Bernard poetically writes -
In the cycling topography of the Surrey Hills there is one climb which rises to iconic status…but not because of its physical stature. The climb up to Box Hill along Zig Zag road takes you up some 169 metres over 4 kilometres. At the top you are rewarded with a vista of the North Downs; pastoral, gentle and green (greens of all shades…and yellows and some oranges). It is a sleek, languid almost leisurely climb. To put this into climbing perspective the beast that is Alpe d'Huez is an upwards calvary of 1118 metres over nearly 14 kilometres. But what is not measured and cannot be measured by the cartographer is nature’s heartbeat and Box Hill, that Notre Dame of Surrey cycling, beats to the rhythm of the cyclist.
We gathered for our start at the Fairfield Centre in Leatherhead where good hearted souls serve, for an honest price, the best coffee and tea in town.
On our bikes, we seven riders with magnificent dreams, cut down through the busy streets and within minutes we were skimming the country roads of Surrey. Relentlessly we pressed hard on our pedals, along dry tarmac on this hot summer’s day making an early appearance in mid-May. As we turned into Zig Zag lane we rose into the slipstream of giants, of Cavendish’s broken heart of 2012 and of thousands of cycling dreams…past, present and those to come after us.
Gently but surely those gentle gradients tore into our limbs but with equal grace spiced with grit we climbed.
And then, as if awakened, down the descent…dangerous at speed on scabby torn roads, framed by tramline ditches and chased by angry engines. Our lunch stop was at the Woodmansterne, a newly refurbished traditional Public House, and as we rested Saint Peter in a church opposite watched over us. In that ancient place of worship (dating as far back as 1566 according to an anonymous manuscript hanging at the entrance) where the seats are free there are stained glass windows crafted with such skill and on that day dazzling with saturated colour drenched in hot sunlight. I was struck by the appearance of an angel in one of the windows…adorned by Swiss crosses and standing next to a red rose. And I remembered…we were after all not a million miles from Little Switzerland.
It was all descent in the afternoon. We cruised past the race course on the Epsom Downs where out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw horses galloping in the opposite direction. Einstein mentioned something about relativity and I saw what he meant but still do not understand.
And finally we arrived at a place of charity, The Old Moat, where kindly folk serve you gracefully. There we were joined, or so I imagined, by Graham Greene and as we chatted about his books I imagined that he took an interest in our cycling and that he might even join us for a ride one day.
The course was designed by Tim Gibbons and my fellow cycling companions were Bob, Arwyn, Sabina, Stephen, Mick and Alan. It was a great course and thanks to everyone for making it a great ride.
The fine weather may well have contributed to a good turnout at Leatherhead Fairfield Centre as twenty five cyclists gathered for 11’s in the morning sunshine. Three groups led by John A, Bernard P and myself left promptly to embark upon today’s two wheeled adventure.
The route planned was something of a reprise of a ride followed last October (with a few minor modifications) but felt very different on a fine sunny day in May. We headed out to Fetcham then took a less familiar diversion to Bookham, up to Chapel Lane and on to Westhumble.
A steady accent up Box Hill was topped by a celebratory photograph by courtesy of a National Trust attendant. On via Walton-on-the-Hill, Kingswood and Chipstead we made the final climb to Woodmansterne for an al-fresco lunch at ‘The Woodman’. Orders were served promptly and everyone seemed to be satisfied with the service and surroundings.
Our afternoon ride took us via Banstead, Burgh Heath, Tattenham to Epsom Downs to enjoy a clear panoramic views of our surroundings. Descending down a shady Chalk Lane we went on via Epsom, Woodcote and on though Ashtead and Epsom common to arrive at The Old Moat’ garden centre for tea. Again we enjoyed a welcome break outside in the warm afternoon sunshine.
Many thanks to everyone who took part in today’s ride and especially to John and Bernard who effectively helped in sub-leading. A good day had by all !
A selection of photographs are available to view on the 'Wayfarers B Group' WhatsApp group.
TimG
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