At a much expanded Garsons Farm the clamour at the doors abated when they swung open just after 1030. We numbered a dozen with Tony and Don in mufti. I'd less than 48 hours to prepare and Friday's mini survey revealed that off-road wouldn't be an option so "the road not taken" approach it would be.
We left the Portsmouth Road (and much younger, much fitter cyclists) at Fairmile and wiggled via Ashcroft Park and Knipp Hill to Little Heath and the Diggers' signboard. Next came Chelsea and the long drag up and beside Yehudi. We crossed beside Fetcham's pond to the waterworks. On my survey I'd entered the one-way system but thought better of it today so up the High Street and an illegal right into Linden Road saw us over the motorway into Ashtead. The A24 was crossed into Ashtead Park and later recrossed into Castle Road (foreknowledge of town centre roadworks). Thus we descended beside the railway to the Assembly Rooms (Epsom) where Terry and Bob were waiting.
After an extended lunch Ed peeled off in West Ewell and the last six continued to Chessington South railway station and the A3 Travellers' site. In Long Ditton (the unused tea stop) we went our various ways. Home at 3 and only 30 miles.
As Wednesday is Redhill, this was Irene's final ride after 20+ years' regular attendance. We wish her well; with everything crossed the King's Lynn move should be this coming Friday.
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