With many miles to cover and hills to climb I settle for a direct route to 11s(Ewell village, Craddocks Avenue, lower road through Bookhams). Three of us went ahead after Dirtham Lane with the rest continuing at their own pace. We arrived to discover a Jordans' Open Day meaning free drinks all round. Eventually the lighting of barbecues and a live rendition of "Midnight Hour" (Wilson P turning in his grave?) drove us away.
Slipping beside Peaslake, we reached Pitch Hill where I remembered the Hilly 50 route originally passed Hurtwood Edge(still EC's home?). But I'd forgotten the mud - mercifully short! A burst water main between Cranleigh and Tisman's Green but zero traffic must mean someone likes us. Bypassing Cokelers' Loxwood, a Brewhurst Bridge photo shoot was prolonged by hordes of aspirant cyclists. Previously unvisited Ifold (estate sold off in 30s for holiday homes but much improved) was next and Ye Olde Sun Inn Plaistow reached dead on one. Its sign implied no food on Sundays so we settled for a second Sun (in Dunsfold).
Refreshed the aptly named Folds country was on the menu (Hydon's Ball) with a descent to the Farncombe Boat House (much lot busier than on our last visit) bringing us to tea. The post tea plan was for me to turn left(Guildford) and Jeff to turn right(Coombe Bottom). Rather unexpectedly Janice was with me so somewhat out of character I was at my chivalrous best though the legs complained bitterly on the final climb to Dirtham Lane.
All in all a fine day though overcast at tea; just under 80 miles door to door and two new cafes (Vineries GC Effingham, Tillings Cafe Gomshall) for Andy to investigate.
2 comments:
"Hordes of Aspirant Cyclists" What an insult one was me on the Ibbo Cake Ride, I may have only been a Carrot Cake but so was Gary Dodd! If he's an aspiring cyclist then I must be about to expire! Only 67 miles for me in 4.1/2hrs well done RaasayWarden 80 miles all day!
The 'aspirant cyclists' were children!It was a Children's Cycling Day for local parents to get their toddlers and older offspring out on their bikes on quiet country tracks and lanes.The idea was to show them that cycling is fun and to encourage them to become lifelong cyclists. We met them on Brewhurst Bridge over the Wey & Arun Canal, an off-road section where we would not expect to meet a peloton of sportif or audax riders.You really shouldn't jump to such uncharitable conclusions and be so sensitive, Mike! You were not in our thoughts!
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