Another corker. Morning of ride routine more (ab)normal this time. 400cc bike needed collecting after an oil change, but plenty of time to do that, then the trip to purchase firstly orange cardboard & secondly reduced-price sandwich for the train up to the smoke. No engineering work so just rode round to Hilsea for the service to Eastleigh. After work, changed, out the door and on the bike in fifteen minutes before the three minute ride to the northbound platform. 2138 service ran slightly early, so even more time for bottle-filling before the arduous shlep to the south bank.
As per usual, first-or one of the very first, at the NT. Bloke Slumped On The Steps didn't seem to have moved from last month, and some yoof (who apparently decided we were an 'OAP Bike Gang'- how very dare you, you boring young persons!) were occupying our usual meeting spot, so we all ended up around the Lord Olivier statue. Moultoneer Chris had suffered an issue with his rather fabulous New Series Safari, and had therefore reverted to his equally fabulous New Series Century (for sale, and he had to reassemble it...). A few last-minute drop-outs, as ever, but about thirty of us in all, including a few newbies- a returnee had done some recruiting in her cycle club.
Ride leader Jim went for a pretty stock route south, so via Kennington, across Tooting Bec Common, then through Mitcham and Hackbridge. From there, west a bit to Carshalton and Chipstead (so no Farthing Down or Portnalls Road this time, more a steady grind up the North Downs). Weather pretty good- dry, if somewhat on the nippy side again, and mechanicals remained thankfully absent, so pace remained steady and regroups welcome rather than tedious.
After the high point of the ride (though it didn't feel like it later on...), we swung southwest, through Nutfield and Smallfield, and the halfway-home stretch. Once again, we were being catered for by the fine folk of the Burstow scouts, and pretty much to (un)usual time, 0345 or so. And it was the anniversary of our very first visit, on my very first FNR. Seventeen years ago (check out the thread
here..)! As ever, they did a fine job.
An hour and many calories later, we were on our way once more. Rob sadly had to bail not long after- illness- but made an early train back north. The rest of us proceeded SW, skirting Crawley, through Handcross, Lower Beeding and Partridge Green. A couple of short-but-steep climbs got the better of me and I resorted to the size 45 gear to get up them. Then through Ashurst (not to be confused with the New Forest namesake) and on to Steyning by seven (the local church clock confirmed that!). Given our steady pace so far, and the breakfast venue, a mere five miles from there) not opening until eight, we had an extended stop there, before a photo opportunity detour to Lancing College, along with umpteen SUV, presumably to convey offspring home for the weekend.
And then, the short final hop to Shoreham. The seemingly interminable (for several years) works on that stretch of the A27 had produced a rather nice and much safer bike route and crossing to the airport than the previous, rather terryfying variant (light sequence too short, for one thing). The Hummingbird were ready for us when we arrived, bang on at eight, and did a splendid job, again. Cracking food, the full English hit the spot, and a good sized pot of tea. We might return to the Port Kitchen next time (they're now opening at nine on Saturday, so early doors would need to be arranged), but this was certainly not a poor substitute.
It was also handier for me if I was riding west (three miles saved compared to the Port Kitchen). Weather for it perfect- dry, tail wind. Traffic generally light, and if I flagged or got bored of riding, numerous stations within convenient distance of my usual route. And, as I felt good, I did indeed ride it. Set off at 9.10 or so, and early signs were good. Decent pace (for me, let alone me after 25 hours awake, etc, achy bits not too achy, tailwind proving to be actually helpful actual tailwind, and it stayed that way. Average speed kept going up without threatening Strava PRs, weather stayed dry, still not too achy. Usual half-way(ish) pause at Barnham, and then onward, all the way home. Back just before one, 103.69 miles done since midnight, average for the bit from the airport about 12 mph. Then tea, and a nap. And yes, I had an early night and slept very soundly indeed....
Thanks everyone. Missing Oxford (prior engagement) and Manchester (the good type of work- Kraftwerk), then there's the small matter of the tour....
