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DFR4
Jul 3, 2016 21:50:55 GMT
Post by Stella on Jul 3, 2016 21:50:55 GMT
Rob: like Jem, you're just incredible, thinking of everything and everyone. Really, really impressed with the efforts, that went into the event, so far.
I can't decide which bike I'm taking ... It's a battle between the GP and the Viscountess. Or maybe the Red Flash? Ahhh decision, decision.
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562 
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DFR4
Jul 4, 2016 21:21:24 GMT
Post by robt on Jul 4, 2016 21:21:24 GMT
Countdown to DFR4: DFR-5 Subject to any further changes (i.e. if I manage to get out on my bike again this week), here is the 24-mile route for Saturday's DFR4 ride, and clickable links for Garmin and Map my Ride users (apologies to all Stravists).  DFR4 by RMT@261, on Flickr Le Grand Depart will be at 10:30 from the campsite, give or take a few minutes for last minute adjustments. Key to my mapped plan for the ride: Red square with white blob: start & finish ( Mousley House Farm campsite) Tents, showers but no shop, so stock up with any essentials before you arrive. Amber square with camera: Kenilworth Castle. 10 miles in - quick stop for photos, tea, scones, possibly beer. B: The Brickmakers Arms, Berkswell. 16 miles in - lunch, beer. C: The Case is Altered. Half a mile from the campsite - Friday & possibly Saturday night drinks. Warning: the only food they serve is crisps and they don't allow any mobile phones or children in the bar. N: The Navigation Inn at Lapworth. Not on the planned route, but Cusqueno and Scott are planning to park their cars there on Saturday morning and might treat themselves to breakfast before riding up to meet us. T: The Tom O'the Wood at Rowington. Also not on the route, but just two miles from the campsite and a possibility for Saturday evening dinner and beer. Please let me know if there is anything I have missed. Did I mention that there may be beer available? Please drink and ride responsibly. For anyone who doesn't fancy cooking for themselves on Friday evening, I will have a car with me so I could nip out for fish and chips or some such when we've gathered the flock together. If there is anyone who hasn't made a booking at the campsite or other arrangements to join us yet but would now like to, do not despair! We'll find a way to meet you, provide a bed for the night etc. Let me know if you have any queries. |
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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DFR4
Jul 4, 2016 22:59:40 GMT
Post by robt on Jul 4, 2016 22:59:40 GMT
Join the club. Oh sorry,you're the admin!!! What time on Friday are people arriving? As Jem knows,I'm ace at tent erection? Looking forward to a great weekend. Cheers, Pete. Pete, I'm hoping to be at the site from about 3:30 pm. I'll put the tents up. See you on Friday. Rob |
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DFR4
Jul 5, 2016 6:08:27 GMT
Post by velocipete on Jul 5, 2016 6:08:27 GMT
Rob,I'll aim to be there about then. See you Friday.
Cheers,
Pete.
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DFR4
Jul 5, 2016 10:34:30 GMT
Post by stevevw on Jul 5, 2016 10:34:30 GMT
I will not make it again this year, fingers crossed for the next one. PS any of you have any spare wheels?   |
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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DFR4
Jul 5, 2016 13:59:49 GMT
Post by robt on Jul 5, 2016 13:59:49 GMT
Tragedy! Was that the Eroica casualty I heard about? So long as you saved the hub, it can be rebuilt. Give me a pm if you can't get anyone to do it for you, or if you struggle to find a replacement rim. Highly recommended 27" rims are the double-walled and eyeleted Sun Ringle CR18s, but I have only found them in the USA and they are pricey to import, particularly if you get stung for import duty. SJS cycles have a nice-looking 27" Mavic rim in stock at the moment for £35. |
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DFR4
Jul 6, 2016 10:03:53 GMT
Post by dracco on Jul 6, 2016 10:03:53 GMT
20 mph winds from the southwest currently forecast on the BBC weather site for Saturday! OK for the outward part of the ride, but it could get a bit harder from Balsall Common!
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DFR4
Jul 6, 2016 18:12:31 GMT
Post by velocipete on Jul 6, 2016 18:12:31 GMT
Everything is hard from Balsall Common. Have ridden from there many times on a
Save the Children charity ride,on a tandem! Should be a tad easier solo.
Cheers,
Pete.
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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DFR4
Jul 6, 2016 20:57:18 GMT
Post by robt on Jul 6, 2016 20:57:18 GMT
DFR4 D-3 update: I managed to get out for a survey lap of the route yesterday, and have added some hazard markers (X marks the spot) onto the Map my Ride map, to show busy crossings, sharp corners and grit-strewn downhills. Point to note: The campsite owners open their reception from 2:00pm to 7:00pm, and ask that everyone arriving for the night checks in between these times. If anyone arriving on Friday is going to struggle to be there before 7:00pm, let me know and I'll liaise with Simon. I have pm'd several DFR4ers with my mobile number, but if I have missed anyone, let me know and I'll send it to you. I'm planning to make a reservation for us all at The Brickmakers Arms for lunch at 1:00 pm, though I hope we can sit in the garden. There is a really nice, hence very popular, cafe (' Time for Tea') near Kenilworth Castle that would be good for a tea or coffee and a snack about an hour into the ride. Unless anyone tells me that 1 hour is much too early to take a break, I'll also book a table there for 11:30. The break would also provide a chance to take a quick look at the Castle. Other than that, I think we're all set, with thanks to Dracco for keeping an eye on the weather forecast. So sad to have just watched Wales go out of Euro2016, but they've had a great run. |
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DFR4
Jul 7, 2016 10:44:28 GMT
Post by dracco on Jul 7, 2016 10:44:28 GMT
Yeah, well I took a warm-up ride from Harrogate to York and back on Sunday: the outward journey was fine, but the return was into the teeth of a 15mph wind.
