I saw a few ancient machines on the A217 as I sped southwards on my way to Southsea. One in particular looked like a bit of a liability - upright seating position with handlebars that wouldn't look out of place on a 70s Raleigh roadster at about knee height. The driver looked all in - which wasn't clever, given that he'd done less than six miles.
Pioneer Motorcycle Run - Tattenham Corner to Brighton - Sunday 18 March
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GrumpyGregry
Here for rides.
^ we were concerned about the physical state of some of the pilots at the start. One poor chap had a drive belt failure at Pease Pottage that had him over the bars and off the machine.
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
Yes, in the morning. There was hail here about 1245...What a lovely ride full of merryness and daftness - my first one in the tagging along with vintage vehicles series, I must do some more! Lots of friendly people waving and smiling as they chugged past us on some incredible clunky old motorbikes. The best one, imho, was the one with a smaller third drive wheel right alongside the back wheel, whoever thought that was a good idea? I think/hope Dave got a photo of it. As Adrian pointed out, many of the motorised bikes were going barely faster than us on our more basic versions, and they just seemed to break down much more, so why not ride a pushbike instead?BTW, gold stars to those of our party who stopped to help the poor chap push his stalled three-wheeler up the hill at Handcross - you have guaranteed your places in heaven I have no doubt.
The best things were the great company, the kind weather (not a drop of rain, Stu), and the realisation that training for LONJoG as per our leader's instructions has really begun. The worst thing, for me, involved cycling through so many clouds of fumes that my water bottle tasted horribly of fuel - note to self, next time take the bottle with the, ahem, nipple cover.
I took some underwhelming photos, which I'll put on my Flickr page later. Thanks so much for a great ride everyone.
Excellent fun, and the weather was kind too. We joined at Crawley, this having the dual benefits of (a) a civilised time to get out of bed and (b) other than Pease Pottage, being mostly downhill. Add the tailwind into the equation and we almost zipped along.
A couple of short stops - two to rearrange Mice's lugguage and one for mizuno's visitation. It was all good. I love the smell of Castrol R in the morning.
I was using an organic camera, so will have to wait until my snaps are developed.
A couple of short stops - two to rearrange Mice's lugguage and one for mizuno's visitation. It was all good. I love the smell of Castrol R in the morning.
I was using an organic camera, so will have to wait until my snaps are developed.
Mice
Guru
Definitely a day for two wheels. On the train to East Croydon I met a cyclist who was heading to Burgess Heath to do a 77 mile "Sportif". I have no idea what a "Sportif" is - is it related to "Aperitif" I wonder? 
Anyway as long as people are out on their bicycles - who cares!
Half way through a large cappuccino in Costa Coffee, Adrian arrived. Followed by Greg Collins, User10571, Mizuno (on his first ever Cycle Chat Ride) and Tiny My Newt. We seemed to be missing a cat, texts were sent and after a barrage of silence we made our way to Tattenham Corner with Adrian leading from TEC position and User10571 at the front.
Many years ago whilst learning to drive a car, my father would wait until I had gone past a side road and then shout "Turn right". For some reason I reminisced of this today.... (Suffice to say I went the long way round a Green).
As we made our way through Epsom Downs Greg Collins and I played a game of Snap as we both realised that Paul Smith of Corridori Cycles had measured both of us for our bikes and neither of us are exactly local! Up we went to Tattenham Corner - what a sight. Spectators, motorised contraptions, a large banner saying "Start" all wafting in and out of great clouds of exhaust fumes. Amongst it all apparently Richard Hammond was spotted.
We met up with Butterfly, Clarion and indeed a Cat who had obviously decided he knew where Tattenham Corner was after all. We all had a natter, took in the atmosphere, views across Sussex, quite a lot of fumes and then rather than wait for the race to begin, we set off southwards.
We stuck to the Pioneer Race route and spent the rest of the route playing cat and mouse (oooh sorry that was an unintentional pun!!!) with a real assortment of veteran wheels. Their designs, fumes, speeds and the sheer tenacity of their drivers was amazing. We saw several examples of motorbikes that couldn't move without pedals or indeed stop without the driver jumping off as though stopping a horse. Some of them were noisier than a road drill.
There were very few hills to climb - I could hear His DZness saying "Don't go too fast, keep your hands on the brakes" as I went down Reigate Hill which I duly descended as cautiously as I do on the FNRttC despite the fact that not only was it in broad daylight but His DZness wasn't actually there!
We were joined by TimH and HMQM who had ridden 4.5 miles that day and had got up at 9am!! I took full advantage of being surrounded by such great cyclists to piece my luggage aka kit-and-kaboodle for LonJoG. The current storage arrangement is definitely going (out the window, not to JoG!)
