The Only Way is Essex (and Hertfordshire) - Saturday Feb 23rd

Hurrah! Have gone for saturday after as I should be picking up my gears this week and will be wanting to play out on those next weekend, hoping going to recce the Southend route.

Southend, Sat 23rd Feb

1. Poots
   
2. Cafewanda
   

I've got Hell of the Ashdown the next day - so in for this if weather is ok and not going to break me, but will wimp out if it's a 50 mile headwind slog. Shameless plug alert ... I've still got a friend's spare entry for HOTA - think it is female 25-30 cat, so if anyone interested in making this a weekend of cycling fun, let me know and am sure I can cut a deal of some sort.

I and the g/f can make 23rd

Southend, Sat 23rd Feb

1. Poots
   
2. Cafewanda
   
3. Ed
   
4. Kati
   

23rd works for me, though like Katy I am doing HOTA the next day (unlike Katy, I don't see this as a weekend of cycling fun and instead I am questioning my sanity...) so I will make a decision based on weather/laziness/working bike situation nearer the time.

Southend, Sat 23rd Feb

1. Poots
   
2. Cafewanda
   
3. Ed
   
4. Kati
   
5. Pops
   
   

Let's hope the weather gets better by then!

Can't do that weekend :-( oh well...next time!

Oh poo!

I'm out as well for the 23rd :(

Available the weekend before if you're up for some company on the recce poots.

I may join you on route outside Brentwood if guys are allowed to join?

yep - men folk welcome as long as they are happy to ride at the groups pace :)

Available the weekend before if you're up for some company on the recce poots.

^ this.

Possibly in with +1 or +2

Nice bothwell - the more the merrier I reckon.

And thanks for offers of accompaniment Ed and Doctor Cake - will let you know nearer the time.

Argh! I wish I could do this. Good work Poots. x

not free the weekend of 23rd =( but if you want (more) company on the recce i'm at a bit of a loose end on Sunday

No sign of my new wheels (bad weather in Italy apparently) so I'm going to be mostly sulking this weekend I reckon and will risk it using Garmin alone next weekend. I'm sure it'll be fine!

what wheel do you need?

"Wheels" in the vernacular sense Ed, but also in the literal sense. Got me a road bike at last. It's those geared "wheels" I'm sulking about ; )

Shimano? Campag? how many speeds? normal road spacing of 130mm etc.?

I'm waiting for the whole bike Ed! :D

Bloody Shimano groupset on Italian bike though....#moarsulking

Colnago? if so, more suited than Campag.

oooh. maybe.

oow exciting, what you get?

@ hats, KT: hell of the ashdown? it looks somewhat tortuous, either of you done it before? this year may be the year I attempt to improve on gradient... although next weekend sounds just a bit too close. currently super unfit.