Ladies do TNRC/WNKR/afterworkers

Inspired by some @Cazakstan activity on Strava I was wondering if yous lot* might like some afterworker type action, starting from June when we've got some decently long days.

Was thinking of using the TNRC route database but happy to use other routes, and we go for a set day each week - or alternate between say a Tues and a Thurs etc. Also thinking that we alternate roughly between South/Kent and North/Essex each week. I need some motivation to ride my road bike moar as I keep forgetting how much I actually like doing that.

Won't be super fast as I'm not super fast but would like to cover ~30 miles reasonably swiftly so as not to be in dark village lanes in the pitch black innit and home not too late. Roadie douchebag mode and fixed/SS equally welcomed

NB: am not offering to lead every ride either - thinking it would be nice to take turns and people learn that leading rides is not terrifying, like.

*When I say "yous lot" I'm am thinking of those who identify as female/mostly use this part of the forum but non-knob males welcome too if they appreciate they will be playing/riding by our rules (aware that makes me sound like a knob now!)

So it's been a bit of an organisational shambles/kitten herding affair so far but I possibly should have thought this through a bit better. Sorry ladeez

But drum roll I've got a bit of a better idea about people's availability/needs/blah blah blah here's a sort of vague plan. Please come, if you can be arsed with the faffing about. Selling it, ain't I? ; )

Thurs 11th June: Lee Valley Road Circuit
Tues 16th June: Eynsford way-isn, leaving Catford at 7pm
**Sat 27th: TNRC Ingatestone route: leaving morning, back by lunchtime type pace, people can ride to/from start if they want, innit

I read that at mostly identify as female .. lolz

anyways.. I'm in and happy to lead if you don't mind my garmin fails. I know the way via West Wickham/ Layhams Rd so I have at least one route to offer

I love WKNR but would prefer to do more Kent or ride out routes so I can get home at a reasonable hour.

Rides followed by pizza are the best =D

Nice one!

I was mostly thinking ride out routes as it's a pain getting on trains, having to wait for train restrictions to end etc etc. I also have a pre-hhistoric Garmin so the more failing Garmins, the better. Or something : /

What gender does your Garmin mostly identify as though??

I'd be interested, particularly as I find the normal WNKR rides a bit quick for me (not that I'm saying that these rides would be much slower). I too have a temperamental garmin.

my garmin is also on the blink. I have some Essex loops I can lead leaving from the ice centre on Lea bridge Road.

brill!! nice one poots. much as i would like to, i can't commit to every week due to work/study but i am IN. sounds grand! i have no routes to contribute at the moment but will try and be helpful in other ways

be helpful in other ways

= cake =D

basically

(would actually secretly love to spend ages making a ridiculous LLFGSS cake now that it's no longer my job)

Great idea! I'll look out for a Thursday ride and see how I do after the first one, as am convinced am slowest in the pack. Garmin-free but re-thinking that.

doooooo it.

Actually I don't think I'll be able to do any afterwork rides until end of July. Slammed with work atm, and will be traveling for a lot of June :(

Sounds like a plan. I love sponge cake #jussayin

Maybe you could make a cake in the shape of a duff Garmin??

^ love it!

Would definitely be up for this in a few weeks. @Cazakstan 's Lea Bridge Road starts could be particularly good for me.

I am *watching* as a maybe, but bearing in mind I basically haven't ridden since last summer :/ I may need to do some slow solo first, 2nd June sounds a bit too soon.
(and I don't mean no long/weekend rides, I mean commute/anything)

Also interested in joining - where/when to meet on 2 June?

Obligatory list for 2nd June

1. Poots
   
2. kati
   
3. Sheep_Lover
   

Hurrah! I am really pleased this is happening. I probably won't be able to join any of them (I have a lot of evening meetings and stuff these days) but I will be getting vicarious afterworker thrills through this thread! And very happy to suggest routes if it's useful.

I hope to do you proud bendix! Am going to recce one of your routes on Sunday and see how A-Road tastic it is!

As soon as I pin down a route @kati I'll confirm meeting point/time. It'll be somewhere SE'ly/New Cross-ish I reckon. Helpful, huh? ; ) Will be lovely to see you though :)

And @hoefla I'm rubbish at such things, but I'm sure someone will be able to upload garmin/strava stats afterwards to give you an idea of pace/distance?

Actually if you're after something less main roady I've just figured out a route out via the back streets of Chislehurst that works quite well. It does go on the crappy cycle track alongside the A20 for a bit, which isn't the most scenic, but it's less hideous than my usual route out towards Farningham/Shoreham way. RideWithGPS seems to be having a hissyfit but will try to map it later.

I have been considering pre-workers, but I'm going to have to get better at getting up early first.

YES PLEASE! I know where you mean - and the cycle track is actually quite nice tbf. It's the crappy road next to it that sucks really.

let me know if you do do a pre-worker.. if you don't mind company... I've toyed with the idea, but would never get up/ out if on my own =P

would also be into a pre worker! because my body seems to think after work time is for beer and pizza, not actually doing things.

regardless, in for the second if it's still happening and i believe @ninelives is too

Bit later than planned but here you go:

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/8125282

The bit on the A222 before you get on the A20 cycle track is a main road, but it's downhill which I always find makes it substantially less stressful. There's a signed bit that gets you into the ped/cycle subway thing; when you're in it I think the signs to look for are South Subway and then St Mary's Cray.

That route takes the main road from Eynsford to Shoreham; you can also turn right onto Castle Rd just south of Shoreham and then hang a left at the signpost. It's much nicer, though does feature a steeper hill.

If you wanted a nicer route back in you could head for Cudham and then Biggin Hill after Star Hill and get onto Layhams, and come in through West Wickham. Though the A21's usually not too bad after about 8pm, and it does have a cycle path (well, shared use pavement, but there are basically no pedestrians at that time until you get to Bromley proper) alongside it.

Yeah in addition to general unfitness, I'm also grumpy and having evolutionary fail. So not joining you tuesday. But may see you for beer/pizza after ( @lucyh I'll bring the bra).