In freezing conditions, during Storm Arwen, 35 moustachioed members of the club set out from The Bear, Esher to three other Youngs pubs in Surrey. Only two riders completed the full 64 mile course to the Red Barn in Lingfield. Most visited the Dolphin in Betchworth and the Chequers in Walton on the Hill for a welcome hot drink before returning to the Bear for something stronger!
The landlord was please to be able to donate £400 to the Movember Foundation.
Three routes taking in three other Young’s Pubs in Surrey
Supported by Young’s Brewery
Moustache compulsory (real or stick-on). Silliest socks, fancy dress/old clothing and classic bikes encouraged.
Free refreshments at the three pubs on the routes and back at The Bear.
DV members please sign up on FB events so we have an idea of numbers.
£10 on the day. All entry fees go to charity.
Route map and GPX file downloads
Strava route links
Ride with GPS links
Komoot links
This is a charity bike ride for fun and not a race. All riders must have their own 3rd party liability insurance.
Since we have a new Club HQ a modification of the Winter Loop course was required. Most of the route is unchanged, but it now ends at the top of Lammas Lane in Esher (a sting in the tail).
Now that pandemic rules have eased, activity is ramping up from our new base at The Bear Esher which is just a short ride to the Surrey hills. The landlord has been very welcoming and able to provide a great meeting place (early morning coffee is available) for large numbers of Dittons Velo cyclists.
Group rides are still limited to 6 riders but we are finding that larger groups will split up, then follow the same route to coffee and back for a beer (or two)!
We are looking to expand as a club and new members are welcome.
A list of routes by wind direction. Mostly 2 segments but some are only one due to distance or direction. Climbing has been kept to a minimum. The file name starts with the preferred wind direction.
Click “Download” below the map and profile.
No excuses for not doing them now!
We are working on a new fresh Dittons Velo site for winter 2021.
New for 2021. As a way of encouraging more variety of routes and distance, is our list of coffee stops. The challenge is to visit as many as possible over the year. Take a photo and upload to our Facebook page with the tag #dvcoffee.
Coffee Active, 5B Rectory Ln, Ashtead KT21 2BA (limited hours) (B) 8mi/13km
Reading Room, Brockham Village Hall, Brockham, RH3 7JJ (B) 12mi/22.5km
Abinger Tea Rooms, Guildford Road, Dorking RH5 6RX (B) 13mi/21km
Basil & Blue Café, 88 High St, Chobham, Woking GU24 8LZ (B) 13mi/21km
The Plough Inn, Abinger Road, Coldharbour, Dorking RH5 6HD (B) 15mi/24
Henfold Lakes Café, Henfold Lane, Dorking RH5 4RW (B) 15mi/24km
Cinnamon Café, Windsor Royal Station, Windsor SL4 1PJ (B) 16mi/25.5km
Earlswood Lake Café, Woodhatch Road, Reigate RH2 7QH (O) 20mi/32km
Cromwell Coffee House, 97 High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8AU (B) 22mi/35km
172 Coffee, 172 Thursley Rd, Elstead, GU8 6DH (B) 29m/46km
The Cwtch @ Willow Marina, Willow Marina, Willow Ln, Wargrave RG10 8LH (B) 29mi/46km
Sumners Ponds Fishery & Campsite, Chapel Road, Barns Green, West Sussex, RH13 0PR. Saturday and Sunday only, just a few outdoor seats (B) 30mi/48km
Whispers Café, Mill Way, Billingshurst RH14 9NY (B) 30mi/48km
Coughlans Bakery, 21 High St, Lingfield RH7 6AA (O) 31mi/50km
Kirdford Village Stores, Russett Place, Kirdford RH14 0QQ (B) 34mi/54km
The Countryman Inn, Countryman Lane, Shipley, RH13 8PZ (B) 34mi/54km
Grayshott Café & Restaurant, 1-2 Headley Rd, Grayshott, Hindhead GU26 6LQ (B) 35mi/56km
Java & Jazz Café, The Square, Lewes Road, Forest Row RH18 5ES (B) 35mi/56km
Kinsbrook Vineyard, Picketty Corner, West Chiltington Road, West Chiltington RH20 2LU (O) 36mi/57.5km
Lurgashall Village Shop, The Green, Lurgashall GU28 9ET (O) 36mi/57.5km
Tulip Tree Tea Room, The Village, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge TN8 7AH (B) 40mi/64km
Seating: B=both indoors and outdoors, O=outdoors only. Distance = miles/km from Esher
Hidden away near the Drift Road in Cranbourne not that far from Legoland it is situated by fishing lakes.
Dan says, “Lake Side was proper old school caff, excellent for bacon sandwiches on white sliced. Catering to fisherman and builders predominantly. Babs begins the counter serving. Constant queue of people. No matching crockery. Mustard jars with little spoons. Huge slabs of cake. Big cafetière for the 4 of us to share. Safe bike parking. Worth booking via FB as only a few small tables. A favourite of Chiswick CC who we met. Menu over the counter. Fridge with padlock. All-round it was a very enjoyable blast from the past. View was of fishing ponds!”
North St, Cranbourne, Windsor SL4 4TE
Situated south of Crawley at Handcross, West Sussex.
Clashcity says, “Very friendly and well organised, loads of space to park your bikes up, plenty of room inside for social distancing. Coffee pretty decent but not exceptional, option for wine and beer (!) Toasted sandwiches great, cake choice limited but nice. Overall a really good option, especially in winter, not far from Faygate”.
Claire’s comment “Tasty and moist lemon drizzle and a nice toastie too!”
https://highbeechestearoom.co.uk/ High Beeches Lane, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6HQ
If you’ve done the Leith Hill Octopus and fancy another “beast” then this dinosaur is for you!
This is a challenging ride of a dozen climbs including 6 with sections over 13.5%. It includes classics such as Toys Hill and Chalkpit Lane.
Take in the great views from the top of the downs. Popular cafe stops options are in Brasted, Oxted and Godstone.
Download gpx file