Sunday 19th February 2012 Hawley or Not ? 35 miles/45km

Two weeks missing our Sunday club run, seemed like an eternity. Still chilly although either the temp scale was climbing slightly or we had all become adversaries in #5. Benny starting his 100 club training with the rest going on a 50 miler with Greg on his first led ride. The numbers down slightly on past weeks but still well into the double figures, with yet another new kid on the block, namely Jason who had his new bike out for a first time ride. Unfortunately scrapping it down the wall before we had even departed- well we have all been there- MMG still unforgiving of the Gaffer doing the same!! 

Fast squad set off first, whilst Benny gives his “Team 100” talk. We were later to catch them up at Sidcup where they were waiting to give us a cheery wave - or fix a “p” not sure which- the later probably, as there was a bike upside down on the pavement. Onward we cruised- two abreast at times, lots of chat and a lovely warm up. Another quick briefing as it was training for drinking on the bike with some tips laid down by the Ride Captain. Plan was:- Sean goes up the road and the group then ride up to Sean one by one drinking as they go. Thing was, not sure if Sean heard 15yds ahead or 1,500yds ahead as he went flying down the North Cray, MG trying to get somewhere between the lead-out man and the peloton and was stuck in no man’s land with the group trying to bridge to MG. Still we got some practice in!!! After catching Sean at the roundabout it was onwards down Mill Brook Road still lots of chat and I think this is where it all went a bit “wobbly”.

Onwards up Skibbs Lane we hit the A224 - where we were going, Westerham, Lullingston or Hawley ? Yup, slight route glitch. Never mind lets go left and we can go to Lullingston instead - via Well Hill !! Only Benny & MG being aware that a flat 25 miler was suddenly turning into a lumpy 35 miler, well sometimes the less you know the better. So a left at the roundabout and rolling downhill on lovely country lanes we turn left and up we go, MG up the hill to position himself at the left turn so at least everyone knew where the top was then it was onward and downward on a route we came up a few weeks earlier.

Great to arrive for a break, some feeling it a bit more than others especially as it has been hard to get out this past few weeks. The route home:- straight down the Dartford Road and onwards to Hawley. There was talk of Fackendon - but I think Benny was pushing his luck already by going up Well Hill, another week perhaps. Some of the bigger boys had a race down the hill but they all regrouped at the bottom. Now leading a ride is a complex game of looking after everyone, not just planning a route but looking after your colleagues and making decisions to ensure that one and all enjoy the ride and this is where our own particular ride captain came into his own. A second stop was decided by Benny and after organizing MG to lead the group to Hawley “Sir Benny” escorted one particular squad member all the way for a second stop at an old favourite. Now this club member surpassed all expectations last season and was now doing the same at the beginning of this. Doing a “Van Summeran” she rode the 3 miles to Hawley on a slow flat, a rule 5 rider if ever we had one.

It was a great ride and really sums up just what our club is all about. Yes Benny had only had 2 hrs sleep which is probably why he nodded off when riding along and we missed the turn but hey the teamwork, camaraderie and concern for fellow club members you would not find in any other club I am sure of that.

Well done to everyone on the ride, special thanks to Simon and Sean for helping out too and well done Rich’ for leading by example and being a Ride Captain extraordinaire- the MBE is in the post!!

 MG