I thought that I might take a slower group today but was fatefully tempted when they downgraded the 20mph to 18.5. It went off extremely quickly with Rotherham Steve and Dan were on a mission to make good their absence from the training group - there were some killing surges but amazingly the group stayed together. By the end of the dual carriageway I was in danger of falling off before Merstham but it settled somewhat and I even did a very brief turn on the front. 7 of us entered the through and off stage and it was very tidy and a reasonable pace. Well into the lanes Steve asked if there were any more turns before Charlwood and stupidly I said no and he took that as an invitation to shoot off. Kevin I think gave chase and I followed but it was too fast and I blew - a few others from another group joined in the final fray but Steve was easily at the line before all others. Dan bonked for lack of breakfast and was seen at the cafe some minutes later. Average of 20.5
A huge group left the cafe on the return so I decided to go off the front and maybe take a few with me but nobody was so inclined and I eventually reached the church a minute or two ahead of the group. Rotherham Steve was again frisky up the drag and although I followed on, the elastic finally gave and we then soft pedalled awaiting others. There was a fun chase back to Coulsdon with much of it coming back together by dint of red lights. The usual additional coffee at Coulsdon was a welcome respite.
It remains to be seen if I do the Falling Leaves tomorrow. Off to South West Road Club social do tonight, and don't need to drive!