B Group - 29th March

I had posted that the ride would involve quite a lot of climbing so was very pleased at the number that turned out for the ride. Nineteen of us left The Vineries, turned right and started to climb straight away. The weather was cloudy but dry, up Beech Avenue, across Ranmore Common Road before ascending then descending Whitedown Lane. Then came the sharpest part of the trip, up Abinger Lane on past the Abinger Hatch Public House, which was tackled at a steady pace. We still had more climbing to do, Leith Hill Road and on to Coldharbour. The road surface at the top of Leith Hill was damp from the mist but the descent into Dorking was particular enjoyed by Pam and Mike Morley. That was the hardest part of the ride behind us, a good spin along the cycle path from Dorking and into The Stepping Stones at one minute past one, only 15 miles but a challenging ride. Everyone appeared ready for some refreshment and lunches and drinks were served promptly. After lunch a light drizzle started and it was certainly cooler than the forecasters had stated. Members of the group started to drop off and go their separate ways home around Leatherhead and although it was not flat after the morning’s exertions it posed few difficulties. Cobham Road then Fairmile Lane led to a short stretch of the A307 and ten of us turned into the car park at Claremont Gardens, somewhere riders had been before but not for a while. Drinks and cake were duly consumed, a very good way to end a more than pleasurable day.

For a B group ride this was meant to be challenge, and everyone managed it, hard work but I think all got something out of it.

As usual thanks to those that marked corners, and also to Jennie for back marking.

Just as a side note, whilst driving down Rushett Lane on Sunday we saw Tim Gibbons out on his bike, we didn’t have the opportunity to stop and chat but it was really good to see him out after his accident last year. Hurry back to the group Tim, you are missed!

David

A lovely ride from David J. It was very nice to engage with some of our favourite hills again. The grey weather today reflected the gravity of affairs in another sphere.

~ Tim