Paul was unable to lead today's ride, as he fell off and cracked a rib while reconnoitring the ride. Get well soon Paul! Minus Paul, a group of seventeen set off westwards into the teeth of the ex-hurricane, downgraded to Fresh Breeze Gonzalo. We headed through New Haw and West Byfleet before skirting the south of Woking on leafy lanes. Smartly down past Mayford and Worplesdon, and a steady ride on good roads through Normandy to Ash, where we turned south and started to benefit from the wind. Through Tongham, up the Hog's Back and a short-cut led to Thundery Hill down the other side. This is where Paul parted company with his bike, so we stopped and inspected Paul's Pothole and briefly considered erecting a blue plaque to commemorate the event. That's how sympathetic we are! However it was nearly lunchtime so we decided to press on to the Good Intent at Puttenham, where good food was promptly served.
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| Paul's Pothole |
We had some welcome sunshine on return journey, which included another visit to the Hog's Back before heading down a rather pot-holed track and then a steep downhill road into Guildford. I carelessly lost several riders just before this while I waited for our back marker, so they missed this treat. Apologies. Several others opted to bypass the track and cycle down the road, but we were all reunited at the foot of Guildford High Street in time to ride back to tea at West Horsley. My thanks to Colin for back-marking, and to Paul for planning a very enjoyable route. 32.2 miles from elevenses to tea, with 1479 feet of ascent.
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