Summer has officially arrived and judging from the relatively large turnout with a mixture of both regular and some new faces on the ride I think everyone would agree getting out on two wheels was the way to start the weekend. With the sun shining and not a rain cloud in sight Helen kindly lead the group round some off-road delights around Westcott.

Jon Masters almost set a new course PB as he won the first round of Redhill CC's 2008 time trial series at Horne.

Trevor Chilman was second, with Leigh Smithers the only other rider to go under 22 minutes.

Jon takes the lead in the scratch competition, which he won in 2007. The first points in the handicap competition have yet to be awarded.

The warm, still evening produced racing conditions that were as good as could be hoped for.

Our slightly further afield trip this month was to Wye in Kent to take in a different aspect the North Downs. With fifteen riders and one of the best days of the year we head for the hills and the North Downs Way.

Up onto the ridge was and interesting climb, following the NDW into King Wood. The views and scenery were spectacular on such and clear day as we dropped down into Shottendon. Back up towards the view point at 505ft and the lookout, were we paused to gather after couple of punctures. Back through a huge orchard towards Chilham and a little more of the NDW.

The Funfair was not open yet on Godstone Green and 16 riders were keen to kick off in the warm spring morning.

A quick warm-up along Ivy Mill Lane and then the first of many ups through Waterhouse Lane Farm to the Tilburstow ridge, it was here Graham became known as Smelly after slipping in some slurry and hence forth relegated to back marker.

A number of RCC off roaders gathered, on time, at the Barley Basket in Welburn Yorks, a tea stop to dream about, the only problem is its 250 miles away.
We embarked on what was to prove to be a very well organised and rewarding weekend. 16 miles later, a touch of map reading and tons of self stick Yorkshire mud and we were warmed up for Saturdays big one.

Through yet more wind, rain, slick roads and leg sapping undulations Paul Read again proved untouchable amongst the group of Redhill riders at the Horsham 14.8 mile TT on Saturday. An excellent time of 35.35 put Paul in 4th place overall just 35 seconds behind Paul Thatcher of Brighton Mitre on 35.00.

Andrew Murray went round in 41.14 and Geoff Clifton was 42.33.

The course is a good one featuring a range of very fast sections and some testing false flats. It will be used on the 14th June for the Redhill CC open TT. Put it in your diary!

Geoff Clifton

Redhill CC riders Paul Read and Trevor Chilman put in some strong performances in Sunday's Redmon CC 25.

Paul was 13th overall in 58-50 and Trevor (in his first ride of the year) 27th in 1-1-32.

The early starters (both of the above) had the harder conditions and times improved significantly as the morning progressed.

The event was eventually won by last starter Laurence Harding - Agisko Viner in an incredible 53-49.

David Motton lead home the Redhill CC riders in changeable conditions on Saturday.

Riders had to combat rain, hail and gusty winds on the Holmwood/Capel 10 course and starting time probably had a big impact upon rider's results.

Of the 3 Redhill riders that started, David Motton was first home in 24-04, Keith Reed 24-10 (on a std road bike) and Leigh Smithers 25-33.

Mark Gidney was a DNS and the event was won by John Wager - Felt Racing in 22-06

The second of our Wednesday evening rides this year set out from Reigate Hill. The setting sun streaming through the clouds made a picturesque backdrop. Phil, a new bloke joined us, with a Canondale much to Alan’s delight. We set out across the ridge and over Banstead golf course to Wotton on the Hill. After going down to No Home Farm, Alan found that he had lost the contents of his saddle pack. Retracing our route up the hill, we managed to recover some of it whilst Phil was plagued by a couple of punctures.

After pilling 5 bikes and one yeti into the back of the quiksilver bus at Reigate Hill a convoy of 10 eager riders headed to down to Poole sandbanks. We boarded the chain ferry at 1000am and after a safe crossing we started our ride heading down ferry road.