The Children's Trust at Tadworth Court have approached us to provide on road support for their charity ride on the 15th September.
Stem has asked me to run this ride from our side and I am presently in discussions with the organisers.
Briefly the route will start at Greenwich Park and via either a 65 or 80 mile route will end at Canterbury. There are currently 150 riders registered but it is expected that this will more than double by the day of the event.
Final detail are still be decided and I am working these out with Cycling Support Services who are running the event for the Children's Trust. In the meantime I need to start pulling a team together.
I estimate that we will need a minimum of ten USRs to provide a constant road presence and a tailmarker/sweeper.
Can you post here if you can help and I will ask Pen to send out an email.
More details to follow....
Regards
JJ
I'm in, gis a job.
http://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/events.asp?itemid=2233&itemTitle=London+to+Canterbury+Cycle+Ride+2010§ion=0001000100110005&year=&month=&page= (http://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/events.asp?itemid=2233&itemTitle=London+to+Canterbury+Cycle+Ride+2010§ion=0001000100110005&year=&month=&page=)
Many USR's still dont visit the forum often enough so you need to get an email together and Pen or I can distribute it for you. Still plenty of time but give them as much notice as possible.
I should be available for this.
Me, 2, put me down, somone has to keep Stem outa trouble
ps admin abuse, i just sent out a newsletter on it from the forum, Pen can do this once i show her how :D
Really sorry to miss this one - I'll be on holiday then :'(
Quote from: Jockinlaw on July 25, 2013, 09:09:18 PM
Really sorry to miss this one - I'll be on holiday then :'(
we expect post cards as penance :D
and to make us envious
My pennance will be already paid - I'm going with DJMixmaster (Graham) for 11 days to France, Spain and Portugal on the bikes 8) , but I'm sure we can post some photos to make up for missing the run :)
If you're going with DJ we can assume you'll be back early to get away from him then so you can assist! ;D ;D
I feel for u
That's nice Pen/Chris, it's so nice to be wanted :P :o
:P Sorry forgot Ken too! >:(
Quote from: djmixmaster-sam on July 31, 2013, 02:14:56 PM
That's nice Pen/Chris, it's so nice to be wanted :P :o
We aim to please! :D :D
And you do it so well Pen :o
she very experianced, so im told
As this is only a week away, is there any more information?
I e-mailed JJ during the week to ask if it was still going ahead but had no response as yet. Is anyone in touch with him please and knows whether all is OK?
I had a exchange with him on Facebook early in the week and he promised a posting by Wednesday. I will get in touch with him.
BTW I noticed in Lidl today that one of the specials is a useful collection of stuff for supporting cycle rides. As well as the usual patches and tyre levers, the kit has spare cables, valve cores, a split link for chain repair etc. Useful stuff for only £3.99.
Hi folks, sorry for the absence but I got audited at work and "lost" my laptop for two weeks - standard proceedure, I got an excellent rating!! 8)
Now I have the computer in question back I am able to access the emails and info for this ride.
The ride is still on for next weekend on Sunday the 15th. Tadworth Court are expecting a high (for them) turnout of 300 riders undertaking the route from Greenwich Park to Canterbury.
The organisers have requested that we be at the start at 07:30 and we should be released by 17:30.
Personally, I don't believe that we need all USRs available at 07:30. Due to the fact that this is a linear rather than a circular route, for the first hour or two the riders will only be between the start and the first feeding station.
I envisage that our road presence will consist of patrolling occupied sections of the ride only, with information supplied to me enabling the instructions to be issued to move into a new sector.
I have a few maps and info packs to upload later, once I figure out how but in the meantime would appreaciate an indication on how many USRs are available for this event.
I will be riding the route tomorrow, using the ride timings to get a feel for the route and potential traffic. Once I have done I will revise my Tom Tom route and issue some more files from TYRE.
JJ
Thanks very much or the update. Looking forward to the TomTom files etc. Spent lots of money this afternoon on Goretex as I know your reputation as a Rain God.
BTW JJ are you planning on running the route to time? I mean starting at 7.30 and spending all day going to Canterbury? If instead you are planning on running the route but to a more sensible timetable I would be happy to a company you as I have a free pass for tomorrow but would rather start later and get to Canterbury earlier!
Change of plan Julian.......... Seems as if may be babysitting the granddaughter in the morning so I can't give a time for tomorrow ..... Thanks for the offer though!
