The Jogger
Legendary Member
- Location
- Spain
Whats the distance of the Southend ride?
FNRttC Friday Night Ride to the Coast 26th March in aid of Martlets Hospice 2010
- Thread starter dellzeqq
- Start date
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Davywalnuts
Chief Kebab Taster
- Location
- Staines!
wow, what an awesome ride, truly awesome. well done everyone.
not long in as after leaving redjedi in brentford i decided to see how far i could push myself knowing i couldn't get the 200miles i wanted i settled on 153.20. am done in good and proper.
write up and photos monday.
not long in as after leaving redjedi in brentford i decided to see how far i could push myself knowing i couldn't get the 200miles i wanted i settled on 153.20. am done in good and proper.
write up and photos monday.
Thank you everyone for a most enjoyable night out, the company, the weather and the slick organisation swiftly delivered the entire ensemble into Brighton at a very early hour. There were many highlights throughout the entire night with regulars, newcomers, Martleteers all rolling along and making very good time. Problems were dealt with efficiently and hardly had an effect on the momentum of the ride and I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to see an almost empty minibus and van. The halfway stop at Horley was very welcome with a generous spread of much needed fodder and brews, thanks to the team who helped out. Special mention to the guy on the tall bike who made the entire ride and the lady who despite been absolutely shattered was determined to make it up the beacon and complete the ride.
As always a big thank you to Simon and all the TEC's and junction markers. See you all again soon.
As always a big thank you to Simon and all the TEC's and junction markers. See you all again soon.
PippaG
Veteran
Well that has got to be one of my favourite FNRttCs. With such a big group it could have been difficult, but it flowed effortlessly. The weather was ace and the atmosphere was just, well, something pretty special. The whole ride was.
The Martlet's riders were brilliant. I wouldn't be surprised if we see some of them again.
The tall bike and the Penny were just fab. Me want.
There was an abundance of CAKE
The Martlet's riders were brilliant. I wouldn't be surprised if we see some of them again.
The tall bike and the Penny were just fab. Me want.
There was an abundance of CAKE
MacB
Lover of things that come in 3's
- Location
- Farnborough, Hampshire
Well, what a great night, the earlier evening rain dutifully vanished and the ride moved along smoothly. A mention to all those that assist 'Ringmaster Simon' in his monthly performance. I was also most impressed with the Scout Hut fare. Here's my take on the Good The Bad and The Ugly:-
Cycled to Farnborough station in hissing rain, made it from Waterloo to KX with assists from a taxi driver, I knocked on his window for directions
and a fellow cyclist I met. Mooched around until Mikee, and his bag of tricks, arrived, then set to work bunging the rack and panniers on bike. Despite assistance from Mike this didn't take too long and the glorious Sig, plus cake, arrived part way through. We delayed our departure for HPC due to more hissing rain because we had plenty of time. This didn't actually take into consideration Mikes battery buying escapades and burning desire to have a lengthy chat with the homeless guy outside the shop. Still it's the first time I've seen someone who's begging offer to pay money to get rid of a wellwisher
Finally made it to HPC just before the off, I've gotten used to the extra weight on the back of the bike at this point. Oh yeah some yummy alcoholic choccy cake from Pippa which I sadly had to share with Mike.
