23/11 HSLCC Club Ride- Wittersham Wet Lives Up To The Name

With such terrible weather forecast I wasn't expecting more than a few riders to turn up and so was delighted that I was joined by six other masochists. I had pre-warned everyone to bring wet weather gear  and so was flabbergasted to see  Tom arrive  in just a summer short sleeve top, no tights and worse of all no waterproof! Steve D was his normal impatient self and wanted to get off bang on 8:00 rather than waiting for the customary departure time of 8:10. In the end we couldn't get off until 8;20 as John S had phoned to say he had had to fix a puncture but was on his way.

We ignored our Garmins and headed  directly for Appledore via Pett and Rye. So far the promised rain had not arrived, so to avoid overheating we had all taken our jackets off. Ivan and Malc seemed to be content to do much of the work on the front on the long ride out to Appledore which was pleasantly easy on what was a windless day.

Our luck with the weather continued all the way to Peasmarsh where there was a moment to take a photo, eat a snack bar and take a pee.

Just past Beckley we came across two large black Labradors running about all over the main road, we guess they must have escaped from the neighbouring house so Malc went over to let the owners know. While this was going on the rain started falling steadily so it was now time for us to pull on the waterproofs. We didn't mind too much as we were just grateful to have got two thirds into the ride without them. We did feel for Tom though in his sopping wet summer kit!

Our last few Moments Of Dry Weather!

As time went on the rain became heavier, so Tom and Adam  decided to leave the route at Cripp's corner and take the shortest route home . Myself and Malc bid them farewell and wished Adam good luck as his wife is now two days overdue for the birth of their second child. The others had got ahead of us and were far off in the distance. It was too wet to push the pace on the main roads down to Sedlescombe , so we weren't sure if we would see them again.

Now began the steady climbing back to Hastings via Westfield and Three Oaks. We were pleased to finally regroup with the others who had waited for us near Pestalozzi .With all  the climbing I felt comfortably warm despite the rain, and must admit that I rather enjoy riding in the wet as long as the roads are safe, to me it makes the ride seem more of an adventure!

At Westfield JV informed us that Rocks lane was closed due to flooding so we decided to do good old Stonestile instead. Unfortunately Malc had already gone ahead believing that we would be going back via Rocks lane. Myself , Ivan and Steve D went after him and caught him up near Three Oaks where a 'road closed' sign had been erected. This meant that we would have to head back via Ivyhouse lane instead. Despite riding down Ivy house lane many times I had never gone up it before. I found it to be a great ride back and one that I will choose more often. Steve D  now broke away from us leaving just myself, Ivan and Malc to arrive at the Ridge.

The three of us headed straight down the old town hoping for a couple of beers at 'The standard' only to be disappointed when we realised it was shut. Never mind , we consoled ourselves with beer and Breakfast in Witherspoons instead!

Record turn out for the Di Paolo's Bacon Butty Run

I was expecting a low turn out, probably just me with youngsters Finlay and Fabien (now just turned 13) for the BBR. The BBC radar forecast had large light blue patches running across the SE suggesting light rain at times. It was right, a grey morning with rain in the air but not properly wet. As I rode over Galley Hill I thought it was Paul B coming back the other way in a BCF top and then saw Ivan also coming back from a ride but quickly doing a u-turn to ride with me to Di Paolo's for a mug of tea. Just as we were locking the bikes up at 9:30 Paul B rolled in having decided to also do a u-turn to join us for a coffee. We were not the first there as Angela had already ordered a full English for Fabien and Bob. Before long it was something of a club gathering with 15 of us in the cafe, including President Stuart.

Ten of us set out at 10:00 and within a few minutes picked up Clive to set the record of 11 riders on the Di Paolo BBR. We decided to vary the route, after Whydown turning right to go up to Ninfield rather than the usual left to Hooe. We regrouped at the garage before the Bulls Head at Boreham Street then went down the lane direct to Wartling and down the hill. It was a mistake to take the closed road past Chilley Farm. There was a series of large holes covered in metal plates and a lot of mud churned up by the lorries on the road. Finlay remained clean thanks to his full length full width mud guards but most of the others looked as though we had been riding a mucky spring classic. Trevor was making a guest appearance and missed the mud by turning back to ride up to Tenterden.

