Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Tomsk on 13 October, 2022, 10:30:07 am
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As already mentioned in MEMWNS, I've been contemplating starting regular weekend ACME Club Runs to combat CBA Syndrome/Winter Blues. Maybe just half-days, out somewhere for elevenses maybe but could just as easily be an all day ride. Definitely not an Audax o'clock start: 09:30/10:00? Central meeting point, Witham 'spoons possibly, or at least somewhere undercover while waiting for everyone to roll in ...
Every weekend, maybe except ACME Audax event Saturdays/weekends.
If anyone volunteers to lead and plot a route in advance that'd be great, but things could just as well be very informal: turn up and twist someone's arm to work out a route on the fly.
I've started a poll to canvas opinion re: day/time.
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This sounds like a jolly fine idea.
I might well attempt to join a few of these, possibly monthly, and electrified.
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This sounds like a jolly fine idea.
I might well attempt to join a few of these, possibly monthly, and electrified.
:thumbsup: Super!
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I’m provisionally interested though it would be an audax o’clock start if the rides start in Witham :)
Have registered my day/time preferences on the poll thread :thumbsup:
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Like this idea as it would encourage me out more at weekends. Not sure I would be able to keep up with you all though. What would be good if you published elevenses / lunch location and I could aim to meet up with you there.
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Like this idea as it would encourage me out more at weekends. Not sure I would be able to keep up with you all though. What would be good if you published elevenses / lunch location and I could aim to meet up with you there.
Ideally the elevenses venue should be published in advance. I'm still feeling my way with this, so we'll have to see how formal the planning goes. I think it's likely we'll be returning to the Battesford Court, but the Compasses is an option too. Some will of course head straight home at the end or maybe peel off early.
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If we can start this Saturday, I'll plan a route and a venue for elevenses. It will be wiggly, indirect and definitely not audax-y and may even involve a little bit of ruffstuff.
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I’ll aim for the following week. I need to be at home around midday this Saturday for my bike collection to become n-1.
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I'm a probable for Saturday am - but regarding pm, I can't find the details of the pubinar???
Any change it could have an update so it come to the top of a thread?
Cheers :thumbsup:
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:thumbsup: I will try to flip my weekend commitments so that I can ride on Saturday.
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I'm a probable for Saturday am - but regarding pm, I can't find the details of the pubinar???
Any change it could have an update so it come to the top of a thread?
Cheers :thumbsup:
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=123363.msg2732413#msg2732413 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=123363.msg2732413#msg2732413)
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Thanks JellyLegs - the Pubinar thread is fairly near the top in the PBP subsection of Audax.
To summarise: Meet from 18:00 on Saturday 22/10 at the Compasses, eat, drink, start at about 20:00. Mostly anciens et anciennes committed to attending. Not much response from newbies, but hey, it'll still be a fun evening!
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One day left for the poll. It looks likely to be a Saturday Morning ride, just edging out Sunday mornings - how about starting this week? I'll lead and already have a rough idea of venue and route: Andrewfield 'Millibar' via some lanes we don't usually see on audaxes. Roughly 20 miles each way, with the possibility of a more direct return if necessary. Those from further afield can do their own thing later of course.
Meet at the Battesford Court and leave at 09:30. I'll get there a bit earlier for breakfast.
Btw, Andrewsfield do breakfast until 12:00 and also have a small selection of cakes for elevenses. I did consider the Blue Egg, but it does get very busy. Andrewsfield was the top favourite destination for a family bike ride back in the day - Dan did once get the chance to sit in the cockpit of a little Cessna and we had an informal guided tour of the hangers as well. Another time a French club flew in and piled into taxis to take them to the White Hart (now gone), in Great Saling.
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Given there were many people who could make a Sunday, would it be possible to mix it up a bit? Maybe do a Sunday ride every 3 or 4 weeks, and see how it goes?
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Given there were many people who could make a Sunday, would it be possible to mix it up a bit? Maybe do a Sunday ride every 3 or 4 weeks, and see how it goes?
:thumbsup: I'd prefer it to be in addition to, rather than instead of, thus keeping a regular club run day/time. I voted for Sunday afternoons, which would suit me better - if I was free on a Sunday morning I'd probably opt to join the CTC Chelmsford ride. But we'll have to see how it goes and review from time to time.
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I’m in for this Saturday morning - though I’ll probably ride straight home from Andrewsfield rather than going back to Witham.
I’m also planning on attending the pubinar on Saturday evening :thumbsup:
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I’m in for this Saturday morning - though I’ll probably ride straight home from Andrewsfield rather than going back to Witham.
