Ride report B group 7th October 2026

It was a lovely sunny day when I did the recce for this route - so it was a shock to wake up to the first proper autumnal day of the year with rain predicted all day.

18 had signed up for the ride from Cobham, but the temptation to have a duvet day was too much for some and so eleven riders set off in the direction of Downside. My loyal subbies were Tim G and Francis, although we decided to amalgamate the riders into just 2 groups.

The route took us along some quiet lanes into Ockham and Horsley before staring the climb up Chalk Lane and Green Dene. The beautiful views I had promised from the top of Staple Lane were a little fuzzy from the cloud and rain. After descending, we crossed over into Clandon and followed quiet roads into Ripley where we had a lovely lunch at the Seven Stars.

We all felt rather chilly setting off again in the drizzle, but enjoyed a section of off road from Effingham to Bookham - Bank’s lane passing through Bank’s Common - a route that was new for some of us. Our arrival at Lucios in Leatherhead was  very welcome where we all warmed up with a hot drink before heading home. Well done to all the riders who showed up in the rain today! Tim G, Paul, John, Steph, and Fixie in the second group. Francis, Julie, Stephen, Carolyn, Mick and Dave F setting off first.