2013-04-07 The London Classic 2013

As far as the route goes I was a bit confused as we snaked through some bits in the East End/Rotherhithe but I guess this was to incorporate as many cobbles as possible. Maybe tell people in advance that the route might not be the most "direct" and to expect some switchbacks.

You've got it completely - if you were going to do a "direct" route, where would the fun in that be? ; )

As for the Now We Are 5 edition of The London Classic, I'd love to see a return of the finishers portraits. I loved those and I usually HATE having my photo taken. I guess getting a professional photographer and all the kit in is a bit of an extra hassle though...sure there's people in this forum who would be able to help.

As for the Now We Are 5 edition of The London Classic, I'd love to see a return of the finishers portraits. I loved those and I usually HATE having my photo taken. I guess getting a professional photographer and all the kit in is a bit of an extra hassle though...sure there's people in this forum who would be able to help.

Louise our photographer works for us for nowt - but she had a paying job yesterday starting at 1pm. She was out on the course and took pics which I'm sure will be up soon, sadly she had no time for portraits on Sunday. We'll do our utmost to get them back for next year:)

Hurrah! Nice one Louise!

My first TLC and I’ve fallen head over heels for it! Bloody great day out with the all of new and old...er… forum guys, plus with the sun coming out that weekend it just made it extra special! It’s definitely been too long since I’ve ridden with such a joyful group (plus NO punctures)

Definitely will be coming back for its 5th birthday next year, though probably with gears, brake, no spokzzz and no bag! =p

Highlights:

Seeing so many faces from the forum,
Getting up and down Canonbie Road
Cobbles (even with my moaning)
Sumo’s saddle bag unstrapped itself

Lows:

Waiting 30 minutes for my chicken!!!!

Love you all guys and gals! Ride safe!

PS: Poots see you next week at track for inter! You’re my lead out girl! =)

Seeing Louise from time to time was reassurance that we were still on the right route.

Definitely will be coming back for its 5th birthday next year, though probably with gears, brake, no spokzzz and no bag! =p

I am disappoint :( just gear down :-) Join the 65GI gang.

First and foremost, many thanks to the organisers and everyone involved in making TLC happen, both myself and lady esstee had a great time.

A fantastic day out, as always. Also top work to mrs esstee for not only putting up with estee, but caning the entire route and still looking impeccable at the finish.

Yeah putting up with me was indeed the hardest part of the day for her, but she's developed a thick skin and she managed well. It was her first bike ride in london and the longest she's ever done, but she loved it and insits we come back next year.

Great to see so many familiar faces, new and old. London is indeed a small place when you got a bike, some sunshine, and some pals to ride with.

Until next year....

^^that's what i said after one of the hills.
Ho: "I need more gears"
Me: "or one sensible one"

London is indeed a small place when you got a bike,....

^emphatically this. and i think my girlfriend is coming to this conclusion :)

This evening, I note with interest that a pink arrow remains at the junction of Friendly Street and Albyn Road in Deptford.
A pair of Bahco side cutters have been placed in my Crumpler bag.
They will be deployed on my commute tomorrow..... :0)

I am disappoint :( just gear down :-) Join the 65GI gang.

Haha just realised it was 69 GI anyway.

Posted more pictures of the day here http://www.flickr.com/photos/funny_cyclist/sets/72157633186859547/

Love this shot zebs!

London Classic April 2013 (134)r by Funny Cyclist, on Flickr

Lovely pics.

Indeed, great pics.

Louise's pics are up too:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46233276@N07/

this is my fave I think.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46233276@N07/8635897332/

Love this shot zebs!

Yes I knew I would get a few good shots on Maze hill so pedalled there as fast as I could when they past me they said 'a bit unfair to take us on the hill' I said yes but brilliant view

Absolutley fantastic photos.
Really captured the day well.
This pretty much sums my day up...
Fully determined, powering up the first LBH.
Spent on the last peak.

stolen for facebook profile pic

^ I've got to say, I liked the jaunty-looking walk you were doing up Fox Hill in that pic. I was using my bike as a zimmer frame on that one.

stolen for facebook profile pic

^ I've got to say, I liked the jaunty-looking walk you were doing up Fox Hill in that pic. I was using my bike as a zimmer frame on that one.

Failing with a bit of style!

I too have grabbed these for facebookery.
Still got a grin on my face.
Awesome ride.

who was the guy on the awesome Cougar with full Mavic? I complimented him on his bike the a bit later I heard someone say he was on here?

absurdbird ^

Love this shot zebs!

London Classic April 2013 (134)r by Funny Cyclist, on Flickr

Brilliant shot Zebra, the BC train in action. Team Sky could learn a thing or two from us.

Great photos, Zebs - my two favourites are this one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/funny_cyclist/8636401320/in/set-72157633186859547
And one from the pub, which I won't post but you can probably guess.

Excellent pics. I managed to change a grimace into a grin when I saw the photographer at the top of Fox Hill.