I’m also planning on attending the pubinar on Saturday evening :thumbsup:
:thumbsup: I've been in touch with the Millibar and will alert them as to start numbers tomorrow morning. It's not the kind of place that can cope with a sudden influx, unlike the Blue Egg, Thremhall and the like. We'll see how many we get tomorrow - I have a cunning plan for marshalling more than about 6 of us on the road.
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I'm not going to be able to make it but hope the inaugral ACME club run goes well! :thumbsup:
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I intend to be there. :)
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Thanks to Tomsk for organising and leading the first ACME Club Run this morning. Six of us set off, including Grey Sheep and BFC plus several others I suspect are of this parish but I didn’t get their names. The route was a pleasant, laney 60km loop in perfect autumnal weather out as far as the cafe at Andrewsfield airstrip for a coffee stop and then back via more lanes to ‘spoons at Witham. By the time I rode to the start and back as well, I had warmed up the legs with just shy of 115km so a good morning’s work.
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Thanks to Tomsk for organising and leading the first ACME Club Run this morning.
+1. Lovely route and great weather.
As planned, i sloped off home after the stop at Andrewsfield. 110km for me including the ride to the start and back home - my first ride of any length on an upright and fixed for a couple of years so I’m feeling it a bit now!
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Thanks everyone - I picked the right day indeed. So many other riders out and about too.
Next week Huggy + helpers, including myself, will be riding the 3Rs in preparation for the following week's start to the ACME Winter Series. We'll all be meeting up at the Battesford Court, so I hope to see some on the second club run there.
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Next week Huggy + helpers, including myself, will be riding the 3Rs in preparation for the following week's start to the ACME Winter Series. We'll all be meeting up at the Battesford Court, so I hope to see some on the second club run there.
If anyone in so inclined and wishes to validate the Essex 3Rs 100k it will be my first venture in to using e-brevet (https://eb.audax.uk/home) for a calendar ride, event brevet to download is 22-340
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Is anyone out on the club run this Saturday? (Bearing in mind several of us will be on Huggy's Helpers' Ride/route check of the 3Rs.) Otherwise Sunday morning might be an option?
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If anyone in so inclined and wishes to validate the Essex 3Rs 100k it will be my first venture in to using e-brevet (https://eb.audax.uk/home) for a calendar ride, event brevet to download is 22-304
I think you will find 22-340 will work better! I just had a quick go at downloading and it looks fine.
Reminder for ebrevet novices - check your password before you start, easily done via the "test credentials" option on the menu.
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If anyone in so inclined and wishes to validate the Essex 3Rs 100k it will be my first venture in to using e-brevet (https://eb.audax.uk/home) for a calendar ride, event brevet to download is 22-304
I think you will find 22-340 will work better! I just had a quick go at downloading and it looks fine.
Reminder for ebrevet novices - check your password before you start, easily done via the "test credentials" option on the menu.
Thanks for proof reading and finding the deliberate(!) typo, corrected in original post :thumbsup:
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I will aim to join you for breakfast and for the first part of the ride - I think this version goes to Abberton first which is a good jumping off point for me.
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Is anyone out on the club run this Saturday? (Bearing in mind several of us will be on Huggy's Helpers' Ride/route check of the 3Rs.) Otherwise Sunday morning might be an option?
I’m on dad duties this weekend so won’t be out on Saturday or Sunday unfortunately…
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Is anyone out on the club run this Saturday? (Bearing in mind several of us will be on Huggy's Helpers' Ride/route check of the 3Rs.) Otherwise Sunday morning might be an option?
I will be out as long as it’s not too wet. I will head for ‘spoons anyway and then route as appropriate from there. If no one else turns up for a club run then I am more than happy to loop back home again via a cafe or two.
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I will be out as long as it’s not too wet.
BBC Weather says it'll be dry, you'll be fine ;D
I'm heading down to the South Downs for some off-road hills. Making the most of the fair conditions.
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The 3Rs Helpers will be at the 'spoons from about 09:00, leaving around 10:00 probably. As Mr Shred has pointed out, we go via Abberton Reservoir; from there to Maldon, then down to Latchingdon before turning for home via Stock. Abberton cafe (Essex Wildlife Trust) would be the obvious destination for elevenses, otherwise maybe the Steam Pump Tea Room at the Museum of Power, Langford, The Lock (Wilkins) at Heybridge Basin or Maldon itself (too many options to list).
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I’ve used e brevet a few times - don’t mind giving it a go. I’d best enter too
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Is anyone out on the club run this Saturday? (Bearing in mind several of us will be on Huggy's Helpers' Ride/route check of the 3Rs.) Otherwise Sunday morning might be an option?
