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
This is the new mid week TT. A 22 mile dash from just past Waitrose in Esher to Shere Road (climb) and back past the Duke of Wellington to Esher. Usually occurs on a Wednesday evening.
As fitness levels improve this ride gets very competitive!
Having driven up Farthing Downs, John Scarth decided it would be nice to cycle there to take in the views and the history.
Neolithic origins – The beginnings of the pastoral landscape we know today as Farthing Downs very likely began when, over 2000 years ago, visitors brought animals with them to graze the meadows within the woodland. An ancient trackway still exists today which predates the Celtic field boundaries created by farmers on the Downs 2000 years ago. The trackway was used by the Neolithic visitors. Neolithic pottery and archaeology has been found on the Downs and in nearby gardens and is evidence of early human occupation of the Downs.
Link to Friends of Farthing Downs & Happy Valley https://www.friendsoffarthingdowns.co.uk/
The route involves a lot of climbing and steep descents. Head out to Banstead via Ewell. Descend Chipstead Valley to Coulsdon. Pass under the A23 and two railway bridges and filter right up Farthing Downs.
The return route is via Merstham, Reigate and Betchworth. The route is 40 miles in total.
Suggested cake stop The Tea House, Reigate http://teahousereigate.com/
gpx file
A DV mega ride!
The route follows the outline of the Surrey County electoral boundary as near as is possible (and sensible) using roads.
I could have cut off some chunks but then it wouldn’t be true to the concept.
This is a challenging endurance ride requiring fitness, concentration and good navigation.
Regular food and fluid stops are essential. Stop every 2-3 hours. Drink plenty.
Be prepared for a puncture. Ensure your bike is in good condition. You will be a long way from home!
Probable stops would be Tatsfield, Edenbridge, Charlwood/Rusper, Haslemere/Hindhead, Aldershot/Ash, and Staines.
Strava route link- https://www.strava.com/routes/2721119152447376600
A nice stretch of the legs or maybe a graduation from flat ride. Your choice!
This ride climbs twice. Gradually up from Cobham to Effingham and then steeper up Beech Avenue/Critten Lane to Ranmore Common Road. Descend down to Westhumble. Cross the A24 and attack Box Hill Zig-Zag.
Coffee at the cafe and head home. One little kick up on Mill Way then blast down the Beaverbrook Roundabout.
Enjoy 60 miles/96km of rolling countryside including a number of hills (3600ft/1060m climbing).
You head out via Ewell to Banstead and Chipstead then to Merstham where you join the classic BHF London to Brighton route via Nutfield on to Smallfield. Through Horley and past Gatwick airport to Rusper. The route then undulates to Forest Green before heading north and back home via Abinger and White Down (ouch!).
Numerous coffee stop possibilities along the route. Charlwood green, Rusper stores, Forest Green, Pasture Wood coffee van, Abinger Hatch pub.
There are two ways to approach this short 24 mile/38km route. Flat out or gentle with a coffee stop or a beer at the Duke of Wellington!
It is essentially the DV Summer loop without the Shere Hill (Sheer Hell?!!) climb.
This is a 30mile/50km easy route with no big hills. Out via Cobham and Plough Lane to Ripley (potential coffee stop). A loop around Send and Send Hill (not steep) and back.
Dan loves a hill so this route is his new favourite short hilly route while furloughed.
Roughly Ewell, Epsom Downs 6%, Hurst Rd 6.6%, Walton-on-the-hill, Gatton Bottom, White Hill Lane 10%, Hooley, Star Lane 10% Chipstead, Banstead, Ewell and home. A 38 mile/60km course.
Note: There is an error in the gpx route at the top of Star Lane/Elmore Rd. Turn right at the top along High Rd NOT left.
This is a route I rode and then noticed that other DV members were doing the identical ride a few days later!
To me, it is simply Forest Green and beyond, to some quiet lanes. The return leg goes up Leith Hill and down Coldharbour to Dorking. There is a fair amount of climbing to do.
At 44 miles (70km) I personally wouldn’t stop for coffee and cake but you may be drawn to the Butchers Hall Farm Shop at Forest Green.