Sunday Run 30 Jan, Audax and Run on 6 Feb

It was a glorious but slightly cold morning with a good frost on cars and the likelihood of a bit of ice on the lanes. With some north and east in the wind we decided to set up a return run with the wind on our backs. Four of us were joined by two Bayeux tops on the way up Brede Hill then through Udimore to Rye. It is one of my favorite rides along that ridge with great views inland and out to sea. Peter Fox had over 1000 miles in his legs from a three week Jim Gowan training camp in Fuerteventura but was a bit off colour (despite the tan!) so he turned back home. Rather than the steep climb out of Rye on the main road we went through Houghton Green to just short of Wittersham where we turned off to Ebony, Reading Street and almost in to Appledore before doing one lap of the Kennardington road race circuit. There was a bit of side in the wind on the fast run back to Rye, Winchelsea Beach and then a direct attack (or grovel in my case) up Battery Hill to the Fairlight cafe and make friends with Alvin the puppy again who only started yapping once Malcolm D did his bank robber impression on the way out with his balaclava.

Whilst we were on the Run Chris Watson and Simon Tyler were planning to ride an Audax but I have not heard how it went. Audax have been running for many years, predating Sportives and a lot cheaper, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Paris-Brest-Paris which I believe both Peter Baker and Peter Fox have done in the past i.e. only something for the hard men!

Saturday 5 February: It looks as though I will be playing hockey so I am unlikely to do a bacon butty run but that does not stop others palling up.

Sunday 6 February: Harrow at 9.00am to depart by 9.10am.

Chris Parker