Paris-Roubaix Challenge - cobbled roads in the UK?

When I say gravel I mean stuff thats 3 or 4 inches across and hard packed. If I can I'll find some grid refs.

*coff*
http://road.cc/content/feature/34113-good-vibrations-ronde-de-vlaanderen...

I can't think of anywhere that would accurately replicate the EVIL CHUNKS OV STONEY DETH that cover the P-R route, although a turn around the cathedral close in Exeter would be pretty close. Not in your patch though and the tourists might comment. You might like to try some rough off-road bridleways, that might be reasonably close.

David, it's not in any way cobbled but there's a perimeter road around much of the Salisbury Plain military area. It goes on for miles and miles and it's rough. It's good training for cobbles. Just make sure the red flag isn't flying or you might cop a stray bullet.

have you read the cycling inquisition blog post about riding the cobbles. funny stuff.

http://www.cyclinginquisition.com/2010/04/paris-roubaix-race-ride-and-er...

I doubt there are many worthwhile cobbled sections of roads left. Why not bring the bike across the river. Many of the graveled tracks in the Forest of Dean have got large stones as a base. As the gravel has worn away over the years you can find long stretches of solid but rough rock. Riding them is definitly an aquired taste and skill on a road/cx bike.

Shame you didn't live up where I am, there's a few unclassified roads I get to use that the surface is totally beat up. I get to cover climbs, flats and decents on these, getting a bit hairy in places and still no signs of resurfacing, but sure sorts out the arms

Just thinking... if you can identify any old tracks leading to farms near you that haven't had a fresh coat of tarmac in decades, that might help you. Likely to be nice and quiet too.

Try any of the inner city roads in England, there are so many pot holes it feels like cobbles.

Only joking, there's none i'm aware of in the North East but if you've got a mountain bike some of the forest trails are good to try in the winter as they get quite rutted. Whatever you try good luck with the race !

Long Drove just of the A39 near glastonbury isn't cobbles as such but is very beaten up tarmac and benefits from very little traffic. one of my favorites in the winter (gets muddy too).

Not near you, but incorporating the cobbled Rotherhithe High Street into my daily commute back when I worked in London did wonders for my balance as well as keeping my arms nice and toned

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!