The forecast of 50mph gusts and heavy rain showers did not look good for cycling. My ride to Cobham down the Portsmouth Road, directly into the southwest wind, was hard work and slow - 6mph at one point!. The British Legion was unusually quiet but come 11 o'clock there were fourteen takers for the trip further south.
Plough Lane, Ockham Lane and Long Reach took us to West Horsley. Straight over the roundabout, up Shere Road and down Combe Lane to Shere. Here we diverted down Rectory Lane and across the bridge by the ford to pass what must be the tidiest allotments in Surrey.
Up out of Shere we headed for Farley Green before crossing Winterfold Forest. The strong winds were blowing in the trees but at ground level there was a lot of protection. The road is very narrow but thankfully we encountered no cars on this section. We all managed to safely negotiate the appalling road surface on the descent to Smithwood Common.
In Cranleigh High Street we turned right into Knowle Lane before taking Baynard's Road to Cox Green. Half a mile south down Church Street brought us to The King's Head in Rudgwick.
The welcome was friendly and a wide range of good food was taken. While we were in the pub it rained - the first significant rain of the day. As we were about to leave Geoff discovered a flat rear tyre and (recently nourished with a ham and carpet sandwich) set about quickly replacing the tube.
After lunch the wind was generally behind us so swifter progress was made. We headed north through Ellen's Green and on to Ewhurst Green. Here we turned into Plough Lane to bypass Ewhurst before heading for Holmbury Hill. From Holmbury St Mary we took Pasture Wood Road to Abinger Common and then Hollow Road to the A25.
At the bottom of Coast Hill we turned into Balchins Lane to follow the NCN cycle route around the back of Wescott and into Dorking.
Tea was taken at Pilgrim Cycles in West Humble where the finer points of bicycle design were discussed at length. While we were taking tea it rained again but stopped before we left to go home.
Thanks to all the brave souls for venturing out and to Dave E for backmarking.
P.S. As I got to my front door it just started to rain again - so all the rain today was while we were inside. I think I'll get a lottery ticket this week.
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