Sunday 11 January 2015

A good turnout of about twenty-five (including guest Chris - hope to see you again, Chris) met at Denbies in bright, fine,cool conditions, with fifteen leaving for Shamley Green after 11s. Heading south from Dorking means hills, the first one being Ranmore with a choice of two approach routes. A brief stop at the top to confirm lunch nos at the pub and we were away, crossing Ranmore to descend Whitedown. Heading west on the A25 we turned into Goose Green in Gomshall leading to Burrows Cross and shortly passing Hound House whilst ascending Hound House Road. Having turned right into Winterfold Lane we soon turned right again into Alderbrook Road and enjoyed the unfamiliar sights of Winterfold Heath before cautiously descending to the junction with Smithwood Common Road, from where it was a short, flattish ride to The Bricklayers Arms.

Having had a good lunch we set off  after about an hour's break, following N22 to Farley Green and Brook to Shere, where we found an enormous traffic jam but managed to weave a way through to turn into the peace and quiet and ford in Lower Street. Here some chose to make their own way home. After crossing the A25 we had this afternoon's main challenge - Coombe Bottom , which was virtually traffic free. Turning right at the top and shortly left into Shere Road brought us to the lesser challenge of Peeble Hill from which we freewheeled to the roundabout on the A246. More decided to carry on homewards here, a handful turned right to Squires Horsley for tea but most carried on to get home before dark. Graham and I didn't and didn't.

An enjoyable ride - far more so than when I checked it out last Sunday - visibility then rarely exceeded fifty yards. Thanks to Graham and Neil for keeping an eye on things and to all for company. I rode about 43 miles door to door - I expect others did much more.

Terry 

Author: Terry