Steve McCormick is actively involved with both groups and organised our presence on Wey Valley's "Observed Sunday", (a regular event held on the first Sunday of every month where your road riding skills are assessed by qualified observers)
Brian Cohen and I put ourselves forward to lead runs, so we duly turned up at 09.30 for a cup of tea and a bacon sarnie from the kitchen while we waited to see how many people would take us up on our offer. Luckily there were several that turned up on bikes that were suitable and we were split into two groups of four.
Brian led a run of smaller capacity bikes heading for Polesden Lacey, and I took the rally raid styled (KTM690 and BMW Xchallenge x2) bike group out and did a circular route of approximately 40 miles via West Horsley, Gomshall, Coldharbour, Leith Hill, Walliswood, Shere, and then back to Ripley.
The lanes were very wet and muddy with huge puddles of stagnant water to negotiate, but all of these things add to the fun of riding the lanes, and need all of your riding skills to get through safely. However our day wasn't without it's problems and we found ourselves at the furthest point away from Ripley with Mark having a flat back tyre, thankfully these experienced chaps had everything to deal with such a problem and a plan of action was quickly established, with Nathan and Mark rolling their sleeves up getting stuck in removing the rear wheel and changing the tube with remarkable skill and speed.
And Dave offering helpful guidance from the sidelines
I of course couldn't help on this occasion as I needed to see how WVAM riders cope in this situation
We were a little late back to Ripley Village Hall to meet Brians group but everyone had a smile on their face.
It was good fun and we had a great day.
Tony
(For those of you that are unaware, Ripley also host's another motorcycle group, Wey Valley Advanced Motorcyclists. There are several Surrey TRF members, myself included, that are involved in both groups)
