Well the weather was not scorching sun, which was a shame, slightly chilly but Sean decided to brave the elements in short sleeves and shorts none the less. Not sure that he was going to get his tan started just yet but a brave man it had to be said. Bike bling on show, Maria Sofia made the long awaited appearance as did 15 of the crew which would later drop to 12 as some were just out for the social meet and had plans for later in the day. It was a lot of the big boys and girls too plus a few that had got promoted to the premier league. Was to be a tough day in the saddle for a few but then it was April Fools after all !!!
So the drop down from the park through Blackfen and on to Bexley proved to be a nice warm up. A quick regroup and cheerio to Colin,Dr L, Sean and Tom whilst Greg, drawn by the magnet of Strava went off down the North Cray (the hard way) whilst the rest, not quite pace line but together, caught him up at the roundabout ( well he was waiting really).
Dropping down Chelsfield Hill we pass a lone guy giving it his all- the addiction of Strava, whilst we were about to do the first climb of the day up Rushmore Hill. Off we all go and MG drops the chain, oh the joy of a compact- he was seriously thinking "hope this aint going to be the order of the day". We all re group and a slight route change to drop down Sundridge and on to Westerham with a flying descent down Westerham Hill- Nick doing a great Nibali impression...it was coffee time, most releaved we were halfway.
So the turn around and the second and main climb of the day..Brasted..so many times renamed but this time the ride captain was "complimented" on choice of hill for the opening KOM club competition !!! MG stating " dont worry it is easier than Fackendon in my opinion" Well actually his opinion amounted to nowt as most of those that had been up this beast thought he was on another planet with that sort of comment. Of we all set, Greg powering straight off the front MG chasing after and keeping Greg in his sights, but the power of the man was too great and then it dawned on the ride captain that actually he was talking a load of old bull and was beginning to suffer, the change to a compact not really having the relief he thought it would give. Zig zagging up the road and almost gets clobbered by a car as MG was on the wrong side of the road and on a bend too !!
So close behind these two came Benny and then Martin doing a fantastic ride followed by three girls sprinting for the top..yes you read that right..Susie, Bradders and Lucy all out the saddle. Susie grabbing the win, it was great to watch. A quick congrats and a breather we set off again, riding past Bigfoot CC who gave us a cheery hello, nice to see that from a cycling club for once !!!
Then for a super sweeping descent down Cudham Lane which seems to go on and on and on everyone enjoying the ride and nice to be rewarded for the pain MG inflicted a few minutes earlier.
So the sting in the tail, Worlds End Lane....again Greg at the front, Benny battling to be at the top first and MG holding back to encourage those that were starting to feel it in the legs. No one got off although i am sure that they were thinking it, but with MG behind them i dont think that they dared !!!
It just left the slightly busy ride back to Sidcup, Greg and Benny the advance party all rejoining together to climb Watery Lane and back to the park.
So we have an early leader on KOM whom i think is going to take some beating and we have only just started the event !!
Combatitive points for the day go to Susie for out sprinting the pack on Brasted and for Jason with the longest mileage to date. Both Jason and Susie subsiquently in the rainbow jersey too leading the Worlds competition.
So the season off to a fyler it was a tough opening day, but a serious well done to everyone that was on the ride. Next month KOM will be an easier one, promise......dont know why, know one ever seems to believe me.......
MG
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