Wednesday Ride 5/11/06

[huw williams]

Great ride this evening and a clear indicator that mid-week rides could, and should be a regular part of the ACC ouvre.

Tonight was Sportive preperation so a group of us headed out for as much of my '10 Hellish Hills' route as we could manage before darkness fell (about 7.45 as it transpired).

Mark, Yohan, Phil, Gav, Nige, Peter and myself were out and it was great to see Simon Hazeldene back in the saddle after recovering from his recent injuries - he's already well on the way to a complete recovery and looks fast already - "I was out with Dave Kennett last night" revealed Simon, and we all know what that's like right?

A steady pace up the first two climbs over Farley common led to the first killer of Slines Oak but we were still fresh at that point and it wasn't too bad. Actually it just felt great to be riding in evening sunshine and no headwind for the first time in months, especially through the lanes and farm access roads along the side of the Downs towards Oxted.

That all changed with the long Chalkpits climb though, 1 mile of uphill misery culminating in a 20% section that split the group into various states of distress. Maria (who had missed the start) had somehow found us and was spotted riding down the hill as we closeed in on the top, a decision which she will eternally regret because she then had to turn around at the bottom and ride back up!

A fast descent of Titsey Hill led to the bottom of White Hill, or it did for most of us, "watch out for the turn before the bottom" I had warned, "you'll be going so fast you'll miss it" - as expected half the group missed it and sped past in the excitment of riding DOWN a hill for a change, and were then forced into an extra climb before getting onto White Hill proper, another 20%ish grade used by the Bec CC for their Hillclimb in September (Highly reccomended event - the course record being about 1min.30).

Must mention the views from the lower slopes of this climb which, looking out over Kent towards Tonbridge were spectacular in the setting sun.

After that it was a descent into "The Valley," I don't know what this road is called but it's a sweeping descent into a high-sided, farm-lined valley which ends with an 18% stiffy to get back to the top in the no-mans land just west of Biggin Hill. I stupidly decided to attack this one out of the saddle in the big ring and by the top my legs felt like water-filled sponges.

Six of the ten climbs by 7pm and the lure of Juventus v Arsenal plus the failing light clearly indicated that we couldn't complete all ten hills so a fast descent along Featherbed Lane and a final lung-bursting attack up the main road to Sanderstead finished the ride after seven Hills at exactly the predetermined time of 7.30 back in South Croydon.

Only two hours of riding, without ever going more than 10 miles away from Croydon with quiet country lanes and long hills that any Sportive would be proud of.

Hopefully this ride (and variations of it) will become a regular and start a bit later as available daylight increases. We'll also be able to fit in the three extra hills at the end and then build up to doing 2 laps of it by high summer.

[Robbie Dread]

Are you guys doing it again today

[huw williams]

Err, no Robbie. This kind of ride is a once-a-week deal.

What wouuld be good is for other members to guide regular weekly rides on various nights, post details on the forum and, along with mid-week circuit racing, track and handicap events, there'd be something happening all the time.

[Gavin]

I had a good time last night was falling a bit behind at times but I like to put that down to me going at a steady pace.

With regard to other rides my mate and I will be going out once a week soon so will post details of that so that others can join in.

Cheers

G

[Yohan]

Hey Huw

Thanx for this version excusion, it was a nice mid-week ride, esp with the nice weather.
Chalkpits climb was a bit of a monster, it just seemed to go on forever...but good training no doubt

I look forward to some more rides like this

cheers
Yohan

[Robbie Dread]

Any one up for it today leaving today from GB 6.00pm.

[Alan M]

I am up for it Robbie - had a pint and sausage and mash with my brother this lunch time so need to burn it off!!

[Phil L]

It was a very satisfying ride only because I survived, but to say it was enjoyable would mean admitting to liking pain (the sort found cycling up Chalkpit Lane), which would make me a masochist (and Huw a sadist!!!). I would do it again - looking forward to next week, though doing two or more laps sounds very scarey.

[huw williams]

You did well Phil - a rough estimation indicates that the Gran Fondo Cymru is the equivalent of 5 laps of last night's ride - now that is scary!

[Maria David]

Thanks for a good ride yesterday Huw.

Was a bit miffed to have missed the start, but I managed to get in a couple of mini climbs at Selsdon and Farleigh before I found you at Chalkpits. And that was the where the "fun" began. "It's not me, it's the faulty gearing on my bike", I wanted to say - but the reality was it was my faulty quads !
That climb we did after White Hill was Beddlestead - I know it because I usually take that road the opposite way - down the steep section then up the drag. A bit girly, I know.
I got a bit cold towards the end of the ride, which made me think that perhaps I hadn't worked that hard. But when I woke up this morning my legs told me different ! I think I've got my work cut out for me over the next couple of months !

[huw williams]

Maria - I was amazed at how well you were going considering the time you've had off travelling

[Maria David]

I was amazed that I got up the hills yesterday too !

Anyway, a few more of your rides plus trips up to Yorkshire should sort me out in time for the various cyclosportives.

[mark mclaughlin]

Just to say what a great ride that was huw, good company fantastic views, can see this becoming an addictive mid weeker..... did I say that! Glad I fitted that compact with a 27. Chalkpit is something else! the home run up South Norwood hill didn't seem too bad after all those climbs!

[Graham O]

Unfortunately I won't be able to make these rides, but would like to find out where they are. I will try to do this route on a Thursday, a little later.

I know white hill, but can anyone tell me where chalkpit climb is ?

[huw williams]

Graham - these rides need not nescessarily take place on Wednesday - can you make any other night or a later start?