Riders: Al, Grant, Inaki, Andy (small cameo appearance from Johnny)
Distance:
Lightweights - 30-35 miles (Grant & Al)
Heavyweights - 65-70 miles (Andy & Inaki)
It was going to be an early start, but after conversations with a fellow rider from Sevenoaks about Volcanic Ash and a shroud of mist covering the area, things were delayed somewhat. Add to that Grant getting a puncture on way to our meeting point, Al having to go and pick up a helmet from Brixton and myself running a little behind schedule, it wasn't boding well.
Inaki arrived on time and after a short while Al turned up and we were ready to set off to meet Grant.
The ride started off through east Dulwich to pick up point for Grant at the Horniman Museum, then down through Forest Hill, towards Bromley. It wasn't long before Al got a puncture. :(((( on the South Circular.
Destination for first part of ride was Brasted.
We headed down towards Downe and taking a right just outside the village onto Luxted Road we headed to our first hill of the day and for some, the only hill, though they may beg to differ on that.
Towards the end of Luxted Road we turned left into Jail Lane and headed down Berry Hill and then up the 25% climb that is Church Hill. A little controversial, as we could have carried on the road we were on and avoided the climb, but when we were so close, it would have been rude not too.
The decision to go via Church Hill was not completely unanimous, but as you can see, i am smiling :)))))
Grant reaching top of Church Hill
Al & Inaki on Church Hill climb
After we reached the top of this short climb we headed towards Brasted. There were packs of Dulwich Paragon riders heading in our direction about to head down church hill and up jail lane.
We arrived at Brasted and headed to the cafe (Ninetysixdegrees) and managed to get a table for four outside. It was glorious and we indulged ourselves with smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels and coffee.
http://www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk/entertainment/Time-Tea-ninetysix-degrees-High-Street-Brasted-Westerham/article-1831541-detail/article.htm
A surprise visit from John Edwards, who had managed to track us down on his bike. It was however brief, but enough time to tell us about his foot and how it might affect him coming to the Alps in June for a cycling mega week - Come on johnny you can do better than that - it wouldn't be same without you.
Brasted was where we parted company with Grant and Al. Both having to rush back to meet parent or friends, so they cycled back to Sevenoaks and caught train back to London.
Inaki and I headed up Brasted chart, a nice steady climb that leads us up and over the top of Toys hill. It was then south and down to Hever.
From Hever we headed over towards Bough Beech and up to Sevenoaks Weald.
We headed up Bayleys Hill which was a new one to me, but a nice climb to add to the list and the down Ryecroft lane and in the direction of Ide Hill. We theaded towards Nightingale Lane but realised we were at the top of York's Hill - mmmmmm dam, we had missed it. So there was only one thing for it, we cycled down the hill so we could turn round and cycle back up.
York's Hill (North)
York's Hill (South)
Typical - Inaki got a puncture on way down so we had some chill time, or at least i did until he had finished. A chance for me to admire the scenery, the flora and fauna and a bunch of bi-planes that flew by - all very exciting. Anyway, as soon as the puncture was sorted, we headed up York's Hill. Not as bad as i had remembered. Onwards and Upwards.
We headed back to Brasted and then took the right heading up Brasted hill.
Stoneings Lane to the Tally Ho pub (we didn't stop) and then main road until we hit Cudham Lane South. Turning right we headed up until the road turned into Cudham Lane North down to Green St Green and then back towards Bromley and connecting with our outward journey back.
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