Ride London 2016

WalkDontRun

Hi. New to this forum and fairly new to cycling (commute 8 miles to work and 8 miles back, 3-4 days a week for the last 8 or so months).

In a fit of [likely] mis-placed enthusiasm I signed up for the Surrey100. Have been terrified lately by thoughts of Box Hill, so I decided to push a bit on my commute this morning. There is one hill on the commute that I always struggle on, and another that I don't find easy but always doable. I had to walk the last of the tough (for me!) hill, but putting in a bit of an effort throughout was a bit of a buzz. I've basically been waiting since lunchtime to have another go, and thinking of little else.

This is not productive work-wise.

Also, I now have Leith Hill to add to my worry list!

milemuncher1

antonyfromoz wrote:

Milemuncher1 wrote:

MattPillinger wrote:

I am in serious envy of the sub 4:00 -4:15 guys. As noted above these are essentially pro peloton pace and no doubt they were in bunches, but then so are most of the pro-peloton.

I did 4:56, without being in a formed group, but equally there are lots of other riders around. For me the thing that makes it blisteringly quick is that the road surfaces are very good and not having to slow down for roundabouts, traffic lights etc and then speed up again.

On a normal 100 I reckon I would go under 6:00, but not by much, so the effect of closed roads is worth somewhere between 15 & 20% I think

You're quite right, the closed roads are an absolute blessing. I wouldn't call it mountainous, but it's not "a flat course" by any stretch of anyone's imagination. As with any 'sportive' you always get the wannabe pro racers. I tend to treat it like any other 100 mile ride, make sure I get to see some sights, have a chat with anyone who wants to, along the way, take in the atmosphere of the bits that go through the towns. Last year I even stopped in the little village before box hill, and sampled the barbecue they had, on the village green. It sorted me out a treat for the last bit of the ride. That's the thing with 'Sportives' it's not a race, there is a time limit ( sort of ) but it's very generous, so different people get different things out of it. This event is even quite a good way to raise some money for charity.

I must admit that I have never really understood the appeal of signing up to do a ride like this and then being effectively dragged around by a large group in a time that you would not ever be capable of reaching under your own power. I have heard people talking proudly about how quickly they have ridden a certain ride when they have spent minimal time at the front of the group. It might just be me but sitting drafting and looking at the rear end of the rider in front of you for the duration of the ride has no appeal whatsoever. And what ever time I get I know that I earned it rather than managing to hang on to a group that were better riders than me. I used to note this when i did triathlons - people boasting about their new personal records achieved after buying all the aero speed assistance they could afford. Put them back on their old equipment and they probably wouldn't be any quicker... As I said though, it might just be me...

No, I think you are about right.

milemuncher1

WalkDontRun wrote:

Hi. New to this forum and fairly new to cycling (commute 8 miles to work and 8 miles back, 3-4 days a week for the last 8 or so months).

In a fit of [likely] mis-placed enthusiasm I signed up for the Surrey100. Have been terrified lately by thoughts of Box Hill, so I decided to push a bit on my commute this morning. There is one hill on the commute that I always struggle on, and another that I don't find easy but always doable. I had to walk the last of the tough (for me!) hill, but putting in a bit of an effort throughout was a bit of a buzz. I've basically been waiting since lunchtime to have another go, and thinking of little else.

This is not productive work-wise.

Also, I now have Leith Hill to add to my worry list!

Box hill is a nice meandering zig zag road, Leith hill is a series of 'route 1' steep climbs, with hardly any deviations ( compared to Box Hill ) Box hill is higher, but most people I talk to, consider it less demanding than Leith Hill. I don't mean to worry you, but Leith Hill has had a death on it, a chap suffered a medical emergency at Leith hill last year, and sadly died. I think someone died on Leith hill the first year as well.

antonyfromoz

Milemuncher1 wrote:

WalkDontRun wrote:

Hi. New to this forum and fairly new to cycling (commute 8 miles to work and 8 miles back, 3-4 days a week for the last 8 or so months).

