"NOT AFRAID" - Tube Relief 2005

[garda]

My police department is helping me get the media attention to raise monies for the charity. I will have a tv spot, radio spot, and a press release to get the word out. No - they arent paying for my trip. LOL. But maybe someone will grant me a wish for an upgrade on the long flight!
I will keep the dates quiet and hope that I can get some money to bring.
I will keep you all posted.

[moley]

But maybe someone will grant me a wish for an upgrade on the long flight!

Contact the airline, explain why you are coming over and ask if they would mind you carrying out a collection on board to boost your sponsorship money - then hope that they remember you when you check in. Have heard of this working before!!!!

[juice-rail]

Accommodation

I've slightly updated details on page 9 regarding places you folks can book in Amersham. As I say the block booking method wasn't allowed by these other places so you have to book a room with em yourself.

But once you have a place email me cos im compiling a list of who's staying where. davidscardy@aol.com

cheers all!

[juggler]

garda, you may want to post something about where you are planning on staying - if you're not in zone 1 (and even there in some circumstances) there are some very grimy, unpleasant hotels about - particularly if you are on a budget. I'm sure between us we could advise on the areas of London to avoid if you've got some ideas about locations... not that I want to scare you or anything!

[garda]

56 people. That's great! I wonder how many teams we will end up with. I may need everyone to wear a bright lim hat so I can find everyone if I get lost! LOL. I see the weather is extremely hot there now. I usually come in the winter and havent been in summer in many years. When I came in March it snowed. I need to remeber to bring some summer clothes with my jacket. Thoe of you that are on the run , what logistics do you use to get home.hotel after the run - when the tube is closed?

I am starting to pack already and get my stuff in order... Remeber anyone needs any food or stuff from the states, let me know so i can reserve the space in my luggage!

Tami

[juggler]

PEANUT BUTTER M&MS - I NEED PEANUT BUTTER M&MS - I just won't be able to complete the Challenge without them please garda bring some please

On a more serious note, the night bus network is very extensive in London and runs through the night into the morning - the only real option from Upminster however is a taxi to Romford (about 5 miles) and then the N15 nightbus from there into town. If you end up closer in when you run out of time there's every likelyhood that you will be able to find a nightbus close by - there are usually useful spider maps on bus stops showing the routes that the regular day buses and night buses run to from your location as well.... or these can be viewed at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/spiders/borough.asp

I regularly use buses at 1 or 2 in the morning - just remember to take a book because journeys on them can take ages - especially if you are coming from the sticks...

[moley]

Sponsorship
The Circle Line is also going to be open again as from Monday 25th.

Appologies guys & gals - false information on my part.

The H&C will run Hammersmith to Paddington and Baker Street to Barking from monday and The Met will run right through to Aldgate.

The full service on the circle will return on Monday 1 August.

[Fimb]

I'm signed up too!! *grins*

Still not sure I fully realise what I've let myself in for.. can I make it before the tubes closes? My husband has no faith in me!

[moley]

If in doubt - work out what time you need to catch the last train and make sure you get there - if necessary cut out a section to get the last train.

There are plenty of people on here who will help with route planning.

[Fimb]

Ah yes, getting back home from Upminster, a whole area I'd not thought about!!

Oh I am sooo prepared for this! *laughing*

Thanks for this so much, its *just* what I have needed..

[joy54]

When I did a practice run for half my route and ended at Upminster I got the 348 bus last one about 0025 into Romford for the N15

[moley]

I think it is fair to say that not everyone will make that last bus.

Not just that, even once the last bus takes you to the centre of london - this is not necessarilly ideal for everyone. I am currently working on a couple of 'en-masse' options for people getting home and will let everyone know in due course.

[garda]

I feel lost over here on the other side of the pond! I dont have anywhere to do a practice run. I been to London 2x a year or more since 1984 and I love the underground and know it pretty good for a TOURIST . However, I dont know it enough and I hope that I can finish the route. I am a stubborn italian girl . I hope I am not the only one left at the end of the route late late wth the doors locked and that monster from the underground looking for me. That movie I saw in March about the tube and that ugly man/monster was weird!

[moley]

Don't panic - no one will be left at Upminster alone.

Upminster is also nice and outside so no monsters lurking in tunnels.

[juggler]

That's reassuring! I already have a skeleton route mapped out and I *think* I've worked out how to connect up all the loose threads at the extremities of the lines (he says, over-confidentally) but I have a quick question for those who have completed the challenge and theorised umpteen different routes to do it... and it is this:

Is it even possible to start at Amersham and finish by arriving in Walthamstow Central on the last service at 1:02am? It's just that Walthamstow is my *home* station and it would be really nice to be able to finish the challenge and then only have a 10 minute walk home!

Any ideas? I'm not looking for route tips but is it theoretically possible?? If so, I will start planning now Oh yes please note that I won't be running anywhere but I will be walking *briskly* between appropriate stations...