A ride report and photos from 15 July

A well attended day as 23 A group riders met at the Medicine Garden near Cobham. What a perfect meeting point, especially in these days of social distancing. I only wish I'd been aware of it previously and such a shame its to close soon.

The four groups of 5/6 met from 10 onwards and it was nice to see Dave Vine's wife there too and Sebastian who was unable to join us for the full ride. Mike R's group set off first, followed by Frances' 10 minutes later. My group had 15 minutes to wait and as we were all ready and waiting for the final 5 minutes we joked that it was not unlike the start of RideLondon, we just needed to choose the track to be played for our wave. Brian led the final group out at 11.10,

The route went out towards West Horsley and the first climb up Shere Road began. At the top my group met with Christina's B group who were about to go off-road. Brian's group decided to split at that point with Dave, Jennie and John B going a shorter route from Shere via Peaslake. The rest followed the route down Combe Lane and through Shere to climb again to Farley Green and then a long descent to Cranleigh.

Mike's group arrived first at the Scarlett Arms in Walliswood and enjoyed quick service so were soon off again.

Frances' and my own group arrived more or less at the same time and whilst the sandwiches were good we waited a very long time for service. At one point Patrick went in to find out about the delay and being mistaken for a non-cyclist (we're not sure how) he was informed in no uncertain terms it was caused by all those cyclists!

Brian, Simon and Dave arrived before we were being served food and had almost instant service as their sandwiches came out just as the 2nd and 3rd groups finished being served.

Frances' and my own groups set off again and the groups soon spread out over the roads to Oakwoodhill, over the A24 and then right just before Capel to drop slightly south to Rusper before heading north again and towards home. At Newdigate we turned right and headed through Parkgate before going down Roothill Lane with memories of the freewheel competition (although in reverse if remembering the course from a couple of years ago). We finally arrived at Denbies in time to see Mike's group ready to depart and with Frances' group soon to arrive and were more than happy to eat a few more cakes.

A fun day out in good company over lovely Surrey lanes, with a brief dip into Sussex. The weather was cool and with a slight drizzle at times but overall was fine. 43 miles from Cobham to Denbies with 2,824ft elevation. 

Thank you for the positive feedback regarding the route and also the groupings. The smaller groups of similar pace riders seem to be working really well, especially as the whole group is still able to socialise at meeting points.

Particular thanks to Mike, Frances and Brian for being sub leaders and to Mike B, Ged and Dave V for back marking (apologies for not mentioning as I'm not sure who Mike R's back marker was). There was no need for corner markers in such tight knit groups.