Great ride - one of Pete's alternatives this time to Lullingstone. A big group - 18 of us. Quite a fair old pace to start with with a good few challenging climbs thrown in. I was seriously worried I was going to fall off the back and I thought it was meant to be a social ride.
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
Headed out along the downs and up to the Spinning Wheel where we came across a gathering of Dulwich Paragon all resplendent in their sky blue kit - we in contrast looked like a bunch of lycra clad gypsies
![Rolling Eyes :roll:](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
(fortunately a few of us were keeping up appearences and trying to maintain ACC standards by wearing the gold, black and white - well done, I have noted names in my little red book!
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
). We waved and exchanged pleasantries - yes, they actually said good morning!!
John punctured just before the cafe and Connor punctured in the cafe
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
. Nice chat (main topic of conversation was the dentist who found a dog's micro chip in someone's cavity and the story just had to be true as Pete's auntie's best friend's daughter in law knew the dentist
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
), nice coffee and cake and we were back on our way.
Returned via Pilgrims way - I said my goodbyes at the top of Clarkes Lane as I headed off to Redhill as the rest of the group turned down Beddlestead Lane.
Thanks Pete for leading the ride and everyone else for the company - great fun. I'd really recommend giving these alternative rides a try.
85 kms @ just over 24 kph door to door but my computer was playing up a bit so not sure if that's accurate or not.
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)