In a fit of [likely] mis-placed enthusiasm I signed up for the Surrey100. Have been terrified lately by thoughts of Box Hill, so I decided to push a bit on my commute this morning. There is one hill on the commute that I always struggle on, and another that I don't find easy but always doable. I had to walk the last of the tough (for me!) hill, but putting in a bit of an effort throughout was a bit of a buzz. I've basically been waiting since lunchtime to have another go, and thinking of little else.

This is not productive work-wise.

Also, I now have Leith Hill to add to my worry list!

Box hill is a nice meandering zig zag road, Leith hill is a series of 'route 1' steep climbs, with hardly any deviations ( compared to Box Hill ) Box hill is higher, but most people I talk to, consider it less demanding than Leith Hill. I don't mean to worry you, but Leith Hill has had a death on it, a chap suffered a medical emergency at Leith hill last year, and sadly died. I think someone died on Leith hill the first year as well.

i have nothing to add to the descriptions of these hills, having ridden neither of them, but I would look at your gearing if you think you are going to have issues with the climbing. Easier gears make a huge difference to both your ability to climb and your confidence.

iPete

WalkDontRun wrote:

Hi. New to this forum and fairly new to cycling (commute 8 miles to work and 8 miles back, 3-4 days a week for the last 8 or so months).

In a fit of [likely] mis-placed enthusiasm I signed up for the Surrey100. Have been terrified lately by thoughts of Box Hill, so I decided to push a bit on my commute this morning. There is one hill on the commute that I always struggle on, and another that I don't find easy but always doable. I had to walk the last of the tough (for me!) hill, but putting in a bit of an effort throughout was a bit of a buzz. I've basically been waiting since lunchtime to have another go, and thinking of little else.

This is not productive work-wise.

Also, I now have Leith Hill to add to my worry list!

Welcome! It's nothing to fear, keep on with the commuting, try and add some longer rides as the event nears and then on the day concentrate on pacing and eating and you'll get around. Don't worry if you don't ride anywhere near 100 before the event, skill up on group riding if possible and just enjoy it on the day.

As for the hills, make sure you have a low enough gear for Leith and just pace/spin it out. Also remember to save something for the 'surprise' climb at Wimbledon Hill, always catches me out!

milemuncher1

iPete wrote:

WalkDontRun wrote:

Hi. New to this forum and fairly new to cycling (commute 8 miles to work and 8 miles back, 3-4 days a week for the last 8 or so months).

In a fit of [likely] mis-placed enthusiasm I signed up for the Surrey100. Have been terrified lately by thoughts of Box Hill, so I decided to push a bit on my commute this morning. There is one hill on the commute that I always struggle on, and another that I don't find easy but always doable. I had to walk the last of the tough (for me!) hill, but putting in a bit of an effort throughout was a bit of a buzz. I've basically been waiting since lunchtime to have another go, and thinking of little else.

This is not productive work-wise.

Also, I now have Leith Hill to add to my worry list!

Welcome! It's nothing to fear, keep on with the commuting, try and add some longer rides as the event nears and then on the day concentrate on pacing and eating and you'll get around. Don't worry if you don't ride anywhere near 100 before the event, skill up on group riding if possible and just enjoy it on the day.

As for the hills, make sure you have a low enough gear for Leith and just pace/spin it out. Also remember to save something for the 'surprise' climb at Wimbledon Hill, always catches me out!

Yep, Wimbledon is right in the 'bonk zone', if you've screwed up your in ride fueling, you're going to have a tough time when you get to the top of Wimbledon. That's all part of the game though. I make sure I down a banana, and a couple of fig rolls, about 10 minutes before Wimbledon, it's all plain sailing to the Mall, after that's out of the way.

milemuncher1

antonyfromoz wrote:

Milemuncher1 wrote:

WalkDontRun wrote:

Hi. New to this forum and fairly new to cycling (commute 8 miles to work and 8 miles back, 3-4 days a week for the last 8 or so months).

