April lived up to its reputation for showers with a few heavy showers scattered throughout the day. 14 of us left Caterham in sunshine but as we headed out through Marden Park we could see rain clouds gathering. I was soon beginning to feel cold and wet and not looking forward to the journey ahead. Fortunately aided by a westerly wind we made good progress, the rain cleared and the sun soon dried us out enough to enjoy the last few miles through Smithers Lane and the pretty village of Cowden, to our final destination the Kentish Horse in Mark Beech. It was a busy pub with a large group of walkers and a few other cyclists already in for lunch, and a sign outside advising that all tables were booked. We were well catered for by the friendly and efficient staff and were lucky enough to have a dry start for our ride home, which started with a nice long descent towards Edenbridge. Unfortunately Mark had to return to the pub as he had left his glasses behind, I trust he had a good ride home. Again the rain started, plus we were battling against a headwind, but again it did stop after a while for a dry ride home. David V punctured about half way back, we debated whether to wait but as he had advised us to continue we pressed on (Thanks to Geoff for staying to assist David). Being too late for most tea stops 3 of us headed for Coughlans bakery in Caterham on the Hill for tea, while the rest made a beeline for home.
Not a perfect day this week, but an enjoyable day nevertheless.
Thanks as usual to all corner markers and Janice for back marking.
Stats and map added, thanks to Simon. From 11s to tea total 42.3 miles and 2956 feet of climbing
2 comments:
Thanks for a good ride, Keith. I recovered my specs, took a guess which way you had gone, and after a bit I saw Janice in the distance. She was quite hard to catch, and when I did, I could see that he wasn't Janice ...
Blindley Heath, over Tilburtstow, Hilltop Lane and up on to Farthing Downs. I waited there in the sunshine for a few minutes, thinking that you might be heading for tea in Coulsdon, but no luck. So over the hill to Woodmansterne and home for tea.
Keith, thanks for a super ride in country we do not often visit, and should know better. On the return I managed to achieve a personal best double puncture. First(front) was in the middle of muddy nowhere, but thankfully Geoff returned to help, and guided me on the return route. We can’t have been far behind you as we could sometimes see your tyre tracks. Unfortunately on a whim I decided to take us up Tandridge Hill, rewarded only by a sight of a group of deer in a sunlit glade, before realising the error of our ways and descending Gangers Lane to the Woldingham School road.
Second (rear) puncture was in Manor Park; thanks Geoff for staying, but by the time it was fixed we were both ready for home.
Thanks again for the ride, and especially to Geoff for his help.
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