Inaugural Ride-Out of
The Penguin Peloton

The Penguin Peloton came into being following the hugely successful T6 ride in May 22 from Guys Hospital to the Eiffel Tower.  Its inaugural ride saw Graham Bevan, TPP Treasurer and Trevor Kelly, TPP Road Captain lead Charlie Beardmore around a meandering Surrey Hills route with a lot of hills. The intended distance was 50 miles but as the start point was 15 miles from where Trevor and Charlie live it became an 80 miler with 1000m of ascent.

 

We began relatively gently until reaching innominate hill which was reasonably long and steep.  As ever the lithe outpaced the weighty going up and the reverse happened coming down.  Miles passed, as did Ockham, Mays Green, Cobham and Stoke d’Abernon, crossing and recrossing the M25.  Then began the long and gradual ascent of the very scenic Box Hill with a superbly sited café at the top selling excellent hot chocolate.  Suitably refreshed we continued through Brockham and Holmwood to the joy of Leith Hill which smarted a little.  The Plough Inn at Coldharbour provided succour with an excellent selection of meat pasties and flapjacks.  More hills and villages followed: Abinger, Gomshall, Shere and Newlands corner and numerous other places I cannot remember before we finally regained the levels of Guildford. Then just the 15 miles to get home.  A nice little starter.

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Charlie Beardmore

The Penguin Peloton President