2012-12-18 - A Christmas Cracker II

^Ha! I was bluefeet earlier in the week but as the weathers got warmer they're back to their normal very pasty white.

In an effort to make a slightly more interesting and non A-road route out to St Marys Cray I came up with this which I'm happy to take responsibility for leading those riding out on.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1990958

I rode it today, perhaps a bit lumpier than the alternative Oli suggested upthread but this is a hilly ride right, I'm sure everyone will be fine, no ones going to be left behind anyway. There is a short sharp 12% climb on Chislehurst Road, but thats the worst bit.

Anyway just a suggestion, if others want to go the other route I'm happy to do that. I think its do-able in a hour, but just to be on the safe side and ensure we're not leaving folks waiting at St Mary's Cray, why not say we meet up here from 8.45 and aim to leave shortly after.

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Vauxhall+Bridge,+London&hl=en&ll=51.486208,-0.12119&spn=0.000651,0.001725&sll=51.528642,-0.101599&sspn=0.333201,0.883026&oq=vaux&hq=Vauxhall+Bridge,+London&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=51.486205,-0.12155&panoid=sREsdZtatyjJ4UrCmuZ73g&cbp=12,12.08,,0,15.4

That route nearly takes you past my flat. Guess I'll hang about at the Loughborough Junction spot to join you there. Handily, there's a good coffee shop under the station. Monmouth coffee, well served, if there are any coffee lovers riding out.

Out. Recent low temps reminded me why I don't go on long rides during the winter.

I've been a witness to you doing at least one frozen overnight ride to the coast. Is that the kind of memory that is keeping you away this time?

^^^Personally I'll be saving my 'climbing legs' for the ride, but if you're a mile-junkie/glutton for punishment like bluefleet, go knock yourself out...

I should add that tonyme has once again offered to host us for pre-ride mince pies etc at his friend's printing press in St Mary Cray. It was a bit of a surreal start to the ride last year, but fun nonetheless, especially if you like large machinery.

If anyone would like to do this would they mind coming a bit earlier - like 9:30 - so we can still start at 10?

I'm very much up for the printing press tour with mince pies and coffee, that sounds too good to miss. Cheers for arranging Tony.

Will wait and see which route the others who were riding out prefer, but shall we say congregate from 8.15 (oof early o clock) and aim to leave shortly after. Meet at the place I suggested above and we can pick up Bruce on the way. (unless the others prefer the other route in which case Bruce will have to come and join us).

And the talk of me being a mile munching glutton for punishment all makes me sound a bit serious. I'm nothing of the sort, so don't anyone be put off thinking I'll be aiming for the pain cave, I won't. I still prefer food munching to mile munching.

Looks like the mild and dry weather is due to continue for this ride, result.

We've all seen what you got up to in those Welsh hills...

I think I'd better talk to my solicitor..............oh that.

regarding bluefleet's chislehurst route, that hill by the station is a bit if a kicker, and if the traffic's heavy will be hugely unpleasant (it is narrow and the cars get a bit pushy both behind you and coming towards you).
I prefer orchard -> sundridge -> camden park as you get a bit more space and the hill is a tiny bit more manageable. a little further, though. maybe.

Sounds preferable, I went during weekday afternoon and it was quiet but appreciate we'll be heading over at rush hour and things will be different.

If anyone has a garmin it would be good if someone could enter route in as back up, I don't have one and will go from memory and directions written on my hand which should be fine, but be nice to have a back up in case.

Hello Mr Fleet. I'll have my Gramin with me and am happy to meet when/wherever the general consensus settles upon.

Unfortunately I have little knowledge of that area so I have no idea which is preferable (I'd normally just tap the address in and go with the flow)... :)

Oli, are any lengthy pub stops planned or would I be able to get back to Hackney before 4?

No lengthy stops planned, but based on last year's average speed I doubt you would be able to make it back to Hackney by 4.

There are good train bail options at Sevenoaks or Otford, which would still let you see the best part of the route, and give you a good chance of being back in time.

Thanks, Oli. I'll think about it and maybe I'll ride out to make up for potentially shortening the route.

Bluefeet, I'm up for what u suggested and visiting the factory sounds good too. I don't mind setting off early as well. Basically I'm up for everything

sorry, can't make this as i need to be back early tomorrow - my dad is leaving his dog with me and i need to be home in time for this

So what's the plan bluefoot what time we meeting and where?

I'm really sorry but I'm out :( Been off work sick today so need to go into the office tomorrow. Also, after my brush with the law on Saturday night, it's become apparent that I do indeed ride like a dick, so you're probably better off without me anyway.

Have fun!

Sorry to hear that Harriet,

The Saturday night incident was surely only about getting the chance to temporarily detain you in your tinselly loveliness. Get well soon.

Still at work. no idea when I can leave.
I'll be in late, like a reprobate at heaven's gate.

They got bag control at Harrods now?

Final bump and 'ting.

We'll start at St. Mary Cray at 10:00 - meet 9:45ish on the bridge over the railway, here:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=St.+Mary+Cray&hl=en&ll=51.395343,0.106806&spn=0.002162,0.010085&sll=51.528642,-0.101599&sspn=0.608307,1.290894&oq=st+mary+cray&hnear=St+Mary+Cray,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=51.395344,0.106805&panoid=ptEnWzfRuwRGLzqgeezMKg&cbp=11,208.84,,0,4.31

I haven't heard back from tonyme re the pies offering, but I assume he is happy for people to arrive and munch from 9:30.

Weather looks clear - slight north-westerly breeze, high of around 8 degrees. The roads will still be wet.

My legs still feel pretty weak from yesterday so hopefully we'll keep a steady pace, with a stop in or near Sevenoaks for a quick coffee or something.

I'm getting the train out and trains from Victoria and Blackfriars both get in at 9.51, otherwise it's a train which gets in at 9.25 and too much hanging around, so hope that will be ok.

Will text if it's late.

Mince pies are just waiting to be eaten........shall we meet at the station bridge at 0925 and then go round to the pies or meet at the factory ?.

So are people still meeting at Vauxhall Bridge to ride out to SMC?

It's all gone a bit quiet on the meeting up front, I'm not sure what's going on. I'm happy to ride out but seeing as tho im getting confused with where and when it might just be simpler to meet at the place where we get to see the factory then start the ride at at marys.
Anyway see u guys tomo