So off we set and, if you've not done a night ride, it's worth turning up just to see the procession out of HPC....truly magnificent, and that's not to mention the crazy looking bikes. Gradually touched base with various familiar faces, many thought we'd been no shows due to late HPC arrival. Chatted to the usual suspects throughout the ride and various new faces. At an early regrouping was boxed in by other riders due to my consignment of cake. Sig finally arrived with a shout of 'where is he and where's the f*cking cake?'. Thankfully I knew this actually meant she loved me and appreciated my cake carrying. Was especially good to see Teef back to 'normal' , the big fella had us worried for a while. Some laugh out loud moments, awesome performances and the atmosphere was really upbeat. Plenty of banter and some great one liners from Ian, if farting counts as a one liner, and Andy Arallsop, he can dish out cutting one liners as well as he can write up his LEL adventure...just a talented bloke. Personal highlights, set my new top speed of 37.38mph down Reigate Hill, though still heavy use of brakes. Also made it up Ditchling.....DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY FROM THAT LITTLE TOAD IAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, getting home, that's a different tale - decided I'd ride to Gatwick and get direct train from there. Somehow my wishes to only ride the direct, and non-hilly, option, got translated into, let's take him for a jaunt round the houses and make it as much like a Surrey Hills ride as possible. I was struggling from the off and just about hanging well off the back of the bunch. Crawling up one hill I had to stop to answer my phone...it was Mikee to tell me he was enjoying a can of Stella on the train....oh how I laughed as I struggled to get going again. After 20ish miles I declared to TC1 that the next vertical hill would be it and I'd be stopping for at least an hour. Sure enough just round the corner there it was, and I kept to my word, persuading the others to crack on without me. After a bit of a rest I crawled up the hill and reached Handcross, and a shop. At this point I should mention Sig had taken her remaining cake away with her....just saying like
. So I spent a few minutes scoffing sandwich, chocolate milk drink and can of Fanta. Also took a call from RichP just in case I was still getting lashed in Brighton, nice to the chat to the man as always...the sustenance actually making chatting possible. Then I ambled my way to Balcombe and got a train to Gatwick and from there to Blackwater and home. A very nice ticket inspector shook me awake just before Blackwater, I think I'd have cried if I'd woken up in Reading. Overall was 96 miles for the ride and that's the longest since about August last year. Also the bonk set in later than last time and that had been later than the time before. So gradually getting some fitness back plus, after bath and some rest I no longer wish mayhem and murder on my fellow returnee riders
Comedy moment of the day - on arriving in Brighton we were all getting a cheer and round of applause. TC1 got the train to Brighton to join the ride back so was met with cheer/round of applause for his couple of miles from the station
Cycled to Farnborough station in hissing rain, made it from Waterloo to KX with assists from a taxi driver, I knocked on his window for directions
and a fellow cyclist I met. Mooched around until Mikee, and his bag of tricks, arrived, then set to work bunging the rack and panniers on bike. Despite assistance from Mike this didn't take too long and the glorious Sig, plus cake, arrived part way through. We delayed our departure for HPC due to more hissing rain because we had plenty of time. This didn't actually take into consideration Mikes battery buying escapades and burning desire to have a lengthy chat with the homeless guy outside the shop. Still it's the first time I've seen someone who's begging offer to pay money to get rid of a wellwisher Finally made it to HPC just before the off, I've gotten used to the extra weight on the back of the bike at this point. Oh yeah some yummy alcoholic choccy cake from Pippa which I sadly had to share with Mike.So off we set and, if you've not done a night ride, it's worth turning up just to see the procession out of HPC....truly magnificent, and that's not to mention the crazy looking bikes. Gradually touched base with various familiar faces, many thought we'd been no shows due to late HPC arrival. Chatted to the usual suspects throughout the ride and various new faces. At an early regrouping was boxed in by other riders due to my consignment of cake. Sig finally arrived with a shout of 'where is he and where's the f*cking cake?'. Thankfully I knew this actually meant she loved me and appreciated my cake carrying. Was especially good to see Teef back to 'normal' , the big fella had us worried for a while. Some laugh out loud moments, awesome performances and the atmosphere was really upbeat. Plenty of banter and some great one liners from Ian, if farting counts as a one liner
