Ten of us gathered at the Drome, including 3 guest riders and one newcomer, Roger. Roger was worried that he would find the pace too much. I assured him that his concern was misplaced; a Sunday Steady led by me is a slow ride, as he found out on the climb up Turners Hill. The group spread out on the fast descent to Lindfield. Roger sensibly kept on my wheel as we were riding amongst cyclists from the Wiggle sportive, pick up the wrong wheel and you could find yourself at the foot of Ardingley reservoir or worse.
We arrived at the Little Cottage Tea Rooms in Glynde to find that the garden and knitted tea cosies lived up to expectations althoughh their new cut-down menu was a disappointment. As an added bonus I was able to settle my bill from the last visit when I rode off wthout paying (one of my many 'senior citizen' moments).
The ride proceeded home untilRoger picked a flat in West Hoathly. He proceeded to give us a master class in how to change a rear inner tube in the minimum of time. A mile down the road he discovered the problem, a cut in his tyre. It turned out that Roger had everything except a tyre boot, which I was happy to supply.
After that, a fast run over Turners Hill through Copthorne to Smallfield where riders peeled off in different directions depending on where they lived.
An excellent ride, warm, dry, a good tea stop and excellent company.
Michael Ormerod