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| 26th
July Richard, David, Gary, Shavey and Tom - Reigate to Leith Hill This is a return to the days of 1998/99 - we have all taken a Friday off work specially to go out on our bikes. The sun is shining as we meet at 10-30 at the top of Reigate Hill and David has a mammoth route planned out. Tom is a newcomer, he works with me and has ridden before in the French Alps so I have persuaded him to come and sample the hills of Surrey. He is using David's old steel framed Scott with the RST forks.
Tom on the North Downs Way We set off along the North Downs Way, heading towards Box Hill. After a short climb on the road, we take the thrilling downhill that brings you out just along from Rykers Cafe. From here we cross the A24 and into Denbies, apparently the largest vineyard in the UK. This, along with the sun beating down on our backs gives a lovely European feel to the ride.
There follows a steep climb up the North Downs escarpment to reach Ranmore Common and then after some sweet singletrack through a forest of ferns, another fast downhill. We continue along bridleways moving roughly parallel to the A25. There is a great range of paths here from narrow nettle or fern lined singletrack to wider, faster, rocky descents. We reach the bottom of Leith Hill and after skirting the base, head for Abinger Common and a welcome stop for lunch.
Gary picks up speed as he takes the fast route down Box Hill. On his rigid Carrera this is exactly how he sees everything!
Shavey at the foot of yet another descent We
take a good hour for lunch and then head back along a different route heading
for Ranmore Common. Gary is in the middle of the pack as we reach a road junction
but a couple of miles further on we realise he has disappeared. Despite the fact
that we all have mobile phones, the reception is poor and it eventually takes
us an hour to track him down.
The viewpoint at Box Hill It's starting to get late now and we retrace our steps via Denbies and up Box Hill - a vicious climb when you have already got 4 hours riding in your legs. After another refreshment break, we head back along the NDW to Reigate. A great day's riding covering 38 miles (44 for Gary who cycled up and down the same piece of road looking for us). Not bad for me considering I broke one of my toes 5 days ago. Although I am aware of it, there isn't any pain.
The lookout point on Reigate Hill | |||
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