Relaxing in the shade of St Martin, patron saint of topers, and
the A Group setting off for the Sun
A round dozen riders made up the peloton for today’s ride. I had originally planned this ride earlier in the year from Dorking, but that ride was abandoned due to its clashing with the monsoon season. Today could not have provided a greater contrast, with temperatures set to exceed 30 degrees. Pre- ride discussions centred around the gallonage needed on board to prevent dehydration.
Our lunch destination was to be Dunsfold, a fair
stretch away, so we set off at a brisk pace through Newdigate, Capel, then down
Weare Street,
managing to avoid the fissures in the road surface, artfully designed to entrap
unwary cyclists. From there, we passed through Oakwoodhill, Ellens Green, Baynards Road and Wildwood Lane,
where Jeff and I both recalled having to shelter in the exact same spot, on
different occasions, by ferocious hailstorms – maybe a local microclimate?
We soon arrived at the Sun Inn, appropriately named
given the sweltering conditions. A further hour’s basking in the garden
followed before lunch arrived, during which we chewed over the chances of Cav
and Wiggo in the Olympics.
The way back was due North, up Hascombe Hill, and then
along Thorncombe Street,
which looked a verdant picture, after all the recent rain.
Having passed through Guildford, tea was taken at
Squires, West Horsley, the traditional burn up along the A246 having been
abandoned due to the heat.
I covered 64 miles in all – it felt like a few more.
Rob
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