Walton on the Hill Off-Roader
16 May 2004
What a day! 9am on a sharp, bright Sunday morning saw three new faces join old timers Steve and Gary for an excellent day's, and at times quite challenging off road ride.
Andrew, Rob and I think it was Agnetha? (sorry if that's wrong) had never been on one of our rides before, none of them are regular cycle commuters, but they were attracted by the off road opportunities Steve promised. On the way to London Bridge Steve, our ride leader, punctured spectaculary on a fast right hand turn and almost came a cropper on the borrowed bike he was using, having had his own one nicked a week previously. Blowout fixed, we got to the train with not even seconds to spare, the doors slid shut behind me and off we went to Tadworth.
I expected some gentle breezing along gravel paths, this being the sunny north downs. But once into the woods at Walton on the Hill the bridleways and tracks we followed had us sliding through mud, crashing across tree stumps, and almost somersaulting on descents, some so steep I, with both brakes locked-on managed to keep travelling downhill, wheels not turning but my tyres just skidding on the dusty surface, I got to the bottom in one piece that time. The heat of the day, and it must be said the climbs were steep, meant Agnetha had had enough by lunchtime, we said goodbye and rode with her to the nearest station where she trained it home.
The afternoon was much the same, more climbs, even steeper descents, and a pause for a wonderful vista across the downs, its amazing that these views exist so close to home. Then more climbing, more downhills, where I slid into a dusty heap at the bottom of yet another OS grid line.
A country pub was found, but no country grub! so we had a pint, and repeated the operation 200 YARDS (this is olde England) down the road, this time food was found.
A short ride to the station, we missed the train by 5 minutes,and had an hours wait. Plenty of time to buy an ice-cream, and anyway, who cares after such a great days riding.
Thanks Steve, a memorable Sunday.
Results:
Riders 5
Punctures 1
Strays 0
Castaways 1
Bouncers 1 (me, a slider really)
Pints 2 (each)
Gary |
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