Martin L Tim D Tom C Jess L Adam C Nathaniel R Jeremy P John P Graham D Stef D Phil K Beny R Will S Scott R John R Simon R Peter G Martin H Vince F Robbie L Bryn D Ray M Daniel D
It'd be good to see you again and have you on board Ray. Tuck in all the way to Cafe 2 Maglia Rosso and see how you feel.
It's likely best I pre-warn the cafes and set up some ready-to-go food and drink options... pots of coffee, cake. And lunchish stuff at Maglia Rosso.
If turnout is very big on the day, let's see how we go safetywise as one group. Wells worked out fine with a very big group last year as the lanes are very quiet on Fridays, the route is on minor lanes [most of the way], and we were really well disciplined as a peleton, generally. While I'm here - tip of the day - no sudden braking if you're at the front of any group, but especially a large group of riders. And any stopping needs a strong and well received call out before go ahead. Any mid journey stops require us all off the road. Strong riders only at the front and back.
If the weather is terrible and crosses a safety threshold - the ride will be shortened or cancelled. Remember this ride is 48hrs before Milan San Remo. Remember a couple of years back..?
I'll be testing out my beefy Flanders tyres on this ride. Please no summer tyres and have your bike in good order, bien sur! It would be good if someone brings a spare tyre. Insert weight gag here.
Robbie and I were discussing how to GO-LARGE on this one and go for a double beasting. Ashwell-Wells-Ashwell was an obvious extension to the Well-next-the Sea ride. Any thoughts? Maybe we have to content ourselves with double portions of cake!
You could turn south a few miles after Cafe 3, Mocha, in Saffron Walden, getting near Great Chishill and on to the Geoff Denny route. Looks like that'd bump it to 150 miles maybe.
Or, be a double badge hero and take one for the team, hitting the front for a sustained amount of time. That'd be going large. Particularly welcome for the return leg in a likely headwind.
Or consider an amuse bouche start pre 8.30am and/or a petit fours loop from destination Ashwell, while I rest awhile for you in the 3 Tuns with a Clubman's Brandy.
Pushing out east to the coast, e.g. Southwold, from Bury and getting back would be adding another 110-120 miles.
Here's a top tube guide to next Friday 20th March's ride... 8.30am
Constantly rolling, but there's little above 10% gradient. Fingers crossed for half decent weather. Albeit sunset is 6.15pm, probably good to bring some lights for later on. Email me if you can't work out how to download/print this. martin@ccashwell.com
Maglia Rosso - cafe 2 - want us to preselect as many lunch options as possible. They are sending me their specials menu soon and those who don't mind, can decide beforehand. I wanted to do things more simply but this is how they want it. When I get next week's menu, I'll post details.
Cafe 1 Blue Egg and Cafe 3 Mocha: we will freestyle more. Though I will ring ahead to the Blue Egg and give them advance warning and a few drinks orders.
Martin L Tim D Tom C Jess L Adam C Nathaniel R Jeremy P John P Graham D Stef D Phil K Beny R Will S Scott R John R Simon R Peter G Martin H Vince F Robbie L Bryn D Ray M Daniel D
Great. We'll do whatever it takes to be safe and not nuisances on the road.
It's also a chance to show off exemplary group riding skills. CCA were very good going to Wells last year. 30+ riders then.
Martin L Tim D Tom C Jess L Adam C Nathaniel R Jeremy P John P Graham D Stef D Phil K Beny R Will S Scott R John R Simon R Peter G Martin H Vince F Robbie L Bryn D Ray M Daniel D Tim A MC
Riders: please look at the Maglia Rosso menu below and whisper me - Martin L - your lunch choice by Wednesday evening 18th March in this discussion thread.
Maglia Rosso will prioritise these pre-selected menu choices. So worth doing. Of course, you can also order on the day, when we arrive.
Any queries about the food - probably best you contact them directly: info@magliarosso.co.uk
Have a look and whisper me your selection here in this thread.
Still up for the continental, but a couple of concerns! It will be the first time I've been out with a large formal group. My cycling etiquette may be a little slack so I apologise in advance. Pace and distance shouldn't be too much of a problem, especially with the much-awaited cafe stops :) If you notice me doing something I shouldn't be doing or not doing something I should, please let me know. I'm fine with advice!
Secondly I assume I get the train back from Bury. I'll need to get to Baldock via Cambridge, Ideally arriving back by 3-ish. Any rough guess to what time I should get to Bury station?
All being well I shall see you on Friday. And I'll have a beef chilli jacket please, no need to whisper, I like food...
