Ride of the Falling leaves

[Alan M]

I enjoyed the day out despite the tumble and sore thumb! The start was resplendent with us all, 12+, doing a circuit of the track - pretty much all in Addiscombe gear. The six that split for the 'not quite 75 miles' was quite a brisk group and although I did a reasonable share down wind, I was pleased for the kind shelter for the norththerly stretch and for the not too long waits for me after Toys Hill etc. I agree that gold would not have been beyond the group had we intended it from the beginning, and worked together for that purpose, so maybe next year? I rather thought that the check point was a bit bereft as I had been looking forward to a bit of TLC and a carbohydrate fix - all I got was a peremptory stamping of my card! However, the end point was very welcoming and I managed extra pasta. Dulwich Paragons are to be thanked for their slick organisation and excellent signposting.
Am I working towards a more ambitious cyclo-sportif? Who knows, but probably not before 2006. Thanks for the companionship and good fun.

[Brian Nolan]

I will second what others have said already - a great day out with excellent organisation by Dulwich Paragon.. The route was very scenic and we were blessed with dry, sunny weather although it was very windy and cold in the shade.
I got a bit scared on the high bank of the velodrome as a first timer but managed to hold my nerve till it straightened out again !
I got ahead of our bunch before the route split in two and as it was a bit cold whilst stationary I decided to press on as I knew that not many of us were going for the full route. Then I was on my own for most of the afternoon - so it was nice to see some familiar faces in the Dulwich Pavillion when I rolled in . Well done to all of us for getting out there in aid of a good cause...