Saturday, June 10, 2006

June 7th Rides

Roger led fifteen of us 'C' group from Cobham RBL en route for The New Inn at Send. Apart form me`n`im there was Mark, Bill, Lynda, Beryl, Dave, John, Ron, Harold, Derek and two extra ladies. There were probably more than fifteen including Dennis, but that's the best my ancient grey matter can surface before I have a go at the route. Weather sunny and warm, turning up Plough Lane we crossed the road at Martyrs Green into Ockham Lane. After a few minor climbs and descents I recognised Tithebarns Lane, at the end of which we emerged right on the Clandon Road and Send Manor Road. At the old Portsmouth Road crossroads, instead of going straight on through Send we took the left diversion where all where all the trucks get parked, with a right at the end across the main road and a few more climbs with a more rural arrival at our destination. Lunch outside was pleasant and the beer more than welcome. Tea was to be back at Cobham, but two more climbs over the A3 was more than I felt able to take, so after we rode down Tanners Lane emerging via Papercourt Lane near The Seven Stars, I made my farewell and headed home via Warren Lane and West Byfleet. See you at Weybridge (easy ride for me!) next week -------- Albert

Elevenses was well attended and I expected quite a large 'B' group, but in the event eight of us set off with the intended destination of Norwood Hill. On a lovely morning for cycling Judie, Liz, Beattie, Christine, John, Ed and Terry made our way across Bookham Common, past Polesden Lacey to West Humble. The countryside looked delightful. We continued to Brockham and at Leigh Ed suffered a puncture. Beattie is new to us and had thought she was only cycling to Cobham and was feeling a bit stretched so we decided to lunch at the Plough in Leigh, which turned out to be quite satisfactory if a bit hazy. That is the weather not our state of consciousness! We made our way back fairly directly via Parkhill to Leatherhead where the redoubtable Annie's provided tea, soft drinks, ice cream etc. Mike

Pete B led nineteen 'A' group via Effingham, White Downs, Sutton Abinger, Holmbury St Mary, Forest Green and Wallis Wood to lunch at The Chequers Rowhook, chosen with the touring group in mind. Seven departed south for our Littlehampton tour whilst the others made their way back to tea at Denbighs, unless I'm mistaken.

Our route to Littlehampton was direct and uncompromising and when we arrived, our digs were very comfortable. We ate both evenings at JDW's and on Thursday Bob led an excellent visit to Singleton Outdoor Museum, calling in at glorious Goodwood en route and afterwards sampling the disused Midhurst to Chichester railway track at Lavant. After a late JDW lunch across the street from Chichester Cathedral, we lost Pam due to her reluctance to ride the pedestrianised city centre. Re-united, we returned via Barnham, where Pete M's cousin David and wife Val made us very welcome at short notice for tea - we devoured the lovely chocolate cake that Val happened to have made that morning. Today Friday we returned with Pete M leading via the most scenic of routes, including the riverside tree root covered track beside River Arun under Arundel Castle walls (the footbridge at North Stoke being long-term closed) - just the ticket when carrying all your gear. After a riverside break at Amberley we proceeded via Pulborough, West Chiltington, Barns Green and Christ's Hospital to lunch at our favoured Horsham pub. The quiet road up to Rusper, then via Newdigate and Henfold to Dorking (jam packed due to M25 closure) for tea and departure for home. We all enjoyed a lovely tour in the most excellent weather. Two World Cup matches later, it may be time to spend some quality time with the wife. Olleh itinerant Hub.

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