Tabler's “Pint 2 Pint 2009”

Pint to Pint 2009 otherwise normally known as pain to pain.  However this year, compared with the 41ers’ pint to pint, the pain seemed to be lacking (for most of us) and the ride a touch more genteel.  Are Freeman and Davidson losing it? Was the question of the evening. Having said that, the route was superb passing through the Ripley, Horsley and Cranleigh countryside. Mud, nettles and fields to tackle and some superb public houses and beer along the way.

Starting in Ripley our day-glo snake headed South, over the A3 bridge (Kirby’s first test of stamina) and then headed through some fields.  At this point, only 5 minutes in, Russ needed his first of his regular p-stops having left his “colostomy-bag” on his shopper bike.  We headed through some muddy parts at where precision, control and grip was needed but sadly lacking for most of except Russ who brought out his Sinita “So Macho” flourescent pink and green terry toweling gloves.  It took me back to the 80’s, C&A clothes, shoulder pads and BMXing down the streets of Gidea Park (posh Romford).

We passed by some beautiful fillies who smelt one of our group’s pheromone spray and they couldn’t resist charging over to us. Shame they were the real horse filly’s and not bikini clad ones. Finally we reached our first stop for pint and food, The Barley Mow at Horsley.  We were missing Paul Elding who having just returned from biking across the Sahara desert couldn’t find his way around the Surrey countryside.  The food was superb although the urinals were too high, I felt like I was back at school on tip toes to pee (no one else seemed to notice).

We left here, trying again to lose Paul Elding without success and headed towards Cranleigh whilst Nigel regaled us with his stories of all the lovely computer ladies he has been dating. Stopping off at the Queenshead pub in Cranleigh then joining up with the A247 we headed to the L’Auberge (poncey name but seemed to be a good beer pub).  Leaving there we steamed back towards Send Marsh to the Saddlers Arms. Finally, now in the semi summer darkness, we cycled past the Sailing club lake and back to Ripley tired, exhilarated and reminded that this is always one of the highlights of our social events.

Thanks to Neil D and Paul F for trying the route and pub food out beforehand, to all tablers and 41ers who came along and especially to Russ for wearing those gloves. Check out the pictures.

JJ