2013-06-09 - London Ditchling Devil 200km Audax

My eyes! God, I wish you hadn't posted that. I'm sure that jersey fitted me when last I wore it. One for the fridge door; the diet starts as of this minute!

We had a great day. A few growing pains with almost three time the number of starters from last year (no, that's not another reference to my waistline) but our fantastic controllers coped magnificently. I fear Ed must have arrived during a "pasta gap". Next year we'll put a plate aside just for him, unless, of course, I decide to eat it before he arrives!

But seriously, this was a big day for us, and it was great to see you all on the road. And thanks to Ed for posting a fine collection of photographs. Really nice.

Top work Paul. Please pass on thanks to all of your helpers!

One for the fridge door

Lesson: never get photographed standing next to Remus.

Top work Paul. Please pass on thanks to all of your helpers!

here here.
magic (hard) work paid dividends I think. A wonderful day out.

Though next time please arrange for a tailwind all the way.

I fear Ed must have arrived during a "pasta gap". Next year we'll put a plate aside just for him, unless, of course, I decide to eat it before he arrives!

Hah! I be very impress if you did that next year! I must've arrived in that exact gap where every single bowl was deprived of, nonetheless it forced me to shoulder on and use up the gel I have stored specifically for this.

It was an excellent ride and your organisation was top notch, it's one of my favourite audax in general (well, my favourite 200k so far), especially on the return legs through the picturesque Surrey Hills.

Do let me know if you want a higher resolution copy of the photos I've snapped, I'll be happy to send them to you to upload to your website for those whom are not "on here" both the LFGSS and YACF.

One of mine from outside the Windmill Tearoo
If you wanted proof that all sorts of riders Audax, here it is; a sportive rider resplendent in black and white, and PeterB, who's only sartorial concession to riding 200km is to roll up one leg of his jeans. Excellent!

Rep PeterB

I am PeterBed by his outfit.

The nice chaps at Cyclosport have given us has an honorouble mention in their review of the year!

See http://www.cyclosport.org/09-Oct-2013/news/cyclosports-top-events-of-2013.html for details.

Bouquets all round, eyethangyou. I guess we'll have to run it next year now!

I'm going to do this on Sunday if anyone fancies. Leaving south London around 8-830. Will be SS - or if I can clean my gears in time on that but refusing to shift. Post or PM if you're interested....

Pity, working on Sunday.

SS will be fine, you'll enjoy the return after Devil's Dyke.

Ah well sorry to miss you.

Yeah strike the geared talk, will be SS.

Oooh, possibly yes, if am not needed to row. I did this route in the summer - and will therefore definitely be geared.

Edit - on reflection - may do L 2 B only as have evening plans.

Was hoping you'd pipe up :) Let me know how things shape up. Excited to see your new ti gears btw.