B Group - 28th December

They were all still inside!

After a frosty ride down to Bocketts Farm for most of us the fog dissipated and the bleak Turneresque sky drew aside to unveil the sun in all its Winter splendour. Helene eventually prised herself and nine others out of the Tearooms to set off at 11:15 down Hawks Hill towards Leatherhead before looping back to Great Bookham and Effingham. After a brief stretch on the A246 we headed up Green Dene, one of our favourites, even in mid-Winter.

We descended Staple Lane, enjoying the panoramic views of the landscape as we went. From East Clandon we proceeded through Ockham towards Cobham where we turned sharp left up Leigh Hill Road, through Fairmile into Sandy Lane. Fairoak Lane brought us to Malden Rushett for a straight run into Epsom.

After riding 26 miles, which is way more than B Group usually manage before lunch, it was nearly 2 p.m. when we rolled up at the Wetherspoons pub in Epsom to find it doing a roaring trade. Unsurprisingly it took a little longer than usual to deliver our food but it was good stuff and with no afternoon ride scheduled we could take our time over lunch and conversation. Most of us must have made it home before dark.

It was an excellent day out and a good thing that Helene completely ignored my advice about the ride she had planned having too many miles in it.

~ Tim