The last day of 2005 gave Phoenix members and friends another excuse to pass round the mulled wine at the start of their Saturday ride.
The roadies set off towards Oxshott and Esher, while the off-road alternative crossed Horton Country Park hoping to emerge into Chessington via the ancient Castle Hill but just missing!
Onward through Barwell Court and over the A3 via a surprisingly wide bridge considering the road status. Onto Claygate Common and Birchwood Lane (a muddy track!) circling round to Arbrook Common where we got severely bogged down trying to follow the electric pylons.
Once across the A244 the pylon route improves dramatically and becomes a lofty, undulating and sandy track. Ideal off-roading and good practise, especially for Joe B on his cyclo-cross bike.
A special commendation here to Brian Starey, our guest from the Clarencourt CC, who engaged himself wholeheartedly into our somewhat adventurous and inevitably muddy explorations. He was rewarded however, with a new route, thanks to Andy & Paul Day's local knowledge across West End Common offering fine views of the River Mole before a rapid descent, still off-road to Garsons Farm for 11s.
For anyone who hasn't tried it, off-roading is a fine way to enjoy your cycling through Winter.
Keep fit, have fun and escape the worst of the cutting winds and drizzling rain.
As Simon & Jen are going to Derby this coming Saturday to the CTT prize presentation, an off-road alternative is in doubt, but this is an opportunity for someone to take the reins and drive the off-road machine forward.
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