A Group Ride from Effingham - 30th March 2022.

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                            

Will the Queen Stage be our new Effingham elevenses venue in future? First impressions were very favourable and I'm sure we'll be back - maybe for tea as well! These three groups departed for the Sun Inn, Dunsfold.

Frances led first.

My team of Janice, Mark, Steve and Neil set off promptly.  It was an easy group to navigate as they had garmins, front and back marking experience to make sure that my only missed turn was picked up a few yards from it!

The route had a few hills with the piece de resistance being "The Mare '' - which left me calling out to the forward crew "I dont recall this on the reccie"!

So we arrived at the pub just after 12 to a lovely, timely lunch without any delays.

We departed to Leatherhead where the team headed from home by 3pm, whilst I made a quick stop at the bike shop and then on to tea to wait for the next group led by Ged which arrived shortly afterwards.

It was a lovely route, good weather and company as always.

Frances's group at the Sun, Dunsfold.

Brian led next

My group of Sue, Geoff, Clive, Richard and Dave W enjoyed our undulating run towards somewhat brightening skies as we headed south west. It was a first time for many to visit the delightful "back door" to Thorncombe Street, the primroses along Gate Street providing a welcome touch of spring. With some of the hedges in Thorncombe St cut back the views are far more extensive than previously though the surface has certainly not improved. Our little detour up Mare Street defeated me just before the top and also a couple of others. After a good lunch at the Sun we headed back to Cranleigh where Geoff and Dave left us to head back to Guildford. There was still enough in our legs for Leith Hill and the ride into the wind back to Leatherhead. Richard and I stopped for tea, finding Ged and his team still at Amici's. 

Wayfarers - and horse's head in the landscape*

* https://www.nicfiddiangreen.art

It was good to Geoff out again on a challenging A ride and riding strongly even if he didn't yet feel he had enough left in the tank for Leith Hill. My thanks to all and to Dave for back marking. 

Last away, my group overlapped with Brian's group at Thorncombe Street, before tackling the short, but sharp climb up Mare Lane. (The O.S. map shows one chevron - indicating 14% to 20%, but it felt steeper!). The Sun Inn delivered promptly on the pre-orders and we were away before 1.30pm. We joined Frances - who'd had the tables set for tea at Amici's. Thanks to Mike for back marking, and photo-credits for Clive and Brian.

The Sun Inn, Dunsfold.