I was on my way to the Club Night on Friday when Jon called to say we were leading the ride from Westcott. So Jon and I had a breakfast route meeting before cycling to the Church meet point. In persistent rain there were 9 riders ready to roll.
We attempted to avoid the bogs and stick to hardcore. Well you know what I mean. So we went north under the railway towards Ranmore ridge via Landbarn Farm, and turned right towards Dorking up Pilgrims way, veering acute right down the next bridleway and across the railway past Unum Offices sharp left through Milton Court Lane and turned west thru Milton Heath past Bury Hill fishery lake towards Chadhust Farm. Here was a water meadow with a few sheep and not fun to ride (the bikes - pay attention).
Up the steep track to Logmore Lane and then via Coldharbour Road for ½ mile taking the parallel Forestry Commission fire road. Or rather fir road. As Phil’s picture depicts there were a lot of fir trees – to me it was around 20+ which no one was about to bunny hop. After the walk in the woods during which the rain eased off, on to Leith Hill through the clouds and above the snow line (Sue won the competition for the last stretch up to the Tower not a foot down- well done Sue).
We took a well earned tea and ginger cake break at the Tower 292 m. Visibilty here was not great but we could see the clouds below.
Popular leader Fran took over for second half and briskly scooted down Abinger Bottom to Friday Street and on to Sheephouse Lane (slight delays for none critical mechanicals to Jon, bent rear mech, Sue wheel problem,and Phil, no front brake) down the stepped bridleway past the waterfall (picturesquely gushing millions of gallons down the weir rocks ) at Rookery Hill farm and back to Westcott Church before 1pm.
Andrew