Having frightened off some, we were but seven at Wetherspoons Guildford for breakfast. Four (Bob, Daniel, Janice, Jeff) had ridden; three (Irene, John and the author) had come by train. Leaving Bob behind, we started with the familiar (very familiar to some) Shalford, Bramley, Hascombe and Dunsfold. Then it was terra incognita as we skirted Shillinglee and crossed the A283. Here John took a shortcut to Haslemere whilst the rest headed along the first undulating green tunnel. By Lickford and its still closed pub (offers to: C Evans c/o BBC) we were back to square one heightwise. Now started the climb of the ever steepening Bexleyhill. Its 17% roadsign was hotly debated (Daniel's toy said it was 34%!; our two most senior riders felt it merited a close inspection on foot). And thus we arrived at the Duke Of Cumberland from the south. I know of no finer situated pub and don't they know it.
One hour later and with wallets noticeably lighter we headed back turning west towards the onetime TB sanitorium. After a short roughstuff section we were at the Woolbeding Common viewpoint. With stepladders it might have yielded extensive views but today all I could picked out was the Butser Hill mast. Three miles of downhill followed but by Elmers Marsh cruelly the road began to climb and continued so through Liphook, Bramshott, Headley Down (of Led Zep fame). In Grayshott Daniel needed cash and the Editor, bananas and Lucozade.
All settled for a calorie laden slice (two for our trencherman) of cake at Hindhead's NT cafe. As anticipated the splendid cyclepath as far as the Sailor's Memorial was full of mobile bollards but the next 2 1/2 miles were walker-free so speeds approached 40 mph as we turned to Thursley and Elstead. Charterhouse and Loseley were familiar and soon it was all over. Guildford saw the editor joining the train travellers.
A very warm day so thanks to all those green tunnels. Around 55 miles but more importantly 4000+ ft of climbing (suspect; flat battery!)
2 comments:
Our thanks to Graham for a glorious ride. Thanks are also due for glossing over the folly of one rider, whose research project into modestly energetic riding with zero calorie intake, had produced the blindingly obvious conclusion: dont! No matter how much blubber you may have to burn, when the fuel tank is empty, the engine stops!
As Jeff says, a splendid ride and I don't think the variety and vistas could be bettered on one trip in the SE with perhaps the rapid, long descent from Hindhead the best.
With 2 breakfasts, 2 pints of Langham Hip Hop and 2 pieces of cake to make up for the lofty £ per gram lunch, 90.0 miles were manageable. No fasting on ride days, I say.
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