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| April 2021 Wayfarers Lunch at Cranleigh in Lockdown |
This was a rerun if my ride on April 7th 2021, then in deep lockdown, so no pubs or cafe’s open. Then it was sunny, but with a bitingly cold wind. So we huddled on the pavement behind a wall for shelter, eating bacon rolls out of paper bags. Still Wayfarer’s spirit was undaunted, with 23 riders out.
Yesterday was warmer, but the easterly wind just as troublesome. Stroger than I anticipated, which made my decision to ride via Newlands Corner (necessary because Combe Lane was likely closed to cycles) with a right turn towards Albury a little worrying. In the event I need not have worried.
The Three Horseshoes in Cranleigh, CAMRA listed and recommended by the B’s, promised us a warm welcome, with no pre-ordering, provided we didn’t arrive en-masse. So we left Cobham in three groups at 5-minute intervals, fastest first, so we would naturally spread out on the road. Only a short distance to Cranleigh, permitting a late start form Cobham, where we were rewarded with a rare sighting of the Easy Riders arrival.
Janice’s Group was first off
Mike R, Peter S, Andy H, Dave B, Hans, Simon W, Steve W and I set off first from Cobham with the instruction to arrive at the pub with gaps between the groups. So we had to stay ahead! The ENE wind was already strong and forecast to increase to 19mph with gusts of 38mph around lunchtime so I had a lovely easy ride being blown from Epsom to Cobham. Unfortunately I can’t recall any other point in the ride being easy after that!
We rode pleasant and familiar roads until we took the less well used ascent to Newlands Corner. Is it possible that this was longer and steeper than previously? It certainly felt like it! I’d been nervous about the descent because of wind gusts and the need to do a right turn at the bottom. In the event, the gusts weren’t too bad and someone had kindly put out cones in the road to gently and safely guide us to the right turn.
After that, more minor hills and rises followed although my legs now felt like they were making mountains out of molehills. It was with some sense of gratitude that we reached The Three Horseshoes in Cranleigh. The manager came out to greet and welcome us, orders were taken and we were then served quickly. They could certainly run courses in hospitality that some other establishments would benefit from!
Back on the bike with the daunting knowledge that we were into the headwind, had more elevation in front of us than behind and that we’d be going over Leith Hill. It felt just as tough as anticipated! However, we gritted our teeth and ignored the pull to turn right at the end of Weare Street.
More miles, more headwinds and more gusts but we arrived in Leatherhead. Although only 2.40, Amici’s was preparing to close so 7 of us went to Lucio's for much needed refreshment before tackling the final push for home.
A great day out in glorious sunshine on a challenging but lovely route. Thank you for the great company of my group, in particular Dave B for back marking.
Next Frances
We were a small group , totalling 6 with Steve D backmarking as we headed out from Cobham on a lovely dry sunny day.
It had been some time since I climbed Newlands Corner and it did not disappoint. Thanks to my group for a steady ascent with Jennie leading the way on her turbo bike. The group was able to continue to the right turn (without stopping) as for once road works helped us as they funnelled the traffic into the right-hand lane.
We made a good steady pace arriving at the pub in Cranleigh at 12.30pm and enjoyed a lovely sunny spot outside well protected from the breeze.
The latter turned out to be a strong headwind (and every other wind) on the way back and whilst we were glad to turn off into Broomefield climb for some respite, the climb awaited us and we gave it our all.
It continued to be windy on the descent and through Dorking so everyone was glad to arrive in Leatherhead around 3.15pm for tea. I had to depart due to a evening drive to the coast but on this occasion decided to jump on the train for a rest after a lovely route. Thanks to Guy, Dave E, Jennie and David J for their company and for Steve's help too. Good training for the Wild Atlantic Way
My Last Group
We had the benefit of a tailwind in the morning, so we were all still smiling at the top of Newlands, though the need to pedal on the descent into the wind was new.
A few mini-hills thereafter, and a couple of tussles with the wind, brought us to Cranleigh where the first two groups were enjoying lunch. We sat in the sun in the sheltered garden and all was well.
The wind had strengthened over lunch, so the afternoon was a bit of a struggle. But Weare St lived up to its reputation as one of the loveliest in our area, and we spotted the first bluebells of 2025. Truly the seasons are turning.
Broomhall Road up to Coldharbour is a steady climb, but at this time of year you have huge views to take your mind off Leith Hill, the final objective. On the way Simon stopped to remove a fallen tree branch from the road, doubtless a casualty of that wind. We were still smiling at the top, helped by the knowledge that it was now mostly downhill.
We all stopped for tea at Lucio’s in Leatherhead, a friendly place where I was even offered iced water for my bidon
Thanks everyone for making the ride such a pleasure for me, in my group Gill, Diane, Simon L, Sue C, Dave F and noble back marker Dave F. And thanks to Frances and Janice for leading their groups.
Dare I day it, excellent practice for the Hilly 50 on April 26th!
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