Ride Report - A Group 26 February 2025

The weather forecast had been getting gradually worse and worse in the days leading up to Wednesday’s ride, culminating in the forecast on the day for 90%+ heavy rain during the morning and early afternoon – the forecast became a reality. It was no surprise, therefore, that: six people decided better of it, one had a puncture before leaving home and another hitched a ride with the B’s to our lunch venue. 

So, 14 valiant souls set off from Leatherhead into the wet gloom. Janice’s fast group was pretty much intact so set off as planned, while the other two groups were combined in to one.

Janice was first off and here is her report:

Leading up to Wednesday the forecast showed a good chance of light rain here and there throughout the day. When the day dawned, or at least when my alarm went off, the forecast had changed to the certainty of heavy rain until early afternoon. Nevertheless, Steve D, Peter S, Simon W, Patrick, Richard and myself dutifully turned up at Leatherhead.

There was some discussion amongst the A’s as to whether we should just go home, take a short cut to Newdigate or stick with Plan A, the original route. My valiant group decided on Plan A and so it was off to the hills for us.

My legs were still tired from Monday’s recce but it was necessary to ignore that as the hills began more or less straight away:  Lower Road, Calvert Road and Green Dene in quick succession. The rain was heavy, the potholes many and the gravel plentiful so I’d warned my group that my descents would be slow and cautious.

After Combe Lane it was onward and upward again as we rose out of Shere and the lengthy climb of Hound House Lane. By this time the roads were more akin to rivers.

After a few more minor bumps we had the pleasure of the slight descent into Newdigate and the joy of finding The Six Bells pub. Lunch was quickly served and the sandwiches were both substantial and very reasonable.

Janice's cheerful group

Damp and chilled we didn’t linger for long and went back out into the rain ready for the ride homewards.

My group was second away:

We were a little late leaving Leatherhead, as it took a bit of time to sort out who was doing what. But my group of Dave V, Dave W, Sue C, Diane, Andy C and Simon L set off to make a start on the various climbs that would culminate at Pitch Hill at the end of Hound House Lane. Neil C arrived as we were leaving, but he would catch us up later as we were starting the long climb up Hound House. From the top of Pitch Hill it was relatively fast and mostly downhill for the remaining 8 miles to lunch.

We arrived somewhat damp at the Six Bells in Newdigate where we were re-united with Gina who had joined the B’s for their morning ride that conveniently passed through Newdigate.

Lunch was very good. My ham sandwich had almost too much ham in it, and I have to say that the staff at the pub were a delight to deal with when I was making the booking. However, the radiators could have been a bit hotter – our gloves, etc. remained damp.

As we were getting ready to head out for the afternoon ride the clouds started to break and some very welcome blue sky and sunshine made an appearance for Andy to take this photo of the group.

Clive's cheerful group

After lunch we had a straightforward run, without any more rain, to Ashtead via Punchbowl Lane, the A24 cycle path and Leatherhead. Unfortunately, our arrival at the footbridge in Leatherhead coincided with kicking out time at the zoo so we had to walk our bikes to avoid all the school children. Along the way Gina, Simon and Sue peeled off to head for home leaving five that made it to tea at the Ashtead Park Garden Centre.

Thanks to Janice for leading the other group, Dave W and then Dave V for back marking my group and to everyone for remaining remarkably cheerful and upbeat throughout.