Sunday Steady 19/04/15
It is unusual to start with 7 at the ‘drome and end up with 9, but joining around Dunsfold were Paul and Graham after a conventional south west outbound via Ockley. This seemed to ‘gel’ the ride as the benefits of a stronger group overall became apparent.
Taking advantage of reduced A29 traffic, curtesy the bridge rebuild as a known; an unknown repeat was a bar on the return leg. The road closure proclaimed by a contract van amplified warning (“there’s no way through there mate”) induced a mass resolve to enforce the pedestrian right of way irrespective: bonus no detour. A culvert was being installed at Run Common Road, north of Cranleigh. Nearly drome/ home I learned that Flanchford Bridge currently single lane chicane, is soon due for renewal i.e. at least 2 months or more of diversions.
The weather was kinder than forecast although it was still too cool for shorts for me or most , but the sun appeared later to grant better views of the Downland/Weald in bud around Hambledon/Haslemere. The A286 green fingers café seemed fit for purpose -but has no cycle park area; so locks to the fence.
After a deflationary pause and repump we regrouped to go via Hambledon and Busbridge Lakes via a lane allowing views over Winkworth Arboretum and then behind Cranleigh, where Billy and another Paul (up for the Fred Whitton Challenge) vectored north for a spot of hill climbing, Winterfold and Bar Hatch, separate but agonising climbs unless you’re fresh and even then! Nick and I wordlessly decided we were not fresh enough.
Thanks to all including Bruce, Walter & Chris offering company and wheels to follow in the last quarter and before.
AndyR
g.p.s. stats.: 73 miles – 1130 metres up and down