Mick A writes :-
Nine of use, Mick, Fixie Dave, Colin, Tony H, Terry, Bernard, Sabina, Grant and Ken left Leatherhead more or less on time. The weather was reasonable for the time of the year, cool and sunny but no sign of rain. After negotiating the first hill ‘Chapel Lane’ most of descended into Westhumble together apart from Bernard and Sabina who punctured. They instructed us to carry on, Fixie volunteered and rode back with a map of the planned route. After fixing the puncture they joined the third group.
All went fine until we reached Chipstead Way just one mile before the pub, I had forgotten to warn about this very steep but short hill, We were rewarded with a good lunch at the The Woodman.
After lunch it was a straightforward run over Epsom Downs for tea at ‘The Old Moat’ garden centre. Bernard and Sabina defected to the third group, Colin and Ken left the pub with us but tailed of before tea to make their way home. On arrival Fixie started singing ‘9 to 5’ referring to the nine of us who had departed and five that made tea, not bad for a winter ride.
And Tim G writes :-
The day began with a cooler ride to Leatherhead Fairfield Centre for our customary 11’s. 25 B group cyclists in 3 groups assembled and later left at ten minute intervals.
As we had covered a series of relatively flat routes over the last few weeks I thought we might all appreciate a slightly more adventurous challenge with a few hills thrown in for good measure.
We initially meandered around Fetcham then took a less familiar quiet route up to Great Bookham. From there we climbed at a leisurely pace up Chapel Lane towards Polesdon Lacey and then down to Westhumble where we met Bernard and Sabina wrestling with a suspected puncture. As they were insistent that they were in full control we passed by and made our second and very familiar accent up Box Hill. At the top a lady, walking her dog, kindly offered to take a group photo of the assembled company.
On along tried and tested s via Walton-on-the-Hill, Banstead Heath, over the A217 and through the very stately Warren Estate we followed the tree lined road, in all it’s autumn glory towards Chipstead.
At this point I thought a little surprise was in order by cutting up Court Hill and onto the ‘rollercoaster’ Chipstead Way. The ‘big dipper’ view ahead took some by surprise as it’s not a section often cycled before. Nevertheless it made for a brief dramatic prelude prior to our welcome lunchtime stop at ‘The Woodman’ at Woodmansterne.
Despite the pub being quite busy most of us were fed and watered in a reasonable time in the comfortable surroundings of the dining area.
The ‘no hills’ (perhaps just a couple) route in the afternoon took us via Banstead, Burgh Heath, Epsom Downs, Chalk Lane, Epsom, Woodcote, across and through Epsom common to the ‘Old Moat’ garden centre where we met up with our fellow cyclists from both A and B groups for tea. By 4.04pm the sun had set so suitably refreshed and lights activated we made our way home.
Many thanks to all those who participated in making today’s ride a success and especially to Peter B and Mick A who ably led the first two groups. A very good turnout for November and hopefully a good day had by all.
There are numerous photos posted on the 'Wayfarers B Group' WhatsApp.
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