We made our way into Brighton - I was the 117th cyclist that day (according to some snazzy electronic signage - wonder what they do about the Pino?!) and we headed straight to the Madeira Cafe - where else? I was a bit startled to see they have a different menu during the day - and our table was not full of beer!
After refuelling on chips, tea and ice cream (for some!) we made our way to the station for Groupsave route home. TC1, User10571 and I headed to London Bridge. There were a couple of other cyclists on the train who had (I think) done the "Sportif" thing. I said to one of them (in a very dry tone) "Your bike needs a clean"! He grinned and said "I cleaned it this morning". Clearly he hadnt and clearly he hasnt met ianrauk....! I recommended Baby Wipes and we had rather a laugh!
The route was lovely and the company just fabulous - despite the Flying Dodo deficit (sorry about that cat!) and the lack of Stuaff and Rebecca Olds. Today was just grand - I am grinning from ear to 'ere! And to think there is a whole Summer ahead of these rides. Training for LonJoG couldn't be bettered. A truly lovely day. Thank you one and all. I took some snaps https://picasaweb.google.com/108733...&authkey=Gv1sRgCNqur5zfxojoag&feat=directlink
M
Anyway as long as people are out on their bicycles - who cares!Half way through a large cappuccino in Costa Coffee, Adrian arrived. Followed by Greg Collins, User10571, Mizuno (on his first ever Cycle Chat Ride) and Tiny My Newt. We seemed to be missing a cat, texts were sent and after a barrage of silence we made our way to Tattenham Corner with Adrian leading from TEC position and User10571 at the front.
Many years ago whilst learning to drive a car, my father would wait until I had gone past a side road and then shout "Turn right". For some reason I reminisced of this today.... (Suffice to say I went the long way round a Green).
As we made our way through Epsom Downs Greg Collins and I played a game of Snap as we both realised that Paul Smith of Corridori Cycles had measured both of us for our bikes and neither of us are exactly local! Up we went to Tattenham Corner - what a sight. Spectators, motorised contraptions, a large banner saying "Start" all wafting in and out of great clouds of exhaust fumes. Amongst it all apparently Richard Hammond was spotted.
We met up with Butterfly, Clarion and indeed a Cat who had obviously decided he knew where Tattenham Corner was after all.
We all had a natter, took in the atmosphere, views across Sussex, quite a lot of fumes and then rather than wait for the race to begin, we set off southwards.We stuck to the Pioneer Race route and spent the rest of the route playing cat and mouse (oooh sorry that was an unintentional pun!!!) with a real assortment of veteran wheels. Their designs, fumes, speeds and the sheer tenacity of their drivers was amazing. We saw several examples of motorbikes that couldn't move without pedals or indeed stop without the driver jumping off as though stopping a horse. Some of them were noisier than a road drill.
There were very few hills to climb - I could hear His DZness saying "Don't go too fast, keep your hands on the brakes" as I went down Reigate Hill which I duly descended as cautiously as I do on the FNRttC despite the fact that not only was it in broad daylight but His DZness wasn't actually there!
We were joined by TimH and HMQM who had ridden 4.5 miles that day and had got up at 9am!! I took full advantage of being surrounded by such great cyclists to piece my luggage aka kit-and-kaboodle for LonJoG. The current storage arrangement is definitely going (out the window, not to JoG!)
We made our way into Brighton - I was the 117th cyclist that day (according to some snazzy electronic signage - wonder what they do about the Pino?!) and we headed straight to the Madeira Cafe - where else? I was a bit startled to see they have a different menu during the day - and our table was not full of beer!
After refuelling on chips, tea and ice cream (for some!) we made our way to the station for Groupsave route home. TC1, User10571 and I headed to London Bridge. There were a couple of other cyclists on the train who had (I think) done the "Sportif" thing. I said to one of them (in a very dry tone) "Your bike needs a clean"! He grinned and said "I cleaned it this morning". Clearly he hadnt and clearly he hasnt met ianrauk....! I recommended Baby Wipes and we had rather a laugh!
The route was lovely and the company just fabulous - despite the Flying Dodo deficit (sorry about that cat!) and the lack of Stuaff and Rebecca Olds. Today was just grand - I am grinning from ear to 'ere! And to think there is a whole Summer ahead of these rides. Training for LonJoG couldn't be bettered. A truly lovely day. Thank you one and all. I took some snaps https://picasaweb.google.com/108733...&authkey=Gv1sRgCNqur5zfxojoag&feat=directlink
M
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User10571
Guest
A top ride in top company - Thanks for organising, Adrian.
Somehow, I've made today into 75 enjoyable miles (including visiting mother).
Now in serious need of a soak and some supper.
Oh, and welcome to your first CC ride, Mizuno.
Somehow, I've made today into 75 enjoyable miles (including visiting mother).
Now in serious need of a soak and some supper.
Oh, and welcome to your first CC ride, Mizuno.
