Six club riders (Graham, Jim, Mike, Nick, Tim and Billy) met up at 9:15 on Sunday for what was billed as a "hilly ride" that criss-crossed the Surrey Hills between Dorking and Guildford. The idea of the route was to show that some good climbing can be had within 20 miles of Reigate - and climbing there was!
Cruising out to North Holmwood (where Mike diverted to another route) the first serious climb of the day was up Leith Hill via Coldharbour, which turned out to be a long (and for short stretches challenging) incline rising to one of the highest points in Surrey. It was then a quick descent via Broadmoor to Friday Street (where Tim headed back for an early lunch) which provided welcome rest before a climb over Pitch Hill to Peaslake. Descending at 11am meant we met the local community's silence for Rememberance Day at the crossroads in Peaslake, which also gave Jim the chance to mend a puncture afterwards.
After climbing out of Peaslake, it was a generally flat ride to Chilworth from where the remaining 4 riders made their way towards Shamley Green, passing Blackmoor and a Franciscan Friary. Jim headed home on reaching the outskirts of Cranleigh, whilst the others carried on to "summit" Winterfold before a long descent to Shere and a well earned cup of tea in the Lucky Duck tearoom. Re-energised with cake, we returned along the A25 (plans to climb up to Rabies Heath and Box Hill were abandoned in favour of a more direct return to base) and back lanes to Reigate.
Whilst by no means an easy Sunday ride, the impression I got was that the group found it generally rewarding with good views of the Surrey countryside as autumn bites.
The next ride I intend to lead is likely to be in Jan/Feb 2006, going to Hartfield via Ide Hill and returning via Ashdown Forest. It won't be hilly, but will be scenic! Hope to see you there.