Ev, Andy Huddart, Paul Martin, Dave Elliot, Paul White, Dave Rapson and Bill Martin set off from Woldingham for a 30 mile jaunt in overcast conditions and a brisk westerly wind. Riding the usual route in reverse meant the hard climbing was all done in the first four miles and started off with the steep broken up grind of Church Road which was followed by a fast descent then a long climb up Uplands Road to the B269. Descending Pitchfont Lane gave welcome relief the legs though Paul Martin and Dave Elliot managed to take longer descending it than they normally do climbing it!
A rolling section of the ride followed with nice single track dotted with short climbs and descents that took up to a point just short of Rabies Heath Road, where Paul Martin and Dave Elliot cried “Enough!” and left the ride. Heading south through South Park to the lunch stop we found that the pub was not selling food on Sunday. Luckily the Bell in Outwood was about a mile away and despite only have a Sunday lunch menu they put themselves out to knock us up grub from the ordinary menu.
After four weeks on holiday Paul White was now suffering and took an easier route back to Woldingham from Rabies Heath Road on the return leaving the rest of us to tackle Gravelly Hill where Bill Martin rode heroically despite not having clipless pedals and suffering from a bad back.
Just over 30 miles in all and hats off to Paul White and Bill Martin for showing real grit on the ride.