As the group of 9 set off I was wondering if this was such a good idea - after all leading G6 riders is not something to be undertaken lightly, especially when you are just back from a 2 week family holiday !!
As expected the pace was quick from the off as we headed out through Outwood, Smallfield and on to Edenbridge via Bones Lane & Lingfield. The regular G6 riders took up the pace in thier usually disaplined rotation style so, as we passed through Bough Beech, I noted that our average speed for the first 20 miles was 20.7mph !!
Our objective was an old friend of RCC rides into Kent : Toys Hill. I can confim that this hill does not get any easier with familarity...however it didn't seem to trouble Hamish too much, who took the honours at the top. As I had eaten my own bodyweight in cheese whilst on holiday in France I clearly need to get on a diet and get some hill practice in !!
The group decided not to stop for tea/cake (G6 influence, me thinks) so we pressed on through Westhram, up to Crockham Hill and headed for home via Dairy Lane. Dom left us at Westhram to save his legs for a race the next day.
As the pace was not easing I decided to throw in Tillburstow Hill at the end, for good measure. All in all a great ride, with everybody taking their turn on the front - sorry to the couple that were dropped in the latter stages of the ride.
Thanks to Dom, Peter F, Richard, Peter, Oli, Will, Hamish & Dan.
Stats : 50.2 miles / 19.3 av. mph / 2590 ft of climbing
Matt