With the threat of heavy showers around, this week's Intermediate Ride stayed close to home doing a loop around the quiet lanes of Merstham, Bletchingley, Outwood, Snowhill, & Copthorne before returning to a nice coffee stop at the Redhill Airfield cafe. Then West for our 2nd circuit out to Newdigate, before heading back to Reigate through Betchworth & completed 48 miles, in very blustery conditions, at an average of 14.5mph at the end.
Unfortunately the ride was marred by a nasty crash as we sped along Slipshatch Rd. I hit a stone which threw my front wheel sideways whilst riding very close to the kerb, resulting in a few somersaults into the ditch. This caused another pile up in the tight peleton behind me as Gareth & Katie went tumbling. Thankfully everyone was OK, just cuts & bruises, torn clothing, & bruised ego's. Us roadies are a tough breed & we carried on regardless. Looking at the photo, the guys actually seemed to find it funny..?? Crashes happen in Cycling, but the road surfaces don't help, like a cheesegrater if you go down.
Everyone enjoyed the route & it was nice to see Annette & Lisa leading strongly for several miles, Katie improving well for her Paris ride in July, & Ed returning to us following his mechanical breakdown last week. Thanks to all. Now where shall we go next week.....????
If you're reading this & thinking of coming along, please do, as we're a friendly bunch, slightly mad perhaps, but we enjoy it & so will you. We have four rides next Saturday, certainly one to suit YOU!
Allan Hopkins sped off with his 'A' team at 9am, no doubt they had a good time! And Chris Hall was leading a leisurely newcomers ride, also at 9am, I heard they had a succesful morning.
See you all next weekend!
Alan Bush