Double Ride to Epsom

The poor weather forecasts did not deter about 25 riders to a very windy Reigate Hill. There were two rides organised today, a 12 mile introductory ride and a ‘navigate yourself’ 18 mile ride for those more experienced.



The faster riders set off with maps stuffed in pockets for a mud quenching route that went to Headley and took in Stain Street. The others, which included juniors Jo, Jamie and Daniel, and a few member’s partners, took a more direct route to Epsom.



It wasn’t long before the heavens opened again and little shelter could be found. The mud was plentiful, the puddles were numerous and the every surface was slippery.



The intermediate ride reached the tea stop at Epsom where we sheltered out of the wind behind the small hut. When the other riders got to the foot of Epsom Downs, some of them persevered on to the Tea Stop while the rest decided to keep going on to Reigate Hill (perhaps they didn’t want to climb Epsom Downs!)



After leaving the Tea Stop the bitter wind pounded us as we rode over the exposed race course. Climbing up to Watton on the Hill the rain really descended drenching everything in sight. Gritting teeth and persevering on we all made it back to Reigate Hill when the sun came out.



With the worst weather conditions this season those who had not ridden much recently did really well to keep smiling. The younger riders all did extremely well to keep up and in some cases beat their parents to the finish!



Richard Sterry