The Chimes of Freedom; B Group ride from Leatherhead to Kenley and back to Epsom, 30 June

 

It was great to be welcomed back to the Fairfield Centre at Leatherhead, and thanks are due to the A Group and the Easy Riders for graciously stepping aside and having their elevenses elsewhere so we would not be breaching the number limits at the centre.  The ladies at Leatherhead were very strict on the Covid regulations and we had to have our elevenses outside but they seemed pleased to see us, as we were to see them.  

Whether it was the weather or the use of the word “hills” in my invitation, we had only three groups, depleted slightly numerically but significantly in quality of the company, by Tim C’s withdrawal into self-isolation after a positive Covid test in his family.

I had decided to head east for a change, eschewing the Surrey Hills in favour of the North Downs but returning west to end up at the Old Moat, not far from where we started.  There we enjoyed another welcome step towards normality, for the place was gutted by a fire and has now happily reopened.

These are the reports of the three groups.

   

Wayfarers Ride to Kenley, by Tim G

It had been some time since we had met at the Day Centre at Leatherhead but we were welcomed with good service and adequate provisions for the start of our day's ride.

Unfortunately TimC was not able to join us but his place in the group was promptly filled by John A who was keen to make an early departure.

Together with Brenda, Yasmine, Martin and Terry we made a prompt departure and headed up to Headley completing the first of today's planned ascents. Continuing on flatter terrain we headed through Walton and the exclusive Kingswood estate to emerge amongst greener surroundings to Chipstead.

Our second ascent followed by a welcome downhill run took us past what was 'Fanny's Farm' then on north of Merstham to cross the busy M23 to engage with our third climb of the morning up the aptly named Hilltop Lane toward Chaldon.

The final leg of our morning ride took us through Caterham and onto Kenley aerodrome where we saw a couple of gliders and their attendant crew. Cycling along part of the perimeter road we made a brief visit to the memorial unveiled on 19 August 2000 dedicated to the Royal Air Force and allied air forces. The memorial stands on front of one of the original (now restored) E-shaped blast pens designed to channel the effect of any explosion incurred by enemy attack upwards and outwards away from neighbouring aircraft.

We were welcomed by the staff of the 'Wattenden Arms' who had reserved places outside in their beer garden and even provided us with cushions on which to sit. Perhaps we were looking a little saddle sore after our morning expedition.

Orders were duly taken and food promptly served and we were then shortly joined by our other groups that finally made a full compliment for a welcome break.

Our group was the first to depart for the afternoon run, minus Terry who had planned to indulge himself in a bit of steam locomotive spotting back at Merstham station.

Having navigated the 'delights' of suburban Coulsdon and a brief off-road track we emerged into leafy Woodmansterne and shortly along to Banstead.

The collective decision was to disperse at Banstead and make our own way home. Sadly Martin later experienced a 'mechanical' which made his return somewhat more complicated. Hope he's able to be back up and running asap.

Despite the apparent abandonment of my fellow cyclists I decided to complete the planned route back to the 'Old Moat' at a singular leisurely pace. It's also very close to where I live !

Many thanks to all my group members for an enjoyable day's ride and to Paul J for planning the route.

A good day had by all !

Ride to Kenley by Dave C

The officially named, Fixie Flyer’s flew the nest (starting point) at the designated departure time of 10.30am. It was a shame that the flyers didn’t actually have wings, since on some of the undulations, especially the ascent going up to Chaldon, wings would have been very helpful. I traversed only 90% of it (without changing gear).

We only passed the A group cyclists four times, on each occasion they were cycling in the wrong direction?

We decided to circumnavigate the Airfield at Kenley, to give the last group on the road a chance to catch-up, since we were worried that they would feel uncomfortable getting to the lunch venue too far behind us. 

The Wattenden arms was a good place for lunch, quick service and reasonably priced. 

Also it was good to get back into the Moat, for our last stop of the day. 

Thanks to Colin, Simon, Bob, Stephen for your company on the road today. 

Pictures taken by Tony and Dave at the Wattenden Arms

Paul’s Pedlars

A reasonably challenging morning, an easier afternoon.  The pub came up with the goods, the rain held off; indeed it was pleasant cycling weather, and we caught the Flyers because the female contingent in my group opted for immediate lunch rather than an extra mile and a bit around the airfield.

A splendid lunch in good company; what is your favourite Bob Dylan song?  Christina turned for home at Epsom Racecourse and I got a bit lost on Ashtead Common; luckily Tony was in our group to lead us to tea.  Thanks to Steph and Pete, the others in our group.  36 miles and around 2700 feet of climbing, so it was not that hard!