Interesting ride - as Joyce said, good weather for punctures.
Even before the 17s with Cap'n Jon got to Reigate, we'd lost son Sam to a puncture... Jon went back to sort him out while the rest of us headed through Reigate to wait for a bit at the common. Going through Reigate I spotted another casualty, Ant, who then rode on to find us at the common and have another go at getting a tube in without the tyre going flat again. As it was cold we split the 17s and sent some faster guys off while the rest of us waited. Ant seemed to have fixed the puncture at last so we started off just as Jon and Sam turned off the A road - we never saw Ant again... Take it you still had problems and called it a day, Ant? Trust the missus came and got you ok!
Passed a couple of others with punctures but we almost made it to Charlwood before Rob punctured - only I noticed as the rest had the bit betweent the teeth for the final sprint. Martin had stopped with Rob so as they said they were ok, I headed to the cafe as I needed to get back home sometime before 3pm today... Forgot, Philf had punctured on a pothole in Lambs Green.
Rather late to the cafe - even the 15s were there before us. Left altogether... for some reason, Jon asked me to take the slower riders... However, this was not required as we all stayed together quite well though we did lose Nina after the climb over the golf course
We also nearly all signed up for Cap'n Jon's alternative ride up Rocky Lane and then up past Fanny's Farm Shop (well done, Marcus* and Phil on their fixies
even if you did walk the first hill...) and then followed the Chipstead High Road down into Coulsdon for much needed refreshment at the other club cafe... I'd only had a hot chocolate at Charlwood! Nicer route than just blasting down the Awhatsit
* of course, this doesn't mean I've forgiven you for your cheeky comment on my dress at the dinner earlier in the ride