It was nice to be out with the Wayfarers again, after a couple of absent weeks, and I was glad I made the effort. Thanks for all your goodwill messages. On my way, I passed Bernard, puncture mending with Brian N's help and was humbled and inspired by Bernard's ability to overcome adversity. We welcomed newcomers Senan Doohan and Ian Appleton, both choosing 'A' group for their debut. We missed Ed S who was having a check-up, but my call to him this morning was very positive and he sounded very cheerful. And Vic too, who sounded reasonably up-beat, his house being cleaner than ever - a vacuum cleaner doubling nicely as a crutch! We should see the both at Cobham next week, although Vic says he won't be joining rides for some while yet.
'A' group visited the latest JDW pub The Jack Fairman at Horley, opened only this month. The name commemorates the former use of the building as a racing car dealership, whose proprietor was well known to enthusiasts. Our group comprised Jen, Pete M, Senan, Pete B, Mike, Ray, Stephen (155 miles on Monday), Frank H, Ian (who found us at Horley after being inadvertantly left - sorry, Ian) and the brothers Grime. The ride out was via Pixham, Leigh and Norwood Hill and we returned via Meath Lane and Reigate Hill, enjoying tea with magnificent vies from the North Downs Way. Thanks for a great ride and venue, Bob.
From Bockett's I led 'B' group of Irene, Liz, Bernard, Brian, Cliff, Grant, brother Geoff, John G, Les, Norman and Robin up to the A246 into a noticeable headwind, then continued to Bookham, turning south at the first opportunity. Soon we joined the Dorking road and at the top of the hill (140 metres asl, thanks Bernard) I reminded The Six Bells at Newdigate of our impending visit. Then down Bagdon Hill, along a flooded Chapel Lane, under the A24 to Pixham Lane and alongside the A25 to turn off to Brockham. Turning left past the church we passed through Dawesgreen and Leigh until Oak Farm where I punctured. The group carried on to The Six Bells, slightly worryingly I couldn't find the cause of the puncture nor a hole in the tube, so fitted a fresh tube and hoped for the best. The landlord had reserved tables for us and the meals couldn't be faulted - portions were very generous. When he came to clear away he enquired if we wanted coffee or tea - nobody did - but at mention of that magic four letter word (FREE) surprisingly everybody changed their minds. There had been at least one shower whilst we ate but it was fine when we left for Annie's at Leatherhead via Henfold, Red Lane, Root Hill and Tilehurst Lane to the A25. Irene turned into Westhumble Street to tackle Bagdon from the opposite direction, Bernard, Brian, Cliff, Norman, Robin and I stopped for latish 3s and watched the rain fall at approximately 45 degrees from the west. When it stopped we left and went our separate ways. Terry
For most of our 'C' group ride the weather turned out better than forecast. The turnout was good with John C leading, to our lunch venue at The Royal Oak, Brockham. We had two ladies, Lynda and Sonia, Bill H, Bill M, Harold, Mike, Mark, Roger, Fuzz. Ron and me. I only counted twelve although Dennis was at the start but that`s the last I saw of him. There was a lot of standing water on the bikepath along the A24 and with Harold on his fixed wheel he had to plough through it. There was plenty of sunshine and only a bit of wind. The food was good and we made our way back to Leatherhead for tea. In the last fifteen minutes of our retuurn we had a heavy rainstorm so tea was a pretty damp affair - at Wetherspoons. I must confess I took my car for the return trip but still only got home by four oclock.---------------------------Albert
Next week we are at Cobham RBL Club, after which we ride to Cheam for our Prezzo lunch. At Cobham, I need to have £7 from each £2 deposit participant. Although many have advised their menu choice, this is too unmanageable, so Prezzo will take your orders at the table. I have collected £2 deposit from all listed (exceptions noted); please have your £7 ready, otherwise we'll never get away from Cobham.
Olleh gritty Hub
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