Fiona - The first group to head out from The Queens Stage, we were a surprisingly quiet group as we climbed Green Deane, out through Shere to Farley Green. Once the roads flattened we made good time and appreciated the quiet roads and beautiful countryside. The gravel and sand along Thorncombe Street slowed us down before we enjoyed the long and fast paced descent into Cranleigh. Once we had navigated the obstacle course (which they cleared very quickly before the next group arrived), the Three Horseshoes provided us with a very quick and efficient lunch.
Setting off again, we made a short stop just before Ewhurst so that Janice could organise transportation of her water bottle to Leatherhead. Mark left us at Ewhurst before we slogged up Leith Hill and then sat back for a long descent into Dorking and finally a well deserved tea and cake in Leatherhead.
A really enjoyable ride and thank you to Ged for back marking.
Nigel group 2 - Eight riders, two Storks and three Horseheads - a S'Westers ride to Cranleigh. After a lovely coffee at The Queen Stage, a great venue, we headed off to Cranleigh. Down country lanes and a private road we enjoyed the sights, two storks, and the Godfatherish horses heads and pondered scrumpy making from a roadside tree. After an excellent lunch at The Three Horseheads (or Three Jack Russell's perhaps?), we climbed our way back into Leatherhead for a well earned cake and drink, before heading our separate ways.
Frances - 22 riders promptly arrived at The Queens Stage for coffee as the day was bright and sunny. I led the third and final group of 6 with Pete kindly backmarking. We negotiated the first set of road works at the start up Orestan Lane and from there enjoyed a lovely ascent up Green Dene, down Coombe and across into Shere. We came upon Nigels group near Farley Heath and were all in good spirits as we passed by. Onwards through lovely lanes around Hascome and Loxwood, then a nice pace on relatively quiet roads into Cranleigh. The Three Horseshoe pub landlord and staff were very welcoming and efficient, delivering food promptly. Therefore we were able to set off for a few rolling hills towards Leith and Coldharbour for a swift descent into Dorking. Pete left us to make his way home up Little Switzerland (another hill for him) and we continued into Leatherhead where Dave W said goodbye. In the end there were three for tea with the first group already in place when we arrived. Thanks to all my co leaders for a great day and everyone who took part.
No comments:
Post a Comment