Sunday, 7 September

 TWIMC

Gomshall - Walliswood - North Holmwood

Apologies to the absentees!

This Sunday, riders found their own way to the banks of Tilling Brook at Gomshall, graced by the hostelry reincarnated as the tea-rooms now known as Tillings. A warm welcome back to Lilian, fresh from Slovenia. Welcome also to Peter Bowles, a refugee from the MWW as well as to the reappearance of Nick Griffiths and a seasonal visit by Roger Mace.

Our route was to be a lame descent from the sublime heights of the earlier conquest of the English Channel to a ridiculously short perambulation of our Surrey lanes, to seek out the consolation of one of our sometimes superlative Surrey pubs. Hopefully our choice did not disappoint. With Walliswood so close, we had to keep our riders on their toes by wondering, after Winterfold and Ewehurst,  what might be our next unexpected turn. A few giddy twirls and an unaccustomed acquaintance with Okewood Hill led us to an early arrival at the Scarlett Arms.

Despite the cloud we dined outside in relative, radiated warmth. The food was good, our hostess most welcoming and Badger beer on tap, tempting but untasted - the beer that is. Daniel sang its praises. After unhurried R&R we resaddled for a short canter to North Holmwood, our progress reduced a tad by the now smooth and seductive curves ot Tanhurst Lane. I had to applaud the effortless ease with which our mountain goats rose to the challenge, from an admiring and respectful distance. Then it was up to Leith Hill and the exhilarating swoop down Coldharbour Lane. Janice, why did you brake? All heeded the caution not to let the blood rush to their heads and invade Dorking, as we were to approach North Holmwood from the North, with a novel right turn along Ridgeway Rd. to Flint Hill and a freewheel down to Spook Hill and an early arrival for tea and cake, courtesy of the stalwart ladies of the Church of St John. Why always ladies? In no time, all chairs were occupied, so our promptitude was well rewarded.

By now the sky was blue as we surrendered to the warmth of gloriously comforting September sunshine. Let's enjoy it while we can. Our days are shortening. Many thanks to those who shared it, with time in hand for an unhurried journey home.

Jeff

P.S. Our Rides Secretary will provide the photographic record.