Thanks for the various questions and reminders. A few things then;
Scott. A good read if you're new to group riding is our Club Run guidelines document. Download here. Let us all know who you are and the group will take care of you. Crucially: if you're unsure of anything - shout out. If it's wet: mudguards please. Clip-ons good enough.
Trains. Firstly, getting from Maglia Rosso to Bury station. It's a 6 mile flat route north [the Full English route go south]. Here is a suggested way there that avoids the A-road. All you need to really note is the left turn for Pinford End shortly after leaving Maglia Rosso in Hawstead. After that, it's fairly logical. Head for the abbey! http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2931514-maglia-rosso-to-bury-station/ Trains are every 57 mins past the hour from Bury. Arrive Cambridge 39 mins past, change for Royston/Ashwell/Baldock/Letchworth on the 55 mins past train and should be Platform 2. So, e.g. the 1:57pm gets you to Baldock 3.26pm.
Pace will be all-inclusive long distance Steve Abraham styley bobalong speed, and I reckon that'll work out at 16mph average. Less confident riders, please stay off the front and back and take advantage of the draft. That's where I'll be hiding! Strong riders: earn that Bonnie badge! Hit the front and thru-and-off riders back on to the group if any fall back.
Yes. I think there'll be a few drink at the Three Tuns afterwards. I've let them know to expect us at the start and finish. A CCA Clubman's Brandy will warm the cockles. It's £3 a glass.
You don't have to pre-select your food for Maglia Rosso - if indeed you are ordering at all. But it obviously makes life easier for them and speeds things up. Have a look from the menu above and whisper me - Martin L - what u want. Thanks for all the whispered orders so far - all noted. I am submitting the menu list at the end of Wednesday.
Thinking food... Note, local Ashwell butcher par excellence - Crumps - is open from 8am with a veritable selection of 'proper' pork pies n' sausage rolls...
The Three Tuns will be opening up for us on Friday at 8.15am to serve us ROT3C riders fresh coffee, at just £1.50 a go.
How kind is that?!
Please can I ask us all to have a brew. The Tuns have been very kind to us - and they deserve our custom. They are interested in establishing a more permanent coffee offer for our rides in the future. I'd welcome input and thoughts on that topic.
Matt... Wish you were with us. Is that a hacking cough and temperature you've got there this Thursday afternoon..???
Let's see how it goes, but It's quite possible we might have to split into two groups. I just wanted to point this out now as it's only really possible if someone else knows the route, and/or is confident with a Garmin. If we do, please can we make sure the groups are even numbered and of mixed ability - and not a slow and fast group. The groups should be 5 mins apart. Let's see how it goes.
Also...
I've got a spare folding tyre [GP4000s]. Will anyone have a bike with a rack for it? Note: we do actually cycle past a nifty looking bike shop after Cavendish, on the way into Glemsford - Cycle Clinic if we are having a mechanical "Weston" with someone's bike. Maglia Rosso has all the gear too, of course.
And, asking another favour. I've got 2 mugs left. I'll have them and the badges at the Three Tuns when we finish. I'd like to shift them all on Friday. £7 each.
I'll be submitting Maglia Rosso lunches end of tomorrow [Weds]. It's quite an exciting battle between cheese, pasta, beans and chicken butties. Look above at the menu if you want to preorder and whisper Martin L.
Martin L Tim D Tom C Jess L Adam C Nathaniel R Jeremy P John P Graham D Stef D Phil K Will S Scott R Simon R Peter G Martin H Vince F Robbie L Bryn D Ray M Daniel D Tim A MC Mark W
Sorry you can't make it Bryn - but nice to have you on board for a little bit. Good luck at the Bowl or wherever you're racing.
Thanks all for buying up the mugs. I might have one left. Dunno. Everyone who's ordered: they'll be at the Tuns for collection on our return, as will be the badges.
Riders:
The weather forecast is good, though you might bump into a brass monkey crying his eyes out first thing in the morning. It'll be nice and warm by the time we leave Cafe 1. Dry.
A lot of riders - so please check your tyres for faults and flints tonight. If we puncture, let's help each other and get going again quickly. Keep off the road and check your own tyres while waiting.
I'll be there at 8.15am for a Tuns coffee. Bring some loose change. Support our friends. £1.50 a cup.
Certainly going to be at least 2 groups. Has anyone managed to get the route onto their gps? If not i might have to bring 10 sheets of A4 which wont be massivley practical.
After a chilly start, weather looks great and virtually no wind.
Comments
Tim D
Tom C
Jess L
Adam C
Nathaniel R
Jeremy P
John P
Graham D
Stef D
Phil K
Beny R
Will S
Scott R
John R
Simon R
Peter G
Martin H
Vince F
Robbie L
Bryn D
Ray M
Daniel D
It'd be good to see you again and have you on board Ray. Tuck in all the way to Cafe 2 Maglia Rosso and see how you feel.
