Saturday 11th August - All day ride

14 riders in total met at Nonsuch.  Alice Betts, Sue Bellamy, Yasmin, Paul and Maggie, Rob and Ruth, Lillian, Maureen, Steve, Ray Wren, Karen, Steve Hobbs and myself.   We proceeded at a leisurely pace via Belmont and Sutton Lane to Banstead and then climbed Hazelwood Lane to enjoy the ride along the top.   A new house is almost finished on Markedge Lane, built on the site of the old farmhouse which we remember as Fanny's Farm.  Many of the old outbuildings still remain but the tree house is a pile of logs in the garden.

We then took the North Downs way through Gatton Park, following the signed route until we reached the public bridleway, a little rough and gritty in places but cyclable with care.  In less than a mile we were at the gates and onto tarmac.   We rolled down to Reigate, joining an off road cycle path at the bridge.  Coffee at Bojangles will wait for another day.. we retrieved a few who overshot the butcher's shop turning and headed south on Park Lane.  Another hill to climb and we were in the lanes.  

Through Leigh and on to Brockham for lunch at the Royal Oak.  A bit of a wait for some food but very obliging bar staff who served us with a smile and as the sun was still shining most were happy chatting in the garden.  Then off for the second climb of the day up Box Hill which all achieved with ease !   Tea at Walton on the Hill .  Maggie and Paul stopped at the small independent bike shop in Walton to get Maggie's puncture fixed, Ray Wren had had a problem with a tyre earlier and made his own way home.  No other technical difficulties.  Thank you to Maureen for backmarking and for all those who came out.  Not a lot of miles but a lot of them were uphill !

Steph