What a gorgeous day for a ride. It was either the weather or the free refreshments that attracted a large group of us to Cobham. Or possibly the compelling rides on offer. Our refreshments were paid for out of a most generous gift to the Wayfarers from a Royal British Legion member, Ted Cole - Thank you!
A sizeable A group left promptly and headed for the hills, destination Rudgwick. It was great to see Trevor back out with us after a very lengthy absence after his nasty accident (well - are there any nice accidents?). Jennie was pleased to learn that there were only two hills to climb, but unfortunately they took most of the morning. Our route took us through Ockham to Hungry Hill and Staple Lane, the first climb. After Shere we engineered a near miss with Peaslake, opting instead for the very quiet Lawbrook Lane, which delivered us to the summit of Pitch Hill in a gentle but relentless climb.
Dave B punctured around here so we had a pleasant wait in the woodlands [on Surrey's second highest road: Barhatch road] while a small group of domestiques attended to it (or maybe just watched Dave fix it himself?). All the hard work of the climb was undone in a few moments down Barhatch Road and we were a few miles north of lunch. But first there was the Downs Link to visit. Only perhaps a mile, nothing to match Dave's off-road extravaganza last week, but it was enough to give us a taste of the varied assortment of stony, muddy, and nettly cycling on offer. Soon we were at the King's Head, where it took a while to take orders and serve us, but everyone seemed happy to relax in the sunshine.
After lunch we took familiar routes back through Okewoodhill and Weare Street to Newdigate and Denbies. I'm sorry I had to abandon the group to get their own tea, but I had to dash home as we had last-minute tickets to see Beating Retreat at Horseguards parade, a military musical extravaganza with in excess of 300 army musicians and, even better, more than 30 trombones!
It's a pleasure to lead such a great bunch of cyclists. Experienced riders who mark corners and a reliable back marker (thank you Mike R) make the job of leading that much easier, and I think makes for a better ride for the whole group. Thank you all.
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