Today was the Wayfarers' Annual Freewheel Competition, organised as usual by Terry, but with the important introduction of a new hill. This was kept highly confidential by the Commissaires, and the A and B Groups made their ways from Redhill to the meeting point at the Prince Albert, Bletchingley. The As took the road, and the Bs the tracks, which proved, in the event, to be slightly quicker.
A short distance down Outwood Lane we all gathered in a turning and began the competition. A gradual descent at first, getting quickly steeper and dark under the trees. Then some undulations and a steady incline, getting steeper as it went, that brought matters quickly to a close.
The course and gradient are above; winning distance was exactly a mile. Results were:
First Lady: Angie
Second Lady: Liz
First Gent: Mark
Second Gent: Simon
Many thanks to Terry for organising another successful event, and to Ed for making the very attractive trophies.
Competition over, we made our way in groups to lunch at the Plough and Furrow, Smallfield.
Most of us were well on with our meals when news came that Ed had taken a tumble on the way to lunch. An ambulance had been called, and the crew checked him over, but he was not willing to be taken in to Hospital and instead rode to the pub - bloodied but unbowed. When the A group left after lunch he was intent on riding home. I hope it went well, and that he is not too stiff.
Taken with the idea of Freewheeling, the As set off for a historic triple, taking in the Norwood Hill course, followed by part of the magnificently re-surfaced Roothill course before rolling over Punchbowl Lane to Pixham and Denbies. A very pleasant afternoon.
At Denbies we were pleased to find that the 10% vouchers were still honoured, so the tea was doubly enjoyable with the sensation of a bonus honestly earned.
18.1 miles from lunch to tea (and 12.1 miles to lunch). Rolling average 13.8 mph.
A summers day out.
Mark
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