Report for A ride 12th October

With the Freewheel Competition today it was never going to be a long ride so an opportunity to do some exploration and quieter roads. With a flurry of last minute entries there were twenty of us in total split between David Jackson and myself. Following the prizegiving at Brockham we set out for a short run to Horley via Parkgate and Norwood Hill arriving soon after 1. The sun was just strong enough to allow us to sit outside Weatherspoons and keep an eye on the bikes.

After lunch we cut through a short section of NCN21 to follow the road up the east side of the railway north of Horley and then crossed the A23 to explore the route that Steff and the B's followed a few weeks ago through the new Westvale Park estate. The builders were more in evidence than when I recce'd it but we emerged onto Meath Green Lane without incident. From there we headed north up Lonesome Lane and on to Betchworth and Brockham before finishing the day with a climb up Little Switzerland. Seven of my group stopped for tea at Ashtead Garden Centre later joined by Richard and Dave F from DJ's group.

Thanks to David J for sub leading and Janice for back marking. Congratulations to Andy and Sue C for their success downhill.

The leaders and others awaiting their call for Roothill.

David's report:

The group I was leading left St. Martins in Dorking and rode the short distance to where the Freewheel would take place. The competition then took over, (see a separate report) and prizes having been handed out we left Brockham and by way of familiar lanes arrived at the pub in Horley. As usual for a Wetherspoons, food and drink was swift in arriving, which we able to enjoy sitting in the sun.

Brian, taking some of a route used by Steph a few weeks ago had devised a route, around the north of Horley that needed careful attention and a little bravado, through private estates, unfamiliar paths etc. but with a combined input from the others in the group we managed to navigate it with only the slightest of error, the gps he had provided was brilliant!

Soon back in Brockham, Pixham Lane and then the assent of ‘Little Switzerland’, then descending into the Garden Centre in Ashtead. Some had decided to head for home at various points after lunch, whilst others joined the other group for afternoon refreshments.
Many thanks in particular to those that back marked and generally kept the rides flowing,  and of course Brian and all that participated to make it such an enjoyable day!