Pollards Hill Cyclists

Today was a joint ride with Lewisham Cyclists and we had a tight rendezvous at Christmas Tree Farm in Downe. I chose a fairly direct route up and over Gravel Hill in Croydon and along the so-called Mad Mile on the cycle path towards Coney Hall. A serious looking swarm of cyclists came down Corkscrew Hill and I secretly hoped that wasn't our riding companions for the day as they'd leave us for dead. Fortunately, it wasn't. We bumped into the 3 Lewisham Cyclists a couple of miles later, rising from Jackass Lane's steep finale and rode together to the farm. PHC turned out a total of 14 and Lewisham raised 4 riders. We didn't expect numbers to be so weighted in our favour as Lewisham often equal our attendances. But that doesn't matter - it's not a competition.

The 25% climb at Cudham claimed several victims; one fall, a slipped chain and a puncture. We rested outside the church whilst the puncture was fixed, watching serious-looking club cyclists struggling up the mini mountain. The ride really kicks in at this point. Although Downe is quite rural, the lanes just after Cudham would lead you to believe you're in the middle of nowhere. You certainly wouldn't think you were still inside the M25!

The climbs were harsh but that's to be expected on a PHC+ ride. A descent into Pratts Bottom and over the busy A21 is countered by the steep Chelsfield Hill but at least that takes you straight back into rural countryside. Skibbs Lane was closed according to a road sign but a local said that was simply to deter parking. Not so, a lorryload of tree waste had been dumped right in the middle of the lane. There are glimpses of great London views off to your left and after a while, the road becomes unfenced, drawing you directly into the landscape. It really is beautiful in this forgotten area.

The welcome descent into Eynsford ends at the village ford. Only our intrepid tricyclist dared to cross the Darent and ended up with wet feet and river dripping out of the bottom bracket. The Castle pub was expecting us. I'd been there a few weeks earlier and was shown the menu for our return but that was a mistake as they only offer roasts on a Sunday. However, a choice of 4 different roasts, good starters and desserts made up for the absence of the jacket potatoes. We'd made good time so we enjoyed a leisurely lunch stop

Lewisham Cyclists bade farewell as we left the pub. We crossed over the road to visit the castle ruins and felt a few drops of rain. As soon as waterproofs were on, the heavens opened and soaked us for just 10 minutes. The energetic climb to Well Hill soon had us warmed up and dried out.

An afternoon puncture gave me chance to ride ahead and inspect the bridleway across the northern part of the Holwood estate. I thought it was ok but skinnier tyres were slipping on ground softened by the rain so we slipped out onto the exclusive Keston Park development and admired the grand houses.

One of the advantages of the PHC+ rides is that it's no problem to ride out and back on busy A roads. The wide cycle path on the A232 doesn't manage to stay the full course but it took us swiftly into Croydon where 3 of us opted for a town centre coffee stop whilst the rest wisely continued home before the rain caught back up with us. 45 miles. Out for 8hrs.

See some photos from today on Flickr

15 people curious folk came out to discover the "sensible" route to Gatwick. Last month we had followed the insane Sustrans route from Croydon to the airport but I always knew there'd be a better way. I'm not sure if anyone does follow leisure routes on their bike when they've a plane to catch but if they do, this is definitely the way to go.

We started with an amble along the Wandle river to Carshalton and then worked slowly through parks and past allotments to ease the gradient up to the Oaks Track. We stopped off at Oaks Park for morning coffee but having made such good time, I thought we could also throw in a quick stop at Fanny's Farm before lunch for those who've never been.

Normally, you're faced with two climbs to get into the Chipstead lanes. One is straight after the park and can't be avoided but leads to the carved cedar tree at Woodmansterne, which is always worth a brief stop. The second hill is normally a choice of the long slow drag up How Lane or the lethal climb that brings you out by the White Hart. Today, we opted for the little-known third option, a bridleway from the railway station through the golf course. The steep, stony lower half can be ridden for a few yards but then you're on a 30% incline which needs to be walked. Once you're out on the golf course, it's still steep but tarmac and rideable by most. Either way, even if you walk, you're up in a matter of minutes which makes the route a lot easier for those who tire easily on hills.

A puncture soon after meant that the majority of the group went on to Fanny's whilst a couple stayed back to deal with the flat. Diligent checking of the tyre revealed two thorns but it seemed to be just the one hole. Of course, the other was a slower, unnoticed puncture which meant whipping the tube out at Fanny's Farm when it started losing air and putting in a brand new one.

Gatton Park had a banner up proclaiming the grounds being open to the public today. As a bridleway runs right through the middle, they're effectively open every day of the week. We passed the main entrance and zipped down the hill on Rocky Lane to pick up the sensible bit of the Sustrans route, south of Nutfield.

Coming into Redhill through a nature reserve is a nice way to get to the town centre. Our best lunch option was always going to be the Wetherspoons, mostly because they're unfazed by large groups arriving unannounced. We were all fed and watered within the hour. Despite being in the town centre, the bikes always feel fairly safe chained to the railings outside.

We'd covered most of the distance before lunch, only leaving about 8 miles for the afternoon. We followed the Sustrans route along shared-use pavements, quiet streets and tracks all the way to Horley where the official route involves dismounting a couple of times, firstly to negotiate barriers in a subway and then along a pedestrianised section. It's much easier to stay on the road.

Gatwick is approached by a riverside path and before you know it, you're in the heart of the airport complex. I've no idea how anyone ever finds the lift that takes you up to the South Terminal but fortunately, we were only there last month. It takes a couple of trips to get everyone up and then you're faced with the strange juxtaposition of cyclists with bikes in all their riding clobber and holidaymakers with luggage checking in for their flights. The train station is then literally around the corner. 25 miles, out for 6hrs.