A Group 3 October - Cobham-Alfold-Effingham

Another lovely autumn ride.   There was a good turnout at Cobham where we sang Happy Birthday to Pam, who very kindly provided cake and refreshments for everyone.  Brian Bent had made a special card for her including two of his watercolour paintings.

We made a prompt getaway and shortly passed a sign "Cyclists: pass horses wide and slow".   Within a minute or so we were tested on this when encountering four horses on Ockham Lane.   I hope we did OK.  It seemed that the weather had put a tiger in our tank with what seemed a fairly pacey ride via West Horsley, Albury Heath, Farley Heath and Cranleigh on our way to lunch at The Three Compasses, Alfold Crossways, so we were there a little before 1pm and we were able to sit outside again, a treat at this time of year.   Mike Morley had gone his own way but joined us a little later. Good food, good beer and good service meant we were fed promptly, but it seemed a leisurely lunch in the warm sunshine.

A quick look at the new bridge over the Wey and Arun Canal, a change of back marker, and we sped off eastwards along Baynards Road, where we ricocheted off West Sussex at Cox Green and turned north towards Ewhurst Green and Holmbury St Mary.

Now there was a choice: behind the Volunteer pub there is a bridleway which leads down to the main A25, connecting with its twin on the other side to take you back up again to join the NCN22 track (which Ken tells me is called Albury Rough?).  This then rejoins the road route on White Down Lane, unfortunately near the bottom.   Four took the road route and the rest risked the off-road route, with some nice views, a few tree roots, brambles and rather feeble nettles to make it interesting.  I think they enjoyed it.   Then we needed a rocket to get us up White Down before stopping at Effingham Vineries for tea.   The road riders were there in time but the off-road crew were just after closing time at 4pm - and Sue discovered a puncture just as we arrived, caused by a big piece of glass.   Once that was dealt with, some of us went on to Carolina's at Bookham for tea and cake.

Just under 42 miles in total, with 2750 feet of ascent.  Many thanks for Mike Barrett and Geoff for back marking, and to all the corner markers.

Only two hills...

Post script:

I just had a call from Phil, the landlord of The Three Compasses: "We get all sorts of groups in here, and I just wanted to say your group was an absolute delight".