It's likely best I pre-warn the cafes and set up some ready-to-go food and drink options... pots of coffee, cake. And lunchish stuff at Maglia Rosso.
If turnout is very big on the day, let's see how we go safetywise as one group. Wells worked out fine with a very big group last year as the lanes are very quiet on Fridays, the route is on minor lanes [most of the way], and we were really well disciplined as a peleton, generally. While I'm here - tip of the day - no sudden braking if you're at the front of any group, but especially a large group of riders. And any stopping needs a strong and well received call out before go ahead. Any mid journey stops require us all off the road. Strong riders only at the front and back.
If the weather is terrible and crosses a safety threshold - the ride will be shortened or cancelled. Remember this ride is 48hrs before Milan San Remo. Remember a couple of years back..?
I'll be testing out my beefy Flanders tyres on this ride. Please no summer tyres and have your bike in good order, bien sur! It would be good if someone brings a spare tyre. Insert weight gag here.
Or, be a double badge hero and take one for the team, hitting the front for a sustained amount of time. That'd be going large. Particularly welcome for the return leg in a likely headwind.
Or consider an amuse bouche start pre 8.30am and/or a petit fours loop from destination Ashwell, while I rest awhile for you in the 3 Tuns with a Clubman's Brandy.
Pushing out east to the coast, e.g. Southwold, from Bury and getting back would be adding another 110-120 miles.
Anyone else more than welcome. Double bubble.
Hopefully we'll persuade a few others to join us.
I was at the Maglia Rosso Saturday and let Mandy there know that we have 2 club rides planned for 20/21 March.
She noted the dates in her diary and asked that we please let her know numbers before arriving, so they can be ready.
I thought you probably would, to get enough cake (!) but I have her mobile number if you'd like it.
John
Constantly rolling, but there's little above 10% gradient. Fingers crossed for half decent weather. Albeit sunset is 6.15pm, probably good to bring some lights for later on. Email me if you can't work out how to download/print this. martin@ccashwell.com
Maglia Rosso - cafe 2 - want us to preselect as many lunch options as possible. They are sending me their specials menu soon and those who don't mind, can decide beforehand. I wanted to do things more simply but this is how they want it. When I get next week's menu, I'll post details.
Cafe 1 Blue Egg and Cafe 3 Mocha: we will freestyle more. Though I will ring ahead to the Blue Egg and give them advance warning and a few drinks orders.
Martin L
Tim D
Tom C
Jess L
Adam C
Nathaniel R
Jeremy P
John P
Graham D
Stef D
Phil K
Beny R
Will S
Scott R
John R
Simon R
Peter G
Martin H
Vince F
Robbie L
Bryn D
Ray M
Daniel D
http://www.plotaroute.com/route/24003
How cool is this then. The eclipse begins at 8.25am and peaks about 9.30am when we'll lose about 90% of the sun.
Check out where we will be at about 9.30am;
Just past Meesden, at a place called Dimsdale.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150310131918.htm
Nice one Will.
And all riders showing uneclipsed audacity and valour of the heart, get awarded the Tr
Is there room for another one? This looks just too good to miss now!
It's also a chance to show off exemplary group riding skills. CCA were very good going to Wells last year. 30+ riders then.
Martin L
Tim D
Tom C
Jess L
Adam C
Nathaniel R
Jeremy P
John P
Graham D
Stef D
Phil K
Beny R
Will S
Scott R
John R
Simon R
Peter G
Martin H
Vince F
Robbie L
Bryn D
Ray M
Daniel D
Tim A
MC
Maglia Rosso will prioritise these pre-selected menu choices. So worth doing. Of course, you can also order on the day, when we arrive.
Any queries about the food - probably best you contact them directly: info@magliarosso.co.uk
Have a look and whisper me your selection here in this thread.
Thanks.
Yes: I do have I think around 10 official ROT3C mugs left. They're good actually, in a big ol' mug of tea styley.
Long range weather forecast looks OK for the time of year - so looks like all game on for next Friday.
Note: it's a 8.30am start from Three Tuns.
Martin 07977 652 247
Still up for the continental, but a couple of concerns! It will be the first time I've been out with a large formal group. My cycling etiquette may be a little slack so I apologise in advance. Pace and distance shouldn't be too much of a problem, especially with the much-awaited cafe stops :) If you notice me doing something I shouldn't be doing or not doing something I should, please let me know. I'm fine with advice!
Secondly I assume I get the train back from Bury. I'll need to get to Baldock via Cambridge, Ideally arriving back by 3-ish. Any rough guess to what time I should get to Bury station?
