Friday, January 11, 2008

Sunday 6th January 2008

You'd be nit-picking if you considered the Run's Secretary shouldn't get lost leading a run but get lost we did somewhere south of Kingswood BR.
I was looking for a track/road/path or whatever that is clearly shown on the map (SCC & OS) to get across to Mugswell and junc 8 of the M25.
Bob and Mike were already at Morrisons (Reigate) when we arrived 20' down on schedule. A choice of 2 coffees (79p & 99p) doesn't lead me to think the place has gone up market as some would believe (Where are you, Ed?).
An unsheduled stop at Redhill Halfords allowed me to purchase a new 27" tyre for the rear as the inner tube was making an appearance and was giving cause for concern.
Steve, Jake, Keith, Pete, Daphne, Ian, Mike and briefly Mike M continued going east to South Nutfield then after going under the M25, a track taking us to the Outwood road.
At 12:50 I paused outside the Jolly Farmer (Horne) ready to throw the towel in as Tandridge was 20' further on.
No expense was spared for the puffers here in the construction of a large timbered building(open on three sides) with an assortment of stuff displayed including old destination indicator boards from a local BR. The TV showing Sky Sports seemed a bit OTT.
As we were leaving,the Veteran Cycle Club turned up on all sorts of mainly ancient machines (was that a Pederson?).
"Do the (oil filled) lamps work?" inquired Keith who himself was riding a 2007 Van Nicholas.
Some were even dressed in the appropriate clothing for the era: plus fours, tweed and flat caps was the norm. Sturmey Archer 3 speed hubs, rod brakes, Brooks saddle and Model T Ford black paint finish was all in evidence.
Pete's bike attracted attention as an "Allin" and someone even took a picture of it.
Around 15 riders young, old, men and women had ridden from Horley and this was their T stop.

A jolly woman called Fanny flushed Ian & myself of £3.00 for two 2 tea bags and a pint of hot water.
No wonder she's always happy.

Ave spd 11.7
Max 34
Trip 47.7 (from Ewell)

A bright Winters day.

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