Wednesday chaingang from Butlers & Coulsdon

[Stu Merckx Man]

its more hard core, but for a shorter time...

[Rob C]

I doubt I can keep up with those that have replied so far. Anyone else feeling the same way and still want to do a chain gang?

[Sylv]

I wouldn't be going out for an all-out session - I'd be happy to ride with you at around 21mph.

But, I am not sure I will be able to make it in time, should post here in the afternoon if so.

[Andrew G]

I'll try and get to GBs for it Rob but can't promise.

[Dominic]

I'll be there, although at CSS rather than Butlers. I found the 15 minutes to get to CSS from Butlers last week a bit tight and that was with a good run on the traffic lights.

[huw williams]

[quote="Stu Merckx Man"]im on a rest week huw so i wont be there...go on, give it a go, think how much stronger you will be!

[Paul H]

I'm going to try and get down this evening

[George]

[quote]I'm going to try and get down this evening

[Sylv]

I will probably not make it tonight, no need to wait for me

[Kasper]

I'm wanna try and get down on it tonite!!!

[Andrew G]

Well I made it down there, complete on commuting bike with rack and pannier .

I have no speed in my legs at the moment so was thinking I'd hang on for about 10 seconds. With George, Paul H, Adam, and Marcus (NP) in attendance this was very likely.

In the end I hung on until the M23 turn off but the last bit of the drag up saw for both myself and Kevin and the elastic broke. We carried on and continued our own little charge to Redhill, looped round and headed back.

Well worth doing as I got some extra miles in (50 on the clock when I got home with the commute) and had a hard workout even if I couldn't hang on for that long. Mind you there are a bunch of good 2nd cats in that group so no great surprise.

On the way back just before the Merstham drag we rode through a lot of smoke due to a crash on the motorway. The worst bit was the large gathering of sickos who'd stopped their cars to look over down from the bridge and have a good rubber neck, some taking photos. Unbelievable.

[Rob C]

Anyone want to buy a couple of turbos?

[Sylv]

Well that was fun!

Rode back from work just in time to say hi to George and Rob at Butlers, then decided to try and keep up with them until CSS then turn back. We picked up Kevin on the way, and George led us most of the way, through a back street with no traffic or red lights, at 22mph into a viscious headwind.

There were loads of people at the station, which encouraged me to go a bit further. Pace was high from the off, through and off working well (for those that could sustain the pace!). By the time we'd gotten to the M23 I'd had enough, no food or drink and the big black night not welcoming enough.

Rob and I turned back, and the following 15 minutes were some of the best I've had in recent memory - I don't think we dipped below 25mph, and I maxed out my mtb at 35.5 on the bypass. We were passing traffic at warp speed - brilliant. Like a ride on the rollercoaster, I'd done it once more if it hadn't been for the thought of riding into that wind again beforehand!

What do you mean about the turbos Rob, are you thinking of giving up?

[Paul H]

I'm really enjoying the wednesday ride and am getting the fitness benefit as well. I think it was Dominic who held on untill Salfords and reckon he could make it all the way soon.

I'm also trying a new pedaling technique which I am finding more efficient as well.

[huw williams]

[quote="Paul H"] I'm also trying a new pedaling technique which I am finding more efficient as well.