From Hankham we went to West Ham and then to the Eastbourne Crem roundabout where we turned left. Malcolm had remembered the left in to Netherfield Avenue to avoid the big roundabout. On the right off Netherfield Steve B came off on the concrete slabs then Finlay on the next left turn. Over all the years we regularly used this cut through to the famed Sandwich Inn cycling cafe I can never remember anyone coming off there before, was it diesel on the damp corners?

Nine off us stopped off in Pevensey Bakery and then we did the usual return run up to Pevensey and back along Normans Bay.

It was very much a classic sociable club run with me calling the route as we went along and identifying regrouping points so the stronger riders could go on ahead and stretch their legs. Malcolm D rode at the front calling the shots and I rode at the back with Matt and the young lads.

Paul B had seen three of the regulars on the 8:00 Pre BBR on their way over to Lewes for a change so can we break the record of 11 riders on the Di Paolo BBR in the coming weeks?

Chris Parker

21/11 Fri Night Ride- Minute men

I woke up from an unplanned nap just in time to start riding up to the lodge to meet the others for the Friday night ride. Still half asleep my legs felt so stiff and unresponsive that I briefly considered turning back. Meeting up with Malcolm, he felt much the same and we declared we would take it easy so as  to give our tired muscles an easy workout. With only a couple of minutes to spare, Dan and Kirby (on only his second Fri night ride) just caught us before departure time, this gave a respectable tally of seven riders.

Myself and Malcolm set off one minute before the others down battery hill. This made the descent much less daunting for me especially as I was wearing my spare pair of specs with an out of date prescription which made everything slightly blurry.

Along the sea defences Diego and John S soon caught up with us but it wasn't until the nature reserve that we were all back together as Dan and Simon had to help shepherd Kirby down battery hill as his current front light was far too feeble for such a task.This gave me a chance to admire the bright lights in the distance coming towards us, they actually looked brighter than the headlights of cars going past them. This is very reassuring.

Before long we had begun the five mile drag up to Broadoak. Everyone stepped up a gear and rode up at their own pace. On arrival I thought I was last (my usual spot) but then we realised Kirby wasn't there and must be somewhere on the climb, left alone with his underpowered light. Feeling concerned, Dan and Simon headed back down the hill to shepherd Kirby up but as it turned out Kirby was only about a minute back. Giving Kirby a couple of minutes to get his breath back we all bombarded him with suggestions about which type and model of front light he needs to purchase. Moon compact light or Cree 2 battery pack lights seemed most popular.

Our descent down towards Wesfield seemed a bit more sedate than normal, probably because demon descender Marcus was off with 'man flu' .

Now all that was left was the tortuous ascent of Stonestile. Kirby has only been riding a couple of months and so is doing extremely well for such a novice and had successfully climbed Stonestile the week before. Unfortunately I wasn't there to photograph the moment for prosperity but at least I got  a picture of his second successful ascent with kirby just having enough energy left for the traditional 'victory' pose.

Kirby Conquors Stonestile, Again!

The East Wind Is An Ill Wind!

What boring weather - where's the rain? We're spoilt by continued dry Wednesday evenings. Ok, last night was cooler and there was a nagging easterly wind, but conditions for late November were again very good. Will America send us freezing snow by next week?

Dave B Last Rode With us Over Ten Years Ago!

More than 30 other riders clearly thought it was a good night for a ride and we officially sent out three groups. The super-fasts were again shepherded through the traffic-strewn streets of Bexhill by the King of Speed and the Awesome Powerman - the Batman & Robin of the chain gang - Stuart and Barney. In their midst and making her chain gang debut was Ruth, who by all accounts rode strongly.

Various riders were sporting the latest in fashionable and functional winter night-riding gear. Peter Buss wore gloves that made his hands look like a mutant's, with two fingers to each instead of four. Stuart Hodd looked very dapper in the latest insulated fluorescent top and shoes. Plenty of us wore gillets, overshoes, longs and gloves. I didn't see anyone in just shorts apart from Tom Norris, but then he's from up north. Tom, sort your socks out!

