Sandwiched between the heatwave and today's rain we had the perfect day yesterday to explore some lovely lanes in a part of Surrey and West Sussex we rarely visit. Seventeen of us gathered to turn out of the Yvonne Arnaud when latecomers Neil and Alan made a last minute dash to appear from our left along the A281. It was good to see Dave Ferrett join us having taken his first few rides with the Bs. Once clear of the main road after Shalford we made a tour of the worst surfaced roads in Surrey taking in Unstead Lane, Tuesley Lane and then Water Lane at Enton. After Wormley conditions improved and from Brook we climbed to via Boundless Farm and the old A3 bridleway to the top of Gibbet Hill. The old Sailor's Stone is always a good resting place for its views of the old A3 alignment and the Devil's Punchbowl.
From here a long descent through Hindhead and Bramshott to Hammer Vale and then a short sharp climb to Linchmere. Then it really was almost all downhill to a very good lunch at the Red Lion in Fernhurst.
Some early concerns about timing were misplaced in spite of the pub only
have one bar staff old enough to serve alcohol to nineteen thirsty
cyclists! After a little consultation on Alistair's gears and the statutory
gathering outside the pub we were on our way home. Our path past the cable laying on the (closed) lane from the pub was eased by the workmen with a smile. From Lickfold back the increasing breeze was at our backs and so we made light work of the run through Chiddingfold and Hambledon back to tea. A few had already headed for home
but thirteen ( I think) stopped to enjoy the Boat House at Farncombe. Many thanks to Simon for back marking and I'm told providing motivational assistance to those at the back of the peleton. Also to Janice for the photos and the Relive file attached below and all those corner markers who gave us a free flowing ride.
https://www.relive.cc/view/1758736826
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