The Catford Hill Climb - Yorks Hill
The Cat and Bec Hill ClimbsA bracing sprint down the A217 and the mad mile to get the blood pulsing got me to the N. Cheam starting grid with 5 minutes to spare, having already spotted Andy at the Banstead X roads heading Kentwards to sneak an early head start. Joined there, spot on 9am by Ed, reliable as clockwork, followed by Graham, Ann and Steve and evergreen Tony, I basked in the October sunlight and the joy of not being left on the starting line, as I had the privilege of being the leader!
The route taken was not adventurous, being much on main roads. From Cheam to Sutton to Carshalton, past the old Payne’s Poppets factory to Waddon, 5 Ways (by the old Propeller pub), to the Swan & Sugarloaf. I seem to identify places by landmarks that no longer exist! Thus we passed S. Croydon railway station and up the long but not too testing drag of Croham Road and Farley Road, which at the top, for some reason that I’m sure somebody will explain, metamorphoses into Old Farleigh Road. The ‘Old’ I can understand but why does Farley become Farleigh?
So up and down to Warlingham and the B269, still climbing steadily to Botley Hill, which Graham assures us is the highest point in Greater London. We followed the misty B269 to swoop like Toad of Toad Hall down Westerham Hill to meet the Sunday morning motoring blitzkrieg on the A25. A brief dogfight with the Messerschmitts and Mercedes before turning right up New Road to face the long climb to Ide Hill. In no time we were engulfed in the mêlé of cyclists at the top of Yorks Hill, with the Catford Hill Climb in full swing. Already critically appraising the performances, the feats of masochism beyond the bounds of sanity, were Andy, Lisa, Pete and Grant. The magazines and web-pages will relate the triumphs and disasters of the event.
The route taken was not adventurous, being much on main roads. From Cheam to Sutton to Carshalton, past the old Payne’s Poppets factory to Waddon, 5 Ways (by the old Propeller pub), to the Swan & Sugarloaf. I seem to identify places by landmarks that no longer exist! Thus we passed S. Croydon railway station and up the long but not too testing drag of Croham Road and Farley Road, which at the top, for some reason that I’m sure somebody will explain, metamorphoses into Old Farleigh Road. The ‘Old’ I can understand but why does Farley become Farleigh?
So up and down to Warlingham and the B269, still climbing steadily to Botley Hill, which Graham assures us is the highest point in Greater London. We followed the misty B269 to swoop like Toad of Toad Hall down Westerham Hill to meet the Sunday morning motoring blitzkrieg on the A25. A brief dogfight with the Messerschmitts and Mercedes before turning right up New Road to face the long climb to Ide Hill. In no time we were engulfed in the mêlé of cyclists at the top of Yorks Hill, with the Catford Hill Climb in full swing. Already critically appraising the performances, the feats of masochism beyond the bounds of sanity, were Andy, Lisa, Pete and Grant. The magazines and web-pages will relate the triumphs and disasters of the event.
Ready to leave the Fox & Hounds
Then off we set again for the second act of the drama, the Bec Hill Climb, to be played out on the teasing gradients of White Lane, Titsey. We sunned ourselves at a lengthy stop en route at the overpriced Fox & Hounds, where the landlord charged a credit-crunching £3.40 for a pint of soda water and juice. He even complained about his bank manager! His card is marked! The fever caused was cooled by a swift descent of Toy’s Hill. Then we crossed the A25 to make our way via the Pilgrims Way to the afternoon venue for a further orgy of gladiatorial endeavour – and tea and cake. Here were also Ray with Beryl as well as Jake – all pedalling four wheels, not the customary two.
Then off we set again for the second act of the drama, the Bec Hill Climb, to be played out on the teasing gradients of White Lane, Titsey. We sunned ourselves at a lengthy stop en route at the overpriced Fox & Hounds, where the landlord charged a credit-crunching £3.40 for a pint of soda water and juice. He even complained about his bank manager! His card is marked! The fever caused was cooled by a swift descent of Toy’s Hill. Then we crossed the A25 to make our way via the Pilgrims Way to the afternoon venue for a further orgy of gladiatorial endeavour – and tea and cake. Here were also Ray with Beryl as well as Jake – all pedalling four wheels, not the customary two.
Winner of the Bec - Dan Lloyd (1.46.44)
At the end, our senses sated, we struck for home back along the B269, this time a sweetly purring downhill. Past Warlingham the party split, our one anxiety – which way did Andy go?
In summary, a day to make the ladies glow, the gentlemen perspire, the leader sweat!
Gateway to Torment at the top of Titsey
At the end, our senses sated, we struck for home back along the B269, this time a sweetly purring downhill. Past Warlingham the party split, our one anxiety – which way did Andy go?
In summary, a day to make the ladies glow, the gentlemen perspire, the leader sweat!
Gateway to Torment at the top of Titsey
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