John A writes :
M25: Alternative Parallel Route.
Well done to all those who signed up for our longer than average ride from Caterham
eastwards. For much of the day we were running close to the M25 with ten passes under or
over it. However, the day was dominated by the quiet country roads and the splendid open
views of Kent.
Thank you to Tim G for being a subby, to Paul and Dave C for offering to be standby subbies
and to Sue and Dave F for back-marking.
...and Tim G writes :
We had a better turnout for our ride from Caterham today compared to that earlier this year. Twelve riders across two groups departed after a sumptuous 11’s spread provided by the day centre.
Our morning route took us out to Woldingham where we cycled through the school grounds and out to meet a challenging climb up Ganders Hill. We continued over The Ridge then down to Titsey where we followed the Pilgrims Way heading east across through the scenic Kent countryside.
Our planned attempt to drop down to Chipstead was thwarted by a road blockage and despite our best persuasive and diplomatic attempts our safe passage was denied by the very determined and hardline attitude of the workmen on site. In fairness I suppose they were only doing their job ! A quick reassessment of the situation forced us to devise a detour via Brasted and Sundridge to get back on the planned route to Sevenoaks. By now we were joined by the second group who had to follow the same plan.
We were all suitably fed and watered at the ‘Sennockian’ (W’spoons) in the High Street having locked and secured our bikes to some street railings. Miraculously they were all still there when we left !
Our afternoon ride took us back on our previous detour to rejoin the Pilgrims Way back to Titsey then down to Limpsfield and Oxted to Godstone where we cleverly avoided the closed High Street (due to sinkholes) and emerged back on track towards Bletchingley. Quieter lanes took us via Merstham and a couple more climbs back to Banstead. Three of us took a final well deserved break (tired legs and saddlesore) and treated ourselves to a refreshing beer in a local bar.
A challenging ride at times but always good to head east and explore and admire the Kent countryside.
Many thanks to all those who made today’s ride a memorable success.
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