Friday, July 03, 2015

B Group , 1 July 2015


Cobham - Cranleigh - Denbies

The weather forecast was that it was going to be unusually hot. We assembled at the British Legion in Cobham for elevenses.
Despite the forecast, fifteen riders set off. We set out for Cranleigh, going via Effingham Junction, East Horsley, Combe Bottom, Shere and Ewhurst.  As the conditions were unusually hot and the route hilly, there were a few dropping out along the way. However, this occurred in an orderly fashion (nobody sat in the road sobbing and saying they couldn’t go any further). We stopped at The Park Hatch, just outside Cranleigh, for lunch.     
The meals and service at The Park Hatch were excellent. There was also a good choice of beers and lagers. I am not aware that The Wayfarers had been there before.
 After lunch, we went via Ewhurst, Forest Green and Coldhabour heading for Dorking. Again as the conditions were very hot, there were a few more drop-outs. The route involved negotiating a steep hill. Those of us remaining, down to five at this stage, walked the hill. Since all routes up to Coldhabour from Forest Green involve hills up which I have to walk, it seemed sensible to me to pick the shortest one.   
Finely, there was a long run down to Dorking. Dorking was choked with traffic because the schools were turning out. Eventually, we got round to Denbies for tea (three of us by this stage).
Despite it being the hottest July day on record, I think we all acquitted ourselves well.  
Finally, I am very grateful to John Austin who backed-up for us during the morning. Also, a few people marshalled corners when we were spread out. Fortunately, there weren’t any incidents of note (somebody’s water bottle fell off and there was an unscheduled comfort-stop). Having good back-up support is essential.   
Peter Carpenter

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