![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUltaIbeRQB0XK9O1ZBqjdV6v3GzuMDOhQ0nrTksSLZ8mkJ2mZi8GhHBISkcH40nSXNyvMHKUEEZL5yrAftBFDBQK45EWUk9VsAGld5k6j0132pd8q9SKhccVKTLG-hrQXJJSnqvtbxo/s640/merged+group.jpg)
I have met Matt every Sunday since it was allowed. I rode with
Matthew and Richard last month. James last weekend; more are
planned.
I also want to ride further, more often. Riding alone is okay, but where are the shared memories? Getting everyone together isn't easy. When I am free for a new adventure, they may not be and vice-versa. Cycling clubs run regular events, if there is space I can join one.
The club I was looking for couldn't be just about head down, riding as fast as possible. I had to find the right club with a strong social element. It needed to be close to me as well, my choice; Oxted Cycling Club. The only fly in the ointment is a 20% hill. Fortunately I descend into Oxted, and leave the ride early to avoid it. I've ridden up it a couple of times on the mountain bike, helped by it's very low gears. Maybe I'll try it on the road bike.
What about my week I hear you shout.
Monday; I think the warmest part of the day was as I left for my ride. I had to pump up the front tyre. No puncture, just a lack of air. It had been alright on Saturday. The Waller Hill loop was my choice. Uneventful would be the word to describe it. The rain stayed away until after I got home, which was nice.
Tuesday; the day started wet, but promised better weather to come. It got drier but much windier. I wasn't sure if it was okay to go out. The walk to the garage convinced me it sounded worse than it was. The offroad loop had small patches of mud.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywHMAIAJerm9k89NdabiRNS8ClbE1L6qT8S3Fv_O6WuLa1KJZHYPUNMtzZwYH2R3bIcgiahyB-uYUFGc2mvdHVFhWDvG_d_KyeVJaZxs51RFfA8ZhsxdpZDguU1jrS5ij0zG2Ms0JZ2Q/s640/Damp+and+muddy++1.jpg)
Wednesday; a mixed bag of weather during the day, at five it was dry but very windy. Out on the mountain bike, after pumping up a tyre. For the second time I had entered the garage and discovered a flat tyre. Not a puncture, just no air. Who or what was doing this?
Thursday; no rain until late afternoon. It stopped long enough for the Waller Lane loop, starting again just after I arrived home. The tyre mystery was also solved; the mountain bike has slow punctures front and rear.
No pictures, I wanted to get home quickly, just a short video.
Friday; it started grey, improving into the afternoon. And then it rained from 14:30, right through to when I left for my ride. It stopped until I got home. Same roads as Thursday, so not much to report. Added an extra light to my helmet. Much of the route is under a canopy of trees so it can get a little dim in places.
![Caterham View Caterham View](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbbLOb-ZttewDkwuXgItIpyicwyW4s2pWX2Wg3MLQv2LjCORvN4X5WI_qzSSzGAiUtc5bqUMHRTNZ6bpknt-hSsNdZ4JBXeAOKjKFtLqCtwwdCmAGsmSaDbQnvDHYG2fVLcmDKSUEHTI/w640-h396/caterham+view.jpg)
I felt really good the whole way round, and was buzzing when I got home. It may have been the coffee I drank, although it was only two cups; one with breakfast and one with lunch. I have finally found a variety I like.
![Taylors of Harrogate Hot Lava Java Taylors of Harrogate Hot Lava Java](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEqGIB3F-cdSkQVsHVJWwjMzt8Ze69lqv7xHqTALgMyjonL743BKRgohQ9VQSG30iE9r9U8sFPANnBH68ryAsgeFkdKB9jpczaTVqkbk7FMKaBUHwG0MCRRlcBjx_JNrH-yLs4PSzAmiM/w640-h568/Taylors+of+Harrogate+Hot+Lava+Java.jpg)
Saturday; I awoke in the early hours, it was raining heavily. I knew I would very likely go out no matter the weather, I wasn't looking forward to it though. By the time I was ready to leave the house there was a break in the downpour. I made it home with only a covering of dirt thrown up from the wet roads. As with the previous evening, I felt great the whole time. It can't just be the coffee, maybe riding less has allowed me to recover and become stronger.
A quiet Charlwood was the turn around point.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UyBxBly5l98uesRzoacQd5H5QaOJYyiBEAnF0p-drGADsPGtluzM9eBXi9XuYeRn1IKQmmIWH6VHWOsL8bP07HMH3IO1QZ75v9EhRJB2IxDVh2rLYVLbyzqahbXB6NM1Fs1WGnoPzZw/s640/charlwood.jpg)
Sunday; a bit chilly, but still not cold enough to abandon the shorts. Long trousers are a sign that winter is near. I have resolved the problem of carrying my camera, and the tea mug. A couple of cable ties turn the strap into a shoulder holster, and a carabiner attaches the mug. Tea and a chat at the churchyard with Matt. A familiar and welcome start to the day of rest.
![carrying camera and tea mug carrying camera and tea mug](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UyPvO1Dv0RbLFfB5ccl1Oy0M3QQSG-x7aYLxB46CUik1yB6vXvTU7r78Y-NH2HR18zFMPADmMamoTvH-OVWh7xDFHekOCPIXdsquvUhqD2gn4GlyZYYxCh4s3r2zHGiie63f6fr-RKg/w640-h428/Bag+and+tea+cup++1.jpg)
![close up carrying camera and tea mug close up carrying camera and tea mug](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjQfr7ihFBJIP6tJu2y5wUSUk0eZ5QFoZM3KO2n0JoIf9R3CvsXHZvHf9I2E7VOgstamx12truR5d-BAJN6xUqxVzVTerKgv3O8AZ1Q-arIf5eA1Lt2Fi3GTxT6rrb6T7uYHxq5qFGZ4/w640-h428/Bag+and+tea+cup++2.jpg)
Bank holiday Monday, destination Westerham, a good start to the new week.
I get so much from cycling, even in bad weather I feel better. In the beginning it was tough, arriving at the bottom of hills, dreading the climbs.
My mood is more consistent, and as I have said recently my depression is being kept at bay.