Mogador! June 14th

Mogador!   A name to strike terror into the hearts of regular cyclists.  But why?   Perhaps they have heard of the mountains that must be conquered to reach the destination, or the awful bogs that are created by the slightest bit of rain.   Or maybe they are just confusing it with Mordor in the Lord of the Rings?  Other people simply shrug and say "Where?".   To which the answer is near Walton on the Hill.

Despite all these connotations, a goodly number turned up at Henry VIII's favourite Wetherspoons, The Nonsuch Inn at North Cheam. It was good to meet Crystal, a C&M rider from quite a while back, who knew Keith and Andy.  The kitchen was on a go-slow and so there was quite a long delay waiting for breakfasts to turn up.   Eventually we got away in two groups of about six, leaving Colin, Lorraine, Dave V and David J to enjoy unlimited coffee and chat in the pub.

The route I'd chosen was based on some earlier Wayfarers rides led by past members Paul K and Rob M who now mainly rides with the Beginners.   We went up the track from Carshalton to Oaks Park, up a bit more to Woodmansterne, swooped down to Coulsdon and then up again to Chipstead, before the undulations of Mugswell.  Around half past one we arrived at The Sportsman, said to have been one of Henry VIII's hunting lodges.   Pete B, who had been waiting there for nearly an hour, was on his fourth pint and on the point of going home, but we were so pleased to see him that he stayed for an enjoyable chat in the sunny garden while waiting - again - for the arrival of Christina & Dawn's hot meals.

Party atmosphere

Niall and Neil have a serious man chat

Pete offered to lead us across the golf course back to Walton on the Hill - maybe as retribution for our late arrival.  It was off road, as expected, but also had quite a few very large puddles and patches of mud which were difficult to avoid.  Neil, Gina, Keith and Crystal made their own way home, to enjoy some different mud.   We did a bit of a loop via Tattenham Corner to enjoy the views, before rolling down to Epsom and Alexandra Park for tea (no connection to Henry VIII, sorry).

The bogs of Mogador

Tea at Alexandra Park

Thanks to all who came along for the ride or just for the coffee, it was good to have your company, and great to see all your photos.   And thank you to Keith for co-leading, and Jennie for back marking.