Sunday January 28th

Unfortunately David W is unwell (hope you are better soon, D) and unable to lead to Skimmington Castle. Both they and the revived/refurbished Fox Revived were fully booked and couldn't serve us until 1800 so I opted to go to The Plough, Leigh for a 1230 lunch.

For 11s only at Polesden Lacey were Irene, Pam, Graham, Brian and Richard. Ian and Penny, Lilian, Vic, Jeff and Ed followed me down Bagden Hill, passing another entrance to PL and Tanners Hatch where there used to be a sign 'Beware Adders'. The sign disappeared years ago - perhaps the adders couldn't multiply ? After tunnelling under the A24 we used the cycle path then Pixham Lane and briefly the A25 before turning off to Brockham. To meet our deadline the most direct route - Wheelers Lane, Wellhouse Lane, Snowerhill Road and Tapner's Road was required and we were soon sitting comfortably in The Plough. As usual the food was very good (they do sandwiches on Sundays) and whilst waiting Vic fascinated us with tales of his working life experiences. After a quick drink Jeff left to participate in the avian census.

After lunch I chose a slightly roundabout route to Dorking whilst Vic, with the longest journey home, opted for a direct route. Lilian, Ed and I stopped in Dorking for refreshments at Gorgeous Gertie's (wonderful beetroot and chocolate cake), I rode home and hopefully L and E arrived home before it was really dark.

Thanks to  all for company also the Clerk of the Weather for a dry day.

Terry

Author: Terry