Report for A Group Feb 1st

For the first time in some weeks the weather was good for the time of year though the westerly breeze made it feel cooler especially riding to Cobham. We had 19 riders in total split into three groups for out ride to the Royal Oak near Pirbright. 

Neil Warland was away first:

Well, with this ride things are looking up - daylight hours are improved, no rain, some sunshine, even some warmth from the sun for a few minutes. 
We set off first, our group of six having a healthy number of Daves, and sensibly avoided Plough lane. I had ridden Plough lane a week ago and I think the marine section precipitated the disintegration of the bottom bracket last Saturday. The first 10 miles out were similar to Ged's recent route. From Sutton Green the route cleverly linked great rural sections. In Stoughton (the edge of Guildford urban sprawl) we stopped at the building with castle crenellations. The plaque gives its history back to 1661, the West Surrey Regiment distinguished themselves in action at Tangiers, and later this building was built as its barracks and training base. The motif on the top of the plaque is a surprise - the 'Paschal Lamb'. There are a few possible explanations why, but what is certain is it has been the regiment's motif since the 1680s.    

I had prepped the group to look out for snowdrops, which Geoff had seen on the recce, even so when I shouted out 'STOPPING' in Wood Street village - with the suddenness of it - a few thought it was a serious mech failure. It was a wonderful carpet of white flowers and a welcome sign of early spring. 

 

 At the start of Cobbett Hill the ponds and ditches are shamefully spoiled with rubbish, I led the climb away fast, we noted the Cobbett Hill Earth Station site on the right, which is sometimes called an earth satellite teleport. Then right for a fast section to lunch at the Kings Head. All ok there. 

A few minutes into our return we felt the warmth of the sun, but only a few minutes. The return went nicely and we finished with another fast section along the Thames to the Walton Bridge cafe. It would have been faster but an annoying car driver over took then brake checked at each speed ramp. 
The benefit of the extra daylight was we all stopped for tea/coffee/cakes, the best way to finish. 
Thanks Dave B for backmarking, Dave V. (congrats), Hans, Janice, Ged for company.   

Geoff G was away next:

Second group away from Cobham and just about on time to have the pedals turning, no Plough Lane as we were all aware of, usual route out to Ockham and then to the muddy Guileshill Lane (never my route of choice at the best of times) so before committing to it I gave the option of Ockham Road North, as some did not like that option it was to the lane we headed, turned out not so bad after all.

The rest of the journey out went well, a hiccup at one roundabout near Jacobs Well, some said they didn't notice which was good. The headwind was starting to get very boring and by the time we reached the pub I think we were pleased to stop. The first group were well settled when we arrived.

The food and drink orders quickly taken and a table for six found in a select corner and not to long before all the food arrived, good service by the staff. Fed and watered and ten minutes after the first group left we were on our way, I did notice that Brian's group were mounting up just as we left, thought we might have a jockeying for second place as the afternoon went on.

A nice steady ride back with the only traffic to contend with at Chobham as Brian and I had on the recce.We were soon onto Stonehill Road and and nearly back to Addlestone and the final leg to Walton.

Very surprised to have Brian's group on our tail at Walton saying they were not going to overtake us at the last minute to tea, Brian you should have given them time to digest there meal and not be so competitive.

A good day out from the start cakes and tea provided by Dave Ferret at Cobham, to Brian for a great route and to my group for good company, thanks to Dave Ellis for his first back making day. 

Finally my group of Sue C, Gill, Pete B, Dave F, Richard and Simon set off. The wind was in complete contrast to the recce when Geoff and I had a slight tailwind and flew to Pirbright. Nevertheless the zig-zag nature of the route meant it wan't continuous helped also by hedges and woodland. I thought we made good time under the circumstances and were happy to have the tailwind after lunch.

Lunch was very efficiently served leading to us being ready to leave soon after Geoff. We spotted them in the distance and at Addlestone where they were stopped at the roadworks where the lights then held us to open a gap. So we closely followed them into Walton after an uneventful and very pleasant ride.

My thanks to Simon for back marking, Dave F for birthday cakes Geoff and Neil for sub leading and Neil for the photos for which I am very grateful as I completely forgot to take any.