It was not a promising start at all, and given the murky, dank conditions, you could easily have you thought yourself in November rather than April! I cheered myself up by riding from Walton to Leatherhead and then catching the hourly train to Holmwood from where it was only a short ride to elevenses. It didn't save that many miles but it made me feel much better and saved me re-riding a boring bit I'd already done on the recce ride! All credit to the 'B's', we mustered five at elevenses. Tony d'Italia decided not to continue to lunch but Mike Morley asked to join us as far as Ewhurst, and, just as we were setting off, Brian Bent appeared and also joined us. Given the giant puddles and waterlogged roads I decided to shorten the planned route and, from Capel, we fittingly took 'B' roads the whole way! Mainly the traffic was very quiet until Cranleigh, and some of the surfaces were excellent!
We waited a while for our food at The Red Lion owing to the presence of another large group, but, when it did come, it went down well and was good value. We set off again at about 2.00 pm, pausing only for Brian to tighten a loose crank on the tortuous climb up to Blackheath. At the turn for Combe Bottom Brian decided to head for Dorking, leaving four of us. It had gradually brightened after elevenses but now we were riding back into the cloud and gloom! The others left me at East Horsley and we went our separate ways home. About 50 miles in all for me, even with the train assist, and a good two Leith Hills' worth of climbing! Many thanks to all for your company!
David W
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