This morning the BBC's forecast for Warwick predicts somewhat less fierce blasts: down to 12-13mph. "It will be a generally dry but rather cloudy day, though there will be some bright spells, particularly across the east. Conversely, cloud may thicken enough to give some spots of light rain, mainly towards the west through the afternoon."
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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Post by robt on Jul 7, 2016 15:02:56 GMT
DFR4 D-2 update: " I'm planning to make a reservation for us all at The Brickmakers Arms for lunch at 1:00 pm, though I hope we can sit in the garden. There is a really nice, hence very popular, cafe ('Time for Tea') near Kenilworth Castle that would be good for a tea or coffee and a snack about an hour into the ride. Unless anyone tells me that 1 hour is much too early to take a break, I'll also book a table there for 11:30." Tables are booked for 12 people at both refreshment spots. The Brickmakers Arms suggest we ring in our lunch order as we gather for the off at 1030, to avoid a long wait while they serve the walking groups etc that they are also expecting on Saturday, so you might like to cast an eye over their menu beforehand. 10-mile TTs in under 25 minutes, 40-mile warm-ups? I've only planned a gentle ride in the countryside, guys! The real test of endurance comes later in the evening - my money's on Pete for that one. I'll bring this week's new toy along with me, in case anyone feels the need to tweak their rear mech hanger. Are there any other odd maintenance jobs people would like to have a go at while we're all together? I'll bring necessary tools if I have them. |
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DFR4
Jul 8, 2016 1:44:20 GMT
Post by triitout on Jul 8, 2016 1:44:20 GMT
Best wishes for all those attending this weekend. Good weather and good times. Put me down for Pete to win the last event if you start a pool. Too bad the USA is just too large and our group is just too geographically diverse for such an event stateside so I'll be doing my 4th annual "Weekend of Viscount" solo rides so I feel part of the main event! Looking forward to photos, videos and stories.
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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DFR4
Jul 8, 2016 6:41:37 GMT
via mobile
Post by robt on Jul 8, 2016 6:41:37 GMT
DFR4 D-1 update: Thank you for your good wishes, triitout. All the best for your DFRUSA rides to those who make them. Light rain currently forecast for late morning and afternoon tomorrow  so bring a coat and keep your hands soft on the brake levers. I look forward to seeing many of you this evening. Rob |
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DFR4
Jul 8, 2016 6:54:04 GMT
Post by whippet on Jul 8, 2016 6:54:04 GMT
You're doing a great job Rob, thanks.
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DFR4
Jul 8, 2016 10:48:10 GMT
Post by dracco on Jul 8, 2016 10:48:10 GMT
Latest from the BBC:
Saturday
Bands of cloud and rain, heavy at times, will move northeastwards with perhaps some drier and brighter interludes. Feeling warm and humid in breaks. It will be a windier day. Estimated windspeeds now 16mph, but it looks like the rain is worst first thing in the morning (8-9am) and peters out around 11.
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DFR4
Jul 8, 2016 11:44:27 GMT
Post by Stella on Jul 8, 2016 11:44:27 GMT
I'm all packed and just prepared the route from Tile Hill Stn to the site. For those in need of a giggle:
Asked Google Maps and wrote every turn down by hand, then took pictures of said route (taking the less busy B roads), put the data in my Garmin, AND took pictures of said route on Google. I bet you I'll still get confused and have to ask my way. hahaha. But really looking forward to a nice 50-min ride and then seeing you lot.
Shame about the weather; I had high hopes for sunshine. It's bloody summer, after all!
The Brickmakers' menu looks rather nice. I think I already have my pick. :-)
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Jul 8, 2016 12:20:53 GMT
Slight hiccup in my plans. Will be there tomorrow morning till Sunday. Looking forward to seeing everybody!
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DFR4
Jul 8, 2016 13:41:59 GMT
Post by cusqueno on Jul 8, 2016 13:41:59 GMT
Took the gold Lambert to work today to try it out - it hasn't seen much use since it woke up from its winter hibernation in the shed. Really seemed to fly on the way in - I'd forgotten how nice it is. On the way home though (half day!) I realised that part of that great feeling was due to wind assist on the way in - it was agin me coming back. I hope that nasty wind in the midlands dies down. Then I got a puncture so I'll have to replace a tub (sew-up) before tomorrow.
