Westcott and beyond!

Highways-Byways and Dave’s ways!



This Saturday’s club ride on July 21st had Peaslake as its tea stop destination and a distance of about 20 miles.



The sun was shining as 16 of us gathered at Westcott, and then headed west towards Wotton. As some of you will know, the Leith Hill area can be technically testing at the best of times, but after Fridays down pour which resembled a monsoon, the tracks were wet and loose, ready to punish the unwary.



The lane from Broadmoor to Friday Street is a steady climb followed by a long fast rocky descent to a lake near The Stephan Langton Pub, 3 miles from our start. It was here that Mark Raffield had a nasty fall, crashing onto the unforgiving slippery surface and injuring his shoulder. To his credit, Richard Sterry was quickly on the scene, giving his now, well rehearsed first aid technique another airing. Many thanks also go out to Jon Linscott and Phil Clark who unselfishly gave up their ride to help Mark.



The remaining riders headed to Peaslake on a varied terrain of sandy logging roads and single track, incorporating a little known winding and difficult track named BKB. Barry Knows Best. Why it is called that, I have yet to find out. This track drops from Hurt Wood to Peaslake with some frightening descents. After a tea break, 8 riders decided to complete the ride, which by now was running over schedule. The remainder followed Garry back to Westcott.



On towards Newlands Corner

The beauty of this route is that it reveals hidden treasures, such as the waterside cottage at The Rookery, the rocky gully from Friday Street to Abinger Common, and the stunning view towards Shere from Winterfold. Sights only seen by those exploring the countryside.



It was on our way to the summit of the North Downs that the heavens opened and the paths became rivers. The feeling was likened to standing in a warm shower.
We pushed on, along the North Downs ridge, then headed south to Abinger Hammer down an almost unrideable chalky byway, down which a brown muddy river poured. Surprisingly everyone was in good spirits considering the discomfort we were all suffering.



A new rider to the club is Cheryl, who impressed us with her riding ability and tenacious attitude. Please don’t think all club rides are like this one.



We returned along the A25 riding through deep puddles and driving rain.
Well done to those surviving riders, who’s spirit and humour make mountain biking so much fun.



Latest news - Mark is ok, and is now at home recovering from a dislocated shoulder.



A message from all club members

Mark has led many enjoyable rides and puts a lot of time and effort into them.
We wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back on your bike soon.



Dave Rickets.