Report from A Group ride on Wednesday 3rd December

 

Report from Karl (slower group)

One outstanding aspect of our Wednesday meet this week was the new method developed by Dave W for enrolling on the ride itself. This generated more WhatsApp messages on the group chat than I have seen in a long time from our normally reticent group (well, at least from the time I joined the club – about 18 months ago now). The new method required the prospective rider to answer a number of questions – including whether they might wish to write the post ride report. Hence I found myself writing this piece.

Regarding the day itself, it was beautiful for the time of year, being mild with hardly a cloud in the sky, well, at least in the morning. It had, however, rained heavily the night before and I noted on my way into Cobham before the ride the River Wey was as full as I have ever seen and almost level with the neighbouring fields. The downside of all this rain was that the roads were wet and reflected the low sun making for blinding conditions which could be challenging at times.  

Seven of us, Sue, Jennie, Dave F, Dave W, Andy, Simon and I left Cobham RBL at 10:50, the last and slower of three groups. The two others being led by Janice and Frances. Dave W led us on quiet and, to me,  previously unknown back roads around Cobham and beyond. Every so often we would arrive at a crossroads or junction that I would recognize from previous rides only for us to take off again down another unfamiliar lane.

On winters rides, arriving at a warm pub at lunchtime is always something to look forward to, and this time it was no different, only there was no room for us at the inn ! Being the last of three full groups the pub was full to capacity and we had to stand for a while and wait for tables to be cleared before we could be served. But served we were, and after a very satisfying lunch we were off again.

The afternoon part of the ride would have taken a number of us further West than we were comfortable with given the shortness of the evenings, so three of us, Dave F, Sue and I decided to break off early and head more directly home. Hence I can’t report on the rest of the ride. I noted, however, from the group chat  that a good ride was had by all and right up to tea by a few of us. I certainly enjoyed it, so I’ll finish my report by thanking Dave W for leading and putting the route together, Jennie for back marking and the rest of my group for your good company.

A selection of images at the lunchtime pub and the route is given below, as are the reports of the ride from Janice and Frances. Thanks both !

Report from Frances (intermediate group)

The groups were promptly ready to go from Cobham and it was a lovely sunny day with little or no wind.

The route took us through Cobham High Street and onwards to Horsley , Ripley in a direction we don't usually go but it worked and we arrived at the pub just before 12.30.  The staff were very friendly and lunch arrived within 30 minutes.  

It was nice to have an indoor photo to avoid the cooler weather when we took off again heading for Hersham via Brooklands, a few twists and turns which avoided busy roads.  Clive stopped with Dave V to see if the earlier group was in Spires whilst the rest of us said goodbye and headed home. It was a well thought out route to allow for all to get home before darkness fell and that was much appreciated. Thanks to my co leader , Clive, for the return leg and back marking in the morning.

Report from Janice (the fast group)

I set off on a short circular tour of Cobham with Patrick, Steve D, Hans, Andy H and Peter S who was back marking. About the 3rd turn in I missed the correct road leading off the High St  but luckily this put  my group on immediate alert to act as back up navigators - and very useful that was on several occasions.

We rode directly into the sun and wind for some time, many times being on unfamiliar  roads which then spat us out onto familiar ones. At times I wasn’t sure which county I was in, let alone town or village but by some miracle I managed to lead us to the pub for lunch. Nice and early, which worked well given the short December day.

Lunch was excellent and reasonably priced, with cheerful and efficient service. We were coming to the end of our stop when Dave’s group arrived to find that there was no table available for them. Luckily we were able to finish up quickly and leave them our now vacant table.

Andy C was loitering in the garden and so was able to expertly take our group photo.

Back on the bikes and with the wind mostly behind us we set off on the 10 miles to Hersham, arriving in no time. We all elected to push on home rather than stop. Partly due to the very recent and filling lunch and partly so that we’d make it home in daylight.

A very enjoyable day out, on a lovely route summed up by Hans as ‘Dave’s mystery tour to places  we know but have never arrived by those roads’.

Thanks to Dave for the route, the good company of my group and to Peter S for back marking.