A good number turned out for today’s ride from Bockett’s Farm, on a cool breezy day with just a hint of Spring in the air. Our route today was to head for the sun ie due South, with a lunch destination of Rusper.Firstly, we headed along the A246, hard on the heels of B group, before turning up Dorking Road, past Polesden Lacey, before dropping down Bagden Hill to meet up with the A24 cycle track at Westhumble. Past Denbies, we picked up the A25 before turning off towards Brockham, and headed South.
South of Brockham, our day was enlivened somewhat when a police car overtook us and came to an abrupt halt. The officer emerging told us that in his view we were not riding in a suitable way for the conditions, and that we should have been in single file. I was told later that cars at the rear of our peloton were having trouble passing by. It was pointed out to the officer that the Highway Code does allow for cycling two abreast, in appropriate conditions. He then said that there had been a lot of trouble with cyclists lately and also that the police would be keeping a close watch on the roads, due to the forthcoming Olympics road race around Box Hill. Quite how our group was connected with the Olympics was not made clear. Be that as it may, the police saw fit to speak to us, so although I am sure none of us need reminding of our responsibilities towards other road users, it is well for everybody to be aware that the police may in future be paying attention to groups of cyclists, in the Dorking area at least, and to act and ride appropriately for the prevailing road conditions.
After this brief hiatus, we continued on our merry way South to Parkgate, where we picked up Partridge Lane , which eventually took us to Rusper, where a warm welcome and decent food awaited at the Plough, an atmospheric sixteenth century building complete with open fireplace, whose only drawback for anybody over about five foot eight came from its low flying oak beams.
After lunch, most of us headed back via Charlwood and Irons Bottom to Reigate, for tea at the Sandcross Garden Centre, after which the masochists among us chose to return home via the ascent of Wray Lane.
Rob
2 comments:
Not wishing to labour the point too much as the police officer concerned felt he was doing his job (I suppose)I would like to make the following observations.
1. There were two following vehicles in front me and Ed at the back. The first was a small blue car being tailed by a white van. I assume that the Police car was behind Ed wearing his Cheam & Morden Top. The white van got impatient and overtook the blue car and the rest of the pack in a risky and impatient way. The blue car after some hesitation decided to follow the white van but in the meantime a post office van came over the Mole Bridge at Brockham causing the blue car to cut in. No action was taken by the police against these vehicles. Meanwhile the police car followed us over the bridge past the green and then put his blue lights on, overtook us all and stopped us including the blue car sandwiched in the middle. Having got out his police car he waved the blue car on without a word suggesting the car had not taken any risky manouver. The highway code clearly states that you should not overtake unless it can be clearly seen to safely do so.
2. It occurs to me it does not pay to advertise your club by wearing it's Jersey Top. I was wearing my Kingston Phoenix but as Ed was riding behind me and being followed by the police car for some time they took note of his affiliation and rather threateningly said that if I catch any C&M riders in a bunch again causing inconvenience to other traffic he would take action.
It pays to wear your club top and ride in a sensible way! ie always observe the law and set a good example to others especialy those who jump traffic lights etc!
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