JJ
I will be heading south then. Anyone at Rykas (Box Hill) at 11.30 is welcome to join me in a ride down to West Wittering.
Nice......don't forget the fish and chips!
Having tried every trick I know....can someone please tell me how to upload files to the forum.
JJ
By the way folks we only have John definitely confirmed on this plus one probable and two possibles. Anyone else?????
I am a definite.
John, stick them in something like Dropbox and provide public links to them. It is what Stem band and I do.
Having seen the route today, i still have a couple of questions for the organisers in the morning but here's the Tom Tom route:
<iframe src="https://skydrive.live.com/embed?cid=D486182EFD3A131D&resid=D486182EFD3A131D!849&authkey=AAggddNYdDcRl9M (https://skydrive.live.com/embed?cid=D486182EFD3A131D&resid=D486182EFD3A131D!849&authkey=AAggddNYdDcRl9M)" width="98" height="120" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
Someone let me know if the link works please as I have a couple of other files to share.
JJ
im in .what supplies best to carry ?
First aid kit for immediate use.
It's planned for an ambulance and recovery vans to follow up our tail marker.
Oh... And thanks!
I can download it, but ITN files are not allowed to have that many waypoints. 49 waypoints is the limit according to the file specification and that file contains about 1000. Tyre will reduce it to 40 waypoints automatically, but you will need to drag a few waypoints around to get the routing right.
I believe I am one of your "possibles"!
So, can you give me full details of when and exactly where to meet please (or are all the details posted elsewhere for me to look up?).
Many thanks.
Brian
USR14
Quote from: Weaver@TLB on September 08, 2013, 04:36:49 AM
By the way folks we only have John definitely confirmed on this plus one probable and two possibles. Anyone else?????
If JJ gets them to me I can e-mail them out as well as them being on here. You were my "probable" :) :)
I have the required documents.
I'm just uploading them to my skydrive now.
JJ
We had Stem and Ken down for this as well........any word ?
Here is a link to my Skydrive.
https://skydrive.live.com/?lc=2057&mkt=en-GB#cid=D486182EFD3A131D&id=D486182EFD3A131D%21102 (https://skydrive.live.com/?lc=2057&mkt=en-GB#cid=D486182EFD3A131D&id=D486182EFD3A131D%21102)
In here are a few files that you'll find useful.
1. 5-L2C213 Rider Pack
The information pack being sent to the cyclists
2. L2 CANT-13 Motorcycle Patrols
Motorcyclist instructions and purpose
3. LC2-13 - Route Complete
Large scale maps
4. LCANT-13 Marshals locations
This is information on the specific locations where (at present) it is anticipated assistance will be required from us.
This is a link to the Trimble Maps that also shows the route
http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripID=2066390&utm_source=emailtrip&utm_medium=email (http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripID=2066390&utm_source=emailtrip&utm_medium=email)
Meeting point on Sunday will be in Greenwich Park by the cafe at 07:30.
This will allow enough time for briefing and tea before the first riders depart.
JJ
I have four confIrmed riders plus two possibles for Sunday and I could really do with a few more.
The way the weather is going this maybe the last sunny ride of the year, plus this is in aid of the most deserving cause I can think of, Tadworth Court.
Please check your diaries and make whatever efforts you can to assist on this ride. ( part day attendance is more than acceptable!)
JJ
I'll be at Greenwich Park.
Where is the cafe?
Am I correct in assuming this is meeting at The Pavilion Tea House?
Quote from: Johnj on September 10, 2013, 07:38:01 PM
Meeting point on Sunday will be in Greenwich Park by the cafe at 07:30.
That's correct Brian.
This is a link to an itn file with less than 49 waypoints. I have tuned it to follow the route shown on the detailed map, taking into account the parts of the route flagged as unusable to motor vehicles , although I notice the cycle route shown on the Trimble website goes the wrong way up one way streets in Canterbury at the very end so have ignored that.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gui9i6h5q2u3ydr/tadworth%20crt%20ride%2049.itn (https://www.dropbox.com/s/gui9i6h5q2u3ydr/tadworth%20crt%20ride%2049.itn)
The Postcode given in the Time Out review of the Pavilion is located outside the park, but guess it marks a suitable gate.
Thanks Julian, I was hoping that someone would notice that. 8)
The parts of the route marked as unsuitable for MVs are indeed just that! Cyclists one way and us riding around to link up .
I have another call to make to the organisers in the morning.