In a fit of [likely] mis-placed enthusiasm I signed up for the Surrey100. Have been terrified lately by thoughts of Box Hill, so I decided to push a bit on my commute this morning. There is one hill on the commute that I always struggle on, and another that I don't find easy but always doable. I had to walk the last of the tough (for me!) hill, but putting in a bit of an effort throughout was a bit of a buzz. I've basically been waiting since lunchtime to have another go, and thinking of little else.

This is not productive work-wise.

Also, I now have Leith Hill to add to my worry list!

Box hill is a nice meandering zig zag road, Leith hill is a series of 'route 1' steep climbs, with hardly any deviations ( compared to Box Hill ) Box hill is higher, but most people I talk to, consider it less demanding than Leith Hill. I don't mean to worry you, but Leith Hill has had a death on it, a chap suffered a medical emergency at Leith hill last year, and sadly died. I think someone died on Leith hill the first year as well.

i have nothing to add to the descriptions of these hills, having ridden neither of them, but I would look at your gearing if you think you are going to have issues with the climbing. Easier gears make a huge difference to both your ability to climb and your confidence.

An added curve ball (particularly in the 'K.O.M' challenge zone) on Leith hill, is having to stop suddenly, for people falling off, or suddenly stopping in front of you with no warning. You've then got a mentally steep hill start to do ( normally with Haribo legs), again it's all part of the game.

paul2718

antonyfromoz wrote:

I must admit that I have never really understood the appeal of signing up to do a ride like this and then being effectively dragged around by a large group in a time that you would not ever be capable of reaching under your own power. I have heard people talking proudly about how quickly they have ridden a certain ride when they have spent minimal time at the front of the group. It might just be me but sitting drafting and looking at the rear end of the rider in front of you for the duration of the ride has no appeal whatsoever. And what ever time I get I know that I earned it rather than managing to hang on to a group that were better riders than me. I used to note this when i did triathlons - people boasting about their new personal records achieved after buying all the aero speed assistance they could afford. Put them back on their old equipment and they probably wouldn't be any quicker... As I said though, it might just be me...

A significant aspect of cycling is what happens when more than one person rides together. Not for everybody I guess, but you're missing out on an interesting phenomenon.

And RL100 is one of the very rare occasions for non-professional cyclists to be able to ride 100 miles without putting a foot down.

The benefits of RL are much more significant for those who want to ride fast in groups than for those looking for a 100 mile challenge. I think the RL100 marketing is a bit askew on this, it's the easiest organised 100 mile ride I know of. And anyone can go ride 100 miles solo today, you don't need sign posts, chip timing or feed stations. A chap in my local club went out and did exactly that more than 100 times last year. Anyway I think this is why they have huge demand for places yet struggle to 'sell' all the charity spots. The bulk of regular cyclists cannot ask for sponsorship for something they can do easily, but many are also very keen to go ride a fast 100 miles on closed roads, and that's all about chasing a time.

Paul

milemuncher1

paul2718 wrote:

antonyfromoz wrote:

I must admit that I have never really understood the appeal of signing up to do a ride like this and then being effectively dragged around by a large group in a time that you would not ever be capable of reaching under your own power. I have heard people talking proudly about how quickly they have ridden a certain ride when they have spent minimal time at the front of the group. It might just be me but sitting drafting and looking at the rear end of the rider in front of you for the duration of the ride has no appeal whatsoever. And what ever time I get I know that I earned it rather than managing to hang on to a group that were better riders than me. I used to note this when i did triathlons - people boasting about their new personal records achieved after buying all the aero speed assistance they could afford. Put them back on their old equipment and they probably wouldn't be any quicker... As I said though, it might just be me...

