Sunday 29th January 2012, Green Roof Cafe 32k/25miles

A damn cold and chilling morning, measuring 2 degrees on the thermometer, did not deter 24 from turning up at the park for a split ride of fast and medium pace out to the Green Roof Cafe. It was the Benny and Alvaro gang on one side with the Gaffer and Goat on the other. Such large groups meant for a quick team talk from the Gaffer before we set off, although not a club to lay down the rules, safety comes first so after a quick “Ride Etiquette” refresher, the fast group set off with the Cruisers hopefully reaching the café just before. 

So after rolling out the park towards the first hill, the discussion was not of climbing techniques but of the benefits of leg waxing:- was it painful, do you do have full leg or half, can I get a discount, do you have to wear speedos. The girls remained quiet, all of this coming from the boys who were enquiring after MG and his recent visit to the beauty parlour. Perhaps the club can do a sponsored wax for Comic relief !!! So onto the first lump in the road, Green Lane- everyone going their own pace with a re- group scheduled after the descent. MG goes flying up the road, more due to being frozen solid and needing to get the blood circulating, closely followed by Suley, Dr L and of course The Pocket Rocket (is there no end to this girls ability) dropping everyone else like a stone !

Onwards down Chiselhurst Road we rolled, very quiet for a Sunday- last time we came down the road as a group we were set upon by a Chelsea Tractor- this week not a car in sight. How lovely The Gaffer organizing a closed road- but with taking no credit she informed us the bridge was out further down the thoroughfare, being able to ride two abreast with no traffic and lots of chat, a sheer joy.
Incident free we arrived at said refueling stop, at exactly the same time as every dog walker in Kent, with children in tow, as well as grandparents and then the fast gang arrived 5 mins behind, perfect timing. On the route back we kept the two ride split. The slower ones set off first to tackle Worlds End Lane, with a re group at the top for the faster group to then set off. Some great climbing by a multitude of riders whose first time it was up this hill. The old hands being driven by the pressure of Strava I think !!!

The fast group then led, closely followed by the easy ride although MG decided to turn it into a game of chase with Suley also in hot pursuit, almost catching the group in front only being held up by the sheer volume of traffic which continued the whole way to Watery Lane.
The speed chase continued all the way to Sidcup and onwards to the park Dr L ‘ powering up the road and waiting outside his club HQ for a cheery wave as the rest came flying past.

A great mornings ride- everyone keeping together, remaining  safe and  eventually warming up I think by the end of the day….

The LEC 100 Club

Have you ever wanted to tackle a century ride but thought you weren't fit enough? Well here's your chance to achieve this great milestone this summer.

The aim of the LEC 100 club is to get as many members to complete a 100 mile ride on the same day. Some will take a leisurely approach while others will be tackling a more demanding course at a higher tempo. 

If you take part in the training rides starting in February there is no reason why you should not be part of this event.

For less experienced riders the initial training rides will be gentle and more about learning how to eat and drink on the bike so don't be put off, come along and join in with the great LEC century challenge.

Richard W

Sunday 22nd January- Reverse Route to Lullingston 45km/30miles

Another week of a huge Peloton of riders, 21 this week, a mix of old hands, new kids on the block and young wipper snappers set off on two rides, one off to Hawley and the other going the reverse route out to Lullingston. Great thing was riding out together you could decide which ride to take on the split at Crockenhill, depending on how your legs were as there was going to be a bit of climbing to do later in the day. The pace was fast and furious from the off, some hanging off the back, with The Gaffer shooting up the road to bring them back and everyone subsequently following, trying to hold an even tempo on a mixed ability ride was going to be a bit of a challenge as it proved for most of the day!! 

Safely through the traffic coming down from Blackfen and through Bexley, once we hit the North Cray Road we managed to re-group but only for a matter of minutes as the pace went up again and whilst the Gaffer once again tried to reel in those that were flying up the road, everyone mistakenly chased after and of course once more a few were dropped off the back.
  

By the time we got to the split at Sheepcote Lane/Crockenhill those who had enough of the “interval training” took a left to Hawley while those that wanted to continue with this little game flew down the hill with MG frantically trying not to lose anyone, the whole group shot straight past him and raced up to the bridge with Alvaro holding back the baying wolves until the rest of the group, with Colin (Clips is up for sale on e-bay apparently) doing his usual gentlemanly bit of rounding up the rest with MG stuck in the middle of it all. 

