Dunwich Dynamo XVI

The Dunwich Dynamo is a 200 km night ride from London to the lost city of Dunwich on the Suffolk Coast. It’s a ‘turn-up-and-ride’ event that takes place every year on the Saturday night nearest the full moon in July.

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 Lavenham 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