2012-05-13 - Oxford town and gown race

my drain rods will be in a very soggy nylon bag (rain water not drain water). I'm planning on using gaffer tape to make a shoulder strap. should be fun as long. as it doesn't swing round and spear someone

Many apologies, but exams mean there is no hope of me making this.

^ the pre-ride meet or the ride/run?

The ride/run.

Exams are just too close for me to take the necessary 2 days off to come down from Nottingham.

The ride/run.

Exams are just too close for me to take the necessary 2 days off to come down from Nottingham.

Sorry to hear that H. See all and any at 2:30. PM me your mobile if you are attending

^ the pre-ride meet or the ride/run?

rain stops play

Ride finished early, everyone wet and cold. Udon postponed. Apologies all, replacement details to follow.

or hire them for £15 from hss in oxford and i can bring them to the bike drop point?

10 rods £15. no brushes tho.

Thanks for the offer mister.

The rods are already owned, and I think we have transport arrangements taped. The brush heads are more of an issue.

ROUTE PLAN CONFIRMATION; PLEASE RESPOND VIA PM

OK folks, the event is getting closer, and I want to ensure that logistics do not cause us to fail in our splended endeavour.

We are looking to start from Tooting Broadway at 4am. We could go for 4:30, but all we need is a couple of puntures and a shredded tyre, to make the run in to Oxford a stressful time trial.

In terms of collecting the crew, I am thinking of heading up Garratt Lane, and meeting the East and North crew in Wandsworth. However, if we need to go further up towards Shepherds Bush, this could be an option.

The next main meet up point I am looking at is Ealing, another meeting point yet to be decided, and then on to Wattlington, where we will gather the "local people" for the ride into town.

I am nervous about a loose and easy "meet us on the way" plan, as the chances of missing someone is greatly amplified. Also, we really cannot afford to be waiting for people, and I am hoping everyone can be at a designated meet point at least 5 minutes before departure time.

I will await comments over the next three days, and then go with a final version, but as a taster, and indicator of when you need to set the alarm clock

4:00 Tooting Broadway

4:20 Arndale Centre, Wandsworth

5:15 Ealing train station.

? ? Maidenhead/Marlow meeting point

7:50 Wattlington cafe.

9:00 Park Road/Keeble Street for FOB bike park and start of the race.

So, can everyone come back and confirm that you are definitely on for the race? In reality, you will need an early night on Friday as well as Saturday night, so you are in top shape for the rigours of the day.

Definitely in, but not racing - only riding.

okay, it's 13 miles from my front door to Ealing Broadway Station (I presume that's the station you'll be going past), and it's 16 miles to Arndale Wandsworth, plus I don't know the twisty-turny way so I'd have to keep stopping to look at the map (in the dark).

So I'll definitely be leaving home at 4.15. Most of my journey is on the N.Circular which hopefully will be quiet at that un-godly hour on a Sunday morning, so I'll probably be there at 5am

Thanks for that Bernie. Still in for the ride - meeting you at Watlington at 7.50 - and the run too. Looking forward to a sunny day in Oxford!

Definitely in, but not racing - only riding.

okay, it's 13 miles from my front door to Ealing Broadway Station (I presume that's the station you'll be going past), and it's 16 miles to Arndale Wandsworth, plus I don't know the twisty-turny way so I'd have to keep stopping to look at the map (in the dark).

So I'll definitely be leaving home at 4.15. Most of my journey is on the N.Circular which hopefully will be quiet at that un-godly hour on a Sunday morning, so I'll probably be there at 5am

Ian, top man as ever.

I was hoping I can make you the "sticky" rider for the north circular possee, with Al leading in the Hampstead contingent.

Let me know if this would be OK with you.

^ does that mean meeting up with the "hampstead posse" somewhere suitable, like Hendon, Edgware Rd or Neasden? If so, sounds like a good idea.

i'm in for the ride. looking forward to this, the last ride to oxford was great. running doesn't appeal. see you at tooting broadway at 4. i'll catch up on sleep when we're on a straight road.

PM coming for your records bernie.

