Ride Report A’s Redhill to Downe Sept 24th

A number of A’s are away at present, or recovering from recent exploits, mostly on far-flung warm foreign roads. So surely this was the reason that only 10 signed up, and not the prospect of hill-climbing on the Surrey/Kent borders.

It was dry with sunny intervals, and just a hint of cold in the north wind to remind us that the days of shorts and short sleeves are almost over.

We were two groups leaving Redhill, one led by Neil C, standing in at last minute for Peter S. Peter had battled technical failures to ride a recce, but was finally defeated by an attacking bee. Thanks both for your commitment.

The outward journey was uneventful, progress hampered only by an occasional headwind, not to mention the odd hill. Church Lane past Godstone church is closed to prevent traffic bypassing the Godstone sink-hole, and therefore a delight to cyclists despite its gradient. But this was only the warm-up for Gangers Lane. It’s steep and long, but believe me there are harder ways up. And once done there are views to the south, and even a bit of downhill, and only one further notable climb before lunch in Downe.

The Queen’s Head is a quirky, rabbit warren of a pub, with a good welcome, reasonably priced non-gasto food, and a CAMRA recommendation. All the more strange, it has never visited been by us in recorded times.     

Notable former visitors included Charles Darwin, taking the short walk from Downe House. And Robin Knox-Johnston the singlehanded round-the-world yachtsman who was living nearby, and whose picture, and that of his yacht Suhaili can be seen in the restaurant.    

Downe churchyard features an ancient yew to rival Crowhurst’s, easily big enough to shelter a peloton of Wayfarers.   

The afternoon started with a lot of descending, followed inevitably by a long climb, in the interests of avoiding built-up areas. All very pleasant despite the high hedges, until the shocking 13% climb up Old Farleigh Road to Selsdon.

Tea was at Dotty’s Teahouse in Carshalton, a genteel welcoming establishment with ample cycle parking in full view, and cakes. Welcome also was that everyone riding stopped for tea.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered for a short but challenging ride, especially Dave W for back marking my group, and Neil C for leading his.    

Neil's Group