A significant aspect of cycling is what happens when more than one person rides together. Not for everybody I guess, but you're missing out on an interesting phenomenon.

And RL100 is one of the very rare occasions for non-professional cyclists to be able to ride 100 miles without putting a foot down.

The benefits of RL are much more significant for those who want to ride fast in groups than for those looking for a 100 mile challenge. I think the RL100 marketing is a bit askew on this, it's the easiest organised 100 mile ride I know of. And anyone can go ride 100 miles solo today, you don't need sign posts, chip timing or feed stations. A chap in my local club went out and did exactly that more than 100 times last year. Anyway I think this is why they have huge demand for places yet struggle to 'sell' all the charity spots. The bulk of regular cyclists cannot ask for sponsorship for something they can do easily, but many are also very keen to go ride a fast 100 miles on closed roads, and that's all about chasing a time.

Paul

Fair enough.

itboffin

Does anyone have the URL for the rider login website, I swear I didn't get a rider number with my pack.

slowbike

antonyfromoz wrote:

I must admit that I have never really understood the appeal of signing up to do a ride like this and then being effectively dragged around by a large group in a time that you would not ever be capable of reaching under your own power. I have heard people talking proudly about how quickly they have ridden a certain ride when they have spent minimal time at the front of the group. It might just be me but sitting drafting and looking at the rear end of the rider in front of you for the duration of the ride has no appeal whatsoever. And what ever time I get I know that I earned it rather than managing to hang on to a group that were better riders than me. I used to note this when i did triathlons - people boasting about their new personal records achieved after buying all the aero speed assistance they could afford. Put them back on their old equipment and they probably wouldn't be any quicker... As I said though, it might just be me...

Oh, I think there's a huge sense of satisfaction in getting "your fastest 100" - even if it is in a group that you're hanging on to ...

If you want a true sense of how fast you can ride 100 miles then go and do a 100 mile TT ...

I've done 100 miles a few times before on sportives - never in a big group though - my first one was a solo effort over quite lumpy terrain (called the little lumpy) and was my fastest ride over 100 miles - the others have been with other people where I've been the stronger rider so "had" to wait for them - a bit dissapointing as I was hoping to improve my time, but hey - we had a good ride and that's the main thing.
I'm doing the ride this year and I'm hoping I can go for a fast time (despite IMHO not having enough time to train properly) - I may be riding with a friend - depends on our start times I guess, so the fast time may be tempered by his pace - unless he's improved his endurance since last time We'll see, I don't care that much ... but if I can hang onto a 25mph group then I'll be happy to do so ..

bigmat

I don't think there are any rules against working with a fast group, as opposed to just hanging on! That's where it really gets fun. First time I did it me and a few club mates were helping to drive the pace at the front of the lead group and it was a blast, I chipped off the front a couple of times on the run in but no real prospect of getting away. Last year I got delayed at the start due to loads of choppers pushing in and trying to start before their allocated slot so by the time I set off the proper fast bunch was gone, rode pretty much solo until Box Hill then joined a decent bunch there for the fast run in. Wimbledon Hill is probably the last place to attack - managed to ride off the front there but then sensibly decided to stick with the bunch and just enjoy the sights heading back through London. I might have had a go if it was the front group though...
#notarace

WalkDontRun

Thanks for replies. Though one of the replies led to some Googling and a temporary inclination to forget the whole thing!

Having asked a friend to look at the bike, I raised the saddle and inverted the handlebar stem. Today I schooled those two mofos, and in general absolutely zipped along! I'll keep the commute going and also join in some group cycling. I intend to cycle the full course without doing too much damage and will build towards that, but if it turns out that I have to walk parts of Leith Hill so be it.

/Packs some bananas and fig rolls. And gets a blog.

Jay_Forme

Will be my first Ride 100 this year also. really looking forward to it as I was born/raised in Stratford until moving to Essex when I was 10. so will actually be my first time back in the area (I know live in Lincolnshire).

