A Group Ride Report 11 October

A blustery day for the Freewheel competition saw a baker’s dozen A riders leave Dorking. Welcome back to Mike Morley, recovered sufficiently from his injuries to ride with us again.

At the top of Roothill it was cold and started to rain, but no matter, the wind was definitely from behind, and we are told the wet road reduces rolling resistance. Mark as a several times winner had generously stepped aside from the competition and handled the pushing off. Simon was safety marshal, and Terry, armed with mysteriously coloured sticks was the referee. Congratulations to Mike and Steve from our group as winner and runner-up. Pam and Steph swept the board for the ladies. We finished with a quick prize giving, with Ed’s meticulously hand wrought original artwork for prizes, before hurriedly leaving in increasing rain to lunch.

Our group lunched at the Plough at Leigh. I had hoped for a quick lunch, but as the rain and wind increased I was persuaded to agree that there was no hurry. We were joined by Hans who had come independently in trying weather.  

After lunch the ride consisted of a few miles to Ockley, straight into the wind, followed by a wind-assisted climb up Leith Hill and Whitedown, the latter mercifully traffic free due to the continuing water works; long may they continue. Generously the peloton agreed to an off-road track to the nearest tea stop at Polesden Lacey, where some described the track as “not as bad as they expected”.

I had reccied this route last week in sunny weather, when I could admire the autumn tints, and enjoy the views on a clear day from the tops of the climbs. But it’s autumn now so we must take the weather as it comes.

Thanks to Mark and Simon for back marking, and to the whole group for staying with the ride in far from ideal circumstances.

28miles Dorking to tea, 2028ft climbing, average temp 13deg, 11.25mph ave moving speed, 15mph headwind, 1,300 calories.