Twin trips to the Tour

Who knew the knobbly tyred side of the club would be so keen to go and see the skinny wheeled folk hurling themselves along the roads of Surrey? 30ish assembled at Reigate Hill to ride some trails, eat some cake and then go and shout encouragement at Wiggo, Cav and co.

 

So many, in fact, that Rob and Phil kindly offered to lead a second group, keeping each one down to manageable numbers. Setting off first, my group didn't see them again until Bocketts. I took advantage of a slightly more manageable group to use some of the entertainingly tight/completely overgrown (delete according to opinion) trails to Walton. From there a fairly predictable route to Juniper via Headley and Life on Mars.

 

Up Norbury Park had a few wondering if the tea stop was just a run down infestation away, but no, there was more to do yet. Druids Grove beckened. The first descent is tight but hadn't got too slippery and was negotiated well (well, except for yours truly) but the climb, for which the main Norbury climb, evil in its own right, is merely a warm up, had pretty much everyone off and walking. Then we were on to the long descent, not too steep but seemingly liberally coated in Teflon, with wheels sliding off the side without warning. All down intact though, then back up again and the long run down to meet Rob and Phil's group and eat cake.

 

Leaving second and heading south, we caught the others in reasonable time. Once up on Ranmore, bikes were parked, cameras fished out of pockets and we settled down to wait. Endless motorbikes, then the breakaway, cheering, more motorbikes, the peloton, louder cheering, cars, motorbikes, gone. Just like that, over nice and fast but great to see in person!

 

We split up again to head back, with one group back just after 2 and the second in a little later. Thanks due to Si for back marking for me (and apologies for leaving him with a puncture just before the tea stop!) and Rob and Phil for stepping up last minute.

 

Mat

Event / Article Type
MTB Experienced - Reigate Hill
20130921 - ToB and RCC