I don't know what it was- preparation for Christmas, worry about Adrian's prediction of soggy conditions, getting some rest ahead of the social in the evening or just general slothfulness, but even some time after the appointed time there were still only seven of us polishing off tea outside the cafe at Godstone. Small groups can fit through places large groups can't, so after a little route re-planning on my part we were off!
James was on his first MTB ride after some time off on tarmac, so welcome, we hope you enjoyed it! Our route looped up the west of Caterham, across the top of Whyteleafe and into Warlingham for tea, with plenty of fun stuff (and mud) found along the way. A similar route some time ago had one rider (who knows who he is!) declaring that Saturday rides should have 'two hills and then the tea stop', so we didn't spare the climbing either!
We altered destination from Chelsham Knights to Amano just down the road on Rob's recommendation (after sampling on Colin's ride back in September) and after a slightly alarmed look as we arrived covered in mud, they welcomed us in. We were running late but it was warm and the food looked good, so we agreed that as no one had to be back we would take our time and enjoy it. Once the food arrived the consensus was that between the elite group, the trails and the tea stop, this was definitely a better class of ride! Anyway, we'd heartily recommend the place to any roadies heading out that way.
Back out into the cold and a fast and slippery drop into Woldingham led us to the last big climb of the day up Long Hill. A couple more sections of slippery singletrack and we dropped off the ridge back to Godstone, where some went for more tea- how was it?
Mat