Well, whatever next, a heat-wave?

At the end of the gravel pit that was Tilehurst Lane we were overtaken by an enormous swarm of - G3 riders. Huh? Anyway, having dutifully let them go we set off to Leatherhead and Fetcham where, Alan who had demonstrated his hill climbing skills over Punchbowl said his farewells and turned back. So, onwards and upwards through Effingham, Ockham and along the tooth-loosening surfaces of Hungry Hill and Ripley Road to East Clandon (can see why the Olympic route was changed to Ripley Lane and the A246!) A pause for breath and energy food before tackling the G2 challenge of Staple Lane and then the downhill rush of Coombe Lane (remarkably clear of the usual mud and grit, but incredibly crowded with cyclists coming up it). Across the A25 into Shere, with cries of “Rick, Rick, how much further to the tea-stop?” ringing in my ears, we headed over a few-ish more lumps to Cranleigh and Notcutts for tea. (Was it just us or has Notcutts lost a certain je ne sais quoi? ) Returning via Cranleigh town centre ( to refuel Ian with Lucozade), Ewhurst, Ewhurst Green, turning up the (resurfaced) Standon Lane and Mole Street (where I discovered that my new Look cleats don’t have quite the same release action as my old SPD ones!) and on to Ockley and Capel. The climb from Capel to Rusper against the wind was challenging for tiring legs and the much anticipated rush back through Charlwood and Povey Cross was impeded at bit by the wind too. Across the A23 and turned up – to another gravel pit - on Mason’s Bridge Road. Heigh-ho. Well done to James on his first 60+ mile ride, to Caroline who was very strong throughout the ride on her hybrid, to Spencer who nobly took the front for several miles against the wind and to Ian for back-marking so well. A great group to ride with. Ride stats: 67 miles, 3600 feet and 13.7 mph.