On reaching the bridge the back markers flew straight past, those at the front were now at the back as we all dropped down Crockenhill to Eynsford where for probably the first and only time on the ride, MG the ride leader was at the front setting a pace that everyone could stay with as we all dropped down into Lullingston and time for coffee, cake and chat. 

What happened to cycling etiquette, CPT had a table set banquet style and whilst MG had the common courtesy to say good morning they all looked and said nothing in reply. So table banqueting style LEC too, plonked themselves next to said triathlon club, who almost immediately got up and left without so much as a cheery “chapeau”.
  

Never mind, - refreshed refueled and with some free climbing advice given by Obe Wan Kenobi himself, to some of those that were looking a tad worried, (when has MG ever bent the truth about how tough a climb is, honestly!) the pack took a right turn and almost immediately came upon Redmond’s Lane “Oh the big steep one we can see the lavender fields from” exclaimed one. Climbing well, the group took the first left- about half way up and continued on down Castle Farm Road, Alvaro again chasing after a few as MG waited at the junction for the stragglers. 14 then became 13 as Sean flew up Shacklands with the rest turning right and started the climb up Cockerhurst Road. A short climb changing from 7% to 20% in a few places (would make a cracking hill climb end of season !!) we re-joined Redmond’s at the top and then it was onto the short climb of Firmongers Road and the descent down Skeet Hill lane to join Chelsfield Lane and the A224. The 13 becoming 14 again as Sean re- joined the group from god knows where!! 

At this point MG dropped the flag and flew along the road only getting tagged at the roundabout before we took a left onto Watery Lane and the ride back through Sidcup where the squad started to split and say their goodbyes, whilst the rest flew onwards towards the park.

A special mention to a few: - A massively huge thanks to Alvaro who managed to hold back a fast pace group and keeping everyone together whilst the Ride Leader was back down the road looking after the rest of the squad. Colin being his usual tail-end Charlie for which we are getting very comfortable with and a huge well done to Martin, Dennis, Bradders and Lucy who became climbing superstars for the morning and lastly Greg hope your gears get sorted or was that all part of the training plan???

Group riding etiquette

For the benefit of our newer members and those riding with LEC for the first time, please have a read of MG's blog posting from last year, giving us invaluable tips for riding in a group...
 

 Riding is more fun when you ride with others!

There’s no better source of motivation, networking, being social, sharing knowledge, and camaraderie than your fellow riders. However, the prospect of joining a group ride for the first time can be intimidating.

Worried that you might now know “the rules’ of a group ride? We’ve got you covered! Simply read the following suggestions...
 

Pick The Right Group Ride

Group rides and objectives vary. Finding out the group’s pace, distance, and goals will ensure that you join a ride that’s right for you. Is the ride social or a hammer fest? Is it considered a social ride, training ride, or a bloodletting? How far will the group go? What route will the ride follow? Will the ride re-group at certain spots to let stragglers get back on? Are there any rest stops or fluid stops? Answer these questions before the ride so you don’t get yourself in over your head. If you are not sure what type of group ride you are getting yourself into, just ask.

Don’t Be Late

Group rides typically start within minutes of the official starting time. If you’re late, you’ll miss the ride. Plus if you hold the group up there will be some impatient people and you’ll make a bad first impression. It is a good idea to arrive at least ten minutes before the start of the ride so you can get yourself organised.

Communicate

Communication is key to a safe group ride. Roads are full of traffic, rocks, signs, pot holes, parked cars, animals, pedestrians, etc. and visibility is limited for cyclist in a pack. It is important to communicate to the riders in the group of potential hazards by shouting out and pointing out hazards.

These are some calls you might hear. It is essential that you repeat them down the pack so everyone can hear:

• "Car Up / Car Front / Car Back" - Keep tight to the cyclist next to you and be prepared to cycle in single file.
• "Hole" - upcoming pothole to avoid.  Sometimes followed by a direction.
• "Slowing" - usually accompanied by a hand signal.  The cyclist in front needs to slow down for some reason.
• "Stopping" - Brake!
• "Wait" - Usually at junctions to indicate there is a car coming.
• "Clear" - to indicate a junction is traffic free, you must check yourself and not rely on others.
• "Standing" - moving from the seated positon to standing on the pedals.  Be careful if colleagues are close behind you, as when standing you will drop your pace slightly and he/she may touch your back wheel.
• "Heads up" - Hazard ahead, pay attention.
• "Single out / single file" - get into single file immediately!

