B Group - 8th March

A smallish group set out from the Redhill Christian Centre, up Redstone Hill towards Nutfield but turned off the A25 as soon as possible, towards the aerodrome, Smallfield and beyond. Though it wasn't at all necessary to go through Turners Hill to get to Lingfield John had decided that we needed the exercise so up we went. There were no grumblings at all from the peloton but the back marker only just managed to keep up, his legs not having done a lot since Christmas. After a brief skirmish with East Grinstead where we decided that Lowdells Lane was too muddy to ride we headed due north for Lingfield. 21.6 miles

Being only three in number we were glad to be joined by Ian who came to Elevenses and then rematerialised at The Greyhound. This pub is very good value and serves substantial portions of good food at a most reasonable price.

We zig-zagged in a westerly direction through to Smallfield then north and across the M23 to Salfords then Reigate. The Maison du Vélo is in Lesbourne Road and they serve a really decent cuppa. Good cakes too but after only 12.5 miles our big lunches hadn't quite gone down enough for us to be tempted.

We split off in three different directions, Terry to Dorking, John to Banstead via Reigate Hill, while I headed back through Redhill to retrace the undulating route of the North Cheam group's ride to Elevenses.

Now that we have read David Ward's account of the Easy Riders' day we know why our numbers were so depleted. We did nonetheless have a very good day out. Thanks John.

(34.1 miles and about 1800 feet of climbing)

~ Tim

Leader John with peloton Terry