Five Hills Ride - Denmead (7th Dec)

[urban_biker]

This ride links back to a thread on the Audax and Cyclosportive board concerning the lack of rides out of Denmead this year.

http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=8944.0

Since LEE, Chillmoister, keeks and I will be riding this on the 7th and also Hummers and some of his mates will be joining us I thought it made sense to publicise it a bit more.

This is the planned route, nicely scenic but not beyond anyone who is used to riding a hilly 100k. The plan is to ride around together in a loose group, with the option of a pub stop or two.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Denmead-route-suggestion

Feel free to join us at the start either at my place in Denmead (PM me for details), or for bacon loading at Micks burger van on top of Portsdown hill almost opposite the Churchillian pub.

I will update this thread with times once I arrange them, but I'm aiming at 8:30 Denmead  meet-up and 9AM Portsdown Hill meet-up.

[LEE]

FYI.  The 06:45 from Waterloo gets you to Bedhampton (3 miles* from Portsdown start) at 08:29.

Not on that day it doesn't.  Sorry

*3 miles of gentle climb that is.

[scampi]

I can recommend the village shop at Graffham nr. Duncton - v.friendly & they do teas too.

[Sergeant Pluck]

I'm interested.

Is that Waterloo train the best option?

[urban_biker]

I'm interested.

Is that Waterloo train the best option?

I'm not an expert but I think all the fast direct trains to Portsmouth area leave from Waterloo.

Your best bet is to head for Havant station though - Bedhampton is hardly any closer and not all trains will stop there.

The ride up onto Portsdown hill from Havant station  is easy enough. I can add a bikely route for that if you need one.

[Sergeant Pluck]

I'm not seeing a 0645 from Waterloo to Bedhampton on a Sunday. The only ones reaching Bedhampton at a reasonable time depart at ungodly hours.

Havant: there is the 0525 from London Bridge that gets to Havant at 08:09. The next train that leaves at a civilised hour doesn't get there until 09:09.

Hopefully someone that knows how to work the train set will be along shortly.

[LEE]

Here's a fact about Havant*

They were going to use Havant as a location in the 1970's TV cop drama "Life on Mars" but they reckoned it looked "too 1960's"

*That I just made up.

[Hummers]

The next train that leaves at a civilised hour doesn't get there until 09:09.

We'll be there until 9:30 at least I would imagine.

H

[Sergeant Pluck]

Thanks Hummers. There's a train that leaves Victoria at 06:32 that reaches Havant (after a change in Brighton) at 09:09. How long would it take me to get to Denmead from Havant?

2383 m in 138 km is rather contourtastic.

[LEE]

Don't go to Denmead, we will meet on Portsdown hill just 15 mins out of Havant, and (if the burger van is there) be consuming a full-english in a bun from 9am.

Mick's Burger Van

Zoom out and you will see Havant 5.5km due East along Portsdown Hill rd (B2177).

Give or take a few turns near the station it's a pretty straight run from Havant to the meeting point.  There are 2 panoramic viewing places with car parks on the left, as you climb Portsdown hill,  we will be in the 2nd one.  If you see the Churchillian Pub on the right you have gone 50 yards too far.

[Sergeant Pluck]

full-english in a bun from 9am

I feel I could be close to making a commitment here. *slurp*

What are the ickle trains in that neck of the woods like for engineering works on Sundays?

[LEE]

full-english in a bun from 9am

I feel I could be close to making a commitment here. *slurp*

What are the ickle trains in that neck of the woods like for engineering works on Sundays?

I think it's the London to Portsmouth line (I'm not local) so it's not a backwater line.

Note.  I have no idea if Mick's Burger van is open at 9am on a Sunday in December.  Urban_biker to confirm with superior local knowledge.

[Hummers]

Note.  I have no idea if Mick's Burger van is open at 9am on a Sunday in December. 

It certainly is open at that time as I often call in as part of Jervis the dog's essential exercise regime.

In fact, I am not sure it closes.

Ever.

Note - Do not go for anything other than 'small' unless you are really hungry.

H

[Sergeant Pluck]

In fact, I am not sure it closes.

Ever.

I'll join you for this one then, all being well.

 

[Swarm_Catcher]

Hi urban_biker,

Would love to join you for this one - have pencilled it in my calendar.  Cheers.

Swarm_Catcher

[Hummers]

Excellent 

H

[urban_biker]

Hi urban_biker,

Would love to join you for this one - have pencilled it in my calendar.  Cheers.

Swarm_Catcher

Hi Els - Excellent. Give me a pm closer to the time and let me know if you plan to meet up in Denmead or on top of Portsdown hill and we'll make sure we hang around for you.

[MattH]

I'm very tempted to join you all; it's now in my calendar but I'll need to confirm closer to the date.

[urban_biker]

I'm very tempted to join you all; it's now in my calendar but I'll need to confirm closer to the date.

Excellent  - another victim participant. Let me know where you want to meet, Denmead or Portsdown and we will hang around for you.

[Hummers]

Are we regrouping at the finish control  Fox & Hounds, Denmead?

H

[urban_biker]

Are we regrouping at the finish control  Fox & Hounds, Denmead?

H

I think we should. 

[LEE]

Hummers, will you be illuminating your way with the Supernova E3?

There's a chance that we may be able to compare Solidlights, Supernova E3, IQ Fly and CYO side by side.

Anyone bringing any more Dynamo lights to the party?

[Hummers]

Hummers, will you be illuminating your way with the Supernova E3?

I will but to be honest, it seems to have become dim.

Either that or it's my eyes. 

H

[LEE]

Reviving this thread as ride is just over a week away.

Currently the following people will be starting the day at 9am with a "Gut Buster" from Mick's Burger Van on Portsdown Hill.

Urban_Biker (route finder General)
Keeks
Chillmoister
LEE
Hummers & Co (Who are "& Co"?)
Swarm_Catcher

MattH to confirm
Sgt Pluck to confirm

Any other takers for this?

[Sergeant Pluck]

Reviving this thread as ride is just over a week away.
Sgt Pluck to confirm

I have my train tickets and I'm still intending to go as long as the weather is bearable.