It was great to be back with the FNR's again after I took a break from it last year. Only doing two rides (Whitstable and Shoreham).
The new meeting place is far better imvho. Nice and easy to get to. Lot's of space, fantastic river bank views and interesting nightlife.
Great to see so many old chums and even better to see lots of new ones.
The ride out of London is a tedious but necessary process, not helped by potential murdering bus drivers, and disgraceful acting police.
The weather was on the right side of just about not too cold.. so the pair of glove liners and woollen gloves were superfluous, sticking to fingerless gloves the whole night, and as mentioned above, the stop at Dartford was a little too long, but I did manage to get myself a funny colour ice cream, but not managing to taste it much due to ongoing sinus problems.
The new brekkie place in Southend was a marvellous addition to the ride. After so many years of the (sorry to say it) awful Rose. The Beaches was fantastic. Great location, great views, more then enough space, great friendly staff and great food. Well done
@AKA Bob for finding it.
The SMRbtH was an awesome wind assisted affair home, helped lead out man
@rb58 ,
@sagefly and
@StuartG . Pushed along the A1013 at a fantastic rate of knots. Meaning we got to the Dartford Crossing in record time. A quick turn up of the transfer vehicle and we were back in Kentishire. Saying cheerio to Ross in Bexley I escorted Stuart through the backed up traffic streets of SE London to Bromley where we parted and I headed for home to a cup of tea, a hyperactive 7 year old and an hour in bed.
So thanks everyone, regular customers and new. It was a great night ride. See you for Whitstable.
120 miles on the door.