4 hours sleep, and a "4 pints (believe me, you can do a Whyte Fyre gig sober but 4 pints makes it easier) followed by half a bottle of red and half shares of a Crabbies" hangover.....
News came in the morning that Tiermat wasn't going to be able to make it
So I rummaged through the thread for who we thought was coming and worked out which of 'em weren't either related to me or in my house and attempted to get in touch via PM or text with timings and so on. After suitable faffage, much tea and some fairy light fettling we set off from the Den to meet CU, CA and the Cubs round at theirs. Bike bling admired (they had also tinseled up the boys bikes
) especially once CA had booted up her bike. Best use of a raspberry pi, ever.
Onwards to the racecourse where Phanta, sporting a miniature tree on her rack and much purple tinsel, and Interzen with the very very green bike were found. Onwards we went to the Sun, where we gathered up madcow and Mrs Madcow to take our number to 13. A spot of playing on the bumps and a trackstanding lesson then the Cubs got to pick sides - who was to join the EldestCub's "Team Fast" and who was to go in the SmallestCub's "Team Slow"? Neither of 'em wanted me, natch. The big'un had to put up with me anyway.
Team Fast set off, aiming to get to the pub in time for them to not give our tables to anyone else, as Team Slow bimbled behind. 5 miles is a long way when you're 5, riding ss, and only have 14" wheels. And winter miles are harder....
Once at the pub much food was consumed along with an assortment of beverages of all hues. CA was re-awarded the best tat award following a unanimous decision by the judges - well, it was unanimous once we told the littly h wasn't allowed to vote for his own bike. The prize hat has been embellished since last year. And much discussion ensued as to what improvements could be made to it for next year.
Eventually, after much eating, drinking, nattering and sitting by nice warm fires we started to rally the troops for the off - the madcows heading off one way homeward bound, the rest back onto the planets path as darkness loomed and the lighting displays started to come into their element. Slow and steady, with many stops, back to the Sun where we waved goodbye to Interzen then onwards and across the racecourse - SmallestCub had to deploy the 24" gear on the final ascent. Then, sending the Clariflies, LG and That Deano ahead Denwards to put the kettle on, I went with Cubs to CA and CU's, where they collected their belongings and piled into the car to get a lift back. And so very very close to the end littly discovered that you shouldn't trust wet metalwork. Especially in the dark. When cornering. Spectacular both wheel skid, bike went out sideways from under him and an impressive slide across the alley. But he and the bike are both fine.
Possibly the slowest forum ride there has ever been. I'm not completely convinced our moving average was above 4mph....
Splendid. Needs moar dragons tho.
