A large group of 12 turned out for my last RCC ride before Uni and enjoyed near-perfect trail conditions, great weather and the best cake available.
Church lane is a cruel start to a ride and quickly gets anyone well beyond warmed up. The first trail is a bit tricky due to the steepness and steps, and after we dived down an animal track I heard someone ask whether we were actually on a trail at all. The next loop through the woods involved lots of (mostly) short steep climbs and a great descent, and brought us to the bomb hole which several brave souls launched themselves into. Then we headed through the woods to Al Fayed’s which was in great condition and running smoothly, only interrupted by horses and a man with an iPod who couldn’t hear us coming until I shouted. The trail to Leigh Place had been cut back so we emerged without being stung and cut to shreds as per usual. The tea stop at Green Rooms on Godstone Green is always excellent and this was no exception. The banana and white chocolate cake is possibly the best cake ever! As the clouds drew in and a few spits of rain were felt we discovered we had a puncture. Thankfully the weather never came to much and soon we set off up to the Harrow for more singletrack. I used a new shortcut to another trail which cuts out climbing under a fallen tree, but it is quite overgrown and much blood was lost to the brambles. Once we emerged into the woods the trail was a great reminder of Big Dog the week before - tight, twisty and rooty fun. Next we climbed into the side of View Point woods and made our way to the Wooden Tree for a trail that is the perfect width for absolutely hooning down (average 18.6mph, max 31.3 according to Strava) but still having to precisely dodge between trees which keeps it very interesting. Instead of heading up one of the main tracks to View Point I used a little-known trail along the side of the hill before cutting left across to Keith’s Wood and then back across right and up a steep bank to the other side to avoid all the brambles on the other climb. After admiring the lovely view from View Point we headed behind the bench up a small climb before a fast descent down to the bypass bridge which included a very steep rooty chute, which Graham assured me he did not dither over whatsoever this time. Now it was just a blast down to Spaceworks and then along the road past the girls’ school and up and down to the station. I started the ride with five times more riders (except me and Dad) than last time, and only lost three before the end - success!
See you all at Christmas for slippery roots and drifting in the mud.
Aled