FNRttC FNRttC to Brighton 8th May 2009

[Aperitif]

How are we all going to get on a train back to London with that many bikes? Do you make special arrangements Dellzeqq?

Don't tell a soul where you are going as you slip out on Friday evening...

 

[dellzeqq]

Tim's summary is bang on the money

That's one of the principal reasons we go to Brighton four or five times a year. Six trains an hour, and station staff who look the other way. There's also the backstop of Littlehampton trains coming through Hove. Southend is almost as good, and Whitstable has two trains an hour, and more trains from Canterbury. Bognor has three trains (you change at Barnham for two of them) but there are more trains from Littlehampton which is just down the road.

I keep an eye on the engineering works http://www.southernrailway.com/engineering_works.php?e=228 and I know I'm not the only one.

Southend Victoria has only worked for us once, Southend Central trains have always been sufficient, and we did, in the early days, when there were about seven of us, have to cycle back to Haywards Heath from Brighton. Otherwise we've been ok, although next summer, if the numbers keep on going up, I'll probably have to start laying on a coach or two.

And, redjedi, I refer you to the 'questions, questions, questions' page in the lavish 2009 guide to the FNRttC, wot is in your inbox. I'll be asking questions later...

 

[Will1985]

What time do people start to meet? Don't want to be hanging around London too long in the evening. I'm thinking that if I arrive at Euston at about 2200/2230, that should be about right.

 

[dellzeqq]

What time do people start to meet? Don't want to be hanging around London too long in the evening. I'm thinking that if I arrive at Euston at about 2200/2230, that should be about right.

that will give you plenty of time. It's about twenty minutes ride from Euston (less for you), and people start arriving in big numbers about half past eleven. You could pm Flying Dodo and ask him if he's travelling via Euston.

 

[redjedi]

Don't tell a soul where you are going as you slip out on Friday evening...

I'll tell them I'm just popping to the kebab shop.....wearing my lycra shorts and helmet

And, redjedi, I refer you to the 'questions, questions, questions' page in the lavish 2009 guide to the FNRttC, wot is in your inbox. I'll be asking questions later...

I did read it, honest, Sir

I just got a bit panicky when I saw 80 people. I don't want to get stuck in Brighton.

Can I buy a ticket now? It's only £5 if you buy in advance or £20 when your at the station. 9.19am sound about right?

 

[dellzeqq]

£5 sounds good. Very good. If you don't make that particular train you might be able to sell it on. You could also get a Network Card which will get you, and three friends, back to East Croydon for about a tenner each. The cheapy fare goes down to £3 if you pre-book with a Network Card

http://www.southernrailway.com/index.php

 

[StuAff]

And to add to what Tim and Simon have said, some of us live along the coast and will probably have the bike space on the carriage unobstructed Two an hour from Brighton to Pompey (one direct, one changing at Barnham). If any of the luna eccentrics are going that way, I might be tempted to join you (limbs and spirit permitting).

 

[redjedi]

£5 sounds good. Very good. If you don't make that particular train you might be able to sell it on. You could also get a Network Card which will get you, and three friends, back to East Croydon for about a tenner each. The cheapy fare goes down to £3 if you pre-book with a Network Card

http://www.southernrailway.com/index.php

Even cheaper booking direct with Southern. £3 advance ticket to Clapham Junction, so I got greedy and booked a ticket for both the 9.19 and the 9.49 train. This way I know I'll have time for breakfast or 2

 

[MacB]

Even cheaper booking direct with Southern. £3 advance ticket to Clapham Junction, so I got greedy and booked a ticket for both the 9.19 and the 9.49 train. This way I know I'll have time for breakfast or 2

that's two tickets you'll be wasting when you decide to cycle back with us

 

[redjedi]

That is the third option, but at least it's only £6.

I like to be prepared, but by that time I will have been awake for over 24hrs and my body will be in shut down.

But you never know

 

[TimP]

Re hills - that camera into Brighton is a very easy trigger - I've overtaken cars on the run towards it in the 40 zone (the camera is just into the subsequent 30mph limit).

Reigate Hill - there is a speed camera on it that is in a 30mph zone. I have to date failed to make it flash despite passing through circa 45mph on the tandem. A short while after this is a level crossing - you will not want to be doing an excess speed as you cross this. Oh and to anyone having a word in your shell about restraint on Reigate Hill just ask them about the RM van overtaken on it.

 

[dellzeqq]

it was an artic. The artic that was overtaking you at the time. And I was doing 50. I don't get out of bed for vans.

However, now we're 90 strong...a bit of circumspection is going to be required.

 

[Aperitif]

Excellent! What is the greatest number that have set off from HPC out of interest, please?

(By the way - come on you lot - make it 100!)

 

[Sittingduck]

That is the third option, but at least it's only £6.

I like to be prepared, but by that time I will have been awake for over 24hrs and my body will be in shut down.

But you never know

I'll likely be in the market for one of them spare tickets RJ
No way I could cycle back!

 

[dellzeqq]

Excellent! What is the greatest number that have set off from HPC out of interest, please?

(By the way - come on you lot - make it 100!)

we had 62 set off last May (iirc). 63 arrived.

We may not be able to take 100. I will have to consult. At the moment we're about 83, and I may have to bring down the bar on all but the old-timers....