A good turn-out at Cobham today, and the weather wasn't too bad, either. A bit colder than of late, and a bit of a breeze, but dry, and sunny later.
Off to the hills - Hungry Hill first, then Staple Lane, down to Shere and round to Peaslake by Jesses Lane, a pretty way of going. Flatter after this, and we put the pace up nicely, being pleased to cross the County Line into West Sussex - and even more pleased to be at the pub a few minutes later.
We were made welcome at the Kings Head, Rudgwick, a pub known to several Wayfarers for its pies. I was unaware of this, but pies, beer and sandwiches were promptly served and equally promptly despatched. We were back on the road just after two, in the sunshine, now.
Quiet and pretty dry roads up Okewood Hill, and then up Weare Street, having to run the gauntlet of the two geese by the pond, both very keen to assert their territory. Flowers in the hedgerows giving a spring-like air to things. All very nice, but it's not Spring yet. Let's hope Winter doesn't return.
Past Newdigate and up the Henfold Road the peloton had the bit between its teeth, but we kept to smaller groups with good space for cars to pass, which seemed to go off nicely. Although not busy, this was probably the busiest part of what had been a very quiet ride.
Into Denbies for tea, where the Wayfarers' Bake-Off prize went to the cherry and marzipan cake. A little heavy, thought some; portions might have been larger, opined others. But the clear winner of this week's competition. Surf Cake next week, perhaps?
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37.9 miles elevenses to tea, with a seasonally appropriate rolling average of 13.2 mph. My thanks to Mike for his sterling work as back marker, and to all who acted as corner markers. Keeps the pace up.
An enjoyable day out in good company - thank you all.
Mark
ps: Editor please note the solid attempt to avoid photographs of cyclists outside pubs. There is only one. (Well, you have to have one ...)
4 comments:
Mark an excellent ride and thanks also to Mike Barratt as an excellent and patient back marker as far as I was concerned. I found the ride through wind and hills quite tough!
To add to my woes I decided to duck out from tea and ascend to home via Pebble Hill, glutton for punishment, the traffic was diabolical and the white van drivers a complete menace, clearly rushing to get to the pub as many of them do before going home to their wives to profess what a long and hard day they have had!
Mark,
It is such a joy to see these A Group athletes,(or do I mean aesthetes?),having overcome pre-prandial hills and other carefully calculated adversities, champing at the bit for whatever post-prandial trials and tribulations might await them. I wouldn't have it any other way!
It is indeed a pleasure to see these well-oiled machines in action, Jeff. Of course, the problem with athletes performing at this level is that a minor lapse in training regime or diet - cake, in this instance - can have dire consequences.
I confess to being better oiled than my machine. As you say, a minor lapse takes it Toll - but the open road beckons.
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