WEC 2008

Box hill and the 39 Steps (not)

Tyre interface

8 grimesters left the Vic on a balmy evening towards Box Hill, the numbers depleted by the absence of Gadget (text arrived at 7:11 note start time), Spinner (the after effects of the cotswolds weekend ride still causing jip) and Mr Munch (on important business at a hotel in Harrogate! Suspicions of Mr Munch wishing to avoid the 39 steps were raised, as it was clear the MM hates the 39 steps). These omissions to the party were more than compensated for by the inclusion of 2 summer WEC 2008 virgins in the form of Animal and Geko. It should be noted that Flash is still to tear himself away from a couple of nice bouncers!

The absence of the ride leader meant that navigational duties had to be shared out and a baton ride was thus spawned. GM led the crew off down the hill from the Vic and across the downs. After the GM lost a battery pack Barns Wallace style we were soon flying towards Tadworth and then down the horses arse track and up to Headley where the Guvnor took over with the aid of the Geko GPS. A fast pace was set in anticipation of a long ride with a late finish.

The first exciting decent down the steps on Headley Heath split the group into those who do, and those who don’t swallow….. their fear of down hills and steep descents.

Monk took over at Box Hill for a truly spectacular ride through the Monks orchard route. This is the best single track we have ridden in many a ride, dry light conditions made the secret path fast and inspiring. We made it to the tower after navigational problems and paused for a PP stop. We decided that the best option was to go straight down the hill from the tower and take the drop off at the bottom (again more spitting and swallowing). As Mr Munch was not there we all decided that we would spit at the 39 steps and not bother climbing those stupid steps. We thought Munch would be pleased that we omitted that part of the ride only when he was missing. Of course next year they will be included especially for him.

An easier climb was made up Stanes Street and after a brief grime failure when the Geko got left behind, the ride finished in the dark at the Blue Ball.

A unanimous decision was made (between the Guvnor and GM) that next week would attract double points as a recognition of the football sacrifice being made by those who attend. It was noted that Monk has pressing business in London next week, this appeared to has pot noodle written all over it!