Following that I should be in a position to consider posting a final briefing.
Meanwhile, more volunteers please!
JJ
Thanks for posting all the info. It is very helpful.
I think I got there in the end, this lead USR gig isn't all it's cracked up to be!
Quote from: Johnj on September 10, 2013, 07:42:26 PM
I have four confIrmed riders plus two possibles for Sunday and I could really do with a few more.
The way the weather is going this maybe the last sunny ride of the year, plus this is in aid of the most deserving cause I can think of, Tadworth Court.
Please check your diaries and make whatever efforts you can to assist on this ride. ( part day attendance is more than acceptable!)
JJ
Six confirmed and one possible now including you.
John J have you made or been given support rider signs for our bikes?
If not email me a charity logo and i will get them done for you.
Stem
JJ, you might want to include in your rider briefing that due to a Triathalon taking place in central London the following road closures are in effect on Sunday which may affect people's journey to and from the ride, especially if they have to cross the river or pass through Westminster -
Hyde Park Corner, 05:30-16:00
Park Lane from Marble Arch towards Hyde Park Corner, 05:30-16:00
Constitution Hill, Link Road, Spur Road, 04:00-17:00
Birdcage Walk, Great George Street, 04:00-17:00
Whitehall Place, 05:00-13:00
Northumberland Avenue, Victoria Embankment, 05:00-13:00
Southwark Bridge, 06:00-12:30
Lower & Upper Thames to Tower Hill, 06:00-12:30
Parliament Square (single lane closure between Great George St and Whitehall), 06:30-13:00
The Mall, Horse Guards Road, Marlborough Road, 00:00-21:00
Whitehall, Parliament Street, 06:30-13:00
Sorry, another thing I have spotted. I see the route passes through a notorious accident blackspot where the Pilgrims Way crosses the A249 at Detling. There is a foot and cycle bridge (Jade's Crossing named after the last of several local schoolchildren killed here) which cyclists are encouraged to use in their briefing, but I bet they won't. As motorcyclists and as support riders we need to be aware of the dangers here.
http://goo.gl/maps/oyGfL (http://goo.gl/maps/oyGfL)
Too right Julian!
Here is the link to my Skydrive again.
https://skydrive.live.com/?lc=2057&mkt=en-GB#cid=D486182EFD3A131D&id=D486182EFD3A131D%21102 (https://skydrive.live.com/?lc=2057&mkt=en-GB#cid=D486182EFD3A131D&id=D486182EFD3A131D%21102)
In here now is a sign for your windscreen should you wish to print it out before the ride. It's my intention to bring at least ten (optimist that I am!) laminated copies along on Sunday morning.
I Am available Sunday if required, will be traveling from Southampton
See you all 7:30
Regards, Graeme
Excellent, thanks Graeme!
Are you doing A5 signs?
So what you are actually saying is ......."can I have an A5 sign"?
I'll see what I can do!
Thanks. It is what most of us used at KSS Air Ambulance and Big Wheel.
Gentlemen,
I have a problem regarding Sunday. From being a definite, due to a serious family crisis, my status must move to only a possible as I just may have to go down to Cornwall.
I left a message on Stem's mobile cancelling my attendance (as the only contact number I had) because for 24hours I have had no land lines or broadband - this can now be disregarded as the BB has just started working.
So, if I can make it to Greenwich on Sunday I WILL but must leave matter as being very fluid. Many, many apologies for such late notice/information. Brian
Thanks for the warning Brian. I hope to see you on Sunday but will understand if I don't.
This makes my plea for more assistance even more urgent as I can't see us running this event with only five USRs - six was going to be stretching as it was!
Please let me know here if you can assist.
JJ
Graeme,
you asked a question in the shout box that I've only just seen.
We may be asked to man one or two static points where a presence is required to direct the cyclists but I've maintained with the organisers that this is very much a last resort should Tadworth Court fail to provide enough vounteers.
I've explained that our worth is in our mobility and this has been accepted. If this was any other cause but Tadworth I would have dismissed the request to man static points immediately.
I am currently awaiting a final list showing their staffing position from Tadworth Court via Cycling Support services.
Once I have that I can write our brief.
No worries, I have produced some self adhesive screen signs and will bring them along, used the file from your dropbox.
Look forward to seeing you all on Sunday, thanks for the info.
Paul
PS Any late 'critical' info changes please call me rather than rely on me checking here.
