From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kent is a county in southeast England, and is one of the home counties. Its hills are unique, in that most of them are up!
Well, 24 Redhillcc riders can confirm that fact..
Limpsfield Common was the starting point for an 18 mile off road ride on Saturday.
I was very surprised to see Phil Smoker preparing to ride, he is recovering from a major shoulder injury sustained only a few weeks ago.
Setting off promptly at 9.30 we headed east across Limpsfield Chart. The ground was soft without being too boggy, careful riding lines needed to avoid the roots and bigger puddles. Through a thick pine wood of needles was like riding on a carpet. Over Crockham Hill and down to Chartwell, our first unplanned stop where Gareth repaired a puncture.
The first of the steep hills took us to the top of Toys Hill, where we immediately descended south to Tan House, where there was a very pleasing stream crossing and rocky assent. Chris Cahill bailed out of the ride at this point with brakes worn down to the metal back plate. After stopping briefly for a photo opportunity, we crossed farmland and started the long climb to Ide Hill, were we stopped for a second puncture, enjoying a view of the church and village shops. 20 minutes later we were on our way and passing Emmetts Gardens. Joining a gravel bridleway the route enters woodland where a very nice bit of single track descends.
Another climb up a long rocky byway takes us over The Chart and a sharp drop back to Toys Hill. From here a wide track leads to French Street and up Hosey Hill. A track through beech woods takes us to a nasty drop off down a sandstone rock face which only Lee, Gareth and Dave tackled. Those riders would have noticed the large cave at the base, which is a protected home to a colony of bats.
Relief was pictured on the faces of several riders as they were informed that the tea stop was only half a mile away. Relaxing with tea and cake on Westerham Green is a great way to forget about aching legs, and everyone enjoyed the friendly atmosphere in the sun. Peter Hesz took the quick route home for another sporting engagement.
Within 25 minutes of leaving Westerham we were back at Limpsfield Common, just after 1pm, perfect timing . Thanks to Alan Gale who volunteered to back mark and John Twichen the midfield marker.