On a hazy but warm morning five riders gathered at the Swan and Sugar Loaf in South Croydon: Ev, Paul White, Billy McNamara, Alex Wall and Brian Harris for a post evening thunder storm ride into Kent.
We set off up the Croham Road and then diverted, for a change, and climbed up Ballard’s Farm Road for a nice drop down to Addington. Heading to Hayes we diverted south through the lanes with a nice twisting descent to Nash. We made our way across the A233 and headed for Downe. As the roads looked to have dried out from the previous evenings rain, I decided to head towards Cudham with its 20% climb. Sadly the roads were damp which resulted in wheel slip for a few riders which meant a climb slower than normal (if that is possible!)
We chugged uphill to Scots Lodge and left to Knockholt before heading for the descent of Star Lane towards the foot of Ide Hill. The long climb, with its undulations, was conquered and rewarded with the nice wide and fast descent. We headed to Four Elms and turned off for the climb past Chartwell, where one of the farm houses on the climb had a display of the enormous tulips!
Down into Westerham we found the cafe heaving thanks to the garden centres being closed for the holidays. We partook of our refreshment on the green with Mr. Churchill before setting off up over Westerham and the ride down through Warlingham and Sanderstead where we went our separate ways.
It was a beautiful morning which was boosted by the smell of the spring which was brought out by the previous day’s rain.
Croydon to Croydon was 39.5 miles. Add ten for the Cheam bunch.