Longer ride Saturday 2nd August

  Under a rather threatening sky, but with a following wind, 8 riders followed me out of Nonsuch towards Farthing Down. The route involves some urban riding and the climbing of hills, which may be why it is less popular than routes out to the South and West, but the rewards of Kenley Airfield and Farthing Down itself make it well worth the short efforts required. We even had the added bonus of briefly stopping at Mayfield Lavender fields by Oaks Park on the return leg.
  Over tea at Coughlan's bakery in Caterham on the Hill, I reflected that the last time I led this ride a year or so ago there was a completely different group of riders, such is the turnover at present. It was really pleasing that everyone made it up Higher Drive by Kenley Station without getting off which showed how far some beginners had come since they joined in terms of fitness and technique.
 Gillian took the photo and recorded the route map and Sandra was the back marker ensuring that the slowest rider always had company. The threatened rain never materialised, and it was a beautiful late afternoon as we cruised down Farthing Down with the distant view of the City of London. All in all about 30 miles was done.