A Group ride to Warnham - 23 November.

This time of year we cyclists all keep an extra-close eye on the weather. We are not alone. On Wednesday morning I received an email from the chef at The Sussex Oak.

"Hi Neil. Just thought I’d check you’re still planning on lunch today with the rains !! Thanks. Peter "

I replied to assure him we are a hardy bunch and I expected everyone to turn up. You did not disappoint. All twenty of those expected turned up.

First group away was led by Neil W, and here is his report.

Some of us with longer journeys to Leatherhead had rain getting there. After that it was better than forecast. There was lots of surface water but no rain, even a cloud free sky later.

My group's departure was delayed due to a majority decision that the late running clock in the Leatherhead DC lounge was the one to go by, then as we started - a mechanical issue. Some were a bit below full health and strength, anyway, we kept to a moderate pace, and ride conditions were fine. We said farewell to Janice part way down as she had family care duties. 

On the reccie Dave V had dropped back at one point, I found out he had stopped to view the Tiger. I hadn't seen it before so I estimated its distance from the start, (at 15 miles). I passed that distance, I said to a horse rider we were looking for the Tiger, is it up ahead or have we past it? she was startled "TIGER!?", then after a few seconds, "Oh do you mean the figure in the garden? Yes its up ahead on the right bend". A person can pass the beastie several times a week for years but the idea of it still got the potential to alarm!

Hans leads the hunt, with Steve Dave B. and Patrick.

As we approached Warnham the suggestion of a quick POI viewing nearby lost out to getting into the Sussex Oaks right away. The food was good and over lunch I told about 'madman' Percy Shelley, the romantic poet, who was born nearby and received his early education at the local church nearly opposite. 

Patrick had football support commitments and stayed on to view Japan v Germany at the pub. I left a few minutes early to see the local sight, as I did his gleeful shouts proved the internet connection was working. Coming out of the pub to the right is a fine view of the large village church, and a unique large topiary entrance way.

I went there to take a picture and someone was sat down by the war memorial, (just out of sight to the right). He looked like a war veteran who had seen hard times. He politely asked if he was in the way of my picture, should he move? We chatted a bit. He said the church is a good one, he sang in the choir, enjoyed it. The topiary has a dramatic cascade of poppies on the memorial side, commemorating the fallen. Memorials can be formal, things, distant. Briefly meeting this guy I was close to the reality of lives broken by war, and the merit of communities where they find a place.

 

The return journey to Leatherhead went fine. Our backmarker also got me coffee and cake - double thanks to you Steve.

Last group away was Dave V and here is his report.

My group, Sue C, Sue F, Nigel, Alan, Geoff, and ever diligent Dave F left with sun and clear skies, but there was surface water everywhere to remind us that we had arrived in the rain.

We made excellent progress to lunch, despite the long drag up to the ridge at Rusper, with occasional clear views to the South Downs. From here the undulating "descent" to Warnham gave us ample opportunity to experience the delights of the landfill. Hard to imagine that Warnham was also the birthplace of Shelley, the romantic poet.

Lunch at the Sussex Oak is always a pleasure. This time the excellent food was served speedily, so that we were away within 50 minutes, which is what you need on a winter ride.

We left Patrick in the pub, watching Japan beat Germany, proving that some things are more important than cycling. The return trip was mixed. Weare St is delightful in all seasons. We paused for a group photo by the pond, inviting the curiosity of the resident goose.



Shortly after we suffered a puncture, always a bit of a downer. But while Dave F gave us a masterclass in VAR-assisted tyre remounting we met a charming local who offered to sell us his near-new and very nice Boardman hybrid, which he could not now ride due to hip problems.








Back on the road it was time to head for home. We had one sharp shower, a burst of sun, and a rainbow, before we arrived in Leatherhead around 4pm. None of us favoured tea so we split for home.

I punctured in Ashtead, close enough to the station to favour a cooling wait for a Wimbledon train rather than a roadside repair. Hopefully everyone else got home without incident.

Thanks everyone for being a great group, and Dave F for back-marking and mastering the VAR. 

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Between those two groups I led Frances, Mark, Ged, Mike R, Brian and (when he caught up after his rain-delayed start) Steve W.

We saw no tigers, watched no football, talked to no strangers and had no punctures. But did have a great day's cycling with autumnal views, sunshine, a fine lunch and tea at Amici in Leatherhead.

Thanks to all for turning up and especially to Neil W and Dave V for leading their groups.