B Ride Report 5th August - Cobham - Leigh - Leatherhead

A good turnout of 21 riders, with most enjoying the warmth at the RBL and the free coffees and teas, courtesy of Geoff (Happy Birthday Geoff!).

We were blessed by about a minute of light rain as the first group of Steph, Chris McC, Nigel A, Sue F, Keith R and Alan C back-marking, under Pete By set out at 10.30am. followed 15 minutes later by Francis and his group of Brenda, Sabina, Bernard, Alan I, Mags with John A back-marking. 

The last group to leave were Tim C, Anne W, Linda, Julie, Paul J and Tim G back-marking, ably led by Mick A.

The morning section covered 21 miles in around three hours. The ascent to Ranmore Common brought the first beautiful views of the day, followed by the enjoyable descent to Denbies where most of the group shots were taken high up on the ridge.

The climb up Box Hill added a classic Surrey challenge to the morning. At the top, riders were again rewarded with expansive views across the South Downs. The weather remained cloudy and cool throughout the morning, which made the climbing so much more comfortable than it might have been earlier in the week.

After Box Hill, the route continued with a cruising descent into Betchworth, then wound along quiet country lanes to our lunch stop, the ever-welcoming The Plough pub. Lunch was served beneath two large gazebos out front, where the groups enjoyed delicious food and impressively quick service.

 

 

After lunch, the remainder of the ride was a gentler 10-mile flat stretch to tea in Leatherhead.

My thanks as always to my subbies, Pete By and Mick A for their diligent leadership, all our back-markers and of course to everyone who came on the ride. An enjoyable and rewarding day out.

~ Francis

Some 'Action' photos for Team Mick on the slopes of Mt Box: