A group ride from Cobham 2nd October 2024

 The ride was once again planned to appeal to either A group or A/B group riders. I had publicised the ride as an unadventurous ride as my last ride might have been overly adventurous for some. I double checked that the only off road across Bookham Cobham remained fit to ride on my way to Cobham and was pleasantly relieved to find it was!

We should all grateful to Brian in particular for both sub leading and because I stole the best section of one of his rides from last year (but edited it with less hills and  in a reverse direction and a tolerable distance to lunch).

I had 21 riders (including leaders) signed up with everyone securing the subgroup pace of their choice. However, the very compact "fast five" group was only formed at the last minute due to an initial  shortage of a sub leader and some very last minute or late applications. It seems that Mike R was duly elected sub leader (being the last to apply) but Neil W and Peter S has also offered to assist. Thanks again to them.

To target a reasonably staggered arrival at the pub all three groups left closely spaced shortly before 11;00. It was great to see the revised assembly points at Cobham being so well supported by all participants. Many thanks.

My equal opportunity group was last away, enjoying the largely traffic free route to Effingham before the inevitable. Unfortunately, we passed the 5 once more in puncture repair mode on Calvert Road. As too many cooks spoil the broth, we gallantly left them to it and carried on, expecting them to come flying past on one of the foreboding morning hills

For most of us it was familiar territory up Green Dene where we saw a group of Bs tearing down in the opposite direction. Were they on their way home already or was the road ahead blocked? Apparently neither.

In Shere we discovered and were delayed by some annoying roadworks. That was the first of many “That wasn’t there on the Recce!“ remarks by the leader.

On and on we ground, up Sandy Lane, across Little London and down to Brook. I can’t recall exactly when we met the first horse, but there were plenty today including a pair with only one rider. Some more climbing up Brook Hill to Farley Green and another horse. This was trotting uphill and generating 755 watts so at my meagre 116 watts, we had no chance of catching it. (Editors note 755 watts = 1HP)

Yet more climbing through the aptly named Hurtwood before we broke the back of the morning's ascent. Then down hill to Stroud and Run Common. It must have been around here we ignored the usual road ahead closed sign (Special offer 1 day only Wednesday 2 October) and to our horror found it actually was. Two large trucks completely blocked the lane and a lumberjack in a cherry picker was giving a tree a good haircut. Fortunately, Jenny smiled and waved at a ferocious looking workman who turned off his branch munching monster and let us safely squeeze between the trucks on foot. We all joined in a chorus of “For he’s a Jolly good fellow” (well mentally at least.). Just after this we gallantly moved over to let the fast 5 through. (The puncture clearly had not gone well.)

“A tad later and 17 miles from Cobham we were into the highlight of the morning, a long cut to lunch via Brookwell Lane, Gate Street (where surprisingly there was a gate across the street) and the lovely Thorncombe Street. The sun briefly shone (Hooray), we saw two more horses, wooden headed statues only this time on the hillside. (Sue C, its behind you!)

It was all going so well, but there were a surprising number of vehicles around and precious little space to manoeuvre. As we approached mile 21, the inevitable happened and there was a very sharp shower (Boo). Those not wearing waterproofs stopped to find and put them on. Sue F sadly discovered that she had left hers in Cobham. The leader had charged ahead seeking a safe and sheltered spot, where we regathered to head for a belated lunch.

Lunch was generally enjoyed at the Grantley Arms which received mixed reviews on its pricing, service charge and for some their food quality. It turned into a leisurely lunch as all subgroups waited for heavy lunchtime showers to subside.

 

The route back to tea at Cobham was reasonably flat (apart from Guildford High Street) and quite short. In view of the unfavourable looking weather several riders opted for a train assist from Guildford. Others cracked on regardless, taking good off road paved cycle routes through Guildford where available , and then fairly briskly thereafter.  All groups experienced some pm showers, some more that others but all in all they did not detract from a great day out for most. Thanks to all who signed up for their company, especially those who back marked, and to Dianne for giving an A/B subgroup a first try.