After Tim had given the customary seasonal gifts to the hard-working Royal British Legion staff, nine Bs headed south, destination Westhumble. Choosing the quieter Plough Lane route, we soon passed a field of redundant (?) plump pumpkins. Turning left into Old Lane took us past a farm on the right where, if you're lucky , you can glimpse llamas and ostriches. Passing the shops in Effingham,I noted the Coffee Shop is now closed (it could only have been in business a month or two), then over the crossroads to Beech Avenue. A brief stop to see Sir and Lady Barnes Wallis's house (they were quite active in the village, Lady BW was often to be seen on her upright bike. She gave us our concentrated orange juice when our children were young). Turning left at the next crossroads led to Ranmore and soon forking left led to the roughish downhill stretch to Chapel Lane and lunch at The Stepping Stones. Here food was good and served quickly.
Although the weather was dry (ie not as forecast), we all preferred to ride straight home, which, for most of us, meant via Leatherhead. I enjoyed my
whoosh down Little Switzerland and arrived home approximately five minutes before the lightish rain.
Thanks all for your company, especially tectim.
Terry
