B Group Ride 22nd April - Leatherhead Return

Francis begins with;

What a surprise to have 24 people sign up for the ride, I guess this was due to the hot, sunny weather and the first long day ride of 39 miles ‘figure of 8’ through scenic countryside south of Leatherhead.

My co-leaders describe their respective rides much more eloquently than I could mine, so I will just add a couple of highlights from my group.

After the usual warm hospitality at the Fairfield Centre, my first group, consisting of Steph, Brenda, Carolyn, Dave C (back-marker p.m), Alan C and Chris McC (back-marker a.m), left on time.

I thought it odd that we left 10 or minutes before Tim G’s group yet we arrived pretty much the same time at The Plough pub. It turned out, his group sailed through ‘closed road barriers’ waved through by workmen smitten by certain sweet-talking, whilst I had to lead my group on the long diversion. Not that I’m grumbling of course!

The wonderful Plough pub staff pulled out all the stops when the first 2 groups happen to arrive together and served us all promptly with good lunches. However, the last group did have to wait longer than expected but out in the sunny beer garden, it wasn’t too much of a worry.

Despite the long morning ride of 22 miles with a few steep hills and shall we say, ‘upward slopes’ and a post lunch 17 miles ride, all made their way round admirably and some extended their enjoyment with a cuppa at Lucio’s.

My thanks as usual to my co-leaders Tim G and Stephen.

 

Tim G continues with:

A perfect start to a perfect April ride. The sunny conditions lasted all day and provided us with ideal conditions for today’s adventure. My group of eight left promptly from Leatherhead and headed up and out towards Headley whereupon we met with a road closure at the top of Clay Lane. The ladies applied some delicate feminine persuasion to convince the road workers to let us pass through without let or hindrance. It worked perfectly!

Up and over Headley Heath and swiftly down to Betchworth we were soon on our way via Brockham, Henfold to Newdigate. The off-road section through Cudworth was dry and we then headed up to Leigh where we caught up with the first group and jointly arrived at ‘The Plough’ for lunch. Service was prompt and efficient and everyone enjoyed a welcome break outside in the continued April sunshine.

Our afternoon ride was not without a few more hills but nevertheless followed some attractive country lanes and scenic vistas. Tea at ‘Lucio’s’ in Leatherhead attracted a number from all three of today’s groups and provided an opportunity for positive reflection on today’s excursion. A good day had by all!

 

Stephen ends with;

The third group consisted of Alan I, Robert T, Mick A, Maggs M, Tim C (who kindly back-marked) and Stephen H as co-leader. After the earlier riders had departed, we were briefly able bask in peace in the Leatherhead sunshine. The weather was so lovely, and the promised ride so varied and attractive, that we suppressed any temptation to skip the challenges ahead and just walk 200 yards directly to the planned tea stop. Instead, we roused ourselves and set forth.

All went well. The sun shone and the sky was blue. The morning ride - around 22 miles - started with a haul up to Headley - including a little self-help to get past some roadworks - followed by the sharp descent towards Brockham. At this point the roads turned more rural as we headed south, with the fields and woods beautiful in the Spring weather. Just to shake things up, there were a couple of short but sharp rises, and later a half-mile or so of gravel, before the turn back north towards Leigh. By this time thoughts were turning to lunch and ‘Are we nearly there?’ was beginning to turn in our minds (and sometimes words).

Lunch in the garden of the Plough was excellent. Robert fraternised with some fellow Canadians (though apparently they came from the wrong end of the country). Maggs opted to head straight home, but we were joined by Terry for the (shorter) afternoon leg back to Leatherhead. Francis had cunningly included a recycled section of the morning route, but it was so pleasant in the Spring sunshine that we were happy to enjoy it one more time. Finally, the familiar ride back to Leatherhead and a welcome tea at Lucio’s. Altogether an excellent day out with much variety, wonderful weather and great company.