7.45 is quite early for the first MTB ride of the day, and we had 6 keen participants ready for a trek to Newlands Corner. Mark had already set off as he wanted some extra time. The rest of us; Jon, Alan, Paul, Darren, Graham and Richard soon got those wheels turning as we crossed the ridge towards Headley.
The ground was damp, firm and fast as we made it to Box Hill in less than 45 minutes averaging 12mph, including stops. We were soon climbing up through Denbies to Ranmore where we spotted Lee catching us up in the distance. A bit puffed out, as he had been chasing us from Reigate, he joined us for the final leg to Newlands Corner.
To Mark’s delight, he got to Newlands Corner first where we enjoyed a well deserved cup of tea.
The 17 miles were fast and furious at times, surrounded by plenty of banter that made the time pass quickly.
Richard Sterry