Thursday Ride: 27th August 2015

Out for today’s ride where Maggie, Bob, Tom, Dave, John D and myself.

As I had just put my carbon bike back on the road I decided on a hilly route to Chartwell Barns at Four Elms. First climb of the day was Beddlested Lane. This is becoming a favourite climb for the Thursday group. As usual I set a fast pace which first Dave attacked and later John D attacked as well. John and myself reached the top in around 10 minutes. After a chat we set off down Botley Hill and along the Pilgrims way to Ide Hill. This time it was a battle for the top between Dave and me. I just eased ahead and we then dropped down passed Bough Beech to meet John and Meike at Four Elms.

Most of the club had scammbled eggs on toast for lunch. After lunch we decided it was time to ride up Toys Hill. I set a good pace followed by Dave,the rest of the club stopped for a photo before the climb at the church kindly taken by a young couple. After the drop down Toys Hill we then had the final big climb of the day Botley Hill. Dave attacked early,followed by myself and John D. John pulled away for the win at the top by maybe 40 seconds. We all reformed at the top for a group photo. 46 miles in 3 hours 35 minutes average speed 13mph.

Mark H