Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Tomsk on 21 July, 2018, 07:10:34 am
-
Here's a few dates I can do - assuming a Friday night/Saturday morning combo:
10/11 August [but The ACME control for the London Orbital opens Saturday lunchtime at Leaden Roding...] - Organiser's organising skillz will be tested to the limit...
31 Aug/1 Sept
14/15 Sept
October - all except 5/6 [Richard Ellis Memorial 200/100 on Saturday]
Offshore [ie Mersea Island - on a pebbly/sandy beach somewhere ] is the popular mud/slug-free choice.
-
I now has Bivvy :thumbsup: in fetching stealth colours instead of bright orange survival!
We have discussed 9th Aug as an option (must admit that's my preference) thats a Thursday night so might only suit them that are not wage slaves or able to dodge work with a bit of leave etc....
I am so excited I might sleep in teh garden tonight!
-
Thursday the 9th is the first day of the second test against India at Lord's.
-
My preferred option, in the shorter term, is 31st Aug/1st Sept.
9th August is do-able with a bit of juggling work around, but Friday 10th is going to make it less likely to start bright-eyed and bushy-tailed [as well as super-organised] for the 'Orbital' control.
-
31/1 Sept is out for me as I'll be riding to holiday destination
-
If I manage to get out of Dubai then that opens up 17aug... ?
-
Be on holiday on 17th Aug...looks like October is going to be best for me.
-
JiberJ - what type of stealth bivvy did you go for in the end. Not done bivvy before so looking at options...
-
Alpkit Hunka XL in kelp. It's ok but I'm finding it a bit hard to get in and out of must be old age catching up with me or lack of cycling lol.
https://www.alpkit.com/products/hunka-xl
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/ec16b583847f722a0b73442b8673067e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180802/9955c03cdb084320be38d11306cb68f5.jpg)
-
Looks a nice bit of kit.
-
Have we fixed a date yet???
-
We could do a Wednesday evening but if we wanna go for a Friday or Saturday evening I can do...
August: 17, 18
September: 1, 2, 22, 23
How do these dates work for others?
-
jiberjaber, I assume you will still be using a bag and pad with this bivvy? Much space left for you to get in when you do?
-
jiberjaber, I assume you will still be using a bag and pad with this bivvy? Much space left for you to get in when you do?
There's an Alpkit Numo pad in there plus sleeping bag, enough room for me to lie on my side comfortably bit hard to describe other than that :)
-
Yes, yes, its all very well discussing kit but WHEN are we going to use it????
-
My plan to "ride Tour Divide in a few years" is getting closer. I've decided to aim for the June 2020 start. That gives me 22 months to prepare, and wont infringe upon PBP.
The relevance? I'm going to be looking into lightweight sleeping options, and getting some practice in. The forthcoming bivvy night might be too soon for me, although at the current rate of scheduling a date, it might not be!
Hopefully next Wednesday will provide a pub that is sufficiently far from the North Sea that I'll be able to attend and pick some brains.
Also, I believe there to be a correlation between riders who enjoy bivvying and riders who like riding off-road. So do give me a shout if you'd be interested in a circa 25 day Tour Divide ride in 2020, a leisurely Highland Trail 550 in May 2019, or any other off-road adventure that might appeal.
-
You lot are all talk and NO BIVVYING!!! ::-)
Therefore I shall attempt to break the seal on the vacuum by suggesting the night of Friday 31st August. What do we all think? Once we have set a date we can then consider a location etc, but let's do one thing at a time.
-
You lot are all talk and NO BIVVYING!!! ::-)
Therefore I shall attempt to break the seal on the vacuum by suggesting the night of Friday 31st August. What do we all think? Once we have set a date we can then consider a location etc, but let's do one thing at a time.
I'm in Devon that date (see further up)
Only viable one for me is August: 17, 18 subject to me not doing the Old Drove Roads which I am really tempted to do, but I don't need another 200 this month.
-
You lot are all talk and NO BIVVYING!!! ::-)
Therefore I shall attempt to break the seal on the vacuum by suggesting the night of Friday 31st August. What do we all think? Once we have set a date we can then consider a location etc, but let's do one thing at a time.
Yup, 31st is still ok for me. Lets keep the thread going, maybe Bivvy Night RtY.
-
Nice one Tomsk, who else can make the 31st? It can’t just be me and Tomsk, people will talk and his reputation will be in tatters.
-
A few years back a few of us cycled the Peddars Way. It finishes at Old Hunstanton. There are some beach huts just down from the pub. The huts have verandas perfect for a bivvy. We woke to sunrise and a murmeration of starlings.
-
A few years back a few of us cycled the Peddars Way. It finishes at Old Hunstanton. There are some beach huts just down from the pub. The huts have verandas perfect for a bivvy. We woke to sunrise and a murmeration of starlings.
