Four of us at North Cheam to start the day, through Ewell and up on to the Downs, with a brief chase to catch a chap who looked like Geoffrey but wasn't. Then down Pebble Hill, through Leigh and up Norwood Hill, where we met the Ashstead contingent heading purposefully to elevenses. As usual, we all missed the turn to Tesco's but soon sorted ourselves out and were ready for the eight item full English. Well, actually, given the temperature, already high twenties, there were few takers for the full English today.
One by one the gang all turned up and we had a dozen cyclists heading East then South on our way to Horsted Keynes. Simon was missed, but his blog was much appreciated. Enjoying the warmth, we rolled at pace through some very handsome countryside. Discussing things later, we all agreed that a key attraction of England in the heat is the corridors of dappled shade made by the trees. It may be as warm as elsewhere, but cycling under the trees is always pleasant.
At Saints Hill we stopped briefly for a water break. 31.8°, which may be a Wayfarers record. Setting a brisk pace past Stone Farm Mike had a Contador moment, but, reviewing the video, the Commisaires decided there was no dope involved. Up again to Sharpthorne, and another water break, then a glorious cruise, slightly downhill and with wonderful views, to Horsted Keynes. A short climb and we were at the Green Man.
Our friends from the East Sussex CTC were already there, and we had a good chat and a jolly lunch whilst buttressing ourselves against the ever present risk of dehydration. A group photo by Mike, and we were back on the road about 1415.
Taking the conditions into account we missed out a couple of solid hills on the way back (we can always go back in Winter), surmounted Turners Hill rather sweatily and then cruised down to Copthorne, where, by common accord, we stopped to buy ice-cream. Excellent. Then a long, steady climb to Bletchingley, where members began to make their dispositions before the final band of hills. Ray decided that he would head home past Fanny's, and Hans went with him; John was anxious to be at the Albert Hall by 1800 for tonight's Prom, so Mike went with him to set him on the right road.
That left eight of us going up Hilltop Lane and over Farthing Downs to Couldsdon where we had an excellent tea at Art Rebellion.
44.8 miles elevenses to tea, at a moving average of 13.5mph, which is very creditable for the hottest day of the year. 67.75 miles if you started from North Cheam.
A great day out with a great group of riders.
Mark
No comments:
Post a Comment