B Group Ride Report - Wednesday 20th November '24.

Francis writes :

Overnight freezing temperatures and a cold wind could have caused mass “Sorry I can’t make today” texts but such is the mettle of the B groups (only one pulled out) with the rest bravely cycling to Leatherhead for elevenses.

After a de-frosting hot coffee, it was time for my group to saddle up. Being sub-leader, imagine my angst when I saw my trusted Garmin GPS device flashing on and off, resisting a reboot. This was going to be interesting.... Anyway, I could remember the route to the Stepping Stones pub from the recce and besides I had Mick’s Beeline device to rely on until that too wasn’t workingdue to Mick’s new phone. 

My group of Mick, Fixiedave, Carolyn, Anne W and Steph made good progress enroute to Fetcham until my gear cable came loose and I was stuck in a high gear with lots of hill climbing to come. Fortuitously Mick, our super bike mechanic, was in my group. I decided that rather than all of us wait in case it was going to be a long repair, the ladies should join the last group when they pass by.

With the repair done, the remaining three of us made swift progress to Effingham and the climb up Green Dene and Crocknorth Road. It was a memorable sight witnessing FixieDave zig-zagging his way up the steep parts, huffing and puffing all the way to the top. Well done Fixie!

We soon caught up with the last group and together arrived in no time at the Stepping Stones pub for a hot lunch and rest. Rest is what my Garmin needed and a good charge, resetting it back to normal use, much to my relief.

A charge up Box Hill was rewarded with great views over the South Downs, now in bright sunshine and blue skies. A thrilling downhill all the way to Ashstead Common and a late tea and cake at The Old Moat, rounded off an eventful and enjoyable day for all.

Well done Tim G for a superb route, some hills, some off-road and overall a great ride out.My thanks as usual to Mick A for his bike repair skills and his back-marking.

...and TimG writes :

The cold and frosty start did nothing to deter nineteen eager B group riders from today’s adventure. The warm comfort of the Fairfield Centre was soon exchanged for a bracing challenge in the Surrey countryside. 

My group (a carefully selected crew) enthusiastically set sail for a gentle cruise out of Leatherhead and up Lower Road towards Effingham. On route we were met by three sirens, marooned by the roadside, seemingly abandoned by their sub-leader (afflicted with a mechanical/garmin issue) and seeking safe passage to our lunchtime destination. Having adopted the lonesome refugees we proceeded to climb up Calvert Road, Green Dene and further up Crocknorth Road to savour the delights of Ranmore Common in the bright autumn sunshine. 

Descending into Dorking we once again climbed up to Cotmandene for the obligatory photo and discussion about a white house on the distant hillside, allegedly once the residence of an early TV engineer and inventor. Then onto North Holmwood and the quiet lanes approaching Brockham we reached our lunchtime destination of ‘The Stepping Stones’ at Westhumble. 

Service was prompt and efficient and we were also introduced to Victoria, Peter B’s daughter, who was on duty behind the bar and busily involved in the catering. Such a welcome relief to find a pub that is both welcoming and uncomplicated in their lunchtime service. 

While a couple of riders made their own way home the rest of us made our final assent up Box Hill then on via Headley, Ashford, Woodcote and Epsom Common for tea at the Old Moat. Always a welcome retreat of cake and conviviality. Suitably refreshed we all made our own way home as the darkness fell and temperatures dropped. 

Many thanks to everyone for their participation in today’s ride and especially to my two subbies, John and Francis for leading (or misleading) their relative groups. There are numerous photos available on the B group WhatsApp site for your enjoyment.

A good day had by all !