Ride report B Group for 1 October; Cobham to Gomshall via the hills.

Ride Report by Tim G

 

Is it good or bad luck that comes round in threes? I initially felt a bit unlucky when I found I was subbing for a ride that involved three challenging hilly sections but it turned out that my luck changed during the course of the day.

 

After a brief reshuffle two groups left Cobham to follow what had been described by one sympathetic commentator as a potential ‘Alpine Ride’. Our initial trek through the lowlands of Downside and Bookham Common led us up Chapel Lane (a relatively modest incline) where we all felt the need to shed a few layers as the weather improved.

 

Our next challenge up Ranmore Common Road demanded a little more leg power, especially near the top, before we reached the plateau alongside St Barnabas’ Church. A bracing freewheel down into Dorking provided the prelude to our next challenge - the ascent of Coldharbour Lane !

 

It’s been two years (7/9/23) since we last attempted this climb in temperatures of 30+ degrees. I remember passing one group that day who, having reached the top, decided to indulge themselves with a round of ice creams outside ‘The Plough Inn’. No such luxury was afforded to my group today. A brief rest admiring the view and engagement in polite conciliatory conversation was sufficient to acknowledge their efforts. There’s no gain without pain!

 

Our course then followed a very pastoral and scenic route past Leith Hill and via the various Abingers to our lunchtime destination at ‘The Compasses Inn’ at Gomshall. Fortunately it was fine enough to sit outside in their expansive and very floral beer garden where we were all suitably fed and watered.

 

Our shorter afternoon ride took us up and over the Abinger Roughs on a bumpy off-road trek frequently punctuated by a series of gates. We dutifully paused at the Wilberforce Monument erected on the spot where Samuel Wiiberforce (third son of the abolitionist William Wilberforce) was killed on 19th July 1873 after a fall from his horse whist riding with his friend Lord Granville. Was this the result of a boozy liquid lunch? Surely not !

 

Moving on we crossed Whitedown Lane and followed the path emerging at Westcott and then via Dorking to our final tea destination at Leatherhead.

 

Many thanks to Paul J for devising and resurrecting todays alpine route and to everyone who contributed to making today’s ride a success. A good day had by all !