Midsummer 2015

It's a couple of years since we headed this way and much has changed. By ten or thereabouts, seven had gathered in Wetherspoons. Leaving Bob behind in Astolat, we headed south to Shalford before quieter roads took over : Bramley, Hascombe, Dunfold and Durfold.

Black Down rears up after Shillinglee but fortunately our route lay along its side. The first change was the re-opened Lickfold Inn (which must hearten the new Top Gear presenter). But it marks the start of the "climb" (Bexleyhill). This year the score was 5-1 with only Dave S wobbling to the top without putting a foot down. The Duke Of Cumberland was bathed in sunshine as we disappear in its vast gardens.

Mindful of our newest octogenarian, we skipped the King Edward VII estate and its 247(!) new houses and apartments by heading north. Since my last visit Fernhurst has gained a one-way system. Seeing no obvious alternative I ignored the signs without consequence; apologies to anyone appalled  by my rule flouting. The standard route was rejoined for the climb to Linchmere. Paul punctured in Hammer Bottom leading to an unscheduled delay of thirty minutes. With the A3 now underground, Hindhead has been transformed with even the old Conan Doyle house (Undershaw) being redeveloped.

Lillian and Ed headed for Haslemere and an early train so just four started the last leg. I can't recall the last time we used Boundless Road so Brook Wormley and Enton Hall were new to most. Another sign of the time: Milford Hospital has sprouted a large housing estate. Terry peeled off in Godalming for Shalford whilst we took the Loseley to Guildford where my day ended. Dave and Paul were last seen tackling the cobbled High Street.

Only 45 miles but b****y hard. Pleasantly warm with plenty of cyclists well off route if they were doing the L2B.