A Group Leaders' rides, 10 June

Flaming June!  Flaming Rain, more like.  Where was my waterproof?  Ah, just under the snow shoes. It's that long since I needed it.

The New Normal

Wednesday's ride was a chance for our leaders to try out the plans for socially-distanced rides.   Most of the A group leaders were available and so we had twelve riders, organised in two groups.  There were two groups of B leaders as well, so we staggered departures: Ged's group at 10.50, Jennie's at 11.00, mine at 11.10, and Tim's at 11.20.

Elevenses at Denbies

Bright eyed and bushy tailed eager beavers

Ged writes: It worked very well! I think being our second ride it felt more comfortable. Social distancing riding was a bit more relaxed compared to the committee ride, and the elevenses / lunch venues worked without a hitch. Well done for good route!

The only event of note on our ride was Hans, and the puncture gremlins. First, on Tilehurst Lane, when tubeless sealant didn't seal. Then more deflation on the way to Parkgate, and finally putting an inner-tube in on the descent from Coldharbour. Needless to say he didn't stop for tea at Denbies (only me!) and limped home with a squishy tyre.

Mark produced a flask of coffee and paper cups for lunch - much appreciated in the rather cool weather.
Jennies extensive loo research not needed by the ladies - bushes prevailed!

Thanks to Dave B for backmarking.

Lunch al fresco, Ewhurst Green

First A group just departing, second group just arrived

Simon writes:   Yeah, what he said.   I approached the ride with some trepidation because I hadn't been near the hills during lockdown, and hadn't ridden that far until Ged and I did a recce on Monday.  The route was fairly simple, based around the stops.   It seems you can have either countryside or facilities at the moment - we went for countryside.   No loo stops unfortunately, but everyone was warned in advance.    Elevenses worked well, the queues weren't too long and there was plenty of space for the four groups to assemble independently.  Our picnic lunch was served very quickly with a good variety of food, although it was spotting with rain by then.  It didn't seem to matter - we were all pleased to be out riding together again.

There was only one hill in the afternoon - Leith Hill, approached by Holmbury St Mary and Pasturewood Road, before a glorious descent from Coldharbour into Dorking.   Arriving hungry and thirsty at Denbies just after 3pm, we were surprised to find it closed, so we went up the road to the Stepping Stones pub at Westhumble, where we found a good welcome, tea coffee, snacks and a larger meal if you wanted it.  No beer though, yet.

Social Distancing in the Stepping Stones.

Socially distanced riding worked well.   It's not the same as previously, but I think we all felt safe, and it was great to have company on a ride.   Thank you all for your company, and especially thanks to Dave Vine for back marking the second group.  33 miles and 2123 feet of climbing from elevenses to tea.

~ Ged and Simon.