snafu21

No pie shoppe? <splutter>

Osea was where dysfunctional raggle-taggle Chanteuse-O Amy Winebar was sent to dry out, I think. Sending an alcoholic to Essex to sober up, though, is like putting Count Dracula in charge of the National Blood Transfusion Service. I've avoided the place since my arch enema Germaine Greer moved there.

It's a long and terrible story.

6th May my new term starts that week, I may be snowed under with stupid student papers. Sun might tempt me.

Diode100

I thought Ms Greer lived in South Cambridgshire, are you saying she's really an Essex Girl ?Continuing your nautical theme, Osea was a Motor Torpedo Boat station during the war, with over 2,000 matelots in residence- must have been crowded. Also a member of the Charrington brewing family opened the first ever drying out clinic there in the 19C.

snafu21

Ms Greer is not known as the 'Chelmsford Masher' for nuttin'. Some say on dark blustery nights, she can be seen in Chelmsford Cemetery, flitting from grave to grave, gnawing on exhumed body parts. She was badly mauled in the Telegraph only a month or two ago for opposing the 'Boris Island' Thames Estuary airport proposal; on eco/enviro grounds, until someone pointed out she flies to Oz four times a year to administer her own private rain-forest. A burning bush, if ever there was one.

jefmcg

My cycling and personal year have been rather messed up, and I haven't been able to get to a HPFBS meeting yet. My volume has dropped rather drastically over April and most of May. Last week my total mileage was back to previous levels - which means I did about 220km between Monday and Friday (ie the DD distance in 5 days) and by the end I was exhausted.

However, I'm still tempted to give it a go. I'm not committed yet, but am interested in seeing if other HPFBS are still up for it. It's clear I will find it a slog by the end (maybe at the beginning!), so be warned. Though if we decide to travel independently, that would be ok too.

If I end up going it "alone" (I don't have cycling buddies ready for this sort of distance), it may be on the yet-to-be-acquired roadbike (roadbike shopping has also taken a back seat in my life)

jefmcg

ps https://southwarkcyclists.org.uk/dunw...h-back-tickets

jefmcg

September? 2/9/2012: who's in?

It's 3 days into the paralympic games, but nothing to disturb hyde park. https://www.getaheadofthegames.com/tr...d-changes.html

Any suggestions where we should head? I suggest we don't go east.

Diode100

the serpentine area is still in partial lockdown, patrolled by security, notably at the bridge end.

my recently acquired barn find brompton / tern killer turns out to be a bit like a superannuated Jiffo, a sort of last mile machine; the thing had me off twice in the first 100 yards with the bloddy hair trigger coaster brake.

but i could turn up and have a coffee, or i could bring my own, as the beast came equipped with a cappuccino holder.

Diode100

Anyone up for a meet tomorrow, Serpentine, Battersea Park, ????

mulleady

I'm stuck tomorrow and can't make it as much as I'd like to. Other weekends are a possibility for a ride if we aren't stuck to the 1st week rule.

jefmcg

3 is a quorum.

I can make it tomorrow or next sunday (not sure after that). Nigel, you still in?

and who needs a cappuccino holder? just clip your Kathmandu mug to your seat rails

jefmcg

"I'm calling it: time of death, 19.52 BST"

Nominations for other suitable days? Sunday 9th, Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th, 22nd or 23rd work for me.

Diode100

Sorry, been out all day. Ok, lets try for another day

Prefer a sunday, any of the nominated ones will do for me.

I dont really need a coffee holder at all, because i could almost drink a yard of ale out of the seat post on this little baby.

nigelme

I can make the 9th or 15th - I like the Yard of Ale from a seat-post idea; could get more interest for an Autumnal Pootle.

jefmcg

Sorry guys. Been waiting for Mulleady's reply.

15th then? Do we have 3?

Diode100

Si, for the 15th.

(PS: I have now hoovered the boot)

mulleady

Did you all mean Sunday the 16th? If so that's a real poss for me!

FoldingLawrence

Was actually quite up for throwing myself into this and meeting some new people as I'm a newbie. Alas I buggered my wrist on holiday last week .

Diode100

yes, when i said Si to the 15th, i did of course mean Sunday the 16th, but did Nigel really mean the 15th ?

Diode100

Ouch, that looks nasty, best keep it safe for a while.

jefmcg

Yes, I did mean Sunday, but I was in a hurry this morning so quickly posted before checking a calendar - or adding 7+9.

Yup, Sunday 16/9/2012, 10am at Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Lawrence, if you care to join us for coffee and cake and to share your war stories, please do. I don't think anyone will mind a lazy start to the day.

I'm open to suggestions as to route: we could check out the Olympic park if people are interested (I still haven't been East of Tower Bridge since April)

joan

FoldingLawrence

Yeah. Was bound to happen. New bike -> No riding injury.

mulleady

Are ye all still meeting?

Diode100

Afraid I'm going to have to bring in a sick note from my mum for this one, i can meet at 10 to 10.30 for a coffee and chat, but not up for an extended ride.

mulleady

Sorry to hear you're under the weather.

jefmcg

I'm still on. Let's meet at 10 and then play it by ear.

Maybe coffee + cake and a loop of the park.

I'll be heading in from Twickenham if anyone wants riding company.

Edit: Sorry to hear you aren't well. Shall I bring a wee dram to put in your coffee?