A Group 15th June

Mid June, but grey and not all that warm when I arrived at Henfold. Jeff was comforting himself with a bacon sandwich and as we chatted Wayfarers began to arrive, singly and in small groups. There was some lack of clarity as to whether it should have been a nine o'clock start at Cheam or not (it should); but in the event it made little difference as most were there by eleven.

Heeding Vic's strictures to boldly go, ten of us set off South, bound for Maplehurst, which as far as I know we have never visited before. The plan was to ride at a brisk pace on the outward leg, which was undulating rather than hilly, and then to ride at a steadier pace on the return leg, which was rather the reverse.

So, fast through Newdigate, Rusper (where Dan peeled off - he only had time for a short ride), Lambs Green, Colgate, round the edge of Horsham then down to Copsale, climbing the only serious hill of this leg, and into the White Horse at Maplehurst. It's an old-fashioned and pleasant pub and we sat together in the conservatory at the back. Spot on time the light shower that the BBC had promised for one o'clock turned up, but it made little difference to us, and had mostly passed by the time we finished lunch.

Up the road to Nuthurst, then Mannings Heath, before another shot at Horsham, which is pretty hard to avoid in this part of the world. But we were soon on quieter roads heading for Rowhook Hill, and then took the rolling road through Walliswood and Forest Green at a good pace.

Now we were ready for the test-piece of the ride - Tanhurst Lane. The hills looked pretty menacing, with clouds around the tops, and we committed ourselves to the stygian gloom of the climb. In the conditions it wasn't easy, with a poor surface and run-offs from steep banks making it slippery so that very great care was needed to keep traction. If you got out of the saddle to power up a steep section the rear wheel span at once.

By the time we got to the top we were in the clouds and it was wet. But we were heroes, and, anyway, tea in Dorking was only a ten-minute blast away.

Well, almost. Four of us gathered, slightly anxiously, at the bottom of Coldharbour Lane, which had been descended at significant pace. Where were the others?

A call to Graham and smiles all round - it was just a puncture and they would meet us in the cafe.

So, by four o'clock, a happy band was in the Courtyard Cafe, Dorking, consuming some self-congratulatory cakes and plotting future rides ...

40.5 miles elevenses to tea; rolling average 12.8 mph; 2125 feet of ascent; maximum speed 39 mph and 1814 calories.

Mark