In an event that could become the new 'Nutfield to Brighton' for the club, some 22 riders got up early on a gorgeous morning to cycle the standard route down towards Brighton and turn off to the Preston Park cycle track - the oldest in the country - to complete as many laps as a club as we could in 30 minutes.
At the Drome we split into two groups, with John Mc taking the swifter G4s down ahead to bag our place, while I lead the G3s and picked up a few along the way at Turners Hill. By the time all were gathered in, we had a total of 22 riders... making us (we think) the biggest club turnout on the day.
Pedal in Preston Park has become an annual event in support of those suffering with Motor Neurone Disease. The funds raise went direct to East Sussex MNDA - and there was an extra poignancy.
Stuart and Jill were members of the group for the day and Stuart confided that he rode Preston Park track last in 1959 - the year he left Redhill CC for a few years (ie 52) - with a friend who had gone on to suffer from MND. So it was appropriate that we all take part.
And for anyone who has never ridden Preston Park, make sure your name is down next year. What a blast! The track is 1/3 mile with a very slight dip down to the Western corner which has steeper banking. The average RCC speeds by the G4s looked to be around 24 - 25mph and they kept a (pretty) tight group for the alloted 30 minutes. Who could forgot the sound of Big Vin hollering "Spriiiiiiiinnnnntttt" as the marshals indicated for the very last lap.
After cake, coffee and pleny of pats on the back for each other, John then led everyone back home. 87 miles all in at a pretty nifty average with those all important laps counted.
A fantastic day on the bike in Autumnal splendour!