Lonely CR for me today. Headed off in the Norman's 19 (as in No Mates) figuring the bike probably knew its own way to the cafe by now. Usual route up the steps and the lanes where I caught the last group, 15s I think, taking it easy and looking after a couple of new members - one of the nice things about our club.
Except when it's me of course. I fall off the back or puncture and I'm dropped quicker than Jeremy Clarkson and James Martin's lovechild.
Arrived at the packed cafe to a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday, and after sarny, tea, cake and a chat with Joyce, caught the last bike back with Bridget and Alan. Some excitement at the estate in Redhill where we caught the tail end of a car crash. Couple of blokes pushing a wrecked Corsa off the road, another car on the opposite verge and a couple of upset looking women looking shocked, but thankfully nobody seemed badly hurt. Called an ambo anyway and left them to it, only to come across Phil N and a chap whose name I've forgotten fixing a flat. Offered to take a piccy for the forum, then the usual obvious and fatuous advice, and after a few pumps of my tool we were on our merry way. Everyone had already left the church, though I almost stopped briefly for the complete CR experience, so we pressed on. Caught Phil at some lights then swung home, managing a not-too-shabby 14 mph up my hill. Fairly feeble 35 miles at 17 ave. Must try harder.
first sort of coldish one this autumn - two shirts and leggings. Sam and I rode out through smallfields, lingfield, crowhurst, bletchingly - his knees held up well. He's definitely on the mend. 
