Solstice ride Peckham to Hastings - free

[lazybloke]

Why?

A decently challenging ride from london to hastings.

I've no problem with the ride itself; I've had a quick look at the route and am very interested.
I ride solo 99% of the time, and enjoy night rides, so unsupported is fine if that's the way it's going to be.

But the caveats and warnings (having to cycle and navigate by yourself, do repairs on your own, and being solely responsible for getting yourself to the destination) seem incongruous with the description of an "adventure experience", an "opportunity" to "ride with new friends" and to see a "magical sunrise".
I should think some riders would prefer to ride in a cohesive and supportive group, but the organisers don't seem to want that.

I prefer the warmer and more welcoming approach of the Fridays/FNRTTC.

 

[nonowt]

I've no problem with the ride itself; I've had a quick look at the route and am very interested.
I ride solo 99% of the time, and enjoy night rides, so unsupported is fine if that's the way it's going to be.

But the caveats and warnings (having to cycle and navigate by yourself, do repairs on your own, and being solely responsible for getting yourself to the destination) seem incongruous with the description of an "adventure experience", an "opportunity" to "ride with new friends" and to see a "magical sunrise".
I should think some riders would prefer to ride in a cohesive and supportive group, but the organisers don't seem to want that.

I prefer the warmer and more welcoming approach of the Fridays/FNRTTC.

I just took that to mean that to take part you should be able to fix your own puncture and navigate for yourself. Meaning the ride is open to all but you'll need a certain level of competence?

 

[lazybloke]

I just took that to mean that to take part you should be able to fix your own puncture and navigate for yourself. Meaning the ride is open to all but you'll need a certain level of competence?

Yes, that much is certain. But reading between the lines it seems like the organisers want to avoid as much responsibility as possible. That's just my impression.

 

[johnblack]

Yes, that much is certain. But reading between the lines it seems like the organisers want to avoid as much responsibility as possible. That's just my impression.

They need to manage expectations, if it's a small local group organising it, they just wouldn't have the manpower to help, you've got to go into anything like this expecting no help and any you do get is a bonus.

 

[lazybloke]

The organiser is a LTD company who specialise in sustainable cycling holidays. They have the manpower to do "three week epics" (quote from website).
Of course they're entitled to run small events too, and they definitely should set expectations so that no-one goes into it unprepared/

Am not trying to make trouble; I'd be quite happy with the ride as described, and I'm close to signing up.
... but their messages still sound mixed.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I prefer the warmer and more welcoming approach of the Fridays/FNRTTC.

The Fridays do set the bar rather high

 

[Blue Hills]

Not going to be able to make this as I've other commitments next weekend now. Shame, I liked the sound of it. Full post ride report please @Blue Hills

Well I did it, though not as intended as stuff came up. Got up very early on Sunday and used their route, then rode to Eastbourne (via two spoons) for a train back to London. A very nice route (even if a short bit on a busy A road) - would recommend - yes there were repeated climbs (see below) but none of them terrible. Actually nice to do it during the day - saw dawn over the North Downs.

If anyone wants the edited point-to-point tried and tested gpx let me know by pm.

@Dogtrousers

you were right - the ride is rather "lumpy" - I have ridden to Hastings from London a few times and also lead rides there but a while ago now and I had forgotten some bits of the terrain - when I thought back I remember almost killing some poor German woman who turned up on my ride. She only rode about five miles flat into London each day and turned up as she thought it would be fun. She had no food and the first food stop was quite a way in. Amazingly she made it - a heroic effort - never saw her again though.

 

[Pale Rider]

Well I did it, though not as intended as stuff came up. Got up very early on Sunday and used their route, then rode to Eastbourne (via two spoons) for a train back to London. A very nice route (even if a short bit on a busy A road) - would recommend - yes there were repeated climbs (see below) but none of them terrible. Actually nice to do it during the day - saw dawn over the North Downs.

If anyone wants the edited point-to-point tried and tested gpx let me know by pm.

@Dogtrousers

you were right - the ride is rather "lumpy" - I have ridden to Hastings from London a few times and also lead rides there but a while ago now and I had forgotten some bits of the terrain - when I thought back I remember almost killing some poor German woman who turned up on my ride. She only rode about five miles flat into London each day and turned up as she thought it would be fun. She had no food and the first food stop was quite a way in. Amazingly she made it - a heroic effort - never saw her again though.

Reminds me of a woman who turned out for an @ColinJ ride which he had -unusually - described as fairly flat.

After the third 15-16% ramp in about a mile I wondered what was afoot.

The poor woman - who was used to riding in the flatlands of Essex - was wiped out.

I'm sure Colin hadn't intended to mislead anyone, he'd not done the ride himself for a few years and had genuinely forgotten how many ups and downs there were.

I've done quite a few forum rides and that's the only time I've seen such a ride/rider mismatch.

Not a bad strike rate given that people turn out from all over and often don't know the route or the capabilities of their companions.

 

[ColinJ]

Reminds me of a woman who turned out for an @ColinJ ride which he had -unusually - described as fairly flat.

After the third 15-16% ramp in about a mile I wondered what was afoot.

The poor woman - who was used to riding in the flatlands of Essex - was wiped out.

I'm sure Colin hadn't intended to mislead anyone, he'd not done the ride himself for a few years and had genuinely forgotten how many ups and downs there were.

I've done quite a few forum rides and that's the only time I've seen such a ride/rider mismatch.

Not a bad strike rate given that people turn out from all over and often don't know the route or the capabilities of their companions.

I've had a total lapse of memory there... which ride was it?

PS I did it to MYSELF on Saturday! I'm just about to post about that ride and I think one of the photos speaks volumes!

 

[Pale Rider]

I've had a total lapse of memory there... which ride was it?

PS I did it to MYSELF on Saturday! I'm just about to post about that ride and I think one of the photos speaks volumes!

Mmm, I don't pay much attention to place names on your rides because I'm confident your routes are always nailed on.

There were lots of short, sharp, hills, @Sea of vapours was with us, and the lass concerned had a male partner/friend.

We stopped at a pleasant but very busy stately home/park cafe - we sat outside on the grass because all the seating was taken and there were lots of children running about.

Our approach was on a minor road, but we left via the main car park entrance which had literally hundreds of cars parked.

 

[ColinJ]

Mmm, I don't pay much attention to place names on your rides because I'm confident your routes are always nailed on.

There were lots of short, sharp, hills, @Sea of vapours was with us, and the lass concerned had a male partner/friend.

We stopped at a pleasant but very busy stately home/park cafe - we sat outside on the grass because all the seating was taken and there were lots of children running about.

Our approach was on a minor road, but we left via the main car park entrance which had literally hundreds of cars parked.

Ah, yes - THIS RIDE!