Sunday March 26th

                                          11s at Pinnock's

What a marvellous spring day for Mothering Sunday and cyclists.
After a pleasant if noisy 11s at Pinnock's (Ripley), eleven of us headed for East Clandon via Grove Heath Lane and Gambles Lane. After Back Lane we paused briefly to study the garden fence made of old bedsteads and tools before tackling Staple Lane. From the top we had a quite good view to the north. Combe Lane led to the A25 and Shere where Keith bravely rode through the ford. Peaslake was approached via Jesse's Lane and Pond Lane and left via Ewhurst Road. From Ewhurst we took the B2127 to Forest Green (my original choice of lunch stop) then headed north to The Royal Oak at Holmbury St Mary arriving about 1330. The pub was very busy and we had a not unexpected long wait for lunch, which, when it arrived, was very good. Chris joined us for lunch.

After lunch, Irene, Pam, Graham and Vic headed for home. The remainder set off, ostensibly for Capel. Jeff soon left us and after a brief discussion decided Capel was a cake too far and we should head for Denbie's. We could see the South Downs fairly clearly from the foot of Leith Hill. A quick descent of Coldharbour Lane brought us to Dorking where Lilian requested a stop at Gorgeous Gertie's café, but it was closed, so on to Mullin's café, also closed, but the new cyclist's Musette café was still open so we quickly took our bikes in with us. Good refreshments were partaken, Chris and Terry helped the management out of a terrible dilemma (Could you please eat these last two portions of coffee and walnut cake FREE?). After tea we went our separate ways.

Thanks to all for company and corner/backmarkers.

Terry