‘A’ Group Weds 4 Nov 2020 – End of Term Report

 

There was a distinct end of term feeling at Cobham this morning and the ‘A’s’ had 25 keen riders, and four co-leaders (Ged, Simon, Dave J and Brian, who had all volunteered at very short notice).   We have now got the process of setting off for rides in fives or sixes down to a pretty slick operation.   Groups are all in place on time, and leave punctually and seamlessly. My own group (Dave F, John B, Alan, Keith and Steve D) were last off, but the waiting time went quickly in the welcome sunshine.   Try as I might, I couldn’t shake off my group on our gentle morning saunter through the leafy autumn lanes punctuated by the occasional, gentle incline.    As we sped up the final climb towards lunch we crossed an earlier group struggling back downhill after their lunch stop.   Naturally we offered them applause and words of encouragement!

Simon’s group and Mike Morley were still at lunch at when we reached the top of the hill.   Junction 8 café had a varied range of food, the service was pretty good on the whole, and the view excellent!    Once the autumn afternoon started to set in it became distinctly chillier, and we didn’t linger.   Keith unfortunately suffered a front wheel puncture on the way back down Gatton Bottom and we left him to fix it.   Alan particularly impressed – the route to tea passed within half a mile of his house but he chose to carry on to Epsom, knowing he would have to climb all the way back up again!  Thanks to all in my group, and to Steve for back-marking.

 

I wish I could say ‘Must try harder’, but I’m afraid it has to be gold stars for all 25 who rode, and extra housepoints for the co-leaders who all came joint first in their geography practicals (ie, following my route)!    Don’t forget your homework during the holidays (keep riding, that is), as there will no doubt be tests at the start of next term!

Report from Simon

Autumn colour on the way to the start

What a memorable last group ride before the second lockdown.   David W had organised an interesting, scenic and (it has to be said) hilly route along the back lanes around the North Downs.  Perfect autumn weather meant everything was a picture postcard with sunshine, autumn colours and clear blue skies.  Even the roads were dry - something we haven't seen for a while.   My group of Sue, Gina, e-Pete (Betts) and Dave Vine enjoyed almost all of it, with an al fresco lunch at Reigate Hill with views to die for (and we nearly did, on the last near-vertical climb to get there).  There was a shock when we got to tea though: someone had eaten all the cake!   Thank you for a great day out, and to Dave V for back marking.

Greyhounds at lunch!

Checking the way home (this is what we used before Garmins)

A seasonal robin at tea (Is this where all the cake went?)

Report from Ged

What a view! In lovely sunshine. Was the long drag up Gatton Bottom worth it? Hell it was! The electric hare (Mark) was chased by two greyhounds (Patrick and Neil W.), leaving the two tortoises panting in their wake up Reigate Hill. But at least we went as fast as them on the return.

After navigating 50metres of treacherous off-road muddy track on Great Bookham Common our ride flowed like a dream. (We arrived for tea at Horton soon after 2pm - normally pub leaving time).

Thanks to the 10.40am crew for sharing the corner marking and backmarking. 

Thanks Dave for a great route - and delivering glorious pre-lockdown sunshine. We'll meet again one sunny day

(Acknowledgements to Steve D, Simon and Ged for the photos).