Sunday, 21 April

Walton on the Hill

Tanhurst Farm - Staplefield - Parkway Tea-Rooms

Having recently been left standing on the start line, Janice was most concerned at 8.55am to find herself alone with the ducks at Walton on the Hill. Mike M appeared to reassure and the punctilious leader arrived as the gong was striking nine. Helene completed the quartet.

At Tanhouse Farm - pic courtesy of Ray

Tanhouse Farm

We set off at 9.15 for Tanhurst Farm, a novel venue for mid-morning tea and somewhat closer than usual. However, the straight line between two points was bent to create a sinuosity or two via Brockham, Roothill and Gadbrook, before heading south through Parkgate and Newdigate for an early arrival at Tanhurst Farm, where Bob awaited us, with some KPRC also in attendance. With time to relax, we sunned ourselves and stretched our legs as our number swelled to double figures. Three planned an early return, to leave an eager eightsome to set off for Staplefield.

The unwonted sunshine may have gone to the leader’s head, as he pressed on at an exuberant pace. Sunstroke is no excuse and he offers his remorse. Rusper and Faygate flew past, though the climb to Colgate was rather more sedate. Paul led the charge along Grouse Road to Hammer Pond, where granny gears asserted dominance. Then it was an undulating spin across the A23 to Slaugham and our destination Staplefield. With lunch in sight, the leader nearly caused disaster at the cricket green by overshooting a left turn and braking so hard that Janice was nearly forced to convert two solos into a bicycle made for two, her lightning reactions and squeal of horror just saving the day. Jeff really should know better.

At The Jolly Tanners, Staplefield

Lunch was at the Jolly Tanners, the lunchtime tavern adopted by Terry’s hostel group the previous Wednesday. This is an independent pub with good food and a very fine array of ales. The landlord recommended the porter, a good choice, though I am not so sure about the 4.9% abv, which did have a delayed reaction later in the day. We dined in sunshine, while Janice sought to rearrange the seating arrangements on her new cycle to provide a more accommodating ride.

Tank with Pete, the Tadworth Tiddler

The climax of the day was to have been Capel, but the ladies have reduced their opening days, to widespread disappointment. After lunch a quick climb to Handcross unwittingly left Terry to help a deflated lady. He soon had Helene reflated and the group reassembled to descend on Pease Pottage, Colgate and Faygate, easier down than up. After Rusper the group zoomed ahead to Newdigate, where it was halted by a tank outside the Six Bells. With Capel off the agenda, tea became the subject of individual choice, as riders went their separate ways. Brockham we found to be a construction site, so Terry kindly offered tea and cake to Helene and Jeff at his home in Dorking. Our grateful thanks to the understanding Mrs L. Mileage 65. Many thanks to one and all for your company and your tolerance.

Jeff