2010-06-26 - Ladies London to Brighton Ride

Was soooo disappointed I couldn't make the Southend Ride ... now I've actually got my cycle commute kicked off, I reckon my legs will be ready for this - certainly geared, but I'd love to go fixed.

1. Clefty
   
2. Spokey-dokes
   
3. Megoid
   
4. Clara
   
5. Cafewanda (gulp!)
   
6. WingedAngel
   
7. deluka
   
8. abs. +1
   
9. Jacqui
   
10. ziska (done it ss. fixed this time.maaaaybe.)
    
11. shiniqa
    
12. Stiff Link
    
13. Charlotte
    
14. Valy ( possibly fixed... maybe...oh I don't know...)
    
15. polowannabe (fixed)
    
16. jenny j (geared, solo this time!) - I may stay overnight and ride back sunday
    
17. Baboushka
    
18. LongAndWinding (no doubt walking up the big 'uns).
    

Woodrup is nearly up and running - the excitement builds

Stix and I are doing a recce ride on 12th June if anyone wants to tag along?

Stix and I are doing a recce ride on 12th June if anyone wants to tag along?

I'd love to tag along on the recce ride.

girls only for the recce as well?

would be up for an early doors recce, as i need to learn this route for non forum purposes.

I've done a variation of Oliver's friday night to the coast route before which i would highly recomend.

You're more than welcome Ed - route advice would be much appreciated.
We'll prob set off early from Clapham I reckon.

Have fun, guys. Wish I could join you for the recce. Just to point out again that it isn't my route, but Simon Legg's of the FNRttC. :)

I've now done about six different routes to Brighton and still consider this the best:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Brighton-Route-used-on-LFGSS-Brighton-overnight-rides-2009

You may have heard that we didn't get to stop over properly at Gatwick on the night ride. On a day ride, you shouldn't have a problem finding a nice pub somewhere, perhaps in Horley, or shortly after Gatwick. I'd recommend changing the route to avoid Gatwick. You can cross the railway line in Horley and then take the B2036 (but see disclaimer below).

Beware of the A217 bit into Reigate during the daytime (just after you come out of Blackhorse Lane)--a big motorway junction roundabout to cross over. Shouldn't be a problem for experienced riders, but in a mixed-ability group you might want to have some experienced people as outriders. The B2036 Balcombe Road just after Gatwick can attract some serious speeding. The only other bit where it's slightly difficult to thread a large group through is Clapham Common, as the light phase out of The Avenue clashes with that out of Cavendish Road, but I assume you know that area very well.

Stix and I are doing a recce ride on 12th June if anyone wants to tag along?

Yep, I'm tagging along on the recce too, as I can't make the real ride.

Yep, I'm tagging along on the recce too, as I can't make the real ride.

BOO! Why not mate?

Cool.

I did a couple of variations on that route, partially as i was turning left at turners hill to go to a friends, but happy to go along with that one, but am always nervous of being around gatwick, i know the way to reigate pretty well now so would be confident leading up to there, and then i'm on home soil around turners hill.

I reckon the pub at the top of TH isnt a bad bet for a stop on the actual day, not sure if we need to amble on the recce though?

I'm all about the amble Ed - depends what the weather is like and how we feel really, but I'd like to check out the TH pub anyway, its a perfect half way pit stop.
I too am a bit nervous of Gatwick, so am happy to go the Reigate way.

I agree - first time I rode to Brighton we ended up on the dual carriageway round Gatwick and it was horrible!
Last time I went via Reigate and it was so much more pleasant.
The pub at the top of TH is a good stopping point - lots of benches outdoors if it's a nice day.

yep, well if Claire wants or anyone who is actually in charge of this could plot the map, and i'll do a bit of a pre recce recce on Saturday as i'm doing a roadie ride that way anyways!

The crown pub is good, dont know how they will deal with a massive influx of ladys on the day though, it could be funny to see the landlords face as you all pile in.

It's not a question of Gatwick or Reigate, but a question of Gatwick or Horley. The Reigate route normally does go via Gatwick--you can turn east in Horley north of Gatwick.

i'm pretty sure i went through horley when i last did this route, and it was incredibly nice, I cant remember where i passed under the m23 but i suspect it was by Smallfield.

Ed. are you going to be at Souths on Monday - maybe I could bring my map and we could have a small planning session, after your initial recce this saturday? Definitely a burger in it for you..

Yep will be there as I need to see Jenne briefly, we'll have a chat then.

Stix and I are doing a recce ride on 12th June if anyone wants to tag along?

Never been to Brighton. Where and when on Saturday?

1. Clefty
   
2. Spokey-dokes
   
3. Megoid
   
4. Clara
   
5. Cafewanda (gulp!)
   
6. WingedAngel
   
7. deluka
   
8. abs. +1
   
9. Jacqui
   
10. ziska (done it ss. fixed this time.maaaaybe.)
    
11. shiniqa
    
12. Stiff Link
    
13. Charlotte
    
14. Valy ( possibly fixed... maybe...oh I don't know...)
    
15. polowannabe (fixed)
    
16. jenny j (geared, solo this time!) - I may stay overnight and ride back sunday
    
17. Baboushka
    
18. LongAndWinding (no doubt walking up the big 'uns).
    
19. Coriander (possibly)
    
    

LongandWinding, I'll be walking up the big ones for sure :-)

sad I will miss both those rides! I'm visiting from Toronto June 12-20, but will only have a fixie, so if any other ladies rides are going down (a bit shorter, maybe 20km max) let me know! There's not enough ladies rides (or any at all) in Toronto!

I will be visiting from NYC and if I find a bike to borrow/hire, it would be fun to join you all on the 2010-06-26 Ladies London to Brighton Ride.

@ms.chris just saw your email actually - shame you'll miss it! I'll be out of the country next week, but there may be some other ladies here up for a spin.

Never been to Brighton. Where and when on Saturday?

Good to meet you last night. I think Clefty will confirm details of the recce ride, but approx 8am start from Clapham I think.

1. Clefty
   
2. Spokey-dokes
   
3. Megoid
   
4. Clara
   
5. Cafewanda (gulp!)
   
6. WingedAngel
   
7. deluka
   
8. abs. +1
   
9. Jacqui
   
10. ziska (done it ss. fixed this time.maaaaybe.)
    
11. shiniqa
    
12. Stiff Link
    
13. Charlotte
    
14. Valy ( possibly fixed... maybe...oh I don't know...)
    
15. polowannabe (fixed)
    
16. jenny j (geared, solo this time!) - I may stay overnight and ride back sunday
    
17. Baboushka
    
18. PicKle
    

Ok, bit of a development - I pulled my back on Wed morning, although riding is relatively pain free - apart from climbing hills, everything else I do really hurts.
It is significantly better today, but I need to put myself on tentative status for Saturday, I would normally HTFU but since I'm stuck in Europe all next week for work, I don't want to completely fuck myself over.
I'm still going to work on the route tonight and put up a turn guide and gmap file, but I may not be able to make it.
Currently plan is to meet at the Junction of Pitcairn Road next to Figges Marsh at 8am which is on London Road, just near Tooting Overland and on the way..
I'm sure you can find it on Google map.

I'll update tomorrow on the status of my spine and other details.

Grrr.