CR 27th Dec.

[Andrew G]

Arrived at CSS just behind someone else today at 9:10, no-one there. Hmm surely they can't have gone yet? Nope over the next few minutes a few other soles braving the crisp morning and dodging the sales turned up.

It had been a bit icy in places and there was a thought that the lanes might be a bit iffy in places so we kept to main roads. About 30 out in total today and Monty and Phil took most people on a run to Dorking and then Box Hill. Grahame and I went t'other direction with 6 others, A23 to Redhill then left along the A25 to Westerham and then up Polhill for tea at the garden centre. Not the most imaginative route but as a festive spin we thought safety first wasn't a bad way to go. Also the A25 that way isn't ever that busy and with all its drag, dips and rises offers some variety in terrain.

Most in the group were from 17s so we took it steady and didn't push on as we were riding in to the teeth of a very strong cold wind and if anyone slipped off a wheel then they might struggle to get back on.

By the time we got to Polhill the frost had gone and it looked as though the lanes would be fine, so after the tea stop I took the group back along Pilgrims Way and up Botley in to Warlingham. I checked people knew where they were and were happy from here and we went out separate ways.

Nice gentle ride and some nice new (I don't normally ride with) company.

Don't forget the New Year's Eve Pub Ride if you are about. It is an all-comers welcome ride, some tough hills but a complete re-group after them (and faster riders can do intervals on them if they want) and the pace in general will stay at a speed everyone can cope with.

[Antloony]

Great ride out today. Cold start but a good blast up Box Hill after stopping at Rykas cafe for a cuppa and cake soon warmed the few that had deceided to leave Montys group and take this route. Fantastic run down to Epsom on some really quiet country lanes then going past the race course where we picked up Montys group again.

Really enjoyed today, made a refreshing change from the usual club run and with some great company.

(and Serge, I'll have you up Box Hill next time.... )

[-Adam-]

[quote="Antloony"]Fantastic run down to Epsom on some really quiet country lanes then going past the race course

[kieran]

well, I turned up late so headed out the usual route, found nobody till after Reigate then met Phil on the fixed and we rode to the closed cafe (usual route was safe - no ice to report), Phil went back the quick way but I went home via box hill into a stiff and cold headwind. I bumped into Steve b and Bridget at box hill, leaving as I was arriving. A quick cuppa and then onwards. By the time I'd arrived home my legs were very tired due to the wind (and lack of riding recently). A cold but dry day.

Kieran.

[quote="-Adam-"]I hope you left all the wing mirrors intact on my patch Ant!

Those lanes are awesome, they never lie though, if you havn't got the legs they ain't easy!

[mrP(Boonen)VT]

I was ACC spotting in the car this morning on the way to pick up my folks.

Sure I saw Paul on the Pearson, Phil nash and AN Other in "Munch" in Coulsdon, flashed steady finbar....in Purley, Jim Trenowden coming out of Charlwood and AN other heading back up the A23.

See you tomorrow.....don't forget the budgie smugglers!!! (sure Santa didn't bring you some of them Jon?)

Guru P

[Snoop Doug]

too blimmin cold for me to go far yesterday. I made it to Sainsbo's for a restock of milk, bread and soy sauce . Thanks to Santa's nice new silk glove liners I made it back in one semi frozen piece.

Freshhhhhhhh.