This February has been pretty dismal (to say the least) with rainy and/or windy weather putting many off cycling, so with another unfavourable forecast it was nice to see 16 cyclists at The Vineries.
Ed, Dave V, Maureen & Graham went their separate ways leaving Bernard, Sabine, Keith, Diane, Christina, Carolyn, Lillian, Dave W, Terry, Dawn & Simon led by myself to a new lunch venue - Ruby's café just south of Beare Green.
A number of years ago C & M rides were graded to give new members an indication to the difficulty of the ride.
80% were "2" - flat or undulating, up to 50 miles, suitable for most.
20% were "1" - either hilly and/or 70 miles (or more).
Today would of been a "1" ........no question. 👀
Dappeled sunshine made the gradual climb to the top of Chapel Lane quite enjoyable even though some may of been thinking about the stinking great climb in a few miles time (I'd posted part of the route in a blog post.......to encourage or put people off ....I'm not sure which).
The effects of recent rain caused a split in the bunch with some wanting to avoid (the possibilty) of muddy conditions on NCN Route 22 between Dorking & Westcott...so Dave W kindly took the majority via tarmac whilst Keith, Sabine, Bernard, Dawn & Simon joined my "not too bad" route.
Some confusion where the routes meet but we were soon onto the "highlight" of the day, Logmore Lane.
Just a personal view but this is why I love cycling the hills of Surrey......it starts quite steeply past the church then levels out.....even goes downhill.
Then boom.....back on the lowest gear.....but we all made it. 👏
A sense of an achievement.........whatever the age you are.
After a photo op at the top of a chilly Anstie Lane, downhill to Ruby.
Great refreshment place this (I would say that!) with orders served efficiently......one I'm bound to use again.
I hope it doesn't go the same way as Henfold lake (closed - seeking new tenants).
We left well nourished but by now light rain had started falling.
I suffered a collapse of the rear mudguard caused by a fallen branch on the run in to Leatherhead.
Tea (& biscuits) at Spoons.........yummy!
Steady rain was to end a great day in the saddle.
Only around 40 miles for me but thanks to Logmore....it felt like more.😀
Thanks as always to my supporters, my back markers & my photographers.
Please refer to March/April rides list for next week - 3rd March (11's Waitrose Dorking NOT W'Spoons L'head).
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