Welcome to the first ride of the 2017 autumn season. The
weather forecast was dire, but 16 brave riders left Cobham with me, destination
Dunsfold. My first objective, to descend Combe Lane in the dry was missed, and
thereafter it got steadily wetter. We briefly lost, but shortly regained, two
riders, reminding me always to ask a rider to mark every turn.
Arriving at the Sun Inn, thoroughly soaked, we were quickly
served with pre-ordered meals, eaten in front of a blazing log fire, proof that
winter is closing in.
On leaving the pub the rain had become torrential and most
sensible folk decided to ride to Godalming or Guildford to catch trains. In
keeping with the CTC tradition that all rides must include a tea stop I continued
on my planned return route. Ken came with me as far as Ewhurst, where he left
to ride home directly via Combe Lane. I reached Dorking before deciding that
enough was enough and taking tea on the train. And then the real rain started ……….
Thanks to everyone for turning out on such a rotten day, to
Brian and Ken for route advice on my unrehearsed short cut to lunch, Mark for
the photos and for Ged for back marking on a demanding ride.
Not forgetting Neil, absent today on his LEL adventure; many
congratulations on an undertaking few of us would have attempted.
Ride sats 22miles to lunch, 12.25mph, 1,500 ft climbing, 992
cals, about 1 inch of rain and no
punctures.
No comments:
Post a Comment