Brash's Dashers head for the Bluebells

Time to bring my trusty Satmap Active 10 into play. We headed off to Outwood, then Lingfield. Here the outbound loop crossed the return loop and it took all my well honed navigation skills to make sure we didn’t head straight back to the ‘drome (especially as there’s no café there now, sadly). Onward to Cowden, and while Caroline and I were chatting extolling the virtues of our new, fast ZS81 wheels, the rest of the group sped off, straight past the left turn I’d planned in the village.

Eventually, having gathered everyone back together, we were on track again and headed thru Penshurst and on to Bough Beech. At this point it occurred to me that I had no recollection of what the planned tea-stop, Chartwell Barns, looked like. And if it was set back from the road, there was every chance my first road-ride lead would also be my most unpopular. F

ortunately, Chartwell Barns is easy to spot – unfortunately it was full of RCC riders who’d beat us there. As I walked in and shouted “Everybody out!” I was met with a bunch of faces all thinking the same thing -  “Who the hell is this idiot?”. Happily they did make room for us.

Suitably refreshed we continued our ride, admiring the fantastic sights of woods and hedgerows filled with bluebells – time for the group pic. Returning via Staffhurst Wood, Lingfield and Smallfield,

we made good time and were back at Salfords before 1:30. 50 miles covered, lots of hills climbed, and a good time had by all. Thanks to the group for making it easy for me, and for lots of nice friendly chat.

 

Graham B

 
Event / Article Type
Road Rides 02-05-15
Brash's Debut 02-05-15