Not really sure as to who was going to turn up so had a route sorted with a possible tweak if things got a bit out of hand. So, nine in total which would drop to six and then back to seven by the end of the day. After allowing an extended fuelling, namely Jason and Suley deciding to have some skinny latte hold the chocolate something or other we left on route through Blackfen, loosing one who had moved up to the premier league but already found the pace a bit racy. Wise move, cos it got a bit fast and furious as the day went on. Jason was on his "aint been to bed yet" so the plan was to keep him busy so he didnt suddenly nod off on his handlebars, simples....
North Cray road the tempo was cruising and brisk and after powering along Maidstone Road we lost 2 more due to a mechanical. So Suley was off home, Colin rejoined the group, back to seven and off we set to Crockenhill. The only concern was that Jason would not fall asleep before we got to the coffee stop.
On we went, straight onto the climb of the day, most of the band of brothers ( cos we had no ladies out with us ) had not expirienced the joys of Bower Lane. Steep for the first part and then depressingly it goes on and on but it gets a lot easier. Spread a bit down the road and as we regrouped at the top, Colin said his goodbyes. Back down to six, it was onward and downward everyone enjoying the descent of Fackendon. Robert especially enjoying the move up to the major league " its a bit different to the saturday fit club" says he.
Then down through the village, who do we spot but a green and black, Suley. Fixed his problem and tracked us down to the tea stop - not so sure he was going to be so happy about that cos he had a couple of hills to go up after his break, but great to have him back with us none the less
A warm welcome, nice cake and even better that they have gone up market with snazzy coffees instead of that awful war time rocket fuel they serve. The place was pretty full with bikers and cyclist alike. So re-fueled it was up and out of the village, only one way really, yup once again, Cockerhurst and Firmongers. Suley letting out a cheery "thanks" to the ride captain and the captain saluting with a "wave of the hand" to acknowledge his joy of tackling this one yet again. Jason like the silent assasin climbing well and Matt must have had the rocket fuel cos he went straight off the front, realising he had gone a bit too quick but doing a great job regardless. Not for the first time of the day did he have to get reeled back in - fitness level definatley improving.
Bit of a hold up when MG was waiting for "no one" at the top of Firmongers as he thought that Jason was still down the road but after being rescued by Suley and Matt we were off again for the usual way home along the Sevenoaks Way. A great place to put the hammer down and off Matt went again,doing a great job of staying away too.The traffic holding him up and helping out the chasing peloton as we re grouped at Watery Lane and the journey back to the park.
Well done to everyone, a slightly quicker paced ride than we usually attempt, think because our thoughts were with the rest of the squad in the New Forest (and i wanted to get back for the cycling on the telly !!!)
Combatitive points for the day go to Suley for tracking us down and being a great number 2 and Matt. I think ready to scalp a few old boys this year. He was powering off the front all day, on the flat, on a climb and on a descent in fact everytime he was mobile really.
Great riding !!!
MG
No comments:
Post a Comment