Nearly 30 eager expert/intermediate club members gathered at Reigate Hill for a 9am start.

Heading for Polesden Lacey we made good time, leaving Phil S and then Gareth with minor problems at Headley.

From Polesden the group split, 17 heading for Leith Hill, 12 to make the return to Reigate.

Shortly after setting off one of our group crashed heavily on the decent at White Down near Westcott. He damaged his shoulder and couldn’t continue. On the long climb to Leith Hill at Longmore Lane Mark Edwards broke his chain, we pressed on, leaving him to catch up. A quick tea and cake and we were heading east to Redlands Wood. The muddy approach from Coldharbour claiming several victims. Dropping through the woods through some very technical single track over wet roots and logs claimed at least two falls and a fair bit of pushing, although judging by the smiles and conversation at the bottom it was probably the most exciting bit of the ride. Marcus and James took a wrong turn at Holmwood Common and only just caught the tail end of the pack as we slogged through the thick saturated clay to Betchworth. We said goodbye to Damon, Chris and Martin Bell before we reached Reigate Heath. Lots of tired looking riders had one more ascent, the chalk hill to the monument at Colley Hill. This slippery loose climb prompted much cursing from those frustrated by its severity.

Those who finished had the satisfaction of knowing they had completed the hardest ride this year!*

Dave R

*so far..... Mat