Perfect cycling conditions today – cool but sunny with just a bit of breeze. Today it was ‘due South’ from elevenses at Bockett’s Farm, as we were headed for Charlwood via Newdigate and Rusper.
On today’s ride were Will, Graham, Toni, Julian, John A, John S, Dave, Dave J, Vic, Ray, Pete M, Pete B, John B and Rob. Our route took us along the ‘Gap’ towards Dorking, then up Punchbowl Lane via Pixham Lane. Hurtling down the other side of the peak in Punchbowl Lane, Toni, Graham and John overshot the turning into Titehurst Lane and disappeared despite some collective bellowing, though they did eventually make their own way to Charlwood and Reigate.
The bunch then carried on to Newdigate (no sign yet of B Group) and then Rusper where we turned up East Street and Burnt House Lane, past the pond at Langhurst, and into Charlwood via Russ Hill. Lunch was at the Greyhound, where a table had been reserved for us, which was fairly academic as we had the place pretty much to ourselves.
After lunch we meandered past Norwood Hill, where the ‘Fox Revived’ appears to have closed down (refurbishment?), and to our tea stop at Reigate Garden Centre. After tea most dispersed but Will, Julian, John B, Rob Dave and John S decided to tackle Reigate Hill little knowing what excitement awaited! As we were headed into Reigate town centre past the car park next to Morrisons, a car came out and struck Will’s bike a considerable clout on the front forks. Fortunately, Will’s bike appeared to be as strong as its rider and no damage was apparent. This incident took place more or less exactly where Jeff had his bike written off a couple of weeks ago, so if you’re in Reigate – Beware. Undaunted we then took a side road off Somers Road which went steeply uphill with Colley Hill towering above, before passing onto a track which eventually disgorged us together with about a hundredweight of mud onto the A217 about half way up Reigate Hill. After grinding our way to the top, at least it was downhill all the way from there. As ever an interesting and eventful day! Rob
On today’s ride were Will, Graham, Toni, Julian, John A, John S, Dave, Dave J, Vic, Ray, Pete M, Pete B, John B and Rob. Our route took us along the ‘Gap’ towards Dorking, then up Punchbowl Lane via Pixham Lane. Hurtling down the other side of the peak in Punchbowl Lane, Toni, Graham and John overshot the turning into Titehurst Lane and disappeared despite some collective bellowing, though they did eventually make their own way to Charlwood and Reigate.
The bunch then carried on to Newdigate (no sign yet of B Group) and then Rusper where we turned up East Street and Burnt House Lane, past the pond at Langhurst, and into Charlwood via Russ Hill. Lunch was at the Greyhound, where a table had been reserved for us, which was fairly academic as we had the place pretty much to ourselves.
After lunch we meandered past Norwood Hill, where the ‘Fox Revived’ appears to have closed down (refurbishment?), and to our tea stop at Reigate Garden Centre. After tea most dispersed but Will, Julian, John B, Rob Dave and John S decided to tackle Reigate Hill little knowing what excitement awaited! As we were headed into Reigate town centre past the car park next to Morrisons, a car came out and struck Will’s bike a considerable clout on the front forks. Fortunately, Will’s bike appeared to be as strong as its rider and no damage was apparent. This incident took place more or less exactly where Jeff had his bike written off a couple of weeks ago, so if you’re in Reigate – Beware. Undaunted we then took a side road off Somers Road which went steeply uphill with Colley Hill towering above, before passing onto a track which eventually disgorged us together with about a hundredweight of mud onto the A217 about half way up Reigate Hill. After grinding our way to the top, at least it was downhill all the way from there. As ever an interesting and eventful day! Rob
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