I’m up for a little spin tomorrow (Sunday) morning. I shall be on fixed so would like to avoid The Mighty North Hill. Is anyone else about?
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If anyone wants a morning ride on Saturday, and they aren't on the 3Rs 100km, they could join some of the helpers who will be going out for a short ride from just after 10:00. Somewhere near-ish for elevenses, then back for the arrivée at lunchtime onwards from about 13:00. Venue and route tbc, but maybe Abberton Reservoir cafe, using the 3Rs route or a circuitous way to Tiptree and a more direct return?
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We get home from hols late Friday evening,
I’ll be riding R&R on Saturday but will be arriving late as I’m faffing around first thing. I’m validating using E-Brevet do no need to hang around but I might see some of you as I try to catch up with the other riders.
If not see you at the finish.
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Anyone riding this Saturday?
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Would be tempted but as I have arranged to borrow a ladder from the neighbour to do my gutters I'd better make use of it.
(Anyone not fancying a ride and wanting to hold the bottom of the ladder let me know ;D ::-) but note I'm in Ipswich (http://fatcatipswich.co.uk/)
srsly, ladder will be braced against (i) fence, (ii) wall and (iii) cunning combi of rope tied to the lader and to a batten inside the window)
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Anyone riding this Saturday?
Planning to be
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We've been north three weeks ago, then the 3Rs territory x 2, so either west or easterly this time: off the top of my head, how about Brett's at White Roding as a destination for elevenses? I haven't been there for ages - they do good breakfasts, plus the usual selection of cakes etc.
If (north) east is best, then another place I've not visited in a long while is the Mill Race Garden centre at Aldham.
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I'm hoping to be there...
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I’ve had a flu lergy for the last few days so I’m not out this week :(
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9:30ish departure from 'spoons to get to elevenses?
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9:30ish departure from 'spoons to get to elevenses?
:thumbsup: Depending on which cafe we fancy, it's about 20 miles minimum each way to Brett's (more with variations out and back); Mill Race Garden Centre is much shorter, but more scope for 'Lupins' ::-) ...
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09:30 works for me (and the dog) :thumbsup:
9:30ish departure from 'spoons to get to elevenses?
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I want to be there, but I am still waiting on spare parts for the bike. Don’t ask, I am now on the third attempt at procuring some replacement spokes. Second failure wasn’t my fault, honest. I really should get the summer bike out and head over on that.
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9:30ish departure from 'spoons to get to elevenses?
:thumbsup: Depending on which cafe we fancy, it's about 20 miles minimum each way to Brett's (more with variations out and back); Mill Race Garden Centre is much shorter, but more scope for 'Lupins' ::-) ...
I did some plotting
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41419791
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41419842 A smidge over 20 miles going non-direct
Or happy to follow a wheel
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I was riding into witham blunts hall way as you lot were cycling out. Thought would be a good picture from helmet cam but annoyingly had set too high, also set too high to get decent footage of the stupid lady driver who had to abort an overtake and squeeze me
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I was riding into witham blunts hall way as you lot were cycling out. Thought would be a good picture from helmet cam but annoyingly had set too high, also set too high to get decent footage of the stupid lady driver who had to abort an overtake and squeeze me
Sorry I didn't spot you - next time? Myself, Huggy, Andy C33333, Carlosfandango and Grey Sheep headed out (WEST, I had to keep reminding myself) to Bretts at White Roding, where we enjoyed CAEK al-fresco (while fighting off whiteflies from the garden centre). It was busy with all sorts including several groups of cyclists, and with our special needs (caffeine-, gluten-free), confused the staff a tad. I may have been a bad influence, as we couldn't just ride past the Spiritual Home on the return trip, though some resisted temptation ...
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Ah you acknowledged me but obviously didn't realise who it was. It's definitely my intention to get along to some of the rides with you guys
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I was riding into witham blunts hall way as you lot were cycling out. Thought would be a good picture from helmet cam but annoyingly had set too high, also set too high to get decent footage of the stupid lady driver who had to abort an overtake and squeeze me
Sorry I didn't spot you - next time? Myself, Huggy, Andy C33333, Carlosfandango and Grey Sheep headed out (WEST, I had to keep reminding myself) to Bretts at White Roding, where we enjoyed CAEK al-fresco (while fighting off whiteflies from the garden centre). It was busy with all sorts including several groups of cyclists, and with our special needs (caffeine-, gluten-free), confused the staff a tad. I may have been a bad influence, as we couldn't just ride past the Spiritual Home on the return trip, though some resisted temptation ...
