2011-12-23 A Christmas Cracker

Warmth, food, alcohol, family tales of the fanciful ways you shat and vomited that you are too young and remember. Perhaps you will be procrastinating behind a desk on the 23rd. If this is too much for you to endure then perhaps you may be tempted by a bike ride?

I've devised a 'festive' route of 50ish miles taking in the moss and leaf clad lanes of Kent and Surrey, finishing at Crystal Palace.
You want to visit Santa and his elves? A bit beyond your budget? Perhaps you could settle for North Pole lane.
Anticipating a hangover on new years eve? You can mull it over while traversing New Years lane.
There are more...

A pub stop may feature. If you fancy gurning, hoarfing, and spluttering your way through this splendid countryside then you should join us.

The route takes in a few hills, but the scenery is stunning. And what goes up must come down - there are some exhilarating descents. All are welcome, on whatever steed you choose, so long as it will get you home, and you don't mind covering it in road filth.

Bring food, good lights, puncture repair supplies. Wrap up warm. Check your bike before you leave, etc.

We'll start at St. Mary Cray at 10:00 - the 9:37 from Victoria will get you there on time.

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could well be in.

Sounds like a great plan :) Will hopefully be in Mottingham/Elmstead Woods at my dads on the evening of the 22nd and was planning on riding to Bromley to my mums on the evening of the 23rd anyway.

Count me in for now

aw i'm working but have a great ride, sounds good, hope the weather holds for you. any news on the London Lights?

bah, still working too. mind the crazy roads as people flee the city in dirty metal boxes.

bah, still working too. mind the crazy roads as people flee the city in dirty metal boxes.

South-east of London is fairly crazy all year round... Christmas just adds festivity to the crazy ;)

Needs list:

1. Spybot
   
2. Fox
   
3. HInata
   

Sounds like a great idea - work up an appetite for the xmas dinners.
Be careful if it's icy - even after a few hours of sun, avoid any shady spots.
The boss is heading back to Australia so will be celebrating/commisserating somewhere.

Yep, if it's icy we may take a slightly different (shorter) route. Some of the hills would make pleasant walks anyway...

ladyboys? lolz. (tags)

ladymen, ladygirls, and ladywomen are also welcome.

Are you going to the pub afterwards? I'm working in the morning but might join you for a festive pint afterwards if so. Although I am intending to do all my Christmas shopping that afternoon.

Definitely up for this

I think a pub afterwards is quite likely for those who are able to linger and want to warm up, but I had also planned a pub stop about half way through for a swift half and a packet of crisps. I actually had the Rosendale in mind as it is just down the hill and serves harveys. win

laner - up or in?

Great idea, Oli, have fun! Wish I could come along, but as every year I'll be away.

Maybe dependant where I am

I should add that the route is not massively hillly, maybe I made it sound worse than it was. There are no 20% gradients or anything silly, just two or three short steep sections and a couple of draggy climbs. I, for one, am not going to be flying up anything.

Also, would more people be able to make it if this were on the 22nd, or 21st? I thought the 23rd was good as office warriors might have this as the first day off. But maybe people just don't want to come. meh.

I wouldn't be able to make it if it was the 21st or 22nd :(

I think your thinking makes sense, more people are off as it gets closer to Christmas. Maybe this is a bit too close to Christmas though.

The other option would be between Christmas and New Year, as many office warriors have this time off. Or the option of having it off.

sorry - am in Ireland then or else I'd be all over this.

Up and in. I'm off work from the 16th so any day is fine by me.

I'm not sure what day I'm heading to my folks but if I'm around, I'll come along. Nice one Oli.

I have been told I need to mention a 'USP' for this ride. It's 'festive' because there are some awesome little lanes in the area with vague references to Christmas.

1. Spybot
   
2. Fox
   
3. HInata
   
4. laner
   

Nice one ...... Im in......

if im not working then i will join :( or happy face will depend upon the weeks rota

wassa 'USP'?

'Unique Selling Point'