Invitation to A group ride from Banstead on 26 August.

Another Downs adventure.

Warning: This ride does include some mixed terrain (hardpack or gravel) and shared use sections that mostly have been ridden on my previous A rides (May 22 from Caterham and August 24 from Leatherhead) and may not appeal to some riders. It includes some sections of NCR 21 but NOT the steep downhill from Gravelly Hill as ridden in 2022. I recced on 32mm heavily worn road tyres. Do not attempt on 25mm slicks.

The route is Banstead, Farthing Down, Caterham, Woldingham school, Gravelly Hill, Nutfield, Redhill, Gatton Park, Markedge Lane, Colley Hill, Walton Heath, Tadworth, Epsom Downs, Epsom Common.

The ride may appeal to either A group or A/B group riders, as I will be leading a more leisurely paced subgroup to enjoy the scenery. On a warm dry clear day expect to share some of my favourite views, explore some less trodden territory and where possible avoid traffic. The ride is only 39.5 miles and total ascent (2,150 ft) Three significant hills (one quite challenging) and ample “offroad” will mean a slower pace than usual.

The ride to lunch at a new venue, the Inn on the Pond, Nutfield is 19 miles. The pub has been booked without the need to pre-order. The food was a limited choice but fine on my recce. Plenty of outside tables.

The afternoon leg is to tea at The Old Moat Epsom Garden Centre (closes 4pm), or Ashtead Park (closes 17:30) if running too late, is 20 indirect miles with one of the hills.

There will ideally be one leisurely, one moderately (thanks Clive) and one quicker paced group (thanks Steve). Departures will be between 10:40 to 11:00

Spond Invite should be issued to A group users at 5pm on Friday.

For those not wanting to apply via Spond, please email me at dlferrett@hotmail.com asap, but by Monday 5 pm latest to register for the ride with your preferred pace.