Sunday Ride: 19th July 2015

Capt’n away, Jeremy called in to say he would meet us in Shoreham. But this time I was prepared with an OS Landranger or two.

It’s a route we have all done many times before. But its different when you are in front approaching junctions rather than following faithfully behind. We took the hill avoidance route up to Botley and the jolly ride through Tatsfield and, as you can see here, the jolly village of Knockholt (above).

Thence down to the Darenth Valley to Shoreham. The Air Museum has eventually realised how much of their trade comes from cyclists and are advertising for more …

Jeremy rolled up at the Air Museum a few minutes later sporting his latest toy – a very upmarket OS equipped Garmin. This led us away on a semi-circular route to The Chequers @ Heaverham and its first ‘unscheduled dismount’ and carefully avoided testing its robustness by dodging two cars coming in opposite directions! But it got its own back with the stiffest sharpest and unexpected climb this side of Ranmore Common. The pub with a strange collection of beers was a welcome consolation.

Here we compared the technology on offer …

The return was more straightforward – if you can call Clarkes Lane anything but a boring climb. And no welcoming invitation to sample Tatsfield Church’s afternoon teas – were we too early?

just over 50 miles when you take off my 13 miles riding to/from start point.