Beers and curry on Thursday and Friday nights were perhaps not the ideal preparation, but I must be getting good sh*t as there were none of the feared after-effects. In fact I felt pretty good in the saddle all day and was able to enjoy it to the full, and without spoiling the fun of those coming up behind.
Plumped for Huw's group, and not just because it offered a later start. Despite about two people posting their confirmation, 30+ turned up ready to go, and only about three went off for the regular clubrun.
The day's riding was always going to be defined by the trip back, but the way down wasn't without its highlights, mainly provided by the weather: was there ever a day of better clarity and visibility?
The size of the group made some splintering inevitable, but a good-sized peloton picked its way through the heavy traffic after the fast descent off Ditchling Beacon to incorporate with the yellow mass at the pier.
After inhaling a spag bol at the restaurant (excellent choice - they mobilised admirably and despatched us very efficiently) - only Yohan got his down quicker, as far as I could see - and posing for the photo on the green, I set off in a sizeable group upwards and homewards. As we approached the Dyke, I found the fast boys had opened quite a gap, which took me and chap in Basque Country top whose name I don't know about 20 minutes' hard work to bridge. Luckily this hard work also coincided with the group's slackening off briefly.
It was well worth the effort, as I managed to hang on and stick with them for the duration after that. The result was a speeded-up rollercoaster ride through dappled lanes that eventually led to the clubrun in reverse, which we gobbled up in no time. I expected to get spewed out up the drag to Gatton Park (aka Reigate Steps) but this group was no longer for splittin' - not until the belt down into Coulsdon, at any rate.
Eventually got home with 112 miles on the clock and an average of just shy of 19mph for the day. One of the best day's riding I've ever had, and all in all a glorious day out in great company. I blew out my works summer do to be there - turned out not to be paintballing but a speedboat trip up the Thames followed by rounders
- and am mighty glad that I did. Thanks to everyone who made it a day to remember.
to Polegate. Meant to turn left via the town centre, but Andrew was ahead and went bowling straight on so added a few extra miles.
myself.