The Dunwich Dynamo 2015 thread

The Dunwich Dynamo 2015 thread

Author
Discussion

JustinF

Original Poster:

6,795 posts

202 months

Wednesday 8th July 2015
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Who is this tall bugger?
https://youtu.be/-qI8uBG0mPU?t=297

robpearson

441 posts

201 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
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Thread resurrection time. Who is going this year?

JustinF

Original Poster:

6,795 posts

202 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
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Arrangements made to leave car at Dunwich and get an organised coach to the start on Saturday here.
May have room back to London/Kent/East Sussex, dependant on demand elsewhere and getting my Saab back from engine surgery in time.

idiotgap

2,112 posts

132 months

Tuesday 17th May 2016
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Something I've wanted to do for a year or two. I'd like to join in, if there's a group.
Would I be quick enough I wonder?
Happy to drive if it helps (e-class estate with 4 bike rack) though I'm not so far from JustinF.

richardxjr

7,561 posts

209 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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Don't worry about pace, there's literally all sorts do this ride. Fantastic experience.

pembo

1,203 posts

192 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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idiotgap said:
Something I've wanted to do for a year or two. I'd like to join in, if there's a group.
Would I be quick enough I wonder?
Happy to drive if it helps (e-class estate with 4 bike rack) though I'm not so far from JustinF.
I'm in, booked my train to London yesterday.

Don't worry about pace, I've been told by Mrs Pembo she won't pick me up until at least 9am. That gives me 12hrs to do 120 miles so I think I'll just be enjoying the moment rather than racing anywhere.

As for getting back to London, it's a 20(ish) mile ride to Ipswich and then they are putting special trains on from Ipswich on which you can book one of 50 places beck to London.
https://www.abelliogreateranglia.co.uk/dunwich-dyn...

Bikes are not allowed on any trains/busses between Dunwich and Ipswich but if anyone plans to ride back and really can't manage it I will have van space to take your bike and meet you there so that you can get the train/bus. No seating space in the van I'm afraid but at least it's a backup option.

loudlashadjuster

5,083 posts

183 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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Very tempted this year, the gods are smiling as far as family/work stuff is concerned so that weekend looks free at the moment.

Trying to convince the Mrs to drop me off at the start then stay over with the kids in Ipswich or somewhere so the pickup is easier for them. Definitely do not think I'd make it back to Buckinghamshire under my own steam, even with trains etc!

Edit: Seems I have a pass smile

Edited by loudlashadjuster on Wednesday 18th May 12:47

pembo

1,203 posts

192 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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loudlashadjuster said:
Very tempted this year, the gods are smiling as far as family/work stuff is concerned so that weekend looks free at the moment.

Trying to convince the Mrs to drop me off at the start then stay over with the kids in Ipswich or somewhere so the pickup is easier for them. Definitely do not think I'd make it back to Buckinghamshire under my own steam, even with trains etc!

Edit: Seems I have a pass smile

Edited by loudlashadjuster on Wednesday 18th May 12:47
Good stuff, I had to wait to see if a wedding was cancelled to be able to do it. As soon as I got the all clear wedding was crossed out on the calendar and I found a marker pen to write 'Dunwich' over the whole weekend.

JustinF

Original Poster:

6,795 posts

202 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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JustinF

Original Poster:

6,795 posts

202 months

JustinF

Original Poster:

6,795 posts

202 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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Miltag stuff is lovely, I won't be buying this year's one though, too many jerseys already.

CharlieCrocodile

1,186 posts

152 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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JustinF said:
That's very handy for us who live NE Essex / South Suffolk.

Does anyone know where to park the day before in Dunwich?

80sMatchbox

3,891 posts

175 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
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I'll be doing it again, my 5th year on the trot!

My brother confirmed that he's going to do it, though he does have to go to HK for at least a couple of weeks before it..so he's not going to get as much training in as he should. That means he's not going to be that speedy, so probably best that we just plod along at our own pace.

May meet you all at the beginning this time and not 60 miles later.. biggrin


loudlashadjuster

5,083 posts

183 months

Thursday 19th May 2016
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swerni said:
£70 for a shirt.

Sod that
Yeah, and I don't think this year's design is as nice as previous years.

Besides, I need another top like I need another puncture!

