Rough Stuff rides for LFGSS folk, join regular rides that avoid tarmac

Great response to the ride haha!

After yesterday's test ride, I'd suggest that we could have a break and a brew on Gravely Hill, although we'd get there quite early, and then a cake stop in Oak Park café (excellent ice creams and toilets!). This would be at about the 4 hour mark, dependent on pace.
From there it's an easy ride to the river Wandle and then onto the pub. I've also found that there's an independent brewery selling beer at £3 a pint at Merton Abbey Mills!

Where is this? I can't figure it out somehow.

Sounds like it’s going to be a feast with all these food stops! They all sound really nice though especially that last one ;)

Now we are nearing 10 people on the ride is there a limit we are going to introduce, I’m not actually too sure on the guidelines for how many people can attend a bike ride (I believe the rsf website says 15)

Nice one @Qebrus I was starting to wonder the exact same thing. Let's say the same, 15 max.

Alex thanks for all the research, your plans sound great.

OK by the way I just was looking at RSF website which I never do, I think it's best to make clear this is best described as an homage to RSF not an official RSF ride. It won't be on their website and I'm not doing any of that insurance guff. We ride as individuals, at own risk etc.

If we think it's worth it we might try to discuss (on the ride?) setting up an actual London group, as there isn't one right now.

RSF-style ride No 1
THIS IS NOT AN OFFICAL RSF RIDE
'Independence from Tarmac'
4th July 2021
Leaving at 0700 from way point 7 on below route. A group will meet at Norbury a little earlier, led by @Alex_B, please arrange time. Thanks for the route suggestion Alex!

Route on komoot here approx 45 miles ish. Capping at 15 riders. Please tag first in any waiting list if you decide to bail beforehand.

Bring a packup and snacks, liquids, tools & tubes/worms. No helmets (worn or behaviourally speaking), 32c tyres probably the skinnniest you'd consider riding, please god No garmins beeping. Mudguards essential for gathering unwanted sticks in your wheels. But not compulsory.

Kidding about the helmets, btw. You do you honey.

List

1.Skülly
2.Psmith
3.Qebrus
4.Thrasher
5.Sparky
6.Alex_B
7.Mashton
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Skulls, why didn't you give me a heads up?

Haha I have no plan, you div. I'm realising I'm probably stepping on RSF's toes by even starting this.

If I'm a div, you're a grad, or even a curl.

I think I'm going to avoid googling those.

You don't need to.

But I doubt you'll understand them.

Guessing it's mathematics.

I was thinking the exact same! Let’s describe this as a lfgss rsf homage ride like you mention, If we want it to be an actual rsf ride I believe everyone would need to be a member and I believe over a certain amount of people an actual specified ride leader.

I do know about the rsf Home Counties section, but as this covers such a wide area a London group would be very nice. We can try and sort out some of the logistics on the 4th and maybe try contact someone at the fellowship to create a new group.

Yep. Let's plot on the 4th.

Also just one last thought, if we are above the 6 limit in terms of the cafe and pub should we see on the day but maybe slip into two groups depending on the amount of people.

Guessing the whole 'pint at the end' thing may have to be played by ear. I might prefer to have one nearer home (SE) tbh.

Sounds like it could also work! We will have to leave some bits till the day anyway.

All the stops, cafe etc. are outdoor venues, so numbers not too problematic. Agreed about beer at the end, but this there as an option.

That’s good hadn’t thought about them being outside, should all be good!!

I'd be totally up for this. It's a real struggle to find a group that want to go exploring off-road, but not just to focus on gravel "sportives" - which just seems wrong to me (we should not be racing on public bridleways - we had enough of those arguments back in the 90s when mountain biking was getting started).

Well if this is anything to go by, we are nearing 10 people interested already just off of this post.

I’m sure there is plenty more like us who was a more adventure/exploring focused rides as opposed to like you said “sportives”

With a little asking around once we get it all planned out we could bring more people to the rsf due to having more accessible rides from London, even as far as ride or so each month even!

Nooooo, would of loved to do this, in Wales that week, Brecon calling

Will try to remember to tag you @tonyme when we settle on another ride date.

Many thanks,