Hard Day in January '17

#HDIJ ?

new page fail

Also happy to backstop the slow group / share duties, and on a pretty spinny gear so should be able to manage to be at the back, even on the climbs.

@Howard / @Ecobeard I will be aiming to meet you at Roehampton gate

not going to make this one. which is a shame as it is looking like a great group of riders.

Also, @Ecobeard, do you mind if I suggest a slight diversion on the route to Staines - turning left at Hampton, and then on through Shepperton. It only adds half a mile and should be much nicer than the A-road

Dude!

No!

Of course, that was literally a 5 min job on RWGPS, so all local knowledge appreciated. Just shout when it's time to turn off! :)

Not gonna make this. Had a shake-down ride at the weekend which left me with an achey knee. A short ride today and it's flared right up. /sadface.

@youramericanlover is there a copy of the gpx not on ridewithgps. thanks kindly

GPX download from drive https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B78YOGRpikRUdEliWGJ2SDBxMGs/view?usp=drivesdk

thanking you kindly.

I'm becoming less hopeful that I'm going to make it on Saturday because of heavy non cycling commitments. However it's still possible, and I really do want come because if I don't make it this year I think it's unlikely I will in the future (increasing age!).

Assuming I'm not coming, there is a point I'd like to make now:

Your route seems to go across the big roundabout near the M25 about half a mile West of Staines bridge. I have ridden round this many times without injury, but I've also waited by it for an injured clubmate to be taken off in an ambulance (she wasn't seriously hurt btw.) It is a danger spot since it's large and very close to the motorway so that some drivers think that slowing down to 60mph is reasonable.
I'd like to suggest that you consider using the B376 (turn right immediately before crossing Staines bridge) going though Wraysbury and Datchet to Windsor. There is a back route from the centre of Windsor past the leisure centre and through Clewer Village (marked with green dots on OS map sheet 176) which will take you onto the A308.
From there it's only about a mile to the B3024 which will take you to Twyford.
I would certainly not want to lead a group of tired riders across that big rounabout, especially in failing light, so perhaps this route should be used both ways.

A few other small points:

Is there a mobile phone number everyone should have in case they get separated?

Has anyone checked that the Big H Cafe at Berinsfield is going to be open?

The OS Map Sheet 175 covers almost the entire route after Windsor.

Still hoping to see you on Saturday.

Even if you can't make the ride, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that it would good to see you for a coffee before the off, or a pint at the finish!

Even if you can't make the ride, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that it would good to see you for a coffee before the off, or a pint at the finish!

This

Potentially in. I'll decide how I feel tmw. Mainly because I wanna ride with you lot- but I need to fix the fixed before coming out. I can backstop for a group because, well, mudguards don't fit the fixed.
(Also- I may meet you at Windsor)

but I need to fix the fixed before coming out.

https://youtu.be/7J3U4Ke0SCY

Thanks.

We'll have to see on Saturday morning.

It looks as though there may be snow lying about - this would be photogenic. Don't forget any report will look better with pictures. Some one should take on both these jobs.

As everyone's said it would be great to see you in some form either before or after the ride.

I'm quite happy to go full 'club run' in Greggs with YAL and everyone can have my number if they wish......

Good point on failing light and hefty, fast roundabouts.

Don't forget any report will look better with pictures.

The chances of no pictures being available is nil.

#instagramgeneration

it will be a disaster though unless we pre-organise hashtags.

happy to do a report, unless someone else is super keen/actually a decent writer?

I write up most of the major BCC adventures for our forum/posterity/piss taking opportunites

it will be a disaster though unless we pre-organise hashtags.

#hdij

#howhardcanthisharddayinjanuarybe?

#harderbetterfasterstronger

Suggested groups:

• fast
  
• medium
  
• old
  
• no mudguards