A Group 25th May

A dozen of us left Caterham this morning, a good turn-out for the location, particularly given that a number of stalwarts are away at the moment.  A bit of Scotch Mist as we started, but it didn't come to anything - indeed, the sun put in one or two cameo appearances, but that didn't come to anything either.

Down the hill to Bletchingley, where we joined the Eastern Loop of the Tri-Vets 100 mile ride, the purpose of the day, which was to complement Dave Vine's recce of the Western Loop a couple of weeks ago.

Things went swimmingly - the route is pretty straightforward, with quite a lot of helpful 'Surrey Cycleway' signs, and it's pretty flat too - a change for the A Group, and quite a welcome one, judging from comments made. We checked Lingfield for elevenses on the Tri-Vets - there's a garage with snacks, a couple of convenience stores and a Costa, so good enough for re-fuelling.

Lunch was at the Plough and Furrow, Smallfield, briskly served and pretty good.  The pub is now part of the 'Time Well Spent' group, which has taken over a number of pubs in the area.  It has been spruced up and had some customers other than us, which is good news for a Surrey pub on a Wednesday.

Through Horley, where we were held up a bit by the traffic lights, then back into the country and on to the Cricket Pavilion in Brockham, to check that we had the route tied down.

It was early, and we hadn't done that many miles, but a short referendum concluded that we should Remain in Denbies and eat cake.  So that's what we did.

35.8 easy miles from elevenses to tea, rolling average 13.4 mph.  If we can keep that up on the 15th then our badges are safe.

My thanks to Geoff for back marking, and to the corner markers for keeping us moving.  And a particular welcome back to Pete Betts, after a long absence due to injury.

Mark