Report for A Group - 28th August

David J wrote:

Firstly I'd like to thank Andy H for stepping up to lead the first group on the day, rather than have me disperse those riders in the other two groups.

My group consisted of Sue, Dave F, Clive, Dave E, Simon L and myself.

When I started planning the ride I was faced with something of a dilemma, as the distance from The Queen Stage in Effingham to Brockham and the picnic area is not that far; how can I give the groups something that would be a challenge yet hopefully still find it enjoyable. On the plus side there were no worries about finding a pub for lunch.

I decided to take them into the hills to the south of Effingham and exit the hills at Dorking. The first climb of the day was aptly named High Barn Road, followed by up Whitedown Lane from the north, and then past the Abinger Hatch pub on Abinger Lane and on to Leith Hill and Coldharbour before we descended down into Dorking itself. All of which were completed at a decent pace and with no grumbling. I took my group along the A25 and turned into Brockham Lane and onto the pavilion. The other groups decided not use this route but rather approach Brockham from a different direction and avoid the main road.

We had been riding in the warm tree covered lanes most of the way but when we turned into the car park the sun was blazing down on us and the tables that were set out. Timewise we arrived pretty much when I wanted to get there, giving us time for refreshments and time to mingle and chat with other members of the club.

After lunch our group was joined by another Simon, who had ridden out with the 'B's on his first ride with the club, so not wishing to change the theme of the day made our way around the back of Brockham up to Punchbowl Lane, yet we weren't finished, so up Box Hill, again in the sun, before crossing Headley and down towards Epsom. On the way to afternoon tea various members headed off home whilst the remaining five arrived at the Old Moat in good time for either tea, coffee or ice cream as desired. When we arrived the first group were just leaving so we were able to catch up with them, say our farewells after they had promised that they had left some cake.

 

Overall, from Effingham to The Old Moat we had climbed over 3200 ft in a distance of 32 miles, a great achievement! and no punctures.

Many thanks to everyone in the group for enjoying the route, their company, and particularly Simon L for back marking and all for generally making Picnic day another wonderful summer's day out. Also I would like to say a large thank you to all those who did the real hard work, setting up, running the refreshments and clearing away for the picnic itself.

David J

Brian wrote:

My group of Ged, Andy C, Richard, Steve D and Dave V set off a few minutes after the appointed time. David had designed a route to ensure we all had an appetite for lunch after climbing to Whitedown and Leith Hill. 

I started the way I continued with a bit of insubordination and turned left out of the Queen Stage to use the traffic lights at the main road. We all enjoyed a steady run to Dorking where I cut right down Ridgeway Road to Flint Hill and then through North Holmwood and Red Lane to Brockham. Our return departure was some time after the other groups given the need to prise some members away from their social activities. There was then a photo stop at the top of Box Hill and a chat with Sabina who took another group photo. So it was past 3.30 when we reached Ashtead Park and tea at the Old Moat was looking a bit of a tight call. So we all stopped in Ashtead for tea. 

My thanks to Ged for back marking.

Brian