FNRttC March 2009 - Brighton

I was asked many times if 'this' was something to do with Red Nose Day! It would have been so much easier to say yes, but it was so much more fun to see the ensuing facial expressions when the truth was told. Mind you, its hard to explain when asked "Why do you cycle to Brighton, from London, in the middle of the night?". And you do this on Red Nose day? And you are not raising money? Should have referred them to my JustGiving site ...

We had the usual stop start exit out of London, before we came to quiet lanes. We had some really fast stretches (max 52.5 km/h). I also love the rolling section after the climb in Coulsdon

We cycled through residential areas, went through gates onto a footpath, left, right, up, down and ... all of a sudden, into a back alley, bike on shoulder, up the stairs and 'Arrivals'. Being in Gatwick Airport was quite surreal.

I just love FNRttC. Every ride is different. The only thorn in the side last night was an on/off puncture. Not so bad in itself, but you know that it holds up the group and it meant that I ended up walking up Ditchling Beacon. I have never walked up that hill before (I mean, I always manage to cycle up - slowly).

The mist over Ditchling Beacon and Brighton was an improvement on the hail we had last year. Shame we couldn't even see the sea though! I didn't have good memories of the Madeira Cafe breakfast, but this morning's Full English was pukka (= the max).

It was a great group of people with old and new faces. It was great catching up with Brian, Chris, the scott and meeting new cyclists.

Had a smooth journey back home, good train connections, coffee ready at home!

More photos are here.

First FNRttC of 2009 - Brighton

This Friday, 13th, I will be joining Simon Legg's gang, cycling from Hyde Park Corner to Brighton, starting at midnight.

Somebody stated that the first FNRttC signals end of winter. And I completely agree. I am so looking forward to this ride.

Watch out for ride report and photos Saturday morning ... lunchtime.

What is FNRttC?

FNRttC stands for Friday Night Ride to the Coast. They are rides starting from Hyde Park Corner at midnight on a Friday, with a coast as destination. Organised by Mr Simon Legg of Morden and Cheam CTC. Its a no frills, turn up and ride affair. Not quite, Simon keeps tabs on who will turn up, with a list of names, phone and CTC membership numbers.

They are absolutely fanstastic, my favourite last year was the Whitstable run.

Simon wrote an article for the Guardian, worth reading for its style, even if you are not a cyclist and will never do a moon lit ride on a Friday - Clicky