Chickened out of going for a fast ride when they were called and opted for a steady pootle out with the 18's which turned out to be quite a well paced ride after taking a longer route on to the dual carriage way for some through and off shananigans. Only a small group but it worked well once eveyone settled down, Del was slightly enthusastic to get to the front but soon settled down as this was his first go.
On towards the cafe, was getting myself ready for the sprint as Alan took an early one and went for it from way back down the road. I quickly caught him and turned around expecting to find someone sat on my wheel but I was all alone.....was it something I said.
Cafe was crammed as we seemed to be the last group to arrive so had to shovel my tea and cake down me before getting up again after what seemed like a minutes rest.
Took the route back to Box Hill, a small group heading off first (5 of us I think) and had a good run there till Matt?? had a huge blow out just before Box. We stopped and sorted him out as the other group of about 20 or so caught and past us. This set a good challenge down to catch them and we slowly picked them off. Matt flew up the road before BANG...antother blow out, seemed he had a big split in his rear..ooeerr.
I eventually over hauled all except one who's wheel I (sorry, dont know name) sat on for a bit till I sprinted the last section.
Quick re-group at the top, Matt had sourced a lift home so didn't need to worry about him being stuck so then it was off and away on the run home. Good run back for me, pace started picking up nicely and was a good charge in the end, did my usual solo blast back to Sutton trying to keep around 25-30mph.
Great day, weather stayed fine and the sun came out to visit and also 2 free bottles...though I did notice people trying to throw them away on the climb up Box Hill.
Im enjoying my cycling more and more each week and a big part of that has to be attributed to belonging to a excelent cycling club that has made me feel welcome from day one. Long may that enjoyment continue.
PS and I promise to try and remember more names of the people I ride with.
It must have been Alan from Ant's report, but as Ant said, he overcame his Brighton injuries from 2 weeks ago to blast to victory in the sprint, while the rest of us had a private battle some 20 to 30 metres back.
as I barely had the strength to hold on, never mind to assist somebody else with the climb. This was feeling like hard work.
Hey - by mutual consent men of a certain age, testers on fixed wheels and ladies are allowed to dictate the pace in the final mile or two and getting a break on all but one of the group, sandbagger Anthony is very much part of the game and for me something of a result! 
