Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: nuttycyclist on 18 April, 2008, 11:28:15 am
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So, who's going on SimonLx's FNRTTC tonight?
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In this weather?? :o
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nope. Was hoping to but mrs mike has asked some friends round for dinner.
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I'm going.
Onna tandem with a stunningly beautiful and gorgeous stoker :)
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I'm almost tempted, seeing as it's meant to be p1$$ing down all day tomorrow so I probably won't be teaching. Do I risk it?? Hmmmmm....
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You know you want to.
You owe it to yourself :D
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/vicechair/Badideasbears.jpg)
[/Bad Ideas Bears]
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I'm going.
Onna tandem with a stunningly beautiful and gorgeous stoker :)
:-*
In line with my policy of succumbing to flattery, I shall stop moaning about the weather.
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I'm going.
Onna tandem with a stunningly beautiful and gorgeous stoker :)
See you both there then ;D
(I'm bringing the proper bike though. Frankenfixie was a slog into the headwind to work this morning)
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Me :D
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I'm not on this ride.
No FNRs....
...yet.
Patience.
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Have you seen the 20mph headwind forecast though? LOLOL if you're onna tandem or a recumbent. Not otherwise.
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Me an' Vern should be there, we will be performing the traditional bringing up of the rear role and trying not to bore the pants off the TEC.
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:thumbsup:
Just a bit of wind and light rain to wade through. What worries me more is the train journey to Fenchurch St. I do have company from FSt. to HPC though so my first cycle ride in jolly old London, since '93 anyway, won't be totally blind.
It'll be a doddle</famous last words>
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Me!
Though in light of the forecast (and the fact I've done no pre-travel prep for my flight Sunday) I shall not be cycling back to London.
It appears there will be some competition when it comes to bringing up the rear. Maybe a prize should be offered.
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I'm almost tempted, seeing as it's meant to be p1$$ing down all day tomorrow so I probably won't be teaching. Do I risk it?? Hmmmmm....
If you do want to go, I understand you have to register with SimonL3 beforehand. Either PM at the other place or snarf his email from the Cheam and Morden CTC website. Details needed, I think, are Real Name, mobile, next of kin, CTC number if you have one. This is so he can add you to The List and find you when you get lost in the Wilds of Essex.
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Me too.
Well, I've registered with SL3. But. But, but, but... The weather :(
And my performance-enhancing drugs won't have arrived :'(
If I do go, it will be the first time I'll have met any (Y)ACFers, which I think will be an odd experience, knowing so much about you already...
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I think Stefan may be up for this as well. (from a (mis)remembered chat last club night)
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I have just come home from work on the Honda, and can confirm that out there it is windy, windy, windy.
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I think Stefan may be up for this as well. (from a (mis)remembered chat last club night)
Stefan is certifiable so I'm sure he'll be there! ;)
I may join you all for breakfast.
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Right.
Thatsh the carbo loading completed (Ta FB) although in view of Hummers's's thread elsewhere in here I didn't tuck the third pint in.
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:thumbsup:
Just a bit of wind and light rain to wade through. What worries me more is the train journey to Fenchurch St. I do have company from FSt. to HPC though so my first cycle ride in jolly old London, since '93 anyway, won't be totally blind.
It'll be a doddle</famous last words>
Want babysitting on the train? What's the train time and I'll meet you on it.
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I'll be there...first ride over 40 miles on fixed, so I'll also probably be in the running for Lanterne Rouge. :-\
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Want babysitting on the train? What's the train time and I'll meet you on it.
Aha! Safety in numbers, I wouldn't say no. Thanks Nutty!
Train from WoS 2153 arrives Fen 2305.
Edit: I have still got your mobo # from the SEG75. I can txt you when I'm at the station at the same time I txt my London Escort Service.
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Want babysitting on the train? What's the train time and I'll meet you on it.
Aha! Safety in numbers, I wouldn't say no. Thanks Nutty!
Train from WoS 2153 arrives Fen 2305.
Edit: I have still got your mobo # from the SEG75. I can txt you when I'm at the station at the same time I txt my London Escort Service.
That's a slow train that goes round the long way. I don't want to sit on the train for over an hour.
Can you get on the next one? Arrives Fenchurch Street at 23:13. TFL journey planner for cycling says it's a 28 minute cycle ride, and I can sit on the train for less time.
edit: Having looked at the route, that's probably the long way. I'd usually just ride straight down the embankment, up to Nelson's Column, down to Liz's house then to the big roundabout with the usual fight through all the traffic trying to access the inaccessible cycle path in the middle.
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Want babysitting on the train? What's the train time and I'll meet you on it.
Aha! Safety in numbers, I wouldn't say no. Thanks Nutty!
Train from WoS 2153 arrives Fen 2305.
Edit: I have still got your mobo # from the SEG75. I can txt you when I'm at the station at the same time I txt my London Escort Service.
That's a slow train that goes round the long way. I don't want to sit on the train for over an hour.
Can you get on the next one? Arrives Fenchurch Street at 23:13. TFL journey planner for cycling says it's a 28 minute cycle ride, and I can sit on the train for less time.
OK! 2217 from WoS it is.
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We want full ride reports please. :)
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We want full ride reports please. :)
Gladly since it will be my first train ride in 20 years. ;D
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You have pm Del (but you've probably already seen it)
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I really, really wanted to do this. I took today off work so I could have a long lie in in preparation (and do some baking).
But the headwind worries me, I don't want to be only one miles behind holding everyone up and it will be the longest ride I've done so far.
I've baked the brownies and everything!
Don't know what to do.
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You won't be holding me up. I'm just out for the ride.
Company welcome.
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I really, really wanted to do this. I took today off work so I could have a long lie in in preparation (and do some baking).
But the headwind worries me, I don't want to be only one miles behind holding everyone up and it will be the longest ride I've done so far.
I've baked the brownies and everything!
Don't know what to do.
You won't be holding anybody up. Don't worry.
If you're really struggling (and I know exactly how that feels, being unkeen on headwinds myself) then you are welcome to a tow behind the tandem. If you begin to drop behind then I shall merely stop pedalling. :D
Anyway, I have it on finest authority that the wind always drops when it gets dark.
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Bring yourself and your brownies.
A little under two years ago I told my sister I was riding to Brighton, at night, with a bunch of people I'd never met.
She looked at me like I was nuts.
I'd only been cycling for something like three months and the furthest I'd ridden was 20 miles, on my own.
