A Group Ride from Cobham, 4th January, Second Instalment.

After Neil's illustrated history tour of Chilworth, Dave Jackson reported on his group's ride.

Our group of eight riders left the RBL in Cobham, the first group out, on time at 10.30. hrs sharp, an eclectic gathering, three ladies, five men, three electric assist cycles, I had decided that as there was eight of us we would try to undertake our ride without a back marker, which proved fine. Avoiding as much of the wet/flooded roads as we could we made our war to Ripley and then towards the outskirts of Guildford. As we approached the first of the real climbs one of the group mentioned that there is a way up to the top of Halfpenny Lane by a much flatter route other than Tangier Road and One Tree Hill, so we thanked Ged for that so quickly after the Christmas period! This did not however deter us and by whatever way we had to, either assisted or not made a good steady pace up then down and onto the pub, where we arrived at 12.15. None of the other groups had passed us so we were first to be served and would be first away after lunch.

More of the same after our break, through or around the flooding at the bottom of Coombe Lane, this a harder climb than in the morning but approached in the same manner. We arrived in Leatherhead, having had a couple of riders peel off home, again in good time, some stayed for afternoon tea whilst others headed off home as well.

From my point of view, thanks to everyone for such an enjoyable day out, big appreciation and thanks to Ged for devising a challenging but rewarding route.

Combe Lane - after the ascent.

After a few weeks of Christmas indulgence, our first ride in 2023 - and the only serious ascent of the day, caused this group to pause atop Combe Lane to catch their breath. At least it was dry on top - compared to Combe Bottom.

A wet Bottom!

We were 23 in number leaving Cobham, with Neil W and Dave J as sub leaders - and with half-a-dozen Dave's spread amongst us. After a slight hiccup missing the turn into Clay Lane, we reached the Percy Arms on the dot of 12.20pm. We'd last visited the Percy Arms 4 year's ago (Mike Reynell had led us up Martha's Hill - descent down Halfpenny Lane was somewhat easier this time), and lunch didn't disappoint.

Setting-off for tea - from the Percy Arms.

Many found the route interesting - so here it is again:- https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/141420629.

Thanks to Neil W and Dave J for leading their groups, and to Mike R for expert back marking of my middle group. Also special thanks to Dave Vine for cakes at Cobham. (And if you ever need an urgent bike repair in Woking, I'd highly recommend this LBS - Martin at Woking Cycles).