Sunday 23rd November 2008

Firstly a recap for those who missed last week's gripping episode.

Soon-to-be-ex-councillor used side roads to Sutton but then took a more characteristic LCN75 (known to the wider world as A232). After riding over its iconic Croydon flyover, we turned right at West Wickham loos whence Jackass Lane lead up to Keston Church and a gentle downhill to the recently opened High Elms Country Park cafe. The less than magnficient seven (Simon, Andrew, Ed, Graham, Keith, Mike, Roger) soon realised that they were in the wrong location! So after a lengthy breakfast we sought out the golf course where Bob and Jeff were to be found, and still time for a second breakfast. Wisely Andrew and Bob headed for home as a drizzle set in. Simon's briefing hinted at country lanes and we did pass Down House (a first for me) so Biggin Hill came as a shock. From here it's a long long and busy downhill into Westerham where the expensive Grasshopper was chosen for lunch. Eventually five became seven again (Jake and Flo after discovering another Grasshopper!) By now the drizzle was steady so abandon ship we did past Tatsfield Church to the top of Bottley Hill and down into Purley where ours ways parted.

As the flakes descended and settled I waited for the calls. When none came, I headed reluctantly for Cheam where Ed was shivering in a doorway. Two became three so with Richard we sped off through Worcester Park, Tolworth and the Dittons. Sewage led onto Hersham ghettoes and a resurfaced Walton Bridge where by chance we were caught by Andy and David W (heading in the opposite direction). By now the sleet had turned to rain and a welcome if none too warm elevenses was reached via the spiral. Positioned to avoid the leaks, we were soon joined by drowned rats Irene, Pam and Pete Mitch. Delaying until noon for glimmers of light, we crossed the ford down to the Chertsey road and after St Anne's Hill and Lyne climbed to the treacle mines on Staple Hill. Just on one o'clock "Soups all round" was our order in the friendly Four Horseshoes, Burrowhill. The short hop to Ottershaw Tesco was accomplished in bright sunshine and less than 30 minutes. After more relaxing (and shopping for the ladies), I reached home in the light - 45 miles door to door.

PS Pics from PJ.