The pre-elevenses climbs on this route never seem to get any
easier. Thankfully Anne, our back marker, did a sterling job keeping us
together. Sue had to leave us at Walton on the Hill but our numbers picked up
again with the arrival of Dawn and Madeleine.
Steve met up with Yasmine en route and headed to Brockham for coffee, where he
"lost" Paul and Justine to other commitments. Meanwhile our group was making
that delightful Pebblecombe descent, although some attacked it with relish. But
it was all worthwhile once we passed through Betchworth and onto Kiln Lane where
we were rewarded with panoramic countryside views.
We made steady progress
through Brockham and Leigh, overtaken by more cyclists than I care to mention.
We still however arrived in good time for lunch at Charlwood to find that
Steve's group was only just receiving their orders (I suspect because they
tarried a while at elevenses, rather than our group being on their tail!)
Unfortunately (or fortunately as it turned out) we had discovered during recce
that our proposed lunch venue had closed down. However, we were made very
welcome at the 52 The Street Cafe, which has quite an extensive menu. Apparently
it's popular with cycle clubs, but mainly as an elevenses stopover.
There was a slight delay in departure when Yasmine's chain came off but, with the assistance of Stuart and Colin, she was soon on her way again, easily catching up with Steve and co.
A pleasant, fairly traffic-free return leg took us past Ichy-Coo Park towards Parkgate and then onto more familiar roads towards
Brockham. Madeleine left us at Dorking and by the time we reached Leatherhead a decision was made to abandon plans for tea. Thanks to Steve for offering to lead a group, and to Anne, our group's committed back marker.
.
* okay, maybe we're in the realms of fiction here!
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