Up, Up and Away to Mogador - 18 Sept

Was it the first chilly Sunday of autumn?   Long sleeves for all eleven at elevenses at the Old Moat, Epsom.  It was warm enough to linger outdoors and chat, before six of us took off for Mogador, leaving Bob, Maureen, Pam, Tony and Ed to hold the fort (or was it the moat?).

I had struggled to find a flat route to our lunch destination at The Sportsman, Mogador, because it's on the North Downs, so a hill was required.   After a loop-the-loop around Epsom we climbed steadily and then rather sharply to Walton on the Hill.   After admiring the pond, which still has a little water in it, we crossed the golf course by a route less favoured by Diane due to plentiful roots and stones, and arrived in one piece at the pub.

Pic courtesy of Dave Ellis

Brian had to be home by lunchtime but luckily we were early, so he had time for a pint (don't tell his wife) before setting off homewards.  The menu at The Sportsman was a bit tricky having many expensive options. but luckily they had Scotch Eggs and a few other side dishes, and the hut was serving bacon butties, so I think we all found something suitable.

After lunch, we went to admire the view from Colley Hill before returning across the golf course, on the more favoured route, with a few large puddles covering the whole track, forcing us to ride on the hallowed turf of the golf course.   Up to Box Hill, because it was there, and then down to Leatherhead for tea.   A nice day out in good company - thank you all.

I met Ed on my way home, who told me that he, Maureen, Pam and Tony had gone on an alternative ride to Charlton village, so there were two C&M rides today.  Impressive!