Read Jennifer's report from Day One HERE

I was one of the first downstairs on Day 2, having gotten myself organised the night before. The sun was already shining as I retrieved my bike from storage. Not only had the mechanics oiled my pedals as requested, it turns out that they wiped down ALL the bikes, and they'd even adjusted my brake cables.

Coffee and pastries were available in the lobby - it being too early for normal breakfast service - so I got my early morning caffeine fix and ate a breakfast bar I happened to have with me. 

The massage team and the mechanics were also already up and at it, helping riders iron out the knots, both physical and mechanical, to be ready for the day ahead. It was pretty warm outside, and the forecast was for even better, so I nipped back into storage and stuffed my leg warmers into my bag.  

Capturing every moment

Group 1 ready to tackle Day 2 

Gradually everyone else emerged or arrived, although we were a few short as some of our group had decided that Day 1 had taken it out of them, and that Day 2 would be a step too far - which seemed a shame. Today's rider briefing was considerably shorter, and so it was a smaller but fairly cheerful group that set off once again sometime after seven.   

Having descended down two hills to get into Guildford, we were all well aware that leaving town would inevitably involve some up. Before long there was a properly big one, which was one hell of a way to warm up. Today's route was due to be a little shorter and about a third less hilly, which was good to know. The views from the top were amazing; you could see all the way to London!  

Big hill great views

Waiting  

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