The signs were ominous when by Sunday evening only one person had signed up for the B group ride. Interest increased a little on Monday but the chilly weather resulted in a further decline on Wednesday morning.
Nevertheless, eight hardly souls turned out to brave the elements and gathered at Dorking to enjoy a warming tea/coffee and cakes/pastries. We kept to our plan of riding in two groups and set out to enjoy the winter glories of the Surrey countryside.
Starting in Dorking High Street we ascended up to Cotmandene, St Paul’s Road, then down to North Holmwood. Another slight climb up Inholms Lane took us to Blackbrook Road and south via Newdigate to The Jordans. We then headed north towards Parkgate.
On the way we stopped to admire a flock of alpacas happily grazing in their field quite undeterred by the wintery conditions and our sudden appearance.
The alpaca is a species of South American camelid mammal. It is similar to and often confused with the Llama. However, alpacas are noticeably smaller and prized for their valuable fleece that once processed can be very similar to natural silk.
Ian W proposed the notion that they have a tendency to ‘spit’ ! I’m assured that this can only happen if you are particularly rude or discourteous towards them.
Heading north we cycled via Leigh and Brockham to our lunch stop at ‘The Stepping Stones’ at Westhumble. Given our reduced numbers we were promptly served and took welcome refuge in warm surroundings after a chilly morning on two wheels.
Many thanks to everyone who turned out today and especially to John A for sub-leading and Tim C for back marking. A good day out despite the lower temperature and a good opportunity to experience the Surrey countryside in the winter season.
TimG.
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