25th September - A Ride from Redhill to Horley.

The weather forecast for the 25th hadn't look good in the days leading up to the ride, and so maybe that was why numbers were down.

I arrived in plenty of time to find all eight of the keen cyclists already there. We were all aware that rain was forecast for later in the day and so Steve rounded up his group and left 15 minutes early!

Here is his report -
Our day started with expectations of rain and so riders were few. I led Richard, Sue Chasty, Andy Coxhill and Dave Ferrett out of Redhill and then took an unusual route out via Earlsbrook Road and Kings Mill Lane to avoid major climbing. Pretty soon Neil's route took us to turn off Coopers Hill Road on the start of the Tandridge Border path, past the farm and on through lovely wooded countryside passing north of South Godstone. I was pleasantly surprised that this off road section had a decent amount of hard surfacing and so was unaffected by the recent heavy rainfall.

By this time the group led by Neil C caught up with us and I took a photo of us at the viewpoint of Tilburstow Hill.



I had left 15 minutes earlier than our start time which came in handy as shortly before Crowhurst Ged had a front wheel puncture. Fortunately he had spare sealant and a repair dart and was able to continue. A tricky repair however, as the hole was in the middle of the tyre and weeped sealant from around the plug, not helped by wet conditions. Nevertheless we progressed on more quiet roads until the B2024 near Lingfield which was busy. After this it seemed to take forever, on arrow straight and smooth roads until The Jack Fairman at Horley, which wasn't very busy.

The afternoon romp back to Denbies was on well known roads, Root Hill and Punchbowl Lane to Pixham Lane. I stayed for tea with Andy and Richard, although the vast tea room at Denbies closed before we arrived at 3.30 pm. So we sat outside and was served at the hatch. The grey clouds gathered and we left at 4.30, but it didn't rain at all and so my rucksack full of waterproof clothing wasn't needed.

Thanks Andy for back marking and thank you Neil for a quiet and inventive route, which makes you appreciate spending time on a bicycle. Hats off to everyone who could attend.

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Thanks to Steve for volunteering to lead his group and writing such a good report I have nothing more to add!