Be careful what you wish for! After a very dry summer with the last month or so hoping that some rain would temper the drought affecting the garden and allotment it was perhaps inevitable that a deluge should arrive on the day I was leading. I also realised that replacing my overshoes, the old ones having disintegrated last winter, was still on my "to do" list.
Never mind - the Met office map suggested that the worst should clear Ashtead about 10am though the prospects for the Surrey/Sussex border later in the morning looked a bit disconcerting. The cancellations began early and our 14 riders reduced to 10 before I set off. In the end it wasn't so much a day of two halves but 75% good and 25% appalling.
As I left home there was some blue sky and I had a dry ride to Cobham. Some further adjustments to the numbers left us with two groups of four with the potential for Dave V to join us at lunch.
I left first with Alan C, Simon and Dave F who was only coming part way to lunch in order to be back early. At Effingham I decided that climbing Whitedown in a jacket would be too warm hoping that the rain would hold off. A flood on the road by St Teresa's school wasn't too deep but made me wonder about the dip after Ranmore crossroads. That was dry but we then had a double flood after the A25 at the start of Raikes Lane. At Holmbury St Mary we put jackets back on when it started to rain though at this stage it was light to moderate. I normally enjoy Somersbury Lane but the first half was characterised by riding into gale force gusts and then the heavens opened. The last half hour to lunch was a biblical downpour with our glasses steaming up and being barely able to assess the road surface.
The pub was welcoming and the food, as usual, very good. The bikes stayed dry under their marquee while we dryed out a bit in the pub. Dave V made a well timed arrival just as I was about to go inside. We joined Steve's group for lunch and all left about 2pm.
By the time we left the rain has stopped though it looked a bit threatening. We stayed dry and enjoyed the ride back with a tail wind though I had a visit from the puncture fairy. A 5 minute light shower at Denbies was the only rain. We joined Steve's group and some of the Bs at Charlie and Ginger's for tea.
Thank you to all those who braved the elements, especially Steve for subleading and to Alan for joining the As for a change. We didn't see the Surrey lanes at their best, and at times barely at all 🤣, but all agreed that overall it had been a good day.
Here is Steve's report:
The numbers of riders attending was down because of holidays and family commitments. The thought struck me that the forecast of heavy rain may have deterred some, but then I instantly dismissed this idea because cyclists I know aren't bothered by getting wet. So arriving at Cobham in my Enduro waterproofs I was disappointed not to have any rain. I set off at 10.50 with Patrick, Guy and Dave B in full waterproofs. Proceeding through Bookham Common there were few puddles and climbing from Effingham to the top of White Down we only had drips from the trees, so I took off my waterproof jacket for the descent into Raikes Lane, which was flooded. It wasn't until past Holmbury St. Mary that a drizzle of rain made us don our jackets again. A good thing too because heavy rain ensued and we got drenched. We entered Lyefield Lane, which normally is a lovely road with a large traditional house and lily pond at the junction with Plough Lane. However we were more interested in getting to The Fox. The remaing ride was seriously wet and we were grateful to get under cover in the marquee tent in the back garden. Guy emptied a half pint of water from each waterproof boot. I wrung out my socks and gloves and we hung up out waterproofs to dry. Finally entering the pub in a damp dishevelled state we ordered our lunch. I must admit I thought £14.20 for a fish goujon sandwich and a cup of soup was pricey. However, when the food arrived, made with home baked sour dough bread and salad, we all agreed it was worth it. The bacon and broccoli soup was very filling and warming.
We took our time and noticed the sun appearing outside. After lunch we set off in waterproofs, but found the dry weather quickly dried out clothing and before Weare Street we again removed our waterproofs. Then Guy got a rear puncture and Brian's group overtook us. After a successful repair from a tiny flint cutting the tube, we rode in dry sunny weather and encountered Brian's group again in Misbrooks Green Road. They had a puncture to fix too. Through Newdigate to Brockham and the Coach Road to Pixham Lane was full of puddles, but rideable. Guy, Patrick and I stopped for tea at 4 pm in Leatherhead, quickly followed by Brian, Alan, Simon and some B group riders.
The weather made this a hard ride to execute and navigate, but great enjoyment was experienced by all and it was warm and autumnal.
Thanks to my fellow riders, particularly Dave for back marking, although I was the one at the back up the hills. Thanks to Brian for a traditional route and a successful recce. A very enjoyable day's riding.
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