We haven’t visited the Onslow Arms on the canal at Loxwood since July 2019 when Simon memorably took us there. At that time NeilC was almost ready to start his Paris-Brest-Paris epic. Yesterday Neil was absent doing final preparations for his ultra-epic London-Edinburgh-London, starting this Sunday. We all wish him fair winds and weather and a safe return.
Loxwood is not far off 50 miles round trip from Cobham, and I was pleasantly surprised to find we were 25 signed up, so we needed 4 leaders in groups 6/7 riders. Many thanks to my excellent co-leaders, Fiona, SteveD and DavidJ without whom this would not have been possible.
Fiona was first off:
Enjoyed it. Good route and company.
The pub was extremely efficient at serving up lunch, by the time we had walked back to the table with our drinks they were bringing out the baguettes!
SteveD next:
The day started with a tea in the RBL centre. It was good to see Geoff Gregory out riding today. We also met Ken Day with his right leg in a boot 13 weeks after being hit by a car on a roundabout, that apparently went straight across instead of round, pretty scary! It was good to see him on the mend and with a philosophical attitude that is commendable.
I led the second group with Frances, Ged, Mark, Richard and Brian. After descending White Down we were treated to some quiet roads via Ellens Green and Tismans Common. It was a tiring ride because of the humidity, but we made good time on Dave's route, arriving at the Onslow Arms at 12.50. The staff were brilliant in that they knew we were the second group and had our orders sorted. We ordered our drinks at the table and soon we were relaxing and enjoying the food.
After some coffees we set off back to Cobham via Loxwood and Alfold. We travelled up the Downs Link from Cranleigh which was dry and gravelly. Then we got back on the road to Stroud Common and up to Farley Green. It was rather good to ride these roads the opposite way than the normal route outwards, easier too. Of course the ascent of Combe Lane wasn't welcome, although as we found, the climb was gentle until you reach the vicious steep bend just before the top.
Just before our left turn into Chalk Lane Mark and Frances left us for home. So Ged, Richard, Brian and myself headed for Gail's Coffee shop in Cobham.
Thanks to Brian for back marking. Thanks also to my fellow riders for their excellent company and to Dave Vine for organising the lunches at the pub and another super route to ride.
Then DavidJ:
Not having been able to go on the recce I was a little concerned about the getting on and off the ‘off road’ sections of the ride, which somewhat proved to be the case. However with my Garmin loaded with the route six of us set off from Cobham, climbed up through Effingham and to the top of Whitedown Lane. Following each and every turn we arrived at the pub just four minuets after our scheduled time, including the turns onto the first off road section. We were greeted at the pub by efficient and enthusiastic staff that produced our pre-ordered food very quickly.
Dave W, had other commitments to get to so he left us at Loxwood saying he would probably avoid the off road and the climb up Combe. The five remaining riders set off towards Cranleigh, we joined the off road with just a small divert but following this the Garmin did not like and just came up with ‘off course’. I therefore decided to forget the Garmin and head for Shere. To do this would have involved either one of two hills, the group came to a decision that we had done enough climbing, therefore our preferred route was back to Dorking via Capel and Newdigate. We ended the ride at the bottom of Punch Bowl Lane, said our goodbyes and went our various ways. So we somewhat mirrored Dave W, he must have known something!
Finally, my group left on time, a first for me.
En route we met a couple of CTC West Surrey riders out on their final recce for the Tour of the Surrey Hills 115k Audax this Sunday. We arrived at the Onslow not long after our scheduled time. The pub was probably the most efficient I have ever visited with pre-ordered food delivered faultlessly by friendly staff to the intended recipient.
On our way after less than an hour we found the Downlink a pleasantly cool contrast to hot tarmac, though the head-height nettles and ankle-tugging brambles gave an interesting sense of adventure to an otherwise flat section. My group rose to the challenge of the final climbs, doubtless anticipating the long descent back to Cobham.
We welcomed Dave Ellis to A group riding, hoping he will return. Thanks to DaveF for back marking, Peter Betts and Geoff Gregory for their ever-cheerful company, not to mention AlanI for welcome cakes and tea at Cobham.
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