Francis starts with…
Like all riders that left home for Elevenses, a surprise lay
in store as we rode through cold rain that later turned into sleet and then snow,
the first of the season and looking rather Christmassy I thought.
The Leatherhead Fairfield Centre was as usual kind and hospitable
and served us hot drinks and cakes while we thawed out (and our gloves too on
radiators). A number of riders called it a day and wisely headed back home to
keep warm, whilst the depleted groups headed out to lunch, via Bookham and
Effingham. As luck would have it, it gradually warmed up nicely and we were
bathed in sun as we arrived at The Barley Mow in West Horsley.
My thanks to Tim G and Mick for leading so well and adapting to changes in their groups and to all the back-markers for their sterling work too.
Mick’s continues with …
Our original team of six collapsed into four as Steph and
Robert mutinied to Tim’s last group, preferring tea and warmth a little longer.
So Mick led Julie and Sabina with Bernard back marking into the rain and cold.
Three of us toiled up Critten Lane to Ranmore Common as Sabina coasted past on
her new more powerful electric bike. As we pushed on, the earlier snow melted
away and the rain subsided and so by the time we had reached Ryde Farm the sun
was peeking through the grey clouds.
At the Barley Mow pub,we entered through a blanket of warm air and smoke. The smoke coming from a the recently lit log fire (which could do with a chimney sweep) that was in danger of turning pub guests into kippers! The food was good and quickly served.
After lunch it was a pleasant ride through improved weather to the Old Moat for tea and chat with the other groups.
Tim G ends with…..
A wet ride to 11’s is never a welcome prospect but today
we had the added bonus of snow. Nevertheless a fair number of hardy souls
braved the elements to enjoy the warmth and hospitality provided by the
Leatherhead Fairfield Centre.
Some thought twice about a day’s ride against the cold
arctic north wind and opted instead for a morning’s refuge of tea and cakes.
Nevertheless, after a brief group re-shuffle, six of us bravely set out for
today’s adventure.
We cycled via Fetcham, Bookham and Effingham to make our first accent up Critten Lane amongst snow covered fields and countryside. All very quiet and scenic. We then descended down to East Horsley and meandered around Ockham then off-road to West Horsley to our lunchtime stop at the ‘Barley Mow’.
The two previous groups were already installed, gradually
thawing out around an open fire. We were ushered into the restaurant area where
a fine selection of Thai fare was eagerly consumed. John A was a little
cautious about his choice of chicken noodle soup and eventually passed it on to
Madeleine. Perhaps this is the first time he has ever allowed someone else to
‘nibble his noodles’.
Suitably re-energized we headed off up The Drift and back
via Downside, Oxshott and Malden Rushett towards our final destination at ‘The
Old Moat’ garden centre. Everyone in my group, except me, headed home before
sunset so I alone joined the remnants of the other two groups for a welcome hot drink
and de-brief of today’s proceedings.
Many thanks to everyone who made today’s ride a success
and who persevered to complete the well-planned ride. Challenging temperatures -
but then again there’s no gain without pain!
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