I bet the starlings were having a right old murmer about you lot pinching their favourite roost.
-
A few years back a few of us cycled the Peddars Way. It finishes at Old Hunstanton. There are some beach huts just down from the pub. The huts have verandas perfect for a bivvy. We woke to sunrise and a murmeration of starlings.
I did the Peddars Way with some of the ACME/MEMWNS 8 years ago... https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=36639.msg743010#msg743010
-
Need the check the big family calendar when back home but hopefully can make 31st.
-
A few years back a few of us cycled the Peddars Way. It finishes at Old Hunstanton. There are some beach huts just down from the pub. The huts have verandas perfect for a bivvy. We woke to sunrise and a murmeration of starlings.
I did the Peddars Way with some of the ACME/MEMWNS 8 years ago... https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=36639.msg743010#msg743010
We mostly camped out the back of pubs apart from the beach huts at the end. We rode from Herts via Cambridge to the atart of the Peddars way.
-
A decision has been made, the bivvy element of bivvy night will be on an East Mersea beach.
-
Checked the diary this morning - afraid I'm away camping on 31st Aug. On the plus side, I now have a shiny new bivvy bag that will need to be used at some point...
-
The Dog & Pheasant at East Mersea doesn't get great reviews...
Ruby's Indian at Tolleshunt D'Arcy? Peldon Plough or Rose en-route to the Island?
Traveling very light, or bringing breakfast to cook on the beach? Mo's cafe in Tiptree opens at 05:30 on Saturdays though...
-
The Dog & Pheasant at East Mersea doesn't get great reviews...
Ruby's Indian at Tolleshunt D'Arcy? Peldon Plough or Rose en-route to the Island?
Traveling very light, or bringing breakfast to cook on the beach? Mo's cafe in Tiptree opens at 05:30 on Saturdays though...
Dinner en route to the island sounds like a plan. May just an early morning brew on the beach (*) then brekkie on the way home?
(*) I can't do much without a cup of tea inside me first thing.
By the way, so far the only confirmed bivvists (new word) are me and Tomsk, any more folks out there???
-
Bringing the mini-Trangia, pan and cup for a brew might just go in my 'Camper Longflap' along with the bivi, sleeping bag etc, otherwise it's pannier time...
If I have everything organised, I should be able to leave by 18:30, which means Witham-wards by about 19:45...and hungry by then. Or I try and re-schedule work and leave a bit earlier
-
Sounds like a plan Tomsk. Okay and Acorn the Elder might be joining us too.
-
I'll probably regret this but clearances have been granted so I'm in.
-
I'll probably regret this but clearances have been granted so I'm in.
I’m sure OD will look after you. What could possibly go wrong!
-
Apart from OD looking after me? It's the fact he has ordered the banjo carrier for Fred
-
I'll probably regret this but clearances have been granted so I'm in.
I’m sure OD will look after you. What could possibly go wrong!
Smashing, I'm starting to get excited!
-
I can get away early now: probably leave home at around 17:30, 18:45 in Witham. Battesford Court to eat/meet?
-
I can get away early now: probably leave home at around 17:30, 18:45 in Witham. Battesford Court to eat/meet?
That works for me. Mr Faro?
Got any thoughts on a route?
-
If your eating at the spoons I'll join you there about 1900 as will have time to eat with the kids at home. Can get away earlier if needed
-
Got any thoughts on a route?
Lt Braxted, Tiptree, Layer Marney, Peldon [pub - don't want to get to the beach too early!], will be low tide getting on and off the island - should be a neap tide anyway, so the Strood will be ok?
-
Got any thoughts on a route?
Lt Braxted, Tiptree, Layer Marney, Peldon [pub - don't want to get to the beach too early!], will be low tide getting on and off the island - should be a neap tide anyway, so the Strood will be ok?
I will fettle a route which looks like the above.
-
Got any thoughts on a route?
Lt Braxted, Tiptree, Layer Marney, Peldon [pub - don't want to get to the beach too early!], will be low tide getting on and off the island - should be a neap tide anyway, so the Strood will be ok?
I will fettle a route which looks like the above.
WHAT ABOUT THIS (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28469219) as an outward leg? NB: it doesn't exactly fit Tomsk's description and a bit of COR might have crept in ;D
-
Will you be taking bikes into the garden at the spoons or locking out front. Deciding what level of security I need to carry
-
Will you be taking bikes into the garden at the spoons or locking out front. Deciding what level of security I need to carry
The garden but if we don’t sit next to them a big lock might be a good idea.
-
Steve, GD did a good route to Mersea this year for our yacht club visit
-
I'm getting excited!!! :thumbsup:
-
I won't be joining for the bivvy night, but I'll probably come along to the 'Spoons for a cheeky pint with the intrepid adventurers.
-
I know we're only going for a simple overnight bivvy but its safe to say me and Fred aren't very good at this travelling light malarkey...
