Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: Wowbagger on 03 January, 2009, 05:53:33 pm

Title: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 January, 2009, 05:53:33 pm
Anyone who pays attention to a certain board cannot have helped but notice the RRTY, standing for Randonneur Round The Year, an award for long-distance cyclists. To achieve this award requires a certain tenacity, toughness, single-mindedness and the ability to avoid eye contact.

It gives us great pleasure to announce the WARTY, Wowbagger/Annie Round the Year.  This is for a completely different type of cyclist.  Eye contact is encouraged, as indeed are other sorts of bodily contact, however inappropriate.   There will be pub lunches, cafe stops, photographic opportunities, the occasional beach and more innuendo than you thought existed anywhere. 

These rides will take place on an approximately monthly basis and be of 40-60 miles duration.  Anyone who succeeds in enduring a whole year's worth of this nonsense will be awarded a prize of an unspecified nature: they may well be certified.

We decided to include the Essex Christmas Pootle as the first of these rides so the esteemed company present on that august occasion are well on the way to acquiring the UK's most exclusive and highly coveted award. Olympic Gold Medals?  Two a penny.

The second in this sequence will be the Annie-versary ride on 10th January 2009, venue to be announced.

WARTY ROLL OF HONOUR

30/1210/121/221/34/4
Annie :) :) :) :) :)
Wowbagger :) :) :) :) :)
Delthebike :) :) :) :) :)
Jurek :) :) :) :)
Mrs Wow :) :) :) :)
NSTN :) :) :) :)
Wobbly John :) :) :) :)
Tokamak :) :) :)
Jane :) :) :)
Tim O :) :) :)
Teethgrinder :) :) :)
Her Welshness :) :) :)
Tim Hall :) :) :)
Bobb :) :)
Ploddin Pedro :) :)
Roger T :) :)
Adam :) :)
Clarion :) :)
Ian :) :)
Auntie Helen :) :)
Fatbloke >:(
Mike :)
Sue :)
Cometworm :)
Butterfly :)
Rower40 :)
Regulator :-\
Andrew :)
Jasper TSC :)
Anne Hall :)
Borak :)
Jo :)
William :)

Regulator's first appearance was a half-day: he turned up at lunchtime without a note from his mum.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 03 January, 2009, 05:56:30 pm
Getting warty with Annie and Wowbagger!  O:-)

edit: I hope they are genteel warties.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 January, 2009, 05:59:49 pm
Annie also wondered about a similar series with Fidgetbuzz... the F...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 03 January, 2009, 06:00:28 pm
Oy, you can't retrospectively include the Essex Christmas ride before announcing the WARTY.  That puts all of us who weren't on it at an immediate disadvantage of completing the entire set (ie we can't !).
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 January, 2009, 06:02:14 pm
That's quite right but you'll only be a month behind the others. I'll tell you what: if you can stand 11 months of us we'll give you an extra one free!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 03 January, 2009, 06:06:31 pm
Rock on...If you can possibly keep it to Saturdays then I might be able participate in most if not all of these.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Polar Bear on 03 January, 2009, 06:08:14 pm
Annie can PARTY with me if she would like to ...   :-*   ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 03 January, 2009, 07:14:26 pm
Is it true that the July warty is LEL?  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 03 January, 2009, 07:31:15 pm
Yeah, London-Essex-London. ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Andrij on 03 January, 2009, 08:00:46 pm
Yeah, London-Essex-London. ;)

That will be an easy 45 minutes.  :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 January, 2009, 06:44:52 pm
OK, the Official January WARTY Ride is to celebrate Annie's birthday, which is on Friday. We are going out Saturday 10th Jan here (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/annie-versary).

Meet at Marks Tey for 9.30 (conveniently, there's a train leaving Lpoo St at 8.38 which arrives at 9.29. I intend to get on it at 9.02 in Shenfield so don't hog all the places!). Elevenses will be in Halstead (about 13 miles in) and lunch will be at the Red Lion, Church Hill, Finchingfield (those who came Up the Uts in August will remember that it rains there).

Shortly before the end of the ride there is a pub, the Shoulder of Mutton (http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/145242), in Fordstreet. It is not impossible that we will have a wee drinkie in here before saying our tearful farewells.

We hope to return to Marks Tey before sunset, but obviously cannot guarantee this. The ride is about 50 miles.

NSTN rating: good. All roads are marked at least yellow on the OS map, but there may be skog.

Of course, there is no guarantee that there will not be "shitloads*" of snow.

Please indicate below in the usual way if you plan to be part of this hilarious fiasco.

*A shitload is an unspecified large quantity as defined by my daughter.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 04 January, 2009, 06:47:21 pm
Yep, I plan to be there :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: tonycollinet on 04 January, 2009, 06:58:24 pm
I'd love to join some of your rides - but really too far away. If they are every month though, I may be able to make one during the year.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: bobb on 04 January, 2009, 07:07:46 pm
Reckon I'm in  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 04 January, 2009, 07:10:39 pm
Of course I'm in - 2 out of 2, eyes on the prize!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 04 January, 2009, 07:14:53 pm
Excellent news:

Tokamak
Bobb
Delthebike
Myself
Wowbagger and Mrs Wow
PloddinPedro
Cometworm?
NSTN?
TG?


Would be lovely to see you sometime Tony, there is always room here if you wish to stay over.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 04 January, 2009, 07:28:40 pm
 :thumbsup:

Wowbagger, group discount on train again?

edit: if I can get a railcard in time you can journey on mine.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: alan on 04 January, 2009, 07:30:27 pm
eyes on the prize!

To hell with the prize.
Mine eyes are thine Annie ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 04 January, 2009, 07:32:40 pm
eyes on the prize!

To hell with the prize.
Mine eyes are thine Annie ;)
:-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: alan on 04 January, 2009, 07:33:30 pm
I'd love to join some of your rides - but really too far away. If they are every month though, I may be able to make one during the year.

We could take advantage of our common geography & go together in one car,sharing petrol costs, one month...but not this current one.
Yeah or nay?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 04 January, 2009, 07:34:44 pm
I'd love to join some of your rides - but really too far away. If they are every month though, I may be able to make one during the year.

We could take advantage of our common geography & go together in one car,sharing petrol costs, one month...but not this current one.
Yeah or nay?

Plenty of room at the inn.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: tonycollinet on 04 January, 2009, 08:48:27 pm
I'd love to join some of your rides - but really too far away. If they are every month though, I may be able to make one during the year.

We could take advantage of our common geography & go together in one car,sharing petrol costs, one month...but not this current one.
Yeah or nay?

Sounds good to me - possibly when the weather is a bit better?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: tonycollinet on 04 January, 2009, 08:48:58 pm
I'd love to join some of your rides - but really too far away. If they are every month though, I may be able to make one during the year.

We could take advantage of our common geography & go together in one car,sharing petrol costs, one month...but not this current one.
Yeah or nay?

Plenty of room at the inn.

That sounds good too.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Torslanda on 04 January, 2009, 10:41:43 pm
If you extrapolate this concept to a ride somewhere 'oop norf' and drop Wowbagger and substitute Torslanda then it becomes TARTY

Is that tenuous or what?

IGMC

J
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RichForrest on 04 January, 2009, 10:48:08 pm
Can't make this one as I'm doing the Poor Student the day after. Will ride over again later in the year and join you all.

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 January, 2009, 10:59:08 pm
If you extrapolate this concept to a ride somewhere 'oop norf' and drop Wowbagger and substitute Torslanda then it becomes TARTY

Is that tenuous or what?

IGMC

J

Or keep me in and make it "Throughout The Year" and you've got TWATTY.

The possibilities for smut and silliness are endless - and we haven't even started in earnest yet!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: alan on 05 January, 2009, 01:24:12 am
I'd love to join some of your rides - but really too far away. If they are every month though, I may be able to make one during the year.

We could take advantage of our common geography & go together in one car,sharing petrol costs, one month...but not this current one.
Yeah or nay?

Sounds good to me - possibly when the weather is a bit better?

Yes
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Ariadne on 05 January, 2009, 10:34:08 am
So THAT's what it stands for! RRTY, I mean. I was musing on it as I cycled yesterday - I knew it involved cycling every month but I didn't know how far, and I couldn't get the initials to fit to anything meaningful. So - thank you!

And I'd love to come on your WARTY ride but it's a bit of a journey to the start, for me....
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 05 January, 2009, 12:54:29 pm
Have just caught up with this thread - on the ball as usual!

Would love to join you, especially as it looks as though your route practically goes past my front door! So, if I can get permission from 'er indoors and you can tolerate an old fart puffing along at the back slowing you all down, can I be in your gang? As I read it, you're meeting/starting at the rail station in Marks Tey yes?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 05 January, 2009, 12:59:50 pm
Have just caught up with this thread - on the ball as usual!

Would love to join you, especially as it looks as though your route practically goes past my front door! So, if I can get permission from 'er indoors and you can tolerate an old fart puffing along at the back slowing you all down, can I be in your gang? As I read it, you're meeting/starting at the rail station in Marks Tey yes?

Excellent news.

You won't be at the back, I can assure you.

Look forward to seeing you again.


Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: LE on 05 January, 2009, 01:06:14 pm
I will try to join you for a ride later in the season (when sore bits are less sore and fitness has increased)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 05 January, 2009, 02:31:31 pm
Got a railcard now, which was painless and photo free. Just waiting till the weekend and a balmy 0 - 3oC.  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RogerT on 05 January, 2009, 05:29:58 pm
Has this thread taken over from the other one Annie started ?  If so.. I'm in for the January ride.  Not sure about the others yet.

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 05 January, 2009, 05:32:32 pm
Has this thread taken over from the other one Annie started ?  If so.. I'm in for the January ride.  Not sure about the others yet.
I think so, the route is linked on this post, Clicky (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13191.msg235973#msg235973).
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 January, 2009, 06:02:37 pm
Got a railcard now, which was painless and photo free. Just waiting till the weekend and a balmy 0 - 3oC.  ::-)

Is Fatters likely to be with us? If so, we can get a Groupsave at 4 for the price of 2. Don't need a railcard for that.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 05 January, 2009, 06:06:07 pm
Is Fatters likely to be with us? If so, we can get a Groupsave at 4 for the price of 2. Don't need a railcard for that.
He hasn't posted to either threads re the 10th Jan ride. I might see him tomorrow at 40+.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RogerT on 05 January, 2009, 06:41:21 pm
ER...Just a small point...I have put this route into my trusted Sat Nav, and I notice that the word "hill" appears rather more than once.  As a Fen Dweller I must insist that an iron is taken to these hills in order to flatten them somewhat.

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 January, 2009, 06:43:52 pm
This ride is in Essex. Essex is flat. Everyone knows that.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RogerT on 05 January, 2009, 06:51:50 pm
This ride is in Essex. Essex is flat. Everyone knows that.

Sorry to contradict old chap, but where I reside is TRULY flat  ( if the earth was not curved you could see Siberia with a good telescope )

Essex sports one or two interesting little bumps from memory.

I have no doubt lots of comments about southern softies will be on their way soon.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 January, 2009, 06:54:13 pm
I was being facetious.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Hummers on 05 January, 2009, 07:09:19 pm
Excellent idea  :thumbsup:

I fear I won't be able to make these feats of herculean double-entendre due to other commitments but wish you all best. I will track you progress with interest.

H
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 05 January, 2009, 07:43:44 pm
Seriously guys, I worry about them hills...this flu has left me seriously unfit, my lungs are not doing fabulously (they are always my weak point on hills anyway) AND I've managed to lose my lowest of the low gear when I put a sparkly new freewheel block on  :-\ Four whole teeth, what is wrong with me  ???

The good news is today I managed to commute 5 miles to work and 5 miles back with no trouble (although the cold air/exertion brings the coughing on which is to be expected I suppose) but my commute, being London, is flatter than a flat thing, the bridges as I cross the river are the only thing resembling a hill!  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 January, 2009, 08:16:24 pm
Church Hill in Finchingfield is a short, sharp shock and the pub is immediately at the top. By short, I mean less than 30 yards. That is by far the steepest but it's only about 1 in 10. No one will mind if you want to walk up it - you'll be getting off your bike in about 20 seconds anyway because you'll want some lunch!

Leaving Halstead there is a climb, although I've never cycled on that road - I'm just looking at the contours. There's also a climb out of Fordstreet on the way back to Marks Tey but it doesn't look especially nasty.

I'd say, NSTN, that if you wanted a nice gentle recovery ride after a bout of lurgy then this would be a good choice. Mrs. Wow and I will be on the tandem and you know what speed freaks we are when we get going.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 05 January, 2009, 08:22:18 pm
Hang on a cotton-picking minute.

I know which one that is, don't I?

Didn't we go down it, in the very rainy rain, immediately after lunch on the Uts weekend?

I descended that one gingerly, to say the least  ::-)

If I have to walk I have to walk, although I haven't walked a hill in I don't know how long and I shall be cross with myself.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: diapsaon0 on 05 January, 2009, 08:25:53 pm

Essex sports one or two interesting little bumps from memory.


That's no way to refer to the WAGS  :demon:

N
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 05 January, 2009, 08:41:15 pm
That little hill in Finchingfield really isn't so bad. It seems steep from memory, but when you get to it just get up out the saddle and you'll be over it before you've even had time to get out of breath.

I'm wondering whether to 'do a Del' and cycle to the start point :-\.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 05 January, 2009, 08:57:36 pm
I'm wondering whether to 'do a Del' and cycle to the start point :-\.
I'm getting a train!  :o I have considered cycling there, about 35 miles, and then it snowed. It's not particularly pleasant at this time of year.  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 05 January, 2009, 09:01:48 pm
24 and a bit miles from Chelmsford - mostly pleasant lanes although it's not really possible to avoid a couple of miles of the A120 into Marks Tey - and that's a nasty road. I think bobb will want to get the train too, it's just that I'm on a mission for mileage!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 05 January, 2009, 09:05:59 pm
That little hill in Finchingfield really isn't so bad. It seems steep from memory, but when you get to it just get up out the saddle and you'll be over it before you've even had time to get out of breath.

I'm wondering whether to 'do a Del' and cycle to the start point :-\.

I prefer to go up it rather than down it, I must be mad.

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 05 January, 2009, 09:06:23 pm

Essex sports one or two interesting little bumps from memory.


That's no way to refer to the WAGS  :demon:

N
???

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RogerT on 05 January, 2009, 09:08:49 pm
WJ and I will be arriving by Car, presumably there is parking at Marks Tey station ?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: rower40 on 05 January, 2009, 09:12:22 pm
I'd love to come, but I'm busy coxing a boat on the middle of the Trent in Nottingham.  The crew is competing in Boston at the end of the month, so want some 'big water' practice.

Have Fun, Y'all. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 05 January, 2009, 09:17:30 pm
WJ and I will be arriving by Car, presumably there is parking at Marks Tey station ?

Plenty of parking.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 January, 2009, 11:11:48 pm
24 and a bit miles from Chelmsford - mostly pleasant lanes although it's not really possible to avoid a couple of miles of the A120 into Marks Tey - and that's a nasty road. I think bobb will want to get the train too, it's just that I'm on a mission for mileage!

You could try this (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/markstey-danbury). Annie & I rode from the Cricketers (Danbury) to Marks Tey keeping to the south of the A12. The only nasty bit was the short stretch of dual carriageway west of the A12. Home in and you can see exactly what I did - this is the GPS track loaded after I rode, not the planned route before hand. Annie carried on around the roundabout.

If you look at the satellite pic, there's also a pedestrian footbridge over the A12 which might be a better bet if you want to do this route.

WJ and I will be arriving by Car, presumably there is parking at Marks Tey station ?

Plenty of parking.

The biggest car park is to the north of the railway. Again, click on the above link and home in on the satellite image. That's also the way out for people getting off the train from London, to avoid carrying the bike over the footbridge. It's possible to cross the track quite safely there, because the Sudbury train goes the other way.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: jane on 06 January, 2009, 06:17:52 am

I'd say, NSTN, that if you wanted a nice gentle recovery ride after a bout of lurgy then this would be a good choice. Mrs. Wow and I will be on the tandem and you know what speed freaks we are when we get going.

That's exactly what I was thinking.  I too have been laid low by the lurg over Christmas and new Year and was thinking I might be able to manage this in my weakened state.  If the worst comes to the worst, NSTN, we can cough, wheeze and splutter our way around together, without holding everyone else up.   Although I'm hoping the coughing and wheezing will be over by the weekend. 
     
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 06 January, 2009, 07:34:58 am

I'd say, NSTN, that if you wanted a nice gentle recovery ride after a bout of lurgy then this would be a good choice. Mrs. Wow and I will be on the tandem and you know what speed freaks we are when we get going.

That's exactly what I was thinking.  I too have been laid low by the lurg over Christmas and new Year and was thinking I might be able to manage this in my weakened state.  If the worst comes to the worst, NSTN, we can cough, wheeze and splutter our way around together, without holding everyone else up.   Although I'm hoping the coughing and wheezing will be over by the weekend. 
     

It will be lovely to see you both Jane.  It will be a steady pace and no-one will be left behind.  I still have a bit of cough and was wheezing quite badly yesterday.

Tokamak - the part of the A120 that I rode on was very fast and pretty awful, thankfully I wasn't on it for very long at all.  I don't recommend it unless absolutely necessary.


Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 January, 2009, 09:32:21 am
That was at about 4.30 p.m. though, Annie, on the last Saturday before Christmas.

At 9.00 on a Saturday morning I think it would be much quieter.

My comments above about the footbridge perhaps being a better option are irrelevant - it takes you straight down to the bus layby where I crossed the road. It makes you wonder why the footbridge is there though: OK, it crosses the 70mph A12 but leaves people heading for the station to cross the second busy dual carriageway unaided.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 06 January, 2009, 09:45:15 am
Tokamak - the part of the A120 that I rode on was very fast and pretty awful, thankfully I wasn't on it for very long at all.  I don't recommend it unless absolutely necessary.
The route up from Copford, across the A12/A120 junction and past Marks Tey station is on a regular club run route for me, so I guess I have my tactics for that junction well honed by now. Basically, once you've got round the first RAB (at the junction with the B1408) and are on the straight part of the dual carriageway you have the length of that straight to assert your right to move into the right hand lane approaching the A120/Station Road RAB - hold your position in the exact middle of that right hand lane, to force following traffic to slow or use the left hand lane (most do because they're going straight on, onto the A120). There's not usually much traffic coming around the RAB (only those vehicles exiting Station Road for the A120) so you can usually barrel at speed onto the RAB and round it to Station Road with priority. If you don't like the idea of the dual carriageway at all, it's possible to avoid riding it altogether by exiting the first RAB (B1408/A120 one) by the first (London Road) exit - easy because you can hug the left kerb all the way) then shortly past the garage (and bike shop) on the left, there is (on the right hand side of the road) a pedestrian (cycle usable) footbridge over the A12 which drops you at the side of the A120 dual carriageway where you can cross it on foot as Wowbagger must have done, and get to Station Road without riding on the A120 at all.

Edit: while drafting this, Wowbagger posted again and made the valid point that you still have to cross the A120 dual carriageway on foot even if you've used the footbridge over the A12. But you can cross each carriageway individually of course, and choose your moment traffic wise. And you don't have to get around the big B1408/A120 RAB, which is in fact the hairiest part of the whole exercise.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 06 January, 2009, 09:50:01 am
Jane - I believe we are the only two coming from London, lurgies permitting, shall we meet at the station about 20 mins before the train leaves (you can go on my railcard to get a cheaper ticket).

I just twiddled my way to work in a low gear, coughing and spluttering, bah.

Am considering bringing a flask of hot tea, it helps the cough more than anything!

Edit: TimO, if you are still coming you are also welcome to join the railcard (and I think I still owe you money from the Dunwich ride I never did!)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 06 January, 2009, 10:01:09 am
Thanks for the tips WB, Annie, PP! This (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Broomfield-Marks-Tey) was going to be my proposed route if I did cycle. Going via Danbury from Broomfield is a bit of a round about route, although I do appreciate that it's easier to access Marks Tey if you can keep South of the A12.

