Saturday was a beautiful sunny day and there was a good attendance at Nonsuch Mansion, so it seemed ideal that we were able to run three rides. Karen had stepped in for Diane to take the shorter ride along the Wandle Trail and eleven of us went to Stoke D'Abernon, four in Steve W's fast group and seven in my more moderately paced one.
We were not to know but Karen's ride came to a very premature end when she suffered a spill and had to be escorted home once the crew of a passing ambulance crew had checked her over.
We, meanwhile, were taking the scenic route to Stoke. Unless you take a huge diversion there is no avoiding Rushett Lane through Malden Rushett but we got there past the old hospitals through Manor Park and we left Rushett Lane to go North and then West through the Crown Estate grounds on Stokesheath Road and Sandy Lane and ultimately South West on Leigh Hill Road.
The route has much to recommend it; almost traffic free, attractive countryside; but it is longer than the usual route through the Birds Hill Estate and along Blundel Lane and those who regard it as less hilly (always a consideration on Saturday) are mistaken; there are no tough hills as such but it includes quite a distance of upward undulation.
Part of the reason for going to Stoke and not the advertised destination (Cobham) was to test out the new owners at Cafe Barbera's. The verdict? Less welcoming and slower service but the same standard of cake and sunshine.
We came home past the Chelsea FC training area and Leatherhead Cemetery and over Ashtead Common. A pleasant ride out and door-to-door 52Km a decent length ride for a Saturday afternoon. Thanks to Maggie for back marking and to everyone else for your company.
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