Silverstone F1 Ride

Overview – Distance: 245 km, Climbing: 1710 m
Café stops – Corner shops and a pub lunch

Another DV crazy ride. This time to the British Grand Prix.

Start early to avoid the traffic on the Uxbridge Road. Once you get to Chalfont and into the countryside after 40km, it’s time to enjoy the ride, eat up the distance and think about drinks and fuelling (we stopped at a newsagent in Wing at 82km).

Nearing Milton Keynes, we started to see and hear the constant helicopter shuttle of the rich and famous. The local taxis were giving their fare the high speed “Formula One experience” along the quiet lanes! As we got closer to Silverstone, the queues of cars and coaches started. I’m sure they were envious of us filtering through.

We left Silverstone onto the lumpy roads towards Buckingham which necessitated a quick pit stop. We had lunch at about 160km (having been diverted due to road works) before we climbed the Chilterns and descended to West Wycombe.

Knowing that we would continue descending towards Maidenhead was a relief. From there it was a flat route via Windsor to home.

As previously mentioned, regular fuelling is essential. Cafés are rare in the countryside, so hit the small local stops when you see them.

Strava route link

 

M25 Clockwise

Overview – Distance: 240 km, Climbing: 2050 m
Café stops – Brentwood, Westerham

At Dittons Velo we love a crazy ride!

Start very early to avoid the traffic around Heathrow and Uxbridge. Once you get past Rickmansworth and into the countryside, 55km in, it is time to relax and think about drinks and fuelling. 

Next up it’s Potters Bar at 90km which might be a good place for a quick corner shop stop for supplies. We pushed on to the Black Horse pub in Brentwood (135km) for a big breakfast/brunch. At that point you are over half way and start heading south towards the Dartford crossing.

The traffic starts to get busy towards South Ockenden but then the route diverts through residential estates and cycle lanes heading towards the River Thames. At West Thurrock you have to take a right just before the bridge and head through the blue gates up the ramp to the Crossing Control point. Use the yellow phone to call for the bike crossing service. 

You decide whether you pause your Strava on the crossing or get a 55kph segment!

Once south of the river, suitably rested, you have to negotiate busy roundabouts and minimal cycle lanes. It pays to zoom out on your GPS device to ensure you get the correct exit onto Cotton Lane towards Stone. Enjoy the views over Dartford from the hillside!

Push on to Shoreham where the roads are quieter and then hit the countryside with The M25 on your right. Cross over the motorway and the next food stop is less than a mile away at Eat’n’Mess before Sundridge. Alternatively, there are cafés in Brastead.

The next landmark is Godstone at 200km. Your tired legs will be complaining as you climb up to Bletchingley (the highest point on the route), then another short climb before descending into Redhill. With only 32km to go, the mood rises as it’s “downhill” all the way home.

At Betchworth you have the option of going up Pebble Hill (ouch!) to more closely follow the M25 or take the flatter route to Dorking and Leatherhead. We chose the latter!

Strava route link

 

The North Downs Stegosaurus

Overview – Distance: 136 km, Climbing: 2100 m
Café stop – Brasted

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 as you make your way to Sundridge and back.

Take in the great views from the top of the downs. Popular café stops options are in Brasted, Oxted and Godstone.

This will be a long day in the saddle and you’ll need to save energy for the climbs.

Strava route link

 

Leith Hill Octopus

Overview – Distance: 142 km, Climbing: 2350 m
Café stops – Coldharbour

The classic 8 ways up Leith Hill – for the brave amongst you…

The idea is that you cross the highest point of Leith Hill by the little car park 8 times.

The Octopus route starts in Dorking and ends at the top of Leith Hill on the 8th climb –  beware: you still have to get home!

This route is c.100miles if riding to and from Esher.

I found my Garmin got a little confused with all the crossing over at the top of Leith Hill, so the following list should help.

