Thirty-ish riders (in February) were raring to go at Reigate Hill this week! To avoid the start of the group getting back before the last had left, Mike kindly offered to take a second group to Bocketts by a different route, so it was a two ride day again!
As the first group (including Mark 'long time no see' R- good to have you back!) of around 20 had effectively 'volunteered' to come with me on the promise of a faster ride, I rejigged my planned route to throw in a few more climbs and descents, as per the ride description.
In very short order we blasted across to Walton, under the M25 to Headley, over the heath to High Ashurst, and down to Lodgebottom. Progress slowed a bit cranking up the steep climb to the top of Juniper and while it picked up descending the same, at the top of Norbury my offer of a short bit of extra singletrack (that just happened to involve clawing up the steepest bit of what we'd just climbed up again- I think there might some link here) was roundly voted down in favour of dropping straight to the tea stop, and Infestation did the job of getting us there grinning.
Just as we parked up outside Bocketts we were greeted by the sight of Martin leading in the G4 roadies resplendent in white. Once we were joined by Mike's group we were starting to take up a fair bit of the tea room- 35 by my count!
We took Alsation back up into the hills, diverted down Stane Street to ride Mintys descent, then back up the High Ashurst climb, across Headley heath and home.
A tough ride in terms of climbs, but I hope worth it for the descents! Thanks to back marker Mike for doing a great job of keeping a fast and still large group together successfully.
Mat