B Group Report - 13 April 2022

John's Report

Nine of us set off from Dorking in pleasant spring weather, the sort in which it was tricky to predict the need or not for long trousers or weather proof top. 

We cycled through lovely Surrey lanes to lunch in Outwood, where we were able to sit outside. 

Terry, Mark, Gill, Dave, John

Ken, Robert, Paul

After lunch Bletchingley proved to be a decisive point with our group going its various own ways home. Congratulations to Robert, the only one to follow the route through to Banstead, including the tough Hilltop Lane. Unfortunately he then picked up a mechanical problem in Coulsdon but managed a roadside repair to get home.

Welcome to new rider Dave, and thank you to everyone for joining the ride.

- John

Clive's Report

A modest number of Wayfarers signed up for this week’s challenge; 15. But Grant and new Wayfarer Dave Ellis turned up on the day at St Martin’s to make a total of 17 setting off in two groups to conquer the various hills on the way to Banstead. 

The first, Punchbowl (north face) came soon after setting off, quickly followed by a short sharp Root Hill. It was then plain sailing, more or less, through scenic Surrey countryside down to Parkgate and then along Collendean Lane with some fine views of the North Downs, looking all the better as the clouds were breaking up and revealing some blue skies.

After negotiating Horley we were soon out in the countryside again, then climbed Homecourt Hill to arrive in Outwood where we paused for the obligatory windmill photo. Outwood Windmill is Britain’s oldest working windmill and was built in 1665, one year before the Great Fire of London.

Paul J, Dave C, Steph, Anne, Grant, Christina, Tim

Lunch was also in Outwood, at The Bell Inn where we met up with the other group. It was very agreeable to be able to sit outside in the pub garden while we rested and refuelled.

It's a hard life

After lunch there were a few ups and downs until Bletchingley where we freewheeled down a long and sweeping descent from Little Common Lane to the foot of the aptly named Hilltop Lane. It was a hard grind, but one way or another everyone reached the top.

Photographic proof

Shortly after Hilltop Lane, Paul suggested we stop at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Chaldon to look at the mural dating from around 1170. So, that’s what we did.

St. Peter and St. Paul's, Chaldon

The Mural depicting The Last Judgement,
The Harrowing of Hell and The Ladder of Salvation 

We carried on along Ditches Lane and a very enjoyable descent across Farthing Down to Coulsdon. Rectory Lane was the final climb of the day before arriving at Banstead and Pistachios for well earned tea and cake.

Brenda joined us for tea at Pistachios

I hope everyone thought the scenery, fine views and of course the company was worth the effort of the hills. 

Thanks to John for sub leading the first group. 

- Clive

Welcome to new Wayfarer Dave Ellis, hope to see you again soon, and congratulations to Anne Walker on one year of Wayfaring.