The thoughts of our great leader are set out elsewhere
(www.anothercyclingforum.com/index.php?topic=34156.0)
so I'll restrict myself to the C&M details. The very early start did not deter Simon (naturally), Andy, Frank H, Graham, Jake, Keith, Roger and Steve and KPRC irregulars: Andy, Jackie, Rachel, and eventually Paul (complete with Dad). Around 24 set off on a very non-C&M route and at a very non-C&M pace: A2043 to Cheam, A232 to Beddington, B275 to South Croydon, A235 and B269 to Titsey Hill, B2024 to Westerham before long stretches of A25 and A21 to northeast of Tunbridge Wells. Here we got "lost" due to the road closures before finding the Halfway House at Brenchley well ahead of the caravan but behind our leader who had been shepherding the stragglers. This was a fine spot to view the Tour as viewing numbers were limited to those prepared to walk or ride.
Simon mentioned "Titsey Hill" for the return so I formulated a more leisurely alternative. Our initial stages coincided - along the Tour route to Colt's Hill before heading towards the B2017 and the centre of Tonbridge. To my surprise and later perhaps theirs, everyone followed my roughstuff route to Leigh. They survived and continued towards Four Elms. Here again there was a surprise - again they went my way towards Edenbridge and Tandridge. I should have been more precise and said Marlpit Hill. Only five reached there - the rest were just too quick. Halts at various junctions didnt re-establish contact but eventually in Tandridge a phone call located them in Oxted. Thus an excuse had been found for drinks before heading along Jackass Lane where Andy and Jackie were spotted on the A25 just before we reached the junction. The rest was routine, Godstone, Bletchingley, Merstham, Fanny's, etc.
Around 90 miles on a sunny and warm day. After the last six weeks I think we deserved it but it's just started to rain (2100 hours)!
(www.anothercyclingforum.com/index.php?topic=34156.0)
so I'll restrict myself to the C&M details. The very early start did not deter Simon (naturally), Andy, Frank H, Graham, Jake, Keith, Roger and Steve and KPRC irregulars: Andy, Jackie, Rachel, and eventually Paul (complete with Dad). Around 24 set off on a very non-C&M route and at a very non-C&M pace: A2043 to Cheam, A232 to Beddington, B275 to South Croydon, A235 and B269 to Titsey Hill, B2024 to Westerham before long stretches of A25 and A21 to northeast of Tunbridge Wells. Here we got "lost" due to the road closures before finding the Halfway House at Brenchley well ahead of the caravan but behind our leader who had been shepherding the stragglers. This was a fine spot to view the Tour as viewing numbers were limited to those prepared to walk or ride.
Simon mentioned "Titsey Hill" for the return so I formulated a more leisurely alternative. Our initial stages coincided - along the Tour route to Colt's Hill before heading towards the B2017 and the centre of Tonbridge. To my surprise and later perhaps theirs, everyone followed my roughstuff route to Leigh. They survived and continued towards Four Elms. Here again there was a surprise - again they went my way towards Edenbridge and Tandridge. I should have been more precise and said Marlpit Hill. Only five reached there - the rest were just too quick. Halts at various junctions didnt re-establish contact but eventually in Tandridge a phone call located them in Oxted. Thus an excuse had been found for drinks before heading along Jackass Lane where Andy and Jackie were spotted on the A25 just before we reached the junction. The rest was routine, Godstone, Bletchingley, Merstham, Fanny's, etc.
Around 90 miles on a sunny and warm day. After the last six weeks I think we deserved it but it's just started to rain (2100 hours)!
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