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

[Nomadski]

@Nomadski
Doesn't feel like a year since our first meet up pre-London100!
This year I'll be watching it on the telly

I know! Having a drink, and walking around the Olympic Park. Think we got lucky with the weather though!

I've done a reasonable number of sportives over the past 5/6 years, normally they are "just another ride" but somehow, this one is different, and the nervous tension is palpable - been on edge all day!

Definitely not just another ride. Closed roads makes a humongous difference, takes a while to get used to, and start using the 'wrong' side of the road.

I hope with the weather you still get a good turnout of people, especially in Dorking and the return part of Kingston. They make such a difference too. I'm working an early shift tomorrow, but hopefully can make it to the Wimbledon Hill in the afternoon.

Am so jealous!!!!!

 

[w00hoo_kent]

Good luck to everyone else taking part, I guess most of you won't see this until after. Just eating first breakfast, car is sat packed outside, Drop Off point for half five or so. See some of you out there, I'll wave :-)

 

[benb]

Urgh, it's early.
Didn't sleep all that well, but excited about today.

Good luck everyone.

 

[EltonFrog]

Terrible nights sleep! Awful instant porridge for breakfast, it's pissing down, it's gonna be great!

Have a great day.

 

[sleaver]

I didn't know that this part of the day existed

I am quite nervous to say the least.

Anyway, better get ready, people were saying it took 20 minutes to get out of this hotel last year. Good luck everyone.

 

[User33236]

On their Facebook page they have confirmed that they have shortened the route. Now 86 miles without Leith and Box hills

 

[Nomadski]

A real shame. I suppose they have taken a sensible decision, taking into account the downhill sections.

Also with the very heavy localised rain (I've been working at Gatwick since even earlier today and it was absolutely belting down) there will almost certainly be flooding issues or at the least moving surface water on the roads.

I'm seeing a lot of angry comments on the ridelondon Facebook page, but I don't think many of them really understand how dangerous it will be.

Anyway, it's one hell of a challenge doing the course in this weather so it's hasn't diluted the achievement.

Go to it people!

 

[Phoenix Lincs]

Good luck everybody. Been trying to find tv coverage, but can't see anything until 2pm. Stay safe (or, as I suspect most of you are out there now, hope you stayed safe)
PL x

 

[Ollie W]

Good luck all, be safe out there. I can't believe the stupidity of those kicking off on Facebook - they'd be just as grumpy if it was ruined by a pileup on the hills, wouldn't they?!

 

[Cuchilo]

Eeeeeeewwwww its proper raining , the wet type
Good luck to everyone and stay safe
I cant believe there is no live coverage on the tv or online !

 

[Dogtrousers]

You can track your friends at http://results.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/2014/
It's not exactly live TV coverage, but the bonus is that it doesn't involve Phil Liggett.

 

[jefmcg]

Raining hard in Twickenham ... they made a good call.

Edit: And according to the facebook page, riders started crossing the finish around 9.30

 

[themosquitoking]

Just heard thunder over south London.

 

[Beebo]

I'm home, i'm alive, but I've still got water in my ears! I have never ridden in rain that bad for that long.

Shame about the weather and the lack of hills, but it was very very wet, and visibility was poor.

Not sure on my official time, but my rough guess is about 4hours 40mins, for the 86 miles, which isnt too bad in those conditions. The speedy guys would have smashed 4 hours.

I felt very sorry for the late starters, i was coming through Kingston and the guys on the other side of the road were still heading out into surrey at 10.15.

Will do a better write up later.

 

[BrumJim]

Interesting reading other peoples plans, as it would appear the majority of you are based around the London area. I live in between Stratford upon Avon and Evesham.

So, in conclusion, from a non Londoner, the logistics of getting there and back cheaply, are much bigger and expensive than the ride itself. And as for the hills, I'm not worried, all you London cyclists are invited to do the Malvern Mad-Hatter, 103 miles 7000ft gain rating 3.5/5. It doesn't finish in front of a palace, and you can't get there on the tube I'm afraid.

Booked up for this - 103 mile route, and looks as though we are doing part of the ToB route.