18 July FNRttC

This message is to let the C&M crew (& wider SWLDA) know what they are missing by not supporting Simon's gigantic efforts to do something different. Last nights ride is a typical example. To ride through the night with a full moon bathing the cornfields as we sweep by in deepest Sussex just before dawn is quite something (actually I don't remember Dawn riding).
The reward and achievement of riding up Ditchling Beacon can be quite dramatic especially at sunrise. Last nights view was quite outstanding as was the arrival in Brighton. Congratulations to Simon, its his birthday and to celebrate he provided lovely Champagne on the sea front. A good time was had by all! (and the rain stayed away). Our new rider Adam made his his debut ride.

Sunday 13 July 2008

Taking it easy at Godstone Garden Centre after some hard tea-drinking

Sandwiches - what sandwiches? In the garden of the Leicester Arms Hotel, Penshurst

The Four Riders of the Apocalypse at Puddledock


The Invasion of Chartwell - and taking a cup of National Trust Tea

The day dawned fine and remained so throughout the day. A quartet assembled at N. Cheam ready for the gun – Adam (anticipating winter with a black woollen choker, Peter C, Ti Keith and a virgin leader. After a seemly wait for possible stragglers, we set off along Malden Road and Sandy Lane to pick up the London Loop across Banstead Downs Golf Course. A quick thrash along the A 217 brought us to the Chipstead roundabout where we escaped from the Sunday traffic along Chipstead Lane and then Monkswell Lane for a few ups and downs to Markedge Lane, the A23, Rockshaw Road, Spring Bottom Lane, then down and up to Bletchingly and a quick sprint, initiated by Keith, along the A 25 to the traditional horticultural venue for 11 o’clockses, this time at Godstone Garden Centre.

Here the clan expanded to include Andy, Bob, Colin, Mike (I am a Camera) M, and Ray. The Godstone sun-trap encouraged much chat and banter but little enthusiasm for the next 20 mile foray into Kent. The gathering reluctantly broke up with Andy joining the chain gang and Peter and the others returning home for lunch.

So off it was, soon up Tilburstow Hill, the first of a few little ups and downs to come on the way via Staffhurst, (where we came across some marshals for Croydon Portage organising a charity ride for children with special educational needs), Marlpit, Chiddingstone and Wellers Town to Penshurst. The village boasts one inn, The Leicester Arms Hotel, where we settled at the bottom of the garden and furtively pulled out our…sandwiches! However, Adam seemed to have a Harrod’s hamper more suitable for Glyndebourne than a saddlebag. Is that where he gets his strength from? Could be that chorizo sausage. There must be many miles of security camera footage of highly suspicious lycra-clad figures, lurking behind sheds and outhouses, with who knows what nefarious intent! Who would believe that it was just to eat a surreptitious sandwich? A likely story! A Cyclist’s Lot is not a Happy one!

Before setting off on the next stage to Chartwell, Andy was the Good Samaritan who fished out his tool bag to relieve the travails of a mountain biker whose saddle was clearly causing him much anguish, to the clear delight of his male and female companions. But as we knew what he was going through, it was allen keys out and to the rescue. Then, with a warm glow of having made the world a better place, at least for one poor sufferer, it was off again and down to Penshurst Station, where it was a question of shoulder arms to cross the bridge over the railway track and on to the B2027.

West awhile then North onto an unnamed road to take us across Bough Beech Reservoir, teeming with twitchers (I assume that is why they had those big cameras), and fairly soon, perhaps too soon, to the foot of Toys Hill. This was a new experience for some, as we plumbed the depths of those lowest gears to spin our way lightly up the gently rising Kentish lane, to turn left only half way up, to everybody’s disappointment, to take in the panorama from the Puddledock viewpoint. A short time for a breather, for Keith to straighten up his back wheel forced against the frame, which had met its titanium match in those unyielding sinews and for a photo op. before off again, swooping down Puddledock Lane to meet Mapleton Road and the gentle climb up to Chartwell. Here, Churchillian resolve was as nought to fight back the invading hordes.

Time for some National Trust tea and cake, then the parting of the ways as Andy took the High Road to Westerham and the rest the Low Road to Merstham where each then followed his own homing instincts, to get back after some 74 miles, in time to admire the highlights of the Tour.

