bikes and things

Last year I rode the Dunwich Dynamo for the first time with a few friends. We had a brilliant time and I still think back to how much fun we had and how slightly mad it was. I wrote a few thoughts about it and we also got a mention on the Strava blog.

Last year I did a bit of research before going on what it was going to be like and how to get clothing right etc but there’s a load of things I gathered from people there and from obviously doing the event which is probably useful to share in one place. I’m doing it again this year although I’m a much more experienced rider so less nervous about it. Your mileage may vary but this is what worked for me and I thought others might find it useful to have it gathered in one place like this. Most of it is common sense really.

Before

Make sure your bike isn’t knackered, your tyres aren’t full of glass and your spokes aren’t all loose, and it generally isn’t likely to break down in the wrong place obviously. Are your tyres a year old? Replace them.

The start

It’s worth getting to the start to hang out for a while and enjoy the spectacle of the whole thing as well as have a drink before you leave. We left about the right time I think, 8 ish, but maybe could have gone a little earlier to get clear of some of the crowds. If you leave too early you’ll get to the beach too early – that all depends on your pace and how often you stop though.

Route

The route is fairly easy to follow but the first section is pretty busy along some nasty main roads. We ducked through the side roads which are worth looking at if you can until you get back on the main road to Epping. With so many cyclists on the road some drivers can get a bit wound up so this felt like the most difficult part of the ride.

I downloaded a GPX file from someone online last time which turned out to be incorrect in a few places which was a bit annoying but you really can pretty much follow people for 90% of it. Pick up a route map and try and stay with others. The routes on RideWithGPS seem to be pretty good though.

If you’re using a Garmin then turn the back light down, or off if you can manage, as it’ll last longer. Turn the maps to pop up automatically and don’t keep it on the maps page as it’ll burn through the battery very quickly. I found this out the hard way once. The other thing I do on longer rides carry a little portable power pack which will charge the Garmin, or your phone, if needed.

Lights

Obviously you need lights and I managed get a good front one for evening, but in hindsight I would have used a cheap little commuter light to get me out of town before saving my decent one for the countryside. Visibility isn’t really a problem with the hundreds of other cyclists at first and it’s only really an issue when you thin out a bit later on and are in the country lanes. I would also probably pack a small head torch next time for punctures or mechanicals.

As for a rear light it’s probably less important than the front as there’s lots of others around. You probably don’t want to have it on flashing as it’ll just annoy everyone behind you. Some of the little commuter USB lights don’t last more than two hours so it’s worth checking it’ll make the distance or will take batteries, which you can obviously bring spares. For a rear light the Fibre Flares (AAA battery version) are good and I would pair this with something else, depending where you choose to mount it though.

Food

I took loads of gels and energy bars last year as I’d never ridden that far. Whatever you choose to take in terms of food I would only take what you’ve tried before as they can be a bit nasty and upset your stomach. I don’t use gels as much these days but would still take two just in case. I prefer a massive Soreen loaf in the jersey pocket and a few nut bars now.

Water

I took two large bottles (750ml) and had them filled up at the start. I met a guy at the start who suggested getting water where you could as there wouldn’t be anywhere at 2am to fill up in the middle of nowhere. He was right but we ended up filling up with some foul tasting water at a truck stop that had stayed open to serve bacon and egg rolls. I’d caveat that you should fill up with ‘nice’ water whenever you can!

Tools

I always carry a spare tube, sticky patches, traditional patches and glue, a spare link for my chain, spare brake pads, a gas canister and adaptor as well as a multitool and pump. I like the catchily named Lezyne Rap 14 as it includes a chain breaker and spoke key. All of which I stuff into an Ortlieb Micro Saddle bag or a little tool roll which straps under the seat. Either way all that stuff is out of the way and leaves more room in your jersey for food and warm clothing. If there’s anything specific to your bike in terms of tools you should also take that. How do your wheels come off? Do you need to bring a 15mm spanner etc.

Clothing

A few people had told me about the way in which the temperature drops later at night which is true. I wore my 3/4 length bibs to cover my knees even though they were a little hot at first but overall it worked put well. Some people prefer knee warmers but it’s just one more thing to carry. I would do more layering next time rather than a jersey then big jacket. This year I’ll be taking a lighter waterproof jacket, gilet, arm warmers and some light gloves. Bear in mind that you might want another layer to put on at the beach as it can be cold. We left a van there with warm clothes in but not everyone has that option.

Pace

It’s best to ride with others of a similar fitness or ability or if you’re going solo not going too fast too early. The other thing that’s worth bearing in mind is that if you go to fast you’ll be there far too early and the cafe won’t be open. You could go fast and then stop for a break at every pub you see? Either way ride at your own pace, not someone who is faster than you.

Getting back

I would definitely avoid driving back straight after as we did. It really wasn’t pleasant and I will be staying all day for a nap and driving back the following morning after camping. If you’re going back that day I’d recommend taking the day off work on the Monday.

My only other tip would be to enjoy the spectacle of it all and stop now and then to take a photo or two.