A Group ride 6 April

The weather was looking rather iffy as we set out, rain jackets appeared to be the apparel of choice but it wasn't long before we arrived at Effingham for a quick regroup and route discussed and realising that a rather hot ride was soon in the offing rain jackets were put away. We soon had Beech Avenue, White Down, Abinger Common, Leith Hill under our wheels and heading for Standen Lane, Wallis Wood, Cox Green, Rudgwick and finally The Mucky Duck at Tismans Common.

We had a warm welcome, the food ordered and names taken allowed for quick delivery of food, plenty of room for the 14 of us.

Leaving the Mucky Duck, after heavy rain during lunch :-)

Lunch over with and the rain easing up off the jolly group set on another adventure in the wilderness of Surrey.

I was determined that the ride home should be as flat as possible, though there had to be one hill and that was to be Newlands Corner. The route home took us up Knowles Lane to Cranleigh where I was hoping to use the Downs Link but due to the wet weather it was thought better to stick to tarmac. We set off along the Guildford Road heading for Wonersh unfortunately this was a slightly different route from those that I had ridden when sorting the ride but with welcome help from the rest of the group we were soon on the right road, Chilworth, Albury were passed.

Newlands Corner our one climb soon out of the way we were soon gliding into Ripley for our stop at Pinnocks to make our choice of teas, coffee and cake.

Those of us who stayed on were served tea in posh cups and saucers, tea strainers etc.

Thanks to Brian for back marking, those that marked corners as well as those that offered to do the same.

I would like to say a big thank you to Simon, Brian and Dave for putting up with my emails when sorting my first group lead, not forgetting all of those I have chatted to with regards to their first lead ride.

~ Geoff