B Group - 23rd November

I wanted Wednesday’s ride from Leatherhead to be ‘challenging’ rather than ‘hard’ so was very pleased when Ray Dare described it as just that. 14 of us left ‘elevenses’ and travelled to Dorking using the well known cycle track, which someone had very thoughtfully cleared two tracks along the path where the leaves were at their worst so we didn’t have to cycle on a slippery, wet surface. We took Pixham Lane, crossed the A25 and then up Punchbowl Lane, from there by way of Henfold Lane which includes the 17% rise, to Capel and onto Rusper.  At exactly 01.00pm we arrived for lunch at The Star Inn in Rusper, we had pre-ordered so our choices were served promptly and we all seemed to enjoy the meal, sitting around a large table that had been set-aside for us.

The Star in Rusper

We left the pub and travelled via Lambs Green and Parkgate for the 11 miles to the tea stop, The Shop at Strood Green, where we arrived at 03.00pm. 10 of us had various drinks and some wonderful cakes at this lovely little tearoom, again a pleasurable time relaxing and chatting.
 
Eventually we left to make our ways home, some riding all the way others opting for a train assisted journey.
 

It had remained dry for the whole day and a wonderful example of a late autumn day.

Thanks as usual to those that marked corners, Tony, Steff, Terry and others, it is so helpful in enabling the ride to keep moving at a good pace. Thanks also to Jennie for back marking.

David J

Jennie, our back marker

David, our leader