RideLondon-Surrey 100 (2014!!!) Anyone?
- Thread starter jdtate101
- Start date
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Globalti
Legendary Member
Must admit I'm beginning to lose heart... we can't drive down from Lancashire (Mrs Gti can't sit thanks to a bad back) so must take the train. We have booked the bike on the trains out and back but I've now decided that since we have to leave our stuff at the hotel on Monday before our afternoon train back, it will be much more secure to pack the bike in the travel case - does that count as a bike on the train? Where will it be carried? We are travelling down early on Saturday and have to change at Coventry, and now I discover that the line from Hemel Hempstead to Euston will be closed - will that affect us? The forecast isn't good, my knee is sore, London will be expensive and I know we won't sleep well at the hotel, it's beginning to look just like the obstacle course posted by PK99 above. It would be so much cheaper and less stressful just to stay at home and go for a nice ride in the wild and empty Bowland Fells, straight from my front door and unmolested by 31,999 other cyclists.
sleaver
Veteran
Well, I've decided that I will be able to get acroos London one way or another on Saturday so my attention has now changed to staying warm and dry. I've done a 3 hour plus 20 mile marathon training run in constant snow but have never been out in the rain much on the bike, let alone for 6+ hours.
When I ran in the snow, I just wore a base layer, long sleeved top and a windproof jacket. Would I therefore be safe in thinking that if the weather was bad, a base layer, jersey and an Endura Pakajak will serve me well or would I need something else considering the temp may still be around 20?
If it is raining, is anyone going to take leg warmers? Or could they just end up getting wet if it is raining all day and defeat the purpose of having them?
On the positive side, I read in the news that because forecasters don't actually know what is happening with this storm, they are being cautious. So it may never happen and if I have to spend money on anything extra to stay dry, you can bet it won't rain knowing my luck.
When I ran in the snow, I just wore a base layer, long sleeved top and a windproof jacket. Would I therefore be safe in thinking that if the weather was bad, a base layer, jersey and an Endura Pakajak will serve me well or would I need something else considering the temp may still be around 20?
If it is raining, is anyone going to take leg warmers? Or could they just end up getting wet if it is raining all day and defeat the purpose of having them?
On the positive side, I read in the news that because forecasters don't actually know what is happening with this storm, they are being cautious. So it may never happen and if I have to spend money on anything extra to stay dry, you can bet it won't rain knowing my luck.
SteveBM
Senior Member
- Location
- Rayleigh, Essex
Unless we're going to see rain of biblical proportions I'm happier in regular cycling shorts and a jersey. Base layers and leg warmers just hold in the moisture. You're not going to get cold with the physical exertion. Maybe that's just me
I'll pack a lightweight rain jacket in case the heavens open
I'll pack a lightweight rain jacket in case the heavens open
w00hoo_kent
One of the 64K
- Location
- Maidstone or Greenwich
Do what you think is best, but make sure you are honest with yourself about why you made the decision. The atmosphere, the closed roads and the chance to ride past so much iconic stuff would be a hard one for me to miss. Everyone says turning in to the Mall is like nothing else you've ever experienced. I'm looking forward to that while ignoring the 04:20 wake up time (downside of being close enough to do it in a day) and the possible rain.
Other Sportives, I've looked at and gone 'wait, £50 quid to ride roads in conditions I could just go and ride for free? What?' but Ride London offers a lot more than that.
If I was serious about saying 'no', I'd register a medical, at least it leaves next year open to you.
sleaver
Veteran
@SteveBM Thanks, that is what I was thinking but just wanted to check. I live near Gatwick Airport, so close(ish) to Surrey Hills and it was chucking it down this morning but is now sunny. If it chucks it down, it hopefully won't be all day and 100 miles is quite a distance for weather to change in various parts.
Globalti
Legendary Member
I'm less worried about rain (have done 7 + 5 hour Polaris trailquests in pouring rain with an overnight camp) but more worried about bike security and the travel logistics.
If it looks like heavy rain I will fit the Crud guards to the bike and take a lightweight rain shell.
If it looks like heavy rain I will fit the Crud guards to the bike and take a lightweight rain shell.
w00hoo_kent
One of the 64K
- Location
- Maidstone or Greenwich
Security, I'm going with a lightweight lock and not leaving anything precious on the bike. There will be plenty of unlocked bikes there for the opportunist thief to go for should there be any so inclined. I'm not expecting to be away from the bike for any length of time during the event and the start and finish points really should be secure. There's specifically a secure bike park at the finish.
Your travel sounds like a monster, and the rail closures really can't help. I can see why that one is giving you cause for concern and the only positive I can give you is at least you'll be getting the travelling there over and done with the day before.
michaelcycle
Senior Member
- Location
- London
And so it shall be written.
According to the weather forecast for today it was supposed to be raining all this morning with a chance of a thunderstorm. Sitting here in Laaaaaandon there is not a raindrop or storm to be seen. It is overcast with the sun peeking out on occasion. If it is like this on Sunday I will be pretty happy.
On a more irritating note I seem to have developed a niggle in my left knee. It hasn't troubled me all year and now with a few days to go it decides to make a visit...
vickster
Legendary Member
RICE asap (and ibuprofen)
sleaver
Veteran
I've now brought a lock but I'll probably have it at the start before putting it in my bag that's going to the finish to use at the secure bike park to make it a bit more secure.
Just one (possibly daft) question, those with locks, will you be locking your bike to use a portaloo and if so, where will you lock it to or is it just more as a deterrent?
Just one (possibly daft) question, those with locks, will you be locking your bike to use a portaloo and if so, where will you lock it to or is it just more as a deterrent?
w00hoo_kent
One of the 64K
- Location
- Maidstone or Greenwich
Oh yes, salmoning up the southbound bore no less.
