About time I wrote up my own thoughts....
Friday night got off to a good start. As I was on a 2-10 duty at work, I was expecting to have to get a later train than usual and meet the peloton on Clapham Common. Fortunately, I was able to make my usual train and got to HPC in plenty of time, though there was the seemingly obligatory stop for no reason at all outside Waterloo. Even before my nomination as TEC, the (excellent) Revolution pump was called into action as the unfortunate Justin had need of it. A nice guy who clearly got into the spirit of the ride, hope we'll see him again. The first part of the ride proved exceedingly slow for us at the back (average was showing as 5 mph at Clapham) on account of all the incidents, though I for one warmed up quickly enough each time we were rolling. If I'd known it was going to be that cold I'd have brought more layers, but I was OK for warmth most of the time. Still very glad to get to the hut though (splendid job again by everyone there).
After srw helpfully chose the hut to have his puncture, I stuck with the tail for a while but took the opportunity to move forward (and more quickly)- thankfully the second half was much less eventful than the first, or so it seemed. The Ardingly stretch was as joyous rolling as ever, that climb into Lindfield as irritating as ever. I have somewhat mixed feelings on the changes to the run towards Ditchling. On the one hand, it was indeed prettier. But on the other hand, the turn out of the car park, unlike that from the greenhouses, had the unfortunate drawback of leading right into the first kick up- less chance to prepare for it. I'd put the bike into the inner ring already (though I didn't go as far as my fellow Campag 11 speed user- on the Bianchi Infinito, afraid I don't know her name- who was already in bottom gear before starting up and had decided she must have a 12-29 cassette because she wasn't going to make it). I was somewhat annoyed not to make it up without any walking. I was nearing the top when (possibly distracted by a passing car), I turned towards the verge and had to brake somewhat sharply, then (on account of being on a steep bit) had to walk to a flatter section to get going again. Unlike the young Hatler lad, who conquered it in some style. Well done, young man!! Not forgetting the much appreciated coffee from the Hatler clan, just the ticket (again).
Made it to the top at 7.40 or so, enjoyed the splendid-as-always view briefly, noted the relative lack of peeps milling about, and thought the race for breakfast was on. Well, I won it by default, I got down to the Madeira to meet Evey (who'd not long arrived herself) and see a notable absence of riders...for ten minutes or so. Usual splendid breakfast, followed by Evey's most excellent cake in honour of the birthday boy. Was lovely to see some of the people I hadn't talked to on the ride for one reason or another. Particularly nice to see Grace (and of course Martin too) back on a full ride.
At 10.45 or so, decided to make my way west. Progress was pleasingly rapid on account of favourable wind- early on my average was showing as 15 mph- though that dropped rather dramatically at Shoreham Harbour (the crossing was closed for 15 minutes or so as the lock was being used). The ride home was pretty uneventful apart from a near miss when a driver in Worthing decided to park along the seafront and cut right across my path. No harm done, and he did have the good grace to apologise. Back just before 2.45, 51 miles at an average of 13 mph (rolling 14.3).
Thanks to friends old and new for an absolute corker.
My top speed on Reigate Hill was a mere 34.8 mph, but then I am a beanpole on a soot bike
