Bacon Butty ride to the Tour of Britain‏

Today the club put on a show of strength for Stage 7 of the Tour of Britain as it swept through Eastbourne along some of our regular ride routes. Joining us for his first club outing was a new face Peter Baker a friend of Derek's. previously a runner but now with two hip replacements he has turned to riding. I almost made a big mistake when on arrival I found Mark and Peter talking with an older gentleman on a bike. I thought this was Peter and luckily just as I was about to introduce myself he left. Apparently just stopped for a chin wag and I have no idea who he was. Embarrassing moment over I talked with the real Peter and we were joined by Duncan. No sign of anyone else so we set off hoping more would go straight to Chilley Farm. The weather was glorious and the wind on our backs as we spun through Bexhill picking up Peter Buss and his friend (apologise your name escapes me) and onwards towards Herstmonceux. All was good and Peter liked the pace which was normal so he clearly is a bit bionic to keep up! The day took a turn for the worst when on the treacherous Horsewalk full of gravel and potholes , Duncan went down like a sack of spuds in a heap after catching a hole.

HSLCC On Their Way To See Wiggo And Cav!

I had warned Peter it was a bad section and luckily for us we were not caught in the crash. Luckily it was just a bad case of road rash but the new club jersey is now holed and
he smashed the brake levers. The bike and he still worked and we continued. Regrouped and the bloodied leg wiped we rode onto Chilley Farm. There we found John V who had ridden like a Tasmanian devil to get there after a work commitment first thing. He was also with Derek and then Dan Hanlon with Dave Morris and son. All with club kit wore it and we looked good. Full of Chilley Farms finest food and drink we set off for Beachy Head and picked up more and more riders en route from all over. Positive comments on the club kit were heard which was nice. Riders were dominating the road and some drivers got frustrated. With so many wearing the club colours it brought home the added responsibility that we all must bear when representing the club. Our riding has to be above and beyond reproach as we are so identifiable now. No-one misbehaved but it is worth reminding people that we have to set a positive example. At the bottom of the climb up the bends we found barriers but room left for bikes. Now onto the climb proper the tempo increased and riders became competitive. John V, Jon S and Dan H broke away and made a trio to crest together. Crowds lined the route now and cowbells and cheers gave us encouragement to push on. The dappled sun shone through the trees and for a brief moment we were racing. Well it was the same route as the Tour and we were allowed a moment to savour the atmosphere. Our goal was the bend towards Beachy Head pub and already several hundered people were gathered waiting. Every vantage point was covered and we found a piece of grass bank to claim for the club. An hour to go until the riders were due. All around people chatted and the excitement was rising. Kids chalked on the road and flags were waving. This was mid point on the KOM and a breakaway was expected. It was one of those 'how lucky are we' moments waiting for pro riders on one of our club routes! Where did the hour go! In the distance a helicopter circled. They were coming. Then the outriders swooshed past waving and clearing the road. People surged into the road leaving a respectable space for the riders. More outriders then a wave of 'riders coming' rippled through the crowds. The bends were crested and a group of about five riders swung into view. Their cadence was high making it look easy but their faces showed it was not. These guys were racing proper. Then gone in seconds and a gap of about 7 minutes to the peleton. I managed to see Wiggo in the bunch after several failed attempts elsewhere. Maybe the last time on the road? Who knows. Definitely the last time on a club route!Excitement over and some decided to go home whilst a few of us did a loop over the Head to Birling and East Dean. If there are any reports of a club member 'relocating' a route sign after the race had passed this is true. It was definitely not nicked and stashed for later recovery. Gotta have a souvenir and it helps with the clear up.The wind was strong now and it was a grind back home until the turn inland. We refuelled at Pevensey Starbucks and soaked up some more rays. Over the marsh to Ninfield and then our separate ways at Battle. The day had one more event when Mark was almost clipped by a car wing mirror. Expressing his displeasure resulted in the driver stopping. Some diplomacy was called for and strong words were given re giving riders space. The driver apologised and a punch up was avoided.So great weather, good grub, good route, good turnout, great kit, a few scrapes and choice words, seconds of cheering, coffee and home for tea. That was a top day out.

Jon Stainsby

Standing Out From The Crowd!