A Group 18th Jan

I set off for Dorking with some trepidation after reading of Steve Duffin's icy mishaps on Tuesday and an even harder frost overnight. After a dry and clear run to elevenses I was more relaxed and heartened that there were 12 of us prepared to venture out. It would have been 14 if David and Jennie had not had problems en route.

I had changed my plans to avoid potentially icy lanes early in the ride and we made it to Newdigate via Red Lane and Park Gate untroubled by ice. From here through Capel and Ockley it was a different story and caution was the watchword. Fortunately there was little traffic and at times we needed to take advantage of the full width of the road.

The water main is being replaced in Standen Lane and this didn't seem the morning to test whether access was possible so we went up Mole Street. The shady descent through Holmbury St Mary looked treacherous in places and I for one was glad to reach the Volunteer where we were joined by Ray and Ken who had come over Whitedown.

Steve and Dave headed home over Newlands after lunch. Discretion meant simplifying the route so we just went via Abinger Hatch and Hollow Lane to the A25 which we followed to Dorking.

We reached Bike Beans at 3 to find them locking up early ( should be 4) but Jamie opened up and 8 of us enjoyed tea and cake to round off a cold but enjoyable day.

My thanks to Steve and Geoff for back marking, amd Geoff and Janice for the photos.

                                                     A wintry scene from the Volunteer.