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"Racing" on the commute is a waste of time... but another thing entirely if you can get 4-5 working together in a nice smooth paceline.

http://www.rapha.cc/the-rapha-top-ten-for-2010 - On Sunday 11th April, Rapha will be organizing a Hell of the North ride through North London and Hertfordshire. 28 sectors of lanes, bridleways and the closest to pavé we can find [this means gravel - Ed.] will be the course and the finish will be at a pub to watch the race proper and enjoy free beer and frites.

+1. Wave bye bye to the tatters that are left of this countries cycle industry.

Yes, I expect it may go the way of this country's interest in precise spelling.

Dreamed I could skid the other night. But alas, still cannot.

Left em with nothing but a partridge in a pear tree.

I like this, but on 250+ miles and no sleep, I'd be doa, if not before. I know it misses the all-in-one day point, but I'd add an overnight ferry, i.e. leave London on Friday around 4pm, ride to Portsmouth (90miles), overnight ferry to Le Havre leaving 11pm, arriving 8am, then ride to Paris (125miles), arriving Saturday before 4pm. Train home Sunday. 24 hours is possible. No sleeping in hedges. My two cents.

Eat less, exercise more.

:)

No, really, what's the advice?

I can give you some great advice for loosing weight without actually reducing eating. I lost at least 12kg for the etape and it made a massive difference.
I'm pretty scared of the marmotte now, just finished the etape and it was very hard! I still want to do it though!

What's the advice?

Slight complication with virgin trains: "Bike Reservations - We have special bike storage areas on-board our trains with space for up to 4 bikes or 2 tandems. Due to limited space you will need to book a reservation for your bike before you travel. The service is free and can be made at any booking office or by calling 08457 222 333. We regret that it is currently not possible to make bike reservations online."

When do you need to/ can you register for Marmotte? I thought I read something about signing up until just before the date?

What's wrong with it? They were once owned by Honda.

Tools - usually not a bad thing to have at a bike shop.

I'm on an older black Cervelo, likely off the back somewhere, trying not to get caught by the sweep car.

Hardly riding... would be great to be able to close roads.

Definitely keep it inside somewhere. Best not to leave a nice bike anywhere outside, even well locked.

I did the last 30 miles of a ride a few weeks ago in a storm that closed the north circular. Once past the saturation point, it's fun.

Me and a couple of mates are doing it.

Did it last year and it was tough but enjoyable hence the return fixture. Weather was baking hot, roads were quiet apart from one dodgy dual carriageway stretch and it was well organised.

Just signed up. Baking hot would better than pissing down, as it is here, now.

i see your chris bishop and raise you a harold bishop

Topped by a pair of cardinals:

Cranking Away

Can't do that weekend. Would need to be 25 or 26 July.

My new record is 255km (DD + Ipswich + home and back), up from about 60km. This is further than I've ever ridden geared. Don't know if I would do it again.

Never ridden a sportive before, but thinking about this: www.touroftheblackmountains.com, mostly because its on the right weekend. There are some comments about last year's on this thread, but can't tell if anyone has done it? Any good?

You do need a decent base layer to wear inside your padded pants, yes.

Which bike:

• geared - fast and comfy,but have broken two spokes on the rear wheel on it in the last two months (the second one on Tues) and wouldn't want to replace another on the road or
  
• fixed - reliable, but less comfy and longest ride has been about 35 miles?
  

1. bike
   
2. eyeliner
   
3. sunblock
   
4. two house bricks (useful for propping up the bike and for sorting out bent cranks, wheels or track-ends)
   
5. bike mechanic stand for emergencies
   
6. 2 packs of Camel
   
7. a pair of tights
   
8. Cheese board. Requests considered.
   
9. Halos (so we can count as Jaygee's disciples)
   
10. A selection of whiskies.
    
11. Fake moustache in case spotted RLJ.
    
12. 800 rupees to barter with the locals
    
13. Pool Ball in a football sock/ chain whip (fighting off the hackney locals / packing the lycra after a cold night/ changing gears)
    
14. Speedoes/ short skirt (hitching a ride in case of mech)