Sunday 8th August 2010

It was not the best of start: dull and only three at North Cheam; soon two when Ed "mechanicaled" at Hinchley Wood. I could think of no satisfactory route from Cheam to Guildford so it was Esher, Cobham, and the A3 cyclepath where we were spared the indignity of being overtaken by more of cycling's fledgings. We arrived under clear and warm skies and in good time swelling the group to ten (or so we thought). After many a Wetherspoons' breakfast, we arose only to be accosted by mufti Jake proclaiming that Jeff lurked in some deep recess and thus had missed the comings and our soon to be going. Swilling a fraction of his recent purchase, he joined for a detour into Littleton and Godalming's backstreets. The steepness of Holloway Hill surprised even the leader but there was no dropping the bunch as we climbed towards Hascombe via Enton Green. At the turnoff, glances at watches confirmed time to spare so more down and up meaning we reached Hascombe via Loxhill.

Our punctuality had its reward with a near empty pub and several feasts were soon landing on our tables. Within ten minutes of our arrival and courtesy of SWT, Ed appeared differently mounted quickly followed by Keith who'd came via the Greensand Way. A more direct return took in the pump, Thornecombe Street, Wonersh and, for the exercise, Blackheath. In Chilworth a mistaken right missed the llamas in Halfpenny Lane; instead there was the steeper Guildford Lane. Even diehard roadies managed the tracks to the Barn Cafe and a final scoff. Re the website discussion, can you spot any difference(s)? Around 70 miles door to door.