B Group - 22nd January

As we all exchanged recent blue skies for grey an encouraging number of riders braved the mist and murk for tea and bread pudding at Dorking Christian Center.

Suitably refreshed fourteen B riders eventually mustered themselves outside the church. Despite a marginally late departure we set a good pace down the High Street, across the A24 and through Pixham Village towards Westhumble.

Unfortunately the first casualty of the day occurred at this stage as Rob’s chain broke and he had to abandon the group to seek repair and sanctuary at Pilgrim Cycles.

Undeterred the rest of us made a determined ascent of Box Hill encouraged by a small group of very able ‘Tour de France’ style cyclists who sped past us on the way. After a brief respite at the top, amongst increasingly thick cloud, we continued along Boxhill Road then left towards Walton-on-the-Hill.

At this stage we took what should have been a scenic route along Hurst and Walton Road but persistent mist marred the views. Continuing alone Langley Vale Road we emerged at the grandstand on Epsom Downs and headed over and past the Beefeater pub on the opposite side. An undulating route along Tattenham and Shawley Way brought us to flatter terrain across Nork Park and into the back of Banstead.

The management of the ‘Woolpack’ had reserved an area for us to have lunch which was fortunate as the pub was very busy. No doubt the increase in popularity is in some way due to its recent extensive refurbishment. Nevertheless we were all eventually served, after an initial delay, in what proved to be very comfortable surroundings. It was good that Mike M and Jeff T were also able to join us.

After lunch some of our lady members decided to make their own way home so a smaller group of seven riders braved increasing thickening cloud and mist to embark on a shorter ride in the afternoon.

We headed on back up and across Epsom Downs and at this stage experienced our second casualty as Christine suffered a puncture. Fortunately Tim C came to the rescue to facilitate a repair in what were now increasingly declining conditions of visibility due to mist and fog.

A final quartet descended down Chalk Lane, around the back of Epsom Hospital and across into Epsom Common. After a minor tour of the Horton Estate we finally arrived at the Old Moat where Tony H treated us to some pre-birthday refreshment. Happy birthday Tony !

Many thanks to all those who joined me on my first ride as leader. Thanks to Tim C who operated as back marker and to all who volunteered to mark corners. The weather was not ideal and the views limited but nevertheless an enjoyable day out in good company.

Tim G

The dotted turquoise line on the map shows Tim's actual route to the Old Moat Café. After having fun with Christina's puncture, caused I suspect by poor quality rim tape very poorly fitted in her wheel, she and I skipped Tea and headed for New Malden.

Congratulations to Tim for getting off to such a strong start with planning and leading his first ride with us.

Thanks to Steve Duffin for leading a group of riders from North Cheam. I had sprung this request on him at breakfast time when it appeared that we risked having nobody at North Cheam who knew the way to Dorking well enough to lead.

After chatting to Tim G and others I would say that for Dorking we should consider starting out from North Cheam at 9 o'clock. This would give riders who have already had an undulating ride of over 20 miles in some cases, by the time they reach Dorking, more time to recuperate and enjoy their morning tea before tackling the mountains of Surrey. Something to discuss further.

~ Tim C