A Group - Challenging Rides

Jeff, our Rides Secretary, and I have been chatting about A Group's more challenging rides - the Hilly Over 50 and the Shoreham Century so far this year. We have agreed that these rides, although well attended, were too close together this season, and that it would be good to spread them out a bit.

So the plan for next season is to hold the Hilly Over 50 at the end of February/early March, as this year; to hold the Shoreham Century in June, which is a better fit for a seaside run; and to add in another challenging ride for the Autumn.

As a dry run for the Autumn ride, I will be leading a ride from Caterham on 17th August. I agree that this is hardly Autumn, but the sensible plan set out above hadn't been thought of when the Rides Diary was drawn up, so it's the best we can do this year.

The outline for the ride is to take in the Bec Hill Climb and the Catford Hill climb. These are famous and historic races, the Catford claiming to be the oldest bicycle race in the World. Riding out in the Autumn to see these hill climbs is popular amongst Wayfarers, so, just like the Hilly Over 50, the intention is to ride a hard course at a reasonable pace, re-grouping at every hill and taking a sensible lunch break. But, when you watch the racers storming up these hills you'll be able to see their efforts through new eyes ...

Full details will be published shortly, but in the meantime please note that the next Challenging Ride will be on 17th August, and also please let people know who may not see this blog. We missed a couple on the Shoreham Century.

Mark