First up I would like to say many thanks to my sub-group leaders this week...Dave F, Frances and Brian, plus those who back-marked in the various groups...a grand job done by all.
Our ride set off from Bocketts Farm just outside Leatherhead, the first time in a long while I believe that this venue has been used. With a decent cafe and very large seating area out front, I suspect it won't be the last.
We were 4 groups, and as all riders for the 1st group were ready and raring to go (really!!), they set off just after 10am.
Dave Ferrett - sub-group leader
It was a pleasure to put my hand up to volunteer to lead a sub-group ( something we all need to do once every 4 - 6 weeks weeks under the new normal for group rides to continue) as the ride was predominantly in my "lock down back yard" and included some of my favourite territory. Having brought the recce forward last week to a 09:00 start to to avoid the midday heat (16 degrees when we set off) we were initially confident that this Wednesday would be cooler but might be a tad wet. So I was lucky enough to be the first group away. A merry band of adventurous souls, Steve W, Simon, Pete B, and Patrick were all at Bocketts in good time and chomping at the bit to get started so we managed to get away 5 mins or so before our scheduled departure.
So we set off at a fair pace to break the back of the initial climbs before it got even hotter. The route was a splendid mix of shady off road and tarmac and before long we were gasping for air at Walton for the first of many compulsory rehydration stops.
The dash across Walton Heath saw us successfully dodge all the little white missiles that could have been coming our way and venture for an "off piste " route. We turned right instead of left at Mogador to enjoy the stunning views from Colley Hill, which were unfortunately somewhat hazy. Never mind, Patrick was still able to enjoy a few extra off road bumps on his new gravel Wizz. We survived the various assorted white van men down Reigate hill and were grateful the road works were still in place to assist the right turn into the back alleys of Reigate. One further sharp but shady climb later we were out into the flatlands to the south to complete the hotter loop to lunch.
No need for any of the potential short cuts on this leg. We arrived at the Seven Stars almost exactly 2 hrs after setting out and spent a good while trying to choose which table would give us the best shady spot for greeting the following groups. The pub took a while to get fully organised and open two serving spots inside but orders were taken from a small but very good menu and copious quantities of various liquids dispensed. Patrick practically needed a tanker rather than a tray. Rishi's discount was gratefully accepted (although Pete did point out it was our money not his). Unfortunately Steve’s club was hard to catch for his club sandwich, arriving as the rest of us were finishing. So we were unable to depart before the final sub -group arrived, desperate for our nice shady spot.
The run to tea was always going to be a scorcher, so we set off trying to re motivate the legs. Pete then had "saddle issues" which needed fixing so we took a quick blackberry munching break at a convenient hedgerow with the second group then hot on our heels. The ascent behind Denbies was ridiculously hot but the shade higher up most welcome. We took another break for rehydration and a team photo just before Neil led the group 2 charge up the hill.
Some of our group accepted the the short cut to tea at Critten Lane, braving the road closed signs. The rest completed the official ride. Crocknorth is considerably easier going down it. The official shady route off road section from East Horsley was very refreshing and fortunately the fallen tree that was there on the recce had been cleared. As we emerged from the woods were behind the second wave who had opted to take the tarmac short cut. A final hot blast saw us through to tea at the Vineries. Many thanks to Simon for back marking and missing out on the blackberries.
Brian Greenwood - sub-group leader
Sue, Mike, Mark, Geoff and I set off and went through Leatherhead town centre to rejoin the route up Highlands Road. The climb up Hurst Road to Walton was an indication of how hot the day was to become. At Margery Woods Geoff decided that in view of the heat he would head home from Reigate Station. Lunch was very good quality and promptly served. The first part of the climb up the concrete road after Denbies was particularly brutal until we reached the shade of the trees. We heard thunder and had a few spots of rain as we approached the Vineries to end an interesting and very enjoyable route. I was the glad of the refreshing shower I received in Leatherhead on the way home.
I led the final grouping, and 6 of us set off a few minutes before 11am. We quickly made our way up through Leatherhead past the old army rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, and up Hurst Road to Walton-on-the-Hill. We then rode across the golf course (very quiet...something to do with the heat at mid-day maybe?....), stopping at Mogador to look for the adders we had been warned to beware of (see photo).......and on to Reigate Hill, pausing briefly to take in the somewhat hazy view.
A quick blast half way down Reigate Hill and then on to much quieter back roads to come out into Reigate centre. Here John B experienced the first indications of what were to be on-going rear derailleur issues, which Ged helped him fix.
Once out of Reigate we quickly covered the roads south of the town and arrived at our lunch venue pretty much bang on 1pm. The pub was very busy by now, and service was erratic....my sandwich turned up almost before I had sat down, John's fish and chips taking over half an hour longer to arrive !!
Ged left us after lunch to get home pronto to celebrate his wife's birthday, and David Ward left us at Denbies. We made the climb up through the back of Denbies, John continuing to have deraillueur issues, and the first few spots of rain made an appearance. We missed out the East Horsley to Effingham cycle path as it was getting on, the rain was threatening and John's bike continued to cause him problems so I thought best not to go that way, and we headed down Critten Lane into Effingham.
Many thanks to Ged for back-marking my group for most of the day, and to Janice and Steve Duffin who took over in the afternoon.
Finally, congratulations to Neil Warland, who after completing our ride through the heat of the day, then went off to compete in his first 10 mile TT....and came out as the top Kingston Phoenix rider. Well done that man !!
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