The long range forecasts were dire (zero temperatures, gale force northerlies) so every chance that the ride might end at 11s!
But overcast and raining when I awoke turned to blue by eight so after dressing off I went to Ripley. A direct route to lunch would have been under 10 miles so I 'stretched'. Six set off from Pinnocks heading north into the wind to West Byfleet then southwest along the Basingstoke through Woking to St Johns. Here we abandoned the canal and headed downhill to the semi-abandoned Robin Hood Road which led to Knaphill and the Mizen Railway. By now the skies were overcast and as we passed through Chobham we were bombarded by hail. Most choose to soldier on but Pam and Tony 'caped up'. We reunited in the warmth of the Red Lion (crowded and under new management) just ahead of Ray arriving from the opposite direction.
For no obvious reason, soups arrived long after roasts; nevertheless we were away by two. Twenty (sic) wind-assisted minutes later some stopped at Squires Holloway Hill for the first 'tea' of 2019.
Home after easy 46 miles; the wind showing its power only in exposed spots like Walton Bridge..
Two points: Graham, Dave, Pam, Terry, Tony, Vic
One point: Ray
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