B Group - 2nd May

I guess we all knew it was going to be a wet ride as 11 brave souls set off on the B Group ride, pinning their hopes perhaps on the forecast of a better afternoon.  We were heading to Guildford for lunch and after leaving Cobham along Plough Lane, it was a steady climb in a SW direction, i.e. the same direction from which the wind was blowing, to East Clandon.  With the steep climb up Staple Lane over & done with, it was a very speedy descent down Combe Lane where, nearing the bottom, Pam & a van met at a very large puddle, most of which landed on her as it went by!  This event was witnessed only by Sue who regaled us with the story (I hope I got that right, Sue & Pam).  It was still raining heavily as we sped on through Albury & Chilworth.  However, skies ahead were starting to lighten and by the time we reached the Britannia pub in Guildford the rain had stopped & the sun was coming out.

This was our first visit to the Britannia & they looked after us well with jugs of water & glasses already on the reserved tables - not that we were really in need of water given the weather but it was a nice touch.  Food appeared quickly & everyone seemed happy. 

With it looking as if the sunshine was here to stay a while, some were bold enough to take off waterproof trousers, and we set off on the homeward run feeling much more cheerful.  The route was as direct as one could make it from Guildford back to Cobham and apart from Robert's slow puncture requiring some air a couple of times, we were blessed with sunshine all the way & the knowledge that there must have been rain ahead of us as the roads were steaming in the sun.  How lucky could we be!  Tea was at the Medicine Garden.  There had been 11 of us at the start, 9 of us at lunchtime & 8 at teatime.  Well done to everyone who came on the ride and thanks to Tim as back-marker.   It was a pity about the deluge that came after tea, though the sun hopefully dried everyone out again before they got home.

Gill Finlay

Home and Dry at the Medicine Garden