Hand Signals

These are some hand signals (other than the obvious left and right turns!) It is essential that you repeat them so everyone can see and pass it on:

• Single hand in the air (up or down) - Rider is signalling that he/she needs to stop or slow down. Usually followed by the call 'Slowing', 'Stopping'.
• Pointing down at the road - This is to point out hazards such as pot holes, manhole covers etc. PLEASE copy this signal, it stops accidents and punctures.
• Arm out left or right - Everyone in the pack needs to indicate when turning left or right.
• Left arm signalling behind back - Signal the cyclist is about to move out into the road, e.g. to pass a parked car, to go round debris in the road.

Ride Cautiously and Considerately

Bikes are considered vehicles, just like cars and are required to obey the same traffic laws. Your actions can place a rider behind you in danger so be careful of your surroundings.
 

Ride Smart & Be Safe

Group ride dynamics are interesting and ever changing. As the pace and terrain changes the pack stretches and compresses like a rubber band. You have to be alert at all times because rubber band effect of a group ride can cause some very tight quarters and even some occasional crashes.

To be safe it is important to ride smooth, don’t over react, avoid hard braking, be alert as to what is going on up the road in the front of the pack, and anticipate what traffic will do.
Inexperienced rides that panic and touch a wheel may crash or cause a crash. You can avoid problems by practicing these simples rules:

1.    Stay alert at all times.
2.    Hold your line.
3.    Don’t overlap wheels.
4.    Don’t look back!
5.    Relax!
6.    Focus on the rider(s) ahead.
7.    Beware of pot holes in the road.
8.    Don’t brake unless absolutely necessary.
9.    Pass carefully.
10.    Always move through the pace-line at a steady pace and make sure you are clear of the front rider before pulling off.
 

Be Prepared

Always bring a tube, CO2 or a pump and the tools to change a flat. It also a good idea to bring some money on the longer rides because often group rides stop to fuel up. Bringing a mobile phone is also good to have in-case something happens and you need to call for help. Keep in mind that not all group rides stop when someone flats, so be prepared to ride alone if this happens.
 

Join The Fun!

Group rides are great fun! You get a great workout, push yourself harder than if riding alone, cover more distance, and get to hang out with fellow cyclists. There is nothing better than hanging out after a group ride to re-cap the ride. So don’t be intimidated, get out there and ride!

Article on LEC in the latest edition of Greenwich Time

Sunday 15th January 2012 - Shorne & Higham - 50(ish) miles

When you wake before your alarm clock on a Sunday morning of all days, its a strange sensation.  When you then pull back the curtains and find a thick frost suffocating the neighbourhood, initial thoughts immediately turn to rule #5.

So it was with some intrepidation that I set off to lead my first ride and to see who actually turned up.  I really shouldnt have worried.  7 of the hard core LEC bunch left Eltham Park a little later than usual, after a quick chat with Dino who was donning the lycra but was opting for an early morning run through the park rather than being on two wheels.

Off towards Bexley Village we went.  7 became 9 with Bradders joining us in the Village and then Essex's very own Tom Tom joining us just outside Clive's house.  The LEC Peloton headed out to Wilmington and down to Hawley down roads we normally come back home on, over Darenth Hill and on to Green Steet Green Road.

Before we'd even got to Longfield, 9 became 6.  Ollie, Suley & Jo decided they weren't up to a long ride in the lanes in the near-to-freezing conditions and headed back to Hawley for tea and cake while the rest of us cycled on to Meopham and beyond, through the small little village of Cobham and onto Shorne Woods Country Park for tea and cake.

The park was a nice venue for a cake stop, definitely one for a hot summers day but as it was so cold, we made a move to head on pretty sharpish.  Turning left out of the park, there's a steady decent down to Gravesend Road and the village of Higham beyond that.  On a summer's day it would have been lovely, yesterday, well I think everyone was shivering on the decent.

Out of Higham, down the Lower Road to Gravesend and back up Valley Drive to the A2 then everyone knew the familar surroundings of the old A2 and the Cyclopark at Singlewell.  Sticking to familar roads, we made out way back to Longfield for the epic minimum 25mph with no effort decent back to Green Street Green Road back to Darenth Hill and Hawley, saying our farewells to Kev in Bexley, the group split at Blackfen with Lucy and myself heading back to Welling and Rich, Alvaro and Andy headng back towards Eltham Park.

