A Group - 14 January

Walton-on-Thames - Buckland - West Humble

The weather forecasters were predicting armageddon, but Wayfarers at Walton Day Centre were undaunted; of course, the sky did not fall in. A hardy 18 'A's then took to the road. Our precautionary route through Hersham and West End was more arterial than usual, as we mingled with all shapes and sizes of combustion engine. Grey skies gradually melted into blue as we pressed on SSE to Leatherhead. A pot-hole or two past the Leisure Centre and beside a turgid and swollen Mole led us to the cycle track and Dorking Road. We passed through Mickleham and Pixham chapelry, with barely a glance at the unassuming church of St Mary, designed by Edwin Lutyens in 1903.

A disappointed spurt along the A25 revealed no horse-drawn carriages, but the Old Dorking Road brought some respite from the emanations of CO and noxious particulates. Betchworth led to Buckland and a final thrust to the Jolly Farmers. Our table awaited, though one place short; ambience bright and humming, food good though service restrained in the interest of serving all together. At departure, nearly all were presented with an unexpected dessert; a 'bombe surprise' in the shape of a 10% service charge. The street-wise had ordered food and drink at the bar, not at table. Beware! The times, they are a'changing.

With our departure delayed, we had a little time to sally south and burn off a few calories, before a volte-face to take us to West Humble for tea and cake at Pilgrim Cycles café. We admired the touring bikes and departed, leaving only Neil to mull over what might be possible in the best of all possible worlds. Our Garmin guru Simon advises 29.6 miles and a breathtaking 1,477 feet of ascent. Well, it is winter.

Jeff