FNRttC Friday Night Ride to the Coast - 25th June to Felpham, near Bognor Regis 2010

[BigSteev]

Vay whippety I hope, else the combination of Sussex "roads"* and the lack of spokes in those wheels may be traumatic.

It think you worry too much, my ample frame has been off roading on my Zondas (37 spokes between them) with no issues at all.

 

[Tim Hall]

*tbh WSCC are doing a storming job of repairing the damage done to many of our B and C class roads. They have teams or sub contractors working every weekend and overnight all I'm told, to get as much done as possible before the budgets get slashed. A minor bonanza locally if you are a road contractor so I'm told but it will be all too brief.

It does seem they're doing a good job, doesn't it. Lots of cut out the bad bits and big rectangular patches, smoothed down all nice and nice, rather than a shovel full of something that may as well be a mixture of mashed potato an finest cheese so often used in these situations.

 

[Aperitif]

^ Spoilt toffs! The A5 'oop North' of London looks like Mount Etna had a bad night on the curry...

 

[dellzeqq]

the roads on the route are in very good shape. I'll be suggesting that people move toward the centre of the road from Blackwood to Newdigate, but that really is about it. The road down from Newdigate to Rusper has been extensively re-surfaced.

There's about 30 metres of road just north of Leatherhead that really defies description, and I'll report it. It's not holes, it's like acne

 

[Archie]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

1. For lights I've got - err - Knog Frogs.

Well, that's what I use on the bling bike. I've got some Smart 2/10W halogens too, which would be OK, but looking at the bracket it might be tricky mounting on my roadies drops. Looks like I'm praying for moonlight and sticking to Bollo!

3. I've booked a £1.50 single to Waterloo courtesy of Megatrain - Barg! Good tip checking National Rail, which led me there. Gets me in about half ten so I'll have a bit of time to cool my heels, but that's not a problem.

So count me in on this one.

On the peletons route home; the A259 is a perfectly fine road, but I could take you through some back roads if you prefer?

 

[dellzeqq]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

1. For lights I've got - err - Knog Frogs.

Well, that's what I use on the bling bike. I've got some Smart 2/10W halogens too, which would be OK, but looking at the bracket it might be tricky mounting on my roadies drops. Looks like I'm praying for moonlight and sticking to Bollo!

3. I've booked a £1.50 single to Waterloo courtesy of Megatrain - Barg! Good tip checking National Rail, which led me there. Gets me in about half ten so I'll have a bit of time to cool my heels, but that's not a problem.

So count me in on this one.

On the peletons route home; the A259 is a perfectly fine road, but I could take you through some back roads if you prefer?

Archie - send me an e-mail on fnrttc@yahoo.co.uk.....

 

[GrumpyGregry]

1. For lights I've got - err - Knog Frogs.

Ride in front of me, my Ay-Ups will blaze a trail for you, and may even melt your rear tyre.

 

[StuAff]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

1. For lights I've got - err - Knog Frogs.

Well, that's what I use on the bling bike. I've got some Smart 2/10W halogens too, which would be OK, but looking at the bracket it might be tricky mounting on my roadies drops. Looks like I'm praying for moonlight and sticking to Bollo!

3. I've booked a £1.50 single to Waterloo courtesy of Megatrain - Barg! Good tip checking National Rail, which led me there. Gets me in about half ten so I'll have a bit of time to cool my heels, but that's not a problem.

So count me in on this one.

On the peletons route home; the A259 is a perfectly fine road, but I could take you through some back roads if you prefer?

Megatrain's something I've looked at, but never actually used (hopeless for a night out in the smoke, not available on the 2345 home!). Not available on the 2130ish service anyway.
I like the A259 (west of Chi at least) because it's nice & straightforward, not too busy. I like the roads that run north through Funtingdon etc, sometimes go that way just for the extra mileage but that route's a bit more rolling.

 

[Archie]

I like the A259 (west of Chi at least) because it's nice & straightforward, not too busy. I like the roads that run north through Funtingdon etc, sometimes go that way just for the extra mileage but that route's a bit more rolling.

Perfectly fine road as I said. Up for grabs on the day I suppose, depending on whether we want the faster or quieter route?

 

[StuAff]

Perfectly fine road as I said. Up for grabs on the day I suppose, depending on whether we want the faster or quieter route?

Yup, I'm not that bothered which. The northerly route isn't quieter, really...

 

[gbs]

I have just registered and am hoping that the list is not oversubscribed and that the weather will be above 2010 average.

This is a new activity for me so I am under-equipped/naive perhaps. Here are some issues on which I have an open mind. Comments please.

I do not have a rack and am thinking that a light rucksack might be bearable given the alleged pace.

I know where I can borrow a headlight and I guess Knogs on the bike and helmet will suffice on the back.

3/4s or possibly shorts.

With two food stops planned for 70 mile run perhaps I could use one bottle cage for my small bits and pieces carrier.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I've gradually learnt that, with FNRttC, less is more. This may be cos the first one I did was to Whitstable where I was staying the weekend so had to carry luggage, and a towel, strapped atop like a two wheeled Christopher Robin.

Dellzeqq, our beloved leader, seems neither to change gear nor carry owt more than his lock, across his torso in the manner of a TdF hero of yesteryear.

I usually try to ride at least part of the way home, unsupported by TEC's and often alone, so carry enough to be self sufficient and comfy, (and a bit smug by the sounds of it)

 

[dellzeqq]

I've gradually learnt that, with FNRttC, less is more........

I'm not disagreeing (and I don't do threequarters), but I think people find their optimum amount of clothing over time, and it can be a bit miserable when you get cold - so my advice is to err on the side of warmth, but be able to peel off a layer if you get warm.

 

[theclaud]

Thin layers. Of merino wool. And ditch the rack. I think a rucksack is overkill unless you want to lounge around in civvies when you get there. I haven't quite had the courage to emulate Dellzeqq's ultra-minimalism, but then I have always suspected he has a secret sherpa...

 

[Aperitif]

Is that like a 'secret Santa'?
Both would make their 'presence' felt I suppose!