Great to get to fifty (miles, that is!)

Just had a hectic couple of days driving to Ireland, stopping for 2 nights, driving back. Definitely a long way to go for just 2 nights. But the funeral went very well and, as is usual at these events, it was a bit bizarre being so delighted to see friends and family on such an otherwise sad occasion. Ireland was enjoying the fantastic weather too and Wicklow is just dazzling...must be my favourite place I think. Though wouldn't like to be cycle training there - so hilly it makes Maplehurst look like Holland!
I didn't feel up for a ride on Sunday on our return so John and Beth went out. And he still had energy to come out with Alex and I this morning. We headed off a 9 and I felt mildly fragile as had really disturbed couple of nights sleep, no food to speak of yesterday and a touch of VW syndrome...that's Vortex Wine. Went in there for one yesterday lunchtime. Say no more. So I was probably pretty dehydrated. Anyway, the weather was amazing, hot and sunny and no real wind.
We covered a lot of different terrain, country roads, busy A roads. Had a few stops, one pretty necessary one to get some water into me! Then chocolate and coffee at Storrington, a real treat that we all look forward to. It was here that John worked out that he needed to get home to change and make it to an appointment. So he took his leave of us and legged it at 20+ miles an hour home. We carried on at our own pace. At one point we were joined by a young man on a day out on his bike. He chatted merrily away with Alex at quite a speed. And Alex was delighted that he shook hands when we took our turn off to Partridge Green! Ah, the camaraderie of the cycling world.
We rode into Maplehurst tired, achey but absolutely chuffed to bits at having covered 51 miles in 4hrs 5mins. Our average speed was about 13.2 I think. And I found out later that we had climbed 4000ft as well. Good gracious! John, as coach, was very happy with the route as it was full of variety, good climbs. A 'cracking training ride' was the official verdict.