B ride 22nd May

CATERHAM TO LEATHER REPORT – 22ND MAY 2024

On a rainy day which threatened heavy downpours but delivered light showers, the seven riders in the Mayflies group left the comfort of the Caterham Westway Centre to ride a quiet but undulating route between Caterham and Leatherhead.

Originally planned by Tim C., the ride passed through Caterham before going under the A22 Roundabout and through the grounds of Woldingham School. We then followed a route rode through Godstone, Horne and Smallfield before stopping for lunch at Horley.

After lunch our route took us through Salford, Betchworth, Bookham and West Humble before making our way to Leatherhead for tea. We also had a chance to test our legs on the slopes of The Enterdent in the morning part of the ride.  

The Mayflies were the first group to leave the Westway Centre (and the hospitality of the “Caterham Café”), where the Westway staff had thoughtfully allocated a room for club members to dry out and avoid the worst of the rain. They also provided the usual tea and coffee plus assorted croissant to set us up for the ride.

Unfortunately, as we set off from the Community Centre Bernard punctured. So as not to delay the group, Bernard considerately decided to repair the puncture himself and to meet us with Sabina later at lunch. The Mayflies were now a group of five.

The remaining riders continued along the route, enjoying good views over Caterham on the way down the steep Burntwood Lane towards the busy A22 roundabout. We then followed the stoney track on the left to access the cycle route which passed under the roundabout to avoid the fast-moving traffic above. We then joined the busy (and narrow) Woldingham Road to cycle a short distance before turning right under the bridge towards Woldingham School.  

This was a beautiful part of the ride on a quiet (almost) traffic free road with views across open grassland on both sides. After riding through the grounds of Woldingham School we joined Quary Road and Flowers Lane enjoying a relaxed (and fast) downhill route on a quiet open road. We had good views across the countryside and passing through quiet villages before crossing the bridge over the M25.

We were slightly delayed by a road closure on Church Lane, as the width of the road was blocked by a lorry preparing to compete gas repairs in the area. We avoided a detour by carrying our bikes across the narrow grass verge beside the road. We continued Church Lane onto the Eastbourne Road and then immediately left onto the Enterdent.

The Enterdent is a short, steep hill on a narrow lane without traffic and Strava rates the average gradient of the Enterdent as around 8%. We all comfortably rode or part-walked our way to the top of this quiet wooded lane.

We then continued our route, briefly joining the fast and busy A22 Eastbourne Road before turning right onto Byers Lane and through Horne and Smallfield to Horley for lunch at the Jack Fairman Pub.

The Jack Fairman pub was a good choice for Lunch. It was uncrowded and was quick to order and be served our food. We met the second group of riders (the Swallows) led by Steph who arrived as we were finishing our lunch. Unfortunately, Bernard and Sabina had decided to make for home after fixing Bernard’s puncture, so we weren’t able to meet them for lunch.

2 / 2

After lunch we retraced out route back to Smallfield Road and rejoined the original route following a relaxed and undulating route on quiet roads, cycle tracks and paths through Salford, Betchworth and Brockham. Thankfully there were no further road closures to delay us on our way back.

At Brockham, Dave and Brenda rode to the main Reigate Road. The remainder of the group followed the familiar path through the Betchworth Park Golf Club course. We then followed the cycle route beside the road to Pixham Lane.

After turning right at the roundabout at the entrance to Denbies Vineyard we had a smooth ride beside the A24 on the cycle path passing West Humble and Mickleham on the way before arriving at Leatherhead to complete the ride.  

Brenda broke away and made for home to avoid the rain.  The remainder of the group had tea and cake at the Charlie and Ginger Café courtesy of Dave. We then rode back together as a group to Nonsuch Park where we split to make our own way home.  

Thanks to Diane, Brenda, Paul and Dave (plus Sabina and Bernard) for the company; and to Steph for organising the ride. Thanks also to Dave for back marking and to Paul and Dave for advice on route.  

Despite the weather forecasts, it was an enjoyable day out on the bike. Happy Birthday Dave!  

What more can I add.  A great day out is always a combination of a great route and people to cycle it.  Also lucky that Alan reccied and discovered 2 possible road closures.  Being second to leave we were able to follow the downtrodden grass at Church Road and avoid wet ankles.   Trumpets Hill was open as Alan had told the contractors in no uncertain terms that Wednesday was ride day.  I must admit that May is a beautiful month and even though it wasn't the weather for Swallows and Mayflies we all had a good day out.

Thanks to my tolerant followers who put up with my various route finding devices of which the most reliable was of course back marker Court.  Ta Tim.   I hope you manage to get your photos on here of those beautiful historic sights.  I ll just end with one historic sight, the birthday boy who got his fish and chips- to the rain lashed and shower bespattered go the spoils.