A Group - 7 Oct, A Grand Day Out

23 wayfarers “signed up” for this autumnal tour, probably inspired by a surprisingly favourable weather forecast and the prospects of the clocks falling back soon. It fortunately turned out be an unusually splendid day for a ride. I am reliably informed by our scientists (who are experts with tracking stats) that this was the most numerous “A group” turnout since February.

Apologies that this must have seemed like Lockdown Déjà vu to those of us living in the Epsom area, but I was keen to share some of the views, tracks, lanes and cut throughs that we may  take for granted but others may not have visited so often. Because it was local to me, it was slightly easier to provide the opportunity of a choice of two alternative mixed terrain or tarmac only routes, in familiar territory, possibly for the first and probably for last time. The other success factors were that some riders were flexible in their route choices (thank you) and that sufficient volunteers put their hands up to sub-lead. Many thanks to Frances, Dave V and Brian. If you were happy with the pub, the landlady is always grateful for any favourable trip advisor review.

I attach some of the sub- group ride reports and photos received to date.

Tarmac Tearaways: Frances

We departed Cobham and after a good warm up we arrived promptly at the pub after taking in the view at Boxhill. Thereafter everyone enjoyed the afternoon route and climb up to Farthing Down where views were equally splendid.

A good work out prompted us to all to stop for tea in Banstead having arrived at 3pm. Lovely weather and thanks to Janice for back marking.

Roadrunners: Dave V.

Thanks for a good day's workout. For me it felt harder than it appeared on paper, especially the afternoon, though the lunchtime chips probably didn't help.

We left Cobham with a full complement of six including a return to A-group riding for Mike Morley now supercharged with electricity. Unfortunately he had to return to base early due to a shortage of battery power, and facing a stiff climb home.

The five of us continued on the official road route, though my internal autopilot did diverge to pass (the sadly missed) Ray Dare's house, only to be reminded by the ever watchful Garmin that I was off course. We didn't dodge any of the hills, tempting though it was to follow numerous signposts to Ashtead and later Banstead. The view from Box Hill to the South Downs was outstanding.

Lunch was good, and the staff welcoming, and I think we all remembered to pay at the end.

After lunch I started to notice a shortage of leg power. But it all worked out, with the youngsters surging up every hill (of which there were lots) and waiting politely at the top for the leader's more leisurely paced approach. Highlight was the view descending Farthing Down, with only the prospect of two more big climbs to temper our enjoyment.

A big thank you to Geoff for back marking, reassuringly there whenever I looked back, and to everyone for your company. Cracking weather too!

Road routes: Cobham to Ashtead lunch (20.9 miles. 1300ft) and lunch to Banstead tea (19.2 miles 1400ft)

 Rough stuff: Brian

Brian reports that his group enjoyed the ride , both the route and the viewpoints and some new territory for all,  even for him ( excluding the recce). Considering it's only a few miles from his home the group thought that was noteworthy. Good service at the Leg and just warm enough to sit outside. 

(Note that Patrick has accidently or cleverly excluded Neil from his selfie. - Ed)

Dave W didn't stop for lunch as he needed to be home early, but courageously followed the 'on road' route back to Banstead, and home from there. He commented that he enjoyed a very good day out with several roads and tracks he had never ridden in 30 years plus of club rides in the area, (I didn't think that was possible -Ed!) and a few more he hadn't tried for a long, long time. (So I will take that as ride mission accomplished -Ed.)

Adventurers: Your truly

It was good to welcome back Alan after a long break and also Sue as the only lady rider preferring the off road choice. Despite the planning, in view of the progressively increasing numbers we opted to depart Cobham 5 mins late and took two leisurely breaks to admire the views from Norbury Park and Boxhill to help ease the burden on the pub. Such a nice day, it seemed a shame to spend all that energy climbing big hills and not enjoying the view from them. That worked out very well as we arrived at lunch at about 1:15, just as the Tearaways were departing slightly later than I had originally expected. Lunch was enjoyed in the sunshine in the pub garden.  It was around 2:25 when we had settled our bills and finally got rolling again.

After being turbo charged with the generous “handful” of chips, our trip to tea was at a good pace whilst rolling, but we did take our time on Epsom Downs racecourse and Farthing Downs to admire the views in all directions. Several safety briefings later we rolled into Banstead at 4:30 with sufficient time for tea before the scheduled 5pm closure.

Runners and riders out of the saddle on the rails- but lacking horsepower.

Not a single winge from my hardy adventurers, thanks for your photography and company and especially to Simon for his extremely supportive back marking.

Gravel routes (Approx):  Cobham to Ashtead lunch (21 miles,1250 ft) and lunch to Banstead tea (18.4 miles, 1225 ft).