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1889/43667022704_bfa29714a5_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29wGUvN)
The orange roll on the back is my newly developed (idea nicked from a YouTuber) Rapid Deploy Bivvy System Patent Pending.
-
Glad to see that as I'm not good at traveling light. I'll bring a cooker for a brew/pre bed Ovaltine
-
Glad to see that as I'm not good at traveling light. I'll bring a cooker for a brew/pre bed Ovaltine
:thumbsup:
-
Just looking at Google Earth. I reckon we should head for Cudmore Grove Country Park. There's a car park (*) so I reckon it should be easy to get to the beach.
(*) My extensive research tells me that the country park is also a top dogging site so perhaps we walk along the beach to get a bit of peace and quiet ;D
-
IIRC there is a track not far round the corner from cudmore you can use
-
IIRC there is a track not far round the corner from cudmore you can use
Yeah, there looks like lots of options.
-
Quick summary - been busy this afternoon, going out soon:
Beer, good company thank you Johnny Faro and Oscar's Dad. Cheers for the ACME supporters send-off from the spoons: Beer Fuelled Commuter, Oaky & Acorn 1, Carlosfandango, and Trainman Bri too. Comedy Off-Roading, nettles, no prangs, more BEER, bemused locals, mud-by-moonlight, cold but just about ok. Stoves at dawn, no sand in the tea. Lovely clear sunrise, curlews calling, boats heading out of the Colne. Super-massive Breakfast at Mo's in Tiptree. Blackberry feast in Felsted. 81 miles for the round trip.
We must do another one this autumn :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
-
Twas a late summers eve when three intrepid explorers waved off by a motley crew set forth from the JD Weather spoons. Careful thought had been put into this route as to take a rather indirect route. We soon sallied forth up Wickham Bishops Hill but diverted off via millionaires lane. Onwards we proceeded until in need of light refreshments we stumbled into the Bell. After an Essex energy drink and the usual educational conversations the brave trio set forth again. The three sections of COR on this journey are slightly mixed in my memories as to which came first but think the first which was noted for its reasonable conditions under wheel and it nettles overground, the second was noted for being fairly pleasant to start with but then rather grim due to the dried ridges in it. These came somewhere around the first stop at the bell......after leaving the bell we had a pleasant ride on what we're now dark roads and for me enjoying my Dyno lighting and OD noticing this and the fact I've still got his spare front wheel. Shortly before our last scheduled stop Tomsk realised the horror of the track we were about to be lead up by OD and abandoned the gentlemen's pace we had proceeded at for something more akin to a time trial. Alas despite ignoring us shouting at him he was forced to return for COR stage 3. This was mostly a rutted strip of grass with a liberal splattering of sticks and other obstacles. OD disappeared off in front, possibly to avoid being linched but eventually we all emerged back onto tarmac. This was referred to as type 2 fun which I guess means not in the slightest bit fun. At least it was then just a short jaunt for another energy drink at the Peldon rose getting in not long before chucking up time. Suitably refreshed was then just a few miles, one fence, a field, a sea wall and we had reached our destination. A quick hot drink and after seeking reassurance from Tomsk that we were above the tide line we all settled down for a rather chilly and damp from mist/dew/condensation but not the sea sleep.
After a morning snack, brew and in OD's case walk with a trowel we had a more direct route to Mo's cafe for a rather large breakfast. My legs were feeling it so while the other two went to Tesco loos to spruce up I set off at just below a crawl and through our planning/luck we all rolled into town at the same time.
All in all a brilliant start to the weekend and despite being home by 9am really felt like it had extended the weekend. Will definitely have to try and get another one in soon although will get a better bivvy bag.
-
Tomsk and Johnny have done a great job with the words so I will add mostly pictures. Blowing my own trumpet for a moment, I have to say MY ROUTE (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28469219) was one of the best I've come up with in a long time, nice quiet roads in the main and three superb sections of COR, the last of which was quite challenging :thumbsup:
Fred all packed and raring to go...
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1876/30566182058_28f3374d15_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Nz2F1W)
At The Bell, Tolleshunt Major...
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1882/44434970111_17d1aba197_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aGyQwk)
Some COR, just before it got a bit gnarly...
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1898/29496754427_4117f66218_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LWwzrv)
Ready for bed complete with Horlicks and Southern Comfort...
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1890/29496754467_3ecf14dc85_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LWwzsc)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1898/29496753897_2702362351_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LWwzhn)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1880/42625202980_38bd35031c_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/27WDiNL)
The next morning, sunrise over Brightlingsea, breakfast #1...
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1884/43717135164_4de26b1c23_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29B8KcJ)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1889/44385119192_f28f0cfeef_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aCakzJ)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1858/43717135814_ee1a156c00_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29B8KoW)
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1887/44385120172_e097fcb57b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aCakSC)
Breakfast at Tiffany's Mo's...
