Sunshine was at a premium today but with slightly higher temperatures than the average for late September.
Sue C joined me for a 14 mile ride to Edwins Garden Centre, West Clandon which we last visited in January 2025.
The coffee was good, the scones pricey but friendly staff made this a great 11's stop.
The St Margarets Cycling Club all wearing their club kit, occupied an adjoining table, their destination unclear.
Leaving Niall & Dave V, Sue & myself were joined by Dave's W & E + Steve D.
A repeat of a ride I led in May 2025, taking advantage of dry conditions, it featured a fair bit of off-road.
But first we had to negotiate the metropolis of Guildford & this we did with a combination of shared paths/quiet back roads.
At Wood Street village, we continued west on the Christmas Pie trail, a level path going through woodland to emerge at Flexford.
Nobody objected to an unplanned extra few miles as we avoided Wanborough Hill but later had to climb & cross the Hog's Back (A31) which at lunchtime on a Sunday, is four lanes of fast moving traffic.
Not advisable & unlikely to 'attempt' again!
NCN 22 at Seale took us to lunch at The Good Intent, Puttenham.
Last year, I was impressed with the sandwiches at a reasonable price.
No sandwiches on a Sunday nowadays & I'd be less keen to visit again until they're back on the menu.
We bid farewell to Dave W & we took the usual route (NCN 22, Mount Road & One Tree Hill) to tea at The Plucky Pheasant, Newlands Corner but not before Steve attended to a rear wheel puncture.
Rain threatened to end the day but we all arrived home in the dry (I think).
Thanks to both Daves for the pictures & everybody else for joining me on one of my favourite rides!
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