B Group Ride Report - Wed.23rd Nov.

The early morning rain made for an anxious start but luckily cleared to provide a fine day for cycling. Despite the wet weather a good proportion of our initial number braved the elements and arrived for elevenses at the Fairfield Centre. A welcome start to what proved to be an improving prospect.

Three sub-groups left on time for a brief loop around Stoke D'Abernon and Fetcham to arrive back at Leatherhead to start the ascent up Church Road, over the A24, up to Headley and along Hurst Road to Walton-on-the-Hill.

Chris H, having had early difficulties, caught up with us only to have his second puncture of the day and as a result headed to Tadworth station to get the train home.

We progressed over Banstead Heath, through the posh estate, onto Chipstead and up to Woodmansterne for lunch at 'The Woodman'. I've always found this to be a successful lunchtime venue. The staff are very accomodating and everyone was served promptly in comfortable surroundings.

Being the last group to leave we shortened our afternoon ride to 'The Old Moat' and most peeled off on the way. I understand members of the earlier groups managed to reach the final destination to enjoy their tea and cakes.

Thanks to my sub-leaders John and Francis for guiding their groups and to everyone who turned out to enjoy what proved to be a successful day's ride.

A good day had by all !

TimG

Francis also adds -

A rainy start to the day made the ride to elevenses rather wet and gloomy. Luckily for all this soon gave way to sun and warmth for the rest of the day.

A wonderful morning's ride to Woodmansterne via Headley was undulating, incorporating both busy urban and quiet country lanes.

Lunch at 'The Woodman' was excellent. Quick service and large portions all at a reasonable price. The afternoon ride via Epsom Downs and Woodcote was short and sweet ending the day with tea and cakes at 'The Old Moat'.

Thanks to Jane, Dave Fixie and Tony for their convivial company. Chris H deserves a special award today for his persistence in getting to Leatherhead and making the ride up to Walton despite experiencing two punctures !