17 riders turned out for what was marked as an intermediate ride and at a pace that would suite the group!
3 riders waiting in the car park were looking worried as the likes of Phil Smoker, Mark Edwards (Redhill CC’s South downs way 100m champ) Mat Swan and Marcus Roberts to name just a few pulled into the car park. The excuses started to flow! Terry needed to slip of early as he had a few things to do! Well it’s a busy life once you’re retired and you just can’t fit everything in in the week!!! Moji on a brand new BMC carbon 150mm travel Trailfox on its first adventure insisting she has not ridden for months! Not sure who that is then on the report photo Lucky Seven 18th Oct!! Mo’s got a double! And Dave C trying to get reassurance this was an intermediate ride as we waited for two late arrivals Tom and Graham to sort themselves out!
We set of towards Farleigh Common via Moseshill Shaw and all were present at the top of the climb to the common. I tried to keep the pace at an intermediate level but once we had reached the end of Selsdon Woods we had already lost two riders, Terry and Dave deciding to do an alternative route towards frith wood.
The 15 left headed through little heath wood and at Bramley Bank Moji was showing signs that if she knew where she was !she also would seek an alternative route home but with 14 riders full of encouragement Moji was soon back on the saddle with a burst of energy.
The climb up from Coney Hall was our last big climb before tea stop but not before taking in some new bits along the stream at Padmall Wood.
The service at Fiona’s was its usual first class which stopped Graham showing us his Victor Meldrew impersonation!
After our stop we were off across Holmwood Park where we stopped for a photo and then to the top of Jewels Wood.
A head to head challenge with an Evens Ride didn’t leave much room until we pasted the White Bear. We crossed Holt wood and Chelsham common before heading back up to Warlingham Green.
23 miles 1600ft climbing and an average speed of 7.8 (sounds intermediate to me!) and one happy Moji full of beans wanting to do another 23 miles!
Colin