A Group, 12th March.

Redhill - Balcombe - Dorking

Curtain-raiser of the day was mist, soon burned away by Redhill. Standing room only at 11's before the troops fell in behind their designated leaders. Platoon A's objective was to storm the fracking fields of Balcombe. With the first roundabout negotiated without casualty, the yomp was underway, soon bearing S.E. to the welcoming undulation of Philanthropic Road, to set the circulation in motion and stretch those sluggish tendons. We skirted Redhill Aerodrome to the East and were soon within sight of the rather raggedy sails of Outwood Mill. South then to Smallfield and Copthorne to enter Old Hollow, for the short, sharp climb to meet Turners Hill Road and the steady upward angle of incidence to crest Turners Hill.

We doubled back along Paddockhurst Road and into Back Lane for the reward of a long and effortless downhill scoot through the woods of Paddockhurst Park. A glimpse of a rather hazy Worth Abbey invited a photo stop, before we resumed our downhill helter-skelter to the benign waters at the head of Ardingly Reservoir. With our destination now almost in sight above us, it took no more than a granny gear to overcome the force of gravity and arrive glowing at the door of the Half Moon Inn.

A table reserved for 10 was soon extended for the 12 who wanted lunch. The question of whether to order at table or at the bar was resolved by a mass migration to the bar.  After one of our number ordered diet coke, my request for diet Sussex Best caused some consternation; the beginning of a steep learning curve. The menu, food and beer were good, though the inexperience of the young and helpful staff did show, with some unfortunate delay in service. However, our hostess could not have been more apologetic. I shall return.

Our delayed departure encouraged a lively pace for afternoon tea, via Handcross (where a front wheel met a rear one, fortunately causing no more than a bruised sense of dignity), Pease Pottage, Colgate, Faygate and Rusper. Here Angie, undaunted by the earlier undulations, decided to plough her own furrow to Leatherhead. We were then on auto-pilot through Newdigate to a welcome pot of tea and cake at Denbies.

My thanks to all for their sporting company, to Mike M for his welcome work as TEC, and a special mention to Ray, who floated along all day and absorbed the ups and downs with aplomb on a single gear. We can only stand back and applaud in admiration. Other mortals may have felt a twinge or two.

Our mileage, like our vision, was 20 out x 20 back, plus whatever bonus miles you earned from home and after tea. Our feet and bottom brackets stayed dry (I have had to replace one - BB that is) and hopefully all made it home in daylight. The lengthening days and warmer weather may encourage some longer, springtime rides.

Jeff