B Group - 27th March

With a fine day forecast and no sign of any wind, conditions were good for today's ride from Leatherhead and 23 cyclists set off, heading to Betchworth for lunch via a circuitous route which involved a couple of steep climbs and a general upward direction almost from the start.  Taking Lower Road to Great Bookham, we turned south, past the Polesden Lacey turn-off, on to Chapel Lane where the wonderful downhill stretch was the reward for the climb.  Joining London Road at West Humble, we took the cycle path to Dorking, crossed Reigate Road on to another cycle path, to reach Punchbowl Lane.  Here another climb was rewarded with a good downhill stretch to Blackbrook Road.  Turning off at Red Lane, we now headed east along pleasant, flat country roads with views to the North Downs, before turning north on to Middle Street which gave us a speedy descent down to Wellhouse Road.  Here we turned eastwards again, before hitting Snowerhill Road which led us along The Street into the pretty village of Betchworth.  Passing the Dolphin pub, we continued up to the Old Reigate Road and The Red Lion & Cellar Room pub.

The Cellar Room, a long narrow room with a curved ceiling, had been set aside for us and tables were laid up with jugs of water and glasses, as well as the usual cutlery.  Orders were taken at the bar and food started arriving fairly quickly.  Everyone seemed happy with their meal and with the comfortable decor of the Cellar Room.  With the obligatory group photo having been taken, we were on the road again by 2.05 p.m.  The afternoon's ride was very straightforward and relatively flat, across to Brockham and the Golf Course path, Pixham Lane and the cycle path up to Leatherhead where we learned that Tony Hopkins had had to abandon his bike at a house when a twig caused the derailleur to break and that he was making his own way home by bus.  A few headed home at Leatherhead, while a group of 13 continued to Squires at Stoke D'Abernon for afternoon tea.  With the sun beginning to make itself felt, we sat outside for the first time this year(?).  It really felt as if Spring was here, especially as we had been seeing so many spring flowers and blossoms, as well as new green leaves on trees and hedges, and heard birds singing.  Commiserations to Liz, who came off her bike when leaving Squires, fortunately not causing any major damage to herself.  Special thanks to back marker, Ray Youlden, to the many willing corner markers and to everyone for coming on the ride.

Gill Finlay