Since which time I have only missed something like three or four of these rides.
Turn up at HPC at midnight.
You'll not regret it.
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Thanks for the encouragement, it really does mean a lot! :) I am worried more about affecting anyone else's night that anything else.
I never touched any drink yesterday at someone's leaving drinks because I wanted to be in the peak of health for today/tonight (me being a lightweight).
Seriously, if anyone wants to tell me to stay at home this time, I will not be offended. I don't want to be a PITA, I know it's frustrating to have to keep waiting for someone. :-\
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I really, really wanted to do this. I took today off work so I could have a long lie in in preparation (and do some baking).
But the headwind worries me
I've baked the brownies and everything!
Don't know what to do.
Don't waste a day off. Don't worry about headwinds or being left behind. Enjoy the ride.
Bring the baked goods. Jurek, Nutty, Andrijj and myself will help you loose your load and give you an easier time of it. ;D
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Seriously, if anyone wants to tell me to stay at home this time, I will not be offended.
Stay at home on Saturday, from about mid morning, to recover from the previous nights ride. :thumbsup:
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Seriously, I went and weighed the brownie (pre slicing) and it's about a kilo's worth of brownie. You will certainly be helping me rid myself of them!
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Thanks for the encouragement, it really does mean a lot! :) I am worried more about affecting anyone else's night that anything else.
That's always the way, I worry about that too.
And now that (very occasionally) it's me waiting for someone else at the top of the hill, I realise that my worries are unfounded; nobody minds. At all. In fact, they're probably singing filthy songs and enjoying the breather. :)
This newfound knowledge doesn't stop me from worrying that I'm wrecking someone else's ride when it's them waiting for me, though. Even though I know it's not a problem... ::-)
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Thanks for the encouragement, it really does mean a lot! :) I am worried more about affecting anyone else's night that anything else.
I never touched any drink yesterday at someone's leaving drinks because I wanted to be in the peak of health for today/tonight (me being a lightweight).
Seriously, if anyone wants to tell me to stay at home this time, I will not be offended. I don't want to be a PITA, I know it's frustrating to have to keep waiting for someone. :-\
If you do a search on ACF (I have no access anymore) for a previous FNRTTC to Brighton (I think June 2006) you'll see the ride reports.
We had a group of "newbies" turn up in jeans, who hadn't ridden that distance before, expecting just be given a routesheet and sent on their way. I was tail end charlie (Try searching for SimonL3 saying "So I did the dirty on an old friend" or similar, that rings a bell).
You'll see that the most rewarding thing that Simon and myself had wasn't the ride, but that we counted 16 riders out from the start, and counted 16 riders in at the end. 16 riders that had great fun. Yes it took longer than the previous month, but we were still there in time for breakfast (and for me to cycle back to Southend in time for the family barbeque ::-))
The words were penned back in 2006, not in response to you just now ;D I'll see you at Hyde Park Corner, and in Southend.
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Seriously, I went and weighed the brownie (pre slicing) and it's about a kilo's worth of brownie. You will certainly be helping me rid myself of them!
That's me sorted, but what about the others? ;)
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I've just realised something!
This will be my first leisure ride of 2008.
This will be my longest ride since 2nd September 2007.
<---- Mr Unfit :-[ (Who went to the pub at lunchtime ;D)
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<---- Mr Unfit :-[ (Who went to the pub at lunchtime ;D)
That was how I used to warm up for these rides :)
And don't forget to hydrate after a hard ride either
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/woollypigs/L2BOvernight110806/photo?authkey=EzL3K2aay4E#5062160653019036706
FNRttC L2B in Aug. 06.
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I am worried more about affecting anyone else's night that anything else.
You're bringing food and you're worried about negatively affecting anyone else's night?
Just carefully ration the grub and you'll always be surrounded by a peloton :thumbsup:
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You are all being very lovely.
I just had a brownie and it was very chocolatey indeed.
Right, I will go and do tyre inspection.
Nutty, I have gone and found the ride you mentioned and can confirm I will be on one of the aforementioned 'chunky alu hybrids with chunky tyres' (although mine are mostly slick and I've fitted ergo bar ends).
I do keep meaning to get slimmer tyres but I want to get lots of wear out of the ones that came with the bike first, I'm turning into my mother in that respect.
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I'm really getting quite excited about this now :D
It is Hyde Park Corner where everyone is meeting, isn't it?
(I'll be the bloke you won't recognise, riding a Spesh Roubaix and looking vaguely like he'd rather be somewhere else...)
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Nothing wrong with chunky tyres and a hybrid.
I rode the 2005 Dunwich Dynamo on a very very chunky tyred MTB having crashed the best bike heavily on the way to the start. And that ride's a lot further, and without the "stick with the last rider" mentality that we will have tonight.
I think a hybrid with mostly slick tyres will be very suitable tonight.
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NSTN, I'm sure that Nutty will also be able to understand your desire to get maximum wear out of components, having ridden last June's FNRttC on rims that had worn to the thickness of Bacofoil.
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I'll be riding back on myself up to Brentwood once we arrive in Sarfend, via a whole load of my old training routes, a quick gander at my old house etc...I will be taking it a bit easy on the way out too.
Besides, this is a social ride!
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NSTN, I'm sure that Nutty will also be able to understand your desire to get maximum wear out of components, having ridden last June's FNRttC on rims that had worn to the thickness of Bacofoil.
I'd forgotten those ;D
They were the same rims that I rode down to Brighton and back in the May ;D (and you all were sure I wouldn't get there without a failure)
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Thanks for the encouragement, it really does mean a lot! :) I am worried more about affecting anyone else's night that anything else.
I never touched any drink yesterday at someone's leaving drinks because I wanted to be in the peak of health for today/tonight (me being a lightweight).
Seriously, if anyone wants to tell me to stay at home this time, I will not be offended. I don't want to be a PITA, I know it's frustrating to have to keep waiting for someone. :-\
Hello,
please believe me when I say you will be fine. You will not be left behind, it is a social ride, everyone looks out for everyone else.
Yes it will be your longest ride to date, everyone starts somewhere. You will have a great time. Simon's rides are memorable and much fun.
I wish I was well enough to attend.
Go along, take your brownies or flapjack, chat and have fun. You will soon be planning your next night ride and wondering why you were ever worried..
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I really, really wanted to do this. I took today off work so I could have a long lie in in preparation (and do some baking).
