The A Group Ride to the Wayfarers Picnic - 25 August

Star of the day was Simon for organising such perfect weather for a ride and a picnic.

At Leatherhead it was good to see friends from all the groups together again. There was lots of chatting in the sunshine and most people seemed reluctant to get on their bikes and go for a ride!

The first group persuaded to leave was led by Dave V, and here is his report - 

Firstly many thanks to Simon for organising the Picnic arrangements at Brockham, and all the work associated with setting up and clearing away afterwards. My personal assistance was limited to washing 3 mugs, but hopefully others were more generous with their support.

For the ride Neil had designed a nicely balanced route incorporating a few hills, some superb views, and some long descents.

He told me at the start that it was not a race and we should enjoy the sunshine and the countryside. As a result we were soon overtaken by both following groups. But we did enjoy ourselves, stopping at Lowfield Heath for a historical research into the windmill, still working after 250 years, thanks to an astonishing renovation project.

Lunch was most enjoyable, the first time we have had almost everyone present since the Annual Lunch in March 2020. We even had some “old” faces from way back who had made long journeys to be there. Thanks Simon.

After lunch David & Jennie departed for grandparent duties, and Mike Barrett who had been doing sterling service as back marker, volunteered to remain with Simon for clearing-up duties, a different sort of rear-guard. Thanks Mike and welcome back.

Neil offered to lead me and my group of two survivors, Pete B and Dave F for the afternoon ride, so I was then free to enjoy the ride up from Denbies, sample the views of Dorking, dodge the road roller which was stopping for nobody, and be only the second person to ride up their vastly improved and newly asphalted road, albeit a little warm and sticky under the tyres.

Tea was in Cobham where we met up with the earlier, dare I say, faster group who were rewarding themselves with an extended tea break.

Thanks to my group for their most agreeable company, and to Simon for making it all possible.

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My group of Sue C, Gina, Frances and Brian also required a little persuasion to leave Leatherhead, but shortly after eleven we headed off towards Headley. It was a long and steady climb but was rewarded with the swooping descent of Lodgebottom Road. 

Root Hill required a little more effort than in the freewheel competition, but after that is was gently rolling to Parkgate and the delightful Cidermill Road before turning towards lunch. Norwood Hill was quickly dispatched and then it was all downhill to lunch.

After lunch we joined up with the remains of Team Dave and made a steady ascent through Denbies, pausing to take in views in much the same place as Team Steve (see photo below). 

All three groups met up again in Cobham where drinks and ice creams were consumed before we all pushed on for home.

Thanks to Brian for back-marking all day.

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Steve D led the third group and here is his report -

I did not have time to recce the ride and so I studied it to try and memorise it in my head. At the Fairfield Leatherhead day centre it was very refreshing to see everyone from all disciplines of the club, meeting each other once more informally and catching up on news. 

I set off with Neil W, Patrick, Steve W, Janice and Ged, a strong bunch of riders. So I set a fast pace, as we were the last group off, making sure I didn't lose anyone. I need not have worried. Pretty soon we overtook both the first two groups. Sometimes on a warm sunny day it is good to ride fast. Neil C's route was a lovely mix of fast descents and level country roads which we all relished. 

We quickly descended Lodge Bottom Road, crossed the A25 and then out into undulating quiet country lanes. Shellwood Cross, Charlwood and Leigh, back to Brockham. Seeing me struggling with the pace, Janice, Neil W and Patrick set up a peloton ahead of me. However I couldn't stay with them and they disappeared to Brockham, but shot past the village hall where our lunch stop was. Anyway we all met at the cricket pavilion and spent time chatting and a very pleasant time was had by all, as the other groups gradually arrived.

After lunch we set off for our final climb of the day up Denbies zig zag. The view was stunning so we stopped to take pictures.

At the top workers had just finished laying new tarmac. Yes we could cycle up it. Bad idea! We all had tyres coated with tarmac. My rear tyre developed a heat blister which delaminated the outer case and a penny sized lump peeled off. Fortunately it didn't deflate. Everyone else had tarmac glued to their tyres which grabbed stones and grit in a coating like sandpaper. (Another little tyre repair job for tomorrow!). After spending ten minutes scraping our tyres we set off again, A246 to West Horsley, then Ockham and tea at Cobham. 

An exhilarating ride thanks to Neil C's route, which I was able to follow without going wrong. Many thanks to Ged for back marking and a lovely cup of tea. I needed it as I was tired out.

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PS from Simon.

It was great to see so many people together enjoying the sunshine and company today.  Thanks to all those who lent a hand, whether it was sorting out chairs & tables, tidying up or washing up.  It all makes it run more smoothly.

Geoff Gregory was unable to join us this week but he says hello to all.