2008-10-15 - The Bridges V - East to West

Dave, I agree with you but that is why I put this up a few days prior to the ride and updated the first post:
Specifically :::
Get other peoples mobile numbers
You can collect these in either the numbers thread or at the beginning of the ride, worth having in case you get lost off the back(or front).

Take a few minutes to check out the route
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2372909
We are crossing all of the bridges from Tower Bridge to Kew, not necessarily by the most direct route.
This will be helpful if you plan to leave early or if you get separated you can get back on to the ride by skipping a bridge.

Shaping up to be a good ride with good weather.
A few things to read before you go:
**
Check over your bike
Make sure it is roadworthy**
-Check your tyres for wear and glass/flints/sharp objects
-Pump up the tyres(correctly inflated tyres puncture less)
-Check your lights and batteries
-Check for loose bolts
-Oil the chain
If you are not mechanically competent, get a friend to help you.
You have 3 full days to check over your machine.

** Prepare for self-sufficiency **
-Bring a spare tube and tube changing tools
-Bring spare batteries
-Bring warm clothes, it is a night ride
-Bring a rainjacket
-Bring a Fully Charged Mobile
-Bring a mapbook

** Help out, sound off about hazards and if people have been dropped of the back**
Usually if we are riding the first person over a nasty bump or hidden grate, sudden drop, glass, whatever will let those immediately following them now about it by shouting or pointing.
I will shout my loudest if I come across an imminent hazard but with over a hundred people, my voice, loud as it is doesn't carry all the way to the back.

Last docks ride we had some people ride into curbs that they didn't see because of the bikes in front of them.

So if you hear about it from the front, pass it back.

Conversely if you see people being dropped off the back, at the lights or because they are slow or having some mechanical difficulties, pass it forward so the people leading the ride know and can take steps to either wait up, slow down or go back and help them out.

** Get other peoples mobile numbers**
You can collect these in either the numbers thread or at the beginning of the ride, worth having in case you get lost off the back(or front).

Take a few minutes to check out the route
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2372909
We are crossing all of the bridges from Tower Bridge to Kew, not necessarily by the most direct route.
This will be helpful if you plan to leave early or if you get separated you can get back on to the ride by skipping a bridge.

Be sensible
As with all forum rides we will endeavour to help out any stricken rider with their punctures and mechanical problems but on a large ride this might be difficult.
Do not bring arcane or speciality equipment that needs non standard tools or esoteric knowledge in order to sort out failures and malfunctions.
Of course if you can change a 650 tub in complete darkness in under ten minutes and have all the tools and glues, be my guest.

We will be leaving from the GLA building around 10PM
Get there around 9:30, have a beer, introduce yourself and collect a few phone numbers.

**I will be heading back into the city from Kew **
So if you need directions or someone to ride with there will be heaps of us heading back central.

See you there.