Sunday November 12, 2017

Thirteen met at West Horsley Squires but, fortunately for the superstitious, Alan, Bob and Donald did not join the ride. We headed east, our entry to Chalk Lane being delayed slightly by about a couple of dozen Harley Davidsons burbling past in the opposite direction. Ascending Greendene and descending Combe  Lane we saw many other cyclists out on training runs. To Shere next via Rectory Lane, over rather than through the ford then a change from normal by using Church Hill before joining Sandy Lane. On to the outskirts of Peaslake where we followed Hoe Lane to Horsham Road. Just short of the junction we met a car travelling in the opposite  direction. I stopped, so did the car – I wanted to warn the driver there were more  cyclists coming. I recognised the driver as an old friend and former works colleague. He was and is very keen on motorcycle racing. Many years ago he prepared and rode his own bike in the Clubmans’ races (not the TT) in the Isle of Man and finished third in his first race there. Now his two sons are doing nearly as well. We joined the B2126 as far as Sutton Abinger then via Sutton Lane, Donkey Lane and Hollow Lane we reached the A25. Turning into Balchins Lane we avoided main road traffic and noise. There were wonderful views of the trees on Ranmore in their various autumn colours. On the outskirts of Dorking we turned left into Station Road, shortly right into Parkway then across Meadowbank to the cycle track  to Leatherhead and lunch at the Edmund Tylney. By the time we had all eaten and drunk and chatted it was 1500 hrs and it was unanimously decided to head homewards in the daylight.

Edmund (later Sir) Tylney was  the Master of Revels (I’m not joking) for Queen Elizabeth I and King James I and lived in Leatherhead. He had great influence in the censorship and developement of drama.

My original lunch venue was The Scarlett Arms but after a recce I decided it was a pub too far. Tracey, the landlady was scheduled to have left by now, (going to pastures/pub new in Cranleigh) to be replaced by one Jill. Another redoubtable lady leaving us.

Thanks to all for company, David for tec and people various for corner marking. I hope we have a few more Sundays with such agreeable weather.

Think this is correct – I’m sure Jeff will correct if necessary:                        

2 points Irene, Pam, Graham, Jeff, Ed, Ray, Vic, Terry.  

1 point Donald, Bob, Alan, David, Brian.

Terry