Date: Tuesday 19th April 2011
Route: WP, Horrabridge, Grenofen Bridge, Julian's Loop, Double Waters, B***ard Hill, Long Ash, Golf Course Loop, HQ.
Riders: Keith, Sam, Alex & Gidon
Depart: 19:35
Arrive HQ: 21:50
Distance: 14 miles
Weather: Perfect

As I chatted with a melancholy Routemeister (who was looking after his boys), I did wonder if I'd be riding alone. Thankfully, Alex's white helmet appeared around the corner followed by Sam's distinctive green shorts (and natty shades) and then finally a new gent to the Park, Gidon. Westy got out of his sick bed to see us off before retiring back to bed! Greg cycled down with flip flops on, on his way to the Co-op for some puff pastry! Bet you never thought of that one Al?!

Conditions could only be described as perfect, but having lost my bottle last week, this week I left it in the kitchen! My bottle problem is escalating, maybe next week I'll hit it!! Sam was decisive in sending us to Double Waters (as last week). Cycling up Meavy Lane we passed David 'Iron Legs' Parlby, greetings were exchanged then we carried on to Grenofen Bridge. At the drop-off Sam and Alex disappeared, Gidon and myself were slightly more circumspect. At the bottom Sam did a u-turn to look for his nice pair of shades that had dropped out of his pocket.

Alex expertly lead us, minus Sam, along the Walkham before we climbed up Julian's loop. At the top Alex gave us some advice for descents, "don't use your breaks and you'll be fine"! I proceeded to break his golden rule and skidded into a fallen branch and Gidon naturally did exactly the same behind me and ploughed right into my bike (which I was no longer on)!!

We regrouped at Double Waters with Sam and shades. Bast**d Hill was then negotiated with little drama in the dry conditions, with the pace up front noticeably quicker than last week! It was only 9:00pm, so we planned to put a golf course loop in at the end. This was partly to test Gidon's fitness, but more to see if he possessed the mental toughness required of the GOWCC to see if he could pass HQ without stopping!

As I dismounted at HQ I noticed that the GOWCC Committee table was occupied. What I didn't realise was that it was David finishing his five course dinner with family and friends! What a shocking way to spend a Tuesday evening! As we supped the Legend Sam realised he'd lost his shades again. This time he decided to donate them to the National Park and not retrace his tracks.

Reporter: Keith

Stop Press: I've just picked up a message on my mobile from Sam to say he'd taken his family down to Double Waters for a walk and, unbelievably, found his shades again!