A Group October 3rd

An unlucky 13 of us set off for today’s ride from Cobham, though shortly after departure Mike M. thoughtfully departed elsewhere, leaving us as a more fortunate dozen. For a change, we were headed due east, through Oxshott and Fairoak Lane to Malden Rushett, and thence Epsom. From there, we negotiated a steady climb of a mile up onto Epsom Downs, and then passed through Tadworth, before leaving the A217 shortly before Lower Kingswood. Stopping for a short break at Mugswell, which must be one of the remoter villages inside the M25 ring, we had a look at the Parson’s House there, the walls of which were dressed with local flint, a feature of a good number of buildings on the Downs.

Our climbing pretty well over, we crossed the M25 at Reigate Hill, before descending Reigate Hill, where we managed in excess of 40 mph. From there it was a short hop to our lunch destination at the Three Horseshoes at Irons Bottom, where food and beer met with general approval, with the added bonus, at the table where I was, of a plumbing masterclass from Toni.

The puncture gremlins had got at John B’s steed during lunch, which meant a short delay.

Then our way home was through Leigh and Brockham, where Bonfire Night preparations seemed in full swing, before arriving at Annies, Leatherhead for tea, where we made short work of whatever cake remained in the café.

I covered a modest 54 miles in all, smugly noting that we had adroitly avoided the day’s showers which had been falling all around, but not on, us.

Rob