Jolly Weekend

So, away to Surrey for the 35th Jolly Boys weekend with West Hill Morris, including some very lumpy cycling in the Surrey Hills.

Assorted Jolly Cyclists with assorted bikes, some electric, some off road and some not.

About 60% of the route was off-road, not really suitable for my hybrid road bike with its 28mm smooth Gatorskin tyres, but it was a case of do it or lose it, so I did it.

We set out from the Forest Green camp site in cloudy sun, also cooler than forecast. After some 8 miles I noted that my odometer had rolled on to 42224 miles.

Soon, we descended yet another off-road section arriving at the Plough Inn at Coldharbour (where else!) at the 10mile mark. Most of us had lemonade or coffee here in view of the upcoming sharp rise of Leith Hill.

This proved to be a severe ascent up a rough gravelly track, heavily rutted by rain. I gave up cycling and pushed the bike, as that was faster! A steep descent, very tricky on my road bike and I came off trying to negotiate a rain gulley, getting some scuffs but nothing serios.

Another climb, then at last onto metalled roads and back to the camp!

Passo Gavia

1125 to 2621m, 1496m ascent over 26km (about 4987ft over 16.2ml)

Paul set out to climb the Gavia on 30 August, but I had a rest day after our Mortirolo experience.

This was another long climb, but with long sections at higher altitude than yesterday.

A pause at 1620m to take in the view.

Paul says ‘Very hard, very beautiful climb into the snowy mountains. Spectacular scenery – a real treat. I was able to stay on top of my gears and sometimes move up the block but my heart was racing and I was breathing very hard in the thin air’

The Lago Bianco at the top of the pass with snow at roadside.

The Rifugio was across the road and offers a very welcoming bowl of minestrone soup.

And momentos for having achieved the climb.

The descent was cold and tiring with little opportunity to warm up.

Paul says: ‘ It was deep winter at the top of the pass and I had to ride through the cold mist at the first part of the extremely beautiful descent. Lovely winding curves with broad views across the pass. I was wearing everything but I arrived back at the apartment in bad shape and took a long time to warm up’