Kingston is traditionally a popular start point, but I was well impressed when 25 Wayfarers signed up for the ride to Clandon. Doubtless the improving weather forecast played its part, for once the chance of a dry ride, no wind and even the possibility of some sun.
With short daylight hours I planned a reasonable distance to lunch, hopefully a convivial lunch, and a short ride back, with everyone home before dark.
For lunch I chose the Bulls Head at West Clandon. It’s a nicely un-modernised free house, and probably our last chance of a visit before it is taken over in January by the Stonegate Group, Britain’s largest pub chain. Hopefully Stonegate will not change it much, but as they are also owners of the Slug & Lettuce pubs, anything is possible.
First group out was led by Geoff Gregory, his first lead since his collision on the Portsmouth Road.
They’re off, short ride to the first jump and we were off and walking over the bridge, a quick chat about the now familiar route via Bushy Park and a slight diversion through the park to miss out the traffic at Hampton Court, Lower Sunbury Road, Walton and along the waterside to Weybridge.
Up we go to Weybridge station and my first miss of the carpark turn off, guessed I would turn too soon but soon put right by other riders (thank you).
Soon at Brooklands and who came storming up behind but Neil and his trusty riders, we slowed to let them take the lead, so good of us as they seemed desperate to get to lunch.
Muddy Lane so named because of the mud? Not so bad as it had been smoothed over by Neil etc. At the kissing gate the two concrete blocks still in place at the side, a hazard where we have had riders fall in the past. We were waved cheerfully on by a local well wisher, Merry Christmas sir, if you enjoy reading the write ups.
Over the lock and on to Pyrford, Send and across the road to Grove Heath Road, Hungry Hill towards the A246. Time to assess how we were doing at Tithebarns Lane. 12.15 should be at the Bulls Head for 12.30, a quick discussion and my suggestion that we do not progress on the route but go up Tithebarns and head straight up The Street so getting us in on time, 12.30 at the Bulls Head.
The pub as usual was welcoming, food and drink orders taken. Neil’s group still waiting for food but had not long arrived, Neil had spotted us take the short cut. Food soon arrived for both groups, very quick and good service. Dave Vs group followed close behind.
Soon time to start back, a group photo by a vintage car (minus two riders for the shoot) and away we go. Back to Tithebarns and straight across onto the farm track prewarned about the state of the track through the farm, not too bad for most of it, but just around the farm area it was very broken up. We travelled through to West Horsley and took the path that ran through to East Horsley and a wriggle through to Forest Road and on to Cobham.
Most of us decided to head home leaving Ged and Dave V to tea.
A big thank you to the group for putting up with the first ride I have been in charge of in a long time.
Next was Neil, with Patrick, Janice, Neil W, Hans, Andy H, Mike R and Dave B.
This week Dave had assigned me just 100 minutes to cover over 24 miles to lunch so I was keen to leave on time. But where were the group? As the Hawker Centre is a new venue for us there is no traditional place to gather, so it took a while to round up everyone.
Just a few minutes late I set off along the towpath and by the time we got to the bridge at Teddington Lock we were all together. I sat on the front of the group (and regretted bringing my heavy bike) while those behind just chatted away. Every time I looked over my shoulder there they were. No stragglers. No need for corner markers. No need for a back marker.
On the descent from Weybridge Station to Brooklands we caught up Geoff's group for a chat but by Byfleet we were on our own again.
After the long drag up to East Clandon we turned onto the dual-carriageway to head for West Clandon. Here the group must have smelt lunch because they all passed me and left me back-marking my own group! But while they negotiated the traffic lights I crossed to the right hand path to cut out the lights and re-take the lead.
The Bull's Head was welcoming, the food good and prompt, and we were on our way in an hour. After a brief discussion as to where to take the photo Janice stepped forward to take the traditional "line of cyclists by pub sign".
After a quick blast to Send it was across to the farm track. There was no wind, the sun was out, and we encountered no traffic - it really is a hidden gem... until the concrete disintegrates.
The route from lunch to Cobham had only taken 45 minutes so we all chose to head for home in the light over another stop.
Thanks to all. Next time I'll bring a lighter bike.
My group was last away. We were nine, including Ged, Steve D, David W, Mark G, Richard Bailey, Frances, Clive and Sue Chasty. Roads were mostly dry, with the notable exception of Muddy Lane and the permanently flooded rail bridge on the climb to East Clandon. There was a hazy sun which lit up the views, particularly in Bushy Park and around Newark Priory ruins.
We reached the Bulls Head on schedule, and all accommodated in the cosy “Saloon Bar”. Food was good and quickly served by the well-organised staff.
There was time for a quick group photo, but already it was clear that temperatures were falling. Even so the cool descent of Clandon Road came as a bit of a shock. The track to Jury’s Farm is always nice, tempered only by the vigilance needed to avoid falling into the widening cracks, and the odd maniacally driven truck.
Dave W left us shortly after lunch and three riders peeled off at Effingham, headed for Leatherhead. Three of us had tea in Cobham where it was still warm enough for alfresco refreshments.
Thanks everyone for riding, to Geoff and Neil C for leading their groups, and in my group special thanks to Steve D for back marking, not to mention treating me to tea.
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