Kent/E. Sussex - "An Hell of Ashdown" - 66 miles - Sat 8th December

[Mice]

FD tells me I won't like these hills. So I'll bow out of these proceedings before too much damage is done.

<there isnt a dont-like button> That's a pity - and quite scary too on the basis that normally FD doesn't tell the truth about hills....! We are talking the North Downs tho' so even I know they are big. I'd better get some more hill practice in before December.

Mice

 

[velovoice]

That's... quite scary too on the basis that normally FD doesn't tell the truth about hills....!

He actually used the word "suffer"!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

He actually used the word "suffer"!

I am not a climber. FD drops me like a stone on every ascent. But he loves you and has your best interests at heart.

Honestly. These climbs are ok if you take them at your own pace and in the right gear (your lowest one). And there are several of them. If you try to hang on to someone else's wheel, or ride them in one hit, without pausing for breath when you're in the red zone, then yes, you may have a near death experience. Walking is allowed; think a Fridays ride on a Wednesday.

Those who rode "The Hell of the North-East" on LonJOG all the way to the Derwent Manor and beyond may experience a certain deja vu all over again

 

[martint235]

^^^ Wot he said. The thing with hills is to always do them at your own speed on the day. When you get into trouble is when you try to grab someone's wheel or to beat a personal best.

I'm looking forward to this already!!!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Ridden as a loop from Biggin Hill (clue is in the name methinks) the route profile looks like this....

 

[Mice]

He actually used the word "suffer"!

Right. That's it. I'm going to see if I can reach the top of Toys Hill as a practice run before then. My legs still remember the burning sensation when arriving at Derwent Manor Hotel!

Mice

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Right. That's it. I'm going to see if I can reach the top of Toys Hill as a practice run before then. My legs still remember the burning sensation when arriving at Derwent Manor Hotel!

Mice

The correct response to which is "Shut Up Legs!"

 

[StuAff]

That climb wasn't that bad.........

 

[Mice]

Which just shows that ditching the rucksack is the way to go.

Derwent Manor - the perfect location for the Ditching Luggage Lesson - as hosted by GregCollins, Adrian and RB58. Woohooo! Am still talking about how you three got me to do that. Brillliant! In fact, this very morning I am rummaging around trying to find the bit that can hold my pump to my bike although I'm not entirely sure I'll recognise it even if I find it! I know I still have luggage but its a whole lot less since Derwent Manor!

I am busy doing research into a practice run for this ride - targeting Toys Hill/Crockham Hill/Ide Hill!!

Mice

 

[velovoice]

I am not a climber. FD drops me like a stone on every ascent. But he loves you and has your best interests at heart.

Honestly. These climbs are ok if you take them at your own pace and in the right gear (your lowest one). And there are several of them. If you try to hang on to someone else's wheel, or ride them in one hit, without pausing for breath when you're in the red zone, then yes, you may have a near death experience. Walking is allowed; think a Fridays ride on a Wednesday.

Thanks Greg - that is encouraging. However, I am mindful that you wish to complete 60 miles in daylight and can't afford to spend *too much* time waiting for the likes of me. Additionally, it looks like our travel time to/from the start may well run to 4 hours total which on that ground alone rather rules this one out for us. Sounds lovely though! And after I've lived in Caddington a few months, my hill-climbing abilities may (= should!) improve to the point where a ride like this would involve a lot less suffering. And less time pressure if done during BST. So... if you all enjoy it... perhaps a re-run next year?

 

[Tim Hall]

What sort of time for the start? Being a Wednesday means we have to contend with peak hour bike bans on the train. (Having said that, Hever is only 15 miles by speeding bicycle)

Edit: Rye Wood? Where he?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

What sort of time for the start? Being a Wednesday means we have to contend with peak hour bike bans on the train. (Having said that, Hever is only 15 miles by speeding bicycle)

Edit: Rye Wood? Where he?

This is true. Would folk prefer a defer to a Saturday before or after?

 

[StuAff]

Saturday before I might well be able to make....

 

[Shadow]

Looks like a fun ride and would love to do it, especially with a few lumpy bits...but sadly there would be NO chance of me having a day off during the week in december to do this! Even very early december.
Oooh, might have just dug myself a huge hole. Just seen ^^^ and have no excuses for a saturday ride.

 

[martint235]

What sort of time for the start? Being a Wednesday means we have to contend with peak hour bike bans on the train. (Having said that, Hever is only 15 miles by speeding bicycle)

Edit: Rye Wood? Where he?

Rye Wood is next to Dunton Green station on Google Maps, I assume that's the one meant.

I'm currently on call on the 5th and was just about to arrange to move that duty to another week to free up the day. As things stand I'll be on call on Sat 8th and it's harder to get someone to cover Saturday for me.

Happy to do the 5th or a Saturday though, I just need to make arrangements.