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@mashton
I took a HTFU pill at about 7:30 and headed over to the Souths C&H to join the feeder (in the burger sense as well). I am very glad I did.
This was a brilliant Bridges ride and probably the most incident free one that I know of.
We had a lovely feeder ride over to Kew, from one Coach and Horses to another. We even managed to catch a straggler on the way over. Some surprised looks from the Kew locals greeted us, along with some last minute refreshments and checks of clothing double layering and lean avoidance advice.
Ma3k arrived fashionably bang on time and a group of perhaps 55 set out into the night. Except for me and Jonny. The jolly chap had kindly locked my bike up to his, to ensure the safety of our steeds. unfortunately, the damn thing seemed to want to stay locked, no matter how much key wiggling was performed. Ten minutes later, having smacked it in to submission with my d-lock and frigged into operation with a small allen key, we set off. I was resigned a this point to not catching up for a fair few bridges, which was a worry with us not knowing the west part of the route.
No problem, the only punctures of the night happened within the first mile so we were soon all regrouped. Except for Joe who had left me and Jonny with the locks to go and tell the group that we were in trouble. He got lost and only managed to rejoin us just before Vauxhall bridge, having picked up Photoben en route. Sorry Joe!
After that somewhat troubled start the ride was a dream. A nice rolling pace that never felt to fast or too slow. Great leadership from Jon, knowing when to regroup but never lingering. A few flutters of snow to remind us that we were real men, and threaten to make us cold. Most people I spoke to were nice and toasty due to dressing for standing around in the freezing blizzards that never materialised. For me, it was one of the warmest night rides ever and that's even without wearing my balaclava.
As serendipity would have it, we rolled into Parliament square, just as Big Ben was getting ready to chime midnight. A wonderful forum moment.
Yes we lost a few riders along the way as legs got too tired or homes got too close, but that is always the way. Last night goes to show that the weather can't get in the way of a great ride.
As has been said above, a great bunch to ride in, new and old faces alike. Chapeau to you all.
One last thing - I know I wasn't alone in missing Paul on this and all future rides. You were certainly in my thoughts and I know you would have been there, with bells on.