Sunday July 6

Reviewing the Magna Carta at Runnymede

Sunday July 6th

Tea at Shepperton Lock

Pictures from Pam

Sunday July 6th

Lunch in the dry at "The Cricketers"
Leaving in sunshine

Wet,wet, wet! Elevenses to lunch then tea to home! Bob, Pete, Lisa, Irene were the early birds at Runnymede for 11's, then Pam, followed by Keith, Ed, Adam, Jeff, Andy, Antonio and Terry. We made our way to Windsor Great Park via Priest Hill and Bishopsgate. Across Park to Forest Gate, round the Peanut Roundabout, down Mounts Hill and left into Hatch Lane as Irene wanted to point out the Hatch Pub to Andy. We lunched at The Cricketers pub (Winkfield?). A wonderful comfort stop! Leather settees for all of us, the baguettes were huge with chips and salad, also a good selection of ale!
Still raining as we made our way via bridle paths etc. to cycle across Ascot Race Course to Cheapside and back into Windsor Park via Blackness Gate. Shame the polo was not in progress, lots of horse boxes and all that, must have been tea time!
Back through Bishopsgate and down Tite Hill into Egham, through Thorpe to pick up the lane and bridle way around the golf club at Penton Park.
Just had to stop for a while to admire the Shetland pony and foal, then the owners of the Abbey Bridge Farmhouse came out to chat, talking about their ponies and showing us their huge barn full of motoring memorabilia. Very interesting!
Hopefully tea was to be at Shepperton Lock but the general assumption was that it would be shut, but, good news for us, it was still open when we arrived there. Irene and I left first with huge black clouds rolling in and it wasn't long before it rained, so goodness knows how wet the others guys were when they got home!!
It was a really nice day and thank you very much Irene for leading the ride, super route!

From Pam (Irene)

Sunday 29th June 2008

I like to mix things up when compiling suitable rides with long and short distances. Today's ride falls firmly into the latter.
That said, one has to bear in mind the wide area our members live....... what may appear long to some, is less so to others and vice versa.
We assembled at Squires, Buckland awaiting Keith to lead us to Rusper along familiar but pleasant lanes in warm sunshine.
Rusper which of course is in West Sussex still retains a Post Office, though for how much longer is anyone's guess.
Thirteen members are recorded for "the dash" to Holmwood Church with just Steve choosing not to divert.
Good cake and tea in mugs (Capel take note!) £1, highly recommended.

New member Adam Fields proved Lycra, clipless pedals and the drop handlebar lightweight unnecessary for a rural bike ride in midsummer, well done that man!

29 June 08

Planning the next move at Buckland, Squires

Rustic fare at the Plough, Rusper

Ease up a bit, guys! This is supposed to be fun!

Tea and cake at the Church of St John, N. Holmwood

I have compressed these photos so I hope that they do not take too long to download. Please let me know if any problem. I liked the tea so much that I decided to go back, with the added incentive of having left my shoulder bag behind under the chair. St John was looking after it as was the vicar, to whom most grateful thanks!

Ride report to follow.

Friday Night Ride To The Coast - July 2008

For details see

http://www.anothercyclingforum.com/index.php?topic=50459.0

Brockham Church 4 T N Cake

To go with the tea and cake enjoyed by the few and to complement the hew and radiance of the party one picture of Raasay and his crew,

Sunday 22nd June 2008

Some days are action packed and some are not; this one sat firmly in the latter camp. On a breezy and initially overcast day Ed led semi-regulars (Daphne, Pete, Frank, Francoise, and Stephanie) down Pebblecombe and through Brockham, Leigh and Norwood Hill to Hookwood Tesco - a mistake soon rectified. At Horley Waitrose they joined the newly arrived Graham. Only Ed and Graham were out for the day so next it was down NCN 21 to the world marbles capital, left around Crawley and up to Turners Hill. Less then three miles further on lay the lunch stop, The Cat, West Hoathly. More accurately lunch was eaten in the churchyard with drinks afterwards at the Cat. The only memorable incident of the day was a buzzard flying in the valley behind the church. Back it was to Turners Hill then straight on to Crawley Down. We took the back road to the Hedgehog followed by Downlands Lane to Smallfield. Offroading along the Surrey Cycleway led us back to Horley and Leigh. Tea was at Brockham Church where Irene, Pam and Mike Morley were already enjoying the fare in the ever improving though still windy conditions. Around 75 miles.

