B Group - 4th November

It was my first time as a Leader having to design a route for the group ride. After three years cycling with CTC SW London I gradually learnt about a few quiet routes and hills in Surrey departing from Cobham.

I was lucky to secure three willing sub-leaders Tim Gibbons, David Cullen and Bob Pannell a month before the ride. Tim Court is my IT support and soundboard about the route including choice of pub for lunch. Thank you all.

It was a gloriously beautiful autumnal day with continuous 🌞sunshine, and no head or tail wind either. We had 22 riders in 4 groups (max 6 in a group) departing from Cobham from 10.20am with a 20 minutes gap. We cycled through Plough Lane, Long Reach and West Horsley to climb the Shere Road with its glorious sections of the hill and marvellous coloured arboretum. The Fuller's Farm with a clock tower is still under renovation. We reached the top of Staple Lane and rode down with fantastic views of London and Woking in distance.

At the top of Shere Road, Ken, Paul, Sue and Steve

Blinded by the sun, Paul, Ken, Sue and Steve

We lunched at Bull's Head West Clandon sitting in the sun, with sandwiches, jacket potatoes and other yummy pub grub. Landlady Wendy and her helper Harriett were very friendly.

We went back via Hungry Hill Lane and Cobham to Esher Claremont Garden for Tea.

We were happy to make the most of the sunny weather for the last organised group ride. Thanks to all the leaders and riders for joining us. Terry Lowe was chauffeured to take some photos along the route, but unfortunately couldn't join us for the lunch. We wish him a complete recovery from his operation.

Christina

Sally and Terry

And from Dave 'Fixie' Cullen ...

We (Gill H, Jacqui, Paula, Grant,Tony Hooker and myself) departed from Cobham near enough on time. I do believe that our spirits were raised by the pleasant weather. Our Spirits were also raised when we ascended Shere Road!
 
Christina had booked in at the Onslow Arms when we did the recce. However the Onslow Arms decided that they couldn't host our groups after all. So it was off to the Bulls Head in West Clandon which proved to be a good choice of venue, with friendly staff and good food.

All six of our group stopped at the Claremont Gardens for afternoon Tea, with cake for some. This place has a nice ambience, especially so in the Autumn sunshine.

All in all a good day out.

Fixie Dave

Grant, Jacqui, Gill, Paula, Dave

Jacqui, Gill, Paula

Claremont Landscape Garden (NT)