CTC SWL Tri-Vets 2025 18th June

Note: Riders wanting a badge or bar can order from:  Tri-Vets Badges and Bars

Thank you to those that attended the CTC South West London Tri-Vets event, the leaders, the helpers and particularly the riders without whom we would not have had an event! 

On previous occasions the rides were based around Brockham Cricket Club but this year that location was not available so Jennie J negotiated Dorking Rugby Club which proved to be very popular; great facilities and a bar that was open till 9:00pm!

Gill H and Graham H efficiently manned the signing in and stamping brevet cards ensuring all the riders were ready  to get away at the scheduled times.  Brevet cards were stamped at lunch.  At the end of the day brevet cards stamped again and riders signed out, all accounted for!

The routes were based on historical routes, they had to be modified for the changed start (thanks Tim C).  Additionally there were two late route changes due to road closures.  On the day there was a further road closure by the police, some quick thinking by the 50 km the ride leaders swapped the morning and afternoon rides; the blocked road was reopened in the afternoon.

The Tri-Vets started with 66 riders; 26 riding 100 miles, 21 riding 100 km and 19 riding 50 km.  Despite being a hot day,  63 finished the full ride.  We had 14 guest riders from around the country.  There were 10 groups, the largest being 8 riders.  

Many of the riders complemented the catering, loads of good quality food with cakes right up to the end of the day, many thanks Jennie J for organising.

I would like to thank the ten group leaders.   They were all experienced leaders with knowledge of the Surrey roads, good cycling sense and prepared to do all those recces!  Some of the leaders were recruited late to help reduce the size of groups.  Many of the leaders agreed to lead groups slower or shorter than their first choice.  All groups finished within the planned times. 

A sample of messages following the ride:

James G: “Thanks for an excellent day.  Really enjoyed it.”

Bernard P  “the best part by far was at the end coming into the Rugby club and seeing such stunning welcome”

Anthony H (Nottingham)  “a most enjoyable and memorable day”

Peter H  “greatly enjoyed taking part, and riding with our friendly little group. I hadn't tackled that challenging a distance for some time, so it was a boost to my confidence”

Gina C “It was a lovely route with an excellent lunch and lovely cakes at the end”

100 miles in 12 hours  Leader: Ged L

My 100 miles in 12 hours group of seven were the first away - but also the last to return, 11.5 hours later! We had a couple riding a tandem who'd travelled from Cirencester to participate, and also three other guest riders. It was an eventful morning. My pace to elevenses was maybe a bit high for a 100m in 12, I promised an easier ride to lunch. Alas we experienced a puncture, shortly followed by a rider tumbling seriously after hitting a pothole in Stroud Lane. Fortunately medical assistance wasn't required, and Dave J was able to navigate to collect the badly bruised and shaken rider - who was being looked after by a kindly local resident. The afternoon flowed nicely, and we all appreciated the tea and cake left for us by the earlier groups. My special thanks to Bob P for backmarking - essential on a ride for those unfamiliar with the local terrain.

Ged L

100 miles in 8 hours Leader: Janice D

Andy H, Val G, Tony H and I saw the 12 and 10 hour groups leaving whilst we relaxed and chatted over coffee and last minute snacks. Tony had travelled down from Nottingham the night before to join us. As a veteran of Tri Vets rides he explained he liked to try out different ones in different areas. Andy and I had cycled with Val previously but it was her first time out with Wayfarers and doing Tri Vets.

The forecast was HOT and we were aiming for 15mph average with no cafe stops, aside from lunch in Brockham, only a petrol station in the morning and Tesco Express in the afternoon to top up our food and drink. We hoped that would give us a little wriggle room for punctures or mechanicals. 

As we crossed the A24 we caught up with then passed the 10 or 12 hour group and were making rapid progress. We never saw the other 100 mile group though.

Bernard had said in advance that he might go at his own pace and at  around 15 miles he decided to do that so we were down to 4. 

As we travelled through some lovely lanes we could only apologise to Tony that although there were several excellent cafes nearby we wouldn’t be taking him to any of them. He took it in good spirit! 

The temperature was rising as the long  morning continued and we were glad to see Brockham for a brief sit down in the shade, lots of orange squash and delicious rolls. However, time waits for no man, or woman, so with the clock ticking we set off again for the shorter afternoon section.  It was hot and would be getting hotter so we took a policy decision to bring the speed down a little as by mistake we’d been pushing faster than intended.

Once again we had nice roads and lanes, a few hills and also the delights of a brief stop at Tesco Express in Lingfield. Suitably refreshed we were back on the road and all were relieved to have the final climb of Horse Hill behind us. Not too long after we arrived back in Brockham within our 8 hour time limit for more squash and to see a fantastic display of cakes. A couple of us had a slab of Terry’s home made fruit cake, it was the best fruit cake I’ve ever tasted and not just because I cycled 100 miles before eating it! (I’ll be asking for the recipe please Terry).

A great day out which ran smoothly and with fantastic catering so thank you for all those who worked hard to make that possible. Much appreciated! 

Janice

100 kilometer  Leader: Christina B

My group of 100K departed at 9.20am made up of Francis D, Alan C, Dave F, Dave E, Neil W and Gina C.

I was pleased I recce'd PM and AM routes at two separate days in two previous weeks with Francis D, Tim G and Lilian C.

Dave F helped gather and coordinate my group on the day，Dave E helped back marking in the morning and leading most parts of the way in the afternoon.

I believe we benefited from the "early" start on the day and "quick" finish in the afternoon on a beautiful and hot sunny day.

Thanks to my group for joining the ride especially to Francis D and Lilian C for recceing, Dave E for backmarking and leading, Dave F for coordinating.

Christina

100 kilometres  Leader: John A

The 'easy B' 100 km group set off at 9.00 with eight riders. The group was well selected and set an appropriate pace with both the other B groups overtaking as planned.

We had two guest riders from other districts which was a pleasant addition. Steph was our backmarker throughout the day.

We had brief water stops but decided to ride on to the welcoming prospect of lunch and then tea provided by our club colleagues.

John A