But the headwind worries me, I don't want to be only one miles behind holding everyone up and it will be the longest ride I've done so far.
You won't be holding me up- it's more likely I'll be the little one on a blue bike trying to keep up with you.
Jane
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And now, in addition to the wind, it appears that we may have to contend with the Euro-pong (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7354538.stm) tonight. ;D ;D
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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.
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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.
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Right - I'd better turn this machine off and go home.
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I want to but I'm waiting for a report to come through that I absolutely have to have for Monday.
*drums fingers impatiently*
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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. :thumbsup:
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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.
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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!
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Ta Nutkin. I'm getting quite excited now!
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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.
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Reading the same thread, with almost the same posters, in two places at once is getting confusing...
Anyway. To summarise - chocolate good :thumbsup:
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... :(
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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 (http://maps.google.co.uk/?ie=UTF8&ll=51.502492,-0.151373&spn=0.00193,0.008411&t=h&z=17) corner itself.
If not, someone tell me, otherwise I'm going to be very lonely!
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I have got to stop refreshing Metcheck.
The weather will be what the weather will be.
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I'm out, too tired from a hard week of teaching. Too wimpy more likely, compared with you hard tough people.
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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 (http://maps.google.co.uk/?ie=UTF8&ll=51.502492,-0.151373&spn=0.00193,0.008411&t=h&z=17) corner itself.
If not, someone tell me, otherwise I'm going to be very lonely!
That's it ;D
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?
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Reading the same thread, with almost the same posters, in two places at once is getting confusing...
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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)
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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!
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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.
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I am having a coffee.
Hope to meet you some other time when you are feeling better, Annie :)
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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. :-*
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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!
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Very jealous to be missing this. Looking forward to the reports later
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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.
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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! :-\
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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
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Bloody good ride. Little wind and rain despite the dire warnings of the weather services.
I think 36 left HPC and arrived at The Rose Restaurant, Southend on Sea.
My dodgy pictures here, CLICKY (http://www.delthebike.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/fnrttc-sos/index.html), and I'll have a GPX file in a little while so you can use bikely.com, or installed, appropriate software, to look at the route.
Many thanks to all and especially to to Simon without whom the leg bandage industry would fail.
edit: GPX file (http://www.delthebike.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/fenchurch2sos.gpx).
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Well done to all those brave cycling bods out in the breezy night 8)
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Home, safe and
sound tired.
A bit on the cool side, a little damp (but not enough to break out the RainLegs for their inaugural run) and just enough wind to make some bits of the ride 'work'. Managed 59.1kph down Shooter's Hill - I blame the wind for me not breaking 60. Must try harder next time. :-\
Thanks to SimonL3, our fearless leader and good shepherd, and Jurek, Oscar's Dad, Flying Dodo, and Nutty, our TECs. Congrats to NSTN (we told you you'd be OK) and anyone else doing their first FNRttC. :thumbsup:
EDIT: additional TECs added.
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Congrats to NSTN (we told you you'd be OK) and anyone else doing their first FNRttC. :thumbsup:
Thanks for the brownies NSTN, truly chocolicious, and thank you whoevernicelady for the chocolate bananananana cake at Dartford Tunnel.
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Congrats to NSTN (we told you you'd be OK) and anyone else doing their first FNRttC. :thumbsup:
Thanks for the brownies NSTN, truly chocolicious, and thank you whoevernicelady for the chocolate bananananana cake at Dartford Tunnel.
Bad me. Sleep deprivation does bad things to my memory. :(
Thanks, NSTN for for the lovely brownies at the start and ClareVernon for the scrumptious muffins at Dartford.
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Thanks for the brownies NSTN, truly chocolicious, and thank you whoevernicelady for the chocolate bananananana cake at Dartford Tunnel.
Glad you liked the chocobanana cake- i enjoyed the ride so much I may come again and bring more. Great ride, thanks to SZimon and to everyone for making me feel so welcome and looked after on my first one.
Laura- (NSTN- I have remembered your name correctly I hope) sorry to have lost you at Southend Victoria in the rush of train boarding- didn't realise it was leaving so quickly. hope you arrived home OK.
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I'm back Jane, no probs I was with some of the others.
Thanks so much to everyone for being so lovely. I am so glad I did it and indeed I'm rather pleased with myself as I had never done more than 30 miles before. And I was grateful to be lightened of my brownie load, it may just have made the difference on the climbs! I'm glad you liked them.
I found it quite windy but then I rarely venture out of central London. Sorry to anyone near me on the hills, as I said I find hills tough and one coping mechanism is to mutter swearwords/blasphemy/whimpers under my breath! That last climb nearly did me in but somehow I got up without giving in.
Thanks to Simon for organising and keeping everyone together. And getting the cafe to open early, that breakfast was divine and the thought of it helped me along in the difficult last few miles, I'd started to feel a bit floaty!
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Top ride which left a gert big grin on my visage.
Very lucky with the weather in as much as we didn't get very wet and it wasn't too windy despite predictions.
Doubtless this correlates directly with my having invested in waterproof socks and windproof leggings.
Simon, thanks for leading at a pace for which several were thankful.
As always, lovely to see people - some of whom I've not seen since last year.
And welcome to the new faces - I hope we'll be seeing you again.
Andrij - I was not the only TEC, there were at least three others - Oscar's Dad, Flying Dodo, and without Nutty's input, the 'foreign side ride' could've easily been messy ;)
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I blame the wind for me not breaking 60.
I read that as ' I blame breaking wind for not making 60'
Time for bed, methinks :D
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Jurek, I stand corrected. My initial post has been modified.
I had listed you as you were the only one I saw giving a :thumbsup: when we regrouped. Also, I was never fortunate on this ride to have stayed far enough ahead not to have been in need of the services of the TEC team. :)
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Great pics, thanks delthebike. Now, who's going to add names to them all? :D
Sounds like a fab ride. Maybe I'll make one this summer.
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Great pics, thanks delthebike. Now, who's going to add names to them all? :D
Sounds like a fab ride. Maybe I'll make one this summer.
Thanks, those represent about 1/3 of what I took.
This was my first FNRttC and I hope you do make a later ride as it was worth the effort and lack of sleep.
Belated thanks: Nutty who joined me on my first train ride in 20 years. Andrijj for escorting us from Fenchurch St to HPC. Those who actually moved and tried grouping together at HPC for a group hug photo, sorry it didn't turn out. SimonL3, who advised against the cat herding exercise. Finally everyone else who rode last night and loaded and unloaded trailers.
