Surbiton station was busy with bikes heading for central London. In contrast I was "no mates" until Steph arrived for her first C&M ride in three years. At Bentley two became six as Simon was on Platform 2 with Lillian, Ed and Ray unloading in the car park; Ed seemingly unaffected when a bike landed on his head. Woeful navigation added 100 yards on the busy A325 to the short mileage to Alice Holt Visitor Centre/Cafe where amongst a sea of visitors we found Dave who'd cycled from home.
East through Millbridge and Tilford we meet head-on the London (actually Brooklands!) to Brighton Classics Rally, Rural Life being their 11s stop. Before Rushmoor we turned west to Frensham Little Pond where Dave and Steph forded. Emptier roads now led to the faster flowing Lindford ford which only Dave braved - concrete base, around six inches deep. Beyond Bordon was a climb past Temple, not particular hard but unexpectedly steepest at top where a portaloo was put to good use.
In Selborne Dave headed for Alton railway station. In contrast we settled on the Gilbert White cafe. It was quiet until Simon's bottle of beer became a fountain on opening; he was more than happy to accept a two for one offer - the second being almost frothless. The leisurely lunch concluded with cakes for two gourmands and a loose toilet door handle.
With two cars to rescue we headed back through the village taking quiet roads towards Blackmoor and Binsted. We paused only briefly to admire Oakhanger MOD "Balls", The double climb to Binsted was unwelcome - all seemed lost. But the downhill was fast and furious. And under ten minutes to wait at the station.
A contribution from Gilbert White aka Ray
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