I rode the outward chain with the fast group. It was not what I hoped for: too many solo rides, not enough calling and then other riders shooting off the front. The wind at our backs made the problem worse, raising the pace too high and too quickly. I got shouty and sweary in an effort to bring some shape to the ride, but then thought 'what am I doing, this is supposed to be fun!' So, sorry about the language chaps, I hope you'll forgive me.

A more disciplined group formed after the level crossing and some better group riding was on display for most of the way to the roundabout. And this week I didn't get dropped up Spooky Hill, landing a Strava PR in the process! I can thank the wind for that one...

I decided to push myself with the super-fasts on way back, but into the wind I got dropped on Spooky Hill; this time I'm not so thankful... I rode down the 'Spooky Slope', past the Star and over both bridges before seeing another rider. He glided past in silence, the only noise his tyres on tarmac, passing without a word like a dark-blue ghost. Was that you Ivan? The legs kept spinning at an impressive rate and the small red rear light grew fainter as he rolled onward.

I turned the corner at the level-crossing and struggled against the wind along Herbrand. It was straight into my face, pressing through my two jerseys and chilling the sweat on my chest. I pressed myself lower, hands on the drops, grimacing into that damn wind, spinning faster whenever the wind dropped a little, spinning slower when that same wind blew harder. Where was the next group? I wanted some shelter and a chance to recover. Hurry up!

Eastbourne Rovers Ruth And Neil Bravely Joined Chain One!

The following group caught me just past the 30mph sign on Herbrand - the usual suspects of Simon, John V and Tom 'flat-back' Norris, plus another seven or so riders. A welcome sight! From there to the lights I enjoyed a good group ride, with good comms and discipline into that blasted wind. Yes, that's the better way, for me at any rate. Having ridden solo against the wind and then in a group, I know which is the faster and more enjoyable!

The group collected at the lights and we stayed chatting longer than usual. I needed the number of a heating engineer (wife's orders, thanks JV) and others were generally chatting about the ride, what ride they'll do on the weekend, or discussing the finer points of group riding. A shame we don't have a clubhouse or a cafe to meet at. Kerry's on the front does both coffee and alcohol, might be worth a look?

I enjoyed an après chain gang ride with Peter B, Tom N, Stuart B & Duncan. The latter two were gone by Cooden station and Peter, Tom and I had a pleasant ride back across marshes to Normans Bay. The wind was again at our backs and the pedalling was blissfully easy, just a minimal effort needed to maintain a good pace along the lane.

But the return was a grind: back across the marsh, past the Star, along Herbrand and Cooden Drive into a solid easterly wind. I got cross with it, pedalled harder. Bastard! My legs were burning and I was looking forward to turning at the lights and being blown home to food and warmth. That was enough for one night but I'm already looking forward to next week.

Neil Smith

ESCA Reliability Trial- the 3.5 Hour Group

The 3.5 hour group

Myself and Derek arrived at the recommended car park in plenty of good time along with a number of other HSLCC members. Mother nature was being kind to us and the weather forecast promised us a dry ESCA.The temperature was in between cold and mild,was it tight wearing weather or not? looking around the carpark I could see it was about 4 to 1 in favour of tights but not being someone who feels the cold I decided to go for the bare legs option , only to change my mind after cycling to the HQ, so I had to  cycle back to the van to put them on again. This caused general mirth back at HQ where members were laying bets before how long I would take them off again (most riders thought 15 minutes!).

The 3.5 Hour Group Waiting To Be Released!