Cracking day for it, Jef and I hit the trails and I expected to be more muddy that it was, deer, sunshine, coffee, pastie and cake at Megarrys (Blackmore) then more off-road to a couple of pints at Chelmsford Brewery before heading home :thumbsup:
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I won't be out for this week's club run due to parent sitting duties, hopefully available next week and the SAE route check.
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This Saturday I'm riding up to Lowestoft (partly train assisted), for the Wavenet Wander on Sunday, so won't be out on the club run. Looks like it'll be the best day of the weekend.
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I'm gravelling to Maldon on Saturday via byways, bridleways and old railway lines. Dinner at spoons afternoon beer at Chelmsford Brewery... About 50km or so, if anyone fancies it let me know.
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Any takers for a club ride this Saturday?
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I will be aiming for ‘spoons at the usual launch time (hopefully I can avoid the clutches of the troll living under the bridge at Terling ford*). If there is a club ride to join then great, if not then I am equally happy heading off for a solo jaunt.
* some guy walking his ancient looking terrier who keeps trying to tell me all about this electric bike he wants to get and how he was super fit when he was young but could now do with a little assistance in his dotage. I don’t mind, but a) it’s the same story each week and b) I am not sure he is much older than me!
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Due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm wimping out of the club ride tomorrow morning.
Hopefully out on Wednesday and next Saturday....
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Ok, rather than tie myself to an early start and 20 miles each way to Witham and back to almost certainly be the only rider, I am going drop out too. That way I can leave myself more flexibility on departure time and route for my weekend ride.
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I'm gravelling to Maldon on Saturday via byways, bridleways and old railway lines. Dinner at spoons afternoon beer at Chelmsford Brewery... About 50km or so, if anyone fancies it let me know.
Weather is looking good for some lightly freeze-dried mud riding.
See you at 10!
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I will be aiming for ‘spoons at the usual launch time (hopefully I can avoid the clutches of the troll living under the bridge at Terling ford*). If there is a club ride to join then great, if not then I am equally happy heading off for a solo jaunt.
* some guy walking his ancient looking terrier who keeps trying to tell me all about this electric bike he wants to get and how he was super fit when he was young but could now do with a little assistance in his dotage. I don’t mind, but a) it’s the same story each week and b) I am not sure he is much older than me!
Was going to share thisnon a group I'm in which has several Terling folk in till realised the troll may actually be in the group
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I will be aiming for ‘spoons at the usual launch time (hopefully I can avoid the clutches of the troll living under the bridge at Terling ford*). If there is a club ride to join then great, if not then I am equally happy heading off for a solo jaunt.
* some guy walking his ancient looking terrier who keeps trying to tell me all about this electric bike he wants to get and how he was super fit when he was young but could now do with a little assistance in his dotage. I don’t mind, but a) it’s the same story each week and b) I am not sure he is much older than me!
Was going to share thisnon a group I'm in which has several Terling folk in till realised the troll may actually be in the group
Yes, probably best not to! He is harmless enough and friendly really so I definitely wouldn’t want to upset/offend, it’s just he always seems to be wading in the ford when I pass over the bridge and, boy, can he talk. I am usually already running late for ‘spoons as well.
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This Saturday is looking the most likely day weather-wise (subject to review ... ) for our Stansted Airport Express 100km Helpers' Ride. Leaving 09:30-ish from the 'Spoons.
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This Saturday is looking the most likely day weather-wise (subject to review ... ) for our Stansted Airport Express 100km Helpers' Ride. Leaving 09:30-ish from the 'Spoons.
:thumbsup:
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Depending on kids/real life I may join you for a bit and where the out and return leg are close. Got too much on unfortunately to be out for a big ride.....and haven't ridden anywhere near enough recently
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Depending on kids/real life I may join you for a bit and where the out and return leg are close. Got too much on unfortunately to be out for a big ride.....and haven't ridden anywhere near enough recently
:thumbsup: Be good to see you!
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Unfortunately too much real life is rearing its head so if I do get out will be heading maldon bound for Christmas presents that need shipping
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If you're not free all day to ride the Stansted Airport Express, some of us are rolling down to the Mighty Oak Brewery in Maldon for their Christmas Beer Tasting after the last riders leave at 10:00. Back to the 'spoons for lunch about 13:00 before the event arrivée.
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If you're not free all day to ride the Stansted Airport Express, some of us are rolling down to the Mighty Oak Brewery in Maldon for their Christmas Beer Tasting after the last riders leave at 10:00. Back to the 'spoons for lunch about 13:00 before the event arrivée.
