Dunwich Dynamo 2016

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Thanks, sorted now

So, I'm doing this for the first time in a few years. I remember a lot of pain in my extremities last time around, but have a better fitting bike this time, so am probably unduly relaxed about the distance.

I march on my stomach though, so can anyone offer a concise summary of feed stops, for a bit of pre-ride strategizing?

@Ramsaye keeps telling me, but most of his advice seems to revolve around pubs.

They're changing the food stop this year, so I'm uncertain exactly what is where.

The Southwark Cyclists page: http://southwarkcyclists.org.uk/dunwich-dynamo-xxiv-2016/

Says that around 55 miles there is the halfway hall with hot drinks and basic food. I usually just treat that as a water stop as queues frustrate me, I prefer to be moving.

There's usually a BBQ at the Fire Station in Sudbury.

Also when you get to Needham Lake there's typically a burger stand that sells coffees too, and that has toilets and a water tap too.

Framlingham has been rumoured to have stuff. I've never seen it as I've always rolled through without stopping.

I usually stumble across whomever it is who opens a popup hot dog joint in their garden about 3/4 of the way there.

For me... I take bagels and flapjacks, enough food for me to go all night plus some for anyone else who I meet should they need it. Two large water bottles, aiming to sip my way through before the halfway hall, and then to top up there for the rest of the journey.

If I stop anywhere, it's for a hot dog in some random's garden just after the 3/4 mark. I've only not found it one year... maybe I was lost at the time.

To people who are reading and never done this before: Take cash, fivers and tenners, a few pound coins. Places seldom have change, and by and large only accept cash. You'll want to keep cash for the breakfast in the cafe at the end too.

Ah, actually the Fire Station in Sudbury is the official food stop this year.

All proceeds going to the Firefighters Charity.

It's around the 60-65 mile mark, and is ~5 hours ride from London Fields.

So prior to that there are a few pubs, some of which do food as well. The Suasage van near Needham Market and coffee served in almost every layby. Stop panicking @Dumps you'll be fine.

Created a 2016 route map with the official food stop marked:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15027985

It uses the route as published on http://www.londonschoolofcycling.co.uk/content.php?id=18&article_id=3

I wanted something for my Garmin (not that I've ever needed a Garmin before - just mildly interested in my HR and pace) and it should be good to go.

All good. Thanks chaps. Will bake some flapjacks and aim for the Sudbury Fire Station.

I'm like @Velocio and the Sundance Kid. I'm better when I'm moving.

Elevation profile makes it look hilly, until you realise those hills are The height of a three storey building.

For me, it's just that you get used to the soft whirr of tyres on tarmac, silence otherwise, a few quiet voices chattering... you're only aware of a few people in front (red lights) and one or two nearby, perhaps conscious of a few behind... but it's dark, you've left the city behind, you're enjoying the peace of things, the motion, the stillness of the world as the last few people go to bed and you're still riding.

And then... you stop somewhere there's a crowd. A hundred bike lights like ET's search party in the woods. Lots of noise, and the smell of portaloos.

It shatters the moment. And this is a moment that can last the whole night.

I prefer to keep moving unless I really have to stop. I prefer the small stops like the vans and gardens that you may find on the way.

But if they don't happen, I carry enough that it doesn't matter.

BTW... did you see the forecast? The long-term ones are available, and it should be warm, dry, and clear. Could well be perfect.

BTW... did you see the forecast? The long-term ones are available, and it should be warm, dry, and clear.

I'm going to re proof my carrdice this evening. That will guarantee it. Morning swim on the cards.

The yurt supporting the air ambulance is closed this year. Still pumping out the toilets I would guess.
Pity as it was one the only places doing hot veggy food.

Sweet, nothing over a 5% gradient the entire way. Ich bin eine flatlander. Y'all copying the route back too?

Absolutely bemused by the coach home ticketing process as usual

My plan was to turn back and retrace the route back. Bailing out if necessary to nearest train station.
Regarding the return leg, (and the way out) will I need a Garmin route loaded or is it pretty obvious?

Cheers

I'd stick it on there just in case. Many a rider have been caught out simply following the light in front only to eventually have the group stop and find out everyone was following the light in front (until it was lost) and no one actually knew where they were going.

I use chap nav all the way.

Caveat: don't follow me, different route every year.

Ah, actually the Fire Station in Sudbury is the official food stop this year.

Yes, we're unable to do the Sible Hedingham food stop this year, as the hall management has changed. Also, the local economy has for a while now increasingly taken up the feeding of riders, which is as it should be.

Apparently, the fire station doesn't have drinking water, though, so don't rely on it for filling up your bottles.

I don't actually know where it is, but there is apparently a café on an industrial estate just outside Sudbury (at about 60 miles) that feeds people, too. I've heard reports that they stick someone on the main road (Ballingdon Hill) to point the way.

You say, "we"... who actually organises and runs the various things?

The past few years, the feed stop has been organised by Hackney LCC (my group) with much help from forum volunteers such as Scilly Suffolk, Mrs Earthlooop, Shoosh, skydancer, and others, as well as paid caterers. Before that, it was organised by the London School of Cycling.

Southwark Cyclists run the return coaches, which they have done since the days of Barry Mason.

The London School of Cycling and Bikefix do most of the other stuff/small jobs, e.g. route sheets and backstopping with mechanical assistance.

It's great to see so many local initiatives getting involved, too.

Oh good to know that the Sible Hedingham stop is closed this year. Hopefully there is an obvious place for grabbing water.

https://www.abelliogreateranglia.co.uk/about-us/latest-news/news-articles/cyclists-encouraged-to-reserve-cycle-space-on-train-ahead-of-dunwich-dynamo-event
As last year, no bikes at all on the small trainlines on Sunday, only from Ipswich. However I think the bit in bold might be new?

Sunday 17 July - NO bikes will be allowed on trains between Lowestoft and Ipswich, and Lowestoft and Norwich. A special timetable will be in operation for Intercity services leaving Ipswich between 0900 and 1500, on which 50 bikes will be permitted to travel on trains to London. A special reservation will be required and be can obtained at http://www.abelliogreateranglia.co.uk/dunwich-dynamo-reservation. Booking closes at 2100 Saturday 9 July. All other routes will only allow the normal number of 4 bikes per train.

It's also Latitude festival this weekend

How easy have people found buying return coach tickets on the beach on Sunday morning? Assuming there's always a few drop outs so spare places right?

Hi ......my name is Jeanette and I am the proprietor of Brundon Lane Cafe... Sudbury Suffolk, .we will be open this Saturday all through the night as a pit stop for Dunwich Dynamo cycle race.
We have a large car park in front of the Cafe to accommodate your bikes and on site toilets.
We will be serving hot a cold drinks, bacon rolls etc....
There will be direction signs from Ballingdon hill.....leading you to the Cafe.....
We wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.