Sunday Ride: 4th September 2016

With the dreaded onset of shorter days looming it was really great to see 15 cyclists meeting up at the 9am start. We headed off through Warlingham before taking the hilly Beddlestead route to Clarke’s Lane. At this point everyone was warned that we were taking a right turn on Rectory Lane and then Clacketts Lane. Poor Frank was singled out for special instruction but of course he overtook the leader, didn’t turn right and we were 1 man down. Des turned back home for family duties so that doesn’t count.
Onwards across the A25 and up to Limpsfield Chart before taking the steep road down Treveraux Hill. After Four Elms, Ewa decided to go through Chiddingstone instead of staying on the main road and we were 2 down at the tea stop.

The Porcupine Pantry is a bit pricey but a welcome addition to the runs list. We sat outside with refreshments as Frank and Ewa returned to the food looking not a little sheepish.

Up the sweaty climb of Saints Hill where we waited for John Eden to fix his puncture in vintage style. Frank and Agni foraged in the blackberry bushes for a snack and certainly for Agni, it must have been worthwhile because she was powering ahead of us all the way home. At least she stopped at all the junctions unlike the usual culprits…

Across through Cowden and the Hammerwood before everyone stopped for a drink at the Plough in Lingfield. Ajay pinched a corn cob from a field to prove Jeremy’s father was wrong (apparently Jeremy was brought up thinking that they were not the same as sweetcorn) and had it cooked on the bbq by asking the chef nicely. The cheek of the guy shows no limits!

Finally home via Marden Park as I felt that my knee and ankle had suffered enough punishment got the day. 52 miles in rolling Kent countryside that I wouldn’t mind returning to someday.
Many thanks to Tim for the suggested tea room. Any other ideas are always welcome!