Club Run...slightly damp.

[Andrew G]

Well looking out the window this morning I thought it would be a bit showery so put on a light jacket and packed my rain cape. Got to CSS with only occaisional spitting (from the sky, not other members).

Set off in the 17s, in light drizzle, with Mark and Mike also out on their fixed. The three of us were up the front until Gatton so we could ride our own pace up without messing up the group dynamics. As we made our way through Reigate Monty summed up the conditions perfectly saying it was like riding in a cloud. Grey sky and mizzle (misty drizzle).

The further we went the worse it got and the rain was torrential by Newdigate. At the cafe, just a quick stop to avail ourselves of their facilities, wring out gloves etc, and put on waterproofs. Bit late for this last bit but it would help keep us warm on the return.

Steady paced return, but to be honest the whole ride was bloody hard work in today's conditions. Good acclimatisation for those who are doing the Etape du Dales though .

The climb to Selsdon was hellish as my feet were freezing and soaking, I had to really stamp on the pedals and pull hard on the bars to wrestle my way to the top.

A tough day on the bike, but always good to get out on the CR regardless of the weather. A well earned kip after lunch, and I feel recharged and glad I didn't bail out and stay in bed this morning.

Cheers,

Andrew.

[Stu Merckx Man]

the weather sums up how my body was feeling too...i did a good few turns on the front untill we got into the lanes and i felt awful....and the worst thing was i couldnt shelter properly behind anyone because my glasses were so misty i had to take them off, and if i went behind someone i got an eye ful of grit !!!

so when we got to the deul carriage way it got a bit hairy. i had my glasses on could barely see and i drifted towards a bush and got a few stings, so i decided to take them off, but then i couldnt grab anyones wheel without grit in my eye, so i hung about 10ft back which was ok for a bit but then a little push from paul and i was off on my own back to the cafe (kind of a relief as i could see much better)...though i think i was being a bit of a wimp, as the other lot seemed to cope ok

good fast ride back to coulsdon, paul broke away up the drag, simon and i chased him down and stormed down the carriage way.

trouble with days like today is when you get in for a bath, at first it feels like its nice and hot because youve been so cold, then after 5 minutes you realize its only loop warm !!

cheers
stu

[Dr Frigo]

You want my lovely poncho for a day like this!

[John Czernobay]

Once one boys and Tea never tasted so good. I was ready for that stop at Charlewood, plus the debate regarding the carbon foot print of air travel, the recent green levy on air travel, the cost of aviation fuel, the USA,s carbon balance or not, the Coulsdon by-pass and it's impact on the the surrounding area and indeed the whole of the M25. Ha, and I thought I'd joined just a cycling club.

Thanks for your company boys and did we get a move on getting back to CSS . See you next week. John..