A nice ride in the winter sunshine.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it, despite no doubt not warming up until sometime later Sunday afternoon.  Thanks to all for making my first attempt at being a ride leader go without too many hitches :)

John/Gadget 

Cycling Fit Camp is here!

Cycling Fit Camp is here!

Have you over-indulged over the festive period, or made a New Year's resolution? Why not come and get fit with us at Limited Edition Cycling?


All you need is a bike, a little enthusiasm and a sense of humour. No lycra or experience required!


Cycling Fit Camp is  aimed at beginner cyclists of all ages and backgrounds. It is a series of rides which progress fitness over a number of months in a fun and social way.


We are starting with Level 1 rides throughout January and February, Level 2 rides throughout March and Level 3 rides in April. From there on in, it's up to you where you choose to take it!


Our first ride will be on Saturday 14th January 2012 at 1.30pm. We will be following cycle routes from Eltham Park South Cafe to Blackheath Tea Hut and returning. 


For more information, email: admin@limitededitioncycling.co.uk
Or phone Ollie on: 07904 628814


Come and join us!!!

Sunday 8th January 2012 - Shoreham- 65km/40miles

If you are reading this then success to me and give myself a pat on the back for getting to grips with the website, if you are not reading it then I have just wasted the best part of an hour and could have got on with something else instead.

 

A peloton of 21 could have left the park but it dropped to 20, as Dr Livingston was only stopping to wish those that he had not said happy new year too as yet and as he was looking and feeling a tad peaky, off he went back home to bed. So it was a route of roads we knew and some we did not with a warning to not going flying off the front or you would get lost, it was the Gaffer leading the ride with MG rounding up the lost sheep (filling in for Clips in his absence).


On the way out to Bexley the field of G&B were strung out winding its way through Blackfen when Benny had a derailleur malfunction and adhering to the latest ride rules we had 4 team members (not 2!!) waiting for him. It became apparent that the Grupetto where about to have 10 mins of fun before they had warmed up, as of course the chase was on to catch up with the squad, MG, Jason & Bradders TT’d their way onto the back of the group as they hit the village, with everyone re grouping by the time we arrived on the North Cray Road for the first time of two visits on the day.


Then a left up Star Lane, on past the Cemetery of St Mary Cray- no one dying on the climb yet although one member asking “is this the climb of the day”- the response- “this be but a lump in the road dear friend “- trying to hide the anxiety on hearing the reply the group continued on. A pit stop at the top of Crockenhill, for a refuel, no one chasing after MG – thank god, as he was on a mission to take a comfort break and at the junction in Eynsford Gadget has a mechanical with MG waiting in support. The squad power on to the climb of the day for real, Bower Lane. Think that was renamed last year but even with the Christmas break the group were climbing well,the Pocket Rocket up to her usual mischief of climbing like a demon. Gadget and MG then rejoin the group, Gadget keeping out of his granny gear,the Peloton then swells to 23 at the top of the climb as 3 more join the intrepid band of Limited Edition for the drop down Fackendon. Surprising when you descend a climb we are used to going up, you get a different perspective on the nature of the road and actually it looks a lot steeper than when you come the other way.


Shoreham, a place trapped in a time warp Doctor Who would have a field day with. On one side of the village its “Walmington on Sea” with a “Dads Army” tea stop and on the other side it’s “Are You Being Served” minus young Mr. Grace but with waitress service. Who ever heard of such a thing, cyclists drinking from bone china cups and saucers, the Gaffer having a personal table arranged at the entrance to the Station, my goodness how we have come on. Loved hearing the walkers exclaim “It’s all full of bloody cyclists”, too right mate it was too and what a sight we were. Refreshed and refueled with lunch looming for most, it was a flying sprint down towards Eynsford, Benny and MG reliving past exploits and then the rest joined in too playing tag till the traffic started to spoil everything. The return journey up through Ship Lane and onto Maidstone Road began to tire some and the field was spread down the road. The distance the furthest this year so far,the cobwebs not quiet blown away for some from the recent festivities. So goodbyes were said on a lay-by on at the end of Maidstone Road ready for the second visit of the day to the North Cray Road. Like moths attracted to a lamp the big boys were flying. Firstly down Maidstone road the lead changing continually and then going the “easy” way down NC the hammer really went down and all were burying themselves to either hold the lead or just simply power past the rider in front.


