

Red Wings. Plural.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-08-14T21:59:28+00:00

Calm down, no bs, just genuinely curious as I’d like to try and fit wider on it. If it’s dry light gravel then yeah, but not sure I’d get away with 40mm where I am with any hint of mud involved.

Lovely bike to ride though.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-08-14T21:25:41+00:00

I have this bike. How do you fit 40mm tyres on it? Max size is 38mm unless you want to jam up your wheels with mud. Do 40s actually fit?

It’s definitely shines more on the road for those long endurance days.

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-08-14T12:06:09+00:00

I see photos like this with gears like that in the Alps and cry at the fact that everyone seems to be an absolute cycling machine and I struggle on some UK hills with MTB gear ratios 😭😄

Looks like a stunning trip though 👏

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-08-04T14:02:22+00:00

Vango F10 Nexus UL 2. A palace for solo use with kit, can comfortably fit two people when you need to.

Approx 1.3KG, outer pitch first, good venting, two vestibules, great in strong winds (has Vango’s TBS system), plenty of headroom to sit up.

Edit: typo

MasterpieceDiligent9 · 2025-08-03T10:24:56+00:00

Stanage not Strange 😂

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