chain gangs

The latest responses are much more encouraging. Thank you all.
Does Geoff live, or spend a lot of time, in France then because he's asked how I know "that stretch of road is dangerous at that time of night if I have not ridden in a group of riders". Has he? In the dark I mean! Or does he spend the winter months in France? I suspect I might be better qualified than he is to draw a judgement having lived in the area, and ridden that particular stretch road, for nigh on 50 years (in the light ... in the dark ... by myself ... and in company). Towards the latter end of that period I've begun to feel quite vulnerable ... not just on that road, but others too. I'd have thought riding it (ie that particular stretch of road) in the dark, even with a few people, is asking for trouble. Just my view, but hey ... what do I know and who am I to argue with Geoff who seems to have done it all, worn the t-shirt etc etc? Chapeau Geoff - do carry on with your excellent (although slightly unorthodox if I might say) membership recruitment campaign!!!
As an aside ... I've only just stumbled on your club's web-site and I'm pleased to see things have definitely moved on since the late 1970s. I can remember racing against Brian Morley. I also remember riding with Geoff Dakin ... who had family interests in Dakin's Nursery at the Black Cat roundabout. Adrian Collard, Bill Bryan, Gerry Ashley etc ... all names that spring to mind and bring back fond memories.
I wonder if I might just be tempted to have another dabble ...

You are not the only one.

I duck out of chaingangs over the winter months due to the poor visability, wind and also the slipery surface. I've tried it quite few times and I feel very vulnerable. Do I care what people think? No.... I'd rather thrash it out on the turbo or get out on the cross bike when its light.

So basically don't worry what others think!

Morning Billwiz,
Geoff lives in France half the year and the other half locally in the UK. He knows the route very well in both day light and dark - in fact it was Geoff who introduced the concept of the chain gang to the club.
We hope to see you out with us very soon either on a Wednesday night or a Sunday morning.
Incidentally, you might want to keep an eye out on the forum as sometimes impromptu rides are on here as well.
Tim

It's more wishful thinking that there will be a 2nd group as i can't keep up with the first one

alec wrote:

[moderating]Ok guys let's try and keep the banter from here on in reasonably good natured for fear we frighten the children [/moderating]

At least it's been good for forum traffic

Yes boss!

And having had a chat with Wayne on the sidelines, tomorrow is definitely a goer if I get out of London in good time.

hi there i hope billywiz is NOT a tax investigator, he appears very interested in where i live...but there again, been i have been able to outrun most stuff (usually on the bike )..but i will keep a look out over my shoulder....if billywiz actually manages to as he put it " start again at over 50 or is it 60 ", great stuff we can tell each other just how good we are over a expensive zero coffee after a club run at xmas....bon courage, bonne route au voir ..G....

alec wrote:

Geoff, I get the feeling that Billy and you would enjoy riding together.

Would love to be out for that one !!!!

hi there well as you know. i do not lay down,,a few facts..since august last year there has been 7 posting APART from this one,(8 in all).. regarding the "CHAIN GANG",there has been 1270 punters having a look and there are 65 postings. 100% about the chaingang..plus the club site also adds the chain gang on its "whats on " program (top left hand column each week...i am a bit surprised that with all this info available.a simple question ie how many turn up,, has not been discussed plenty of times...still what do i know...G....

On the route, I don't chain gang as I'm not home in time, but even if I were I wouldn't choose that route. I used to commute along there but gave up after the number of fast close passes (being almost forced off by a lorry decided it for me). Like David said, at peak times I feel too vulnerable on that stretch.

I would rather see the chain gang move to a shorter circular route on quieter roads and at later (just so I can make it out). On a circular route *ahem* weaker riders could take a lap out, or late comers slip in as they arrive. You could do a Hare n Hounds type ride with the stronger guys trying to chase down a leading group.

Still not sure about it in the winter though.