As this was CTC Birthday Rides week, I set out from home in trepidation on a far from perfect day (dull, muggy with spots of rain). As well as familiar faces there were five newcomers at North Cheam, which amazed me. Three didn't cross the M25 for divers medical reasons - hopefully we shall see them on future rides.
The route was obvious, through Ewell and Malden Rushett and right up Stokesheath Road. Via Summerhays we entered Cobham followed by Mayes Green (very large and faster Serpentine Club bunch) and Hungry Hill. Alongside the A3 led us into Guildford where Steve punctured at Stoke Park. Eventually fourteen settled into The Rodboro Buildings being Graham, Adam, Andy, Bob, Ed, Irene, Janice, Jeff, Keith, Neil, Pete B, Steve H and newcomers Graham Hardman and Tom Bell. We were back on roads near Shalford Church and Chinthurst/Tannery Lanes were an A281 bypass. In Foxborough Hill Road we started the Munstead climb, becaming a race nearing the water tower. Now most went into the bushes to the Hambledon road but backmarkers Andy and Adam went right before realizing their mistake in Tuesley Lane. The Merry Harriers Hambledon is being modernized and half painted so we dined alfresco. We enjoyed the llamas but perhaps not the expensive food and drink and had to endure a drizzle, which was to last until Alford. After lunch Bob departed as is his wont and the newcomers were keen on a quick homecoming; in truth they are a bit fast for us but promises were made to use partners next time to slow them down. Turning into Vann Lane, I twigged that my route was the Surrey Cycleway between Munstead to Boxhill - so much for careful planning! Thus were the dogs of war unleashed - just follow the brown (sometimes blue) signs. So I lead the autobus to Capel Church and our customary orgy of cakes and tea. From there differing speeds took us home - nearly 80 miles door to door.
The route was obvious, through Ewell and Malden Rushett and right up Stokesheath Road. Via Summerhays we entered Cobham followed by Mayes Green (very large and faster Serpentine Club bunch) and Hungry Hill. Alongside the A3 led us into Guildford where Steve punctured at Stoke Park. Eventually fourteen settled into The Rodboro Buildings being Graham, Adam, Andy, Bob, Ed, Irene, Janice, Jeff, Keith, Neil, Pete B, Steve H and newcomers Graham Hardman and Tom Bell. We were back on roads near Shalford Church and Chinthurst/Tannery Lanes were an A281 bypass. In Foxborough Hill Road we started the Munstead climb, becaming a race nearing the water tower. Now most went into the bushes to the Hambledon road but backmarkers Andy and Adam went right before realizing their mistake in Tuesley Lane. The Merry Harriers Hambledon is being modernized and half painted so we dined alfresco. We enjoyed the llamas but perhaps not the expensive food and drink and had to endure a drizzle, which was to last until Alford. After lunch Bob departed as is his wont and the newcomers were keen on a quick homecoming; in truth they are a bit fast for us but promises were made to use partners next time to slow them down. Turning into Vann Lane, I twigged that my route was the Surrey Cycleway between Munstead to Boxhill - so much for careful planning! Thus were the dogs of war unleashed - just follow the brown (sometimes blue) signs. So I lead the autobus to Capel Church and our customary orgy of cakes and tea. From there differing speeds took us home - nearly 80 miles door to door.
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