After many days of on-off torrential rain, we were blessed with a dry and sunny day, perfect for the annual Freewheel Competition. All 3 groups had different routes of varying length to Root Hill all arriving at 11.15-11.30 am for the start. After the presentation on Brockham Green, there were different routes to the Plough pub in Leigh, for a staggered arrival.
My first group of Diane, Gill, Pete and Sue had the longest route to Root Hill via Punchbowl Lane and Park Gate. As we waited our turn for FixieDave’s push-off, we busied ourselves with how to be streamlined and fearless if one of us was going to win. Alas, after an exhilarating freewheel down the hill, especially the sharp corner manned by Steward Mick, and avoiding a car and van and debris on the road, none of us managed to get anyway near the eventual winners. It was nonetheless, an enjoyable and fun competition to have participated. Terry was the furthest any B rider got to the end, so congrats to him (must be the many years of experience!)
PS: being scolded by competitive Gill for getting in the way!
We then all rode the short distance to Brockham Green for the presentations by Sue F.
Ged won the men’s competition, with Steve as runner-up. Janice won the ladies’ competition with Sue C as runner-up. Thank you to Ed for the superb hand-crafted winners trophies.
My group had the shortest ride of 4 miles to the Plough and so we arrived relatively early to be served promptly with good lunches and drinks. At this time, the sun made an appearance and so in good spirits we headed out on our 15 mile ride to the Old Clunker café in Dorking, via Norwood Hill and Newdigate.
En route on Burnt Oak Lane, Pete spotted Cudworth Manor, a Grade II listed moated manor, complete with geese on sentry duty by the gate. Thick hedges prevented a decent photo of the manor but its moat was just visible. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cudworth_Manor
After Pete’s history lesson, we made our way steadily to the café for a rest and a cuppa. Thanks to all my group for their convivial company and to Pete for back-marking.
My thanks as always to Tim G and John A for supporting me as co-leaders and their respective back-markers.
To Terry, Tony, FixieDave and Mick for organising the FWC so well and for keeping us safe.
En route on Burnt Oak Lane, Pete spotted Cudworth Manor, a Grade II listed moated manor, complete with geese on sentry duty by the gate. Thick hedges prevented a decent photo of the manor but its moat was just visible. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cudworth_Manor
My thanks as always to Tim G and John A for supporting me as co-leaders and their respective back-markers.
To Terry, Tony, FixieDave and Mick for organising the FWC so well and for keeping us safe.
The middle group of Arwyn, Mick, Linda and Julie had intended to set off in good time but we had a couple of delays, including a missed turn over Cotmandene and a decision not to go off road over Dorking golf course. Therefore the leader cut off a couple of miles and we were the first to arrive at the top of Root Hill.
A fairly mediocre run down the hill for our group saw us ready to set off on a pleasant ride to lunch. After lunch outdoors (perhaps the last of the year) we set off for the spin to Dorking. A very pleasant autumn day out on our bikes.
Tim G finally ends with …
After a short ride up and over Cotmandene to Root Hill by my group of Colin, Tony, Ian, Paul, Grant and Terry, we met with our fellow cyclists to take part in the annual freewheel competition. Ably assisted by the event organisers we descended down hoping to take advantage of whatever momentum the hill could provide. As we gathered at Brockham Green it was disappointing to note that no B group members were successful in gaining a podium position. Congratulations to those that did!
On via Norwood Hill and Nalderswood we arrived at Leigh for lunch at the Plough. It was encouraging to see so many people enjoying an al fresco experience. The pub seemed busier than usual which meant our stay was a little longer than anticipated. Nevertheless we amused ourselves with convivial conversation until the food arrived.
Conscious of time we agreed to foreshortened the afternoon ride and make our way directly to Clunkers Cafe in Dorking where we joined a number of other B riders enjoying their afternoon refreshment.
Many thanks to all involved in making today’s freewheel experience a success and especially to Francis for compiling a varied selection of routes for us all to follow.
A good day had by all!
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