Ride Report - Sunday 5th January 2025

Much like the Inuit having many words for snow, the C&M have their own numerous references for rain - and we were soon sitting by the fire in The Edmund Tylney reminiscing about previous wet rides - David W, Andy, Clive and I, along with Brian who came not intending to ride (and not looking particularly upset about it). Simon and Maddie arrived subsequently, and we decided on a slightly late departure while hoping the rain might ease.

Before the Two 'Spoons ride became a One 'Spoon ride

I floated the idea of a shorter route, but some were up for the original plan to head to Woking via Fetcham, Downside, Ockham, around Wisley and through Pyford - nothing spectacularly innovative but a nice route along familiar lanes both before and after lunch. The first motion to pass by the Ponds coming out of Leatherhead was denied, as we were running late, but the second motion to amend the route over Bookham Common was welcomed to avoid a muddy stretch. Simon kindly offered to point out the giraffe, which some of us were unaware of, and we continued on until I remembered that I didn't want to ride to Woking in the rain and persuaded everyone that Ripley would be much nicer / more sensible. By now time was against us and I don't think anyone minded too much.   

I forget exactly where we encountered the first flooded road, or how many there were, but we got through them all ok until we came to Rose Lane just before Ripley where two things happened - David punctured and a chap in a large-wheeled jeepy thing cheerfully told us that there was a 2-foot deep flood on the road ahead. Andy wasn't having it and decided he would press through it into Ripley to get a table in Pinnock's while the rest of us (bar David needing to fix his puncture) took a detour, on which Maddie then also punctured. Fortunately she was able to continue on to Ripley where Andy was mission accomplished and Simon "helped" fix the puncture. Service was quick but it was still 2pm before we left, continuing the Plan B route in intermittent rain through Pyrford, West Byfleet, New Haw, Addlestone and Weybridge, to The Boathouse at Walton Marina. It's a rare ride where all but one makes it to tea, so I'll take that as a win.

Andy's victory wave

The Survivors

Thanks everyone for coming out on a wet day with flooded roads, to Simon for back-marking and puncture repair service, and to all for your inputs and good humour as it all went a little pear-shaped.