RideLondon-Surrey 100 (2014!!!) Anyone?

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w00hoo_kent

One of the 64K
So, do I go and spend a load of cash on new overshoes (current ones have holes) plus some new waterproof tights / trousers - Or do I man up.

PS, I am putting my mudguards back on, you can't stop me
I'd man up. I have no mudguards, I will endeavour to spray you if I get close...
 

sleaver

Veteran
Went to pick up my number this morning and while in London, my phone was saying 80% chance of rain but apart from very light drizzle for 30 seconds, there was none so there is hope yet. On the way there, I started thinking that I will probably enjoy it what ever the weather and in a way, rain will just add to the achievement.

I brought a new water resistant (they were saying they can't say proof) jacket which is better than the one I have, thin overshoes as I only have winter ones and leg warmers (Team Wiggle Honda ones but if they keep me warm, who cares). So with all that money spent, it will not officially not rain :smile: I'll see what the weather is like when I get up on Sunday and see what I need to take. Biggest decision is probably rain jacket AND gillet or just one.

Had a go on a Watt Bike and apparently I am a peanut with a lazy left leg :rolleyes:

Also got to meet Laura Trott which was good.
 

Ginger

Regular
From what I recall people saying there is a bit of cycling from the start point to the timing point so it seems likely you could find somewhere to pull over for 20 minutes. You could always fake a mechanical, shuffle your particulars for comfort or some such. I'm not sure how often the waves are heading off. Are you the same colour etc? If not you may need to make sure that everyone is together before you pause.

Looks like the start point for the timing is just at edge of Olympic Prk/A12 this year not a couple of miles down A12 like last year.
I think they have cut out a couple of miles around Surrey somewhere so probably that's the reason?
 
My road bike has no mudguards and no clearance for mudguards so that's one less decision to make!

I can deal with cycling in the rain just fine but am slightly worried about others' cycling in the rain skills...especially downhill.

I am registered...rider 3111. Very excited!

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Laura_E_Barton
 

philinmerthyr

Über Member
Good luck with the ride on Sunday ladies and gents, soak in the glory of closed roads, and enjoy the ride.

There is nothing like a challenge. Shame you aren't riding this year. I've ridden less frequently, am about a stone heavier and the weather is crap. On the bright side my start is earlier at 7:30. I must be mad but I'm really looking forward to it.

I need a bigger car to carry the kit options as the weather people are so indecisive. ☔️⚡️
 

srw

It's a bit more complicated than that...
Weather watch is getting interesting. The BBC have sunshine and heavy showers all day. The Norwegians are more definite - they think the rain will be heaviest overnight and non-descript during the day. Both services are predicting the wind to be pretty strong, moving from an Easterly at about 8am via a Southerly around lunchtime to a Westerly around 4pm.

Which, for tandems with an 8am start and expecting to take 8 hours, could be useful. Box Hill top will be exposed, as will the very top only of Newlands Corner. Otherwise I'd expect the hilly sections to be pretty sheltered, as long as there aren't trees blown down.
 

Beebo

Firm and Fruity
Location
Hexleybeef
Which, for tandems with an 8am start and expecting to take 8 hours, could be useful. Box Hill top will be exposed, as will the very top only of Newlands Corner. Otherwise I'd expect the hilly sections to be pretty sheltered, as long as there aren't trees blown down.
If trees are blowing down the organisers will have some tricky decisions to make. But that isnt going to happen.
 

Beebo

Firm and Fruity
Location
Hexleybeef
Just seen an update email from the organisers, advising on various wet weather precautions.
Dear Participant,

Predictions for Sunday’s weather are changing hourly and we have many contingencies in place, however, if it is wet on the day, please follow the advice below to ensure that you and your bike are prepared to ride safely in wet conditions…

Clothing

The complexity of getting 24,000 riders out of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park means that you have to get to the start well before your departure time – please ensure you wear appropriate clothing to keep you as warm and dry as possible.

  1. Wear (or carry) a waterproof jacket and a base layer to keep you warm as you are more likely to feel the cold in wet weather.
  2. Carry arm warmers and knee or leg warmers with you – keeping your extremities warm will help you to maintain your body temperature.
  3. If you own them, wear overshoes to keep your feet warm and dry.
  4. You should think about wearing long-fingered gloves – if the temperature is low not only will they keep your hands warm but they’ll help you to grip the brakes.
  5. Carry any valuables in a waterproof case/bag to keep them dry.
Braking

Make sure your bike has new brake pads and that the wheel rims are not too worn. Don’t ride too close to other riders – give them more space than you would normally.

Tyres

Ensure your bike has new tyres with little wear, and that they are inflated to the correct psi – 15-20psi lower than the summer maximum will increase traction. Carry extra inner tubes as you are more likely to puncture in wet weather due to debris on the road.

General Riding

Take extra care when approaching corners by braking before you arrive at the corner, not as you’re going around it. Avoid painted lines on the road and drain covers, which could be slippery. You should also keep an eye out for oily patches on the road so you can avoid them.

Descending

Take the downhills more slowly than you would usually to ensure you can see where you’re going if the visibility is poor. Stay a sensible distance from other riders.

Hydration & Nutrition

Even if you are wet on the outside it's still important to remain hydrated on the inside, so make sure you drink regularly. You’re likely to eat less when it’s cold so you should also try hard to stick to your nutrition plan and aim to eat regularly too.

Mudguards

If you have them, fit them – others (and your rear) will appreciate it!

Whatever the weather on Sunday, we hope you have a really amazing day!

Best wishes

The Prudential RideLondon Team
 

sleaver

Veteran
I think I'm prepared food/drink wise for breakfast and the ride.

image.jpg

Now slightly worried about pocket sizes considering clothing options as well :scratch:
 
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