Might aim for Maldon on Saturday subject to life etc...
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Maldon sounds good.
If I can't make that, I will aim for 'Spoons later to watch some real cyclists arriving.
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Is anyone actually riding the Stansted Express, or are you all just buggering off to Maldon?!
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Is anyone actually riding the Stansted Express, or are you all just buggering off to Maldon?!
Some of us rode the SAE route check last Saturday O:-)
Others are just buggering about pretending to be cyclists :P
I see there are >70 expected to be on the start line, a few are OTP
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Is anyone actually riding the Stansted Express, or are you all just buggering off to Maldon?!
I'm riding.
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I'm hoping to ride it...
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Having given up on one bike, pending new tyres I switched to a different one and promptly broke a crank and crashed. I have now swapped bits between the 2 bikes and now have something that works. I need to decide how comfy I will be on a bike. I was going to ECE but I think the max I can do is the 100k. I may just ride out and socialise.
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I'm looking to ride it too. Or at least I've entered, which is as far as I've got over the last year for any audax.
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Any thoughts for a club run this chilly weekend?
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Family get-together tomorrow, so I'm not riding. :(
We did some Christmas shopping at the Blue Egg yesterday - their heating was definitely turned down and we kept our big coats on for elevenses.
Cosy café recomendations?
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I'll be in Norfolk tomorrow.
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I am up in town for a festive beer or three and a catch-up with ex Uni friends so no club run for me this week.
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How about the Barn Cafe, Stanway?
I haven't been there, but I have heard good reports.
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Saturday morning is ok for me this week. I think it'll have to be a gritted route, so A/B roads mainly. Up to Finchinghfield or Bardfield would be a reasonable 40 mile route, with just the delights of Braintree to contend with. Otherwise, I see it's gritted almost all the way down to the end of Woodrolfe Quay at Tollesbury, so there's the Tollesbury Café there, as well as 'Tea By The Sea' in the old sail loft. Via Heybridge or Tiptree that's about a 30 mile round trip.
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Think I have too much to get through this weekend to spend even just a morning out on the bike :'(
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I need some fresh air and a stretch of the cycling muscles: at every opportunity I've been walking in the snow this week.
I'll head down to the 'spoons for breakfast anyway and then to Tollesbury.
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I could really do with burning of a few calories and reminding the legs how to move but it’s currently-8c and foggy outside my house. I will leave the decision til morning. If I head out, I will be the one wrapped up in every layer I own.
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I was the club run! Cold enough for beardy icicles on the pre-dawn ride into Witham for breakfast. A lovely dawn with hoar-frosted trees. Too early by 20 minutes for 'Tea by the Sea' at Woodrolfe Quay, so onwards to Tiptree Jam Factory cafe and a bit of Christmas shopping too.
Merino buff over ears and under my woolly hat, triple layers on arms and legs, with in addition a thin bodywarmer under the windproof. Ski mitts to start with, but crab-claws after elevenses and then shed a few other layers as it seemed just above freezing by then. Home for lunch, 60 miles exactly. Christmas decorations going up this afternoon.
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Chapeau Tomsk. I have to admit that when I pushed back the covers this morning and saw the minimum temperature overnight had dipped the wrong side of -10c, I realised I didn’t own enough winter cycling gear, wimped out and went back for another hour or two under the covers. I kind of regretted it when I did surface and saw the blue skies, and sun glinting off the snow but you were probably already breakfasting in ‘spoons by then.
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:thumbsup: On every little uphill, I could feel the ice thawing a bit on my chin, then re-freezing as I dipped into the next cold hollow. Weird sensation! As I de-frosted in the 'spoons I could finally tease the icicles out. After that it was quite a balmy day, but there was even a little bit of frost and ice down in the creek.
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The weather was odd last night. I had to drop Mrs JellyLegs to, and later collect from, her work’s Xmas bash in Dunmow. Leaden to Dunmow saw conditions go from a light haze to thick but short lived fog and back to a cloudless star filled sky with an associated 4-5c drop in temperature in the fog banks. And each of the 4 trips along the road found the fog in different spots.
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This Saturday, the morning is definitely the better section of the day according to the latest forecast. I may be out for a ride then ...
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Tomorrow's weather is looking a bit iffy, though very mild, but I will probably still ride over to Witham, in case anyone else is out.
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If there is a breakfast meet, I will also head over to Witham but there and back will do me :facepalm:
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If there is a breakfast meet, I will also head over to Witham but there and back will do me :facepalm:
I'll be at the 'spoons for breakfast and take it from there.
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I think I could make it for breakfast, the amount I ride might be determined by the weather!
