Tuesday Ride: 28th March 2017

Waiting for Des …

Around 27 of us turned up for the return of Des as Tuesday Leader and his attempt to herd cats into three distinct groups for safety’s sake. We were treated to Frank’s first outing on his new Carbon/Red Willier GTR SL Endurance Ultegra purchased on Sunday in the North Downs Shop closing down sale. Did you really get 50% off Frank?

At least the start was traffic free. A spillage had closed Purley Way which had completely grid-locked Croydon and while the tailback into the town stretched further than Coulsdon – we were only transport on the lane out.

Frank writes:

Avoided being tail end Charlie by an early breakaway up Chipstead Valley Road to stop at entrance to Kingswood estate in 3rd position behind Paul and Barry.

Pebble Hill descent spoilt by red traffic lights on way to level crossing. Barry over took me with a close shave.

Very nice meandering route via Brockham village including a nature observation stop on wooden bridge over Mole following Bob the builder. Possibly a buzzard seen overhead. Worth another visit in the future. Stop at Squires Garden Centre at Buckland very good. Barry was remonstrating with a guy who hooted him on A25 and then parked in garden centre car park to receive an ear bashing. Very nice elevenses.

Bob Bray was telling me about amazing fireman’s course he attended with the Royal Navy at HMS Phoenix. Bob is a crew member in UK FIREFIGHTERS SAILING CHALLENGE. PORT SOLENT 8 – 11 May 2017. Also open to Ambulance and Police teams. I apologised to Julia [standing forlornly at Warlingham Green] for last Sunday ride route change by Captain Tom apparently due to my request to go via Beddlestead Lane. However Julia said that she went out for a ride with prof Tom later in the day.

The Squires manager came out and took some photos of us to put on Squares Facebook …

Then a good ride to Gatton Point and then up and over the North downs on A23. Des, Barry, Agne , Paul and John were ahead of me. I believe Joe and Julia then went up the steep Shepherds Hill followed by Tina.

Not sure what happened to my neighbour Dave.

31.93 miles