11 riders met up at Kenley Station hoping the weather men had got it wrong! Only time would tell. Good to see Rob back from a long absence completing 3 marathons over the summer, clearly out of the routine forgetting his cycling shoes so having to ride in flats with SPD peddles!
We started off with a warm up climb up Welcomes road before heading towards Farthing Down for one of my favourite trails in the area Badgers table top. Phil S a local lad but still surprised at the good trails on his door step he had never ridden before.
I tried to keep a good pace and was aiming on getting to the tea stop before the havens opened. Crossing In Wood the sun was shining and you would have never imagined rain was on its way but by the time we reached the top of Farthing Downs the wind had picked up and the dark clouds started to thicken.
We crossed Happy Valley and then up to view point, the unexpected new route across Fosterdown Wood took Mat W and Jason by surprise not watching the rider in front so taking a wrong turn! We soon meet up with the two at the bridge crossing the A22.
The steps down to Britannia Sanderstead took a few by surprise but Graham blamed Stuart who was riding in front of him! Heard it all before!!
Passing Woldingham station for our final climb before our tea stop the clouds at the top of the hill were black and menacing so Simon W called it a day and decided to head home before the down poor. The rest pushed on up the tricky golf course ascent with Phil disappearing in the distance looking for a PR.
As we all pulled up outside our tea stop at Knights the rain started so our fast pace paid off and allowed all 10 riders to enjoy there beverage in dry cloths.
As the rain lashed against the windows no one looked like they were going to move! After a longer than average stop we made our way out side to find the rain had stopped! How’s your luck?
Marcus headed back to Oxted while the rest of us cracked on in the opposite direction towards Kings Wood.
Passing the stables we were overtaken by 3 runaway horses followed by the 3 riders on foot trying to catch their fleeing steads. Luckily the horses ran straight into a fenced field further down the bridleway, I think they knew exactly where they were going.
We took the twisting single track across Kings Wood before crossing over to Riddlesdown for some more. Simon J left us at the top and headed for the station while the rest dropped down the other side and took the short road back to Kenley in light drizzle.
As we all said our goodbyes at the car park the rain got heavier so a few to refuge in the local public house! where we were joined by Stevie G who just happened to be passing!
After we had refuelled and replaced any liquids lost in the ride Jason and I still had a 2 mile ride back up the hill we had come from but as we walked outside the rain had stopped again! How’s your luck.
A good ride at a good pace and surprisingly dry. Thanks for all for turning up, well done Rob for riding in them shoes and Mat for making the journey from Worthing.
Till Next Time
Colin