So, there were at least one million people outside CSS on bikes when I arrived at 8.55am. OK maybe it was closer to 70 but you get the picture. Smiley Jon did the role call and a fearless threesome also known as the "training group" sheepishly made their up the A23. I kinda felt sorry for them, but I ain't stupid. Everyone knows riding at 20mph av is much more civilised so it was no surprise that the blast down to Merstham had at least 18 people in it. I must admit I haven't travelled in such a fast moving group for quite a while and was 'nervousing' just a tad at 28mph - 2 inches off the guy in front. I'd man'd up some what by the time I got to Reigate steps and even found myself on the front with Mark. 
There were no Sylvain style attacks thank god, so we proceeded in an orderly fashion through the town of Reigate and were soon in the lanes. After a further 10 minute spell on the front with Rich I slid back through the group and Steve (shadow) suggested thru and off. Now as you know to work effectively thru and off requires you to understand two words discipline and togetherness.Clearly a few members of the group were unfamilar with these concepts so for the next few miles we just resembled a rag bag bunch of wanna bee 4th cat racers. Finally, myself, Steve, Antony and Paul managed to cajole, coax and even finally shout a few people into conforming. SORTED!
We then remained in thru and off mode for the rest of the ride... well almost all of us. One dude in particular preferred to do his own thing and ride thru harder than everyone else.
I did wonder what he'd have to offer when it came to the final shakedown. Hmm?? With the Rusper sprint point duked out between Steve and Rich thru and off proceeded smoothly on to the dual carriageway. Sadly, someone dropped their chain at one point but apart from that it thankfully remained incident free. Paul was concerned that we hadn't didn't stopped for the chain dropper - something about it wouldn't have happened in his day 
. With a few miles to the sprint point our "thru and off" maverick from earlier appeared to break away. I began a semi chase and after a few anaerobic efforts - 30 secs at 500watts - our uncooperative friend was far behind and I was off the front in a group with Rich, Steve and another guy. The sprint came, unfortunately Steve had burned one match too many so and I found myself sprinting it out with Rich for the win. Ha Ha that alone sounds too funny! In the cafe a lovely coffee and cake, curtesy of Kevin, was swiftly dispatched and then I began a series of "hey how ya doings" to folk I haven't seen in yonks.On the way back I was expecting a gentle ride. No way, a young lady who will now be known Maddy the Impaler stuck it in 53/15 and the speed rarely dropped under 20mph. Jesus!! And then she had a nerve to turn off before the Merstam drag. Heresy! Anyway I have to say it was an absolutely brilliant ride, with brilliant folk in brilliant conditions. It's definitley "good to be back" (but not in the Gary Glitter kinda way). Have a good week
PS Anyone know the average for the 20's group ride?
