I was unable to lead this ride, although I was responsible (or was it guilty) for the route and lunch stop at the newly reopened Seven Stars in Ripley. And Ged who gallantly stepped in as organiser also had to drop out at the last moment. So the scene was set for three sub-leaders to take over the ride, and most successfully too.
Two sub-leaders had not recced the route before, and for Peter Suchy (who had recced) this was his first ride lead. Conditions were potentially icy, with temperatures just above zero. Despite this we had 20 riders start from Hersham.
Neil Crocker was first off; his report is below.
After a couple of last-minute adjustments I ended up leading away the first group of eight - Paula, Sue F, Sue C, Mark, Richard, Steve D and Andy C.
For the next few miles the roads alternated between long sections with dry
lines and others where water had flowed across the road and frozen overnight.
When we reached West Horsley we considered heading straight to East Clandon to cut out the higher ground but agreed we would ride up Shere Road and see what the conditions were like. Luckily the conditions were much better than we had feared and the descent of Staple Lane was ice-free. On reaching the Portsmouth Road we rode straight to Ripley and on to The Seven Stars.
After a good lunch we ventured back out into the cold. The sky was blue, the sun was shining and no more ice was encountered. It was like a different day, but there now was a nagging headwind. We saw a group of the B riders heading in the opposite direction, all with smiles on their faces. (Maybe they had a tailwind.)
Through Pyrford, West Byfleet, Addlestone and Weybridge we reached Walton Bridge where the water was very high and fast flowing. Here we parted ways as everyone was keen to make the most of the daylight.
Thanks all my group for a memorable day out.
Peter Suchy led the second group on his inaugural lead, including Clive, Gill H, Brian, David & Jennie and Dave E, later joined by Janice.
They successfully got beyond Cobham, but encountered significant ice across the road on Ockham Lane beyond the Black Swan. After Peter fell on black ice, bruising his hip, and witnessing a skidding van, the group decided that it would be too risky to venture further onto higher ground and decided to abandon the ride, heading for safer roads towards Leatherhead. A prudent decision as you don’t stand a chance riding across the black stuff.
Many thanks Peter. Hopefully we will be seeing much more of your leadership skills.
Dave Bartholomew led the third group.
We had a lovely sunny but bitterly cold day for our ride from Horsham, following Dave V’s route to Ripley and Walton. My group was originally 7 but was down to 4 when we left due to various re-jigging of leaders and riders, and I had the pleasure of the company of Mike, Neil W and Patrick. With a small group we were able to keep up a steady pace and caught up with the 2 earlier groups either side of the crossing over the M25 towards Martyrs Green. We found the roads to be Ok, with small patches of ice in the more shaded sections, and the occasional bit of black ice here and there. The road up Sheepleas was surprisingly clean and dry, but we took the descent in the middle, and soon after, Staple Lane, very carefully, and we reached lunch in good time around 12.30.
The re-furbished Seven Stars pub was extremely efficient and our lunch orders were on the table very promptly …. much cheaper than the previous incarnation too!! A much better experience than I remember our last visit being.
A short afternoon ride had us in Walton less than an hour after leaving lunch. The Riverhouse Barn cafe was packed when we arrived so my small but select group decided to ride on and have a cuppa at home!!
Finally many thanks from me to Ged for last-minute organisation and to all the sub-leaders especially first-timer Peter Suchy. My apologies for not being able to be there with you. It wasn’t the easiest day to be out, and I was well pleased that everyone made it home without serious incident.
