Way betterer this year ... Chilterns Winter Bivvy

[Bearbonesnorm]

We can't all pull off the rubber ring look you know

Aye, some of the clubs round here are a little odd ... like Young Farmers

[Richard G]

Right... I have a bike! The rear wheel bearing is even worse than I thought it was, but I'm sure it'll last the ride. Not going to do any more checking over. Brakes work, gears change... that'll do.

As for clothes, I'm going with my usual shorts, thin socks under sealskins, a merino under layer and my BB long sleeve top. Jacket is a packable sort (rain doesn't look THAT bad), and I also have my puffy jacket in the bag just in case it gets stupid cold.

(I've got a fleecy bibshort as an option too... which I wouldn't wear normally, but maybe it's OK given I'm with a bunch of southern softies? )

[Rich3rd]

I'm hoping to make the Berkhamsted start. Might as well make the most of it.

Not that I'm packed, or have a bike right now... but I've got everything in one place to try and get ready.

Richard, I'll be setting out from Berko 12:15 if you want some company, could meet you at the station by the taxi office. Good mud tyres required if we're going up onto Ashridge though

[TheBrownDog]

Good mud tyres required if we're going up onto Ashridge though

Speaking of the mud, does anyone have a chance to get some of those blue plastic shoe cover things they like you to wear when you turn up at a pub all covered in filth? There's 12 of us.

[Richard G]

I'm taking my bothy slippers for that.

I'm going to be so comically overloaded. But ehh, I'll live.

@Rich3rd, yeah, I was planning on meeting you there. I assume that was you that said in the email... and I actually have appropriate tyres for once!

Edit - I have one bag packed!

[Rich3rd]

Spot on Richard, see you then. Tyres, hipflask & antlers sorted, that's the important stuff done.

[Richard G]

How's the parking at Berkhamsted? Will I need to bring some money for it?

[MuddyPete]

FFS! What is it with wheel bearings this year?
Grease applied; bike packed. Festive accessory-fitting tomorrow morning.
Must set alarm.

[RIP]

"Festive accessory-fitting" - have just, ahem, broken cover on 'Cheery Friday'

Them there posh folk of Wendover won't know what's hit 'em.....

[jameso]

Right, might join anyone riding out from Berkhamsted station at 12, can get a couple of hours in then ride back, to say hello to Ben and Reg and a few new faces (I think I met others from Berko at the WRT?)

It's wet and cold out, still a fair bit of icy crusty snow .. but I'll be on an unloaded rigid SS, will be fine : )

[Richard G]

I don't have any festive stuff for my bike. :(

Someone bring me a bit of tinsel and some tape or something!

[RIP]

Hey that's great news James, see you tomorrow. Someone keeps mucking about with the weather. This morning it just said "light shower at 4pm" and now it's gone "light rain 2-6pm, and 8-11am Sunday"!! Standard BearBones Weather in fact - although I see the Radnor mob have only got "cloud", hah. At least it's "dry" overnight but then asleep who cares. Too late to change (or is it? arg....) to Swampthings now cos I'm all blinged up so I'll have to take my chances in the gloooooooooopppppp.........

[RIP]

"don't have any festive stuff" - your festive self is all that really matters Rich . All our bling will be covered in sh1te after 10 minutes anyway.

[MuddyPete]

Need to up the twinkly light count.
Must be able to see bike from SPACE

[Richard G]

your festive self is all that really matters Rich

oh dear... is my usual surly self OK?

[RIP]

Ice-Cream Truck or Wednesday or Pugsley? . Just realised they're Addams Family bikes! I'll wait until they bring out the "Morticia" until I buy mine I think .

[Richard G]

I'm packed, and I have a bike!

Now off to the gym then bed stupidly late. :(

[Rich3rd]

How's the parking at Berkhamsted? Will I need to bring some money for it?

Rich, free parking here
https://goo.gl/maps/dX3PYqbdonm
And here
https://goo.gl/maps/WwCQKxgDv7s

[Rich3rd]

Need to up the twinkly light count.
Must be able to see bike from SPACE

Pete, with all the bike bling and festive accoutrements, this ain't going to be a BBB stealth trip

[MuddyPete]

Mmm...did someone say "leave no trace"?

More like...

WE'RE OVER HERE!

[TheBrownDog]

Anyone know where I put the battery-powered fairy lights .... and my inflatable reindeer! Where is my inflatable reindeer???!!

Faaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrk!

[jameso]

RichardG, you can park at my place if you like. Flats in Berkhamsted with safe parking. PM and I'll tell you where.

Pete, see you there too. If I'm not blinded by Reg's fairy lights that is!

[MuddyPete]

Just going through the essentials...
Gingerbread latte: check
Mince pies: check
Mulled wine: check

Hang on: who 's bringing the Ferrero Rocher?

[RIP]

"Where is my inflatable reindeer" - it's attached to your inflatable sleigh! The kids'll have nightmares about Santa for years.....

[BigdummySteve]

who 's bringing the Ferrero Rocher?

I don’t think it’s any place for posh road bikes