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Yeah I saw that dolphin, although I have to admit I thought it was an inflated condom for about 5 minutes - which probably wasn't the look she was going for!
Really enjoyed the ride this year, although I'm not entirely sure why. It started ominously with a ludicrous off-road detour (long story) which was really sketchy on a Brompton. This meant I was still heading through Epping after 11pm - by which point I couldn't see any sign of the Dynamo anywhere. Sadly the first reassurance that I hadn't got the wrong night was seeing an ambulance surrounded by riders a few miles later. With hindsight, missing the early crowds, and not having the usual thought of riding back again looming at the back of my mind, probably contributed to the fun I was having.
Good to meet up with Nic en route, and share a few pints with MoN and Ramaye in the ship, before the heavens opened and Howrad and I made the tough decision to swerve another drink with Des and got thoroughly drenched on the way back to Ipswich as a result. The less said about the trains the better, but we made it in the end..
Rod_Munch-
With hindsight, missing the early crowds, and not having the usual thought of riding back again looming at the back of my mind, probably contributed to the fun I was having.
This is a really good approach if the crowds are annoying. Last year we had two punctures up front and didn't really depart until after 10, almost chucked it in (we're not fast riders) but forged ahead and had a great time. Much much quieter just meeting the odd cyclist every few minutes. No massive crowds at the usual pub stops, last out at the sports hall, then a morning cruise to the coast. Missed all the rain that caught earlier riders too.
This year we accidentally left with the main bunch and the first leg out to Epping was a bit claustrophobic.
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It started ominously with a ludicrous off-road detour (long story)
"Chased by a dog" is not a particularly long story. Bit silly, yes, but not long.
Yemble
middleofnowhere
Brilliant ride. Agree with the comments up thread, wonderful support from people along the route.
Along with that my fav moments were the dawn mist rising from the meadows near Brandeston Hall with cattle sitting amongst it, the first glimmers of dawn and skinning two guys on bling bling crabon bikes up a hill on my mismatched pompino :) Longest SS ride I've done.
Brilliant fun. Anyone see the lady with the inflatable dolphin attached to her bike and lit up pink?!