After leaving the '11s only' C and M-ers at Bockett's Farm eight of us headed west on the A246 to Effingham where we turned left into Beech Avenue. Knowing the surface deteriorates considerably we soon forked left into High Barn Road then left into the wonderful recently resurfaced Hogden Lane, leading to Ranmore. At the crossroads we turned left into the now unflooded White Down Lane, to be confronted by many competing cyclists travelling in the opposite direction, many of whom weren't prepared for the ascent of White Down. Now noticing the unfriendly but dry wind, Raikes Lane and Water Lane led to the B2126 and Holmbury St Mary, beyond which we forked right into Cotton Row, right onto the B2127 which took us to The Bull's Head at Ewhurst just in time for a 1pm lunch . This was good and served quickly and without hurrying we were on the return leg about an hour later.
Now we were heading north UP Pitch Hill, but with wind assistance we soon arrived in Shere. Turning left into Lower Street gave everyone the chance to demonstrate how to tackle a ford. There were no takers! Most of us crossed the A25 to tackle Coombe Bottom. After regrouping at the top we continued north to descend Staple Lane - no point in stopping to admire the view. A couple more decided to go straight home from there, leaving three of us to have a leisurely 3s at Squires, West Horsley.
Twenty three miles Bockett's to Squires, quite sufficient given the hills and wind. Hopefully everyone arrived home dry or nearly so, I only encountered rain south of Leatherhead.
Terry
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