I'd be happy with a good 6 hour ride, I'm by no means going to go at it like crazy but after the event I have a 150 mile drive home to the sticks where I want to be able to use my legs.

Bit nervous about the arrival side of things though, trains, start times, locations etc. so reading some info on here has helped.

Tiesetrotter

WalkDontRun wrote:

Hi. New to this forum and fairly new to cycling (commute 8 miles to work and 8 miles back, 3-4 days a week for the last 8 or so months).

In a fit of [likely] mis-placed enthusiasm I signed up for the Surrey100. Have been terrified lately by thoughts of Box Hill, so I decided to push a bit on my commute this morning. There is one hill on the commute that I always struggle on, and another that I don't find easy but always doable. I had to walk the last of the tough (for me!) hill, but putting in a bit of an effort throughout was a bit of a buzz. I've basically been waiting since lunchtime to have another go, and thinking of little else.

This is not productive work-wise.

Also, I now have Leith Hill to add to my worry list!

Leith is the difficult one. It has some short sharp ramps on it, but remember it is only a few minutes. With box it winds and switches back on itself. So apart from the corners it is not steep at all and at the top you are rewarded with a mighty good view of England's green and pleasant land and a great long traffic free descent on the other side.

But if you are new to this type of thing make sure you have eaten at the last food stop and are hydrated. As has been said ensure you have your gearing right for your ability, so 36/29. Then stick your head down and grit your teeth, it is after all a challenge.

ManOfKent

Tiesetrotter wrote:

Leith is the difficult one. It has some short sharp ramps on it, but remember it is only a few minutes. With box it winds and switches back on itself. So apart from the corners it is not steep at all and at the top you are rewarded with a mighty good view of England's green and pleasant land and a great long traffic free descent on the other side.

A word of warning: the descent off Box Hill is fast and requires vigilance, particularly at a left-hand bend in the village. There were a number of crashes there last year; I was very nearly caught up in one despite being quite cautious, and one of my clubmates ended up with a trip to hospital.

Coming down from Leith is also tricky for different reasons: riders squeezing through narrow gaps at high speed. But this may be better if you're not among the faster riders.

I'm on the reserve list for my club's team, not expecting to get a ride and having hit my 4:50 target last year, not bothered whether I do or not. But it's a good experience.

MattPillinger

WalkDontRun wrote:

Hi. New to this forum and fairly new to cycling (commute 8 miles to work and 8 miles back, 3-4 days a week for the last 8 or so months).

In a fit of [likely] mis-placed enthusiasm I signed up for the Surrey100. Have been terrified lately by thoughts of Box Hill, so I decided to push a bit on my commute this morning. There is one hill on the commute that I always struggle on, and another that I don't find easy but always doable. I had to walk the last of the tough (for me!) hill, but putting in a bit of an effort throughout was a bit of a buzz. I've basically been waiting since lunchtime to have another go, and thinking of little else.

This is not productive work-wise.

Also, I now have Leith Hill to add to my worry list!

I've done it 2 years out of 3 (amazingly I got lucky and didn't get a ballot place for the 2014 'wet year'. Here's my observations

Go at your own pace - there are a lot of people who go off like it is a 10 mile race. Get sucked along by them and you will pay for it later (& lose much more time than you gained).
It's pretty flat until Newlands Corner (occasional hill, but nothing to scare a regular cyclist)
Newlands Corner is steep, but the road is wide and dead straight, just get in a low gear and pedal up it. No need to hammer it to the top because from their there's still along way to go
Leith Tower is the tough one - a) it's steep and b) the road is narrow, you will get a lot of people walking and if someone stops in front of you it will be hard to get going again, so if you need to stop, please pull to side of road, if you are going to ride to the top, keep to the right
Descending off Leith is pretty quick - there are some people who race down the hill, let them go on the right and you go on the left, unless you are confident and capable
Box Hill is so smooth that it is a pleasure to ride up, the gradient isn't that steep, just ride up it & coz its wide there is plenty of passing.
After Box Hill there is 1 smallish climb in Wimbledon which isn't steep, but at 90 miles could be challenge to tired legs.

