B Group 16 January - Sutton Abinger

30 miles with 1900 ft of climbing

Was it the weather or the North Downs that reduced B group size to 8 riders?

We left Hersham in slight drizzle and were soon left in the wake of the A group as they whizzed by also bound for Bookham Common.  We took the exclusive route through the gated Icklingham Road and Oxshott Way Estates and made our way over the River Mole via the Tilt wooden bridge through Downside and across Bookham Common to Effingham. In hindsight we made a good choice to do the off-road route in the relatively dry morning conditions.

We took the High Barn Road option as Dave 'Fixie' said he wanted to increase his heart rate, and then up and over Whitedown to the Volunteer at Sutton Abinger. The food service was prompt and portions were generous so we were not in a hurry to leave as the rain had settled in.

Four of us headed home via Cobham, the others went via the Dorking route. Rain had eased so we had a pleasant wind assisted ride through Shere and up and over Combe Bottom - another chance for the Fixie to build up strength.

The Magnificent Six at The Volunteer

Just as I reached home it rained hard so my wife took pity and provided tea and cakes to four bedraggled cyclists. I almost felt guilty as three cyclists set off in the gloom and the rain.

Thank you to John Austin for back-marking.  An enjoyable ride in good company.

~Ken