A break in the weather meant a lovely sunny Saturday morning at Woodhatch. As it was only my second ride as leader I opted for a familiar route through Leigh, Newdigate, Rusper, Faygate and onto Tulley’s Farm.

10 Riders signed up for the G3 – Myself, Richard Tallent (hadn’t seen him for a while- The beard threw me) his friend Hamish, Sally, Andre, David Gill, Ed, Howard and Martin Bell who kindly offered to back-mark. Also a new rider Phil Wither, who has done some racing/Sportives so had no problem with the pace.
We set off at a fairly steady pace which gradually built and at times became much faster. I found myself struggling at the back a couple of times. Leading from the back is easy in football but not so easy in Cycling! You co-riders have to wait for you!

Despite my lack of fitness it was still a very enjoyable ride. The roads were very quiet and with the sun out there is no better way to spend a Saturday morning. We had a pleasant stop at Tulley’s. Richard actually opted for the Burger and onions. That’s the first time I have seen anyone eat from the Grill, let alone a cyclist! Brave.

In order to make the ride a little longer and more challenging we went straight on at Smallfield and up to Outwood. Richard peeled off at that point (could have been the burger?) and the rest of the gang headed off up the tough section of the Bletchingly circuit. I swapped with Martin and back-marked ….myself .. and Ed. We re-grouped at the main road a few went off towards Caterham and the remainder off toward Redhill. Martin and Ed went off at their own pace and myself, Sally and Howard returned to Woodhatch via South Nutfield, Philanthropic Road and Earlswood.

47 very pleasant miles at an average of 16mph.

Kevin