22 riders set of from Warlingham on a chilly but sunny morning, it was good to see Monica back, Phil Scot who was aloud out to play and Nick a roadie checking out the dark side.
We set out across Kingswood and up to Selsdon where Greg not being out on a mountain bike for a while finding a few root sections a bit of a chore but young enough not to inflict too much damage.
As we entered into Little Heath we had our first puncture, John W picking up a nail at the rear! But the benefit of riding with your son is you can get him to do most of the work! Within a few minutes and with a little help from Rob, Simon had the repair sorted and we were on our way. The loop round little heath went without any incidents and no riders got lost in the badger holes! But as we entered Brambley Bank another puncture, this time it was the son of the Farther & Son duo! Simon’s turn to repair his own puncture!
After the quick single track of Brambley Bank we headed down to Combe Wood and then began the climb up to Addington Hills with a great technical section at the top called Roots to all Evil, I think the name speaks for itself. This section requires a certain amount of skill and speed if you want to make it to the top without a dab so what you do not need is an over enthusiastic rider stopping in front of you! Lucky enough he managed to pull his bike out of the way in the nick of time… thanks Jason!! What are you doing in front of me anyway?
The descent back down the other side is one of my personal favourites with a nice rooty drop in the middle, so I pushed on ahead to take some action photos. Most made it over without any problems and only a few choosing to walk, not mentioning any names (just look at the photos!)
Pinewood was our next peace off single track where we were referred to as a “herd of cyclist” by a walker on the phone.
More single track was on offer across Kennel Wood before we dropped down to Coney Hall to the only wet section of the day, the playing fields still showing signs of the floods, These rugby pitches have been used by canoeist more times this year than rugby players!
The climb up to Keston was done with good pace with the tea stop at Fiona’s Pantry being every ones reward. We lost Phil at this point fearing a late finish and a possible divorce but gained Mat who had ridden over to join us after a lie-in.!
The 22 riders was a bit much for Fiona’s to handle so a long wait was in order, Graham L kept us all entertained with his Victor Meldrew impressions while Tom’s heart monitor on his Garmin stopped!! Graham B did not know whether to claim his ginger cake or phone for an ambulance! Luckily enough his heart beat restated just as the largest slice of ginger cake you have ever seen landed on the table.
After our stop we set off towards Furze Bottom and up the long climb to Jewels wood where I caught the peloton on camera crossing Benny Hill Field, Jason was at the front and he did not want to lose this position until we finished!!
After the fast downhill section to Featherbed lane we were back climbing again up Crabs wood, a tree down half way up has secured Mats KOM he won back in 2012 but also made passing a bit tricky as Sean found out with a little lay down!!
Holt wood and then Henley wood we were on the home straight, Sean having another lay down at the bottom of Mill Common, this one a little more spectacular as the front wheel lost all traction.
The short climb up Crews Lane and we were home about 2pm, 24 miles and 1800ft climbing
Thanks to everyone for turning up, thanks to Dave for back marking and Jason for leading the last 23.5miles!!!
Colin