7 Nev riders set off on an over night ride which has great history and over 3000 completed this year.
The weather was perfect and the boys headed down on the train to stratford. A tad nervous with greater Anglia having a strict 4 bike per train policy but they made it.
A 4 mile ride to London fields where Hackney was being Hackney and it was rammed where anything goes. A cracking lamb flatbread and beetroot salad followed and they set off at 8-30am.
111 miles to go.
3 miles in Jeff was showing off by riding through glass and they had a 15 minute stop for repairs.
Hardly a wind and they flew up to stop one where a few had a beer at moreton. Then onto the bell in Great barfield where some homemade ratatouille was on the menu.
Next stop was Jeff's garage! Cruchies and water…
They then took on the bulk of the ride and the hills of Sudbury and beyond. All coped some better than others. After an abandoned stop at needham market the final stop was Gosbecks village hall. So friendly and loads of choice. They even did a meal deal!
It was surprising chilly with some mist and cold patches along the way. The sun started to pop up around 4am with some welcome heat for the last 15 miles.
They arrived at dunwich beach at 5-20 at sunrise. Perfect timing for photos and a cup of tea. Luke went for a little paddle in the surprising warm sea. A leg refresher!
Dean then had to leave as Sarah would not allow him to stay out any longer. The other 6 rode a further 45 miles pushed on by Paul’s wind. (It was that bad)
We all had our down moments. Luke bonking out and scoffing 1kg of sugar and Jeff contemplating selling his bike.
A little shortcut and some very Sandy roads we arrived at the maybush pub at 155miles. Apart from Nick who didn’t complete the full ride and hit 153 miles only.
The biggest ride by far from everyone and and amazing day.
A few mentions.
Tony M amazing Christmas helmet
Tony W for being Tony and smashing about 155 miles at 77 years old.
Celebratory Jeff for the garage stacks and water top up.
Paul F for his flactulance
Nick for his 1 minute on the front.
Luke for being ride leader of the year.
Dean for leaving us early.
Over all a fantastic ride. Amazing miles. Great company and loads of complements on the lights.
Let’s try and do it again 2023 with more NEV riders.
Well done chaps.
Luke (ride leader of the year 🤣)
Well there you have it, it sounds like loads of fun and I'm sure after this fab write up we can get a bigger group together, I'm trying to push Luke into being chief f DD organiser next year
Even if you don't fancy the full distance you can join in along the route, it sounds like a lot of people do this
Well done all,
Team NEV
Great write up Luke.
You failed to mention the company you kept during your dip in the sea and their sate of undress?