The climbs in order:

1. Coldharbour (descend Leith Hill Road-Hollow Lane)
2. Pasturewood (descend Leith Hill Road to Ockley Road)
3. Broomhall Road (descend  Leith Hill Road- Abinger Lane)
4. Hollow Lane (descend Coldharbour-Logmore Lane)
5. Sheephouse Lane (descend Leith Hill Road to Ockley Road)
6. Henhurst Cross/Anstie Lane (descend Leith Hill Road-Pasturewood)
7. Leith Hill Road (descend Leith Hill Road-Pasturewood)
8. Tanhurst Lane (descent – Hollow Lane and chose you route home)

This is a challenging ride with a lot of climbing requiring fitness, concentration and good navigation.

Take plenty of food and fluid as there are very few coffee stops.

Probable stops would be Coldharbour, Pasturewood, and Abinger Hatch.

Gerda summed it up… “thank goodness an Octopus only has 8 legs!”

Strava route link

 

Shere Heart Attack

Overview – Distance: 63 km, Climbing: 820 m
Café stops – Shere

Get ready for some climbing!

This route takes in Shere Road, Shophouse/Row Lane and Combe Lane. There are multiple steep digs along the route, such as Jesses Lane.

Refreshment in Peaslake or Shere.

Strava route link

 

Classic Henley Route

Overview – Distance: 103 km, Climbing: 475 m
Café stops – Chocolate Café/Velolife

This is the classic 70 mile route to Henley via Drift Road. The usual half distance coffee stop is the Chocolate Cafe (over the bridge and turn left). The return leg avoids the busy climb up Remenham Hill with a detour via the church, before turning right to Warren Row, where you can refuel at Velolife Cafe. The route stays off the main roads into Windsor then onto Staines and home.

There are some nice fast sections in the ride, alternatively it can be taken at a social pace

Strava Route Link

 

Henley Marlow Clockwise

Overview – Distance: 117 km, Climbing: 475 m
Café stops – options below

This ride extends the classic Henley-on-Thames route by going along the Thames to Marlow (which isn’t as flat as you would expect!)

After crossing the Marlow bridge, you then have to climb up Quarry Wood and on to Cookham. The rest of the route is very flat via Maidenhead, Windsor and Staines.

This is a very picturesque route returning via Eton and Datchet.

There are many coffee shops and pubs in Henley, Marlow and Cookham.

Strava Route Link

 

Dan’s Beyond Chipstead Route

Overview – Distance: 62 km, Climbing: 710 m
Café stops – Banstead

Dan loves a hill, so this route is his new favorite short hilly route.

Hills on the route: Epsom Downs 6%, Hurst Rd 6.6%, Walton-on-the-hill, Gatton Bottom, White Hill Lane 10%, Hooley, Star Lane 10%, Holly Lane

A 39 mile/62km course going out via Ewell to Walton on the Hill and White Hill. The return leg is via Chipstead and Banstead.

You may need refreshments in Banstead!

Strava File Link

Critten-Box. Two hills.

Overview – Distance: 50 km, Climbing: 520 m
Coffee Stop – Box Hill

This ride 50km climbs twice.

Gradually up from Cobham to Effingham and then a bit steeper up Beech Avenue/Critten Lane to Ranmore Common Road. Take in the views over Denbies and descend down to Westhumble. Cross the A24 and attack the Box Hill Zig-Zag.

Coffee and cake at the café, and head home. One little kick up on Mill Way then blast down to the Beaverbrook Roundabout.

Through Leatherhead and home via Stoke d’Abernon.

Strava Route Link

Surrey Circumnavigation

Overview – Distance: 252 km, Climbing: 2620 m
Coffee Stops many!

An epic Dittons Velo route that follows the outline of the Surrey County electoral boundary as near as is possible (and sensible) using roads.

We could have cut off some chunks, but then it wouldn’t be true to the concept!

• Distance 158.5 miles / 252 km
• Climbing 8600 ft / 2620 m
• Estimated ride rime 9+ hours plus breaks

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!

Some parts are tricky to navigate e.g. East Grinstead, Stanwell, Ashfprd.

Probable stops would be Tatsfield, Edenbridge, Charlwood/Rusper, Haslemere/Hindhead, Aldershot/Ash, and Staines.

Strava route link