A Group 12 October: Dorking - Newdigate - Denbies

Freewheel Competition trophy, hand made by Ed

Map of the river Mole seen at the Surrey Oaks

A short burst of rain around 9.30 may have deterred some people but despite the uncertain forecast, that was the only rain of the day.   Everyone was trying to appear relaxed about the Freewheel Competition but I could spot telltale signs of meticulous preparation, not least the consumption of bread pudding and cheese scones at Dorking.   Around 15 in the A group reached Root Hill via a slightly roundabout route which included a practice freewheel down Inholms Lane.   After all the preparations we were so quick on the practice that we arrived around 10 minutes early at the competition start line.   Conditions were marred by a north-westerly breeze with a whiff of manure, and more importantly Farmer McSpreader driving his tractor up and down the hill during the competition.    Despite this, a good time was had by all.  Congratulations to the winners and thanks to Terry and Tony Hooker for organising.

Lunch was at The Surrey Oaks at Newdigate: a nice pub with a good choice of ales and a rather eclectic menu, where all found something good to eat.   Then it was swiftly over to Capel and Beare Green: gently uphill all the way so that by the time we began the assault on Leith Hill we were already at 110 metres.    Anstie Lane is one of our less-used ways up to Coldharbour, last visited by me on Mark's Octopus ride, with good views from the top.  I decided to visit the remaining tentacle of the Octopus by coming down Logmore Lane, which was closed on the day

Looking south from the top of Anstie Lane

 of the Octopus ride itself.   It is by now traditional to include a bit of the Pilgrim's Way in our rides and Logmore Lane could perhaps qualify, as it is certainly a holy road.  We descended with care and and then, after getting a bit lost in the metropolis of Westcott, we eventually found the cycle track into Dorking and back to Denbies to join the B's for tea and cake.

A good day out and quite a bit of sunshine in the afternoon.   Thank you to Colin for back marking and to all for your company.