Saturday 20 September 2014 07:24, UK
Day 5 kicked off at 0715 when we left our camp site in Caterham, 12 miles east of Walton Heath. With 141 miles to cover, today was one of those days when we needed everything to go smoothly.
It was therefore with some frustration and much blaspheming that just 45 minutes into ride, we encountered a “sat nav malfunction” (soon to be followed by a puncture near Cobham) and found ourselves riding “blind” with nothing but Google maps on an Iphone to guide us.
With the tour motorhome well ahead of us, we were reliant on directions by phone for the next hour and, by the time we reached Wentworth, we were 90 minutes behind schedule.
At Wentworth we were joined by “guest rider” Sam Ashdown, whose late father Simon was the inspiration behind the Tour de Ryder Cup. Riding with Sam merely highlighted why we were all there and was a definite highlight of the day.
Once reunited with the motorhome, we were able to re-set the sat nav (we’re resisting the temptation to slate the actual brand) and, with pin flags duly collected, we headed towards Oxfordshire, joining the Thames at delightful Henley and passing through numerous other picturesque and well-heeled villages.
The route proved largely trouble free with the notable exception of Howe Hill, a heinous lump around 18 miles south east of Oxford.
It was at the top of Howe Hill that the second highlight appeared like an angel in the shape of tour manager Mark and our trusty motorhome, the latter laden with Yorkshire tea, flapjack, jelly babies and a host of other items essential after a dirty great climb.
At 7:10pm and with only moments of daylight to spare, we finally arrived at Belfry where two pin flags, a hearty meal, several beers and the most sensational hospitality awaited.
Lowlights: The Sat Nav malfunction and our subsequent late arrival at Wentworth (sorry Wentworth)
Highlights: Being joined by guest rider Sam and the sight of our tour manager at the top of Howe Hill. Don’t think we’ve ever been as pleased to see a bald Yorkshire bloke proffering mugs of tea.
Don’t forget to check our Sky Sports blog again tomorrow for the latest Tour de Ryder Cup happenings, or catch up with us on route at https://twitter.com/TourDeRyderCup or https://www.facebook.com/tourderydercup.
Donations in support of our efforts can be made at www.justgiving.com/teams/TDRC.
Andy Crowther, Darren Tordoff, Andrew Walker and Rick Gillgrass
Tomorrow: Stage 6 – The Belfry – Lindrick - Moortown
