2011-11-13 - 50*14 Memorial Ride London to Brighton

Props to those who did it fixed, but as an out of shape, asthmatic, the wrong side of 45 and with dodgy feet, it wasn't going to happen.

Next time...

I realllllly didn't enjoy the descent, either!

I've managed Ditchling on gears a few times before but this was my first attempt fixed. It simply wasn't going to happen in 68gi with my bulk on the bike. I was so relieved when I saw younger thinner fitter people hopping off and followed their example. I suspect that if we had started with a climb of Ditchling rather than having it at the end of a hard day, more people would have got up it. I doubt that I would.

If the roadie pillocks who were swanning up in their granny gears read this (which I hope they don't), before you start making crass and insulting comments about how easy it is etc, have a look at the rear wheel of the bike of the cyclist you are dissing. In any event, dissing other riders is neither big nor clever. You don't know how far they have ridden or what their personal circumstances are.

Sorry, Clive, I didn't think you'd take 'Ditchling-walking, baby-eating, MAMIL fixie scum' so personally.

Pity I couldn't make this. I really wanted to, but just didn't have time. It's great that you had such good weather.

If I had grabbed your wheel, I would have probably have died. I have sadly learnt that hills require me to climb at my own speed. My HR was maxing out even at the slow speed I was attaining. Later my HR was maxing out as i walked.
okay, but next time, we'll take 10 minutes rest before hand, and i really don't care about 'how slow can you go' we'll do it together, when i get my fixie sorted :)

I've managed Ditchling on gears a few times before but this was my first attempt fixed. It simply wasn't going to happen in 68gi with my bulk on the bike. I was so relieved when I saw younger thinner fitter people hopping off and followed their example. I suspect that if we had started with a climb of Ditchling rather than having it at the end of a hard day, more people would have got up it. I doubt that I would.

If the roadie pillocks who were swanning up in their granny gears read this (which I hope they don't), before you start making crass and insulting comments about how easy it is etc, have a look at the rear wheel of the bike of the cyclist you are dissing. In any event, dissing other riders is neither big nor clever. You don't know how far they have ridden or what their personal circumstances are.

Clive you road very well all day.
Ignore the cunts who where coming down the hill! They probably drove there 4x4 or some other gas guzzling sports car to the car park at the top as they probably couldn't climb it either! Even with a granny gear and a triple!

It's only the second time I've been up bitchling deacon, last time I managed it without stopping, this year I had a three minute breather half way up, next time I'll probably have a coronary! The descent was quite a thrill - bloody cold, much longer than it seemed going up (strangely) and surprised at how many people were riding up it, even as dusk approached.

next time there is a fiddy ride, i'll bring the vodka bombs.. these were around circa 1990 (last recession).. when jelloshots were lauched / epic fail and i worked in a bar in cardiff.

i think i invented the vodka bomb.. cherry tomatoes injected with vodka and tabasco sauce (cajun style) served at parties.. the perfect 'bloody mary in transit' for those memorial rides need to honour someone. i reckon fiddy would have approved

#toastmaster