Surrey – Sussex Trot……
Captain’s Report.
Went to bed at about 2.30, got to sleep sometime after 3:00 and then woke up at regular intervals as I was convinced the phone alarm wouldn’t go off as it was soo low on battery. Great, managed all of a couple of hours kip. Still, wandering down to the garage I was greeted with dry, temperate air. Well that’s a good start.
After a strong coffee and a bit of hunting for bits n pieces that I should have found yesterday (goggles/glasses etc.)….off I set. Now with these darker mornings I just didn’t fancy a full on solo blat, so it was the M25/M23 for the second weekend on the trot – boring and unbelievably busy, but hey ho it got me to the meet in plenty of time – in fact time enough for a tank top AND coffee top up.
One by one the guys rocked up, although it was a shame that a couple of the Caterham guys had cried off as had one of Grahams westie pals. As a side note I’d put the run on Blatchat thinking a few Surrey/Sussex Cat owners might fancy joining in – the result had been a meagre 2 replies. Pity.
Anyhooo. A tad after the allotted time we rolled, I decided it was my turn to be group leader and we traversed Northern Sussex / Surrey, taking in as has been mentioned some new favourite roads. Without exaggerating, one of those is a real stonker…….and it will feature again on one of my runs in the not too distant. Of course it wouldn’t be a real SKCC morning without a/ a single track road ….yep did one b/ a u turn or two – yep did two! Seemed I’d put a waypoint too close to a roundabout and the clever sat navs reckoned if we went to that point and turned around it would be quicker than going the obvious way to the next point – bugger! Still made me smile
Of course it helps if during such shenanigans the sat nav doesn’t turn itself off…..which mine did (12v charger wasn’t pushed in enough)…..so Tony B led the way for the final stint to the Cafe. Have to say what a scenic setting, nice inside, and a pretty decent bit of grub. I think it will go to number 2 in my personal hit parade – but I may have to sample another just to check.
We’d picked that area again in the hope that a few of the newbies would be able to join in (as well as a few of the guys that we’ve ‘seen’ on the forum but who have yet to get out and about)….unfortunately it was just Russ that was able to join in, still I imagine that he’ll feel like he’s one of the crew now. BTW Russ – good job you kept up as Tony and I thought you had sat nav capability after your posting about the software etc….so well driven!
Let me see: mild weather, some watery sunshine, bloody awesome roads and new places visited, a great brekkie and a smatter of banter – yep that’s why I have that car. Superb chaps. Let’s hope this coming weekend is kind as well.