A Group, Wednesday 10th September

Effingham - S. Godstone - Tattenham Corner

Effingham usually invites a southerly thrust, but a wicked imp whispered: "Go east, young man". It is unwise to listen to these imps, but susceptible to temptation, I succombed to its siren voice. An initial feint up High Barn Lane transposed abruptly into an eastward surge along Ranmore, down to Dorking and the mischievous A25(E). We briefly revisited the Old Reigate Road behind Dorking Garden Centre and then across the A25 to Betchworth. By now the group was quite alarmed to be reliving some of Ray's valedictory route of the previous week, but soon our paths diverged. At Reigate, Lesbourne Rd took us past La Maison du Vélo to Redhill and the breathtaking swell of Philanthropic Rd, with its watchful tombstones. Soon the M23 towered above us, driving us away to explore the rural charms of Surrey farmland. So we shunned the tarmac to cross the cattle grid of Henshaw Farm. Most of us that is, as the impetuous Toad of Toad Hall, a certain MM, was last seen swooping exhuberantly towards the coast. It would be some time before we saw him again. Undaunted we pressed on along a bumpy but not unpleasant farm track to Outwood Lane.  The farm track of Cucksey's Farm then took us through tranquil  fields and woods to South Park. A short climb delivered us unexpectedly to Rabies Heath Rd. for a quick descent of Tilburstow Hill and our somewhat tardy arrival at the welcoming Fox and Hounds in South Godstone.

Many a time have we passed this pub but never stopped. Today we tarried and enjoyed the fine food and jolly welcome, though leisurely service, of this fine old 16 century hostelry.   So leisurely indeed was the service that an intrepid Mike M rejoined us well before all were served.

Having arrived late we left late, but with not so far to go. Tilburstow to Bletchingley was uneventful but a splinter group of Red Arrows broke ranks, some to rejoin the group a mile or two later. MM delayed his reunion. We spurned Merstham and Fanny to take Harp's Oak Lane, then Rectory Lane,  briefly to find the A217 before heading for Tadworth and Epsom Racecourse, to breast the tape at the Silver Spoon Café at Tattenham Corner, where MM awaited us. We had time to enjoy our tea and carrot cake while planning how on earth to get home from there.

I hope that our riders did not feel short-changed by today's perhaps eccentric ride with a few hills and no great mileage, but hopefully a pleasant late-summer outing with a few surprises and time to get home in time for dinner. Soon we shall be lighting up!

Jeff