Report for B Group - 8th September

We were all greeted with a warm and sunny start to the day as we met at Effingham Vineries for the start of today’s ride.

I together with Christina, Dave, Grant, Ken, Martin, Paul, Stephen and Tim C left promptly at 10.45am for the start of our morning ride.

Our first ascent up Green Dene afforded us welcome shade between the trees from what was proving to be an increasingly hot and sunny day. Our descent to and through Shere and on to Little London, Brook and Farley Green proved to be a delightful route along quiet country lanes.

The climb up and into Winterfold Heath was a new venture for some of us and particularly the discovery of Jelley’s Hollow at the top of the hill. Apparently formed by meltwater during the last ice age the hollow takes its name from a Grade II listed manor house at the base of the gully. It's also been used as a film location for a Star Wars scene due to its unearthly appearance.

 

Encouraged by a past film location it seemed an appropriate setting for a photo opportunity. No difficulty in adopting an alien and unearthly appearance. To some it comes quite naturally!

We then cycled down to Cranleigh and along to Dunsfold to meet up with both A groups and John's B group at ‘The Sun Inn’ where we enjoyed a good lunch in comfortable surroundings. The pub was closed on the day of our recce so it was good to experience what it had to offer. Everyone seemed suitably satisfied.

 

 

Our afternoon trip took us up through Loxhill, Hascombe and a particularly scenic route along Bodkin Hill to Thorncombe Street. From there we continued to head north to Bramley and Wonersh where Stephen peeled off towards Guildford.
Past Chilworth we faced the final delight of the day with a climb up Halfpenny Lane where we re-grouped (feeling a little out of breath and shortchanged) to plan our entry point onto the bumpy off-road section leading to Newlands Corner.
From there we took the planned route along the A25 and A246 towards West Horsley. Paul, Martin and Christina headed for Leatherhead, Grant disappeared over the horizon, while the rest of us headed for Cobham.

A welcome tea break at Fego café finished what had been a successful day’s ride.

Thanks to everyone for their company and to Tim C for planning an adventurous route and operating as back marker.

A good day had by all !

Tim G

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The first group of eight set off as scheduled and headed along a very interesting route that had many sections that riders were pleased to report as being new to them, always an additional bonus.

After a splendid lunch, served very promptly, we headed for more hills and more new roads. As the afternoon progressed, our group began to splinter with one heading off towards Guildford, another two for Dorking, another for Leatherhead, two for Epsom and only two actually aiming for our official end at Cobham.

Thank you to all for their company and to Colin for his back marking.

~ John A

A round up of photos with John's group, from Pete, Tony and Steph:

At Jelley's Hollow, looking for Pete

Looking for a shorter route to lunch

Pete and Steph enjoying their confusion

Paula and Terry zooming up Halfpenny Lane

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During the recce with Tim and John, and three of Tim's cycling mates we rode through Blackheath in the afternoon. However I had planned for an alternative, though less scenic route using main roads to Chilworth to reduce the amount of climbing by about 150 feet. Yesterday John's team rode through Blackheath while Tim decided to take his team around the other route which proved to be a good option, easier and without too much traffic.

It was a pleasure to plan a ride which took us beyond our customary orbit and on several roads which I don't think I have ever visited before. A delightful part of the country and, as Grant said, "this is what they call 'England'". Ken didn't think he'd been up Halfpenny Lane before so that must have been a treat for him!

On our recce on a cool and indifferent Monday we knew the pub would be closed so we ate our sandwiches at one of the tables on the green and the pub looked rather glum. But Brian and I had been reassured by Elle throughout the planning that they were very much up to the task of serving a good lunch to both groups. And so it turned out, with all of us dining under the marquee. The food was good and the staff were terrific.

At lunch Stephen Morris told us that this would probably be his last ride with us because he and his wife are moving to Wiltshire. He has already identified local cycling groups which he'd be able to join. We wish them well.

Thanks to John and Tim for leading while I took a back seat in Tim's group.

~ Tim