B Group report - 25th August

Tim Gibbons reports:

The day began with a very relaxed elevenses, in fine and bright weather at the day center at Leatherhead. We were admirably catered for by the staff who had set out tables and chairs outside on the patio.

Together with Brenda, Inder, John and Terry we all set off promptly at 10.30am for the first leg of today's ride.

 

Passing through Leatherhead we took the familiar route through Westhumble, Dorking and over the golf course to Brockham. It is always a pleasure to cycle the lanes in this area and today was no exception especially in fine weather.

The off road section through Hammond's Copse was an interesting diversion and not a route that was particularly familiar. The farm/manor house to which it led looked very grand in its well manicured surroundings.

We were the first group to arrive back at Brockham for the picnic lunch to find all had been set out and prepared by Simon in advance. Other groups soon arrived to enjoy what to be a most successful picnic lunch in ideal surroundings. It was good to see such a large turnout and reconnect with many members who we had not seen for a while.

 

Tempting as it was to spend the whole afternoon in such pleasant surroundings we nevertheless took on the challenge of our afternoon ride heading for Headley via Pixham, Westhumble and Box Hill. We decided collectively not to stop for tea but instead to carry on to Epsom Downs. Terry peeled off after Headley and the rest of us carried on through Langley Vale to our agreed destination.

Many thanks to all my group members for being so compliant and cooperative. Always a pleasure to lead a group of uncomplicated participants. Thanks also to Christina for planning the route and to Simon for organizing the picnic lunch and venue. All very much appreciated and a good day had by all.

~ Tim G 

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Ann Bath reports:

After a lovely gathering of all 3 groups at the Day Centre at Leatherhead where we were served outside my group left our picnics with Simon and set off via the A24 cycle path where we detoured to Norbury Park viewing the cattle that were once walking so slowly on the road to be milked that I had to turn around! At least one of the group hadn't done it before.

Then it was back on the cycle path to cross a rather sandy and gravelly (for narrow tires!) Betchworth golf course, then lovely quiet lanes to a good surface off road route through Hammond's Copse, and we arrived at Brockham at 12.25 where our picnics had been delivered!

Gorgeous sunshine and great to catch up with everyone. As I'd made a last minute decision to run a mile race in Bushy Park at 7pm Pete Beyer agreed to lead my group up the zig zags to Headley while I went by the flat route home. Thanks for your company and to Christina for a lovely route.

~ Ann

Christina's excellent morning route