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DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 08 Apr 2021, 10:47
by TwoobileeLine
Hey there,

I was wondering if anyone has any tips or route suggestions for a DLR Full Network challenge. Ideally I want to start at Stratford, as its my nearest DLR Station, but honestly I could start anywhere on the network in theory.

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 08 Apr 2021, 13:59
by xcooler123
With the DLR there are two main routes which can be run in either direction so there is quite a lot of flexibility. I will leave you to do the research on what they are (there is plenty of info on the forum) :D If you still aren't sure, look at the London Rail and Tube map (the one that has all the NR stuff on) and use Google Maps to its full advantages. That's basically how I came up with my first ever route and got under 2 hours.

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 08 Apr 2021, 15:34
by jamesthegill
The Archway doubleback definitely saves some time.

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 08 Apr 2021, 20:21
by trains 500
jamesthegill wrote: 08 Apr 2021, 15:34 The Archway doubleback definitely saves some time.
??

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 09 Apr 2021, 08:52
by TwoobileeLine
I assume they mean going up to Stratford International via the West Ham branch, then coming back down the line via the older Stratford branch, which would form a kind of Archway

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 12 Apr 2021, 15:46
by jamesthegill
Nah, I'm just taking the piss/referencing an old post

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 13 Apr 2021, 09:13
by Lunaticonthegrass
#jokesforoneperson

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 13 Apr 2021, 09:26
by tubeguru
Lunaticonthegrass wrote: 13 Apr 2021, 09:13 #jokesforoneperson
I commented in that thread, and even I can't remember it :)

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 25 Apr 2021, 09:55
by tintin
The social distancing one way system at Woolwich Arsenal means that any attempt done now is going to be slower than it should be, so the record isn't going to be broken any time soon. (Any route which isn't affected by that one way system is likely to be inefficient enough to not come close to the record too).

Having said that, it is a fun way to spend a couple of hours, and even if you can't do a record attempt you can learn about the best door positions etc.

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 29 Apr 2021, 00:18
by RJSRdg
Though presumably you wouldn't need to enter the one-way system to cross from one side of WA DLR to the other?

Given that last time I attempted the DLR Challenge (Tube Olympics 2016), Woolwich Arsenal NR caught fire and I ended up getting a very long-winded bus via Blackheath (and still got bronze!) I reckon I could beat my time from then.

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 14 May 2021, 21:31
by tintin
RJSRdg wrote: 29 Apr 2021, 00:18 Though presumably you wouldn't need to enter the one-way system to cross from one side of WA DLR to the other?
No... but these days you're better off staying on the same train if your route involves doubling back on yourself at WWA.

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 21 Jun 2021, 11:36
by TwoobileeLine
So the other day, I attempted this challenge and came back with an extremely lucky time of 1:51:57! My route did involve a double back at Woolwich, but I ended up staying on the same train as it was the fastest option.

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 21 Jun 2021, 14:16
by DavidC
That's a very impressive time! It would be good to hear some details about your approach if you're happy to share - thanks.

DavidC

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 21 Jun 2021, 19:08
by TwoobileeLine
Basically, the changeovers are absolutely key! I even got delayed at Canary Wharf, I couldn't get a through train up from Lewisham so I waited a minute there to grab a Stratford train, but I got super lucky at King George V getting the 474 bus over to Beckton, and even luckier when running over to Bank from Tower Gateway, I got some great openings and didn't get stuck behind anyone!

Re: DLR Challenge - Summer 2021

Posted: 22 Jun 2021, 09:23
by DavidC
Well done! With my level of fitness, I go for the lazy approach of bouncing back to Shadwell to cover the twin branches. I wouldn't fancy the run from TG to Bank then having to get all the way down into the station for the final stretch from Bank to Shadwell. I suppose catching a 15 in light traffic and nipping up Walbrook might be an outside option for me, but I'll probably stick to the bounceback!