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Thanks for the pics.
I see the Rose has those three magic little words that mean so much*
* All Day Breakfast
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My dodgy pictures here, CLICKY (http://www.delthebike.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/fnrttc-sos/index.html)
Don't look now but I think I'm being chased by a skellington :o (http://www.delthebike.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/fnrttc-sos/imgp1589.html)
I didn't think the wind was too bad... until I freewheeled most of the way home ;D
Thanks for the company all. I seem to be out of shape as my leggles ache a little now :(
Oh, and Adrij, sorry about the bungee - I'll donate you a new one next time we meet.
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I see May's is going to Brighton; I've e-mailed Simon to book a place.
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I see May's is going to Brighton; I've e-mailed Simon to book a place.
Damn and blast.
I can't do the one in May.
I have pencilled in June though.
H
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I see May's is going to Brighton; I've e-mailed Simon to book a place.
Is there a published list of dates anywhere? My search-fu is failing me over on ACF...
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It was a most excellent ride :thumbsup:
Riding up to a couple of blokes-on-bikes hanging around HPC and asking "so, are you riding to Southend?" does sound like a recipe for getting arrested, but it seemed to work OK...
The weather was fine, apart from the little bit of drizzle. Cold, but the sort of cold that encourages you to ride, rather than the sort that chills you to the bone. I did lose all the feeling in my toes on a couple of occasions though.
Chocolate brownies at the start, choco-banana cake at Dartford - fantastic and much appreciated.
Some amazingly positive reactions from drivers, including the guy who stopped in the middle of a roundabout to let the peloton through.
"Are you on a sponsored ride?" "No, just going to Southend, but you could give us a quid anyway"
And huge respect to SimonL3 for organising it all and keeping everyone together. He really is a world-class cat herder.
I'll definitely be doing more of these. Now I just need to get over my anti-social attitude :(
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Is there a published list of dates anywhere? My search-fu is failing me over on ACF...
Try here (http://www.aqvm78.dsl.pipex.com/SWLDA/Other/watson.htm). The trick is knowing that it is a Cheam and Morden CTC ride.
It was a good ride, but I've just woken up after zonking out all day!
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Is there a published list of dates anywhere? My search-fu is failing me over on ACF...
Try here (http://www.aqvm78.dsl.pipex.com/SWLDA/Other/watson.htm). The trick is knowing that it is a Cheam and Morden CTC ride.
It was a good ride, but I've just woken up after zonking out all day!
Ah. Of course. Thank you!
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Sounds like you all had fun. The brekkie stop looks particularly appealing. Chapeau!
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It has just struck me that I've never done that much climbing in one go before.
I know they weren't serious hills to most on the ride but they were to this central London cyclist. Especially the last one. And my knees agree with me.
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It has just struck me that I've never done that much climbing in one go before.
I know they weren't serious hills to most on the ride but they were to this central London cyclist. Especially the last one. And my knees agree with me.
Pencil yourself in for FNRttC on May 23rd - Brighton, NSTN.
Bigger hills.
Much, much prettier ride. (It'll make you gasp in places)
You'll know more people, so better friends.
Make more cake - I missed out last time! :D
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Bah, I have to referee (kendo) all day on the 24th. The 1 hours sleep on the train back wont be enough.
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Sorry most of you missed out on the brownies, will make much more next time!
I'm only doing the Brighton one if there's someone to walk up the meaner hills with me, because the hills yesterday nearly killed me and I know they weren't that bad to the rest of you. Also will try and get in more practice in the mean time.
I know I overtook a couple of people on the hills sometimes, but as I said at the time, the lowest gear in the Nexus hub is Not That Low, so the choice is grind to a halt or keep on going...I was too proud to stop when no one else had, so I kept on going!
I slept for 16 hours last night. I don't usually do that :o But I feel better now.
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Pencil yourself in for FNRttC on May 23rd - Brighton
Pencil? I've inked myself.
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I'm only doing the Brighton one if there's someone to walk up the meaner hills with me, because the hills yesterday nearly killed me and I know they weren't that bad to the rest of you. Also will try and get in more practice in the mean time.
If it's a slow ride and I'm in town to do it, I'll definitely be walking up the hills...!
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I walked up most of the hills last time (March) as I was on fixed. ;)
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Some more pics from Swarm_Catcher. Link shamelessly stolen from ye olde place.
CLICKY (http://picasaweb.google.com/worzelbenga/FNttCApril2008Southend)
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Pencil yourself in for FNRttC on May 23rd - Brighton
Pencil? I've inked myself.
any idea of the route? I've yet to experience the ostrich farm
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Just got back about an hour ago.
That was good fun. Probably my best ever ride down to London. I thought it would be very bad, but i actually enjoyed most of it. I missed out on NSNB's brownies at the start. But I did bag a muffin at the Dartford crossing though :thumbsup:
Cheers, whoever that nice lady was.
It was worth going just to see Charlotte set off on the tandem when Liz was starddling the tandem, not clipped into the pedals, running along shouting, "Nononononononono." :D :D :D
No bother with the traffic and Simon dod a very good job in keeping the group together, I don't know how he knew which way to go either.
After the ride, I set off northwards and around 20 miles later, after some dozy cycling, decided to take a nap in my sleeping bag in a hidden meadow. I awoke at around 1700, then set off again, stopping for a meal in Braintree, then heading towards home via a wiggly route.
Had another sleep in a church porch, then set off again, visiting the lanes and some of the bridleways, some of which are now a Sustrans route, I used to ride along when I first started cycling and had a coffee in the village where I used to live, while racking my brains to remember that the coffee shop used to be a newsagents when I was living here. There seemed to be a lot of cyclists passing through the village. More than I remembered when I lived there.
More Greenways, lanes and Sustrans route brough me home.
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A few random things that are slowly returning to my memory...
1) Going through Blackfriars underpass in a bunch was great fun, not having cars trying to pin you against the wall is always a welcome surprise.
2) I'm glad it was still dry when we rode on the slabbed path running past City Hall. I've only ridden it once in the wet and it can get very slippery.
3) There were no nasty hills. I rode it on 78" fixed, and didn't need to put on the 16-tooth sprocket I'd guiltily concealed in my saddle-pack in case the going got a bit tough.
4) The headwind didn't seem anywhere near as bad as had been forecast. Apart from a few strong gusts as we came up onto Blackheath I hardly noticed it all night.
