Report for A ride - 7th June

 This week we had another beautiful day and slightly warmer (just) than in recent weeks. Twenty were tempted to sign up for the ride to the Sun Inn at Dunsfold. The major challenge was not the route or the weather but how to gather the pre-orders without (until the last minute) a menu from the pub which "helpfully" was not very precise about the baguette offering. In fairness, the baguettes (+ chips) were good and all was great on the day. Fiona, Janice and I had tried a nearby alternative on Monday when the Sun was closed and would not have been tempted back so I think the Sun will stay in our portfolio of likeable pubs.

Janice's report: 

Frances, Patrick, Neil W, Andy, Ged and I set off first from Cobham. The weather was still cool and the North East wind brisk so it was gilets and sleeves on. However, Brian had kindly thrown in Beech/Critten/Whitedown to ensure we warmed up sooner rather than later.

The sun started to make an appearance and the lovely quiet lanes were even more pleasant for it although I took the descents slowly given the dappled sunlight and possibility of potholes.

Despite earlier concerns over what lunch would be available, The Sun at Dunsfold did well and we all received what we ordered and also some fries which we hadn’t. We had a discussion on improving  power weight ratios whilst finding it surprisingly easy to eat a fairly large portion of fries even if we wouldn’t have otherwise ordered them.

After lunch we set off to tackle the remaining couple of hills, view the water fountain and enjoy the very pleasant Thorncombe Street. The wind was more against us than for us but we made it back to Cobham for a selection of ice creams and offerings from Gail’s.

A lovely route thank you Brian and thanks for the good company of my group and in particular Ged for back marking. 

Fiona set off next with Sue C, Dave V, Steve D, Neil C and Geoff G

I led the final group. It was good to see Peter Suchy back riding with us after a long lay-off after breaking his arm. My group of Dave's E + F, Peter S + B, Simon, Sue F and I set off shortly after Fiona. Unfortunately, by Ranmore it was clear that Sue was in some pain and decided that she shouldn't continue but would return to Dorking for a train. The rest of us continued over the hills and in Lower Breache Lane stopped to admire the house and lake at Old Plough Farm and a chat with the owner.

From here our pace was quite brisk to Dunsfold where we arrived just before 1pm. As with the other groups we ate well and continued with the prospect of the climb to Hascombe ahead of us.

 

We stopped to admire the fountain and then continued homewards into the wind arriving in Cobham to find Dave V and Geoff G still chatting after their tea. 

My thanks to Janice and Fiona for sub leading and Dave F for back marking.