B Group - 20th February

Pete Beyer led a very challenging hilly ride today from Redhill to lunch at the Wellhouse, Mugswell, and then onto tea at Headley. By all accounts the ride from North Cheam to Redhill was very scenic, picturesque and pleasant. 15 riders set off from Elevenses at 11.10am past Redhill station on the left and at the island we turned left to start our first climb of the day up Redstone Hill only to turn sharp right down Redstone Hollow losing all the height we had gained and then we climbed again past the Cemetery. Some delay here due to Ann Bath shipping her chain which took some sorting out. We then ploughed on down Clay Lane heading for Outwood. Having gone over the M23 and seen all the road works and hold ups we were pleased to be superior to our motoring friends down below. Having reached Coopers Hill Road, route of the annual BHF southbound London to Brighton Jamboree Pete decided to cut out the route via Outwood past the windmill and head North up another long hill, Nuttfield and on reaching the A25 we turned right back over the M23 to take next left and then proceeded this time over the M25 via Sandy Lane and White Hill Lane to then turn left down Spring Bottom and along Rockshaw Rd. Back over the M23 to the junction of Gatton Bottom where we then did a right and then a left up another steep lane bypassing Fanny's Farm up to Chipstead High Street, and then to the Wellhouse. Despite being previously well booked in advance by Pete, due to some kitchen staff problems it took some 1¼ hrs to get served and in the end Tony cancelled his Coronation Chicken got his money back and as we were leaving they presented it wrapped in Tin Foil ( legs and head sticking out) for a free evening meal.

Onwards then to the A217 and then New Road to Walton on the Hill, my home but Pete persuaded me to go for cake at the fairly new refurbished Headley Tea Rooms which we approached via Hurst Lane and past the old forge and next to the Cock Inn Car Park (KT18 6LD). Excellent cake but again despite being booked they ran out of the most popular. The hot apple cake with clotted cream was delicious, the choice of most but two were disappointed.

We all applauded Pete for his excellent ride and I suspect we out gunned the “A” group in terms of elevation gained, it was like being crucified more than once in one day.

~ Mike Morley

Photo by Pete B.

Thanks to Steph for the data used to create this map