Ride Report – A Group 17 June
Today was the first Wayfarer ride open to all, after 13
missed weeks, so it was heartening to see a good sized group of A’s and B’s
gathered at Pistachios in Redhill, observing the all-important social
distancing.
The “new normal” rules require groups of maximum 6, and we
had 3 enthusiastic leaders so we could have taken 18. In the event bookings
were slow coming in and we only managed to muster a bakers dozen after a “late”
entry through lastminute.com.
The destination for all of us was lunch at Kenley Airfield,
a fascinating relic of the Battle of Britain days, seemingly preserved in a
time bubble. Most importantly for us it provided a large oak tree with benches
suitable for all our groups separately at lunch, and ample bushes to facilitate
any other needs.
Our route was south to Outwood, north over Tilberstow, and sensing
that an assault on Gangers Hill would not be popular, a leisurely descent to
Woldingham School, taking in the new-born calves and other bucolic delights (the llamas were in hiding, doubtless sensing
the coming rain).
At Kenley we spent some time looking at the displays round the
memorial, had to duck as a couple of gliders came in very low (would they clear
the fence?) and observing the lightening which Simon assured us was not too
close.
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| At the Kenley War Memorial |
Steve’s Report
Brian,
Mike, Dave F, Patrick and I had a good ride to lunch at Kenley with no rain. We
arrived a little after 12.30 and didn't see the first group. Setting off at
1.15 pm donned in our waterproofs and it rained on us only a little and by 1.45 we
arrived at Oaks Park. It promptly stopped raining and so it was time for an ice
cream, especially as the minimum order was £5. Something to bear in mind as
cafe's open after lockdown. Still didn't see group 1 or 3 so we all went home.
I think we
were so relieved to be out cycling in a more normal way. It was so good to see
Patrick out again after his accident. Thanks for organising the ride all of
you. The enormous amount of work you have done putting this together like a
jigsaw does you all credit. Well done and thank you for a memorable ride.
 |
| Oaks Park |
Steve D.
Mark’s Report
A good
turnout of Wayfarers at Redhill today - perhaps more than usual, as it’s not a
popular start point.
Hans,
Janice, Neil and I set off at 1030, the first group on the road, and we enjoyed
a sunny and relatively traffic free ride to Kenley. Making the best of
the pleasant conditions we pressed on, sweeping up Tilburstow, up through
Church Town and then down to Woldingham, riding side by side and chatting in
the sunshine. My Garmin had declared that there were no more hills, so
the next couple made us laugh.
We arrived
at Kenley at about noon, took a look at the monument and watched the gliders
before lunch in the sun at the Oak Tree.
Some
rumbles of thunder, and bad news from the weather radar on Janice’s phone
convinced us that an early departure would be a good idea. The non-hill
at Purley made us laugh again, and it began to pick with rain as we passed
Woodcote Golf Club. We stopped under the trees at Rectory Lane to put our
rain jackets on, and agreed that an alfresco tea might be a bit early, and
possibly unwise. We made our farewells at the junction in Woodmansterne,
and I got home fairly dry. I understand that Janice did too, but the
grapevine says that Hans got wet. No news from Neil at the time of
writing.
On behalf
of all of us I express my thanks to the committee for the very
considerable work that they have done in establishing a formula that allows us
all to have an enjoyable club ride again. It worked well, and I look
forward to more happy rides in this troubled Summer.
Mark
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