FNRTTC

[Arthur]

And now, in addition to the wind, it appears that we may have to contend with the Euro-pong tonight. 

[Notsototalnewbie]

Thank you all 

Tyres inspected, deflated to get one stubborn little bugger bit of grit out, and reinflated to maximum PSI. Chain wiped and oiled.

I will be the tallish woman on the gunmetal grey Spesh Globe (hub gears) with the pink bottle cage.

Think I will have to stick with my specs as the wind dries out my contacts and I've not yet got myself into gear to get any clear cycling glasses. Plus I may fall asleep on the way home and the contacts do not like that 

Will a longsleeved baselayer, merino Ground Effect popsicle jersey and windproof/showerproof shell be enough on the top half do you think? Along with a buff and gloves of course.

[nuttycyclist]

On my top half I'll only have a base layer, fleece and windproof.  (Although I don't tend to get too cold).

I *might* chuck another top in the pannier if I think about it.  But for me the warm gloves are critical.  LONG FINGERED gloves.

[nuttycyclist]

Right - I'd better turn this machine off and go home.

[Julian]

I want to but I'm waiting for a report to come through that I absolutely have to have for Monday.

*drums fingers impatiently*

[delthebike]

Will a longsleeved baselayer, merino Ground Effect popsicle jersey and windproof/showerproof shell be enough on the top half do you think? Along with a buff and gloves of course.

That's a tough call to make and one which only you can answer.
As for me, two long sleeve  base layers, short sleeve jersey, windproof jacket. Mitts to start with but have long finger gloves. Buff if needed. A hat is RECOMMENDED!
Spare base, fleece layer, socks and mitts. The joys of Carradice Super C saddle bags. 

[Notsototalnewbie]

Decisions, decisions.

The Popsicle is very warm and has a fleece windproof front. I will stick a spare top in my rack bag. I'm sure fighting a headwind will greatly assist my general warmth.

Oh yes I'm sticking with long fingered gloves and silk liner gloves, my hands get cold.

I don't have a hat that fits under the helmet but I might make my buff into a beanie type thing. And bring another buff for my neck. My ears being covered is the main thing.

[nutkin]

NSTN you should have a great time!

I did two of these rides (though to Brighton) last year and despite being right at the back everyone was very friendly and encouraging.

Wish I was in London to join you all tonight!

[Notsototalnewbie]

Ta Nutkin. I'm getting quite excited now!

[TimO]

I'm just planning on wearing a long armed T-shirt, probably with a thin rugby shirt type thing, and a thin fleece, slightly warmer than my normal commuting wear.  I'll carry a spare fleece top, and my Goretex for rain.  I'll probably just wear mitts.  People hate me when it's cold, I just seem to run naturally hot.

Having said that, I'll also carry an emergency backup pair of gloves, overshoes, ear warmer thing, and cap.

[Dave]

Reading the same thread, with almost the same posters, in two places at once is getting confusing...

Anyway. To summarise - chocolate good

I'll be at HPC sometime just after 11, I reckon (the train from Luton gets in about 11ish).

Is the meeting place the horrible arch thing with the horse and cart on it?

Oh, and you'll have yet another reason for ignoring me, 'cos I've just discovered that the Halford's Race Blade knock-offs I bought don't fit my Roubaix...

[TimO]

Is the meeting place the horrible arch thing with the horse and cart on it?

I'm assuming somewhere in the middle of the cycle path bit through the middle of Hyde Park corner itself.

If not, someone tell me, otherwise I'm going to be very lonely!

[Dave]

I have got to stop refreshing Metcheck.

The weather will be what the weather will be.

[Wendy]

I'm out, too tired from a hard week of teaching.  Too wimpy more likely, compared with you hard tough people.

[nuttycyclist]

Is the meeting place the horrible arch thing with the horse and cart on it?

I'm assuming somewhere in the middle of the cycle path bit through the middle of Hyde Park corner itself.

If not, someone tell me, otherwise I'm going to be very lonely!

That's it

Just preparing my drinks.

Water bottles stink plasticky, so do I fill them with water, the energy drink that went out of date 14 months ago, or just take the hip flask?

[nuttycyclist]

Reading the same thread, with almost the same posters, in two places at once is getting confusing...

...

I wish it was all in one place, but I can't get there    Never mind, that's all ancient history    (Just packed my ACF cycling cap - only one I own)

[TimO]

Just packed my ACF cycling cap - only one I own

Likewise, although the only one I own is my DoubleStar Mission cap, at least that's appropriate for a rocket scientist!

[annie]

Heard from Oscar's Dad who was on the train guiding the drunks into the toilet, normally my job.  I am a little worried about his safety pins and undies but he assures me it will all be fine.

Have a super time folks.

[Notsototalnewbie]

I am having a coffee.

Hope to meet you some other time when you are feeling better, Annie 

[Andrij]

Bike fettled.  Even managed to sleep for around an hour.

Now off to Fenchurch Street Station to play escort for del & co.  Please note: I may be easy, but I ain't cheap. 

[TimO]

Dressed, and packed.  Everything found which I'm likely to need.  To much in the way of tools, dry clothes, and munchies!  I've never learnt to pack light!

Off in 20mins or so, I should get to HPC by 2345 no problem, I'll be the one who looks like a Christmas Tree with all the lights!

[Adrian]

Very jealous to be missing this. Looking forward to the reports later

[annie]

Received word from Oscar's Dad at 02.42 to say they were waiting for the trailer to cross Dartford and another message at 06.53 to say they had all arrived safely.

Message from Andrij also to say all 35 had arrived safe and well.

Am I the only one who felt like a parent waiting for the kids to arrive home safely?  I can now sleep drink lots of coffee to stay away.

Well done to all of you.

[FatBloke]

Was going to join them for breakfast but have instead been roped into packing rucksack etc for my daughter who is off on a Duke of Edinburgh Award practice weekend in a few minutes! 

[Hummers]

Was going to join them for breakfast but have instead been roped into packing rucksack etc for my daughter who is off on a Duke of Edinburgh Award practice weekend in a few minutes! 

Packing her rucsack?

She's going to have to start doing that sort of thing for herself, you know.

Honestly, the yoof of today.

H