The third outing for the annual RCC ride from Nutfield to Hove saw another increase in numbers, speeds and BHF donations from over 40 riders who set off from the Queens Head at 7am on clear, fast roads heading for The Angel monument on Hove Lawns.
As the huge RCC bunch turned right down Coopers Hill Road looking fit, fast and up for a morning of heroics, it was no surprise that most would reach the meet point in well under two hours and with average speeds up to 21mph. More RCC riders who missed the 7am start worked extra hard to catch up...but they did it! With such a huge contingent, we split progressively into three or four pelotons - each finding their own pace. Turners Hill proved a key point in the ride. First, a large London Dynamo peloton bundling along on full gas swept up splitting our pack. Second, Barry Gerhold - who had started the official ride from Clapham - caught up with the fast group on his way to becoming the 5th fastest finisher of the 37,000 who started out in London. He recorded an awesome average of 20.7mph. The lead group included many strong RCC riders - Russell back on top form, Brian, Marmite Pete on fire at the front for long stretches, Andrew Murray, Dave Willsher, Jonny Bradbourne (who went like the clappers to catch up after a late start), Jill Wood, new joiner Damian Arnold and Lisa Deefholts. In the chasing packs, Sharon, Richard B, Maria, Ian Taylor, Mandy, Charlotte, Simon C and many others. Adrian and John McMullan worked together after Turners Hill and were joined by Chris Hall and Mark Edwards, both looking strong, around Lindfield. After the drag up to Haywards Heath as the ride sweeps down past Wivelsfield, the London Dynamo bunch were spotted gathered at the roadside with one poor chap being attended by the St John’s ambulance. Some of their bunch had taken a tumble as they turned through a dangerous and narrow roundabout turning complete with gravel, holes and a raised central 'hump', Jonny B had to bunny hop it to also avoid coming a cropper. The ascent of Ditchling and superfast descent down Colldean Lane were made all the better for a properly closed road. I suspect most will have seen their speed hitting close to 50mph and doing so legally given that we were fenced off. (They even put a bag over the speed camera!) Down at the Angel monument, (better known locally as The Peace Statue) it was a sea of red and white tops, flapjacks, bacon sandwiches and happy faces. The picture says it all – the buzz of anecdotes. Brian, Adrian and Maria headed back by car for lunchtime engagements while the remainder started off on a slightly more gentle ride back up the same route as the Pearson 150 after teas, coffees, cakes and photos. Thanks to Nick, who rode down ahead of the bunch on the way down and gave up his place in Brian's car to ride back strongly with everyone. The returning, differently-paced RCC groups wound their way from the seafront and through the impressive Regency streets of Hove, back over the Downs and into the lanes for home... now joining up with the huge contingent of Pearson riders. At a brief stop Pete and Russell agreed a further split, Russell's group trying their luck with the Pearson peloton with racers Gavin, Jonathan, Dave, Stuart and Charl leading the charge but keeping all the RCC riders onboard. Andrew Murray did well and offroader Mark Edwards had no problem staying onboard. Jill Wood, training to represent Great Britain in next month's big Triathlon in Holland, powered on with a smile ever-present. Lisa Deefholts was truly on form and John Houghton amazed everyone, staying with this express train all the way to Newdigate with only two functioning gears. And stopping there to attend to the only puncture of the day, the Pearson peloton overtook us! They might have been faster at times but kept stopping...unlike Redhill!! Thanks to everyone who made it such an incredible morning. Well done to everyone for arriving in style long before the hordes had probably escaped Clapham. Thank you to Brian organising everyone and collecting over £500 for the BHF whose official riders took an average of six hours each to complete the journey. A day to be proud of in all respects.
RCC en masse at the 'other' Angel