2013-07-20 Sat/Sun - Dunwich Dynamo DD21

Happy to rid with you if you want company.

@AlexB - sorry my plans have changed. I managed to get a coach ticket, was on the waiting list.

I'm just about to book my train ticket from Cambridge to Liverpool Street for what looks like a nice easy roll up Cambridge Heath Road to the start. #neverriddenroundeastlondon

I've been let down by the two blokes who said they'd do it with me, so will be [desperately] looking for some friends. Please say hai to the lonely man on the black Vitus with rear 4spok spinergy.

ETA : Jesus obviously wants me to do this ride as my chosen train ticket was only £8. I briefly considered paying £12 for first class and eating the £4 back in free crisps, but decided I'd look odd in the posh seats.

What is it with riders abandoning their team just before the big event? My mate has dropped out so I'll be one of your Billy no mates types riding alone. I'll look out for a black Vitus and you look out for a red steel framed De Rosa.

http://www.bubblews.com/assets/images/news/264977755_1367424082.jpg

I'm just about to book my train ticket from Cambridge to Liverpool Street for what looks like a nice easy roll up Cambridge Heath Road to the start. #neverriddenroundeastlondon

I've been let down by the two blokes who said they'd do it with me, so will be [desperately] looking for some friends. Please say hai to the lonely man on the black Vitus with rear 4spok spinergy.

ETA : Jesus obviously wants me to do this ride as my chosen train ticket was only £8. I briefly considered paying £12 for first class and eating the £4 back in free crisps, but decided I'd look odd in the posh seats.

What is it with riders abandoning their team just before the big event? My mate has dropped out so I'll be one of your Billy no mates types riding alone. I'll look out for a black Vitus and you look out for a red steel framed De Rosa.

http://app.strava.com/activities/67017180

Just got back from my last practice ride for the Dynamo - 85 miles from London to the Surrey hills and back. This is, by 15 miles or so, the furthest I've ever been on a bike in one day. Unexpectedly, I was really struggling for the last 25 miles, despite it being pretty much flat. The first 60, hillier miles were a breeze, but after that neck ache, knee ache, gooch ache, leg ache and general exhaustion began to set in. I don't think I could have done another 35 miles...

Hopefully next weekend it will be much less hot, there will be other people to draft, i'll remember to eat much more, and with the excitement of it being the actual night I'll find the strength to do those extra miles. I'm looking forward to it although I now know it will be more of a challenge for me than I thought it would be.

Anyway I'll also be riding solo, so if you see somebody going slowly on a two-tone blue/turquoise Koga Miyata, please give me some encouragement!

Jason Derulo - Ridin' Solo (Official Video in HD) - YouTube

Although the worst bit of the ride was that after seeing a shopping centre called 'Heart' in somewhere like West Byfleet, I had this stuck in my head for hours. Eventually I just embraced it, so apologies if you heard me screaming this out whilst flying down a hill somewhere in Surrey.

Another Level - From The Heart - YouTube

^^ Well done for today's effort lemonade - you did well in this heat!

There are always plenty of people doing their first century on the DD, but you know, even people who have done the ride loads of times, can get the jitters. It's good not to be too complacent!

Have you arranged your transport back home?

After thinking about it, if I'm going to do it, I have to go from the start, or it's not complete!
I'll get the train in to London fields......

^ That's more like it!

Suddenly remembering last year how I got saddle sore, without padded seat clothing. I never really bother with these things much, last year I wished I had aroung 80-100 miles. Then I went through what I was calling 'the bum wall'.

Doing the ride in two halves with a good 15 hours or more in between, so I think I'll risk it.

^^ Well done for today's effort lemonade - you did well in this heat!

There are always plenty of people doing their first century on the DD, but you know, even people who have done the ride loads of times, can get the jitters. It's good not to be too complacent!

Have you arranged your transport back home?

Thanks a lot MM, yeah I'm pleased I'll be taking it more seriously now.

Yep I got my coach ticket a while ago to help make sure I wouldn't drop out, looking forward to not having to sort my own way back.

Good stuff. At times you'll be riding with masses of people, whereas at others you may be on your own. Both can be great experiences. Enjoy!

Did a solo run to Brighton today to prove the bike and kit for next weekend. Took me nearly 5.5 hours. Not a happy bunny - though I stopped a lot, and it was hot, plus I had a couple of mechanical issues. My GPS died 3/4 of the way. I learnt cycling with a loaded pannier is a real pain. Not going to take it with me next weekend for sure. I did not do Ditchling, but I remembered what cycling up hills is like. Need to do more climbing training with gears. Going to study the DD elevation carefully tonight, and do some proper prep.

You're worrying too much

I'll be doing some rides 70ish mile rides this week in preparation but honestly fasih, it's not that hard. 100 miles really isn't that big an effort if you're taking it easy. It's also a lot easier to cycle in the dark, I reckon. You don't get so sweaty and it's pretty hypnotic.

One thing I would say, however, is bring a warm layer of clothing (Aldi 'Rapha' merino for me...) . It gets fucking cold before the sun comes up.

This

What are the chances of my Edge 510 making it the 10 miles to the start, through the ride, then the 30 miles to Norwich? Slim, right?

Oh, and has anyone pleaded for people to set their rear lights to non-flashy-flashy yet? If not: please set your rear lights to non-flashy-flashy.

How far is Darsham from Dunwich? Do i book a ticket beforehand or time up and pay?

Sparky what time are you expecting to get to Norwich?

trying to get possible ducks in a row.

You're worrying too much

Probably

One thing I would say, however, is bring a warm layer of clothing (Aldi 'Rapha' merino for me...) . It gets fucking cold before the sun comes up.

This
Do you even own a top with sleeves, Iain?

How far is Darsham from Dunwich? Do i book a ticket beforehand or time up and pay?
6-7 miles. I imagine you could buy a ticket on the train since the station is likely to be unattended. No machines either. May be more spendy than buying in advance though.

Has anyone got a garmin route for the ride?

have you read the thread? In the last 2 pages there was one

besides, chap nav is the best solution, just follow the chap in front and pray he is heading for the beach

last year, when we were heading out of East London we were following a group only to find out that they werent on the ride and were actually heading home from the park... Slightly awkward convo when i asked where they were going :-P