LondonSkaters Speed Team - Speed Skating & Rollerblading Club in London

EdP · Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 481

I don’t know how much you chaps enjoy long distances (or can contemplate anything other than a perfectly smooth track) but I did London to Cambridge (60 miles) on Sunday and it was brilliant. Like the London to Brighton it is an organised bike ride with the route well signed and marshals at the biggest junctions. The cyclists are much fewer in number and much more competent than L2B, the surfaces are significantly better overall and the hills are all easily manageable (though still great fun).

There is mile upon mile of long straights - baring junctions in London and Cambridge (and apart from pulling into the rest stops) I don't think I had to slow down once.

There are about 5 rest stops along the way for filling up your water bottles/taking a leak/buying energy bars and food etc and almost no traffic to contend with. What very few cars there are on route, are always driving with caution and slowed down by the many cyclists riding two abreast. There is even a lovely pub with a decent carvery at the end.

I’d definitely recommend that you all consider it when it swings back around next year. It was also ace to get 60 more miles in 100mm wheels under my belt.

ed! · Posted: Tue Jul 27, 2010 12:03 pm Subject:

Thanks for the field report - speaking as someone who always has a word or two to say about events, it makes for a good read!

There are a few people here that like doing that sort of thing...after L2B a few years ago, it had put me off.
I could be persuaded to give one of the L2x trips a go in future, should it not clash with anything.

Barrie · Joined: 21 May 2006 Posts: 1338 Location: Putney

Sounds like something I might do next year if there's a lil' gang for company...

L2B alwsys seems like too much hard work and risk shortly before Le Mans...

EdP · Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 481

george · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 567 Location: Paris

Thanks for mentioning this event edP
I will put this one onto my calendar for 2011.

Very Happy

and how long did it take you to complete the 60 miles?

dan_b · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 2417

We have done that one in the past as a completely unofficial club event: see here - http://www.londonspeedskaters.com/forums/-Long-Distance-London-to-Cambridge-Octobre--t2563.php?postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=cambridge

Admittedly, starting in Hertford pretty much cuts the route in half.

EdP · Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 481

Cat · Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 172

Also great for slowbies like me who are too scared to tackle L2B and had no idea what over 26 miles on skates felt like! Will definitely be going back for more next year....

EdP · Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 481

Bump! This is in just over three weeks - who fancies going along?

matty · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 7:42 am Subject:

tempting

Selena · Joined: 05 Mar 2010 Posts: 206 Location: London

we'll be going along again Very Happy

ed! · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 8:42 am Subject:

Hmmm...yes, I think I can be persuaded. Just seen that it's the 24th of July, which I think works out.

What's the deal, do people officially register with this, or just pay a donation?

RichardH · Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 207

I registered last year but it was possible on the day, at the start. Wasn't any need to pre-register. Wait and see the weather forecast I reckon.

A paceline all the way to Cambridge would be pretty cool though Wink

EdP · Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 481

Van · Joined: 10 Nov 2008 Posts: 221 Location: London