Not an unusual session today. Arrived a bit late with Phil and Robyn (I can't recall the name of her perfume but it may have been a high point of the morning). At the last minute I opted for the 19 group with Paul, Andrew, Sylvain, Matthew et al. I didn't feel too strong (wrong bike) so I was pleased that the pace seemed quite moderate.
Mostly I hid from the wind and lost it a bit on the hills but just about coped. I think the so called 18 group powered by Mark Mc. was on our tail. 3 of us peeled off through Lambs Green and we managed to be first at the cafe. Paul and Stuart vied for the sprint and I watched from a distance - I believe that paul won it. The 19.5 average against a strong headwind was not too bad. Soon after the 18 group arrived and then the TnOff 19s with Steve reporting an unusual 2nd place.
The return was OK, but set off at a pace, which moderated until we reached the golf course. Again, I lost touch a bit over the hills and by the church I was dreading the final push home.
Dave was set off as a rabbit - he stayed away for some time benefiting from a lucky traffic light change, but was caught on the Merstham drag. Slightly before that a group kicked off and Mark asked "is that the move?" with no great enthusiasm I said "probably" but went with it anyway.
In the event it was too much for me and I dropped off near the top of the drag and was eventually caught by a second group, including Dave who had done amazingly well to stay with it. By the bypass I felt strong enough to take a lead and then we coasted to Purley. Phil and I headed back to Sanderstead and I caned him up the last hill of our road for a victory of sorts.
A goodish ride - we just about missed the rain - good to see the other Robin back and to hear that Brian is recovering well.
I had planned a ride on Sunday but the forecast looks bleak.
Thanks All