^ does that mean meeting up with the "hampstead posse" somewhere suitable, like Hendon, Edgware Rd or Neasden? If so, sounds like a good idea.

I was looking for you and Al to lead in two distinct feeder rides, but if the two of you want to combine your efforts, that would be fine with me.

I'm still in too - meeting at Tooting. Deffo not running though!

I'll be coming from Clapham Junction - would Wandsworth be closer?

ian (conker) happy to share hampstead posse duties.. i was thinking harrow rd for 0430 heading for a rendezvous with the southsiders at ealing broadway for no later than 0515

let me know
Al

I'm in for the run but not for the ride (just to be contrary).

I'm going to take the train or something v early on sunday morning, if anyone wants me to take anything (drain rods, chimney brushes, voluminous mary poppins style bags etc) then get it to me sometime before next friday - Old Street or SE London...

I'm still in too - meeting at Tooting. Deffo not running though!

I'll be coming from Clapham Junction - would Wandsworth be closer?

Poots, Wandsworth will definitely be closer. Will add in the specifics of the Arndale Centre, when I nail the route.

"I love it when a plan comes together..."

ian (conker) happy to share hampstead posse duties.. i was thinking harrow rd for 0430 heading for a rendezvous with the southsiders at ealing broadway for no later than 0515

let me know
Al

I will meet at Harrow Road at 4.30am. Where abouts were you thinking exactly? I'm coming from Islington so don't want to be going too far north before I go east.

I will meet at Harrow Road at 4.30am. Where abouts were you thinking exactly? I'm coming from Islington so don't want to be going too far north before I go east.

elgin ave junction with harrow rd.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&cp=8&gs_id=n&xhr=t&q=elgin+avenue&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&biw=946&bih=757&wrapid=tljp1335785479585012&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

i'll PM my mobile number..

harrow rd list departure for 0430

1. almac68
   
2. tommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
   

^ Al, your rendezvous is a bit too far east for me - coming from Barnet - I'll be shooting round the north circ. So I guess I'll see you at Ealing Bdy.

If anyone is coming from the far north I'm happy to meet up

understood Ian, see you at ealing broadway.

A

DRUM ROLL...

Firstly, a major thank you to Clubman Chris, and as ever his helpful suggestions in relation to the ride.

We are going for the A40, rather than the more adventurous route up over Christmas Common. We have too much depending on us getting to Oxford in time for the race, and we cannot afford any dramas.

Therefore, the time line, is as follows

LEAVE ...............................JOURNEY TIME....................................... CLOCK READING

Tooting broadway .......................n/a................................................................... 4:00

Spread Eagle
Junction of Garratt Lane/
Wandsworth Hi St ........................20 minutes ...................................................4:20

Ealing Broadway ............................40 minutes .................................................5:00

High Wycombe on A40................. 100 minutes................................................ 6:40

Watlington ........................................80 minutes .................................................8:00

Keeble Street, Oxford...................... 60 minutes................................................ 9:00

So, at an average speed of 15 mph, and a few minutes at each meet point, we have ample time. However, we do *not *have much time to play with, so everyone must be at a designated arrival point on time as I fear we simply cannot afford to wait.

If you get into problems, the first train from Paddington that morning is at 8:03, and gets into Oxford at 9:13, so you will still have the chance to join in and run the race/guard the bikes/enjoy a few post race beers, no matter what happens.

Please PM me your mobile number, and confirm which pick up point you will be attending. Can you also send me an e mail address, so we are sure to keep in touch, before the main event.

And next weekend, lovingly wash and dry your bike. Check for split/damaged tyres, brake blocks, repair as necessary, and ensure you have a couple of spare tubes. Myself and Al will have pumps and tools.

Also it is vital you have nutrition for the ride, as there will be very few shops open at that time in the morning. The Watlington crew are going to try and organise some food and a drink when we arrive with them, but having enough food and drink to keep you going, will be critical.

place your orders for Watlington ... a tray bake and a gallon of Gatorade?

^that's what I'm talking about. Good man
Bernie you have my number