Rapha South
Posted on Friday 27 June 2008 by Nick Bloom
‘A 13.1km meander after work when the sun is guaranteed to shine‘ according to the Rapha site. Well, we got the meander. No fear of striking due south along the direct route, we twisted and turned through Southwark and Lambeth, the leaders and tailenders occasionally crossing. As last month, some forty riders had gathered at Smithfield (nine from CLCTC), all but four were male, maybe one third were riding fixed. The ride itself was short and sharp, the pervading mystery of South London the main topic of talk. With grey clouds looming, Herne Hill itself was somewhat bleak, as the dernys pulled their trains. There’s a grim determination needed to keep the pace lap upon lap, a strong discipline to follow the wheel, each lap the leader climbing up the banking to drop to the back. And when all were through one derny let rip, flying round the track at full pelt, legs spinning & body leaning wildly. To the pub, beer and chat, and that Rapha ride essential - a wet journey home.