Ride Report A group 1st October

Nineteen A riders arrived at Cobham for the ride to Guildford in three groups. First away was Dave V with Christina, Dave W, Dave C, Dave E, Neil W and Dave F. Yes I know, a lot of Daves. I didn't plan it deliberately. Anyway I left with Ged, Karl, Peter,Neil C and Brian next. Finally Andy H led his group of riders with Fiona, Patrick, Hans, Guy and Simon W.

The route was sprinkled with light rain which wasn't forecast. A slightly different way through Hatchford to Effingham Junction to West Horsley to start the climb up Shere Road to Combe Lane. At this point most of the hard work was over and we made good time down to the Guildford Road and on to Albury. Through Chilworth and on to Shalford, most of the groups converged before the off road cycle path into Guildford.

On then to the White House Pub hosted by Michaela who kindly set up a Private Function room upstairs so we could be together. She also kindly ignored the £180 deposit required by Fullers to book a room, but of course if they were packed with customers we may not have been able to stay. Something worth noting for future visits. Ged made his way to the station here.

  

After a hearty lunch, served non-chronologically with respect to ordering we set off for tea. A tricky path to escape the urban sprawl, past the out of town shopping mall and we were quickly onto rural roads. Through Bellfields to Jacobs Well and Sutton Green to Woking. Skirting round, we picked up the Basingstoke Canal path north east. At Sheerwater Bridge we were turned back because workers were busy putting fresh tarmac onto the towpath. We took a diversion via Woodlands Avenue and rejoined the towpath at Birch Walk. At Woodham junction Dave V stopped for a picture.

The sun made a brief appearance after an overcast day and showed a little of the glorious autumnal weather I had experienced on my recces. Another ride for another day! We arrived at Weybridge Garden Centre at 2.45 and so 12 riders stopped for tea. Worth noting that the expensive cakes were excellent and tea and coffee was top notch.

Thanks Dave V and Dave E for photos and particular thanks to Dave V and Andy H for leading a group and to all those who offered. Much appreciated! I also very much appreciated the company of everyone who came along for the ride.

Steve D.