Club run - 10/06/07 Box Hill record smashed

[huw williams]

George did a 6min 2 second ascent.

I can verify this as I was left chewing my bar tape behind him

"Fancy it?" he asked as we pelted down the Westhumble valley at 26mph, refering to an attempt on a sub 6 minute climb. I'd have loved to, except that having just ridden out to and completed the 'Hilly 50' course where I'd done everything in my power to hang on to George's wheel up all the climbs, my legs had nothing left to offer.

I'd done ok to stay reasonably in touch with the big man over the previous 35 miles of climbs but when he got out of the saddle just after Rykas (I wont say he jammed it into the big ring cos he'd been in it for the last three hours) he was unstopable.

Somewhere behind us were Andrew, Adrian, Mike, Mark and Steve who'd been riding well until Whitedown broke them, (there were tales of some reduced to walking)

At the top George and I decided to keep going to the Box Hill cafe for the regroup, where there was a bigger crowd of riders than I've ever seen out. And most of them were London Dynamo.

After that it was a 26mph average all the way back down the chipstead valley where there was further flagelation of the group meted out.

65 miles of awesome hilly riding, more cyclists out than ever, a decent sized group - a great day all round. Must ride more often on sundays.

[Andrew G]

Moved to join Huw's account. Bloody hell George 6mins! Must have been due to the strength from your modest commute the other day.

Got to CSS last and found Mike and Adrian as expected, also Mark and Steve who were possibles yesterday, and then I spotted Huw and George and nearly turned round and went home.

If you know the CTC Hilly 50k route that's what we did, so will restrict my inane rambling.

Steve and Mark were virgins to this route and like many first timers may have misjudged the difficulty. You think 35 miles, how hard can that be. Both started strongly but gradually weaked as the relentless climbing and gradients kicked in, still put up a good show though as we didn't dawdle too much. Next time will be easier guys as you know what to expect.

Mark made the customary first time mistake on Coldharbour and thought the first brow you see was as far as you had to climb . He galloped off out the saddle and then noticable hit that oh sh-ugar moment.

Minor mechanical for Adrian at the top of that really steep bugger (Friday St?) where your rear wheel slips even in the dry. Whitedown was it's usual hell and suffering. I think this was the first time Steve and Mark have seen this killer and did not enjoy it one bit.

On the other side we regrouped minus George and Huw who had continued so they could have a bit of a blast back.

Box Hill was much better today and rode up in reletive comfort at a reasonable (for me) speed. At the top was surprised to see Huw and George enjoying the sunshine. Coffee and flapjack refuel before the final fling. Bumped in to Adam who hadn't been able to face the 8:30 start so had done his own ride.

Thanks to George for firing up his motorbike and towing us most of the way back to Croydon.

Very enjoyable day in some nice, if a bit humid, weather. Thanks for the company chaps.

Sorry we got back later than planned and hope the reception back at the homestead wasn't too hostile. Had a free weekend this week so was good to get in 60 quick miles yesterday and 70 hilly ones today.

Andrew.

[mlocke]

If I have made any spelling mistakes its because even my fingers are tired after this morning

Too much beer, not enough sleep & far too many hills.

Ashamedly the talk of walking may be true but in my defense its not possible to ride up that hill, when i saw it I thought was going to fall off backwards it was soooo steep!!

Good morning despite the obvious pain i'm in now the 60 odd miles today is the furthest I have ridden since I got my bike in Setember so pleased about that.

Cheers everyone

[Paul H]

well done george - not bad for a fat boy.

[Andrew G]

[quote]when i saw it I thought was going to fall off backwards it was soooo steep!!

[mlocke]

Cheers Andrew nice to know.

I'll give them a miss for now

[Amy]

I have now made the connection between Mlocke and the guy in Liquigas kit called Mark.

Well, the Alps may help teach you to take the hills steady

[Ian A4size]

No shame in a bit of a walk.... i had a bit of a toddle meself on thursday
A little climb in the cotswolds called cleeve hill, 25% all the way.... and the way was about twice as far as i was willing to push- all in all i reckon on 3/4 of a mile
Imagine the worst bit of winterfold but steeper..all the time, truly trouser filling.

[Andrew G]

That's 'im, his mistique has now been lost.

[Ian A4size]

Shurely mystique..... or have i taken the bait....

[Andrew G]

From one pedant to another, thanks for spotting that. It wasn't a trap, just a balls up.

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Laast night, did an awesome ascent of Box Hill, slowing for the road humps, but managing a shade under 3 minutes

[Ian A4size]

[quote]Laast night, did an awesome ascent of Box Hill, slowing for the road humps, but managing a shade under 3 minutes

[huw williams]

Right thats it - I'm going up there on a GSX-R1000 sunday morning.

Under two minutes I reckon!

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

Ok, I've been rumbled