B Group report - 14th July

Jennie Jackson’s report

I’m not certain but I think this was the first ride led by only ladies, but I’m open to be corrected; naturally it went amazingly!

21 riders registered and 19 set off in groups of six maximums from Churchfields Recreation Ground in Weybridge for an undulating ride to Ash Vale and back to Cobham. I can recommend the Valentina deli/kitchen, great coffee and excellent pastries. 

The route took us along to Addlestone, Ottershaw and around Woking using a series of paths and onto the Basingstoke Canal at St John’s. At the next bridge, we left the canal and onward towards Aldershot by way of Brookwood and Pirbright ending up in Ash Vale and to our pub for lunch at The Swan, sitting on the bank of the same canal.

The groups had started at 10.15am with 15 minutes between them and all arrived at the pub in around a two-hour period, decent going on a tricky route, a compliment to all.

The Swan was very accommodating, we sat in the garden on a lovely day, good service and a varied selection of food, very difficult to leave it.

 

After lunch, a less complicated route took us to Normandy, skirting around Guildford by way of Jacobs Well and along the A3 by way of the cycle path, very overgrown in places, well done to everyone for getting through, very tricky. Just before Ripley we took Grove Heath Road and on to Cobham by way of the usual route via Ockham.

Ann’s group went on to afternoon tea at Garson’s Farm, while some departed at Ripley to go home and others stopped in Cobham at the bakery for tea.

Thanks so much for a great day and a huge thanks to my sub-leaders, Ann, Steph and Sue.

~ Jennie

  

_________________________________________

Ann Bath wrote:

My first ride as sub leader started at home, just as I was leaving Steve said the Garmin "turned itself on overnight and has 30% battery, you'll have to leave later while I sort out a USB stick charger" But I've got to have time for an espresso and apricot croissant first". (l did, just!)

It went well after a recce with Jennie and Dave, and reassuring to have Fixie Dave as back marker and also following route (many thanks).

Ended up with Paula, Dave and Colin as Terry opted for a later group (also needed coffee and cake after an 18 mile ride) and sadly Bob and Peter went to New Haw, and then failed to get attached to a later group.

We went off first and got to lunch at Ash Vale not long after 12, lovely pub, food and sunny weather! Then Paula peeled off at Cobham and we got to Garsons Farm for tea at 4.10, 19 miles to lunch and 22.5 to tea, thanks everyone for your company and the gorgeous weather!

~ Ann

_________________________________________