This is very exciting! Even with a few people resting their legs for tomorrow's big Cat 3 race at Bletchingley, we still had THIRTEEN seriously fit riders on the G5 race training ride around the eight mile Newdigate circuit.
We split into two groups, me leading out the slightly slower bunch, having a 2 minute head start around the course, being chased down by some of Redhill's best. Demonstrating the efficiency of the chain gang, we did the first lap just before being caught by the chasing group. On the second lap, they came howling past us, half a mile before the finish and then it was every man for himself. To hear Jonathan shouting 'sprint sprint' and egging everyone on up that last hill is something to behold. THAT is the way we're going to get fit to win races!
On board were Olly Gin, just back from completing twelve, yes twelve, stages of the Tour de France route, he was on top form as were superfast Sean McAuliffe, Jonathan Bradbourne & Mike Ellot, all racing last night at Dunsfold. Dom was there to rest his legs, yeah , right. Unbreakable, always cheerful Charl, Chris Stone, Steve Taylor, Al Smith (training for 2 days running over Dartmoor next week), Paul Miller, Matthew Knowles and the incredibly strong David Gill.
This ride was tremedous fun, 35.5 lumpy miles at 19.7mph average, not so hard when you're in a bunch, don't be shy, give it a try next Saturday!
A nippy ride tomorrow morning, 9am Woodhatch, not as fast as this, then stopping on the way back to watch the Cat 3 race at Bletchingley.