On a roasting summer's day I was second last to Wetherspoons despite arriving by 0915!. Apart from the Editor, last year's riders all put in an appearance along with debs: Dave S, Keith, Paul, and Richard. Just after 1000 we were off leaving Bob to his own devices. From Shalford, we headed up through Munstead and past The Merry Harriers to rejoin last year's route near Shillinglee. Chris Evans's boarded up and forlorn looking Lickfold Arms signaled the start of THE climb with riders and walkers settling for a 4-all draw at the top. Then it was along the ridge and down the steep drop to the Duke of Cumberland, early so avoiding any crowds.Suitably refreshed, the drop had to be reversed so there was more walking for some. But soon we were off the A286 searching for the Woolbeding Common viewpoint (so troublesome to locate on my recce due to over-confidence). On the short off-road section Janice took a tumble injuring only her pride.
Once upon a time a route through Litchmere and Hammer would have led only to the A3 but nowadays it goes under and so got us to Hindhead's NT cafe. We refueled on cakes before tackling the long and surprisingly quiet downhill to Thursley. After a further descent to Elstead, the only remaining barriers were Farncombe Hill and Littleton meaning we were back in Guildford around 1630.I'd lopped four miles off the route though it didn't feel any easier so 50 miles and 4000+ feet of climbing.
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