A group ride to Horley 28 June

 It was an enjoyable meeting point for all groups in Leatherhead with freshly baked scones, rock cakes and filter coffee on offer. 

Nevertheless we had to tear ourselves away to do some cycling and Dave V’s group was first away. 

Ride report 28 June 2023 Leatherhead – 10.50 Group

Janice’s “almost flat” route, thoughtfully avoiding the usual climb to Headley was about as much exercise as I was looking for so soon after Dieppe.

My group of Sue F, Brian, Dave F and welcome returnee Peter Suchy were well matched. The morning explored some rarely used lanes around Horley to the extent that I wondered if we would ever get there. 

Lunch at the Jack Fairman was quickly served, and good quality too, an improvement on the sometimes mixed ‘spoons experience. A little plane undercarriage spotting through Charlwood was followed by the almost flat Russ Hill, where we paused for a photo at Lowfield Heath windmill to prove we had not cheated by taking the direct route home.

We arrived at Amici in Leatherhead in good time for tea, for those who preferred to sit in the sun before journeying home.

Thanks to my group for their good company and tolerance of my navigational lapses, and especially to Peter Suchy as diligent back marker.

The next group to leave comprised Hans, Mike, Patrick, Ged and myself. Three of us still had Dieppe in our legs and so we agreed on a comfortable pace for the day and were glad of the lack of hills. Nevertheless Hans was looking uncomfortable much of the way to Horley. It turned out that a quick visit to the gents to turn his shorts the right way round was all that was needed……

Interesting to see that Dave’s report mentioned the quality of the food and I’d agree. I had a halloumi salad that I’ve had in other ‘spoons and it was way better than usual!

The return to Leatherhead had Russ Hill and then a few smaller hills that I’m sure never used to be there but we survived the journey and most of us stopped for more sustenance to fuel the final leg home. 

Thanks to my group for their good company. Also to Dave V and Neil W for sub leading. 

Neil W’s group was last to leave and here’s his report. 

The Fairfield Centre Leatherhead went up a star this visit for serving great filter coffee, and good homebaked fare. My group comprised Neil C Clive Steve D and Dave W. Congratulations to Clive for a fine finish sailing in the Solent over the weeked, and to Dave W for his adventurous scenic rides in France, as pictured in his Strava. 

We set off a few minutes before 11am, ride conditions were good but on the cycle path approaching Box Hill Steve had a puncture. He was admirably proficient and fast going about the repair, I remarked how clean his chainset was, yes, its all new after its major fail last time. 

The punchbowl and other roads passed agreeably. At the top of Root Hill Lane a young woman rider asked for directions to Box Hill. She had come from Reigate, and had been riding round, lost. No sat nav or map. We assured her Punchbowl and Pixham was the way to go and gave simple instructions .. left left right. I felt a bit guilty on our return when I noticed the first left led to a farm.  
The ride continued well. Lonesome Lane not so lonesome now with all the new housing, nice road surfaces which triggered Neil C's need for speed. After our first pass of Horley Neil thought we had ridden the minor roads before under near flood conditions, and I recalled a wet ride possibly led by Hans years ago. Nearing Horley we noticed a new visitor attraction, a dino nursery. Seven little dinos in there and many other colourful exotic creatures. 

Dave W parted with us after a stay at spoons, and our ride back went fine, we did a reasonable pace, finished with coffees on Leatherhead High St. 

Please look our for next weeks ride invite coming early and needing your attention early. Thanks!