All too soon the 3.5 hour group were lined up at the start, garmins at the ready! After waving goodbye to lee and JV (from the three hour group) we were off! Whenever we have done reliability trials before we always seem to come in too early so our pace was initially steady rather then fast as we stayed together in tight formation. The first fifteen miles were fairly flat but just before some proper climbing near Horsted Keynes, Gary suffered our one and only puncture. This gave Diego time to do some calculations and we were shocked to hear that at this pace we would fail by 20 minutes! Some of us wondered if this calculation was correct, so our pace remained steady as we climbed up towards Hindleap warren. From here there is a brilliant steady descent all the way down to Colemans hatch before the sudden dog's leg down  to the bottom of the 'Wall' (Kidd's Hill). This ecstasy of thrilling downhill riding would now be paid for by the effort need to get up this famous climb (I am surprised Pete Tadros has never attempted to bag it).The strongest ones in our possy were Diego, kevin and Gary, and they were soon out of sight while the rest of us settled down into survival mode. Pete b managed to get around me early on but couldn’t drop me as  I hung to his back wheel, then much to our surprise Derek made a great effort and managed to get round both of us and put a little distance between us for his best ever performance on the ‘Wall’.

 With overheated legs at the top, it was finally time to strip off the tights. Looking around I could see the ground  dropping away in all directions, now gravity was on my side! For the next half hour or so we seemed to be endlessly riding  downhill ,enjoying smooth road surfaces with graceful sweeping bends. Everyone had suddenly become very quiet and focused, there was the unspoken wish to claw back the necessary time and for once become reliable! We were now only loosely riding as a group, if riders couldn’t hang on nobody would notice. First to drop off was Derek, being the lightest he was at a disadvantage with all the descending. Next to go was Chris Parker. There were now just five riders left : Gary, kevin and Diego were doing all the work at the front with myself and David struggling to keep up. Every time there was a bit of climbing the gap between them and us widened, only for it to close up again when the road pointed downhill . At the last checkpoint some riders from another club got in between the front group and us. This increased the gap to a distance that our by now painful legs couldn’t close. We both found the last five miles particularly tough as the terrain became more rolling . Relieved to reach the  HQ, we quickly joined the registration queue with Kevin, Diego and gary just ahead of us. We were all confident we had made it . Sadly it was not to be; Chris P informed us we had missed it by a few minutes and some more calculations by Kevin confirmed this. Unreliable again! Never mind we all agreed this was a fabulously well organised event and a superb route, well done Sussex Nomads!

Steve C

ESCA Reliability Trial - The 3 hour group

JV, David Morris and myself arrived at the HQ with plenty of time to spare as David was doing the 3 and a 1/2 hour ride. John and I thought we'd have plenty of time for a coffee while we waited for our time slot.
It turned out there wasn't any coffee laid on, it wouldn't be the first time we'd be disappointed today.
So we bid farewell to the chaps on first groups and got ourselves ready.

Our group consisted of JV, Malcolm, Nigel, Tom, dan, Ben and myself.

I'd made sure we'd be well prepared to try and be reliable. Three of us had the route on Garmins while I kept tabs on our average speed (we were aiming for 17.6mph) and the time. 
What could possibly go wrong?
Anyway, we set off at 9.35 and set a fairly brisk pace.
Within 2 miles and the first junction there was a little confusion and a u-turn.
This was soon repeated at the next major junction as we went wrong again.
There was such confusion at one point that Nigel was convinced that we were doing the course backwards which would have been fun, especially doing 'The Wall' the easy way.
So we pressed on at a good pace along some really nice rolling roads and terrain averaging up in the 19's at this point, so well on schedule.
Unfortunately this wouldn't last as Malcolm then had our one and only puncture of the day. 

We then pressed on to the first check point and up into Ashdown forest.

The hammer was firmly put down along the winding descents into the forest trying make up some lost time and for the climb that waited.
We all spent a lot of the ride scaring Dan and Ben with horror stories of 'The Wall' but they coped brilliantly.
With 25 miles and time ticking we regained our breath and quickly pushed onwards.
At this point we were averaging 17.3mph, so a little down on our target even with 10 minute cushion.
We were flying along at this point with Malc, JV and Nigel and myself pulling us along, but we'd be frustrated further with more wrong turns and overshot junctions.
The terrain was rolling along with some steady climbs which wasn't helping our progress.
We checked in at the next control point with 12 to go and raced on.
At this point the ride then become more of a TT with the speeds up in the mid 20's much of the time.
After a couple more errors and the final control point it became clear that we would all have to morph into Bradley Wiggins clones to get back in time, but we pressed on never the less.
As we approached the finish line and a cheeky sprint finish (cheers tom) we made it back in 3:20, 20 minutes late and massively unreliable.

