Gareth led his classic ride from Reigate Hill to Box Hill. The mud slowed us down a bit and Richard punctured after we reached the end of the ridge. The deep puddles were in abundance but the sun was shining so we all had a good time. Sandra was back out with us for the first time in a year, leaving the grandparents to baby sit, and Bruce had bought a new bike, a fixed gear 29er.
After passing High Ashurst, we struggled up a very steep slope where the wet leaves made it very slippery, even Gareth had to walk up it. Taking a slight detour and a different descent, we climbed up Box Hill for a well deserved tea stop.
On the return section Jon writes-
Having crossed the Tadworth road on the way back to Reigate, we had the end in sight and the mood became extremely juvenile. Garry and I were tucked in behind a small group of riders leading the way home. As we cleared the woods and made it onto the golf course, no words needed to be exchanged. Having seen Mike and a couple of the others charge through several deep puddles, we both mentally lined up our front wheels with the sole intention of creating a spectacular splash with our bikes. The problem came as we both sized up the same line through the same puddle. Garry came off worst as he and I clashed bars. The splash was big, however it was made by Garry hitting the puddle, dead centre, face down. Luckily he's still talking to me although the next time it rains hard, I shall stay out of his way, just in case…