, and Andy Arallsop, he can dish out cutting one liners as well as he can write up his LEL adventure...just a talented bloke. Personal highlights, set my new top speed of 37.38mph down Reigate Hill, though still heavy use of brakes. Also made it up Ditchling.....DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY FROM THAT LITTLE TOAD IAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!So, getting home, that's a different tale - decided I'd ride to Gatwick and get direct train from there. Somehow my wishes to only ride the direct, and non-hilly, option, got translated into, let's take him for a jaunt round the houses and make it as much like a Surrey Hills ride as possible. I was struggling from the off and just about hanging well off the back of the bunch. Crawling up one hill I had to stop to answer my phone...it was Mikee to tell me he was enjoying a can of Stella on the train....oh how I laughed as I struggled to get going again. After 20ish miles I declared to TC1 that the next vertical hill would be it and I'd be stopping for at least an hour. Sure enough just round the corner there it was, and I kept to my word, persuading the others to crack on without me. After a bit of a rest I crawled up the hill and reached Handcross, and a shop. At this point I should mention Sig had taken her remaining cake away with her....just saying like
. So I spent a few minutes scoffing sandwich, chocolate milk drink and can of Fanta. Also took a call from RichP just in case I was still getting lashed in Brighton, nice to the chat to the man as always...the sustenance actually making chatting possible. Then I ambled my way to Balcombe and got a train to Gatwick and from there to Blackwater and home. A very nice ticket inspector shook me awake just before Blackwater, I think I'd have cried if I'd woken up in Reading. Overall was 96 miles for the ride and that's the longest since about August last year. Also the bonk set in later than last time and that had been later than the time before. So gradually getting some fitness back plus, after bath and some rest I no longer wish mayhem and murder on my fellow returnee ridersComedy moment of the day - on arriving in Brighton we were all getting a cheer and round of applause. TC1 got the train to Brighton to join the ride back so was met with cheer/round of applause for his couple of miles from the station
tdr1nka
Taking the biscuit
- Location
- SE London, Bandit Country
Here, MacB, I think yourself, Redjedi & I should be the 'Tabaccoteers'?
'Parp!'
'Turn Left!'
'Parp!'
'Turn Left!'
tdr1nka
Taking the biscuit
- Location
- SE London, Bandit Country
AdrianC said:
Ditchling Beacon?Damn and curse my exploding knees!
This has been an announcement from the 'Excuses, Excuses Dept.'
Finally back into the world of the living. What a fantastic ride that was. Really impressed with Martletts boys and girls. My first ride of the year and first puncture of the year. It was one of the best ride I have been on. Nice weather, great company and just the right pace.
A big thank you to Simon and all the TECS. Very well organised once again
Now for Southend.....
A big thank you to Simon and all the TECS. Very well organised once again
Now for Southend.....
Flying Dodo
It'll soon be summer
The only thing I wanted to add, was to express my admiration for the Martlett riders, some of whom were making extraordinary efforts. The young lady in an orange jacket especially, who was utterly exhausted, when met by her parents at the base of Ditchling. They comforted her, wiped away her tears, and loaded her up with banana & drink. She was only able to cycle a short distance before having to walk, so cosseted by me, Martin and Dave, we encouraged her up the hill (and she was walking faster than some were cycling). She was determined to get up it, and didn't want to fail, despite feeling sick and completely drained of energy.
Once over the other side, the very last drag up into Brighton by the golf course finished her off, so she got a ride in the sag wagon for 200 metres to the top, and then enjoyed the final descent to the sea front, where her parents were waiting for her again.
That brought a tear to my eyes.
Chapeau.
Once over the other side, the very last drag up into Brighton by the golf course finished her off, so she got a ride in the sag wagon for 200 metres to the top, and then enjoyed the final descent to the sea front, where her parents were waiting for her again.
That brought a tear to my eyes.
Chapeau.
Chapeau...all round I think!
To the weather gods for listening to my prayers after February's ride.
To the Martletts riders who were more than impressive and frankly humbling in their efforts on heavy (less than ideal for long distance) bikes up steep hills, and in pretty quick time too.
To the TEC's and waymarkers (as always)
To the Scout hut refreshment stop and SAG wagon crew for services rendered.
Most of all to Simon for his usual excellent leadership skills and for being the linch pin for an event which will undoubtably have a positive affect on many people in so many different ways.
Thank you.
Highlights: sheer number and shapes of people & bikes in the peloton;the weather;carrot cake at the scout hut;the faces of riders cresting the top of Ditchling; the run into Lindfield and surrounds;my bed saturday morning.
