Moyleman Wrote:Almost called it off 8:30 raincheck a quick call to soft Al.
We deferred for an hour. 9:30 came, we set off and fortunately, the heavens stayed closed.
We trudged up the tank track at the back of Patcham a stiff climb at the end, had forgotten about that one.
Another little ascent to Ditchling Road, caught some riders coming down for the London to Brighton.
Crossed over and down a lovely road descent into Stanmer park. All those trudges to the Marina and I have this on my doorstep. Will have to alternate routes on a far more regular basis.
Caught Tracy Whittle walking the dogs Nice view she called out as we sped past. The breathing now settling into rhythm with our stride.
Ash, would love this route I thought will drag him along some day.
Another trail later, another couple of stiff ascents aside and we reached Ditchiling Beacon. The Zenith nay pinnacle of the L 2 B bike ride these riders had suffered, catching most of the morning rain.
A busy crossing and we headed over and amongst the cyclists and carried on our way a lot of mountain bikers out on this route. We trailed over towards the A23, never quite reaching it.
We came along a stunning trail through carpet like grass fields, with their twin tractor paths etched in. Reminded me of some of the stunning countryside in Hampshire on the South Downs relay a few weeks back.
Headed back downwards along a lovely route, alongside the Chattri a memorial to our colonial brothers that died during the first world war.
Back down to the back of Patcham a sweaty heaving couple of blobs but satisfied nonetheless, 11miles banked in about 1:45mins, a few walk/drink breaks included.
4 sodden feet but elated hearts I had had a slack week and I felt back in business, a bit lighter, a morning well spent.
A little rain threatening your run? I'm disappointed, Moyleman. Thought you would have relished it.
But you reinvented yourself again, so all is well. 11 miles when no race has a gun to your head is pretty decent. Well done. Better than me (4 miles + 4 hours of gardening).
Is Tracy Whittle famous?
The reference to Ditchling Beacon sent a chill down my spine. I did the London to Brighton in around 1985, when I lived in Clapham. Hadn't ridden a bike for more than 10 years or so at the time, so the 65-ish miles to Brighton were, let's say, somewhat uncomfortable towards the later stages. Ditchling Beacon is a hill I recall with some anxiety.
The great Nigel was doing the L-B today.
Anyway, good lope Moyleman.
