London to Southend this Sunday....

So, who's doing this and what times are you hoping for?
This will be my first time on a road bike. I have done it on an old MTB with MTB tyres and managed 3hrs 43 last time and I was hoping to get that down to 3:20 on road bike... thats about 18mph.
Guess that wil be dependant on whether the wind is blowing in the right direction.
Its a great atmosphere when you get to Priory Park and the trains are so much better organised and convenient (compared to the ghastly london-brighton)
This will be my first time on a road bike. I have done it on an old MTB with MTB tyres and managed 3hrs 43 last time and I was hoping to get that down to 3:20 on road bike... thats about 18mph.
Guess that wil be dependant on whether the wind is blowing in the right direction.
Its a great atmosphere when you get to Priory Park and the trains are so much better organised and convenient (compared to the ghastly london-brighton)
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Have you had your race pack from Bikeevents yet, I've had nothing thru the post at all??
The atmosphere is great at the end, beers and fantastic hamburgers, jazz band, massages
I was aiming for a time of under 4 and a half hours on my road bike - I'm moderstaly fit and put in quite a few miles on the bike so I would have thought such a time achievable but given that the previous poster referred to above pretty much described it as a sportive I'm not so sure now :oops:
(there doesn't seem to be smiley that neatly sums up suddenly worried and slightly nauseas)
Every year, people who do not get on a bike from one year to the next complete it. I met someone who took a leisurly 10 hours!!! That said, there are a lot who do it in 2.5hrs and ride back... i wave at them :oops:
If you do get tired, pull over and have a break.... enjoy the day.
Just my luck, my car will be at the finish line..... :?
weather is looking good too
That was quick, are you watching me :shock:
i had an email... since i am at work, any reason to deviate from my work
Then I hope nobody's watching you!!
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12577467
I'll send people to this one as it's longer.
It is a great ride and if you're worried about the contant climbing, don't be. There are a couple of hills that aren't much fun - one at Chigwell as you leave London and one about five miles from the finish. Someone sent me a copy of there gpx data from last year's ride and although this is from their home, it does give you an idea of the ups and downs but they look worse than they really are http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/61932
It really is a great ride though. Here's my exploits from last year: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.listAll&friendID=213131637&startID=288832498&StartPostedDate=2007-07-17%2015:45:00&next=1&page=1&Mytoken=4673EC1B-DAC2-4C81-AEE3712A14DF42131084238
Latest weather forecast (I obssess about such things):
Tony... hope that weather forecast is correct on the day!
I just hope the current forecast from Metcheck is right. If we time it right, almost a constant tailwind
http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/dayforecast.asp?zipcode=london&day=6
"Where? I'm low on gas and you need a jacket"
Here's hoping the sun is out...
What time are you hoping for this time? I see you were 4:30 last time and you have another year under your belt.
Hopefully I will be there.
ps can anyone suggest a map (if there's one in existence) that covers the entire route and, obviously, details the minor roads to be covered - I'm considering riding back but my navigation skills are poor.
here it is.. on this site !!!
Many thanks.
Is it a nightmare getting back on the train?
http://www.bike-events.com/Ride.aspx?id=165
The london brighton one is a nightmare as they ban the bikes i think on train so you have to get mini busses !!
Turn up for about 7:00(ish) -> Register -> Start at around 07:30/08:00 -> Cycle to Southend -> Have a beer -> come home?
What are the roads like - do you get much traffic/bother from cars, etc?
Thanks
RC
pretty traffic free once out london and untill you reach hullbridge, but there are so many cyclists that the cars are fine and its a once a year event so they are no problem and warned well in advance
Where do you get these from?
Cheers.
RC