Ride Report of A riders on Wednesday 11'th of November

Oh dear, for more than a week before the day of my ride the Met Office forecast was showing grey clouds with drops, and as the day came closer they weren't going away. In fact, at times, each cloud was depicted with two drops. This was not looking good, and when I opened the curtains on the day and saw the heavy grey sky and rain streaming down the window I was sorely tempted to roll back into bed for a few more minutes under the duvet, but duty calls and so I prepared myself to head out in the wet.

Not 10 minutes later, did I receive a message from my sub leader (David W) informing me that due to illness he could not attend. Hummmph ! whatever misfortune could strike next ?

At Molesey Boat Club, my fellow cyclists were well clad for the weather, but seemed reluctant to move from their comfortable surroundings. I am sure coffees with crossants were still being ordered even as I was leaving to prepare to lead the first group, but we managed to get ourselves off, albeit perhaps 5 minutes later than planned. 

First group: Peter S, Patrick, Guy,  Andy, and Clive, with me as leader.

Second group: Gina, Brian, David J, David V, David F, Jennie, and Simon, who kindly stepped up to sub lead.

Our ride of 21 miles encompassed Esher, Cobham, Leatherhead and looped back North from Mickleham to finish at Epsom. Whilst all about was damp, cool and very autumnal, the rain largely held off. In many ways it was refreshingly beautiful, and particularly so in the Surrey hills with the autumn colours.  

Second group over the river Mole

We ended the ride at lunchtime in Epsom Wetherspoon's with all riders in good form and without any incidents of note. The only thing I can remember was the decision by Andy to drop to the second group around Esher so he could enjoy a more relaxed pace. 

Some in my faster group missed the usual after lunch ride. In the second group, however, the opportunity to have a longer lunch in a convivial pub atmosphere with the homeward cycle ride in daylight was much appreciated. I think all enjoyed the day. I certainly did. It remains for me to wish David W a speedy recovery and to thank all who attended for their good company, Simon for stepping into the breach to sub lead and Peter for back marking.  

Karl