12 February, 2012

North Cheam - Walton on the Hill - and Rusper (for some)

The recce for the planned ride showed some roads ice-free and some impassable. By far the worst section was Chipstead Lane on the way home - 1½ miles of ice. On Sunday morning falling snow was crunchy underfoot. A conference call with North Cheam revealed Andy as the lone rider. With the ride on the brink of total cancellation, Daniel appeared and a meet was agreed at the Grey Dove Café, opposite an ice-covered Mere Pond in Walton on the Hill. Lengthy discussion over tea and coffee, bread pudding and bacon sandwiches failed to arouse any enthusiasm for more ice.

A message was received from Terry to say that Rusper Golf Course was closed. We really should have realised that a snow covered golf course would not attract many drivers or cyclists. Terry withdrew to Tanhurst Farm for warmth and human company. About to depart, he was joined by Graham. That was it. Terry and Graham fell back to Henfold and then home. Those stuck in Walton stayed stuck in Walton. Determined to have a ride, the Walton posse made a sprint to - Walton and the warmth of the Chequers. Discussion continued until late afternoon, when a reluctant decision was made to abandon the log fire and head for home before dark.

A gold star is awarded to the daring duo that made it to the snow plains of Rusper; a pyrite star goes to the trio stuck at the top of the North Downs.

We impatiently await the Great Thaw.

Jeff