Ride Report A group 4th May

 22 were scheduled to ride, but unfortunately Hans took a tumble while waiting for the off at Cobham and had to retire. Fortunately he is bruised rather than broken. I was apprehensive that the route was a bit hilly, but with some fast descents so accidents could happen, not while we were stationary though, so in fact you have to take care at all times on two wheels.

Dave Vine was first off and here is his report.

My fine group of Frances, Janice, Gina, Dave’s W and F, Keith and John B set off first for an “easy going” tour across the Surrey Hills and down to West Sussex. First obstacle was a road closure at Ockham which required a hastily rethought diversion. I opted for the flatter version which avoided Sheepleas in favour of the more relaxed (?) ascent of Staple Lane.

There were more hills to conquer before we reached Cranleigh, where Steve had reccied a cunning back-roads route across the Baynards estate to bring us to our destination. Unfortunately the second recce encountered a locked gate and signage hostile to visitors, which required a further diversion, thankfully dry, along a “bridle path” which would have delighted a mountain biker, but was merely a pre-lunch challenge for our team.

By happy coincidence all our groups arrived at The Fox at Bucks Green, all were served rapidly, and so we lunched all together at one long table overlooking the garden. This experiment in socialising with other groups proved so convivial that many were reluctant to leave.

Next was Simon.

Steve treated us to some beautiful descents today, on fast tarmac just as he promised.   We had to earn them of course by some climbs on tarmac that didn't seem quite so fast.   It was lovely to see everyone at Cobham again, including Pete Betts, back on his bike after a hip replacement, and Terry, who won't be back riding for a while yet.   

My team of Christina, Sue, Brian, Nigel and Neil decided not to walk across the closed road section at Martyr's Green, so instead we diverted to West Horsley and climbed Shere Road instead of Staple Lane, but it all worked out fine.   A great lunch venue at The Fox, Bucks Green where we had the treat of all the groups arriving and being seated together.   And warm blankets, hot water bottles and even fur coats to stay warm outside!

Steve kindly chose the "gentle" way up Leith Hill, Tanhurst Lane, on our return and we all arrived more or less together at tea at the Old Clunker cafe, where we more or less cleaned them out of cake.  Thank you Steve for a nice route and a very enjoyable day out.

As for myself I am glad everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves and the pub proved reliable which helped us to congregate like the good old days. Although we did have our difficulties with road slurry at one point.

We eventually reached the Fox at the same time as the other groups........

.....where we witnessed Castelli's answer to Goretex, but not very Aerodynamic!

Of course we had to tear ourselves away for the Old Clunker cafe.

My thanks to the seemingly tireless leaders Simon

and Dave Vine who made this day possible with their hard work and advice. Of course thanks to everyone for participating. You know, any one of you can help to lead a ride, because you're all capable. You would help a great deal.

Steve D.