No one was more surprised than me to see 16 Redhill riders turn up for an extended ride on Saturday morning. After all, it had been raining heavily all night and there was a kinder, intermediate ride on offer nearer home.
First thing to note in the car park before we set off was the interesting machinery some riders presented.
1. Steve’s Cotic steel framed 26” hardtail with a 160mm fork, in a beautiful lime green.
2. Ollie’s Pipedream steel framed 29er hardtail, also in the best lime green, with a belt drive system! Brilliant!
3. Rad’s Felt cyclocross carbon frame with discs and drop bars. Brave on a day like today.
So off we set, on route I had planned with a fair few hills. The climb to Ranmore had everyone beat, far too slippery to conquer. A short blast along the top road and we descended through Landbarn Farm to Westcott. Another climb to Leith Hill tower is a grinding 4 miles. From here we improvise through the woods to discover a new single track. Then through High Ashes Farm, and a run for the fast and furious.
Holmbury Hill and a run down Barry’s to tea at Peaslake.
A nasty surprise was in store for the second half. We made our way over deep mud to Abinger Hammer, then a mile and a quarter quad burning climb up Hackhust Down, it was torture. The second climb to the wood yard seemed easier in comparison. A high speed run along the Ranmore top road to the final descent, a wonderful steep twisty run through Ashcombe Woods, while two wheel drifting, feels more like skiing. Rad on his drop bar cross bike made it look easy.
I wonder if we can tempt any road riders to ride off road if they choose to venture into cyclocross? Nothings new, some members might remember Bruce riding a drop bar bike on dirt about 5 years ago!
25 miles of this mud must equal 50 miles in the dry. Thanks to everyone for making it a great day. Dave.