England : London Overnight TPM, Mk II (16-17 Sept)

[Andrij]

Following last year's success, I will be running my Thames Path Meander as an overnight ride again this year.
Last year's threads are here and at the other place.

The details:
* Depart 23:00 from Southwark Needle, south end of London Bridge.
* Standard Thames Path Meander route, with some diversions due to closed parks, finish near Tower of London; 50km, more or less.
* Along the way I will regale/bore (delete as appropriate) with historical trivia.
* We'll stop at Woolwich Te5co* for threeses; or BYO sustenance, both liquid and solid. *No longer 24/7, alternatives being explored.
* Breakfast will most likely be at Hamilton Hall, Liverpool Street Station.
* It's a silly ride, so feel free to get in the spirit. Bike decoration is encouraged; fortified beverages will not be frowned upon.
* If you employ flashing front/rear lights on the ride you will end up in the Thames - you're bike will be spared if I happen to like it.
* A good front light is vital. Many stretches are unlit and surfaces can be less than perfect.
* If you commit to doing the ride, please send me your mobile number via PM; I will reciprocate.
* IMPORTANT: The Woolwich ferry does not operate overnight so we will use the tunnel. There is no guarantee either/both lifts will be operational, necessitating the use of stairs (S: _?_; N: 126). Keep this in mind when choosing your steed.

Who's in?

RIDERS
Nigel182
andrewc
Alison
newfhouse
TimO
Tigerrr

 

[StuAff]

Sounds like fun, again. And again, no can do (will be in Ghent that night). Ho hum.

 

[Andrij]

Sorry about that, but that dates works best with my schedule. Too much later and it's more likely to be too cold for a stop/start ride which offers nearly no opportunity to work up a sweat.

 

[Nigel182]

Will be checking Works Holiday Rota first thing in the morning.

 

[RoubaixCube]

Im guessing a hybrid or CX is more suited to a ride like this?

 

[velovoice]

Interested! Sounds like a good night for the Brompton.

 

[Andrij]

Im guessing a hybrid or CX is more suited to a ride like this?

It's all down to the rider. I'm pretty sure I've seen nearly every type of 2-wheeler on this ride - including Bromptons, and a Kirk(!) - except a tandem (which would be impractical).

Take into consideration:
it's a stop-start sort of ride, especially the first quarter;
surfaces vary - smooth asphalt, paving slabs, gravel, pot-holed roads, cobbles;
there's a bit of a climb (YMMV) in Greenwich.

Personally, I've done this route on a road bike, hybrid, tourer, Moulton and Brompton.

 

[Nigel182]

Andrij count me in will PM you my number and my even be with a Plus one if the Girlfriend can get the time off work

 

[Andrij]

Just over two weeks to go!

I'll do a food-focused recce this weekend and let you know what should be available. And no, I will not be doing a taste-test of any available purveyors of toothy comestibles.

 

[Nigel182]

@Andrij just me no plus one

 

[Andrij]

I did a recce this morning, and it was grand. There are still a couple of works closures on the route, but I'm not holding my breath they're resolved in time for the ride. I did find some spectacular COR in Greenwich, but we'll give it a miss as it's probably a bit too much for a night ride. The tour of Canary Wharf is now much improved. I'm sure I must have caused some head-scratching amongst the people watching CCTV as I went exploring.

Unfortunately I have no news regarding threeses. I did what could be considered sensible and started the recce from the mid-point, as it's relatively close to home. The downside is that I didn't get to Woolwich until around 04:30, and the only thing open was an offie - serving people through a small window. There may be take-aways open late, but I wouldn't expect anything to be open after 4, maybe even 3. Next Saturday morning I'll head down to Woolwich around 2-ish to check things out and report my findings. There are always the options of the tea stall on Blackheath and/or BYO for a riverside picnic.

 

[Andrij]

This will definitely be a "pack a picnic" ride. The latest take away I found in Woolwich shuts at 01:00. The only way we could get there in time would be following the route but not stopping for any sights.
I've scouted out a few places for us to picnic, including if the weather turns a bit damp.

If you haven't confirmed your participation/sent me your mobile number, please do so before Friday. @Nigel182 @velovoice @RubaixCube

See you on Friday!

 

[RoubaixCube]

Unfortunately i have to sit this one out. Sorry folks

 

[velovoice]

Sorry @Andrij. I'd much rather do this ride than what I will in fact be doing... going to the dentist. :-(. Have fun, everyone.

 

[Nigel182]

still up for this ride but if numbers are dwindling and the ride is cancelled i'm ok with that here's to whatever happens ...miles will be done.