Report for B Group - 2nd August

Despite the unpleasant weather forecast, 19 of us set off from Cobham on a route fairly loaded with off road sections in the morning, to the climb up Box Hill for lunch in Headley. Fortunately it was before the very heavy rain so the conditions weren’t too wet or muddy.

Here’s Paula’s report. Well done for your first sub-lead Paula, with an extra challenge of the weather!

A small group of 6 left Cobham a little bit earlier than planned to try and get ahead of the rain, Paula leading for her first ever sublead (EEK) and John A kindly back marking. Meandering across Bookham common through Fetcham to Bockets and down the lane with the deadly speed bumps, we made it up Box Hill with not too much puffing and onto Headley and the Cock Inn without getting wet! After an initial todo when the pub said they weren't expecting us and hadn't received our pre-order, the barman pulled out the stops, took our orders and food was delivered in record time. We ate massive fish finger sandwiches and sticky toffee pudding and wondered when the rain would start. We didn't have to wonder for long! Stephen had already departed before lunch and John made his own way home the short flat way, which left 3 hardy girls to battle the horribleness to Leatherhead and back to tea at Hampton Court. Jane left us at Esher and Julie and I enjoyed tea and cookies at the tea stop. Our prize goes to Julie who came all the way to tea at Hampton Court, only to go back the other way to Nonsuch - well done everyone - hope you enjoyed a hot shower!

Sue’s report

With a prompt getaway, 6 of us departed Cobham in spitting rain to cycle Gill’s lovely route up to Norbury Park and then on enjoy the delights of Box Hill before lunch. Could we get to The Cock Inn before the rain proper arrived? That was the question…

Grant and Ian decided they would join us for a few miles before peeling off for home and as always Ian had some interesting facts to offer about the area. He persuaded me into a quick off-route detour to view an old mill pond and the background to the extensive stud farm near Cobham Services, owned by the millionaire who started Betfair apparently. Who says gambling doesn’t pay…
 
At the top of Norbury Hill, after stopping for a quick drink, this  errant leader took the wrong track off the hill and had to dog-leg back down the A24 cycle track to Westhumble. No one seemed to notice though or they were too polite to say!
 
The Wayfarers were the only hardy cyclists out on Box Hill, perhaps it was too wet for the lycra brigade. On to lunch at Headley as the rain drew in and we were shown into a private room to eat at The Cock Inn - perhaps the staff were worried that our dishevelled appearance might scare their regulars.  
 
Mags and Tim G headed straight for home after lunch and with my diminished group of Mick and Chris, we made our way back to Thames Ditton where we parted ways.
 
Many thanks to all group members for your company and Tim G for back marking. Despite the weather, I think we made the best of it!
 
Gill’s report

My group of Paul, Maggie, Tim C, Anne, Colin and Graham were last off and warmed up nicely with the undulations up to and across Norbury Park, for the big climb up Box Hill. It was then a race to reach the pub while still relatively dry.

The heavens really opened just as our group arrived at The Cock Inn. The other groups looked nicely settled in the warm and dry. The food was tasty and quickly served (though clearly their in-house communication needs improvement!)

There was much discussion about afternoon plans but decisions were quickly made when we stepped back outside into heavy rain. Colin had left before lunch and the rest decided to head straight home. Graham and I continued to follow the route and by the time we reached Cobham again the sun was shining!  Enticed by this only one continued to tea, as Graham sensibly headed home. In a very short time it was raining heavily again but after a reviving, if lonely (just missed Julie and Paula), tea and cake in Hampton Court I eventually made it, dripping wet, home.

Thanks to everyone for starting out in what was expected to be a very unpleasant day, but turned out to be a rather enjoyable one. Thanks especially to my two sub-leaders, Colin and all the back markers!

~ Gill H