If anyone was planning to do this on Saturday, it's been postponed to 12 Sep. I received this email today from Simon Legg (fnrttc@yahoo.co.uk).
"Most of you will know that I intended to ride the course today to see if it was safe.
I didn't get very far. There is black ice on the Westhumble Station road, and black ice on the road up to Ranmore. Halfway up I turned round and headed slowly for Box Hill. There was a patch of black ice on the way up to Box Hill three metres long. I came to a stop, and my back wheel just spun round when I pedalled. I stood there for a while, becalmed, before abandoning my dignity and shuffling to the side of the road on cleats not designed for iceskating.
There was even black ice on the A24 where it went over the railway line.
So - with snow forecast, and forecast temperatures averaging freezing over the next two days, it's time to pull the plug. Sorry.
If those of you who have registered friends could spread the word around I'd be most grateful. I'll go down to the start on Saturday to explain matters to anybody who turns up - if you're passing by please say hello.
We've had over 100 registrations, and it would be a pity to simply forget the Hilly 50 for a year. We've pencilled in September 12th for the late running of this year's event. Unless you would prefer otherwise I'll be in touch sometime before September.
SL"