A select bunch gathered at Beare Green being the Cheam Four (Ed, Daphne, Keith, Pete C) with Andy, Bob, Graham, Ian and Terry who arrived one by one. It was Ian's first outing since completing an Island Hopping LEJOG in 19 days. On the way most had (almost literally) run into riders in the Capital to Coast charity event.
Bob and Terry were for home. Thus only seven carried on through Capel, Ockley, Ewhurst and Cranleigh before we stopped rather unexpectedly at the Three Compasses, Laker's Green. No objections were raised; wisely as later we learnt that its 'roast only on Sundays' rule has been scrapped. We dined, or more accurately supped alfresco, as there is now ample outdoor sitting (is the large gazebo smokers only?).
Around two we set off under darkening skies and the first hint of rain. Near the Japanese school, the taps were fully on with flashes of lightning and claps of thunder. Although it lasted no more than thirty minutes, we were soaked; the roads, awash, and trees, a scant shelter - personally the worst storm in at least five years. Near Ellen's Green, Keith and then Daphne and Peter opted for home. The rest continued through Walliswood and up past Leith Hill Place. Debris was everywhere, evidence of the storm, and we were halted at a large and uninviting puddle. The footpath from the Windy Gap car park offered the quickest way up but it's very steep which did Ed's back no good at all. Unsurprisingly Leith Hill tower was quiet so we settled into a leisurely tea and cakes. Andy's rear tyre deflated just before Dorking so then was the time for farewells. Around 70 miles on a day that stayed sticky despite the storm.
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