Ian - Alex; I was going to go in the 19's but i'm not that stupid to go in the group when its just all the training group espeially with that wind!
Ian - Andy G; Yes I do get cramp, but i'm a battler and carry on in most circumstances
Was fine on the way back after some salty water.
I was supposed to be going to Brighton my Mr Tunnell but I broke my bottom bracket on friday night and didn't fancy risking having it fall off on the pier so decided to do the CR as if something went wrong i'm closer to home.
As said above - was going to go with 19's but decided against that when i saw the members lining up in the box. In the end i was hppy with that decision as Mr Munnery's ride was really good (possibly the best CR I have been on).
Left CSS under a barrage of abuse from various members of the club - what a supportive bunch making me feel so wanted in the alternative 18's posse
With the wind there didn't seem to be too many takers for the front of le peleton with good turns being taken in large by Mr Paul on the Pearson and Mr Phil S. Some members went to extreme lengths to reduce the time spent at the front such as pretending to fall off the road and letting the rest of us past - Mr Munnery!!!
Anywho, really good route, plenty of hills, good pace despite the (at times) brisk wind.
Coming into the sprint I decided to go for a medium to long one and I was reasonably certain that Phil would come with me as he looked uber strong. As I predicted (to myself atleast) he did but I had a 20 metre gap with about a half to quarter mile to the line. I eased up just enough to allow Phil to some past as I didnt want him on my wheel. Five second rest in his slipstream was just enough for me as I eeked the power out of my poor cramping legs to come round him to take a well fought sprint. Looking forward to doing this in the 19's (and hopefully above) with some of the other members of the group - Shadow / Adam (not saying I will win, but will be good to compare).
Short Cafe stop due to our late arrival and I was on the other side of the road for Alan's steady Box hill ride. This was on the whole a steady ride but with me being on the lower end of the ability of the group it did feel like a struggle at times. Anyway, it was kept together well till the bottom of the Hill when Marek? decided he'd had enought of our company shortly followed by graham o, neil and A.N.other. Round the second hairpin Mr munnery came past me in cruise mode where I sat for a few mintues before putting in a big ring 30 second blast. Mr M then steadily rode up too me and I went again. It took three goes at this before the elsatic finally broke and there was a (small) amount of clear air between myself and the remainder of the group.
After box it was the mad dash home - Sorry Neil?? nearly knocked him off and graham got a puncture.
Good ride in all - about 70 miles at roughly 18mph overall.
Cheers to everyone that made it a good day out and I am even quite glad that i didnt make it to Brighton.
Mark