Thursday Ride 8 May

The forecast was heavy rain, and the forecasters got it right!
Leader, Mark Hancock says: It was a tough ride today, we had three hardy souls riding, myself, Bob and Dave.  We started by climbing up to the Sanderstead roundabout, then through Selsdon where I realised  my rear brake was sticking, so eased it off a bit.  We then rode up Featherbed Lane to the White Bear at Fickleshole.

Here a left and a right took us in the direction of Botley Hill.  At this point with heavy rain and strong winds, Bob asked  me if I was enjoying this.  I had to say no, so we had a discussion about whether to go back or carry on.  It was decided to carry on to Westerham, so  we continued on towards Botley Hil.  After a scarey descent down Beddlestead Lane in the rain we then climbed back up to Botley through the bluebell woods.  Finally we arrived at the Tudor Rose at Westerham where we meet a group of cyclists going to France.

After jacket potatoes all round we climbed back up Botley Hill and then back to Croydon the fast way. So in all, 32 miles in 2 hours 34 minutes, an ave speed 12.5 mph.

Mark.

The long range forecast for next Thursday is warm and sunny. Hope they get it right again!