2010-12-02 - "Those London Lights" #3 Urgent Ride Change

meh. I didn't know which bus to take. I'm also knackered after last night. That was enough really. I have my work laptop, if it makes you feel better (not a complete skive).

Blimey, I don't know why I feel so shattered this morning. I guess it's all part of getting old.

Anyway, it was a great, fun ride through the deserted streets of London's great London. Okay, it was me that took the spill. Black ice and a lack of concentration saw me sliding for several yards down a (thankfully) quiet road. Luckily I landed on my fat arse so no harm was done. As said above, there were only 6 of us which might seem like a dissapointment after the original 50 cap-off, but as it happens it was just right. There were no concerns for anyone being dropped off the back, and more importantly, dropout baought us all a drink in a very cosy pub justy south of Hyde Park (can't remember the name). So we all owe him a big drink!

Highlights:
v-quiet streets
the road in Chelsea that was no entry both ends!
"who's that gold geezer?"
great company and tube replacing skills (vello?)
the ski sunday event (even though I walked the 1st half)

Low-lights:
my camera's light sensitivity (see the pics for proof)
landing like a sack of spuds on the ice
freeeeeeeeezing cold toes (could only find one shoe cover so didn't bother)

So a big thanks to John for leading us on a fun, fun ride around town and cheers to the others who helped make it a night to remember.
Anyway, here's a link to my *truly waful pics!
http://s647.photobucket.com/albums/uu200/ianpconway/Those%20London%20Lights%20-%20lite%202010/
*
PS. i did actually have a spare battery for the camera, but seeing as I had to remove my outer gloves to operate it, and knowing how shit the photos were going to be ...

I was at the O2 too! Always expect to bump in to somebody I know there, but didn't. Rubbish.
Shouldn't you be at work, Oli? Buses running without complaint, you'd have been there in no time.
/have only just got to work (90 minutes for 8 miles, everybody!)

Seeing the 'fire? Why were you on the bus, hmm?

Ian, did you lean?

Good work fellas, no excuses from me, I just didn't fancy the cold. Bit jealous of you all, but it's a warm jealous.

Your pics aren't too bad ian! I think they capture the spirit quite well...I'm also shattered so it can't be just age.

Pics here:

bit.ly/f6YrW5

Those white orbs on the ground and the funky step-inside christmas tree - whereabouts are both of those?

I think it's King's road, by sloane square (saatchi gallery). It's well lit up around there, nice place for an evening stroll.

Nice pics Oli, I can't see Ian's because work has decided it doesn't like photobucket any more (accident not design, we're not that kinda place).

Only 6 of us @ Trafalgar square! HTFU LFGSS!

yeah we're so cold cool!

Even colder cooler!

Kings of the snowy hills!

And Wow, thanks John for arranging that amazing architectural tribute to the forum, that was so full of christmas lovely spirit... you guys have missed out so much!!

Really massive thanks to John Dropout and all the riders yesterday, it was my 1st forum ride in ages and it was fantastic!!

Peace!

Loic

Gah ride envy :(

BTW, somone draw that collosion!!

Szia

L

great potatochop on the last one! Everyone looks so happy.

#smug

Great ride guys! Loved the stealth of the 6 of us making our way through the icy streets. So many highlights as well - loved going down primrose hill and also the look of confusion on the girls face who was locking up the boots as we slid silently through that shopping center.

I'll start working on the collision drawing, probably be able to upload it on Monday when I'm back home.

Ha, well remembered. And she waved!

Also I think the ride back to laner's after brick lane has to be one of the coldest things I've ever experienced! Felt about 10 degrees colder than the rest of the night.

Ian, did you lean?

No, I didn't lean. Well I couldn't own up to leaning even if I did - not after my post about NOT LEANING.

Actually, it all happened to fast I don't even remember going down. The first thing I knew was sliding along the street several yards on sheet ice. (should read shiiit ice)

I think if you hit that kind of ice there's not much you can do, skinny little tyres just won't cut it. Just the wrong place to be by the sound of it.

We were already on ice though, but in all fairness I don't think there was any leaning involved.