Thursday, December 04, 2014

A Group, 3 December

Cobham - Rowhook - Denbies

At the Cobham RBL Hall we started off the day with a presentation by our Runs Secretary Brian, of some indulgent chocolates of appreciation to our constant RBL ministering ladies, who on the first Wednesday of the month, fire us up for the challenges ahead. Our grateful thanks too to John Scott, for fuelling us with birthday tea and cakes. Happy Birthday, John.
With the shortest day just 18 days away and with sunset due at 3.55pm, nobody would get home in the light. To chase a few miles a pretty smart ‘there and back’ ride seemed to be the order of the day. The ref’s whistle sounded and a team of ten set off with the compass set due south. No time for loops or watery byways; our route was direttissima via Effingham, White Down, past the hidden gem of Woodhouse Copse at Holmbury St Mary, Forest Green and Walliswood to Rowhook. 
We arrived early at The Chequers Inn and had ample time to chat as our meals were prepared, though Ken Day left early and unfed to chase the sun, as he was in an unfortunate state of unenlightenment. The teasing foreplay of the Chequer’s kitchen left us in eager anticipation of the tasty dishes to follow. Good food and drink. Come 2pm, with Mark already on his way home, an eightsome now set off for tea at Denbies. Familiar lanes once more through Warnham, Rusper and Newdigate, with a brief delay to cape up for some light drizzle, before reaching Denbies in the light, our number now reduced to five. It was dark when we left, each to grope his way home by lamplight. From elevenses to tea our distance run was some 36 miles, supplemented by whatever homely bonus each rider may have earned.

The days will soon be getting longer.

Jeff

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