Sunday 5 January 2020

It was a dull, no wind, no rain forecast but I was surprised when thirteen found Clarke's Cafe in Leatherhead, a haven for those of a parsimonious bent. I'd aborted the previous Wednesday's (including PM's seat) recce due to excessive mud meaning there would be only 100 off-road yards on this ride. Also I'd not booked so was keen to reach lunch (wherever it might be) soon after noon.

Leaving Bob behind, we began by reversing the previous Sunday's ride to Bookham railway station.  Then it was up to and past the Vineries, down to Effingham station and up and over Drift Road. At 1201 I tried the Barley Mow, one landlord, one customer but no food before Monday! The nearby William IV was able to fit us in at no notice and we settled into our usual spot close to the toilets.

Before lunch Dave W and Keith went in search of extra miles. After lunch Trencherman (one adult meal, one dessert, three pints) and Dave F were for Epsom. After 100 yards Pam and Vic were for Ripley, and the rest for Ockham and Cobham. Plough Lane was flooded but we rode on. There was a final parting of the ways in Sainsbury's. Ray and I headed up Seven Hills in search of Whiteley's cafe - huge, well signposted so easy to find within the "Octagon".

40 miles door to door.

2 pts: GFH, Daniel, Dave Ferrett (A Rider), Dave W, Ed, Keith, Lillian, Pam, Ray, Terry, Vic, Jackie "KPRC",
1 pt: Bob