Finally got around to putting some more words down.
The original idea had been to give Brighton a rest this year, but Titus pointed out it made sense to go there, rather than doing another Southend for the final FNRttC of the year. Contrary to popular belief, Titus didn't turn up at South Bank just before midnight and then decide to pull a sickie (as if!), as they'd agreed several weeks ago that as Adrian was doing the recce, it made sense for him to also lead the ride.
Adrian quite rightly had been a bit vague about the weather so his range of 5-10° was spot on, so I think everyone was well prepared. I wasn't on my normal road bike, but was on my commuter with a big heavy pannier full of tools and other useful stuff, none of which got used, apart from my lock. The pannier was useful though for stuffing things in as we went along, including a rubbing mudguard from another rider, and an eclectic assortment of things from someone else's bag, as mentioned above, found strewn all over the road. I also had to lend one of my 2 spare rear lights.
So nothing much really to do at the back until Devil's Dyke, when Adrian, being the chivalrous gentleman that he is, offered to show a gentle route using the A23 cycle path for anyone not wanting to bust a gut going up and over. At that point I should have taken him up on his kind offer, as my commuter bike is a standard double, so my lowest gear is 39 x 27, and I really felt the extra weight as we headed upwards, so it wasn't surprising that a few overtook me. I've only done Devil's Dyke once before on a FNRttC, at least 7 years ago, so it did make a nice change from Ditchling Beacon, and it is definitely easier overall. I was very impressed that all but 3 riders opted for the hill, so well done to everyone, especially those clearly out of their comfort zone.
It was a shame the weather turned at the top with strong wind and drizzle, as initially it was a lovely view. Still, at least we're not as crazy as the people playing golf at that time! Then it was downhill to Wetherspoons.
I see Adrian has done an excellent email to those who came along, so I can't really add anything else to that, apart from a general thank you to everyone, and here's to 2018. I may have more time for planning other destinations.......
The rest of the photos I took are shown below:
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