Ride of the Falling Leaves

So you are saying that it is impossible to generalise?

Yes. For probably not-useful information:

I hit lap on my garmin after my 'sod this' moment and pootled the last 25 miles at an average of 14mph. It was gloriously calm and relaxed. I was level with one of the Dulwich trains from Westerham to the bottom of Anerley, despite the fact they were hammering it pretty hard, because they were keeping their group together through the climbs so they could more efficiently steam the flats, plus they were caught at the many sets of traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts once things got a little more built up.

Last year I rode with two other Rolla Toms and sucked up a Dulwich 2-up on Layhams. The Dulwich lot escaped me on toys, and a Rolla Tom cramped up not much later, leading me to solo until I caught Rolla Sean in Cudham for a quick tow home. This proved effective for a speedy run.

The year before I solo-ed it and it was pissing it down.

With the right group, legs and wind you will be quicker than solo in the rain which in turn is quicker than riding in a group with a fast skinny fucker for 40 miles with things going wrong.

Peeing? who pees on rides?

Me. It's my favourite thing.

Apparently someone did in solo in 2:51 according to the spreadsheet. Target for next year.

Trying for sub-2:50 but I had to piss..

Piss backwards while going up hills. Jet propulsion plus jettisoning ballast. It's the only way.

First sportive I've ever done, forever-aloned it, just wondering if I'd have been quicker if I'd joined up with someone/some others

No, of course not, that's why the pro peloton ride 10m apart.. it allows the air to pass between riders without obstructing it and slowing them down..

Piss backwards while going up hills. Jet propulsion plus jettisoning ballast. It's the only way.

I prefer the 'piss all over my own shoe - fucking crosswind' method..

so that's why you wear shoe covers.

so that's why you wear shoe covers.

The truth is revealed..

How much does pissing on your shoes save over pissing to the side in terms of aero benefit?

I've not done the calcs but I will be breaking some more records next year with my 'pissing straight down' technique. Aggregation of marginal gains...

That 2:50 actually yours hippy? Or you taking the piss?

Justin Kennedy got a time of 2:51:19 for the long route
Time sheets available here
That would make the average speed 38.53KPH or 23.94PMH

Although there is a chance that it is incorrect

We know we have a few people misclassified short vs. long ride. If you post a comment on the homepage we will try to fix",

That 2:50 actually yours hippy? Or you taking the piss?

I was taking a the piss.

I have posted the story of Ludwig's ride/spill on https://www.facebook.com/rapharacing

Please go Like it and/or share it

He might get a pair of jeans out of the Wear Your Story scheme to make up for his damaged jersey and gloves.

You one leg I the one with the logo.

Pity my poor logo-less left peg.

Let's see if they will stretch to two pairs. If it's one, it's yours.

Entries are open for this year now, hope the weather is as good as last time

Come a long way since this last year. Ha!
Seems like a lifetime ago.

I meant to do this last year but missed out, so am keen this year. What's the route and climbing like? I presume it's heading down to Kent...? Couldn't see it on the DP website (but I didn't look too hard)

lumpy-flat-hilly-lumpy

Right, they've posted a load more info so got the vibe now. Cheers tho! Looks fun. The schlep from HH to the countryside looks a bit of a drag tho....

Entered, half eight start.

I'll try not to get lost this time.

Entered (same).. time to get the winter wheels out :(
Looking to draft someone who knows where they're going.

If you get lost their are trains back to London from Edenbridge, and the station is unmanned on a Sunday.