Report for B Group - 22nd Feb.

Thank you all those who braved the early damp weather to join in the ride from Redhill. Actually, as it turned out, we were fortunate with the weather and it could have been much wetter and/or colder.

In particular I would like to thank Tim x2 who did the sub leading. It is invaluable to have a couple of totally reliable subbies lined up. This is especially as they do not know until 24 hours beforehand how many they will lead or even if they will actually be needed to sub lead. So a big thank you to Tim and Tim, and indeed all those others who willingly step forward to provide this essential service to us all.

John A.

 

Tim G writes:

Despite a wet start an encouraging number of Wayfarers turned out for today’s ride.

After a slight reshuffle of the running order five of us left in the second group to make our accent out of Redhill and down Fullers Wood Lane. We soon met our first and only obstacle at the railway bridge which was closed to traffic due to repairs. Having convinced the workmen of our honourable intentions they let us pass to continue our ride.

The country lanes were a welcome distraction to the cloudy skies as we made our way towards Outwood windmill. Having disposed of the obligatory history lesson and photo we made our way onto our lunch stop at the ‘Jack Fairman’ pub at Horley.

As always orders were promptly delivered and we enjoyed a welcome break amongst the usual inhabitants of a popular Weatherspoons.

Once we had crossed the Reigate Road we were in familiar territory making our way via Leigh and Brockham to Leatherhead for tea at ‘Charlie and Gingers’ cafe.

Many thanks to Dave, Francis, Mick and Terry for their company. Always a pleasure to lead a diligent and uncomplicated group of cyclists. 

~ Tim G

Tim G's B Group Emergency Response Unit turns up in good to time to provide the A Team with much needed advice about how to deal with a puncture.

Mick (sporting his new luminous Tam o' Shanter) with Dave, Terry and Tim

Nobody wanted to sit outside at the pub

Departing from Charlie and Ginger

Tim C writes:

As always with our Redhill rides we felt as if we had already done a substantial ride just to get to Elevenses, with over 800 feet of elevation gain from North Cheam to the Methodist Centre, according to RideWithGPS.

We had a slightly tardy departure and then Anne discovered a front wheel puncture. Numerous blokes stood around and looked busy holding the dust cap and lock-ring, unravelling the new tube and ensuring that it, rather than the perforated tube which had just been removed, got fitted to the wheel.

We were soon off again and romped up the horrible A25 hill towards Nutfield and then, mercifully, turning off to head South on Fullers Wood Lane. From this point on the going was far more enjoyable. We were aware of being a bit behind schedule but despite the uninspiring weather we pressed on with John's prescribed itinerary and arrived at The Jack Fairman in quite reasonable time. Wetherspoons prices are more welcome than ever these days. We enjoyed the warmth indoors and ate well and surprised ourselves by getting underway soon after 2 p.m.

We headed towards Leatherhead via Leigh and Brockham, managing the undulations and the grotty weather quite well. At Charlie and Ginger we were pleased to tuck into good coffee and tea and large slabs of cake before wending our weary ways towards home as darkness approached.

When she arrived at the café Lilian proclaimed that she had a flat tyre. We all know that the puncture fairy turns up to make mischief when the roads are wet. After Tea Lilian wheeled her bike to the station and by all acounts made it safely home.

Thanks to Lilian, Anne, Chris, and Tony as back-marker, for your good company as we forged our way through the perma-drizzle.

16.5 miles to Lunch and 15.9 to Tea. A good long ride for this time of year. Thank you John.

~ Tim C

The oldest working Windmill in Britain, built in 1665

Lilian, Chris and Anne