5) Being in the last mini-bus through the tunnel, I was a bit miffed that I'd get the least amount of time in the warmth of the Thurrock J31 Services. But then we got there and I saw it, I didn't feel so bad. The place is no Tourist Tony's. Hell, it's not even a Gatwick Costas.
6) My knowledge of the towns in Essex is pitiful. Despite most of the names being familiar, I didn't have a clue where they sat in relation to Southend. Perhaps I should listen to Billy Bragg a bit more.
7) Tandems ridden by two fit ladies can go very fast indeed. Especially downhill and more-so over on the last mile or two before breakfast. :-)
8.) I'm certain that at one point I heard our host at the Rose call out 'Who ordered the semi-vegetarian breakfast?' I'm still wondering what was on the plate.
9) Riding back through London, a people-carrier minicab tried bullying it's way into Simon's lane. A sustained hard stare was all it took to change the driver's mind.
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It was worth going just to see Charlotte set off on the tandem when Liz was starddling the tandem, not clipped into the pedals, running along shouting, "Nononononononono." :D :D :D
Don't need a picture to see that happening. :demon: But if anyone does have one I suggest you keep it to yourselves. ;)
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8.) I'm certain that at one point I heard our host at the Rose call out 'Who ordered the semi-vegetarian breakfast?' I'm still wondering what was on the plate.
That man in the cafe kept me amused, walking around with cuos of tea saying, "Tea? Tea? Tea?"
I mean, who want's tea?
Just about everyone.
He might as well of asked who arrived by bicycle.
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I must apologise unreservedly to those who missed out on the brownies, I will make more baked goods next time!
Oh yes, I can't remember who said 'women and children first' when the Dartford tunnel minibus came along for the third time, but you are a true gent, my fingers were about to fall off despite gloves with silk liners.
The lady with the chocobanana stuff was Jane, who I realised I had met before once I saw her and her nice Roberts (on a Lambeth cyclists ride).
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Finally, my write up:
The muffins came out of the oven at 9:05pm, it was touch and go if we would make the train at 9:28, but with scant regard for the dear and considerate drivers of Portsmouth make it we did. We had a very pleasant conversation with another cyclist on the train:
"Where are you going?"
"London, you?"
"Havant, I'm off home; you cycling back to Portsmouth then?"
"No, Southend."
"Why?"
Well it was a fair question really.
It was around Havant that we realised that we hadn't checked the tyres for 'bits', thankfully by this point the carriage was empty, so we flipped the bikes and did an inspection. One bit of glass out of Vern's front tyre and then the discovery of a thorn in my rear tyre, there was a decision to be made, I must have picked that thorn up in the Hebrides a week ago and my tyre was still fully inflated, do I leave it and hope for the best or do I pull it out and hope the tube isn't already holed? No choice really; it took 5 minutes with the Leatherman before the unmistakeable sound of psssssssssssssssssssssssst as I finally got the little blighter out - ho hum. Still, we were on the train, it was warm and dry and we entertained anybody who accidentally got into our carriage (and then very rapidly and unaccidentally passed down the train).
Once at Waterloo we stocked up on the forgotten ingredient (water) and cash, then headed over the bridge, up The Strand, The Mall and Constitution Hill to the rendezvous. I was delighted to not have to kill anybody on the way, although the nice man with the blue Mercedes who gave me all of 4 inches clearance whilst trying to jockey for position coming into Traf Sq was probably lucky that I was in a good mood.
Once at HPC we greeted old friends and a few new ones before the set off; the inestimable Mr L3 introduced himself to the group, explained how it all worked, yelled his mobile number for all to hear and then led us on our way. After a brief pitstop at some interesting toilets (interesting only in a 'that was interesting, next time I'll just pee in the Thames' kind of way.) we headed on past the Mayoral Gaff and towards Greenwich where there was a hill, thankfully I had enough gears to get up it very slowly and in a twiddly way whilst watching all the racing snakes belting past me like it wasn't even up :(. Onwards to Shooters Hill (repeat the above) and down the other side and revenge on all the lightweights as gravity assist kicked in, bwahahahahaha.
Dartford Tunnel, ah yes, Dartford Tunnel, time to get the muffins out (yes TG that was me, but Vern cooked them, I was only doling them out and sorry if they were a bit soggy, cooling muffins in a plastic box isn't the best idea in the world). Well all the riders and all the bikes made it across, I was a bit disheartened by the comment "Bl00dy hell, that's a brick" as my bike was lifted off the trailer (at least I think that's what was said, I may have misheard). We headed up to the services where to my amazment they had soya milk, so I got a soya latte - it was truly disgusting, made drinkable by three sugars to disguise the taste or lack thereof. Damn you to heck lactose intolerence >:(.
I kind of forget the ride from here, there was another hill, a lack of cars, pleasant chat with a fellow rider (hello person in Fasso Bortolo gear) and Billericay, but not necessarily in that order. Then there was an interesting roundabout thing where a driver stopped to allow us all through. Finally we got to Southend where the rump of the group had a brief do we go left or right moment before deciding on right and being correct. We headed along the seafront, paid homage to a radio station and wandered into the Rose where, with excellent timing, I was in the toilet when the proprietor said does anybody else want a fried breakfast so I failed to witness the show of hands.
I had the dubious honour of being on the receiving end of the 'semi-vegitarian' breakfast so I can report that it had beans, tomato, fried bread, mushrooms and an egg and it was very good; I did wonder if the other veggie breakfasts were vegan?
So to home; we followed Andrij to the station and watched one train pull out as we sorted tickets out (thanks to NSTN for her Network Card), so we entertained ourselves for a while trying to fit the bikes onto the next train, thankfully Tim pointed us at the bit where the seats fold up, we'd missed that totally and were merrily blocking a doorway. We chatted and dozed to Liverpool Street then carried our bikes up the escalator before cycling towards Waterloo, deciding not to fight with trucks and buses on the way, we bid farewell to Tim just before London Bridge and NSTN just after it. Got home at 11:30 and slept for most of the day, got a take-away Thai dinner and slept for another 11 hours.
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Well done to all concerned. I'm extremely envious.
Where would I find a list of dates and destinations please? I'd like to give it a go if that's alright by you?
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Where would I find a list of dates and destinations please?
AFAIK this is the latest info but, of course, I stand to be corrected.
