What a lovely day! The gardens and countryside looked wonderful with the blossom and new growth.On such a nice day it was to be expected that there would be a good turnout, and so there were, 18 as we left Cobham. (Judy said she wasn't going to come with us, I thought it was personal but later discovered why). My route was carefully selected. I was keen to avoid busy roads, in particular that cycle path at the side of the A24. So we went over Ranmore Common. It was quiet and nice scenery albeit a sodding great hill! Then we avoided Dorking by going down a purple ("Off-road routes where it is comfortable to cycle in fine summer conditions ... may contain short sections that are more difficult") bridle path down the steep side of the North Downs. It was seriously steep, mostly we had to walk. Across the unguarded railway, on to the A25 and undulated to the Wotton Hatch pub. By now we were down to eight: Brian, Chris, Colin, David S, Gill, Norman, Stephanie and my good self. Several people died from exhaustion including Cliff. Others took fright at the steepness of the off-road bit. John G had a puncture which resulted from a massive split in his tyre so he felt unwilling to continue on it and went home by train - he was grateful for Godfrey's help who consequently didn't rejoin us. The pub was nice, good food and pleasant service. More hills on the way to tea at Ockam Bites, over White Downs. We met the A group at tea-time as planned. It was 33 miles from North Cheam to the tea stop although it felt like more because of all the hills. (Judy was at the tea stop having chickened out of the hilly ride, preferring Pam's ride for softies).
Bernard
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