Dunwich Dynamo XVIII
24/25 July 2010
The Dunwich Dynamo is a 200 km night ride from London to the lost city of Dunwich on the Suffolk Coast. Find a summary of the route HERE
From 1993 to 1998 it ran as commercial pay-to-enter event. In 1999 it became free -just-turn-up-and-ride.
This Successful format has continued since 2000.
Setting a date for an informal 'turn-up-and-ride' event - on the Saturday night nearest the full moon in July - preserves the most important element of the event, the company of other riders.
Return Transport
Barry Mason gallantly organises return coaches for bikes and riders on a not-for-loss basis. Use the paypal button here Southwark Cyclists to book your place
Trains direct to London are available from Ipswich 50km away.Directions from Dunwich back to Ipswich will be appended to the route sheet for those who wish to ride to the rail-head after a swim and a snooze.
Read a rider's account of DDXIII HERE
Advice for Dunwichers
from Barry Mason return-coach captain
Don't overdo it for a couple of days beforehand.
Give your bike a good clean/lube and check the tyres for bits of glass etc.
Take an extra layer of clothes.
Vaseline, calledula or some other skin balm may be useful - use it before you get sore.
Drink a lot of water, don't dehydrate.
Don't race off, settle into a pace you like. (When I did it several years ago I met several new people and we rode together at what for me was a perfect pace....and took turns to keep it going).
Carry spare batteries - if you don't have a dynamo - a couple of inner tubes and a patch kit.
Take a snack or two, plus a treat for when you get there.
A small towel is nice if you plan to swim.
Don't eat too much at the stop.
You can get water, tea, coffee at Gt. Waldingfield and food will be served, but - because nobody has to register for this ride - it may not be possible to cater for everyone who rolls up hungry. Carry some food, aim for self-reliance and be prepared to offer support to any distressed pilgrims you meet.
Don't let the thought of the distance get you down...we can all do it and will.
It's a beautiful ride, enjoy it.
You can get more information on FAQs and travel arrangements from the Southwark Cyclists site
Check out the Exmouth Exodus a new DD-style event starting in Bristol
If you want to do more riding on country roads check this...
Words from the 24 hours of Moab dirt bike race in the USA but they fit ok here....
"Somewhere during the night you will hear a voice say, "Why am I doing this? I am never doing this again!" Look forward to this voice. Welcome it. Laugh at it. Embrace it. Look forward to hearing it again next year. Just know that it will come and that you will ride past it and be stronger when it fades into the shadows."
-- Chris Tirpak, 4x Sufferer of Canaan and Moab
More information from 020 7249 3779
or email patrick@londonschoolofcycling.co.uk
patrick field t/a the London School of Cycling
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