Apologies: Tim Hall, sorry I vanished at the station. I got a ticket and noticed I had 2 minutes to make a departure as you weren't in sight I hopped on. Apologies for not saying goodbye.
Simon, sorry I didnt see you to thank you in person.
To the weather gods for listening to my prayers after February's ride.
To the Martletts riders who were more than impressive and frankly humbling in their efforts on heavy (less than ideal for long distance) bikes up steep hills, and in pretty quick time too.
To the TEC's and waymarkers (as always)
To the Scout hut refreshment stop and SAG wagon crew for services rendered.
Most of all to Simon for his usual excellent leadership skills and for being the linch pin for an event which will undoubtably have a positive affect on many people in so many different ways.
Thank you.
Highlights: sheer number and shapes of people & bikes in the peloton;the weather;carrot cake at the scout hut;the faces of riders cresting the top of Ditchling; the run into Lindfield and surrounds;my bed saturday morning.
Apologies: Tim Hall, sorry I vanished at the station. I got a ticket and noticed I had 2 minutes to make a departure as you weren't in sight I hopped on. Apologies for not saying goodbye.
Simon, sorry I didnt see you to thank you in person.
Aperitif
Meme bar
- Location
- ...I don't have much idea - really.
Coooo-eeee!
Well done the Marlets posse.
By Croydon I was fubared - not so much the riding but the terrible architecture, the juggernauts and the tiny flat bits of road between meteor strikes - or potholes, as Boris likes to call them.
The gang were out in force for the genteel'
And I managed to take a nice spelling picture!
See you all Tuesday, when I wake up!
Planet X Ti was as good as I could have wished for. But, as I cycled here, I was furiously wishing someone was here to wash it!
I wrote the above last night!
Didn't even have the gumption to press the send button as said reply was before my eyes this morning!
As a quick update - it's good to see you are back with us MacB...the Devils Dyke was a pleasant country ballade, but it all got a bit messy when the 'Mappa Mundi Club" decided to split the peloton, as we were refuelling in a place whose name I have forgotten just for the moment...
We had a few laughs along the way and our bodies will be throbbing with delight this morning - I feel great!
No plaudits are enough for the wonderful riders supporting the Martlets cause.
They were determined bunch and needed to be. They expended more energy and calories than any of the regulars as many of them were riding highly inefficient (by our standards) cycles. Special mention to the young lady who I spotted looking remarkably fresh at breakfast having done the whole thing on a 3 speed upright.
5 star service as ever from Simon & the team & the scout hut was a remarkable operation.
At the end of breakfast I joined a small group to cycle back. Some comedian at the front (Ian/Andy/Teef?) decided we hadn’t done quite enough ascending in the previous 8 hours (perhaps it was for TC1’s benefit?). Taking the steepest street to join Dyke Rd out of Brighton was a joy, followed by a serious of dramatic descents & arduous ascents over the downs. Mac B hit the wall just before Handcross and left us to wend his way home.
The peloton split at Gatwick, myself, beatleandrew, redjedi & Davywalnuts headed off towards Kingston & beyond. Apart from fatigue the ride was pleasant & uneventful until ne passed the Chelsea training ground outside Cobham. A spoke breaking ensnared beatleandrew’s rear mech. Mangling both the derailleur & wheel rendering the machine unfixable at the roadside. Luckily a station was very close, so the remaining 3 of us set off. Minutes later an innocuous pothole had punctured my rear, further delaying us.
I left Davy & Luke in Esher, Davy in search of chips, Luke for his bed! Thanks guys for a pleasant ride home.
Hit the sack at 7, surfaced at midnight, for moments, then awoke in time to see the start of the Grand Prix. Feeling surprisingly well and ache free!
They were determined bunch and needed to be. They expended more energy and calories than any of the regulars as many of them were riding highly inefficient (by our standards) cycles. Special mention to the young lady who I spotted looking remarkably fresh at breakfast having done the whole thing on a 3 speed upright.
