We have had enjoyed several rides to north-western parts over the past year so I thought it would make a change to head 'darn sarf' (well, south-east, anyway). Whether it not it was a pleasant change, I'm not sure! I eventually hit on the idea of joining up the (mainly) off-road cycle routes from Motspur Park to Sutton and Carshalton to Croydon, and then heading up to Downe, as it were.
I was very fortunate to have no less than three keen co-leaders (Fiona, Frances, and Neil W). I am not sure if they quite realised what they were letting themselves in for when they volunteered, but they all did an excellent job and enabled us to have smaller groups, so many thanks to them.
On our recce ride we had had a cold and grey start which gradually brightened to a lovely sunny afternoon, and I was hopeful of this for the ride itself, but the bright bit never happened. It was freezing cold all day! My group (Simon, John B and Geoff) never let it dampen our spirits, although we shivered a bit as we paid reverence to the 'great thinker'!
Other groups were less respectful.
Just before lunch there was the slight obstacle of the 'Downeberger' with its vicious final 25% section to overcome.
Simon did genuinely ride all the way to the top, but Neil's otherwise excellent second action shot shows just how a camera can lie!
The Blacksmith's Arms thoughtfully seated us indoors and it did feel cosy! They seem to specialise in zany signs, not always in the best taste (don't worry it isn't quite what it seems to be), as well as Little Titch memorabilia! Prices were reasonable, the service efficient and the food generally good, although some had a bit of a wait.
My group were the last away, just before 2.00 pm. We cut off a corner from the pub to the start of Tatsfield, which may have saved us a bit on distance but probably resulted in greater elevation gain. Never mind, it enabled us to admire the abundant bluebells in greater detail! Finally, there was a blissful descent pretty much all the way from Botley Hill to Purley Oaks, after which we turned west and at last shook off the wind which had been nagging us all day. Then it was seemingly endless back-doubles passing us close to Purley, Wallington, Carshalton and Sutton but never quite into them, before we arrived at Nonsuch Mansion in time for tea.
Frances writes of her group's experiences - Lovely ride from suburbia New Malden meet up at Tesco before Keith, Christina, Sue and Clive (back marker) followed the twists and turns via Bedlington Park, Croydon and beyond to finally head for the hills of Kent. We had some challenging climbs, photo stop at Charles Darwin House before heading for the piece de resistance (at 25%) up to Blacksmith Arms Cudham. Only one mishap near the top resulted in a chain off for Christina but all was well and it was a welcome stop and food shortly thereafter.
We went after lunch with a few more undulations, swift ride across the ridge before descending into Warlingham.
Soon we were back in the Sutton/Carshalton suburbs and we parted company with Keith, Sue and Christina before Clive and I headed for the final stop at Nonsuch Mansion.
Lovely day out, thanks to all the crew for patience and assistance on twists and turns.
Thanks to all for your company.
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