Dunwich Dynamo 2008

sounds to me like you shouldn't do it.

i'm not doing it and i've never been happier.

love.

This is my first Dunwich and first century so I was wondering, what are people taking food wise (how much and what kind of thing)? Reading Hippy's comment above about preparing to get nothing at the mid way point got me thinking...

The midpoint will plan to feed around 500 people so if you reckon you'll get there before 2am then there is a really good chance that you'll get something to eat (Don't forget to pack money like I did first time out.) Other than that, if you don't want to carry a whole meal plus extras, I believe there is a 24hr garage in Sudbury just a couple of miles before handn where you will at least be able to grab pasties, sandwiches and the like.

For other food, I advise a couple of snickers, a couple of bananas, a decent sized packet of nuts and some other dried fruit (figs work really well). For emergencies, stash a pack of dextrose tablets but try not to use them unless collapse is imminent.

Consider taking a wad of toilet paper as well. I have it on good authority that wiping your arse on soggy dock leaves is not conduicive to a good ride.

sounds to me like you shouldn't do it.

i'm not doing it and i've never been happier.
Ain't that the truth. But the fact that I shouldn't makes me want to do it even more.

There's always next year and there's always other rides coming up and I'm more than capable of just going for a ride even if there isn't. These things I know, but it doesn't stop me wanting to do this as well as all of the other things.

The midpoint will plan to feed around 500 people so if you reckon you'll get there before 2am then there is a really good chance that you'll get something to eat (Don't forget to pack money like I did first time out.) Other than that, if you don't want to carry a whole meal plus extras, I believe there is a 24hr garage in Sudbury just a couple of miles before handn where you will at least be able to grab pasties, sandwiches and the like.

For other food, I advise a couple of snickers, a couple of bananas, a decent sized packet of nuts and some other dried fruit (figs work really well). For emergencies, stash a pack of dextrose tablets but try not to use them unless collapse is imminent.

Consider taking a wad of toilet paper as well. I have it on good authority that wiping your arse on soggy dock leaves is not conduicive to a good ride.

Cheers dude, thanks for the advice. I love eating so I think I will take the whole meal with me too, I don't really mind carrying the extra weight, I would rather have too much food than too little.

I really like Scott's idea earlier in the thread of bringing beans and sausages in a thermos, that sounds like a real treat at half past whenever in the morning on the side of a road!

@Object. Abstinence can make the experience better when it does happen.

If I play this around in my mind I come to the following conclusion;

If I do the ride and something goes wrong it isn't just my riding experience that falters. As I'm obviously aware of the possible problems it would not only be unfair of me, but also irresponsible to do Dunwich this year.

i respect your maturity object. that's all.

come to the big off and have a laugh with us all and em and all that and enjoy the beers and good times at the beginning.

we'll make 2009 DD all about you - and enjoy loads more good times on the bike and not before then knowing you have let mend good and proper.

liquidise a roast dinner, and carry it in a camelbak!

Cheers Jonny. You know me it's a shit decision to make but there was only one sensible choice.

And you always made me feel like it's "all about me" :]

liquidise a roast dinner, and carry it in a camelbak!

Tip; Don't put red wine in your camelbak as it eats the lining of the bladder which only serves to do two things, ruin the flavour of the wine and ruin the camelbak.

best stick to white, you think?

Don't limit yourself, Rosé seems to work too.

Too drunk to stand.
Too drunk lie down.
Too drunk to talk.
Too drunk to see.
Too drunk to know if I'm actually still alive.

All of these things I have been.

Too drunk to realise that cycling is not the best idea?
Never.

YouTube - Dead Kennedys: Too Drunk To Fuck - Finland 1981
???

I was thinking a hipflask of whisky..
As for eating.. I plan to pack some of my large collection of "synthetic sporting food".
Natural food is so 1900's. :)

Read the FAQs people: http://www.southwarkcyclists.org.uk/social/2008/07-Dunwich/dunwichfaq.shtml

Useful info within!

RTFM lol

This is my first Dunwich and first century so I was wondering, what are people taking food wise (how much and what kind of thing)? Reading Hippy's comment above about preparing to get nothing at the mid way point got me thinking...

I'm going to take as much food as I can possibly fit in my bag (and cable-tie to my frame). This is my third DD, and I've had major food issues (i.e. not enough) on both others. The first year I ate four energy bars, two gels, a Snickers bar, one flapjack and two doorstep sandwiches, along with various sugary sweets and coffee beans, bits and pieces shared by other riders and three healthy meals the day before. I still bonked at 6am, and I couldn't have made it on less.

Last year I ate... actually, I just looked at the list, and it's so long that I'm embarrassed to reproduce it!

But there are people who seem to make it on two bananas and half a flapjack. I guess it just depends on your own personal metabolism and riding style. I would second all comments about not relying on the foodstop though. Oh, and carry plenty of cash - after the garage in Epping Forest, there are no shops open till Dunwich Beach, and probably not that many cashpoints either.

and you'll need lots of cash to pay for Breakfast Beers(tm)

I see, that's the kind of answer I was hoping for, i.e. bring as much as you can. I'm going to stock up proper. A whole buttered loaf of soreen is getting in there for sure and I can't stop thinking about the beans a la thermos.

our support vehicle will be bringing some beers..

maybe we'll sell you some ;)

Just been told out pre ride meal will consist of curry and beer, then some more beer.

I'm bricking it

I'll tow you there RPM for beer and/or space on your van.

there won't be any space on the bus, besides we are coming back on Monday!

I may be willing to offer beer to some of my favorite forum members on sunday morning.

there won't be any space on the bus, besides we are coming back on Monday!
I may be willing to offer beer to some of my favorite forum members on sunday morning.

I meant space for my food change of clothes.

I'm your favourite forumenger aren't I?? twinkles eye lashes

Oh, and carry plenty of cash - after the garage in Epping Forest, there are no shops open till Dunwich Beach, and probably not that many cashpoints either.

Epping itself has plenty of shops and cashpoints. A couple of bits and bobs in North Weald. Same for Great Dunmow if you're there soon enough. Plenty of cash to be had in Sudbury and fairly confident on that 24hr garage on the road out. Cash points in Needham Market if they're working (weren't when I needed them). Little Chef just after Needham Market but won't open until gone 6am. Cash points in Framlingham after a short divert into the town centre.

Also, if the coffee kicks in after the midpoint and you're not in the mood to field it, the toilets on the way out of Needham Market were open last year. My gf found some guy sleeping in the ladies using his helmet as a pillow. Poor lad.