9th October Daren Send off Ride

[Marek]

On the 9th October we have planned a long ride down to Eastbourne, across to Brighton and then back to Croydon.

Why I hear you cry, are you mad. Well, with Daren heading off back to New Zealand soon we have decided to send him off in the best way possible by having an epic Etape like ride.

We are intending to keep to a speed of around 28kmph or 17mph for the ride, so this should be feasable for a large number of the riders out on a Saturday.

On initial calculations the ride looks to be around 120 to 130 miles. It is therefore going to take some time to finish. We are intending on starting from Geoffrey Butlers at 8.00am down a well planned route, which is not too hilly and should be very pleasant in terms of scenary.

We will stop in Eastbourne for lunch, or even stop off at Burger King on the way down as well for David Findlay as he does not get out much and thinks BK is a high class outfit, who are we to argue with delights such as a double whopper, Daves favourite evening meal.

The distance is obviously the main achievement, but for those who don't have it in them I think there is a good railway station at East Croydon, so Luke after GBs you can always head off for EC station to get back home.

Once in Brighton this is probably a good point to make the decision as to whether or not you have it in you to make it back to Croydon. Well, if you haven't done enough training.........

Hope as many of you can come as possible so that we can make this a good send off for Daren.

Cheers

Marek...

p.s. if you intend to come it would be helpful if you post so that we know if we should wait for you before we leave, but we ain't going to wait until 9am Dave.

[Nick]

I should be back in the saddle by then (All things going well!) so count me in, hopefully on new BIKE ....?

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Marek et al
I was going to suggest a Brighton ride that day, so Eastbourne sounds good.
I did it last year with Robert Wilson - we got to Brighton, decided to ride along the coast to Lewes, missed the turning and ended up in Eastbourne!!!! Hilly ride back though, over the Ashdown - what route do you intend to take - keeping off the main roads I hope???
Paul

[gary cox]

When i was riding with Addiscombe in the 70"s this route was a favourite of John smiths. H e rode it on around a 76in fixed!!! Take gears!!!

[David Findlay]

I will take a map of all BKs in the area just in case we need to stop earlier. Not that this will be of any value to Marek or Daren. As they both treat there bodies like temples, they will no doubt be stopping off at the local pet food store instead for some trill and sunflower seeds.

I will also take some horse repellant for Marek as the attraction they have for him could jeopardise such a large peleton.

[siwickm]

I know you find me attractive Dave, but you should not put yourself down, (although I would refer to you more of a Donkey or Ass as opposed to a horse).

That T Mobile kit really is attracting the wrong sort of people, maybe I should revert back to my Cippolini outfit!!!

Cheers

Marek....

[Tamar]

Count me in - great start to the winter training.

[Ian A4size]

Couldn't we just send Darren off and we'll just pootle off to the cafe, he will be there before us any way, what say we train down to Eastbourne, lash it up and train back?
Give us some idea of the route big fella-
I reckon I am up for it as long as its not p*55**g down , cant get the new bike wet yet or I'll need counselling!

[Marek]

After much discussion on distance and scenary etc we decided on a route as follows:

GBs
Addington
Titsey Hill (Down it)
Limpsfield
Crockham Hill (Down it)
Edenbridge
Hartfield
Maresfield
A22 down to Eastbourne (apparently not too busy on this stretch and good roads according to those in the know)
Beachy Head
Coast Road to Brighton
Brighton back to Croydon via Devils Dyke

How does that sound, on the day if someone knows a route from Maresfield down to Eastbourne that is not too much longer than the A22 and is pleasant then we can take that instead.

See what consensus is on the day.

Cheers

Marek....

[David Findlay]

Route looks good. I vote we stick with it.

[David Findlay]

no more takers??

Dont miss out on this gentle spin..

[Ian A4size]

I will get joanna to look up train times home from Eastbourne in case anyone wants to go halfway.
I was suprised at the amount of people who done the L2B, and most of them had not posted a reply and we had about 40 on that, BTW a belated thanks to Darren for doing the shephards job on the ride home.
I think people are a little worried at the pace you guys can set and it is quite a long ride, but I would have thought most of the club regulars would be able to cope.
Is there an emergency plan to take in case of appaling weather?, perhaps a pub run, they do sell coke and lemonade for Marek and Darren- maybe they could play on the swings whilst we get mortal!
I hate riding in the rain as it ruins me hair!

[Paul on the Pearson]

I'll be up for it. I checked the weather on a few sites. One said rain so I got a second opinion and that said sunny so hopefully it'll be alright.
I'll probably be getting the train back from Brighton.
PS Probably means probably definately.

[Rob]

i rode today from brighton along to eastbourne via coast roads and the all the way back to brighton via dual carriageway A27
the carriageway was windy, very flat,but felt very dangerous cos coaches and lorries were driving a little to close to me, and ive never actually been worried on a road before!

as for the coast road, its like riding off at the start of the saturday club rub, that kind of traffic. but its amazing. constant up and down, lovely views, and i can only pray for you guys that it isnt windy!
i did it monday, it was windy, dangerous, and bloody slow!
onve you get past peacehaven you got some real lovelycountry side,but once again, some bitch hills. the route from brighton to eastbourne via coast is harder though if you do it eastbourne to brighton. i loved it, a nice 25mile cycle down to old people heaven, and im sure some ofyoufitter ones wont even see halfof the hills!

oh, and make sure u stay single file at all times, the roads arent wide, and have loads of buses are lorries, and you dont wanna go pissing thpse big guys off!

also, keep good distance if its windy and stay away from the curb!

[Stephen Bayliss]

Hey guys,

I've noticed you're riding to Eastbourne, along to Brighton and then home via the Devils Dyke. An epic ride sounds like a great way to send darren off!

I have to say though that the route you have chosen is really busy! You should stay away from the A roads if you're in a group. I'm not being a know-it-all or anything, but the A22 and A27 will be terrible to ride on.

How about going to Brighton the nice way through the lanes (Rusper, Bucks Head, Warninglid, Wineham, Albourne, Hurstpierpoint to Ditchling - Great cafe there -Dollys Pantry!! Then up Ditchling Beacon to Brighton. You can go home via the Ashdown or Barcombe, Danehill and Ardingly )

For me Ditchling and back is a 100 mile ride easily (back to Carshalton).

Anyway, have a good ride and say goodbye to Darren for me (I'm off at a running race)