A Group 6 August

Heavy rain in the night and a somewhat changeable forecast left me wondering how many would elect for a day of climbing and descending in the Surrey Hills. In the event a good sized group of 10 left Cobham, together with Ray Dare who kept us company as far as Shere.

A warm-up lap through Ockham and East Clandon led us to the first climb at Staple Lane, followed by a gravel-dodging descent of Combe Bottom to Shere. The next ascent was Winterfold followed by a pothole-dodging descent towards Cranleigh. Unfortunately on this descent Jeff punctured, and nobly undertook to repair it alone so as not to hold up the group, and rejoin us at lunch. Shortly after we reached our lunch stop at the 3 Compasses, nominally at Alfold, but in reality closer to Dunsfold Aerodrome. The food was excellent and the service most friendly, though rather slow for some of us.

Leaving the pub around 2:30 still minus Jeff who it turned out was still exploring the lanes around Dunsfold, we headed back via Cox Green, Walliswood and Forest Green to a storming ascent of our final climb on Tanhurst Lane and Leith Hill. Getting word that Jeff was in the vicinity we rested at Coldharbour to savour the prospect of the long descent to Dorking.

Tea was at the Courtyard in Dorking, since we were too late to get to Leathehead in time.

Ride statistics by Mark, for which thanks, are below, to which I would only add the max gradient (per Bikehike) a somewhat unbelievable 23%.

Thanks to all who rode, especially to Jeff for his consideration and patience in tracking us around Surrey, and to Simon for his ever diligent back marking.

Finally good luck and speedy pedalling to all riding the London Surrey 100 this Sunday.