Past Farthing Downs, over the top at Chaldon, down past Bletchingley, Outwood and through Horley.
Along the cycleway to Gatwick, stopping at the end of the runway. The A Group has been here a few times, and we usually amuse ourselves by taking pictures of the planes going over. Not today - Gatwick was a very strange place indeed. Plenty of planes, but all on the ground. The shuttle busses were rattling around, but there was no-one on them. The car-parks were empty.
The creature flying in the picture is not a distant plane - it's a pigeon.
Turning back for home I noticed that the A23, a handsome dual carriageway, was practically empty. I thought I'd try it for a couple of miles. In the end, I rode all the way to Coulsdon. Every vehicle that passed me - and there weren't that many - passed steadily and considerately, giving me a wide berth.
As I rode up the small hill beyond Merstham, lined with flowers and the road to myself, I mused about the City to City records of the 30s, 40s and 50s. If you could safely ride smooth, level, well-maintained roads like these then you really could cover some distance.
These are terrible times, but they have caused a very strange world that will soon be gone.
Mark
3 comments:
Mark, nice story - happy memories - 458km to Paris - in our dreams to be able to get there.
Yes I sailed down Rockshaw Rd and was able to cross the A23 onto Gatton Bottom with ease. Not a route a normally take because of the difficulty of crossing there normally. Did enjoy views from Hilltop as it crosses the N Downs way. Took my usual off road bit through the sch at Gatton and down to Reigate. Shop at Strood Green is open but not for cafe. A lovely day.
Well done Mark, your usual LGW trip!
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