Another run for the ride we did last November.

We’ll be doing a tour of Surrey Lanes and parts of the Surrey Cycle Route and thanks to training it to Oxted and back we’ll be missing out the climbs of the North Downs.

Total distance about 45 miles max with a pub lunch after about 25. Possible short stop just after lunch for farm-made ice-cream courtesy of cows which somewhat rashly hand their udders over to a computer.

All on road apart from a very short bit of very mild rough surfacing you could almost walk over so suitable for any bike.

Important: If you plan to meet down the line phone me before to confirm that you will definitely be there.

Arrive early at New Cross Gate to maximize your chance of 4-for-2 Groupsaver discounts.

Report

So bright you gotta wear shades. The Lewisham Cyclists famous weather machine kicked in again. Arrived at New Cross Gate in pouring rain but by the time the eight of us (Tim, Paul, Dave, Chris, Judith, Jane, Ke and Jeff) emerged at Oxted all was dry and we were in for a day of blue skies bar a short bit of drizzle on the way back. The days are often better than they seem on rising. Tip – if you have digital TV, check out the three-hour rolling forecast – it often shows a miserable day turning into something far better.

Four of us grabbed Groupsave 4 for 2 deals which meant that the return trip only cost us £2.90 – the others paid a variety of fares as there came a time when we had to commit to the ticket office queue. Lesson - turn up early/on time for the best deal.

Through the Morrisons car park at Oxted and straight out on to the country lanes. A pretty smooth ride, though Chris got a puncture at Lingfield. Soon fixed and with the pleasant weather an additional opportunity for a general natter and socialising. Tim, who seems to be getting a reputation as a good Samaritan, dived in to force Chris’s somewhat recalcitrant tyre off its rim.

We’d avoided the long climb over the Downs by training it to Oxted but some gentler climbs tested some of us. Still, a nice downhill to Leigh and the Plough – great pub bang in the middle of the village – good range of food at reasonable prices and a good range of decent beer. I can see this place becoming a regular stop on various rides. The garden was a real sun trap so, right at the beginning of March, we sat outside and soaked up the rays.

After lunch we passed the house with US and Union Jack flags outside. Keep meaning to take a pic of this curiosity but every time I pass there’s folk zapping in and out. So, on to the farm for ice-cream. Less cows than last time so we missed the spectacle of the cows walking in to milk themselves though a few of us later looked through the window to much mockery from Jane.

Crossed the A23 south of Redhill, then cross-country to Outwood and its windmill, followed by a climb to Bletchingley which definitely caused Ke no problems as he accelerated up on his folding Dahon.

Back to Oxted in daylight we hopped on a train almost immediately and trained it back. 45 miles in all and a wonderful ride.

Paul