29/8 Fri Night Ride- Bewl Boys Return

Bewl Water Boys Return!

This was to be the last night of the Bewl Water season but with all the recent heavy rain, myself Paul and Derek decided it was going to be too muddy so we were back on the Friday night ride a week early. Malcolm wasn't there so we reckon that despite the mud  he just couldn't resist going to Bewl just one more time . Together with Barney, Susan , Cameron and Simon G this made a solid turnout of seven riders. The descent of Battery Hill was just as hairy as usual but at least there is still enough light to help avoid the manhole covers. Progress through Winchelsea and the nature reserve was incredibly easy due to the strong tail wind at our backs.In no time at all we had started the long drag up to broad Oak.Simon had warned us that just like last season the council have been engaged in surface dressing the top part of the Udimore road. This is where they put down a thin spray of tarmac and then scatter loose chipping all over it. This is hazardous for cycling as many of the chippings don't stick , leaving a loose gravelly surface to ride over. CTC have organised a government petition to help stop this, you can sign it here http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/67408
Fortunately it wasn't any where near as bad as last time they did this, perhaps they cant afford as many chippings, LOL. Derek had told us not to wait for him at Broad Oak but we ignored this as he wasn't so far behind us, so we all able to enjoy together, the sweeping smooth descent through Brede towards Westfield. Stonestile lane was just as hard as ever,and had myself and Derek breathing in great lungfuls of cold air which made our chests  sore, so it was a relief to reach the junction with the ridge at the top. Oh, the joys of the Friday night ride, welcome to the 2014/5 season
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