A Group Ride from Hersham - 9th November 2022.

After a rainy start to November, sunshine and blue skies were very welcome for our hilly - and often lumpy, ride from Hersham.

Two groups totalling 17 riders were assembled from the originally planned three groups, after Hans became unavailable to lead, and most riders slotted-in seamlessly into the revised format.

My group were the first to experience the double-whammy of a truck and freight container blocking Horsley Road, (though a few squeezed through), quickly followed by red-light road works. Still, we made good progress up to Combe, and down to Shere, but were caught-out again by an extra-large puddle spanning Hook Lane. I proved it was passable - and the rest sensibly followed!

White Down was tackled with aplomb - kudos to Sue who ascended on two wheels for the first time (later also by Frances after a few previous attempts). With lunch wrapped-up at the Queen Stage we applied our strong climbing legs for the Zig - Zag - the last hill of the day. 

It was still warm enough (just) to sit outside the Park Cafe for tea. Thanks, as always to Mike 'Backmarker Barrett', and for your company on a lovely day's ride.

Neil W led next, with these observations.

I like the Hersham centre, its spacious lounge makes for a good sociable meetup. The start times imposed themselves, a few were nearly caught out by the short notice changes switching the start times and three groups to two. Our departure was due for 10:35 but group pressure meant we started a little earlier. It was one of those inbetween days, nearly warm in the sunshine, cool in shade, but anyway, mild for November, and dry - a double bonus. 

Ride conditions were good, except
- hazards of fallen leaves
- bumps and holes in the road - the Driftway must be one of the worst
- large puddles across the road in a few places
- the long one way sections controlled by traffic lights. Nearing Effingham we had caught the first group, but it took us three long red-green waits to all get thru.
Anyway, as we approached Effingham, and the upper areas above Sheepleas, and beyond, the views were magnificant.

We waited at the top of Sheepleas for a few minutes as Patrick was feeling a bit unwell from the climb. After lots mroe climbing it was Whitedown - a hard climb to do just before lunch, when done we were especially ready for lunch at TQS. Lunch was good (tbh a pity the side of crisps was not crisp).
Leaving TQS Frances made her own way back home for a flight, and Mark also had his own tracks to make.

So six of us continued - Dave V, Dave, B Richard and Steve backmarking (thks). We got down Bagdon hill ok, and then up Box. Even out of form Patrick took Box Hill at a strong pace. Good to see the pond at Walton nearly back to its proper level, over Epsom Downs we mingled with Ged's A and a B group, then to the cafe. A great day out, thanks Ged.