"A lesson learnt".......
A grey, cold and wet Sunday could not deter a large group converging at the Cafe for two rides out, one to Hawley for the fitness club and one on KOM Competition duties out to Shoreham. Lots of introductions from the old crew to the new faces so good to see so many people on yet another miserable Sunday morning wanting to go on a bike ride. God we love our bikes or are we just slightly demented??!!
After a brief as to the day’s events, the group’s head out, MG taking the KOM roulliers down to Sidcup and on towards Bexley and the North Cray road. Re grouping we continue to the first “personal” challenge of the day- extra points on offer for those that wanted it. Up through Crown Wood and onto Skeet Hill the first Strava section picked out for personal battles. It was wet, muddy and slippery some choosing to cruise it others powering up, perhaps to keep warm or just to see who was on form for battle later in the day. Down through Firmongers and Cockerhurst Road, plenty of the team being reminded that we have been coming up these hills the last few weeks, the roads were full of mud, water and gravel. Everyone arrived safely although pretty grubby with all and sundry ready for a warming cuppa from the cheery tea ladies. Alas no coffee, mocha, latte thingy - obviously very popular, builders tea becoming the order of the day and plenty of cake, we all braved the elements outside as the rain had eased.
The talk became of the current Grand Tour taking place although Colin wanted none of it as he still had plenty to watch on his sky box. Well, we can draw the line at non tweeting of results but a week later and he still doesn’t want to know the result?? Is he waiting until the wife goes out so he can watch?? We honoured his request- this time, but he needs to get up to speed as the talk turned to things that I can’t print or want to be reminded of. Let’s just say curry and beer is not the best way to fuel up pre Sunday ride....person(s) shall remain nameless, but you know who you are.......
Off through the village, rain starts again we continue up onto the Pilgrims Way. All of us looking more like we were doing cyclo cross than road and with all the clothing reminiscent of January than May, I think we have resigned ourselves to the fact that summer was in February and we are now in autumn.
A regroup at Old Terry’s Lodge for the climb of the day, the Pocket Rocket and Jayne set the early pace with Greg flying up the road like he was on the training loop. Now a lesson here for everyone, never underestimate your adversaries, if you do it’s at your peril as MG was about to find out.
Second on the road was MG, a glance over the shoulder, no one in sight...an ease of the pace and the rolling continued up wards. Next thing Matt and The Cannibal shoot straight past- what the (for once the expletives were kept under wraps), both doing a fine job of leaving MG behind. The pressure was on to wind them back in...one bike length became two as MG having to up the gears, gets out the saddle to claw his way back, first Matt (who had been dropped by the Cannibal )is reeled in and then just Andy left...and then it happened.....CHAINGATE!!!!!
MG’s turn to go flying past, cresting the top with poor Andy trying to get his chain back on with the rest of the squad breathing down his neck- any offer of help from MG- of course not- protesting his innocence at not noticing the chain slip (thank god no video footage emerged) a re group at the top once everyone was up. Some seriously good climbing all the way down the road, with everyone really giving it everything in pretty tough conditions, oh what could have been, a major scalp of the day...we will never know. Fortune was defiantly on the side of the Goat on this particular Sunday.
A fast descent on the homeward stretch, first with Fawkeham which was the second Strava section and then Mussenden, the roads still wet muddy and treacherous but all down safely, it just left us to get to Hawley and up Shirehall for the journey home. Goodbyes were said at the end of the road, some wanting to get back to watch the Giro- others perhaps watching it next week, but all of us wanting to dry off for sure!!!
It was a tough day for many people in tough conditions, with some real personal battles going on. Whether it was the conditions, the fitness, the distance or the climbing everyone worked together well, a credit to what the club does best. Tough to pick out everyone for points for the day so they are awarded across the board- well done.
However, special mentions have to go to a few:
Greg, a great powerful ride- is the man to beat this season and a huge help at the front and back of the peloton all day with those that were finding it hard going.
Colin, choosing to do a KOM on a fixie, a great climb, but to see him descend spinning his legs like they were on fast forward had to be seen to be believed and of course for helping out at the back too.
Matt and Andy, Great fun in the battle for second place, chapeau to both of you...
Pocket Rocket- never gives in, was a tough day but the smile never wavered!!
And to the rest of the group, it was wet, muddy and cold but you turned up, rode your bikes and kept the camaraderie going all through the morning. Thank you all for making a miserable wet morning actually rather enjoyable!!
Next KOM is Box Hill - Will perhaps leave slightly earlier but will advise nearer the time. Route to follow shortly, am trying to keep the mileage to a minimum so as many people as possible can take part and say that they have ridden the Olympic Road Course (well the best bit)!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment