B Group - 8th July

Despite awful prognostications about the weather and a few people deciding against riding today we mustered twenty fine specimens of cycling prowess. Several called in at Coco Café by Claygate Station to get stoked up for the rigours of the day and more-or-less on time our several groups departed at ten-minute intervals. Had I been able to process the few cancellations more quickly we could have condensed into four groups, but it didn’t matter.

The ride entailed a considerable number of unpaved roads and paths starting out with New Road leading south out of Claygate. This had become a little bit muddy with the nocturnal rain but not enough to derail anybody. We crossed Fairoak Lane and continued through Prince’s Coverts for a mile and a half and came out into Oxshott where we crossed into Wren’s Hill and the lovely Bridle Lane path and emerged into Blundel Lane. In Stoke d’Abernon we took the unpaved River Lane through to Downside for the next off-road stretch through Bookham Common.

Just before the Vineries we turned up Manor House Lane and thence to Woodlands Road for the climb up to Polesden Lacey which we entered via a path through the woods and a back gate into the car park. We left by the more conventional entrance and soon found ourselves descending Chapel Lane and Bagden Hill quite cautiously to regroup near the Stepping Stones PH. As planned, we crossed the A24 for lunch at Rykas. We were lucky to be able to eat outdoors though we needed our raincoats to keep the Scotch Mist from dampening our spirits. I did think it was Irish Mist but apparently that is something different altogether so thanks to the person who corrected me.

Other groups rolled in to Rykas after our group. Several people headed for home after lunch and we were able to condense into two groups for the ascent of the scenic road up into Norbury Park and out the other end where Admirals Road meets the A246 near Bocketts Farm. We rode through Fetcham and Stoke d’Abernon and up Fairmile Lane towards Esher where we stopped at Costa for coffee and tea. We parked outside G!Ro which was just closing and wandered across the road to Costa to buy our beverages which we consumed in the outside seating area next to G!Ro.

It was a pretty wacky route by any measure, but everyone seemed to enjoy it. I am massively grateful to the four other leaders John Austin, Dave 'Fixie' Cullen, Tony Hooker and Steph Wyatt who led their little teams all over Surrey and ended up at Rykas. I am looking forward to seeing their recorded rides in Strava to see where they actually went today. Thanks too to five back markers and everyone who played a part in not losing anyone. Thanks to all riders including two guests, Gina Coulson who normally prefers riding on roads and Simon who normally prefers A Group’s adventures. Apologies to everyone who cleaned their bikes recently.

~ Tim

Report for the B riders who left Claygate at 10.40am

Led from the rear by Dave C (aka Fixie Dave):

Many thanks to Yasmine, Terry, Pete B. & Ken for being on the ride, and all contributing to the navigation without which I am sure the journey would have been at least twice as long.

A good and well devised route by Tim! Many tracks, trails, & roads I have never been on before, at least not that I can remember.

Not a route that I could emulate although I’m pleased to have taken part. Good that the slight rain never really got going.

~ Dave