October Ride for Food-22nd Oct-Rye & Back

[frank9755]

Martin,


For the benefit of those of us riding fixed who are a little unsure what gear to use, are there any very steep hills (ie > Ditchling)?

Frank

 

[martint235]

Martin,


For the benefit of those of us riding fixed who are a little unsure what gear to use, are there any very steep hills (ie > Ditchling)?

Frank

According to the profile, max gradient is 16%, according to Ride with GPS, Ditchling has a 20% in it. I've not ridden the final hill yet as it's a late addition to the route but I may go out and ride that tomorrow, on the profile it looks quite tough though. I don't think there are any hills as long as Ditchling though, from what I remember the steeper ones are short and sharp.


There are a lot of hills though Frank, would it be enjoyable on a fixed? Going down Westerham hill on my bike terrifies me, I'd hate to think what it's like on a fixed.

 

[martint235]

Right I did a cheeky 65 miler today to check out some bits and bobs that have changed since me and Ian did a recce:

1. It took me 40 mins from Bromley South to Westerham so I suggest we make the Westerham meeting time 9am. For those cycling down Westerham Hill, there is a nasty pothole on the left hand side of the first right hand bend. Best to stay near the middle of the road if possible. For those that haven't cycled down Westerham before, it's quite steep, I imagine there's a possibility of 50mph if you try BUT there's a cross roads at the bottom where people have been known to pull out without fully appreciating the speed of approaching traffic.

2. From 106 miles to the finish, there are no really tough hills. Quite a lot of main (ish) road but nothing that should cause a problem.

3. I'm going to book the pub lunch today. Please let me know if you are no longer coming along. (Quite important now as I've had to pay £25 deposit)

4. If you haven't got my mobile number, please PM me as it's likely I haven't got yours either.

5. Long range weather forecast is looking exceptionally good. Cool but dry, light headwind on the way out but tailwind on the way back.

See you all on Saturday!!!

 

[StuAff]

Sounding good. You've got my number, I've got yours. The first direct train from Pompey to East Croydon gets in 7.59. There is an earlier one, but it leaves at 5.23 rather than 6.20, is rather slower on account of the connection etc and only gets in half an hour earlier...oh and £3 more expensive as I can't get Advance fare. That would put me at the suggested rendevous point (Croydon Road/Westerham Road junction) at 8.25-8.30 ish. If that'll be a problem, I'll take one for the team and get the 5.23...let me know. Tailwind for my trip westwards from Rye as well (I'll go to Eastbourne...fare back to Pompey is only 5p more than from Brighton!!).

 

[martint235]

Sounding good. You've got my number, I've got yours. The first direct train from Pompey to East Croydon gets in 7.59. There is an earlier one, but it leaves at 5.23 rather than 6.20, is rather slower on account of the connection etc and only gets in half an hour earlier...oh and £3 more expensive as I can't get Advance fare. That would put me at the suggested rendevous point (Croydon Road/Westerham Road junction) at 8.25-8.30 ish. If that'll be a problem, I'll take one for the team and get the 5.23...let me know. Tailwind for my trip westwards from Rye as well (I'll go to Eastbourne...fare back to Pompey is only 5p more than from Brighton!!).

Croydon Rd/Westerham Rd is good. Keep me informed if anything goes wrong though please. I'm fairly sure I can get the Bromley South people to that point by 8.25

 

[rb58]

Pretty sure you've got my number Martin as I've got yours. I'm toying with going direct to Westerham rather than via Bromley South. Will confirm on Friday though.

Cheers

Ross

 

[ianrauk]

Croydon Rd/Westerham Rd is good. Keep me informed if anything goes wrong though please. I'm fairly sure I can get the Bromley South people to that point by 8.25

I will meet Stuart here Martin.

 

[StuAff]

Croydon Rd/Westerham Rd is good. Keep me informed if anything goes wrong though please. I'm fairly sure I can get the Bromley South people to that point by 8.25

Will do...

 

[Flying Dodo]

My train gets to Bromley South at 07:53, so I'll sprint round to the entrance.

 

[martint235]

Time for a quick update on names etc.

Martint235 (Bromley)
Ianrauk (Westerham Rd)
Frank9755 (Westerham Green)
iZaP (Not heard from for a while, please confirm)
Deckertim (could you confirm if you'll be at Bromley South please)
rb58 (Westerham or Bromley, to confirm Friday)
Flying Dodo (Bromley)
Stuaff (Westerham Rd)
Davywalnuts (Bromley?)
Rimas (Bromley?)
Lilolee (meeting us at Westerham Green I think but not heard anything for a while, please confirm)
Alberto (Bromley)
Mark Browne (Bromley)

Pub is booked for lunch. Having problems with cafes getting back to me but we can just turn up at them!!

Weather is still looking good!!

 

[ianrauk]

Mista Preston has bailed...

 

[Flying Dodo]

I'd forgotten I was donating blood this afternoon, so I'll be on the iron tablets to try and not wipe myself out on the hills. Thankfully, way back on Page 1, I'd said I may bail out on the way back.

 

[martint235]

I'd forgotten I was donating blood this afternoon, so I'll be on the iron tablets to try and not wipe myself out on the hills. Thankfully, way back on Page 1, I'd said I may bail out on the way back.

That's ok.

I think I've now got a refreshment stop sorted on the way out and on the way back. It may come as a surprise to the place on the way out though!!

 

[rb58]

I'm going direct to Westerham. 8.45am at the green by the Winston Churchill statue I guessing......

 

[martint235]

I'm going direct to Westerham. 8.45am at the green by the Winston Churchill statue I guessing......

Probably nearer to 9am I think