A Ride - 24 April - Caterham to Lingfield

Just before eleven o'clock, twelve riders were sitting at Caterham expectantly when the first rain for a couple of weeks arrived. The leader delayed the departure and suggested leaving out the big hills and replacing them with a gentle climb. Such was the disappointment of the group that he quickly changed his mind and reverted to Plan A.

Soon the rain stopped and the group set off on wet roads towards Woldingham before turning left up Bug Hill to get the toughest climb of the day out of the way. After passing through Warlingham and Chelsham, the long 400ft climb of Beddlestead Lane brought us to the highest point. Then the sharp descents of White Lane and Titsey Hill, and the climb to Limpsfield completed the serious hills.

From then on it was flat and gently rolling quiet roads to Haxted Mill and on to The Greyhound at Lingfield for lunch. The service was fast, the portions large and the prices reasonable so we were all happy.

Geoff's photo of us in the stands at Lingfield

After lunch the roads got slightly busier as we rode via Newchapel and Smallfield before skirting Horley to reach Lonesome Lane. Then through Trumpets Hill and Betchworth before a quick blast down the A25 to Pixham Lane and on to Pilgrim Cycles in Westhumble for tea.

20 miles to lunch and 20 miles to tea

 

2000 feet of climbing, almost all before lunch

Thanks to all for the company and the corner marking. Special thanks to Geoff for the super-efficient back-marking and Simon for the map and profile.