The New Year's Eve Pub Ride

[Andrew G]

Amy, Jonathan B, Jon H, John (? glasses and a sensible bike ), Nick, George, Steve W, Jon A, Marcus, and Grahame met me at GBs for today's spin over a few lumps and pub visit.

I kept off the quieter lanes which was fine as it still doesn't involve any particularly busy roads being slightly modified and is still on quiet roads, just not the windy little lanes I normally opt for. Grahame left us for home shortly after Hosey Common Road and the only grotty bit was a bit of a slog in to a cold head wind in a murky drizzle shower along the A25 to Polhill. Folk seemed happy to let me sit on the front along here going for the "we don't know where we're going, you're leading the route" excuse .

George turned for home at Coney Hall and the rest of us went up Layhams Farm Rd to meet my Dad at the pub, who'd gone for a little local spin first. Nick had gone off the front a bit when some had stopped for a pee and missed the turn for the pub never to be seen again. Sorry Nick, we did shout as loud as we could but you didn't hear us, and thought you'd get there okay as it was literally around the corner. unfortunately no-one had your number to guide you in.

A nice game pie and a couple of pints, shared a sticky toffee pudding with my Dad as I couldnt do it justice on my own. Back outside and shiver in the cold, but I only had two and a half miles downhill to get home .

Thanks folks, see you again for this next year.

A couple of pics taken in the pub.

[img]http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/webDSC04862.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/webDSC04867.jpg[/img]

[Rob Q]

How dangerous was the food that Marcus needed to keep his helmet on whilst eating

[Amy]

Man was trying to escape but Roy dragged him back for the photo shoot

Good ride, was going quite well even up some of the worse of the hills. Still think the pub could've been warmer all round - the loos were freezing... Will also have something else for lunch next time, like lasagne...

[Grahame]

It all started out so well for me - I was keeping up OK on the hills when I wanted to, waiting back to make sure Marcus didn't get left on his own when that needed doing, and generally going OK, but then on the Descent after Selsdon I got trapped behind a bus and didn't get a run at the climb, then on the later descents I felt tense and nervous (can't relax), so as I wasn't troubling the upper reaches of the "Happyometer", I decided to turn for home at Westerham.

There were lot's of police in central Westerham, and the reason became clear as I passed the branch of Barclays - somebody had tried to withdraw some cash from the machine without the hassle of using their card. They'd just driven a vehicle through the window and tried to take the whole machine away!

I plodded slowly up the ever-steepening climb to Biggin Hill, stopped for a moment's contemplation at the RAF chapel (a personal habit, I stop there to pay my respects every time I cycle past and it's open), then went home for beans on toast and a nice glass of Chateau Larosse 2005 from a bottle that was opened earlier in the week and had improved (from a very good start) with the chance to breathe.

[Andrew G]

[quote="Amy"]Good ride, was going quite well even up some of the worse of the hills. Still think the pub could've been warmer all round - the loos were freezing...

[Roy Green]

Sorry I couldn't keep company all the ride, folks, but think I'd have been keeping you waiting and chillin' on the hills. You would't have been tail-end Charlie, Marcus. Enjoyed my little dooder around alone though, and especially the pub lunch company. The quick dash back home (all 2+ miles for me) was good, too, I do like downhill dashes! The flash on my camera shows just how safety-efficient your top is, Marcus!

[Marcus]

Thanks for a great run out and to everyone especially Graham who got me up the climbs. Lungs got a very good airing and I am sure will be fitter next time out.

Had to dash from the pub as promised my daughter I would have lunch with her in our local, I didn't fancy two lunches...not today anyway.

On way back ignored Andrew's directions to get to Caterham because I have a Garmin 705 that will get me home. Inputted the details cycled for 40 minutes (should have taken me 32 to get home) and ended back not to far from where I had started with the GPS telling me I 'you have arrived home', Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... Bloody technology. Inputted the details again and it got me home in no time.

Thanks again everyone great ride, great company and great scenery.
Happy New Year.

[jon avery]

Ta for a great ride Andrew, it was a good group good pace and smashing route, and the pit stop was the best bit Must admit i was a tad worried when George turned up but he managed to hold himself back Phew!! Shame Graham wasn't able to finsh, and also the same that Nick wasn't able to enjoy the beer and scoff, i think he missed the turn off, I hope everyone has a accident free and fantastic 2010!