Ride Report – A’s Redhill to Lingfield - Feb 18th

It’s mid-February and I thought it time we stretched our legs away from the familiar lanes we have been riding all winter long. Redhill provides that opportunity and Lingfield seemed an appropriate destination, not so far that the route couldn’t be shortened, or trains taken homeward.

The Star at Lingfield has a long history with CTC, being recommended in my 1893 CTC Road Book. Our blog reveals that it was a regular annual destination for Pete Mitchell’s groups in the 2000’s serving up, we are told, “huge portions for all”. Today it has gone up-market but still provides a reasonable value lunch.

It was a slight disappointment to find that only 8 Wayfarers signed up. Could it have been the ever-changeable weather, rain followed by more rain, and this time with a cold wind too? Or perhaps the hills, but surely not the distance, only 38 miles to tea?  

The Mighty Eight who arrived at Redhill (Gill, Sue F, David W, Brian, sub-leader Clive, Patrick, Steve, and Sue C) seemed keen to get going, minds doubtless concentrated by the forecast of heavy rain mid-afternoon.

Thanks to the wind some of the roads were dry, but they got wetter as we moved east. Amazingly, the very worst of the potholes I had warned about following my recce on Friday had been filled, the last in Merstham only minutes before we passed through. But constant vigilance was required as there were many more to avoid.

En route we passed Haxted Mill, once the last working water mill in Surrey, then a museum with tearoom known as a cycling destination, now sadly a private house. Shortly after we were buzzed by a passing buzzard, but that was the only excitement of the morning.     

The Mighty Eight outside the old Star

We all arrived at The Star before 12.30, where Dave W left to follow his own way home. A round table had been reserved for us, food was quickly served and devoured, and we were soon ready to leave. Time only for quick photo outside the old Star (now a residence) as visited by CTC in the 1890's before we were on our way. Minds were doubtless concentrated on getting to Banstead before the rain. The afternoon was hillier than the morning, and with windchill appeared colder, but the wind was mostly in our favour, and at least the climbing helped to keep the cold at bay.

We all arrived at Banstead before 3.30 and thankfully dry. Three “full value” riders stopped for tea at the Lavender Café in Banstead, while the rest of us made for home with hopes of dodging the rain all day.

Many thanks to everyone who came out.  Especially to Clive as sub-leader, and to Brian for back marking my group.