We all warmed considerably as we climbed the dastardly Rocky Lane and up passed Fanny's Farm but Roger provided distraction to the upward trajectory with a running commentary on his old stomping grounds around Banstead.
Too murky for a view over London from Epsom Downs sadly, so on we peddled saluting our heroes as we zipped passed Headley Court. Got chatting to a lone fellow cyclist while we gave him respite from the headwind for a while, then on through Leatherhead to arrive in Cobham by 10:20 for tea.
Following easy conversation and top knocker breakfast butties we were back on the road again an hour (and one obligatory selfie) later, threading back through Bookham to pick up some energy drink from a friendly little cafe we know and on to the Drome, all by 12:30.
Average 16mph, 44 miles, 2559 feet of climbing. Just what the Doctor ordered.
Same again to Stan's Shack next week; accompanying tails of other's misspent youth in that locale very welcome.