A couple of days ago Ray called and asked if I would swap rides with him. I was happy to do so, and, as things transpired, it was a lucky swap as today was undoubtedly the first proper Spring day - uninterrupted blue skies and some real warmth in the sun. It was a Cobham start, so a dozen or so of us set off down Plough Lane heading for Hungry Hill. Geoffrey questioned my choice of route, as he has been the unfortunate recipient of visits from the Puncture Fairy on this road. It's pretty flinty, but she stayed away today and we were soon crossing the Guildford road heading up Staple Lane, of Olympics fame.
The general plan was to enjoy some of the best of the Surrey Hills while avoiding the steepest bits, so steadily up to the top of Combe Lane and then a swoop down to Shere. Around the side of the village, with at least one of us going through the ford, then steadily up again through Farley Green and Shophouse Lane to the top of the Greensand Ridge. Going along Greensand Lane, with some splendid views to the South, Simon wondered whether this might not be the highest road in Surrey. I've checked now, and find that the road around Leith Hill just pips it - 816 feet for the Greensand and 833 for Leith Hill. But we went over this one later, anyway, so we didn't miss anything.
Past the top of Barhatch Lane, admiring the 21% sign, then across to Pitch Hill and down to the Bulls Head at Ewhurst, where they were expecting us. There was a table laid inside, but the weather was so good that we made another in the garden from several benches so that we were able to enjoy our lunch al fresco. Served quickly enough, we were on the road again before two, heading South until we crossed over to Weare Street by Honeywood Lane. Weare Street was looking handsome, with sunshine, primroses and bluebells in the woods. The only motor vehicle we saw was a Tesco van, stopped in the middle of the road to make its delivery.
At the top, a break with tradition as we turned left rather than right, going back to the A29 at Ockley for a brief sprint to Broomehall Road. Normally busy, the A29 wasn't too bad this afternoon, and such traffic as there was was considerate. But we were glad enough to be away from it and enjoyed another steady climb to the corner at Coldharbour church. Here there was some division of the group, both deliberate and accidental. Geoffrey set off for home, as he needed to be early. Mike likewise, as he is breaking in a new bike. Hans was interrupted by a telephone call and then led astray by John, who conspired to avoid White Down, which the rest of us climbed. (This was a failure of the 'Easy Side' policy, as we went up the hard side.)
No trouble for anyone, and quite a difference from our last couple of ascents - cold and rain with Ray and snowflakes on the Hilly 50. Fast across Ranmore, faster yet down to Chapel Lane and a few minutes later we were at Denbies, where the discount vouchers continued to work. Already at the table were Hans and John, looking slightly smug. Be we had the moral (and actual) high ground, and the discount, too.
The telemetry shows 38.5 miles from elevenses to tea. This is a couple of miles short, as I forgot to press the button coming out of the pub. True mileage is just over forty, with 3,088 feet of ascent, rolling average 12.7mph and a top speed just over 44mph.
A fine May day in the Surrey hills, in good company, enjoying some of the best cycling in the World.
Mark
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