Well, that was a good one. After London Lockdown, it was a bit of an opportunity to fix things I got wrong that night. Would have preferred, as on some years, a Good Friday start rather than Thursday night (non-work night, the potential to ride up if it suited, and as it turns out a full train service) but the usual post-work routine worked out OK, so no problem. Getting to work was a bit different. Ordinarily on a pre night-ride working day, I'll get the Waterloo-bound service via Fareham, Winchester & Basingstoke [same price as direct services via Guildford], leave the train at Eastleigh & ride into work from there. Post-work, train from Southampton Airport with a ticket from there to Winchester to cover that stretch (different line). However, the engineering works that meant I'd ridden home from Havant on Saturday were still on, so I'd have to get the train at Fareham, seven miles from home, instead. Allowed over an hour, did that in forty minutes, although there was a late running Southern service (just for a change) it didn't delay the one-an-hour service I was waiting for, which ran to time.
After work, since my working hours shifted forward in 2024, I now have twenty two minutes not seven to make the 2138 train up (the last one at 2208 makes more stops and doesn't get into Waterloo till 2329, so I'd rather avoid that). Nailed that. Changed in a non-moving room and didn't need to rush getting lights and gear on the bike before riding the half mile round to the platform, there at 2135. Service ran to time, so plenty of time to fill the bottles before making my way down to the NT, joining the even-earlier arrivals
@LucretiaMyReflection included. Anton had thankfully recovered from his prang on Lockdown (due to an idiot on a hire bike riding the other way on a canal path) but he was concerned about the rear quick release, and his mudguard (strapped to the back- damaged in the crash) needed additional fettling to make sure it stayed put. This was his first ride as leader, and for the safety talk he had a printout of his talking points. Despite understandable nerves, he did a fine job. Claire was his wing, Martin (having once again endured the dubious charms of GWR to make his way from That Wales) all-upper, accompanied by Peter and Josh. They were thankfully underemployed, I think not one mechanical at all. 39 had registered, but a few last minute cancellations brought that down to 30.
We were off at the dot of midnight, and as so often I kept myself busy with plenty of waymarking. After suffering in the cold the previous Friday, I'd gone for the warmest bib tights I have, and four layers (thermal base, t-shirt, LS jersey, jacket). Donned a second buff as extra headgear on leaving halfway. Job done, comfortably warm- or at least not cold- all night. Usual eating service also resumed, and neither the pacing nor the climbs posed any problems. Traffic thankfully a bit lighter than a usual Friday, though there were the usual idiots with overcompensating exhausts, and ninja delivery riders to contend with. First part the standard eastward route as on previous Southend rides (we were of course going only slightly west of there for breakfast). Stop for calls of nature at Bow McDonalds (no doubt rather quieter than when dealing with the Lockdown peloton) and, eventually, past Ilford and into actual countryside. On account of the Doddinghurst scout group being unable to cater for us, an alternative had been sought and found at Tipps Cross, a mere five minutes from the scout hut. The rather fabulous Remembrance Hall was partially self-catered- Anton had brought in copious supplies of crips, cakes, biscuits (Tunnocks wafers and tea cakes, nom), tea, coffee and squash, sandwiches (or whatever else) was DIY. I took the opportunity to sort the slightly loose mount of my Hope light. Well sated, off again we went, bidding farewell to Adrian (doing a recce for the forthcoming genteel Fridays tour, starting in Brentwood).
Next stretch was pretty standard- through Mountnessing, Buttsbury (Anton being firm that no-one ride through the ford, and water level was so high that no-one was going to try it), the skirt around Hanningfield Reservoir (too early for a sunrise photo this time). Then south to Rayleigh and that lovely, lovely climb up to the high street. We were carefully going not too fast, as we were otherwise in danger of needing to do laps of Leigh. Mission accomplished, we dropped down Tattershall Gardens, into Leigh and on to Sara's Tea Room ten minutes before the 8am ETA, and they were ready for us, plenty of room for bikes and a very friendly welcome. Now, on last year's Southend ride self and a few others went to the Corner Club. That was an excellent breakfast, recommended. Sara's was on another level- absolutely sublime food, served with astonishing speed and efficiency (no-one waited long), and a big pot of tea. As this chap would confirm, an enlightened choice of venue...
(They
really like dogs).
After that, at ten to nine I made my arduous way back to the station (half a mile, retracing our steps), in time for the on the hour fastest service into Liverpool Street. Self, Kim and James went to what we thought was a bike carriage- it wasn't, but as the bike space was a Southern-type 'narrow bit by the toilet', we were better off where we were, plenty of room and as it was quiet bikes weren't in anyone's way. Kim and James headed off at Stratford, where they could get HS1 to Kent. Back at LST I managed (unlike on several previous visits) to find the lift up to the concourse, no stairs or shlep to the back of the station. Back to Waterloo in mild drizzle, in plenty of time for the next fast service south and back into Fratton at noon.
And relax…Thanks everyone. I am naturally registered for Shoreham, hopefully a similar success with a bigger turnout!
