'A' Group Ride Report for Weds 15 Feb 2022 (Addlestone & Godalming)

 

We had thought last autumn that the 'A' group had had their last Addlestone start ever, so it was a surprise to see us back there again so soon, Weybridge Day Centre not being able to accommodate us as planned.  22 riders in three groups assembled for, I am shamed to admit, yet another of my 'quirky' rides.  It was interesting to note that about half the contingent made a beeline for Costa Coffee, no doubt in search of the extra caffeine hit offered by this chain (as we read in the press), while the other half made for the Golden Cafe across the road!   Anyway, drugged to the eyeballs or otherwise, we all duly set off punctually by 11.00 am bound for Godalming via Guildford Cathedral.

My group (Gill H, Sue C, Sue F, Dave E, Simon L, Pete B, Keith R, and me) were last away.   We made only stuttering progress for the first few miles - it seemed as if there was yet another set of temporary traffic lights around every corner!    Eventually, having dodged around and across Woking, we reached the 'groves of Academe' at Surrey Uni, and soon after, up a short, steep climb, Guildford Cathedral.

The cathedral looks small in this rather misleading photo, but actually towered above us!  We spent longer here than I had planned, partly because of interest in the building, and partly because of the very handy toilet facilities!

Eventually we set off towards our lunch stop by a slightly unusual route.  There was a bit of climbing involved and there were some minor, light-hearted complaints and chafing, more that I had misled about the topography of the route than about the steepness of the hills - I was unrepentant (despite the cathedral visit),  always read the small print, I say!   I didn't say it my blurb it was a flat route, just that we would avoid all the usual North Downs ascents!

We had set off last of three groups but somehow managed to get to lunch second!   As we went into Wetherspoons the first group greeted us with the traditional friendly cries of 'there aren't any jacket potatoes' and so on, just as a morale-booster, no doubt!  Despite these discouraging words, we didn't actually fare too badly inside - there were plenty of non-tuberous, alternative choices available and, as all the food orders, including those for the third group, were all brought to our table, we couldn't really complain!

We were back on the road by 2.00 pm to climb up towards Charterhouse and then (the other) Littleton before testing the newly-improved, cycle-friendly bridge from Guildford station towards the town centre, which we then skirted to the west and north.   The wind was behind us by now but we would have been just too late for the promised Claremont tea stop, so some stopped at Cobham while the rest of us headed home.

Thanks to all the group for your company, but especially to Dave E for back-marking all day, and to Ged and Neil W for bravely offering to co-lead.   Some credit must also go to the 'unruly sun' for shining with vigour all day!

Ged writes of his group's experience:

It was a ride of two halves - fiendishly devised twists and turns in the morning, and a straighter, faster run to tea. In between we took-in the cathedral, a first-time visit for some. My group coped well with the intricate route, even waiting patiently behind me at one road-works red traffic light too many! We passed Vic White outside Ripley, at 91, reputably the oldest Wayfarer still on two wheels. We arrived at Claremont just before early closing at 3.30pm, and unbeknownst to Patrick, Dave and Jennie tucked-into a rather large chocolate cake. Many thanks to Dave Ward for such a challenging route, for Brian for faultless backmarking, and to Geoff for taking over at Plough Lane. Thanks for your company on a marvellous Spring-like day.