A pleasure to lead G2 for Kaaren May's last RCC Saturday club ride today.
Group of ten set forth into a blanket of mist and drizzle, including strong newcomer Spencer, Lynne making a step up from G1 and regulars (well, usual suspects) Meera, Ian, Richard and Des plus a brace of Davids (who I've not met before). David L (a Red2Rocker) and David B. We headed towards Outwood, past the windmill and the zoom down Gayhouse Lane. At Hare Lane, Richard picked up a puncture for out first delay of the day. Soon fixed and on to Lingfield, past the station and racecourse and the climb up Hollow Lane. Next, the turn into the serene Smithers Lane winding past the ponds and on towards Cowden. The climb up Spode Lane provided the main photo, followed by a descent from Mark Beech towards Hever Castle and on to the tea stop. The return trip should have been fairly flat and fast, but the best laid plans.... From Edenbridge, shortly after we turned onto Haxted Road, a tractor pulled out just ahead towing a mountainous trailer of straw bales. It proceeded at 11mph for the next couple of miles before brushing the trees once too often, sending a branch and straw bale directly into our path. Next we were stuck but an occasional ghostly sound. Was it the Casey Jones whistle from the 1960's? - No, it was an inexplicable noise from Spencer's front wheel (wheel bearing maybe, keep us posted). Finally back to Woodhatch with an enjoyable 45 miles completed at 14.5mph. Thanks for the great company and best wishes to Kaaren and Ben in Canada.