B's Ride Report - 1st April (April Fool's Day )

Team Jesters

Francis begins with ~

I was expecting far fewer riders to sign up given the imminent Easter break and the Easter Tour to the Cotswolds, but pleasantly surprised when 20 signed up.

After last Wednesday’s dismal weather, we were all grateful the day turned out to be dry, warm with little or no wind.

After a pleasant Elevenses at the always welcoming RBL in Cobham, my merry band of Bob, Brenda, Carolyn, Geoff, Dave F and John A headed out first. Soon we passed Effingham and Bookham on near empty roads and started our short climb up Chapel Lane to be rewarded with the sharp descent down to Westhumble. Luckily, no one decided to cut and run at that point into the pub!

As we rode up the Zig-Zag towards Box Hill, I was overtaken at great speed by Brenda and Bob! Later Brenda admitted her hill climbing ability had increased after a masterclass talk by Bob “it’s all about the cadence”. The reward came later when we had an exhilarating adrenalin rush on the downhill at “Little Switzerland”

It was a busy lunchtime at the Stepping Stones, with a large walking group already at their table. We had to wait a little longer than usual but the food was good and the staff pleasant as always.

Post lunch Dave F bursting with energy, decided to climb UP “little Switzerland and head home. The rest of us continued onto Leatherhead and a peaceful long ride through Ashtead and Epsom commons to the Old Moat. The rest of my group headed home while I joined a few Easy Riders at tea.

An enjoyable day out, thanks to my back-marker Geoff and my subbies Mick and Tim G

Team Jokers

Tim G writes~

It’s always a relief to have a dry day for our Wednesday rides. B group numbers were good given that many were preparing for the Easter trip to the Cotswolds. Seven of us left in the second group and had an easy ride out towards Effingham, Bookham and up Chapel Lane where we had a photo opportunity.

After a swift decent into Westhumble we then climbed the zig-zag to Box Hill and then took a very scenic route towards Headley and down ‘Little Switzerland’. Increasing sunny spells made everything look more springlike.

Having been fed and watered in a busy ‘Stepping Stones’ we then followed an improvised route back via Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom Common to take tea at ‘The Old Moat’ garden centre. A few peeled off on the way to make their own way home. My thanks to Karl for back-marking all day.

Thanks to everyone who made today’s ride a success and to Francis for planning everything. A good day out !

Team Comedians

Mick A ends with ~

The Comedians, Paul J, Anne W, Peter Bt and Terry L were led by Mick off into the Surrey hills on a reasonable, if a little chilly day. The first challenge Chapel Lane was surmounted without comment. There was then the fast decent to Westhumble. Terry went from there to the pub, whilst the four of us tackled Box Hill. After a fast decent down Little Switzerland, we all ended up in the Stepping Stones for lunch.

The Stepping Stones pub was very busy when we arrived, with the two prior ride groups and a large walking group, having already ordered. Delivery was not as quick as expected but the food was good and welcome.

After lunch we set off towards the Old Moat Garden centre for tea. Terry and Peter peeled off in the direction of home. Paul, Anne and Mick rode on to the tea stop and joined the remnants of the other groups and some Easy Riders.

Thanks to Peter for his diligent back-marking.

A good day out!

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