Oxford-London overnight, 12-13 October 2012 (the dark one)

[rogerzilla]

The October ride is usually the best of the year, as it's dark all the way and funny stuff tends to happen with the students being back.  I have booked a bike space (I think) so I will be doing Smalldean Lane on the tourer.

Usual caveat applies; we won't be going if the weather is really awful (we've only ever cancelled one out of 13), so either book a cheap train ticket early or don't book at all if you only need to go from London-Oxford, which is dirt cheap anyway late on Friday night.

We start at midnight from Oxford station.  The route is mostly flat, punctuated by some very big hills (two of which are psychotic).

[Kim]

I'm in.  Worth it for the comedy drunks alone.

[Jurek]

I'm in.  Worth it for the comedy drunks alone.

Some of us are eagerly awaiting a detailed report of last night's one.
just sayin', like....

[Dibdib]

Them hills and I have unfinished business. If the forecast's dry, I'm a provisional yes.

In the meantime, I have some climbing training to do, and some weight to lose!

[rogerzilla]

Ha! That's the thing about these rides; at some point during the night I feel tired/cold/achy and wonder why I do them but, as soon as I get home, I want to do another one.  They make good memories.

[Fab Foodie]

In the meantime, I have some climbing training to do, and some weight to lose!

Me too, looks for diary ....

[Wonky]

Tentatively looking to do this one.

Must pull finger out and get the Dyno system bought/built.

[rogerzilla]

As an added incentive, there is usually an Uxbridge Road race at the end, provided something happens to kick it off...usually a RLJing local.

You may want a hot drink, in which case buy a £3 s/s thermos flask from Wilko and put it in a sock, then into the bottle cage (the sock stops it rattling and probably adds a bit of insulation).  If you take milk, make it with warm milk and pre-heat the flask.  If made at 9pm, it will still be too hot for swigging at 3.30am.

[Kim]

As an added incentive, there is usually an Uxbridge Road race at the end, provided something happens to kick it off...usually a RLJing local.

The traffic lights by Morrisons in Acton being green as we arrive counts as a start of race conditions, in the absence of anything else.  It's yet to actually happen, though.

[rogerzilla]

It's a fair way from there to the cafe, though.  Don't make Vicky Pendleton's mistake and go too early; you can't hold a sprint for a full mile.

[Sergeant Pluck]

Can I add myself as a probable for this one?

[Adam]

It's been a long while since I've done one of these.  Add me to the probable list please.

[marcusjb]

Tentative probably.

[Tigerrr]

I fancy this - have not ridden hardly since last year but enjoyed it very much so count me in.

[Ham]

One day I shall manage one, won't be certain until nearer the time but this one is looking a little unlikely. Still registering interest though.

[Pippa]

Hmmmmmm....am considering this, but it will obviously be weather dependent. If it is anything like the Brighton ride last Friday it will be fabulous. If it is anything like the Brighton ride a couple of years ago it will be grim. Adamski may come too, but if that's the case he says he will cycle to Oxford from East London rather than taking the train (audaxers eh....).

As for the flask of hot beverage, swap milk for rum in your coffee and add copious sugar and ta da!

[Kim]

It's looking like we're going to use up the bad weather on the FNRttC to Whitstable, so fingers crossed...

[Pippa]

It's looking like we're going to use up the bad weather on the FNRttC to Whitstable, so fingers crossed...

If you could that would be much appreciated 

[Dibdib]

I'm out, sorry.

[marcusjb]

It's looking like we're going to use up the bad weather on the FNRttC to Whitstable, so fingers crossed...

That's going a bit above and beyond the call of duty, but well done all the same, it is appreciated!

[Adam]

It's been a long while since I've done one of these.  Add me to the probable list please.

And it'll be a while longer, unfortunately.  Delete me from the probable list.

Sorry.

There's always next year.

[rogerzilla]

It does look as if the weather will be gruesome tomorrow night, and both the law of averages and my new moon theory say that the 12th will be fine.

Incidentally, we don't seem to get many FNRttC posts here now.  Are people still riding them, or are they oversubscribed?    They were good to read, even if logistics make them impossible for wezcountry folk.

[Kim]

Incidentally, we don't seem to get many FNRttC posts here now.  Are people still riding them, or are they oversubscribed?    They were good to read, even if logistics make them impossible for wezcountry folk.

There was a polite request by the organiser to keep the canonical discussion of upcoming rides in one place, so I (and presumably other regulars) have been avoiding starting threads about them.  Should probably make an effort with a ride report or two...

[Fab Foodie]

Unfortunately, I have an utter train-wreck of a week next week and will likely be slogging by car back from France.  I can't imagine being in any great mood or energy level to brave the wildlife .... so I'm likely out.

[Jaded]

I have a train-wreck of an anniversary tomorrow.