"A" ride Wednesday 9th July 2025 - The Waltons

 Sixteen met at the Riverhouse barn, Walton. Not actually a barn as I understand one to look like. Nevertheless, a pleasant spot for a meet.

Dave W was off first at 10.50am..........

Simon, Sue C, Karl, Neil W, Brian G, Dave F ,and I set off promptly from our al fresco elevenses at the Riverhouse Barn with Dave V very kindly guarding our rear!    After passing some rather potsy allotments, we eventually managed to get out of Walton-on-Thames, and start some proper cycling!    Andy's route was pleasantly shady for much of the way, which was much appreciated!    At Leatherhead we made a brief detour, at Neil W's suggestion, to view the community cafe (definitely worth a visit), and also, to give the 'fast' group a chance to catch up!    But even with that, it still took them until Headley to go past us!   After Walton-on-the-Hill, things got more interesting - we found ourselves on a seemingly vast, grassy plateau with tracks going off in all directions!   Fortunately, Neil W seemed to know where we going, and our 'black boxes' did the rest, eventually bringing us out onto tarmac at exactly the right spot!

The Midday Sun (and its prices) proved a popular lunch stop, with very helpful and friendly service, but after water  bottles had been replenished, it was back to the grindstone!  The leg to tea was only eight miles  on paper, but did resemble an assault course in places!    Halfway up Outwood Lane the black boxes suddenly required us to turn sharp right, dismount, and scramble up a steep, stony path.   I would have to say that, although this may have been the shadiest part of the ride,  it was also the least popular part!  We got our own back by taking the next (unscheduled, but rideable) path to cut off a long route loop!   

Many thanks, Andy, for an ingenious route, and for taking us to places we rarely, if ever visit.

Following Dave's local knowledge, I led my group (Dave B, Patrick W, Mike R, Simon W, Peter S, Ged L, Steve D) down quiet residential streets & the inevitable alleyway to rejoin my route on the Esher Road.

It was a straight forward ride to Stoke D'Abernon, Leatherhead & through Ashtead Park where a motorist thought it would be a good idea to cross the single lane bridge at the same time as us & we hollered our disapproval.

We passed Dave's group on Farm Lane, sheltering (from the sun) & hydrating......very sensible on this hot day!

At Walton on the Hill, a track took us to cross the Dorking Road & onto a wide grassy track, bumpy thanks to the lack of rain, towards a wood ahead.

Initially, gently descending, the track became a path, then the surface changed to large stones, small stones, gravel & wotnot where the enjoyment turned to trying to keep the bike upright as it went down steeper.

A hairy moment I think would best descibe it.

But we did all emerge unscathed but a little shaken by the experience.

It was plain sailing thereafter, climbing to the appropriately named High Road for the long descent to the Midday Sun at Chipstead. 

The curry offering appeared to be popular & although I may not be speaking for everybody, it's proof you can produce perfectly decent food without ripping people off.

Mad Dogs and Englishmen (and woman) ...
Image by Dave W, Words by Simon L

"We're ready when you are" bellowed Patrick.......that's a kick up the ar*e if ever I head one, so up the valley we rode turning into the Glade - peace & tranquilty amongst million+ pound houses.

Unfortunately, Dave's group managed to find the path that the "device" wanted you to take, hook & by crook I couldn't find a way to overide the pesky "device".

So I thought I'd put a disclaimer of sorts in the ride notes......that'll do it.

Sadly not.

Image by Neil W

Waterhouse Lane, Shelvers Way & to the downs for the obigatory group photo, courtesy of a recently discovered 30 sec self-timer!

Tea amongst the Verbena Bonariensis at Mayfield café

 Thanks to Dave for helping with the initial part of the route & leading, Ged for backmarking my group until the train beckoned at Chipstead & everyone else for their part in a great day on the bike............ off or on road.