ALawson

7,814 posts

250 months

Thursday 19th May 2016
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I assume the route is the same each year?

http://www.routeyou.com/en-gb/route/view/118314/cy...

Will look at parking and train options.

loudlashadjuster

5,083 posts

183 months

Thursday 19th May 2016
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Thinking about kit for this and looking for some advice from you seasoned Dynamo experts.

Kit
Obviously weather dependent but on the basis it should at least be mild, short-sleeve jersey with gilet in pocket in case it gets a bit cool. If more than a light shower is forecast then packaway in pocket too.
If it might be nippy during the night then maybe take arm warmers and wear oversocks?
If it's forecast to be unseasonably cold then replan. Hopefully it won't be Gabba-cold!
May swap back to SPDs on the basis that it'll help a lot if any kind of extended walk is required in the event of a serious mechanical/off.

Lighting and electrics
2 x front lights, one active (constantly being charged, see battery), one spare. Nothing blinding, 70-100 lumen each.
2 x rear lights, no blinking (!), one on at a time, swap around half way. Can be recharged if necessary.
12,000 mAh battery pack in top tube bag for charging lights, phone etc.
Garmin should last all the way no problems
Few 12hr glow sticks taped in strategic locations, make identification easier (family will likely be stopping en-route to say hello)

Spares and mitigation
Standard Byasi load of tube, multitool, levers, quicklink, patches, gas and minipump/chuck.
Saddlebag with 2 more tubes.
Worth using slime tubes? It's not something I've used before but it seems like it might be a good idea. Can't imagine trying to fix a puncture in the dark at 2am in the middle of nowhere is much fun. It's not like I'll be going at race pace so a little extra rotating weight isn't going to kill me.

Feeding & watering
1 x 750ml bottle (assume places to refill are relatively frequent?)
As many bars, gels and Haribo as I can squirrel away in the space left in the bags and my pockets

Anything else?

SixPotBelly

1,922 posts

219 months

Saturday 11th June 2016
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loudlashadjuster said:
Thinking about kit for this and looking for some advice from you seasoned Dynamo experts.
Wouldn't call myself 'seasoned' but I did do the double last year, with richardxjr.

Kit: It will get cold at night. Last year was on of the hottest days of the year, but when the sun went down it got very chilly. Definitely pack a gilet and arm covers.

Lighting: Much of the route is on country lanes - so Potholes and gravel patches - especially the sections you'll be on at night. I had two front lights, a Cateye Volt 300 and a borrowed ebay cree, and found the Cateye was just about sufficient on its own. Once I'd remembered to take off my sunglasses rolleyes. AA rear lights last for 50-100 hours, and even my USB ones will last the the trip, but I took two for redundancy. Solid, as you say, but be prepared to be staring at a thousand ahead which are blinking.

Food and Water: Some of the pubs stay open as late as they are allowed and there are pop-up stalls selling food and drink all along the route.

Other: Remember it's not to be taken seriously. There'll be people riding with disco lights, panniers containing beat boxes on full volume, and wearing anything but Lycra. That said, there are a few who will try to get to Dunwich first, but I can't help thinking they're completely missing the point.

But I'd discourage people from having friends and family drive to any of the route to support them. They're public roads of course, so they've every right, but if everyone had someone in a car along at some point in the route the congestion would ruin the event. There's a big car park at the end in Dunwich that would be a good place for them to wait for you.

Otherwise enjoy the ride. It was one of my highlights of 20165. I'd be there again this year in a shot but for a clash with another event.




Edited by SixPotBelly on Saturday 11th June 09:40

idiotgap

2,112 posts

132 months

Saturday 11th June 2016
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I kinda of gave up on this idea, mates of mine who've done it before are keen this year but otherwise engaged on the Etape.
I didn't fancy it on my jack and the sensible coach options (ideally coach from beach to start so I can leave my car up there and drive myself back) were full up.

I am up for it if there is a group to join and anyone has a good idea on transport. Maybe I can partner up with another London/East Surrey/Kent/Sussex driver and we can deploy a car at the beach?

SixPotBelly

1,922 posts

219 months

Saturday 11th June 2016
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good spot! editing now...

richardxjr

7,561 posts

209 months

Saturday 11th June 2016
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Don't let logistics stop you; simply ride both ways tongue out

Bring money for beer n burgers.