by mrP(Boonen)VT » Mon Mar 17, 2008 1:43 pm
[quote]For those of you who don't know the form - here's the basics. The FNRttC runs monthly from spring to late autumn. It's a Cheam and Morden CTC ride. Most of the rides go to Brighton, but we'll be doing Southend in April and Wittering in May. The ride sets off from Hyde Park Corner at midnight. We wander, as a group, through Chelsea, Clapham, Tooting and Mitcham. At Mitcham there's a bit of spreading out, but the quicker riders stop and wait from time to time. We leave the lit roads and head over the hill at Chipstead, then zoom, decorously, downhill to Reigate. Most of us travel at a conversational pace, and, while, once again, there's a bit of spreading out, we do collect every three miles or so. We head down Lonesome Lane and have a coffee break around Gatwick. The second half of the ride is much the same - we go down B roads, small lanes, one bit of (easy) off road, keeping a gentle pace, and stopping for the occasional chat. The rides are timed to co-incide with the full moon, so there's usually a good deal of light about. We gather at the foot of Ditchling Beacon, ride to the top, look at the view and the drift happily into Brighton, where most of us take a train to London. We've had people who have never been on a CTC ride, never ridden at night, and quite a few who have never ridden sixty miles before. For some it's an adventure, for others it's a chance to chat and ride at the same time, and for some of us it's a bit of romance. There isn't a timetable, and it's definitely not about the bike - spokeydokeys are allowed, if not encouraged. The age range is 5 to 66. We have expert Tail End Charlies who help with mechanicals, and ensure that nobody gets left behind. Pre-registration is a must, and you have to have good lights (and the batteries to go with them). Clothing needs a bit of thought. It's always a bit colder than you think - particularly if you're a Londoner. A few light layers, that can be peeled off if need be is the smart way to go, and if the weather forecast gives a hint of rain a waterproof is de rigeur. Think about gloves. Please give your tyres a look over - punctures are very infrequent, but they do throw the ride out of kilter. To pre-register PM me with your name, your CTC number (if you have one), and your mobile number. There's a wealth of threads on ACF that will give you a flavour. We've had people describe this as the best bicycle ride of their lives. People dine out on it. Few, if any, will not be entranced by the mist lifting under an orange sunrise in Sussex. It is, genuinely, a delight
Replace sunrise with snowstorm.....
Might come across a few ACC'ers enjoying a Good Friday ride on my way back home, otherwise see you on Saturday.