Best thing you can do is do some training rides. As others have said it isn't the most challenging 100 miler you'll ever do, so perhaps do some 40-70 mile sportive rides local to you - building up from your current level.

it's a fantastic event and you will really enjoy it, just remember not to start too fast, go at a pace you are happy with and do some training rides.

milemuncher1

ManOfKent wrote:

Tiesetrotter wrote:

Leith is the difficult one. It has some short sharp ramps on it, but remember it is only a few minutes. With box it winds and switches back on itself. So apart from the corners it is not steep at all and at the top you are rewarded with a mighty good view of England's green and pleasant land and a great long traffic free descent on the other side.

A word of warning: the descent off Box Hill is fast and requires vigilance, particularly at a left-hand bend in the village. There were a number of crashes there last year; I was very nearly caught up in one despite being quite cautious, and one of my clubmates ended up with a trip to hospital.

Coming down from Leith is also tricky for different reasons: riders squeezing through narrow gaps at high speed. But this may be better if you're not among the faster riders.

I'm on the reserve list for my club's team, not expecting to get a ride and having hit my 4:50 target last year, not bothered whether I do or not. But it's a good experience.

It's the massive tight right hander with the huge crash mat, with the chevrons on it that cracks me up. So many upside down riders stuck in it, it looked like a spiders web

oldbazza

Well I'm in now with the club team entry;already some early talk of some training rides with the other three to get used to each other* and finding a good compromise pace for all of us.

*Despite being in the same club I have only ridden with one of the other three on a club ride.

Der Kaiser

I have got in through the Club Challenge having failed to get in through the "Ballot"

capt_slog

I got my place through the Samaritans (who are still looking for riders if anyone is interested, £250 is what they're asking, send me a PM).

I'm not in the bunch who will get around it in the 20's, and will be grateful just to finish with a bit of style and some left in the tank. I'm planning to stop several times, although I understand the appeal of "100 miles without putting your feet down", I've joined cycling far too late for that.

A nice spot of lunch somewhere around halfway wouldn't go amiss. I like the sound of the BBQ, I'd like to know where that is.

milemuncher1

Capt Slog wrote:

I got my place through the Samaritans (who are still looking for riders if anyone is interested, £250 is what they're asking, send me a PM).

I'm not in the bunch who will get around it in the 20's, and will be grateful just to finish with a bit of style and some left in the tank. I'm planning to stop several times, although I understand the appeal of "100 miles without putting your feet down", I've joined cycling far too late for that.

A nice spot of lunch somewhere around halfway wouldn't go amiss. I like the sound of the BBQ, I'd like to know where that is.

The Barbecue was in a village near Dorking last year. Nicely located after Lieth hill, but before Box hill.

capt_slog

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Capt Slog wrote:

I got my place through the Samaritans (who are still looking for riders if anyone is interested, £250 is what they're asking, send me a PM).

I'm not in the bunch who will get around it in the 20's, and will be grateful just to finish with a bit of style and some left in the tank. I'm planning to stop several times, although I understand the appeal of "100 miles without putting your feet down", I've joined cycling far too late for that.

A nice spot of lunch somewhere around halfway wouldn't go amiss. I like the sound of the BBQ, I'd like to know where that is.

The Barbecue was in a village near Dorking last year. Nicely located after Lieth hill, but before Box hill.

Thanks. That might be a stop.

Any tips on getting showered and changed after the ride? I'm heading home (120 mile drive) afterwards, it would be nice to do so 'clean'.

slowbike

Capt Slog wrote:

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Capt Slog wrote:

I got my place through the Samaritans (who are still looking for riders if anyone is interested, £250 is what they're asking, send me a PM).

