Redhill Methodist Centre was very quiet at 10.30 and I thought maybe there would only be a small group of riders. But by eleven there were eighteen of us lined up for the trip east.
After the congested A23 we headed off up past the cemetery, skirting South Nutfield and under the M23. At Henhaw Farm we passed through the farmyard and used the farm tracks to approach Tilburstow Hill. Then through Crowhurst Lane End and along Gibbs Brook Lane to Hurst Green.
Shortly afterwards Hans stopped for some frontal re-inflation. When the news reached Peter he was so surprised he fell off his bike. Soon we were on our way again but within a mile Hans needed more extensive help with his rear tyre. Unfortunately by the time the front of the group found out they were already at the top of the hill at Limpsfield Chart. Reluctant to go back down the hill, and knowing there were eight helpers for Hans, they sat in the sun and waited.
After fifteen minutes, and mindful of the empty table waiting in the pub, Jeff agreed to wait for the delayed while I led the front group onward. Across the A25, along Clackett Lane across the M25 and up to the Pilgrim's Way. Four miles of straight and level road, with a Spitfire flying overhead, led us to Sundridge Hill. A bit of a challenge but The Three Horseshoes in Knockholt was just reward.This very welcoming pub had rearranged the tables to provide us with one long table that took up most of the bar.
Over the next thirty minutes successive cyclists arrived with stories of a foreign object in Hans' tyre so recalcitrant it required Brian's extra special pointed tool to extricate it (was it a thorn or was it a flint?), and of Rob losing a crank and having to progress with just the remaining crank.
A wide variety of good food was ordered and consumed. Three or four opted for the All Day Breakfast despite it now being nearer tea time.
As we were leaving, the staff on hearing of Rob's plight offered to give him and his uni-cranked bike a lift to the station two miles away. A most generous offer. He was last seen squeezing into the back of a Zafira. Hope you made it home alright, Rob.
The afternoon was less eventful.We headed west on the rolling roads along the top of the ridge. Past Tatsfield and Botley Hill before passing through Woldingham and swooping down the hill past the station to the Woldingham Garden Centre.
Six of us stopped for tea while others pushed on, maybe remembering the forecast for late afternoon rain. However I arrived home having only experienced a few drops of rain in Banstead. I hope everyone else was as lucky.
Special thanks to Geoff for back-marking duties and everyone for their patience thoughout the day.
P.S. Thanks to Paul for the modern plots of the route. I was leading using a thirty year old OS map and highlight pen!!
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