B Group leaders rides - 10th June

Ten riders that lead for the B group met up and left Denbies at Dorking in two different groups of five, just as the rain started to fall. We made good progress to Brockham and on to Newdigate ending up at Henfold Lakes, all with the purpose of giving the leaders some experience of the new ways and requirements for leading rides.

We were warmly greeted, able to purchase hot drinks and cake if you wanted it, and were also able to use the benches, keeping social distancing. This enabled us to enjoy each other’s company safely.

After the lunch stop in the rain we returned via Punchbowl Lane and Box Hill, dispersing to go home from Headley village.

Despite the weather, the comments from the group were that it was good to be back riding as a group, and that they had missed the social side of it.

The back maker also commented that it may take a little longer to get used to riding and maintaining the required 10m distance, which will no doubt come in time.

Thanks for your company and enabling the day to go smoothly.

Jennie


The 11:20 group were on the point of leaving Denbies when Steph rolled in, making our number up to five. I mentioned during our briefing that we'd go along the A25 to avoid any worrying closeness with other users of the footpath to the Brockham Golf Course. Terry seized this opportunity to lead us down the scenic back route, across the River Mole and along the Old Reigate Road. Thence to Brockham and the route described by Jennie.

It was plain sailing down through Parkgate to Newdigate and we were very soon at Henfold Lakes, just in time to meet Jennie's group as they were leaving. The chap running the café seemed pleased to see us too and we bought coffee and an excellent hunk of blueberry cake to accompany our sarnies.

We had amended the route after Jennie and David's recce to detour down Red Lane, Root Hill and Tilehurst Lane to Punchbowl Lane. It was a delightful excursion, better than the direct route.

Even in the drizzle, which had intensified after lunch, Box Hill was a great pleasure especially when Steph realised that the yellow tape across the entrance to the toilet facilities could be breached easily for access to the disabled people's loo.

Steph and Tim G left the ride after Box Hill to head for home, Dave Ward carried on when we reached the Headley Village Store, leaving Terry and I to stand outside to enjoy our well earned cups of tea. While the café can't open properly the store's main function is providing groceries to the local community, including quite a few who are 'vulnerable' in the current climate, and they had a most impressive array of fresh fruit and veg and other produce on display.

Thanks to Jennie for devising the route and reconnoitring it with David.

~ Tim
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The Famous Five (2nd edition) spreading out at Henfold to eat sandwiches and cake, and to drink coffee whilst absorbing the ambient dampness.