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1886/44385119942_e9b438d832_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2aCakNE)
-
We need another bivvy night before the end of 2018. jibers is suggesting the end of October as he's waiting for a fancy new sleeping bag to arrive from China. That suits me as October is looking busy. Anyone else interested???
-
Possibly ... Got a couple of those Audaxes booked the last two Saturdays though - Debenham and Cambs Autumnals. 12/13th is ok.
-
Possibly ... Got a couple of those Audaxes booked the last two Saturdays though - Debenham and Cambs Autumnals. 12/13th is ok.
How does your November look Tomsk?
-
Possibly ... Got a couple of those Audaxes booked the last two Saturdays though - Debenham and Cambs Autumnals. 12/13th is ok.
How does your November look Tomsk?
The second weekend is clear [9/10/11th], others are occupied with 3Rs & Awards Evening [3rd], PBP Pubinar [24th] and I was planning a Helpers Ride for my 100km on 17th, though instead it could be on 24th too.
-
Friday 9th November works for me. How about the rest of the world? jibers?
-
Yeah assuming I've got the bag and it's ok then that should work
-
Friday 9th November works for me. How about the rest of the world? jibers?
9th November is confirmed :thumbsup:
-
Well that was a nice surprise!
New bag has arrived on the slightly faster boat than expected from China.... just tried it out on the landing (and managed to avoid falling down the stairs!).... needs an outside test which I might conduct in the coming week as it's hard to tell if it is warmer or not :thumbsup:
-
Well that was a nice surprise!
New bag has arrived on the slightly faster boat than expected from China.... just tried it out on the landing (and managed to avoid falling down the stairs!).... needs an outside test which I might conduct in the coming week as it's hard to tell if it is warmer or not :thumbsup:
Hooray!
Remind me where we're going.
-
It's almost winter - so why not a naturist beach!??? :facepalm:
-
It's almost winter - so why not a naturist beach!??? :facepalm:
I'm game if you are.
-
It's almost winter - so why not a naturist beach!??? :facepalm:
I'm game if you are.
I'm worried about your bivvy selfies now.
-
It's almost winter - so why not a naturist beach!??? :facepalm:
I'm game if you are.
I'm worried about your bivvy selfies now.
Baring ( ;D geddit?) in mind we're talking about chilly November there wouldn't be much to see.
-
Oh, ah ... it seems someone has booked something on Friday evening without consulting me! ::-)
-
Oh, ah ... it seems someone has booked something on Friday evening without consulting me! ::-)
Oh no, not good!
BTW, we still need to decide where we are going to bivvy. Perhaps something else to discuss this evening, anything to avoid talking about some obscure AUK rule ::-)
-
So, this mini-adventure is scheduled for a week on Friday (9th).
Firstly, who is coming along?
Secondly, we still need a bivvy spot. I have been studying satellite imagery (DISCLAIMER: everything looks better from space) and there looks like some likely spots on the shore by Goldhanger Sailing Club. This means we could enjoy a night cap at The Chequers. Any alternative thoughts?
-
there looks like some likely spots on the shore by Goldhanger Sailing Club
Low tide is at 7:30pm, so there'll be plenty of extra space to spread out in ...
-
As a point of discussion if nothing else what do we think of THIS ROUTE PROPOSAL? (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28867426?beta=false)
-
As a point of discussion if nothing else what do we think of THIS ROUTE PROPOSAL? (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28867426?beta=false)
It seems to be up to your usual standard of switchback awfulness......so plenty of scope to take a shortcut or two.
Which hostelries apart from the 'spoons and the Chequers may we be visiting?
Is there an early morning cafe in Heybridge/Maldon?
-
As a point of discussion if nothing else what do we think of THIS ROUTE PROPOSAL? (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28867426?beta=false)
Which hostelries apart from the 'spoons and the Chequers may we be visiting?
Too many to list!
-
Looking at weather forecast some extra shelter for any attendees (that's being non committal) may be a good idea
-
As a point of discussion if nothing else what do we think of THIS ROUTE PROPOSAL? (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28867426?beta=false)
Seems to be a lot of COR in the first 8km! Also left turn at 32km please :thumbsup:
-
As a point of discussion if nothing else what do we think of THIS ROUTE PROPOSAL? (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28867426?beta=false)
Seems to be a lot of COR in the first 8km! Also left turn at 32km please :thumbsup:
Why? ???
-
As a point of discussion if nothing else what do we think of THIS ROUTE PROPOSAL? (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28867426?beta=false)
Seems to be a lot of COR in the first 8km! Also left turn at 32km please :thumbsup:
I approve of this message.
-
So you want me to remove the COR? :'(
-
NB: bivvy night this Friday has been postponed due to the likelihood of heavy rain.