Club Run 21st April

[Andrew G]

Something a bit different for me this weekend. As I've got a TT tomorrow I was going to take it easy today, and speaking to Marco he's after some photos for the website, so I thought I'd try and kill two birds with one stone.

Having cleared it with Jon C first I had a great day chilling with the 15s, and poncing about doing my poor man's impression of Graham Watson.

This is a fantastic introduction to both the club and cycling in general, with the ever cheerful Jon running a very well organised group. It's easy going and friendly, and everyone is made welcome - from the two new riders, through some 15 regulars, to the day's pain in the arse (me).

Jon checks regularly that people are happy with the pace, and offers endless encouragement to those who may need it when suffering a bit on a hill.

After the cafe and ready for the return, Jon makes sure that all of his group from the trip out are together for the ride back, thus avoiding any problems of getting caught up in the faster melee and then finding yourself lost out in the Surrey lanes with a pair of aching legs.

The first part of the ride back was with Jim "The Legend" who never fails to amaze me, today cruising along on a wheel at 18mph with a silky smooth peddling action.

One of the new guys (Steve I think) went well on the church climb and again on Merstham, before we dropped in to Coulsdon. He said he's away for the next two weekends, but I think we may have another new member on the way.

A very enjoyable day out, thanks to all the 15 group and Jon in particular.

Cheers,
Andrew.

I don't think Graham Watson's got anything to worry about but here's a few of the photos.
(Marco - I'll stick all the originals on a CD for Wednesday and hope you can get something of use from them).
[url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/Club%20Run%20210407/JonC.jpg?t=1177167216]Jon C[/url]
[url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/Club%20Run%20210407/GattonRdChris-newJonC.jpg?t=1177167221]Newbie Steve on Gatton Rd[/url]
[url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/Club%20Run%20210407/Reigateregroup.jpg?t=1177167228]Re-group at Reigate[/url]
[url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/Club%20Run%20210407/Group2crop.jpg?t=1177167236]The peleton[/url]
[url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/Club%20Run%20210407/RoyGJonC.jpg?t=1177167240]A cheeky over the shoulder one that didn't just end up as a photo of my ear[/url]
[url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/Club%20Run%20210407/JonLovell.jpg?t=1177167247]John "Tester" Lovell[/url]
[url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/Club%20Run%20210407/CountryLanescrop.jpg?t=1177167252]The peleton again[/url]
[url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/Club%20Run%20210407/Cafe.jpg?t=1177167254]Cafe culture, Charlwood style[/url]
[url=http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n315/andrewgreen23/Club%20Run%20210407/Jimriding.jpg?t=1177167255]Jim "The Legend"[/url]

[Alex P]

Great photos. Could we get some of the other groups?

What a great ride, even though we had a major contingent in Majorca and the TDF recce going on we managed to pull in 75 riders today.

Jon's 'specials group' and his commitment to the people who ride within the group are one of the reasons for our success as as Club - great work..

[Andrew G]

[quote]Great photos. Could we get some of the other groups?

[John the old'un]

Fantastic pics Andrew. Well done. Great ride today, and thanks to John and all the other guys. Really good company.

[Andrew G]

Sorry Sean, this snapper/idiot has made the rash decision to enter two 10s next Saturday.

[mlocke]

Inspired by last sundays ride with some ridiculously fast members of ACC in which I hung on for dear life and after a poke in the back from Graeme O I found myself leaving Charlwood with the 18's desite going there with the intention of another 'steady 15'.

After around a mile I began to think that Graeme didn't like me as the speed rarely fell below 20. However felt OK and soon found myself thinking about the sprint. In preperation I munched on a Mars Bar and just as the final piece entered my mouth I realised I was alone and the sprint was already underway.

Steady trundle to the cafe for the last half mile and a few nice cups of tea later and was on the way home which again wasn't exactly slow. I personally was pleased that I had one of my strongest rides over by the golf course as normally I feel terrible.

Good hard ride for me and nice weather.

[-Adam-]

Mate, you had no troubles hangin on to us 'fast' boys last weekend! I expect to see you in the training group by the time im back for summer, which isnt a very long time away by the way!

Adam

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

I didn't make this Saturday but without trying to sound too gushing just like to reiterate what you said about Jon C. We joined ACC a couple of months ago on the strength of our experience on the 15 mph ride led by Jon. he welcomed, encouraged and looked after us and the other newbies with infectious enthusiasm - top man.

[Sylv]

The best part of the ride for me was lying in the grass for 45 minutes to top up my 3h sleep while the others were at the café

Strange the effects of cycling on the body - I thought riding would prevent a nasty hangover but wanted to take it easy so started by sitting at the back of the 18 group, then realised I was actually feeling good enough to withstand the speed (which was well over 18 ).

I noticed Philippe was riding super-strong especially uphill, and later the two Matts (D and R) whom I hadn't ridden with for a long time seemed to be a lot faster. Third Matt (I) was unsurprisingly strong too. We had a three-man fight for the sprint, we left Stu work at the front for a good old time with Paul and me behind, I felt sorry for him so went to the front before Paul took his turn. I went to overtake Paul but he upped the pace with the sign in sight, I had to get out of the saddle but Paul was still spinning in the saddle, we were side to side for a good 5-10 seconds and Paul took it by 1/2 a wheel.

Went back via Box Hill, still feeling ok, just before which one of Graham's seven non-drive spokes on his rear wheel snapped, so he had to take the train at Dorking as even straightened the wheel felt weak. Shame as Graham was doing real well too.

Met the others who'd waited at the top of Box Hill and we had a chaingang back home, back where I couldn't eat anything. Then after about an hour the hangover actually kicked in and I felt terrible for the rest of the day, as if the 3-hour ride hadn't happened. I guess I should've kept on riding ...

[Graham O]

Cheers for the lend of a spoke key Sylv...

Got home OK, and delivered the wheel to GB's, where an all out assault on my wallet is no doubt being planned..