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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