LondonSkaters Speed Team - Speed Skating & Rollerblading Club in London

dan_b · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 1933

Anyone fancy this one? I've never ridden around there myself, but apparently it's an Audax route, which should mean it's mostly minor roads and little traffic.

No fixed date: thinking about the next available dryish Saturday. Billericay's 30 minutes on the train from Liverpool St, for those who don't live far enough East to ride to the start (i.e. everyone except Ray).

http://www.orchid-cancer.org.uk/index.aspx?file=E-sponsored-cycle is where I found the map, tho obviously most of the information (sponsorship, etc) doesn't apply to us. If anyone knows the area, feel free to comment.

Ray · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2007 11:53 pm Subject:

Looks like a nice route - I've ridden a number of these roads in the last couple on months. Gently rolling hills mainly (tho I've not done the Finchingfield to Thaxted bit. Anyway I'm up for it if the agreed date is ok.

dan_b · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 1933

Ha, I found the directions too. http://www.orchid-cancer.org.uk/pdf/100_mile_route_guide.pdf

Rick · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 7:49 am Subject:

Sounds good. Date dependant, I am in.

Mikey-two-Names · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 3460

I'm keen - I can do Sunday 2nd, Sunday 16th, or Sunday 30th December.

andyman · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 9:48 am Subject:

Really interested in doing this also, but not sure about dates. Will have a good look into it and post.

FYI I saw a very similar route to this on either the CTC routes directory or one of the cycling mags (probably Cycling Weekly) suggested routes. I will try and dig out info as it will supplement what you already have

sol · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 10:35 am Subject:

OOOH! I'm interested, subject to bike loan from Andy Pandy Laughing

Christophe · Joined: 26 Feb 2004 Posts: 1268

Interested, but how long would it take to complete (wholly or partly)? Issue, as I see it, is daylight still decreasing atm? (getting dark before 4pm or so those days innit?)

dan_b · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 1933

That would depend on how fast we ride, really, but bike lights definitely recommended. 8am start (sunrise, approximately), 12.5mph average ~ 4pm finish (sunset), or with a 15mph average ~ 3pm finish. Add on time for stops (I assume we'd want lunch at some point) and we'd be doing quite well to get back before dark.

Tom · Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 356 Location: Holland Park

Some very nice pubs in and around Saffron Walden for lunch, and parts of the run from there back to Billericay are pretty nice. Also the worlds most non-secret, secret nuclear bunker is in Kelvedon Hatch.

Ray · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 11:47 pm Subject:

I see that this event took place in June this year - loads of daylight hours.

Perhaps the 75 mile route would be more suitable for mid-winter

Mikey-two-Names · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 3460

Nothing wrong with having some of the ride in the dark. You just need proper lights.

dan_b · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 1933

So, dates I'm thinking of are 1/2nd, 8/9th or 22/23rd. I think there'll be more takers for Saturdays because of Sunday Tatem sessions, and am favouring the 8th because it's more than a week's notice and it's not nearly-Christmas. But I'm flexible

- Who's available for which dates?
- Who'd rather do the shorter (75 mile) route and have a better chance of getting back in daylight?

andyman · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 3:04 pm Subject:

Looks like I will be able to do the 8/9 weekend, not sure which day. Should be able to confirm by tomorrow.

Def cannot do 1/2 and as Dan says 22/23 is too close to Christmas

Mikey-two-Names · Joined: 24 Feb 2004 Posts: 3460

I can do the 22nd at this point, if it has to be a Saturday.