B Group 5 September

Cobham - Irons Bottom - Annies

Despite a slim-line attendance at Cobham, double figures opted to give me a run for my money on a fine day for cycling. After a tour of the Tilt, it was a steady rise from Stoke d'Abernon through Fetcham to Bocketts Farm. Here tarmac was thrown out of the window and we bounced our way across Fetcham Downs and Norbury Park, past the Saw Mill to meet Crabtree Lane and a cooling downhill to West Humble. After some cycle path we took the Coach Road to Brockham, then through Leigh to Irons Bottom and the Three Horseshoes.

Lunch was leisurely beneath blue skies. Service was also leisurely but worth waiting for, even if I was only a spectator. There was no clamour to remount, but at last we turned tail and passed Leigh and Flanchford to reach Wonham. At the Manor gates, our gallant Sir Phil leapt to the rescue of a pretty cycling maid in distress, whose saddle was parting from its post, no laughing matter for maid or man. Her distress was soon assuaged with the help of a tool of appropriate guage. In recompense she took our picture before departing with a smile - and with her father.

With a righteous glow of service rendered, we cantered on to Betchworth, Brockham and Old  School Lane, past Bushberry Farm (well known to veterans of the Free Wheel Competition) and empty of the cattle I had bumped into on my earlier visit. Tilehurst lane had a little sting in its tail before Punchbowl Lane. Then, with the scent of tea in the air, it was Pixham and the cycle path along the A24. The leader caused a flurry of consternation at Burford Bridge, by ignoring the cycle path above the underpass. However, order was restored and we regrouped to pass through Norbury Park Farm, before the final rise into Leatherhead and Annie's welcoming arms, already fully occupied with the A Group, who had pipped us to the teapot. Our circuit had taken in some 35 miles or so in pleasant late summer sunshine, untroubled by stress or perspiration.

Jeff