This year’s Hilly 50 in support of St Raphael's Hospice was a success, with
perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold, and thankfully dry roads.
We had some 30 riders, drawn from Wayfarers as well as CTC
including a unique tricycle team hailing from Twyford last seen here in 2018.
Like last year there was a strong contingent led by Mike Morley’s son Tim.
Unlike last year we could ride in groups of any size, or alone if we preferred.
Most chose to ride in company, in keeping with the relaxed ethos of the ride.
For some speedy finishing is their thing,
and the first rider completed in 1 hr 55min, for which many congratulations.
For me, acting as sweeper and lanterne rouge it was about 4 hours, which seemed
quite energetic enough on the climbs.
In conversation with other riders,
Whitedown retained its reputation as the most feared ascent, although in
reality if you could get up Sheephouse Lane you could climb anything. In
reality also, much depended on the traffic one encountered, though for me it
was well mannered today.
Only one lady rider, which was a little
disappointing, but congratulations to fearless Christina who conquered all the
climbs with aplomb.
None of this would have been possible
without the support of the non-cycling team, Tim as chief of administration,
Maggie James and Terry Lowe for ensuring all were signed in, and Tim and Maggie
for welcoming riders arriving at Box Hill; not to mention Paul James’ 2 recces
to check the roads were rideable, and one further ride yesterday.
Plenty more photos here.
Mike Morley should have been well pleased
with the day; over £900 raised for St Raphael’s, and hopefully more to come. You can check on our progress here....
To quote one rider “Lovely day on the road,
nice company, cheered me up” which neatly sums up how I felt by the finish. If
anyone is tempted to try the ride another day, please let me know; the hills
will still be there.
