Moderate Days in the Autumn (pre-HDIJ fixie rides)

Ah amazing - will give it a read tonight ! Chapeau!

Was really looking forward to this then realised I've double booked the morning of the 4th a few months back with someone coming in to London, so will have to drop out and attempt to come along December instead - very bummed!

In the meantime, I had to drag my sorry self up Ditchling Beacon last Saturday - it was my third time crawling up it and the third time I've thought it was the most pain I've had to put myself through on a bike.. are any of the hills on these rides as bad?

Is it just me riding on Saturday? It isn’t the end of the world if no one else is - I’m coming down and staying with pals, but would quite like to try and ride!

I have a new rain jacket I'd like to test, so am still keen! I'll join you. Was it @Glws that was also thinking about it?

Yeah looks like rain gear is on the menu.
Also, bike will be in semi bike packing mode as I’ll have to ride with my overnight/casual gear as well. Unless anyone is driving to the start and I can stash my bags. It’ll be fine I’m sure.

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So we have confirmed:
@Nef
@Ruserius

The mighty peloton will flow. Did you have a route scoped out @youramericanlover - I guess repeating last weeks ride would probably work if @Ruserius wasn’t on that one? Could I pinch the GPX file off you if so?

What are people saying 9am meet?

I'll put something together today!

Meet up at the Sunrise Cafe (now called the Elmers End Cafe I think?

Here we go! Fixed the start so it's at the cafe (and smoother out to Featherbed). Beddlestead but then no Toys or Ide but out to Shoreham (will be lovely) and then back via Jackass and through Hayes to the bike-friendly Hayes Cafe.

Enjoy! Take pics!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44893518

Oh wow! Thanks so much! 35 miles looks ideal, with an extra 25 or so riding to and from the start. Can’t wait.

It might be a bit more fixed friendly to turn left after Shoreham and up Chelsfield Lane, rather than going up Redmans Lane, which is a steep bastard.

I have deferred to your expertise. Updated!

I’m going, who’s coming? Meeting at 9? If no one else shows I’m doing it out of stubbornness.

I've literally just downloaded the route and put my Garmin on the bike, so yup will see you there at 9.
Looking like it's going to be some challenging conditions! Like a Hard Day in November, just shorter.

Class - see you at 9!

Managed to jiggle the gpx into a route that has everything from kings x - AndyP - start - finish -AndyP - my mates house. Looks to be just shy of 100km and 1000m vert, which will be nice in the wind and rain I'm sure!

Big respect to the riders today, ooof it's wet out there

There's a pause in the rain here (a mile from Elmers End). Hopefully it'll ease off completely and dry out a bit.

Just saw @Nef and he's all set.

Good luck to the mdin riders out today

Good to meet you today @Nef, think we were well matched for pacing which made it a relatively comfortable riding considering how wet it was the first hour or two. Actually very similar to last weekend with the grey to start then some bright sun on last half, albeit solid rain instead of fog. Made for quiet roads at least.

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omg it was hoooorrible outside this morning. Met a fellow rider around 6.30-7 on fountain drive, i hope she faired better than i did

Great photos!

Looks lovely in those last two photos! It definitely wasn't when you started out.

Well done to both of you for venturing out in those conditions. I didn't even take the dog out in it (he's been for a walk just now for those concerned about his welfare).

Yeah man - had a great time. Great to meet you and @andyp too! The ride to NW6 afterwards was an absolute slog though. I’m absolutely knackered now!

345am start is taking its toll…

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Jeeze November went fast! For those still keen on a December ride I have the 9th in the diary. Same deal: meet at the Elmers End cafe at 8:30, roll out at 9. Route is below. Who's still in?
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45065903

I'm still down for it