Dunwich Dynamo, Whats the plan then?

[Bull]

Re The Dunwich Doofer

Looks like I've got a Tunstall fella in tow as well. I'm arranging to come down with him so that I can hook him up with us. So whats the deal? What time are we leaving/meeting up at Hackney?


PS: Mark, vcan I keep an option on a place in Sarahs motor just in case this fella bails for any reason?

[Puddle_Dodger]

Now it's getting exciting...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6918539.stm

anyone got any mudguards?

[Bull]

I know you're proper gnarly and all, but I prefer this one

[Puddle_Dodger]

mmm proper moist

[Bull]

MMMMMM Thats the way I like my lycra clad lovelies

[Puddle_Dodger]

Just spotted the 21mph tailwind on the Metcheck sight at 3 in the morning...

[Bull]

I think its all good really. Rain doesn't count in the dark coz you can't see it!

[Bull]

Hi Each,

Just an update on how the Dunwich Dynamo went.

In best East Anglian Mountain Rescue Team fashion the majority showed up late, so we started at about 9:00pm on Saturday. All very convivial, as we worked our way out through Hackney up to Epping Forest. No need to navigate, just follow the twinkling LED's. Generally the reception from non cyclists was very friendly, with one exception when some kids started throwing stuff at us from a park. I got hit in the face with a plastic bottle! By the time we were in Epping it was properly dark and starting to rain. We rode on, to Dunmow and were met with the sight of the EAMRT back up vehicle broken down. Waterproof on and away again to Great Waldingfield, the half way point. Great crossing into Suffolk and the section just seemed to slip away. Stopped at the food stop for a bite to eat and to ring socks out. (Point of note : In heavy rain sealskins fill up from the water running down your legs!). After a break it was outside and away again. Suddenly it didn't seem quite so great. We were absolutely freezing in that teeth chattering sort of way. Anyway that got sorted after the first two hills and we were off again to Helmingham, which is the 3/4 point. The climb up through Gosbeck left us all feeling wiped out and a bit fed up. So we stopped for a quick top up on energy (anything left in the camelback), before getting going again before we cooled down too much. Being on home territory and knowing the way spurred us on, but this last sector dragged and dragged. Dawn broke just before Framlingham. Eventually we rolled down to Dunwich at about 5:30 ish.
The warm glow of satisfaction was soon extinguished when we realised that John had managed to get in some 40 minutes earlier on his shonky old single speed. Anyway not bad in the conditions, 8 1/2 hours including stops. A large full English followed, and bed beckoned not long after that.

Thanks to Rob Weed for the lift and hanging back to keep me company. Johnny Miller for humiliating me on his single speed, Mark Elmy and his mate for keeping going through the night despite the problems and lack of training.

Well done each. Not an insignificant achievement, and its all the more amazing when you think that Marks mum and my Mrs managed to do it last year!

[Simon]

Well done to all.

I did think of you as the rain started, from the warmth of sleeping bag and feeling a bit gibbered.

Nice one, next year !!

[Bull]

It has been noted that since the talk of increased drug testing the "roadies" amongst us have been notable by their absence whenever the opportunity to road ride has cropped up!

Incidentally Simon, I put your tyres on, Friday night. Just about to leave and found the front had a slow puncture. Fought with them for 20 mins to get them off, then thought if this happens on the road in the dark I'm fooked, so put my Spesh Semi off road tyres on, pumped them up reet hard and went for it on them. Worked OK, but I suspect they did scrub a bit off the speed. If I've nipped the tube putting yours on I'll replace it for you.

[Puddle_Dodger]

must say that I rather enjoyed it...

Had an incident leaving London when someone tried to grab me off the bike but he come off worse much to his mates amusement.

Chatted to a rather friendly and easy-on-the-eye girl in Castle Hedingham who was standing outside a pub watching the procession of soggy cyclists ;-)

It was indeed freezing coming out of the the half way stop and just to make matters worse the riders had spread out and there were no more candles to let you know that you weren't totally lost.

Overall a good, but very soggy night, Definatley want to do it next year although I'm hoping for a warm clear night...

[Simon]

Those tyres are a real bugger to get on/off.

proper hard on knobblies !!