Report for 6th May A group ride to Rudgwick

 I have to say the planning of this ride was a challenge. I was planning to ride to The Fox Bucks Green via Baynards Estate, Cranleigh, across country, which we had done four years ago. However In October last year the Fox was sold and the new owners have gone 'gastro'. No sandwiches on the menu and a row of single stars on Trip Advisor. So the only viable option was The Milk Churn. Then on the recce I found Ripley Road closed, even to cyclists and Baynards farm have put a huge steel gate across the private road we had travelled easily before, cutting access to the A281. The good news was that my new route shaved 2 miles off the route and I found Bar Hatch Lane and the B2128 out of Cranleigh had new tarmac. So from Cobham, West Horsley, up Sheepleas, through Shere and up Hound House Road, then down to Cranleigh.

So fourteen riders signed up on Spond which made two neat groups of seven. Fiona kindly led the first group away with Janice, Jacky B, Hans, Frances, Dave B and the, now professional, back marker Peter S. I was concerned by the amount of climbing on the route, but they made rapid progress. They were tucking into their food as we in the second group arrived.

I set off after Fiona with Neil W, Dave F, Dave E, Gina, Sue C and the equally professional Simon L back marking us. We were slower mainly because of the climbing and so it was a relief to find ourselves at Bar Hatch Lane ready for a fast descent into Cranleigh.

We were served quickly by the efficient staff at The Milk Churn where we ogled the magnificent Buick Lesabre 6 litre V8. What a beautiful car.

After lunch we rode on the lovely Horsham Road, through Walliswood to Forest Green and then up Tanhurst Lane, Coldharbour and down to The Old Clunker Cafe. We were just in time to see Fiona and her group leave. Dave B seemed to have sorted out his slow puncture.

Many thanks to Fiona for leading her group so successfully (look at the smiles) and to Simon and Peter for back marking. We were lucky with the weather and a bit of sun which always helps, but it is the company of everyone that made the riding special.

Steve D.