I have a friend who lives in Coggeshall and I know exactly what that stretch of A120 can be like!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: her_welshness on 06 January, 2009, 10:52:37 am
I would like to attend the WARTY and will try and drag my mate Sue out for this one too...its good Dunwich training  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 06 January, 2009, 10:55:52 am
Perhaps we can get together a four and get half-price tickets? Be good to see you both again.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: her_welshness on 06 January, 2009, 11:12:33 am
Sounds like a plan NSTN - see you on the concourse around 8.15?  Would be really good to see you again - Sue had a whale of a time on the last yacf ride, I think it was one of our best rides of the year!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 06 January, 2009, 11:35:31 am
Yes, that was a nice pootle indeed. I must just try to remember my cycling glasses this time to prevent another mud-in-eye incident. Ok, see you there, lungs permitting.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: her_welshness on 06 January, 2009, 12:17:10 pm
I think the weather looks dry for Saturday, although that doesn't mean that there won't be any mud. I have been de-lurgified now (touch wood) for around 4 weeks, and after 4 colds in 8 weeks this autumn I sincerely sympathise!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: mike on 06 January, 2009, 12:49:49 pm
bugger, I'd have been up for this but am too far away this weekend , hopefully see you in Feb. Does my failed attempt to find you over christmas count towards the total?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 06 January, 2009, 01:33:55 pm
... TimO, if you are still coming you are also welcome to join the railcard (and I think I still owe you money from the Dunwich ride I never did!)

I was still thinking of coming on this, I cycled into work this morning, and didn't cough up a lung, so I think my lurgy has sufficiently cleared up not to be an issue, especially for a nice flat 40 miles or so.

I've got two choices for travel, wither I drive for an hour and a half, or cycle for an hour to Liverpool Street, then get the train... decisions decisions. ???
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 January, 2009, 01:37:43 pm
bugger, I'd have been up for this but am too far away this weekend , hopefully see you in Feb. Does my failed attempt to find you over christmas count towards the total?

Anyone living in Essex (or just over the Cambs border, says he, hedging his bets) who owns a Ti Serotta is given one wild card.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 January, 2009, 01:41:36 pm
Annie and I dropped in to Terry's place for a cup of tea on Saturday.
Quote from: My Mate Terry
Hi Peter
It was terrific to see you again on Saturday. As a wuss who has been sheltering in my house from the cold outside I was really impressed by your bravery and athleticism(!) in the conditions. You cyclists really are a different breed. No wonder you won so many medals at the Olympics! Your very charming friend Annie is obviously also a real star of the first dimension and would have fitted in extremely well had she been lucky enough to be at The Poulton Asylum with us. I assume that all cyclists are not so wonderfully wacky?

Well, in my experience quite a few of them are... ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 06 January, 2009, 05:34:29 pm
Annie and I dropped in to Terry's place for a cup of tea on Saturday.
Quote from: My Mate Terry
Hi Peter
It was terrific to see you again on Saturday. As a wuss who has been sheltering in my house from the cold outside I was really impressed by your bravery and athleticism(!) in the conditions. You cyclists really are a different breed. No wonder you won so many medals at the Olympics! Your very charming friend Annie is obviously also a real star of the first dimension and would have fitted in extremely well had she been lucky enough to be at The Poulton Asylum with us. I assume that all cyclists are not so wonderfully wacky?

Well, in my experience quite a few of them are... ;D

Hee hee.  What a wonderful description.  Might I ask what the Poulton Asylum is or was? 

Terry was the most wonderful host and full of charm and boundless energy and enthusiasm, I hope to see him again in the future.  Glad I didn't have to resort to watering his bushes for him ;)  Tis a pity we couldn't manage to squeeze his rather oversized lenses into our pockets. 
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: jane on 06 January, 2009, 05:36:33 pm
I would like to make up a four with you NSTN + her_welshness (who I know from another cycling life) and Sue (ditto) is the meet 8.15 at Liv Poo ST?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 January, 2009, 05:40:56 pm
Hee hee.  What a wonderful description.  Might I ask what the Poulton Asylum is or was? 

Poulton-le-Fylde College of Education, our teachers' training college. It was where Mrs. Wow's eyes first met mine over a crowded common room. :-* It began life as a convalescent home for cotton workers and later became a Coll of Ed. In the late 1970s it was closed, along with a lot of other colleges and some time later became the Council Offices for the Wyre Borough Council.

Our year included some marvellous nutters and, for me, proved conclusively of the total worthlessness of Eysenck's Personailty Tests. Almost everyone they admitted was totally unsuitable. :D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 06 January, 2009, 05:44:23 pm
How wonderful that so many people are now coming along for this ride, it will also be Jane's birthday, so a double celebration.

Myself
Wowbagger and Mrs Wow
Delthebike
Tokamak
Bobb
Jane
NSTN
Her Welshness
Sue
Tim O
Ploddin Pedro
Wobbly John
Roger T
Tim Hall

Cometworm?
TG?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: her_welshness on 06 January, 2009, 06:00:39 pm
Jane and NSTN: see you Liverpool Street for 8:15-8.20 on Saturday? Am in the attempt of persuading Sue but communication wise she is not brilliant!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 06 January, 2009, 06:11:09 pm
I could possibly, maybe, perhaps be up for this - depending on what ambient temperatures are like.
Yes, I am a wimp who doesn't welcome a day's worth of < 0°C.

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 06 January, 2009, 06:27:37 pm
OK, the Official January WARTY Ride is to celebrate Annie's birthday, which is on Friday. We are going out Saturday 10th Jan here (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/annie-versary). ...

Since Wowbaggers map is a bit chunky, and doesn't work ideally with my Active-10 GPS (which will just overlay the GPX onto the OS mapping), I took his map, re-input it into Bike Route Toaster using the Auto-Route following bit, then output it and simplified it using GPS Babel.

This map (http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=28073) follows the route a bit closer, but has 300 data points.  This is OK for the Active-10, but may be a bit much for other GPS's, unless you want to follow the route more exactly, and don't just need junction information (which Wows provides adequately).

I think I've gone on the correct roads, but occasionally I've had to make an executive decision and pick one road over another, but I doubt it matters much.  The total distance using this, which follows the route a bit more closely is a smidgen under 50 miles.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 06 January, 2009, 06:58:25 pm
How wonderful that so many people are now coming along for this ride, it will also be Jane's birthday, so a double celebration.

Cometworm?
TG?
Tim Hall?
Still not certain yet.
I still have the cough, but am rarely bringing anything up with it now. I'm also worried about the ice. I won't ride there if the roads are icy.
I'll need to be fighting fit to get to the start.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: jane on 06 January, 2009, 07:03:36 pm
How wonderful that so many people are now coming along for this ride, it will also be Jane's birthday, so a double celebration.


Actually, Annie, it's not my birthday- i seem to recall a post from Polar Bear (possibly) on the thread where you first mentioned this ride- he (or she) posted just before a post of mine and said it was his (or her) birthday- I think you may have got a wee bit confused. (If you weren't you probably are now)  I am a summer baby (August 26th).
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 January, 2009, 07:11:53 pm
Can it be your official birthday? :D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Tim Hall on 06 January, 2009, 09:00:55 pm
So just supposing a bloke was going to go on this and was going by train, how long should it take to skedaddle from London Bridge to Liverpool Street? By bike that is?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: jane on 06 January, 2009, 09:03:33 pm

I still have the cough, but am rarely bringing anything up with it now.

far too much information TG. 

Can it be your official birthday? :D

Why not- we all deserve at least two.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Andrij on 06 January, 2009, 09:03:45 pm
So just supposing a bloke was going to go on this and was going by train, how long should it take to skedaddle from London Bridge to Liverpool Street? By bike that is?

15 minutes - tops.  That includes finding your way to the meeting point.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 06 January, 2009, 09:22:51 pm
I've made plans to go and visit my mate in Coggeshall after the ride. If anyone is driving to Marks Tey, would I be able to leave a small backpack with a change of clothes in the boot? I wouldn't really fancy riding around all day with it on my back.

After my deliberating, I'll probably get on a train from Chelmsford now. ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 06 January, 2009, 09:46:28 pm
I've made plans to go and visit my mate in Coggeshall after the ride. If anyone is driving to Marks Tey, would I be able to leave a small backpack with a change of clothes in the boot? I wouldn't really fancy riding around all day with it on my back.

After my deliberating, I'll probably get on a train from Chelmsford now. ::-)

My car will be there so feel free to leave anything you like.

Sorry for the confusion Jane, brain isn't what it used to be.  I was convinced it was your birthday as well.

Sorry you haven't been too well TG.

Just returned from yoga, -9 out there, very slippery, lost it on a roundabout.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: LE on 06 January, 2009, 11:26:31 pm
It's Polar Bear's birthday on the 11th Jan. I also believe it may be RichForrest's daughter's birthday too.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jaded on 06 January, 2009, 11:43:46 pm
I reckon it wouldn't be too taxing to aim to come once in a year.

Is the prize a fragrant buff?  ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 January, 2009, 02:06:35 am
THe forecast reckons a dry and sunny +2°C! Bikini weather!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 07 January, 2009, 06:57:56 am
I reckon it wouldn't be too taxing to aim to come once in a year.

Is the prize a fragrant buff?  ;D

It might be, it might not.  Not sure if Wow has any buffs. ???

As for bikinis, let's put that idea on to the back-burner shall we?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Adam on 07 January, 2009, 08:19:21 am
THe forecast reckons a dry and sunny +2°C! Bikini weather!

Eugh - Santa in a bikini - that conjures up all sorts of disturbing thoughts.

12 months of WARTY smut & innuendo would be too much for me to manage, but I'll have to see about this weekend.   Is there any snow around that way?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 07 January, 2009, 08:41:55 am
......... I'll have to see about this weekend.   Is there any snow around that way?
At the moment, looking out the window (2 miles outside of Halstead) it looks grim. Off the larger roads the lanes are still littered with stretches of frozen ice/snow. The forecast for tomorrow shows light winds and sunny spells and I had been planning to get my January DIY 200k done to keep my RTTY going, but unless there's a marked warming and disappearance of the dodgy stuff, I'll not be venturing out; I've already hit the deck on black ice once this winter and I don't wish to repeat the process!
Fingers crossed for Saturday as the same reasoning applies; weather 'tween now and then needs to warm enough to clear the lanes a bit.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 January, 2009, 08:59:35 am
Agreed, PP. The forecast is for it to be warmer - but since weather as cold as the last few days doesn't happen more often than once every few years, we'd expect that really.

Don't worry Adam - I don't wear bikinis... ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: her_welshness on 07 January, 2009, 09:38:42 am
Yippee - looks like Sue and I are on for Saturday: Sue was particularly impressed with the civilized elevenses and other rest stops advertised.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 07 January, 2009, 11:21:54 am

Don't worry Adam - I don't wear bikinis... ;)

Don't underestimate the power of the yacf ladies; on the Norfolk weekend we had Jasper wearing my skirt...  ;D

Bright sunshine forecast for Saturday at the moment.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 07 January, 2009, 01:32:59 pm
I think I'll train it, so can I meet up with you ladies at (iirc) 8-15 on the concourse at Liverpool Street?

Don't expect me to wear any sort of female apparel. ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 January, 2009, 02:05:55 pm

Don't worry Adam - I don't wear bikinis... ;)

Don't underestimate the power of the yacf ladies; on the Norfolk weekend we had Jasper wearing my skirt...  ;D

Bright sunshine forecast for Saturday at the moment.

If the YACF Ladies request that I wear a bikini, then so be it. However, I must stipulate that this must be on a summer WARTY and preferably on a beach.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 07 January, 2009, 02:26:13 pm
If the YACF Ladies request that I wear a bikini, then so be it. However, I must stipulate that this must be on a summer WARTY and preferably on a beach.
Oh no! Think of the little children making their sand castles suddenly seeing Santa in his Sunday clothes!   :o  :'(  :sick:
Ladies, of the Yacf variety, I could postpone my face shaving for a while and organise a Beard ride.  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 07 January, 2009, 02:35:49 pm
I'd grow a bear for that - but who would ride it? :demon: ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 07 January, 2009, 02:38:30 pm
I'd grow a bear for that - but who would ride it? :demon: ;)
No boDy rides bears anymore, but you can wind Paddington up with Euston jokes!  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 07 January, 2009, 02:40:11 pm
I'd grow a beard for that - but who would ride it? :demon: ;)

Oops.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Tim Hall on 07 January, 2009, 11:42:35 pm
I'll be there, most likely arriving by train. Let's hope there's lots of space on it.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 07 January, 2009, 11:44:27 pm
Excellent news Tim.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 07 January, 2009, 11:44:55 pm
It'll be full of cyclists - us!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 January, 2009, 12:08:29 am
I think Mrs. Wow and I will either aim for the earlier train, or stick the bike on the back of the car. 8.08 gets into Marks Tey with a change at Shenfield.

The 9.02 in Shenfield is a Peterborough-bound train. I think that has quite a lot of carriages. The 8.42 is bound for Harwich. I don't know how many carriages that train has.

Sod it, it shouldn't be a problem.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 January, 2009, 08:27:16 am
Aye, from Liverpool Street there's the 0818 arriving Marks Tey at 0910, then the 0838 arriving 0929.  Depending on how good my l33t navigational skillz are, I may well be on the 0818, following a dsh from London bridge.   
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 08 January, 2009, 09:34:16 am
Since Wowbaggers map is a bit chunky, and doesn't work ideally with my Active-10 GPS (which will just overlay the GPX onto the OS mapping), I took his map, re-input it into Bike Route Toaster using the Auto-Route following bit, then output it and simplified it using GPS Babel.

This map (http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=28073) follows the route a bit closer, but has 300 data points.  This is OK for the Active-10, but may be a bit much for other GPS's, unless you want to follow the route more exactly, and don't just need junction information (which Wows provides adequately).
I'm also a Satmap A10 user. I don't seem to able to download this route as a .gpx file. This may have something to do with not being registered on Bike Route Toaster - is that a requirement?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 08 January, 2009, 11:22:50 am
I'm also a Satmap A10 user. I don't seem to able to download this route as a .gpx file. This may have something to do with not being registered on Bike Route Toaster - is that a requirement?

Hmm, that's odd.  I'm not logged into it at the moment, and if I go to the Summary Screen and hit the link for "Download / To File / gpx" it prompts me to save the file (and always calls it course.gpx no matter what I put in the "Course Name" box on that page).  Opening the file in an editor it looks OK, but I haven't actually loaded it into the Active 10, since I'm and work, and it isn't.

You can try and grab it from here (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/Annie-versary_from_BikeRouteToaster.gpx) on my server, which should prompt you to save the file (since i haven't bothered to configure the server for the correct Mime type for GPX, whatever that is).  This is the identical file, I just downloaded it from Bike Route Toaster myself.


Aye, from Liverpool Street there's the 0818 arriving Marks Tey at 0910, then the 0838 arriving 0929.  Depending on how good my l33t navigational skillz are, I may well be on the 0818, following a dsh from London bridge.   

I assume based on these times (I haven't checked the timetable myself) that NSTN et al are planning on getting the 8-38?  Since the meeting time suggested was 8-15, that three minutes before the train leaves isn't really enough to get the tickets and get on the train?!

I was toying with the idea of being lazy and getting the train from East Croydon to London Bridge, but at that time of the morning I suspect it'll be pretty busy, and jamming a bicycle on could quite possibly be a non-starter.  It's probably easier (in the long run) to cycle all the way to Liverpool Street.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 08 January, 2009, 11:32:43 am
Tim, I've often caught the train from Forest Hill to London Bridge early on a Saturday morning, they're usually pretty quiet, and taking a bike on isn't a problem.


Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 08 January, 2009, 11:34:37 am
Tim, I've often caught the train from Forest Hill to London Bridge early on a Saturday morning, they're usually pretty quiet, and taking a bike on isn't a problem.

Doh.  Even though it's a Saturday morning I was still thinking "Early morning -> Rush hour -> Busy". :-[

Still, it's only a 11 or so mile cycle, I do the same distance every working day, and it'll save me £5 !
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 08 January, 2009, 12:06:31 pm
Yep it's the 8.38 I'm after; not getting up any earlier than that on a weekend I'm afraid, I'm lazy like that.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Regulator on 08 January, 2009, 01:16:49 pm
Poo!  I can't make it as I have to be in Salisbury for family duties.

No WARTY for me then....  :'(
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 08 January, 2009, 02:46:59 pm
Yep it's the 8.38 I'm after; not getting up any earlier than that on a weekend I'm afraid, I'm lazy like that.

Well, I'll probably have to get up a couple of hours earlier than I would in the week!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: alan on 08 January, 2009, 04:01:30 pm
Poo!  I can't make it as I have to be in Salisbury for family duties.

No WARTY for me then....  :'(

I'll give you a wave as I pass through en route to Southampton :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 08 January, 2009, 08:19:03 pm
I've seen a brilliant pink ski suit in a charity shop in Braintree, bad 80's style - so bad it's good. Who thinks I should buy it tomorrow and wear it on Saturday? :D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 08 January, 2009, 08:20:28 pm
I've seen a brilliant pink ski suit in a charity shop in Braintree, bad 80's style - so bad it's good. Who thinks I should buy it and wear it on Saturday? :D

Please do.  I am tempted to wear something a bit silly.  I have some red, waterproof, dungaree stylee thingies, they look dreadful and are like a boil in the bag suit.  They are most unflattering and the only reason I got them is because Nutkin made me buy them so she could buy the dayglo pink armwarmers.

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 08 January, 2009, 08:22:47 pm
Cool. 8)

I reserve the right to change my mind and bottle it at the last minute...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 09 January, 2009, 01:08:03 pm
The pub have kindly asked me if I can get as many orders for food before tomorrow.

Please see attached and let me know your choice.

Many thanks

 
Homemade soup of the day served with half a warm baguette   £3.75      
Lemon Sole Goujons served with salad and Tartar sauce dip   £4.50      
Deep Fried Breaded Mushrooms served with a garlic mayonnaise dip   £4.25      
Classic Prawn Cocktail served with brown bread and butter   £4.50      
Buffalo Mozzarella served with salad leaves, sun dried tomatoes and basil   £4.50      
Ardennes Pâté served with toast   £4.25      
Smoked Salmon Salad served with a  cream cheese and chive dressing   £4.50      
Breaded Brie Salad served with a sweet chilli dressing   £4.25   

Main Course
 
 (all beef locally sourced and supplied by D K Smith Family Butchers Great Bardfield      
14oz T-Bone Steak
8oz Fillet Steak   £15.95
£14.95      
8oz Sirloin Steak   £12.50      
8oz Rump Steak   £10.95      
Gammon Steak with Egg and Pineapple   £9.25      
All served with chips, grilled mushrooms, grilled tomato, and salad garnish         
Duck Breast in a honey glaze, served with new potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables   £10.75      
Salmon Fillet in a lemon and dill sauce served with new potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables
Traditional Cod and Chips served with  peas or mushy peas   £9.25      
Breaded Wholetail Scampi served with peas or mushy peas   £8.50      
6oz Beef Burger, with cheese served with side salad and chips   £7.95      
Beef Bourguignon served with new potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables   £8.75      
Fowlers Farm Pork Sausages and Mash with Onion Gravy served with fresh seasonal vegetables   £8.75      
Grilled Chicken Fillet in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce served with new potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables   £9.75      
Mushroom Stroganoff (v) served with rice and salad
Sun dried Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta served with garlic bread and salad   £8.25
£8.25      
Home made Curry of The Day please see blackboards for details   £8.95      
         
Extras and side orders         
Pepper sauce
Chips
Cheesy Chips   £1.00
£1.75
£2.25   Side salad
Coleslaw
Wedges   £2.50
£1.25
£1.75   Garlic bread
Garlic bread with cheese
Onion Rings   £1.95
£2.45
£1.50   

Desserts

 
Spotted Dick   £3.95      
Sticky Toffee Pudding   £3.95      
Rum and Black Cherry Chocolate Roulade   £3.95      
Baked Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake   £3.95      
Mixed Ice Cream   £2.75      
Cheese and Biscuits   £4.50      
Coffee   £1.50   

In addition we will have the following Specials:
 
Chilli and rice - 8.25
Beef Madras - 8.95
Ham, Egg & Chips - 7.95
Beef Lasagne - 8.96
Vegetable Lasagne - 8.95
 
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 09 January, 2009, 01:14:26 pm
I've just been down to the hospice charity shop. The brilliant pink ski suit was a ladies size 6 - I'm at least a size 8 ;), and they wanted £15 for it, for £10 I might have been tempted, as is, it's still in the window on Braintree High Street.

Annie, I'll have the chilli and rice please.

Also, HAPPY B'DAY!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: her_welshness on 09 January, 2009, 01:22:31 pm
Happy Birthday Annie! I will also, in the spirit of things, try to wear something silly..

Please could I order the sausage and mash. Diolch yn fawr!

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 09 January, 2009, 02:04:12 pm
Can I have the scampi (I assume that comes with chips, if not I want chips!) and mushy peas, thanks ever so much for organising.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 09 January, 2009, 02:05:53 pm
Thanks for the orders so far.  If the rest of you kind folks want to pm me with your orders that will be great.

Thanks

Annie
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 09 January, 2009, 02:06:22 pm
Can I also put in an order for Sausage and Mash, and can I also order Spotted Dick for pudding (no comments please!)

Thanks for organising things Annie, especially when it's meant to be your Birthday. :-\
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 09 January, 2009, 02:08:37 pm
Can I also put in an order for Sausage and Mash, and can I also order Spotted Dick for pudding (no comments please!)

Thanks for organising things Annie, especially when it's meant to be your Birthday. :-\

You are very welcome.

I intend to make my birthday last until Sunday evening.  Today is a day for other people.  Am trying to make myself look as jolly as possible for the funeral so adding touches of red to the outfit seem somewhat appropriate.

Must dash.


Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RogerT on 09 January, 2009, 02:35:37 pm
chilli 4 me
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 09 January, 2009, 03:05:46 pm
I'm afraid I'm going to change my  status from a 'maybe' to a 'not likely'.
Having just returned from half an hour in the great outdoors, my face, hands and feet do not make good bedfellows with the brutally cold  temperature.

My recent acquisition from Maplins (http://images.maplin.co.uk/full/N05GF.jpg) tells me that the air temperature at 0.3m above ground level is
currently 1.5°C.
That is at the sunniest point of the day.

Sorry I'll not be there y'all.
Enjoy the ride.

J
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 09 January, 2009, 03:27:26 pm
Temps of 0 degrees forecast for tomorrow.

What's the likelihood of ice on the roads we'll be taking, does anyone know? Living where I do I've not had to deal with ice so far... :-\
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Regulator on 09 January, 2009, 03:32:52 pm
Temps of 0 degrees forecast for tomorrow.

What's the likelihood of ice on the roads we'll be taking, does anyone know? Living where I do I've not had to deal with ice so far... :-\

You haven't had ice in St Ockwell?  Blimey, you're lucky.  You should try it over the river.  We've got icy roads in Pimlico...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 09 January, 2009, 03:34:15 pm
The last time I looked it was also forecasting sunshine.  As long as there isn't rain between now and then, the ground will probably be dry, so ice isn't really an issue.  I've been commuting all this week, supposedly with icy conditions, but have yet to meet anything dangerous.

My tyres are probably narrower and possibly pumped up harder than yours (100psi front and rear at the moment), so could be worse in slippery conditions.  I'm not worried about it.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Regulator on 09 January, 2009, 03:35:25 pm
The last time I looked it was also forecasting sunshine.  As long as there isn't rain between now and then, the ground will probably be dry, so ice isn't really an issue.  I've been commuting all this week, supposedly with icy conditions, but have yet to meet anything dangerous.

My tyres are probably narrower and possibly pumped up harder than yours (100psi front and rear at the moment), so could be worse in slippery conditions.  I'm not worried about it.

Famous last words?   ;) ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: bobb on 09 January, 2009, 03:35:44 pm
Chilli and rice for me please.

I is not feeling too well today (a cold and the shivers) but bollocks to that! I'm still coming! Even if it kills me :P
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 09 January, 2009, 03:37:46 pm
Famous last words?   ;) ;D

Or smug ones, depending. ;D

If Annie's willing to risk it on her Birthday ride, I certainly am.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 09 January, 2009, 03:44:52 pm
I've commuted all week too. The roads between Oxford Circus and St Ockwell are all really well gritted, and I come through Pimlico/Victoria on my way to work, and that's all well-gritted too...maybe it's cos I don't leave til after 8.30am, I dunno. Even the cycle path in Hyde Park is fine.

You know I like to worry about these things.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 09 January, 2009, 04:12:30 pm
I was out last weekend when it was just as cold and the country lanes were mostly dry. There were some patches of ice at the sides of the road in places, but these could be easily and safely circumnavigated. The rule is, if you see any ice on the road - shout out very loudly so that everyone else is aware!

I came off my Brompton this morning turning into work - black ice! :demon: It was kind of fun actually - you've got to have a good "smack-down" every now and then, haven't you. :P
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 09 January, 2009, 04:27:41 pm
I'm fairly smack-down averse, actually... (various members here will testify  ;D)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: bobb on 09 January, 2009, 04:43:03 pm
I wonder how many smack-downs there have been in the UK over the past couple of weeks!? Thousands?

My last smack-down was in Belgium last summer. Mind you, I was HAMMERED  :P
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: alan on 09 January, 2009, 04:52:54 pm
Smack-down.
Are we still on about cycling O:-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 09 January, 2009, 04:54:18 pm
Smack-down.
Are we still on about cycling O:-)

I'm not sure, but I'll agree with NSTN in avoiding anything on the bike which ends up with bruising and me going "Ouch" or worse.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Regulator on 09 January, 2009, 04:55:01 pm
Smack-down.
Are we still on about cycling O:-)


I thought he was talking about his rejection by the young lady he tried to pick up at the beer festival outside Brugges...  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 January, 2009, 05:03:38 pm
Here in Saarfend, we had about half an inch of snow on Monday. In places, it is still lying, which indicates that the temperature must have remained pretty much below freezing in all that time. Where the sun has been on it, of course, it has gone.

We are riding immediately after the driest December since records began (about 50 years ago) at Hanningfield Reservoir, which is about 20 (or fewer) miles from our route (I know this because my brother has worked there for the past 40 years and he told me). I think there is likely to be little ice. Having said that, the pavements outside our house this morning were icy with frozen dew at about 10 o'clock - I had to cycle the wrong way down the 1-way street to avoid the ice!

We had a very cold ride on 30th December (Essex Christmas Pootle) in which the temperature did not go above freezing all day and Jurek said was his coldest day's cycling ever. Mrs. Wow and I ventured forth with the CTC on Sunday and it was even colder. The only ice we encountered was my exhaled condensation which congealed in my beard. I'm hoping tomorrow will be no different.

To be fair, my biggest worry is fog.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 09 January, 2009, 05:49:21 pm
I must remember to wear my overshoes... unlike this morning.  My feet were freezing this morning, and are likely to be again this evening.  I didn't realise until I'd got about a third of the way in, and I wasn't about to add 8 miles to my commute to go back and get them.

I should also probably have another attempt at finding my ear warmers, just in case it's colder than I can tolerate.

I laugh at fog... and cheat by using my GPS to find my way around.
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/smilies/fog_smilie.png)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 January, 2009, 05:52:03 pm
It's not getting lost that worries me. It's buggers driving too fast for the conditions.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 09 January, 2009, 05:53:43 pm
I think that ice won't be a problem.
There may be some, in shady lanes where the sun doesn't get to it. But the roads are reasonably dry at the moment. At worst, we can walk over that. I avoid ice, but I've decided to come along for the ride. I'll be riding overnight to the start. That's how confident I am about ice not being a problem. At night, you can't see the ice until you're right on top of it.
On my ride home from work today, the dew on the grass was still frozen from this morning. But not even the untreated roads were icy.

It will be jolly cold though. My scarf will be in service. Wool and thermals are my friends.
See you there, hopefully. :thumbsup:

I laugh at fog... and cheat by using my GPS to find my way around.
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/smilies/fog_smilie.png)

Fog isn't a problem.
Unless, like wowbagger and NSTN, you need to wear glasses.
I heard somewhere that squirting washing up liquid onto your glasses, then cleaning it off with a cloth until they are dry will stop them getting fogged up. Maybe you could try that?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 09 January, 2009, 05:55:11 pm
I am now home.  It is very, very foggy out there, out there being East Bergholt and beyond.

It is about -2 but feels much colder.

We had freezing fog all day today.

I have ridden quite a lot over the last couple of weeks on my skinny 23's and been fine, I am cautious though but not overly.

I still intend to be there, to ride carefully and not too close to the person in front, just in case.

Sorry you can't make it Jurek, some other time perhaps.

Right, I have a bath to jump into and a dinner to eat at some stage very soon.


Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 09 January, 2009, 05:55:29 pm
It's not getting lost that worries me. It's buggers driving too fast for the conditions.
I volunteer to be TEC if required, I have lights and Hi Viz if needed!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 09 January, 2009, 05:56:16 pm
Great to hear you will be coming along TG :thumbsup:  Any idea what you fancy to nibble?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 09 January, 2009, 05:57:16 pm
It's not getting lost that worries me. It's buggers driving too fast for the conditions.
I volunteer to be TEC if required, I have lights and Hi Viz if needed!

Failing that, I've got my Dinotte rear light, with it's "I can't believe it's not a police car" red flashing mode!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 09 January, 2009, 06:05:55 pm
I'll bring a foghorn.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 09 January, 2009, 06:06:22 pm
Great to hear you will be coming along TG :thumbsup:  Any idea what you fancy to nibble?

Yes, I have.
Unfortunately, it's not on your menu and if I did nibble what I fancied, I'd most likely recieve a hefty slap! :demon: ;D


(I've PM'd you what I would like to eat though O:-))
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 January, 2009, 06:27:02 pm
Thanks, Del & TimO. That's most reassuring. We clearly won't be going quickly so hopefully that will give me the opportunity to be near the front.

Do you want to join us on the early train, Del? Or risk the more crowded 9.02 from Shenfield?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 09 January, 2009, 06:28:30 pm
Great to hear you will be coming along TG :thumbsup:  Any idea what you fancy to nibble?

Yes, I have.
Unfortunately, it's not on your menu and if I did nibble what I fancied, I'd most likely recieve a hefty slap! :demon: ;D


(I've PM'd you what I would like to eat though O:-))

Thanks TG, pm received, cow ordered.

Stay safe, see you in the morning.

Can't wait. x
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 09 January, 2009, 06:31:33 pm
After  reading that the whole of London would join in I decided to get the earlier train anyway, 0808@Prittlewell I believe.

Thanks TG, pm received, cow ordered.
Only the one!  :o
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Regulator on 09 January, 2009, 06:32:40 pm
After  reading that the whole of London would join in I decided to get the earlier train anyway, 0808@Prittlewell I believe.

Thanks TG, pm received, cow ordered.
Only the one!  :o

He's on a New Year diet...  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 09 January, 2009, 07:34:50 pm
Lots of people attending tomorrow so I guess that makes it a BIG WARTY ONE! Lets hope we don't all go down on it at once.








(i meant any ice that may be present)  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Adam on 09 January, 2009, 09:05:01 pm
I should be there, assuming I manage to find Liverpool Street Station in all the fog.

Food order sent via PM.

 :D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 09 January, 2009, 09:09:40 pm
I see that in the space of an hour and a half no-one has managed to better, or even respond to del's outrageous smutty outburst. I'm not surprised.

Del - concerning the smut - I think you may have climaxed prematurely.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 09 January, 2009, 10:19:40 pm
Lots of people attending tomorrow so I guess that makes it a BIG WARTY ONE! Lets hope we don't all go down on it at once.








(i meant any ice that may be present)  ::-)

I was wondering what the 'it' might be :-\  then scrolled down O:-)

For a moment I thought you meant the cow :demon:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 09 January, 2009, 10:32:44 pm
For a moment I thought you meant the cow :demon:
You are bringing the Naughty Step aren't you?   ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 09 January, 2009, 11:01:25 pm
OK kids, bobb and I plan to get the 08:51 from Chelmsford tomorrow morining, which should see us arrive at Marks Tey at 09.10 - I believe this is the train that the reprobates from Southend will be on - we thought it might be wise not to crowd the Harwich train that the Londoners will be coming in on - nothing personal! Just logistics... :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 09 January, 2009, 11:07:31 pm
I'm not even sure how many of us "Londoners" there are.  There is NSTN, her_welshness, jane, possibly a Sue, and me.  Anyone else?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: bazzerp on 09 January, 2009, 11:08:02 pm
I hope its not TOO ICY for all you guys.

Its lethal up ere in Norfick alreddy; maybe its a bit warmer nearer Lundun.

At least wear lots of bouncy clothing & grease your helmets   ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Regulator on 09 January, 2009, 11:39:35 pm
I hope its not TOO ICY for all you guys.

Its lethal up ere in Norfick alreddy; maybe its a bit warmer nearer Lundun.

At least wear lots of bouncy clothing & grease your helmets   ::-)


Fnarr, fnarr...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 January, 2009, 12:47:46 am
For a moment I thought you meant the cow :demon:
You are bringing the Naughty Step aren't you?   ;)

Are you intending that this should be a Naughty Warty?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 10 January, 2009, 07:38:07 am
I refer to the RH Gentleman to his first post
Quote from: wowbagger
It gives us great pleasure to announce the WARTY, Wowbagger/Annie Round the Year.  This is for a completely different type of cyclist.  Eye contact is encouraged, as indeed are other sorts of bodily contact, however inappropriate.   There will be pub lunches, cafe stops, photographic opportunities, the occasional beach and more innuendo than you thought existed anywhere.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: tonyh on 10 January, 2009, 08:34:40 am

The Naughty Warty of Norty Nine?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: slowfen on 10 January, 2009, 10:26:03 am

have a safe ride, hope its not too icy/foggy

sf
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 10 January, 2009, 05:41:19 pm
Despite bottling it at early a.m. - too much icy slipperiness at minus 5 degrees for me to attempt to get to Marks Tey by 9.30 a.m. - I was most pleased to be able to intercept you all by riding the route in the opposite direction, thus enabling me to witness Annie's mid-morning circuit training! It was good to be able to put faces to some of the names on the forum. T'was a pity the cafe in Halstead was a bit lacking in the necessary warmth but I guess it was useful encouragement to get going and find a pub for the main business of the day! I hope you all made it safely back to the station and for those who were using it, that the choo-choo came on time. Despite the punishing temperature, I think we witnessed some splendid winter scenery - maybe you'll come to the Essex/Suffolk borders again later in the year, when it's more civilised weather-wise and I can show you some more local lanes. I look forward to seeing you again on the next WARTY in due course!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 10 January, 2009, 06:52:00 pm
I am almost warm again :thumbsup:  Both sets of cheeks are burning rather ferociously at the moment.

Thank you to everyone for coming along and making the day so wonderful.  Given the treacherous conditions it is amazing that we all got round without any little moments.

Today was not about speed but about enjoying each other's company and the spectacular scenery that was on offer in the depths of Essex, a true winter wonderland, it was as though everything had been frozen in time.

Thank you for all my presents, some looked edible but on closer inspection most certainly were not.  I feel utterly spoilt.  On my return home there was a most beautiful flower arrangement and chocolates from my favourite uncle in the whole wide world, thank you Regulator.  I keep sniggering at the thought of the people taking your order, 'to my favourite Armpit Candy', just superb.

I shall write more when I can get rid of my headache and the strange Panda expression upon my face.

I think every one of you deserves a badge for enduring such conditions.

It was without a doubt the best birthday I have ever had. :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 10 January, 2009, 07:07:47 pm
Bloody hell that was cold!  :o

I've not known weather like that since I only started doing longer rides at the beginning of last year, and so was woefully underprepared on the glove front with just Altura thinsulate waterproof gloves and merino liners. Tim Hall kindly loaned me a pair of large woolly mittens that went over my existing gloves, which did help (I forget their proper name). My hands were so cold at one point that I didn't have enough power to brake coming down hills, so I was descending even more gingerly than I usually do. I am thankful that I forgot vanity and wore the cycling specs from Aldi (they make me look like a frog unless they have the dark lenses in) because streaming eyes would not have improved matters. And of course, I was petrified of the ice because, let's face it, it doesn't take much in the way of that kind of thing to scare me!

Nevertheless I'm still glad I went because a) as always the company was excellent, especially the birthday girl and b) there was some absolutely breathtaking scenery of frosty trees etc that I had never seen the like of before. We should also revisit that pub because the food was great and they were nice and friendly.

When I got home the timer had switched the heating on and so I am now toasty warm.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 10 January, 2009, 07:13:28 pm
I'm glad to hear that you've enjoyed your Birthday so far Annie.  It was a very nice social ride, definitely not a day for packing the miles in, but some impressively different scenery.  As I commented to NSTN when I was cycling along, if I was going out by myself, I probably wouldn't have (iyswim), but I would have missed a unique and different look to the countryside, compared to what I normally expect to see.

On returning home, the Postman has left me another little card, to go with the one that was left yesterday, but at least this means I'll be able to pick up two parcels at the same time, and save myself a trip.  Luckily he did manage to ram one through the letter box, which included a little packet of Haribo courtesy of Uncle Wiggle.  I guess they've had to cut back and we don't get Wiggle branded sweeties any more!

I'll post the few piccies I've got, and the route later on, when I've had more of a chance to defrost, and can use a Windows box that knows how to talk to the Satmap GPS.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: toekneep on 10 January, 2009, 07:16:11 pm
Having spent a mere two hours on the bike today I have nothing but admiration for you lot. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and the cold and ice didn't spoil your fun. You are true heroes, every last man and woman. Chapeau.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: cometworm on 10 January, 2009, 07:21:32 pm
Tim Hall kindly loaned me a pair of large woolly mittens that went over my existing gloves, which did help (I forget their proper name).

They looked like Dachsteins to me - see near the bottom (http://www.needlesports.com/acatalog/Mail_Order_Hands_107.html).

I'm in the process of uploading my 37 photos to Flickr, after which I will post a link. For now I'm going to post a more topical link to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothermia).

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 January, 2009, 07:41:34 pm
As I sit by a warm dog contemplating the day's riding which it has been my privilege to experience, I wonder about cycling. No two rides, even along an unvaried route, are ever the same, and the utterly magical, mysterious wintry splendour which unfolded before us as we wound our way through the frosted lanes of north Essex today was ours to savour for a very long time to come.

There is no achievement without risk and the fine line between triumph and disaster was nudged today. I contemplated the possible conditions last night, and wondered whether to call it off as too dangerous. Five miles in this morning, having taken a wrong turning and with some of the more slender members of our intrepid party close to tears with the pain of cold, I was seriously worried. I would never have forgiven myself if we had had a case of hypothermia or a broken limb, and we were far too slow to reach Finchingfield and arrive back at Marks Tey before dark, so a rethink was necessary. We cancelled lunch at the Red Lion, whose landlord was very understanding about it, and headed for our elevenses at Halstead. Thanks here are due to Pedro, whose local knowledge was invaluable in navigating tiny lanes, at times so caked with ice that walking was the only option.

Was it a disappointment that the only view we had of the sun was through mist and cloud? Frosty, sunny days are amongst the most beautiful, the cleanest, of all, but today would have lost something without the mist. It imposes a silence on the world which clear days lack, and the trees were laced with hoar frost so thick that it was falling into the road and forming a layer like a dusting of sugar which crunched under our tyres.

Once in the coffee shop, we decided upon Bures as a lunch destination. Eighteen tired, cold, hungry cyclists descending upon a pub unannounced is a tall order for catering staff, and Bures has a choice of pubs so we could have split up if necessary.

On leaving elevenses, the thorn which had been working its way through Her Welshness's front tyre decided that it was time to make its presence felt, so Halstead high street was the scene of some rapid repair. Getting the tyre back on was a tough task indeed, the rim instantly draining warmth from the fingers, and when we set off again it appeared that we had lost two outriders. Sixteen of us found our way through Colne Engaine and were soon reunited after which we enjoyed the descent into Bures.

The landlord at the Swan was an absolute stalwart. The food was very good indeed, the Abbott ale was first rate, the log fire was warm and we stayed there for well over an hour. This was the self-same pub that Annie, Regulator and I visited early one Sunday morning for coffee and cake, to be catered for even though they were supposedly serving a private party preparing for a autumn walk. I have never tried any other pub in Bures but if the others are half as good as the Swan then it is blessed indeed.

With about an hour's daylight left, we set off again, with the hilliest section of the ride ahead of us. Firstly we climbed out of the Stour valley before hurtling towards the Colne at Chappel, the viaduct dominating the skyline, and another climb towards Great Tey. Spendpenny Farm prompted and we finally arrived back at Marks Tey just a few minutes after sunset with a London-bound train due at 4.23.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 10 January, 2009, 07:42:11 pm
Tim Hall kindly loaned me a pair of large woolly mittens that went over my existing gloves, which did help (I forget their proper name).

