Good ride yesterday - ideal preparation for the now-imminent Dr**on R**e. Andrew, Mike, Mark L, Steve W, Huw, George and I set off from CSS bright and early and headed into Hilly 50 country - Leith Hill, Friday Street, Whitedown - you know the sort of thing. Door to door, hacked my way through 76 hilly miles, which was just the ticket.
Despite being a little sleep-deprived and hung over, I was feeling pretty good and enjoying the workout. But I was working with a recalcitrant bike all day - my rear wheel just won't stay in the dropouts on the more serious hills and the group had to wait up once or twice. Also, more worryingly, I went into a heartstopping shimmy a couple of times on the descents. All this on top of the aches and pains that seem to be inevitable after riding a steel bike for five hours or so on any surface, let alone the 'interesting' roads of the Surrey hills.
(Anyway, I've decided enough is enough already. If I'm to continue to enjoy cycling and improve as a rider, I need a new bike - lighter, with better handling and a more forgiving, comfortable ride - compliance, I believe they call it. And I need it fast - my challenge is to procure something between now and Saturday 23 June. Wish me luck!
)
Good to see everyone yesterday. Thanks to Andrew for suggesting and organising, and to the others named above for a
sehr gemüttlich morning.