I'm not in the bunch who will get around it in the 20's, and will be grateful just to finish with a bit of style and some left in the tank. I'm planning to stop several times, although I understand the appeal of "100 miles without putting your feet down", I've joined cycling far too late for that.

A nice spot of lunch somewhere around halfway wouldn't go amiss. I like the sound of the BBQ, I'd like to know where that is.

The Barbecue was in a village near Dorking last year. Nicely located after Lieth hill, but before Box hill.

Thanks. That might be a stop.

Any tips on getting showered and changed after the ride? I'm heading home (120 mile drive) afterwards, it would be nice to do so 'clean'.

Wet wipes in the car?

I must admit - I'm toying with the idea of bringing up our campervan - complete with hot water and shower ... but then my drive home will only be a couple of hours - so not sure it's worth the hassle.

drlodge

I wouldn't worry too much about being "dirty", your sweat will be mostly water, leaving salt behind which can be wiped off your face with a wet flannel.

If driving home, you should be able to wipe your self down (most if not all of you) depending on how visible you are in the car.

specialized_nick

I'm in for the 1st time after taking up one of the Roy Castle charity spots, looking forward to it!

ugo.santalucia

Capt Slog wrote:

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Capt Slog wrote:

I got my place through the Samaritans (who are still looking for riders if anyone is interested, £250 is what they're asking, send me a PM).

I'm not in the bunch who will get around it in the 20's, and will be grateful just to finish with a bit of style and some left in the tank. I'm planning to stop several times, although I understand the appeal of "100 miles without putting your feet down", I've joined cycling far too late for that.

A nice spot of lunch somewhere around halfway wouldn't go amiss. I like the sound of the BBQ, I'd like to know where that is.

The Barbecue was in a village near Dorking last year. Nicely located after Lieth hill, but before Box hill.

Thanks. That might be a stop.

Any tips on getting showered and changed after the ride? I'm heading home (120 mile drive) afterwards, it would be nice to do so 'clean'.

I am probably not the best person to advise on hygiene, as I have been known not to shower on occasions even after a long ride... however, carry a towel in your car and a change of T-shirt... a wet wipe for your face and some bug-killing Lynx spray if you are really the metro-sexual type who can't live with his own BO

carbonclem

Capt Slog wrote:

Milemuncher1 wrote:

Capt Slog wrote:

I got my place through the Samaritans (who are still looking for riders if anyone is interested, £250 is what they're asking, send me a PM).

I'm not in the bunch who will get around it in the 20's, and will be grateful just to finish with a bit of style and some left in the tank. I'm planning to stop several times, although I understand the appeal of "100 miles without putting your feet down", I've joined cycling far too late for that.

A nice spot of lunch somewhere around halfway wouldn't go amiss. I like the sound of the BBQ, I'd like to know where that is.

The Barbecue was in a village near Dorking last year. Nicely located after Lieth hill, but before Box hill.

Thanks. That might be a stop.

Any tips on getting showered and changed after the ride? I'm heading home (120 mile drive) afterwards, it would be nice to do so 'clean'.

There are changing tents at the finish, so you can collect you're kit bag and then get changed out of the public eye - though obviously surrounded by lots of other riders.
We had stayed in a hotel last time, and although we'd checked out, when we went to collect the car I used the loo's there to get cleaned up a bit better for the drive home.

vpnikolov

There are still a couple of places available through the charity below:

http://phabkids.co.uk/

Pledge is £400 and deadline for application 27th May.

Thigh_burn

Interested to hear how everyone's training is going and what you're up to.

My rides have been limited to weekends recently, with the odd pootle mid-week. I'm still very much working my way up through the distances. Yesterday was supposed to be 35miles, however ended up being 50miles thanks to a friend getting the wrong directions. Today I'm absolutely wiped. Thighs killing. Yesterday I managed to get cramp in both legs, which was a joy. Lots of stretching...