They looked like Dachsteins to me - see near the bottom (http://www.needlesports.com/acatalog/Mail_Order_Hands_107.html).

I'm in the process of uploading my 37 photos to Flickr, after which I will post a link. For now I'm going to post a more topical link to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothermia).



I took my temperature on return home, after 40 minutes in the car, it was 34.5.  Not bad considering, still can't get rid of my headache though.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: simonp on 10 January, 2009, 07:49:48 pm
Lobster gloves are a worthwhile investment if riding in these kind of conditions.

Even then, cycling to work yesterday I could've done with my merino liner gloves but I couldn't find one of 'em and had to go or I was going to be late.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: cometworm on 10 January, 2009, 07:50:11 pm
Well, the following certainly describes you as we stopped prior to the cafe stop:

Quote
Shivering becomes more violent. Muscle mis-coordination becomes apparent.[1][2][3] Movements are slow and labored, accompanied by a stumbling pace and mild confusion, although the victim may appear alert.


Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 10 January, 2009, 07:50:49 pm
I thought it was a bit nippy today, but I was surprised when I looked at works Weather Station;

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/OutsideTempHistory_20090110.gif)

It didn't rise above Zero all day, and that's with the Urban Heat Island effect of London, so presumably where we were was even colder.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 10 January, 2009, 07:54:26 pm
Well, the following certainly describes you as we stopped prior to the cafe stop:

Quote
Shivering becomes more violent. Muscle mis-coordination becomes apparent.[1][2][3] Movements are slow and labored, accompanied by a stumbling pace and mild confusion, although the victim may appear alert.




I don't feel very well at the moment and so am going to bed for a short while.  Feel very warm though, but a bit emotional and odd.

Will write later and post pics.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 January, 2009, 08:00:17 pm
Met Office: Andrewsfield: latest weather (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/ee/andrewsfield_latest_weather.html)

The nearest recording station I can find is at Andrewsfield (Great Saling airfield) which give a maximum temperature during our ride of -2.8°C.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 10 January, 2009, 08:00:24 pm
A beautiful day, if a little on the chilled side  ::-), and 18 brave souls who made it seem like the most wonderful holiday. I took 128 pictures, but most are experimental, because it's a new camera, and won't be published, and here are the few that made it, Clicky (http://www.delthebike.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/annie-versary/index.html). More will go to picasa, see sig for link, tomorrow.  :thumbsup:


Thank you all for the company and many happy returns Annie.  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RogerT on 10 January, 2009, 08:04:58 pm
Freezing Fog
Icy roads
Chattering teath
A degree of inuendo

And warm company...

what more could you ask ?

Thanks Annie and Wowbagger..a bloody wonderfull day ( again )

The invitation for the Warty to start from Ely , especially for those who prefer to perform on the flat  ;D ;D is formally extended.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 10 January, 2009, 08:30:24 pm
Some of those symptoms describe me perfectly at times...especially difficulty talking, my jaw felt like it had frozen up at one point.

Rest assured, new Lobsters have been located online and ordered!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: cometworm on 10 January, 2009, 08:33:08 pm
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3184895343_f2bdbb8778.jpg?v=0) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cometworm/)

(Image links to photostream with 37 images from the ride).

In addition to lobster gloves, a good idea is proper wool baselayers... I saw people in cotton baselayers! Baaad.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 10 January, 2009, 08:45:48 pm
Oh I had those, I told you my body was warm!

I had a Howies merino wool longsleeved baselayer (the regular one, not the light) and a Ground Effect Popsicle merino jersey with fleecy windproof front. As well as merino socks and glove liners. I do like my merino!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 10 January, 2009, 09:03:00 pm
I've put the route up on Bike Route Toaster, here (http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=28473).  After removing the start and end bits, including the train journey, and reducing the number of data points to 1000 (from 21000+ !) we have a total route length of just under 33 miles.  The route is fairly accurate, but the GPS flipped out briefly as we left Halstead, and I had to reboot it.  There is the odd other anomaly, but nothing which seems to be too problematic.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: bobb on 10 January, 2009, 09:05:17 pm
What a great ride  :thumbsup:

I've had a hot bath and countless cups of tea, but my toes are still cold!

When's the next WARTY?!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 10 January, 2009, 09:06:48 pm
What a great ride  :thumbsup:

I've had a hot bath and countless cups of tea, but my toes are still cold!

When's the next WARTY?!

It will be announced very shortly.  When Wow and I have conflabbulated.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: GillP on 10 January, 2009, 09:07:17 pm
Well it does look like you had a good, very cold ride.

TimO, you are a rocket scientist should you not wear a hat to stop your brains freezing?  :o
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 10 January, 2009, 09:09:16 pm
I didn't actually feel all that cold.  My toes got a little cold, but that's because I'm just using my summer shoes with overshoes.  They didn't get cold enough to be painful.  I guess I just run rather hotter than other people. :-\
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: GillP on 10 January, 2009, 09:11:40 pm
I didn't actually feel all that cold.  My toes got a little cold, but that's because I'm just using my summer shoes with overshoes.  They didn't get cold enough to be painful.  I guess I just run rather hotter than other people. :-\

Having done a shorter ride than you lot and still got cold I think it must be good to run hotter  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 10 January, 2009, 09:12:22 pm
GillP, I am convinced TimO is Not Normal when it comes to his running temperature!

I first decided this when I rode a FNRttC with two pairs of gloves and still had cold hands, and all he had were a pair of summer mitts that he was perfectly content in, and he continues to support this assumption every time I ride with him  ::-) As someone who suffered a bit today, to say I am envious is an understatement!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 10 January, 2009, 09:24:49 pm
A few pics from today:

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02955.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02959.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02961.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02963.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02964.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02965.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02969.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02971.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02977.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02983.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02984.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02989.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02995.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/My%20Birthday%20Ride/DSC02987.jpg)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 10 January, 2009, 09:26:12 pm
TimO is not normal but he needs a hair net at least.
(http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/images/icehair.jpg)
Wowbagger, on the other hand, needs a beard guard.
(http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/images/icebeard.jpg)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Adam on 10 January, 2009, 09:32:17 pm
It was a tiny bit cold in places - you've got to remember to keep wiggling your fingers for at least 5 minutes.

However it was all good fun in excellent company.  As a description you can't really beat

Frosty, sunny days are amongst the most beautiful, the cleanest, of all, but today would have lost something without the mist. It imposes a silence on the world which clear days lack, and the trees were laced with hoar frost so thick that it was falling into the road and forming a layer like a dusting of sugar which crunched under our tyres.

The train back to Liverpool Street was on a go-slow and suffered a delay of almost an hour, so I didn't get back home until after 7.30.  Tomorrow I'm working on splicing together the video clips that I took.  :demon:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 10 January, 2009, 09:35:51 pm
It was a tiny bit cold in places - you've got to remember to keep wiggling your fingers for at least 5 minutes.

However it was all good fun in excellent company.  As a description you can't really beat

Frosty, sunny days are amongst the most beautiful, the cleanest, of all, but today would have lost something without the mist. It imposes a silence on the world which clear days lack, and the trees were laced with hoar frost so thick that it was falling into the road and forming a layer like a dusting of sugar which crunched under our tyres.

The train back to Liverpool Street was on a go-slow and suffered a delay of almost an hour, so I didn't get back home until after 7.30.  Tomorrow I'm working on splicing together the video clips that I took.  :demon:

You are right, Wow's report made me very emotional, in a good way I hasten to add, it was just so beautiful, I think I may print it off and stick it in the  downstair's loo.

Adam, about your video clips..... any with me in them, feel free to scrap ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: cometworm on 10 January, 2009, 09:47:45 pm
The highlight of the ride may have come on the stairs on my way out of Liverpool St station coming back. Carrying the bike up the stairs, two women had to wait briefly for me to get to the top, at which point one of them said "Oh my god, you look good!." Not a bad self-esteem booster for a cold and tired cyclist...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 10 January, 2009, 09:58:44 pm
Loverly ride. Chilly weather, but warm welcome at the pub - we must visit that one again.

The least shaky of my pictures from the day can be seen here (http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/).

...but here's a few of my favourites:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/Anniefront.jpg)
Annie on the road

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/Wowride.jpg)
The Wows

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/Lookleft.jpg)
Yes, I was taking these by pointing the camera backwards while riding.  :o

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/Distantriders.jpg)
Distant riders

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/Pack.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/TeethgrinderDel.jpg)
The Custard brothers

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/Anniepub.jpg)
The pub

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/Icyphant1.jpg)
An Icyphant
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: toekneep on 10 January, 2009, 10:08:48 pm
Great pics John, and the rest of you. I suspect this will be one ride that you all remember and savour for a very long time.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 10 January, 2009, 10:09:58 pm
A wonderful outing folks - well done to everyone for staying with it, I think we probably all had moments of pain and suffering with the cold, but despite this there was a keen appreciation of the beauty of the frozen countryside. I don't think there are many people who could maintain a jolly disposition in those conditions and eighteen people from this forum did - you all deserve a medal!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 10 January, 2009, 10:17:29 pm
Considering this ride was organised at the last minute, both Wow and I were amazed at the number of people that agreed to come along and still turned out despite the rather hazardous conditions.  

I didn't want to bail as a) it was my birthday b) I consider myself to be fairly tough, being from oop norf n all c) I wanted to see everyone

On unloading the bike from the car I had a little moment in the car park, my legs went in different directions, fortunately I was alone and somewhat grateful that I had been practising my yoga moves and felt slightly more flexible in the hip joints than normal.  The car thermometer registered -4, but according to the weather forecast it was predicted to warm up, the fog was to clear and we were to bathe in glorious sunshine.  Ok I lied about the last bit but was desperate to see Wowbagger in his bikini, desperate might have been an exaggeration on my part.

It was then up and over the stairs to greet the folks on the other side of the railway line, in true yACF style, smiles and hugs aplenty.  I even received some early morning presents and like a big kid I popped them into the car to open later.  Thanks to Tim for helping me down the stairs with the bike, it was slippery and I am scared of heights and get a little sea sick from time to time, oh that's not really applicable here is it?

The rest of the gang arrived and we were soon on our merry way.

I have to give a huge great Annie thanks to Wow for organising the route, I know he likes to play with his maps and so was more than happy to let him guide us into the depths of Essex and beyond.

It was great to catch up with everyone, having not seen some of you for the best part of a year and others having never met you at all.

It wasn't long before the chill began to bite and several of us suffered around our extremities, particularly myself and NSTN.  We wriggled our fingers and toes as much as we could, nothing seemed to work but we carried on regardless.  

The roads were treacherous in places, sheet ice stretched out before us, only the bravest of souls were keen to try their bike handling skills over these stretches, the rest of us walked or shuffled.  I took the opportunity shortly afterwards to run alongside my bike to keep warm, managing to clock a fairly decent 7mph I felt the blood slowly return to my fingers and a smile to my face, a happy pixie once again.

On one particularly bad stretch NSTN said she wanted to call a taxi, I really felt for her and tried to cheer her up and in doing so made myself feel a little braver for a few short minutes until I too succumbed and it was her turn to make me feel better.  We even discussed hiring a minibus.

Despite the cold and the treacherous conditions it was without a doubt the most beautiful scenery I have ever been witness to in my .. years.  I felt like Alice in Wonderland, everything else felt surreal and somewhat larger than it would normally have been.  I think we all worked really well as a group, looking out for one another.  There isn't much that comes close to that feeling of being part of something like that, hard to explain but unmistakable and unforgettable.  

Yes we cut the ride short in terms of distance but not in terms of enjoyment and fun with a capital F.  Smut and innuendo flowed at just the right level and kept a smile upon my face for most of the day.

I particularly enjoyed the little dance session at the side of the road with Bobb and the spur of the moment push up session, suggested by Cometworm, I only managed 10, I didn't want to put the boys to shame ;)

Thanks to Delthebike for my yummy lunch and share in the delightful pudding.

It was the perfect way to spend the day, let's do it again soon.
 :-* :-*
 
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 10 January, 2009, 10:27:48 pm
Where was the icyphant?
Thanks to Delthebike for my yummy lunch and share in the delightful pudding.
Thanks for breakfast and the warming hug in the pub.  :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 January, 2009, 10:32:10 pm
Blimey. That was fun. Cold, but fun.

Picking up various points, yes the mittens are Dachsteins. The loops aren't to stop me losing them on the way home from school, they're to stop me losing them half way up a mountain when I need to take them off.

I didn't realise how cold people were getting. Good decision Wow to cut the route short.

In Wobbly John's photo up there ^, I'm asking Wow what those birds are over there. I think he said they were Plovers, but my memory may have been hot by the cold. I also saw an owl and two kestrels. There was a bit of a Daphne Du Maurier moment as a great flock of rooks gathered in a field.

Icyphant was on the A120 just as we entered Marks Tey. Not everyone rode past it - Wow, Sue and annie at least took the official route, turning off in Great Tey.

I've never seen such thick frost on trees, unbelievable.

Lovely to meet all those old and new faces.

Our train back to London was cold and running slow - overhead line problem and stuck train put us about an hour behind. Adam and I slept through it. And guess what? The train from London to home was cold too.


And big thanks to annie for the treat at the cafe.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wendy on 10 January, 2009, 10:33:09 pm
 :'( :'( me was not on ride.

but very happy for you all.   :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Tim Hall on 10 January, 2009, 10:55:38 pm
And another thing!

I've been reading up on the airfield we went past. It was a RAF then USAAF base during WWII. It then got sold off and the runways got pulversised and reused as the A12. 

Glen Miller played there. Before he went missing, obv.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 10 January, 2009, 11:16:06 pm
They looked like Dachsteins to me - see near the bottom (http://www.needlesports.com/acatalog/Mail_Order_Hands_107.html).
....and right at the bottom of cometworm's link are the HotHands I used in my Buffalo mitts (further up the same page) - not a trace of chilly digits all day. Well worth the cost, even if you pack some only for emergencies.

Some great photos, from all the snappers - actually they make it look colder still than it felt!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 11 January, 2009, 09:17:07 am
I do hope that Teethgrinder arrived home safe and well. 
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: cometworm on 11 January, 2009, 09:19:36 am
I'm getting some of these (http://www.xxl.no/shopping/ShowItem.aspx?id=61981) to go in my shoes - I think they would make a huge difference. I have fond memories of wearing these in winter boots and being toasty warm.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 09:21:45 am
I do hope that Teethgrinder arrived home safe and well. 

He was on the forum at 3 this morning. Either he's OK or the burglars managed to find his computer and log in.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: bobb on 11 January, 2009, 09:30:58 am
Does the man ever sleep?!!  :P
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: her_welshness on 11 January, 2009, 10:31:04 am
A big diolch yn fawr to Wowbagger and Annie for a great ride!  :-* I hope Annie that the birthday celebrations are continuing into Sunday.

That was a hell of a day: I don't think I have been that cold on a bicycle before! The two best things about our inaugural WARTY were the people and the winter landscape. Positivity and encouragement can achieve so much, it was definitely people trying to boost others up (I nearly thought I was going to bail at the strt) that helped the day go so swimmingly, plus the genius of wowbaggers re-design of the route. Winter had brought a new quality to the Essex climes, frost laden trees which every so often sprinkled onto us as we rode through those ice packed lanes. My feet didn't warm up until 10 minutes before the pub, the two hills before really helped getting the blood flowing!

Thanks to those that helped me with my p*ncture, that was my 3rd one this week, so I am hoping (touch rubber) that my quota for 2009 has been achieved.  ::-) Here's to the next WARTY!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 11 January, 2009, 11:07:26 am
My big warty one is going up now and I should be offloaded by 1130.

Clicky (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/delthebike/BIGWARTYONE).  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 11 January, 2009, 12:21:00 pm
I had wool insoles in my shoes (from Lidl) and my feet were not really a problem on this ride (the mesh on my summer shoes was blocked by toe warmers and neoprene overshoes).

I must have used tons of energy trying to keep warm; I was exhausted last night and slept like the proverbial log, even though it was not a strenuous ride by any stretch of the imagination.

Am glad to hear TG was logged in; that makes it much less likely that his cold, dead body is lying dead under a hedge somewhere after attempting to spend the night outdoors (several of us tried to dissuade him of this yesterday afternoon).

(Tim H, my brain was too frozen to even register what the loops might be for!)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 11 January, 2009, 12:23:23 pm
I too am exhausted today even though we didn't ride very fast.  Still can't get temp above 35.5 though.  Sat with a hot water bottle and several layers of clothing.

I may retire to the sofa this afternoon for a little rest.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 12:25:18 pm
GWS. Is your normal body temperature normal, as it were?

It's much warmer here today. The temperature has moved significantly above freezing.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 11 January, 2009, 12:26:35 pm
GWS. Is your normal body temperature normal, as it were?

It's much warmer here today. The temperature has moved significantly above freezing.

It is normally about 36.5 so I am ok.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: her_welshness on 11 January, 2009, 12:35:11 pm
I too am exhausted today even though we didn't ride very fast.

I agree with your good self and NSTN - I feel strangely wiped out today. Hope you feel better today Annie!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 11 January, 2009, 12:39:02 pm
I too am exhausted today even though we didn't ride very fast.

I agree with your good self and NSTN - I feel strangely wiped out today. Hope you feel better today Annie!

I think that many of us will be dehydrated.  My drink had turned to slush and I was unable to get anything out of the bottle at one stage.

Wrap up, eat and drink plenty and prepare for the next WARTY.

 :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 11 January, 2009, 12:47:21 pm
A few photos from elevenses and the train back.
(Click on the image for a 640x480 image, or the "Original" text for the full size original).

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000683_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000683_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000683.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000684_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000684_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000684.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000685_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000685_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000685.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000686_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000686_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000686.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000687_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000687_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000687.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000688_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000688_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000688.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000689_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000689_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000689.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000690_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000690_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000690.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000691_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000691_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000691.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000692_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000692_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000689.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000693_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000693_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000693.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000694_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000694_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000694.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000695_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000695_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000695.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000696_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000696_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000696.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000697_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000697_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000697.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000698_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000698_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000698.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000699_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000699_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000699.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000700_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000700_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000700.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000701_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000701_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000701.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000702_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000702_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000702.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000703_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000703_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000703.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000704_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000704_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000704.JPG)
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000705_Thumb192.JPG) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000705_Thumb640.JPG)
Original (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000705.JPG)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 11 January, 2009, 12:54:22 pm
I do hope that Teethgrinder arrived home safe and well. 

He was on the forum at 3 this morning. Either he's OK or the burglars managed to find his computer and log in.


Yes, I got home at 0130 this morning. I was going to write about the ride, but started dozing off.

