Normally Caterham attracts only a smallish group of dedicated riders but it was wonderful to see 18 set out for the descent into Caterham and then the ascent towards Woldingham. We rode along the top of the North Downs and then along the quiet Pilgrims’ Way, went through Westerham, before ascending to Crockham Hill.
The Royal Oak landlord had warned me when booking that service would be fairly slow from their kitchen but this had not seemed to be a problem in anticipation of the size of our usual peloton from Caterham. I think this is the first time that B riders have visited the Royal Oak and for the leader it was his first visit for about 50 years (some riders will remember that there used to be a youth hostel just a few doors down the road).
We continued our ride back to Banstead (our third main hill of the day) in time for tea. About 33 miles from elevenses to tea had seen nearly 2500’ of climbing at 73’ per mile.
Well done and thank you to everyone (especially Tim G. for back marking) who took part in our ride.
Thanks to a recruitment drive by Tony Hooker we were very pleased to welcome three new people on our ride, John Cornwell and Fern Wiltshear who are in training for their upcoming London to Paris charity ride, and Bill Carman who rides with Kingston Phoenix on Saturdays.
J.A.
Further detail at https://ridewithgps.com/trips/38918432
2 comments:
Connotations of the "Hilly fifty" It seemed to me, as we were riding the route. (John,s fifty
hills, that is) But seriously speaking, it was a very pleasant ride. Thank you, John.
Sorry I had to leave before lunch but did manage to remember the basics of a flattish route back. On telling my husband and an old cycling mate that I d been to Crockham Hill a stream of reminiscences poured forth. In those days John Annett was at the forefront of the large Croydon YHA group who used Crockham Hill as the first stop out of London on a friday night for further forays into Kent. When the hostel closed the locals were also disappointed as hostellers brought some income to the pub and shop. So on closure day a funeral party headed by John Annett in black complete with top hat, 4 pall bearers carrying full sized coffin and huge procession behind which held up the traffic as they came down the high street. All ended with local vicar and community tea and buns. Only hostel I know to have closed with a funeral procession.
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