Swans at L'Head

Picture from Pam

Sunday 15th June 2008

Back to moi for our annual trip to W'spoons Godalming.

6 at NC including Rachel C last seen on my (other) run two weeks ago. A convoluted route avoiding Epsom brought us to the Malden Rushett road and a favourite of mine - the track through Oxshott Woods and the private roads leading to Cobham.

Just after the still boarded up Hautboy, Tony turned back complaining of feeling unwell.

We were soon climbing up Staple Lane and the NDW to Newlands Corner. There waiting for us - Graham, Pete M, Ray and Keith.

Once described as "a red-bricked surbuban building" by Jonathan Glancey writing a piece for The Guardian. http://arts.guardian.co.uk/critic/feature/0,,670901,00.html

My recollection goes back to at least 1985 when it was a wooden shack with cycling pictures on the walls.

A sunny morning up to now, but the cloud gradually began filling the sky making it decidedly chilly for mid-June.

More NDW to Pewley Down and a steep descent to Shalford Park, across the Wey, Ferry Lane and the minor road to Littleton.

Everybody got their wallets/purses out - including me! - at The Jack Phillips, except GH. An enjoyable tuna ciabatta - an affordable £2.99.

A delightful ride to Abinger via Thorncombe Street, Gatestreet, Stroud Common and Farley Heath.

Tea and Victoria Sponge a pricey £3.70 but probably worth it.

The only photo opportunity of the day was provided at a brief stop, to admire the cygnets by the pond on the cyclepath leading into Leatherhead.

However, Picasa has produced severely overexposed pictures due to the very bright sun reflecting off the adult swans' plumage.

In place, see your CTC Councillor Simon L4 taking a break from leadership duties -Tatsfield Church, 11th May this year.

Sunday 8 June 08

Mid-morning tea at Christmas Tree Farm, Downe

Aaagh! - Andy and friend - Rheally took a shine to him!

Twitton lunch at the Rising Sun
Tea at Farleigh Church - getting away from it all.

Sunday 8th June 2008

After a search conducted on hands and knees, Hunt My Contact Lens at North Cheam was won by Keith. As replacement leader his route took us (Andrew, Graham, Tony) through Sutton, Carshalton and South Croydon to West Wickham where we met up with Jeff. Via Jackass Lane we reached Leaves Green and Downe where Christmas Tree Farm was an open second choice. After making a shrewd guess, Andy arrived to replace the departing Andrew while we were entertained by two inquisitive rheas, and a show by two mallards which left the female limping. Thanks to the Biggin Hill Airshow, High Elms Road was temporarily one way(against us) and choked with stationary traffic. We detoured to Chelsfield and Well Hill before descending to Twitton where lunch was at The Rising Sun - clearly a cyclists' haunt but no food.

Eventually we were off only to halt before the M25 for a puncture - Andy! We headed up the hill into Knockholt and along the flat to The Spinning Wheel. Here we split only to rejoin near Tatsfield Church; winners - the off-roaders using Chestnut Avenue. For a change a crowded Farleigh Church was reached via the Croydon Road. After another leisurely break, we left around five - well four of us did. Naturally Andy was the one left fixing a puncture. South Croydon saw the parting of our ways. Not far but in high temperatures, enough.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCES

Sunday 1st June 2008

I know there were 18 at 11's including the infrequent - Mike Fry, Janice Dawes, both Petes and Ray Dare. Rachel who I have only ever seen at the club lunch was also present at the spacious Rusper Golf Club where most golfers were still hitting a ball somewhere.
Still with 13 following, I took a direct route - Colgate, St Leonards Forest, Hammer Ponds to lunch at www.thehalfmoonwarninglid.co.uk .
Ciabatta seemed to be the choice of the hungry while I had a go at repairing/adjusting/servicing Richard's front derailleur. Metal fatigue had caused the component to split in half. Low end Campag, probably mass produced in China, combined with Richard's lack of basic maintenence skills meant the problem remained undetected for a number of months.
A short puncture (Jeff) delay and we were away along the B road then NE to Staplefield. Still NE and more quiet B road to Turners Hill, left to Tulleys Farm (pot of tea for two-£2.25).
Home via Horley, NCN 22 to Redhill, Wray Lane, A217 and an Epsom Downs preparing for Saturday's Derby.

Sunday 1 June '08

11's at Rusper Golf Club

Lunch at Warninglid

How many does it take to....

