Sunday May 29 2016

It's me again (pause for groans)

It was fortunate that I checked my emails just before leaving otherwise I would have missed the "sick - can you lead?" email. Thoughts for the ride led me to roads scarcely travelled as I headed towards Old Malden and Epsom. Just after the RAC club I was joined by a lady who then hand out a good thrashing (on the climbs, I hasten to add). After Pebble Hill we turned onto A25 for the short run to the Pheasant (was Jolly Brewers) at Buckland. Bob and Ed had already arrived and soon we were joined by Terry and Jeff.

Janice departed first concerned that her son might emerge from his bed only when his adolescence was over. Bob agreed to meet us at lunch so four turned left in Buckland towards Betchworth then along Gadbrook Road to the junction above Blackbrook. Beside Fourwents Pond four became three as Jeff preferred the blackstuff whilst the rest faced farm concrete and gravel as it appears only one of us had previously visited Ewood (an earlier site of Newdigate). A slightly confused rendezous with Jeff at Parkgate brought our numbers back up to strength. After the Fox (Very Dead) at Norwood Hill we descended towards Hookwood and suburban miles brought us to the centre of Horley and The Jack Fairman just before one. Despite a noticeable breeze it was warm enough to dine alfresco.

Departure was delayed while Jeff and Terry demonstrated basic maintenance skills (sample: always carry a pump) to a somewhat forlorn novice. Three placenames sum up our afternoon efforts - Charlwood, Rusper, Capel where we rewarded ourselves with the customary cakes. Around 65 miles door to door. But not as warm as expected thanks to that boisterous wind.