Wet, very, very wet. Maybe not as wet as the Deluge on Eastbourne FNR or the biblical 'Wetstable' FNR I missed. Nonetheless, wet.
As agreed, I met
@Domus at Victoria to guide him to Fridays Central start. Happy to also meet his mate from t'north Dr John and to be re-acquainted with
@Arthur Scrimshaw plus partner, Life having precluded them on other FNRides this year. As there was a temporary lull in precipitation, a quick decision was made to make a ceremonial detour to Wellington Arch among other famous landmarks. Nice to see the segregated bike lane along Birdcage Walk. Due to this minor detour, we arrived slightly late for sign-on, apologies made to our leader for tardiness, but plenty of time for safety briefing.
Liked the route out of Town. Not being familiar with areas or streets of the metropolis, it always looks similar but different. Due to the conditions, I tended to watch the road, the tail lights ahead, errant motorists rather than my surroundings. Red lights and waymarking affords a different view: opposite the Old Vic, a young guy, obviously having imbibed but not inebriated, approached and asked if we were the Night Riders. I replied, that it was Friday Night and this is what we did. He headed back to his mates, seemingly satisfied. At the junction with Clapham North Tube, I waymarked. Excellent spot as opposite was a popular public house with a queue to enter. What amused me was that folk appeared to need assistance to stand upright
before going in for a drink. Thoughts they really did not need another drink were probably better left unsaid.
Soon out of the Smoke and into the 'burbs. A chance to warm up with a gentle climb out of Carshalton, similar at Woodmansterne and the longer grind out of Chipstead. Lack of familiarity and the dank darkness made this easy to judge wrongly by going up too quickly and running out of gas. And then one more to the junction with the A25. A small group waited here while a puncture was sorted and we witnessed a very confused motorist. It approached us cautiously, slowing all the time, coming to a standstill 30 metres along the road. It waited a while, performed a poor 3 point turn and drove away in the direction from which it came.
Punctures. There were a few. The hex lock axle thingy
@StuAff described so well above was bizarre. I will keep my QRs thank you. I lost accurate count after 7 or 8. Pity there is not an official final tally, fewer than Eastbourne though, so no records broken.
Burstow Scout Hut was a welcome sight. The tea and granola bar even more so. More tea and a banana. Due to time taken noshing and having arrived just before the TECs left no time to adequately dry gloves, feet, wring out overshoes and put on dry socks. No matter for the rain had eased when we departed.
A gentle pace up Turners Hill seemed to make it less lung bursting than usual and nearly nodded off seated at a picnic table outside the pub at the summit. The B2110 from Turners Hill to Handcross is a lovely stretch of road atop the Sussex Weald early morning. With great views to the left and sun rising behind Illuminating the road and countryside. Usually. Dense mist, suspended low, obscured any view. Another puncture. I left TEC Tim to assist as I sped along to inform Adam. The buildings of Worth School were almost invisible through the mist or maybe I just had my head down. Peloton rear to front took over 9km. The humidity hung in the air and any confidence of remaining dry was not high.
Lower Beeding junction next waymark. After about 20 minutes a motorist wound her window down and asked if I was looking for a large bunch of cyclists who were waiting at the next junction. She went on her cheery way when I told her I was waiting for a few coming from the other direction! Minutes later a lone roadie asked if I was looking for a guy in a red jacket also waiting ahead. Concluded that Adam decided it was time to roll the Ride on!
Roll we did. That is the nature of Newells Lane. Another lovely stretch along Littleworth Lane with a super view of the Carthusian Monastery spire to the east. Down into Steyning and the final push over the short sharp shock of Annington Hill, down and along Coombes Road to the hugely welcome breakfast and coffee at the airport.
Wildlife? Very little to report, a couple of urban foxes. Unusual these days
not to see a fox. Not seen, but heard plenty of barn owls screeching in the early morning mist after Turners Hill.
Thanks Adam - for this and your sterling support and effort to the wonder that is FNRttC.
Good luck with the new enterprise. Expect some familar-looking rubberneckers as soon as you open.