Ride report to follow.

Friday Night Ride To The Coast - June 2008

For details see

http://www.anothercyclingforum.com/index.php?topic=50556.0

11's Lunch and Tea 18 May 08

Jake & Me

I have to say to my complete surprise who was the first person I saw at Bear Green, one of my many KPRC & other heart throbs that keeps me so young at heart (and Barbara says mad!!).

On seeing Jake I asked if I could share a spare rib and she replied No! there's non left. We all wish her a speedy recovery and its obvious she's fit and well and will soon be racing again. No ribbing, no kidding, she's going to go faster this season she looks so fit. One evening I will try and get close on a "10TT" but I doubt it, my days of real racing are over?

P.S. Jake give Gary my congrats on his recent open road race win, what a fantastic performer. Don't teach him to dance yet though!

Sunday Ride 18 May (& a lovely day it was too)

By permission of Tartan Socks I submit a few pictures. My day started with a frantic dash to start the Tadworth Court Charity for for the children. Having made my donation I rode with some friends from Ford Dagenham Motors in Banstead via Epsom Downs, Epsom to Malden Rushet. I met one guy Peter Marshall ?? who said he was on the Gary Smith tour of Majorca and met with Jake!

At Malden Rushet I bid my mates a fond farewell and made a mad dash for Bear Green just catching the C&M largish group finishing coffee. WE then left for luch at Slinfold via and old railway track, which Andy C explained the history of. I knew nothing of this and so contribut a few photo's. The railway bridge is very interesting in that it has 2 levels, the bottom level, one assumes being a bit of a "Cock-up" if you will excuse the expression, as can be seen. The plaque gives some history. Lunch was good followed by tea, where it turned quite cold hence my wrap. For me 58mls and I felt fit after my 370mls "Trial by Jura", and 2 points for a turnout what a bonus.

Sunday 11th May 2008

Apologies to Jeff but our leader (Simon L6) had expressed concerns,via a series of emails,that Sevenoaks Weald was a hill too far.
My solo ride up to St Mary Cray was along busy roads with most drivers showing scant care for fellow road users including myself.Good weather seems to bring out the worst in drivers.
Continuing east,I entered Crown Wood a delight.....cool shade,birds singing and NO TRAFFIC!
I arrived at the published 11's (Lullingstone VC) to find Bob waiting at the entrance.Due to evident road surfacing the place was shut.
Anyway the group was at the Golf Club so back up the hill I went to find Keith,Ed,Matt,Roger and Tony under a parasol.
The clubhouse has had a facelift in recent years and is a vast improvement (filter coffee £1).
On then (leaving Bob & Tony) via Shoreham,Riverhead and the pleasant lane going SW under the A21 to Ide Hill for lunch.
Tatsfield was just a hop away and a relaxing tea was enjoyed with fine views over the Weald (pot of tea and rock cake £1).
Route home through Purley and Woodmansterne,not before a swift half at "The Woodman" though!

Sunday 11 May 2008

I made a late start and thought that I would join the group for lunch at the Windmill at Sevenoaks Weald. Lovely day and splendid ride. However, the pub should be renamed the Marie Celeste - all hands lost overboard by a hurricane force Sou'Wester - nary a trace, not even a liferaft. Coastguard notified but all presumed to be in Davy Jones's Locker. Went on to Tatsfield and made it to the Beaver at the Reptile House, not the church. Perhaps that is where the Requiem was being held. Search then abandoned and home for a period of reflection on companions lost.

Sunday 4th May 2008

This is an ideal winter ride both short and undemanding. So why were we riding it in an early May which felt more like mid summer? Well, in January an indisposed Ed meant a scratch ride with only three reaching lunch ten minutes before opening time (blame Legs Legg)! As a previously unvisited CAMRA pub, there had to be a rerun so today was it.

Only four (myself, Ed, Keith, Tony) headed through Tolworth and the Dittons and then close by Esher and (site of) Hersham sewage works. Four became five as we caught Steve on the swoop down from the station into Weybridge. Despite some slow pedalling, we were minutes early for Tesco and there to met us were Andy, Bob, Irene, Pete M and Terry. As the doors opened we were swept up in a maelstrom of shoppers hieing from all directions. After a leisurely breakfast for those in need, we were off down Liberty Lane to Ottershaw. Leafy lanes led us down Gracious Pond Lane into Burrowhill and then by Woodlands Lane into Windlesham reaching The Bee at a more respectable 1215 - time aplenty for double portions for the drinkers.

Ninety minutes later we were across the A30 and into even leafier and more expensive Berkshire. Sunninghill became Sunningdale and via Blacknest we entered the Park where Polo was in the air. Seeking fresh pastures we exited at Bishopsgate for the Air Force memorial taking in its extensive views of Heathrow and the surrounding reservoirs. Dropping down the rough track, Ed remarked that it had been used years before for the Feltham hillclimb. It's now almost unrideable on loaded bikes - perfect then for NCN4! Through Chertsey and Staines we aimed for an Orangery which had closed by three. Steve's suggestion led us to the Walled Garden in Sunbury - another first. After another long and relaxing break, Hampton Court saw us split. Around 50 miles door to door, and my last ride until Twitton.

Sunday 27th April 2008

What a difference a day makes, Saturday was the warmest day so far this year, today has dawned overcast but fairly mild.
My turn at the front and a train assisted to Guildford from Epsom - a new Sunday service this winter from SWT.
Arriving late, I found Ed, Ian, Geoff and new member Rachel already on the platform.
Fare - £4.60 rtn with Network Card.
33 minutes later we disembarked, to be joined by Graham via Surbiton and shortly we were out of the town and on the cycle path to Shalford, Farncombe and the boathouse for 11's (coffee - £1.80).
Bob was already inside and later Terry and Keith turned up boosting numbers to 9 - amongst the best attended TA rides in memory.
Leaving Bob I chose a fairly direct route toward Tuesley, Enton Green and the track going west under the railway to join the A283.
It was by now raining intermittently but not cold.
I decided to "try" the track going beside Thursley lake leaving the majority to brave the A3 rejoining the group outside the Three Horseshoes PH in Thursley village.
It was just a short hop to lunch at Churt only to find no food available, so a local convenience store was raided to satisfy those sans lunch.
14:00 and we're off............... to be halted outside The Woolpack in Elstead so Keith could attend to a puncture...... or two!
Richard D "appeared" having been following but unable to catch us.
As he headed toward Newlands we continued across to Hurtmore and tea at Watts Gallery in Compton.
A fine establishment populated by hungry day trippers, rather than visitors to the gallery itself, celebrating the the life and work of G.F Watts (1817-1904).
Opened on 1st April 1904, two months before his death, it is one of the few purpose-built picture galleries in the UK housing a single professional artist's collection.
It was free entry up until 31st March this year when a £3 charge was imposed. The gallery will close in August 2008 for two years whilst essential conservation work is carried out. On reopening a £5 charge will apply.
The gallery has, controversially, decided to sell two non-core paintings in order to secure long term care of it's collection.
With Keith, Geoff, Terry and Rachel riding home it just left the climb to the A3/A31 junc and the trackway where we paused to enjoy the view in bright sunshine.


A post note to the puncture story:
Since last week, I purchased 5 new Nutrak tubes from cyclesense.co.uk (£10 for 5).
Fitted one Sat am and the tyre stayed inflated all day and all night.
Sun am removed bike from garage (still inflated) rode 100yds to station................... THE TYRE WENT FLAT IMMEDIATELY!
I have posted on bikeradar.com for help, in the meantime I will continue to ascertain what the problem is.
The pic is of Keith's puncture.

PPS: Bike stuff at Aldi from Thursday(1st May). See Dan Joyce's review at bikeradar.com.

Friday Night Ride To The Coast (May 2008)

For full details see...

www.anothercyclingforum.com/index.php?topic=50168.0

Capel Dates 2008

Capel Dates for 2008:

May       4/5, 11, 25/26
June      8,   15, 21
July      6,   20
August    3,   16, 24/25
September 6/7, 21
October   5,   19
November  2,   23

Sunday 20th April 2008

After a dull and misty start, the warmth of the sun and the masses of bluebells were sure signs that spring was in the air. There were but eight at Beare Green; three from Cheam, the rest by divers ways and means (Andy by train to Dorking - punctures (allegedly)). Leaving Bob behind, we (Keith, Andy, Ed, Geoff, Graham, Terry and Tony) headed through Capel and along Friday Street and then down past the landfill into Horsham. Christ's Hospital was soon in view and after initial confusion, the George And Dragon at Dragons Green was located - a target which had been in doubt at 11s. That we were there just after one was testament of a strong tailwind with speeds in the high teens common. Cooked meals only was the house rule so most went hungry after rejecting the alternative, "cheesy chips". A pint of watery Ribena cost 30p encouraging even youknowwho to dip into his pockets. After a quick sprint along the A272, we turned north through Southwater "new town" and into the centre of Horsham. The outward route was then followed back to Capel, but using Old Holbrook instead of the landfill climb. After a cakey interlude, we left Ed to fix a puncture at the church and went our various ways - 75+ miles for me.