The route was 53 miles and I had done over 55 miles, so 2 miles of cock-ups.
But it was a great effort from all the lads.
If anything was unreliable it was GPS and Garmins, not us.

Over and out
Lee S

Big Group and Bright Lights

Well, we are lucky. It's mid November and we rode in a dry 12 degrees with little wind. The roads were largely dry and the 30 or so riders who came out last night were in good spirits. Perhaps also people are enjoying the chain gang more as we all get better at group riding?

As is now the norm when we have a large number of riders, we first sent out a 'super-fast' group of 8 or so riders, led by Stuart 'King of Speed' Hodd. A minute or two later, the merely 'fast' group set off with John 'Max Heartrate' Vidler. Steve 'Staggler-Meister' Curtis advertised for participants in a less fast group, bringing order to the 'Sons of Anarchy' at the back of the pack.

Have you seen that bit in 'Babe' when the pig sedately steers the sheep around the arena, bringing an eerie and stunned silence to the crowd? We had a similar moment last night. No sheep or pigs, but an almost supernaturally coordinated procession of riders whipped along Bexhill front in single file, accompanied by just the swish of their tyres. I counted 12 riders ahead of me and 4 or 5 behind. It must've been quite a sight. I was very impressed with the discipline of the group.

The pull up South Cliff broke the spell as the less strong fell off the pace. We settled into a good through and off along Cooden Drive and Herbrand, with 12 or so riders maintaining a rising but controlled pace. We caught a rider dropped from the super-fasts, or at least I think so! There are an increasing number of riders on the marshes of late, so he might've been a 'lone wolf', prowling the dark & twisty lanes, formerly the haunt of smugglers, pirates and the lawless vagabonds of Little Common... Or just some bloke out for an evening ride, who knows?

Ivan At The 'Standard '  before the First Of His Five Pints!

The pace continued to rise as John V doled out the punishment and the group dwindled to 8, then 7, 6, 5 riders. We hit the slopes of Spooky Mountain and again my legs failed me. I watched the remaining 4 riders speed up the slope and resigned myself to a solo effort across the Pevensey Levels. A couple of riders caught me up and we made uneasy joint progress to the roundabout, less willing or able to rotate the lead.

After a longish wait, we had reassembled the group and agreed to let the faster riders set out first, not as a separate group but to reduce the new for overtaking on the narrow lanes. I decided to wait a bit but an encouraging slap on the shoulder with a call of 'come on' from the King of Speed changed my mind. But I wasn't really ready, fumbling for pedals and struggling to get around other riders. I set off behind the faster riders but ahead of the others. I couldn't bridge the gap to Stuart and company, so I pressed on as well as I could and tagged onto the group behind as it caught me near the western slopes of Spooky Mountain.

Familiar bikes and kit flitted in and out of view as the group rode a good through and off all the way back to the lights, thinning in number here and there as slopes, junctions and corners slowed some riders. All in all, a very satisfying ride!

There has been a definite improvement in group riding, with better easing off when a rider takes the front. People are more willing to be dropped and then join a following group, doing their turn at the front and riding predictably.

It's good stuff folks and could be better still with more communication. Don't be shy! Tell the rider taking the front when he's clear to move to the left; call 'last man' as you join the end of the group coming through; tell each other what you're doing - it all helps produce a smooth, safe and quicker ride.

I enjoyed a pleasant après-chaingang ride back across the marshes to Normans Bay, with Peter, Kevin and Stuart B. Peter and Kevin have both bought tarmac-melting front lights, in fact Kevin has two! The brightness is amazing and they seem robust; Kevin has had one of his for a year now. The separate battery pack is detachable and rechargeable and the price is less than £20 on eBay. Search for Cree bicycle lights.


Safe riding, Neil

PS- Some regular post chain-gang pub regulars decided to try the 'standard' instead of the 'Anchor'
Unfortunately it was open mike evening, so there was lots of loud music which may not have been to everyone's taste as it was difficult to hold a conversation. Ivan loved it though and ended up drinking five pints of what he said was the best Guinness in the town!