Hard Day In January '19 - 10th Anniversary Edition

Staines Wetherspoons? The George is just off the high street.

The George
2-8 High St, Staines TW18 4EE
01784 462181
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SEBFa

oooh wetherspoons i can sink a quick burger and chips as a starter before the curry im getting saturday night

Well, it's up to you, but personally I don't care for Wetherspoons.

The only really imporant thing is to make the decision before the start on Saturday.

i could probably live without the microwaved wetherspoons burger, the guinness on the other hand is a must

I've never been inside ,
but this place just past the brexispoons,
has always looked like a decent place:
The London Stone
https://goo.gl/maps/Vfe9jBDYygv

mespilus' suggestion looks pretty great - craft beers and vegan food to feel like we're back in London's famous East London. "Great bar. Table tennis. Jukebox. What more could you want!"

pastry_bot is right to suggest a 'Spoons when there's a fair TNRC contingent on the ride - but I think we all had some concerns about supporting something a bit too brexity after Spoons to Spoons in the summer. Seems to get good reviews for a Spoons though! "Undercooked eggs and warm chips but good beer and pleasant service."

Seeing how both of these suggestions are a few doors from each other, should they both be the end point and depending on turnout and how safe we feel leaving bikes out front we could decide on whichever one when we get there?

I'll bring my little cable lock which can run through three bikes, four at a stretch...

I've got a couple of heavy ish duty locks ill sling in the back of the car and lock up outside the pub before we leave so they are there ready and waiting for when we get back. Happy to give the keys to them to whoever plans to be a front marker should I get dropped en route

Sounds good.

I'll also have a 2/3 bike cable lock.
It looks like they have pizza at the London Stone. If my change of clothes is not cold and wet, I think I could be tempted to eat pizza

im parking in one of the side roads by the station if you wanna dump youclothes in there til we get back feel free. im leaving some in there for myself

Thanks, but it's extra cycling clothes I'll be taking. For in case, like last year, I want to put on dry socks, tights, base layer and gloves at the lunch stop. I'm a bit soft like that

ah right. think ill just start with 100 layers and shed them en route if/when needed

Bodged myself a gaffer tape flap. Your faces can thank me in the pub.

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Yeah, I'm out at Cheshunt so it's a little far p, the train it is for me.

In.

Although I don't have any mudguards, happy to backstop though.

slightly tongue in cheek, im driving myself to the start

So I think I'm still in, if I can find my old small saddle bag (otherwise not so keen on carrying all kinds of stuff in jersey pockets...).

Can someone reassure me about the 'group riding' part of this? I've (almost) always been a solo rider, so not really used to being in a group, and I normally avoid drafting other riders. That being said, unless faced with an obstacle course of pot holes, I'm not the type to swerve around. I'm fine with being at the front, and I have a Wahoo I can load the route on, so I should be able to find the way.

You will be fine. There should be lots of communication on the day, you'll all agree hand signals and as it's a steady pace there should be time / space to get a feel for it. There is a difference between group riding and say a fast paceline on the track (where there really aren't any room for errors). I had my first experience group riding on a HDIJ so it's all good. Just hold you line, communicate and don't make any sudden moves.

Cheers, that sounds good. :)

The big one, which I am still occasionaly guilty of, is slowing down. On fixed, it's less obvious than with a freewheel, for those behind to anticipate, so shouts of "slowing" are really appreciated.

It might be obvious to you that something ahead should make you adjust pace, but not communicating this backwards can be awkward for those behind, particularly 75 miles in, with a headwind, in the cold drizzle.

Don't let this put you off though. We all learnt once and everyone is still learning!

Yeah, general words of encouragement as already said. If you're not entirely sure, consider holding the route back to Oxford from H Cafe just in case you wanna dip out. But everyone would rather everyone had a smashing good time and made it all the way around safely!

I've had one of these sitting in a box for years you're welcome to. Shout if you want me to bring it?

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Got in touch with London Stone - They can fit tops 8 bikes in their yard if we're gonna finish there, but are no longer doing food but are happy for people to order some in if they so choose. Person I spoke to seems nice and keen to accomodate us.

Oh thanks for the offer - can I get back to you on that in the evening? I should have one of those knocking about somewhere (probably even the exact model), but I can't guarantee that it's still in there amongst my general bike stuff.

Also yeah, I'll have my phone on me so I can do emergency routing if necessary (and as my Wahoo will be doing the GPS recording the phone battery should easily be >50% even at the end of the day), but I'm very much hoping to make the full loop! The bigger challenge will honestly be waking up early enough to make my way into Staines... :)

bikes all ready to go including possibly the worst bodged milk bottle flap you will ever see.

sadly out.

have fun out there.