It was a very good ride and I'm glad that I made it.
Off at 0150 Saturday morning for a leisurely 80 mile ride to the start. Nice and easy going and no hills to climb. The only thing was the cold. I was wearing a thermal base layer, a fleece cycling top, a woolly jumper, a nylon fronted jacket and my Gore Tex. Plus a pair of shorts, long johns and my warm cycling longs, a la wowbagger. Plus a pair of cheap ski gloves for my paws and two pairs of socks for my tootsies, but no overshoes, just my holey pair of shoes.
A nice easy relaxed ride along the A507 with Planet Rock on my poket DAB radio for company. Then into the lanes through Ashwell for a shortcut to Royston at around halfway. No trouble with ice on the roads here, but they had all been gritted, so were slippery and needed care.
After Royston, it became slightly colder and the landscape was notably more white. On to Saffron Walden to the 24 hour Tescos for a drink, some food and a brief rest before pressing on to Braintree, then a  quick dash along the A120 to Marks Tey to meet the others. I arrived just before 0900, which allowed time for a coffee and Crunchie bar at the petrol garage. It was slightly further than I anticipated at 87 miles.
Then to the train staion to meet the others as they arrive.
There was a good turnout of riders for this ride. More than I expected. Annie must be very popular, which is quite understandable really.
It wasn't long before a group of about 18 were heading into the lanes for a day awheel. Within a few minutes, wowbagger had trouble with his navigation thingy. Then a little while later, we took a wrong turn and made  retrace.
The roads were more icy than I expected them to be, but Essex did feel colder than sunny Buckinghamshire. It was colder than I expected too. OK, I wasn't expecting it to be warm, but I thought that it would be a degree or two above zero. With the cold overnight ride and having not eaten great deal considering the weather and distance ridden, I was looking forward to the stop at the coffee shop. I happily ate a panini and still felt hungry afterwards.
Some were feeling the cold and the apparent lack of heating in the coffee shop wasn't doing them any favours. I felt quite warm myself and never noticed whether there was any heating on or not. As soon as we hit the road again, someone decided to get themselves a puncture. This wasn't good for those who were feeling the cold. NSTN decided to peruse the shelves of Blockbuster while we waited for the puncture to be repaired. Meanwhile, Jane practiced her dancing, which seemed to be based on a cross between the Supermarionation puppets and Riverdance.
We were soon on the move again and into the lanes. Some icy patches were taken on foot, but there were only a few patches. While cycling with the group along the corridoor of lanes through Christmas card scenery, I realised that I was really enjoying this ride. The scenery was really very good. As wowbagger said, it's only about every 10 years you get to see this sort of thing with the iced up trees. In my experience, the last time I saw anything like this was in 1995 when riding in freezing fog, so it does seem about right. I hope that those who were feeling the cold apreciate what they saw and in spite of the cold, consider themselves lucky to see wht they saw, rather than being unlucky for feeling cold. Even if only in retrospect. If it helps, I can assure you that freezing fog is much wose than the weather we had. Saying that, they were very tough cycling conitions.
Wowbagger had wisely decided to cut the ride short. A very good move considering how some of us were feeling. It would have been extremely miserable for some of us who were feeling the cold. Having fun was the idea of the ride, so that was the thing to do.
After a slow and carefull ride, we were in a pub, which had a fire burning. Much warmer than the coffee shop. The menu here seemed to be more about taste than putting the calories in, so I decied on just a bagguette instead of a very tasty, but rather small meal. NSTN seemed much warmer and happier now. Annie was having a good time and her usual happy self. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. I know that I certainly was.
Then the last few miles back to Marks Tey station. We got a bit split up on the way. NSTN and co were waiting anxiously for their 4th companion to arrive before their train left, not wanting to wait in the cold for the next train. They needed to be together to use their groupsave ticket, but judjing by the fact that I watched about 10 cyclists board the train, NSTN included, I assume that it all went well for them.
Then it was time for the ride home. A slightly longer route to avoid the now busy A120. A very enjoyable ride. But after Saffron Walde, I was getting tired. The hills, or what counts for hills around there, were becoming a bit of a push and I was gettng sleepy. Not good in this cold weather. I was feeling colder as I grew more tired. I stopped for a drink and a quick snack then pressed on. I was carrying my -10 rated sleeping bag, just incase I got tired and needed a rest. But I knew that if I did use it, getting out of it would be a struggle. It's hard to get yorself to come out of the warm and into the cold. But instead, I decided on seeing if the A1 service station at Baldock was open. (It's like a motorway service station, but not 24 hours) It was only about 2200 ish and the services were open. I bought some warm drinks and dozed in a comfy chair here until 2300, then, feeling much more awake, made my way home, now feeling less tired, less cold and much better. I had been awake for almost 24 hours. The remaining 30 miles or so all went by easily and by 0130, I was home again.
210 miles in under 24 hours. Not bad going for the conditions and with a very slow 30 miles in the middle. But it was a very enjoyable days ride.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: her_welshness on 11 January, 2009, 01:06:44 pm
 :o :o :o

OMG - you are bloody superman! It was myself that got a puncture, the thorn that Wowbagger pulled out of it was quite big.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 11 January, 2009, 01:14:40 pm
:o :o :o

OMG - you are bloody superman!
Of course he is, he's a Custard Brother.  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 11 January, 2009, 01:29:08 pm
I too am exhausted today even though we didn't ride very fast.

I agree with your good self and NSTN - I feel strangely wiped out today. Hope you feel better today Annie!

Cycling in cold weather is very tiring. It does make it much harder. It certainly took the edge off my speed riding to and from Marks Tey. The panniers didn't help either ;D
You do burn a lot of calories keeping warm. Also, you muscles get cold and don't work so well. I was starting to feel it in my legs a bit for the last 50 miles or so. Even after I had a snooze in the service station. 210 miles in warm weather, in 24 hours and over that terrain wouldn't register in my legs.
It's often worse fo women too. Women are more prone to poor circulation in either the feet or hands. Sometimes both. That means that you get even colder in you feet or hands. Men can get that too, but it's less common in men. Fitness level and metabolism help too. If you're fit and have a fast metabolism, it helps you stay nice and toasty. Recovering from flu (NSTN) is a big disadvantage.

I must have used tons of energy trying to keep warm; I was exhausted last night and slept like the proverbial log, even though it was not a strenuous ride by any stretch of the imagination.



It was a strenuous ride. Because of the weather.


Quote
Am glad to hear TG was logged in; that makes it much less likely that his cold, dead body is lying dead under a hedge somewhere after attempting to spend the night outdoors (several of us tried to dissuade him of this yesterday afternoon).


 ;D ;D ;D
I can asure you that getting tired and havig nowhere warm to rest is much worse than being snuggled up in a -10 rated sleeping bag. I've slept rough in similar temperatures without a sleeping bag before and slept very well too. (I remember one occasion when I woke up to find that it had snowed as I slept inside a deserted building. Another time, I crawled out of a barn to find that the puddles I had stepped over earlier, had turned to solid ice)
It was more precautionary than an intention of sleeping rough. If I had become sleepy, that would have been worse. When you get sleepy, your metabolism slows down, as does your heart rate. That's a recipe fo getting cold. It did start happenning on the way home, but I only felt cold for about an hour, until I got myself into the service station for a rest in the warm, which was enough to revive myself for a comfortable ride home.
This ride was an absolute doddle compared to many of my other rides. ;)


:o :o :o

 It was myself that got a puncture,


Right, I'll 'old 'er. You 'it' er! ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 11 January, 2009, 01:49:36 pm
Jane practiced her dancing, which seemed to be based on a cross between the Supermarionation puppets and Riverdance.

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/janejig.jpg)

Glad you got back safely TG. Lots of us worry about you (and not just your sanity!).
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 11 January, 2009, 01:54:18 pm
From Tim O's photos

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/annie-versary/P1000683_Thumb640.JPG)

"It was sooooo cold, Wowbagger's arse had turned red!"  :o :o :o

or

"The cold certainly brought the colour to Wowbagger's cheeks."

;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 01:56:17 pm
21st Feb for the next one.  :thumbsup:

Route and weather to be announced.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 11 January, 2009, 02:00:33 pm
Do you realise, that if the weather is as seasonal throughout the year as on our first ride, that we could do a WARTY pictorial calender?  :D

My vote for Januarary is Del's picture of Wowbagger & Jan:

(http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/images/icebeard.jpg)

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 11 January, 2009, 02:16:42 pm
Do you realise, that if the weather is as seasonal throughout the year as on our first ride, that we could do a WARTY pictorial calender?  :D

My vote for Januarary is Del's picture of Wowbagger & Jan:

(http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/images/icebeard.jpg)

 :thumbsup:

Excellent idea.  I agree wholeheartedly.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 11 January, 2009, 02:31:55 pm
That's probably as good a picture of Jan as was taken on the ride, for some odd reason there was always some bloke cycling just in front of her. ;D

I agree with Teethgrinder about the temperature making things harder (although I don't subscribe to his practice of making 30 mile rides into 200 mile rides!)  Even on my relatively short commute into work, when the weathers cold, it is distinctly harder to pull away fast at junctions, almost as though your legs have seized up a bit!  I was also quite happy to get home after doing 55 miles or so yesterday, which was more than enough in that weather, and I definitely needed a cup of coffee when I got in, to replenish some of the heat and energy.

I was also amused reading Teethgrinder's ride report, that he left at 1-30am and got back at 1-30am, so did a 24 hour ride, whereas I almost exactly left at 7am and got back at 7pm, so did a mere 12 hour ride (I suspect many others had times similar to mine).
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 11 January, 2009, 02:45:46 pm
That's probably as good a picture of Jan as was taken on the ride, for some odd reason there was always some bloke cycling just in front of her. ;D

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/Jan.jpg)

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: toekneep on 11 January, 2009, 05:21:04 pm
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY/Jan.jpg)



Have you seen this woman? Sometime on Saturday 10th January she was involved in a raid on the Halstead Physiotherapy Clinic. She is believed to have escaped on the back of a tandem piloted by a festive man with a frozen beard.   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: jane on 11 January, 2009, 05:32:48 pm
Glad you got back safely TG. Lots of us worry about you (and not just your sanity!).

+1 so glad to read on YACF you got back safely and not in some newspaper report about some poor hypothermic cyclist found frozen to a bus shelter bench.  I know you have tons of experience and are always prepared for the conditions, but I couldn't help worrying a little. 

I myself had a great time- despite being a little concerned at one point that I might have lost all my right toes.  Hence the Irish dancing (my gran was right after all- she obviously  knew all those Saturday morning lessons I hated so much would come in useful one day).  Super friendly company and super winter wonderland scenery.  I was constantly oohing and aahing at the magical transformation the frost had performed upon the winter vegetation.  Beautiful.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Regulator on 11 January, 2009, 05:37:19 pm
Damn!  Looks as though I missed a good ride.

I shall put the next one in my diary...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: bobb on 11 January, 2009, 06:42:14 pm
21st Feb for the next one.  :thumbsup:

Route and weather to be announced.

I knew this would happen!

Can't make the 21st as it's my birthday and will be going to Manchester Velodrome  :)

I could always sell the tickets to keep up my WARTY points though  :P
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 06:45:43 pm
Yes, sadly I have WORK on 7th (and I'm missing the Colney ride, which was excellent last year), 8th is Aunt Phyllis's 90th birthday, 14th is Simon L3's C & M Hilly 50k (recommended), 15th is Essex SE Group 75 mile ride CTC (also v. good), so 21st it is. We don't want to wait too long for the next one, do we now?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 11 January, 2009, 06:49:15 pm
Can we include the SEG 75 in the WARTY series?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 11 January, 2009, 06:55:38 pm
Can we include the SEG 75 in the WARTY series?
Only if Marshals get extra WARTY points!  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 11 January, 2009, 07:01:27 pm
Well, it's not for me to grant, but I would like for to del get a few points for marshalling if it also meant he had spare points which he could literally throw at any WARTY riders as they go by - if a point sticks, you get to keep it. We'll need Velcro jackets etc.  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RogerT on 11 January, 2009, 07:04:05 pm
With much regret I must offer my apologies for the 21st.

Staying on the Yorkshire moors with Mrs T and going to the York railway museum.  ( My belated birthday treat )

I am sure you will all have a wonderfull time  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 07:05:18 pm
No. It's too far for a WARTY. Original Spec: 40 - 60 miles' duration.

Although 75 miles is within Jan's capabilities, we certainly couldn't do it in the specified time on the tandem. I was seriously challenged for time last year on a Trek s/s and I didn't hang around at the controls. We would be back well after dark. I am intending to do this on the Mercian, which was out of action last year.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 11 January, 2009, 07:09:28 pm
The date should be up to Wowbagger and Annie since it is their series, Wowbagger/Annie Round the Year. While it would be good to set a date that is good for everyone it just isn't going to happen.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 11 January, 2009, 07:10:43 pm
Furry muff. I'll have some catching up to do in March then! (I'm going to the Manchester velodrome with bobb for the 'Cycling Revolution (http://www.cyclingrevolution.com/content/en/default_gb.aspx)')
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 11 January, 2009, 07:13:09 pm
Furry muff. I'll have some catching up to do in March then! (I'm going to the Manchester velodrome with bobb for the 'Cycling Revolution (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13191.0)')
I'd go but I've got a big WARTY one to shuffle off to.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 07:15:58 pm
With much regret I must offer my apologies for the 21st.

Although that's a disappointment, it clears up one dilemma I had. I was thinking of asking Roger T and WJ to sort out an Ely-based route for Feb, but that will now have to wait.

It appears that National Express have cut a train: the Lpoo St - Peterborough train. There was one yesterday - it was shown as an extra, and I got on one just before Christmas when Annie & I rode from Marks Tey to Danbury and back. It used to call at Stowmarket, Bury St. Eds, Ely, March, Peterborough. Also, the S/end - Ely train fare is prohibitive at £37. I can't find a sensible way of doing it cheaper because the Network SE card doesn't work.

When we do the Ely trip, I think it might have to be an overnighter involving cars...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 11 January, 2009, 07:20:22 pm
When we do the Ely trip, I think it might have to be an overnighter involving cars...

Or touring bikes and tents. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 07:29:16 pm
When we do the Ely trip, I think it might have to be an overnighter involving cars...

Or touring bikes and tents. :thumbsup:

Good call!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 11 January, 2009, 07:35:43 pm
When we do the Ely trip, I think it might have to be an overnighter involving cars...

Or touring bikes and tents. :thumbsup:

Good call!
Just try to make it a warm month when it's on.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 11 January, 2009, 07:58:13 pm
...I'd go but I've got a big WARTY one to shuffle off to.

Does your innuendo have no upper smut limit? You're off the scale del...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 11 January, 2009, 08:03:50 pm
No. It's too far for a WARTY. Original Spec: 40 - 60 miles' duration.

Although 75 miles is within Jan's capabilities, we certainly couldn't do it in the specified time on the tandem. I was seriously challenged for time last year on a Trek s/s and I didn't hang around at the controls. We would be back well after dark. I am intending to do this on the Mercian, which was out of action last year.

Yep, agreed on this one.

It is going to be hard to find a date to suit everyone, as much as I wish we could.

What is all this nonsense about furry muffs?  I go away for a few short moments and find the thread has headed off towards the gutter, yet again.  Which is just how I like it to be
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 11 January, 2009, 08:20:08 pm
I can make the 21st  :thumbsup:

Anything involving cars I can't do, seeing as I got rid of mine the year before last and never really needed to replace it.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 11 January, 2009, 08:21:27 pm
What is all this nonsense about furry muffs?
That's TOKaMaKs fault! He made the cock up with the furry muff and should come again with an apology.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 11 January, 2009, 08:31:18 pm
I can make the 21st  :thumbsup:

Anything involving cars I can't do, seeing as I got rid of mine the year before last and never really needed to replace it.

Excellent news.  I believe you will be able to get to this without a car.

Looking forward to it very much.

I think we ought to have a theme or wear a silly item of clothing, nothing much new there.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 11 January, 2009, 08:31:44 pm
What is all this nonsense about furry muffs?
That's TOKaMaKs fault! He made the cock up with the furry muff and should come again with an apology.

 :demon:  Naughty step
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 11 January, 2009, 08:32:33 pm
Seriously, I'm speechless. I've had a hard day riding my steel steed and it's left me a bit numb in the wit department.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 11 January, 2009, 08:34:17 pm
Seriously, I'm speechless. I've had a hard day riding my steel steed and it's left me a bit numb in the wit department.
Don't beat yourself. You'll rise again and be able to inject some humour into annies WARTY rides.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Tim Hall on 11 January, 2009, 08:54:19 pm
I can make the 21st  :thumbsup:

Anything involving cars I can't do, seeing as I got rid of mine the year before last and never really needed to replace it.

Don't let it be a show stopper. I haz car and can give you a lift if needed.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 11 January, 2009, 09:03:18 pm
Seriously, I'm speechless. I've had a hard day riding my steel steed and it's left me a bit numb in the wit department.

I don't recall there being an option. ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 11 January, 2009, 09:08:50 pm
I can make the 21st  :thumbsup:

Anything involving cars I can't do, seeing as I got rid of mine the year before last and never really needed to replace it.

Don't let it be a show stopper. I haz car and can give you a lift if needed.

You can get to Ely on the train too. It may involve a change at Cambridge.

Or you could cycle to and from Ely
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 11 January, 2009, 09:15:35 pm
Or you could cycle to and from Ely
There is no cure for Teethgrinder disease  :'(  but you can help with a small donation of just £3 per month  :thumbsup:.
Cycling it's addictive!   ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 11 January, 2009, 10:04:55 pm
Thanks Tim H, that's a kind offer.

TG, I only mentioned cars because of Wow's comment about a ride possibly involving an overnight stay and cars upthread, due to the train issues. I did get a train to Ely to get to Mildenhall last year but it was a bit of a pain because there were no bike spaces at all, the trains were all quite small and coming back it was really busy *shudder*  :-\

Please cease with your talk of cycling to Ely, you know it's not going to happen  ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: cometworm on 11 January, 2009, 10:21:04 pm
Is this (http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=ely&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl&oi=property_suggestions&resnum=0&ct=property-revision&cd=1) the place?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 10:22:30 pm
Now a bit of research has revealed that it is possible to get from Southend to Ely for £6 each way, but so far my research has revealed that one has to go via Kennett. Just ask for a straight run through and it comes up with £36 return.

Getting trains that actually get us there when we want to be there is another matter all together. This is where the camping option seems to work well.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Regulator on 11 January, 2009, 10:24:54 pm
Funnily enough, Mr R is on call tonight and he phoned me a few minutes ago - he's part way through a Mental Health Act assessment in Ely.

Has any yACFer in Ely got a rather camp, Plug-alikee (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b5/Bash_street_kids.JPG) parked in his/her front room?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 11 January, 2009, 10:55:25 pm
21st Feb for the next one.  :thumbsup:  Route and weather to be announced.
I'm free - just let me know time and place.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 11:21:30 pm
February Warty (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/wartyfeb)

21st February, meet at Wickford for 9.30 start.

NB There are no trains between Shenfield and Colchester on 21st, 22nd and 28th Feb. This will not worry Wartiers from London, who will want a Southend Victoria bound train from Lpoo St. Londoners should buy a cheap day return to Burnham-on-Crouch, which is the same price as for Wickford at £8.10 with a railcard. About £6 on a groupsave for 4.

This ride will have three significant climbs. Within a mile of the start, we have Brock Hill, which is good for 35 mph when going the other way. Later there is Bushy Hill (known to CTCers as Radar Hill) via Edwin's Hall Road and finally St. Lawrence Hill, famed for its lost chevron. The old 1" OS maps gave it one, the 1:50000 have taken it away. None of them is Ditchling.

11ses will be at the Round Bush pub which has a cafe alongside. More of a beans-on-toast café than a cakey one in my experience. Good value.

Lunch will be at one of the Bradwell or Tillingham pubs, all serving ale. Del & I intend to research this.

Notable points on the ride: St. Peter's on the Wall, a wonderful Saxon church; splendid views of the Crouch estuary in the first instance, and later the Blackwater. Tony Benn's house (well, we'll see the road leading there). Bleak, utterly bleak, remote coastal farmland. I think even the remote bits of Lincolnshire struggle to come up with this sort of bleak.

NSTN rating: good. There are two or three roads marked white on OS maps but they are concrete farm tracks frequently used by road bikes. There will be very little skog because on this ride there is little or no woodland. There might be some mud from agricultural vehicles.

The "official" ride will finish at Burnham in a sea-wall pub. There are trains back to Wickford at 39 mins past each hour, except the last which is at 11.23 p.m. Trains between London and Wickford are are 3 an hour. This will be just short of 50 miles. Delthebike has kindly agreed to act as ride leader for anyone who wants to cycle back to Wickford (about 20 miles from Burnham). If I can persuade Mrs Wow to ride solo, I'll join you on the way back to Wickford. If you choose the Burnham - Wickford option, it will be dark.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: simonp on 11 January, 2009, 11:23:43 pm
NSTN - was getting to Ely problematic just north of Cambridge or the whole way?

Cos you could cycle to Ely from Cambridge.  It's not very far.  Honest.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jaded on 11 January, 2009, 11:27:55 pm
21st Feb you say? Hmmm?

Strokes chin and makes interested noises.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RichForrest on 11 January, 2009, 11:31:00 pm
Wickford became the birthplace of Naturism in the United Kingdom. In 1922 the English Gymnosophist Society was formed and had its home in the town.

 ;D


Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 11:34:47 pm
Wickford became the birthplace of Naturism in the United Kingdom. In 1922 the English Gymnosophist Society was formed and had its home in the town.

 ;D

This is true, but it was before my time.

Actually the house in question, in Castleton Road, is very adjacent to the railway track along which YACFers will be travelling.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 11:37:36 pm
21st Feb you say? Hmmm?

Strokes chin and makes interested noises.

