It had to happen - the sequel
25 posts
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Re: It had to happen - the sequel
by Snoop Doug » Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:57 pm
[quote="mrP(Boonen)VT"]I won't be there if it is raining when i leave
Why is that Guru Paul - are you made of sponge (see earlier quote of week by Mr
)Snoop
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Re: It had to happen - the sequel
by Hal » Fri Mar 14, 2008 6:41 pm
I will be there even if it is raining and can sort a route no probs.
H
H
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Re: It had to happen - the sequel
by Andrew G » Sat Mar 15, 2008 8:40 pm
Anyone make it back? I know PVTs routes are scenic but.....
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Re: It had to happen - the sequel
by Robh » Sat Mar 15, 2008 9:36 pm
[quote="Andrew G"]Anyone make it back? I know PVTs routes are scenic but.....
Just before 4pm I saw 3 agrreeables in Croydon and a bit further back was Paul.
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Re: It had to happen - the sequel
by adrian » Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:02 am
[quote="Andrew G"]Anyone make it back?
You're darn tootin'. I'm happy to report that the only serious incident this week was the seafront cafe's having run out of Dan's lager. But he took even this setback in his stride and accepted the John Smith's Extra Smooth in good part.
This was another cracking day out in mostly good weather and entirely good company.
Present and correct today were two Pauls (both on Pearsons), Tamar, Mike I, Dan (on a spiffy new bike), Ben, Hal and your servant.
As ever, Mr PVT had a few surprises in store as far as the route went. The trip down was more direct than on previous editions - notwithstanding an early puncture, we were at Hayward's Heath head-scratchingly quickly. After a rather dreich start, the weather was improving steadily, and those of us dressed for the worst were getting a bit clammy.
From HH we approached the inevitalle Ditchling Beacon via Wivelsfield. The climb itself didn't seem to present anyone with any significant difficulty, although more than one rider noticed the extra bend they'd put in since last time
At the top, we waited while Guru Paul worked his magic on Tamar's front brake calipers, which had been working themselves free in time for the descent into Mouselcomb (sp?)
:[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2335272515_23477e4bf3_b.jpg[/img]
Once on the seafront, we took up our usual positions at the cafe, where they despatched us with their usual alacrity. I made a potentially unwise break with tradition and opted for the all-day breakfast. Apologies to Dan and Mike, who don't appear to have survived the upload:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2335/2335272733_76e17fdc66_b.jpg[/img]
Following a straw poll, and with the theme tune from Pot Black still ringing in our ears from the unpromising penny arcade 'museum' next door to the cafe ('Old fashion [sic] fun at old fashion [sic] prices'), we headed straight up past the station and towards Devil's Dyke. At this point, and particularly at the water stop at the garage on Dyke Road, the jury was still out as to whether my choice of lunch had been an unwise one, but I got up and over the Dyke without incident and felt fine ever after.
The lanes around Henfield were great value as usual, with their short, sharp shocks and sweeping descents. Eventually we turned off for Faygate, leaving Paul T to carry on to Horsham. Next to peel off - at Lamb's Green - was Tamar, so it was an even more compact group that took a breather at Rusper:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2335272987_cd17f05faf_b.jpg[/img]
We'd all by now made the decision to take in Box Hill on the way back. After a furious dash between Newdigate and the A25, we were soon making the familar right turn up Box Hill. Here Hal and Dan took - and kept - the lead, with Paul D and I following at a 'respectful' distance. Ben and Mike brought up the rear - I think Mike was starting to feel it a bit at this point. At the top I checked the mileage for the day - the reading confirmed that only pastry-covered offal would do:
[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/2336105784_1978c9975b_b.jpg[/img]
At the Kingswood roundabout I let Hal, Dan, Ben and Paul go on towards Croydon and waited for Mike. The two of us then embarked on a quite terrifying punt down the A217 - terrifying, in that a number of cars passed with precious little room to spare. It's fast going home that way, but it ain't fun. Hope everyone made it back similarly unscathed.
Finally crossed the threshold with 110 miles on the clock for the day. A superb day in the saddle and more valuable training. Thanks again to Paul and to everyone who got up early and came along. See you next time.
Last edited by adrian on Sun Mar 16, 2008 2:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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and (2) I had to be back at Horsham at 2:00pm.
)
