2014-04-06 The London Classic

Indeed, spoke too soon. I'm heading out to the start for a 10am roll out.

There's all this whistling outside, I think it's monsters telling each other where to ambush the juiciest London Classic riders. I'm scared to go out.

Still raining here in Camberwell - I'm waiting til it stops before leaving (and til I've finished this pot of tea).

just heading up now - hopefully in time for a 10 (ish) start)

Wassat? ^^

Wassat? ^^

Today's forecast.
Everything to the right of the vertical line is weather yet to come.
Those hoping to stay dry will have an interest in the second and third rows from the top which depict the likelihood of rain and the amount of rain we can expect today.
ie: not very much at all.

I'm leaving Hackney now, so I'll be there in about an hour the lead team catch up.

Weather turned by the time we started about 9.45. Got a bit damp on the way, nothing much.

Me and miniskull DNF, mini me had an attack of the Meh monster about lmnh, coupled with a bit of man-trouble, he couldn't be arsed (<hint) to ride past Wapping. I didn't feel like forcing the issue. Got the train to Honor Oak, ate pizza watching some of you lot schlep past, on your way to Canonbie.

Then fell asleep when I got home, think a recent nightshift has made me a bit woozy at funny times of day. Hope everyone had fun!

What fabulous ride out today, despite getting tipped on from Brixton to Gypsy Hill before the start.
Solid riding from Captain Garmin and crew, as I crawled up Canonbie and Eliot Hill.
No foot down, but grateful Fox Hill didn't feature this year.

Guinness, chicken, rice and peas was always going to be the reward eventually..
Thank you Cobblemonster, Brixton posse and GHT for delivering TLC again

Take care Skully and miniskully

Al x

we also DNF. after Friendly St we decided to go a bit off-piste and take in some of the sights of SE London on our own itinerary. did see O Schick and Seraphinx going the other way around Honor Oak :)

I set off late due to not feeling like doing a triathlon and the weather remained dry(ish) from 10:30. (I just heard Sheffield Marathon was cancelled as the organisers ran out of water, anyway.) I feel good that I got over the hills without putting my feet down for the first time. Although the cobbles made one of my mudguard bolts disappear, I have to thank LMNH for the cable tie quick fix. Skully, I salute you for spotting my slow puncture, you probably saved me from appearing on the News at Ten. The Gipsy Tavern was a nice ending for a great ride; drinks, Flanders and laughing with new and familiar faces.

what a fucking great ride! Even a bit of a downpour at the start had no ill effects. Great route, great riding partners, great day.

Awesome day! Thanks everyone!

Hippy, has it stopped raining out west yet? That's where all the weather comes from init?

At the time I posted that, no.

Muchos gracias Michael Fish.

did see O Schick and Seraphinx going the other way around Honor Oak :)

That was totally a bad navigation issue on my part and we did the proper route I promise! (that part anyway, even if we didn't ride all the way up....)

Damn. It was only on the train home my mate says he had bought tshirt that I realised I had forgotten to. Great day. Great ride. Did not buy the T-shirt.

Does anyone know if I could still get a large from anywhere? I mean, if there's any left I will pay postage on top... Anyone from the team know?

Left early..
Can anyone tell me who won?
a.) the classic
b.) the tour of flanders
c.) the raffle... I had numbers 5 & 6

a) er, everyone?
b) Cancellara
c) not you

I enjoyed that, once I caught up with some other riders.
Nice to see faces I know at the pub and meet ones I didn't.
My favourite bits were the Canonbie Road climb and the final descent along College Road/Dulwich Park Road.

Great show, felt like a treasure hunt at times, and fark me the left turn half way up Canonbie...

^That's a dog-leg no-one needs!

I always enjoy this ride and today was just as good as when it has shone in the past. Nice people to chat to even if there were fewer wheels earlier on. I had gps but something occurred to me. I appreciate the effort put in to do the signage but it always seemed to be hit and miss. I just wondered whether it might be easier, cheaper and a bit more effective to do what I've seen in a lot of French events. They put paper arrows directly on the road.(Or kerb) The paper is held down with wallpaper paste. One about 50 metres to go, one about 20 and then on the turn. Really quick to put down and wears/washes away after a couple of days so no need to do a second 'collection' run. It really seems easier for riders as well because they know where to look for the signs. There is no criticism meant because I do enjoy this ride. Just an idea.

JAHTim of this parish seemed omnipresent to me. Saw him three times, first as he was setting off early, secondly heading down Blackheath Hill then lastly as I made my way home and I got to have a short chat. Nice to see some folks I knew, meet some people I didn't. Thanks to the organisers for a good day out and hopefully they raised a good chunk of dorrah for a good cause.