Set off with Huw, Graham O, and another Addiscombe whose name I can't remember, and about ten other fast guys. My plan was to try and stay with them as long as possible and then pick up the next group when dropped. I was hoping to make Penshurst at about 20 miles with this group before the hills kicked in.
In reality what I thought would be a downhill run to Penshurst was a succession of drags and kick-ups. Graham pulled over after about 5 miles with a puncture which was a pity as he'd being looking good. The pace was largely dictated by a few fast chaps who were towing things along very briskly. I looked at my computer after 10 miles and saw this had been covered in 30 mins which confirmed what my legs were telling me. Not overly quick on the flat but on these draggy lanes and with the rain it felt plenty fast enough.
I finally lost touch after 12 miles and settled in for a bit of toughing it out on my own in the wind and rain until being collected by the next group. About another 3 miles on however there was direction sign missing and I went straight on instead of turning right.
I ending up ploughing on in to Tonbridge - never been there before, nice town and castle ruins . Being a modern man I decided to stop and ask for directions to Penshurt so I could pick the route up again. This took two attempts as the first people I asked were Dutch, on holiday, and had no idea where I wanted to go.
Directions received and on through Tonbridge, right toward Leigh, before having to go up a steepish hill to get back to Penshurst Place and pick up the official route. Not too bad as the diversion I'd taken was pleasant roads and either ended up a similar distance or only added two or three extra miles.
Torrential rain between Penshurst and Fordcoombe which made my feet start to squelch in my shoes. Collected 3 other riders who seemed happy to sit on my wheel on the flat and let me plough on in to the wind before coming past on the hills.
Three long climbs which weren't that steep but went on for ages. Good practice of settling in for a climb which should help with the sportive in May. Check point at the top of Ashdown where I grabbed a very quick cuppa to warm up and also found two Addiscombes - Andy and another (sorry name?).
Set off along the top which was really good fun rolling a big gear on good roads. Another couple of hills and I then left Andy and friend so I could plough on. I knew I was going quite well so wanted to keep pushing.
At Edenbridge I was finally collected by a fast moving group of about ten led by a couple of Paragon riders. I jumped on the wheels and finally enjoyed a bit of shelter after about 30 miles of mainly solo riding in the wind and rain.
Enjoyed this "free" ride to the bottom of Toys Hill, where they slowly rode away from me. I've never been up Toys and I'm in no rush to do it again. Very steep and seems to go on for ever, although I was pleased to see the fast guys also suffered and didn't go up it that quick either.
Over the top and a simple drop down to Westerham (where the sky fell in again) before back up Polhill to the HQ.
A hard ride but a very good one. I'm glad I took it more seriously this time and had a good training ride.
Distance: 58 miles
Time: 3hrs 35mins.
Very happy with that bearing in mind both the terrain and my slight time wasting in Tonbridge.
Cheers,
Andrew.