Spring Onion 2025

Many of us are familiar with riding in the Surrey Hills, so the Spring Onion sportive presented a timed challenge over roads many of us have previously ridden. 12 of us signed up to the 64 mile / 4000ft of elevation route, we all turned up bright and early, numbers pinned on and ready to go. Over the start line hearing the familiar beeps of the electronic timing.

Once we had cleared some local traffic the speed picked up and up and we were soon keeping a high average. I had my Garmin set on power aiming for around 220W average. Climbed up Crittern Lane, down Whitedown and into the heart of the ride. Anne, Helga, Tim and myself were riding strong, little turns on the front and making good progress. No chat, just pedal to the metal, it was relentless, but no one passed us and we kept passing others, so at the half way I did think we could be on for some good times.

Head down, kept pushing, found myself on my own now, temporary traffic lights ahhhhh. Got off the bike, ran through them, back on. Legs were burning now, just had to get up Whitedown and then I knew it was downhill and flat to the finish. Crossed the line, one other rider was there looking very comfy. My time 3hrs 13mins and 4secs which put me in 2nd place overall, 2 mins behind the top spot.

Just 5 minutes later Anne and Helga came in, very impressive, one of them had first female rider for sure. Anne was judged to be the fastest female 3hrs 18mins and 15secs. 1st place means prizes and in this case it’s a Moda road frame.