5 star service as ever from Simon & the team & the scout hut was a remarkable operation.
At the end of breakfast I joined a small group to cycle back. Some comedian at the front (Ian/Andy/Teef?) decided we hadn’t done quite enough ascending in the previous 8 hours (perhaps it was for TC1’s benefit?). Taking the steepest street to join Dyke Rd out of Brighton was a joy, followed by a serious of dramatic descents & arduous ascents over the downs. Mac B hit the wall just before Handcross and left us to wend his way home.
The peloton split at Gatwick, myself, beatleandrew, redjedi & Davywalnuts headed off towards Kingston & beyond. Apart from fatigue the ride was pleasant & uneventful until ne passed the Chelsea training ground outside Cobham. A spoke breaking ensnared beatleandrew’s rear mech. Mangling both the derailleur & wheel rendering the machine unfixable at the roadside. Luckily a station was very close, so the remaining 3 of us set off. Minutes later an innocuous pothole had punctured my rear, further delaying us.
I left Davy & Luke in Esher, Davy in search of chips, Luke for his bed! Thanks guys for a pleasant ride home.
Hit the sack at 7, surfaced at midnight, for moments, then awoke in time to see the start of the Grand Prix. Feeling surprisingly well and ache free!
Aperitif
Meme bar
- Location
- ...I don't have much idea - really.
Mistral has a lovely bike everyone - make sure you get a look at just how nice it looks.
Poor beatle!
I hope you get it sorted ok - nice to meet you, Andrew, and remember the consolation that you were not stuck on the Croydon / Gatwick superexpressway when it happened!
OK - I'll take the blame for the ride back. I did it last year in torrential rain, solo, and didn't think it too bad -well, "figuratively speaking" Sorry. (That ascent onto the cobbles was easy - try it in the slippy slidy, surrounded by gay and transvestite partygoers!
And wither Greg? Heading off to ChiChi, to honour his pledge in aid of Martlets, building distance after surgery...
I have a really good feel about Friday Night's ride out...those folk must be feeling brilliant!
Poor beatle!
I hope you get it sorted ok - nice to meet you, Andrew, and remember the consolation that you were not stuck on the Croydon / Gatwick superexpressway when it happened! OK - I'll take the blame for the ride back. I did it last year in torrential rain, solo, and didn't think it too bad -well, "figuratively speaking"
Sorry. (That ascent onto the cobbles was easy - try it in the slippy slidy, surrounded by gay and transvestite partygoers! And wither Greg? Heading off to ChiChi, to honour his pledge in aid of Martlets, building distance after surgery...
I have a really good feel about Friday Night's ride out...those folk must be feeling brilliant!
Tigerbiten
Guru
Reports from Simon's flying tea tray ......
Very enjoyable ride.
Hats off to the Martlets riders, some very determined people from there.
The way marking and pothole pointers were fantastic as aways.
Almost got squashed on the ride to HPC. One car got close enough to smash a wing mirrior. So it got thumped .......
One on my front lights stop working just after Riegate so limped along on only one light. A change of batteries at the scout hut got it working again.
Also the knees didn't hurt as much at the end of the ride as they did on the Feb ride.
This will be my last FNRttC untill August. The plan is to pack the tent, etc in the trailer and set off north on the last weekend in April and not get home untill just before the August bank holiday.
So have fun on the rides I'll miss.
Luck ..........
Very enjoyable ride.
Hats off to the Martlets riders, some very determined people from there.
The way marking and pothole pointers were fantastic as aways.
Almost got squashed on the ride to HPC. One car got close enough to smash a wing mirrior. So it got thumped .......
One on my front lights stop working just after Riegate so limped along on only one light. A change of batteries at the scout hut got it working again.
Also the knees didn't hurt as much at the end of the ride as they did on the Feb ride.
This will be my last FNRttC untill August. The plan is to pack the tent, etc in the trailer and set off north on the last weekend in April and not get home untill just before the August bank holiday.
So have fun on the rides I'll miss.
Luck ..........
