Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Easy Riders 5 September


Wayfarers - Easy Riders - C Group 5th September - Cobham
I was standing in for Lynda who had arranged an alternative Tour de France. There was a dearth of Easy Riders but we made up a very select group 6. John, Roger, Brian, Mick (I hope I got the name right) Norman and myself. Roger suggested a visit to The New Inn at Send, this met with approval and we set of in that direction. We followed the usual route, Plough Lane, Hatchford, and Guiles Lane. We had intended to go via Hungry Hill but were greeted by ROAD AHEAD CLOSED sign. Not wishing to risk the chance of meeting a complete impasse (and not being overly keen on that particular hill) we dutifully followed the diversion signs skirting Ripley to find our way to Potters Lane and eventually The New Inn at Send. (Brian had a front wheel puncture but was not far behind us). 
 It was a delightful day for cycling and we were pleased to eat lunch in warm sunshine in the garden overlooking the canal. Mick had left us just before lunch so we were down to five. We found the Inn welcoming and reasonably priced. There seemed to be a lot of renovation work going on, and I was slightly worried to see a sign advertising for a Manager and Staff - that does not always bode well. Hope I am wrong - we shall see. Present staff are very pleasant and looking forward to Sunday 16th September when the Tour of Britain passes the pub - bringing a lot of custom they hope.
After lunch we set off for Ripley via the towpath and Papercourt Lock (minus Norman) 1 down 4 to go.) We stayed as a group of four until The Black Swan cross-road where Roger and Brian made for Cobham. John and I headed for Effingham, John for a train, and I for home.
Mike W

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