A group ride Caterham - Godden Green - Godstone

The day was forecast to be sunny with a high of 29° and indeed it was already very warm by the time we left Caterham where we’d had a lovely friendly reception with plenty and varied snacks and drinks on offer, all for a voluntary contribution. A big thank you to the staff for making us feel so welcome. 

My group, comprising Sue C, Keith, Peter and Nigel  was away first for the undulating ride to Godden Green. As we left Sue had problems moving between chain rings which was worrying knowing what lay ahead but fortunately her bike sorted itself out for a problem free ride thereafter. Andy’s group was due to leave 5 minutes after us and indeed they caught us up and passed us in no time. We were in no hurry, it was too hot!

It was lovely to see the picturesque villages of Shoreham, Otford and Seale as they’re off the beaten track from our usual routes. There were ups, downs, more ups and more downs and finally an up that led to the Bucks Head at Godden Green. We found a shady spot to move the seating to and a decent lunch was quickly served despite it being very busy. 

After lunch the routes diverged with my group talking a short cut which also cut about 9 miles and 700 or 800 ft of climbing. We had some lovely shaded roads, particularly through the Deer Park, and just one navigational mishap on the part I hadn’t recce’d. We were gaily whizzing down a hill when I realised we shouldn’t have been so there was nothing for it but to slog back up to the top. Nigel then enthusiastically whizzed down the other side so I had to chase after him whilst the others waited at the correct turn. Fortunately we were still all speaking to each other so it was onward and upwards to the Pilgrims Way where we had mile after mile of stunning views on our left with golden countryside and deep green trees. 

We arrived at Flower Farm to find they had only 1 cake left so I obviously assumed Andy’s group had been and gone. In fact, they arrived after us (by now no cake left) but the friendly staff provided pints of iced coffee, endless iced water and for Patrick, several bowls of coffee biscuits which he politely devoured. 

We were on the road again in blistering heat heading for Banstead when Peter had a puncture. Once that was sorted Keith then discovered he had a puncture but we eventually got moving again knowing we had 2 hills left, Markedge Lane and to Banstead. In fact there were 3 but I think we’d got used to the hills by then!

We said goodbye in Banstead having all agreed that the roads had been reasonably quiet, the scenery stunning and the route slightly challenging but perfectly do-able  at the right pace despite the heat. 

Thank you for the good company of my group, some of whom I hadn’t cycled with previously so it was great  to get to know you better. 

Here’s Andy’s ride report for his group. 

This was my first sub-lead and after meeting up at Caterham and a great spread provided by the centre we set off. Myself leading with Ged, Steve D, Neil W, Dave B and a well stocked (food wise) Patrick W. We skirted around Woldingham and picked up Dave W for the climb up to Titsey Hill which was reasonably clear of traffic due to a road closure. We managed to stay together despite all the hills that Janice had placed in our way to lunch.

Arriving in good time, we were all soon tucking into lunch except for Neil W, who due to a "ticket malfunction" (???), didn't receive his until the rest of us had finished. Neil soon despatched his lunch and we were back on our way for the climb fest that awaited us through Kent and back into Surrey. 

Trying to keep to a reasonable pace, we clawed our way up the hills and through the heat to catch up with Janice's group at the Flower Pot near Godstone where Patrick was horrified to find no cake. 

After he ploughed his way through a mountain of biscuits and the rest of us had rehydrated, we were back off to complete the remaining climbs up to Banstead. 

A great route thanks to Janice.

(Despite Simon’s clear instructions on how to get text size consistent I seem to have failed to do this)!