21st September - a midnight excursion from London Village to Southsea.

[defy-one]

Turn around and cycle back

To Pinewood ???????

 

[StuAff]

Why would you need a hotel anyway? No problems getting trains, you'll be minutes from two mainline stations...

 

[martint235]

To Pinewood ???????

Where's pinewood? But if you can cycle to Southsea from there, you can cycle back to there

 

[User10571]

Whats the plan when you get there?
Any motels/hotels that will store bikes?

You're new here, aren't you?

 

[StuAff]

Eh? After the Hell of the North?

Oh I see ... you're checking the hills will be challenging enough now . Carry on.

The provisional route I suggested to Simon for what then became the FNRttC Emsworth is here...most of the route is unlikely to change much, but there are a few options south of Petersfield so that might be a little different. There is a lot of climbing but it's rolling terrain rather than Beacon-sized lumps, and even the worst section just either side of Haslemere, with a few grindy bits, shouldn't put anyone off. Maximum gradient's about 8%.
By comparison, Hell Heaven of the North had nearly 4k feet of climbing in 60 miles. This will be no bother if you were OK on that...

 

[defy-one]

You're new here, aren't you?

Very new

 

[rb58]

Is Richmond Park open at night? I thought it closed at dusk.

 

[StuAff]

It is to traffic, but the pedestrian gates remain open and accessible all night.

 

[wanda2010]

Thanks for the responses.

Wanda, the route is pretty flat down to the Guildford area (apart from Richmond Park) but then enters the downlands so there are lumps from until about 14 miles from the flat/downhill run to the finish.

H

TMN - after LonJog, I still hate hills with a passion but will now give them a go purely on the basis that I can always walk a few yards if need be. New granny ring will be on the Trek in time for next year's Tour .

Hummers. In please.

 

[Hummers]

......most of the route is unlikely to change much, but there are a few options south of Petersfield so that might be a little different.

The proposed route south of Petersfield will be down to Buriton, Rowlands Castle, Havant, Hayling Island, across on the ferry (service should start at 7:30) to Eastney and a final leg around the seafront to the cafe in Southsea. There's only one climb (Kiln Lane out of Buriton) but that is pretty short and after that, it is a superb run; down hill or flat pretty much all the way in.

I can't think of a better run in to Pompey (by land).

H

P.S. The nearest train station is about a mile or two away (Portsmouth Harbour).

 

[mmmmartin]

Hmmm. Er, well, seeing the company I shall be with, and with Hummers in charge, I think I would like to join this please. I may have to work so that would involve pulling out. But at the moment, I am in.

 

[CharlieB]

The café's not The 19th Hole, is it? May I provisionally join in?

 

[StuAff]

You're very welcome Charlie.
The cafe is the rather splendid one in the castle.

 

[Hummers]

Indeed it is.

I have confirmed (with the owner) that they will open for us at 8am providing there are enough riders (15+) on the event.

H

 

[martint235]

I had unfortunately forgotten about this. I'm out as it clashes (kind of) with a ride down to Lewes and Bexhill.