neil_xb12ss wrote:
...but have just cleaned the chain again and wont be riding for at least a few days probably a week or 2 so thought I would lube it when I need to ride.
In addition to iwoo's point, having just washed the protective coating from your chain, do you really want to leave it in the damp autumn air to get rusty before re-coating it?
And, if you lube it now, the oil will have a chance to get onto all the surfaces which it needs to get onto before you ride. If you oil it just before you ride, the oil will just be on the surface, it won't have had a chance to get onto the moving parts (rollers etc) where it is actually needed.
Lube it straight after washing. Always.