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
If memory serves- he posted on the thread at least- he was on the Cambridge ride for food last May (the one with the Hassidic Jews going to the synagogue, downpour in Stoke Newington, monster tail/crosswind, and TC1 going his own way some-Ware...).
Thanks guys, it was good fun. My legs definitely feel like they've done some miles today.
This was my first ride with CC, I wanted to go for a ride some 6 months ago but I overslept.
This was my first ride with CC, I wanted to go for a ride some 6 months ago but I overslept.
StuAff
Silencing his legs regularly
- Location
- Portsmouth
Aah....
velovoice
Veteran
- Location
- Between the City and the Sea
Knew this would be a good one - gutted to have missed it.
Excellent ride reports and luverly pics M as usual.
Excellent ride reports and luverly pics M as usual.
clarion
Guru
- Location
- Exiled from Hyperborea
What a great ride! Despite a slight disparity in pace capability, the group kept together quite well most of the way, and reassembled a few times in between.
I was concerned about road conditions being less favourable than the Old Crocks, for various reasons, but this was unfounded. In fact, the route was more cycle-friendly, and we shared the road well with a bunch of vehicles not so different from our own, in the main. Even the riders of later motorbikes, such as the magnificent Vincents, BSAs, Triumphs and Nortons I lusted after as a kid, and of the modern sports bikes gave us space. Couple of hairy moments with impatient/incompetent car drivers, including an incident where I thought a support vehicle was going to take out User10571 in a close pass because the trailer was wider than the car (User10571's spidey-sense saved him, I think, but it was tooo close), but most drivers exhibited good humour, which was nice.
We stuck to the very simple (and very well-marked) route as far as the last meeting with the A23 near Pyecombe, where we took the cycle path, and kept pace with a motorised trike on the A-road itself. We rejoined after the A27 and headed down to the Madeira, where Greg was very happy to see us.
I took some photos (none of motorbikes, I believe), but can't upload tonight for technical/CBA reasons.
Good ride. Great company. 92km and only a small temptation to round up.
I was concerned about road conditions being less favourable than the Old Crocks, for various reasons, but this was unfounded. In fact, the route was more cycle-friendly, and we shared the road well with a bunch of vehicles not so different from our own, in the main. Even the riders of later motorbikes, such as the magnificent Vincents, BSAs, Triumphs and Nortons I lusted after as a kid, and of the modern sports bikes gave us space. Couple of hairy moments with impatient/incompetent car drivers, including an incident where I thought a support vehicle was going to take out User10571 in a close pass because the trailer was wider than the car (User10571's spidey-sense saved him, I think, but it was tooo close), but most drivers exhibited good humour, which was nice.
We stuck to the very simple (and very well-marked) route as far as the last meeting with the A23 near Pyecombe, where we took the cycle path, and kept pace with a motorised trike on the A-road itself. We rejoined after the A27 and headed down to the Madeira, where Greg was very happy to see us.
I took some photos (none of motorbikes, I believe), but can't upload tonight for technical/CBA reasons.
Good ride. Great company. 92km and only a small temptation to round up.
Great ride today welldone Adrian
I overestimated my abilities today, at 7.30 i was in streatham so decided to make my way to Epsom downs then followed the "bikes" untill i see a pink yacf jersey in the distance.
No road closures for this ride and rolling roads all the way, interestingly those bikes couldn't freewheel down the downs so it was great fun passing them.
Big thankyou to Butterfly for pacing me up the ups (not fully recovered yet ) tho she didn't know that.
i have some pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62382682@N07/sets/72157629248301622/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62382682@N07/sets/72157629248318500/
I overestimated my abilities today, at 7.30 i was in streatham so decided to make my way to Epsom downs then followed the "bikes" untill i see a pink yacf jersey in the distance.
No road closures for this ride and rolling roads all the way, interestingly those bikes couldn't freewheel down the downs so it was great fun passing them.
Big thankyou to Butterfly for pacing me up the ups (not fully recovered yet ) tho she didn't know that.
i have some pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62382682@N07/sets/72157629248301622/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/62382682@N07/sets/72157629248318500/
Pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benbawden/sets/72157629257941620/
This one looked comfortable to ride:
P3189340 by Ben Bawden, on Flickr
This one looked comfortable to ride:
P3189340 by Ben Bawden, on Flickr
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clarion
Guru
- Location
- Exiled from Hyperborea
Sorry I haven't uploaded my few pics yet. I had an emergency gear cable replacement to do last night and other stuff got in the way. I'll try to do it tonight, as I think I'm out all tomorrow evening.
I shall also be spending some time browsing through the photos already posted.
I shall also be spending some time browsing through the photos already posted.
GrumpyGregry
Here for rides.
Hugely advanced technology for its era too.Pics here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benbawden/sets/72157629257941620/
This one looked comfortable to ride:
P3189340 by Ben Bawden, on Flickr
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