B Group - 5th February

We all arrived at elevenses in various states of fogginess but by the time we headed out there were signs of it lifting with hints of a blue sky and probably a nice day emerging. Twenty one of us looped around through Church Street to Cobham High Street and took off down past the Cobham Mill (the Mill on the Mole) towards Fetcham, taking in the more scenic Tilt Road for a brief respite from the main road. Beyond the Yehudi Menuhin School we turned into Fetcham Common Lane which starts off with good intentions but soon degenerates into a muddy track, to the delight of some and the frustration of others. We bobbled along The Glade and the Commonside path to Bookham Station then meandered our way past the Effingham Vineries and up Culvert Road.

Green Dene was the great pleasure it nearly always is although while the leader was day-dreaming two young women rocketed past him and on up the hill. Fortunately they had heeded his shouted warning and were waiting for us at the turnoff into Shere Road. Ann and Jacqui rejoined the group when it finally arrived and, as far as I could tell, behaved themselves for the rest of the ride to lunch.
 
I had warned everyone about the steep little climb up to Hillside Farm but it still seemed to surprise us. We regrouped and enjoyed the descent to West Horsley and within minutes we were parking in the garden bar around the back of the King William IV public house.
 
We were warmly welcomed at the pub and our lunches were good although Sue mentioned that she could have done with a bigger portion of her very yummy soup.
 
Just a short ride had been planned for the afternoon but it was a very pleasant one, passing through Ockham, Martyr’s Green and Downside to reach River Lane and the Upper Cobham Tilt Cemetery. Fairmile Lane and a roller-coastery stretch of the Portsmouth Road brought us to G!ro (wonky typewriter?) Cycles. Their coffee, tea and cake is extremely good and was enjoyed by quite a number of us although I forgot to count how many.
 
Thanks to everyone who marked corners and especially to Dave “Mono-cog” Cullen for his diligent work as back marker, quite a tricky undertaking on a fixed-wheel bike I think. Thanks to you all for coming out to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.
 
~ Tim