20th March (Thursday before good Friday) Brighton
18th April Brighton or Southend
??rd May to Wittering, vie Guildford Brighton
20th June
18th July could be 11th July (so as not to clash with the Dun Run)
15th August
12th September
10th October
Here (http://www.aqvm78.dsl.pipex.com/SWLDA/Other/watson.htm) is a good place to look for latest info.
Or here. (http://www.anothercyclingforum.com/index.php?board=32.0)
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[??rd May to Wittering, vie Guildford Brighton
just got an e-mail to that effect from Simon; hope it's not the 30th
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The full moon in May is on the 20th, all the rides are the nearest friday to the full moon aren't they?
Rich
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The full moon in May is on the 20th, all the rides are the nearest friday to the full moon aren't they?
Rich
I think this ride will be big, as in Big; so it could be the Friday either side
whichever; I'm in
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That man in the cafe kept me amused, walking around with cuos of tea saying, "Tea? Tea? Tea?"
I mean, who want's tea?
Just about everyone.
He might as well of asked who arrived by bicycle.
I wanted coffee! I had to keep reminding him. Mind you, a FNRttC is the only time I ever drink coffee.
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Oh yes, I can't remember who said 'women and children first' when the Dartford tunnel minibus came along for the third time, but you are a true gent, my fingers were about to fall off despite gloves with silk liners.
Guilty as charged, M'Lady. :-*
Mind you, it was a good thing there wasn't 1 more rider, as it would have meant an even longer wait, as on the final run, all the seats were taken.
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Well I will be eternally grateful ;D T'was ever so chivalrous.
I would have suggested an extra person sit on someone's lap, but presumably that is Not Allowed by the tunnel authorities...
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A few other random thoughts.
The route to Southend is much more urban than heading to Brighton. I think we only seemed to have about 5 miles in the countryside. So it was different, although possibly not quite as enjoyable, although the final few miles are divine, going along Marine Parade and then along the sea front.
Also not as many hills, although now I've got 30 gears that's not so much an issue now. ;)
Another plus point is that it doesn't have the sub Neanderthal "night life" that Horley has to offer, and in fact we all seemed to marvel at just how quiet the suburbs were, although there did seem to be tonnes of litter everywhere.
The only incident I had was a few miles before the Dartford Tunnel when I was right at the back, a yob in Dartford spat at me (he wasn't a very good shot). I laughed at him, but it was only a few minutes later that I thought the perfect answer would have been to thank him for the DNA sample.
It was a shame the tunnel management couldn't get their act together for the convey (apparently they'd had a trailer & minibus nicked), although seeing as the left hand tunnel at Dartford was closed for maintenance, I think we should simply have cycled straight through.............
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I *must* get round to writing my report up at some point (got something else to write first though >:()
I'm pleased to have got through Dartford as quickly as we did (yeah, ok, so I was in the first minibus - but I meant the whole group). I usually allow 30 to 45 minutes when going over solo, so to get 35 riders through in an hour and a half isn't too bad.
I missed the fox at Dartford, but didn't miss the lady parked in the outside lane of the motorway whilst rummaging in the boot and rear seats for her £1 toll, and I also didn;t miss the foreign minibus who pulled a u-turn, drove the wrong way up the inside lane before performing a 3-point turn and letting the passenger run around amongst us whilst looking for something (possibly directions as the driver had a map out by then). This lead to a wonderful commentary on the radio.
Some other random thoughts.
Notsototalnewbie stopping at the red light just before Rotherhide Tunnel. I was about to introduce myself when the lights went green and she set off with a smell of burning rubber. I struggled to keep up.
Stopping to shortcut through the car park in Grays, and all the folk standing outside the house saying "what's going on, it's half four in the morning!" (Hhhmmm, yes, but you were up too weren't you?)
Simon asking me to be Tail end Charlie as we left the services. "We'll cut through lakeside to London Road, then head on to Chadwell". That was fine until the young lad decided to put his waterproofs on after everyone had started to leave. When the 6 of us set off we were alone. I cut straight down to London Road via my usual route (Weston Avenue) and we shot along there. Just as I said to Jurek(?) "Oh dear I think Simon may have gone a different way" the phone rang and Simon appeared ahead riding towards us.
The excellent route Simon chose from Thurrock. I usually just sit on the A1013, so it was a pleasant surprise to only spend a minute on it. It was also a great surprise when we turned left from Southend Road onto Lampits Hill - I wasn't expecting that junction to turn up as quickly as it did.
Then there was the fun round Sadlers Farm (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=southend&jsv=107&ie=UTF8&ll=51.566744,0.541855&spn=0.002781,0.007296&t=h&z=17). I had been expecting it to be fun and clear, but wasn't expecting the car to grind to a halt on the roundabout and wait for us all to go through ;D
I fancied a piss then, so dived off the side of Bread and Cheese hill into a hidden bridleway, before catching you all before the top (I knew those years of commuting up that hill would come in handy one day). Simon - (or if you're not reading this can somebody cross post to ACF please?) - why not as a laugh on the next ride bypass Bread and Cheese hill by going up St Peter's hill (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=578213&y=188770&z=3&sv=578213,188770&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&ax=578213&ay=188770)instead? It's short but sharp. (Local History, Sir Malcolm Campbell of Lake Coniston speed record tradegy is reputed to have killed a spectator on this hill whilst performing a motor hill climb race).
Then there was the temptation to go home instead of Southend. But the freewheeling home with a tailwind after a cup of Rosy was welcomed.
Guiding the peleton past the deep holes dug by the gas board in the closed roads with least hassle. (Sorry I lost the back of the group in the Leigh one way system, the front had picked up the pace)
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Just remembered the large number of pedestrians videoing us with cameras/phones ;D Don't think they expected to see 36 riders in a bunch.
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And a final memory for tonight ;D ;D ;D ;D
Going over the M25 then left at the lights I realised where I was, and that I was bursting for a pee. I didn't want to use Le Crossing's lawns, so thought I'd pop down to my favourite watering hole. I wizzed (Ed: hhmmmm, too many puns 'ere) to the front to check we were getting the trailer at the tunnel offices. Simon said "He can smell Essex", "can't we all" I responded.
Then I rode off the front of the pack.
Watching everybody go past was fantastic. The fact I had my knob in my hand was a bonus ;D
Notsototalnewbie, I see elsewhere that you thought Bread and Cheese hill had a false summit. It does. When you do next month's ride to Brighton just take Ditchling Beacon easy (I go into bottom gear before I start and just twiddle up it) as that has lots of false summits; don't ride over the hill just meander up it and enjoy the view.
