Sunday 28th December

[Andrew G]

[quote="Marek"]The only person small enough to get up the little stairs to be on the top deck has got to be Mr hasn't it

[Del]

Thanks to Paul for organising the Brighton ride and for everyone else involved for making it another Agreeable day out.

I got up in time to ride up from Horley to CSS, but it was cold out!! I didn't want to go! I left it too late and decided to meet the PVT Train at Horley. I calculated the train would arrive at 9:30, but still umming and aahing I left my house at about 9:40 and waited by the roundabout at the junction of the Balcome Road. No sign of them!! Just as I was working out where to go for a gentle 20 mile spin, the train emerged from the frosty distnace like the Magnificent Seven, give or take a few, and I was on board and committed to a day at the South Coast.

It was a good even pace on the way down, with the wind slightly across and behind us. Ditchling was made easier by the helpful uphill push Ant gave me as he rode past before we regrouped at the top for the descent into Brighton. Mike I made a daring escape at the end of the road across the downs, just making it out onto the sharp downhill before a double decker bus. I decided not to follow and struggled up the sharp incline before the downhill. I thought I took it easy on the way down as the wind was quite stiff and was surprised when I got home to see I'd hit 45.4mph.

The cafe stop was as described by Paul and Andrew. It was cold! After Mr and Ben had finished their goes on the kiddie rides, we were off towards Shoreham, although John left for the station with his broken spoke. The ride was quite brisk with the wind behind us, before we turned at Shoreham, up through Steyning and Partridge Green towards Horsham. My legs started to go around Partridge Green - the pace was fine, but I've only been riding once a week for about 2 months and usually not more than about 45 miles, so topping 50 into a strong headwind with Ant and Paul ripping it up at the front did for me.

The guys waited for me to roll up to the top of the hill just outside Mannings Heath. We stopped at a garage where I topped up with drink and a large pork pie. A burst of energy took me through Mannings Heath, Horsham and Roffey where we parted. Paul (I think) went home, the rest of the guys went on towards Rusper and home and I turned towards Crawley along the dual carriageway into the wind. That was probabaly the hardest part of the day as I just ground out the last 10 miles to home.

As Mr said, it was a hard ride yesterday with the wind and cold, but great to get out there and work off some of the Christmas turkey and pudding. Reminded me as well that I need to get out there and start doing some more riding for the early season sportives.

Thanks for a great day guys!

[Snoop Doug]

Good work team - yer all bloody mad going out in this cold mind

[Antloony]

[quote="Snoop Doug"]Good work team - yer all bloody mad going out in this cold mind

[carl f]

Thanks for a good ride everyone,glad you all got back safely
After the icy tea stop on the beach i went my own way to meet my family at the hotel then onto spend huge amounts of dosh in the sales
Cheers
Carl