FNRttC Friday Night Ride to the Coast Emsworth 20th April

[dellzeqq]

I'm not worried about people pulling out IF THEY DO IT IN GOOD TIME, and it's fair to say that most of the people who pulled out would have found it pretty darn arduous. I was very glad that Susie wasn't there.

(I'd have been pretty glad not to have been there myself - but then again, I've been on the shitter for the past 48 hours, losing nigh on a stone, so it might be that I wasn't ever going to enjoy myself)

 

[GrumpyGregry]

it's changed hands, matey. Prices have gone up and quantities down. But it's still worth a visit when the bikers are there. It's amazing how much bearded sixtyyearold you can get in to leather....

all was good a mere four weeks ago when we went running up there.

 

[dellzeqq]

all was good a mere four weeks ago when we went running up there.

perhaps I'm spoilt then. I used to fill my face for three quid...

 

[GrumpyGregry]

perhaps I'm spoilt then. I used to fill my face for three quid...

not spoilt. merely slim.

it has got more expensive over the years, but then what cafe round here/there hasn't?

 

[martint235]

(I'd have been pretty glad not to have been there myself - but then again, I've been on the shitter for the past 48 hours, losing nigh on a stone, so it might be that I wasn't ever going to enjoy myself)

Hope you feel better soon. It's not been a good couple of weeks for FNRttC peeps!

My view on Bury Hill was that, as said by others, the road surface made it much harder than it probably is. If that smooth stretch of tarmac about 3/4 of the way up covered the whole climb it would be a joy.

 

[StuartG]

Bury Hill. It was steeper than last year!

I prefer Ditchling. It may be tougher on paper but IMHO is easier to climb. The Ditch gradient is always changing, the road ahead short before the next bend, a succession of brilliant views in the tree breaks to the left. And then that red triangle sign telling you 'one more bend and you've done it!'. And of course we all collapse on the verge and celebrate in one of the finest spots in Sussex.

Bury has none of these virtues. As other's have said - it is just a monotonous steady climb with no rewards (apart from the drop on the other side). My approach is just to close my mind and grind away. Hence I didn't even notice the road surface ...

 

[User482]

Bury Hill. It was steeper than last year!

I prefer Ditchling. It may be tougher on paper but IMHO is easier to climb. The Ditch gradient is always changing, the road ahead short before the next bend, a succession of brilliant views in the tree breaks to the left. And then that red triangle sign telling you 'one more bend and you've done it!'. And of course we all collapse on the verge and celebrate in one of the finest spots in Sussex.

Bury has none of these virtues. As other's have said - it is just a monotonous steady climb with no rewards (apart from the drop on the other side). My approach is just to close my mind and grind away. Hence I didn't even notice the road surface ...

Oh, I agree that Ditchling is a much more interesting climb - I was just making the point that if the only criterion is "energy required to get to the top", Bury's easier. That said, I found the ride quite hard going at times - the remnants of manflu, the pouring rain and cold made me wonder if I was going to last the distance. But those thoughts disappeared with dawn and the lovely countryside.

Greg: my injuries are healing well - my knee is still stiff and sore, but I can manage a slow commute. Nurofen gel seemed to do an amazing job of taking the swelling down. I think Martin had it worse than me, tbh. How about you?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Greg: my injuries are healing well - my knee is still stiff and sore, but I can manage a slow commute. Nurofen gel seemed to do an amazing job of taking the swelling down. I think Martin had it worse than me, tbh. How about you?

Glad to hear it. Yes, Martin has got the short end of the stick.

I'm mending well, a touch of overgranulation (who he?) on the scalp wound I'm told, and we are off in a bit to investigate the mango sized lump which sprang up on my hip on Friday night and which, little-by-little, is getting bigger each day. Possibly not in a good way.

 

[martint235]

I have just been to Croydon Police station to give my statement. They have told me that I need to go to a Sussex Police station to give the statement and that it is, and I quote, "unfair of Sussex Police to expect them to take statements on their behalf". I will call 101 in a bit and then I may give Bexleyheath Police Station a try on Friday.

 

[clarion]

What rotters those Sussex Police are! Expecting people to be able to make statements without travelling miles to do so. Poor, poor Croydon coppers (Met?)

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I'm mending well, a touch of overgranulation (who he?) on the scalp wound I'm told, and we are off in a bit to investigate the mango sized lump which sprang up on my hip on Friday night and which, little-by-little, is getting bigger each day. Possibly not in a good way.

Mr Consultant says no cycling running or anything else that loads the hip, thusly as little walking as possible, for at least two weeks. Grrrrrrrr! I was ruddy fine* when I went to bed on Friday night. I knew no good could come from sleeping on my left hand side.

*a relative term

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I have just been to Croydon Police station to give my statement. They have told me that I need to go to a Sussex Police station to give the statement and that it is, and I quote, "unfair of Sussex Police to expect them to take statements on their behalf". I will call 101 in a bit and then I may give Bexleyheath Police Station a try on Friday.

what a total and utter pile of w**k.

and watch out, most Sussex stations are only open during office hours Mon - Fri.

 

[martint235]

I've no intention of going to a Sussex station. I am going to take it up with the people on 101. A PCSO that I spoke to in the street yesterday suggested it was possible that a police officer would be sent to get my statement from me. I will see.

 

[User482]

The people on 101 told me to go to my local station, which I'm doing this afternoon. I'll let you know how I get on...

 

[martint235]

The people on 101 told me to go to my local station, which I'm doing this afternoon. I'll let you know how I get on...

I've just come off the phone to 101 and they've told me to call Sussex Police!