Classic DV Brighton Run

Overview – Distance: 159 km, Climbing: 1950 m
Café stops – Listed below

This is the DV Classic route to Brighton and back. Some will choose to take the train back after their fish and chips!

The route heads via Ewell and Banstead to Chipstead, where it joins with the BHF L2B route at the top of Hazelwood lane. From there the milestones are Mersham, Nutfield, Smallfield and Crawley Down to the first big climb, Turners Hill.

Next village is Ardingley, where you may want to sneak a coffee stop or perhaps wait until Lindfield at 56km. To avoid the busy roads in Haywards Heath, we peel off left to cross the main Lewes Road (A272) down Slugwash Lane. We are getting closer to Ditching Beacon climb. Time for a gel and a drink. Some cyclists stop in the garden centre on the gentle drag up to Ditching.

Look ahead and take in the Beacon up ahead. The centre of Ditchling is a bottleneck and usually jammed. Start the Ditchling Beacon climb gradually. It has numerous ramps to sap your legs! Pace yourself. After the long climb, stop briefly for the obligatory photo. The descent is nice and fast to the A27 main Lewes road. Cross over and there is yet more climbing before descending into Brighton. The numerous sets of traffic lights are a nuisance, as is the 20mph speed limit.

Fish and chips on the beach is usually the order of the day, along with plenty of fluids.

The return leg starts up West Street, heading towards the railway station. Peel off left at the clock tower up North Street. There is a crazy bus stop/bus lane and strange priority junction just ahead. Start the Dyke Road climb and we keep on climbing and climbing! There is handy Esso/Tesco Express for supplies if required after 2km. Negotiate the roundabouts over the A27 and thankfully the road gets quieter and the view is improving. Keep climbing before a short descent and sharp climb up the rest of the Dyke to Saddlescombe. Take in the views and the paragliders.

At the Ginger Fox, there is a four way junction on the bend. Beware fast oncoming traffic.  Into the quiet country lanes and we head towards Wineham. Near Slaugham, turn left by Furnace Pond into Hampshire Hill to the Ashfold Crossways junction. Cross over onto Hammerpond Road and enjoy the Hammerpond, but beware of a short, steep climb ahead. Then sharp right into Grouse Road. We are heading to Colgate, so smile! Then over the busy A264 roundabout at Faygate. There is a little corner shop in Faygate or wait until Rusper.

You’ve earned a cake stop at Tanhouse Farm Shop (it closes at 5pm) before pushing on to home to beers via Dorking and Leatherhead.

Strava Route Link

Hammer ponds history

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

 

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