A beautiful day for a ride, with dry roads and the prospect of
sun later, but unfortunately not all went well.
21 of us left Cobham, taking the track across Bookham
Common, thankfully reasonably dry, to avoid the long drag up to Effingham.
After climbing Chapel Lane out of Bookham, Patrick had the misfortune to fall heavily
when descending Bagden Hill. As he was unable to move and in pain an ambulance
was called. Thanks to everyone for controlling the traffic and looking after
Patrick while we waited for the ambulance. He was eventually taken to hospital
where his injuries were diagnosed as a fractured collar bone and two fractured
fingers, not to mention the bruising. He was discharged Wednesday evening.
Special thanks to Neil Warland for accompanying Patrick, and letting us know
how things were going.
Meanwhile the ride continued, with an advance party taking
an adventurous route through the Denbies estate to the Royal Oak just south of
Dorking, to be joined by the rest of us taking a direct route.
A good lunch was quickly served to our reduced party, but it
was around 2.30 when we left. One climb remained, Ranmore Rd out of Dorking,
for me the first time as a Wayfarer. After assembly at the top it was downhill
almost all the way to tea at Ashtead Park Garden Centre, where we mustered 6.
We wish Patrick a speedy and pain-free recovery. Many thanks
to everyone for their quick thinking and support on a difficult day, to Janice
for photos, and of course to our much-appreciated back marker.
We should also thank the paramedics who arrived within 15
minutes and dealt with Patrick in such a professional and caring way.
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