The meeting point this week was the Amano Caffe in Warlingham. The weather was dry, the sun was out but come eleven o'clock there were only four of us there. Were the others still winching themselves up the hill? Were they put off by my reputation for wet rides? Who knew. But we waited while Jeff finished off his bacon sandwich before he headed off home for domestic duties.
That left me to lead, Dave S to backmark, and Janice to be the rest of the peloton.
As we were already at an altitude of 600 feet it would be downhill all the way to lunch. Well not really. But it was downhill until the next uphill section.
We headed off through Chelsham before dropping down into the valley and up past Beddlestead Farm to the top of the North Downs ridge. Passing around the edge of Tatsfield we reached Hawley's Corner - at 800 feet the highest point in Greater London.
Another long downhill section (followed by a short uphill bit) led us to Cudham, before more (mostly) downhill roads brought us to Pratt's Bottom. The roads had been quiet, the bluebells were in bloom in the roadside woods, and the sun was shining as we arrived at The Bull's Head.
Food was promptly served and we were on our way within the hour.
A brief loop north of the A21 to Green Street Green gave us a short hill to warm up the legs and a tour of large houses of various architectural styles. Next we climbed up to Downe and then down towards Keston before heading south to Fickleshole. From there Chelsham, Warlingham and Bug Hill took us to Woldingham Garden Centre for afternoon tea.
We then all headed off to Burntwood Lane for a hilly ride home.....
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