Ten riders out today, a 50/50 split between the Clarencourt and Phoenix, with the two groups meeting at Horton Country Park, where I started my ride from today.
The route, Epsom Common, cutting east to Ashtead Common via a clay mound type hill, which we all enjoyed climbing. Across the railway at Lower Ashtead and then into the outskirts of Leatherhead, where we crossed the River Mole and began the climb towards Bockett’s Farm. We crossed the Leatherhead bypass and started the gentle climb past Bockett’s into Norbury Park, (the hilly bit the other side of the A24, opposite the Box Hill Zig-Zag Road).
Upon arriving at the top of the climb we discovered our chosen descent route was closed for works, (No idea what!) and so a substitute was decided by Bill Martin our leader, Designated Responsible Adult today. Just at the bottom of the descent I was alerted by two Phoenix riders of a rear wheel puncture which was discharging latex sealant all over them! This was quickly repaired, although this has been a re-occurring theme recently. The tread is getting a little low and so looks like a tyre change is imminent.
My thanks to the Phoenix rider who stuck his thumb over the hole to stop the air whilst I prepared the ‘Bacon Strip’ to plug it. You Sir, are a star. The last mile or so to elevenses were done on the cycle path adjacent to the by-pass.
Many healthy things were consumed at Rykas, but not by us! The venue has been refurbished, menu has changed, but it’s all good quality stuff and I can recommend it. On arrival we met Mick Curtis on his new ‘Leccy’ Gravel Bike, a lovely bit of kit.
The route back split into two groups. Mick & I went back via Leatherhead, and the rest of the group climbed the gravel spine at the side of the Zig-Zag to the top of Box Hill. After that hopefully one of that group will report where they went next?
As for Mick and me: Leatherhead, west side of Epsom Common, back to Horton. I said so long to Mick there as he was heading back to Sutton, whilst I was minutes away from the car at Horton Park.
Good ride, good group. For me just over 22 miles, for those via Box Hill unknown?