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I have checked the forecast again. I will be staying in bed.
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Saturday morning forecast looks to be a wash out this week, Sunday morning instead??
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Good idea Batman.
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Saturday morning forecast looks to be a wash out this week, Sunday morning instead??
Actually yes to Sunday for me, as I can't make it tomorrow anyway - we're off to see my niece in London. Anyone like to step up and route us around 20 miles to their favourite café?
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Would something like this suit for Sunday? https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41728834
Going Northish to Gosfield Lake cafe or a couple of other possible options in Greenstead Green. Untried route and cafes, but Google says they are open.
Parts of the route are a bit urban and possible TT on busy bits, won't be offended if there are other suggestions!
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What time do you meet for these? I assume it's a spoons start? I'd like to come along. Weather permitting!
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Usually aim for 9:30ish departure from Witham ‘spoons after optional breakfast, get to a cafe for elevensies
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Huggy's route looks great to me - Greenstead Green café is good, but I haven't been to Gosfield Lake before, so that tempts me. (I'll probably peel off for home somewhere around Braintree.)
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I am still sore and crocked so will be resting up this week. If you take Huggy’s route out of Greenstead Green then watch the narrow bit by the river, I have been subjected to a couple of awful close passes on that 100m stretch recently. Probably pure coincidence but…worth mentioning.
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Change of plan if we're going North. The cafes at Gosfield Lake are closed, so suggest the Hyacinth Tea Room (https://goo.gl/maps/4eXTUUv5kUPaFrWM9) at Greenstead Green instead. Called them to confirm they are open, we can even book a table. If we know rough numbers I'll call back and reserve a table for about 11:30 tomorrow.
Revised route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41732722 - a lot less Braintree! Tomsk peel off could be to Bocking or carry on to Ranks Green.
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I’m planning on being out tomorrow - will probably peel off for home just after Greenstead Green.
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:thumbsup: Hyacinth Tea Room it is.
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I aim to be at spoons some time after 9. If I'm not there by half 9 and it's raining - I'll be in bed still :P
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We got the best of the day weatherwise: after a 'spoons breakfast, Despeuch, Huggy, Bobb, GavinC & I set out on Huggy's route to the Hyacinth Tea Room at Greenstead Green. Cool, bright and breezy, and a few 'incidents' along the way with silly thoughtless passes by motorists (following like sheep, blind corners, stuff approaching, the usual ... ::-)) and a confrontation with one on the wrong side of the road in Silver End. More than usual I think - perhaps there's been a new year amnesty and they've been released back into the community?
Taking the Nightingale Hall lane via the closed bridge gave the opportunity for almost Comedy Off-Road featuring mega-skog and the full theme-park of potholes/gravel/mud/horse poo. But it was a nice quiet, pretty route! After lovely cake for elevenses we split and split again to head for various homes. I saw the approaching black cloud in the south-west and reached Dunmow as it was starting to get heavy. I suspect others may not have been so lucky! 55 miles for me today.
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I wasn’t so lucky! The light showers turned into a deluge as I approached Thaxted- I ducked into the church porch to see if the rain would blow through but no such luck so the last few miles home were fairly miserable :(
But other than that it was a great ride :thumbsup: 75 miles for me today.
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Saw Tomsk climbing away from Dunmow about 7:40. We were driving to East London for a half marathon. It stayed dry for that but tipped down all the way home.
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It's silver end. Honestly I try and avoid it as it seems most the drivers hate cyclists. Got called a c#nt by one driver a few years back as he passed parked cars on his side of the road and once he had gone past got overtaken while still passing parked cars
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I should be able to ride this Saturday. ‘spoons for breakfast?
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I’m planning on riding the Kelvedon Oyster route check this weekend, not sure yet about meeting for breakfast before setting off. Sunday looks favourite for weather forecast.
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I'm planning to ride Tomsk's Dick Turpins Day Out 200 on Saturday because last Saturdays weather wasn't bad enough to put me off :facepalm:
Leaving Dunmow approx. 7am if any one fancies a slow 200 in the wind and rain....
Don't all rush :P
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I'm planning to ride Tomsk's Dick Turpins Day Out 200 on Saturday because last Saturdays weather wasn't bad enough to put me off :facepalm:
Leaving Dunmow approx. 7am if any one fancies a slow 200 in the wind and rain....
Don't all rush :P
I'm so tempted ;D But then people might think I'm an audaxer :facepalm:
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I'll be getting my PBP entry in on Saturday morning ... so I won't be out! If I can out on Friday, work permitting, then that'll be the best day for me, though Sunday afternoon is possible too.
