The first Wednesday in September and a beautiful Autumn morning. I had agreed a swap with John Conacher and was happy to lead on such a fine morning. We had potentially 13 riders but Bill Hammond, Mark Roy and Denis headed for home after elevenses, so I set out with 9 riders in tow. We made first for Downside then along Bookham Road and across the common to Little Bookham Street, through Bookham and along the Dorking Road towards Polesden Lacey. Phil, Norman, Alan and another Bill decided that they would rather go over the tops and down Hodgen Hill (1 in 5) than follow me off-road. The rest of us took the slower rougher route along what is known as the Admiral's Road a public byway. (The story goes that "The Admiral" a century or so ago arranged for a private road to be cut through the estate in order to avoid paying tolls at the turnpike.) This took us through the Norbury Park Estate, past Roaringhouse Farm and up to the sawmill. After that it was a pleasant ride through the woods to Crabtree Lane and the downhill run to West Humble where, at the railway station, we left the sandwich eaters. The rest of us went on to lunch at "The Stepping Stones PH, reasonably priced and promptly served. After lunch we made our way to the day centre at Leatherhead for teas coffees and cakes and made our separate way home. A fairly short run, some 15 miles, good company and good cycling weather.
Mike Withers
Mike Withers
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