Fuck. I think I'll be at work - it looks brilliant.

Rapha are also sponsoring the 100 Cols sportive. That might kill me though.

If by some miracle I'm not in the middle of the sea, I'll be doing it fixed. It's only 100km.

I could be. Need to check work time. And Purchase some 25 or 28c tyres.

Is it actually on cobbles? If so, I'd rather ride on 32 spokes 3x rather than 20 and 24 or whatever my geared bike is on.

jeffcapeshop:is it an open-to-all event or what?

I think so. There's nothing on rapha.cc even though the poster says to look there for more details.

Got anymore info on it?

Johnny Crash:I'll be using the Bob Jackson - 36 cross 3's front and rear and 25c Gatorskins. That's what's on it now and I'm sure they're more than capable.

Yeah, I think it's more a question of can your legs/mind take 100km of agony. The route better be a nightmare. If it's not, I'll be disappointed. And it better be raining too.

Its bad enough cycling through edinburgh

Joshvegas:Now would be a good time to sell any unwanted sus seatposts!

They are seriously the most shit invention ever. I'd rather ride a dildo saddle than one of those.

From this photograph, this looks like it will be an amazing little ride. Is anyone still up for it? If we're going to do it we'll need to sort out travel and accommodation soon. I'd definitely like to do this geared but will definitely do it fixed (perhaps with two brakes and a 70" gear) if I go down.

Rapha:
Yesterday a couple of us from Rapha rode out of north London to recce the route for our Hell of the North ride, which takes place on Sunday 11th April 2010. The night before saw some torrential rain in London so we were a little concerned about conditions as we approached the first ‘sector’. Safe to say, even in the wettest conditions, this will be a lot of fun.

Our homage to one of the great Monuments of the sport, Paris-Roubaix, will be an adventure along the lanes, bridleways and dirt-roads of Hertfordshire. Although it won’t have as much pavé as northern France it will be tough and potentially filthy. Muddy terrain and bumpy 'rough stuff' will be encountered as we celebrate the Queen of the Classics over 100km.

Rapha’s Hell of the North will be a great social ride with a gathering at the finish to watch Paris Roubaix 2010 and enjoy beer and frites.

Absolutely free to enter, more details to follow.

More info here.

EDIT: Trains are currently £65 leaving at 15:40 on Saturday and returning at 20:20 on Monday

i'd love to but basically i'm off the two weeks prior to it on my last holidays