Blow wind, blow

In fact it was the mud, not the wind that brought us to a standstill. 

A host of golden daffodils

Ken and I followed our usual cycle tracks up through Wallington, crossing Foxley Lane and cycling passed Cumnor House Schools to Wallington Village Green. Today we crossed Smitham Bottom Lane to Meadow Hill then continued on down The Bridleway to Clock House. Deciding that the wind wasn't a problem we carried on along The Mount to the quagmire that the weather had made of Hatch Lane.  Stopped in our tracks with no sign of dry surface ahead we turned round without much discussion!  So let's try another route to Banstead. Retracing our steps and then going down Grove Lane, what a pleasure that was, we turned right at the bottom onto St Andrew's Road. This long, rolling road was an interesting challenge. The wind, head on, reduced any speed we had built up. Finally we gratefully  turned left on Sandown Road to go under the railway bridge.

Sizing up the unattended bike

We now stopped. There were two choices. Turn right and we cycle uphill to Banstead or turn left and cycle straight along Chipstead Valley Road to DD's for tea. DD's won the toss and we were welcomed as always. Turning for home we decided to differ our route to visit Daffodil Alley, or Silver Lane, just off Wallington Village Green and then Briar Hill. We were soon on Foxley Lane and joining our route home again.

Recruiting the Abominable Snowman

Ray was out cycling now and he flew passed in the opposite direction.  No stopping for pleasantries,  Ken and I had white van man on our tail and he wasn't going to give up his sport! I got home moments before the hail came down. Goodness, I hope Ken was able to shelter somewhere!