A surprise to everyone was that after coming through Sidcup “Team Robb” led by the Gaffer was in front of everyone- why, they took a short cut the little devils!!
A great day’s ride. A slight variation on roads we knew and love and some great early season mileage in the legs too. For a few the fitness level starting to return where it was left after end of season.

Wiggle New Forest Spring Sportive - Sun 15 April 2012

We now have several members of LEC signed up for the Wiggle New Forest Spring Sportive on Sunday 15 April 2012. So far, Ollie, Suley, Simon, John, Dean, Richard, Alvaro & Kevin are signed up. A number of us done this sportive last year and its a really good one to do. Not too hilly (approx 2,500ft of climbing over 83 miles - we normally do that on an average club ride) and the scenery is stunning. From our experience of last year, most of us are staying overnight in the local area. Is anyone else interested in joining us?

Update to "Importing the shared events calendar"

As promised, I've now created a "how to" guide to importing the LEC shared calendar to your PC, Mac or Smart Phone/Device.

Select the Document tab on the top menu bar and then click the link to the guide.


Cheers
Gadget

Importing the shared events calendar

A number of you have asked me how to get the shared events calendar into your PCs and Smart Phones.  I'll write up a document and host it on the website shortly so everyone is able to do so.

Any other questions, feel free to drop a comment below.

Cheers

Gadget

Introducing the all new LEC website

Happy New Year to you all.

The new LEC website is live as of this morning.

A couple of quick tips for you:

1) Follow LEC Updates by Email:  if you enter your email address into the box in the left-hand column, you’ll receive a daily email from the site whenever the site has been updated so you wont miss any posts, whether it be a ride report, whether a ride has been cancelled etc.

2) LEC Events Calendar:  the ride calendar is now a public calendar hosted on Google.  This allows you to sync your Computer and Smart Phones to the calendar and you’ll be automatically notified by new rides, socials and other events.  If anyone needs help with the sync, give me a shout and I’ll talk you through it.

Please note there’s still some work to be done on the site, like updating the results pages, importing the kids club pages etc and I hope to have all this completed shortly.

If anyone has any questions whatsoever, give me a shout.

Feel free to leave any comments/questions below...

JD/Gadget

New Years Day Ride - Hangover Cure

A good number turned up for the New Years Day Hangover Cure, some sporting the tell-tale signs of the night before! With the unlucky number 13 threatening the ride, Clips was ready to be a gentleman and reduce the numbers to 12 by going home, but was foiled at the last minute by Shaun arriving.

The Gaffer, Bradders, Lindsey, the Cannibal, Jayne, Pocket Rocket, Sean, Shaun, Suley, Clips, Chris, Lucy, Alvaro and new guy Neil, all set off for the drop down to Woolwich, enjoying the quiet New Year roads. A quick stop at the Royal Arsenal to pose for photos with the iron men amused a few onlookers and then it was off for an enjoyable ride along the Thames Path. Sean, Alvaro, and the Pocket Rocket being the first to break away shortly after the Barrier and a few attacks by Jayne not being missed either. The Cannibal being unlucky and being brought down by the cobbles.

Our decision to take the shorter route across the bridge was foiled by police tape and an incident at the nightclub by the tunnel approach, so a quick about turn meant we got to play chase around the O2 before rejoining the road on the other side of the bridge to ride into Greenwich.

A welcome stop for tea and (somewhat stale) scones at the Old Brewery gave everyone chance to socialise on the happenings of the night before, and for Alvaro to explain to a somewhat bemused Neil what the 'Dragon Ride' consisted of. Refreshed and in good spirits, off we set for the climb up through Greenwich Park. Suley not missing a chance to draw Alvaro into a race up the hill, joined by Clips and the Cannibal, closely followed by Jayne and the Pocket Rocket. 
An uneventful ride back along the cycle network and the Gaffer broke away for a challenge up the side of Well Hall Pleasaunce, with only Jayne, the Pocket Rocket and Neil rising to the bait.
A good ride by Jayne, the Pocket Rocket, Chris and Neil and a nice social for all!


Gaffer