Report for B Group - 28th January

Thank goodness the sun was shining after the recent wet weather, for our ride from Banstead Community Centre to the Surrey Oaks pub in Newdigate. 17 riders signed up for an interesting ride with a few hills thrown in! There were 3 groups - reports from Tim G and Pete B below.
Steph was my back marker, and we were joined by Paul J, Martina, Fixie Dave, and Alan C. I had always wondered what was down Hogspudding Lane so we rode an interesting 4 mile loop around there (lovely and quiet but lots of pot holes). The food and service in the pub was excellent! Great to have Diane and Terry join us there for lunch.

~ Julie

Tim G writes:

The weather forecast over the last few days had been so dreary we were all so thankful for the promise of a dry, fine and sunny day. The facilities at the Banstead Community Center are proving to be increasingly popular and a welcome 11’s venue despite the inevitable climb to get there.

Our initial group of five set out on time and made our way over to Tattenham Corner to pick up our sixth member and then carry on for the rest of the morning ride. Some were feeling a little sedentary, perhaps after a spell of inactivity, but the ‘up and down’ nature of the route soon re-energised their spirits.  Encouraged by some welcome winter sunshine we passed through Walton-on-the-Hill, Headley, down Pebblehill Road, Betchworth then on along familiar country lanes to Parkgate. An interesting off-road loop around Chidworth was new to most of us with a surface that was surprisingly good for a winter ride.

Our afternoon ride included another interesting section through Strood Green. Another new diversion for most of us. With a final climb up Punchbowl Lane we were soon on our way along the cycle path towards Leatherhead. The river Mole was in full flow and we were taken by surprise by a flooded section of the path. Cautiously we sailed through without getting our feet wet.  Most of the group peeled off at Leatherhead but the remaining ‘old retainers’ (gasping for refreshment) headed up to ‘Lucio’s Cafe’ where we were soon joined by other A and B group cyclists seeking similar teatime sanctuary and refuge.

Thanks to everyone who made today’s ride a success. To Julie for planning the route and TimC for his ever dutiful back marking. A good day had by all ! 

~ Tim G

Team Tim G, minus Brenda

Pete writes: 

I was down to take 5 riders out, but that changed to 6 after Karen a ‘C’ group rider requested to join me. How could I resist I thought !! I followed the route as far as Tadworth (my home) and that’s where my Garmin went horribly wrong and we ended up going up a couple of lovely quiet roads where we viewed an old WW2 air raid shelter and an old water tower. Then it was on to Headley and down Pebble Hill Road which was exceptionally quiet. From then on my Garmin behaved itself and we arrived at The Surrey Oaks for a lovely lunch. Thank you all for your company and well done Karen for joining us. 

~ Pete B