Ride Report A group to Godalming 4th June

 19 riders started at Cobham and left in 3 groups for a ride to Godalming. First away leading his group was Andy with Simon, Dave F, Dave V, Dave W, Richard and Neil W. This is what he reported:-

Over three months off riding with the mid-weeks, but today, I happily returned sub-leading Steve's slower group from Cobham to Godalming. A somewhat cooler feeling day with a blustery south-west wind, we made steady progress up Shere Lane & were overtaken by Clive's moderate group just before Shere.

"Are you going across the ford?" asks Dave W who together with Neil W did so in the literal sense!

Photo Courtesy of Simon

Photo courtesy of Simon

Photo By Andy

At the top of Farley Heath, Steve's quicker group overtook us & we continued along familiar lanes including the brutal Alldens Hill but were rewarded with a fantastic view at the top. Some may recall a café being in this location & a quick google search reveals a new site in roughly the same location undergoing renovation https://www.hilltop-kitchen.co.uk/ Fast decent to the Jack Phillips in Godalming. Jack was the senior wireless operator on the Titanic & was born at 11 Farncombe Street in 1887. Wetherspoons' quick service meant we we away within the hour towards Wonersh, Blackheath & the climb of Coombe Lane.

With a tail wind we were drinking tea at Gails in Cobham in no time & were reunited with (the remainder) of Clive & Steve's groups. Your correspondent was there long enough to see the "B" groups arrive too, but wasn't able to avoid the rain for the journey home.Thanks to Steve for the route & everyone else for their company.

Well I wish I had been in Andy's group. I don't think they are 'slow' at all. I just think they are too busy enjoying themselves! Incidentally the carpet in Weatherspoons Godalming was designed similar to the carpet used in the Titanic, so have a look next time you are there.

Clive was next away with Brian,Karl, Peter and Guy. They managed to find a place to take a picture of the horse sculpture after Alldens Hill. It is just behind Karl's left shoulder.

Finally I left with Frances, Janice, Patrick, Simon W, Hans and Ged. Frances left us at Effingham Junction as she wasn't riding, but joined us for coffee. I have to say the recce on Sunday was sunny, but today was overcast and cool. However there was some climbing and so we kept warm. We last did this ride 2 years previously, but it was remembered. Brookwell Lane the private road which leads to Godalming through Thorncombe Street and Munstead is a particularly neat way of riding quiet roads to lunch. The ride transports you back to a time when traffic was limited to a horse and cart. We arrived at Wetherspoons and enjoyed our lunch, although some of the wraps did not have much filling. Hans and Janice had to buy some chips to fuel up a bit more, which was disappointing.

The return was a steep climb up Combe Lane and back through Chalk Lane to East Horsley followed by a fast descent to Cobham for tea. Thankfully no bike problems and we avoided the rain which came on the way home.

Thanks to Andy and Clive for leading groups so well. Thanks to Ged and Janice for back marking and to you all for your company.

Steve D.