A Group 13th June

 The A Group at Tilburstow.

Like most others attending today's ride I completed twelve hilly miles to
reach 11's. As this was my first (and last ?) occasion as 'ride leader' I
approached the task with a great deal of trepidation. I thought it would be
best to follow the example set by the more regular and experienced A group
leaders - so very soon after leaving 11's we turned right up the north face
of Shepherds Hill (get the biggest hill of the day over first). We regrouped
at the top where I 'phoned the lunch stop to advise that we were fourteen in
number and hopefully we would all arrive at lunch. We carried on and after a
few miles where, as we attempted to turn right into Dean Lane, I was able to
avoid the overtaking car who obviously wanted to prevent the manoeuvre. We
carried on along our route where in Church Road we caught up with the back
markers of B group who crossed straight over Godstone Road and we turned
left. We made our way to the top of Old Tilburstow Hill where we stopped to
admire the view over the South Downs and to take the 'team photo' . From
here on it was an uneventful ride via Tandridge Lane, through Lingfield to
our lunch stop at the Blacksmiths Head. Lunch was promptly served, large
portions and of good quality. Probably the best part of the lunch was the
fact we were able to sit out in the garden in the sunshine (remember that?)
but then again we should not be surprised as 'the sun always shines on the
righteous'. 

Fully refreshed we were just about to leave when Jeffery discovered he had a
puncture so we sat in the sunshine discussing 'life in general' whilst he
and Dave undertook the repair. Young Ray left us at this point as he had to
get home to prepare himself for tonight's 10 mile time trial !!! All fixed
we moved off past the Mormon temple turned right heading towards the
Windmill at Outwood. I had intended a little bit of off road on this section
purely for Jeff's benefit but he scuppered my plans by returning home after
11's. Onward through Outwood to Salford, where Brian's chain came off, over
the A23, Lonesome Lane, Leigh then through the narrow lanes for the final
climb of the day up Tilehurst Lane and Punchbowl Lane then down to Denbies
for afternoon tea where I discovered we not lost anyone in the group (more
luck than judgement). I managed a total of 56 miles at an average speed of
12.7mph. 

Neil