21 November A ride from Leatherhead

I started planning this ride, not so long ago, when we could sit outside for lunch or tea. The idea was to explore some of the quieter lanes and unsurfaced tracks on the way to Sidlow. Then it rained, and rained, and the tracks were ruined. Then it was cold with rumours of snow on the downs.

So plan B was an all road ride, 20 flattish miles to lunch, 17 hilly-ish miles to tea. Important was to get to Banstead before 4.00 when Pistachios started putting away their cakes.

Sixteen of us left Leatherhead just after 11, in welcome sunshine. We were unlucky when the puncture fairy struck just before Newdigate, so to keep to schedule we diverted direct to the pub, arriving in good time. The Three Horseshoes gives you a warm welcome, good beer, and good value food, so unsurprisingly we lingered a bit, despite the sunshine outside.

It was well after 2 when we left, and the sun and temperature were clearly going down, hence the hurried picture. Mark and Ken opted for direct routes home. The rest of the group rode a couple of lesser known lanes before tackling the three climbs to get us to Banstead, where we arrived, suitably warmed up, with 10 minutes to spare. Tea and cakes for some, direct routes home for others.

We had met and briefly mingled with the B group at Merstham, who were recovering from a particularly gruelling ascent of Farthing Down, and managed to peel off Alan Imeson to tea, and briefly Mike Morley.

Thanks to all for their company and support, especially to Jennie for back marking, assisting with puncture repair, and keeping the B’s at bay.

33 Miles to tea, 2000ft of climbing, 13.8 mph before lunch, 12.1mph on the hills afterwards.