First objective for this ride was to actually get to the start, after last year's issues with post-work trains meant I ended up riding home from work, a few hours kip, and then an early morning ride to join everyone at Wetherspoons. A nice 70 miles, just not the ones intended. So, you'll understand that I was paying more attention than usual to making sure there were no problems with the line. Despite a couple of services being affected by disruptive passengers, thankfully no problems. And no problem with the pre-work train to Eastleigh either.
After work, now (un)usual routine, clocked off at 2115 on the dot, changed, rolling at 2132, round to the northbound platform at Parkway 2135, ready for the 2138, which ran to time. At Waterloo, sat and chatted for a while with Dawn & Steve, down from York (Steve was on that ride to Hull as well), before heading down to the South Bank, where the thirty-something members of the nocturnal peloton were gathering. A mixture of old hands, very old hands, and quite a few new riders. It was nice to see Julian, back again after twelve or thirteen years (last time he was on a tandem with his teenage daughter, she's now 32..), and the one and only Ian McBride (of LEL fame), taking it easy with his other half, he did another 200km today at nearly 18 mph (!). Sonia had been bike shopping again... Basso Palta III (bellissimo!). Safety talk delivered, we were off on the dot of midnight. Early part was fairly stock, though there were a couple of minor issues- there was one not-quite-straight on point that caused some debate in the absence of a waymarker (it was straight on, no problem). Adrian's nav failed him to remind him of a turn in Clapham, a momentary blip. At Mitcham Junction station, we were having a regroup. Adrian heads back along the line to see if all-upper James has joined us. A few new people follow, insisting they were just following the leader (oops).
With very few mechanical issues we sped along quite nicely. Adrian considered sending faster boys and girls to the scout hut as an advance party (I for one was mostly sure of the way there), but opted to hold the ride together until the last stretch on Redehall Road, when the front was let off the leash, and we got to the hut just before 3.30. Max and team did their usual splendid job catering for us. An hour or so later, we were off again. If anyone was getting cold (and it got down to near single figures), Turners Hill was not much later, and its usually testing self. After that, probably my favourite bit of this route, the fast rolling stretch to Lindfield (well, apart from that twisty climb into the village itself). Anton had dragged himself out of bed to provide coffee for those who wanted it, chapeau. Loo breaks completed, we were on our way.
Slugwash Lane was entertaining as ever (once you got past the gravelly bumpy bit). But the main event awaited at the fifty mile mark. The Beacon. Unusually, no regroup at the bottom, Adrian opting just to let people go on at their own pace. I answered a call of nature and then resumed hostilities with the familiar uphill opponent. Last three times heading up, I ended up walking. Despite not refuelling beforehand and ending up in bottom gear rather sooner than I'd have liked, it was fairly straightforward for once- nice steady pace, not breathing too hard. I got the cassette on the Tripster changed from 11-32 to 11-34 before the Carlisle-Cardiff tour, in part for the Sussex climb as well as the Cumbrian and Welsh ones. Ditchling gear worked out very nicely, spun my way up. And finally, the mostly (I never forget that final kick) descent into Brighton, and along to the Marina 'spoons for breakfast. Given the headwind, much like the previous weekend, the train looked all too tempting (relatively..this is a Southern service, after all). After porridge (excellent, again) and caffeinating, I bade my farewells and headed back west alongside Rob. Quickly decided that the wind was too strong to be slogging along for 48 miles (and it was going to strengthen) and we both made our way up the Col du Clock Tower to the station. Didn't have too long to wait for the next Portsmouth service, and I was back home at about 11.45, before the nap. Thanks everyone! In for Burnham, you will not be surprised to learn.
