The Day of the Riding with Ric finally dawned.
Lottie & I were out by 7.30 for our walk.
And were pleased to see the weather - unlike so much of
the last few weeks - was sunny and warm.
By 10.00 Family Piper were in the car driving to Hastings.
And by 11.30 we had arrived at our starting point of St Leonards
Warrior Square Station, where we were joined by fellow riders Mark & Sam and my
sister-in-law Barbara & her partner Mike.
Family Dobson – who had ridden the London to Brighton
British Heart Foundation bike ride earlier in the morning (yes, that is true !) - had been delayed in heavy traffic on the road out of Brighton. We arranged they
would catch up with us in Rye.
So around 11.45 we started pedalling, pausing outside 66
Warrior Square, the house where I first lived.
Along the seafront & then up the long, long climb to the
Fairlight Hills. The adrenalin was flowing & much to my surprise I made it to
the top without having to push.
What goes up must come down, so it was downhill all the way
to Pett Level. Along the Winchelsea Beach sea wall and we were soon riding into
Rye – about one-third of the ride completed - & stopping at our first scheduled Pub; The
George.
The George is the first Pub I ever went in, aged 5 weeks !
“Welcome back, Richard”, Sue, the Barmaid. “Your usual?”
It was just a half of bitter this time. But there was chance
to relax on the Sofa.
Family Dobson had caught up with us & the Peloton of six
were soon climbing up Rye Hill & pushing on through Peasmarsh and Beckley
and across the Rother at Newenden.
On through Sandhurst and we arrived at the Oak & Ivy for
our second scheduled pub stop, including food !
We were joined by the Lambournes, who had driven down from
London, & by Chris Symonds, an old friend from Atkins' days, who lives
nearby in Northiam.
With “just” 25 kilometres to go, the Peloton set off, through
Hawkhurst, Ticehust & Wadhurst.
61 years ago this coming Saturday, on 23 June 1951 at just
after 19.15 my Mum & Dad stopped at the Greyhound for a Celebratory Drink,
a treble G&T for my Mum & a pint for my Dad.
With weary legs, just time for a picture:
On down past Wadhurst station & up the last of the Killer Climbs & then into Frant.
Soon we were passing the Tunbridge Wells sign and turning
right into Forest Road – where as a little boy I dreamt that one day I would
own one of the houses on the south side - & then down Warwick Park, past
the Nevill cricket ground and our final destination of the Duke of York pub on
the Pantiles.
Pints all round; in my case my first pint of 2012 !!
So many people to Thank.
My Peloton riders: Tour Manager Jeff, Team Professional Matt & Special Guests Jonathan, Mark & Sam ‘007’ Forman.
All those who came to support on the day.
And - especially - those who Always Believed I would get to Tunbridge Wells; Dianne & Mrs D.
I’m already looking forward to Riding with Ric 2013 !!
Keep Pedalling,
Ric
PS
So far we have raised £1,325 for the Rainbow Trust.
Thank you so much to everyone who has donated.
There’s still time to donate !!
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/RidingWithRic
