Sunday 26th November 2006

High water everywhere sent in short sharp bursts summed up this day. As the rain lashed down, I pitied those who had far to travel but by 0845 it eased and I had to be off. At the Bridge, Ed, Jake, Steve and I were joined by Stephanie (Sat/Wed rider) on a new Thorn complete with several hundred pounds' worth of Rohloff Speedhub. My intended route (NCN 4) was ruled a non-starter weather-wise. So we went Giggs Hill Green, Esher sewage works (nearby and getting wet), Walton and Weybridge stations before a hailstorm hit us beside the canal. Andy and Bob were ensconsed in Tesco's and soon we were joined by the Squirrels (passing through). The late arriving Pam and Terry meant a delayed restart of 1130. I tried Bittams Lane and Homewood Park to Stonehill Road where once again the heavens opened. Through Mimbridge was awash but at Horsell it was back to suburbia and comparative safety. We climbed onto Hook Heath then down to Mayford and over Pyle Hill and into Jacob's Well. A sprint beside the A3 lead to Potter's Lane where Send Hill was a final obstacle before the Saddler Arms in Send Marsh. The already arrived Bob, Simon and Jen had a spot by the fire and soon set aside garments started to steam gently. We were away by 1430 hours taking the obvious route via a dryish Cobham Tilt to Stoke D'Abernon in only 30 minutes! Here we added Anne to the party. Again we lingered until the bolting of doors and the clearing of tables told us it was time to go our seperate ways, naturally under increasing blue skies. Less than 50 miles but hard won.