I reckon I must have been at the metal polish again! Given my track record, why else would I have volunteered to lead from Guildford, my several previous efforts having been characterised by thunder storms with torrential rain and exploding tyres! Perhaps I thought the god Thor would have forgotten me? No chance of that! Anyway, I won't say there motives were ghoulism or 'disaster tourism', but 19 signed for the ride and weren't disappointed!
We waved the first group away, then I followed up with Simon L, Alan, Andy C, Dave V, Sue C, Christina, Brian G behind, and Karl assiduously back-marking for the whole ride (many thanks to him for that).
A slight Garmin hitch (I blame atmospherics), meant we unexpectedly re-encountered the first group emerging from a field of maize at the bottom of the unfortunately named Boundless Road, so there was an unexpected chance for a whole group photo!
Anyway, it was pretty gruelling whatever category it was, but we rewarded by an easy coast downhill for the last few miles to lunch at The Holly Bush at Headley (the Hampshire one, that is)! Lunch service was amazing (with plenty of reasonably-priced 'small plates' to choose from) and our meals arrived as we were parking our bikes. That was quickly followed up by jugs of iced water and our drink orders brought to the table!
The weather forecasts had mentioned the remote possibility of isolated showers in the afternoon, but we set off towards tea in pleasant sunshine. Imagine my surprise, dear reader, when, after just a few miles, it clouded over and we heard an ominous clap of thunder! It stayed gloomy for the rest of the ride, so no there are photos from the afternoon. There was plenty more thunder and lightning, and a little rain, but, fortunately, history didn't repeat itself, and we didn't end up cycling the last few miles to tea along a stream!
Of her group's experiences, Janice kindly writes - our group consisted of Fiona, Dave B, Hans, Patrick, Guy, Peter S, Frances, Ged and myself. We had no appointed leader but the professional Wayfarers that we are, we clicked into gear as we left Guildford.
Dave B professed to know where he was going to get out of Guildford and therefore immediately had 8 willing followers. After a few miles, Fiona gamely took on the challenge and assumed sub leadership duties.
The route was new to me and on fairly unfamiliar roads but others seemed to know where they were, certainly around Elstead and Thursley. But at some point after that the Garmin indicated a left turn up a rough track, to a house and then we had a choice of going into their garage or following a path through a field. Whilst we were dithering over that decision Guy decided to be decisive and headed off into the cornfield, following the narrow path.
Not convinced, but with no viable alternative, the rest of us followed.
The photo at the start of the article was taken at the start of the path. The vegetation was no more than saddle height and contained no nasty thorns or vicious caterpillars. Naively, we were still smiling.
Just a short while later, carrying our bikes for the most part, the corn towered over even the tallest of us, the thorny branches encroached the path and Patrick was attacked by a very unpleasant caterpillar.
It felt like we were spat out at the end of the path, wounded and exhausted, to be greeted by Dave’s pleasantly relaxed and slightly smug looking group who had taken a far nicer turn to end up at the same place.
Just a few miles and many feet of elevation later even I couldn’t fail to recognise the Devils Punchbowl. After that, we had mile after mile of descent until we reached the Holly Bush pub at Headley (Hants). The service was amazing and hot food was coming out of the kitchen as we sat down and gave our drinks orders. It must be one of the best pubs that we’ve used!
Reluctantly leaving the pub, all studied our Garmin’s which seemed to give a 50-50 chance of taking the right direction. Obviously, we set off in the wrong direction down the big hill and across a lovely Ford where it was a pleasure to see children on bikes and splashing in water having good old-fashioned fun.
Nevertheless we knew this wasn’t right so we turned round, went back up the hill to the pub and then took the other direction.
More lovely roads with lots of tree cover which was slightly concerning as thunder and lightning started. At least we had some shelter as we cycled through light rain.
At last we arrived at Compton where excellent coffee, tea and cakes were consumed by almost all.
Most decided to head for Guildford station, particularly in view of the threatening rain. Patrick, Peter and myself carried on regardless towards home.
What a great day out with good company, an enjoyable route using roads less traveled and some memorable moments. Thank you Dave W! Thanks also to Dave B and Fiona in particular for being last minute willing sub leaders, Peter for back marking and everyone else who was an assistant navigator.
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