Perhaps the location and prospect of wet weather resulted in our numbers being down for today’s ride from Caterham. Nevertheless we were warmly welcomed at the day centre and presented with a lavish selection of drinks, fruit and pastries provided for our enjoyment. A fitting opportunity to celebrate Dave C’s special day with a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ !
Eight of us set out, in fine weather, for our morning ride passing through Bletchingly to Crowhurst where we took the opportunity to visit the ‘Crowhurst Yew’ located in the church yard of St. George’s church. The tree is thought to be about 4,000 years old and has a hollow interior space. In 1820 a cannonball was discovered embedded in the side probably from a skirmish during the English Civil War. Today the only indignity the tree suffered was a group of inquisitive cyclists poking about it’s ancient interior.
Moving on we cycled past Lingfield racecourse and on to our lunch stop at the ‘Royal Oak’ at Dormansland. A new venue for the B group where we were suitably accommodated under cover in the beer garden.
After lunch we headed back through Lingfield and north via Outwood and Woodhatch and a final last dash to Brockham narrowly avoiding a sudden thundery downpour. Four of us took refuge for tea at the village hall. Fortunately the skies cleared before we all made our own way home in fine weather.
Many thanks to everyone involved in today’s ride and for being so cooperative and enthusiastic. Despite the gloomy forecast we all enjoyed a fine day on two wheels in scenic countryside. There are numerous photos to be viewed on the B Group WhatsApp site.
A good day had by all !
TimG.
Author: Tim Gibbons
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