Ride Report - Hilly 50k Saturday 25th April

This year’s Hilly 50k attracted a bigger bunch of riders than previous years. Was it the dry roads and perfect weather, or the promise of fewer potholes on the newly revised route? Or dare I say it, the absence of Sheephouse and Whitedown?  Or more likely, a mixture of reasons.

As well as the normal support from H50-hardened Wayfarers, we had significantly increased female support, and from B group members. So many riders that the usual “sensibly paced” group ride had to be split into two, led by Andy C and me. In addition there was a group of seasoned Saturday “Beginners” led by Steve W.    

We also had impressive support from Bella Velo (thanks Frances) Teddington Velo and Wimbledon Windmilers.    

   

     

In all 45 riders on the road, with a strong showing from the home team.

                                    

Andy’s group left on time around 10am with my group about 5 minutes later, with Peter S backmarking (thanks Peter). My group soon settled into a pattern of climbing at our preferred pace, then regrouping at the top, with occasional briefing on the next stage. 

All the groups (Andy’s, Steve’s and mine) met up for refreshments at the King’s Head Shop in Holmbury, where the staff coped admirably with our numbers, which well exceeded the estimate I had given them.     

After leaving Holmbury we descended, and rode some beautiful lanes, before the shock of Pitch Hill, which was the first of a quartet of afternoon climbs (Combe Lane, Crocknorth and Box Hill). Despite the climbing there was good evidence that we were beginning to enjoy ourselves.    

And there were some nice descents too, with chances to admire the scenery or, if you prefer, the bluebells.

All the groups arrived atop Box Hill before 3.30 where we were checked in by Terry, and delighted to find Christina had arranged a welcome feast with Sabina’s help.    

  

Special thanks are due to Maggie J who organised signing-in from early morning, and Terry who stayed to the finish, checking riders as they returned.      

Thanks also to Steve W, Paul J, Andy C, Tim C (IT support and team photographer) and Christina (finishers feast).

This year Mike Morley’s son Tim was away and he and his team will be riding  on May 16^th. So far we have collected around £1,170 for St Raphael’s, and the JustGiving site remains open for further donations, which are all much appreciated.

P.S. There's a link to Steve W's excellent Beginners report here.

P.P.S. Click here for a full collection of photos.