G2'ers get a Sunday lie in... and 44miles

So, G2'ers Jane, Jo D, Ian, Roy, Sharon and Rick, were joined by Stuart, Mark and Sarah from G3,  John H (press-ganged by Sharon?) and Sharon's friend Michelle. Of we set down Flanchard road to Leigh and Newdigate, soon realising that heading westwards was not a good idea with a 15-20 mph wind blowing from that direction. Never mind, undaunted we rode through Capel, over the A24 onto Coles Lane and turned down the beautiful and ever popular Weare Street, where we met a large group of Kingston Wheelers coming the other way - interesting for a few moments!

Anyway, across the A29 and to Ellens Green via Ruckmans, Honeywood and Furzens Lanes, and then up the B2128 to Cranleigh and Nutcotts tea room. Over large cakes, sandwiches and sausage rolls - well, it was lunchtime, another benefit of a late start, but boy, were we hungry when we arrived there - discussions about the benefits of leisurely Sunday rides. Quietly hoping too that the wind would be slightly more helpful on the way back.

And so, off back through Cranleigh - not quite straightaway, JoD's deflated rear tyre required some air - but fortunately not a repair - but while some folks helped others carried on the discussions- this time Jane showed off her Xmas present - the new tyres for her bike had come fully wrapped in tinsel apparently - nice one Richard!

Finally away, we headed off round the back of Cranleigh (Jo's very good idea for avoiding Cranleigh High Street), towards Ewhurst but turned down to Ewhurst Green and Walliswood and back up along Stanwood Lane and Mole Street to the Ockley Road and Coles Lane. Somehow the wind was not on our backs, but contrived to be blowing across us most of the way, so much for the wishful thoughts at the teastop.

Jo dropped off in Capel having cycled from home. For the rest it was Newdigate and back home via Blackbrook  and Red Lane - simple eh? Not quite, John H decided to "fraternise with an enemy" from South Western Road Club whilst riding along Blackbrook Road. As a punishment for this, his rear derailleur broke off just before Red Lane. Sharon had obviously decided she had ridden enough, so offered her (very new) bike to John to go back and get the car while she waited with his defunct machine at the roadside. Touching eh? Hope you managed to find her again John.

But finally the wind was behind us and the group sped back to Reigate. So nice ride, 44 miles at 13.6mph (it was windy!), nice lunch and lovely company. Must do it again.

Rick
Event / Article Type
Sunday G2 with Rick - 10am
The Happy Sunday G2'ers - 22-01-12