Sunday Ride: 23rd January 2017

It was 9am and with the temperature still at -1C at Shurguard. I was quietly congratulating myself on finally organising a solo ride when Jim popped up. We briefly debated the risks before taking a selfie for the record and heading out through Coulsdon, Headley, Leatherhead and Gt Bookham to Newlands Corner. At Chipstead Valley Road the temperature plunged to -6C but we kept going as the main roads were free of ice and well gritted.

We did gradually warm up in the final climb so we opted for a cuppa at the Car Park Cafe where we could enjoy the view while basking in the sunshine while feeling smug. Plenty of other cyclists were also there but most of them on mountain bikes.

52 miles later and I was home having averaged just under 14mph without over exerting my tortured joints.