Sunday 2nd November 2025

 I pulled back the curtains to reveal rain (as per forecast).

Arriving at Surbiton station it was sunny (as per forecast).

Simon & Chris were already on the platform & a short while later our eight coach (soon to become four) train glided into the station.

Onboard was Dave Vine, a very nice suprise!

Today, we were to ride the delightful lanes south of Hook in Hampshire where we arrived at 10.16am.

The planned 11's was Newlyns, a complex that included a café but quite quickly I decided that waiting to be seated (let alone served) could eat into the planned ride & so moved off to ride a couple of miles to Odiham.

On the way, fortunately we spotted Dave Ward (who had ridden from home) going the opposite direction & we were soon enjoying treacle tart...a favourite of some! at Fountains Coffee Shop, a fine establishment we all agreed.

Dave W was away first & our quartet soon followed going south to a right turn (Woodhill Lane) past the control tower of RAF Odiham, home to the Chinook helicopters.

Care was needed on this little used narrow lane after the overnight rain & fallen leaves.

We turned left through the village of Long Sutton then right in Well to descend to Lower Froyle & a flooded road (passed with ease).

After Bentley, we climbed to enjoy lovely views over the surrounding countryside.

Dave & his Airnimal folding bike

 

Chris demonstrating the "Traditional Countryman's way" !

Lunch was at the gargantuan Redfields Garden Centre, Church Crookham where I'm sure you could buy a car tyre if that's what you wanted!

The wait for cooked food was around one hour, so we were forced upstairs to the Tree Tops café & made do with cakes etc.

It was a flat 9 mile pleasant ride back to the station & our cancelled train!

Out came the phones & some head scratching but we all agreed to take a train to Basingstoke where there would be more opportunities to get home.

We split with Chris, him taking a direct train to Clapham Junction (stopping additionally at Hook!).

Dave, Simon & myself took a semi fast to Surbiton/Wimbledon & had a nice chat with some lady mountain bikers travelling back from a recce (Guildford to Winchester - offroad).

Thanks to my small group for joining me on one of my favourite areas to ride a bike.

15% uphill 12% downhill 73% flat