April 29 2007

This was another fine day though it took awhile to warm up. Eight of us (Graham, Ann, Daphne, Ed, Keith, Mike, Pete C, Steve) took the usual route round the back of Epsom before ascending to the top of Pebblecombe. After Betchworth, we went across Reigate Heath to the A25 and elevenses at Morrison’s. Here Bob and Ian joined us. On the restart it was down Lonesome Lane before turning east to Langshott and then via Broadbridge Lane to Copthorne. Pete and Daphne headed for home as he was feeling under the weather. Turning right out of Old Hollow, we went into Worth before joining the B2036. This is a rather busy road with a nasty 250’ climb to the top of Whitely Hill and the short descent to lunch (Cowdray Arms). We were thus well placed to tackle some roughstuff, namely Whitely Hill to Parish Lane. Very uneven but dry, this is in two sections divided by stream crossing and a railway bridge. The first section was downhill but the second section over compacted hardcore climbed more steeply – overall it was downhill. Two managed most of it but the rest found a hobbyhorse style or walking more appropriate. In Pease Pottage Mike rejoined having (perhaps wisely) opted for an onroad alternative. Next it was Colgate then Rusper and finally Tanhurst Farm where cakes were enjoyed in a desultory fashion. Around 65 miles.