FNRttC Friday Night Ride to the Coast - Whitstable June 1st

[smutchin]

I saw you all sitting on the Waterfront balcony having breakfast as I rode past at about 9.30 on my way home from the Parkrun. Would've stopped to say hello but I had places to be.

So how was it? That easterly wind felt a bit brisk this morning, and the wetness of the ground suggested there had been some rain overnight. Hope not too much of it fell on you lot.

d.

 

[matthew]

Now home, Yes it was a wet ride from drizzle to medium rain at times. Yes I am not as fit as this time last year and it showed when having way marked the TECs were in pursuit mode after punctures to quicker riders.

But it still reminded me why I enjoy these rides so much and that I really shouldn't leave it another 12 months before I do another.

Thank you Simon for all your organisational efforts, though I trust you noticed that ride protocol of leaving people with mechanicals to fix themselves or wait for the TECs went out the window when your chain jammed and everyone stopped!!

 

[User10571]

All of it fell on us.

Don't listen to him.
I bobbed and weaved and managed to stay dry.

 

[theclaud]

All of it fell on us.

You've cheered up a bit, then.

 

[smutchin]

All of it fell on us.

Oh dear!

d.

 

[CharlieB]

Another Grand Night Out, the sheer size of the contingent proving the popularity of this particular FNRttC destination .
For many, it will be the last big ride before LonJoG, and this added extra cachet.
I was one of the few people trusting to blind faith, venturing out in s/s top only.
Still, there have been wetter ones.
The revised start point was, I think, a hit. The safety talk had particularly more impact, when the underside of Waterloo Bridge echoed and amplified 100+ cries of 'Bump', 'Bollards' and 'Bungalow'.
Thanks to all at the Strood half-time stop - that was fab food.
And for the record, lest I forget, I owe Mr. Decker £6 for that, as I discovered I'd come out without cash.
Well done to the TECs for swiftly dealing with an inordinate number of fairy visits.

 

[martint235]

Yeah loads. I think it was realising that I had forgotten my responsibility for looking after Long Martin, so that reverts to Ian and Andy

Pray tell? What responsibility was this?

As to the ride. Yes it was wet. I still enjoyed though. It would have been a lot more fun on a balmy night with sunshine waiting from dawn and I'm sure the next one will be like this. In the meantime it was just good to be out on a bike having a natter.

It's a bit of a faff getting a train from Whitstable to Welling. However I did meet one (and I believe still the only) nice and helpful Southeastern trains representative who, seeing the bike, said "Change at Chatham. Everything that's going through Rochester has come through Chatham and you won't need to change platforms there". I even managed to stay awake long enough not to miss my stop but I did stay standing on two of the trains to make sure

Oh and I got to see the Red Arrows fly over Whitstable as I made my way to the station.

 

[StuartG]

"You seriously call that rain?" as us Emsworth veterans might query ... Yep the forecast proved a little less solid but at least it avoided being a downpour. The worst was cut short by the wonderful Strood Stop. Thankfully my £9.99 Aldi pac-lite earned its stripes and kept me both dry and warm. That was until I foolishly took breakfast al fresco. The balcony became a waitress free frost hollow. Ian - did you ever get your breakfast?

The more I ride this route the more I enjoy it. Is any other route so varied? Teasing rather than testing anticipating the next stretch draws you on. I'm beginning to understand Dell's addiction to Whitstable. I even managed to make three friends long enough to get a Groupsave - so that was good. So sorry to miss the Birthday Boy Celebrations ...

 

[clarion]

Shame we couldn't stay for the whole ride, but, despite rain and headwind, we enjoyed the stretch to Rochester. A pity that we couldn't have got further before going for the train, but it was fine. We had a nice quiet ride through London to round up.

We're off to Whitstable tomorrow.

 

[User10571]

We're off to Whitstable tomorrow.

Awheel?

 

[clarion]

Awheel indeed, but not via the FNR route. You'd be welcome to join us if you fancy it, though it may not be your normal pace. Nearest we get to yours is South End, Croydon, then up to Farleigh. Give me a call if you want to come.

 

[User10571]

Awheel indeed, but not via the FNR route. You'd be welcome to join us if you fancy it, though it may not be your normal pace. Nearest we get to yours is South End, Croydon, then up to Farleigh. Give me a call if you want to come.

Thanks, but I've visited Vista Belle twice this week now.
I really ought to point the 'bars elsewhere...
Have a great ride.

J

 

[PaulRide]

Thanks to Simon and his many helpers for another great ride. Sadly I think that will be the last ride that my Pogliaghi will do, as I've discovered a rather substantial crack in the frame and I don't think a repair would be affordable. I just need to check that Mrs R is happy with my plan to put it up on the wall.

 

[User10571]

Thanks to Simon and his many helpers for another great ride. Sadly I think that will be the last ride that my Pogliaghi will do, as I've discovered a rather substantial crack in the frame and I don't think a repair would be affordable. I just need to check that Mrs R is happy with my plan to put it up on the wall.

Ouch

 

[clarion]

Thanks, but I've visited Vista Belle twice this week now.
I really ought to point the 'bars elsewhere...
Have a great ride.

J

No problem. Have fun whatever you do.