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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DFR4
Jul 10, 2016 13:42:26 GMT
Post by robt on Jul 10, 2016 13:42:26 GMT
Congratulations to everyone who completed yesterday's DFR4 ride! Thank you all for a wonderful weekend. For anyone who's interested in what we did, the track of our route can found on Garmin Connect and Map my Ride. In summary, we were out for four hours and thirty-six minutes, with our actual cycling time at one hour and fifty-nine minutes to cover 23.71 miles, allegedly giving a DFR record pace of exactly 12 miles/hour (also a 5:4 ratio of refreshment stop time to riding time). Here's a reminder that might play as a video if you keep clicking things as they appear on your screen...  DFR4 riders by RMT@261, on Flickr and a shot of a perfect British afternoon in Rowington, where Dracco took Scott and me to visit his old cricket club.  DFR4 Rownington Cricket Club by RMT@261, on Flickr I hope you all have safe and uninterrupted journeys home. Thanks again to all for making it all such fun, and to Scott for my new avatar image! RobT. |
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DFR4
Jul 10, 2016 17:30:52 GMT
Post by raymondo on Jul 10, 2016 17:30:52 GMT
Thanks Rob for your effort for DFR IV . The ride was great , the camping great, pub great and the company great. This venue has legs .
All you Vicount enthusiasts must do a DFR if humanity possible.
Les and Ray.
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DFR4
Jul 10, 2016 18:59:36 GMT
via mobile
Post by whippet on Jul 10, 2016 18:59:36 GMT
Brilliant weekend! Thanks to all the other Viscount friends for being great company especially Rob for his superb organisation.
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robt
Viscount
Posts: 562
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DFR4
Jul 10, 2016 21:08:00 GMT
Post by robt on Jul 10, 2016 21:08:00 GMT
Brilliant weekend! Thanks to all the other Viscount friends for being great company especially Rob for his superb organisation. Whippet, not quite organised enough to remember that I had the ruby red touch-up paint you wanted with me all weekend! Lesley, Ray, thanks for hosting the chatting and group catering for the weekend! We must find a way of creating a campfire for the middle of the circle next year. Thanks anyway, good to see everyone. |
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DFR4
Jul 10, 2016 22:13:28 GMT
Post by sprockit on Jul 10, 2016 22:13:28 GMT
Great to see everyone over the weekend, although a few familiar faces were missing, and good to be able to welcome Dracco along, and also Rob's brother Vaughan.
Lovely site with clean facilities and showers, and an excellent base from which to cycle around the beautiful countryside of the West Midlands - lots of good rides to be had.
Rob, thank you for all your hard work and organisational prowess in sorting the site and planning the route. Great picture too of the bikes at Rowington Cricket Club, in a quintessentially English setting.
I'll document my other rides separately, but here's a short video of some of the Viscount peleton in motion. I don't have vast experience of riding in groups, and was concentrating more on composition of the image when an unseen (to me) obstacle appeared . . . leading to, er, camera shake!
Brilliant weekend - and couldn't believe we had to drag Pete back to the pub!!!
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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DFR4
Jul 11, 2016 5:22:54 GMT
Post by Jem on Jul 11, 2016 5:22:54 GMT
Superb rally! Many thanks for all your effort Rob. Great organisation - nice campsite, and good food stops.
The ride itself was the best one we've ever had, and to me felt like it was downhill all the way (how did you plan that?)
Wonderful to see everyone again.
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DFR4
Jul 11, 2016 10:50:17 GMT
Post by velocipete on Jul 11, 2016 10:50:17 GMT
A great weekend Rob.As ever,great company,a brilliant pub.
You may have noticed that I didn't need much dragging back
to it!
Cheers,
Pete.
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DFR4
Jul 11, 2016 11:50:44 GMT
Post by cusqueno on Jul 11, 2016 11:50:44 GMT
Robert, Many thanks for your hard work put in beforehand that made DFR4 really good. And to everyone who came along to make it a really enjoyable day. My photos, although not brilliant, are on Flickr here: flic.kr/s/aHskCw2A3oMore evidence that my new blue Aerospace bike was owned by a pro, not just an underwear fetishist (people who were there will know what that's about), - the ends of the cables are soldered to stop fraying. John |
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DFR4
Jul 11, 2016 12:20:12 GMT
Post by scottw on Jul 11, 2016 12:20:12 GMT
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DFR4
Jul 11, 2016 12:27:41 GMT
Post by dracco on Jul 11, 2016 12:27:41 GMT
It was an excellent day out and it was great to meet everyone and put faces to names. A huge thank-you to Rob for his organisation and selection of a route that minimised the traffic, maximised the beauty of the Warwickshire countryside (happy memories!) and kept us out of the wind for pretty much the entire ride (exemplified by the 12mph average).
And I WILL put up an avatar in the next couple of days.....honest!
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,418
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Post by Jem on Jul 11, 2016 19:34:50 GMT
Any more photos/video anyone? I didn't take any and wish I had now!
EDIT- I missed the photos above, Flickr seems completely broken.
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Post by cusqueno on Jul 11, 2016 21:57:28 GMT
Also many thanks to Steve (busaste) who organised DFR1 and got us started. You must be there next year. Even if we have to book your son's group ourselves for the Saturday night.
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so bring a coat and keep your hands soft on the brake levers. 
