Steam powered Brighton run

[Marek]

I rode some of the way and got a couple of good tows. Some of those cars are awesome, am sure one of then had wooden wheels, this one car had two blokes in it, one guy was having to lean over to the side everytime they went around the corner, think this was to stop them skidding or falling over. Was great fun to watch from close range.

Didn't need to follow the route signs, just follow the oil slick.

Cheers

Marek....

[Rob Taylor]

great ride down to Brighton and back:

[img]http://i35.tinypic.com/21j7mti.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i35.tinypic.com/209q1qt.jpg[/img]

greeting down in Brighton wasnt too bad either

[img]http://i36.tinypic.com/fb9gep.jpg[/img]

[Mike I]

Fantastic ride down, and thanks to Nick, Rob and Ben for the banter along the way. I'm not usually a fan of crowds lining the route waving small union flags, but today I was prepared to make an exception. Sadly, the Daily Wail goody bag contained no drinks bottle, no energy gel and no citrus degreaser, so I politely declined.

There may be tales of high speed blow-outs and garden fences on the way back, but not from me ...

[Andrew G]

When I saw the weather today I was dead jealous I wasn't going to be able to make it this year, it is such fun riding with these old cars. Mind you at least a couple took a wrong turning as I saw 2 chugging down the M23 hard shoulder when I was on my way to the SCCU lunch. Fortunately they didn't have any cyclists tucked up behind them .

[Nick W]

A great atmosphere all the way down as well as some friendly tows from the particpants.

A puncture in the Gatwick area was a slight dampener although the overcast skies on the way down gave way to bright sunshine on the outskirts of Brighton. A quick look at the cars followed by a snack beside a flat calm sea saw us ready for the return via what I think is the "usual" route home over Devil's Dyke, Wineham, Warninglid, Hammerwood, Colgate and the club run in reverse through Rusper.

Yes, a reasonably hairy moment passing Hammerwood lake. Coming down the hill I was carrying a bit too much speed in to the "causeway" and was pleased to see no traffic coming the other way when entering this narrow section. However, as the road flattened the rear hit something and bang, snakebite time, down went my rear tyre. Not a problem perhaps if intending to carry on straight but there was the right hander at the end of the "causeway" (perhaps 20m away) and with the rear now flat and very limited steering available, I was unable make the bend at the far end and faced. A "decision" as to what I "wanted" to hit was required. Corner of panel fence or stockade style cattle fencing. Hmm. Tricky.

Thankfully I managed to scrub off enough speed through the front and make an inelegant dive at the stockade. Not a stopping option I would normally recommend and this has confirmed it. Still cannot work out why Rob, Ben and Mike weren't laughing when they rolled up!

The second tube change was marred immediately by being the inner being a duffer (beggers can't be choosers!) and a third changeover was required. Thank goodness for Mike's proper pump.

Ben and Rob stayed strong until the final stages although Mike and I were wilting a little. We stopped at the petrol station before the Merstham drag for some liquids - a much needed coke in my case.

Thankfully my third puncture of the day (this time in the front) was a slow one and I got home without any further drama. Conti four seasons on order!

Definitely one for the diary next year, weather permitting etc and thanks to Mike, Ben and Rob for a good day in the saddle.

[Andrew G]

Yoinks Nick that sounds a bit hairy. Good of you to collect all the punctures for everyone.

[Ben]

One of the best Brighton rides of the year, lots of fun being towed down there, especially with some of the car owners encouraging you to jump on.
Normally I wouldn't want to go anywhere near the A23, in the run into Brighton but sat behind a vintage car, as they wound it up, was great fun.
Good ride home, though the lanes, this time I was being towed along by Nick, Mike and Rob. Run out of petrol nr Merstham, I need to increase my 0.3 horsepower of an engine. I'll definitely do the ride again next year. Were the Merlin Rouge girls there to greet us or the car rally ?

[Mike I]

[quote]The second tube change was marred immediately by being the inner being a duffer

[quote="Ben"]One of the best Brighton rides of the year, lots of fun being towed down there, especially with some of the car owners encouraging you to jump on.
Normally I wouldn't want to go anywhere near the A23, in the run into Brighton but sat behind a vintage car, as they wound it up, was great fun.

[Ian A4size]

Amy.... on behalf of the others ... i would like to extend a warm welcome......

Yes I know it should be a capital "i"

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Sorry I missed it - the first time for many years (Marco...) that I haven't followed the old crocks down (no reference to the clubrun there) but I was occupied by home/family/birthday duties.

Already in the calendar for next year.

Amy - wasn't that the most awful day - glad we decided to turn back at Crawley, but nearly sliding into the policeman was amusing

Guru P

[Amy]

[quote="Ian MunneryA1size"]Amy.... on behalf of the others ... i would like to extend a warm welcome......

Yes I know it should be a capital "i"