10 riders left the Drome in raincoats expecting the worst.  It was the first time I had led a ride, so I had chosen one of Mike O’s rides to Four Elms, studied the map to avoid potential flooding points and correct a couple of L and Rs.

After turning left instead of right in Lingfield we took the opportunity to take off our waterproofs before turning around.  By the time we arrived at the tea stop at Chartwell Barns the sun was trying to come out.

Mike suggested a prettier route for the return which took us to a closed road with progressively larger lakes across the road.  We sent Frank on to test one particularly large one which turned out to be quite shallow unlike the next one who’s end could not be seen round the corner.  So we took a handy right turn and returned via Lingfield again.  The rain stayed away until we had nearly reached Smallfield, 30 minutes later and we would have missed it completely.

My computer says 73.13km (45.5 miles ) to my home at an average of 22.9kmph (14.3mph).

Thanks to everyone who helped me out for my initiation into the world of rider leadership.