Cobham / Sutton Abinger / Ashtead - 4th July 2012 – B Group
On a drizzly morning I led a small group on an undulating route to the Volunteer Pub at Sutton Abinger. Leaving Cobham, we turned left up Plough Lane heading for Shere via Hungry Hill and Staple Lane. Following a small climb out of Shere, we then turned left into Hook Lane heading for Peaslake and finally via the confusing Hoe Lane to Sutton Abinger.
Eleven of us had a pleasant lunch served promptly by obliging staff and enough time to rest before facing the climb up Raikes Lane and the dreaded White Downs – Seven of us wisely dismounted before suffering heart failure. However it pains me to report that four of the group, ploughed up regardless of health hazards, namely Gill, Brian, Terry and Tim. Unfortunately no medals were at hand to be presented unlike the Dieppe Raid where awards are endless.
From White Downs, we headed towards Dorking via Ranmore Common and Westhumble. Feeling we had not exercised Bernard enough, we then went up Little Switzerland and via Headley, descended to the Lemon Tree/Ashtead Garden Centre where eight of us enjoyed tea.
What the ride lacked in miles, was made in height. 54 miles door to door.
Frank H.
(who had a good night sleep on Wednesday, so did the back marker, Francoise)
Frank's Three Peaks Challenge:
On a drizzly morning I led a small group on an undulating route to the Volunteer Pub at Sutton Abinger. Leaving Cobham, we turned left up Plough Lane heading for Shere via Hungry Hill and Staple Lane. Following a small climb out of Shere, we then turned left into Hook Lane heading for Peaslake and finally via the confusing Hoe Lane to Sutton Abinger.
Eleven of us had a pleasant lunch served promptly by obliging staff and enough time to rest before facing the climb up Raikes Lane and the dreaded White Downs – Seven of us wisely dismounted before suffering heart failure. However it pains me to report that four of the group, ploughed up regardless of health hazards, namely Gill, Brian, Terry and Tim. Unfortunately no medals were at hand to be presented unlike the Dieppe Raid where awards are endless.
From White Downs, we headed towards Dorking via Ranmore Common and Westhumble. Feeling we had not exercised Bernard enough, we then went up Little Switzerland and via Headley, descended to the Lemon Tree/Ashtead Garden Centre where eight of us enjoyed tea.
What the ride lacked in miles, was made in height. 54 miles door to door.
Frank H.
(who had a good night sleep on Wednesday, so did the back marker, Francoise)
Frank's Three Peaks Challenge:
- Elevenses at Cobham
- Lunch in Sutton Abinger
- Tea at the Ashtead Park Garden Centre
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| First and last parts of the ride (OS 1:50,000) |
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| Middle part of the ride (OS 1:25,000) |
Elevation Profile showing the three main climbs of the day:
- Staple Lane Copse (641 ft) and the subsequent descent down Combe Bottom to Shere
- White Downs (714 ft)
- Near Oyster Hill after riding up Lodgebottom and joining Church Lane from Slough Lane (589 ft)
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| very pleased with themselves for inflicting such a devilish route on the B Group |
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| ready to head up the White Downs on a full stomach |
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