A Group 30 April
Dorking-Sandersfoot-Banstead

A total of 20 riders for the promised ride to two halves.

Lovely rolling 25 miles to lunch at an average of 14.4mph - very respectable and easily achieved with 20mph on the lovely long flat stretches. Some consternation on the way as the route chosen was on a selection of roads not familiar to many, and an almost mutiny at one point where half the group thought the leader had lost his marbles!

Great lunch at a great pub - The Royal Oak at Sandersfoot. a regular CAMRA winner - with 30p a pint discount to card carrying CAMRA members.

Then a testing 15 with 3 interesting hills after lunch to Banstead and a new Cafe whose name I forget, but opposite the turn to the park cafe - which was shut! En route we rode down the valley through Woldingham School which tops my list as the nicest riding in Surrey

In recent weeks there have been reports of locals in the New Forest taking exception to cyclists and spreading drawing pins on the road, but I thought it a bit much when, shortly after lunch, a rifle shot rang out and there was a yelp from a rider behind. Closer investigation revealed an impressively blown rear tyre on Rob's bike. With no prospect of repair the rest of us rode on with Rob heading off on foot to Hurst Green. He reports that the Best efforts of Mr Harvey at the Diamond and the gallant efforts of the Domestic Taxi and Bike Recovery service saved the day! I think he slashed his own tyre to avoid the hills!

Cracking day out if glorious cycling weather on roads less well travelled by the Wayfarers, good pub and great company.

Paul Kelly