Firstly, well done to all. My mileage was quite modest, living relatively close to the start, but many will have had their first really long ( 80-90 miles) ride of the season. In all we were 17 in two well matched groups.
Mark was first away:
Nine of us on the road, right on time, on a
sunny morning with a bit of a tail wind. We set a good pace, and were
looking good for an early arrival in the pub when our leader took a
handy short-cut (know these roads like the back of my hand). A lengthy
and hilly diversion meant that we weren’t so early after all. No-one
seemed to mind …
Anyway,
a good lunch in the sun, and the party divided to take two different
routes home. Hans, Mike and Fiona went North of the hills, having done a
few Dorking runs recently, the rest of us followed the planned route
past Abinger to The Old Clunker in Dorking. A very pretty run, and an
enjoyable tea - with thanks to Neil, who treated us.
We were just finishing when the second group arrived, so we had a brief chat and then headed off.
My group of Sue, Gina, Clive, Nigel, John B, Dave's F and V set off at 11 and made good progress. All agreed that it is a wonderful route (no credit to me as most is part of the Tri-Vets) and to do it on such a glorious spring day with flower filled verges was a pleasure. The only "off" moment came shortly after Baynards where a lovely patch of wild garlic was overwhelmed (un-aromatically) by the recently manured field next to it.
We arrived at the Grantley Arms just before 1.30 to find Mark's group just being served. We also enjoyed the sunshine and good service. We were away just before 2.30 and all continued to Dorking where some stayed for tea at the Old Clunker. This turned out to be a fine alternative to last weeks closed venue with a warm welcome and good cakes.
My thanks to all my group and to Dave Vine for back marking. Also to Ged for this photo as we left Tanhouse Farm.
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