You would be very welcome, Jaded. If you need a bed for the night, let us know.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RichForrest on 11 January, 2009, 11:39:00 pm
Wickford became the birthplace of Naturism in the United Kingdom. In 1922 the English Gymnosophist Society was formed and had its home in the town.

 ;D

This is true, but it was before my time.

Actually the house in question, in Castleton Road, is very adjacent to the railway track along which YACFers will be travelling.

Better keep a sharp eye on them then  ;D

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 11 January, 2009, 11:42:32 pm
Bleak, utterly bleak, remote coastal farmland. I think even the remote bits of Lincolnshire struggle to come up with this sort of bleak.

I am most interested in participating.
An entry has been made in my diary.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 January, 2009, 11:42:55 pm
I think the old boy who started it all up is now dead. He was no spring chicken in 1922. I do remember in my youth that everyone knew that this was the house where the nudist lived. This was in the 1960s. I expect he was dead by then.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 11 January, 2009, 11:55:44 pm
I took the pic below on Dengie Marshes last July.
I expect the bleakness to be turned up to 11 in February.  :)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3188877465_758c80e460_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jaded on 12 January, 2009, 12:00:41 am
21st Feb you say? Hmmm?

Strokes chin and makes interested noises.

You would be very welcome, Jaded. If you need a bed for the night, let us know.

That's very kind! I think I may be in the West Cambridgeshire area for a few days beforehand, earning brownie points for a passout!  ;D

(so still in West Cambridgeshire on the 21st and able to sneak away)

I'll check with the boss. It sounds like good E2E training to me!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Adam on 13 January, 2009, 10:44:05 am
Finally, I've managed to get the video finished that I shot on Saturday.

Firstly it was cold so there's some camera shake!  There's also an annoying blob which is something trapped inside on the lens.  Also I could only get Youtube to upload it by reducing the picture quality, so it's a bit pixely in places.  Anyway, the link is here. (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5i_LLIMjVnc)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: bobb on 13 January, 2009, 10:53:21 am
Excellent  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 13 January, 2009, 11:17:17 am
Good stuff, I enjoyed that - even though watching it made me feel cold again! ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 13 January, 2009, 11:40:01 am
Quote
No cats were hurt in making this film

...but mine was annoyed that I wasn't around to pander to his every need for twelve hours. ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 January, 2009, 11:55:24 am
That's the sort of stuff that, in 50 years time and assuming that people have survived that long, will prompt kids to say "Did we really have winters as cold as that in Essex, Daddy?"
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 13 January, 2009, 12:44:00 pm
Managed to sneakily watch it with the sound down, that's fantastic. I love how I have almost no skin on show as I bring up the rear in the first shot of us cycling along, what with my two buffs and cycling glasses. Just as well really, I suspect I had a grim face at that particular point!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 January, 2009, 01:58:00 pm
We didn't give you a try out on the tandem! Not the day for it, really. Must try soon.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 13 January, 2009, 02:31:54 pm
We didn't give you a try out on the tandem! Not the day for it, really. Must try soon.

Come the next WARTY, NSTN can become DNNOT (Definitely Not a Newbie On a Tandem).
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 13 January, 2009, 02:51:19 pm
I remembered, but I shared your view that it was not the day for it, brrr. Another time.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 13 January, 2009, 04:28:22 pm
I enjoyed the video, makes a change from silent images, and the stills were particularly good  ::-).
The video camera, was it just a compact digital with a video mode or a proper video camera?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Adam on 13 January, 2009, 10:16:02 pm
Yes, the stills were good weren't they!

The camera's just a digital with video mode.  It's a Fuji M603 (http://www.cameras.co.uk/specs/fuji-finepix-m603.cfm), although it can record about 15 minutes at high res (or 1 hour low res) onto its 1GB microdrive.  It was hi tech stuff 5 years ago.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 January, 2009, 06:28:14 pm
Del and I gave the next WARTY a trial run today. We didn't go all the way to Wickford but we did cycle from Southend.

One of the concrete off-road bits has been repaired. There was a lovely big wheel-catching crack in it, but now it's new cement. The 11ses stop was very good as usual, and after that we had the wind behind us and we were hacking along at about 20 mph for quite a few miles. The Saxon Church was its usual solid self but some oiks had been in and had vandalised what may have been a nativity display. Then we had to try some pubs. The first, The Cricketers in Bradwell, was OK but we were a bit early for lunch and the landlord asked us to take our shoes off. The second, The Cap and Feathers, did some very fine beer but had no food - a change of management apparently and they haven't got the kitchens sorted out yet. The third, the Fox and Hounds, did good beer and excellent food. I had a chicken balti and it was the tastiest curry I've had for a long time. If we order in advance the landlord will ensure that we get our food promptly if we go there.

Having tried the Burnham pub last time we were there, we decided to press on back to Southend. I was really beginning to feel the distance around the 55 mile mark and the wind had changed so it was fairly unhelpful for the last 8 miles or so back to Southend. Less than half a mile form home, I filtered to the front of some lights and as soon as they changed took a right onto a shared ped / cycle path alongside the road. The driver of the front car clearly objected to my filtering (it didn't cost him any time) and as he overtook, he mounted the pavement in an attempt to scare / knock me off. He received a mouthful of choice language for his efforts.

We took a few photos.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: cpjmathieson on 17 January, 2009, 07:22:57 pm
I hope you are going to report the driver Wowbagger!!! I take it you have the VRM in your pictures??
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 January, 2009, 07:57:35 pm
I hope you are going to report the driver Wowbagger!!! I take it you have the VRM in your pictures??

Sadly, it was dark, and so fleeting I couldn't tell you the make or colour of the car, much less the reg no. No point in reporting it.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 January, 2009, 12:31:47 pm
Bicycle Path - St. Peter's at Bikely.com (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/St-Peter-s)

This is yesterday's route from Southend. The real thing will be <50 miles, starting at Wickford and finishing at Burnham.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: mike on 18 January, 2009, 12:48:58 pm
can I register a mild grumble about starting and finishing in different places?  bit of a PITA for those who are driving...

see you there!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 January, 2009, 01:06:44 pm
can I register a mild grumble about starting and finishing in different places?  bit of a PITA for those who are driving...

see you there!

We have accounted for this. Del has agreed to lead back the hardies who want the extra miles from Burnham to Wickford; but there is also a direct rail link which takes not many minutes to take you and your bike back to the car should you wish it.

Mrs. Wow and I will be finishing at Burnham. The Burnham - Wickford stretch is best ridden quickly. It's not overly busy, but neither is it a quiet enough road for a conversation, and the chances are that the wind will be against you.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jaded on 18 January, 2009, 01:12:10 pm
Bicycle Path - St. Peter's at Bikely.com (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/St-Peter-s)

This is yesterday's route from Southend. The real thing will be <50 miles, starting at Wickford and finishing at Burnham.

Is that the 21st Feb route? Not nearer Annie?  :(
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: nuttycyclist on 18 January, 2009, 01:12:34 pm
Will the Burnham - Wallasea ferry be running on that day for people who want to head back to the Southend area?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 January, 2009, 01:32:07 pm
Bicycle Path - St. Peter's at Bikely.com (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/St-Peter-s)

This is yesterday's route from Southend. The real thing will be <50 miles, starting at Wickford and finishing at Burnham.

Is that the 21st Feb route? Not nearer Annie?  :(

Sadly, there are no trains between Shenfield and Colchester so our hand was forced. Annie has said she will drive to Wickford - it's just over an hour.

Will the Burnham - Wallasea ferry be running on that day for people who want to head back to the Southend area?

The ferry runs in the summer. Del and I discovered this at the end of September, waiting for a ferry on Sunday 28th (advertised previously as the last sailing date) only to find that a hand-written note was pinned up saying that they actually stopped on Sat. 27th.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimC on 18 January, 2009, 01:42:41 pm
Shame I couldn't join you on the Annie Birthday ride - inevitably I was on the other side of the world, as I will be on 21 Feb also. I hope to be riding in 25c and wall-to-wall sunshine on that day, so I'll be thinking of you! ;D

Your 10th Jan cofffee stop in Halstead (Scenario's very dodgy bar & night club) is where I met my wife, and the Swan in Bures is a frequent haunt for us - we had dinner there two nights ago. Those roads are our home stamping ground, but how marvellous to see our local countryside in its icy finery. I know V was out on the bike that day, but I don't think you passed at any time - I'm sure she'd have mentioned a large group of mad cyclists proceeding on foot, wheel and arse to an accompaniment of manic, lewd laughter!

I hope we can join you on at least a couple of WARTYs this year.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2009, 12:12:05 am
The WARTY Roll of Honour (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13191.msg235035#msg235035) has been placed in the OP.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 09 February, 2009, 07:38:58 am
I see FatBloke has been awarded an angry smilie,  >:(, for the Dec WARTY. Is this because he failed to be killed by Jurek?  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2009, 08:08:45 am
No. It's his trade-mark. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 09 February, 2009, 08:13:31 am
No. It's his trade-mark. :thumbsup:
Does he have permission from Nutty?  :o
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 February, 2009, 08:14:14 am
No. It's his trade-mark. :thumbsup:
Does he have permission from Nutty?  :o

They are identical twins. Didn't you know?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 14 February, 2009, 08:11:53 pm
I think we may well be coming along to the next WARTY :) :) :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 14 February, 2009, 09:22:50 pm
I think we may well be coming along to the next WARTY :) :) :)

Brilliant news. :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 February, 2009, 10:01:32 pm
We need to start gathering together the hopfuls.hopefuls. Actually, I think "hopfuls" is a good word. I am often hopful.

Wow
Annie
Mrs. Wow
Butterfly } tandem?
Clarion    }
Delthebike
Mike
NSTN
Ploddin Pedro
Jurek
TimO
Jaded?

Come on everyone! You know you want to...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 14 February, 2009, 10:03:23 pm
We would be hoping to use our tandem, though we haven't ridden it together for months now...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 14 February, 2009, 10:25:35 pm
Yep, I'm definitely up for this one.  I thought I'd already said yes, but maybe that was just my inner monologue. ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 14 February, 2009, 11:01:31 pm
I'm looking into possible ways to get there.

Is anybody riding out from London to this one?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 14 February, 2009, 11:03:24 pm
I'm looking into possible ways to get there.

Is anybody riding out from London to this one?

I will be driving.  Is that any use to you?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 14 February, 2009, 11:18:38 pm
Thanks Annie, but not really much help. It's 45ish miles to yours - I might as well start really early and ride the 75ish miles to Wickford - the "What would Teethgrinder do?" solution to gettnig places.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 14 February, 2009, 11:39:19 pm
Thanks Annie, but not really much help. It's 45ish miles to yours - I might as well start really early and ride the 75ish miles to Wickford - the "What would Teethgrinder do?" solution to gettnig places.

I am tempted to ride there myself now.  What route are you riding?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 15 February, 2009, 12:09:56 am
Thats what I'm trying to sort out.

favourite option at the moment is train to Bishop Stortford, and cycle from there. With a favourable wind I should make the start.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: jane on 15 February, 2009, 07:46:33 am
I was planning to come along too.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RogerT on 15 February, 2009, 08:46:03 am
I am beginning to feel very gulity that I chose ths particular date to travel to Yorkshire in order to look at big steamy things, drink lots of local ale and yomp over a few hills...well maybe not !


Hope you all have a wonderfull time.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 15 February, 2009, 09:51:14 am
As things stand, I'm still up for this. I have optimistic plans to ride to Wickford (south between Braintree and Witham, then via Danbury and the Hanningfields) join you all for the ride out to lunch, after which I'd ride part of the way back towards Wickford before peeling off nor-nor-west to come home (near Halstead, Essex.)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Adam on 15 February, 2009, 12:07:53 pm
I would have liked to do this, but logistically it's a bit of a problem unfortunately, involving rather early trains, so I've decided to opt for the "easier to get to" option of Peli & Wooly's ride.  Sorry.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 15 February, 2009, 05:51:30 pm
What station would it be best to head for?

Or do I dust off the motor car and put some petrol in it?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 15 February, 2009, 05:59:43 pm
What station would it be best to head for?

Or do I dust off the motor car and put some petrol in it?
Info in this post, Clicky (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13191.msg243433#msg243433).
There is a capacious car park at Wickford.

Big smiles.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 15 February, 2009, 06:10:26 pm
thanks :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 15 February, 2009, 11:21:38 pm
I'm hopping to be there and would be very hoppy if you put me down on your list of hopfulls.

Thanks Annie, but not really much help. It's 45ish miles to yours - I might as well start really early and ride the 75ish miles to Wickford - the "What would Teethgrinder do?" solution to gettnig places.

I am tempted to ride there myself now.  What route are you riding?

I'll be riding there. Where does the ride start from?
If you two decide on a meeting point to ride to the start, I'll meet you there too.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jaded on 16 February, 2009, 01:10:33 pm
I'm not going to be able to make the 21st, since I need to be back here in the evening and it is too far away! If it was nearer Suffolk there's have been a possibility.


Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: mike on 17 February, 2009, 03:58:20 pm
I'm not going to be able to make this either.  Mrs Mike has claimed the car that day to take the horse to a forest, so I'm limited to what I can do by train and it's too much faff & time from here.  (no, I'm not riding down!)

WARTY FAIL for me, sadly.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: nutkin on 17 February, 2009, 04:00:50 pm
I hoped to be able to do this, but it looks like I'll be travelling on the 21st so not a possibility sadly.  :'(

Hopefully I'll make it to one of these (eventually)!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 18 February, 2009, 04:46:47 pm
I'll be riding there. Where does the ride start from?
If you two decide on a meeting point to ride to the start, I'll meet you there too.
Start here, Clicky (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=51.615069,0.519568&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=51.615059,0.519539&sspn=0.001722,0.004485&dirflg=h&ie=UTF8&ll=51.615005,0.519147&spn=0.013777,0.035877&z=15).

Info in this post, Clicky (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13191.msg243433#msg243433).
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: rower40 on 18 February, 2009, 08:25:11 pm
Can I come please?  I'll try not to get left behind, but I've not had a very good record recently.

My rowing crew has given me a pass-out for this weekend.  So a silly-o-clock alarm, train to St Pancras, pootle across Londonton to Lpoo Street, then the 0815, 0834 or 0855 to Wickford.

It looks a really long way...  (But ending at Burnham, and a slightly-longer train trip back, suits me fine.)

Alert! The 0855 train gets in to Wickford at 0933.  So there might be a YACFer or two aboard.  Don't set off "on-the-dot"!

Looking forward to putting names to faces.  See you there (Weather & Trains permitting.)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 18 February, 2009, 09:57:07 pm
It will be great to see you again Rower40. :)  We will not leave without you.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 19 February, 2009, 09:35:19 am
Guys, I do so want to come to this but I've been having trouble sleeping lately and if I have a sleepless night tomorrow night I'll be good for nothing, least of all a ride.

I'll see how it goes and make a decision on Saturday morning, last night was not too bad.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 19 February, 2009, 10:53:55 am
Dr Wobbly prescribes that you do the ride. Chill out, get some exercise with some friends and you'll sleep like a baby.

Just make sure that someone on the train wakes you up when you get to your station.  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 19 February, 2009, 11:26:13 am
I think we've decided to do this tandemly. :D

We both wanted to, but weren't sure how the other one would feel.

This may mean that, because of various injuries, we may have to bail at some point.  :-\

But we will have fun (and maybe offer stoker swaps) ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 19 February, 2009, 11:54:19 am
So who is departing from a London station, and on what train?

Everything should be go for me now, bar a little tweaking of the position of the GPS and lights on the Kaffenback, since it has just successfully not exploded on a 15 mile commute in. ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 19 February, 2009, 11:59:06 am
I'm aiming to catch the 08:34 (Arr - 09:13)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 19 February, 2009, 12:01:53 pm
I think we will be driving.  The extra 40km getting to & from the station won't help :-\
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: rower40 on 19 February, 2009, 12:20:01 pm
With trains to Wickford every 20 mins, I'm not aiming for a particular one.  That way, the concentration of bikes (and the likelihood of "You're not putting another of those things on MY train" from a guard) is reduced.

But I think this line is DOO (Driver Only Operation) so that may not be an issue.

The 0755 (arr Wickford 0833) leaves from Lpoo St platform 13
The 0815 (arr Wickford 0853) leaves from Lpoo St platform 14
The 0734 (arr Wickford 0913) leaves from Lpoo St platform 10

IF the timetable can be believed, AND the signalman doesn't take it upon himself to be 'creative'.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 19 February, 2009, 01:21:49 pm
As per my norm, I've done a more detailed (http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=32773) route derived from Wows route (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13191.msg243433#msg243433), so I can follow the route more closely on my Active 10.  This is quite a big file, since I tried to reduce it to 250 points, and it didn't always follow the roads that well, so I bumped the number of points up to 400.  It's quite a windy route, so should prove interesting! :thumbsup:

NSTN, I'm with Dr Wobbly, a nice gentle pootle around should be all you need to help you relax a bit.  Being a WARTY, this is not going to be a hell for leather dash around, but nevertheless should provide enough exercise that you'll feel like you've done something.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 19 February, 2009, 01:39:10 pm
With trains to Wickford every 20 mins, I'm not aiming for a particular one.  That way, the concentration of bikes (and the likelihood of "You're not putting another of those things on MY train" from a guard) is reduced.

Yes, but it's somewhat easier to get a group save, if there's a group of you. ;D

I'm guessing I'll probably go for the 8-34 one, since I'll have to leave home at about 7-30, which means getting up at closer to 6-30 etc. :-\
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 February, 2009, 03:30:06 pm
The trains to Wickford don't have a guard. It's just stuff your bike in the doorway and hope no-one wants to get on.

In practice, the only stations which have right-hand-side platforms are Stratford and (rarely) Shenfield. A bunge or two can be useful to prevent bikes from falling over.

There is a set of bench-seats, running parallel to the side of the train, which has tip-up seats which allow the parking of several bikes. These are normally at the front of the train as they leave Lpoo Street.

If anyone does need to bail, the Burnham - Wickford line is never very far away.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 19 February, 2009, 04:38:50 pm
Guys, I do so want to come to this but I've been having trouble sleeping lately and if I have a sleepless night tomorrow night I'll be good for nothing, least of all a ride.
A qualified Tucker In and Lullaby Singer is just a PM away.   ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 February, 2009, 04:57:24 pm
When Del and I visited the Fox & Hounds, I brought a menu away with us so that we could pre-order to save time. It's pretty "grey" so probably won't scan very well. Here's a selection.


Rib-eye steak£9.75
Aged Rump steak£9.25
Gammon steak£8.95
Mixed Grill 1£9.50
Rib-eye steak£9.50
Beef Lasagne£8.95
Ham & Egg£8.50
BBQ Pork Ribs£8.50
Chicken Balti£8.50
Bangers & Mash£6.25
Moroccan Chicken£8.75
Sweet Chilli Lamb Steak£9.95
Haddock Fillet£8.50
Plaice Fillet£8.50
Calamari rings£7.95
Veg Lasagne£8.95
Veg Balti£8.50

Also kebabs, ploughmans, salads, burgers sandwiches & baguettes.

I had the chicken balti when we were there and it was magnificent - one of the best curries I've ever had.

Please post your preference.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 19 February, 2009, 05:11:03 pm
A baguette of some description for me.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 19 February, 2009, 06:14:01 pm
I'll go with your recommendation Wow, Chicken Balti please.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 19 February, 2009, 06:17:58 pm
Veg balti for me please Wow.

Ta.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: rower40 on 19 February, 2009, 06:24:42 pm
Rib-eye steak for me.  Hoping that I can manoeuvre my distended belly all the way from pub to station.  Last (sensible) train back for me to t'Midlands leaves Burnham at 1839.  I assume we'll be all done by then?

Can someone PM me a mobile number please?  (Or conversely, who should I PM with my mobile number?)  Then I can text to cancel everything if East Midlands Trains lets me down, and I can't make it after all.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 19 February, 2009, 06:55:58 pm
Put me down for a beef lasagne, thanks.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 19 February, 2009, 07:06:50 pm
Guys, I do so want to come to this but I've been having trouble sleeping lately and if I have a sleepless night tomorrow night I'll be good for nothing, least of all a ride.

I'll see how it goes and make a decision on Saturday morning, last night was not too bad.

