A Group Ride Report - 3 April

 20 riders set off from Cobham for lunch in Capel and tea in Ashtead.

First off was Dave V’s group and here is his report:

My group comprised no fewer than 4 Daves (W, F, J and me) thankfully balanced by Gill and Andy and Jennie as back marker (thanks Jennie). We left promptly, mindful that the headwind outbound would likely get stronger. In the event it was only troublesome on the open stretch to West Horsley, after which the hills provided shelter, and a different sort of challenge.

We were swiftly through the Amlets Lane roadworks, but at Ewhurst the rain started, and continued all the way to Capel, where blue skies prevailed just as we entered the Crown. The staff had expected three separate groups, but we all arrived at much the same time. Nevertheless the welcome was warm and the food good, and we were all sitting together.

Dave W left us after lunch. On the wind assisted return there was some talk of avoiding the Box Hill zig-zags but after a quick debate at Ryka’s we all decided to ride up. On the way we were able to help a Brompton-riding tourist who was struggling with a wonky saddle. Andy, probably alone amongst us, was carrying the necessary box-spanner to make the repair.

Gill decided to turn for home direct from Box Hill, while the rest of us completed the route, with its final quirk, to Ashtead Park, where Dave F and Andy remained for tea.

Thanks to my group for unfailing cheerfulness, and to Clive for a route which linked together some of Surrey’s smoother-surfaced roads.

The second group was led by Brian:

My group of six (Frances, Ged, Neil C, Peter S, Richard) set off almost on time. It was hard work into the wind to West Horsley, so much so that the climb up The Drift which was sheltered by trees seemed easier than the open flat stretches. Hans' group overtook us at the top of the first Shere Road climb. 

Until Cranleigh it was dry but then some drizzle started and when it got worse I stopped by the pub in Ewhurst to put my jacket on. I was then told that I had missed the turning into Downhurst Road so we went back and did that - a first for everyone. The rain didn't last but roads everywhere were very wet from recent rain. From Ewhurst to lunch was much easier without the head wind and we arrived at the pub just before 1pm to find Dave Vine's group still queuing at the bar.

Lunch was good value and in spite of our concentrated arrival we were on the road in about an hour. It felt colder after lunch though finally there was some brightness by the time we reached Box Hill. Frances, Peter and Neil peeled off home at various points and Ged, Richard and I stopped for tea.

Thanks for a nice route which was appreciated by all and to Peter for back marking.

Last but not least the group led by Hans:

Seven riders took off from Cohan in my group looking forward to our ride in the wind and probable rain. Thankfully the weather, by all accounts was kinder than last week but there were still some very damp cyclist arriving at The Crown in Capel for lunch.

After a good lunch and some ingenious clothing layering (?) we managed a good speed to Box Hill and a fast descent to tea at Pleasure Pit Lane (where better?). A good ride, some tired legs but thankfully dryer than the morning.

Thanks to Dave V, Brian and Hans for sub-leading and here is the route.