Maratona Ride, Saturday November 5

A funny thing happened...........


It was discussed and agreed at the start of the ride that we all cycle from Goodwood Hotel towards Heyshott / Cocking (without stopping at our usual cafe there), carry on up Cocking Hill turn left at Singleton, cycle up Charlton Hill and then down the Goodwood Hill finishing up at West Dean for a much deserved tea and cake stop. This was agreed.

However, it appears I was the only one who cut through Singleton, cycled up Charlton Hill and on towards West Dean....I thought it was quiet out there! When I  eventually arrived at West Dean all the other Belles were there! I couldn't believe it, they cycled past the turning towards Charlton Hill and just carried on for tea and cakes!

There was a ringleader and I think I know who it was......!

So I must have cycled 50 miles, where as they cycled only 25 miles! That's what I believe.

Here they all are relaxing and enjoying their tea.....

After tea Mercy felt so guilty she suggested she cycled back towards Charlton and up the hill, and I accompanied her...so I cycled the Charlton Hill TWICE!! I'm very proud of this. The other Belles, who'll I name.....Elise, Angela, Sandra and Steph cycled the easy route back home along the Centurion Way...they must have been exhausted!

We used up over 2,000 calories and our average speed was 11mph.

And a footnote from Mercy...

'And for the complete 'I was there' feeling, she is going 'Nooooooooooo' as I take the picture. On the other side of the hill, she very kindly waited for me as I descended at the speed of an elderly lady on a zimmer.'

The next Maratona ride will be even tougher!!

Sunday, October 30

It rained witches and broomsticks!

Steph looking great!

As it was Halloween most of us dressed up as witches and had a fun ride, despite the rain and gloomy skies....

We met in the car park at Goodwood Hotel and were joined by: Claire, Mercy, Elise, Angela, Gill and Steph.

This was the first of our Maratona rides - non stop to Compton for a much needed tea and cake stop. Our route took us via Lavant, Chilgrove back lanes and Marden. After tea we cycled to Bosham and then back to Goodwood - the total distance was 31 miles. 

Mercy and those nails and wig....

Gill...

Elise and Doreen leaving Tangmere....

Wherever we went we caused a bit of a stir.....Someone in the Compton cafe said to Doreen....'have you escaped from Grailingwell?' she replied... 'actually I work there!' .... and the reply came back as 'sometimes you can't tell the difference between the patients and staff!' ......Hilarious!!

The madwoman....

Leaving the cafe for Bosham.

We cycled 31 miles and used up approx 1600 calories!

Elevation

Thanks to everyone who came out today, quite a challenging ride. Next week there's another Maratona ride - non stop to West Dean from Goodwood via Heyshot and Cocking!! Email if you fancy this one.