Starting early with the first group setting off at 10.00 am, 28 riders left Denbies in five socially distanced groups. We had 20 miles to ride to our lunch stop at The Milk Churn in Rudgewick.
The first challenge being the climb up Punchbowl Lane, riders then skirted Brockham and made their way to Weare Street via Newdigate and Capel. The terrain to lunch whilst avoiding any of the large hills would be described as undulating, and this would be repeated for the journey back.
Fortunately, we were blessed with a glorious day, and when we arrived at The Milk Churn, somewhere that some of us had been before but most hadn’t, we were able to either purchase refreshments from the café, or picnic, with a bonus of being able to buy a pint of beer at the adjacent brewery.
I must mention that the very clean toilet at the café was open and welcome.
Again, following instructions, the groups started the return back to Denbies leaving a suitable time between each other to avoid ‘bunching’ and enabling both cyclists and vehicles to safely share the lanes. That was the plan, however plans do go awry and Jennie’s group did catch Tim G ‘s group, but Tim was able to speed up somewhat and maintain some distance.
In essence the route back followed that used earlier after Ockley, with some variations. Somesbury Lane was particularly enjoyable.
Unfortunately, the last groups arrived back at The Hatch at Denbies for tea after it had closed, so some decided to go on to Leatherhead for their well-deserved refreshments.
41 miles is a long way for a B ride and the undulations gave us 2355ft of climbing so well done to everyone, there was only one abandonment and that was due to two punctures.
Huge thanks to the sub-leaders, a brilliant job, so well done Pete Beyer, Tim Gibbons, Tim Court and David J. Without the sub-leaders volunteering this way of riding would not be possible, then not forgetting those that back marked, many thanks to them.
A great day, and thank you for your company.
~ Jennie
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| Class 4B alternative route from Newdigate |
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| Coffee, Tea and Ice Cream at l'Ultima in Leatherhead |
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