Getting out of bed and getting yourself out is the hardest part. Once you get on the bike and start meeting people, you'll wake up enough. You've only got to get yourself onto a train. Once you've done that, you've cracked it.
You'll naturally start waking up a lot more after about 0930.
I won't get much sleep myself. I'll be cycling to Essex. :D


Has Wobbly John and Annie decided on a meeting point for the ride to the start?

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 19 February, 2009, 07:58:10 pm
Has Wobbly John and Annie decided on a meeting point for the ride to the start?

I was kind of assuming that we would meet at Wickford Station, since that's at the start (and end) of Wows route, as detailed in the February WARTY post (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13191.msg243433#msg243433).
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 19 February, 2009, 08:03:23 pm
Has Wobbly John and Annie decided on a meeting point for the ride to the start?

I was kind of assuming that we would meet at Wickford Station, since that's at the start (and end) of Wows route, as detailed in the February WARTY post (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13191.msg243433#msg243433).

That's where the bona fide WARTY ride proper, starts from. But Annie and WJ were thinking of riding to the start and as I'm riding to the start from Milton Keynes, I thought it would be nice to meet them and ride the rest of the way with said YACFers. :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 19 February, 2009, 08:05:37 pm
It'll be Ploughmans for me, please :) :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 19 February, 2009, 08:09:12 pm
Ah sorry TG, I hadn't got that.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 19 February, 2009, 08:15:48 pm
Late but...

Anyone able to put up with us on Friday night?  We're really not much trouble. :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 19 February, 2009, 08:49:18 pm
Ah sorry TG, I hadn't got that.

Apologies can only be accepted if they are expressed via the medium of

CAKE!


Something choclatey, now there's a good chap.

 :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 19 February, 2009, 08:52:12 pm
I've got a packet of Chocolate Cream Hobnobs here.  We just need to wait for someone to develop a suitable protocol for the sending of biccies across the Internet. ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 19 February, 2009, 09:37:22 pm
Has Wobbly John and Annie decided on a meeting point for the ride to the start?

We haven't really discussed it. We're not really travelling in the same direction so there's not a good meeting point until quite near the start of the WARTY.

I'm not up to riding a 200 mile round trip from home and back anyway, so I intend getting the train down to Bishop Stortford (gets there about 7.30) and riding the red A roads to Wickford via Chelmsford.

Anybody likely to join me on the way?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 19 February, 2009, 09:48:15 pm
Has Wobbly John and Annie decided on a meeting point for the ride to the start?

We haven't really discussed it. We're not really travelling in the same direction so there's not a good meeting point until quite near the start of the WARTY.

I'm not up to riding a 200 mile round trip from home and back anyway, so I intend getting the train down to Bishop Stortford (gets there about 7.30) and riding the red A roads to Wickford via Chelmsford.

Anybody likely to join me on the way?

Hmmm.  I might be up for meeting you.  Let me have a think about it tonight.  It would mean driving there, don't think there is a train service after Colchester.  How many miles are we talking about?

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 19 February, 2009, 10:21:48 pm
Bishop Stortford to Wickford is 30 miles according to Googlemaps.


... oh, and Veg Balti for me please, Wowbagger
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 19 February, 2009, 10:24:58 pm
I will go for a salad or a baguette.  Anything else is just far too heavy on my tum

Wobbly John.  30 miles sounds good to me.  Will confirm tomorrow.  I have just noticed that Clarion and Butterfly want somewhere to sleep on Friday night.  If that's the case they would be more than welcome to sleep here but I am a little bit out of your way I think.

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 19 February, 2009, 10:28:47 pm
I just checked the distances and Bishop Stortford is 8 miles further for you to drive than Wickford is.  :o
I told you we were travelling in different directions.

Teethgrinder's most direct route looks to be a few miles South of mine.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 19 February, 2009, 10:33:09 pm
I'll see if I can get to Bishops Stortford station at 0730. Don't wait for me if I'm not there.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Butterfly on 19 February, 2009, 10:35:05 pm
Thanks Annie, I think we'll go up in the car on Saturday though :). 
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 19 February, 2009, 10:36:52 pm
Thanks Annie, I think we'll go up in the car on Saturday though :). 

Ok.  The offer stands though.  A bed is made up if you change your mind. 
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 February, 2009, 12:30:05 am
Forecast looking good for Saturday.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 20 February, 2009, 09:29:55 am
Thanks for the encouragement guys (and offers of tucking in etc!!). I will try very hard, I promise. Guess I might try for the 8.34, if I can wake up in time.

Am in bad shape, visited a friend in Balham yesterday and was huffing like a steam train going over Balham hill (for those that know it, this is not really a hill at all!)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 February, 2009, 09:33:41 am
It will be lovely to see you, Laura! Be assured that we will be slow. Jan and I will be training it to Wickford (we would normally ride) and training it back from Burnham (if I were on my own I would normally ride).
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: токамак on 20 February, 2009, 09:42:33 am
...and riding the red A roads to Wickford via Chelmsford.

Anybody likely to join me on the way?

Well I would, except I'm travelling up to Manchester on Saturday for Revolution (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14370.0) (not a gay club, Reg.)

There's engineering works on the train lines this weekend - replacement buses between Shenfield and Colchester.

[edit] National Rail Enquiries - Future Engineering Works (http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/2009/02/21/le/engineeringworks.html#en8d9b277b4147628e2539473a8f047e)

[edit] actually, I think you'll be alright on the Southend line, just ignore me. ::-)

Have a good time all - I'm looking forward to the ride reports and photos!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 20 February, 2009, 03:07:15 pm
I'm not up to riding a 200 mile round trip from home and back anyway, so I intend getting the train down to Bishop Stortford (gets there about 7.30) and riding the red A roads to Wickford via Chelmsford.
If you're intent on riding still here's a nicer route out of Chelmsford to the start, Clicky (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=B1009%2FBaddow+Rd&daddr=W+Hanningfield+Rd+to:Station+Ave&hl=en&geocode=FZtHFQMdUlkHAA%3BFWrYFAMdsrkHAA%3BFd2VEwMdOfEHAA&mra=mr&mrcr=0&via=1&sll=51.624091,0.507088&sspn=0.027548,0.071754&ie=UTF8&ll=51.669361,0.509491&spn=0.055042,0.143509&z=13). You can't miss the start of this route as it's on the only flyover roundabout, it also has a brand new Travellodge where it used to be a pub.
The A1060 can be a bitch! You might want to consider cutting across from Roxwell or Writtle if it gets too much.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 February, 2009, 04:25:03 pm
I've phoned the pub and ordered the cooked meals in advance: 2 * veg balti, 2 * chicken balti, 1 * ribeye steak, 1 beef lasagne.

Annie & Del for baguette, Clarion or ploughman's, Mrs. Wow for sanwiches.

It's the cooked food that takes the longest. I've not heard from Butterfly, NSTN or TG so if you want something cooked, let me know and I'll phone through. The pub is the Fox & Hounds, Tillingham. When I spoke to the landlord just now, he had remembered without prompting that he was expecting a party of cyclists an that I had been very taken with the balti.

I told him I thought we' be there about 1 p.m.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 20 February, 2009, 04:32:42 pm
Oops sorry Wow, will they do me egg and chips?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 February, 2009, 04:36:18 pm
I'm pretty sure they would.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 20 February, 2009, 04:39:33 pm
I shall prompt Butterfly :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 20 February, 2009, 04:40:53 pm
Ta  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Butterfly on 20 February, 2009, 09:30:17 pm
Ooh, sorry to be tardy. Can I order a rib eye steak please?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 20 February, 2009, 11:22:55 pm
Right, I think the gears are optimally adjusted, I remembered to fit some water bottle cages, and I've shifted a rear light that the pannier was abusing!  Now off to bed, since I'll need to be up at 6am. :o
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: teethgrinder on 21 February, 2009, 03:34:19 am
Loaded with caffeine and shaking like an Aztec warrior high on coke and ready for battle.
I'll be on the road in a few minutes. If I've done my sums right, I'll see you all at the start at 09:30, via Bishops Stortford. If not, don't wait for me, I've either done my sums wrong, got the knock (unlikely) or gone the wrong way.
Byeeeeeeeee
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 21 February, 2009, 05:42:02 am
I'm at the caffiene loading stage and will soon be on my way to the station to get a train down to Bishop Stortford.  :thumbsup:



Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 21 February, 2009, 07:07:30 am
Looking forward to meeting WobblyTeeth after the caffeine fuelled collision at Bish. Stort.  ;D
I myself am loading up on porridge and tea and will leave in about an hour.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 21 February, 2009, 07:11:03 am
Neckin' muesli, banana,mango and a grape.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 February, 2009, 07:13:13 am
Thank the Lord it wasn't JohnGrinder!  :o

I'm at the porridge-cooking stage also. This will soon develop into the takingacupofteaupstairsforerinbed stage. We will be on the 9.08, arrives Wickford 9.25.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 21 February, 2009, 07:18:23 am
I have eaten.  Just about to get dressed and should be out of the door and into the car by 7.50.  Yawn :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 21 February, 2009, 06:56:43 pm
An absolutely, stonkingly, spiffing day out!  :thumbsup: Even lashings of ginger beer couldn't have improved it. Lovely weather all day, a little sunburn even on my scalp, and not too cold. We had the wind in right direction as well, for half the day at any rate.
I got in 1835 after leaving WJ at the old A130 so he could go via Chelmsford to Bish. Stort. If we'd gone back to Wickford station I reckon we'd have got there 1815 - 1825.
Pics will be done soon.   ::-)

Thanks All,  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 21 February, 2009, 07:19:37 pm
It was indeed stonking.  I'm a bit worn through just having cycled from Liverpool Street to Croydon, Brixton being particularly memorable for it's traffic, and not in a good way. >:(

The ride more than made up for that though.  The company, and the occasionally somewhat bleak scenery, a few short sharp hills, some innuendo from the traditional quarter, and a couple of fine eateries. :thumbsup:

Apologies to all those that we left at Burnham-on-Crouch, but the train being at the station as we arrived was just too much, and we couldn't let it go off without us!  This should have made it easier to get the remaining travelers onto the next train, since it would surely have been a squeeze to get us all onto one train.

The GPS route and a few piccies will also follow shortly, once I've downloaded them, and they've been tweaked as appropriate.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 21 February, 2009, 07:33:58 pm
Thanks to Wowbagger for planning what turned out to be a very, very fine day out, in good company, in a part of the world of which I am extremely enamoured.

Big skies?  :thumbsup:

Apologies for the apparent rudeness of not having said "fanx-tra" - but as TimO said upstream - our train was about to depart, and waiting an hour to then try to cram all of ourselves on...... well it just didn't seem a good idea.

Thanks again to all for a great day out.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 21 February, 2009, 07:52:02 pm
Although the faster riders got the train the slower ones had a nice cooling off in the pub waiting for the next one.  ;)
Right oh! This is the start
(http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/warty02/start.jpg)
and this is a middle bit
(http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/warty02/group.jpg)
, just before elevenses, and some of the rest are here Clicky (http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/warty02/index.php) in a slide show presentation, or just random clicking. All of my pics will be on Picasa in a few hours, it'll take a couple of hours to upload.

Edit: P.S. Don't forget the captions!!!  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 21 February, 2009, 07:55:13 pm
 Thanks for organising such a nice ride Wow, and for letting me have a go on the tandem  :thumbsup: I had a nice time and it was good to be out. The headwind-y bit was a bit tiring though, I shall probably fall asleep shortly...

(The dog has been out, although I was not feeling kindly towards her when I got in. On her morning walk she ate something before I could stop her, which had made her be sick in several places which was a lovely thing to come home to. Bah.)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: mike on 21 February, 2009, 08:01:40 pm
wow - looks like an amazing day out, sorry I couldnt make it!

Edit: P.S. Don't forget the captions!!!  ;)

Checks captions.  Can I borrow one of these, plz fatters?  >:(




 ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 21 February, 2009, 08:04:37 pm
That (http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/warty02/p2210197.php) will be my 'lost the will to live' pose.   :D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 21 February, 2009, 08:07:40 pm
Checks captions.  Can I borrow one of these, plz fatters?  >:(
 ;D
::-) Waits for NSTN to catch up!  :-*
That (http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/warty02/p2210197.php) will be my 'lost the will to live' pose. 
;D If you like I'll PM the URL for full size, twice as big as Picasa pics, version.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 21 February, 2009, 08:10:48 pm
Checks captions.  Can I borrow one of these, plz fatters?  >:(
 ;D
::-) Waits for NSTN to catch up!  :-*
That (http://www.delthebike.ukfsn.org/warty02/p2210197.php) will be my 'lost the will to live' pose. 
;D If you like I'll PM the URL for full size, twice as big as Picasa pics, version.

I can count to five and don't care who knows it  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 21 February, 2009, 08:13:51 pm

 ;D If you like I'll PM the URL for full size, twice as big as Picasa pics, version.
Your kindness knows no bounds, Del - but that is a pose I'd probably be happy to forget.  :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 21 February, 2009, 08:25:33 pm
A fantastic day out in great company.  Superb weather and amazing scenery.  Woman of few words but will write more later or tomorrow.  I feel a little guilty as I am supposed to be involved in organising these rides, all I have really done so far is to agree on a route.  As they have been in Essex I haven't got a clue where I am going so haven't been much use on that score.  Getting to Suffolk is tough for most people due to the engineering work on the railways.

Photographs to follow.

It took me a while longer to drive home due to taking the wrong turning.

I am this...... 'so very unfit', think I ought to take up flower arranging. :-\
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 21 February, 2009, 08:59:31 pm
Picasa is uploaded, 1600x1200, if anyone wants a 3200x2400 shot PM me and I'll upload it and give the URL for it.
I'll save jurek-dejected.jpg for later.  ;)
Did Regulator join us after the Wind of Change ride?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 February, 2009, 09:06:18 pm
That was just so good.

Mrs. Wow and I caught 8.48 from Prittlewell and it wasn't long before we were all assembled at Wickford. We started but had a brief interruption because the Clarion / Butterfly tandem had a front mudguard that resembled a helter-skelter, so it was not surprising it was rubbing. After a mile we stopped so that fettling could take place, and it was a success.

It was hilly. OK, it was Essex hilly but the road still went up and down and as ride leader I quite often found myself leading from the back. It's great to have someone in the ride as knowledgeable as Del - I think he knows Essex even better than I do - so he did tail-end Charlie duties when necessary and at other times sprinted to the front to ensure that we went the right way.

After about 17 miles of this undulation, we arrived at the Round Bush. Teas all round and a variety of food was consumed. Teethgrinder opted for the megabig gutbusting hi-cal super-breakfast and although he ordered first, he seemed to be served last. Several of us offered to help him clear his plate, but only Jane was foolhardy enough to pinch a chip. She wisely counted her fingers afterwards just in case TG had eaten one of them.

After 11ses, the only hill was at St. Lawrence, and we all rode to the top. The consensus seemed to be that it is worth a chevron, even though Ordnance Survey confiscated one when 1:63360 was replaced by 1:50000. The view across the Blackwater Estuary is very fine from there. We were a little behind schedule so we went to the pub before we went to church. The landlord was as good as his word and fifteen of us were fed and watered in pretty good time, our numbers having been swollen by the arrival of Regulator.

We had a good look round St. Cedd's church (NSTN commented how she particularly enjoyed riding on the surface of the footpath) and then headed for the marshes. In spite of the fact that we were scarcely above sea level, the view is very good. We could see the wind turbines off Whitstable, the power station chimney in Kent, the Shoeburyness gas holder, some top secret thingummies across the Crouch estuary on Foulness Island and loads of office blocks in Southend.

It was at about this point that the wind became noticeably againsterly and Jan & I struggled to keep up. After some 4 miles slogging we could see the 1639 train approaching from Southminster and knew that we would miss it, but that was all to the good: it gave the faster cyclists the opportunity to make their escape whereas a few of us finished the ride in the pub on the sea wall, catching the train an hour later.

Now replete with fish and chips, and clean from a shower heated entirely by the sun's rays, I reckon that was one of the landmark rides of 2009: the day winter lost its grip.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 21 February, 2009, 09:09:27 pm
Here we go then with some pics, it might take a while as there are still quite a lot to upload.

At the start
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03115.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03117.jpg)

The girls doing their usual posing, looking good by the way

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03118.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03119.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03120.jpg)
Jane on her new September
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03122.jpg)
Ploddin Pedro
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03125.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03130.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03133.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03134.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03138.jpg)

Smiles as always from Delthebike

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03137.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03136.jpg)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jurek on 21 February, 2009, 09:15:27 pm
I reckon that was one of the landmark rides of 2009: the day winter lost its grip.

Top ride, Wow.
Top ride.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: PloddinPedro on 21 February, 2009, 09:24:01 pm
Another great WARTY ride, with weather as memorable as WARTY ONE but for completely different reasons, thankfully. Excellent organisation by Wowb. including a very decent pint (and a bit more!) of Abbot at lunch. I maintained my unbroken record of getting separated from the bunch again, rectified by doing what I did last time and going to t' pub. Very interesting to visit St. Peter's, somewhere I'd never been despite living at nearby Althorne for a number of years in a former life. Got back home at 18.30 with 105 miles on the clock - a mere bagatelle for TG, but useful by my standards.

Already looking forward to the next one.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: rower40 on 21 February, 2009, 09:32:09 pm
Words fail me, so I'll just start with:

Stew.  Pendous.

I too have some photos, which I'll post presently; there's a danger the internet will run out of blue if too many people download them.   There were some srsly big skies today.

With the possible exception of the headwind on the church-to-Burnham bit, I can't think of anything that could have gone better.

WARTY Sporty and Naughty!

Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: rower40 on 21 February, 2009, 10:07:46 pm
Photos can be found here...
Clicky (http://s293.photobucket.com/albums/mm63/rower40/Feb%20WARTY/)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 21 February, 2009, 10:37:51 pm
Here are a few more....

Mrs Wow at the lunch stop
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03188.jpg)

An interesting shot of Butterfly
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03183.jpg)

Hmmm
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03179.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03173.jpg)

A group shot
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03156.jpg)

Wobbly John
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03154.jpg)

Proud to be part of YACF
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03152.jpg)

Not quite sure what was going on here.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03146.jpg)


I will put up a link to the rest tomorrow.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 21 February, 2009, 11:51:18 pm
Well, I'm home safe.  Probably just over 100 miles covered, thanks to Teethgrinder towing me from Bishop Stortford to Wickford, and Del for towing me from Burnham to the A130.  :thumbsup:

And of course thanks to Wowbagger for planning a great route.

Lots of photos in this album (http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY2/)

Favourites:

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY2/wow1.jpg)

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY2/wowmont.jpg)

Jane risking life & limb

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY2/pinch.jpg)

Del

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY2/del2.jpg)

DUG

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY2/Greg2.jpg)

NSTN posing again

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY2/NSTN2.jpg)

Annie

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY2/Annie2.jpg)

Essex does have hills!

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y252/wobblyjohn/WARTY2/hills2.jpg)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 22 February, 2009, 11:20:57 am
Yet more pics.

NSTN - Posing at the lunch stop

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03193.jpg)

NSTN makes friends with the locals

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03195.jpg)

Clarion and Butterfly
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03196.jpg)

Teethgrinder and Wobbly John

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03202.jpg)

Jane and TimO

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03207.jpg)

NSTN's favourite kind of road  ;)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03211.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03216.jpg)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/DSC03212.jpg)

The rest can be found here (http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t250/nettienoodles/February%20WARTY%20Ride/)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 22 February, 2009, 02:56:40 pm
Do Rower40, Clarion & Butterfly not make it on the Warty Roll of Honour?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 February, 2009, 03:12:34 pm
Do Rower40, Clarion & Butterfly not make it on the Warty Roll of Honour?

Indeed - an oversight on my part! I was really quite tired last night.

Edit: they are there now.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 February, 2009, 05:41:13 pm
Some wildlife observations from yesterday:

1 hare, haring across a field by Buckhatch Lane. A woman was walking a labrador which has seen the hare and wanted to go after it.

Some honey bees. A couple near Flambird's Farm (NSTN's favourite bit of off-road) and another a bit further on.

Dead badger count: 1.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 22 February, 2009, 05:45:45 pm
Some wildlife observations from yesterday:

1 hare, haring across a field by Buckhatch Lane. A woman was walking a labrador which has seen the hare and wanted to go after it.

Some honey bees. A couple near Flambird's Farm (NSTN's favourite bit of off-road) and another a bit further on.

