Report for B Group - 7th June

Francis writes for the first group...

An early morning chill and cloud left some riders wondering if they should have added more layers. However, as we enjoyed the birthday hospitality of Ian Williamson at Elevenses, the sun broke through and we were set for a beautifully warm and sunny day ahead of our ride, 31.7 miles in total.

The route to lunch at the Royal Oak, Bookham took us to Oakham, Send, West Clandon and up to Newlands Corner. After my obligatory historical talk to my group about the area, we set off-road along the pleasant Drove Road to the Staples Lane car park and descended into Horsley onto Effingham and Bookham where a well-earned lunch awaited. Lunch was both prompt and very good.

 

 

Post lunch, we descended at some speed down Chapel Lane towards Little Switzerland for the climb to Headley before descending rapidly to Ashtead Common but with 500 yards to go before our tea stop, Pete "Trust Me" Beyer took us on a scenic and enjoyable 2 mile route through the Common eventually ending at the Old Moat for Tea.

My thanks to my group Pete, FixieDave, Terry, Paul, Ken, Alan (back-marker) for their jovial company and my co-leaders Mick and Tim G for excellently leading their respective groups.

~ Francis

Mick writes for the second group...

Colin, Anne W., Tim C., Paula, Graham, Gill with Mick leading departed Cobham with the sun shining. We followed familiar roads through Ockham but turned right towards Clandon and Newlands Corner. On the steepest part of the hill we were held up by a car puthering grey smoke, eventually grinding to a halt and blocking a lane in the busy road; someone was having a bad day.

We regrouped outside the Newlands Corner cafe then turned off-road on a very pleasant path for 1.5 miles leading to Staples Lane car park. From there it was through East Horsley and Effingham to Bookham and the Royal Oak pub.

After lunch it was a decent into Westhumble and then up through Little Switzerland. Paula, Graham and Gill were the first to summit with the rest of us not far behind. After regrouping, the same three peeled off for their journey home. The remaining four casually rode to The Old Moat for tea.

~ Mick

Tim G writes for the third group...

The day started a bit cool for our pre-ride trek to Cobham but the skies soon cleared to provide a bright, fine and sunny day. Thanks to Ian W’s generosity we all enjoyed a tea/coffee to celebrate his imminent birthday.

High five for the birthday boy

Seven of us left promptly and made our way towards East Clandon via Ockham and Hungry Hill. Our first climb up to Newlands Corner presented us with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Always an excuse for a photo opportunity courtesy of Steph:

Following the South Downs Way was particularly scenic with a surprise view of a field of cultivated foxgloves. We descended towards East Horsley and Effingham to join the first two groups at Great Bookham. Our lunch at the Royal Oak was a particular success providing good food and prompt service. Definitely a venue worth a future visit.

Suitably refreshed we made our way up and over Chapel Wood to Westhumble then faced our final climb up Juniper Hill at a steady and measured pace.  

On via Headley and Woodcote we decided to head to the Horton Cafe for tea. Constructed in 1901 the building is the last surviving chapel of Epsom’s unique ‘cluster’ of five pioneering psychiatric hospitals. It was recently renovated and now operates as an arts and exhibition centre. Certainly well worth a visit.

Many thanks to all who contributed towards a well planned and enjoyable ride on such a fine day. Surrey at its best !

~ Tim G