Friday, July 01, 2011

A Group 29 June



‘Twas a fine and sunny day at Redhill for today’s ‘A’ ride. We don’t get too many opportunities to get into Kent, so it was due East today towards the Land of the Rising Sun (well not quite that far, but Edenbridge at any rate). A round dozen were present and more or less correct for today’s expedition. Starting out through Earlswood, we ran (not literally) into the back of ‘B’ group in Asylum Arch Road, before doing a loop past East Surrey Hospital and Redhill Aerodrome before arriving at Outwood Mill, where ‘B’ group had also just arrived. A brief hiatus ensued while I tried to decipher the ‘phone number the pub had given me, and then we pressed on through Horne, when the umbilical cord by which we seemed to be linked to ‘B’ group today once again manifested itself as we found ourselves back together again along Bones Lane. (I did wonder at this point if we were going to the same pub, but Brian and ‘B’ group were headed South for Turner’s Hill).

Our flattish route meant we travelled at good speed through Newchapel and Lingfield before heading past Haxted Water Mill before arriving in Edenbridge, where we lunched at a different pub from the one normally used,, the Swan, about a mile out of the town on the B2026, where the food was good, cheap and enjoyed in a pleasant sunny pub garden.

The way back took us via Dwelly Lane and Tandridge Lane, where Peter got our first and only puncture of the day. Ascending Tilburstow Hill, we stopped to admire the view from the top, before passing through Bletchingley, Merstham and Fanny’s, with Jeff taking it steady due to a dodgy ankle. For a change, we pressed on to Banstead for tea at Pistachios off the High Street, where we shared the playground facilities with myriad mothers and schoolchildren.

An excellent day out in perfect weather in good company, and, after our afternoon’s climbing, at least everybody would have had a down hill ride home.

Rob

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