Capel Dates for 2008: May 4, 5, 11, 25, 26 June 8, 15, 21 July 6, 20 August 3, 16, 24, 25 September 6, 7, 21 October 5, 19 November 2, 23.

Friday Night Ride To The Coast (April 2008)

A wee bit late - for details click here

New Puncture List

Sunday 13th April 2008

April showers and punctures sums up a bad day in the saddle...... .....one to be forgotten.
Six of us: Ed, Jake, Keith, Ian, Tony and myself at KB. The route: Hampton, Lower Feltham, East Bedfont, Stanwell and the cycle route under junc 14 of the M25 just before Poyle where Keith punctured. We were quickly on our way through a thunderous shower toward Colnbrook then due north to Black Park for 11's.
A busy place next to a large lake popular with families (mug of coffee - £1).
We left Bob and Ian but picked up Pete M, riding through delightful Fulmer and the lane parallel with the M40 to just south of Beaconsfield where we headed south to the Blackwood Arms at Littleworth Common.
Around 20 members of the Chiltern section of the VCC were enjoying a drink as we arrived and personally I found these ancient bicycles fascinating to look at. No two bikes were the same and included the names Humber, Sunbeam and Rudge.
The oldest bike, from 1896 was a special collapsible Rudge with cotter pins at the frame joints......... no brazed lug work here. The thought being it could be dismantled when travelling on the train.
Leaving the pub, we rode through Burnham, Dorney, Eton, Windsor to the open air tea bar at Runnymede.
The patches of blue sky were quickly being filled with rain clouds so inevitably the remainder of the ride was wet.
When I punctured at Chertsey, I sent the others on and happily replaced the tube and set off...... ........alone (a BIG mistake).
Moments later in Shepperton I punctured again so without a replacement tube proceeded to patch the hole.... ......in drizzle.
On nearing Esher the tyre deflated again and I was by now cold,wet and experincing the early stages of the "bonk".
I decided to pump up the tyre and see how far I could get.
Riding through Claygate I felt terrible and became extremely weak barely able to turn the pedals. I stopped to pump up the tyre but had no energy to carry out this simple task. Looking in my saddlebag I found a packet of crisps which I devoured. I considered getting the train home but that seemed a long way (via Clapham Junc).
When I got to Hook - finding the tyre had deflated again - I continued to ride on the rim anxious to get home and end this ordeal.
Still suffering from low blood sugar, I bought a Mars bar and sat down to contemplate what to do next.
I decided to walk home but the tube by now was out of the tyre and was preventing the wheel from turning.
I began to feel the Mars bar working and immediately started to mend the puncture in bright sunshine.
When I got to Ewell I couldn't believe that I had punctured again and stopped at a garage to buy a pizza for supper.
With half a mile to go, I gingerly rode on the pavement, on the rim and arrived home totally exhausted.
I retired to bed at 8:30pm.

Rarely have I felt so helpless, inadequate and fed up whilst on my bike.

Computer numbers:
Distance - 70 miles dead
Ave Speed - 12.6mph
Punctures - 4

This morning I have mended two punctures and can confirm all four were in different places caused by foreign objects or pinching tube when replacing.

The photo is of happier times, last April actually.



More on old bikes:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/english-3.html
Sports History: Cycling

Sunday 6th April 2008

Martin from the West Kent CTC writes"Sorry not to see anybody from Cheam and Morden or Downlanders today".
He sent me some photos to prove he made 11's.

16/03/08
Steve's ride to Betchworth via Shere was a damp squib to say the least.
Simon and Jake chickened out at 11's which left SG,Keith,Ian and myself for the 2 hour? ride in awful conditions to the Dolphin.
A rare departure from the norm led me inside where an open fire and soup managed to lift my spirits..........until the ascent of Pebblecombe hill!!