Sunday Ride: 26th March 2017

Perhaps it was the the start of BST (with one less hour in bed), perhaps it was the strong breeze or perhaps it was that some sensed what Tom had in store for us that only seven started. It was hills, more hills and even some hills Tom didn’t expect.

First – the hard way up Purley ‘Downs’ Road. Then Sanderstead and, of course, Beddlestead Lane. Here Frank left us to pick up his new wheels from the closing down sale at North Downs Cycles. The rest of us spun along the Pilgrim Way to take on Ide Hill and a swift pause (above).

Goathurst, tremendous views and after a glorious descent a final and unexpectted ‘kick’ before we arrived at Hildenborough’s 1806 Cafe (below).

Well that’s the hills done for the day. But we weren’t allowed to rest on our laurels. Tom set a fast pace and as a small compact group we tucked in behind and hurled along behind. When I say ‘fast’ I don’t mean fast in the Dulwich Paragon sense but the briskness of feeling the wind is behind you, the sun is shining and all is well with the world (when you anything beyond the fantastic Surrey & Kent countryside is out of mind).

Which brought us swiftly to Penhurst Place. Or ‘my pad’ as Tom pointed out …

An amazing historic building . It is the ancestral home of the Sidney family, and was the birthplace of the great Elizabethan poet, courtier and soldier, Sir Philip Sidney. Disney couldn’t do better as we passed through one of its arches into a real chocolate box village with an apparent abundance of pubs and cafes. Also tourist but maybe a destination for an ambitious midweek ride?

Still cracking on and the need for refreshment overtook us all. Tom’s choice of the Spotted Dog at Saint’s Hill was inspired. Fine beer, budget pricing and gorgeous surroundings. Definitely a place to revisit.

Return via Edenbridge, crowhurst & Marden Park. 55.48 miles at a moving average of 12.16mph.