...when he wrote those words, Dickens was embarking on a Tale of two Cities...however, he could just as easily have been about to describe the first G3 ride of September, replacing those cities with two of Surrey's most delicious hills!! The best of times, too many to mention...the worst of times? Haha...read on!

But we get ahead of ourselves! The morning started at a Woodhatch Park heaving with keen cyclists, and it soon became apparent that the G3 ride - my first as a ride leader - was going to be one very busy ride!! In all, 19 riders set out from Woodhatch! The photo shows just how many of us there were! A large group for sure, but with experienced club riders amongst us it was a hassle free ride with good etiquitte shown all the way through the peloton.

Why so many? Possibly because word had spread that the route today would be testing but rewarding, more likely because a few of the G4 gang fancied an easy day out!! Too many riders to name, but warm welcomes to new riders Nick Preston and Gavin Smith who both settled into the to spirit of things! Also thanks at this point are due to John McMullan who back-marked such a large group and also to Chris Hall who lent his ride leader experience all the way! And worth mentioning the ever energetic Meera Siva who was our only female rider today!

Our route took us out towards Newdigate before we spun back towards Dorking, and it soon became apparent that as well as good weather the roads were also quiet, and despite the size of the group we made good progress. Legs suitably warmed up we crossed the A25 and made our way to the first serious climb of the day, the zig zag road of Boxhill! Fair to say that all the group gave it absolutely everything and arrived at the top feeling 'cream crackered', although based on the speed at which Hamish (who first came out last week), Barry G and Chris S went up the hill, it was clear to the rest of us that there is still some work to be done!

Fortunately the well planned tea stop at Cafe Chocolat at Walton on the Hill was calling us all and we covered the undulating territory quickly to arrive at the half way point. I doubt they have ever seen so many men in Lycra at Chocolat, but despite the horrors before them the ladies made haste and there was a flurry of activity and eagerly consumed treats and drinks! And, of course, plenty of chat between the resting peloton!! Still, its a ride after all, not a social club, so we soon made our way onwards!

The next stage of our 'tour de north surrey' took us around Tyler's Wood which was a little lumpier than I had remembered, or my legs were starting to tire more likely, but before we knew it everyone was scorching down Lodge Bottom Lane at full speed, and woe betide anyone who got in our way! We said goodbye to a few riders at the bottom of Boxhill and with excitement building we crossed over towards Westhumble station and moved towards our date with climb number 2, the always testing Ranmore common ascent!

But the mood we were in nothing was going to stop us and all riders attacked the climb with gusto...regardless of the awful tarmac we powered up (ok, some powered, me plus some others limped up) and before you know it drinks and gels are being wolfed down outside the back gate of Denbies, repleneshing depleted stores of fluids and energy!! Yes, Ranmore can be unpleasant, and I don't recall many of the gang thanking me for taking us that way at first, but there was something sweet to savour as our reward as we took on the outstanding descent into Dorking, 40mph+ on the speedo and the loud noise of air rushing past!! We said goodbye to Chris H at this stage, and made our way back up and over Punchbowl Lane to tackle the last few miles home on the backroads past Betchworth and Brockham.

And tackle it we did...practically fizzing with enthusiasm at this stage our now reduced group of 15 or so riders put the hammer down well and truly and scorched the earth below us as we boosted the average speed before a final burst of athleticism gave birth to a full bore sprint for the last two miles...which certainly left me panting and wheezing when we arrived back at Woodhatch!

The stats? 45 miles at around 15.5 mph and for those of you who like to know these things, 3000 feet of climbing thrown into this new route! But the stats don't tell the story...they are merely the black and white VHS recording of the Full-HD ride that we had all greatly enjoyed!! Thanks to all!

Martin B