Sunday August 7th 2011

There was only Ed for company at the start and soon we were overtaken by Bob's first of the month ride featuring Keith and Roger. I took my usual Hospitals route to Ashtead then Leatherhead station to the Mill Pond where grazed three roe deer seemingly unconcerned by our passing. After the Bookhams, Orestan Lane et al there was a parting of ways as Ed declined to continue at my pace along Green Dene. The fine weather had sprouted a fine crop of cyclists on what next Sunday morning will be closed roads.  I arrived at Jordans to find Bob, Brian and Peter but Dave already gone . Five minutes later the good companions were complete when Jeff then Ed put an appearance.

 That was far enough for Bob and Ed so just four turned left at Gomshall Mill. I don't recall the last time we passed Farley Green's Roman Temple and south towards Run Common. After a brief but mercifully short ride on one of my least favourite roads (A281) it was time to introduce newcomers to the delights(?) of Brookwell Lane and sometime later Alldens Hill. The usually sandy lane wasn't but the hill saw the leaders slithering in a sea of mud at the bottom and all gasping on the steep section. Godalming was reached just on  one; excuse enough (plus Pete's "The Squirrel looks a bit pricey on the web") for the Jack Phillips.

After a sharp shower, we took a left after the old HQ to thread a way through the backstreets to Loseley, Guildford High Street and the A3 for cakes at Ockham Bites.  66 miles door to door.