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I'll be getting my PBP entry in on Saturday morning ... so I won't be out! If I can out on Friday, work permitting, then that'll be the best day for me, though Sunday afternoon is possible too.
Me too...
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Knights Templar helpers' ride this Saturday from the 'spoons, may see others there for a club ride?
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In my continued attempt to avoid my family... Sorry I mean get to 100 points, I am riding Tomsk's Boudiccas Revenge 200 on Saturday
Leaving Gt Dunmow at about 7 or just before for a steady paced ride.
Again, don't all rush ;D
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In my continued attempt to avoid my family... Sorry I mean get to 100 points, I am riding Tomsk's Boudiccas Revenge 200 on Saturday
Leaving Gt Dunmow at about 7 or just before for a steady paced ride.
Again, don't all rush ;D
Disappearing up North for an inaugural Parkrun (and a Y), otherwise I would have joined you. I might do a 200 perm on Sunday.
My mojo is returning slowly. I need to get my fitness back up for the Summer.
Is anyone starting an Arrow thread. I know we had some early discussions.
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Disappearing up North for an inaugural Parkrun (and a Y), otherwise I would have joined you.
Off topic: There's another Y parkrun beyond York? Where's this?! When we went to York it was parkswim....
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Disappearing up North for an inaugural Parkrun (and a Y), otherwise I would have joined you.
Off topic: There's another Y parkrun beyond York? Where's this?! When we went to York it was parkswim....
You have a WhatsApp message.
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Is anyone starting an Arrow thread. I know we had some early discussions.
Thread started over in Audax.
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Tomsk you cycled past me (was running) not far from dancing dicks farm
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Tomsk you cycled past me (was running) not far from dancing dicks farm
I did think was that you?! But no bike, surely not!
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As the weather is in a settled pattern at the moment, I'm going to head off this weekend and go round the three Tourdax 100km routes. I'll start off from the 'spoons on Saturday morning. My route goes via White Notley, a bit of COR (Pole & Dagnets Lanes), Willows Green, Gt Saling, Bardfield and Finchingfield. Café opportunities aplenty out that way if the club run was minded to join me. I'll be slow though, maybe with camping gear - depends if I can get a cheap Premier Inn room in St Neots and Letchworth. (As an alternative I've found a reasonably priced farm campsite that's open all year round, near Gamlingay, to use as a base.)
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As the weather is in a settled pattern at the moment, I'm going to head off this weekend and go round the three Tourdax 100km routes. I'll start off from the 'spoons on Saturday morning. My route goes via White Notley, a bit of COR (Pole & Dagnets Lanes), Willows Green, Gt Saling, Bardfield and Finchingfield. Café opportunities aplenty out that way if the club run was minded to join me. I'll be slow though, maybe with camping gear - depends if I can get a cheap Premier Inn room in St Neots and Letchworth. (As an alternative I've found a reasonably priced farm campsite that's open all year round, near Gamlingay, to use as a base.)
Tomsk, what time you getting to 'spoons?
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Tomsk, what time you getting to 'spoons?
Aiming to start after breakfast at 'Club Run' time of 09:30, so probably around 8:45 - 09:00
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Tomsk, what time you getting to 'spoons?
Aiming to start after breakfast at 'Club Run' time of 09:30, so probably around 8:45 - 09:00
Okay, I will aim to meet you there for breakfast although I’m conscious that I’m developing a habit of saying I’m going cycling then not >:(
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We're away for a couple of days so won't be awheel Saturday morning.
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I am heading to Birmingham for the AGM of a well known cycling association but hope to be awheel more often from now.
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A 200km run yesterday.
I rode Tomsk's Horses for Courses 200km perm while Tom, Mick, Richard and Ian rode the Horse Power Route check / helpers ride.
Meeting just before 8 we set off towards Lavenham with Tom on the front. A quiet first 50km. The weather wasn't great, a lot wetter than expected and enough to wind to make me glad that Tom was on the front.
A quick coffee and cake stop at Chilli and Chives ( I can recommend the coffee cake ;D)
Then onto Snetterton, the wind didn't let up and it didn't get warmer but it did at least dry up.
We rolled into Tyrells just after 1. A pleasant stop ( Jacket Potato and Chilli in case you're interested). As we sat and eat the sky cleared and everything lightened up and looked much nicer outside... until we were ready to leave and it went dull and grey again :facepalm:
A longish stint to to Haverhill with a kinder wind went quickly and we were soon in Spoons.. Apple Crumble all round :thumbsup:
Much nicer than sheltering outside the BP last year in the rain.
