We had another well-attended ride, split into two groups both heading for West End Barns. For a change we had Teresa in charge of the 'relaxed' group and Rona leading the 'athletic' group.
Teresa led the group of five along the Alban Way then on the bridleway through the Oaklands College grounds, saying hello to the alpacas.
From House Lane it was through the houses up to Jersey Lane and on to Sandridge. Proceeding along the multiuser path across Nomansland the group were soon ensconced at West End Barns, almost six miles covered, 120 feet of climbing.
Rona led the group of eight up Woodstock Road and Homewood Road and then down Marshals Drive to Jersey Lane. From Sandridge they headed up and over Woodstock Hill.
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A quick blast along Coopers Green Lane - thank you considerate van driver - and we were wending through Symondshyde Woods, a delightful ascent to Coleman Green.
We enjoyed the downhill then spun across Nomansland and into the farmyard to join the others, 8.5 miles covered, 344 feet of climbing.
We enjoyed our coffee stop together, this is such a lovely place with great coffee, food and ice cream.
For the return leg groups remixed, choice depending on preferred return route, and one headed off direct for home. The rest headed back along the multi-user path to Sandridge.
From there, six returned via Jersey Lane, six returned via Sandridgebury Lane, riders peeling off for home as we went.
Traffic seemed quieter today on the whole, perhaps because it is the school holidays and the usual clubs were not happening. There was plenty of running though, we saw Jersey Farm Park Run and orienteering on Nomansland. Sandridge was as usual a bit fraught, this really needs to be 20mph.