All being well I shall see you on Friday. And I'll have a beef chilli jacket please, no need to whisper, I like food...
Scott.
Thanks for the various questions and reminders. A few things then;
Scott. A good read if you're new to group riding is our Club Run guidelines document. Download here. Let us all know who you are and the group will take care of you. Crucially: if you're unsure of anything - shout out. If it's wet: mudguards please. Clip-ons good enough.
Trains. Firstly, getting from Maglia Rosso to Bury station. It's a 6 mile flat route north [the Full English route go south]. Here is a suggested way there that avoids the A-road. All you need to really note is the left turn for Pinford End shortly after leaving Maglia Rosso in Hawstead.
After that, it's fairly logical. Head for the abbey!
http://www.bikemap.net/en/route/2931514-maglia-rosso-to-bury-station/
Trains are every 57 mins past the hour from Bury.
Arrive Cambridge 39 mins past, change for Royston/Ashwell/Baldock/Letchworth on the 55 mins past train and should be Platform 2.
So, e.g. the 1:57pm gets you to Baldock 3.26pm.
Pace will be all-inclusive long distance Steve Abraham styley bobalong speed, and I reckon that'll work out at 16mph average. Less confident riders, please stay off the front and back and take advantage of the draft. That's where I'll be hiding! Strong riders: earn that Bonnie badge! Hit the front and thru-and-off riders back on to the group if any fall back.
Yes. I think there'll be a few drink at the Three Tuns afterwards. I've let them know to expect us at the start and finish. A CCA Clubman's Brandy will warm the cockles. It's £3 a glass.
You don't have to pre-select your food for Maglia Rosso - if indeed you are ordering at all. But it obviously makes life easier for them and speeds things up. Have a look from the menu above and whisper me - Martin L - what u want. Thanks for all the whispered orders so far - all noted. I am submitting the menu list at the end of Wednesday.
See you 8.30am at the Three Tuns.
martin@ccashwell.com
07977 652 247
Days of Ashwell is open earlier than that too.
The Three Tuns will be opening up for us on Friday at 8.15am to serve us ROT3C riders fresh coffee, at just £1.50 a go.
How kind is that?!
Please can I ask us all to have a brew. The Tuns have been very kind to us - and they deserve our custom. They are interested in establishing a more permanent coffee offer for our rides in the future. I'd welcome input and thoughts on that topic.
Matt... Wish you were with us. Is that a hacking cough and temperature you've got there this Thursday afternoon..???
Nice effort from 'Tuns on the coffee!
Let's see how it goes, but It's quite possible we might have to split into two groups. I just wanted to point this out now as it's only really possible if someone else knows the route, and/or is confident with a Garmin. If we do, please can we make sure the groups are even numbered and of mixed ability - and not a slow and fast group. The groups should be 5 mins apart. Let's see how it goes.
Also...
I've got a spare folding tyre [GP4000s]. Will anyone have a bike with a rack for it? Note: we do actually cycle past a nifty looking bike shop after Cavendish, on the way into Glemsford - Cycle Clinic if we are having a mechanical "Weston" with someone's bike. Maglia Rosso has all the gear too, of course.
And, asking another favour. I've got 2 mugs left. I'll have them and the badges at the Three Tuns when we finish. I'd like to shift them all on Friday. £7 each.
I'll be submitting Maglia Rosso lunches end of tomorrow [Weds]. It's quite an exciting battle between cheese, pasta, beans and chicken butties. Look above at the menu if you want to preorder and whisper Martin L.
Martin L
Tim D
Tom C
Jess L
Adam C
Nathaniel R
Jeremy P
John P
Graham D
Stef D
Phil K
Will S
Scott R
Simon R
Peter G
Martin H
Vince F
Robbie L
Bryn D
Ray M
Daniel D
Tim A
MC
Mark W
Weather forecast looks OK.
Are you thinking winter bikes or summer steeds?
Martin
If the weather forecast holds up, the roads should be all right. A mash-up maybe: summer steeds, winter tyres... I've got me 25mm Open Pav
Thanks all for buying up the mugs. I might have one left. Dunno. Everyone who's ordered: they'll be at the Tuns for collection on our return, as will be the badges.
Riders:
The weather forecast is good, though you might bump into a brass monkey crying his eyes out first thing in the morning. It'll be nice and warm by the time we leave Cafe 1. Dry.
A lot of riders - so please check your tyres for faults and flints tonight. If we puncture, let's help each other and get going again quickly. Keep off the road and check your own tyres while waiting.
I'll be there at 8.15am for a Tuns coffee. Bring some loose change. Support our friends. £1.50 a cup.
We leave at 8.30am!
After a chilly start, weather looks great and virtually no wind.