Thanks to those accepting my invitation
for this adventure. We ended up with a Baker’s Dozen, including yours truly and
co-sub leaders Clive and Steve who had both gone to the trouble of doing a ride
recce on Friday and feeding back on the draft ride notes. Mant thanks to them
for doing so. So, I decided to opt for two groups. Given the nature of the ride,
we had a slow group and an even slower group. My group of Brian G, Andy C, Sue
C, Gina C, Simon L, David W was first away at 10:40 and, with Steve’s group
leaving 5 mins later, expecting to be overtaken before we got to narrow lanes. Fortunately,
the plan worked as we stopped to take a break and admire the view at the top of
farthing down.
This provided the first photo opportunity of the day.
Not everyone got the dress code memo!
Leaving Farthing Down almost
simultaneously, we were somewhat surprised to be forced into a driveway or
hedge by a huge campervan bearing European plates that was the full width of
the carriageway. Luckily we were still close the car park. The reason for this subsequently became clear as the
main road from Chaldon to Caterham was completely closed at the top of Doctors Lane
and diversion signage was either inadequate or ignored. It would also account
for the later descent of White Lane to be much busier than expected.
Steves report below refers to my “off
road” ride, although 85% was on fairly familiar tarmac or well paved surfaces.
Clearly the 15% that wasn’t was more memorable.
“My group particularly enjoyed the
scenery which only off road can show as well. Having done a recce on Friday,
swapped my 35mm tyres for Panaracer 43mm Gravel Kings for the ride. I can
highly recommend them if you are able to squeeze them into your frame. They
make off road a pleasure and as I chose 'semi slicks' they were quick on tarmac
also. Anyway, I digress. I set off from Banstead with Clive (spare leader),
Patrick, Richard, Guy and Peter S, who kindly back marked for us.
The route was familiar to start,
dropping down through Woodman Sterne to Coulsdon and then up Farthing Down,
where we passed the first group, to Caterham on the Hill. From here we dropped
down again to ride through Woldingham School where we climbed slowly up to join
the North Downs Way on Cycle Route 21. Gravelly/hardpack narrow descent to
Quarry Road, past Quarry Cottage and onto tarmac, where after a steep descent
on tarmac did a sharp right in first gear up a steep gravelly ascent past
Godstone Mines (disused). Hats off to those who negotiated this climb on 25mm
tyres!
The route took us left over a
substantial bridge, crossing the A22.”
We followed a short while later.
At sharp right mentioned above, I had clearly neglected to specify a granny gear, so some found the transition more challenging than it might have been. Nevertheless, we all made it safely to the top and Simon was on official photographer duty.
Andy at top of the gravelly ascent of Gravelly Hill
Steve continues: “ It had become very hot now, but the NCR 21 was on tarmac and after some steep climbing up Tupwood Lane we came to Gravelly Common Hill viewpoint, which was stunning.
My group slightly later
Following
the road, now we turned left down White Hill which was a steep descent and
carried on until we again joined route 21 at Spynes Mere nature reserve. More
gravel, but this time mixed with patches of deep sand, which was treacherous
even for gravel tyres.
Nevertheless we ploughed on until finally reaching The
Inn on the Park, overlooking the Merstham cricket ground. Here, we sat outside
in the sunshine and we're served by the friendly staff.
We were only half way through the ride,
but already talking about the route, the interest, the difficulty. We agreed
later it was an unforgettable journey. After lunch I handed the reins over to
Clive to lead us through more lovely off road to tea.
Hats off to Dave F for the planning.
Many thanks for the jovial company of my group especially Peter for his back
marking talents “
Just before lunch, my group paused for a bit of bird watching at
Spynes Mere, Steve’s sand trap. The water level was precariously low and the
many exposed sandbanks were a haven for a wide variety of water fowl.
The Inn on the Pond was a completely new lunch pub to me. I guess it is a bit too close to many 11s to warrant consideration, but for my Downs Dipper it seemed ideal. On my recce the Lanlord was completely unfazed and no preorder was required. Although limited in choice the food was good, reasonably priced and served quickly. Almost a tad annoying as a leisurely lunch was enjoyed and no one in either group seemed in the mood to rush off. Dave W departed for home independently.
However, when we did it was an easy flat
ride to Redhill via NCR 21. The section that used to flood frequently was
closed on my first recce for works to improve it, but open and much improved on
my second. Some surfaces are still fresh and a bit loose but after a few hard
showers it should improve further. Apologies for an unavoidable section of
urban traffic through Redhill before we reached the track through Gatton Park. I
was first introduced to this in the opposite direction by Dave W on a C&M ride
I recall. I believe the views are even better in the northerly direction. We
escaped the tranquillity to more traffic and horn blowing motorists to ascend
Markedge lane and for a change turned left at the top. This led us eventually to
join and turn right at a roundabout on the A217 near Lower Kingswood. It only
A217 (slightly downhill) for 100 metres or so to our left turn junction, but
there was some trepidation about joining the very busy fast traffic. Patience prevailed and we soon
escaped towards Mogadore. To access the delights of Colley Hill in this
direction we needed to take a very short section of narrow very lumpy gravel,
the last of the nasty sections.
The mood lifted as we emerged onto one
of the finest viewpoints in Surrey.
Steve's group earlier
My explorers!
From there we exited onto tarmac access
roads to cross the M25 again and onto the Walton Heath golf course bridleway
where we successfully dodged the golf balls. Before heading into Walton for the
final descents, a team meeting established that we would not make the Old Moat before
it closed. The plan B of Ashtead park GC did not suite everyone, so Gina
helpfully suggested the Café at Walton. That ensured we
remained together for tea. Arriving at 3;45
but unaware the café closed at 4pm we eventually took the hint to leave at 4:10.
From there we progressively dropped riders, 3 of us did the Epsom Racecourse
loop and only Simon and I did the last section of the Wells, Epsom common and
Horton Park for him to continue his longer trip home under threatening skies. Thanks
to Simon for back marking our group and both Simon and Andy for our group photos.
It transpires that Clive’s Group similarly
could not get to Old Moat in time, so
they did opt for Ashtead GC for tea instead.
