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@The_Seldom_Killer
I'm pretty confident that I can safely transport 51 bikes in the back of long sprinter. If we're up to the point of a bigger coach and more bikes then a second van would be better option. Certainly a 7.5 could be cheaper as suggested, but you then need a licensed driver and lose the ability to effect a rescue if any forumengers suffers an epic fail. You may not realise it in the dark when sleep deprived, but some of those roads are pretty slender and twisty.
If we're going to have transport then we should at least put it to good use if it's needed. Besides, this is pure speculation at this point. Let wait until much closer to the time and make an assessment then. If numbers are pretty firm at about a month out we'll be able to get the rental we need and plan for a little extra.
As for the 7-7.30pm start. Not sure if this is the smartest move. Firstly it's great to head out en masse with the early part of the horde. A little tricky up to Leighton if you're impatient, but amazing from there. Secondly, some forumengers may want to catch up with other people at London Fields and not go rushing off. Thirdly, if you leave that early you could end up waiting on the beach for a long time before the sun comes up. This can be pretty cold and the van may not be there for shelter. Don't expect much sympathy from the cafe staff arrivng bleary eyed at 5am. On a good year, the DD can be very fast with little effort at all.
My current plan for the van is leave the London Fields area at about 10pm to get to the feed station for no later than 11.30. Hang around until about 2.30, 3ish unless needed and head to the beach. Snooze and a swim unless called in for a pick up before mercilessly breakfast and then generally trying to be useful to riders. Packed and away by midday and back to Brick Lane to clean up among the ravening hipsters.