Well, due to house moving and other such things, updating this site has taken bit of a back seat recently so here is an update from this weekends ride to celebrate Huws 50th Birthday.

I think there were 16 of us as we rolled off from Nirvana in Westcott at the start of our planned 50 mile loop taking in all 8 of our regular Wednesday night beer stops.

 

Huw who is the top rider leader anyway was in charge of this loop and it started off with the climb up to Coldharbour via Logmore Green. From here we descended through Redlands wood on one of the trickier trails eventually crossing the A24 at South Holmwood. We then crossed Holmwood common and via Inholmes lane and Punchbowl Lane cut over to the coach road emerging at Brockham Green.

 

We had already managed to pass 4 pubs without stopping and John in particularly was starting to get a little worried that the promise of plenty of beer was a false pretence to get everyone out on the bikes. His fears were however soon allayed as we popped out opposite the Dolphin at Betchworth for the 1^st of our planned stops.

 

So with the 1^st pint under our belt it was time to move on. We progressed via tarmac up through the village and then across the A25, over the railway line on the road towards Pebble hill before turning into the old quarry. From here was a hard slog all the way up to the top of the downs – one I’d only ever done as a decent before and have to say was pleasantly surprised at how ride able it was in the other direction.

 

Once at the top another short section of tarmac was followed by the ever wonderful China Pig. After this we went up Stane Street then down the steps to arrive at pub number 2 – the William IV Mickleham. With time already seeming to move on we quickly enjoyed our pint before moving on again – next stop was to be tea and a bite to eat at Newlands corner. So, over the A24 round Norbury over To Tanner Hatch then up to the ridge then along the paths from Ranmore all the way to Newlands corner.

 

During this section we lost Alan Sparks, Kiwi Mike, John, Bridget, Brian, Wendy and Nashie all who left for various reasons but then gained another John at Newlands corner. Matt also somehow got separated but re appeared again later on.

 

Having taken in some well needed food at Newlands we took the decent straight down to Albury (Where Dave Lees decided to retire from the trip) and then climbed back up again to Albury Heath then onto the William VI at Little London which was to count as pubs 3 and 4 (2 pints each) following the discovery that the Villagers at Blackheath was closed.

 

Next stop was to be the Kings Head at Holmbury so  once again we set off in that direction winding our way around the back of Shere and Gomshall then into Peaslake and over Holmbury Hill. At the Kings Head we were left by Duncan but George turned up to replace him as did Huw’s sister with a birthday cake. That was soon demolished along with another pint of fine beer before we were off again.

 

Arriving at the Abinger Hatch some American tourists wanted a picture of the ‘Cocks tops’ so Simon and Mark posed whilst the rest of us got yet another beer ordered up. Too new arrivals joined us, Irish Jo and the re appearance of Alan Sparks both of whom live near by. Time was getting on and even the light was starting to fade a little so once again we were on the move this time for the short journey to the Stephan Langton at Friday Street.

Another top pint of beer and some cheesy chips later so us prepare for the final pub at Coldharbour – but how to get there in a tired and drunken state – of course – all the way up and over the tower, nothing less would do. So that was it, off we all went again with Huw still leading the way. Finally we arrived at about 10.30 and were pleased to see them open and that Jo  was there to serve us all a 8^th beer (in some cases more) I think at this time we were left with Huw, Mike, Paul, Toby, Simon, Mark, George, Alan and Jo. Fiona arrived to give Simon and Mark a lift home whilst Jo and Alan returned to Abinger, Paul and Myself to Westcott and George, Mike and the man himself, Huw to Dorking.

 

All in it was a great day, we managed 48 miles in the end, 7 actual pubs but 8 beers (some quite a few more Mark), a trip well worth repeating someday although sorry Mark, but your 50^th in about 3 weeks time is just too soon ! or is it.

 

So from the off there was Huw, Dave Lees, Wendy, Richard (Nashie), John, Bridget, Al, Toby, Mark, Duncan, Brian, Mike, Simon, Paul, Matt, Alan, Kiwi Mike, who were joined along the way by John, George, & Jo