All too soon we were leaving the warmth of the pub for the final stint to Dunmow. By this stage the week had caught up with me and it was all I could do to hang onto the back of the group. I was so glad when we rolled into the Angle & Harp car park shortly after 7.
A good meal and a drink and I was almost ready to ride the 1km back to the Rec car park. Fair play to Peter, Ian and Mick who had rode to the start and now had to ride home.
Thank for the company gents.
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A longish stint to to Haverhill with a kinder wind went quickly and we were soon in Spoons.. Apple Crumble all round :thumbsup:.
Newmarket?
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A longish stint to to Haverhill with a kinder wind went quickly and we were soon in Spoons.. Apple Crumble all round :thumbsup:.
Newmarket?
Yep :facepalm: lol
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Check the forecast for next weekend and think yourself lucky :o
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Check the forecast for next weekend and think yourself lucky :o
Winter's not done with us yet - not an unusual scenario for the helpers vs the main event ...
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Check the forecast for next weekend and think yourself lucky :o
I did... I'm riding The Dean next weekend :facepalm:
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For me, Saturdays are all spoken for this month, but on Sunday 16/04 I'm thinking of checking the 100km Woodman route starting from 'Paradise', at 09:00 maybe?
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For me, Saturdays are all spoken for this month, but on Sunday 16/04 I'm thinking of checking the 100km Woodman route starting from 'Paradise', at 09:00 maybe?
My dislike of s**te weather this year means I can't give a reliable answer but if I say I will do my best to come it often helps so, I will do my utmost to be along for this next Sunday! My training for Hyrox take 2 is going well and I need to start moving towards the bike with some mountains incoming in May and June. I managed the Leith Hill Octopus on a cold and very wet day, not sure the bike has fully recovered from that though :-)
Out of interest, would this one be rideable on the Fixed? ie. Are the bridleways horrid or quite passable?
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Out of interest, would this one be rideable on the Fixed? ie. Are the bridleways horrid or quite passable?
I'm intending riding fixed as on other occasions - the Matching farm track is fine, but the Paslow Hall bridleway is a rough old tarmac/concrete farm road, which may have some grot and gravel on the surface in places. The farmyard/stableyard itself is a fairly short bit to walk if necessary.
It's the Flitch Way, Stort towpath and Hatfield Forest sections on the 50km that will need off-road tyres if it's at all soft going, but I'll be checking those nearer the event.
By the way, I will need to pop into the Shed in Sawbo to give them a heads-up, not that they'll be swamped as entries are lower than last year so far. I was thinking of trying the Ingatestone Saddlery Centre café (actually a little off the route at Margaretting) for lunch. There's much less choice on a Sunday around the half-way point. Plenty of pubs of course but many will be roast dinners only/booking needed.
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:thumbsup:
I shall aim to be at Paradise Cafe, fed and watered for a 9am depart on Sunday.
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Next Sunday afternoon (23rd April), I'm aiming to take a ride up to the 'Crank-up' at Carver Barracks: organised by the East Anglian Traction Engine Society - agricultural and showman's engines, also vintage vehicles of all kinds, funfair etc. Admission £7.00, bar, food stalls etc.
https://swcrankup.co.uk/about-us/
The following Sunday (30th) there's the Great Dunmow Soapbox Race: https://www.greatdunmowsoapboxrace.co.uk/event-information
Lots going on!
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Meet up and ride to North Hill for the 2 x QOM climbs at the end of stage #2 (Maldon-Maldon) of the Ride London Classique. I'm suggesting Pear Tree Pantry, which is about 5 miles from TMNH, so meet at 11:00 then head over in a leisurely fashion via a convenient route, depending when we leave, and ascend to a convenient spectating point. Maybe shoot over to Maldon for the finish on the High Street after the second pass? First pass expected 12:55-13:07, second 13:25-13:41, finish 14:15-14-36.
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Since Grey Sheep has offered, we'll all descend on Café Ramblers for elevenses then! Soupy and I will ride over fairly directly via something like Pleshey, Little Waltham, Boreham.
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We shall be newly back in Blighty and travelling from Newcastle so will have to pass on this experience
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Despeuch and I joined the Chelmsford CTC run to Heybridge Basin today. It's been a while, a year maybe more since I've been out with them - lots of new faces. The pace was a little slower than my normal Audax speed, but very sociable (and with a longer café stop). Riding in from home to the Civic Centre corner by the bus station and later peeling off at Boreham, I still clocked up 63 miles.
I commend this to the house.
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Intending to join the Chelmsford CTC run this coming Sunday morning - destination Blake End for elevenses.