Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
The South Bank at midnight in the unusual warmth gave me the impression that I was on holiday. Lots of old faces and plenty of newbies were present. I found the exit route a bit different - we headed North over Waterloo Bridge, then down the Strand and Whitehall and West along the embankment to Chelsea bridge where we headed South. There was a tremendous moon, and a great view of it behind the chimneys of Battersea Power Station.
After that it was a familiar route South. Cycle paths over Clapham Common, Tooting Bec. Plenty of back streets. Familiar in the sense "I've been here before, in the dark" not in the sense "I actually know where I am". There were relatively few rowdies shouting abuse/ encouragement / questions.
Eventually we climbed out of London over Farthing Down, which is a stretch of road that I really like. One minute you are in suburban roads, the next you are climbing a hill with unfenced grassland and great views. Then down to Bletchingley, horrible road surface to Outwood and on to the "lunch" stop at about 4am. On Cogman's lane I spotted a little toad crawling across the road. I hope he made it and didn't get squished by an unwitting rider. And I hope he found the journey worth it. It must be tough being a toad in this weather.
As usual the 1st Burstow Scouts laid on excellent facilities and food. There were 50-odd of us. I had expected more for the Brighton Friday Night ride but I learned that on Saturday was the Dunwich Dynamo, so maybe some people had chosen that instead. One particularly tough rider I was chatting to told me that she was heading home for a few hours kip before setting off on the Dun Run. Crazy.
As we left it was actually uncomfortably cold, which was a novel experience, that I quite enjoyed. Then the usual route to Ditchling Beacon via Turner's Hill and Lindfield with a beautiful sunrise developing. At the top of the Beacon I had my pork pie breakfast and left the ride. I wanted to get my ride home in before it got too hot, grab some sleep and be awake enough to return to the Southbank for a concert. As I got home with 100 miles on the clock the temperature was just touching 27.
"A Wonderful Adventure" - indeed.
Farthing Down 2am
Turners hill 5am
Ditchling Beacon 7am
After that it was a familiar route South. Cycle paths over Clapham Common, Tooting Bec. Plenty of back streets. Familiar in the sense "I've been here before, in the dark" not in the sense "I actually know where I am". There were relatively few rowdies shouting abuse/ encouragement / questions.
Eventually we climbed out of London over Farthing Down, which is a stretch of road that I really like. One minute you are in suburban roads, the next you are climbing a hill with unfenced grassland and great views. Then down to Bletchingley, horrible road surface to Outwood and on to the "lunch" stop at about 4am. On Cogman's lane I spotted a little toad crawling across the road. I hope he made it and didn't get squished by an unwitting rider. And I hope he found the journey worth it. It must be tough being a toad in this weather.
As usual the 1st Burstow Scouts laid on excellent facilities and food. There were 50-odd of us. I had expected more for the Brighton Friday Night ride but I learned that on Saturday was the Dunwich Dynamo, so maybe some people had chosen that instead. One particularly tough rider I was chatting to told me that she was heading home for a few hours kip before setting off on the Dun Run. Crazy.
As we left it was actually uncomfortably cold, which was a novel experience, that I quite enjoyed. Then the usual route to Ditchling Beacon via Turner's Hill and Lindfield with a beautiful sunrise developing. At the top of the Beacon I had my pork pie breakfast and left the ride. I wanted to get my ride home in before it got too hot, grab some sleep and be awake enough to return to the Southbank for a concert. As I got home with 100 miles on the clock the temperature was just touching 27.
"A Wonderful Adventure" - indeed.
Farthing Down 2am
Turners hill 5am
Ditchling Beacon 7am
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