Mission report: A Group 17 July

After years of training, sixteen of the Wayfarers' finest escaped the gravitational pull of their sofas and made their way to the launchpad at Cape Vineries, Effingham.  Unfortunately two were not selected for the mission, so Geoff and Peter had to make their way back to their quarters to wait for another opportunity.   Outside, some of the most advanced cycling technology on earth had been assembled for the mission (and, it has to be said, some of the worst too).

Lift-off was set for 11.00 BST.  As the final seconds ticked down, the tension was almost noticeable.   With a few seconds to go - a technical hitch.  Countdown was delayed due to a faulty bottle cage noticed in pre-flight inspection.   A replacement was found and fitted, but not without a twenty minute delay.

Finally, the countdown was restarted, and the mission blasted off skywards, heading towards White Down.  Evasive action had to be taken to avoid space junk, in the form of the B Group, but no collisions were detected in the ascent.   Mission control had been working hard to re-plan the mission after the delayed lift-off, and a planned orbit of Abinger Common had to be abandoned to keep everything on track.  A new trajectory directly towards Holmbury St Mary was programmed in, and then it was a matter of waiting and enjoying the views in the airless environment of Ewhurst Green.

Soon they were on their descent towards Loxwood, but, at this critical moment, would you believe it, the guidance computer malfunctioned, directing them along a bridleway which would have taken them to the dark side of Loxwood.   The Loxwood Excursion Module was quickly switched to manual control and a safe landing was made at The Onslow Arms, to the relief of all involved.

A few grainy pictures are attached, evidence in case anyone disputes that we actually went there.   After an hour or so of extra-bicycular activity it was time to head for home.  Leaving a few uneaten chips and empty glasses as souvenirs, lift-off was achieved, this time without a hitch.   The route back was over Winterfold - not because it is easy, but because it is hard.  Then came the buffeting re-entry down Hound House Road into Shere.   A final burn, gasping for breath up Coombe Lane, and our heroes gently floated down to tea at West Horsley.

Thanks to everyone who made it a success: Mike Barrett for back-marking, Peter Betts for joining me on the "Apollo 10" reconnaissance mission last week, all those who marked corners, and everyone for your company on a nice day out.