Dead badger count: 1.

That badger was huuuuuge
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 22 February, 2009, 06:01:29 pm
Don't forget the butterfly at the start of the church track. (a real one not a clarion better half butterfly)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 22 February, 2009, 06:53:22 pm
A few piccies from the ride, the entire set are here (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/), although some of them are a panorama which I have yet to stitch together.

Clarion and Butterfly arriving, after some post travel tandem fettling.
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/small.php?file=P1000804.JPG&size=480) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/P1000804.JPG)

The ladies, deep in discussion at our elevenes stop.
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/small.php?file=P1000807.JPG&size=480) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/P1000807.JPG)

The interior of St Peters Chapel (founded by St Cedd).
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/small.php?file=P1000822R.JPG&size=480) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/P1000822R.JPG)

NSTN patting (ahem) Annie. ;D
(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/small.php?file=P1000839R.JPG&size=480) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/P1000839R.JPG)

I'm also curious to know what is on the horizon in this image (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/P1000842.JPG) (5M image, don't click unless you're on ADSL or better).  All I can make out is a serious of white blobs, which I imagine could be the base of a bridge, the road section being to thin to be visible?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 February, 2009, 06:56:41 pm
I'd say almost certainly some wind turbines are sprouting there.

Did anyone notice the Whitstable wind turbines when we were out on the marshes and just before we turned west into the headwind towards Burnham?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 22 February, 2009, 07:04:01 pm
I'm also curious to know what is on the horizon in.  All I can make out is a serious of white blobs, which I imagine could be the base of a bridge, the road section being to thin to be visible?
Gunfleet (http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/TendringDC/Environment/WindFarm.htm) sands wind farm is being built.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: αdαmsκι on 22 February, 2009, 07:07:21 pm
I'm also curious to know what is on the horizon in this image (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/P1000842.JPG) (5M image, don't click unless you on ADSL or better).  All I can make out is a serious of white blobs
Seagulls.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 22 February, 2009, 08:29:49 pm
Great ride.  Marvellous company.  Shame we didn't get to say goodbye to the folks that caught the train.  Even if we'd known there was one coming, we probably would still have dawdled & waited for the Wows.  There were probably enough bikes on the earlier train, and we got comfortably on the next, after a brief stop at the pub. :)

I took my camera, but didn't get round to taking any photos.  Looks like others did the job splendidly :D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 22 February, 2009, 08:33:38 pm
I am sorry I didn't get to say goodbye to you.  I feel very guilty about not stopping and hopping on the train.  I knew that it would take me around 1hr 45 mins to get home and I had to sort out a problem with a certain young man.  In hindsight I probably should have waited and caught the next train, sorry.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 February, 2009, 08:37:28 pm
Annie, you did the right thing. We saw the train coming in as we were crossing the tundra but arrived at the station 7 minutes after it had gone. Not catching the first one gave me the opportunity to drink some more beer with Reg whilst Butterfly, Clarion, TG and Mrs. Wow watched.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 22 February, 2009, 08:41:51 pm
Annie, it wouldn't have been a goodbye anyway, merely a temporary 'au revoir'.  I'm sure we will all pick up where we left off when we get together again soon :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 22 February, 2009, 08:53:22 pm
Annie, it wouldn't have been a goodbye anyway, merely a temporary 'au revoir'.  I'm sure we will all pick up where we left off when we get together again soon :-*

Indeed.  Conversations of Robin Hood's Bay and beyond :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 February, 2009, 09:02:19 pm
(http://peter.chesspod.com/gallery/d/4654-2/DSC03511.JPG)

Robin Hood's Bay, 1/11/08.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 22 February, 2009, 09:04:02 pm
I must do that ride.  I haven't been there for years.  It was one of my favourite places to visit as a child and have many happy and fond memories of holidays in that area. :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 22 February, 2009, 10:00:20 pm
RHB?

*sigh*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 22 February, 2009, 10:19:04 pm
I've uploaded the route from my Active 10 GPS to BikeHike here (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=4388).

The I-gotU GPS stopped recording around the time I arrived at Wickford, the button must have gotten pressed by accident in my pocket.  Next time I'll disable it before I leave.

The BikeHike route has been reduced to around 1000 points, since the 20000 that I downloaded from the GPS was too much to upload (both Bikely and BikeHike barfed on it!)

I'm not sure about BikeHike, when you create a route, you are given an URL for it, but there seems to be no easy way to get that URL from the list of routes that you've saved (it shows an incomplete URL for the route on my list of routes).  The OS mapping bit has also stopped working, although I assume that's because the OS website will only serve a certain amount per day to a website before it limits the availability.

Route on BikeHike (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=4388)
Route on BikeRouteToaster (http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=33295)
Route on Bikely (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/WARTY-February-2009)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: TimO on 24 February, 2009, 07:42:14 pm
Here's a panorama taken from Tip Head (ie St Peter's Chapel) looking towards Clacton-on-Sea.

(http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/WARTY_Feb09_TipHead_Panorama_480.jpg) (http://jakal.sp.ph.ic.ac.uk/~timo/WARTY_Feb09/WARTY_Feb09_TipHead_Panorama.jpg)
Click image for bigness

The colour across the image isn't terribly good, I'll have a look at improving it, but it can be fiddly with images like this, where even the slightest error is really obvious.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jaded on 27 February, 2009, 12:51:08 pm
I've just noticed what a nice pair of puppies NSTN had there.  ;D

When is one of these WARTies going to be further up East Angular and on a date I can make?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 27 February, 2009, 12:56:18 pm
I've just noticed what a nice pair of puppies NSTN had there.  ;D

You are a baaad man, and may need professional protection!

Quote
When is one of these WARTies going to be further up East Angular and on a date I can make and NSTN can't?

Fixed That For Your continuing health ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Notsototalnewbie on 27 February, 2009, 01:13:11 pm
I'm surprised it took this long to be honest...and that no one made that joke at the time (or they did, but out of my earshot, wisely!)  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Jaded on 27 February, 2009, 01:15:06 pm
I'm over 100 miles away, so thought I'd be safe.  ;D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 27 February, 2009, 01:17:26 pm
I'm over 100 miles away, so thought I'd be safe.  ;D
You're only safe if you live down a dirt road. I'm not so I kept schtum!  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: rogerzilla on 15 March, 2009, 08:13:48 pm
You could run the April Friday Night Ride to the Smoke as a WARTY...Sarfend to Piccadilly Circus.  We need them from various points of the compass - I might run a hardman version from Swindon (80 miles) in summer as training for the Dun Run.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Hummers on 20 March, 2009, 06:37:33 am
I've just noticed what a nice pair of puppies NSTN had there.  ;D


Yes and it was quite chilly too by the look of their noses.

*estimates 120 miles away*

H
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 March, 2009, 05:38:24 pm
WARTY leaderboard updated.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: smiles on 27 March, 2009, 09:43:47 pm
Hi Wow, I've been having a look at this - what great fun .... I'm missing riding with people - in fact I'm missing riding and need incentives :-[.  What are the chances of organising a WARTY within an hour or so's drive of mid-Wales ........ I might be allowed out  :D
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: annie on 28 March, 2009, 01:30:57 pm
Hi Wow, I've been having a look at this - what great fun .... I'm missing riding with people - in fact I'm missing riding and need incentives :-[.  What are the chances of organising a WARTY within an hour or so's drive of mid-Wales ........ I might be allowed out  :D

There might be an opportunity later in the year.  We will have to get our thinking caps on for that one.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 April, 2009, 10:40:22 am
Leader board updated.

I didn't catch the names of three of our number from yesterday, one of whom managed to be stung by a bee in his lycra. :-X
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: ianrauk on 05 April, 2009, 11:32:37 am
Burak
Jo
William

are the missing names Mr Wowbagger
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 April, 2009, 12:39:05 pm
Thanks.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 18 May, 2009, 09:37:59 am
The leaderboard is still awaiting May's participants, including the multiply-named Uncle James, James the triker, etc etc.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 18 May, 2009, 03:51:13 pm
WARTY ROLL OF HONOUR

30/1210/121/221/34/409/0520-21/06
Annie :) :) :) :) :)
Wowbagger :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
delthebike :) :) :) :) :) O:-) :)
Jurek :) :) :) :)
Mrs Wow :) :) :) :) :)
NSTN :) :) :) :)
Wobbly John :) :) :) :)
Tokamak :) :) :) :)
Jane :) :) :)
Tim O :) :) :) :) :)
Teethgrinder :) :) :)
Her Welshness :) :) :) :)
Tim Hall :) :) :)
Bobb :) :)
Ploddin Pedro :) :)
Roger T :) :)
Adam :) :)
Clarion :) :)
Ian :) :)
Auntie Helen :) :) :)
Fatbloke >:( :)
Mike :)
Sue :)
Cometworm :)
Butterfly :)
Rower40 :) ;) :)
Regulator :-\
Andrew :)
Jasper TSC :)
Anne Hall :)
Borak :)
Jo :)
William :)
James :)
Dasmoth :)
Emily :)
Orienteer :)
Orienteer Jr. :)
macbludgeon :)
zzpza :)
Lee :)
PippaG :)
mistral :)

Regulator's first appearance was a half-day: he turned up at lunchtime without a note from his mum.

edit: added Dasmoth and Emily, Orienteer and son.
That's all except; should FatBloke have a  >:(  instead of a  :)?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 18 May, 2009, 04:37:21 pm
Where is James????
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 18 May, 2009, 04:39:31 pm
Where is James????
I'll change it JFY.  :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 18 May, 2009, 04:45:05 pm
Where is James????
I'll change it JFY.  :-*
Thank you  :-*
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 18 July, 2009, 10:43:48 pm
WARTY ROLL OF HONOUR

30/1210/121/221/34/409/0520-21/0618/07
Annie :) :) :) :) :)
Wowbagger :) :) :) :) :) :) :):)
delthebike :) :) :) :) :) O:-) :):)
Jurek :) :) :) :):)
Mrs Wow :) :) :) :) :):)
NSTN :) :) :) :)
Wobbly John :) :) :) :):)
Tokamak :) :) :) :)
Jane :) :) :):)
Tim O :) :) :) :) :):)
Teethgrinder :) :) :)
Her Welshness :) :) :) :)
Tim Hall :) :) :):)
Bobb :) :)
Ploddin Pedro :) :)
Roger T :) :)
Adam :) :)
Clarion :) :)
IanrUK :) :):)
Auntie Helen :) :) :):)
Fatbloke:( :):)
Mike :)
Sue :)
Cometworm :)
Butterfly :)
Rower40 :) ;) :)
Regulator :-\
Andrew :)
Jasper TSC :)
Anne Hall :):)
Borak :)
Jo :):)
William :):)
James :):)
Dasmoth :)
Emily :)
Orienteer :)
Orienteer Jr. :)
macbludgeon :)
zzpza :)
Lee :)
PippaG :):)
mistral :)
topcat1:)
Sig Silverprinter:)
Cycleman:)
Chriskh:)
Handbag:)
Naggers:)
Moondog;)


I think it's correct.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Tim Hall on 18 July, 2009, 10:54:35 pm
Yes, all your Ians are belong to us the same bloke.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 01 September, 2009, 08:54:37 pm
WARTY ROLL OF HONOUR

30/1210/121/221/34/409/0520-21/0618/0729/08
Annie :) :) :) :) :)
Wowbagger :) :) :) :) :) :) :):):)
delthebike :) :) :) :) :) O:-) :):):)
Jurek :) :) :) :):)
Mrs Wow :) :) :) :) :):)
NSTN :) :) :) :)
Wobbly John :) :) :) :):)
Tokamak :) :) :) :)
Jane :) :) :):)
Tim O :) :) :) :) :):)
Teethgrinder :) :) :)
Her Welshness :) :) :) :)
Tim Hall :) :) :):)
Bobb :) :)
Ploddin Pedro :) :)
Roger T :) :) ???
Adam :) :)
Clarion :) :)
IanrUK :) :):)
Auntie Helen :) :) :):)
Fatbloke:( :):)
Mike :) ???
Sue :)
Cometworm :)
Butterfly :)
Rower40 :) ;) :)
Regulator :-\
Andrew :)
Jasper TSC :)
Anne Hall :):)
Borak :)
Jo :):)
William :):)
James :):)
Dasmoth :)
Emily :)
Orienteer :)
Orienteer Jr. :)
macbludgeon :)
zzpza :)
Lee :)
PippaG :):)
mistral :)
topcat1:)
Sig Silverprinter:)
Cycleman:)
Chriskh:)
Handbag:)
Naggers:)
Moondog;)
Nutkin :)

Awaiting adjudication as to what symbol if any for RogerT and Mike, hence  ???.

edit: Clarion spots a clanger, updated.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: clarion on 01 September, 2009, 08:57:12 pm
Lovely del, but I think you're a bit previous.  Surely the August WARTY was in August? ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 13 September, 2009, 06:32:23 pm
WARTY Roll of Honour
WARTY ROLL OF HONOUR

30/1210/121/221/34/409/0520-21/0618/0729/0813/0924/1028/1130/12
Annie :) :) :) :) :)
Wowbagger :) :) :) :) :) :) :):):):):) :)
delthebike :) :) :) :) :) O:-) :):):):):) :)
Jurek :) :) :) :):):):)
Mrs Wow :) :) :) :) :):):):) :)
NSTN :) :) :) :)
Wobbly John :) :) :) :):):)
Tokamak :) :) :) :)
Jane :) :) :):):):)
Tim O :) :) :) :) :):):):)
Teethgrinder :) :) :)
Her Welshness :) :) :) :):)
Tim Hall :) :) :):)
Bobb :) :)
Ploddin Pedro :) :)
Roger T :) :):)
Adam :) :)
Clarion :) :)
IanrUK :) :):)
Auntie Helen :) :) :):):):):)
Fatbloke:( :):)
Mike :):)
Sue :)
Cometworm :)
Butterfly :)
Rower40 :) :)
Regulator :-\
Andrew :)
Jasper TSC :)
Anne Hall :):)
Borak :)
Jo :):)
William :):)
Uncle James :):):)
Dasmoth :)
Emily :)
Orienteer :)
Orienteer Jr. :)
macbludgeon :)
zzpza :)
Lee :)
PippaG :):):)
mistral :)
topcat1:)
Sig Silverprinter:)
Cycleman:)
Chriskh:)
Handbag:)
Naggers:)
Moondog;)
Nutkin :)
fboab:)
morrisette:)

The Not a WARTY Ride 21/11
Dasmoth :)
Emily :)
Auntie Helen :)
Jane :)
TimO :)
delthebike :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: mike on 13 September, 2009, 06:33:48 pm
why am I the only person with a  ??? ? I was there for the start...
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: rogerzilla on 13 September, 2009, 06:40:18 pm
If you run that through an old DEC paper-tape reader it produces glorious technicolor midget pr0n.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 13 September, 2009, 06:40:55 pm
why am I the only person with a  ??? ? I was there for the start...

It's because you had a pink water bottle at Mildenhall WARTY and we weren't sure. RogerT had one too, a  ??? not a pink water bottle, but you're all changed to :) now.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: RogerT on 13 September, 2009, 06:42:13 pm
JGS

( Jolly good show )  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Regulator on 26 October, 2009, 05:47:05 pm
Why am I a  :-\?

I know I;ve only done one WARTY ride - but I did finish it.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 October, 2009, 06:11:55 pm
November's is on 21st, not 25th.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 26 October, 2009, 06:21:49 pm
November's is on 21st, not 25th.
Thinking of the MEMW rides.  ::-)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 26 October, 2009, 06:24:19 pm
Why am I a  :-\?

I know I;ve only done one WARTY ride - but I did finish it.
But from wowbagger's first post, this thread,...
Quote from: wowbagger
Regulator's first appearance was a half-day: he turned up at lunchtime without a note from his mum.

I'm happy to change it to  ":sick:" if wow agrees though.  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 October, 2009, 07:00:32 pm
Del, you are the master of the smiley. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: rower40 on 26 October, 2009, 07:25:20 pm
Unless someone was impersonating me, (and who'd want to do that), there's a false smiley for me on 4/4.  A prior engagement (some Rowing Club thingy) meant I couldn't make it.

So that demotes me in the pecking order.  And allows other more worthy candidates to step up.

Thanks - looking forward to putting in token presences next year!
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 December, 2009, 08:07:15 pm
WARTY ROLL OF HONOUR

30/1210/121/221/34/409/0520-21/0618/0729/0813/0924/1028/1130/12
Annie :) :) :) :) :)
Wowbagger :) :) :) :) :) :) :):):):):) :) :)
delthebike :) :) :) :) :) O:-) :):):):):) :) :)
Mrs Wow :) :) :) :) :):):):) :)
Jurek :) :) :) :):):):) :)
Tim O :) :) :) :) :):):):)
Auntie Helen :) :) :):):):):) :)
Wobbly John :) :) :) :):):) :)
Jane :) :) :):):):) :)
NSTN :) :) :) :):)
Her Welshness :) :) :) :):)
Tim Hall :) :) :):) :)
Tokamak :) :) :) :)
PippaG :):):) :)
Fatbloke:( :):)
Teethgrinder :) :) :)
Roger T :) :):)
IanrUK :) :):)
Uncle James :):):)
Bobb :) :)
Mike :):)
Ploddin Pedro :) :)
Adam :) :)
Clarion :) :)
Rower40 :) :)
Anne Hall :):)
Jo :):)
William :):)
Dasmoth :) :)
Emily :) :)
Gary :) :)
Sue :)
Cometworm :)
Butterfly :)
Regulator :-\
Andrew :)
Jasper TSC :)
Borak :)
Orienteer :)
Orienteer Jr. :)
macbludgeon :)
zzpza :)
Lee :)
mistral :)
topcat1:)
Sig Silverprinter:)
Cycleman:)
Chriskh:)
Handbag:)
Naggers:)
Moondog;)
Nutkin :)
fboab:)
Chris S:)
morrisette:)
Guy :)
Bob :)
Bloomers 100 :)

The Not a WARTY Ride 21/11
Dasmoth :)
Emily :)
Auntie Helen :)
Jane :)
TimO :)
delthebike :)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 30 December, 2009, 08:17:32 pm
I demand a recount!  Followed by tea and medals.  ;)
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 December, 2009, 08:18:39 pm
I demand a recount!  Followed by tea and medals.  ;)

Quality cannot be rushed.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 30 December, 2009, 09:34:06 pm
I think some of Auntie Helen's friends (Gary & Bob) were at the October WARTY as well weren't they?
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: bloomers100 on 30 December, 2009, 09:37:03 pm
Today was my first WARTY therefore my credit for the ride in sept is errant.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 December, 2009, 09:37:29 pm
I think some of Auntie Helen's friends (Gary & Bob) were at the October WARTY as well weren't they?

Dunno - I think Del updated those. He demanded a recount.  :demon:
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 December, 2009, 09:39:27 pm
Today was my first WARTY therefore my credit for the ride in sept is errant.

I thought it was but I wasn't sure. Amended as advised.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: delthebike on 30 December, 2009, 09:43:21 pm
Bloomers doesn't appear in my roll of honour at the top of page 30.  ::-)
I think some of Auntie Helen's friends (Gary & Bob) were at the October WARTY as well weren't they?

Dunno - I think Del updated those. He demanded a recount.  :demon:
I'm think that Gary and Bob had their first WARTY today.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wobbly John on 30 December, 2009, 10:04:51 pm
Photographic evidence - That's Gary (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/delthebike/Warty10#5396265932490514178), isn't it?  :demon:

Anyway, AH will know.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 December, 2009, 10:12:40 pm
Photographic evidence - That's Gary (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/delthebike/Warty10#5396265932490514178), isn't it?  :demon:

Anyway, AH will know.

Two or the price of one. Chris S isn't on the Roll of Honour.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Auntie Helen on 30 December, 2009, 10:22:33 pm
Yes, Gary did the October WARTY too.

However both Bob and Guy cycled up to Stowmarket with us and we did see WobblyJohn before they set off home again so he wasn't imagining that he'd seen them before. It was just Gary who did the WARTY though.
Title: Re: Announcing the WARTY.
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 December, 2009, 10:25:15 pm
Photographic evidence - That's Gary (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/delthebike/Warty10#5396265932490514178), isn't it?  :demon:

Anyway, AH will know.

Two or the price of one. Chris S isn't on the Roll of Honour.

Both corrected.