With many C & M members away on the Easter tour, for the rest of us it was just a skeleton service today - quite literally that, because I had put together the bare bones of a route, although it would probably have been better left buried, preferably in a an unmarked grave!
Mention of my name on the rides list failed to deter Niall, Michiko (on, we think, her second ever C & M ride), Bernard and Sabina from joining me for elevenses at The Nonsuch Inn. We duly set off together, bound for lunch at Mogador.
All went well for the first few miles. I had warned of some off-tarmac sections, but nothing could have prepared us for Fairlawn Road, so-called, which, on the map, appears to neatly cut off a corner and avoid Banstead. In reality, it was just a succession of deep, flinty ruts! I reckon it has been specially constructed to provide extra perimeter security for the two prisons on one side of it!
Anyway, there were no casualties, and the next part of the ride was on tarmac, albeit pointing upwards most of the time, until we reached Reigate Hill. Here we met further unsurfaced stretches, of variable quality, but were rewarded by great views despite the gathering cloud.
It seemed a long distance before we regained tarmac, although, in reality, it was only a couple of miles, and once back on metalled roads, we were soon at The Sportsman for lunch. The pub was fairly busy but service was friendly and efficient and our departure on the road for home was not delayed. Well, I say 'road', but there was the slight matter of the Walton Heath track. I guarantee you could find mud here in the severest drought conditions, and today was no exception!
The rest of the ride back to Epsom was a breeze, except for the small matter of the railway footbridge we took in lieu of the defunct and much-missed Castle Road bridge. The nearby substitute bridge is very steep, and, despite the hastily-installed bike ramps, difficult for heavier bikes and electrics.
Needless to say, it being Easter Sunday, normal tea stops were all resolutely shut, so we went our separate ways home. Thanks to all for your company, and for putting up with it all in such good spirits!
Author: David W
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