21 turned up at the Plough in Bletchingley with a few setting of from Reigate Hill on the pre-ride warm up with Matt who as usual was cutting it fine and arriving dead on 9.30.
We were all honoured by the presence of Alex who made a rare visit, the pub finish probably helped!!
Mark Humphreys had finally removed his mud guards so the weeks of taking the P and the constant moving or the rear guard paid off, we shall see how long it lasts.
We set off at a good pace but within a few miles had our first incident, Matt was stung by a wasp and being allergic had to take a hit of adrenaline. Taking a few minutes to recover and all of us waiting for the transformation he decided to sit out of the loop with Mike and one other to check he did not turn into Quasimodo.
We flew round the 6 mile loop with a nice new twisty section half way, then across to Tillburstow Common, through Old park wood and up Jackass lane to our tea stop at knights where Matt was waiting full of energy and with no resemblance to Quasi. We all reckon it was a stinging nettle and not a wasp! And he should always bring some spare adrenalin jabs so we can all have some.
The second half of our ride took us through Marden Park where a new short technical section brought smiles to all that participated.
The chalky decent down towards Woldingham took one victim, Simon took a tumble but managed to only end up with a bloody knee and a bruised ego, a couple of pints later on in the plough soon washed that away.
View Point saw a few depart heading back to Reigate Hill but not before Matt asking if anyone wanted to have a little play with him in the woods!!!! Graham’s hand shot up!!!! So Matt and a few others (will not mention names for fear of embarrassment) went off to have a play in the woods!!! The rest of us headed back to the plough where we meet up with Matt and his boys all puffed out and red faced for a well-deserved refreshment.
Thanks to Graham for back marking.
Colin M