Mid-Essex Mid-Week Nocturnal Series

[Oaky]

We're closely matched then, the DY is running 67.8" - 700x23 with 49 x 19. I reckon your bike might be lighter, unloaded.

Perhaps, unloaded (it's ~11kg according to the manufacturer -- without guards/rack).  The UCI have insisted I carry a pannier loaded with 5kg of ballast though

About 2kg of that is a f-off-big chain lock, made by that nice Mr ABUS, on the assumption that Writtle is a little more built-up than the usual venues, and the normal "minimal" cafe lock might be insufficient.

I even have the key for it with me this time. 

[токамак]

I haven't actually weighed the Dave Yates, I'll do it when I get home from work. I'll only be packing essentials that will fit into my pockets, I won't be bothering with a lock - I'll just share your ABUS monster . (I do have one myself, and although I think it's great, it does annoy me with it's weight and general unwieldiness)

Would be good to see Wow out and about too. The Wheatsheaf has Maldon Gold on tap.

[Oscar's dad]

This morning I noted a press release from the UCI stating that kick-stands have been added to the list of permitted equipment.  I therefore hope that you chaps have kick-stands weighed and fitted before tonight's epic event.

I trust you have a good time and look forward to reading the accounts in the morning.  At the moment The Current Mrs R and I are sans Twinkle Toes and making the most of the freedom thus afforded us.  For over a year this bad boy ...



... has been lurking at the back of a cupboard half drunk, much to my annoyance.  Together with a pot of chili our plan for this evening is to do something about said source of annoyance.  Any suggestions for tequila based drinks will be gratefully received.

[токамак]

Slammers!

[Oaky]

... has been lurking at the back of a cupboard half drunk.

That sounds like a description of yourself at your in-laws, after a famous Friday night pub ride (at which I was, sadly, not present).

[Oscar's dad]

Slammers!

Good idea, I will conduct some internet research.

[Oscar's dad]

... has been lurking at the back of a cupboard half drunk.

That sounds like a description of yourself at your in-laws, after a famous Friday night pub ride (at which I was, sadly, not present).

No, that night I was fully drunk 

[токамак]

Slammers!

Good idea, I will conduct some internet research.

Just make sure you have a small sturdy glass that won't shatter and lacerate your hand, use a folded napkin over the top too.

[bobb]

Indeed. Many years ago in "The airport lounge" at Warwick Uni, I travelled to the hospital in an ambulance. Oddly, it was a friend who'd nearly sliced his hand off rather than me!!

Edit: Only half a bottle between two? That's not even a warm up! 

[токамак]

Or just go for the classic - lick the back of your hand, pour some salt on it (shake off excess), then in quick succession lick the salt off, smash a shot of tequila, bite into a slice of lime.

It will make you pull faces.

[Oscar's dad]

Or just go for the classic - lick the back of your hand, pour some salt on it (shake off excess), then in quick succession lick the salt off, smash a shot of tequila, bite into a slice of lime.

It will make you pull faces.

This is the option we'll be going for.

And bobb, 1/4 bottle each will be a sufficiency.  I want to live to tell the tale (and go on holiday)

[токамак]

Rain! Heavy here in Braintree right now. Forecast to move on through by later. I hope so.

[Oaky]

Yep - saw the forecast last night - meant to be sunny intervals from about 16:00 onwards though.  Roads may be a bit greasy however.

[Auntie Helen]

Absolutely tipping down here in Colchester, the garden is awash.

New puppy does not like rain but doesn't appear to mind thunder.

[Oaky]

It just heaved it down in London too.

i'm still cautiously optimistic that it'll be dry this evening though

[токамак]

Wet roads are faster!

[Oscar's dad]

Wet roads are faster!

I love the way you're messing with Oaky's mind   

[Oaky]

Wet roads are faster!

Wet white lines are faster still  and grrrrreat for cornering on

You just don't get the same quality of sparks when your bike slides along the road and it takes ages to wash the wet-road-grime out of white arm-warmers.

[Wowbagger]

Just got soaked coming back from the Post Office.

[токамак]

I can just about see some blue sky now.

[bobb]

So are you lot going to be stopping at The Wheatsheaf tonight? And if so what time?

Also, how long are you likely to be there?

I don't want to walk 2.5 miles there and 2.5 back just for one pint!

(I could get a bus there actually, but not back as they stop running ridiculously early)

[токамак]

The plan is to meet at Chelmsford Station at 7, then do the 22 mile loop, then stop at the Wheatsheaf. Difficult to say what time, but from 8.30 should be good. I'm only going to have 1 maybe 2.

[Oaky]

So are you lot going to be stopping at The Wheatsheaf tonight? And if so what time?

Also, how long are you likely to be there?

I don't want to walk 2.5 miles there and 2.5 back just for one pint!

(I could get a bus there actually, but not back as they stop running ridiculously early)

Yep we're going there tonight.

Should be there by about 8:30.  It might be earlier, but 8:30ish should be safe unless trains are up the spout/my legs fall off keeping up with токамак/we spend too long at Chelmsford station faffing.

[bobb]

I'm only going to have 1 maybe 2.

Yeah right, fuck off!! 

[Oaky]

I'm only going to have 1 maybe 2.

Yeah right, fuck off!! 

I am going to have more than 2.