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I rode the 2005 Dunwich Dynamo on a very very chunky tyred MTB having crashed the best bike heavily on the way to the start. And that ride's a lot further, and without the "stick with the last rider" mentality that we will have tonight.
He very nearly didn't ride it!
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...and NSTN, don't worry about walking hills like Ditchling, I was planning on trying to get my tourer (with gears) together, but since I'm currently finding it difficult to have enough time to move house, I suspect this is not going to happen, and I'm going to do it all on the singlespeed again.
This will not be good, I got up the hills to Southend, although that was partly by eventually realising that the reason everyone was slowing was that we were approaching a hill, and I had to hit it a bit faster, so my legs didn't explode trying to do it at about 10rpm!
I don't know the Brighton route, but everything I've heard suggests that Ditchling in particular is not going to be an option to bomb up (not that my cycling fitness is there anyway!) I suspect a certain amount of walking is very likely to be involved.
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Notsototalnewbie stopping at the red light just before Rotherhide Tunnel. I was about to introduce myself when the lights went green and she set off with a smell of burning rubber. I struggled to keep up.
I'm sorry, I had no idea you were about to introduce yourself! As we were still in London, I had the London commuter mentality going on, ie 'go go go!' I'm sorry I never got to talk to you more though - next time!
I am considering Brighton, it will depend upon when it happens and how fit I am feeling at the time.
After some people's 'constructive criticism' of my Globe commuter (in the nicest possible way!) I have started a vague hankering after something more suitable for longer/hillier rides, despite the fact that I have neither the space nor, really, the money for this kind of thing! You see what you people do!?
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n+1 :D
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n+1 :D
Argh!
I live in a studio flat. I finally sorted out the messy bike situation by getting a gravity stand, with the bloke's bike hung above mine, and look what you lot have done.
Unless a bike lived in the bath. You don't really *need* a bath, do you?
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What's a bedroom for, if not storing bikes? ???
'sides - there's nowt wrong with a Globe :)
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A Pashley Moulton TSR would be perfect, if you get the separable model. They split in two and take up hardly any room to store. Under the stairs or in a cupboard, they'll fit. And they're great for long rides, the suspension soaks up all the road buzz.
Here's a link: TSR loveliness (http://www.tsr.uk.com/).
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Posting links to Moultons? Are you sure that's Work Safe? ;D
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Filth, pure filth :D
If you're talking folding loveliness, NSTN, did you know you can now store a trike under your bed? (http://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/trikes/q.htm)
::-)
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Stop it! I'll go blind! ;D
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Filth, pure filth :D
If you're talking folding loveliness, NSTN, did you know you can now store a trike under your bed? (http://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/trikes/q.htm)
::-)
Have you seen the new shell that goes over a standard trike though?
:P clicky :P (http://www.flickr.com/photos/25250355@N05/2420891966/sizes/l/)
It won't fit in a studio flat though, you'll just have to get a bigger place!
Rich.
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That is dirty. (http://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/trikes/accessories.htm#borealis) I want one. Now. :demon:
And I don't even have a trike yet. :-\
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You are all very bad people. I was thinking a secondhand tourer or somesuch!
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Um...on that subject...what size bike do you ride?
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That is dirty. (http://www.ice.hpv.co.uk/trikes/accessories.htm#borealis) I want one. Now. :demon:
And I don't even have a trike yet. :-\
OMG I'm blind, I'm blind!!! I want one I want one I wanna wanna wanna!!!!
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No good can come of this... ::-)
The Globe is 57cm with a fair bit of seatpost showing (man's version). I rode a 59 but it felt much too big. I am 5'9".
Someone who's name I do not remember commented that I was 'quite high up there!'
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Someone who's name I do not remember commented that I was 'quite high up there!'
Were they on a trike? :)
Dahon have started making separable 20" wheel bikes as well. The Dahon Smooth Hound (http://www.dahon.com/intl/smoothhound.htm). Retro loveliness! Cheaper than a Moulton but no suspension.
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I rode the 2005 Dunwich Dynamo on a very very chunky tyred MTB having crashed the best bike heavily on the way to the start. And that ride's a lot further, and without the "stick with the last rider" mentality that we will have tonight.
He very nearly didn't ride it!
;D ;D I'd forgotten that incident at the start.
Let's just say that it was a miracle I got to the end ;D
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No good can come of this... ::-)
The Globe is 57cm with a fair bit of seatpost showing (man's version). I rode a 59 but it felt much too big. I am 5'9".
Someone who's name I do not remember commented that I was 'quite high up there!'
I'm 6'2" and ride a 61-62cm frame, so you must have very long legs! Everyone's frames sizes are pure fiction though!
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No good can come of this... ::-)
The Globe is 57cm with a fair bit of seatpost showing (man's version). I rode a 59 but it felt much too big. I am 5'9".
Someone who's name I do not remember commented that I was 'quite high up there!'
I'm 6'2" and ride a 61-62cm frame, so you must have very long legs! Everyone's frames sizes are pure fiction though!
I think girlies have longer legs for their height. I was on 55-56cm frames and am 5ft 5½ tall.
I've passed my bikes on to my 5ft 10in partner who has only put the saddles up 3cm.
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And the next FNRttC will be on 16th May :thumbsup:
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And the next FNRttC will be on 16th May :thumbsup:
I'm in :)
Here's an udder :D
Edit - Is it time to start a May 16th FNRttC thread?
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And the next FNRttC will be on 16th May :thumbsup:
I'm in :)
Here's an udder :D
Just don't make a tit of yourself!
I'm in too.
Edit in reply to Jureks edit: yes it is.
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And the next FNRttC will be on 16th May :thumbsup:
It is indeed, it is to Brighton, and I should be catering
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I think girlies have longer legs for their height. I was on 55-56cm frames and am 5ft 5½ tall.
I've passed my bikes on to my 5ft 10in partner who has only put the saddles up 3cm.
My most recent (and the only non secondhand bike I own. not surprisingly given the cost) is a Roberts and they told me when measuring me up that it's not always true that women have longer legs in relation to overall height and definitely wasn't for me- I've got tiny litttle short legs and a long body (well as long as it can be with what's left over after you take leg length off 5'2"). However, a 3 week tour in the Scottish Highlands and i realised the Roberts crew were right. I had been riding frames far too big for me for years and just puttting up with the aches and pains they gave me from the overstretch- it's much better to get the frame size right even if you think it looks a bit small and set your saddle high to get the leg stretch right if you are planning to spend lots of time on your bike.