0788 4498681 - appreciated
Thanks Paul
See you Sunday
Well done JJ organising a very successful if busy ride! Lots of punctures to repair, a bit of first aid, but lots of very happy cyclists!
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/9762357812_410f58ff81_b.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/9762357861_a0e3d2e7d7_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/9762564116_a56cef08bc_b.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/9762355631_c1fcfe0fc9_b.jpg)
I'll second that. Well done JJ on his first go at organising an event, really professional performance. Long hard day and a bitch of a ride home. The cross winds on the Medway bridge were terrifying.
Well done guys.
Don't envy you riding across the Medway Bridge - last time we did that I got blown clean into the next lane. :o
well done all, was a bit gutted to have missed it so got completly hammered instead while away at a car festival :D
We were really down on numbers on this ride and we had to ride singularly on really dodgy roads and cover about 90 miles. Maybe we should look to recruit / train more members for next season.
Tadworth Court Cycle Challenge 2013 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIQIHiCvOOg#ws)
Great day, a well worthy cause, nice people on the ride as usual. We got lots of praise and thanks from the finishers at Canterbury, I'm sure our reputation is going to grow amongst the cycling fraternity after every event.
Got home with a thoroughly soiled pair of bills after a pretty horrific journey in the wind, that was very scary and I don't recommend anyone attempt the Medway Bridge in anything more than a summer breeze.
Finally if you're wondering about an absent friend in Mr Campbell, check out the Tour Of Britain this week. It's live on ITV4 and his beard is all over it!
Stem, any footage of the muddy bits!
Yep small amount I will dig it out tomorrow.
BTW the self adhesive signs done by Graeme Smith ( we definately need a nickname for him) were perfect.
"Sticky"?
If I have to have a nickname, unrelated to signs, Smudge will do.
Perfect! And the signs were good also!
Smudge it is :) :)
That's what it was in my Army Days! 8)
I seem to have a tradition of posting last on various forums, so this should be no surprise to some people. When got home on Sunday I was exhausted and didn’t wake up until it was time to go to work on Monday.
First off my thanks to the USR’s that stepped up on Sunday, worked very hard and put on such a great show of what we can do.
There was such a lot happening on the day, coupled with the behind the scenes work with the ride organisers beforehand that I think I’d find it hard to put my thoughts in readable form so I’ll use bullet points instead:
• Graeme leaving home at 05:30 and riding up from Southampton on his own (without diminishing the efforts of the other USRs) is worthy of a special mention
• The R/C flying camera platform that gave Stem “camera envy†at the start
• Incidents and ride progress being fed back to meâ€" and thus the organisers â€" before the last set of riders and I had left Greenwich Park
• The team making use of text messages to both put in requests for assistance and to also keep me informed of how the ride was unfolding ahead of me. I sent 64 text messages and received 32.
• The cyclists. What a good natured bunch and really appreciative of our efforts as evidenced by a group photo request at the end of the day from a young couple we’d helped.
• The route was interesting with an varied assortment of mud, grass and stones in the middle of a lot of deserted roads
• My two “tank slappers†on the mud and I haven’t even got a tank!
• Wondering how the other USR’s were managing to mix with cyclists on roads that were deserted for me as Sweeper but were still challenging in the extreme!
• Did I say Deserted roads! Memorable encounters were with; a tractor crossing the road from one field to another; Lots of horses and an ambulance on “Blues but no two’s†coming at me from around a blind bend doing @40mph
• The self-adhesive bike signs created by Graeme â€" thanks for the tea as well!
• More tea
• Requests to double back to look for “lost sheepâ€
• Being last one back and missing the food
• The ride organisation by Cycling Support Services
• Losing you lot on the M2 and deciding to take the link road down to the M20 thus avoiding the Medway Bridge.
As usual, sitting in the background and making things happen, my thanks to Pen for her efforts.
A great day, 255 cyclists delivered to Canterbury and valuable lessons learnt.
Can I ask Graeme, Julian, Paul, Steve and Tim to give me a few good points and a few bad points both for us and for when I speak to CSS later in the week when have a debrief session.
I got this email from Les at Cycling Support Services
Hi John,
Thank you so much for your and your team's hard work on Sunday and your input to the planning of the event. I hope you had a good trip back.
There were no big incidents or accidents and nearly everyone seemed to enjoy the challenge. timing was good, and having the motorcycle patrols was most helpful.
It would be good to get your feedback so we can debrief with Lauren later, so please let me have any comments.
Thanks again,