Myself and Mike were joined by Peter Farnfield, also racing at Goodwood the next day. The ever-solid Stuart and the increasingly-strong Damien. We set off at a reasonably comfortable pace out towards Newdigate did a left at the end of Board lane then down towards Charlwood. After Mike had punished us with a few explosive Contador-style attacks we rode the drag up towards Rusper. It was here I realised my climbing legs were still on the beach at a remote Greek Island. This wasn’t going to be pretty. Even so the thoughtful quartet eased up to let me catch up before we shot back down towards Newdigate at speeds approaching 35-40mph.

A couple of gradients towards the back of Brockham had me dropped again then we headed off towards Box Hill. There was talk between a couple of us at this point of some deliberate sabotage to one or both our bikes so as to avoid the looming hills ahead. However we swallowed our pride and rode on to face the inevitable. I gave my drink order to the others in hope of having a warm cuppa waiting for me at the top. Peter and I rode up together breaking his Box Hill virginity.

We all enjoyed a well deserved cup of tea at the top with some Omnibus sized Flapjack and some great banter of the ride so far. Checking our computers thus far averaging 17.5 average.

After our brief stop it was straight down Pebble Hill and on towards Brockham, Mike headed straight back to Reigate and the rest of us made it safely back to Woodhatch for 11:50. A tad under 40 miles at a tad over 17.5 mph average.

Thanks Guys for a great ride and great company.

Marmite Pete