Ride Report - A's 5th April

What a difference a change in the weather can make to the mood in the club. An enthusiastic group of 19 A riders assembled in Cobham ready for a hilly ride to Rusper. And a special welcome to Steve Duffin returning to us after 3 months. I had arranged 3 balanced groups, with likely similar average speeds, so we left at 10 minute intervals to spread the load on the staff at The Star.

The morning route over Leith Hill provided the challenge of the day but rewarded us with clear views through the still leafless trees on the descent.

The Star proved to be an efficient and friendly lunch spot, and defying the current fashion for pre-ordering, managed to serve us all speedily with our favourite food.

Patrick eager to get his hands on the lunch

                            

The afternoon was a ramble through the lanes where some spotted tigers, llamas, windmills, and the first hint of bluebells. 

We even found three potholes which had been repaired since our recce on Monday, just possibly a sign of progress. But most appreciated in my group was the almost uninterrupted stretch of smooth tarmac from Parkgate to Leigh.

All the groups arrived in time for a joint teastop at Amici in Leatherhead, where we sat outside before being gently reminded by the owner that they closed at 4.

   

Big thanks to my co-leaders NeilC, MikeR and reserve Brian, and to everyone who came and made it such a sociable day. Happy Easter all.