WEC 2008

Leith Hill (not)

Tyre interface

Muddy and slippy in places

1 Brakes, 1 Body, 1 Helmet

There was a WECord breaking turn out for the Leith Hill (Not) ride this week. This was, as far as records can tell, the largest turn out by a fully helmeted WEC with a compliment of 12 riders (all with Helmets). Other records to be confirmed; the most helmets with lights attached, (ironically this was probably the reason for many of the lids to be worn in the first place), Most LEDs on a ride...

The ride followed the usual route from Chequers down face plant alley near Pfizer. Gadget was looking doubly uncomfortable (old employer and horrific injuries). he was therefore pleased to turn off face plant alley half way down, he then announced the alternative route was one of the steepest in Surrey! This was negotiated without incident.

The crew made good progress towards Coldharbour although Monk did complain about the pace and found it difficult keeping up. Nevertheless despite the leader struggling with fitness, the pace was pushed on by the other riders. Once onto the main hills Monk started to feel the pace again and a regular squeak developed from his front brake.....

At Coldharbour we climbed the wrong way up Waggle Dance and then stopped at the traditional Pork Pie stop at the start of Summer Lightening. Exactly 1 year on since Barkings final ride (it seemed like 5 years was the main comment, other comments : Barking who?, Was there any stash left? Steak slice this week, My Helmet is bust!). The full complement of helmets WECord was put in doubt when the Earl announced a helmet strap failure (resulting from a TF sustained on Waggle Dance?). This was remedied swiftly with a zip tie from Gadget, although the helmet would not be able to be removed without the aid of a pair of wire cutters available next week! Summer Lightening was fantastic as usual with almost perfect conditions. The track had a delicate moisture to it which aided the grip without being too dusty, leaving the roots dry and grippy, further increasing confidence and pace. Gricer enjoyed himself with a 'slow and steady does it' approach, succeeding in completing the descents without a TF.

A new track was encountered at the end of the run down from Sumer Lightening as follows: After tomahawk junction we went straight on instead of the normal drop off right down the steppy path. We continued on and then turned right down a track that can only be described as a very steep and rocky decent with large rooty steps. This then joined the mad deer alley half way down.

Once into Dorking the Monk decided to check his brakes and discovered that his front had been sticking for the entire journey, hence the winging and lack of Monk performance. The offending front brake was immediately removed and he continued with only the rear as a means of stopping. It's amazing how fast you go when you turn the brakes off! Other Monk equipment to require replacment before the Wales weekend included bottom bracket, rear cassette, chain errrr Bike? Gadget also suffered from Bottom Bracket and pedal cleat damage.

Martin managed to become entangled in a wire fence resulting in a TF? Gricer also suffered the indignity of a TF whilst waiting to push up Box Hill, particularly disappointing after negotiating Summer Lightening intact. The ride up Box Hill was too steep and slippery for all and the ride ended up as a push. Flash had an equipment failure on the push up when his body failed him, his spirits only raised again when he arranged to be picked up by his girlfriend from the pub. It was obviously a dark night as the headlights were on on arrival.

Chequers proved very quiet compared to previous visits and after discussions of historical photographs of the Rat and Walton on the Hill, Overnight rides on Leith Hill and chapel hat pegs the evening was brought to an end.

The GuvNor