The annual Cheam & Morden coast ride, hitherto a longstanding fixture, hasn't actually taken place for quite a few years now. Recent attempts to reinstate a ride to Climping have only met with difficulties and floundered on the rocks, so the only answer was to surprise the English Channel by an unexpected approach from its left flank and take it by storm!
This was a complex operation in several waves (as it were)! Simon, Chris, Diane and I set off from West Byfleet at 8.30 am and were backed up by a second wave (Andy and Christina) who followed up in the vanguard an hour behind us after various technical problems!
At Little Latte, Tilford we were bolstered by reinforcements (Madeleine and Lilian). Lilian was somewhat 'deflated', but a good coffee and the loan of someone else's pump soon restored her to fighting fitness!
We duly set off across the old Hampshire military areas around Longmoor and Bordon towards the advance camp at Hillier Garden Centre, Liss, where, after a short wait, full rations were supplied!
At this point I had to resign my command and return home (nothing, I can assure you, to do with the looming threat of the South Downs as manifested in the rather unpleasant climb up Kiln Lane, Buriton awaiting the rest of the group). Anyway, from here Simon takes over the narrative.
It was like one of those Outward Bound courses ... we were transported to somewhere far away from home, given an objective (reach Hayling Island) and several slightly incompatible individual objectives (different modes of transport or train times to get home), and left to sort it out.
I didn't have a ready excuse, so I had to lead the group, following David's excellent route. At Petersfield we bumped into my brother Peter, who lives there, which was a nice surprise. Andy and Christina had to leave us soon afterwards to catch trains home, leaving six. We struggled up the aptly named Kiln Lane into the heart of the South Downs, but were then rewarded by a never-ending descent, through leafy shade, until it ended at Rowlands Castle, where ice creams were bought by Maddie. From there it was a short hop to Havant. We joined the scenic old railway line along the sea, which took us to the beach at the south of Hayling Island. There was paddling, swimming and some very conveniently located public conveniences, before Steph set off to ride back to Liss, and most of us returned to Havant for the train home.
It was an enjoyable and memorable day out on the bike. Many thanks to David for organising the route and ride, to all who came along for their good company, and to Andy and Diane for back-marking.
Thanks to everyone else for your company, and for putting up with it all with good humour! Until next year.....
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