A group ride report - 10th April

My excursion to Barns Green proved more popular that I had anticipated and after 22 signed up I had to ring the pub to up my estimate for lunch. This was greeted with friendly thanks and no concern which set the tone for the day. The endless rainy weather had already made me abandon my original thoughts of tea in Brockham and home over the Coach Road. The forecast kept us guessing about rain until the day though the wind was a given.

After a couple of cancellations there were 20 of us at Dorking in three groups.

Neil W was first away:

This ride went well, a few simple changes like a new way out of Dorking making a pleasing difference. We rode into the wind ‘going’, our native bluebells were blooming in many places along the way. Partridge Lane as usual was a delight. Nearing Horsham I paid close attention to the ride notes and we were grateful for the new cycleway bridge.

After the bridge Mike rode close behind me and saved us from one or two navigation slips. Going thru Horsham suburbs light rain started. As we approached Barns Green I stopped, pointing out some flowers which Fiona knew were maids a milking. Also known as cuckoo flower. So named because they flower about when cuckoos are heard, (thks Hans). 

Most of us had the baked potato meals at the Queen's Head which were excellent. The return was apparently easier with the wind helping us. Dave B and others said to ease the pace a bit. We got back to Leatherhead without any substantial rain. Most went off for Oxshott, Steve and I had coffee at Ginger & Charlie. We all thought it was a good route and day out, Thks Brian.

 

 

Janice led the second group:

Our group comprising Andy C, Frances, Dave’s E and V, Mark, Ged and I left Dorking in between Neil W and Brian’s  groups. As the pub had not required pre-ordering we were obliged to keep a five or 10 minute gap between the groups either side of us.

There had already been a fair headwind just to get to Dorking and the forecast was showing the possibility of rain earlier or later, depending on which one you were looking at.

As we left Dorking and headed South it seemed that we were directly into the headwind virtually all the way to lunch. There were a few spots of rain and somewhere around Horsham we stopped to put on rain jackets and various other waterproof items. This of course ensured that the rain never became heavy so that those who hadn’t put on waterproofs could have a pleasant and comfortable ride!

Not long after this we travelled mile after mile seeing freshly bloomed bluebells which were a lovely sight to see, particularly as they hold the promise of summer being around the corner. We stopped to take a photo with a carpet of bluebells in the background although of course they’re not as stunning in the photo as they were in real life.

Not long after the stop we must’ve turned North as we were at last out of the headwind as we headed for the Queen’s Head at Barns Green. Although the food on offer wasn’t the same as we’d seen online it was good and served quickly.

After some delay in getting the group together (not entirely successfully as Ged was missing) we took our usual pub photo.

And then we were off for a speedy return with a blissfully strong tailwind. Apart from a bit of a delay waiting for a tree to be felled near a power cable it was straight through to Leatherhead to stop at Charlie and Ginger for refreshments. The only flapjacks left were miso flapjacks which we were rather dubious about; however, we all agreed they were delicious and they’re now my favourite flapjack!

We all agreed it was a lovely route, made special by the first display of bluebells this year. Thanks to Brian for that, Dave V for back marking my group and the good company of all.

My group of Sue C, David and Jennie, Dave F and Neil C set off after Janice. The headwind was tough but nothing like that on my recce. We stopped for a photo on the new cycleway over the A264.

A light shower followed but we didn't stop and it soon cleared. Then onwards south until we reached Marlpost Lane which had been rather lifeless on my recce but now was full of bluebells and even a bit of sunshine to highlight them. Lunch at the Queens Head was excellent, even if the first group had eaten all the jacket potatoes. Good food, generous portions at reasonable prices and very efficent, friendly service in a traditional pub setting. We need to make sure that it's not another 10 years before we return.

Then home with the wind behind us but the rain chasing. We stopped for jackets by Tanhouse Farm as the drizzle turned to rain but by Newdigate it was almost dry again. Road Closed and diversion signs as we passed Red Lane were followed by the sight of a huge crane filling the road. The workmen helpfully invited us to walk past and we were soon on out way.

David and Jennie headed for the train at Dorking and Sue and Neil headed home at Leatherhead. Dave and I just made it to Charlie and Gingers before the downpour and joined the other groups for a recap of a most enjoyable day. 

My thanks to my group and especially Jennie for back marking.