We ended 2023 with another Sunday of three halves! It started sunny and benign, but as I neared elevenses at Leatherhead the sky darkened ominously and the heavens opened!
The rain relented and an intrepid four (Simon, Andy, Brian and Keith) plus an unintrepid me headed for lunch at Ripley, while the others wisely went home!
Soon there was even welcome sunshine, but road conditions everywhere were pretty mucky following not just the earlier downpour but heavy overnight rain, and giant puddles abounded! We made a short detour to sample the newly-revamped Elm Lane which previously had the reputation of being one Surrey's most reliably muddy byways, winter or summer. Ironically, today it was the clearest and cleanest road in the county!
Elm Lane may have been made easier to negotiate, but everything has its cost, and the downside is that the Wisley A3 footbridge now has a daunting scaffolding staircase to scale on the south side, fortunately only temporary.
Keith and Brian went their own ways after this but Simon, Andy and I continued to the ever-reliable Pinnocks at Ripley for lunch before setting off for home.
Thanks to all who braved the elements today, and a happy New Year to all Cheam and Morden riders!
(Photo credits to Andy, Brian & Simon).
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