Sunday 4th January 2014

The forecast wasn't promising but apart from visibility being practically nil and temperature not yet reaching zero it looked like a good day for riding.

I took the shaded bridle path to the start point which confirmed conditions were not icy and arrived at Oaks Park to await the intrepid crew. Paul emerged from the fog first followed a few minutes later by Jeff.  No-one else had braved the weather and Jeff decided to potter so Paul and I set off into the mist.

We started with the gentle climb towards Woodmansterne then down Rectory Lane and through Coulsdon towards Farthing Downs.  The ride across the downs was not quite as scenic as my last ride there but we could see grass either side of the road. That led us to Chaldon then through Caterham on the Hill and down Burntwood Lane.  Next was the long hill climb to Woldingham followed by a fairly level ride along the Ridge and the descent of Clark's Lane to Westerham. 

The Tudor Rose was full of cyclists but none from  Cheam and Morden so the two of us set off towards the lunch stop.  Visibility was nearly good by then.  We started North along the A23 then turned along Pilgrims Way - a route that seemed very popular with quite a few cyclists. Next we turned South and passed through the picturesque village of Chipstead.  A few more kilometres (and even fewer miles) took us through Otford after which it was just a gentle climb and descent into Shoreham.

Lunch was in front of a roaring fire at the Crown.  Apparently one of the regulars here is Reg Barnett who cycled in the 1968 Olympics.

After lunch we did the long climb out of Shoreham. After Halstead we were able to descend but then had to join the A21 for a few minutes. We branched off at Green Street Green and climbed Old Hill which was mercifully short. This kept us on a quiet lane though until we joined the  A2022 for the final climb to tea at Coombe Wood.

After tea I started my long 20 minute trek home while Paul headed to Sutton and beyond.  I did 51 miles - Paul would have done at least 20  miles more...........(77 actually,Ed).

From Dave S