Thursday, November 07, 2024

Ride Report A group, Cobham, Leigh, Ashtead 6th November




Janice report

My group comprising Neil W, Hans, Peter S, Patrick, Daniel, Dave B, Andy H and myself set off first happily thinking we’d be arriving at the pub ahead of the queue.

Across Bookham Common, which was acceptably dry, before we hit the beginning of the first climb. A road closed sign was in place at the start of Beech Avenue so we turned left into High Barns rather than risk being turned back half way up as happened on the recce. As we climbed High Barns and climbed some more we spread out but stopped at the top to re-group. After waiting a while it was clear there’d been a problem and indeed Hans had suffered a puncture which required 2 separate inner tubes which Neil had kindly stayed behind to help with. Frances’ group came and went and eventually we received the message that we should continue as Neil and Hans would follow.

As we turned right we were then further delayed as traffic was being held whilst a large high branch was being felled by tree surgeons.

At last back on the route we made reasonably swift progress and were able to catch up with the other 2 groups ……..  just as we all arrived at the pub! Brian’s group had managed to by pass us by staying on Beech Avenue which was in fact open.

Neil arrived in time to join the queue at the bar but unfortunately Hans had decided to head for home.

Despite The Plough in Leigh being reasonably busy with other customers they managed to serve 20+ of us and deliver orders in a short time. The 2 hard working bar staff and the kitchen staff could certainly give lessons to many other establishments who aren’t able to meet such high standards of service.

Back on the road the misty gloom and chill hadn’t lifted although I’m not sure that we particularly appreciated the warming effects of Little Switzerland. But those of us who stopped at Ashtead Garden Centre did appreciate the hot drinks and cake!

Thanks to Frances for a great route for the time of year and to the cheerful company of my group, in particular Peter who kept us all in check with his back marking.

Brian's report 

My group consisted of Sue C, Pete Beyer, Dave F, Clive, Richard and Simon. It was colder than expected and a bit damp over the hills but mostly dry - I was glad to have taken an extra layer. We rode as planned up Beech/Critten Lane to Whitedown and had an uneventful ride at a good pace. However we were surprised not to have been caught by Frances' group, especially when we stopped for a few minutes at the Village Green stores in Ockley so that Pete could buy his favourite treats. All was revealed soon after we arrived at the Plough to find no other bikes - closely followed by the other two groups (see their reports).

Lunch was very promptly served and we went back up Longbottom Lane and over "Little Switzerland". Clive and Pete peeled off home from Headley and four of us stopped for tea at Ashtead Park Garden Centre.

Frances report

Despite the grey November morning there were 20 riders on the start line at Cobham.

We were the last group to head out, Steve kindly backmarking and welcomed to Anthony from Epsom who joined his first ride.
The common was dry so that off road piece went smoothly.  We reached Beech Ave and the group went up High Barn to avoid any further tree felling equipment.  We passed Hans and Neil who were busy mending a puncture, then saw Patrick who was coming down to assist.  We continued through the mist and met Janice's group who were waiting at the top.  We continued and were lucky to be able to pass the large tree cutting machine to turn left into Whitedown before it delayed the first group.
The ride continued along some very quiet lanes and whilst damp stayed dry.  We reached the pub around 12.40pm just as Brian's group were parking up, followed hot on our heels by the first group. Not what I had planned originally but the Plough staff were very accommodating and efficient.
We said goodbye to Dave W and everyone joined in the group photo.  After discussion it was agreed that 3 of the group would continue to Ashtead tea stop via Juniper, whilst I, Simon, Peter and Anthony took the path along Boxhill straight to Leaderhead where we all went our separate ways.

Thanks to all for making the ride run smoothly and great company.   I would add that the route (which had been done by us in Feb 2024) was "borrowed" from Brian so I cannot take all the credit.  Chapeau. 

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