ACC Nov 4 Early Clubrun

[Marek]

While most of you were still sleeping in bed, 7.30am hit and the sun was up. Paul H, Stu, Keith and Neil (triathlete mate of mine) all met up at my house for an early start.

We decided to head over to Box Hill via the back lanes from East Grinstead in the crisp morning air. Neil is doing the Ballbuster next week so wanted to find out whether his recent training has been paying off and wanted to TT around the route.

Well, with the above company Neil was in for a little bit of a wake up call, in the fact that we basically left EG at a very swift rate of knots. Paul H was keen to finish his legs off after the clubrun the day before as was Stu. Keith, can't seem to help but go very fast on the flat so we were hammering along with Neil hanging on for dear life at the back.

Through the lanes we were racing up most of the hills and then re-grouping at the top. The weather was perfect for a longish ride. After 1hr 20mins we arrived at Box Hill and Stu gave us a lesson in climbing Contrador style. He was accelerating then slowing then accelerating and after the second hairpin I was feeling cooked and Paul H and Stu skipped away. In the distant fog I saw Stu then overhaul Paul H with a strong acceleration that left Paul H for dead.

We re-grouped at the top for a chat then sent Neil off for his TT around the Ballbuster route. He was looking a bit toasted after the going over we had given him, but still keen to TT. The rest of us gave him 5mins head start and we then gently pursued.

Into the back lanes and myself and Stu really wound up the pace dropping Paul H and Keith on the flats. We did not see them again until the top of Box Hill, where once again Stu just rode away from me after I mistakenly tried to attack him then he just whizzed past laughing under his breath.

After Box we headed over to Fannies farm shop for some fine Carrot Cake, Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Chocolate Fudge cake, no not all for me.

Then we quick footed it back to EG via Merstham, Outwood Windmill, Horne and into EG. Back home for 11.30am with 95km on the clock and an average speed of just under 20mph.

Cheers for coming over to mine today for the early start guys, hope you thought it was worthwhile, I loved it.

Cheers

Marek.....

[Kasper]

Well Done Marek for the write up on what sounds like a belter of a ride.

Always makes me feel better reading about someone else's good day in the saddle if I've been too busy/lazy to get out myself.

Unfortunately E.Grinstead is a tad too far for me at the mo. but I'm out training at Box Hill quite regularly, which seems a good inbetween point for those E.Grinstead based riders.

English Coach Alert: I think you meant to compare Stuart to Contador not Contrador, didn't you. Unless there is another climber suddenly burst on the scene, I haven't heard about.

[Stu Merckx Man]

i really enjoyed that ride today too...it was definately worth waking up at 5 am

the weather was brillaint. really cold and fresh, and through all the low lying lanes there was a cold mist, but it was brilliant fun. keith seamed on form and was pounding it along the flats with marek. paul and i showed them what for on the hills. although marek was doing very well on the short sharp ones, constantly sprinting away.

it was good steady pace most of the way, and fairly rolling.

it was a real laugh when all 86kg of marek 'attacked' me on box hill
he took a quick glance back and then went about 10 m ahead of me . i didnt take the bait. but just kept my speed the same and started to pull level with him. i couldnt help but laugh as i went by, as he seamed pretty pleased with himself at first, and then as i came passed he looked all dissapointed. .

the tea and cake a fannys was welcome. i had just started to run out of energy. thankfully it fulled me up for the return journey. it must have done something for marek too as he started attacking everyone on the hills...the down hills that is.

i recorded a tad under 60 miles, and a fraction under 20mph average. it was a good brisk 3 hours or so riding.

will be good to do more of those this winter.

stu

[huw williams]

What time did you get to Fanny's? I was there about 11 ish for elevenses hoping to see people - didn't intend to get there til 12 but got behind a vintage car pulling out of the service area by Butlers and it dragged me to Merstham at 28mph av without missing a beat - awesome.

Anyway - any chance you can carry your trumpet next week Marek? I got free cake and coffee for playing the piano and they asked me to come back next sunday. - We could get a little ensemble going. Anbody got a drum kit and a trailer?

[Kasper]

Have drum kit will travel? Just need someone with van.

Perhaps if i put it on my xmas list someone will bring me one.

Could fit just the snare and stool in the back of regular estate or even orig. mini i've been looking at under the arches.

Sounds like a good sunday training ride Huw would've liked to be out yesterday but thought i'd give spin, body pump, and some weights down the gym to build general fitness. No reason why I can't incorporate these elements into my own regime in the evening as Sunday training rides are just too good an oppurtunity to miss.

I love a finger of fudge from Fanny's.
ALso tinkled the ivories when i was up there last on my own, too temopting not to really. Bit of amistake placing it right by kitchen, BUT if they gave you free cake and tea sounds like you must be able to play a tune or two.
Any idea's about your influences/ what tunes you played so I have a chance to practice before our first gig?

[huw williams]

I thhink its gotta be a band comprised of instruments and people who can get ther on bikes - take a washboard or spoons

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Don't forget your club dinner tickets

[Kasper]

Huw, do you think you can learn this one by January?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9XsKu9WiVs

[huw williams]

I could learn that by 5.30

[Colin Steadman]

where exactly is Fanny's farm shop?
I looked for it once and couldn't find it.

[huw williams]

Elite clientele at Fannys... we like to keep it a secret

Actually I don't know the name of the road its on - but its by Gatton Park

[Amy]

Gasp [quote]where exactly is Fanny's farm shop?
I looked for it once and couldn't find it.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Note the 2 posts above - Amy and Hugh ---- wouldn't want to be in Huw's shoes when Amy gets home

[Colin Steadman]

thanks guys.... I think I know where it is now.

[George]

There is a great treehouse at Fannys farm that a dozen or so riders could have tea and cakes in