Jane
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My most recent (and the only non secondhand bike I own. not surprisingly given the cost) is a Roberts and they told me when measuring me up that it's not always true that women have longer legs in relation to overall height...
On average women do have longer legs, and shorter torsos than men, however that doesn't mean that you don't get long legged men, and short legged women. They are just less likely.
This does mean that since most off the peg frames are designed for average body shapes, a frame intended for a woman ought to have a shorter reach for the same frame "size" as a mans. Of course, since there are a lot more "mens" frames out there, than womens, women often end up compromising with that sort of frame shape. If your proportion are more "average man"-wise, that's probably an advantage, unless you're small as well, since men tend to be larger... on average!
Of course, in a ideal world, we all get custom frames made. ;D
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I think I do have longish legs, I can't buy trousers or jeans unless they are in the 'tall' section of whatever high street shop.
The 59 frame I rode felt really wrong, like the bars were miles away.
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I think I do have longish legs, I can't buy trousers or jeans unless they are in the 'tall' section of whatever high street shop.
The 59 frame I rode felt really wrong, like the bars were miles away.
Was that a road bike with drop bars? Your current bike has a very upright position so a change to drops is going to take some getting used to.
Mrs JT's first road bike was a Trek Pilot 1.2 which has drop bars but the frame geometry means that the bars are quite high and the ride position is not too stretched. When she got her Lemond Etape which has a more traditional racing position, she still felt a little stretched out. Now that she's used to it, it feels normal.
Actually the Trek will take mudguards and a rack and would make a very nice commuter as well as being fast and light enough for day rides (and night rides of course).
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No, it was the size up from the bike I have now, the Globe, so same upright position.
Maybe I'll keep an eye out for a secondhand Trek Pilot 1.2 then.
Drops are narrower, thus will take up less room in an already crowded flat...I'll justify this to myself somehow, damnit!
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before the memories and Jpegs have even been and gone;
June I assume is Southend? (will be in La Belle France)
July; a tricky weekend, is it to be the FNRTTC or SNRTTC?
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before the memories and Jpegs have even been and gone;
June I assume is Southend? (will be in La Belle France)
July; a tricky weekend, is it to be the FNRTTC or SNRTTC?
I don't know if Simon L is doing just the FNRttC or both that and the Dun Run. There's a message in t'other place to the effect that "this is for you if the Dun Run seems a bit hard". I expect he'll do both; once you've had one sleepless night, the next one is probably easier since you *will* have slept in the day.
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He's just posted this about the 18 July ride over there:
for those who don't fancy the hurly-burly boy stuff of the Dunwich Dynamo - this will be a ride for those of a genteel disposition. Breakfast may be a little classier than usual.
With luck the average bicycle weight will be much diminished.
Expressions of interest would be greatly appreciated.
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He's just posted this about the 18 July ride over there:
for those who don't fancy the hurly-burly boy stuff of the Dunwich Dynamo - this will be a ride for those of a genteel disposition. Breakfast may be a little classier than usual.
With luck the average bicycle weight will be much diminished.
Expressions of interest would be greatly appreciated.
OK it's decided, just the Dun Run for me (riding back to Manningtree); hopefully we can persuade Mr L3 out too. I understand from SL3 all the FNRTTCs are to be to either Southend or Brighton now; that's a shame I was so looking forward to a Birling Gap one;
(http://www.freefoto.com/images/1015/01/1015_01_10---Seven-Sisters_web.jpg)
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I was looking for a generic FNRttC thread and this seems to be it.
My daughter, who teaches in Rochester, phoned me this morning as she was walking from the station and, inter alia, told me that our 4am café stop en route to Whitstable is currently being demolished.
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I was looking for a generic FNRttC thread and this seems to be it.
My daughter, who teaches in Rochester, phoned me this morning as she was walking from the station and, inter alia, told me that our 4am café stop en route to Whitstable is currently being demolished.
That's okay, we've been using a perfectly good church hall on that route for years.
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That's okay, we've been using a perfectly good church hall on that route for years.
and great cakes courtesy of Mrs and Mr Decker, if I recall. Definitely a ride of two halves - grim to Gravesend, glorious afterwards (IMO).
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Thanks for the thread resurrection. I've just re-read it from the start and it's brought back happy memories of the old rides and jollity we used to have.
I can clearly remember much of that ride.
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Ha!
And when I first suggested it to him, His Leggship stated that Whitstable wasn't a suitable destination for a FNRttC ride.
Last I heard, he was referring to it as 'The Queen of the FNRttC rides'
Sgt Pluck, OTP, and myself scouted that ride, found the original caterers etc :smug:
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Ha!
And when I first suggested it to him, His Leggship stated that Whitstable wasn't a suitable destination for a FNRttC ride.
Last I heard, he was referring to it as 'The Queen of the FNRttC rides'
Sgt Pluck, OTP, and myself scouted that ride, found the original caterers etc :smug:
Thanks for doing that hard work. It was so, so, worth it! Next installment is on June 25th...
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Ha!
And when I first suggested it to him, His Leggship stated that Whitstable wasn't a suitable destination for a FNRttC ride.
Last I heard, he was referring to it as 'The Queen of the FNRttC rides'
Sgt Pluck, OTP, and myself scouted that ride, found the original caterers etc :smug:
Is that when you got snapped by the Streetview car?
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Ha!
And when I first suggested it to him, His Leggship stated that Whitstable wasn't a suitable destination for a FNRttC ride.
Last I heard, he was referring to it as 'The Queen of the FNRttC rides'
Sgt Pluck, OTP, and myself scouted that ride, found the original caterers etc :smug:
Is that when you got snapped by the Streetview car?
Nope. That was just a midweek jape with Simon, Ade and myself. Well after Pluck and myself had established the credentials.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.3460753,0.9888939,3a,90y,34.23h,80.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgkczbQmKaQyFZGOTOLFtiQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0
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My brief appearance on streetview is no more :(
I suspect it was the blurred middle finger wot did it.
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I was wrong about the demolition. My daughter informed me that it was a different place.
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I was wrong about the demolition. My daughter informed me that it was a different place.
I think the cafe she was referring to, is the Canal Cafe, along Canal Road, just around t’corner from station. I think it’s been cordoned off as a dangerous structure, after the corner fell away, helped by a machine..