Ride to Downe Village on Saturday the 19th March.

  Nine riders turned up at Nonsuch on an overcast, cold, but thankfully almost windless day. Having been dry for several days it also meant that the lanes around Downe were largely free of gravel deposits.

  We set off via South Croydon and up to the top of Croham Valley Road, the first real climb of the day, down through Selsdon to Featherbed Lane, a long, steady climb up to the top and the Bear Inn. Along the top to the steep descent to the pretty valley at the bottom of Hesiers Hill where dozens of crows were turning over the chalky ploughed soil for their dinner, not that the next climb up Beddlestead Lane to the summit of the Downs left much energy for contemplating the scenery. A short stretch along Clarkes Lane with views over Kent before the short, but brutal, climb up Church Lane and a stop for a photo in the Churchyard.

Having promised no more climbs before lunch, I had omitted to mention a deep valley along Rag Hill and a left turn in another deep valley to Jail Lane where, in testimony to bike handling skills, no one shed a chain.

  By now a short level stretch to the Queens Head pub in Downe and a log fire was all that remained, and we arrived there after a ride of just over two hours. Service was prompt in a crowded pub and we were on our way within the hour down Jackass Lane with views over to the City and Crystal Palace.

After a longish stretch alongside Addington Road we encountered the final climb of the day up Gravel Hill where we lost David to cramp, thence a long downhill to South Croydon where several peeled off, before the scenic stretch along the Wandle by Waddon Ponds and the end of the ride in Beddington Park.

  Thanks to Tony for back marking throughout. The total distance was about 33 miles, but the climbing made it feel like a lot more. Some said they would like to do this ride again in the summer!