Sunday January 29 2017

The forecast wasn't great but I saw the backs of many riders on the way to 11s, and several coaches suggesting it wasn't a day for taking the train.  I was surprised by our double figure turnout at West Horsley but reminded of games days - one excuse after another left just three willing to carry on. When I phoned through the revised count, the landlord didn't sound too pleased so I thought it wise not to mention Dave's likely packet of crisps.

We began with the long downhill to Grove Heath Road before crossing the A3 and along the path that runs beside it. I hadn't surveyed this part of the route so an illegal right turn at the end of Clay Lane got us onto the A320 and off  it 100 yards later. Burdenshott and Goose Rye roads led to Fox Corner, and two more lefts saw us at The Royal Oak Pirbright by 1225.

Service was prompt and departure was around 1315. In Fox Corner, we stopped briefly to don waterproofs  (soon unneeded). After Mayford I decided on a variant: the Kingfield stadium and through Woking Park to desirable parts of Woking. These disappeared as we descended towards the canal. A right took us through Sheerwater and West Byfleet. We dropped Vic outside "La Maison Blanche" declining his offer of tea before continuing to Addlestone (gates closed) and Weybridge where our ways parted.

Definitely what northern parts call "dreich" but the forecast rain didn't amount to much. Just over 50 miles door to door.