The day dawned damp & murky, a typical February day but with the temperature the right side of 10°.
Seven riders met at Starbucks, Hooley, a satisfactory number I thought considering the impending "hilly" ride.
Pre-ride chat dwelt on amongst other things, the merits (or otherwise) of narrowboats & Steph & Caroline's forthcoming Majorca trip.
On leaving, we immediately began climbing Dean Lane, the obvious way going East to be followed by the fast decent of Hilltop Lane.
NCN route 21 took us past Mercers farm & lake, tricky in places after all the recent rain but it's a NATIONAL CYCLE ROUTE so must be okay?....right?
This stretch is graded as "reasonable to cycle at any time of year" with "the odd pot-hole or bumpy bit" (SCC cycle map 2014).
Although Sustrans come up with the concept, it's down to indivdual landowners to maintain the paths which are left to the elements.
A surface would be nice.
Coopers Hill Road took us south from Nutfield to the track going east through the Henshaw Farm estate....a new experience for some.
Outwood has a windmill, in fact a very old windmill.
It was constructed during the Great Fire of London & the builders it is said, watched the fire glowing in the distance 25 miles away.
It was last used commercially in 1996 & is the oldest working windmill in the UK.
Grade 1 listed building & only £800,000 (June 2018).
The Castle at Wasps Green...or Outwood as Google would have us believe was better than I'd thought ticking many boxes.
Attentive waiter, good food (not a roast in sight), comfortable surroundings & special thanks to Caroline for picking up the drinks tab.
We were away by 1.30 & 3 more climbs, Outwood Lane, Markedge Lane & Holly Lane brought us to tea at Banstead.
A pleasant day's ride with some hills to exercise the legs in the expectation of longer rides as the days lengthen.
Thanks to all for your company & Dave & Simon for backmarking.
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