28 October 2012 - The AGM

 Walton-on-the-Hill - Redhill Aerodrome - W. Ewell

The lure of the C&M AGM brought a trio of committee men pondside at Walton-on-the-Hill to join me for a preliminary spin to Redhill Aerodrome (Ray, Steve, John G). For a change we forsook the tarmac for something softer to the tread. The path across Walton Heath to Mogador was not too boggy, though the mud did seem to fly everywhere, but at least did not create an unwelcome drag brake.

After Mogador, a brief stretch of road along Babylon Lane took us to a farm track, Crossways Lane. This proved rather steep, stony and deeply eroded for comfort, but we made it under the M25 to Gatton Bottom, then up through the grounds of the Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Gatton Park. A quick descent of Rocky Lane took us to the outskirts of Merstham and up Cormongers Lane to the A25, then down to the Aerodrome.

 

We had ample time for chat and cha as numbers swelled. Lunch was to be at the Sportsman in Mogador. Although quite close, an early arrival was advised as space is limited and fills quickly after 12.30pm. We retraced the morning's route as far as Gatton Bottom, but chose to ride up to the A217, rather than walk and carry our bikes up Crossways Lane. A quick zig-zag down Margery Lane and Buckland Road (more a track than a road) brought us to Mogador Road. So nearly there, but Daniel's front wheel found the edge of the road hidden by leaves, and unsaddled him. Fortunately man and beast were unharmed and we safely reached the Sportsman. 

Though only 12.30pm there were scarcely enough seats for us. Good beer (Otter) and food, beside a crackling fire, prepared us for our next leg. We crossed Walton Heath Golf Course and a bit more mud, before rediscovering tarmac all the way through Walton, Tadworth and Epsom Downs. At this point, Ed scented home and set a spanking pace to lead us to our destination. With our bikes stabled in and around Ed's garage, we were treated to tea and cake, before the serious business of the day began: the Annual General Meeting of the CTC Cheam and Morden Member Group. But that is another story.

Jeff

P.S. On inspecting the bike today, maybe the mud was worse than I suggested. The bike was caked in dry mud and one spoke was broken. I blame the leader.